On June 9, 2007, almost 50 children from the Central Baptist Church set out to do work in the community. These young people formed part of the “Christians in Action” (CIA) youth group which is directed by Marlon Lake of The Forest. CIA meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and is engaged in doing many different activities that are centred on developing a strong Christian background for the youth. Recently, CIA has been venturing out into the community to help in anyway possible while giving God the Glory by doing such things in his name. Some of the activities they do are to raise funds and others are to just be of service. 

Marlon Lake is the brother of Mitchell Lake, founder of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. Marlon said, “I saw a need because the Anguilla Tennis Academy will be opening for its summer program. I realized there was a lot of work to be done so I figured that since I have a good amount of young people, we could bring them down and they could do some work for the Anguilla Tennis Academy.” While at the ATA’s new facility, the children were involved in cleaning up trash, removing unused construction supplies, swept the main building, and planted almost 40 coconut palm trees. CIA’s main activities are based at the church in which they focus on spiritual, academic, and athletic aspects. The leaders try to create a balance within the activities so that there is a wide range of activities that have their basis in the teaching of Jesus Christ. The children more times than none really enjoy the competitive games because the ages range from 12-21 although there is no cap for the age limit, therefore in that range it is very common for youth to be ultra competitive. 

Marlon Lake, on a personal level, feels drawn to help the ATA not only because his brother is involved, but more importantly because he grew up playing tennis in the programs as well. This type of community involvement and love for country is hard to teach, but Christians in Action seem to be making a difference. Mr. Lake said, “I just want to say congratulations to the board of directors of the Anguilla Tennis Academy for their accomplishments, it has been a long process, with a lot of hard work and it is finally coming to a point where we can see productivity and completion is in sight. That is why I decided to bring my youth group out here to assist. It is important that non profit organization such as the ATA and CIA work together for the betterment of youth. I would like to encourage other people in the community to get involved with not only the ATA but other organizations in the community.” 

Although many children and people were on hand, The Anguillian was able to speak to a number of individuals. Gerard Macdonna mentioned, “I am here to clean up the Anguilla Tennis
Academy to prepare it for the summer camp this year and I am looking forward to playing when it opens.” Keon Halley also said “I am here to help clean up the academy so it can be ready for the summer camp. I think the academy is big, the courts are beautiful and will be really good to play on.” Kyle Hodge, although off guard, had a few words to say as well, “This is awesome, a lot of kids came out and this is really great. There are about 40 children here today and I am proud to be a junior leader in the CIA. This academy is a great success and it is going to be good for the kids.”

The board of directors wish to thank the Christians in Action youth group for their dedication to a great cause. Moreover, CIA wants to give a special thanks to Greig’s Trucking, Vanterpool Trucking Service, ABC Supplies, Valentine Davis, Aronel Water, parents who provided food and drink, and the children.