2007 Report
MAY
May 12, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
Greetings to all from Guyana!
We had a great trip down here. We spent Thursday night in Miami and got some rest. We arrived to our house in Guyana on Friday night about 11 p.m. We've spent today (Saturday) unpacking and settling in. After several years of living in hotel apartments, we are now back in a HOUSE in a neighborhood!!! I LOVE IT! God has blessed us with a wonderful home. Not that I did not appreciate the hotel apartments, because I certainly did. They were all nice and we were well taken care of. I just am like a mother hen needing a nest ... or momma bear (as Steve would probably call me) needing a den. So, it's good to have a home. We pray that we use it in service to God and pleasing to Him. We will have people staying with us all summer. We have a few days to settle in before our first house guests arrive. Then, it's pretty much a full house all summer. It'll be great!!!
It's going to be a few days getting acclimated to the heat again. (Good thing I grew up in hot/humid Louisiana!) We have air conditioners in two bedrooms that we will use ONLY when necessary: that means if one of us is sick OR if there is a loud, house-shaking party going on close by and we'd want to shut up the house and turn it on then. Otherwise, we just enjoy the open house and breezes from the fan. AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Isaiah is doing great! He is such a good traveler. That boy is a great helper when it comes to luggage. I know he may not look real strong, but he is indeed!
We'd love to hear from our church family back in the States. Drop us a note and let us know what's going on. Keep my girls encouraged and loved. It's really, really strange coming down here without them. Lots of people here would sure love to see them again. It's been probably 8 or 9 years since Brooke has been here. That's unbelievable! Anyway, give them hugs when you see them around.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
We had a wonderful service at Plaisance on Mother's Day. Steve taught class and Whitfield (local preacher) preached and both did such a good job. There was a young couple who responded and will be leaving for Barbados soon. Also, a young man was baptized. After services ended, the mothers were asked to all sit together on one side of the building and there were different special presentations. It was a lot of fun! Very inspirational.
It's been so good being with our Guyanese brothers and sisters again. We had a family stop by and visit with us this evening at home. We are so blessed and feel so loved.
Those of you who are preparing to come down for the summer, we look forward to seeing you and are praying for you. Those of you who aren't coming, but hold up our arms in so many ways, we thank you. We give thanks to the Father for you.
God bless each of you with everything you need.May 22, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachThis is amazing. As you can see from these rainy day pictures, we've gotten a LOT of rain in Guyana. In between the rains falling, this guy was wading down the street, trying to get his umbrella to cooperate and I just snapped a picture of him. Thought it interesting and his umbrella was colorful. But, there is a deeper meaning to this picture. When I downloaded it and viewed it on my computer, the back of his shirt says: 
"When I look around and I think things over, all of my good days out-weigh my bad days. Thank you, Lord. I won't complain."
We'd just sat through a blackout and the rain was hard and blowing, so we had to shut windows and doors. It was rather hot. Then I read this on his shirt. AMEN!!! We have so much to be thankful for. I thank God for putting things like this in front of me to put things into perspective.May 26, 2007
reported by Steve DeLoach
We have been down here in Guyana for just about two weeks. In a lot of ways, it seems like we just got here, and in other ways, it seems like we have been here for months. We have certainly been busy since we arrived.
The first Sunday we were here (Mother's Day) we worshipped at the Plaisance Church of Christ, just a short way away from our house. This congregation is one that we have spent a lot of time with since we moved here to Guyana, and we have enjoyed watching them grow in so many ways. They are doing so well.
Last Sunday, we worshipped at the North Road Church of Christ in Georgetown. We went there to get them ready for the team that is coming this weekend. Wilbur Vyvous is the preacher there and did an OUTSTANDING job teaching and preaching. In fact, it was one of the best sermons by a local minister that I have ever heard.
Ray and Debra Allen arrived on May 15th and will be here for about ten weeks. They are here to support and help in the background. We love them so much! They have been here before, and we really appreciate their help.
Then on May 21st, Jill Welker arrived. She is our intern who will be working with us for about six weeks. This is her seventh trip to Guyana, so she is not a stranger to Guyana nor to us. She is from Tennessee and a student at Harding.
We love having both of these "sets" of people with us. They will be a big help to us in many ways. Pray that God uses them and protects them during their stay.
On Saturday night, May 26th, I went out to the airport to receive our first team of the summer. This team is from Murray and Mayfield, Kentucky. Just as we got there to the airport and were just getting ready to prepare for everything, we got a call from the team leader to report that the team is stuck in Trinidad! They are supposed to arrive tomorrow morning sometime, so we are set to go back out to the airport VERY EARLY.
They are starting somewhat frustrated, so we ask God to comfort them, and get them ready for the task at hand. We are off to a bumpy start, but we are not discouraged.
Please keep us in your prayers ... as we pray for you, too.May 27 - June 1, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachKentucky Team
With the troubles that the Kentucky team had getting here, they arrived in Guyana early Sunday morning really tired and hungry. They had spent the night in the Trinidad airport scattered around on the floor. After breakfast and a few hours sleep, they bounced back ready to work! After supper Sunday night, they began pill-packing around 7:30 and worked until 10:00.
PLEASE, let me remind you not to focus on the number of baptisms, but rather the souls saved. They are most definitely precious souls that we are thrilled to have as new Christians among us. Just let us not forget that the seed has been planted in many souls this week. Not only that, but our brethren have been encouraged, challenged, and very much loved on.
- 21 team members -- Monday - Thursday
- Location: Georgetown (North Road congregation)
There hasn't been a medical mission there in several years. We were so excited to be back there!
- Patients: 558 (medical/dental/eyes)
- Crusade: average 75 nightly
- Ladies Bible Class: average 28 nightly
- VBS: average 22 nightly
- Baptisms: 5
Dr. Phillips and Ryan Scherer packing pills.
Karen greeting some Guyanese sisters.
Kathy reading to some children.
Jacob Falwell holding Bible study.
Kevin and grandson Adam.
Steve and Mike, new to Guyana this year.
Dr. White and Kennette helped Technician Ferdinand in the Enmore clinic each morning.See more team photos here.
I had to have some dental work done this week. I had to get an x-ray at a hospital in Georgetown on Monday. And on Thursday, Dr. White (from KY) was able to do the procedure at a clinic in Enmore that is an extension of Georgetown Public Hospital. I'm doing well. It is a temporary repair that I will have to have taken care of when I return to the States this fall.
I had a wonderful birthday on the 30th. I a big lunch at home with some friends and family. Had many phone calls and saw other friends throughout the day. The hotel presented me with flowers and birthday cake at dinner with the team.
The group left on Friday morning and unfortunately had trouble with luggage going home. But, in-between coming and going, they had a fantastic week!
Our summer is off to a GREAT start! Please lift us up to the Father and ask Him to bless us in our efforts. We covet your prayers!
JUNE
June 3-9, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
- 25 team members -- Monday-Thursday
- Location: Stewartville, West Bank Demerara
- Patients: 852 (medical/eyes)
- Crusade: average 62 nightly
- VBS: average 63 nightly
- Baptisms: 23
This has been such a great week! The team was prepared and ready to work. There are so many wonderful pictures that tell the story, but we just can't post them all. They ministered to many, many people. They ministered spiritually, physically and emotionally. There was one sister in particular that has been struggling a lot over the past several months. She didn't need to see the doctor. She came seeking counsel. Just needed a family to love her, listen to her, pray with her, and counsel her. We pray for God to send the seekers to our teams. She is a great example of how God works to use His people in many ways.
Glenda doing an eye exam.
School children listen intently to Bible story.
Basil Seeram and Desmond Zephyr are very talented,
hard working, respected Guyanese preachers.Also this week, a congregation in Georgetown that's been going through some struggles has indicated a new zeal! They are ready to put the past behind them and move forward. Next week they'll have a medical mission, but this week Steve held a 'revival' for them to get them revved up for the coming week! It has been so refreshing. This is a congregation that is near and dear to our hearts, personally. Steve and I are just so excited!
(left to right) Deputy U.S. Ambassador, Minister of Health, hotel owner,
CEO of Georgetown Public Hospital, Steve DeLoachOn Thursday evening, the hotel owner, Mukesh Daby, had coordinated for several government officials to come meet our group. They were so warm and welcoming to our team and expressed their appreciation for what our teams do for the people of Guyana. GOD BEING GLORIFIED!
This team left on Friday morning. That gave us a day to rest up and enjoy being together with staff and other friends. We had a FISH FRY at the house!!!! So, you see in the pictures we had great fun!We just 'let our hair down', as Steve puts it, and had a blast together. The food was wonderful. We had music, food, games, laughing ... just a good night together. What a tremendous blessing!
Bobbie & Ingrid busy in the kitchen at our fish fry party!
They sure are having fun working hard!
FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP!!
Dominoes!
Nertz!June 10-16, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
- Team: 26 from Ohio/New Hampshire/Mass./Ark./Tenn.
- Location: Lamaha Gardens
- Total patients: 1,096
- Baptisms: 25
This team had a huge group of prayer warriors back home that prayed every hour for them and the lives they are touching. It has been an amazing week! The congregation at Lamaha Gardens has gone through some struggles and begged for a revival! Steve began last week with a 4-day class for the church. Then the medical mission this week has been a great boost for them. Several members took leave from their usual employment to work in the campaign. Some have even taken off the following week to do follow up studies. It is so exciting! Steve and I are especially thrilled because Lamaha Gardens has a special place in our hearts.
I had the great privilege of leading a ladies' class every day during the medical mission. We all bonded and grew closer to each other and closer to God. It was such a blessing! The past two weeks have truly been a REVIVAL!!! Glory to God!
Mervyn Gobin (preacher for Lamaha Gardens)
with Zane Daggett.
What can wash away my sins?
Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!
Notice the awaiting, open arms.
Melinda and Zach working in pharmacy.
"Let the little children come to me."
(Jesus, Mark 10:14)
What beautiful opportunities.
Dr. Mark, Dorothy and Diane giving
some special attention and loving care.
Bible studies being held.
Back at the hotel.June 22, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
I thought it would be good to just show a few pictures of staff doing different things. This week we have been busy getting ready for camp next week. Alison Jordan and Jerry Veatch arrived Sunday night. Jerry has several classes lined up to teach. Alison is one of the camp coordinators.
Organizing new meds that arrived this week.
Steve visiting around and Colleen teaching the ladies.
Isaiah helps a lot with dishes and whatever else he can do.
Salita and Alvin & Ingrid
Ray driving and Debra digging in the herb garden.
Ray & Alvin build a patio cover while Bob works on new flower beds.
Jill and Alison prepare for camp.
Colleen with the alligator man.June 23 - July 8, 2007
LIVE THE MISSION ENCAMPMENT
Theme: "Tearing Down the Walls"
Location: Shanklands Rainforest Resort
Guyana, South America
Total campers: 22
JULY
July 1-7, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
- Team: Oklahoma City, OK, and Jax Beach, FL
- Location: Plaisance
- Total patients: 1,080
- Baptisms: 36
- Average attendance at crusade (adults): 117 nightly
- Children's class in the evenings grew every night from 97 - 142 - 220 - 256 - 281
This was a large team coming from Oklahoma City and Jacksonville Beach. They have worked together for several years and always have a dynamic team. This year they had quite a few first timers. They all worked so well and hopefully will be back!
Within this team was a group that worked specifically with the children. They were well prepared. We never know really how many children to expect at the nightly classes, but they adapted well and worked very effectively with the kids. We don't often have men who participate in the kid's classes. But Pat Schoonover, who works with the children's program at his home congregation and is an elementary school teacher, worked with the team that held the children's classes this week. Having a man helps so much when we have such a large crowd of kids. They had a nightly children's class as well as going to a public school everyday. Part of their lessons were done as skits and the Guyanese children really enjoy skits! We are always glad when a local school allows us to come in and hold Bible classes. What a great blessing. Please pray for the children's lives that are touched through each of these medical missions. There are always many, many kids who show up and I truly believe that most of these children will hold these memories dear to their heart. Seeds are being planted.
Some of the first timers.
They came ready to work and excited.
Martha, Flory, & Jim
Fitting glasses.
Jodi Schoenfeld
A part of the medical staff.
Jennifer, R.N.; Karla, P.A.; Becky, R.N.
Tender touches.
Glenda Jetton
Brian Harding, from OKC, was baptized this week by Kent Brown,youth minister! He'd spent last week at camp Live the Mission.
Also, this large group was blessed to have three full-time preachers who rotated preaching during the week. Bill Day and Kent Brown, from Oklahoma City, and Joel Dalrymple, from Jax Beach (formerly from OKC) are all excellent preachers who have been here many times.
Our campers from last week at Live the Mission were part of this team as well. They rotated working as personal workers holding Bible studies, helping in the medical/pharmacy/eye areas, and children's department.
Plaisance is a strong congregation and will work hard with the follow up. It's going to be a lot of work. Please pray for the congregation there to be led by the Spirit to nurture these new Christians and to follow up on prospects.
Celebrating America's Independence Day in GuyanaJuly 7, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachUPDATE ON LAMAHA GARDENS:
The medical mission at Lamaha Gardens recently was a great success. Many seeds were planted and God gave the increase to some that very week. Among the ones baptized, the congregation reports that they have had close contact with all but 2 or 3. The new Christians have been eager to know more. They are very aware of the commitment they've made. The church is just overflowing with excitement! When I recently talked with one of the members, she said, "We've been praying and God is blessing us MORE than we could imagine." AMEN!
Well, now they are about to host a second medical mission this summer. Because of some complications with a couple of other locations lined up for medical missions, we asked if they would like to host another one. They are making all kinds of arrangements and sacrifices to do this. They are so willing for God to use them. They are definitely in the midst of a revival! It is so exciting!!!!July 8 - 13, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
- Team: Henderson, TN, and Fayetteville, AR
- Locations:
- Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown - medical mission and building crew
- Plaisance - building crew
- Nismes - gospel meeting and V.B.S.
- Patients treated: 666
- Average attendance at crusade: 51 nightly
- Average attendance in children's class: 43 nightly
- Baptisms: 14
This team had a lot going on and came into it with some challenges. As stated in the previous report, a couple of the other plans fell through. There was a building crew on this team that had been preparing for a year to come down and build a church building. But, because of some complications the first location fell through. We tried to get another location lined up, but time was too short to make the second location happen. The builders still had a desire to come and be used where God opened doors. So, they were kept busy with lots of repair projects that needed to be taken care of.
Painting the sign on the building.
Also, because of location problems, we had to find a location to host the medical mission. We were led back to Lamaha Gardens where they are being revived daily! It was a beautiful week back there. The local members that turned out to help daily with the medical mission included some of the new converts from the last medical mission just a few weeks ago! It was fantastic!!! They worked so hard and so willing ... filled with joy.
Treating a little one.
Todd preparing medication.The week started out a little slow, but word spread quickly and by Wednesday numbers were up considerably. God's word was being planted.
The children's program was a great success. The group that worked with the children were well prepared and excited. They told the Bible stories with a lot of enthusiasm that captured the children's attention. I loved passing through and seeing so many children being taught from God's word. May it forever be in their hearts.
During the last medical mission at Lamaha Gardens, I held a ladies' class every day. It went really well. We had good attendance and grew closer to one another. When the ladies found out there would be another medical mission, they asked for another ladies' class! I was THRILLED! We had such a good week together, again.
Nathan Jorgenson with Vedda Zephyr.
Children's class at Nismes.
The team of five from Fayetteville worked at Lamaha Gardens during the day, then went across the river to Nismes to hold a gospel meeting and V.B.S. The numbers there, too, started out low, but grew as the week went on. It is always good to be able to have someone come work with a congregation and hold gospel meetings or specific classes. Nathan Jorgenson, the preacher from Fayetteville, has worked closely with Nismes for several years and formed a good relationship with them. The V.B.S. was amazing. They started out with no children the first night and it grew to quite a group by Friday night. I'm not sure of the exact number on Friday, but if one of you V.B.S. workers would email me and let me know, I'll get this added in here. It was great!
July 25, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachJERRY VEATCH
Jerry was back in Guyana staying with us from June 17 - July 20, 2007. He and Pat lived here for five years and moved back to the States in November of 2006. Jerry makes quarterly trips to Guyana, staying approximately five or six weeks each time. He has a great love for the people here and is a great asset to the Lord's work.
During his visit this time, he held several classes at different locations and various topics. He preached several times. And did lots of visiting, which is one of Jerry's strong qualities.Here is a rundown of his time here:
- Classes on "Leadership," "Marriage," and "God's Plan."
- Held a 5-day study on "I Corinthians" at the Lamaha Gardens congregation.
- Another 5-day study held at Plaisance on topics chosen by the elders.
- The last week here, he went around to visit members at their homes.
RAY and DEBRA ALLEN
15 May - 23 July
They came this summer as "missionary support" and boy did they ever fill that position well! They have experience being in Guyana. They have both been down with teams for many years. And the past few years, Ray has come down with Steve during other times of the year for other projects. But, this is the first time they've been down for an extended stay.
While here this summer, Ray kept electronics and other things running well. He helped with the equipment that we send out with the teams to the clinic sites, by making sure it's working, sending it out and receiving it coming in. He is a master with computers, so any work involving a computer, we passed along to Ray. For instance, the team pictures were all organized and put on CD's by Ray. He helped out with work at our house on different building projects and repairs.
Ray got his Guyana driver's license this summer. That was probably the biggest help of all. He helped with airport runs, all kinds of errands, and getting people around. It's really hard to explain the challenges of, what seem would be, "simple errands." There have been times that we would spend several hours just picking up a few items in town, because it's hard to locate everything and the traffic and parking is extremely difficult.
Debra also helped Ray on some of the computer projects. She and Ray both helped Alvin Persaud with the pill packing, organizing, etc. While they were here, we received one of our huge shipments of meds, and they spent hours helping Alvin with sorting and storing. Debra enjoys yard work and did several things in the flower beds that I'm trying to add to. I LOVE the plants around my house. She also worked well with Ingrid, in the kitchen here at home. They searched recipes and planned meals. We had a good variety. And since Ray was driving, they did some of the grocery shopping as well. Debra was an encouragement to me when I'd teach ladies' class. She did research on the computer for me, as well as some art work for an illustration. She also taught a class on ideas for teaching children. She did a great job and really got the ladies excited.
I know I've overlooked so many others things they did while they were here. I just know that they sure made our summer run a LOT smoother. We appreciate the sacrifices they made to be down here. They are praying and working towards being back next summer for an extended stay.
It's interesting to see the way God sends us help. We miss our daughters so much and just didn't realize the help they were to us until they weren't here with us anymore. Isaiah is getting to the age and size where he's becoming more and more helpful, too. It helps so much having interns and the Allens coming in to serve along with us, side by side. They've all been with us through good times and low. God has blessed our time together.INTERNS
Our two interns this summer were Jill Welker of Tennessee and Alison Jordan (2nd year) of Florida. Jill was here during the first several teams. Then Alison came the week before camp. The two of them worked together for two weeks before Jill left. Alison stayed on another few weeks to finish out working with us while teams were here.
They lived in the house with us, as well as Ray and Debra Allen, and Jerry Veatch. Then during the day, our staff would be here. Although we had a full house 24/7, things ran smoothly and we got along great! We all enjoyed fun times together and held each other up and encouraged one another during trying times. We worked hard.
The jobs of an intern are varied. On a personal basis at the house, they help with chores (cooking, cleaning) and take care of their own laundry.
They also spend time with the teams and help see to their needs. They take care of the loaner phones, they see to it that the teams pay for various expenses, help arrange for tours, count and organize airline tickets and passports, sort and organize items left back as donations from teams, and generally assisted Steve in all sorts of ways.
Before and during Live the Mission camp, the interns are very busy! They have a lot of responsibilities concerning camp. Everything we use at camp (in the Rainforest), has to be accumulated and packed up in crates. They help do that. Then once there, the interns are a big part of keeping that organized and ready to be used. Then at the end of camp, it has to be all packed up, brought home and sorted through.
Steve and I have been so blessed by these two young ladies. We simply can’t do all the things we do without good interns who are willing to serve, and this year we had two who were willing to serve in every way. They are our "extended family" and we love them dearly. We pray their lives have been blessed as much as ours has.July 26, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachA TRUE STORY
Living in Guyana, it's common for people to come to your gate for various reasons. You'll hear someone call, "Inside," and it may be a meter reader, someone selling their goods, someone asking for a donation, looking for work, or most likely someone asking for assistance. I make it a practice not to give money at the gate. I will gladly warm them some food to give them and just have a chat, and have met some special people that way. One lady in particular this summer is Roshinie.
I first met Roshinie in late May or early June. She came by my gate selling fish. The first time or two I didn't buy from her, but we had some nice chats. Then one day I did buy some from her. I got advice from my neighbor and housekeeper. I wanted to know if the fish were fresh and if the seller was being fair. Everything was fine. I bought the fish and there began my friendship with Roshinie.
She offered to clean the fish for me. So right inside my gate, she stooped down and began cleaning them on a piece of cardboard, all along talking the entire time. Such a sweet, kind lady. At one point while she is working away cleaning, she looked up at me with the most sincere look and said, "You are a very sweet person." I chuckled, a little embarrassed, I guess, and said, "Well, I think you are very sweet, too." She again looked at me so tender and said, "I really mean that. I told my husband about meeting these sweet missionary people. You are really a sweet person." She is saying that while SHE is stooped down on the ground cleaning my fish. See, she was cleaning the fish out of kindness. She wasn't charging me any extra for that. However, I did give her some extra for doing that. But, she didn't know that at the time she was doing it.
Roshinie's husband is a fisherman and when he comes in from fishing, she goes out selling. They have 3 daughters and 1 son. She also sometimes helps to see after about 3 other children that are friends of hers. These other children are being raised by their grandmother, since their mother died several years ago. Roshinie always has one or two children with her when she is out selling. They are always polite and happy! Sometimes she stops by just to say hello, even if she has nothing to sell. We 'gaff' in the yard a few minutes and then she's on her way. We talk about all kinds of things ... family, God, or just getting to know each other. I recently gave her a Bible and talked to her about visiting at the congregation closest to her. When I gave her the Bible she was so thankful, yet said she couldn't read. But that one of her daughters could read and she would get her to read to her. I just pray that God will use me to help her understand God's message for her.
She has asked if I'll come by her house before I return to go home in the States this year. I told her I'd be glad to. She told me then that they are very poor and she doesn't want me going there and then leaving saying, 'Oh Roshinie is so poor.' I told her I would never do that. She was saying how she wants to buy a table and chairs to have for when I come by. I told her to please not do that. That I would be so offended if she did that when she needed that money for food and things for her family. Again, she said, "Sister Colleen, we are very poor. I may not even have a place for you to sit down." I assured her that I was not coming to have a place to sit, that I would just enjoy being in her home. I told her how proud I am of her that although she says they are poor, she is such a good mother. She takes good care of her children. All the time I'm saying this to her, her young 8-year-old son, Kamaul, is standing beside her with his hand on her shoulder. I said, "Look at your son with his hand on you. He LOVES you!" IMMEDIATELY, when those words were out of my mouth, Isaiah, standing beside me, put his hand on my shoulder. And, yes, tears filled my eyes. I cannot explain to you the feeling that went through my body. Here were two young boys that were not ashamed to show their love for their mothers. Not only were they not ashamed, they were PROUD! And we were standing there proud mothers, too.
I am anxious to continue my friendship with Roshinie. May God bless us and be glorified.July 31, 2007
reported by Steve DeLoach
Monday, July 23rd, we had our last houseguests leave. When they left, it marked the end of over 10 weeks straight of having people “on the ground” in Guyana. When we have American workers here, it is a real challenge, since we are virtually working 24/7 to tend to needs, make sure everything is going smoothly, and making sure everyone is safe and secure.
Since July 23rd, we have been busy as well, but in a different way. On Wednesday, July 25th, Bob, Salita, and I went to court, where we spent most of the afternoon. This was a court date that was set by the Judge over 6 weeks ago concerning the Court matter involving Bob, and the accident we had in November. This case continues to be postponed for a variety of reasons. After spending much of the afternoon there, it was postponed again until Tuesday, July 31st.
On Friday, July 27th, Bob and I went to a different court regarding the accident of July 4th, where a Mini Bus ran into my truck because he passed me on the driver's side, while I was turning. After the accident, the driver of the Mini Bus fled the scene, so this court matter was to charge him and determine what happens next. The Mini Bus driver did not show up for court, so the matter was postponed until late September.
On Sunday, July 29th, Colleen, Isaiah, and I attended the Plaisance Church of Christ. It was SUCH a joy. They asked me to preach and before I got up, four small children got up and sang “Jesus Loves Me.” Needless to say, I thought they preached a fantastic sermon themselves. The simplicity of that song is far more eloquent than most preachers can hope to attain.
On Monday and Tuesday, July 30th and 31st, Alvin Persaud, Isaiah, and I worked on the Storage Room (known to us as the Bond) at the Ministry Center. We have been sorting through Medicines and Supplies, trying to get a handle on what is expired, what is about to expire, what will expire before next summer, and what we can donate to the Georgetown Public Hospital. In all, we have over 30 boxes of meds to take to the Hospital, 4 for disposal and 26 for the Hospital’s use.
Today, July 31st, Bob had his latest bout with the court system here in Guyana. Remember, this is in regards to the accident we had in November. The circumstances involved us pulling up to a stop sign, looking both ways (by both Bob and me), then slowly pulling out into the road, to be hit by a Mini Bus traveling approx. 65 M.P.H. (in a 35 M.P.H. zone). The Mini Bus hit us so hard, it turned our vehicle almost a complete revolution. When we stopped spinning we were almost facing the way we were before he hit us. The Mini Bus then bounced off of us, turned on its side, and slid down the road about 50 yards, where it finally came to rest on its side. They took Bob to the police station and charged him, but never charged the Mini Bus driver with anything. (We hope the Bus Driver or Owner did not pay a bribe to someone so they would simply look the other way.)
At any rate, today the court matter came up yet again. This is about the 5th or 6th time Bob has reported to court. And today ... They dismissed the case! Thank God!
Bob has accrued several hundred dollars worth of legal bills, but he is no longer worrying with what is going to happen to him next.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 1st, is a Holiday here in Guyana ... Emancipation Day. So everything is closed and gearing up for a big celebration. This is a holiday that is equivalent to America's Fourth of July.
On Thursday and Friday, we are wrapping up our Medical Supplies Organization and then going to the Hospital to make a donation of those supplies and medicines. We are also giving the house a thorough cleaning, getting ready for the next wave of visitors.
On Saturday, August 4th, Gerald Bennett is scheduled to arrive in Guyana. He is an Elder and Preacher from Houston, Texas. He has made MANY, MANY trips to Guyana to help us in Nurturing, Teaching, and “trouble shooting.” He will be here for two weeks, teaching two different series of classes for Operation Guyana Bible Institute. We have had 17 different classes since the first of the year! What a GREAT SCHEDULE.
Also on Saturday, our youngest daughter Erin is coming to Guyana for a week. She wanted to be here for her birthday, which is August 5th. She hasn’t been here in two years, so needless to say, she is VERY, VERY excited about coming. We can’t wait to see her.
So, as you can see, even though this has been our “downtime” we have been and continue to be busy.
Please keep us in your prayers and ask God to continue to bless our efforts. We still have so much to do, and God keeps opening doors almost at every turn. Ask God to give us the courage and resources to continue to go through the doors He opens.
AUGUST
August 6, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
Sunday, August 5th, is our Erin's 20th birthday. She came in last night to stay with us a week. Gerald Bennett, from Houston, TX, also came in and will be here for 2 weeks. He will be teaching a class at Lamaha Gardens the first week and at Plaisance the second week.
I wanted to share a report of our services at Lamaha Gardens. Steve and I are just overwhelmed with the revival taking place there! The first few times we went to Lamaha Gardens this year, the attendance was averaging 30-35. Yesterday's attendance was 83!!!!!! It was beautiful! After their two medical missions, and approximately 37 baptisms, they are doing great! The more mature members of the congregation are working so well with follow up and contacting the new members. Just yesterday, they had FIRST TIME VISITORS to stand, and there were probably 6 visitors!! There was also a man that expressed a desire to be studied with more. It is just something I wish I could express in words and just can't find adequate enough words.
The men of the congregation were asked to come forward and join hands in prayer for the church. It was beautiful. It was humbling. It was powerful!
Steve preached on the beatitudes and God used him in a mighty way. Everyone was very attentive and responsive.
The whole service was beautiful.
I have to also tell you this brief story of these children in the pictures. They sat on the very front row. The oldest boy is 10 or 12, the youngest 3 and I believe the girl is about 6. They were there with NO ONE else. They had come on their own. Their father is not living and their mother was working. Those 3 children sat on that front row so well behaved. The older boy was so good with that little 3 year old. Towards the end of the service, which went longer than normal, the two older ones were getting a little busy. I leaned up and patted on them, told them how well they had behaved, that church was almost over, and to hang in there a little longer. They did. They were so precious. God was so glorified through them!!
As you read these reports on here, please stop and say a prayer of thanks to the Father for His guiding hand. Pray that the work of the church will continue to grow here.
Also, please send emails out to those you think would be interested in reading the reports of the summer. Just add this link in your email and let's use this way to spread updates on the Lord's work.http://www.guyana-missions.org/reports/deloach2007.htm August 13, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoachON THE STREETS OF GEORGETOWN
After medical teams are over for the summer, I usually work towards times that I can arrange to feed homeless. This has turned into a bigger project with incorporating the Valerie's Clothing Project. I'm including a letter from Valerie's mother in this report to give you information on what that is about.
My daughters, Brooke, Meagan and Erin, have always enjoyed being a part of feeding the homeless. It pretty much started out with us giving food at the gate to needy, then just taking a few left-overs with us if we went into town, and found homeless to give them to. It's just grown more every year. With Erin being back last week, we organized a time to feed the homeless and give out kids' clothing the same evening. It was a BEAUTIFUL experience!!! My dear friend, Ingrid Persaud, cooked the "cookup" (Guyanese dish) for them. And Erin and I went through the clothing and bagged those up according to sex and size. Then we loaded the vehicle, and Victor (a long time friend here) drove Ingrid, Erin, Isaiah and me through Georgetown. It was already dark, but the streets were still pretty busy and it was a good time to go. We found many of the homeless to feed and had such good visits with them. They are so humble, thankful and pleasant to be with.Then we headed to Tiger Bay, where many of the children are out playing on the sidewalks and the moms are 
close by. Victor got out and asked the moms if they were interested in us giving clothes to the children. They were so willing and thankful. They kept the children orderly and the kids were all so kind and respectful. They lined up at the back of the vehicle and we would 'fit' them as best we could. Some of them put them on right then. The moms would ask us if we could wait while they went to get others to come. We had such a good time being with them and not only giving the clothes, but loving on them and talking to them. They were such a blessing to us.
When we left there, the five of us were flooded with emotions. We talked and talked and talked about it ... still do! Ingrid and Victor were so helpful. That is the first time they had been with us and are now eager to be a part of it every time.
Please take the time to read the letter below from Ann Lowe, Valerie's mother, and understand how the clothing project came about. Every time I give out these clothes, I'm overwhelmed with emotion knowing that Valerie's touch is so far-reaching.
Valerie and Trent made their first trip to Guyana with the medical mission team in the summer of 2002. When they returned at the end of the week, we met them at the airport to pick them up. As they sat in our back seat on the way back from Memphis, they shared stories with us about their experiences there, all the while with tears streaming down their faces. That week had such an impact on them that they returned to Guyana again in the summer of 2003.
Valerie died in a tragic accident on November 29, 2004. Knowing how passionate she had been about the mission trip, I wanted to do something related to Guyana as a tribute to her. I knew that as she prepared to return home after the trip, she left many of the items of clothing that she had taken to wear while there for the people in Guyana. Someone suggested to me that I might want to make some clothing for the children of Guyana and send on the next trip. So I began to sew, and solicited the help of some other ladies in our congregation to help. When we were finished, we displayed the clothing at the church building with hope that other ladies would see what we had done and want to become involved with this mission for the next year. That year we sent approximately 75-80 pieces of clothing to Guyana.
In 2006 we had more participation and were able to send about 150 items of clothing on the trip. As we began to work on the project for 2007, I began to receive phone calls from ladies in other areas who had heard about the project and asked if they could be involved. We happily accepted their offer to help, and were overwhelmed by the huge amounts of clothing which they contributed to the effort. As a result of our efforts, and with the help of several congregations in Alabama, this year we sent more than 700 articles of clothing with our mission team in July.
Early this year, our elders decided to call it the "Valerie Project." I think she would be so thrilled to see how this work has grown during the last three years. Hopefully, her presence and her love for the Guyanese people will still be strongly felt each year through this effort.
Ann LoweThere are many pictures from this night. If you will click on this link you can view them all.
August 4-18, 2007
reported by Gerald Bennett
The classes at the Lamaha Gardens church of Christ went great. We had several church leaders present and the church had great representation every night. I taught the book of Mark. Steve DeLoach has a computer projector like the one I use at home and I used it each night. Of course this made it very easy for them to see the scriptures and the outline and it was very helpful. The classes grew in attendance each night. And on Friday night we had a time for questions and answers at the end of the class. And that truly was a great time for they had questions that needed answering and I truly enjoyed being able to deal with their questions.
On Wednesday evening at the end of class the preacher and 3 or 4 of the members of the church there asked me if I would come back on Sunday and teach the Bible Class and preach for the assembly. I did go back to teach the Bible Class and to preach in the assembly with the saints there on Sunday. After the assembly was over one brother asked me if I was going to be around a while to teach some more. I told him that I would be teaching at Plaisance church of Christ this week and I would go home on Saturday. He told me that he had learned a great deal and hoped that I would be able to come back there and teach some more in the future. They have a great building. It was the building which also housed the Guyana Institute for Biblical Studies. So they have an upstairs with lots of room for classes, etc. The preacher told me that anytime I came back to teach that I could use their building anytime I need to do so. The church there is in the middle of a great revival.
The week at the Plaisance church of Christ was a great week. I taught the books of 1st and 2nd Peter. The church at Plaisance always turns out in a tremendous way. They were so excited that we were going to be working with them. We had a question and answer session after each class beginning Tuesday. And we always had great questions. And even after class there would be some come to ask questions privately. On Thursday night some of them came up to tell me that I should come and stay for at least 3 months so that they would be able to learn so much more. Of course I told them that I was unable to do that. So they said that I would need to come and work with them for the whole two weeks in which I was there.
Jamil Hall [from Houston, TX] went out every day doing visitation and follow up work. He had with him members of the Plaisance church. Jamil is such a practical and plain teacher of the gospel. I will not even begin to tell you his stories, but he has stories to tell. But I will tell you that we received an email from Colleen DeLoach telling us that a Mr. Walker with whom Jamil had studied had obeyed the gospel on Sunday. He had told Jamil that he would be hearing about him. He brought his whole family with him. We are expecting to hear of others in a very short while. They also told him that he needed to come and stay longer. They learned so much from him concerning how to listen to people to find out where they are and then how to question them and get them to consider the truth of the gospel. Whitfield, the preacher for the church, there took pages of notes and I am sure that the church will do great follow-up and have great growth.August 18, 2007
reported by Steve DeLoach
The past month has been very eventful.
First off ... it is UNSEASONABLY HOT!!! Many of our Guyanese friends have talked about the fact that they cannot remember it being so hot. Right now ... it is 83 degrees in our house, and frankly, that is cool. Over the past month, the temperature in our house has usually been around 87 to 89 degrees. (Isn’t that fun?)
The only room we have with air conditioning that we use is where our meds and medical supplies are stored. (Otherwise the electric bill would be even higher than it already is ... and it averages about $600 per month.) These supplies have to be kept cool, or they would spoil before we could use them. Also, several pieces of our equipment would simply rust away if they were not stored in a climate controlled area.
On top of that, we have had unseasonable amounts of rain. On Wednesday and Thursday of this past week, it rained and stormed more than we have ever seen in Guyana. In fact, the thunder and lightning had many really scared. Evidently, Hurricane Dean was pulling lots of moisture from our area as it passed about 1,000 miles to our North.
As a result of all the rain and lightning, we had more power outages than usual. In the past 36 hours, we have had four blackouts ... some that only lasted 30 minutes or so, and some that went on for hours. This is particularly frustrating when it is so hot in the house, and we have no power to run the fans.
Of course, through the 15 years we have been here, this has happened many times before ... but it still is frustrating.
On top of all that, one of our office computers got zapped by a power surge and is now useless. (And yes, we had it hooked up to surge protectors and an uninterrupted power supply.)
So, as you can see, we have had plenty of “excitement” around here.
Furthermore, we have had LOTS of activity going on in terms of the work of the church while all this other stuff was happening.
Gerald Bennett arrived on August 4th and left on August 18th. He comes down twice a year and works with us for about two weeks each time that he comes down. Gerald is the preacher for the Lindale Church of Christ in Houston, TX, and also serves as one of the elders there. He has worked with that congregation for 26 years. He also serves as Director of the Greater Houston School of Biblical Studies. On the first week of this trip he taught a series of classes on the Book of Mark at the Lamaha Gardens church. It was very well attended. This church is really going through a time of revival and excitement.
Witfield Collins (preacher at Plaisance), Jamil Hall, Gerald Bennett
The second week Gerald was here, he moved to the Plaisance Church of Christ and taught a series of classes on 1st and 2nd Peter. While he was doing that in the evenings, Jamil Hall joined us (from Gerald’s congregation in Houston, Texas) and worked with the preacher and several of the members of that congregation doing Bible studies with prospects, new Christians, and people who were having spiritual problems. Jamil was out all day, every day, while he was here, working with the church.
Gerald and Jamil did GREAT!!! They left on Saturday morning to head back to Houston. We will miss them a lot! They are such great teachers, and tireless workers for the cause of Christ.
Also arriving on August 4th was our daughter Erin. She had not been to Guyana in two years and she was really getting homesick. She came down for a week and got to enjoy her 20th birthday while here. We loved that! She also helped with several projects and had a wonderful visit. It was hard putting her on the plane to head back home though. We really enjoyed having her here.
On Sunday, August 19th, Colleen, Isaiah, and I will be going to the Anne’s Grove congregation to work and worship with them. They have asked me to come and preach, and I am really looking forward to that. It has been a LONG time since we have been out there, and we are really looking forward to renewing that relationship.
Over the next few weeks, we will be wrapping things up here, having meetings with hotel officials, government officials, and others that we work with in one way or another. We often need to have an “exit interview” with those that we are involved with to make sure all loose ends are tied up.
We are also planning several meetings with congregations and preachers in Guyana. We have a day this next week when we will distribute clothes, Bibles, songbooks, tracts, and other items left behind here in Guyana by our teams over the summer. This will mean that many of the people and congregations that we work with will come by the Ministry Center to pick up these items and to enjoy one another’s fellowship.
Since the first of the year, we have had about a dozen classes meet through O.G.B.I., our school that we operate here. These classes have been very well attended and have literally involved hundreds who have participated.
All in all, this has been a fantastic year, and we are already working toward 2008. There are several congregations that have already asked us to come and work with them next year, so we already know that we will have a very busy year ahead. And my schedule stateside is already filling up. We have several visits to make in lots of different areas and we are excited about what the next year holds.
Are you coming to work with us next year? We could use you. The work of the church here is growing in so many ways. Virtually everyone who comes down and is a part of our efforts, leaves with a desire to come back. We would LOVE for you to be a part of that, too!
This year, thousands have been to our clinics, thousands have been taught, and hundreds have been baptized.
But there is still so much that needs to be done.
Come down and join us! Pray for our efforts! Support our work in a financial way!
I promise ... it will be worth the effort ... for you and for those who are touched with our work! Join us ... in whatever way you can. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks so much for all you do to serve our King!August 20, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
We were at Ann's Grove yesterday and had a wonderful service with the Christians there. Here are two pictures of their precious little building.
This was an old abandoned church that our brethren had been asking city counsel for.
They had to put in new windows and rebuild back wall. Don't you love the bell tower?October 10, 2007
reported by Colleen DeLoach
Steve, Isaiah and I are back stateside now. We returned mid-September, but I am still trying to catch up on things gone un-done while away. I think I am going to have to learn to adapt to being behind.
Steve is on the road now. He has some reporting and recruiting and fund-raising to do.
As for things in Guyana. I keep in touch with a few people there on a regular basis. Jerry Veatch is down there right now and will be for a few more weeks. He attended the Plaisance church's 17th anniversary service recently. There were no classes that day, extra long service and fellowship afterwards. He said it was wonderful! I would love to have been there for that. Jerry has also been involved in some home Bible studies, preaching, and teaching several different classes at different locations. It's hard to explain how much 'lifestyle teaching' goes on there. I know there are people stopping by the house to visit and he will be spending a lot of time with them as well as visiting on the phone. As far as scheduled classes go, he's held a class on the book of James. And he's held a 3-day marriage seminar, with each session lasting 2 hours. The last night, he spent the whole time answering questions. Every night of the seminar, there were so many people that wanted to talk and ask questions, that he ended up staying another hour every night. There were about 30 in attendance. He also taught an abbreviated marriage class at another location, where he's been asked to come back and teach again later. He has plans to go up to where brother Bob is working, in the Northwest District, for several days. I'm sure we'll have some good reports from there, too.
As far as things around the house (where we all live and/or work), Jerry's been doing some repairs there. He said my flowers are looking great! YIPPEE!!! I know brother Alvin is taking great care of them. To see my yard here in Arkansas, you'd not think I could grow anything. But, I do have a beautiful flower garden in Guyana.
Jerry says there have been a lot of 'blackouts' since he's been there this trip. And in August, when we were still down there, we had a LOT of long, long blackouts, too. That can be really frustrating. He's missing Pat and that little grandbaby, Sophie. We're so thankful for cyberspace communication!!! Pray for them all.
I have been hearing reports from the Lamaha Gardens congregation and they are growing and bonding together in the Lord. Please be in prayer for our new brother, Christopher Barker. He's having some serious health problems. The congregation has committed to meeting together every Friday to pray for him (as well as fasting that day) during the month of October.
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support. May God be glorified in our service to Him.
God bless you all. Thank you for your interest in the mission work in Guyana.
More to come.
