July 11, 2008

The church in Rose Hall-Williamsburg was established during a mission effort in 1991 when a tent revival was held in that town. Since then a group of Christians, committed to seeing the congregation grow into maturity, has participated in a mission effort every summer for that purpose. Brad Brumley, (dean of students at Freed-Hardeman University during the seventies), who was part of that first mission, saw that many of the churches in Guyana flourished and then died because of lack of maturity. He did not want to see that happen and committed himself to that work and looked for others who would carry on the work after he was gone until the church was able to stand on their own. Rick and I cannot remember how many years we have gone on the mission but we believe it is either six of seven years. When we first started going to Rose Hall the church was full of jealousy and bickering. Much of the time that we spent there was trying to sooth feelings. Now the mission is focused on Christian maturity and leadership.
Every year before we go we make a plan as how we are to conduct the mission full knowing that everything will change when we get there. We will conduct adult Bible classes with classes for the children during the day. In the late afternoon we will have an assembly for the larger group. The afternoons will be spent encouraging members, Bible study with non Christians, and Bible class preparation for the following day. The last Saturday afternoon will be spent with the Americans preparing a meal for the Guyanese (not nearly as simple as it may seem).
We have a smaller mission team this year than we have had in the past. There are five of us but all seasoned and mature in Christ. Although the group is small and we would like to have a larger group God always seems to have a plan and know what is needed. This year's group consists of Steve and Cindy Yarberry from Forrest City. Vicki Seniker from outside of St Louis, and Rick and me. Steve is also the preacher in Marianna, AR. We ask you to pray that God's will be done and that the church will be strengthened and will grow.