Thursday, December 23, 2010

We’ve had more movement of need-greaters here in Matthews Ridge in the past couple of weeks. Carol and Justina, who were here with us since the end of October, headed back to the United States. It was nice to have Justina back here for her second visit, and Carol for her first visit. Both sisters very much enjoyed their visit, and were a great asset to the group here in Matthews Ridge. Andrew, too, went back to the United States for a short time. Roland, a brother from New Mexico who has served before in Matthews Ridge, arrived back here this past week. We are glad to have him with us.

Construction continues here in Matthews Ridge. Work has started this past week on revamping the water piping system. Up until now, there has been a water tank that had fed water to some of the homes in Matthews Ridge some of the time. But once the water lines are reworked as proposed, water would supposedly be supplied to all the homes in the village area of Matthews Ridge, and this on a more frequent basis. Of course, this would not service those living outside the village in the bush areas. More construction workers, as well as manganese and gold mining surveyors, continue to move in. And we have started to see renovation and expansion become more widespread. One of the bigger shops in Matthews Ridge has been mostly torn down, and structural concrete work has begun to the end of building it into a 2-3 story structure. Many other shops and buildings in the village are being re-painted, renovated, and expanded, with others new shops beginning to be built from the ground up.

I had a nice opportunity to witness to a Canadian surveyor and a Guyanese cook working at a newly renovated home being used by a certain Canadian gold-mining company. As I approached the house, I found the surveyor adjusting his GPS and various other pieces of surveying equipment, while the cook was preparing a large breakfast. I had a chance to witness to them both and to leave the book “The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived” with them. Although busy getting ready for the day’s work, they were both very friendly, and invited me to return later in the week when they would have more free time. The man who was working as the cook said he was from Georgetown, and had been asking around since he had gotten to Matthews Ridge as to where he could find a church. I explained to him where the Kingdom Hall was, and he sounded positive about attending.

The Seventh Day Adventist church in Matthews Ridge has posted signs all around the village advertising a Christmas concert featuring singing and dancing. On the other hand, Jehovah’s people have been busy offering the December issue of Awake!, which clearly reveals the holidays’ pagan, God-dishonoring origins and traditions. What a contrast between the light of truth Jehovah shines forth and the spiritual darkness false religion is shrouded in!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Brochure Distribution, Auxiliary Pioneers, Development of Area


Many fine efforts were put forth here in Matthews Ridge during the month of November to give the brochure “The Bible – What Is It’s Message?” a wide distribution. We had good support for field service groups, enabling us to cover the entire territory here in Matthews Ridge with the distribution of the brochure. And, as previously mentioned, we had opportunity to distribute the brochure in surrounding areas such as Port Kaituma, as well as other areas.

We are happy to see a couple in the group here auxiliary pioneering during the month of December. This is Eugene Smith and Mary Smith. Eugene and Mary were Rastafarians before they came to know the truth. Even during that time, they were regular Bible readers, although they lacked accurate knowledge. When they heard the truth, they were immediately drawn to it. They have told us interesting experiences from that time in their life when they were Rastafarians. They have told us of how they, along with many other Rastafarians, would use unique expressions. For example, instead of saying “oppressed”, they would say “downpressed”, since the “up” sound the word begins with indicates that there’s something positive about oppression. And instead of saying “I understand what you're saying”, they would say “I overstand what you're saying”, since beginning the word with “under” was putting yourself beneath the person you’re speaking to. Eugene and Mary were baptized on the same day, and since then have been very zealous servants of Jehovah. Mary even takes advantage of opportunities she has while selling snacks she makes outside the school here to witness and place literature with interested ones. We find their good example very encouraging.

The development of commercial interests continues here in Matthews Ridge, as the manganese mining venture and cell phone tower setup work continues. This has resulted in the clearing of a number of pieces of land here in Matthews Ridge. It has also created some jobs, both directly with the companies, as well as in fixing roads and renovating structures for worker housing. One man who works with the manganese mining company told me that it’s estimated that 1,000 or more workers may come into Matthews Ridge by the time the manganese operation gets into full swing. It will be interesting to see what further development happens.


Saturday, November 27, 2010

Assemblies, Comings and Goings, and the Brochure Campaign


The internet service here in Matthews Ridge has been down for almost a month now, with the result being that it has been very difficult to stay in touch or update the blog. But I will do my best to summarize what has been going on here in the last month or so. During the last week of October, we had the privilege of attending the Circuit Assembly in Georgetown, with the program being presented in complete English there. It was great to see many brothers and sisters who we hadn’t seen in a while. This good association was so upbuilding. Along with the assembly program, the seminar for those in regular Pioneer service preceding the assembly was very encouraging. During this special weekend, we were able to spend time with a number of different brothers and sisters, and many, including some in special full-time service, shared very encouraging experiences from their theocratic careers.

There were more arrivals and departures of need-greaters in Matthews Ridge in the past month. Garrett Wilson, who had been serving here with us for 3 months, went to Georgetown for the assembly and traveled back to the United States from there. He mentioned a number of times just how much he enjoyed serving here in Matthews Ridge. We really enjoyed serving with him here, and he will certainly be missed. Justina Baker and Carol Wolfe, 2 sisters from New York state, arrived here in Matthews Ridge after having attending the assembly in Georgetown. They will still be here for another 3 weeks or so, and we are very glad to have their help and company. Additionally, a brother named Kenneth Branch from Virginia, USA, who serves with the Haslington congregation on the east coast of Guyana, flew into Matthews Ridge for a brief visit. We enjoyed his help and company very much as well.

As we rode from the airstrip to our home after flying into Matthews Ridge, we saw physical evidence of what had up until now been only talk, of commercial and infrastructural development here in Matthews Ridge. There has been much “gaffing” here about Digicell, one of Guyana’s two cellular telephone services, erecting a tower in Ridge that would provide the area with cell service. In addition to this, there has also been talk of an overseas company looking to perform preliminary work to facilitate further Manganese mining in Matthews Ridge, a venture that has been dormant for over 30 years. Which of these operations was the cause of the development we witnessed is unclear to us at this point. Whatever the case, it was quite surprising to ride into Ridge seeing areas along the roads that had been very bushed up cleared clean by excavators. The Ridge top where the cell tower is proposed to be set up was cleared, with roads to this area being cleared as well. Along with all of this development, we have been seeing a steady stream of visitors to Ridge, these ones being involved in different aspects of these development projects. What this development means for the future of the community remains to be seen. Growth and other changes to Matthews Ridge would no doubt have an effect on the preaching work here. It will surely be interesting to see just how things work out.

It was exciting to see a group of interested ones who live in Port Kaituma show up recently for a meeting here in Matthews Ridge. It’s about a 60-mile round-trip, but they continue making fine efforts to attend the meetings here in Matthews Ridge whenever possible. Since Port Kaituma is not routinely worked by any congregation, we try our best to get out there whenever possible to preach and hold Bible studies with those who have shown interest. One of the couples here in Ridge who are serious Bible students, Keiron and Yvonne, own a large truck they use to transport goods from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge. Recently, we had the opportunity to travel out with them as they went on a goods run to Port Kaituma, and we spent the day there distributing the brochure “The Bible-What Is Its Message?” as part of the special worldwide campaign. The response we met with was wonderful. There are so many in that area who are starving for truth. We are hoping to make it out to Port Kaituma again before the campaign is over.

And right here in Matthews Ridge, we have been getting a very good response to the distribution of the new brochure. We’ve even had opportunity to distribute it to some living on the roads toward Arakaka and Baramita, and in all these places people have shown a great deal of interest in learning what the Bible’s message really is.

Sorry, I was not able to include any pictures because of the slow internet connection.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Circuit Assembly in Baramita

The preaching work has been continuing here with good results. We continue to find those who seem to have a sincere interest in learning what the truth really is from the Bible. I had opportunities to reach some living along the roads that go towards Arakaka and Baramita recently. Traveling out of Ridge to reach persons in those areas was a nice change of pace, and I found a number who said they’d like to learn more, especially on the road to Arakaka. Andrew told me what a good time he has had studying with a shop owner here in Ridge named Eddie who recently started studying in the evening when his shop closes. Garrett has been able to have a number of studies with a young man here named Esan. I was with Garrett the first time he talked with Esan. When he answered our call from outside the house, he had in his hands a Bible Teach book and a cell phone playing reggae music. He said he had just begun reading the book after having had it for some time. He said he likes to read it while listening to reggae songs that have scripture quoted in them. Esan has many questions about what the Bible teaches, and how it compares with was he thought to be the truth taught in churches. The great joy that is experienced in the ministry here is always accompanied by unexpected events that make for a very interesting experience week-to-week. For example, I wrote in a recent entry about having gotten a flat tire. Since then, we’ve gotten three more flat tires between Andrew, Garrett, and myself. Things always work out, though, and these inconveniences have surely heightened my appreciation for when travel and such does go smoothly.

This past weekend, the Circuit Assembly program was presented in the Carib language in Baramita. It is hard to express just how refreshing and up building the assembly was. I think we’ve all come away from an assembly or convention thinking “That was just what I needed!” And that was truly the case here as well. For well-thought out reasons, this year it was decided that we would not hire vehicles to take the whole group of us together to Baramita for the assembly. Instead, it would ultimately be up to each person to finalize their travel arrangements for reaching Baramita. Since we were going to have to jump on a vehicle as it was heading out of Ridge for Baramita, last Tuesday morning I decided I would pack my bag and go to the market area to wait and see if a vehicle going to Baramita would pass. After about an hour of waiting in the market, a driver named Baldhead (keep in mind that most people in Guyana are known by their call names instead of their real names) drove up in a bush truck, and I found that he was planning to head to Baramita. I was very thankful for this. I waited for about another hour while Baldhead and his crew had a little breakfast, during which time Andrew joined me. Then we were finally on our way. The first two or three hours were smooth sailing. The trek slowed to a crawl, however, once we hit an area named Warapa. This is basically where the road building crew has reached up to in building the road from Ridge to Baramita. From that point on, the next 3 to 4 hours were full of winching out of deep muddy ruts every few minutes. Andrew and I helped the bush truck crew in doing this, and in that way paid our passage to Baramita, which we reached at about 4:00pm.

After arriving in Baramita we walked up to the house a Witness family, the Smiths, who are pictured in part on page 183 of the 2005 Yearbook. We were shown such hospitality in Baramita, especially by the Smith family. Once we got to the Smith’s house, we unloaded our bags and had something to eat. A number of other brothers and sisters came into Baramita during the week before the assembly. Among these were 12 more brothers and sisters from Matthews Ridge, 5 from Georgetown, and 3 from Berbice. During the next three days we went out in service in the mornings. The field ministry in Baramita is very unique. Baramita is a Carib Amerindian reservation, and so nearly the entire population is Carib-speaking. There are no territory maps, as the camps where residents reside are constantly shifting. We had between 20 and 30 present for field service each day. Many times the entire group would walk to each camp area. Most who went out in field service wore long boots, as there are often muddy patches and creeks to pass over. As we talked with Eustace Smith regarding the arrangements being made in preparation for the assembly, it became clear that an outdoor toilet needed to be built for use by those attending the assembly. And so on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, I worked along with Gordat Bepot, a brother from the Soesdyke congregation who serves on the Country Building Committee here in Guyana, on digging a pit as well as constructing walls, a seat, and a door around the pit. Friday we had rehearsal for the assembly.

Saturday and Sunday came, and the program featuring the theme “You Are No Part of the World” truly bolstered our faith. The parts presented were wonderful, leaving those present more determined than ever to keep focused on Kingdom interests. Andrew has been working hard to get a handle on the Carib language, and it was exciting to see him present his assignments on the program in Carib. Monday was a day of departures, as 18 of the 22 visitors to Baramita boarded planes headed for Georgetown and Matthews Ridge. Only a limited number could fit on the flight to Ridge, leaving four of us to find alternative transportation back. This ended up being quite the adventure, as we had to wait until Tuesday morning to board a bush truck headed in the direction of Matthews Ridge. The bush truck took us to the Warapa area mentioned earlier. From there we took a cruiser back to Ridge, reaching back home just after 4:00pm. It was a very exciting week, offering a nice change of pace and an assembly that was so refreshing!

As you can see, there are no pictures included with this entry as my camera connection is down. I promise to include extra photos if possible with the next entry.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Comings, Goings, Mural, Travels







Since the last entry on the blog, we’ve seen some comings and goings here in Matthews Ridge, as well as other good things that have been happening here. On September 17, Micah Gillen and Blake Weigum left Matthews Ridge. These brothers from the Spokane, Washington area had been here in Ridge for roughly 6 weeks. On Friday they traveled over to Mabaruma, about 60 miles to the north of Matthews Ridge, to visit and help in that area before flying back to the United States. They were very helpful while here in Matthews Ridge, caring for many parts on the meetings and conducting quite a few Bible studies. We enjoyed having their company, and we’re sure they found their visit here to be an encouraging and eye-opening experience.

On September 16, Andrew Roybal arrived back in Matthews Ridge. He enjoyed the opportunity to visit family and friends, but he has said how glad he is to be back in Matthews Ridge.

Recently we were able to hang up a mural painting that Ellie Garner, a sister who visited Matthews Ridge this past December/January, had painted. As you can see from the picture included with this entry, the painting is a beautiful depiction of Paradise in a tropical area like Matthews Ridge. We’re very glad to have it displayed in the Kingdom Hall here, and many have commented on what a nice painting it is.

This past Wednesday, I had an opportunity to travel to Port Kaituma. I decided I would take a day-trip there and preach in that town since it is not covered by any congregation and it does not regularly get worked in the door-to-door ministry. The day went very well, as I was able to cover a good-sized area, and there met many receptive people. I was also able to make arrangements to make a start again of a group Bible-study we had been holding in that town. I talked to those that regularly attend to let them know that we will plan to come every week that it is possible from now on to have the study as we were doing before. I even got to pick up some needed supplies that we have not been able to get here in Matthews Ridge. The day was going along generally as planned, until I got a flat tire about 30 to 40 minutes drive out of Port Kaituma. I flagged down a 4-wheeler and asked the driver if he had an air pump. He did, and we were able to pump the tire up. However, after he left, I got on the bike to start it, and the tire again went completely flat. I had very few tools with me, and so I decided to hide the bike in the bush and try to catch a ride back to Matthews Ridge. I was able to get on a bush truck that was headed for a mining camp that was generally in the same direction as Matthews Ridge. I had to get off in a town called Falls Top, realizing that the bush truck would turn off towards the mining area soon after. A few hours later, a pick-up truck was passing by, so I stopped to see if they could carry me to Matthews Ridge. They weren’t planning to, but we went back and forth on how much they would charge to take a side trip there. We agreed on a price, and I finally got into Matthews Ridge at about 7:00pm. We took the back tire off the other motor bike on Thursday, and on Friday morning I got on a truck headed to Port Kaituma with the spare tire and some tools. The truck dropped me where I had stashed the bike, and after a bit I got the tire changed and was able to safely drive home.

Garrett and Andrew have been busy conducting the read and write class held weekly after the public talk and Watchtower consideration. They’ve been working hard at caring for this assignment that has both its challenges and joys.

Andrew and Garrett also had a good experience here in the last week starting a Bible study with one of the shop owners named Eddie. In the past this man, while always friendly, did not seem to show much interest in learning more about Jehovah and his Word. We stop at his shop often for a cold drink, and while doing this, Garrett and Andrew talked with him about whether he would be interesting in spending a few minutes each week learning from the Bible. He agreed, and on Thursday night, they went down after Eddie closed up the shop for the night, and had a first study with him. It always makes us very happy to see people begin to show an interest in learning the truth for the first time.

The pictures included with this entry are of Andrew and Garrett conducting the read and write class, of the Paradise mural Ellie painted, and of Micah and Blake with two of the Bible students, Beatrice and Victoria.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Departures, Painting, Georgetown




This past week or so, both the Conti family and the Caldwells returned to America from their visit to Matthews Ridge. Kyle and Rehanna Caldwell left Matthews Ridge on August 26th. And Dawn, Jessi, and Paige Conti left Matthews Ridge on September 1st. We were very happy that they were able to come to Guyana and to Matthews Ridge to help out. Their hard work and good company was very much appreciated.

The walls of the inside of the Kingdom Hall that we had begun painting have been finished with a first coat of paint. This past week Blake, Micah, Garrett, Dawn, Jessi, Paige, and Eugene completed the painting of the walls. The result looks very nice and really helps to lighten up the hall.

I spent this past week in Georgetown, as I was not feeling so well. I’m better now, and aside from dealing with that, it was a very nice week. I had opportunities to go out in field service a few times in the Diamond congregation, just a bit south of Georgetown. Working in the ministry there is a lot different than doing so in Matthews Ridge. This was a nice change of pace, and it was good to be able to get to know some of the friends in that area.

The pictures included with this entry are a group shot and the finished painting of the walls inside the Kingdom Hall.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Arakaka, Painting




This past week we had a real nice time traveling to one of the towns neighboring Matthews Ridge, which is named Arakaka. You may have heard this town mentioned on the blog before. In many ways it is quite similar to Matthews Ridge, with a bit smaller population. Matthews Ridge is the closest group to this town, and so we try to get out there to preach when we can. Having so many visiting Matthews Ridge this month provided a nice opportunity to go out and work the Arakaka area in door-to-door preaching. There were 12 of us in all who went. 10 made the trip in a pick-up truck, and the other 2 followed on motorbikes. It’s about a 50 minute drive or so from Matthews Ridge to Arakaka. Since we’re still in the end of rainy season here, the regular rains have kept the dust on the roads down, meaning you arrive in Arakaka a lot cleaner than you would if you made the trip in dry season, driving into a dust-cloud the whole way.

As I was beginning the meeting for field service, I was surprised to see the cruiser we had hired to carry us to Arakaka pull up, it being about 15 minutes earlier than I had asked him to come. (for the interior of Guyana, arriving 15 minutes early is quite an anomaly) I went over to talk to the driver, whose name is Moses. He said to me: ‘We have to lef. Dem boys takin de bridge out at 9:00, and nobody gettin tru till it finish.’ Apparently, it was this particular morning that a crew of workers were planning to take apart and rebuild a log bridge on a stretch of the road that leads to Arakaka. And so after a short meeting for field service, we piled into the truck and jumped on the motorbikes. There was only one board lying across the bed of the cruiser, and at least 3 rows of 3 people each had to fit in there. So we looked around the Kingdom Hall quickly to find a couple more planks we could lay across the bed of the truck as 6 additional seats. I quickly found a nice fat plank about the right length, but it was hard to find a good thick second plank. We were running low on time, so I put on a smaller plank I found that was the right length. I’m wondering if the 3 that got relegated to that undersized seating would rather have sit on the floor of the truck bed, though, because after a number of good bumps in the road it snapped in half.

We reached up to the bridge right at 9:00, just as they were about to start dismantling it. We got through, though, and got into Arakaka at about 9:20. We went to the police outpost and told them we were Jehovah’s Witnesses from Matthews Ridge, and we had come to preach throughout the town. They had no reservations about our plans, and told us to park the two motorbikes in their yard right up against the police station. We split into 3 groups of 4 persons each, and went into different parts of the town. We were imagining our visit to Arakaka might also provide a nice opportunity to make some phone calls, as there is no phone reception in Matthews Ridge, and making the trek out to a hill that does get service near Ridge can be difficult. And so after we were finished preaching in the immediate town area, we went over to the call spot in Arakaka. There are apparently only 2 or 3 spots in Arakaka that get phone reception. And by “spots”, I literally mean spots of about 1 foot in diameter signaled by a dirt patch worn in the grass by those standing in that “call spot”. We all tried unsuccessfully to get calls through at these fabled call spots.

We finished working the immediate town area of Arakaka in a couple of hours, and then started heading back towards Matthews Ridge at about 12:00. Over the next 4.5 hours, we worked many houses alongside the road leading back to Matthews Ridge, as well as witnessing to some who were working dredges for mining gold. We were relieved to see that the road workers had just finished building the new bridge as we traveled back to Matthews Ridge. So many we met in Arakaka, and alongside the road leading to it, voiced their desire to have someone come to study the Bible with them along with their families. We told them we would try to come back as soon as possible. We are sincerely hoping we can work to further develop that interest, but balance is certainly needed so as not to neglect the work in Matthews Ridge itself.

Also this past week, we started painting the interior of the Kingdom Hall in Matthews Ridge and making improvements to the sound system. All those who have come to visit Matthews Ridge were able to help with this work, and it has gone well. So far, we’ve gotten two of the walls painted, built a sound cabinet into the wall in the rear of the auditorium, and routed the wiring from the front of the hall under the floor and up into this new sound box. Over the next few weeks we’re hoping to paint the other two walls and the ceiling of the hall, as well as to hang a large mural painting of the paradise that was painted by Ellie Garner, a sister from America who visited Matthews Ridge at the turn of this past year.

The pictures included with this entry are of the service group getting organized in Arakaka by the cruiser and police station, of painting the inside of the Kingdom Hall, and of Kyle working on the sound cabinet.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Matthews Ridge





This past week has been exciting, as there are many new faces here in Matthews Ridge. A number have come to visit to help out in the ministry and in the congregation. Kyle and Reanna Caldwell are a young couple from Framingham, Massachusetts. Dawn Conti and her two daughters, Jessi and Paige, are from Jamestown, New York. Garrett Wilson is a young brother from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. There are also two young brothers from Washington state, Micah Gillen and Blake Weigum, who have been here for about a month, and are planning to stay here in Matthews Ridge until the middle of September. They’ve been holding down the fort here for the last couple weeks. The rest of us just got into Matthews Ridge in the past week or so and are settling in. We’ve been having a nice time going out in the ministry together and enjoying one another’s association.

Rainy season is nearing its end, but it certainly isn’t over yet, as we’ve had some great rain storms. We had an earthquake here a few nights ago as well. I woke up to everything shaking, but there was no apparent damage. Others said they woke up and realized it was an earthquake too, whereas some said they took it for nothing more than someone just jumping around. Why you would get up in the middle of the night and start jumping up and down I don’t know, but the point being the quake wasn’t anything too extreme. It’s been hot hot here the last few days as well. And so as you can see, we get quite the variety of weather conditions in the interior of Guyana.

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of the visiting brothers and sisters in front of the Kingdom Hall, and of some working in field service.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Jim Newton



It is heart-wrenching to report that on Monday, August 9th, our dear brother Jim Newton lost his battle with cancer and fell asleep in death. What a fine person and a faithful brother Jim was. His love of the truth and his self-sacrificing spirit endeared him to us, and no doubt to his God Jehovah. One would have a hard time finding a more determined and hard-working individual as Jim was. I remember with admiration the way in which Jim would spend long days in the ministry, and not long after returning home, he would be digging or drilling, making repairs to the Kingdom Hall. Jim had a sense of humor and a genuineness that made him an approachable shepherd and a trusted friend. No doubt all of us who knew Jim appreciated what a big heart he had. Jim touched many people’s lives, caring for their needs in such a loving way. Jim never drew attention to himself, but always focused on the work that needed to be done and on the needs of others. Jim died at home at about 9:00pm with his family by his side. We are all deeply saddened and will dearly miss our good friend Jim Newton, but have the confidence that he will be remembered for his faith and fine works. A memorial talk is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday, August 14th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Conewango, New York.

District Convention


“Congregate the people,” Jehovah instructed his ancient people Israel, “the men and the women and the little ones…in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn.” Just as the assemblies of God’s ancient people provided much-needed spiritual instruction and upbuilding association, so too today, the annual assemblies and conventions of God’s people are a source of great joy. The 2010 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, carrying the theme “Remain Close to Jehovah”, was held this past weekend, August 6-8, here in Georgetown, Guyana. 4,000 individuals were on hand for this exciting event! There were so many stirring talks and demonstrations, and to gather together and enjoy the association was outstanding. There were 51 persons baptized on Saturday, including one of the publishers from Matthews Ridge, Shaneiza Waldren. No doubt a fine witness was given throughout the city as Jehovah’s clean people streamed to the convention site at National Park each day. Even the prime minister of Guyana was in attendance with his entourage to benefit and witness first hand the unity of God’s people.

Prior to the convention, many had the privilege of helping to clean and prepare the site for the convention. Food and litter from a previous event that was held at the park was removed, the entire site was swept, the stage was modified, and additional furnishings were constructed to ready the park for the convention. This setup provided a good witness as people observed the cleanliness and orderliness of God’s people, and it was so upbuilding to work along with the brothers and sisters there and enjoy their association!

The pictures included with this entry are of the cleaning and setup for the convention, the crowd at lunch break, and of Shaneiza getting baptized.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

River Preaching
























For quite sometime we have been wanting to go and preach in an area called Falls Top, this is where half the community is on the river. We stopped in Falls Top as it is on the way to Port Kiatuma, We were going to do the Watchtower study in Port Kiatuma. Anyhow we stopped and talked to this guy who owns a shop, we had talked before of how he would one day be willing to take us to preach on the river. It turned out that on this specific day he was able to and willing to take us. Which is really interesting since we had for some reason brought along with us plenty of extra magazines. We talked to many and it took us around 4 or 5 hours to get it all covered. We could of easily stayed longer but we had to make some visits short so we could cover all. It was plenty of excitement since most are Amerindian and understand Carib which is the very language that the "You can be God's Friend" brochure was just translated. How good it was to read to them in there own language, many were so grateful we even got a watermelon at one house. The people were what made the whole trip worth it. We hope to eventually return and take some Bibles to a few who could read well and really wanted to learn of Jehovah. Some had never really even heard anything about the bible before. I spent a few minutes explaining who Jehovah is and why we are imperfect, even having to explain who Adam and Eve are and the Garden of Eden at one house. They listen so attentively it is amazing!

Aside from the preaching was the wonders of Jehovah's creation, we saw an iguana swimming in the river. Many tropical birds and even a small black and white spotted snake. Well that’s all for now, we encourage you to keep up the good work!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Goodbye… Again?























I know in my last posting about myself I had mentioned that I had an appointment with my oncologist on June 23rd and it was my hope that I could get a CT-scan just prior to that so I could have an idea if the things I was doing were having an effect at reversing the cancer. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the doctor to order a CT-scan for me. He said that not enough time has gone by since the last one to give a real indication as to which way things are going. I was able to get him to schedule one in three weeks, on July 14th. I will have a CT-scan and then later in the day I will meet with him to discuss the results.

In the meantime I have been feeling fairly good. I have been trying to ride my bicycle everyday, and where we live there a quite a few hills, so it’s a decent workout. I was lamenting that I couldn’t know what was going on inside me, and my daughter told me that I shouldn’t worry so much about that, but rather should focus on the fact that I was having good days and be happy with that.

As you know from the last posting, Jonathan has had to leave Guyana, and he was the one who had been sending me updates to post up. I am happy to report that Andrew has been kind enough to offer to try and keep things going, so here is his first posting.

Recently we have experienced more changes. Governmental changes has allowed some to stay in Guyana, while for other it has caused them to leave. One of us brothers has just recently left Matthews Ridge due to these changes. It is amazing to stop and think about all that can happen in a short period of time. It is always best to leave things in Jehovah’s hands. We don’t exactly as of now understand how this is going to impact the work of foreign ones coming to serve in Guyana. Keep us in your prayers

Jonathon Brewster has left. He was the one keeping up the recent blog entries this far. I thought I would spend a little bit of time telling you about “Brother Bruce” or “John-O” as some would call him. He came to serve in Guyana for as long as his money would carry him. He also greatly encouraged the work and focused on his assignment here in Matthew’s Ridge. What a privilege it has been serve side by side our brothers wherever we find ourselves. Its funny we would always talk about how we don’t know what to talk about on the blog. He probably expected me to write about him. If things work out he may come back. Keep up the good work. We hope all continue to put Jehovah first in your life, especially you young ones.

We are still on rainy season. It is crazy when it starts raining, its like sometimes it does not want to stop. In the carib language you would say: “Konopo tashu’re” It means “rain fall heavy”. It makes getting around messy, but at the same time lots of fun. I also enjoy how everything is able to grow and be so green. We have also had some more greens and vegetables in our diet, which is always good. All thanks to Jehovah in our rain forest home. (Ps 65:9,10) Anyway that is all for now. Your pictures are of Jonathon and the roads after the rain. -Andrew

Friday, June 18, 2010

Jonathan's last post from Guyana (for now)



Rainy season continues here in Matthews Ridge, giving us a good amount of rain on a regular basis. When the rain does come, though, it usually doesn’t last too long, and so it is usually just a good time for a little break.

Last Tuesday Evelyn Daniels, the Bible student mentioned in the last entry, was buried. About 60 people came for the talk and burial. A number of scriptures explaining the truth about death that the Bible teaches were presented, and a good witness was given. It was my first time attending a Guyanese burial, and it was quite interesting. They brought the coffin to someone’s house that lives right next to the burial ground. There they opened the coffin, which they put on top of two bottle crates, for viewing the body. Then we went over to the burial site, where they lowered the coffin into the ground. Well, almost. They lowered the coffin down to almost the bottom, and realized the hole wasn't quite long enough in one spot. And so they had to hoist it back up and a boy jumped down in the hole and dug it a little longer. Once the coffin who resting on the bottom, they started filling the dirt back. One of the local burial customs here that is that after the coffin is lowered, most people come over and pick up a handful of dirt and throw it in. Then a crew of men takes turns digging all the dirt back into the hole.

Some interesting developments have taken place here regarding the process through which the Guyanese government grants visas to foreign volunteers. The Ministry of Home Affairs has told the brothers at the Branch Office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Guyana that they can only sponsor 50 volunteers to stay long-term, which means more than three months. Andrew, and Tyler and Cheri, were happy to be among those sponsored by the branch office. I was not sponsored, but there are other options those who are not sponsored can take, and so I look forward to seeing how things will develop in the coming weeks and months. On Tuesday I flew to Georgetown, on my way out of Guyana. Tuesday night I was able to attend a meeting with the Soesdyke congregation which meets in Pearl, a village south of Georgetown. Our circuit overseer, Leon Stevens, is serving that congregation this week. After the meeting, he talked to me a bit about the situation with the new law. I found encouraging a scripture he read to me, Proverbs 21:1, which reads: “A king’s heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it.” Br. Stevens encouraged me to trust in Jehovah and be confident that he will work things out in the way he sees fit. The expansion of the good news despite various hindrances from human governments is certainly a faith-strengthening thing to see!

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of Tyler studying with a boy named Bobnesta, and of Cheri helping with the read and write class after the Sunday meeting.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Same country, different place





















I recently received a letter from a family I had met at the Special Assembly Day I had attended in Georgetown back in March. They had just arrived from England and were feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything. I had commended them on their decision to come and serve in Guyana, and encouraged them to really focus on their ministry, since that is where they would get their greatest joy and encouragement.

I just thought you might enjoy hearing about how things have been going for them and seeing the way they have been receptive to the leadings of Jehovah's spirit and the way that spirit can open doors. After I read this, I emailed the brother to ask his permission to share this with everyone, and I am also including his reply, as well as a picture of the family. Hopefully this may encourage others to 'Step over into Guyana'

Dear All,
hope everyone is well, we are all fine. We have been having plenty of rain, torrential at times and it can last all day. We have been looking for a house for the last few weeks, there doesn't seem to be any happy medium the houses are either too basic with outside toilet and no electricity or bigger houses that the owner wants an extortionate rent for.

Last weekend we went to Wakenaam (an island in the Essequibo river), it is a 45 minute bus ride to the port at Parika, then 15 minutes on a speedboat to Wakenaam. Kevin gave the public talk and after the meeting we helped the bro's to putty the ceiling in the kingdom hall. There is a special pioneer couple there, he is the only elder in the congregation and the only ministerial servant is leaving this Monday to return to Canada to work in preparation for his forthcoming wedding. While we were there we were told of two houses both furnished, one was for rent for $8,000 ($40US) per month and which is available from this Monday. So in view of having difficulties in finding adequate housing in our current cong and with there being a greater need in Wakenaam, as the Bouches are back from the UK and the other elder in our cong is back in four weeks (also 4 ministerial servants) we have decided to move to Wakenaam. We know it will have its challenges as it is more isolated and the cong is smaller than we have ever been used to (20 publishers) but the ministry is as expected excellent. At this moment experiencing mixed emotions because we have made so many good friends here, the bro's have been great. It seems where ever you go in Guyana there is a need, just greater in some places.

We went boat witnessing on Monday for the day, it was really enjoyable, everyone is receptive. I (Abi) had a lovely experience we were witnessing a few miles up a creek, where a lady was waiting for us as we pulled up in the boat, her nephew from further up the river had told her we were coming. She was so pleased to see us , she explained 12yrs previous she had been studying and regularly attending the kingdom hall, but the family moved to this remote area along the Essequibo river and she had had no contact with the witnesses since, she welcomed us into the house, when we were leaving she asked when we would be able to come back and study with her. We gave her the number of the special pioneer couple because she doesn't have a phone, so when her daughter came home she would call the bro and they could arrange to return. At the most the bro's could only return once a month because of the expense in running the boat, so we are hoping to be able to assist the bro's with the boat witnessing when we move.

We live quite close to the Branch so we are fortunate as a cong to be invited to go and work at the Branch every so often.We went last week and had a lovely day cleaning and gardening, like all the Bethel's it is kept immaculately clean and well looked after. Jehovah's blessing to you all, all our love Abi, Kevin,Sean & Liam

Dear Jim & Terri,
thank you for your words of encouragement they will spur us on in our move this weekend. We remember you very well, we can't forget someone like yourselves who have such a self-sacrificing spirit and love for Jehovah.

We were so sad to hear your news and hope the alternative treatments help but we know you have the greatest source of assistance in Jehovah. Your experiences here in Guyana have surely equipped you for whatever this life can throw at us.
After only 3 months we can see how Guyana gets into your blood, we would love to see you back in Guyana and meet up at some time.

The pioneer couple in Wakenaam is Jason & Meena Greene from Canada. We are novices here so if you can think of any advice or suggestions that could help us please let us know, we value your wealth of experience and remember your advice you gave to us when we met, just concentrate on the ministry. We are happy for you to use the experience we had and hopefully like you say more will be encouraged to see the need and respond.
Lots of love from your fellow workers in Guyana Kevin, Abi, Sean & Liam

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New tools






















Things are going along well here in Matthews Ridge. This past Wednesday, Andrew and Eno went to Port Kaituma to hold the group study of the Watchtower with interested ones there. From what they said, it sounds like the roads weren’t too bad. And so their trip there and back went well. Andrew told me how Eno had brought along some tracts, and had opportunity to place at least one out with a young man he met there. It’s been very encouraging to see this young man’s zealous spirit in the ministry!

Tyler and Cheri Ryter have been settling in here, and it’s been nice that they have been able to help us out with caring for some of the Bible studies here. They’ve also enjoyed developing some calls of their own.

On a sad note, one of the Bible students here named Evelyn Daniels passed away this past Monday at the age of 63. She had been in and out of the hospital here in Matthews Ridge, and had just flown to Georgetown a few days before to seek medical attention. She was a good Bible student and regularly attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall. To attend these meetings, she regularly walked an hour or so each way, and part of that through the bush. We will miss the cheerful and determined spirit she showed.

Something that has been a cause for much excitement here has been being able to use the brochure “You Can Be God’s Friend!” and the tract “Would You Like to Know the Truth?” printed in Carib, the local Amerindian language. It was released not long ago. Carib formerly was only a spoken language. This means that even those who can speak it cannot necessarily read it. I’ve found, though, that those who speak Carib and read English can, with a bit of help, begin to read in Carib. Even for Carib-speakers who cannot read Carib, it is such a joy to read to them truths from the Bible in their native language. Andrew has put quite a bit of time and effort into striving to learn not only the vocabulary, but also the grammar of the language. His determination has even motivated me to try to learn a bit here and there, so that now I’ve enjoyed reading from the Carib brochure to a number of Carib-speakers who I study the Bible with. The expansion of the Kingdom preaching work to reach people of all languages certainly is a exciting thing to see!

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of Evelyn Daniels and of Andrew reading a tract written in Carib to some in Baramita.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The latest from both ends






















It has been a while since I reported on my condition, and I know a number have expressed a desire to know how things are going. So before I pass along the latest from Jonathan, I will share with you what has been happening with me.

As of my last report, I was supposed to go for another session of chemo using different drugs. The day before I was supposed to go, I decided I should read the sheets the doctor had given me about the drugs they were going to use. One of them had the statement that this drug is know to cause other types of cancer, if this concerns you, you should discuss it with your doctor. I figured the reason the doctor was using it was because he figured I’d be dead before enough time passed to allow other types of cancer to develop. That got me to thinking about the whole idea behind the chemo, namely to ‘give me a little more time’. The treatment held out no hope for a cure, eventually I would die. Maybe ten months, maybe two years, and there was a 50% chance that it would have no positive effect at all.

As opposed to many different alternative treatments which spoke of cures. I just felt that if I was going to pursue a course of treatment, I would rather choose one that held out hope. Another way to look at it was, what did I have to lose, if I chose chemo, I knew I was going to die. I was worried what the doctor would say when I told him I didn’t want to continue with the chemo at this point. I was very surprised when he told me, “I am your doctor, I am here to do whatever I can to help you.” So I made an appointment to see him in five weeks, at which point he will probably order another CT-scan to evaluate the cancer.

A few days ago I had an appointment with a doctor who does alternative treatments. He mentioned he was impressed with the things that we have been doing. He offered some additional supplements that he thought would be helpful. He made it a point a few times to tell me that my condition was reversible. That was quite a bit different view than my oncologist has. Other than considerable pain from my j-tube, I am doing quite well. I remarked to Terri that my biggest problems have been associated with things the doctors have done.

So my next mile stone will be my appointment on June 23rd. Now here’s the latest from Jonathan.

This past week here in Matthews Ridge was exciting, as we had some new publishers working with us in the ministry.

One of these was Eno David, one of the local Bible students. Eno has been studying and attending meetings for quite some time now, and has been doing well with his assignments on the Theocratic Ministry School. Eno went out for the first time in the ministry this past Saturday. He did some doors, leaving tracts with the residents, and also read some scriptures when others handled the door. Although he is soft-spoken, he showed much courage and enthusiasm right from the start. Eno will be announced as a new publisher when he turns in his field service report at the end of this month. We are happy to see his theocratic progress, and are glad to have his help in the ministry.

It was also very exciting to have the arrival of a couple from Canada doing need-greater work here in Guyana, Tyler and Cheri Ryder. Tyler and Cheri have been back and forth to Guyana over the last 5 years, and were most recently helping out in Moruca, which is also located in the north-west district of Guyana. The branch office asked them to move over here to Matthews Ridge, which they did on Monday. The past few days they have been settling in, getting to know the local publishers, and accompanying us on some of the Bible studies. We are very glad to have their help, and we are looking forward to working with them.

One of the doors Tyler and Cheri called at on Wednesday in the door-to-door ministry was the home of the pastor of the Church of Christ here in Matthews Ridge. This man usually is not especially friendly, and doesn’t usually talk with us when we work his street. However, this man has family who are Witnesses of Jehovah in Moruca, the area the Ryders came from. And so they gaffed with him for a bit about his family, and afterward were able to share some scriptures with him and also leave him some literature to read. And so we were happy to see this nice response that came from having some common ground.

The rainy season continues on here. And so there is no shortage of water. On the other hand, the roads can be muddy and hard to travel. But there’s always good and bad to every situation, and so right now we’re glad to have plenty of water.

The pictures included with this entry are of some brothers and sisters walking home after attending one of the meetings at the Kingdom Hall, and of one of the Bible student named Kearon and two of his boys.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

CO visit




This past week in Matthews Ridge we had the visit of our circuit overseer, Br. Leon Stevens, and his wife, Eulita. We had a great time with them, getting to know them better and working with them in the ministry. Leon and Eulita stayed next door to Andrew and me, in the other apartment in the Kindom Hall. Andrew and I both were able to take Leon with us on some of our Bible studies, and Eulita accompanied some of the sisters on their studies.

It was so nice to hear about how the Stevens grew up, the assignments they’ve had thus far, and some of the good experiences they’ve had during these. Leon grew up in Georgetown, and Eulita grew up in Kwakwani, which is in the Berbice region in the east of Guyana. One thing that Leon encouraged us to continue doing, no matter what the situation is, is to express to Jehovah always our thoughts and concerns. He related to us how when he was growing up in Georgetown, there were so many brothers that, in the way of assignments, he had a Bible reading once every couple months. And so he prayed to Jehovah continually for more work. In time he was appointed as an elder, and he kept having more work to do. Time went by, and he was invited to apply to be a Special Pioneer. And then later on he and Eulita were asked to go into the traveling work, first temporarily, and eventually full-time. He said he has seen Jehovah answer so many prayers, including his prayers for more work. And so he encouraged us that, whatever our concern is, to be sure to put it in prayer to Jehovah, confident of His hearing ear.

We had our additional congregation meeting late on Thursday afternoon. It was well attended, as was the Sunday meeting, at which there was 95 in attendance. We were very appreciative of Br. Stevens fine counsel and advice, helping Andrew and I to see how we could better care for the group and carry out the ministry here in Matthews Ridge. To that end, Br. Stevens encouraged us never to neglect our personal study, but instead to apply Paul’s counsel to Timothy, to “ponder over these things; be absorbed in them”, and to “pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching.” Monday had quite the rainy morning, but eventually the plane came from Georgetown, and the Stevens headed out to their next assignment.

The pictures included with this entry are of Leon and Eulita with Andrew and myself, and of Leon with one of the Bible students, Neil Gaskin.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Baramita SAD




This past week in Matthews Ridge was a busy one. Last Wednesday we had a nice congregation cleanup after morning service. The morning started out quite rainy. I was still going to try to make it out to Port Kaituma to conduct the group Watchtower study there if it wasn’t raining out that side. As I went to fill up the motorbike with gas, though, the shop owner told me that he had heard over the radio that it was raining in Kaituma too. And seeing that the road out Kaituma side isn’t very good, I decided it was better to hold off on trying to make the trip. In the afternoon the sun came out and, as was mentioned, we we’re able to clean the Kingdom Hall, as well as do some yard work. There was quite a good turn out for the cleanup, and we all had a good time working together.

The close of last week on into the weekend was even more busy and exciting as we prepared for and attended the Special Assembly Day in Baramita. We were able to hire two cruisers to take the group of 19 of us from Matthews Ridge to where the road to Baramita ends. A crew of workers has been working on extending the road toward Baramita, and much progress has been made. Last year we had to walk about 6-7 hours from where the truck dropped us off, which was at the start of the bush line. But this year, we took a cruiser on the big road as far as it has been extended so far. The road was quite muddy towards the end of where it finished, making for a very interesting ride. From where the cruisers dropped us all off, it took us less than 2 hours to walk across to Baramita.

We arrived in Baramita just before 2:00 in the afternoon. 12 of the women who went stayed in the school which was made available to them. Andrew and myself, as well as two other young men that went, stayed inside a small building owned by one of the brothers in Baramita. On Saturday we prepared for the assembly the next day, which draws a larger group than is usually present for congregation meetings there, by putting together expanded seating sections on the sides of the hall. We walked out to a brother’s house in the bush and carried back wooden planks and beams. These, together with some stumps, paulins (as they refer to tarpaulins here), and ropes, provided fine additional seating. This consisted of a grid of stumps with planks laid across, and a cover tied overheard. Later that day, one of the local brothers handed me a stack of papers and a small note with the words “Moro kuri’chakon oinyo’po asipya tiweiyepa ma” written on it. He said it was the theme of the assembly written in Carib, and the stack of papers was this theme printed out in large characters. He wanted me to arrange these large printed words together and affix them to a board fastened by the stage, as this would be the posted theme of the assembly program. Not being too familiar with Carib, this seemed a bit intimidating at first, but I ended up really enjoying this assignment.

The assembly’s stirring theme was “The Time Left Is Reduced”. The assembly was presented in the Carib language, although many portions of it were presented in English first, and then translated. The program was so upbuilding. The instruction given in the manner it was truly was an expression of Jehovah’s loving concern for people “of all…tongues”. On Monday morning 18 of us from Matthews Ridge, along with Leon and Eulita Stevens, the circuit overseer and his wife, made it across to Matthews Ridge in 3 plane shuttles. And so following that uplifting assembly program, we are looking forward to an exciting week of activity here in Ridge with the visit of the Stevens.

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of the assembly in progress, and of the group from Matthews Ridge at the assembly.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Personal Update

I have yet to receive an update from Jonathan and I know many regularly check for updates of the blog, so I have decided to post up the latest things with me, as well as a few things that I have heard from the Ridge. I expect soon to get another update from Jonathan and will post it up as soon as I can.

After much deliberation, I decided I would try the chemotherapy that the doctors were encouraging. The plan called for four treatments, one every other week. After the fourth treatment, they would do a new CT scan to evaluate the effect of the chemo. I had asked the doctor about doing some alternative treatments to try to assist the chemo, but his response was they didn’t recommend that as it just added more unknowns to the mix. After much study and prayer, I decided that I would do what I thought would be best for me. So I also have been taking a number of supplements to try to enhance my immune system.

Last Wednesday, I went in for my first treatment. The day before, I had gone for a new CT scan to provide a good baseline to compare with after the chemo. The doctor mentioned that my stomach has greatly shrunk, so the tumor was clearly visible, giving a good indication for future comparisons. I also had a mediport implanted to allow them to easily infuse the chemo treatments.

Wednesday’s treatment consisted of a two hour infusion of one drug and then they hooked up a small pump which would continue to infuse a small amount of a second drug over the next 46 hours. After which, a home health care worker would come to our house to disconnect the pump.
At first, everything seemed to be going well. I went home that evening and even ate supper. But then about 2:30 AM on Thursday, I woke up and vomited. I continued to vomit all day Thursday and on into Friday. They had given me a prescription for nausea, but it seemed to do no good. Finally, about noon on Friday, we were told to return to the hospital to allow them to evaluate my condition. Because I was so dehydrated from all the vomiting, they decided to readmit me, and I spent the next three days in the hospital. I think partly due to the fact that it was a weekend and not a lot happens on the weekend in a hospital.

One thing that concerned them was that some of my cardiac enzymes showed abnormalities, and they were concerned that I might have suffered a mild heart attack. Further tests indicated that that had not happened, but they discovered that my heart was not functioning completely normal. They seemed to think it may have been a reaction to one of the drugs that had been used for the chemo, so they were recommending that that drug be discontinued.

I spoke to the oncologist before leaving the hospital on Monday. He said that in view of what had happened, they were going to change the drugs they were using. The new regimen calls for a treatment once a week for two weeks, and then a week off, followed by another treatment. The new drugs will be infused over a five hour period, but there will be no pump to have to take home.

So now I am back home. I have been able to discontinue the anti-nausea medicine, and I haven’t vomited since coming home. However I have no real desire to eat anything, but I have been forcing myself to eat some, and it all stays down. Eating isn’t that critical since I also have a feeding tube through which I am able to get over 2000 calories a day. In fact, I have put on about 10-12 pounds from my lightest weight.

On another positive note, Sunday May 2nd, I had the privilege of giving the Public Talk at our Kingdom Hall. Another local brother had been scheduled to give the talk and he called me Friday evening to say he was thinking that if I would like to give the talk, he would be happy to let me. I had been thinking of speaking to the Talk Coordinator to see if there were any opening on the up coming schedule, but was concerned that I really couldn’t know how I would be feeling in the future. So when the brother offered me the chance now, while it was a little short notice, I felt confident that I was up to it. So I told him that if it was OK with the rest of the brothers, I would be happy to give the talk. I gave a new outline that I had given shortly before leaving Guyana, it was entitled, “Where can you turn in times of distress?”. I must say it had a little more meaning for me when I gave it this time.

Once again, I want to express my gratitude for all the expressions of concern and support we have received from all over, along with all the prayers I know are being offered. I recently received an email from a sister in Germany who has been keeping up with the blog. It truly is a blessing to be a part of a world-wide brotherhood, and it clearly demonstrates Jehovah’s love and support for his people.

Here’s a few things I can share from Matthew’s Ridge. A nice group went across to Baramita for the Special Assembly Day program. This time in only involved about an hour and a half walk, due to the continued work on the road. This week the circuit Overseer is at Matthew’s Ridge. I am sure that will be a real blessing for everyone, and he will be able to offer much encouragement and direction to the brothers serving there.

I continue to get phone calls from a study, Ivon, from Matthew’s Ridge. She and her man, Kiron, continue to make wonderful progress. She mentioned they have started a program of reading a chapter from the bible together each day. Kiron had been studying with Andrew twice a week, but recently Andrew told him that he already knew so much (he had been raised as a witness) that there was no need to study twice a week, so it was reduced to a weekly study.

I would ask that while I appreciate all the prayers that are being offered for me, you continue to have the work and the people at Matthew’s Ridge the main focus of your prayers.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Assembly Preparations




This past week I was talking to two of the local baptized publishers here in Matthews Ridge named Doris and Stephanie while in field service. They told me that last weekend when we all stayed over in Port Kaituma on our way to the assembly in Mabaruma, they spent the afternoon preaching there. They said they placed all the magazines they had with them. They said they spoke to many who showed an interest. I found it encouraging to know that even en route to the assembly, they were in that frame of mind and conscious of the opportunity to preach in that area that does not get worked door-to-door routinely.



One woman here in Matthews Ridge who is a Bible student named Claudia made some comments this past week that I thought really meant a lot. She was telling me during our Bible study about some of the difficulties she has faced in her life. She went on to say that as she has drawn closer to Jehovah, she has learned to rely on Him to deal with these same difficulties that she even still faces, instead of herself. She said there have been many times when she wasn’t sure how her family was going to have enough to eat, but she did what she could to provide by growing some food in a little farm she has, and she has learned to trust in Jehovah. Claudia has been regular at the meetings and continues to do very well with her study.



On Wednesday, Andrew and one of the Bible students here, Eno, went across to Baramita to make arrangements for a group from Matthews Ridge to come for the Special Assembly Day that is to be held there on May 9. It is helpful to actually walk across to Baramita to do this because there is no phone or internet in Baramita. The only means of communication is by radio, which I attempted to use at one of the shops to let the brothers know to look out for Andrew and Eno. This was my first experience trying to communicate through this means, and I quickly learned just how confusing it can be. Although communicating through this means is possible, actually walking across and talking to the brothers in person cuts down on confusion. It also provides a nice opportunity for an interchange of encouragement and to let each other know of the progress being made in the different areas. Although the Special Assembly Day program was just held in Mabaruma as was mentioned, the assembly in Baramita is translated into the local Amerindian language, Carib. There are a number of individuals here in Ridge who understand Carib better than English, and so this is of great benefit to them. Additionally, attending the assembly in Baramita provides an opportunity to attend to those who may not be up to paying for the more extensive transportation needed to get to Mabaruma. And so Andrew and Eno made it to Baramita and back safely, and were able to make rooming and other necessary arrangements. And so we’re looking forward with anticipation to attending the assembly next week.



The pictures included with this weeks entry are of Andrew and Eno as they departed on their journey to Baramita on Wednesday, and of some local children with a small animal hunted for bush meat here called “Akuru”(that’s my closest approximation of what it’s actually called).

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Goodbyes and Assembly






This past week here in Matthews Ridge there were more goodbyes to be said as Aletha Walters and Justina Baker flew out of Matthews Ridge, after coming to help here for about the last two months. Aletha and Justina seemed to really enjoy their time here in Matthews Ridge, and we are certainly grateful for all their hard work. Aletha and Justina both cared for a number of Bible studies, and we really appreciated their good company and all their help at the congregation meetings.

This past Saturday, April 24, was the day of the Special Assembly Day in Mabaruma. A group of 19 from Matthews Ridge, as well as 9 more from Port Kaituma, attended the assembly. We had such an enjoyable time! To be gathered with many brothers and sisters we don’t get to see as often, for this special day of instruction, was truly refreshing. We hired a bus from Matthews Ridge to take us to Port Kaituma, about 30 miles away, where we then get on a boat to go to Mabaruma, which is about 30 additional miles from that point. The bus driver told us that he needed to make a repair to the bus in the morning, and that we’ll plan to leave at 11:00am on Friday. However, at about 9:30am, we heard over the radio at one of the shops that this bus had been seen on the side of the road still being repaired, and we still had not seen any sign of it by 11:00. And so I went into the market area to see if I could find a next bus to carry us. There was only one other bus in Ridge at that time, but the driver of that bus agreed to carry us to Kaituma. It was quite the interesting hour and a half ride to Kaituma. Something in the undercarriage of the bus was obviously busted, making the floor of the bus we were sitting on burning hot. About half way, it starting pouring rain, and as the water splashed up under the bus, the whole bus filled with a lovely steam/smoke mixture. Nothing too serious went wrong until at last we pulled into Port Kaituma, after which a belt suddenly broke and some other mechanical compartment started smoking. We were happy to have reached Kaituma safely, though. We stayed in Port Kaituma that night, and then early Saturday morning we all met at the waterfront to get on the boat to Mabaruma. And so at 6:00am we departed on the boat for Mabaruma. It took us about an hour and a half to reach, and so we arrived in the market area of Mabaruma, called Kamaka, at about 7:40am. The assembly didn’t start until 9:40, and so we had some time to get a little snack and admire the caged sloths in Kamaka. Then we all piled into a bus in Kamaka, which carried us down to the Kingdom Hall. The assembly program, with the theme “The Time Left Is Reduced”, was wonderful. There were 81 in attendance at the assembly. The brothers and sisters there in Mabaruma prepared a noontime meal for all in attendance to eat at the break. It consisted of cookup (rice cooked in coconut water) with meat, and channa (a type of cooked beans), all of which was delicious. After the program we took a bus back to Kamaka, where we boarded the boat to go back to Port Kaituma. We left Mabaruma on the boat at about 5:00pm, and got back to Port Kaituma at about 6:30pm. We then got on a bus which we had hired the evening before, at about 7:30pm, and headed back to Matthews Ridge.

There were times while trying to make arrangements to go to the assembly that we just weren’t sure exactly how things would out, but we could see Jehovah’s blessing on the efforts we made to be present. One of the parts on the program emphasized the importance of the family worship evening. The next day at the Sunday meeting, one couple named Keron and Yvonne, who have started studying and attending meetings fairly recently, asked us which publication we think would be best for them to study with their 6 children as part of the family worship evening that they’re planning to start right away. This is just one of the expressions made that helped me to see that the group really benefited from attending this assembly. To see Jehovah’s happy, clean people at assemblies such as this one always brings to my mind the scripture at Psalm 89: 15,16: “Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting…In your name they are joyful all day long”.

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of Aletha and Justina, and of the group boarding the boat in Port Kaituma the morning of the assembly.

Monday, April 19, 2010

The latest update






I apologize for being a little slow on getting this post up. Jonathan didn’t get his to me until yesterday. I had thought of just posting up an update on my situation, but couldn’t get motivated to have to share less than good news.

When they went to do the surgery last Monday, they found a large tumor that had involved my pyloric valve, part of my pancreas, as well as some of my colon. They also saw some nodules in my pareneal cavity and they sectioned on of them and they were also cancer. Therefore, they merely performed gastric bypass surgery to try to allow me to start eating again, and they are recommending chemotherapy once I get my strength back. So we are trying to consider all the possible treatments to pursue and praying for wisdom in making a right decision.

I have been very encouraged by all the cards and emails we have received from friends from all over. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. What a privilege to be part of the brotherhood. Here’s this week’s report from Matthew’s Ridge

During the past week or so here in Matthews Ridge, we’ve been trying to make arrangements to attend the Special Assembly Day in Mabaruma on April 24. We’ve been talking with all who have expressed an interest in attending to get a count of many will be making the trip. I traveled to Port Kaituma on Wednesday to conduct a group Bible study, and while there I talked with a couple of the boat captains to see about the details of hiring a boat. And so arrangements relating to attending the assembly have been going smoothly. And although anything here relating to travel and being somewhere far at a certain time can be hard to nail down, we know that Jehovah will bless our efforts to attend this special day of instruction from Him.

From reading past blog entries, you may be familiar with a young man here named Eno, who has been a solid Bible student for some time. He had to make an interesting decision this past week, and seeing his trust in Jehovah in making this decision really encouraged me. For a while now, conditions at the place where Eno lives have made it a real challenge for him to focus on his service to Jehovah. He has said how on a number of occasions there have been relatives or friends of the family that beat him, try to get him drunk, or try to get him to engage in sexual immorality. Although he is only 14, he said he has been thinking much about and praying to Jehovah about trying to move to somewhere where there will not be so much pressure and temptation to do wrong. He said that his family told him that if he tries to leave, they would send the police after him. However, this past week he decided it was time to leave. He came and told us he feels that he has to get out right now, but he is nervous about doing so. We told him that no one can make this decision except him, but we encouraged him to rely on Jehovah and be confident of Jehovah’s blessing on his efforts to safeguard his spirituality. I had just finished reading the second part of the question box on pages 22-23 of the February 15th study edition of the Watchtower the evening before while I was waiting for someone. And so as Eno and I were talking, this came to mind, and I went and got it and shared a few points from it with him. That afternoon Eno moved to another location. He told me that he knows life won’t be as easy as it was before, but he said that living somewhere that will help him to serve Jehovah faithfully is all that matters to him.
One of the Bible students here in Matthews Ridge who attends meetings regularly brought one of her family members with her to the meeting this past weekend. He said it was the first time he had been to a religious service in almost a decade, but he said that he really enjoyed it. Andrew, who studies with the Bible student mentioned at first, said he is going to try to fit this man into his weekly schedule of Bible studies. I always find it encouraging to see ones who come away from a next church feeling malnourished spiritually, or who feel dissatisfied with religion altogether, experiencing the joy and contentment that come from being taught real truth from Jehovah.

The pictures included with this week's entry are of the need-greaters currently here in Matthews Ridge at our family study (from left to right: Jonathan, Andrew, Justina, Aletha), and of a tree stand out in the bush used for hunting that I saw on the way to some Bible studies.