“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
Hopetown is located in the region of West Berbice and is approximately seven-six kilometres or forty-seven miles from Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. According to an article in the Guyana Times Inc., published on July 30th, 2022, the village of Hopetown was first bought by the Blair brothers, who pooled their pennies and other savings on a wheelbarrow and pushed it all the way to Georgetown; that journey took four days. And the village was beautifully named ‘Hopetown’ in pursuit of hope for a better life after slavery.
Today the village is home to farmers, business owners, and skilled workers. This historic community has a population of about three hundred residents. Known for its traditional annual soiree, it comes as no surprise that villagers would fellowship with each other on weekends and cook in large canorie pots on the street corners. The culture of togetherness and generosity is evident in this village. It has developed over the years and has formal social infrastructures, such as roads, drainage, electricity, water, telephone, health centre, community centre, school, and church.
First Assembly of God, Wortmanville, in an attempt to spread the gospel, ventured into Hopetown in the late 1900s. From 2003 to date, this outstation, under the stewardship of Pastor Claudette Barrow, teaches, encourages and helps to develop the lives of at least forty families according to the Word of God. This dignified servant of God is passionate about evangelism, counselling and children’s ministry. As such, she knows that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a tremendous opportunity to gather the children in the community for a life-transforming week.
This year’s VBS, July 25 – 29, 2022, under the unified theme of “Jesus: The Lion and the Lamb’, influenced the lives of fifteen children aged one to fourteen. They were grouped into two classes, 1 to 6 years and 7 to 14 years. Yes! It was indeed an inspiration and blessing to see one-year-olds being released into the nurturing care of loyal servants at VBS in Hopetown Assembly. These capable and devoted facilitators who catered to the impressionable age range, are Minister Grace Johnson, Sister Patricia Mcpherson, Sister Karen Nicholson, Sis Michaila Robertson and Sis Mayfea Mcalmont. These dynamic women of God demonstrated faithfulness and leadership, as each day they challenged the children to become the best version of themselves and to serve God.
Indeed, the children were impacted in a positive way and challenged by the leadership of Hopetown Assembly to arise, take their place and watch God raise Godly leaders that will have significant nation-building impact on families, education, politics, arts, media, businesses and entertainment. With Jesus, as the lion and the lamb, Godly leaders will emerge. This powerful charge was done through hands-on methods such as worship, games, learning the books of the Bible, the art of sharing by gift exchanges, and most definitely Bible accounts and lessons. Efforts and hard work were rewarded as there was a prize-giving ceremony to show appreciation to the best reading child and most punctual child. It was a fantastic experience to watch children discover who God is in the most fun way.
Special thanks to Bishop Dr Murtland Massiah, CCH and the leadership of FAOGW. Through such forward-thinking and supportive leadership, Hopetown Assembly is continually offering hope and growing.
