Les Isaac is the director of Ascension Trust—a Christian charitable organisation seeking to contribute to the development, empowerment and growth of the individual. The message of Jesus is a holistic message, for the whole person—spiritually, physically and socially. This is the ethos of Ascension Trust, to serve and equip people in their community and nation.
In May 2002, Pastors Bruce Fletcher and Bobby Wilmott of OSJ were invited by Les to the UK to participate in the touring seminar Guns off our Streets, to share how OSJ has been tackling issues of violence, poverty and lack of values in the inner cities of Kingston. They spoke at meetings in London, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as being interviewed by the BBC and several radio stations and newspapers.
In response, OSJ invited Les to come to Jamaica to share of his experience. He spoke and listened at the following meetings:
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| Les Isaac |
Born in Antigua, but brought up from age six in the UK, Les went through a serious identity crisis as a black person in the 70’s—coping with racism and his father leaving home. He ended up leading a vicious gang of some 400 youths who were into fighting white gangs and vandalising shops. After one particularly bad night of fighting he began thinking that there must be more to life. He searched for meaning in Rastafarianism, but found it didn't answer all of his questions and had little beneficial impact on the problems he saw around him. Later, he says, he became a Christian after God spoke to him.
Les’s main message, apart from telling of his coming to terms with his identity, was on getting back to community values. He challenged the men that they must be real men and real fathers—not just produce children. He emphasised the need to create a stable family environment in which to bring up children who have values and suggested a respect for the elders of the community was also critical. Ultimately, however, he said our true identity can only be found through Jesus.
Les’s visit was a great encouragement to the people he came across and also to the OSJ team and we look forward to strengthening the links that have been made between Jamaica and the UK.