SUBJECT: Dedication of Library / Religion Center

AUTHOR: David Gates, his wife Becky, and two of their five children - Carlos and Kristopher, work in a medical aviation program in the jungles of Guyana, South America.

DATE: December 1999

Albert Anton is as strong as a horse

Picking up 3 green boards weighing over 150 lbs; dragging them through the brush, under fallen trees, through creek beds; up step hills and down to the river; every muscle strained to its max; soaked with perspiration heading back into the jungle two miles for two more loads. Day 2 is done.

Several hours of paddling the canoe full of wood to the falls; dragging all the wood again; three trips dragging the boards up and around the falls; loading the boards back in; paddling another hour to the school; unloading the boards onto shore and dragging them one last time up to the compound to store until they are dry. Day 3 is over.

Pathfinders Director, Jacob Dick, snaps Pathfinders to attention to await inspection by the President, each with their "Sword" - God's Word in hand

If you can imagine six chainsaw workers working six days a week for a year, then you know how much work it takes to get enough wood for one building. Hard work makes strengthens your muscles and helps you to live longer, but it is not easy. Most good things in life take hard work.

THE GRAND RECEPTION
It took two trips from Arau with the Cessna 206 for David Gates to fly in the Conference VIPs. Present were the President, Pastor Phillip Bowman; the Secretary, Pastor Charles Gittens; the Director of Education (and Co-chairman of the school), Bro. Winston James, and the Youth Director, Pastor Ashton Alleyne. The head of our Primary school in Arau also accompanied the group, Sis. June Fiedtko. As the President and Secretary stepped off the plane, Paruima's disciplined Pathfinder honor guard snapped to attention.

The canoe trip from the runway to the school

They passed their inspection with flying colors. When everyone had arrived safely to the landing field across from Paruima, all entered the waiting canoes and were transported up the Kamarang river to the landing at the school. Many hands quickly carried up the luggage, while the group walked up the bank to the school. Arriving at the small thatch-roof hut (currently serving as a kitchen), the group was escorted to the compound entrance, lined with palms, where wreathes of flowers and peanuts were placed around each neck. Each received a hug and a kiss from the student representative giving the welcome. It was a uniquely beautiful and warm reception as only Amerindians know how to give.

THE PREPARATIONS
Several days before the dedication service the students and staff began special preparations for the celebration. The service was coordinated to coincide with the last day of classes for the semester. The grounds were cleaned, food was prepared, tables were placed outside in strategic places with blue table cloths prepared by the students in sewing class using cloth donated by ADRA. Everything was finished by noon, when the administration was due to fly in from Arau.

Our Volunteer Faculty LEFT: David, Marius, Nathan and Billy, (Kelly absent) RIGHT: Pam, Dr. Sheila and Bible Worker Casey

THE BANQUET
All the visitors were seated at a central table and students at surrounding tables. Family and friends from the village were also invited to join in. After a service of introduction and prayer, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all. Those who have lived 200 miles from civilization can truly appreciate the effort and work it took to prepare and carry in the wide variety of fruits and vegetables enjoyed that day. Thank you, thank you thank you!

ACADEMICS
After enjoying God's provision, our Director of Education handed out the grades to each of the students. The faculty and staff had gone out of their way to prepare a small gift for each student, which was handed to them along with their grades. How proud and thankful the students and families appeared to see their young people accomplishing so much. Several parents commented on how different they acted after returning to their home villages. Their spiritual behavior and example made it clear that they had been studying at the Davis Indian Industrial College. Thank you Lord for giving us the privilege of preparing these young people for your service and eternal life.

THE DEDICATION
It was Tuesday, December 14, 1999 -- 3 pm. The time had come. Villagers and visitors alike, crowded around the new building along with the students to participate in the dedication service. The program began with introduction of the special visitors and recognition of the local leaders who had directed the construction project. Special thanks went to Vice-chairman Bro. Shadrack Ruben, whose wise advise and counsel and coordination with local village and church leaders has kept the school growing steadily.

The New Library and Religion Center Dedicated to the training of Amerindian youth for the Service of God and fellowman

Our Conference President moved everyone's heart with a stirring and encouraging message which gave God the glory for all that had been accomplished. Selected for the ribbon cutting ceremony were President Phillip Bowman, School Chairman David Gates, and Co-chairman Winston James. In recognition of the leadership of our Acting School Director, Pam Nichol and Senior faculty member, Dr. Sheila Robertson, Pastor Bowman asked them to join in the ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a beautiful idea, so all five shared the responsibility. Pastor Gittens had taught Primary School in Paruima years ago. For him it was like returning home. He knew all our native workers by name. The last time he had visited the school compound it had been only a mass of grown-up weeds. He was thrilled to see a flourishing compound repleat with students filled with energy and excitement.

WHAT THE BUILDING WAS DEDICATED FOR
A year ago, the first two-story classroom building was dedicated. Each building completed is a powerful strategic asset allowing freedom to expand and fulfil the mission of preparing people to meet their soon-coming Creator. This second building was dedicated to serve as for a very special purpose. As a Library and Religion Center, it will provide resource material for regular students and volunteer Bible workers in training. The library will also house a video production center, to be used for developing video classes and programs in the local dialects (Arecuna and Acawaio). The opening of the new school for Volunteer Bible Workers is scheduled to begin in January and already has a full list of applicants. We thank God for the supportive relationship of church administrators, and ask that God will bless this small but influential project. Please pray for the success and protection of this vital project deep within the jungles of Guyana