After careful planning and consultation, Kingsley Mather, Caribbean pastor, and Maxwell Victor, a faithful deacon from Dominica, arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, on Jan. 15 and 16.

Rain delayed their flight to Lethem, Rupununi, but they arrived in bright sunshine on the 17th and were met by Gary Atkinson and Clyde Chinian.

Shortly after lunch on Thursday, Jan. 18, the team left for the first visit to the brethren in the north. The 80-mile journey brought them to the village of Wowetta around 2:30 p.m. They first stopped at the home of Mary Torres, one of the members that Arnold Hampton baptized in February 2001. Then the group went to the home of Mrs. Torres' daughter, Judith Moses, where an interactive Bible study was held. There were 15 in attendance.

Mr. Mather covered several Bible examples of faith, then brethren shared some inspiring stories of God's interventions in their lives. The driver, who is a Good News subscriber, also shared a remarkable story of the power of prayer.

All present were enlightened by the study and hoped it would bolster their faith in the living God. Mr. Mather anointed several persons. That evening the party traveled back to the Savannah Inn in Lethem.

The following day, Friday, Jan. 19, the party left for south Rupununi. The trail was very rough. Along the way the driver displayed his shooting skill by "taking out" a duck with his rifle.

The visitors arrived in Aishalton very tired and checked into the government-run Guest House. Later they shared a meal with the Atkinson family and returned to the Guest House for a Bible study. Nineteen adults and children assembled for the meeting, which was interactive and dealt with God's Holy Days. The management informed the group that lights would go off at 9 p.m., so everyone left for home. Later Mr. Mather had to turn off the lights himself! If he had known, the study could have continued a little longer.

The following morning 17 adults and children piled into the rented pickup and left for Awarewaunau, 20 miles away, to attend Sabbath services with the brethren in that village. It was also special for member Eustace Rodriguez, who turned 85 years old that day. It was a beautiful day and services were held in a spacious and beautiful hall, provided free of charge by the village chief.

The attendance was a shocking 56 adults and children who gave praise to the Eternal for all His blessings. The group included members from two other Church of God groups as well as other persons from the village. The attendance was almost double what was expected.

Maxwell Victor gave the sermonette on "Fire Prevention" and Kingsley Mather gave the sermon on "The Importance of Organizing Your Prayers." The messages were greatly appreciated by all.

After services the group enjoyed a delicious lunch and fellowshipped. Brethren also congratulated Mr. Rodriguez on his 85th birthday. He really appreciated the visit of the elder and deacon. The visitors were pleased at all they saw and many ideas were exchanged on the possible future of the Church in this area.

On Sunday the group left for the 90-mile, five-hour return trip to Lethem. It was a hot, dusty but much quieter trip. On Monday the two visitors returned to Georgetown.

All in all, it was a rewarding trip. Plans are underway to have the Church registered in Guyana. Brethren would appreciate your prayers in this regard. They also request your prayers that transportation difficulties that brethren and the general population face in the Rupununi will be eased. This would also make it less costly and easier for pastors and others to visit the Rupununi Church family.

Mr. Mather spent two days in Georgetown and met five enthusiastic Good News subscribers. The young people asked many questions and requested guidance in dealing with many problems they face in Guyana. UN