Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society

Transcription

1 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 120 th Annual Session Convening in Birmingham, Alabama, USA Host Pastor: Dr. A. B. Sutton, Jr. Living Stones Temple Fultondale, Alabama

2 Rev. Lott Carey II

3 CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT Convention Officers and Staff... 2 Executive Secretary-Treasurer... 3 Dr. David Emmanuel L. 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 and Sudan 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 Teen Challenge/Home of Hope, Cape Town, South Africa Rev. Jacobus Nomdoe African AIDS Initiative International, Ethiopia Ms. Elleni Gebreamlak West Director of Missional Programs Rev. Dawn M. Sanders Disaster Services Network Ms. Kathi L. Reid Leading Contributors to Christian Missions Roll Call of Contributors to Christian Missions

4 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. Laurence F. Campbell Men On Mission Team Leader Rev. Robert James International Youth Development Team Leader UNITED STATES STAFF Mrs. Tonga R. Peterson Operations Manager Rev. Dawn M. Sanders Director, Missional Programs Ms. Kathi L. Reid Project Manager, Disaster Services Network Mrs. Barbara T. Crump Program Coordinator 2 Dr. Evans L. Spagner Program Coordinator

5 Annual Report of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, Ph.D. To the Lott Carey family gathered in Birmingham, Alabama: Your global family sends their greetings as we convene for our 120 th Annual Session. We gather for the first time in our history in Birmingham, Alabama with a theme that Missions Matters to the Poor. Birmingham holds a significant historical place in the US struggle for civil rights. The recalcitrance of white racism and the persistence of agents of justice experienced great confrontation in the 1950s and 1960s. The terrorism from the conspiracy of the KKK and police reached unfathomable depths with the September 1963 bombing of the 16 th Street Baptist Church that murdered Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Carol Denise McNair on a Sunday morning. Many responded to this horrific act in ways that helped to galvanize progress toward desegregating public spaces in Birmingham and contribute to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender and national origin and called for equity in voting, schools, employment and public accommodations. We gather in this historic place to remind the world that missions matters to the poor because God wills for all people to have enough. Your team of global leaders rejoices to offer these brief narratives as testimony that God is using your faithfulness to bless many people in many places. We are also thankful to catalogue the generosity of so many people who are planting and watering seeds in Jesus name. We invite you to use the following material to inform you prayer life. Join us in prayer of thanksgiving for the work that we are all sharing in the power of the Spirit. Join us in prayer to discern how God would have us to continue to serve. Our Mission The Lott Carey Global Christian Missional Community helps churches to extend the Christian witness throughout the world. Through prayer partnership, financial support, and technical assistance, we come 3

6 alongside indigenous communities engaged in ministries of evangelism, compassion, empowerment, and advocacy. Together, we are touching lives with transforming love. This year we conclude our strategic direction that called for the Lott Carey network: 1. To be a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, ecumenical community engaged in the Christian witness around the world. 2. To mobilize churches, families, and individuals for effective global missional engagement globally 3. To utilize technology for informing, inspiring, investing, and engaging 4. To nurture new generations of Christian leaders for the world 5. To activate churches and individuals for advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and victimized people 6. To promote economic empowerment for sustainable families and communities 7. To help vulnerable communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from large scale disasters 8. To strengthen our institutional capacity to resource our global partner network more effectively While we have not fully accomplished all of the goals aligned with the above strategic drivers, we have made good progress. Much work, however, remains to be done. We look forward to pursuing renewed strategic priorities and refined goals as we seek to build a better world through Christian missions. NEW LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES We are grateful for new leadership development opportunities the Lord has provided. First, we collaborated with the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University to launch a Doctor of Ministry in Global Leadership in The eight students in our pioneer cohort are in the candidacy stage of the program. They completed seminars in liberation theologies, contemporary missiologies and leadership strategies. Further, they conducted contextual research to help international partners to assess current leadership capacities in their networks and to anticipate future needs. The students will design 4

7 leadership development recommendations for partners in Canada, Haiti, India and Zimbabwe. We look forward to their final projects and the future possibilities for this new team of high level leaders for service in the global community. Second, we were blessed with a grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity to facilitate a leadership development journey for younger pastoral leaders. Lott Carey was identified as an institution that has demonstrated excellence in our mission and notable influence on other organizations. Further, we were noted as a community committed to developing leadership and looking for imaginative ways to identify, develop and encourage potential leaders. 12 dynamic ministers are on a journey that we have entitled: Leading the Lott Carey Way. The goal of this program is to strengthen leadership capacities of collaboration and global vision in a cohort of vocational ministers who are early in their careers. This is a one-year journey of gathering with global pastoral leaders, personality assessment and interpretation, exploring opportunities and challenges of leadership, and an invitation to a significant collaborative leadership opportunity in the Lott Carey network. Third, we are collaborating with the Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University to offer a specialized Master of Theological Studies (MTS) through Palmer s blended online model known as OpenSeminary. The OpenSeminary MTS is designed specifically to train church leaders in best practices as well as relevant theology and theory, for the purpose of addressing the real questions that emerge from local church practice. The program is delivered in a convenient online format with two residencies per year that convene during the Lott Carey Annual Session (August) and the Spring Missions Conference (March). The degree can be completed over three years on a part-time basis and consists of six modules: Theologia: doing theology in context Koinonia: leading and building community Kerygma: communicating the gospel Leitourgia: leading people in the presence of God Diakonia: missional church service Paideia: spiritual formation 5

8 We are recruiting a cohort of at least 12 people to begin the program in January A MILESTONE I rejoice to have completed 20 years of service as Lott Carey s Executive Secretary-Treasurer. When I was called to serve in November 1996 and began fulltime service in June 1997, I had no idea how rewarding and inspiring this journey would be. I am grateful to have followed the 55-year tenure of Wendell Clay Somerville and rejoice in the continued friendship I enjoy with Dr. C. R. Edwards who was the interim executive and would introduce me with saying, I must decrease so that he can increase. This faithful nonagenarian continues to be an advocate and encourager. I make special mention, as well, of Dr. Norman W. Smith, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of Lott Carey s Board. At my installation in September 1997 in Washington, DC, Chairman Smith told of the angst of many concerning the wellbeing of the Lott Carey family following the distinguished tenure of Dr. Somerville. He talked about people wondering who would succeed the retired executive and whether the organization had adequately groomed the next generation leader. I remember warmly Chairman Smith saying with great confidence and conviction, God did the grooming. Following the installation, I accompanied Rev. Somerville out of the meeting hall to bid him farewell. He was in ill health, and I was not certain that he had comprehended the day. When I shook his hand and thanked him for coming, he said, You ve had a fine program today. Congratulations. I took that as my blessing from an Elijah to an Elisha. Milestones like two decades of service prompt floods of memories of people and experiences. I am a better disciple of Jesus, preacher of the gospel, ambassador for missions and leader of people because of the privilege of serving and learning in your presence. You have helped me to grow, and I look forward to the years ahead. 6

9 CONCLUSION The Haitian proverb holds: Men anpil, chay pa lou. This translates similarly to the 16 th century English dramatist, John Heywood s noted insight that: Many hands make light work. This is a truth! I rejoice in the many hands that help to mold and move the Lott Carey missional thrust forward. Our amazing partners around the world continue to inspire me with their grit and grace. They serve without adequate material resources, but somehow they survive and thrive. I am blessed to count so many as colleagues and friends and teachers. Our lean staff is committed and prepared for service in so many ways. We are grateful for each of them and what they bring. Mrs. Tonga R. Peterson, MS, CMP Operations Manager Rev. Dawn M. Sanders, MDiv Director of Missional Programs Ms. Kathi L. Reid, MBA Disaster Services Manager Mrs. Barbara T. Crump, MACE Associate for Missions Advancement Rev. Evans Spagner, DMin Associate for Missions Advancement A host of volunteers give generously of their time and talent to help churches to extend the Christian witness throughout the world. Sometimes their work is obvious and at other times obscure to the public. Whether their work is seen by many or seen only by the Lord, I am thankful for their partnership in this ministry. Lott Carey continues to be blessed with many gifted leaders. We thank God for President Alyn E. Waller whose energy and imagination are boundless; Board of Directors Chairman John M. Alexander, Jr. who is a calm and consistent strategic leader; Women in Service Everywhere President Carol W. Mohamed who is always ready for new ventures for the cause of missions; Men on Mission Team Leader Laurence Campbell who is a relentless advocate for serving and who completes his tenure this year; and International Youth Development Team Leader Robert James whose contemplative creativity continues to inspire wider horizons of possibilities. My wife, Pamela, and our son, Atiba Emmanuel, have shared my time and attention with the Lott Carey family and a wide network of relationships. They have consistently been available and active in critical phases of this work and have done so without expectation of recognition. They are truly light and salt in the world. My ministry is more effective 7

10 because of the joy and hope they bring. My colleagues and I offer this Annual Report with gratitude for the opportunities that the Lord provides us through your spiritual, personal and financial support. We trust that you will be informed and inspired to increase your investment in Christian missions throughout the world. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 8

11 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Mission Schools Brewerville, Liberia Rev. Emile D. E. Sam-Peal, Superintendent/Principal To the Executive Secretary/Treasurer, President, Board of Directors and to the saints of the Lott Carey Global Family gathered at the 120 th Annual Convention Session, Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints, and mission partners and Lott Carey family here in Liberia. We are thankful for your partnership and commitment to missions which makes us able to continue to be God s hands and feet, God s voice and face, in this place. Your generosity, your prayers, your presence and visitation over the years are all noted and appreciated. May the Lord refill you with bountiful blessings, even as you generously give and pray for the sustained mission and ministry in Liberia. FOUNDATION AND VISION We have more than a century of stellar and exceptional service in and throughout Liberia by providing the best quality education in a nurturing, caring and learning environment. We value our heritage as a Christian educational institution. We value our emphasis on academic excellence. We value our commitment to creating and sustaining a community, where administrators, teachers, staff and students grow together. Scholarship, Character and Industry is our motto. Our commitment over the past century is a testament to the fact that Lott Carey Mission School (LCM) is positioned to help ensure the rebuilding of this country by investing in the human resource for a sustained and prosperous nation. 9

12 Our founding forebears envisioned a mission/ministry to provide quality education to children of Liberia and residents in a cultured and Christian environment that was very lacking. Wholesome education that develops and nurtures boys and girls to become responsible world citizens imbued with Christian values and a sound, rigorous academic program was designed to fill a void. To this end they invested time, resources, and their very lives. With passion, fervor and commitment they labored joyfully and experienced firsthand the bountiful harvest of their labors. Over the last 110+ years, many scores of young people have walked through the halls of LCM and have left their marks all over the place in their various spheres and vocations. This same vision is being fleshed out today. It is fostered and lived out even as we forge into our second century of faithful, dedicated, joyful and sacrificial services to this millennial generation. Our commitment is to a dynamic ministry program that meets needs at the core. Thereby, we are touching lives with transforming love. The fulfillment of this vision is even more urgent and needed due to our present context. Infrastructures and human capacities need to be rebuilt to meet the challenging demands of our day. With new ideologies and ways of life being espoused daily and the silent push of other faiths to expand their reach (especially Islam) with focused attention on the youth, we must be vigilant to mold these young minds with the love of Christ, even as we push forward our three-pronged program of building Character, Industry and Scholarship. EXAMPLES OF IMPACT Let me here offer a few human stories to show how lives are impacted through the ministry that we give leadership to through the support from our global Lott Carey family. The aftermath of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease was difficult for families and our nation. Many families lost loved ones to this fast acting and dreaded disease. About five of our students lost parents. We discovered this fact much later due to stigmatization of families who were affected. One student lost her dad. When we found this out, we reached out to her to ensure that she was surrounded by a loving and caring community. We provided a safety net for her to remain in school, provided her with lunch daily, took care of any medical needs she and her 10

13 family had, offered spiritual guidance in helping her deal with the loss of her father (who was the breadwinner of her family), and encouraged her to focus on her education. She stayed the course and graduated because of the support system we have in place. The effort of the African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration that was coordinated through Lott Carey was a great blessing to us. We were able to partner with ELWA Hospital in Liberia to provide care and support to 36 children and their families who were orphaned by or were survivors of the Ebola Disease Virus outbreak. We were awarded a grant to provide medical care and to pay school fees for these vulnerable children. So many lives were touched in immeasurable ways. They were impacted and forever changed by showing love to fallen humanity. We have a unique opportunity for evangelism within our midst. Our reputation for academic excellence attracts students seeking to have their candles lit at the bright flame of knowledge. This includes those of other faiths, including students from Muslim families. This provides us with great opportunities to present the gospel through daily chapel devotions, bible instructions in classes and regular spiritual emphasis. We have witnessed many of these students who have privately professed their faith in Jesus Christ and Lord. We trust that the Holy Spirit will work with and through them to one day make a public profession. One student made a profession of faith during one of our spiritual emphases weeks. She is eager to learn the scriptures and she sings in the school choir. I presented her a bible which she keeps in the library because she cannot take it home. Please pray that God s Spirit will surround this student, protect her and use her to be a witness to her family in the Spirit s own time. Another success story is Emmanuel Gweame, a 2014 graduate of LCM, who through his high academic acumen and diligent work was awarded a full scholarship to study geology at the University of Rochester in New York. He is a shining example of the worthy investment made through the Lott Carey Network. He attended Lott Carey Baptist Mission School from grades He graduated as the valedictorian of his class and served as Student Council President. We are very proud of him, and we have not heard the last of this brilliant young man and budding geologist. 11

14 AN INVITATION TO PRAY 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 avenues and resources to meet them and to turn them into stepping stones. There is a constant need for adequate, functional and furnished academic spaces classrooms, laboratory, and new construction or renovation of aged buildings on the campus. We urgently need to focus on the matter of fencing of the school property (total of 29 acres). Over the last 3 years we have constantly dealt with illegal squatters and encroachments. Our teachers and staff are worthy of better pay and incentives to ensure that we retain, as well as recruit, the best teachers. This will help us to preserve our legacy of an excellent and rigorous academic program. Ongoing Professional Development Training for our teachers and staff is always needed to constantly gain new insights and skills to make our school more student-friendly while producing high performing students. We will benefit from opportunities and resources to add value to our academic program through the infusion of computer training and vocational skills programs. This will prepare our students for the workforce immediately after graduating from high school. Presidential and general elections are scheduled for October, We are actively engaging our students and praying for nonviolent, non-divisive and fair elections and a peaceful transfer of power. We desire to upgrade our school with technology (computers and internet connectivity) to help prepare our students to be technologically literate and fluent in this technological advancing world. Our students cannot afford to be left behind. We long for volunteers to work alongside us to teach, train teachers, lead various summer camps and share in work teams to help with the renovation of buildings on the campus. Pray with and for our students and their families for the Lord s provision, protection and salvation. Also pray for their salvation. Pray for all of our staff (teachers, administrative and support 12

15 staff) for good health, provisions, protection and guidance. Pray that all the resources needed to fully fund the implementation of a campus wide water system will be done in a timely manner. When the water system is installed and fully operational, all buildings on campus and the neighboring communities will benefit from safe and clean drinking water, good for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, thereby significantly minimizing water-borne diseases. OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD Opportunities abound to provide 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, are parents to many students, mentor, provide a shoulder for them to cry on, and create a SAFE space for them to be vulnerable and be themselves. We also have the chance to be advocates as well as teaching them how to be advocates for many social issues like the environment and sexual and gender-based violence. Amidst the challenges, there are further opportunities to impact and transform the lives of our students, their families, communities and our nation in very tangible ways, such as: Mission teams that can lead in Spiritual Emphasis programs which lead to decisions for Christ among the student populace and staff and that can train students for personal evangelism within their communities. Mission teams to come during the summer months to lead camps for students (sports, music, science and technology). The development and construction of a playground where students learn and refine their motor skills as well as a place of fun and recreation. Mission teams and volunteers to constantly help us 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, evaluate teachers, etc. will be a great value to our ministry. Mission teams prepared to engage in construction/renovation projects on both campuses. Prayer partners who will commit to praying with and for us on 13

16 a daily basis for our ministry and work here in Liberia to bring glory to God and build up humanity. We can benefit from medical teams for outreach clinics in our community and to address some of the medical issues/needs faced by staff and students. Ongoing support to the ELWA Hospital in its ongoing program for orphans and survivors of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease. We will be glad to welcome mission partners/teams who can come and minister alongside us in the classrooms, throughout the community and within our context. Opportunities abound. Hopefully through these mission opportunities, we will be blessed by your gifts of presence and, hopefully, we too 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). Also we have frequent needs for instructional supplies for students and teachers. We offer our profound thanks and appreciation to our global family for your prayerful support and your many, many gifts that you send throughout the year. Thank you to President Waller and the Board, to pastors, churches, and individual members who continue to support us. We say thanks to Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley and the ministry staff. We pray that the good Lord will continue to bountifully bless you, and we look forward to our continued and sustained partnership to God glory. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace Num. 6:24-26 Touching Lives with Transforming Love 14

17 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Mission, New Delhi, India Mr. Thomas T. Roy, Superintendent Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 nd Corinthians 9:10-12) Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, Greetings from India to our dear brothers and sisters from across the globe, and especially to our family in Christ in the United States of America, who gather in Birmingham, Alabama for the 120 th Annual Session of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society. As St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians, Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. The Lott Carey family in the States has been steadfastly and sincerely doing its spiritual duty for more than a century by supporting its lesser privileged and economically backward members around the globe. 15

18 Through our Preaching, Teaching and Healing ministries, we are reaching out to a multitude of people in India. At this juncture I take the opportunity to thank my brothers and sisters in the Lord for their generous donations and prayers for our various projects. May our Lord bless you richly for your sacrificial giving which in due course will produce a rich and bountiful harvest. 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. What started as a small thatched hut in 1960 with hardly 15 members now has a congregation of 280 members. By the Grace of God, the numbers continue to grow. What was once a small hut is now a magnificent edifice that not only houses the church but has also provides a home for boys who are either orphans or with only one 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 parish are regular church goers and help wholeheartedly in every endeavour initiated by the pastor. Sunday School classes are held for the children of the parish, regularly. The youth are encouraged and motivated to take an active part in church activities. The Annual Vacation Bible School organised by the Pastor, Rev. C V Valson, is attended by over 300 children who are mainly from a non-christian background. They enjoy the activities planned for them. Conventions are regularly held and the fact that this year over 450 people participated in a three-day programme amply shows that the Lord s power and the dynamism and dedication He has given to Rev. C V Valson has drawn the flock closer to the Almighty. The Good Lord has used Rev. C V Valson s faith, energy and abilities that have been responsible not only for the many programs held in the church and at other locations, but have also enabled this sincere and committed pastor to be the driving force behind the establishment of two churches in Haryana. I thank the Lord for blessing workers like him for the Glory of His Kingdom. 16

19 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 Rev Wilson Mark takes good care of the spiritual needs of his flock. The church has over 500 members and many are baptized and added to the congregation regularly, mainly due to the Rev Wilson Mark s Healing Ministry held every Thursday by the Pastor. 3. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Church, Indira Chakraborthy Gram (Leprosy Colony), Hapur Road, Karnal, Haryana The Lott Carey Baptist Mission Church, Indira Chakraborthy Gram (Leprosy Colony), Hapur Road, Karnal, Haryana was established in 1970 when the Mission started a leprosy colony in the area. Rev Samson Sagar is the Pastor of this Church that has nearly 40 members and a Sunday School which is attended by around 10 children. 4. Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Leprosy Colony, Gannaur, Haryana The Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Leprosy Colony, Gannaur, Haryana was started in 2006 in a dilapidated room, which was later abandoned due to a court order. However the inmates of the colony were kind enough to give us a good sized plot for the church, practically free of cost, on which we were able to construct a beautiful church with an inside balcony in May There are 25 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 is the Assistant Pastor, and Rev. C V Valson visits the Church at least once a month. 5. Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana, built in 2016, is the newest church of the Mission. Rev. Vikas Singh is the Pastor of this Church. Around 25 families attend the Worship Service. 25 to 30 children regularly attend the Sunday School. This church is also under the supervision of Rev. C V Valson. 17

20 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 Arjun Singh. e) There is a prayer group near the railway station at Panipat, Haryana where Mr. Ghulab Singh, Lay Leader conducts the Sunday evening prayer meetings. 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. It has a prayer service on every Sunday conducted by Evangelist Mukesh Lal who caters to the spiritual needs of 40 believers. Ministry of Teaching The Mission has five (5) Non-Formal Education Centres 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. It may be worthwhile to mention that the Lord has helped us to add two more Non-Formal Education Centres this year. 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 156 students and 8 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 disadvantages, 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 18

21 this school is not directly run by the Mission as in the previous years, it is being fully funded by the Mission since this year. b) Somerville Non-Formal Education Project- Amar Nagar, Faridabad, Haryana Somerville Non-Formal Education Project- Amar Nagar, Faridabad, Haryana is a project exclusively for the children of the stone quarry workers, who live in slums in the nearby area. There are about 34 students ably taught by one teacher Mrs. Anima Kandulna. The students are admitted to the local government run schools after initial training at this project. It is a pity that there is no scope for improvement of the school in the present set up. c) Somerville Non-Formal School- Anandgram Leprosy Colony, Shahdra, Delhi Somerville Non-Formal School Project- Anandgram Leprosy Colony, Shahdra, Delhi occupies the first floor of the Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church. It is a Non Formal Education Project, catering to nearly 80 students from the economically weaker sections of the society. Two teachers are employed by the Mission to teach these young ones. The students are 3-5 year olds studying in the Nursery and Kindergarten. After attending this school, they are admitted to Government schools in the vicinity. d) Somerville Pre-School at Bethany Baptist Church, Gannaur, Haryana Somerville Pre-School at Bethany Baptist Church, Gannaur, Haryana is a Non-Formal Education project that was inaugurated on 28 th March students 3-5 years of age attend this school. Pastor Lazar Masih and a teacher run this project. e) Somerville Pre-School at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana Somerville Pre-School at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Gharounda, Haryana also came into existence on 28 th March It has 8 children from the surrounding areas. Mrs. Reeta Singh, wife Pastor Vikas Singh, assisted by a maid, teaches these children. 19

22 f) Scholarships and Financial Aid to Poor and Needy The Mission gives scholarships to more than 236 students for their education and hostel expenses. 12 students are being trained by the Mission to be Nurses, so that they can not only hope for a bright future but also serve the sick and the needy. These students, whose parents find it difficult even to feed them, are from very poor families. The Mission gives financial aid to many poor and needy brothers and sisters, for their medical treatment or setting up small scale 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 using the latest technologies. Our Somerville Schools are well known for their academic excellence, discipline and for instilling the right values in the young minds. The students of our schools excel in curricular and extra-curricular activities. a) Somerville School, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi ( Students: 2936 Teaching staff: 141 Admin staff: 104 (including office staff, drivers and conductor and support staff) The school started in 1975 with 400 students in a 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: 3440 Teaching staff: 143 Admin staff: 82 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 20

23 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: 1911 Teaching staff: 105 Admin staff: 106 This school was established in 1998, when the whole area was practically 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: 494 Teaching staff: 32 Admin staff: 57 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. At this time it is up to the 9 th grade and we are thankful to the Lord for enabling us to get the much needed affiliation to the Central Board of Secondary Education of India, without which our students cannot appear in public examinations. Mrs. Sujata Chawdhry is the Principal of the school. Involvement of Somerville School Students in Social Work The children of our public schools collect gifts for the children of our Non-Formal Education Projects and distribute them during the Christmas Season. The students of Somerville School-Vasundhara Enclave collect and give monthly rations to the family members of the HIV/AIDS affected persons. Thus, early in their lives, they get an opportunity to do community welfare work, which will give them the aspiration to serve the poor and needy of the society. 21

24 Ministry of Healing a) HIV/AIDS awareness project. The Mission is engaged in an Awareness Programme to prevent this fatal disease. Street Plays and Magic Shows are conducted every week. The local people, who are generally poor and uneducated, eagerly attend these shows. In this way, we create an 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. Leprosy is still prevalent here and there in India, though we know that it is no more an epidemic. Fresh cases are reported regularly. Though our doctors try to treat them with the latest medicines, it is difficult as they 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 (Mrs) 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. 1. Lott Carey Baptist Mission Hospital, Indira Chakraborthy 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 c) Mobile Clinics Where the patients cannot 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. Countless adults and children are benefitted through this project. Our Doctor P K Tyagi attends to these patients, be it the scorching summer or the biting winter. 22

25 6200 patients were attended to by the doctor during the report year. Campbell Home for Boys, Anandgram, Shahdra, Delhi Total children: 16 No. of Staff: 7 No. of children studying in our Public School: 15 The second floor of the Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, Anandgram houses 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 own school, Somerville School, in Vasundhara Enclave, where they receive a first-rate education. We praise the Lord, that these children who were facing a dark future have now been guided in the right direction, so that they may become assets to the society and worthy citizens of our country. The boys take an active part in church worship and 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 be a help and support to many others like them. This is one of the best projects of the Mission in India. Dr. P K Tyagi does the medical check-up of these boys on every third Saturday of the month. Rev C V Valson and his wife Mrs. Beena Valson, who is Nursing Superintendent of a reputed Hospital in NOIDA, U.P, take excellent care of these children. The children call them Pastor Papa and Mummy. The children usually come first in their classes and it is a joy to see that they are on the right track. Please keep them in your prayers so that they might have a bright future. A TESTIMONY OF IMPACT We impact the lives of hundreds of people for the better. I am giving below the testimony of one person, whose life completely changed due to the influence of Christianity. March 2017 Praise the Lord My name is Sanjay. I live in Nandnagri in Delhi with my wife and two sons. I would like to share my witness with you. I belonged to a 23

26 Hindu family. Before accepting Jesus as my Saviour, I was a pick pocket. One day I stole a gold chain from a lady, but something troubled me and I had no peace of mind. The same day I heard the Word of God, and I felt Divine peace in my heart. I decided to return the stolen gold chain to the owner. I felt happy and peaceful after returning the stolen gold chain. I started attending the church services at Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, Anandgram of Lott Carey Baptist Mission. After some time I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. Now I have been a member of the Abner Nelson Memorial First Baptist Church, Anandgram for the past four years and attend the church services with my family. I now earn an honest and decent living by driving an e-rickshaw in Delhi. Please pray for me and my family. A REQUEST FOR PRAYER We request your prayer support for planting a church in Panipat, Haryana, where we have a prayer group. Though we were planning to buy a plot of land and start the construction of a church, many obstructions have come in the way. Please pray that a place of Worship can be built in Panipat, Haryana. Further, we have plans to start a hostel for girls, either orphans or semi orphans in Greater NOIDA, U.P. The ground floor can be a church and the children can stay upstairs. The girls can be given excellent education in our own school (Somerville School-Greater NOIDA). It is a mammoth task, given the prevailing conditions. Please pray for this need in your churches and prayer groups. I have received excellent support and motivation from our President, Mrs. Mary George and our Chairperson/Director, Somerville Schools, Mrs. D A Tressler. I take this opportunity to thank them 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 and my colleagues and staff. The Mission could not have made such a steady progress in various fields without their help. I am grateful to Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary/ Treasurer of Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, USA, and his colleagues for their help, support and guidance. We really appreciate visits from our brothers and sisters of Lott Carey Baptist 24

27 Mission in USA. Please come and visit us since it is a great morale booster for us. My special thanks go out to Sis. Tonga R Peterson-Operations Manager, Sis Kathi L Reid, Program Manager and Rev. Dawn M Sanders, Director of Missional Programs and other brothers and sisters of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention in the USA. May our Lord continue to shower His Blessings on our Convention for its support and prayers and for impacting the lives of tens of thousands of people around the Globe, through love of our Lord Jesus Christ. All Glory be to Him. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 25

28 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Churches of Nigeria Uyo, Nigeria By Rev. Kenneth C. Ebong, Superintendent I now realize how true it is that you do not show favoritism but accept men from every nation who fear him and do what is right (Acts 10: 34, 35 NIV). GREETINGS We, in Nigeria, greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died for all people of all nations that all might receive His grace for salvation despite their race, tribe or gender. May we be granted a wonderfully blessed and successful Annual Session in Jesus name. Amen. We thank God for the grace that enabled us to come this far. As the songwriter wrote We ve come this far by faith Leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His holy word, He s never failed me yet. Oh, we can t turn around. We ve come this far by faith. God has brought Lott Carey this far, and we know that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). INTRODUCTION We, in Nigeria, thank God for unflinching benevolence towards Nigeria, especially over the past twelve months. The biting economic 26

29 recession experienced because of the fall of the price of crude oil (which is the major source of revenue for the country) has almost crippled the economy except for the stringent polices put in place to reverse the trend. The recession resulted in the devaluation of our currency the Naira which depreciated to 500 Nigerian Naira to 1 U.S. dollar. That is unheard of! Prices of commodities doubled which put the prices of items out of reach to most Nigerians. We still believe that as a result of the handwriting on the wall, the government policy-makers will deem it necessary to legislate and facilitate the diversification of our economy. Despite all of this, the economic indices are showing that we are coming out of the recession. We are hoping that things will be much better by the end of the year. THE NATURE OF OUR ENGAGEMENT Our ministerial pursuits here in Nigeria are primarily evangelical in nature. Over 81 churches have been established in the States of Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, and even Abia since the inception of Lott Carey in Nigeria. We have also involved ourselves in establishing formal education institutions of both Nursery/Elementary and Secondary School levels, and these are: 1. Lott Carey Baptist Secondary School Afaha Obio Eno, Ibino Ibom L.G.A. (1964). 2. Lott Carey Baptist Community School (now named Efik Uruk Esheit Community School) Etuk Uruk Esheit, Etim Ekpo L.G.A. (1975). 3. The Lott Carey Baptist Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu L.G.A. (1987). 4. The Lott Carey Baptist Nursery/ Primary Schools, Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu L.G.A (1988). 5. The Lott Carey Baptist Nursery Primary, Schools, Uwanse Calabar; Cross River State (1988). 6. The Lott Carey Baptist Nursery/Primary & Secondary School; Orida, Mbiase L.G.A.; Cross River State (2016). UPGRADING SCHOOLS As of the academic session, the Nursery/Primary Schools in Ikot Ebom Itam and Calabar have been upgraded with Secondary 27

30 School facilities. A Nursery/Primary section has been added onto the Secondary School at Ikit Efre Itak, Ikono L.G.A. Lott Carey s Ministry here is focusing in the rural villages of the South-South where the dividends of the local and federal government are not felt. Consequently, there is a need and demand for church sponsored educational institutions. Most of our schools are located where we had earlier established churches which facilitated the process of acquiring land for their consideration. All of our Schools have been the first of their kinds in the communities where they have been established. To date, the Lott Carey School at Afaha Obio Eno, which was established in 1964, is still the only public secondary school for the 23 villages in Southern Ibiono. One could imagine what would have happened if that school was not there. Even now, students ride their bikes or walk for distances. All of our schools are institutions of high quality and extremely affordable education. Our fees are almost 50% cheaper than any other competing school being established today in the neighboring communities. We open doors to those who would not have been able to attend school at all. Because of this, Lott Carey finds itself subsidizing the running of the schools. OUR IMPACT Our faith-driven involvement is highly welcomed in the areas we serve. The communities have realized that we are there to serve and give instead of lording over and extracting from the communities where we work. They have come to understand that we are playing a vital role in community development via our evangelistic and educational programs. Our ministry helps people to experience the love of God. Our scholarship programs, especially during our earlier years, have been a blessing to many. During the 2017 sports fest of our school at Ikot Efre Itak, the chairman of the occasion, who is now the Chief Executive (Chairman) of the Local Government Area, let the pupils know that without the Lott Carey Mission School he would not have been able to finish his Secondary School education, not to talk about going to University. Another produce of our system is today the Project Manager of the Business section of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja. Additionally, 28

31 our institutions, especially the Secondary Schools, have created employment opportunities for their communities and have improved their economic states. Since all of our schools have been designated as National Examination Centers for other important examinations, there is always an influx of people coming into the communities for these examinations. As a result, the people have either added rooms onto their existing homes or built new self-contained efficiencies for rental purposes. OBSERVATIONS & CHALLENGES It is obvious to us that we are going through the worst recession ever in Nigeria. The cry of hunger, due to the inability for many to provide at least one meal a day for their families, is being heard of very hard for the first time in decades. A stunning and unsetting example is the runaway cost of our most common staple food, garri, which is homegrown and processed from Cassava. Five years ago, garri was sold at 10 cups per a hundred naira (N100.00), but today it is sold at 1 cup per a hundred naira. Imagine the disparity in cost and the obvious effects. Amazingly, Nigeria is considered the largest producer of Cassava in the world today. To add more pain to our injury lately, there has been very serious community clashes in some areas of our ministry involvement (i.e., Ekom Iman, Ommum Uyam, Obon Ebet, Nkek Ekandafun and Ikot Ibekwe in Etinan, Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government Areas). There has been much vandalism and destruction of properties. Most people have been displaced. Consequently, school, church and other activities have been disrupted. We humbly solicit your prayers because of these pressing and devastating issues. OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE DIFFERENCES With the present economic State, we are having challenging difficulties in getting funding to take care of pressing necessities. Perhaps the Spirit will lead you to help make the difference as individuals or groups of individuals with one-time or monthly gifts. In the midst of all of these happening, God is still providing 29

32 opportunities for His people to make a difference. Educational Support Laptop for our computer laboratories ($ each) Playground equipment for our Nursery/Primary Schools ($2,000.00) Laboratory apparatus for our Science Laboratories Books for our Libraries A water well for our new Nursery/Primary School in Orida ($5,000.00) The completion of the Church building in Uyo, the state capital of Kwa Ibom State ($75,000.00). School bus for our Nursery/Primary School at Ikot Ebon Nursery School Renovation ($7,500) Secondary School Renovation ($12,000) Church Support Pastoral Support Stipends ($1, per pastoral family) Women s agribusiness support ($500 per region) Repairs of Church building ($50,000) APPRECIATION We will forever remain grateful to God for His benevolence towards us. We further express our sincere appreciation for the love and support of all the churches and individuals who contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of Lott Carey s outreach around the world. We thank Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley and Dr. Eugene Johnson for making time to visit us earlier this year. Their visit was very timely and impactful. We thank God for the enduring grace He gave them to travel to the extremes of our mission work where they visited some of our schools and met with the people and pastors of these different Missions Fields. We especially congratulate Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley for his meritorious and outstanding service as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for over the past 20 years. May God continue to give him foresight, insight, wisdom and grace to pilot the affairs of this great Convention in Jesus Name. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 30

33 Annual Report Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Lott Carey Georgetown, Guyana Rev. Brenda K. Harewood, M.Div., Th.M., Superintendent Pastor Don t take advantage of the poor just because you can; don t take advantage of those who stand helpless in court. The Lord will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs (Proverbs 22:22-23). SALUTATION The Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Lott Carey (GMBC) extends best wishes to the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention (Lott Carey) on its 120 th Annual Session. We salute President Dr. Alyn Waller, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Host Pastor Dr. A. B. Sutton, Jr., members of the Living Stones Temple, Birmingham, AL and all participants of the 120 th Annual Session in Birmingham, Alabama. We pray that God will trouble the waters at this gathering as you reflect on the theme Missions Matters to the Poor. We further pray that the Holy Spirit will stir each member of the Lott Carey global family to do his/her part to end global poverty. It is a privilege and honor to submit the Annual Report for the Guyana Missionary Baptist Church-Lott Carey. Preparing this report provided the opportunity to reflect upon how our Christian values continue to propel us to provide a ministry that is 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 enormous range; hence, this report only outlines some achievements and progress in key areas over the past year. We express our appreciation to the 31

34 leaders and member churches of Lott Carey for their significant mission investments in GMBC that make much of our ministry activities possible. COMMUNITY GMBC understands that to be a Christian apart from community is an oxymoron. Being Christian demands being in community. Therefore, GMBC encourages opportunities to foster Christian community. Some highlights of our life together during this reporting period included Camp 2016, the Men of Vision Empowered (MOVE) 2016 Retreat, the Young Excelsior 2016 Retreat, GMBC 3 rd Annual Day of Sports & Family fun, and the Women in God s Service (WINGS) Conference. GMBC Camp 2016 We hosted our biennial camp from July - August 2016 under the theme God s Peace Plan: Know God... Know Peace. We hosted the following camp session: Seekers 9-10 years; Discovers years; and Enquirers years. Approximately 200 Children/ youth participated in these camp sessions. Our camp staff planned an exciting and comprehensive program that provided the opportunity for worship, learning, service, fun, and fellowship. We are very grateful to Ms. Evon Jackson, Ms Patricia Gaither (Mt Sinai Baptist Church Baltimore, MD) and Ms Brenda Carter (First Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter, SC) who served as instructors and resource persons during these camp sessions. We also express our sincere gratitude to their home churches for donating Bibles to our campers. Because of their generosity, every camper went home with a Bible. We also express our deepest appreciation to Pastor Emeritus Joe B. Fleming and the Third Baptist Church of Portsmouth, Virginia for donating a backpack full of much needed school supplies to each camper. The charity of Third Baptist eased the financial burdens of many families and equipped 200 students for the new school year. Men of Vision Empowered (MOVE) Approximately 30 men from GMBC congregations attended the MOVE weekend retreat in July 2016 at Camp Somerville. This retreat provided men with the chance to get away from their regular routine and the hustle and bustle of work to simply be together through worship, prayer, conversation, service project and fellowship. It amazes me how a short weekend together fostered deeper connections and nurtured deep friendships among our brothers. This year MOVE welcomed Rev. Ronald Maxwell, Senior Pastor of the Affinity Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio as their keynote speaker. Rev. Maxwell was accompanied by Deacon Kevin Smith and Deacon 32

35 Jeremiah Kitchen who facilitated interactive workshops and discussion sessions during the retreat. This team allowed God to use them to challenge and inspire GMBC men to a deeper spiritual life and greater Christian service. MOVE also led GMBC s efforts in planning and hosting our 3 rd Annual Day of Sports in October Approximately 300 GMBC members and friends gathered at the St Stanislaus Sports ground in Georgetown, Guyana for a day of family fun. The day comprised inter-house athletic competition, good food, great music, and fantastic fellowship. Members of the Joshua House emerged as the athletic winners, but we all left as Champions in Christ humming what a fellowship. Young Excelsiors - 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. In July 2017 the youth council partnered with the M. L. Wilson Baptist Church to host a youth seminar with the theme Ignited and Ready: Empowering Youth for the Future. This seminar provided wonderful opportunities for approximately 75 youth to render high praise to God, reflect and engage with various topics and issues affecting young people, and fellowship with each other. Pastor Winston Garner, recent graduate from the United Theological College of the West Indies (A. Russell Awkard/New Zion Baptist Church/ Lott Carey Scholar), served as the Keynote Speaker. His message was most appropriate as he challenged youth to face these changing and challenging times with God. The Youth Council also hosted their Annual Youth Leaders Retreat in March This retreat targeted all GMBC youth and Sunday school leaders and was guided by the theme Youth Ignited and Ready: Be a Lighthouse. Approximately 45 youth leaders attended this event. We are grateful to Minister Oniqueca Grenado, President of the Youth Council and Youth Council members for planning and leading this retreat. This event facilitated opportunities for planning, leadership empowerment, fun, and fellowship. Women in God s Service (WINGS) In March 2017, Deacon Audrey Todd, President of the GMBC Women s Council and other members of the Women s Council, planned and hosted a Women s Empowerment Conference at Camp Somerville. Approximately 75 women attended the conference and they coalesced around the theme Ignited and Ready: 33

36 Soaring to Victory. We were delighted to welcome the Reverend Dr. Kecia Decosta Ford, as the Keynote Preacher and Conference presenter. Dr. Ford is the senior pastor of the Sharp Street United Methodist Church in Sandy Spring, Maryland and an Executive Board Member of the Black Clergy Women of the Baltimore and Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Ella Redfield, Senior Pastor of the New Creation Church in Silver Spring Maryland served as a devotional preacher during the conference. We are grateful to God for using these women of God to minister to their Guyanese 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 that 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 from Exodus 34:6 that compassion is constitutive of God s very being. When compared to countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, Guyana has some of the largest reserves of natural resources timber, gold, diamond, bauxite, fertile agricultural land, oil, and natural gas to name a few. Yet, according to reports from the United Nations, Guyana is arguably the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere; Haiti and Nicaragua are the only two countries deemed poorer than Guyana. According to reports from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) poverty in Guyana has a child s face. UNICEF reports revealed that 33.7 per cent of young people aged lived in poverty and almost half of all children aged 16 and below were poor (47.5 per cent). According to UNICEF eliminating poverty requires the implementation of programs that support the rights and development of children and women, in the areas of universal education, gender equality, maternal and child health, enhancement of inclusiveness to achieve sustainable development. The task laid out by UNICEF is formidable given the state of Guyana s current economy, but at GMBC we refuse to be deterred, we instead draw strength and determination by imitating God. We take heed of the scripture that exhorts us to make compassion an integral aspect of our lives (Zech 7:9). At GMBC we have always understood that compassion is a fundamental part of our mission. God has used our 34

37 various missions outreach projects to help affirm the dignity of the people we serve. These programs help persons affirm their self-worth and to 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 to address health disparities and hunger/poor nutrition 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 are happy to report that this clinic was recognized by the Ministry of Public Health and the Office of Regional Health Services as the top area clinic in meeting and surpassing its vaccination goals. We give God thanks for Dr. Cassindra Alonzo and her team for their hard work and committed service that made this possible. 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. A Medical Mission Team from the Union Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina served at the clinic from September 8-17, This team partnered with local practitioners from the Ministry of Health, and GMBC volunteers to provide services in internal medicine; pediatrics, and dentistry. They also distributed reading glasses and supplied the clinic with much needed medications, and medical supplies. This team facilitated about 900 patient encounters, provided health education, spiritual counseling, and encouragement. We express deep appreciation to Senior Pastor Kenneth Hammond and the Union Baptist Church for their compassionate ministry amongst us. GMBC churches continue to serve as distribution centres for Guyana s Food for Poor Project. We provide food hampers, clothing, school supplies, and household items to needy families. Distribution of these items is made available to the needy and vulnerable in the communities where we serve. CARE Care is practiced in GMBC through ministry to individuals, families, and communities. As a church community we demonstrate care by our willingness to engage in the real-life drama of the people we serve by 35

38 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 that was brutally murdered, or offering support and encouragement to young adults who are preparing to pursue the next stages of their tertiary education. Prayer Gatherings Our local churches meet weekly for prayers. Additionally, prayer warriors from various GMBC churches gather for quarterly prayer retreats. These gatherings are important because they help to create a culture of care within our community. When we take time to pray for and with God s people, we are able to listen to the Holy Spirit while emphasizing the role of the church. We remind one another that the church is not just about more programs or bigger facilities. Rather at the heart of GMBC ministry is God working in real people in the midst of real life circumstances. Erma Miller Scholarship This scholarship program honors the memory of our immediate former Pastor-Superintendent and co-founder of GMBC by providing personal and direct care to students who are taking the next big step to tertiary education. This year s scholars included: 1. Shenitta Garraway, a medical student at Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM) in Venezuela. 2. Felicia Stewart, a medical student at Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM) in Venezuela. 3. Shusheila Persaud, a medical student at the University of Guyana. 4. Denzel Melville, a student in Mechanics at the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI). 5. Olson Abrams, a ministerial student at the Guyana Bible College. 6. Oniqueca Grenado, a ministerial student at the Guyana Bible College. 7. Shaunessy Profitt, a law student, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago 8. Erwin Lewis, a ministerial student at the Wesleyan Bible College. 36

39 We are proud to extend congratulations to Dr. Shenitta Garraway who completed her medical degree with distinctions at ELAM in Venezuela. She has since returned to Guyana to commence her medical practice with the Ministry of Public Health. We are also happy to report that Brother Denzil Melville has completed his tour of studies at Guyana Technical Institute and is currently seeking employment in a related field. 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 our keeping. In August 2016 we had the privilege of commissioning Minister Winston Garner as the Probationary Pastor of the Long Creek Baptist Church. We are grateful to God for his pastoral leadership to this church community. In May 2017 we Licensed Deacon Erwin Lewis from the M.L. Wilson Baptist Church to serve as a student minister. We pray that God will bless and guide Minster Lewis and his family as he answers God s call to Christian ministry. 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 the needed resources to develop our Long Creek project. 37

40 The GMBC pilot Charcoal project continues to provide a steady source of income for the designated family. This year we were able to find a more reliable market for the charcoal. Camp Somerville - Our camping facility continues to meet our various needs and serve as a rental property when not in use by the GMBC community. During this reporting period we bid farewell to Minister Joel Mendonca our project director who has taken up new employment and moved out of the community. We give God thanks for Brother Frank Eversley, member of the Mt Zion Baptist Church, who has been serving as our Interim Project Director. He has been very diligent project manager and focused much attention to our building and grounds maintenance. We express our appreciation to Pastor Naomi Tyler-Lloyd the Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx New York for their many years of partnership and for how they are partnering with us to sustain this project as we continue to explore opportunities for self-sufficiency. 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 that they cherish. We are grateful for these committed ambassadors of God who have served The Guyanese community with the heart, mind, body, and soul. We all join in extending our sincere thanks to the Lott Carey Global family for its ongoing partnership and support. We pray that God will continue to bless our partnership as we labour with God to end global poverty. I pray that we will all be reminded that God created a world with enough resource for all, therefore, poverty is not inevitable; and the poor do not have to be with us always. The eradication of poverty is possible! Therefore, we must rise up and recognize that poverty is at the root of many of our social concerns. Let us therefore pray that God will open our eyes to see the suffering of God s people and open our ears to hear God s call to do economic justice. We can eradicate poverty! God is calling the Lott Carey Global family to be leaders in this work. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 38

41 Annual Report Lott Carey Baptist Ministries of Kenya and Sudan Kericho, Kenya By Rev. Hezron K. Cheruiyot, Superintendent GREETINGS To Dr. Goatley and our Lott Carey family, please receive warm greetings from us here in Kenya and South Sudan. We are once again grateful for the opportunity that the Lord has granted us to write down God s mighty workings in our lives and the region as a whole. We thank the Lott Carey family in the U.S. and in the entire world for prayers, moral support and continued financial support. We especially extend our gratitude to the Lott Carey organization on its 120 th anniversary and to Dr. Goatley for his 20 th year at the helm of this distinguished mission organization. Congratulations Doc for the patience, endurance and hard work. We have all witnessed the transformation that has taken place in the 20 years he has led. I have been with Lott Carey now for 32 years, and I can confidently say the most eventful of that has been the 20 years of Dr. Goatley s leadership. LOTT CAREY MINISTRIES IN KENYA Lott Carey Baptist Ministries commenced its work in Kenya in The late Dr. Wendell C. Somerville commissioned me in It took me six months until January 1986 to actualize the thrust of what our ministry entailed. We embarked on a school program until October 1992 when the objectives of our work changed to planting of churches. THE THRUST OF OUR WORK The primary focus of our work includes evangelism, church planning, provision of medicine, a widow s programme, agriculture, education and advocacy. 39

42 The objectives of our ministries derived from Matthew 28:18-20 follow: 1. To promote the kingdom of God through preaching, teaching and observing all God s instructions in man s life. 2. To promote and enhance human development (e.g., providing medicine, economic empowerment through agriculture, water and relief). 3. To create development models in education and community work through Christian teachings. 4. To assist, whenever possible, our brothers and sisters to achieve food sufficiency in agriculture. 5. To be a voice to the voiceless by promoting social justice and gender equality. IMPACT OF OUR WORK We have witnessed tremendous progress in the lives of people we serve. There are four visible areas are distinct to the achievements of our ministry. 1. Spiritual - The more than 3200 members in all our 32 congregations bear testimony to the effectiveness and vibrancy of our ministry, our evangelism and church planting ministries have born tremendous spiritual fruits. The dedication of the Christian to the things of God has been encouraging. Spirit filled lives are a blessing and an encouragement to all of us who are on the leadership. 2. Social - We fully participated in conflict resolutions related to the tribal clashes that occurred in Kenya in 2007 and that still simmers. We have occasional tribal flare-ups in Pokot and Turkana regions. We have not hesitated as a church to send our pastors to dissuade these communities from meaningless tribal fights. We have been effective in our arbitration effort on matters of tribalism amongst the various warring ethnic groups in Kenya. Our pastors, elders and youth leaders have rendered valuable service to the communities in various parts of Kenya. 3. Education - Though we do not run as a school anymore, we have contributed our time and monies to many needy children. We have used our money from coffee proceeds to pay school fees for secondary school students. We have engaged ourselves in fundraising activities to enable many of our university students to complete their education. 40

43 Also from time to time, we are invited to offer spiritual counselling to students in secondary schools and universities. 4. Economic - The two-acre farm has lifted many in our neighborhood from depravation. From the coffee proceeds, we have managed to clear hospital bills for the sick and shut-in. Many of our members have benefitted from coffee proceeds. We sustain our sister ministry in Bor, South Sudan through the monies from our coffee. Indeed many of our pastors and laymen get regular, minimal salaries from the proceeds. CHALLENGES We have numerous challenges in our work in Kenya. Many of our pastors have not attended formal Bible seminaries and many are semi-literate. Our vision is to set up a vocational Bible institute at our Koitaburot church plot so to give these pastors basic Biblical knowledge. We are soon sending the cost of setting up the facility to the Lott Carey office. The other challenges include getting enough medicine to replenish our clinic at Kipsitet Centre meeting the needs of our widows and orphans. In addition, we have an ongoing need for motorcycles for our four (4) senior pastors and bicycles for our (20) assistant pastors. Several people volunteered in previous years to provide them, but we continue to wait for the fulfillment of these commitments. We continue to have the need and to request support for these resources for ministry. We also solicit prayers for the completion of the widows Centre at the Kipsitet, funds for digging a well at the Centre, resources to build semi-permanent structures of 10 churches and expansion of our coffee plantation. OPPORTUNITIES In conclusion, we would like to invite supporters of Lott Carey in U.S.A to share with us in following opportunities for partnership as you may be inspired: 1. Open-air crusades regular visits by friends from U.S.A can be arranged by the Lott Carey office. 2. Our annual women s conference in April. 3. Our Annual Convention in the last week of August. 4. Youth camp in December. 5. Quarterly financial contribution to our medical needs. 41

44 6. Support for orphans in school fees or school supplies. 7. Support for our widows. 8. Construction of semi-permanent churches. 9. Digging wells. 10. Purchase of addition of five (5) additional acres for coffee. 11. Purchase of 4 motorcycles and 20 bicycles for our pastors and laymen. 12. Expansion of our church work in Bor, South Sudan. Any person or groups that wish to share in partnership in these ministries can contact the Lott Carey international office for help in exploring, planning and implementing. We are grateful for the many ways we partner in missions in this part of the world. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 42

45 Annual Report Trinity Evangelistic Ministries, St. Mary, Jamaica By Rev. Karl B. Johnson, Chairman Rev. Merlyn Hyde-Riley, Secretary GREETINGS The Trinity Evangelistic Ministries (TEM) greets the Lott Carey Foreign Mission family during this your 120 th Convention. We extend warm greetings to your President, the Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, and the Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley. Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Goatley on the significant milestone of 20 years of distinguished service as Executive Secretary-Treasurer. OUR WORK (TEM), a not-for-profit organization, operates from a small rural community known as Retreat, in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica. As with similar communities, Retreat lacks certain infrastructural amenities, economic opportunities and its residents are poor and marginalized. The mantra of the TEM is to teach a person to fish rather than give a person a fish. We believe that this approach can transform lives, and consequently communities, through the development of the human resource. Guided by this mantra, we are equally committed to challenging the structures that prevent those taught to fish from accessing the ponds where the fish are located. We have sought to be faithful to that missional mandate as we partner with the Triune God in the project of human empowerment and flourishing. TEM operates a centre of empowerment, capacity building and development of individuals, mainly between the ages of 2 and 35 years: The Trinity Basic School is an early childhood institution which provides foundational education for children between the ages of 2-6 years. Minimal funding assistance is provided by the 43

46 Ministry of Education, Government of Jamaica. The Retreat Skills Training Centre provides job training and certification skills as well as entrepreneurship, career counselling, life and personal growth and development skills, mainly to at-risk young adults (ages years). There is, however, no upper training age limit. Most of the students (trainees) are individuals being empowered with another chance to make something worthwhile of their lives. The centre offers flexible training programs based on existing job opportunities and currently offers training in Commercial Food Preparation, Food & Beverage Services and Hospitality: Villas and Other Properties. The skills training centre 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). Health Fairs (medical and dental) are provided in conjunction with overseas short-term medical missions teams to address health issues among poor and marginalized youths and adults. Vacation Bible School during summer months provides an evangelistic outreach in partnership with overseas short-term missions teams. WHY THIS MINISTRY TEM operates in an area where many persons are poor, marginalized and without hope. We see our role as developing individuals through education and training opportunities in a Christian-centered environment, as 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 that have partnered with us to make this possible: Lott Carey Mission Convention, HEART Trust/NTA, The Discovery service Projects, Food for the Poor and other NGOs and the church. 44

47 OUR IMPACT Our work makes a difference in the lives of people. Every year we are amazed at the transformation that takes place in the lives of those we have been able to impact. This year we celebrate a young man, Alyn. When he came to the Retreat Skills Training Centre his attitude was noticeably concerning as a result of his poor attitude to work, disrespectful manner and disregard for authority. As a result of the mentorship and formation Alyn received at Retreat, he is no longer the same. He now works at one of the most prestigious hotels in Jamaica with special responsibility for international clients having been promoted shortly after he started work at the property. We continue to celebrate changed lives and the fact that annually an average of twenty (20) Early Childhood children and eighty (80) atrisk individuals are impacted through this ministry. Most of the youths trained acquire the National Vocational Qualifications of Jamaica, Level 2 (NVQ-J 2) certification which enables them to secure employment both locally and internationally. AN INVITATION TO PRAY 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 neighbouring 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 your financial gifts. Infrastructure challenges: most of our buildings have poor infrastructure. We are most grateful for the assistance given by Discovery Service Projects and the Progressive Baptist Convention, Northeast Region, USA, in the construction of a new block. However, due to our financial challenges, we have not been able to adequately equip the class rooms. For example, the area designated to be a computer lab is merely a space with tables and chairs but no computers. Also, much of the equipment necessary to deliver high quality training in the skills offered are 45

48 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 that they will not only be successful in their training program, but will find gainful employment and develop Christian character. Many of the students find it difficult to access the training provided because of their inability to fund their daily transportation and meal costs. This is evident by a constantly high dropout rate. Pray with us that we find it possible to establish income generating activities that will enable us to subsidize these costs. Finally, pray for the inter-denominational Board of Directors which directs the operation of this ministry. SOME OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD We dream to extend our program offerings so that many more persons can benefit. We hope that we will be able to meet our goals of improved facilities and equipment to make possible our ultimate dream of a Centre of Excellence. Over the past year we have: Restructured the operations of the centre in an effort to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness; Strengthened our management capabilities; Ensured that our skills program offerings are market driven and have replaced some of those previously offered with new ones; and Strengthened community linkages. Our outlook and vision continue to be the development of a viable, selfsustaining entity through: 1. A well-managed training institution offering demand-driven, needs-based and results-oriented, high quality training programs that are sustainable and financially viable. 2. A fully integrated, well managed Early Childhood Institution. 3. Ensuring the continued integration of TEM within the 46

49 community through its outreach ministries, products and services thereby creating, -- in a very real way, a mission centre. 4. Providing entrepreneurial facilitation through the development of a culture of entrepreneurship among trainees. 5. Continued infrastructure development. The Trinity Evangelical Ministries continues to be grateful to God and to Lott Carey through which we have been blessed to bless others. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 47

50 Annual Report Baptist Convention of South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa By Rev. Tebogo Mulaudzi, President GREETINGS I bring greetings to the Lott Carey family as it gathers for its 120 th Annual Session in Birmingham, Alabama from your brothers and sisters in South Africa. Psalm 105:1-2 declares: Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Indeed, our God has done great things for us. Even though the world is going through difficult times, God has kept us going. We can look back with smiles, full of praise. We are still here to proclaim God s goodness regardless of the challenges we face today. OUR WORK The consistent financial support received from Lott Carey improves the coordination and monitoring of the BCSA strategic objectives, improves communication with regions, and supports struggling Regions and pastors in rural areas. We are able to do leadership development and continued missions that are focused on evangelism and capacity building to ensure that we achieve our vision of Impacting Lives. This ministry is essential in our part of the world because: We provide a home to abused women and children through the Ndawo Yakho project. Domestic violence is a serious problem in our country. When husbands physically abuse their wives, the women and children need a safe place to stay while the domestic issues are being resolved. We provide social, spiritual and economic support to people affected by HIV/AIDS through the Projects that are based in our communities and/or churches. This need is largely caused by 48

51 unprotected sex, promiscuity and poverty. We help communities to receive spiritual change and social transformation through evangelism programmes and church planting. The cause of this need is the negative impact Satan has on people s lives. Only Jesus is the real solution to this problem. As such, only the church can assist the communities with the spiritual change they need. OUR IMPACT Lott Carey s support enables us to pay all our office staff monthly salaries. This makes it possible for us to have human resources who then assist with monitoring and supporting the functionality of our structures, organs and ministries. The Office Staff is able to assist the Convention with the following: Arranging annual Retreats for Pastors and their Spouses Arranging annual Children s Camps and Sunday School Teachers Workshops Coordinating Youth Camps and Leadership Summits Carrying out the daily office operations Organizing quarterly National Executive Committee and regular officers leadership meetings Providing administrative support to all Pastors and structures of the BCSA AN INVITATION TO PRAY We face some distinctive challenges in the ministries that we share together. Please join us in prayer about the following: Pray for us as we seek God for the appointment of the new Principal for our Theological College. Pray for us as we face overwhelming challenges from unemployment, poverty, crime and HIV/Aids in the country. Pray for us to expand our mission to neighboring countries by sending and supporting our missionaries financially. Pray for us to be able to generate sustainable financial income. 49

52 SOME OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD Should the Lord open new doors of partnership we would be able to: Enhance our mission work. At the moment the Lott Carey partnership assists us a lot in the maintenance and the running of the administrative office. New doors will allow us to enhance missions and church growth. This will help us to touch or impact the lives of more people than that we are able to reach now. Resuscitate some of the programmes of our Skills Training Centre which will result in reducing unemployment and poverty. Strengthen our leadership development programmes and Theological education. We thank God for more than 20 years of sustained partnership with the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society. You have been our anchor partner for more than two decades, and we look forward to working together to strengthening the Christian witness in South Africa and beyond. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 50

53 Annual Report Zimbabwe Theological Seminary Gweru, Zimbabwe By Dr. Henry Mugabe, Consultant GREETINGS Zimbabwe Theological Seminary and African Baptist work in Zimbabwe extends warm greetings to the Lott Carey Family. We hope all is well with you as you are geared for the 120th Annual Session. Thank you for the interminable assistance you have always rendered to Zimbabwe Theological Seminary and African Baptist Ministry in Zimbabwe. It is because of you, our friends in Christ that everything is made possible with the financial assistance from Lott Carey. Had it not been for your support, perhaps our ministry would not have come this far. Our relationship has proven to be real, true and lasting. Today we are proud of what we are as Zimbabwe Theological Seminary and African Baptist Ministry in Zimbabwe, because of you. We hope and trust that God will see you through as you gather for the 120th Annual Session in Birmingham, Alabama. It is our prayer that everything goes well and our report will be accepted with utmost consideration. We will be together in prayers. May God bless you all. THE NEEDS THAT WE ARE MEETING This ministry is essential in our part of the world because it helps in the preaching of the Gospel not only through Theological education, but also through our graduates who get attached to various ministries such as chaplaincy in governmental and non-governmental organizations and teachers in High Schools and colleges. They will, in deed, share the gospel in their areas of placement. This brings us to the glory of God. 51

54 Theological Education to the poor and marginalized Zimbabwe Theological Seminary provides Theological Education. We equip God-called men and women for 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 the most important drive to our ministry. There is need to reach areas where most evangelists would not like to reach. We seek to evangelise people in these hard to reach areas and to make disciples. We especially are focusing on remote areas such as Gokwe, Binga, and even in towns. Recently we have been in an evangelistic effort in Marlborough, Harare-Zimbabwe in which we planted a church. Now we have Marlborough African Baptist Church. Professional Needs We supply different ministries with service providers in various areas. For example, we support our national Ministry of Education through teachers in both primary and secondary schools. We aid the Ministry of Higher Learning and Tertiary Education with lecturers. We assist the Ministry of Home Affairs, Defense, and Health with chaplains. We provide social workers to the Ministry Social and Child Welfare. We help to prepare development officers for Non-Governmental Organizations. We contribute to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs through national healing and counsellors. Many churches are also benefiting from our ministry. For instance priests for the Anglican Church are trained at our institution. CAUSES OF NEEDS IN OUR CONTEXTS Marginalisation A number of people, male and female, were idle in the community because of being marginalised. They are marginalised by lack of funds and by culture. They are marginalised by lack of funds in that most of the people in the rural areas cannot afford to pay for education for their children. They can only barter for food and other basic needs. The colonial era produced difficulties with which we still live like areas in which people poor contend overworked soils. People were actually driven to helpless areas. Additionally, erratic rainfall complicates the lives of many. Economic Upheavals in Zimbabwe The current economic situation in Zimbabwe is characterised by most people living below the total consumption poverty line 52

55 (TCPL). Unemployment rates that followed the closure of most industries have serious adverse effects on most Zimbabweans. Many people are struggling to sustain their lives. This trend has affected the education of the poor. Only the rich can afford to send their children to tertiary institutions and universities. Most of our students come from backgrounds that have suffered the vice of economic upheavals. As a result such students cannot pay for their fees. This leads us to request scholarships or grants to help in the education of the underprivileged students. THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS AS PART OF THE CHRISTIAN WITNESS It is important to address these needs as part of the Christian witness because: 1. We do not have enough people to evangelise and witness to the world. The harvest is plentiful, but we have few harvesters. By training pastors, we are creating a human resource base to take up God s mission. 2. We need trained men and women to take the gospel as far as we can reach. As Acts 1:8 says, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 3. By addressing poverty, we are helping and encouraging fellow Christians to live whole lives. As Jesus says I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly (John10:10). We accept students from impoverished backgrounds and equip them to serve in churches as pastors and other key leadership posts in various organisations. OUR IMPACT The education that we give has impacted persons positively and changed the lives of many of our students, their families and the community at large. We have personal testimonies of students who were idle in the community but are now people with respect and impact in their communities. They are somebody. This theological education has transformed their lives. These once dependent students are now bread winners in their families. The story of Tariro Zhou and Loveness Mutizwa illustrates this point. 53

56 Tariro Zhou My name is Tariro Zhou. I come from Mberengwa area in the Midlands-Zimbabwe. Both of my parents are not employed. My parents earn their living from peasant farming. Because of the erratic rains, the harvest is grossly affected making it difficult to send me and my brothers and sisters for tertiary education. As a result, the completion of my O Level [Ordinary level of education as compared to the A Level, or Advanced level of academic secondary education] marked the end of my education. Yet in Zimbabwe one cannot get employment with such a certificate. Because of your support, I managed to go beyond my expectation. I have undergone training in the Diploma in Religious Studies, Honors in Religious Studies and Master of Religious Studies with the University of Zimbabwe. Right now I am looking forward to applying for PHD study vacancy if funds permit. Above all, I am not only a lecturer at Zimbabwe Theological Seminary, but also a recognized pastor. I therefore credit all academic achievements to Lott Carey s kind efforts, surely I wouldn t be where I am today without the Lott Carey Baptist Mission Convention. May the good God richly bless you for your generosity and loving kindness which I believe you will continue to extend to others with similar conditions? Once again, thank you very much for your unwavering support and love. You, in deed, changed my life. Loveness Mutizwa My name is Loveness Mutizwa, born on 25 July We are five children in our family and I am the elder sister. I come from Gutu in Masvingo Zimbabwe. When I completed my O Level I had nothing more to do other than loitering in the rural village setting. I wouldn t even imagine one day studying with a University. Without any expectation, the opportunity to study presented itself through Rev. Prof. H. Mugabe who was used by God to call me to Zimbabwe Theological Seminary in February I undertook my studies in the Diploma in Theology and I completed in December 2016, which I tell you for sure that it was like a dream to me. Right now I look forward to enrolling in Honors Degree in Theology and Religious Studies if funds permit. The teaching at the Seminary had a great impact in my life and really transformed me in various ways. Firstly I gained knowledge in the inter- 54

57 pretation of Biblical texts. Now I can preach better messages than before. I was really inspired to preach the word as far as I can reach. Again the way I perceived, for example, the role of women in the church has changed. I thought women would not carry any higher church posts such as Pastor. I never thought of women studying at seminaries. Now I understand that men and women are alike. I also learnt that to be women does not mean to sit at home, get married and bear children as purported by tradition. Instead there is more that women can do to benefit the community. Many thanks to the Lott Carey Baptist Missionary Convention for the support they render to Zimbabwe Theological Seminary. I could be seated in the remote areas without any vision. Right now I have a vision to further my studies and preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. I really was transformed. AN INVITATION TO PRAY We face some distinctive challenges in the ministries that we share together. Please join us in prayer about: 1. The provision of Scholarships: We have a number of prospective students who are not able to pay for their school fees. We therefore pray that God intervene in one way or the other through the provision of fees in the form of scholarships. 2. The need for our own premises: A lot of funds are being used for rental fees for the premises we use. We pray for God to intervene and provide us with funds for buying land. 3. The provision of library resources: We have a challenge within our Library. We do not have enough of our prescribed Books. 4. Advertising the Seminary is a challenge: We are failing to reach some places and people so that they get to know more about the theological education we offer. We are needed in areas where there is less access to theological educators such as Binga- along the Zambezi valley. We are ready to serve if God provides us with funds for advertisement. 5. Funds for the support of Orphans: We have HIV and AIDS Orphans in our country. We pray that God helps us to secure funds so that we support these orphans in paying for their educational obligations. 55

58 SOME OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD The Lord has provided some opportunities for us to serve uniquely in the following ways: Provision of Scholarships If God provides opportunities in the form of scholarships, many more God called men and women will get theologically empowered and trained such that we could be able to send them to teach and preach the word especially in places that are neglected. In some areas in Zimbabwe, some people do not go beyond grade 7 for their education. Others will only go up to the O Level, and they end there because they do not have money to pay for their fees. Many of them, however, have the potential to reach higher levels. By the provision of scholarships, both the trained personnel and the people at large will benefit in one way or the other. The trained pastors will be equipped with quality education, and the people in the neglected communities will have privileges to the word of God and to education indirectly. Funds to Start Income Generating Projects If God opens new opportunities, people s lives might be transformed through income generating projects. The benefit to this is multifaceted. Various people s lives will be transformed. 1. People might get employment. 2. Funds for evangelism and running the day today seminary bills might be generated. 3. Funds for evangelism towards transforming people s lives towards Christ are likely to be available. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 56

59 Annual Report Teen Challenge/Home of Hope Cape Town, South Africa By Rev. Jacobus Nomdoe We bring you greetings from the entire Teen Challenge and Home of Hope family in South - Africa. It gives us great pleasure to submit this report in honor of what God has done over the last year. Without Him and the support of you, our partners and our church family, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA, we would not be able to accomplish all this. OUR WORK The Primary focus of the Ministry is to rescue children, youth and women from the traps of drug abuse, gangs, prostitution and human trafficking, offering them a place of safety, spiritual guidance, vocational training and discipleship. Teen Challenge applies a holistic approach to assist men, women and children trapped in the vicious, self-destructive subculture of drug use, abuse and addiction with its associated problems such as gangs, prostitution, human trafficking, unemployment and crime. In addition, Teen Challenge provides a safe haven for people who need temporary accommodation from abusive relationships and child welfare. Research has shown that unemployment is currently at 40% in disadvantage communities in South Africa. Teen Challenge plays an integral role in society as people often seek the assistance of the organization for solutions to social and economic challenges. Teen Challenge has a project where unemployed and disadvantaged children come for a plate of food. This, however, is not sufficient due to the increase of the number of families seeking assistance in this regard. The resources have been limited in relation to the need in the communities. Teen Challenge also empowers women to become self-sustainable and to enable them to raise a balanced family. Teen Challenge is currently establishing a community college to assist disadvantage youth with various skills development. 57

60 WHY IS TEEN CHALLENGE ESSENTIAL IN THIS WORLD TODAY? Our ministry plays a critical role in light of the escalation of drug abuse, gangs, prostitution and human trafficking in South Africa. This is an important Christian witness. In addition to the above, we also offer an after care service for children to emphasize preventative measures as well as to improve the overall life of the children in our community where unemployment abounds. Many of the children who attend this program come from broken homes and may not even have a plate of food after school. These conditions and circumstances accelerate the chances of children falling victim to the scourge of addiction. Teen Challenge has established a new project known as: The Hope Revolution. It is essentially a community-based rehabilitation or nonresidential rehabilitation model. The objective is to place hope within reach of every person who is in need of such service. Currently, we have 135 homes that function in community as a House of Hope. OUR IMPACT The impact of our work is of such a nature that the Anglican Church called upon us to share at their Clergy School about our ministry particularly as it relates to our church s involvement in the community. See extract below in reference to the letter received from the Clergy School. Dear Rev Nomdoe, I wish to express warm thanks to you, your wife Erica, Theresa and Robin for your presentation and for their personal sharing and storytelling at our Clergy School on Thursday. Many of the clergy shared how deeply they were moved, particularly by the very personal stories of Robin and Theresa - and were inspired by your and Erica s deep personal commitment to ministry and to very costly and demanding forms of ministry. The very pertinent point you made that you see yourself 58

61 not just as the shepherd of your own church members but of everyone living in the community of Eerste River, in which you find yourself, is an idea we all embrace within the Anglican Church, but not many of us are as effective and successful as you in living out this ideal. I stand amazed at how many commitments you seem to be able to attend to - and as you so rightfully reminded us - this is only possible with God being your helper. Kindly let me have your account details so that I can forward it to our Diocesan Secretary so that he can cover your travelling expenses. With Kind Regards and wishing you rich blessings on your continued ministry in Eerste River and beyond. With many thanks Yours in Christ Fred Hendricks On behalf of Bishop Raphael and the clergy of the Diocese of Saldanha Bay Over the last year, we officiated the funerals of two gang leaders and drug dealers in our community. No church wanted to be involved due to the high level of involvement of these men. However, we took a step of faith and agreed to officiate the funeral. Both the wives with their children are now members of our church. We have taken over the house that was renowned for the drug dealing and turned it into a House of Hope. No less than 22 children and youth are now part of our church who were invited by the wife of the late gang leader. All Glory to God! AN INVITATION TO PRAY We face some distinctive challenges in the ministries that we share together. Please join us in prayer about a new facility. We believe and trust God for a facility to house women and children suffering from the continuous abuse in the community. The need is escalating as many women and children seek continuous help from the organisation. Many of the women who sign up for rehabilitation or shelter have to revert to other alternative accommodation for their children such as foster care, family members and friends. These kinds of arrangements often lead to results where children are abused, raped or even killed. A facility that can 59

62 house a mother and child will add tremendous value to their lives as they will grow together through their journey of recovery. We request your prayers and support to enable us to see this come to fruition. SOME OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD In addition to our effective discipleship model for rehabilitation and other ministry related efforts such as prevention, early intervention and awareness education programs and strategies, we now have the opportunity to establish and further develop our newest addition, The Smart Choice College of Education. This is a Government Accredited Community College. Our goal is not only to establish those who come through our doors spiritually but we also want to empower them economically to enable them to become self-sustainable. One strategy is education. As our former late President Nelson Mandela said, Education is one of the tools that can change the world. We believe this is to be an important building block given that many of those who come to us have dropped out of school. Through this institution, we will be able to accomplish several things. First, it will enhance the chances of those with no or little formal education to become more employable or to start small businesses. Second, it will become an income generating project to support the ministry. Third, it will become a chance for franchising which will be a business opportunity for graduates of our programs or community members. We encourage you to pray about supporting us to further develop this project. The area where we need urgent assistance is for infrastructural development. I know that you have many demands on your time and energies. It is essential, however, that we make the case why investing in your work makes a difference for the sake of the gospel. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and encouragement. May the Lord continue to bless you and the Lott Carey family. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 60

63 Annual Report African AIDS Initiative International (AAII) Ethiopia By Elleni Gebreamlak West, President Dear Lott Carey family, As you gather for the 120th Annual Session in Birmingham, Alabama, please receive our sincere and profound gratitude for what you have done and continue to do in our quest to eradicate the HIVAIDS epidemic in Ethiopia. We would not have been able to accomplish what we have done 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/AID prevention and reproductive health information and services to communities, specifically women. This ministry is essential in our part of the world because Ethiopia has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. Violence against women has its roots with gender disparities where women play a subordinate role in decision making at a household and community level. Among other negative consequences, violence against women inevitably compromises their ability to negotiate safer sex. This exposes them to HIV/AIDS. African AIDS Initiative International (AAII) also aims to empower young women of higher education through enhancing knowledge, attitude/behavior and life-skills to detect high-risk activities that could lead to the acquisition and transmission of the HIV pandemic. 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 perpetrated by a husband or other intimate partners. Ethiopian 61

64 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) documented that 61.6% of the women had experienced at least one incident of sexual violence in their lifetime and 55.0% had done so at least once in the past 12 months. It also documented that 68.4% of women believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife for at least one specified reason. Gender disparities play an important role in access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Other cultural practices that may increase vulnerability of women to sexually transmitted infections include early marriage and sexual debut (often with much older and sexually experienced males), marriage by abduction, female genital mutilation and widow inheritance. Vulnerability of women and girls to HIV infection results from biological, social, cultural, economic, legal and other factors that adversely affect their capacity to protect themselves from the risk of HIV infection. OUR IMPACT Our work makes a difference in the lives of many people. Currently AAII is running three Voluntary Testing Service Centers with financial support of Lott Carey. These well organized and equipped VCT centers help AAII to provide reproductive health counseling, emergency contraceptives, and pregnancy tests. Provision of quality and user friendly VCT service is at the center of AAII s endeavors to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS pandemic. People who have tested HIV positive can benefit from early and appropriate medical care and interventions to treat and/or prevent HIV-associated illnesses. Knowledge of HIV status can also help people make decisions to protect themselves and their sexual partners from infection. AN INVITATION TO PRAY We face some distinctive challenges in the ministries that we share together. Please join us in prayer about the cultural challenge we still face regarding gender inequality and difficulty of men understanding that women are not there to be abused. SOME OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD The Lord has provided some opportunities for us to serve uniquely in the following way. We have received financial grants from United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) to help us expand our mission in regards to helping women by providing education. We have been given a space at the Addis Ababa University to use as a computer center just for women students to be able to accomplish their work without being 62

65 bullied by their male counterparts. We were able to purchase over 40 computers with internet connection with some of the money provided to us by UNPFA. IN CONCLUSION Lott Carey has been supporting our fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic since The support has been composed of financial support and technical assistance. The financial support has been instrumental to establish a Mobile VCT center and implement HIV/ AIDS prevention and reproductive health information and service for communities of higher learning institutions projects. Without Lott Carey s help we would not have been able to reach enough people to create awareness, in spot testing and help them with nutritional and medicinal help wherever needed. With the Mobile Testing Center we can travel to places and areas where people have no public transportation or have the means to travel to come to our in house centers. AAII hopes Lott Carey s support will continue in the future. We are especially grateful for Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley for his unreserved support, encouragement and motivation. We thank God for Lott Carey family and staff for your prayers support and financial assistance. Touching Lives with Transforming Love 63

66 Annual Report Disaster Services Report Rev. Dawn M. Sanders, Director of Missional Programs Landover, Maryland, USA If they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night. James Baldwin The Lord has given us great favor this year as we advance the work of missions through unique partnerships in prayer, advocacy, indigenous ministry and hunger relief. Although this has been a distressing time for the poor and vulnerable, I am deeply grateful for the Lott Carey partners who have worked alongside us in mission service, special events, and resource development to stand in the gap for those in need. ADVOCACY As I write this report, my heart is still heavy as I reflect on my recent visit to Australia during National Sorry Day (May 16 th ). This event marks the public apology of the Australian government to Aboriginal Australian and Torres Straight Islanders for the trauma inflicted on their people whose children were stolen as a means of force assimilation into white Australia culture from Since 2016, we have been honored to work among the Aboriginal Christians who have graciously welcomed two mission teams and will host a third team for a pastors and pastor s wives conference this September, led by our Vice President Rev. Gregory Jackson. Our partnership has been a transformative experience of shared learning with indigenous Christians working tirelessly to hold their nation accountable. They need our prayers and our voices as they seek to overcome high rates of suicide, poverty, health concerns and the restoral of their land rights. Additionally, my advocacy work during has also included participation in events related to hunger, women s equality, and the poor. Most recently, I represented Lott Carey alongside the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative and other faith organizations to protest on Capitol Hill 64