Annual Report of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley

Transcription

1 Building A Better World Through Christian Missions! Annual Report of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley International Office 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245 Landover, Maryland, USA Phone: Fax: LottCarey@lottcarey.org Web:

2 Annual Report of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society International Office 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245 Landover, Maryland, USA Phone: Fax: Web: Facebook: Lott Carey YouTube: LottCareyTV 121 st Annual Session Convening in Atlanta, Georgia, USA Host Pastor: Rev. Robert James Zion Missionary Baptist Church Roswell, Georgia

3 Rev. Lott Carey II

4 CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT Convention Officers and Staff... 2 Executive Secretary-Treasurer... 3 Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley Lott Carey Mission Schools, Liberia Rev. Emile D. E. Sam-Peal Lott Carey Baptist Mission, New Delhi, India Mr. Thomas T. Roy Lott Carey Baptist Mission, Uyo, Nigeria Rev. Kenneth C. Ebong Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Lott Carey, Georgetown, Guyana Rev. Brenda K. Harewood Lott Carey Baptist Ministries of Kenya Rev. Hezron K. Cheruiyot Trinity Evangelistic Ministries Rev. Karl B. Johnson Baptist Convention of South Africa Rev. Tebogo Mulaudzi Zimbabwe Theological Seminary Dr. Henry Mugabe Strategic Union of Baptist Churches in Haiti Rev. Marc A. Pierre-Louis, President Rev. Marc Arthur ST CYR, Vice-President African AIDS Initiative International, Ethiopia Ms. Elleni Gebreamlak West Disaster Services Network Ms. Kathi L. Reid Leading Contributors to Christian Missions Roll Call of Contributors to Christian Missions

5 CONVENTION OFFICERS Dr. Alyn E. Waller President Dr. John M. Alexander, Jr. Chairman, Board of Directors Ms. Carol W. Mohamed Women In Service Everywhere President Mr. Tony Taylor Men On Mission Team Leader Rev. Robert James International Youth Development Team Leader UNITED STATES STAFF Mrs. Tonga R. Peterson Operations Manager Assistant/ Project Coordinator Ms. Kathi L. Reid Project Manager, Disaster Services Network Bro. Atiba E. Goatley Executive Assistant/ Project Coordinator Mrs. Barbara T. Crump Program Coordinator 2 Dr. Evans L. Spagner Program Coordinator

6 Annual Report of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, Ph.D. To the Lott Carey family assembled for our 121 st Annual Session convening, for the first time, in Atlanta, GA, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:2-6, NRSV) My colleagues, who share in leadership in the Lott Carey family around the world, and I rejoice to offer this brief review of impact and opportunities for global missions. Many people engaged in ministry spend so much time doing their work that they do not take much time reflecting on and recording their work. This is a constant challenge for all of your Lott Carey leaders and partners. As we pause, however, to curate these snapshots of service, we are reminded about incredible breadths and depths of witness in which we are privileged to serve. As you read the following pages, we invite you to listen, learn, pray and give so that we can continue to be light and salt in the world. All of us are not called to do everything or the same thing, but all of us are called to do something. Perhaps you will be informed and inspired by this report. If so, we trust that you will discern that the Lord calls for you. Strategy Lott Carey executes its work guided by five year strategic plans. This enables us to plan multi-year approaches so that we have time to plant and water and give God something to increase. We never accomplish everything we set out to do, in the five year seasons. Sometimes it takes more time than five years. An example is our strategic driver to be more multicultural in the US including realizing at least 50 church partners that are not primarily African-American in membership. It took six years, but we recently added Spanish-speaking Latinx employees to 3

7 implement a disaster recovery project in Florida, and we are enjoying a partnership with a state denominational group that is historically primarily European American for funding of projects in Liberia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. At other times, we are not able to reach the goal. For example, we intended to fund socially responsible economic development projects with private investors in the plan. We developed business plans for bio-fuel in Haiti and pork production in South Africa. Both projects could not be brought to implementation. We still may be able to achieve these goals, but we could not do so in the proposed time frame. However, we are well aware that God s time and human time do not always agree! Even though we do not always meet our goals on time, or at all, our plans always enable us to stretch beyond where we could otherwise. Many of our goals are so far beyond our own capacity that achieving them can only take place by God s hand Proposed Strategic Priorities The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society was organized by African-American Baptist leaders to engage in missions in Africa with intentionality and integrity in Today, Lott Carey is a global Christian missional community that helps churches to extend the Christian witness throughout the world. We come alongside indigenous communities engaged in ministries of evangelism, compassion, empowerment and advocacy with prayer partnership, financial assistance and technical support. Together, we are touching lives with transforming love. We intend to: 1. Strengthen global partnership impact a. Recruit churches and provide technical assistance for project implementation b. Support multi-year program planning with partners c. Assist partners in grant proposal development and submissions 2. Heighten brand awareness a. Increase quality and quantity of marketing b. Engage social media effectively for general awareness, engagement and support c. Grow network, church and individual partnerships in the South and Southeast 4

8 3. Expand depth and breadth of church participation a. Increase prevention, response and recovery disaster services b. Implement annual short-term missions assignments for units c. Support congregational short-term missions deployments 4. Strengthen youth engagement (Children and Youth) a. Develop and distribute a toolkit to implement regional Hope Missionary Days b. Enlarge Annual Youth Seminar participation c. Create project opportunities that connect and equip youth for leadership and service 5. Widen young adult involvement (Millennials and Generation X) a. Develop Emerging Leaders Gathering for with a focus on college campuses b. Design regional service impact weekends in North America for Millennials and Generation X c. Engage younger pastors for greater involvement and leadership 6. Provide missions education and leadership training (congregational, pastoral and seminary) a. Implement an additional doctor of ministry in global leadership partnership with an accredited graduate theological school b. Implement a master s degree partnership accessible to global and domestic students c. Implement digital visual and audio capacity for missions education and leadership formation 7. Fortify organizational strength a. Enlarge network of congregational and individual donors b. Increase giving amounts from existing donors c. Expand administrative capacity to manage resources and partnerships 5

9 Some Moments to Celebrate In addition to the contributions in following pages, I want to note three new areas of ministry formation as we help churches to nurture leaders for global impact. Global Leadership We rejoice in the May 2018 graduation of eight students in our partnership with the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with the Doctor of Ministry in Global Leadership. This new program was built on lessons learned from our years of short-term missions assignments and our celebrated Pastoral Excellence Program in the early years of the 21 st century. Students used liberation theologies, contemporary missiologies and leadership strategies to work with church leaders in Canada, India, Haiti and Zimbabwe to implement asset based organizational theory to assess leadership capacities and to anticipated future needs. We look forward to working with these graduates toward publish materials that can inform leadership formation in North America and around the world. Flourishing in Ministry We rejoice in being awarded a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. Thriving in Ministry Initiative. This initiative is designed to support innovative programs that can help pastors to flourish in ministry. Our program is called Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving which will support 25 women pastors and 25 pastors under 40 years old to grow capacities that can contribute to flourishing in ministry. Through US-based intellectual pilgrimages and international immersion pilgrimages, pastors will share a multi-year journey designed to help them to thrive. Disaster Recovery We rejoice in the ongoing progress of our Disaster Services Network. Lott Carey s missional service footprint was exclusively outside the United States until Hurricane Floyd devastated the historic African-American town of Princeville, NC that year. Following that flood, Lott Carey partnered with the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina, one of our historic anchor partners, to support personnel to advocate for resources and to assist residents to register for aid that was available to survivors. Our next entry into the disaster services space in the US was in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita that led us to partner with the Louisiana Baptist Home and Foreign Mission Convention and the National Baptist Convention of 6

10 America (NBCA) where we provided support in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Since then, we have continued to respond through the generosity of the Lott Carey family. In more recent years, we have been able to establish a national partnership with the American Red Cross and the Lott Carey NBCA to access funding for response and recovery efforts in Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas. We intend on growing capacity for recovery as well as build on the more than 300 trained volunteers in our network supporting prevention, response and recovery efforts. These examples of recent partnerships have been possible because of the loyalty and liberality of the Lott Carey family across generations. We continue to be encouraged with new opportunities to expand missional impact and service. We are answering the calls from Macedonia to come over and help us. We Remember Each year we witness the death of sisters and brothers who have invested in the Lott Carey global reach. This year we experienced the passing of three former leaders. Former Women s Auxiliary (now Women in Service Everywhere) President Colene B. Stanley passed on. Sis. Stanley had a large personality, sophisticated wit and a love for people in need of the transforming love of Jesus. She was a friend and counselor. We saw the death of Former Chairman Emeritus of Lott Carey s Executive Board and Executive Committee Norman W. Smith, Sr. Pastor Smith was the Chairman when I was called to serve as Lott Carey s executive and who helped me tremendously in my earliest years of leadership. He was a consummate Lott Carian who inspired many pastors with his authenticity, generosity and integrity. We also saw the transition of Former President and Former Interim Executive Secretary-Treasurer C. R. Edwards. A pastor and statesman, he stood tall in stature and spirit. He was exceedingly helpful in onboarding me to the Lott Carey family and would often travel far distances in my earliest years to introduce me to churches and pastors. He transferred much of his relational capital to me and would often say, I must decrease so that he can increase. The Lott Carey family is grateful for their service, and I am blessed to have been able to call each of them friend. 7

11 Transitions This is my final report as the full-time Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society. God is calling me to a new field of labor as Research Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies and Director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. I am not moving on but moving over to make room for the sixth executive. I love the Lott Carey family, am committed to its mission and look forward to supporting the organization and the next executive leader for the sake of the Gospel. My first contribution to the Annual Report included these words from a proverb that one of my Liberian graduate students taught me prior to coming to Lott Carey: A person sits on an old mat to braid a new one. I sought to communicate that I did not intend to try to feel the shows of my predecessor, Wendell Clay Somerville, but that I would gladly stand on his shoulders. I further noted: I succeed Dr. Somerville as Executive Secretary-Treasurer with gratitude, humility and enthusiasm. One rarely is certain of what precisely God is doing, but one ought to live with the constant awareness that God is up to something! and whatever God is up to, is worth the journey. It has been my privilege and joy to serve as the executive leader of this amazing network for more than two decades. My Annual Report asserted: The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention is on our way to becoming the leading world mission society of African peoples. One of our pastors whom I met for the first time in the late 1990s at an event in South Africa recently reminded me that my response to her question about my vision for Lott Carey was, when people think about missions and African Americans, they think about Lott Carey. We have established ourselves as the leading global missional community of African-American heritage, and we rejoice that sisters and brothers in various places value our collaborations together in various ways large or small. While we have a number of areas that need strengthening (e.g., increased financial strength, coaching capacity for partners, expanding use of technologies and improving our operational infrastructure), the Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoice! I look forward to supporting the Board of Directors in their search for my successor as well as assisting the sixth executive as he or she may welcome me. We are healthy and able to embrace an orderly transition to position us for continued faithful and imaginative missions throughout the world. 8

12 Gratitude As I prepared to join Lott Carey as Executive Secretary-Treasurer, many people expressed concern about how difficult the work might be. After beginning, others worried that I would face a lot of opposition. They were wrong on both counts! My entire journey has been characterized as a fulfilling and transforming journey. Sure, there have been some sleepless nights, fretting about insufficient funding to send around the world to our partners, loneliness because of the burden of leading a global missional community and the like. But as the gospel song says, All of my good days outweigh my bad days. I won t complain. In my own words, The Lord is too good for me to complain. I thank God for the privilege of a lifetime. My family is blessed from the partnerships and friendships and experiences we have known. Many have promised to pray for my family and me. We are thankful. The churches, associations, networks and individuals who give and go and grow have enriched my life and ministry. I have sought to shape this community, and this community has certainly shaped me. I thank God for the amazing leaders with whom I am privileged to serve. President Alyn E. Waller and I have been friends from seminary days, and his effectiveness as a pastor and his passion for making impact for the Gospel inspire me. Women in Service Everywhere President Carol W. Mohamed has been a partner and advisor since her days to help me onboard as the executive officer, and her passion for innovation has given us opportunity to think anew. Men on Mission Team Leader Tony Taylor has a ministry of encouragement and is constantly imagining how to mobilize more men for service. International Youth Development Team Leader Robert James is an amazing analytical thinker and creative curator of experiences that form young disciples and their leaders. Board of Directors Chairman John M. Alexander, Jr. is a steady leader always considering how our words and work can strengthen the witness while faithfully offering to me much needed pastoral care in this highstress ministry assignment. Our staff is constantly adapting to our new opportunities and challenges, and they work long and hard for the mission because we don t pay them with money they could command elsewhere. The hundreds of volunteers who make the train run and stay on the tracks are beyond fantastic, and there are many times things simply get done without our knowing whose hands have saved the day. The team of international leaders whom we support and who teach us so much about faith, hope and love enrich my life more than I can adequately describe. Finally, I thank God for my wife, Pamela, and our son, Atiba 9

13 Emmanuel, who have given away more of my time and energy to this ministry than can be measured. Our family was, indeed, called to serve, and they have done so generously and graciously. Pamela is one of our near full-time volunteers who has likely clocked more service hours than any other volunteer. Atiba has been drafted more times that we can count and now is part of our staff providing logistics coordination for our Thriving in Ministry Project, Kids Against Hunger and any number of administrative projects. Our lives are spiritually richer because of this journey. We thank God for you, and I thank God for them. With thanksgiving to God, your global leaders and I offer this report of stewardship and urge you, in the words of an old deacon from my youth, to add something to your testimony. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 10

14 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Mission Schools (Brewerville and Bopolu) Monrovia, Liberia Rev. Emile D. E. Sam-Peal, Superintendent/Principal I thank my God every time I think about you. Phil.1:3 We give thanks to our loving and gracious God who has been our Lord, our guide, our protector, our provider, our redeemer and our savior, who continues to see us through each passing moment, days and years. He is our help in ages past, and our hope for years to come. We bring you greetings from the entire Lott Carey Baptist Mission Liberia family, even as we present our report to the saints of the Lott Carey Global Family gathered at the 121 th Annual Convention Session. Together, for over a century now, we have been faithful in fulfilling a ministry here in Liberia through providing the best quality education. Scores of graduates over the years have contributed immensely towards the building of our society and global village through their output. Their torches were lit at the bright flame and they have gone forth and brought light wherever they found themselves. Our heritage is that we are a Christian institution of learning. Our emphasis is on academic excellence interwoven with character building and good Christian values. Ours is a learning community where we value our administrators, our teachers and staff, and most importantly our students. Our school s motto is SCHOLARSHIP, CHARACTER, INDUSTRY. The original vision of our forebears, to provide quality education to children and residents of Liberia in a wholesome Christian environment, is still evident today. The strategies for a wholesome education which develops and nurtures boys and girls to become responsible world citizens and is imbued with Christian values through a sound, rigorous academic program were designed to fill a void. To this end, our forebears invested time, resources, and their very lives. With passion, fervor 11

15 and commitment they labored joyfully, and experienced firsthand the bountiful harvest of their labors. Today, we stand on the shoulders of our sainted fathers and mothers who gave of themselves and their resources, to fulfill, build on and expand this dream and vision as we boldly move on into our second century of faithful, dedicated, joyful and sacrificial services to this millennial generation. We are committed to a dynamic ministry program that meets needs at the core, thereby touching lives with transforming love. The fulfillment of this vision is even more urgent and needed due to our present context. Infrastructures need to be rebuilt and human capacities need to be developed to meet the challenging demands of our day. With new ideologies and a different way of life being espoused daily, as well as the rapid growth and spread of other faiths expanding their reach (especially Islam), and with focused attention on youth, we must urgently reach these young minds with the love of Christ, even as we push forward our three-pronged program of building character, industry and scholarship. Our reputation for academic excellence attracts students seeking to have their candles lit at the bright flame of knowledge, including students from Muslim families and other faiths. This provides a wide-open door for presenting the gospel through daily chapel devotions, Bible instructions in classes, regular spiritual emphases, and personal contacts. We have witnessed many students who privately profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. We trust the Holy Spirit will work with and through them to make a public profession one day. Opportunities abound for providing various forms of ministry through our schools to the aged/elderly, orphans and children with special needs. We offer a listening ear, give a hug, and become like parents to many students. Sometimes we are mentors, sometimes give a shoulder for them to cry on, and seek always to provide a safe space for them to be vulnerable and to be themselves. There are many opportunities to be an advocate for them, as well as teaching them to be advocates for many social issues care for the environment, or sexual and gender-based violence, to name a few. Our partnership with the world-wide Lott Carey family provides a unique opportunity to impact the lives of people globally. Touching lives with transforming love takes on many dimensions including the physical presence of visiting mission teams who help in many different ways and situations like health care and education, construction, preaching, teaching, training, mentoring, etc. Our partnership also includes joining 12

16 hearts and hands as we pray with and for each other, exchanging and experiencing genuine missions, and sharing resources to the benefit of everyone, and bringing glory to God. Currently we are operating from two campuses (Bopolu and Brewerville) with about 700 students, plus their families, our staff and the community at large. The impact of our ministry and work touches the lives directly and indirectly of more than 5,000 beneficiaries annually. We are praying and seeking new ways daily to expand our reach. One example of impact is the distribution of female hygiene products. Through our global network, we have received several barrels of feminine hygiene products from Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia, and other churches. We distribute these much needed and appreciated products to our female students, as well as students in schools around our community and elsewhere. These products ensure girls may stay in school during regular menses and help minimize infections. Prior to this program, female students could lose up to five school days every month. We also distribute donated new underclothes and toiletries. We pray and hope we can continue to receive these needed items for distribution. Another example of impact is distribution of school supplies and backpacks to all elementary grade students (1-4). This is made possible annually through the generosity of our missionary mothers of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Washington, D. C., and other churches. Through the global Lott Carey family network, a partnership was formed with churches from Texas Baptist Convention. They provided resources for construction and rehabilitation of the water system on campus, which when completed will provide clean and safe pipe-borne water to the entire campus as well as the neighboring community. Some opportunities available for special projects over the next few years include, but are not limited to the following: Mission teams to come and lead Spiritual Emphasis programs which, in turn can lead to decisions for Christ among the students and staff and may also train students for personal evangelism within their communities; Mission teams willing to come during summer months and lead camps for students (sports, music, Science and Technology, Vacation Bible School); The development and construction of a playground where students learn and refine their motor skills, as well as serving as a place of fun and recreation 13

17 Mission teams and other volunteers who can help continually evaluate our academic program to ensure it is relevant and focused; persons who can train and motivate teachers (especially in the sciences), team teach, model best teaching practices, help evaluate teachers, etc.; Mission teams prepared to engage in construction/renovation projects on both campuses Prayer partners who will commit to praying with and for us on a daily basis for our ministry and work here in Liberia that we may bring glory to God and build up humanity; Need for medical teams to help provide outreach clinics in our community, as well as address some of the medical issues/needs faced by staff and students. We will be glad to welcome mission partners/teams who can come and minister alongside us in the classroom, within the community, and in our broader context. Opportunities abound. Hopefully through these mission opportunities, we will be blessed by your gifts of presence, and we will be a blessing to you. We will walk together, pray together, eat together, worship together, and give praises and thanksgiving together for the harvests we reap daily. An opportunity that impacts and affects the lives of our students and their families is the collection and distribution annually of new underclothes (for boys and girls all sizes, all ages, K 12 th grade), toiletries (toothbrushes, washcloths, bath soap, toothpaste, deodorant), as well as the collection of school supplies/teacher supplies which are regularly shared with students. While opportunities abound, we are faced with challenges on a daily basis, and we want to invite you to prayerfully consider these challenges with us so that the Lord will open up avenues and resources to meet them and turn them into stepping stones: Always the need for adequate, functional and furnished academic spaces classrooms, laboratory; renovation of aged buildings on the campus Urgent attention needs to be focused on fencing of school property (29 acres). Over the last three years, we are constantly dealing with illegal squatters and encroachment. Even as we write this report, we are faced with several encroachments and legal wrangling. The sooner we are able to fence in our property, the better it will be for our school. 14

18 Better pay and incentives to ensure we retain and recruit the best teachers and preserve our legacy of an excellent and rigorous academic program Ongoing professional development training for teachers and staff that they may constantly gain new insights and skills, making our school more student friendly, while still producing high performing students Opportunities and resources to add value to our academic program through computer training and vocational skills programs, thus preparing students for the workforce immediately after graduation from high school Upgrade school with technology (computers and internet connectivity) to help prepare students to be functional literates in this technological advancing world. Our students cannot afford to be left behind Pray with and for students and their families for the Lord s provision and protection, and for their salvation. Pray for all of our staff (teachers, administrative and support staff) for good health, provisions, protection and guidance. To God be the glory for another year, another opportunity to touch lives with His transforming love. We are grateful for this ministry to which we have been called. We are thankful for the fellowship we share as a family, for working and praying alongside each other. We are thankful for the commitment and the generosity with which we serve. We are thankful for godly and visionary leadership under the unction of God s spirit who enables and empowers us to do the work of ministry. We are thankful for the leadership and ministry of our leaders President Alyn Waller and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Chairman Dr. John M. Alexander, Jr., the Board of Directors, pastors, churches, officers and members of the convention and the office staff for your love and support. As you bless others, we pray that the Lord of bounty will bless you, too. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 15

19 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Mission India Mr. Thomas T. Roy, Superintendent and Secretary/Treasurer And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, They commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, And let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name. (Acts 5:41) Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, Greetings from India to our dear brothers and sisters from across the globe, and specially to our family in Christ in the United States of America, who are soon to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 121 st Annual Session of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. As the doors for evangelism are slowly and steadily closing in our country, I thank the Lord for helping us to do His Good Work for another year, and bringing His Name to hundreds of souls who have never heard about salvation through Jesus Christ. As the Apostles rejoiced, we too rejoice, for counting us worthy to have been given the privilege of suffering for His Name. I thank the Lord for my brothers and sisters in the States for their generous support and prayers, which help us in our Preaching, Teaching and Healing ministries among the poorest of the poor and needy in our country. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. May our Lord bless you abundantly for your sacrificial help for our work in India. The work in India, by the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention started in the 1940s in Calcutta, by Miss. Dorothy Moses, a devout missionary, and later shifted to Delhi. Initially it was in the form of prayer groups and medical work among the poor, in the northern hill areas of our country, by Rev. John H. Nelson, the first Superintendent of 16

20 the Mission. In 1950, the first primary school for poor children started in Meerut, a town about 60 kms. from Delhi. In the 1960s work among leprosy patients in and around Delhi was started by the Late Rev. Dr. A. F. Nelson and his wife Dr. (Mrs.) Ivy Frey Nelson. In 1968, the first private school was started in Daryaganj, with just 14 students and two teachers, inside the walled city of the Mughals in Old Delhi. From there we have grown by leaps and bounds in the grace of our Lord, and now serving tens of thousands of people in India. The focus of the Mission on Preaching, Teaching and Healing Ministries has not changed in the past 75 years. This is very important for the beneficiaries of each of these ministries as their lives have changed for the better. They have enjoyed the love of Christ through our missionary work. 1. Ministry of Preaching We have five churches and seven prayer groups in India. The churches are: 1. Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, Anandgram, Shahdra, Delhi In 1960, Late Rev. Dr. Abner and Dr. (Mrs.) Ivy Frey Nelson started this church in a small thatched hut with just 15 inmates of the leprosy colony. By the grace of God, now we have a congregation of 280 members and the numbers continue to grow. What was once a small hut is now a magnificent church building that not only houses the church but also provides accommodation and education for boys who are either orphans or have a single surviving parent. In addition, the building has a non-formal education centre for children between the ages of three and five. The members of the church are regular in attendance and help wholeheartedly in every endeavour initiated by the pastor. Sunday School classes are held regularly for the children of the parish. The youth are encouraged and motivated to take an active part in church activities. The Vacation Bible School organised every year by the pastor, Rev. C.V. Valson, is attended by over 320 children who are mainly from a non- Christian background. They enjoy the activities planned for them. Conventions are regularly held. More than 500 people (from the neighbourhood, as well as distant leprosy colonies and other churches of the mission) participated this year in a three-day programme. This shows the Lord s power, and the dynamism and dedication He has given to Rev. Valson. 17

21 The Almighty has used Rev. Valson s faith, energy and abilities in ways which have been responsible not only for the many programs held in the church and at other locations, but have also enabled Rev. Valson to be the driving force behind the establishment of two churches in Haryana. I thank the Lord for blessing us with workers like him for the exaltation of His Kingdom. 2. Union Church, 5, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi The Union Church, 5, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi, was inaugurated by the late Rev. W.C. Somerville in December, Until the month of February, this year, Rev. Wilson Marks was taking care of the spiritual needs of his flock. After that Rev. Joel Jagdish Prem, joined on March 1 as pastor. The church has more than 500 members and many are still being baptized and adding on to the congregation regularly. This is mainly due to the previous pastor s (Rev. Mark s) Healing Ministry, which was held every Thursday. 3. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Church, Indira Chakraborty Gram This church was set up in the Leprosy Colony started by us at Indira Chakraborty Gram (Leprosy Colony), Hapur Road, Karnal, Haryana and inaugurated in Rev. Samson Sagar is the pastor; the church has nearly 40 members and a Sunday School which is attended by approximately 10 children. 4. Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Leprosy Colony, Gannaur, Haryana The Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Leprosy Colony, Gannaur, Haryana, was started by us in 2006 in a dilapidated room. We had to give it up after an adverse court verdict. However, the inmates of the colony were kind enough to give us a good-sized plot for the church, practically cost free. We were able to construct a beautiful church with an inside balcony on this plot in There are 30 families and 200 members in this church. Many people from the surrounding villages attend the Sunday worship services, Sunday School and Annual Vacation Bible School. Mr. Lazar Masih, Assistant Pastor, and Rev. C.V. Valson take care of the flock. 5. Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana, built in 2016, is the latest church of the Mission. Rev. Vikas Singh is the pastor. Around 80 members attend the worship service; 25 to 30 children regularly 18

22 attend the Sunday School. This church is also under the supervision of Rev. Valson. More and more people are attending the worship services and participating in other activities of the church. Prayer groups, with potential to become churches in future:- a) At Bethel Baptist Chapel at Bharat Mata Kusht Ashram (Leprosy Colony) Faridabad, Haryana, Evangelist Omender caters to the spiritual needs of the 40- to 50-strong congregation. The Worship Service and Sunday School are held in the hall of the clinic of the Mission. b) Malikpur village, near Gannaur, Sonepat, Haryana, has a prayer group of people. This prayer group is conducted by Pastor C.V. Valson. c) At Sirsad, in Panipat, Haryana, 20 people attend the prayer group services. An elderly Christian evangelist, Mr. Arjun Singh, conducts the prayer meetings at this place. d) At Bapoli, in Panipat, Haryana, people attend the prayer group. This group is also led by Evangelist Singh. e) There is a prayer group near the railway station at Panipat, Haryana. At present we are holding the worship service on Sunday at the house of the Lay Leader of the congregation, Mr. Ghulab Singh. We request your prayer support for planting a church here where we have this prayer group. Though we were planning to buy a plot of land and start the construction of a church there, many obstructions have come in the way. f) The prayer group at Pati Kalyana in Sonepat, Haryana, is led by Evangelist Lazar Masih on Saturday evenings. g) Our prayer group at Sadabad, in Hathras, near the Expressway, Uttar Pradesh, was formed last year. Ongoing talks to purchase a plot of land in that area about 20 kms from the Taj Mahal, in Agra, are in progress. God willing we shall have a non-formal Education Project and a Prayer Hall in that project. At present the prayer service, every Sunday, is conducted by Evangelist Mukesh Lal at his house. It caters to the spiritual needs of 40 believers. 19

23 2. Ministry of Teaching Five non-formal education centres are run by the Mission for the poor and needy children. They are at Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Faridabad, Gharounda and Gannaur in Haryana and Anandgram Leprosy Colony in Delhi. a) Little Children s Montessori Base Primary School in Meerut The Little Children s Montessori Base Primary School in Meerut, established in 1950, is the oldest school of the Mission. There are about 144 students and 7 staff members. The classes are held in the open, as well as in three old garages. Miss Dolly Lal is the Headmistress. In spite of the poor infrastructure, the school enjoys a good reputation among the residents of the locality. It is heartening to see that the grandchildren of the first batch of students of the school are now studying in this school. Though this school is not directly run by the Mission, as in the previous years, it is being fully funded by the Mission. b) Somerville Non-formal Education Project- Amar Nagar, Faridabad, Haryana Somerville Non-formal Education Project in Amar Nagar, Faridabad, Haryana, is a project exclusively for the children of the stone quarry workers, who live in slums in the nearby area. Mrs. Anima Kandulna, our teacher, is imparting excellent education to more than 30 students of the migrant labourers. The students are admitted to the local government run schools after initial training at this project. c) Somerville Non-formal School- Anandgram Leprosy Colony, Shahdra, Delhi The Somerville Non-formal School Project- Anandgram Leprosy Colony, Shahdra, Delhi, on the first floor of the Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, is a Non-formal Education Project, catering to the educational needs of nearly 78 students from the economically weaker sections of society. Two teachers have been employed by the Mission to teach these students in the age group of 3-5 years studying in the Nursery and Kindergarten. After attending this school, they are admitted to Government schools in the vicinity. 20

24 d) Somerville Pre-School at Bethany Baptist Church, Gannaur, Haryana This Non-formal Education project at Bethany Baptist Church, Gannaur, Haryana was started on 28 March, Forty-two students 3-5 years of age attend this school. Pastor Lazar Masih and an assistant run this project. e) Somerville Pre-School at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana This Non-formal Education project was started on 28 March, 2017, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda. It has 10 children from the surrounding areas. Mrs. Reeta Singh, wife of Pastor Vikas Singh, assisted by a helper, teach these children. f) Scholarships and Financial Aid to Poor and Needy The Mission gives scholarships to approximately 250 students for their education and hostel expenses. Fifteen of these students are being trained by the Mission to be nurses, so that they cannot only hope for a bright future, but also serve the sick and the needy. These students are very poor. Their parents find it difficult to provide their families three meals a day. The Mission gives financial aid to many poor and needy brothers and sisters, be it for their medical treatment, or setting up smallscale business ventures so that they can feed their families. Public Schools of the Mission Besides catering to the poorest of the poor in and around Delhi, the Mission runs public schools for children from middle and upper middle class families. Our four public schools have more than 9,000 students who are getting the best education with the latest technologies. The Somerville schools are well known for their academic excellence and discipline and for instilling the right values in young minds. The students of our schools excel in curricular and extra-curricular activities. a) Somerville School, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi Students: 2,894 Teaching staff: 141 Admin staff: 118 (includes office and support staff, drivers, conductor) 21

25 In 1975 with 400 students we were able to start this school in an old building near Connaught Place, in the heart of Delhi. Since the property came under dispute, we shifted the school to East Delhi to our own property and there the school has flourished. It is one of the best known schools in that area. Miss Esther Mani is the Principal of the school. b) Somerville School, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh Students: 3431 Teaching staff: 152 Admin staff: 129 This school, which we started in 1987, is one of the best schools in NOIDA, a city in Uttar Pradesh, bordering Delhi. The school gets good results in public examinations and is well known for its discipline and cleanliness. The students participate in many extra-curricular activities and bring laurels to the school. The Principal of the school is Mrs. Margarita Nalini Arulraj. c) Somerville School, Greater NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh Students: 2,092 Teaching staff: 103 Admin staff: 120 This school was established in 1998, when the whole area was just a barren piece of land. Now it is a buzzing city, and we have the distinction of being the first school to function in Greater NOIDA. The school is well known for its discipline and academics. The students have won many prizes for the school in singing and other extra-curricular activities. Dr. Mary Thomas is the Principal of the school. d) Somerville International School, Sector 132, NOIDA, UP Students: 625 Teaching staff: 40 Admin staff: 76 This school was inaugurated by Dr. Gregory K. Moss Sr., President, and blessed by Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary/ Treasurer of Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, USA, in The school started formally in April, 2013, with 80 students. The school is affiliated by the government up to 10th Grade. We are in the process of getting affiliation to the Central Board of Secondary Education, the CBSE, for Grades XI and XII. Mrs. Sujata Chawdhry is the Principal of the school. 22

26 Involvement of Somerville School Students in Social Work The students of Somerville School-Vasundhara Enclave collect and give monthly rations to the family members of HIV/AIDS affected persons. The children of all our public schools collect gifts for children in our Non-formal Education Projects and distribute them during the Christmas Season. Thus, early in their lives, they get an opportunity to do community welfare work which will inspire them to serve the poor and needy of the society. 3. Ministry of Healing a) HIV/AIDS awareness project The Mission is engaged in an Awareness Programme to prevent this fatal disease. Magic shows and street plays are conducted every week. Local people, who are generally poor and uneducated, eagerly attend these shows. In this way, we create awareness of the dangers of HIV/ AIDS, and the means to avoid this terrible disease. People learn to accept afflicted persons rather than ostracize them. b) Leprosy Clinics administered by the Mission. 1. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Hospital, Indira Chakraborty Gram, Karnal, Haryana. 2. Dr. Ivy Nelson Memorial Leprosy Clinic, Bharat Mata Kusht Ashram, Gandhi Colony, Faridabad, Haryana. 3. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Clinic at Navjeevan Leprosy Colony, Vaikunt Dham, Panipat, Haryana. 4. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Clinic, Navjyoti Leprosy Association, Udyog Nagar, Mangolpuri, Delhi. 5. Gandhi Kusht Ashram, Hissar Road, Rohtak, Haryana 6. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Clinic, Bethany Leprosy Colony, Gannaur, Haryana. 7. Clinic at Anandgram Leprosy Colony, Shahdra, Delhi. Leprosy, to a great extent, has been arrested in India. We know that it is no more an epidemic; however, fresh cases are reported regularly. Though our doctors try to treat them with the latest medicines, it is difficult as persons afflicted just leave their workplaces without any intimation because of the stigma of the disease. Our doctors in these colonies are 1) Dr. P.K. Tyagi, 2) Dr. Virender Atreja and 3) Dr. C.P. Das. These doctors are wonderful, and really take care of the negative and positive cases of leprosy, as well as treat general diseases. 23

27 c) Mobile Clinics When the patients are unable to go to the clinics or hospitals, due to distance or debilitation, our Mission s Mobile Clinics are a boon. The Mobile Clinics reach their habitation on a regular basis, and treatment is given free of cost. Thousands of adults and children are benefitted through this project. Our Medical Head, Dr. P.K. Tyagi attends to these patients, be it scorching summer or biting winter. The doctor attended 6,470 patients during the report year. 4. Campbell Home for Boys, Anandgram, Shahdra, Delhi Total number of children: 15 No. of Staff: 7 No. of children studying in our Public School: 14; Other Public school: 1 The second floor of the Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, in Anandgram, is the Campbell Home for Boys. It is a hostel for orphans and semi-orphans from the slums of Delhi. Here they are given excellent accommodation, food and other amenities. Further, when they are three years old, they are sent to our mainstream school, Somerville School, in Vasundhara Enclave, where they receive excellent education. The boys take an active part in church worship. It is a pleasure to hear them singing hymns and participating in Biblical skits and plays. We pray to the Lord that one day these young ones blossom into valuable citizens of India, and that they will be a help and support to many others like them. We praise the Almighty that these children, who were facing a dark future, have now been guided in the right direction so that they may become assets to society and worthy citizens of our country. This is one of the best projects of the Mission in India. The medical check-up of these boys is conducted by Dr. P.K.Tyagi on every third Saturday of the month. Rev. C.V. Valson and his wife, Mrs. Beena Valson, who are Pastor Papa and Mummy to these children, take excellent care of them. The children do well in their classes, which is a blessing and joy for all. Please keep them in your prayers so that they might have a bright future. An example of how the Mission positively affected the life of a person Our Mission has a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of people by improving the quality of their lives and making them useful members of society. Esther Dass is one of those whose life completely changed due to the influence of the Lord through Lott Carey Baptist Mission. In 1989 Esther, a petite and weak young woman was in a time of great distress, with two children, a boy aged 3 years and a girl aged three months, when she reached the Mission Office in Daryaganj, New Delhi. 24

28 There she met with then Superintendent, Mr. R. S. Khemchand, and Mr. Thomas T. Roy, and narrated her woes and misfortune. She had an early marriage, and sadly her husband had deserted her after only four years. Her parents had passed away early, and there was nobody to help her. The Lord guided us to take her under the wings of the Mission with financial aid, boarding and lodging, for her and her young children. She was good at tailoring, so the Mission gave her a sewing machine. She started to earn for herself by stitching dresses for ladies in and around the area where she lived. The children were fully supported by the Mission for their studies as well as other basic needs. After self-employment for some years, she joined a garment factory as an employee. Then one day she had a dream in which the Lord called her for His Ministry. She left her job and started working among the slum inmates near her home. She started a Non-formal Education Project for the slum children, as well as a tailoring and garment-making unit to teach the unemployed ladies of the slum. The Mission supplied her with three more sewing machines, and she arranged for extra machines from the local well-to-do families she had gotten to know well. The Lord blessed her and she started the following projects: 1. Non-formal Education Project for educating 200 children. 2. Adult Education unit to teach 85 women in the slums. 3. Eye camps and awareness camps for the benefit of the slum inmates. 4. Church and cottage meetings on Mondays and Saturdays. 5. Regular house visiting to help people who are unwell and unable to fend for themselves. Now Esther Dass is a well-known figure in that area for doing charitable works among hundreds of people from the economically weaker sections of society. Her son and daughter are well educated and well employed. She always remembers the Lott Carey Baptist Mission with gratitude for the help extended during her time of utter helplessness and need, help which completely changed her life for the better. It is a matter of great joy for us that her tailoring unit is expanding at a rapid rate, with 13 more new sewing machines donated by us. She is the Founder/Director of Indian Women and Child Welfare Trust. Her organization s website is I take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Mary George, our President of the Lott Carey Baptist Mission in India and our Chairperson/Director of Somerville Schools, Mrs. D.A. Tressler for the excellent support and 25

29 motivation received from them. I am extremely grateful for their valuable cooperation and suggestions for the betterment of the Mission. A special thanks to the principals of our schools, doctors of the leprosy colonies, pastors of the churches, and my colleagues and staff, without whose help, the Mission could not have made such steady progress in various fields. The Rev. Dr. Goatley has always been my friend, philosopher and guide. I take this opportunity to thank him and his colleagues for their abundant help and support. We really appreciate the visits of our brothers and sisters of Lott Carey Baptist Mission in the USA; it is indeed a morale booster when they come and visit our projects. I am especially thankful to Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller, and his team of 12 visitors from the Lott Carey Convention, who were kind enough to take the trouble to come, visit and encourage us in February, All our stakeholders appreciated their visit and are thankful to them. My special thanks go out to Sis. Tonga R. Peterson, Operations Manager, Sister Kathi L. Reid, Program Manager, and other brothers and sisters of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention in the USA. We specially request your prayer support for all the projects of the Mission, especially the work among the poor and down-trodden in India. With your prayers and constant support for these ministries, we are sure there will be a positive impact on the lives of the teeming poor and destitute around the globe. May the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, manifest not only in words but also in deeds. May the Almighty continue to bless the Convention and all of us. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 26

30 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Mission Nigeria Rev. Kenneth C. Ebong, Superintendent GREETINGS Greetings from the Lott Carey family here in Nigeria! We say, Esong Idem, Yak Abasi odlong Mbufo, which is, May it go well with you, and may God bless you! We once again want to thank God for taking Lott Carey through another year. We have continued, by His name, to build on the commission given us for His ministry here in the Lott Carey Global Family. May His name be praised. As we gather once again, this time in Atlanta, Georgia, we pray that God gives us a successful meeting with fruitful decisions. INTRODUCTION Even though the Baptist movement began in 1958 under the leadership of the late Rev. and Mrs. Charles Ebong, the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention began its missionary partnership in Nigeria in By 1966, the Lott Carey Convention was organized into the Wendell Baptist Convention of Nigeria, with headquarters at Afaha Obio Eno, what was then the Eniong Division and is now the Akwa Ibom State. The convention was named after the Executive Secretary- Treasurer at the time, Dr. Wendell Clay Somerville. Rev. Charles Ebong stated the purpose of that new mission as follows: 27

31 To establish and finance: 1. Sound Christian programs throughout the numerous untapped areas of Nigeria; 2. Sound education programs to increase the understanding of the people of the content and meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and consequently eradicate the influence of superstitions in their minds; and, 3. Sound health programs to cope with different diseases rampant in the country. Over the years, the Mission has built on this foundation. As a result, Lott Carey Nigeria has pursued its evangelical programs by establishing over 80 churches and six (6) education institutions. At one time Lott Carey established and operated a primary health facility which served as the only healthy facility for more than four communities. IMPORTANCE OF ENDEAVORS From the inception of our programs, the primary focus has been the rural countryside where the effects of government programs and resources were minimal, if available at all. The purpose of the evangelical movement was to introduce Christian theology and doctrine and teachings of the Christian experience so as to oppose and eradicate belief in and practice of Satanism. The practices of witchcraft, divination and other traditional practices were restrictive and destructive. A second purpose was to provide formal education to promote opportunities for acquiring useful and life-enhancing knowledge and skills. With educational opportunities, there are possibilities for delivering a better standard of living and style of life. As the benefits are distributed, both individuals and communities are positively impacted. A community with good formal education facilities has a greater likelihood of good governance, prosperity and life. This is why Lott Carey Nigeria established educational institutions in the rural South, in the same areas where evangelistic efforts were established. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 28

32 IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP The partnership of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission convention with the Nigerian Baptist Movement was really divinely orchestrated. First, rural ministry requires some kind of partnership to enable financing services. In our experience, most of the established churches were unable to meet the basic welfare packages for their pastors, i.e., monthly stipends, transportation, etc. Partnership with Lott Carey made possible this essential support system. Secondly, the partnership with Lott Carey has made possible the impossible in the establishment of schools. As we all know, providing quality and meaningful education programs is capital intensive. Construction of block buildings for the schools, purchasing of equipment for classrooms, providing salaries for staff all require financial resources. Without Lott Carey these rural communities would not have had the opportunity to provide education for their children in the local community. If the families were able to afford education through other institutions, the children would have had to walk long distances to school. MAIN IMPACT OF LOTT CAREY Educational Impact Five of the six schools are located in rural communities, and when they were established by Lott Carey, they were the first and only educational institutions in those communities. The Lott Carey Baptist Secondary School in Afaha Obio Eno, established in 1964, continues to be the only public school for a community of 22 villages. The economic impact on these areas, through the establishment of the schools is significant. Wherever the schools have been sited, there is an increase in economic activities including construction of small apartment rental units. The schools are also used as Federal Examination centers, which means there is an influx of candidates for at least two months. Responding to the presence of these persons, small corner stores and eateries have been established. Further economic impact is evidenced as the schools provide employment through positions for security personnel, grass cutters, cleanup personnel, classroom assistants, etc. 29

33 Here are some of the statistics for the schools: 1. Lott Carey Baptist Secondary School, Afaha Obio Eno Established: 1964 Classes: Kindergarten to Grade 12 Staff: 30 Students: Lott Carey Baptist Academy, Ikot Efre Itak Established: 1988 Classes: Kindergarten to Grade 12 Staff: 25 Students: Lott Carey Baptist Academy, Ikot Ebom Itam Established: 1988 Classes: Kindergarten to Grade 9 Staff: Students: 4. Lott Carey Baptist Academy, Calabar Established: Classes: Kindergarten to Grade 9 Staff: 25 Students: Lott Carey Baptist Academy, Orida Established: Classes: Kindergarten to Grade 9 Staff: 12 Students: 150 EVANGELICAL IMPACT All of our churches have a Women s Fellowship Auxiliary. We thank God for our women, who not only make up the bulk of our congregations, but are considered the most active in and responsive to the effort of the Mission. We have a long way to go in helping emancipate them from certain traditional practices which deny them economic and personal empowerment. This past year we have encouraged different church districts to establish low interest revolving loan systems for women. This will increase their income for the trading in which they are all engaged. This strategy is having a positive impact and is empowering women for their personal financial security. Additionally, we are doing our best to encourage and assist ministers to be involved in self-improvement ministerial conferences. These are made available to any interested persons on a monthly basis. Relevant topics, like marriage, family, ministry and economics are highlighted with a goal of empowering participants. 30

34 SPECIAL PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES Our work here in Nigeria provides opportunities for individuals of groups to be involved with us in special projects in the areas of primary focus: ministries of evangelism and education. Persons or groups may partner with us financially to sponsor a student for the costs of uniforms, books, school fees, and/or sponsor a teacher for annual stipend, upgrading of certification. Sponsorships may also be directed for classroom block renovations, or for the provision of laptop computers, playground equipment or a new well at the school in Orida, which would benefit the whole community. There are always needs for library books, which need to be purchase locally in order to be relevant to the educational system here. We are also in need of 2 mini-busses for primary students. Church-related opportunities for partnerships and missional engagement include pastoral support, Women s agrp-business support in each area, completion of church building in Uyo (state capital of Akwa Ibom) which is the only Lott Carey Church in this community and provides the worship center for members who have migrated from rural areas to the town. PRAYER POINT FOR NIGERIA Nigeria is a country with great potential, but like other nations on the African continent, it is facing multi-faceted challenges. Whatever affects Nigeria will affect the operation of Lott Carey Nigeria ministries. Therefore, we ask you to partner with us in prayer for: 1. Peace for Nigeria, especially the middle-belt areas where there are still serious communal clashes; 2. Peace for our state, Akwa Ibom; 3. Our pastors and their families that God will keep them as they fulfill their callings; 4. Our schools, the staff and the safety of our people, especially those who have to walk distances to and from school; 5. God will provide a school bus for our Nursery and Primary sections in the Academies; 6. Construction of a 5-classroom block which must be built to serve incoming students for the school year; 7. Provision of finances to enable and equip us that we may execute our academic programs, truly providing the quality education to which we are committed; 31

35 8. God gives the Mission willing and committed workers in both our educational and evangelistic ministries, especially in regard to future leadership; 9. We are able to complete the construction of the Uyo church building this year! APPRECIATION Finally, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the partnership with Lott Carey, without which our programs would have died a natural death. We especially appreciate Dr. David Goatley, Executive Secretary- Treasurer, for his laborious efforts to propel Lott Carey into another level of service, and of course, all the pastors who believe n missions because Missions Matter. Our prayer for the Convention is, that as the mantle of leadership is about to change, God will provide and make available the most appropriate personnel to lead this convention into higher heights of service. Once again, we here in Nigeria pray that the Atlanta gathering be one of the best, if not the best, sessions ever. Long live Lott Carey Nigeria! Long live Global Lott Carey! 32

36 Annual Report Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Lott Carey Georgetown, Guyana Rev. Brenda K. Harewood, M.Div., Th.M., Superintendent Pastor The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. (Luke 4:18 19 NRSV) Greetings The Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Lott Carey (GMBC) extends best wishes to the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention on its 121st Annual Session. We salute President Dr. Allyn Waller, Chairman John Alexander Jr., and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley and all participants in Atlanta. We pray that as members of the Lott Carey global community reflect on the theme Missions Matters to Christ the Holy Spirit will empower this missional community to continue to follow in the missional footprints of Jesus the Christ. Introduction It is a privilege and honor to submit the annual report for the Guyana Missionary Baptist Church-Lott Carey (GMBC). Preparing this report provided the opportunity to reflect upon the ways our Christian values continue to propel us to provide a ministry informed and shaped by our understanding of community, compassion, care, and Christian-stewardship. The activities of GMBC congregations, outreach projects, pastors, lay leaders, congregants, and volunteers span an 33

37 enormous range. Hence, this report only outlines some achievements and progress in key areas over the past year. We begin by expressing our appreciation to the leaders and member churches of Lott Carey for their significant mission investments in GMBC that made much of our ministry activities possible. GMBC in Historical Context The Guyana Missionary Baptist Church (GMBC) was founded by the Reverend Dr. Allen Carlyle Miller and Mrs. Ermeline (Erma) Miller, Guyanese-American medical missionaries. Dr. Miller was trained as a physician (Fisk University, B.S.; Meharry Medical College, M.D.) and as a Minister of the Gospel (Virginia Union Seminary, B.D.) Mrs. Erma Miller was a licensed nurse who received her training from the Georgetown Hospital and the University of Cambridge, England. She also earned an Associate Degree in Child Psychology from Taft Institute in Bronx, New York, and a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry from the Wesleyan Bible College, Georgetown, Guyana. Under the leadership of Dr. Miller, the following churches and outreach projects were established: Calvary Baptist Church, Beterverwagting, ECD (1960) Mount Zion Baptist Church, Campbellville, Georgetown (1962) Long Creek Baptist Church, Long Creek, LSH (1973) Long Creek Farming Project, Long Creek, LSH (1973) Camp Somerville, Long Creek, LSH (1973) M. L. Wilson Baptist Church, Kuru-Kururu (1974) A. Carlyle Miller Cottage Hospital and Health Centre, Long Creek, LSH (1977), Bob s Shop (a community groceries store), Long Creek, LSH (1978) The A. Lonnie A. Simon School Feeding Centre, Long Creek, LSH (1979). In 1968 Dr. Miller accomplished his goal of facilitating a formal partnership between GMBC and the Lott-Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, USA. Since then Lott Carey has been GMBC s primary funding partner. On January 8, 1979, Dr. Miller answered God s call to eternal rest. 34

38 On January 15, 1979, the GMBC Board Trustees unanimously called Rev. Erma Miller to lead GMBC. Under her leadership, GMBC launched a weekly radio ministry which was broadcast throughout Guyana, Suriname, and many Caribbean nations. She expanded the Somerville Camp, planted Yarrowkabra Baptist Church, Yarrowkabra Village, LSH (1984) and the Abrams Creek Baptist Church, Abrams Creek, Pomeroon River (1989). She also led expansion of projects in all GMBC congregations which included new church buildings at Long Creek, Calvary and Mount Zion. Rev. Miller also played a significant role in developing GMBC s leadership capacity. She facilitated this by providing scholarships for training of clergy and lay leaders. Consequently, under her leadership, GMBC moved from being a circuit of churches with one pastor to a network of congregations with multiple trained clergy leaders. The Government of Guyana under the leadership of President Desmond Hoyte recognized her outstanding service to God and humanity by awarding her the National Medal of Service. In May, 2012, Rev. Miller retired from active ministry in the GMBC. In recognition of her outstanding service to the GMBC community, the GMBC board of Trustees unanimously appointed her Superintendent Emeritus. She answered God s call to eternal rest on Nov. 14, In May 2012 the GMBC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call Rev. Brenda K. Harewood, daughter of the Millers, to lead the GMBC. On Dec. 2, 2012 Rev. Harewood was consecrated and inducted the third Superintendent Pastor in the GMBC-Lott Carey. Rev. Harewood is a true daughter of the GMBC; she was ordained by the GMBC in 1988, served as Youth Coordinator from , served as student minister in all GMBC congregations and as probationary Pastor at Calvary and Long Creek Baptist Churches. She has served as Deputy Superintendent since She is a graduate of the Wesleyan Bible Institute (Diploma in Christian Ministry); Shaw University (BA in Philosophy and Religion and BA in Public Administration); and the Divinity School at Duke University (M. Div. and Th.M.). Her other ministry experiences include: Assistant Camp Director of Camp Rockfish (Fayetteville, NC); Research Assistant for the Karl Barth Professor at University of Bonn (Bonn, Germany); Campus Minister, Duke University Chapel (Durham, NC); Research Assistant, Boston School of Theology; member of the Baptist World Alliance; Commission on Theological Education & Leadership Formation; Lott Carey Regional Liaison to the Caribbean and South America; Director of Lott Carey International Youth Department, and Director of the Lott Carey Pastoral Excellence Program. 35

39 Since her consecration as Superintendent Pastor, Rev. Harewood is working hard with the GMBC family to strengthen and sustain our churches and various outreach projects. She has continued to strengthen the leadership capacity of GMBC by providing various opportunities for leadership training. Under her leadership, the Erma Miller Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for eligible persons in the GMBC network pursuing tertiary education. Rev. Harewood has also worked to connect GMBC to the larger Baptist community by becoming a member of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), and by participating in various programs of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). GMBC Impact Today Community GMBC understands that to be a Christian apart from community is an oxymoron because being Christian demands community. GMBC encourages opportunities to foster Christian community. Some highlights of our life together during this reporting period include: The GMBC Youth Council has been working diligently to strengthen the Young Excelsiors ministries in our various churches by encouraging fellowship, bolstering teaching, and promoting leadership development. More than 200 young people from nine Caribbean territories met in Trinidad and Tobago in July, 2017, for the 11th staging of the CBF Youth Festival. Twenty-one youth from various GMBC congregations attended the CBF Youth Festival. The theme explored was I Stand for Christ. For many of our young people this was their first opportunity to travel outside of Guyana. We are also grateful that at this event, GMBC youths not only attended, but participated in leading worship sessions and presented items on the program. GMBC Youth President, Min. Oniqueca Grenado, was appointed Assistant Director of Evangelism on the CBF Youth Executive Committee. 15th Biennial Convention Under the leadership of Pastor Colleen Anthony and Pastor Winston Reid, the Mount Zion and Yarrowkabra Baptist churches hosted the 15th Biennial Convention and 57th Anniversary during September, This three-day event was comprised of mission service projects, a Sacred Arts Concert, affinity group Bible studies, Divine worship services, and delegates conference. At these gatherings we explored the theme for our new biennial Empowered to Live, Love, and Lead. We were delighted that Reverend 36

40 Everton Jackson, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the CBF joined us for this milestone as the convention keynote preacher and a Bible Study leader. This convention educated, encouraged, and electrified the GMBC community for faithful Christian service. GMBC Men of Vision Empowered (MOVE) In October 2017 MOVE collaborated with the Youth and Women s Councils to host the 4th Annual Day on Family Fun and Inter-House Sports. This event offered opportunities for inter-house athletic competition while providing wholesome fun and fellowship for the whole family. Attendance at our day of sports was outstanding, and the Joshua House emerged as the overall winner at this year activities. All proceeds from this event were donated to the Erma Miller Scholarship Fund. GMBC Annual Joint Communion Service We celebrated our annual Joint Communion Service on the second Sunday in December, We were delighted to have Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Lott Carey s Executive Secretary-Treasurer, as keynote preacher. Dr. Goatley was joined by Pastor Jesse T. Williams, Jr., Pastor of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church, in Harlem, NY. We are grateful for their ministry among us. During this service persons in various GMBC congregations were recognized for outstanding Christian stewardship. Women in God s Service (WINGS) During March of this year Deacon Audrey Todd, President of the GMBC Women s Council, and other members of the Council, planned and hosted their Second Annual Women s Empowerment Conference at Camp Somerville. Approximately 85 women attended the conference and coalesced around the theme Empowered to Love and Lead: #PressforProgress. We were delighted to welcome Dr. Joy Wilson, Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church, and Ms. Jackie Johnson Dailey, Mount Zion Baptist Church, as keynote speakers and conference presenters. We are grateful to God for using these women of God to minister to their sisters in such an impactful way. Compassion At GMBC we believe that compassion, a form of love, is aroused within us when we are confronted with those who suffer or are vulnerable. Compassion often produces action to alleviate the suffering. We further understand we have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate dispositions. To say it simply, we strive to be compassionate people because we serve a compassionate God. We learn 37

41 from the Bible (Exodus 34:6) that compassion is constitutive of God s very being. At GMBC we understand that because mission matters to Christ, compassion must remain a fundamental part of our mission. God has used our various missions outreach projects to help affirm the dignity of the people we serve. These programs help persons affirm their self-worth and see themselves as Jesus sees them. Our ministry of compassion affirms the image of God in the people we serve. During the year in review, we joined our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and Food for the Poor, and the Ministry of Education to address health disparities, hunger, poverty, and Christian education in some of the communities we serve. The A. Carlyle Miller Clinic and Cottage Hospital continues to provide invaluable service to people of Long Creek and its environs. This clinic offers stellar service in maternal and child health. We give God thanks for the medical team for their hard work and committed service. We are also grateful to Pastor Clifford A. Jones and the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC, for partnering with our health center, and thus helping us to provide some very important services. Guyana s Food for Poor Project: GMBC churches continue to serve as distribution centers for food hampers, clothing, school supplies, and household items to disadvantaged families. Distribution of these items is made available to those who are needy and vulnerable in the communities we serve. Campus Ministry: The Youth Council is currently assisting Rev. Melville and the missions team by sending members of the council quarterly to the Charity Secondary School to support the Campus Ministry program. The Youth Council also launched a second Campus Ministry Program at the Betverwagting Primary School. The Campus Ministry team, led by Minister Grenado and Dr. Denicia Williams, meets weekly with students for Bible studies. This team discovered students could benefit from tutoring in English and reading. We are in conversation with school administrators to seek ways to incorporate tutoring into our sessions. Care Care is practiced in GMBC through ministry to individuals, families, 38

42 and communities. As a church community we demonstrate care by our willingness to engage in the real-life experiences of the people we serve by sharing in their joy, pain, confusion, and life uncertainties. Care occurs when members of the GMBC community provide a ministry of presence through concrete acts such as accompanying a victim of domestic violence to court, accompanying a distraught parent to make funeral arrangements for a child brutally murdered, or offering support and encouragement to young adults preparing to pursue the next stages of their tertiary education. Prayer Gatherings: Our local churches meet weekly for prayers. Additionally, each quarter prayer warriors from various GMBC churches gather for prayer retreats. These gatherings are important because they help create a culture of care within our community. When we take time to pray for and with God s people, we can listen to the Holy Spirit while emphasizing the role of the church, namely that the church is not just about more programs or bigger facilities. Rather, at the heart of GMBC ministry God is working in and through real people during real life circumstances. Erma Miller Scholarship provides personal and direct care to students taking the next big step in tertiary education. This year scholars included: Felicia Stewart, medical student at Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM) in Venezuela. Shusheila Persaud, medical student at the University of Guyana. Afemi Joseph, High School Student, at the St. Stanislaus College Oniqueca Grenado, ministerial student at the Guyana Bible College. Shaunessy Profitt, law student, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago Erwin Lewis, ministerial student at the Wesleyan Bible College. Kristal Abrams, law student, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago We are proud to extend congratulations to Minister Oniqueca Grenado, who completed a Diploma in Christian Ministry from the Guyana Bible College, and to Ms. Shaunessy Profitt, who completed her Law Education Certificate (LLC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago. Our thanks and appreciation is extended to all 39

43 members of the Lott Carey Family for supporting them on their academic journey. Christian Stewardship The psalmist tells us that The earth is the Lord s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. At GMBC we understand that God owns everything, and humanity is called to be responsible managers of what belongs to God according to God s desires and purposes. We therefore strive to be good stewards of all the resources, abilities and opportunities that God has placed in our care, while praying and trusting that God will find us to be faithful managers of the things God has entrusted to us. Human Resources: GMBC values every soul that God has placed in our care. Therefore, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we continue to invest time and resources to ensure the holistic development of every person entrusted to his keeping. GMBC churches have implemented a variety of Sacred Arts ministries to encourage members to develop their gifts in dance, music, drama, poetry, singing, etc. Furthermore, through directed studies and appropriate training programs our church leaders continue to encourage persons to find their purpose in God and to live accordingly. The Erma Miller Scholarship fund continues to provide support for persons perusing tertiary education. Natural Resources: We continue to trust God for a clear vision, direction, and needed resources to develop our Long Creek project. The GMBC pilot Charcoal Project is now providing capital income for the Yarrowkabra Baptist Church Farming Project. This year we found a more reliable market for the sale of charcoal. Camp Somerville: Our camping facility continues to meet our various needs and serves as rental property when not in use by the GMBC community. We give God thanks for Brother Trover Gonsalves, a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, who has assumed the responsibilities of Project Director. He has been a very diligent project manager and has focused much attention on building and grounds maintenance. We express our appreciation to Rev. Dr. Naomi Tyler- Lloyd and Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY, for their many years of partnership and the role they play in helping to sustain this project as we 40

44 continue to explore opportunities for self-sufficiency. Strategic Outlook The strategic outlook is to develop GMBC to become a viable, selfsustaining denomination in the next two decades through: Continuing to develop leadership capacities throughout our churches by seeking and developing well managed, high quality, sustainable training opportunities which are needs-based, resultsoriented, and financially viable. Working to ensure the continued integration of GMBC within the larger Guyanese community through its evangelism and mission ministries. Develop and encourage faithful stewardship and entrepreneurship in our various ministries, promoting selfsufficiency and empowered communities. Conclusion We pray that God will continue to empower GMBC to be a faithful witness to the Missio Dei. We extend our appreciation to the Boards of Trustees, Clergy Council, Men s Council, Women s Council, Youth Councils and all other GMBC leaders and members who demonstrate, by their dedicated service, that commitment is an inherent Christian value they cherish. We are grateful for these committed ambassadors of God who have served more than 1,000 Guyanese weekly through our congregations and various outreach projects. We all join in extending our sincere thanks to the Lott Carey Global family for its ongoing partnership and support. Your ongoing financial, prayer, and moral support continues to be invaluable. We pray that God will continue to bless our partnership as we will remain cognizant that Missions Matter to Christ. Therefore, we pray God will help us to remain actively engaged in the Missio Dei. We pray that God will help us to be faithful while it is day, so we can do the works of him who sent us; for we know night is coming, when no one can work. 41

45 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Ministries Kericho, Kenya Rev. Hezron K. Cheruiyot Dear Lott Carey family, Receive warm greetings from Kenya. We are once again grateful to God for granting us this golden opportunity to share His miracles for the last year. We thank the Lott Carey family in the USA and across the entire world for their prayers, moral and financial support. We, in Kenya, also wish to extend our congratulations and gratitude to the Lott Carey organization on its 121 st anniversary. We thank the Almighty God for His continued blessing on the organization. HISTORY OF LOTT CAREY IN KENYA Lott Carey Baptist Ministries was introduced to Kenya in 1986 by Rev. Hezron K. Cheruiyot. Its initial engagement was the establishment of a Secondary School in Londiani; Kericho District. The Lott Carey Baptist Ministry took management of the school that had a staff of 30 teachers and 200 students. The school was discontinued November, 1991, due to government policy requiring the school to own a minimum of 10 acres. The Lott Carey Ministry then embarked on Evangelism and Church planting in We established our first church at Kaborok in October, To date, Lott Carey Baptist Ministries boasts 32 congregations with a membership of more than 3000 adherents. We operate in four counties: Kericho, Bomet Nandi and Nakuru. 42

46 OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Lott Carey Baptist Ministry in Kenya are derived from Matthew 28:18-20 interpreted and observed as follows: a) To promote the kingdom of God through preaching, teaching, and acting on all instructions of the Scripture. b) To promote and enhance human development, e.g., provision of medicine, economic empowerment through agriculture, water, and relief as in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2. c) To create a model for development in education and community work through Christian teachings. d) To attempt, whenever possible, to assist our brothers and sisters to achieve food security in agriculture. e) To be a voice for the voiceless by promoting social justice and gender equality. OUR PARTNERSHIPS The partnerships we have with the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and many of its supporters across the USA are vital for enhancing the world s relationships and cross-cultural understanding. In addition to the financial support we have received over the years, we have built close friendships between African-Americans and Africans. Frequent visits by church groups, individuals and various delegations affiliated with Lott Carey Baptist Convention have fostered unity and have bridged the gap which existed for centuries between Blacks of America and Africa. The work of Lott Carey has promoted partnerships across the globe. This is evident in Liberia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guyana, India and a host of other countries where Lott Carey has brought together various nationalities through annual programs and conferences. IMPACT In general terms, we have witnessed tremendous impact upon the lives of people we serve in various sectors. Four visible areas are distinct to the achievement of our ministry: 1) Spiritual: More than 3,000 members of our 32 congregations bear testimony to the effectiveness and vibrancy of our ministry. Our Evangelism and Church Planting ministries have borne tremendous spiritual fruits. Spirit-filled lives are a blessing and an encouragement to all of us who are on the leadership team. 43

47 2) Social: We have fully participated in conflict resolution. The tribal clashes and cattle rustling are a menace to Kenya. We, as a church, have been active participants in Pokot-Turkana Peace meetings. We have sent pastors to dissuade these communities from engaging in meaningless fights. We can truly say that our arbitration effort has borne fruits. 3) Education: Though we don t run a formal school, we contribute time and money to many needy children. We have used income from coffee proceeds to pay school fees for secondary school students. We have raised funds for neighbors and church members equally. From time to time, we have offered spiritual counseling to students in university and colleges. 4) Economic empowerment: The two-acre coffee farm has lifted many in our neighborhood from poverty. From the proceeds, we have paid school fees and hospital bills for many of our church members and neighbors. We sustain our sister ministry in Bor, South Sudan, through the monies from the coffee. 5) Provision of medicine: Our clinic at Kipsitet has provided invaluable service to the local population. We attend to more than 200 patients a day. Dominant diseases we treat are typhoid, malaria, wounds and other weather-related diseases. 6) Widows and orphans: We have in our care 56 widows and 46 orphans. We provide seeds (maize), medicines and clothing for the widows, while we buy school uniforms, stationeries and books for the orphans. 7) Provision of water: We are grateful to the leadership of Rev. Bernard Taylor, Pastor of Open Door Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., for leading the effort to generate funds to construct a well at the Kipsitet compound. We are able to supply water to our clinic and the neighborhood. 8) Women s Centre: Our Women s Centre at Kipsitet is 70% complete. We received funds from Women in Service Everywhere (WISE), early in the year which enabled us to restart the stalled construction. We have experienced further delays recently due to heavy rains. OPPORTUNITIES 1) Open air crusades for which we need loud speakers and guitars (3). 2) Expansion of clinic to include maternity care. 3) More support for widows and orphans. 44

48 4) Expansion of coffee farm to 10 acres. 5) Construction of 7 more semi-permanent church buildings. 6) Digging of 3 more wells. 7) Purchase of 4 motorcycles and 20 bicycles for pastors and lay persons. 8) Additional support for purchase of medicines. We currently receive $1,000 per month but we require $3,000 per month to meet the rising population of patients. 9) Support for our efforts in South Sudan (mainly church planting and provision of medicine). 10) Construction of a theological institute to address training and educational needs of pastors and laity. Many people travel to Nairobi and overseas to get basic training. We wish to reduce the cost sand save time by building an institute nearer to the villages. PRAYERS In conclusion, we solicit prayers from partners in the USA and around the world to pray for the needs and opportunities noted above. We also ask your prayers for our continued efforts in establishing cohesion and peace amongst the Pokots and Turkanas. 45

49 Annual Report Trinity Evangelistic Ministries (TEM) Retreat, St. Mary, Jamaica Rev. Karl B. Johnson, Chairman, Board of Directors The Trinity Evangelical Ministry (TEM) greets the Lott Carey Foreign Mission family during this your 121st Convention. Warm greetings to President, Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Executive Secretary- Treasurer, Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley and Board of Directors Chairman, Dr. John M. Alexander, Jr. Our prayers are with you for a meaningful gathering. TEM started with a vision of making the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ known to all, especially those in poor and vulnerable situations. Soon the Lord led the founder, Pastor George Coore, to a poor rural community in St. Mary, Jamaica, bearing the name Retreat, where he brought the love of Jesus to the people of the area. The ministry started with a Basic School, catering to children ages 2-6 years. It has evolved over time as a centre of empowerment, capacity building and development of individuals, offering various services to the community. Currently TEM offers skills training in light of the high level of unemployment and poverty faced by many residents in Retreat. The Skills Training Center provides job training and certification skills, as well as training for Entrepreneurship, Career Counselling, Life and Personal Growth and Development skills, mainly to at-risk young adults (ages 17-35) years. However, there is actually no upper training age limit. Most students (trainees) are individuals being empowered with another chance to make something worthwhile of their lives. The center offers flexible training programs based on existing job opportunities. Currently training is available for Commercial Food Preparation, Food & Beverage Services and Hospitality: Villas and Other Properties. The program will be expanded to include pre-technical skills. 46

50 We will again train and certify Early Childhood teachers utilizing the Basic School (an early childhood institution) as a resource center. The skills training center is operated in partnership with the National Training Agency of the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), namely Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Training Agency (HEART Trust/NTA). The program at Retreat Skills Training Center also involves: Health fairs (medical, dental and optical) in conjunction with overseas medical missions to address health issues among poor and marginalized youths and adults. Vacation Bible School in summer in partnership with overseas church groups. TEM s ministry is important to our Christian witness since the call of the gospel is to bring good news to the poor, and to liberate persons so they can fully realize their humanity. As such, we see our role, given the context of these communities, as developing individuals through education and training opportunities. This is part of our Christian witness and mission. We are confident that under God s enabling we will not only give hope to those individuals whose lives we touch directly, but that the benefits of transformed lives will impact their families, communities, and ultimately Jamaica. We are indebted to those organizations who have partnered with us to make this possible. We continue to be grateful for the consistent support of the Lott Carey Mission Convention, without whose assistance we would find it extremely difficult to continue this ministry. We continue to celebrate changed lives. Annually an average of 20 early childhood children and 80 at-risk individuals are impacted through this ministry. Most of the youth trained acquire the National Vocational Qualifications of Jamaica, Level 2 (NVQ-J 2) certification, which enables them to secure employment both locally and internationally. 47

51 We continue to give our God, the Enabler, thanks for our successful journey so far. We have faced a number of challenges, but God has enabled our ministry to continue to impact the community we serve in a very positive way. Indeed, the impact has had a multiplier effect on neighboring communities. We have faced Challenging economic times but have been able to face this giant through our partnership with Lott Carey and HEART Trust/NTA. We pray for your continued support through prayer and financial gifts. We have made significant strides in addressing the infrastructure, however, due to financial challenges; we have not been able to adequately equip class rooms. For example, the area designated to be a computer lab is merely a space with tables and chairs, but no computers. Many of the kinds of equipment necessary to deliver high quality training for developing skills in the various areas are lacking. In this regard, we must commend and ask you to pray for our instructors, who create miracles with the resources they have. We also crave your prayers for those whose lives we seek to transform. Please pray they will not only be successful in their training program but will find gainful employment and develop Christian character. Many students find it difficult to access the training provided because of their inability to fund daily transportation and meal costs. This is evidenced by a constantly high drop-out rate. Pray with us that we are able to establish income generating activities to enable us to subsidize these costs. Finally, pray for the inter-denominational Board which directs the operation of this ministry. It is our dream to extend our program offerings so that many more persons can benefit. We hope we will be able to meet our goals of improved facilities and equipment which are necessary to ensure the program operates at the requisite standard. Our outlook and vision continue to be the development of a viable, 48

52 self-sustaining entity through: 1. A well-managed training institution offering demand-driven, needs-based and results-oriented, high quality training programs which are sustainable and financially viable; developed as a Center of Excellence. 2. A fully integrated, well managed Early Childhood Institution. 3. Continued integration of TEM within the community through outreach ministries, products and services creating, in a very real way, a mission center. 4. Development of a culture of entrepreneurship among trainees. 5. Facilitation of a smooth study-to-work program. 6. Continued infrastructure development. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 49

53 Annual Report Baptist Convention of South Africa South Africa Rev. Tebogo Joseph Mulaudzi, President Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Psalm 105:1-2 GREETINGS We give honour and praise to God our Father, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died and is resurrected for our redemption, and to the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. Peace and grace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to all my beloved sisters and brothers in the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention family. I bring greetings on behalf of my sisters and brothers in the Baptist Convention of South Africa (BCSA). Indeed, our God has done great things for us, even though the world is going through the difficult time, God has kept us going. We can look back with a smile, full of praise. We are still here to proclaim God s goodness regardless of the challenges we face. OUR WORK The primary focus of our work is based on the strategic objectives which are: 1. Enhancing missions & church growth 2. Financial mobilization & sustainability 3. Leadership Development 4. Strengthen theological education 5. Improve branding, communication and marketing 6. Improve internal administrative management 50

54 Some of the work being carried out to achieve these objectives includes the following support, benefits or impact: 1. Bringing spiritual change and transformation to communities and people s lives through evangelism programs and church planting 2. Providing a home, care and support to abused women and children through the Ndawo Yakho project 3. Providing social, spiritual and economic support to people affected by HIV/AIDS through the AIDS projects based in our churches and/or communities 4. Supporting struggling churches and pastors in rural areas 5. Developing and training leaders and pastors through our leadership development program 6. Coordinating and monitoring our departments, regions and ministries in implementing our strategic objectives The partnership in the global Lott Carey Family is important because the funds received helps us improve coordination and monitoring of the BCSA strategic objectives, and improve communication with regions, churches, ministries and pastors. THE MAIN AREAS OF MINISTRY IMPACT Lott Carey financially supported and with EBM International cofunded these ministries: Abused women and children People affected and/or infected by HIV/AIDS Payment of salaries for Office Staff Over and above the day-to-day office operations and administrative functions, office staff o Assist with the monitoring and supporting the functionality of our structures o Arrange Pastors Retreats o Arrange Children s Camps o Assist in arranging Youth Camps 51

55 OPPORTUNITIES We are trusting God to prosper us in: Strengthening theological education Administration Church planting Ministries with abused women and children AN INVITATION TO PRAY Join us in prayer for: The upcoming Assembly (our annual gathering which is the highest decision-making body) scheduled for September The election of the new leadership; that elections will run smoothly, and God will guide us in electing the leaders God has appointed for this season. These elections affect all our structures (National, Regions, Departments and Ministries). Hosting of the All Africa Baptist Women s Conference in July The Office Move from Yeoville to Thusong More growth in our Finances Unemployment, poverty, crime and HIV/AIDS Touching Lives with Transforming Love 52

56 Annual Report Zimbabwe Theological Seminary Zimbabwe Dr. Henry Mugabe, President GREETINGS We thank the Almighty who has accorded Zimbabwe Theological Seminary the opportunity to extend its tender greetings to the Lott Carey Family. It is no doubt Lott Carey has great influence towards Zimbabwe Theological Seminary and its mission. We pray God will see you through the entire preparations of the 121 st Annual Session to be held in Atlanta, GA. With help from Lott Carey, we are surviving and are carrying out our duty and mission. We really appreciate the support, both financially and spiritually, we are receiving from the Lott Carey Family. You have really made our ministry possible and sustainable. We would like to assure you that there will be no turning back. Zimbabwe Theological Seminary will continue with its mission of quality theological education in Zimbabwe and the neighboring regions. It is our prayer that the Annual Gathering goes well and our report will be accepted with utmost consideration. We will be together in prayers. May God bless you all! INTRODUCTION The context that gave birth to Zimbabwe Theological Seminary Zimbabwe Theological Seminary came to being as a result of the need to address a context characterized by various challenges. These challenges/issues concern women, ignorance, dictatorship tendencies, corruption, violence, poverty, oppression and poor theological education. In the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe and other Christian denominations in Zimbabwe, women were and are being patronized. 53

57 They are not recognized in faculty, administrative and key church leadership positions such as the pastorate. The cultural understanding is that women are not allowed to go beyond the general certificate of education. Because of the economic upheavals in Zimbabwe, there are a lot of injustices, oppressive and dictatorship tendencies. Corruption and violence are inevitable and characterize the day-to-day living of the majority of our people. Moreover, many pastors were/are receiving poor, if not shallow, theological education, which is not balanced academically and spiritually. Because of poverty, pastors could not afford sound theological education. The results are not a reflection of their ability, but a reflection of their poverty-stricken backgrounds. How the ministry is similar to the original ministry Zimbabwe Theological Seminary is a Christian institution whose primary purpose is to equip God-called men and women of Central and Southern Africa for effective Christian ministries, particularly in churches, and society in general. The Zimbabwe Theological Seminary provides Christ-centered, biblically-based, multifaceted, contextually relevant theological education. It seeks to give a balanced emphasis to the acquisition of knowledge, development of skills, growth in spiritual maturity and leadership. 1. What makes Zimbabwe Theological Seminary important to Christian witness today Zimbabwe Theological Seminary is important to the Christian ministry today because it addresses issues prevalent and contemporary issues such as women, justice, oppression, poverty, HIV and AIDS, economy and societal concerns. The Zimbabwe Theological Seminary seeks to develop students with spiritual, intellectual and practical skills for empowering churches and transforming society. 2. Why our partnership in the global Lott Carey family is important Our partnership in the Global Lott Carey Family is important because the primary focus of our mission aligns well with that of the Global Lott Carrey Family. We are, indeed, engaged in evangelism through empowering ministers theologically. Our graduates get attached to various ministries such as chaplaincy in governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and as teachers in high schools and colleges. 54

58 Through our graduates the seminary is instrumental in the starting up of new churches throughout Zimbabwe. The new congregations include the following, among others: Harare Province - Marlborough, Sally Mugabe and Manresa Baptist Churches Midlands Province Ebenezer, 1 st Gambiza, Greater Hope, Landani, Bvumbura, Gokomera, Chingechuru, Mabodza, Perebwe, and West Nickleson Baptist Churches Masvingo Province Harawe, Dombodema, Shakashe, Chesvingo and Rujecko Baptist Churches. Mashonaland West Province Central African Baptist Church and Barclay Chase Baptist Churches. Bulawayo Province Ithemba Baptist Church Recently, Zimbabwe Theological Seminary participated significantly in the Deborah Ministries celebration of its 5 th Anniversary, held May 26, 2018, in Kadoma. The Principal of Zimbabwe Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. D. Chimeri, was the guest speaker. Additionally, Zimbabwe Theological Seminary is an empowerment tool amongst men and women called for ministry. Such people were idle in their communities because of being marginalized by lack of funds and by culture. Most people in rural areas cannot afford to pay for education for their children. Hence, Zimbabwe Theological Seminary cares for the poorest of the poor. Zimbabwe Theological Seminary also teaches peace with justice theologically as its primary purpose and strives to serve God on this basis. Compassion is another dimension of our partnership with the Global Lott Carey Family as the Seminary and ministries of Lott Carey around the world extend compassion to others. Early this year, a family experienced 7 deaths as a result of eating poisonous mushrooms. Zimbabwe Theological Seminary was seen in solidarity with this family, as both Professor Mugabe and Dr. Chimeri were present at the burials, and Rev. Dr. Chimeri preached at this crucial time. 3. Main areas of ministry impact a. Key factors for high impact Theological Education to the poor and marginalized Zimbabwe Theological Seminary provides theological education to equip God-called men and women for 55

59 effective Christian Ministries in church and society. We give a balanced emphasis to the acquisition of knowledge, development of skills, and growth in spiritual maturity and leadership to disadvantaged students, both men and women. Evangelism and Church Planting Needs Evangelism is one of most important drivers of our ministry. There is great need to reach areas where most evangelists would not like to go. Our students and staff evangelize and make disciples, especially remote areas such as Zaka, Mberengwa, and Chiundura among others. They also extend outreach and share the Good News in towns such as Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Kadoma, and Gweru, etc. Professional Needs Our ministry supplies different ministries with service providers in other areas. For example, Ministry of Education provides teachers for both primary and secondary education programs. We also provide persons for Ministry of Higher Learning and Tertiary Education with lecturers; the Ministry of Home Affairs, Defense and Health with chaplains; the Ministry of Social and Child Welfare with social workers; assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations through our development officers; resource persons to the Ministry of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs through National Healing and Counsellors. Many churches are also benefiting from our ministry; e. g., The Anglican Priests are trained at our institution. b. Essential nature of the ministry This ministry is essential in our part of the world because it helps spread the Gospel not only through theological education, but also through graduates who get attached to various ministries in diverse contexts. c. How people are impacted The education we give has impacted and changed the lives of many of our students, their families and the community at large. 56

60 Women Benefited: Our female students who were not easily accepted by the community are now easily accepted. Women who graduated from our Seminary are serving as chaplains in various key posts such as the Police, Military, Prisons and Correctional Services. The majority have gone to teach in primary and secondary schools. The Whole Zimbabwean Community: Our ministry supplies different ministries with service providers in different areas. This has been articulated above. Churches: Besides training pastors who are making great developments in their churches, we have a number of students who are called to serve in different fields, for instance, HIV/AIDS and Counselling Organizations. The Marginalized/Disadvantaged: Students who were idle in the community because of being marginalized have become somebody in their communities. Theological education has transformed their lives so that those who were once dependent students are now bread winners in their families. 4. Opportunities currently existing for special project partnership in the next one to three years If the opportunities become available, we look forward to partnering with Lott Carey in purchasing land and the construction of our own seminary premises. Owning our own property and buildings is our greatest priority at present. 5. How Lott Carey Partners can pray for our work in the next months The Lott Carey Partners may join us in prayer on the following: The need for our own premises: A lot of funds are being used for rental fees for the premises we use. Pray for God s intervention and provision of funds for buying land and for the construction of the Seminary. 57

61 The Evangelistic Drive: We ask prayers for the Seminary s evangelistic drive to be able to reach almost everywhere, particularly, the remote areas of our country. The one vehicle we have as a Seminary does not suffice for this great outreach. Advertising the Seminary is a challenge. Pray for us to reach some places and people so they get to know more about the theological education we offer. Areas where there is less trafficking of theological educators such as Binga, along the Zambezi Valley and others are our priority. We pray God to provide us with funds for this cause. Scholarships: Pray for a lot of prospective students who are not able to pay for their fees. 58

62 Annual Report Union Stratégique des Eglises Baptiste d Haïti / Strategic Union of Baptist Churches in Haiti (USEBH) Haiti Rev. Marc A Pierre-Louis, President Rev. Marc Arthur ST CYR, Vice-President God gives a family those who were abandoned; He delivers the captives and makes them happy. Ps 68: 8 Dear Lott Carey family, As you receive this report, may you also receive the blessings of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. In 1916 Lott Carey missionaries, worthy workers of the kingdom of God, founded ministries and outreach programs in Haiti. In 1982, after the departure of the missionaries of Lott Carey, pastors united to lead the work of God, and thus, God found a way, allowing this work to continue for the purpose of spreading the word of God in the midst of a people terrified by the kingdom of darkness. Since then, we have gathered around this mission called the Strategic Union of the Baptist Churches (USEBH). In 2001, by the tireless help of God through his servants, the Lott Carey family, the work of God founded by the missionaries of Lott Carey has been supported and sustained. We give glory to God for this partnership that I consider a miracle. The work happening now is not different from the orientation of the ministry. We need a tighter and more effective collaboration so that the work represented by Lott Carey, formerly in Haiti, can resume its mission and function more effectively today for the glory of God. 59

63 What makes our ministry important for the witnessing of Christianity today includes a) Churches proclaiming the word of God, and souls being converted to the Lord every single day. b) Training of leaders, women, youth and children. c) Bringing to society Christian values and our faithful pray for the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our partnership with the global Lott Carey family is very important. Through this partnership the leaders of our churches are motivated and encouraged in the work of the Lord. The partnership with the Lott Carey family is for us what the sap is for the plant. We strongly believe that collaboration will become stronger and will result in our ministry flourishing across the country. The main areas of impact are Evangelization, Education, and Health. The instruments for impacting individuals and communities include the preaching of the word of God through our churches, educating children through the schools of our churches, training of leaders at an annual convention, offering an Easter retreat for young people, celebrating with the children through special ministries at Christmas and the support of Lott Carey. We ve grown to 29 churches across the country, with more than 4,000 members. We have 22 pastors working in the churches, more than 15 schools with 2,000 children attending, and a health center. We will not know how many people have been affected by our preaching. The field is vast, and we have a lot to do. We have developed a social project for the next three years which focuses on education, health and micro-finance. We have qualified leaders for the project, and we also have some material resources available. We await doors to open for financing and executing the plan. We ask the Lott Carey family for prayers for the outcomes of our annual convention which will have occurred July 26-29, 2018, at Redemption Baptist Church of Fond des Négres, in the south of Haiti. 60

64 Please also pray for the different churches throughout the country and for the pastors who serve in those places. Pray for the word of God to touch and transform the Haitian nation. We request your prayers for the young people of our churches and for the financial resources needed for our social project in order that we may continue impacting society. May the Lord continue to fill you with his rich riches for His glory. Amen. 61

65 Annual Report African AIDS Initiative International (AAII) Ethiopia Elleni Gebreamlak West, President Dear Lott Carey Family, As you gather for the 121 st Annual Session in Atlanta, Georgia, please receive our sincere and profound gratitude for what you have done and continue to do in our quest to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia. We would not have been able to accomplish what we have so far without your help. Thank you very much. Our lives are blessed by the partnership and friendships we share with you. OUR WORK The primary focus of our work includes HIV/AIDS prevention, reproductive health information and services to communities, specifically women. But this year we expanded help to students with disabilities, thanks to your generous gift. Our accomplishments thus far and our future aspirations for these students include empowering young women through education, and therefore helping reduce gender disparity, as well as providing life skills training and health education for persons with disabilities. This ministry is essential because Ethiopia has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. Violence against women has its roots in gender disparities, where women are only permitted subordinate roles in decision making at household and community levels. Among other negative consequences, violence against women inevitably compromises their ability to negotiate safer sex practices. Consequently, women are being exposed to HIV/AIDS. As Christians, it is our obligation to help the needy, the vulnerable and the weak. Ethiopian women need to be protected because the most common and universally occurring form of gender-based violence is that 62