To say that the clinic went out with a bang would be a huge understatement. Friday was one of the most emotional and intense days I can remember in Guyana. We arrived at the clinic with very long lines, and no matter how hard we worked, the lines kept getting longer throughout much of the day. We did finally see as many as we could and by the end of the day we had seen over 300 people! And what was even better, today we had 9 baptisms! I am pretty sure that brings our total for the week to just under 1,000 people in the clinic and 19 baptisms.
Tonight was also the last night for our Crusades out at Melanie Church of Christ. We wrapped up a week of studying encounters with Jesus with me preaching about the three people who encountered Jesus on his last day, Barabbas, the criminal on the cross, and the Centurion. Hopefully it struck a chord with some people. The youth class had definitely struck a chord. When we arrived tonight, some of the kids were using each other as “human puppets” just like we had done in our activity the night before. It was funny. Tonight we did an improvisional skit on the life of Christ. On Monday night, we had a total of about 15 people there. On Friday night we had 80, so it was really fun to be a part of that ministry.
Youths at Melanie Church of Christ
However, the highlight of my trip this year was this afternoon. I had met Renaldo and his mother, Patracia, last year at Anne’s Grove. We talked for awhile about great football players, especially ones named Ronaldo and we just really had a good time. This year he and his mom came into the clinic on Monday and we hugged and caught up on each other’s lives. I was really excited to tell them I am going to have a son of my own soon. If you have been following the blog, you might have also seen the video of him talking about David and Goliath when we were hanging out Thursday night. Anyhow, he walks up to me today with a black bag and says its for me. I was really surprised and didn’t know what to expect, but inside was a gift bag. As I opened it, he says, “That’s for your new son.” I pulled out a blue stuffed rabbit. Under one ear was written ”Guyana” and Renaldo had written his name under the other ear. The bag also contained two more gifts, a Guyana souvenier glass and a fancy porcelain vase that we each wrapped seperately. I was completely speechless and humbled and grateful. It was truly one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. He included his address, and I can’t wait to send him a picture of Carter and the little blue bunny rabbit.
Renaldo's Gifts for Me and Carter
God blessed me so richly this week by allowing the Guyanese people to minister to me and encourage me in so many ways. I hope the stories I have been sharing have been a blessing to you. You just can’t imagine the love I have experienced. And on top of that, a number of the girls gave me letters to take home to Kristin and Leah, including some of the awesome young women who worked registration all week. We really had a blast working with so many wonderful people at Anne’s Grove and Melanie. Praise be to God for all he enabled us to do for others this week and for all that he has done for us.
It has been a blessing to read all the good work/news that has taken place this week. Appreciate everyone using the gifts God has given them to use in Guyana this week, whether it be preaching, teaching His word, working in the clinic or loving on His children there.