2006 trip to Guyana

By Joe Korpan - Team Leader

Trip length - July 28 to Aug.11, 2006

Team members - Heidi Cook, Kayla Cook, Ryan Myers, Jasmin Doub (Newbury), and Rebecca Clark (Newbury)

This trip was nothing like any other trip I'd been on.  This was the most rewarding, the most emotional, the most spiritual, and the most interesting all wrapped up in one.   Pastor Lalo wanted us to see the "big picture" of what's happening in Guyana, and what his church is doing.   We certainly saw this.  His church and congregation is involved nearly everyday with serving the poor of the area and growing the church.   He indicated a number of times during conversations that he built the church on the book of Acts, and I can see that they're doing all they possibly can considering the poverty in and around the congregation.  They are very poor by our standards, but they are definitely happier than us.   The church appears to be their life.   Everything that occurs is based around the church.   It is number one in their lives, at all ages.  The women come to work, fellowship, meetings, choir practice, etc.  The children come to play, bible study, choir practice, etc.   Everyone we met loved Pastor Lalo and wanted to spend time with him.   Wherever we travelled, there was someone who knew and respected Pastor Lalo - eg., Canadian Embassy, Guyana Airport Customs. 

In general, we had meals together as a group, prepared by Jennifer and / or Pastor Lalo's wife Pauline.  We were fed well.   Each day began by 6:30 am.  Every day we did devotions as a group, taking turns throughout our stay.  Then each night we wrapped up with a "roundtable" chat about the day (just the 6 of us) - sharing what we liked, what bothered us, etc., whatever we wanted to share.   Many nights Pastor Lalo stayed and visited with us after dinner and it was like having our own bible study or sermon right there.   We had no access to TV or radio while there. 

The following are highlights of  the 2 weeks in Guyana.   For more details, consider talking to one of the team members about their experiences.  

•  2 ½ hr church service (place was packed)
•  prayer ministry at hospital
•  youth bible study in evening
•  work at new church site in the mornings - on the foundation and painting/decorating some of the rooms at the Children's Church building.
•  help with food programme, cooking as needed and boxing up when cooked and delivery on several occasions.. Approx 280 boxed meals are given out each time to children, or adults with children that Pastor knew
•  prepared and led/taught children's church.
•  trip to the interior and shared in a wedding and worship service

   Thank-you for your continued support of short-term missions.  We are privileged to be ambassadors of Christ for you in Guyana.