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
