Celebrating 70... Positioning Ourselves for Beyond!

It is important therefore, that as we move from Christmas to the New Year that we utilise this special time of year to reflect, revisit, assess and redirect our thoughts on Jesus Christ and his word. We must evaluate our actions, thoughts and deeds. Is it in line with the life Jesus lived? Do we forgive and forget? Do we embrace everyone in love? Are we our Brother’s Keeper? Joh 13:35 says ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’.

Christmas is a time to put aside all differences and to reach out to our fellowman in a spirit of love and forgiveness. It is also a time when the less fortunate are recipients of a heightened form of goodwill from those who are better placed to so do. It is a time to spread joy, peace and forgiveness. More importantly, however, this joy, peace and forgiveness must be not be short-lived, it must be sustained in order for us to change the world. We need change not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but everywhere!

John 10:10 says ‘the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly’. Let us follow Christ so that we will rise above the attacks of the enemy and enjoy the fullness of life.

Let us not be caught up into the celebrations, decorations and shopping and lose focus of the true meaning of what it is really about – The Birth of Jesus Christ and what it means for the world. We must remember to keep focus on the glory that His birth has brought to us.

The League reflects on the challenges of the economic situation, the impending credit union legislation, unemployment and under-employment, the rapid increases in criminal activity and other issues but we are not daunted. In fact, we will look at the positive things that the Lord has brought us, such as the increase in our Movement’s membership to 600,000 and the increase in our asset base to $13 billion along with the continuous good work of our member credit unions in their service to humanity.

We are preparing to embrace 2017 with much faith and anticipation. We are remaining focused on our goals and dreams as we celebrate our 70th year as the National Umbrella Body for credit unions under the theme ‘Celebrating 70….Positioning Ourselves for Beyond’

January 2017 will commence with a Calendar of Events packed with educational and social activities all aimed at enhancing the image and brand of the League and the Co-operative Credit Union Movement. On January 17 we will host our Special General Meeting at the Cascadia Hotel at 9.30 am to approve of 2017 Operational Budget; on January 21 we will host our 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Launch our 2017 Calendar of Events at the Signature Hall, Montrose, Chaguanas at 5.30 pm and on January 24 we will officially launch our Electronic Payment Platform for our credit unions.

We continue to focus heavily on the development of our members and embrace every opportunity to keep them a step ahead of others in the financial marketplace. While some may attempt to emulate, the task of surpassing the quality of our products and services will always remain a dream.

In closing, I wish to remind us all that there are some persons who may be hurting, some disadvantaged, some hungry, some victimised. I urge us all to join the rest of the international community and engage in the sharing of genuine love, peace and goodwill to all men. This season provides us with the opportunity to bring out the best in us and to give true meaning and action to the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by the way we treat with each other. Let us also do good to them that hurt us and endeavour to walk as Jesus walked. It is the best way to achieve the fullness of His abundant blessing each and every day.

May you, my dear members and the national community, enjoy the fullness of the Lord’s blessing today, in 2017 and throughout your lives. Accept the best of my love and appreciation for all that you have contributed to the growth and success of our League and more importantly, the growth and development of this wonderful Credit Union Movement that serves you with pride!

A safe and blessed year-end and a Prosperous 2017 to all! God bless you richly!

Email:creditunionleague@ gmailcom