One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. – Psalms 145:4 (NKJV).
Prosperity is a small village located on the East Bank of Demerara, just behind Mocha Arcadia, one of the many villages bought by the once enslaved Africans. Prosperity is currently a squatter village that approximately one hundred and eighty families call home. The adult residents are hard-working-class Guyanese who strive to make the village prosperous, as the name suggests. There are no formal, fundamental infrastructures such as roads, proper drainage, health centre, community centre, or schools. However, the presence of the Lord is with the people of Prosperity, and they have a deep yearning for the Word of God.
First Assembly of God Wortmanville rose to the challenge of evangelising the community and established its presence (FAOG Barnwell North/Prosperity) in March 2016. Utilising the home of a resident, who understands the principles of sharing and giving, Pastor Amardat Bhojedat brings leadership and guidance to this growing community of believers.
It is no surprise then that implementing Vacation Bible School (VBS) was necessary to minister to the scores of children who attend the church, create further outreach to surrounding communities, and create evangelism opportunities. Evangelism and outreach are at the core of FAOG Prosperity. The church has a vibrant presence in the community and, through its outreach ministry, continues to visit the sick and shut-in, provide food hampers, and assist with school supplies and lesson fees. One act that demonstrates community outreach is the rebuilding of a family’s home. Two years ago, a family of six (6) became homeless due to a fire. The Church’s leadership, along with First Assembly of God Wortmanville, was able to acquire materials and labour and rebuild a house for the family.
This year, VBS was held under the theme “Jesus, The Lion and The Lamb” and ran from July 18th – 22nd. It saw the participation of almost forty (40) children between the ages of 3 to 17. They were grouped into classes: Nursery (3-5 years), Primary (6-9 years), Juniors (10-12 years), and Teens (13-17 years). Dedicated leaders and teachers delivered the training and learning opportunities, namely Minister Aubrey Jupiter, Sisters Patricia Benn, Jacklyn Badley, Elise Small, Joycelyn Clarke, and Dr Keisha Nelson. The week of activities included Bible lessons, worship, craft, games, and snacks.
Despite the two-year break due to the pandemic, the purpose of VBS has not changed. VBS is used to introduce children to the gospel of Jesus Christ in immersive and exciting ways. There is always a fun connection between God and the theme that allows the children to discover God in a creative way. It is age-appropriate and tailormade to reach young people in ways that enable their holistic growth.
May God continue to bless the leadership of FAOG Prosperity, FAOGW, the selfless leaders who brave all adversities to spread the Word of God in areas considered less privileged, and all the volunteers who unselfishly give of themselves for the next generation.
