Sesel Paster Lannwit holds sixth AGM |28 March 2022
The AGM in full swing (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
After not being able to meet for the past two years due to restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sesel Paster Lannwit held its sixth annual general meeting last Saturday at the Petit Séminaire, Victoria.
Sesel Paster Lannwit was formed in May 2015 with the aim of helping, caring for, listening to and praying for those in need on the streets late at night. The purpose was to be part of a trinity of government, police and church with the objective of reducing anti-social behaviour among vulnerable people on the streets. To protect them and follow up or refer them to relevant agencies or government department for professional and social help.
Reverend Danny Elizabeth, the chairperson of Sesel Paster Lannwit, noted that “as a result we aimed at providing spiritual support to those in need on the streets at night. The target groups were clubbers, sex workers, drug users, under-age drinkers, and the homeless, those made vulnerable through alcohol or drug abuse and those who have lost their friends or family and cannot get home”.
To be able to do this work, Sesel Paster Lannwit had to recruit and train Christian volunteers as street pastors and prayer pastors to deliver this service mostly late at night and in the early hours of the morning at street fairs and community festivals during the day or early evening.
Reverend Elizabeth added that “since its formation members have come mainly from the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. The bishops and clergy of both churches have been very supportive since its formation. The post of a paid coordinator had to be introduced due to increasing need of the context. Referrals were more regular and sustained. Sesel Paster Lannwit is a member of the United Kingdom-based organisation Christian Nightlife Initiative where Victoria Howard pays annual membership fees. We are grateful to Vicky.”
Sesel Paster Lannwit has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Police and the Agency for the Prevention of Drugs Abuse and Rehabilitation (Apdar). Apdar's function is now different from its original status and the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) and Airtel have been long-time supporters of Sesel Paster Lannwit. All these agreements have to be revisited, said Reverend Elizabeth.
During the pandemic, unfortunately the members of Sesel Paster Lannwit could not go out to serve the community and during the annual general meeting they have planned for their upcoming service on the ‘streets’.
Sesel Paster Lannwit is a registered non-governmental organisation and relies 100% on donations. Reverend Elizabeth said they are grateful to committed donors who contribute in cash or kind and on Saturday the following people were recognised with a token: Mr and Mrs Gonzague Derjacques, Governor Caroline Abel, Tom and Clarence.
Sesel Paster Lannwit is a community of dedicated Christians who serve God by serving others.
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) and Samuel's keynote response to God, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:11)
Vidya Gappy