Guyana, South America

Successes of 2006

Muisc Education Program

The current Music Education Program was initiated in 1999 by Vicki Smith, Director of Music Ministries here at Fellowship Lutheran Church. We have now had 10 different music teachers (7 directly from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN) in Guyana for 2-3 months for teaching. During January 31-February 7 Vicki Smith and Dr. Linda Berger, Associate Professor of Music, St. Olaf College) were in Guyana to review the music program and conduct interviews with community musicians and leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana. Through these interviews we have started to map out future plans for the Music Education Program. A new 3 octave hand chime set has been delivered and will be used to teach music reading skills, starting at Ascension Parish (Georgetown) under the teaching and direction of Pastor Richard Young.

March Construction Team
The March 6-18, 2006 23 member construction team returned to Reformation Parish to assist in construction of a new church building at Mr. Hermon, approximately 130 miles "up river" from New Amsterdam. Team members came together from Iowa, Texas and Oklahoma and experienced the fatigue and joy of success! Take a look at some of the pictures!

Music Education Program
Plans are forming to have a very active presence for music this year. We will likely have 2-3 teachers present for 2-3 3 months this summer. We are also initiating a grant application for the St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN)

World Mission Week
The dates are set for September 5-14. Mr. Sugrim Gobin, a member of the Executive Council and treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, along with his wife, will we with us. Since 2006 is our 10th anniversary year of our Partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, this World Mission Week will hold special significance.