Kau Tiali Boayue and three other United Methodist young adults travel to Guadeloupe to rekindle friendships in Christ they had established at last summer’s Urban Methodist Youth Camp.
KAU TIALI BOAYUE
Detroit: Grace Community UMC
“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5-6, CEB).
On January 16, 2025, I departed Detroit with my brother Pei Boayue Jr., cousin Charles S.G. Boayue III, and lifelong friend Stephanie Kenneh to the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. This trip was inspired by our 2024 Urban Methodist Youth Camp experience, which allowed us to have four youth and a chaperone from a congregation in Guadeloupe attend.
Last summer, their presence enchanted us and sparked a purpose to keep Christ’s young disciples connected in his church, no matter how far they may be. We promised to visit them, and upon completing the 2024 camp season, we set forth to keep our promise.
On January 17, we arrived in the city of Pointe-à-Pitre, on the beautiful island of Guadeloupe. We were warmly greeted by our childhood church leader, Sister Constance Chapin (Ms. Connie), and members of The Guadeloupe Mission Methodist Church, Brothers Serge Gumbs and Clarus Martial. They quickly transported us to their church campus, reuniting us with our beloved youth — Clara, Lenchise, Chrisley, and Mackenson — and Sister Miranda Joseph. We also met some of their parents and other church members there.
Guadeloupe has only one Methodist congregation, which is part of the autonomous Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. Roman Catholicism is the predominant faith. With close to 400,000 people, Guadeloupe is an overseas region of France.
“Traveling to Guadeloupe and getting to see the church where some of our camp kids came from was an amazing time! Getting to see a new culture and worship with their congregation were some of the biggest highlights of the trip. I would love to go back and see more of what Guadeloupe has to offer!” — Stephanie Kenneh
Throughout our time, we were showered with love and hospitality. Brother Serge and Sister Nicole Theodore, Chrisley’s mother, were especially amazing as our tour guides, teaching us the incredible history of Guadeloupe and their Methodist church. A particularly wonderful experience was on the second day of our trip to Pointe des Châteaux on the easternmost side of the island, where we saw a gorgeous beach and climbed up the hill to see the magnificent cross.
On our last full day in Guadeloupe, we were given the experience of worshiping with them. The church was beautiful, and the service was exceptional. Rev. Medina Verel led a trilingual service where we sang in French, Guadeloupean Créole, and English. I was amazed to see youth in the church displaying a praise dance Ms. Connie taught us many years ago.
“It was deeply moving to witness Methodism shine brightly in Guadeloupe, especially after learning about the church’s inspiring origins. Worship was a beautiful experience, from the heartfelt sermon and the children’s presentations to the uplifting songs that I will continue to sing in French — it all left a lasting impression on my heart.” — Charles S.G. Boayue III
Following the service, we were enveloped by the congregation’s sincere love and were able to meet and practice our French as well. We were also presented with an amazing Guadeloupean and Haitian meal, which I was particularly excited about. Leaving them that day was very difficult, as it was our last time seeing most of them. We extend our immense gratitude to Rev. Medina, to whom all of this was possible.
This journey we embarked on flooded me with many intense emotions and thoughts. The beauty of the island and its people compelled me to bask in the glory of God’s magnificent creation of this planet Earth. It stirred in me the gratitude of the Lord and how he could bless us with such a remarkable world we get to call home.
“Our trip to Guadeloupe was eye-opening both mentally and spiritually. Having the opportunity to connect and bond with our brothers and sisters in Christ overseas and seeing parallels and differences in our ways of life was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. This trip has motivated me to strengthen my relationship with God and our church. I look forward to the day I can go back to Guadeloupe and visit our fellowships worldwide.” — Pei Boayue Jr.
I’ve had a question all my life: “How could it be that millions of people across the globe could think the same thing, and believe in the same Lord and his grace?” The answer was in the many relationships we built. I learned that even the oceans cannot separate the love and fellowship God has destined for us. This love was shown in the smiles of the adults and children of The Guadeloupe Mission. This love was shown in the devout care these sisters and brothers in Christ gave us. We left our hearts in Guadeloupe, and we thank Almighty God for them.
For over 20 years, the Greater Detroit District’s Urban Methodist Youth Camp, an EngageMI Ministry Partner, has provided collaborative ministry opportunities for youth in a multicultural urban context. The camp focuses on an affordable, week-long camping experience that allows youth to explore the meaning of life and God’s call on their lives in a safe, fun environment.
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Last Updated on February 25, 2025