By American Baptist International Ministries Global Servants Brian and Lynette Smith
One way we have been able to begin ministry is by placing emphasis on spending time together and listening to one another, building relationships.
During one such visit, the vision of providing light for students in the community was shared. Bateyes (communities in the sugar cane fields) typically do not have the elements for electricity in each home. While not every child can go to school, all contribute to the family during the daylight hours with the daily household tasks.
This often means that those attending school are left with the dim flame of an oil lamp or a single candle for studying after the daylight has gone. They don’t complain because education is a privilege withheld from many, but as you would agree, it presents some challenges.
These church and community leaders desired to invest in their younger generations, yet they were challenged by the path to achieving it. Brian was able to walk alongside them as together they developed a budget and a plan toward this goal.
Within two weeks, the supplies were purchased and ready to be installed! Working on the roof was hot with the direct tropical sun, 105 degrees by 11 am, and climbing!
There was no shortage of hands of young adults and children as the electrical conduit was placed to protect existing wiring, the mounting of the solar panels in frames and on the roof, the running of new wires, and the installation of the high-powered exterior LED lights on the side of the church.
As work began in the library to connect the components of the system, we hadn’t realized the switch had been in the ‘on’ position the entire time. The entire room lit up with radiant light just as the wires touched! Joyful shouts of praise and gratitude to God filled the room even more as the children jumped up and down.
Beginning the work on the second day, a deacon approached Brian asking on behalf of the church’s women if it would be possible to install a light fixture in the bathroom while he was here.
He was happy to, however, he was lacking the materials needed for the job. The conversation was overheard and within thirty minutes two community members returned. One with a new light fixture from his home and another with a switch box that wasn’t being used. This would be a needed addition to the women’s overnight idea to make the bathrooms accessible after dark.
Now with the power and lights at night, Bible study could take place in the evenings and the men could attend since they wouldn’t be in the fields after dusk.
Now not only can the students study, but Bible studies can be held with the men present, and the two batteries provide enough energy that there is no need to purchase fuel for the generator, which was the power for the speakers on Sunday mornings.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support that allows us to empower the dreams of local leaders to become realities.
(source: IM Online newsletter April 2022)
Leave a Reply