SUBJECT: Groundbreaking of new industrial school at Paruima

AUTHOR: David Gates, his wife Becky, and three of their five children - Katie, Carlos, and Kristopher, work together with Becky's parents, sister and family, in a medical aviation program in the jungles of Guyana, South America.

DATE: October 4, 1997

Beautiful Paruima nestled along the Kamarang river

It has begun. The construction of the new industrial secondary school at Paruima is underway. On Sabbath, October 4, representatives from the different communities along the upper Mazaruni river, Guyana Conference administration, the district pastor, the local police, community members, and the director of the aviation program and family all gathered at the village of Paruima, along the headwaters of the Kamarang river. The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony had awakened much enthusiasm in most residents of the surrounding villages, who for many years have suffered from no available secondary education in the region. To see not only a secondary school, but a Christian secondary school with industrial/vocational emphasis was definitely a cause to be excited.

Ten to twelve men have been working almost continuously with several chain saws in the preparation of materials during

Clearing the Construction Site

these past 6 months. The accumulation of materials has included, main beams, cross-beams, joists, boards, shingles, and steps.

With the groundbreaking ceremony complete, the pouring of the cement footings for the main beams will begin right away. The actual raising of the building will begin the first week in November following the arrival of several visitors including some volunteers, and potential volunteers. Several ADRA International representatives are expected to also be present during that week.

One month before the groundbreaking, the construction site was cleared of brush. The week before, the site was cleaned of minute matter and roped off. A special service was planned for the Sabbath of October 4. The large church was crowded to capacity. The sermon by David Gates was followed by a communion service in which the men of the community,

Men make commitment after communion

70 in number, stood in a circle after the foot washing and made a commitment to stand for the Lord at home in abroad. The district pastor, Pr. Bacchus, coordinated the lovely service. After church, a delicious potluck was prepared by the ladies of the community.

At 3:00 pm, everyone walked or went upriver by canoe to the mission compound for the service. Gathering around the roped-off site, all listed as Pastor Bacchus introduced the program and gave thanks to God for this moving event. Following was Elder Winston James, Director of Education and Stewardship. Representing the Conference administration, he gave a wonderful rendition of the past history of education in the Upper Mazaruni, and clearly expressed the commitment which the Conference has for seeing the project move forward. Though financially, the school is to be self-supporting, the Conference administration is committed to working out the legal arrangements with the Ministry of Education, and to coordinating and assisting volunteer teachers and workers who come through Georgetown on their way to serve in Paruima. Working with the curriculum and academic details was one of the areas where Conference expertise was promised and will be very much appreciated.

The last speaker was David Gates, who has served as the primary coordinator and visionary of the program. He shared how the idea of building a school was first suggested by his wife Becky during personal worship one morning. The idea immediately made an impact on him, and with the Lord's clear leading and financial provision, and the villagers' hard work, it is now

The entire village turned out for the service

becoming a reality. He told of how several weeks ago, when funds were unavailable, he had been about to call a halt to the whole program. Requesting the prayers of family members, he had taken the needs before the Lord. Believing that the Lord is able to solve any difficult financial situation if it is his will, David decided that the lack of funds was to be an indicator that the project was to stop. His next flight out of Georgetown into Paruima was the following morning. He asked the Lord to show him the funds before his flight, or he would have to close all flights and construction until the bills were paid. That morning, during personal devotions, God clearly impressed him to "use what you have in your briefcase". David knew he had $300 in the briefcase since he had just cashed his last check for the month. However, he owed nearly $600 in fuel at the airport and $400 in construction expenses. Three hundred was absolutely not enough to make a dent in the bills. At first David resisted counting his cash, since he already knew how much he had. His only cash had come in an envelope from the bank the day before. The impression to "count the cash" continued, so he put down his Bible, opened the briefcase, and began to count. $200, 300, 400, 500, 600. He kept counting... $800, 900, 1000, 1050. One thousand fifty dollars were now in the envelope that the day before had been issued at the bank with only $300. Where had the money come from? David had no idea. However, with tears in his eyes he accepted God's gift, took the cash, and that same morning, paid off the complete plane fuel and construction bills. He gave the extra $50 to a native Amerindian missionary family who had recently moved to a small village to open new work there. Isn't God good? On hearing the story, loud "Amens" were heard everywhere, and heads knowingly acknowledged God's clear leading in the aviation program and construction of the school. God's great name and honor was certainly held up that day.

Following the speakers was the Paruima church choir who sang a lovely him of praise and thanks to God. Their English always has a lovely Arecuna accent which is so lovely to hear. God was surely pleased with their praise in song.

The first sod was turned by Elder Winston James from the Conference. Immediately following, Pastor Bacchus read out the names of the persons who were to take part in the group event. Representatives from the local village council, the Paruima

All representatives break ground for new school

church, other village representatives, the director of the aviation program, the district pastor, the Conference representative, the local police corporal, and finally one local child. Everyone clapped as the sod was turned and pictures were taken.

This first building will contain two stories, and will house 8 classrooms and 2 small teachers offices. Immediate plans for the future include the repairs of 2 older buildings to serve as temporary dorms. Following will be the construction of a new girls dorm and second building to be used as a library and for training Bible workers. The Caribbean Union Conference has expressed interest in providing Global Mission funds for this second building. A project for a hydro-electric plant is currently being drawn up for ADRA's consideration. Like Nehemiah, all construction will move forward, while prayers are going up for God's provision even as the work goes on. It is clear, that this project is God's, and that only as the project goes forward by faith will He make certain that the oil basin does not run dry.

This school will certainly impact the region as many, many youth from villages regiounwide will have an opportunity to acquire academic and practical training in a conservative, Christ-centered environment. This school will carefully focus all student labor and studies on serving Christ through the service of others. Please be praying for this exciting project each day.

You may write to David at: gates@andrews.edu

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