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Guyana, South America
In 1996, Fellowship entered into a partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana. Our mission and purpose: to create conditions for work and joint activities with and through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, both clergy and lay, to support, enable and enhance their mission and service to congregations, members, friends and neighbors in their respective communities.
Since 1996 we have joined  with our sisters and brothers in Guyana on 40 different trips: construction, medical/dental, music education, sewing instruction, mental health education, literacy (phonics) training, computer skills and youth camp among other projects and activities.
Construction Team. A group of 11 took their hearts to Guyana over Valentine’s day to do some major re-construction work on the Good Shepherd Parish parsonage, home to Pastor Burchell Moriah and his family. The team consisted of Richard Ashe, Don Buss, Erv Janssen, Mike Nelson, Ron Vause, Phyllis Vause, Chuck Worrell (Fellowship), Pam Becker (Our Savior, Topeka, KS), Tom Carlson, Joe Vogel (Christ Lutheran, Georgetown, TX) and Larry Tippens (Faith Lutheran, Georgetown, TX). While Dr. Erv spent the time working with the ELCG Ministry group assessing needs and how we can continue working our partnership to serve, the rest of us mixed and poured concrete, replaced the ceiling, re-furbished the kitchen and bathroom, and hung doors. Dr. Erv also presented continuing education lectures to the Berbice Medical Association in New Amsterdam, and lectured to medical students at the Public Hospital in Georgetown.
Music Festival. The first Guyana Music Festival to be held in over 10 years took place April 14-18, 2009. There were over 200 entrants from pre-school to adults, and the event was great! The opening evening with ceremonies took place at the National Cultural Center. The remainder of the events were at Bishop’s High School.
Momentum has developed and planning is underway for the next Music Festival taking place April 26-30, 2011. The Guyana Music Teachers Association (including a representative from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana) will be meeting regularly, engaging the community for continued financial support, as well as for participants. (especially youth!) They will be continuing to develop agenda items.
We at Fellowship have provided support through purchase of music and providing the two adjudicators, professional musicians Donald Ryan and Marilynda Lynch, both from Tulsa.
World Mission Week. World Mission Sunday will be September 13. The ELCG mission representative will be Ms. Babsie Pierre a member the Executive Committee and member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Planned activities will be as we draw nearer the time for her visit.
Medical Mission Team. Dr. Jane Purser is recruiting and making plans for the trip this fall.
For more information contact:
Chuck Worrell
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