13 Oct Jamaica: Rebuilding at Malvern Camp

In January and February 2011, a series of work teams will head to Jamaica’s Malvern Camp to help rebuild the dining hall/activity center. Global Ministries agreed to cooperate with Jamaica Conference in a 50/50 partnership to provide volunteers and finances. Raymond Johnston of Golden Springs UB in Kingston, Jamaica, will oversee the project. Scott Hughes of Mainstreet UB in Walbridge, Ohio, will oversee the teams sent from North America. That’s him in the video above.

These dates remain available for volunteers:

January 22- 29
January 29 – February 5
February 5-12
February 12-19

We’re looking for team leaders and about 7-8 people per week. Cost per person will be $225 plus airfare to and from Montego Bay.

Contact Donna Hollopeter for more information.

12 Oct Honoring Lloyd and Carol Spencer

Dr. Lloyd and Carol Spencer

On October 10, Faith United Brethren Church in Christ Church in Jamaica held a service in honor and appreciation of Dr. Lloyd and Carol Spencer. Clergymen from within and outside the denomination, family, friends, and members of various local churches came from the entire island, and some from as far as Canada, to show their appreciation for the Spencers.

The service was filled with tributes, each one capturing some aspect of their over 50 years in ministry. They were presented with a citation and various gifts, after which they responded and Rev. Donald Dacres prayed for them.

After the service, a reception was held during which many individuals gave their open tributes.

11 Oct October 9 Update on Mamei Simbo

Billy Simbo sent this update o his wife, Mamei, on Saturday, October 9.

“Mamei has gradually woken up from the anesthesia and is now opening her eyes and responding to our presence. More importantly yesterday afternoon (Friday) I received a call and report from the Cardiac Surgeon who performed the operation. He said he was pleased with the progress Mamei was making with her recovery Post-Op, and all the vital signs had positive indications. He told me we would still not rule out a stroke until she is fully awake and follows commands and tests.

As I write this she is still on the ventilator and is receiving dialysis. They hope to wean her off the machines gradually. Ahead for her is a long road of recovery and physical therapy.

As you have prayed before, we now ask you to focus your prayers on the following:

1. That Mamei would get off the ventilator and breathe on her own.
2. That she would gain the strength and the determination to begin doing those physical therapy exercises that are so vital for her recovery. Movement they say is very crucial right away or she will run the risk of developing pneumonia.
3. Pray for timely recovery from the intensive care unit to the next phase of her treatment. The original plan was 3-4 days.
4. Continue to pray for strength and endurance for the rest of the family. I have really appreciated all of you who have mentioned this in your cards, emails and phone calls. The rest of us need to be well, so we can attend to Mamei’s needs.

08 Oct Canadian Work Team in Haiti

Joan Sider has made many trips to Haiti with her fellow Canadians. Now she’s there again, this time with a team of 12 persons from Canada, plus one from Honduras. They are working on the Delmas church in Port au Prince.

08 Oct Update on Mamei Simbo’s Surgery

As reported earlier, Mamei Simbo underwent heart valve replacement surgery at 8 am Wednesday, October 6. Billy Simbo sent this report later in the day.

Mamei was brought back to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit a little before 3:30 pm. The surgeon reported that the surgery went well. He replaced the defective heart valve. Mamei was still on the ventilator when we were allowed to see her around 4:40.

Mamei is in good hands with two nurses guarding her over the next 12 hours and one nurse with her 24 hours while she is in the Intensive care unit.

Here are three ways you can pray:

1. That she makes the necessary progress over the next few hours.
2. That her body won’t reject the new valve.
3. That she will have the strength to do the exercises that are so critical for her recovery.

Prior to Mamei being wheeled from her room of 4 weeks, Rev. Joe Abu came and together we read the 23rd Psalm and prayed and sang songs of assurance. We are truly grateful for the Scriptures and the assurance given to us by so many of you.