Youth in Focus
Who We Are - Meet the YIF Team

Marisa Elcock-Thongs

Marisa Elcock-Thongs

Focused and purpose driven. That’s how I would describe myself if asked. Yeah I like a little distraction here and there, actually sometimes I like a lot of distraction, because I can become so focused at times that I can miss those golden opportunities to enjoy the lighter things in life. Things like a moonlit walk, a fun day in the park, a swim in the pool or just a few minutes chatting with family and loved ones. But I’ve learnt to embrace these treasured moments in the midst of pursuing purpose, for these moments make purpose all the more meaningful.

A little bit more about me. I love to laugh! To sing and to write. I love people – no preferences. I hate injustice, pain and abuse of any kind. I have a heart for the disadvantaged, especially young people who most times are simply in need of a little love and a whole lot of guidance. Ok, maybe I do have a preference of people – that irreplaceable, priceless group that range from newborn to infants. They are to me the most invaluable group of humans because they are pure, innocent and at the mercy of humanity to either make them or break them as they set out on their course of destiny.

I work in the media, because of its diversity, creativity and flexibility to reach across generations, cultures and barriers. Media allows me to explore my God-given creative side and share the most important message in the world with the world in a way that they can relate to it. That message is that God loves each of us and has created us with purpose. Once discovered, life becomes a more meaningful journey.

 

Alicia Raghunanan

Alicia Raghunanan

Hi Wats up,

My name is Alicia Raghunanan, I am part of an identical twin, was born on Chinese day 10/10/70; Serving the lord since I was 11 years old.; In Youth in Focus over 9 years.; Love young people, they add spice to life.  I am happily married with three sons and serve as an Elder at Divine Destiny Worship Centre.

 

Andy Raghunanan

Andy Raghunanan

Hello everyone, I have been involved in the Youth in Focus Ministry for the past 7 years, as a presenter and researcher both on television and radio.

I have a passion for God and serve as an Elder, Worship Leader and on the Board of Administration at my home Church, Divine Destiny Worship Centre. As a Convert Class Teacher for many years, I love the pleasure of seeing souls give their lives to Jesus, particularly young people.

I am happily married to a beautiful dynamic woman, Alicia, and have three sons, Aaron, Andrew and Adam who partially contribute to my “youthfulness”.

By profession, I am a Financial Planner for a prestigious company. Here I get the opportunity to give not only financial direction, but also Spiritual enlightenment.

In a nutshell, I like to think of myself as being, purpose driven, comical and just fun to be around.

 

Brent Vanderpool

Brent Vanderpool

What’s up?

Hi my name is Brent Vanderpool and I have been involved in youth oriented ministry for several years now, from Youth Ministries & Drama at my home church to Pentecostal Crusaders and Christian Education teacher. 

Some of the things I really enjoy are taking photographs; I am always with a camera in hand and fiddling with computers.    

I enjoy working with young people and helping them discover their purpose in life. After all we were made by God, for God. Outdoors activities that interest me are fishing and hiking, not much of a swimmer let’s just say I respect the sea a lot.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted... (Matthew 23:12)

This verse helps me to keep focused .That’s just a little about me, bye for now.

 

Candice Henry

Candice Henry

From the day I gave my heart to Christ, I knew that I wanted to give my all to Him with the same passion that he gave to me. I started attending Youth service and as I grew with God, I was asked to join the leadership of the group. From then till now, my love for working with young people has never diminished. I believe that there is such freshness in youth that is so rare. That’s why I’m encouraged to help them work for his kingdom now. 

I think that the first thing people notice about me is that I love to laugh! I really do! It tickles my tummy terribly, but I can’t help it! I also love the every aspect of the performing arts – dance, drama, singing, mime – everything! I really believe that the Arts is a powerful way to minister unto God’s people, and my goal is to help young people develop in life and ministry.

 

Curtis King

Curtis King

Hi, I am Curtis Paul King, well not wanting to sound boastful; most people say that I am the embodiment of purpose, power passion and positivity! You gotta be the judge.  My heart and love for life I would like to say is contagious; once you’ve had an encounter with the true ‘King’ (Jesus Christ) like I have, you’ll never be the same! He indeed changed my life. One of my desires is to leave an impression that lasts a life-time.

I originate from the hills of Morvant Trinidad, however, I now reside in Arima with my beautiful wife Simone, who is God’s extraordinary in the life of an ordinary man. 

My favored phrase is… “I just cool”. I love to be on air with my colleagues on Youth In Focus, heard every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. So hope to hear from you,  until then be cool!

 

Ferdina Brathwaite-Rampaul

Ferdina Brathwaite-Rampaul

It is I, Ferdina, better known as Ferddy. One of my dreams through the years was to be seen and heard on the electronic media in a positive way.

This dream became a reality on January 4, 2006 as many prayers were uttered in the Marabella Pentecostal Church and at home.

My parents encouraged me to do a course in media, which I heeded and I have never regretted.

At present, my joy is to partner in fulfilling the mission of I.S.A.A.C 98.1fm, as I serve diligently on the Marketing and Youth in Focus teams.

My aim in life is to be more involved in children’s missions locally and internationally.

 

Madonna Gayadeen

Madonna Gayadeen

I am Madonna affectionately known “MADONNA G”, I joined the broadcasting industry in 2000 at Radio Vision Limited and worked with a now defunct gospel radio station. As a broadcaster one of my dreams has always been to join the radio industry and minister to young and hurting people giving them hope and something to hold on too.

That dream became a reality when I formed a very vibrant Youth Group in my church Children of the Christ Ministries, and became a part of the Youth in Focus (YIF) family in 2002. Also connecting with other ministries allowed me to penetrate and minister in Schools and Various Ministries in the Caribbean.

I believe that no one is here by chance and before the universe was created by God he had you in mind with destiny to fulfil, so ignore the negative things said to you although it’s not easy all the time and believe what God Says about you.

On weekends, I enjoy Hosting, Co-Hosting and producing programs that will truly help young people become and accomplish all they can in God.

I am passionate about promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and positive about developing young people.

 

Raymond Ockille

Raymond Ockille

Hello, I Raymond Ockille, sometimes called “RAYKILLE”(pronounced Raykeel) formerly from Sea Lots, a slum area in the country’s capital - Port of Spain. I now reside in Diego Martin, West Trinidad and am a member of the Open Bible Standard Churches.
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour at the age of eighteen (18).

Sometimes shy yet courageous, I joined the dynamic Youth in Focus team in 2004 because of the love for partnering with other groups that help young people to discover their God-given purpose.
I am the founder of R.E.A.C.H (Restoring Encouraging Advocating Care for Humanity), a programme designed to seek and serve the needy with an emphasis on the families of prisoners and victims of crime.

As an ordained minister with the Open Bible School of Theology and the Region 4 Youth Coordinator for the Open Bible National Youth Organisation, I also serve as a counsellor and camp director for numerous Inter School Christian Fellowship camps.

Hope to have you all tuning in to the program every Sunday as I join my other peeps on the best radio show for Youth in this hemisphere!!

 

Rhonda Smith

Rhonda Smith

Hello everyone,

I am from a small village called Penal in South Trinidad and a member of the Penal Open Bible Church. I am an International Youth worker with a global passion of seeing young lives change and transform for Christ.

I consider myself a world traveller and.... oh pause for a cause... lover of Muller Light yogurt and Ferrero Rocher chocolate. (smile smile) just thought I would insert that at this point.
But getting back on track, I began my journey with the Lord at the age of 17 years through encouragement in church. I joined Youth in Focus in late 1998 with a passion of reaching out to young people. This continues to remain my passion. 

My favourite scripture is Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

My motto: you never fail until you stop trying and better yet, you cannot fail in God.
My heroes are Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and all the saints who preached the gospel and were killed for it.

Much Love Rhonda

 

Roxanne James

Roxanne James

 

I grew up in a Christian environment even though I was baptized at eight it was only when at fifteen I began to take my Christian life more seriously. It is at Bishop Anstey High School that I met Marisa Elcock, a fast friendship developed and together with Wendy Anthony and Candice Fabien, we led the Youth for Christ Club at school. Also, I began worship leading at age fifteen when I began to further understand the call of God on my life. “Ministry is not just about being a frontline face or name but it is communicating the heart of God to His people”

When Marisa began doing radio programs with her mother Margaret Elcock, I began helping out. At nineteen I went to Oral Roberts University and obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

Upon return, I rejoined Youth in Focus and resumed my participation in the planning Committee. “Youth in Focus for me has been a foundation of growth because of the people God used to input into our lives like Prophet Laymoth Sandy, Vernon and Vivian Duncan and Sis Margaret Elcock, and the opportunity to give back to those who need to hear the message of life……..it has caused me to understand that there are no limits in God"

 
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