New Year's Eve
December 31, 2009 |
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| Pam and Frances |
New Years Eve was spent at our oldest daughter’s house, Denise along with her family and members of their Deaf Church.
We again took time to each give a blessing for the old year 2009. We had lots of food, fun and fellowship. It was most interesting to see the deaf play charades without using sign language.
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| New Years Eve at our daughter's house |
They had a blast and we certainly enjoyed watching them! What a blessing to ring out the old (2009) and ring in the New Year (2010) with family and Christian friends! We think the last ones leaving the party left around 4 a.m.
Christmas with Family
December 25, 2009 |
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| Dennis reading the Christmas Story |
What a blessing it is to get together with family, especially at Christmas time! At the beginning we read the Christmas story and shared what blessings the Lord had brought to each of our lives during the past year. However, this was hard on the younger grand children because they just could hardly wait to open the gifts around the tree. It is always memorable to have everyone together except our son, Todd and his family.
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| Random pic of some of the family |
Of course, our daughters felt that Todd and his family would surely show up at the last minute to join in the celebrations. He did show up, but only by phone. With six in the family now it is almost too much to make that trip from the West Indies for a short visit.
Speech Module at the Baptist Seminary of the West Indies
November 30 - December 15, 2009 |
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| The speech class in Trinidad |
Even though I have taught the principles of speech for many years to several different classes of students, this class in Trinidad seemed to be the most enjoyable and exciting one that I have ever taught. Of course, the main objective of improving your speech is to better communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There were seven enrolled students along with a visitor for a few of the sessions. Everyone gave at least one speech each time that we met and sometimes an extra one extemporaneously. The key speeches were introduction, impromptu, informative, public reading, persuasive, and debate. The students said that speech was the most practical of any of the courses they had taken.
Homiletics Module at Bluewater Bible College
November 7-23, 2009 |
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| A chapel service during our Module |
It is always a joy to teach young preachers in the mechanics of preaching the Word of God. Along with preaching at some of the local churches on the weekends, I had the privilege of interacting with six men at Bluewater.
During our classes they each delivered five different short messages (witness, salvation, topical, textual, and biographical) as well as several other assignments to prepare them for developing and delivering sermons. The students expressed their appreciation for the time that I spent with them.
David L. Rusk’s (Frances’ brother) Home Going!
October 14, 2009 |
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| David Lee and Frances |
Just as the mid-week prayer service ended at Living Word Baptist Church on October 14th., Frances and I were asked to go to the Fellowship Hall where we were joined by our daughters and their husbands. Mrs. Leatrice Rusk had called our daughter, Mrs. Melinda Wilson, to let us all know that Frances’ oldest brother, David Lee Rusk, Sr. had died suddenly of a massive heart attack.
Obviously, this was an unexpected death! Praise the Lord, David had trusted in Christ and was regularly reading a Bible, our daughter, Kim had given him in March at the time of his mother’s death and funeral. We made a quick return trip to Cincinnati for the funeral on the following Saturday. I preached the message and three of our relatives indicated that they prayed the sinner’s prayer at the end of my sermon. Pray for these as well as the rest of the Rusk family.
Baptism at Amazing Grace Baptist Church
August 2, 2009 |
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| We baptized in a pool |
Only a few weeks into being pastor at the church three young ladies came to me and expressed their desire to follow the Lord in baptism.
We started a discipleship class during Sunday school to teach them concerning baptism along with other basic teachings. A couple weeks
after beginning the class, David Maraj, a brother to two of the girls, came on a Sunday morning and professed faith in Christ.
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| They enjoyed a swim afterwards! |
After we had completed the discipleship classes and met again with the parents. Pray for Dayna, Dyana & David Maraj, and Khamiya Moses
who were baptized (with their parents present) that they will continue faithfully in their Christian walk.
Home Going of Letitia E. Bellew
July 11, 2009 |
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Letitia E. Bellew (Taken while she was in the hospital
a few months before she went to the with the Lord) |
After the death of Frances’ mother, Mrs. Frances Rusk, in March, we felt that my mother may not live too much longer. I would call her every few days from Trinidad as well as speak to my sister, Phyllis, and my brother, Larry. When we got into the summer, I told Larry to let me know if they felt I needed to come up. Larry called me on July 4th. To let me know that I should make plans to come. I booked a flight for July 18th. and called my mother to tell her that I was coming on that date. I spoke to her again a few days later.
However, on Saturday July 11 my mother, Mrs. Letitia E. Bellew passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord at the age of about 91 1/2 years. “Tee’s” last days were occupied with many family members and friends at the Arbors assisted living facility in Milford, Ohio. I spoke at a well attended funeral service at Forestville Baptist Church at 10:00 A.M. on July 15 2009. It was a time of paying respects and recalling a few of the good memories of a life well lived. She will be missed, but seen again in glory. Pray with us for the family members.
Amazing Grace Baptist Church VBS
July 6-9, 2009 |
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| One group picture of our VBS |
As you will notice from a previous article, we invited our daughter, Denise, to come down with a team to assist us with the VBS at Amazing Grace Baptist Church. Two of her children (Hannah & Josiah) and two friends (Pam Campbell & Alaina Talbot) made up the team of five.
The VBS took place July 6th. – 9th. It was held in the evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There were the singing of choruses, pledges, memory verses, Bible lessons, crafts, games, and snacks! The attendance (average of 90) was about double the previous year. Pray for the eight who trusted Christ including two teenagers. We took up a coin missionary offering that totaled $ 1,755.25TT that became the highlight of the VBS! These offerings were used to assist a missionary the church supported who worked in the island of Guyana.
Amazing Grace Baptist Church VBS in the Making!
In the near future (July 6-9) Please pray as plans are being made! |
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Our daughter and her husband and two of their children and their youth pastor
& his wife Mission trip to the Islands |
The dates are set and the plans are in place for an exciting Vacation Bible School at Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Tunapuna, Trinidad.
This exciting VBS will take place on July 6-9 between 3:00 and 6:00 at 5 Philips Street.
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There will be a Bible story, missionary story, and handcrafts every day. The opening will include a salute to the Trinidad flag, Christian flag,
and the Bible with songs and choruses. VBS is always a fun time for all involved.
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Baptist Seminary of the West Indies
April 2009 |
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| Books & More Books |
It is easy to see from the picture that there are a lot of boxes stacked to the ceiling in the main area of the Seminary building. In fact we received
589 banana boxes of Christian books, music, S.S. materials, tapes/CDs, etc. from the Christian Salvage Mission of Canada. The 20’ container was
loaded with 33,000 lbs. on material.
This contribution of material will be a blessing to the Baptist Seminary, the students, pastors, and local churches. Even though most of it is used
material, it is considered very valuable for use in the ministry here in Trinidad and Tobago. To God be the glory for what He will accomplish through
this Christian material!
Mrs. Frances G. Rusk’s (Frances’ Mother) Home going!
March 28, 2009 |
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| Frances G. Rusk "Home with Her Lord"! |
Frances’ last days were occupied with many family members and friends at the Hospice of Cincinnati East. After 95 years, 5 months, and 13 days of a good life, she was ushered peacefully into the presence of God about 9:00 P.M. on March 28, 2009.
The well attended funeral took place at the T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 P.M. on March 30, 2009. It was a time of paying respects and recalling a few of the good memories for a life well lived. Dennis preached her funeral and the gospel was well presented as there were unsaved family members present as well as unsaved friends. She will be missed very much, but we will see her again in glory! Continue to pray for Frances, her sister, Joyce Humphries and her brother, David Rusk. Thank you!
At Amazing Grace Baptist Church - Tunapuna, Trinidad & Tobago
February 2009 |
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| Baptism Class |
In the past few weeks we have had three young ladies express their desire to follow the Lord in baptism. After meeting with their
parents we are having a baptism class to be sure they are taught about baptism and church membership. Pray for Dyana Maraj,
Dayna Maraj, and Khamiya Moses as they attend class and later submit to Christian baptism
Another Prayer Request!
February 6th, 2009 |
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| Dennis’s mother, Letitia Bellew |
Please remember to pray for our mom. She broke her hip early in November and had a successful surgery. They moved her to The
Arbors which is a rehabilitation Center. During her rehabilitation, she had congestive heart failure a couple of times and was sent back
to hospital. She is back in the Arbors now for continuing rehab but is much weaker than when she first started. We would appreciate you
praying for her that she would have complete recovery if that is His will. She turned 91 years old in November!
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| Frances’s mother, Frances Rusk |
My mom turned 95 in October. She has breast cancer, but chose not to remove her breast. They removed one lump in her breast and some
nodules in August 2007. However, another lump has appeared and it has gotten bigger these past couple of months. Please remember to pray
for her. Also remember to pray for my sister as she cares for her. My sister’s name is Joyce. The Lord has given both of our mothers many precious
years and has given them families that love the Lord and are serving Him! What a blessing!
The Martins Guests in Our Home
January 2009 |
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| Dr. & Mrs. Paul Martin |
When we returned to Trinidad after the Christmas break, Dr. Paul & Mrs. Linda Martin met us at the door of the house. Dr. Martin
was here to teach a modular course at the Baptist Seminary of the West Indies. He taught Introduction to Counseling.
Dr. Paul Martin has been actively involved in ministry and counseling for about 40 years. He directs Family Life Ministries
as well as ministering at Faith Baptist Church in Jamestown, Tennessee.
Paul and Linda really enjoyed seeing Fort George which overlooks Port of Spain and gives a panoramic view of the north east part of
Trinidad. The highlight of their sightseeing was the boat ride into the Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary. This is when the national bird, the
Scarlet Ibis, comes into the swamp to roost for the evening.
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!
February 6th, 2009 |
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| Far right is Hermina Romano |
Pictured above is a dear sweet Christian lady, Herminia Romano, we met while ministering in NYC (from 2001-2006). She was like a
second mom to us both. She was found unconscious in her apt. almost 3 months ago. She has been in the hospital since that time, still
unconscious. We are asking that our friends and family pray for her condition and if the Lord wants her to recover, He may do so quickly!
Her husband, James, is not a believer and we also ask that you pray for him also that he may turn to Christ through this experience.
Seminary of the West Indies Spring Classes
February 3th, 2009 |
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| Dennis teaching a class in the Fall, 2008 |
Even though this picture is from the last semester, I am teaching 4 classes which began
February 3. The classes I will be teaching are: Theology Foundations, Spiritual
Foundations, Teaching Methods and Advanced Hermeneutics. So far we have a good
number of students enrolled in each of these classes and we are hoping even more join us.
Please pray especially for the young men as they take these courses and prepare
themselves for leadership roles in the churches here in Trinidad and Tobago. There is a
great need for leaders to come in behind nationals and missionaries who are getting older
now and will be stepping down from leadership positions.
New Church Assignment for the Spring
Coming up in February |
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| Amazing Grace Baptist Church |
About the middle of February 2009 John & Brenda Gossett with their three children will be leaving Trinidad for a year furlough. Foreign missionaries are
given a three year permit to work in Trinidad. Then they must be out of Trinidad for one year before returning to continue their work.
Frances and I will be taking over the responsibilities of the Amazing Grace Baptist Church until Ken & Nancy Guth return from their furlough around the
beginning of August, 2009. The church is a young church ministry that is still in the mission church stage of growth. Do pray for spiritual and numerical
growth during our time of ministering to them.
Wedding of Heather Marie Wyble and Justin Keppler
December 6th, 2008 |
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| Heather & Justin Keppler |
On December 6 Frances and I had a mile-stone experience take place in our lives. We had the joyous
opportunity to witness the marriage of our oldest granddaughter, Heather Marie Wyble, to Justin Keppler.
We are thankful that they both love the Lord and are actively involved in their local church youth ministry!
For our daughter, Denise and her husband, John it was a tearful occasion. After the wedding I reminded them that they only have 9 more to go!
Following the wedding and reception at Living Word Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, they had a honeymoon in Charlottesville, Virginia. They now reside in Lynchburg, Virginia.
BSWI Christmas Fellowship
November 28th, 2008 |
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| Some of the Seminary students and Professors |
On November 28, 2008 the students, faculty, and two of the directors gathered at the home of Tim & Jane Bahula
for a Seminary Christmas fellowship. It was a good time to celebrate the closing of the fall semester as well as having
the opportunity to meet the families of the students.
The group was surprised to see themselves in a power point presentation that Brother Tim had put together for the occasion.
It was interesting to hear the testimonies of the student about how much they had learned from the classes they were taking.
We also sang some Christmas carols and I brought a short devotion on the birth of Christ.
Work Team at the Seminary
November |
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| Getting ready to pour a slab at the Seminary |
As you can see from the picture, there always seems to be work that needs to be done at the Seminary.
There has been a couple of work teams come from the states to help in this area of the ministry. It is very
much appreciated for all that has already been done. We also have some dedicated men who attend the
college as well as one of the local pastors who have helped to spear head this project of the ground maintenance
around the seminary. Maybe you or some in your local church would like to come to Trinidad as a work team and
help in this area. Being a part of a work team would be having an active role in training these men and women
here in Trinidad for the Lord’s ministry. Please contact us for more information. Thank You as your help would be greatly appreciated!
Bethel Baptist Church Baptism
November 16th, 2008 |
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| Baptism of Teniel Scott |
We were pleased to see Teniel Scott that had been recently saved come forward for believer’s baptism. There are a few others who
have shown the desire to also be baptized but at a later date. Please pray for Bethel Fundamental Baptist Church in Port of Spain
Trinidad that we ministered at from August to the end of November. They are searching for a pastor and we are praying that the Lord will fill this position very soon.
Festival of Diwali
October 28th, 2008 |
Hindu festival celebrated in India and across the world on Amaavasya, the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik (October/November).
It is considered the Festival of Lights and is marked by the lighting of deeyas which are made from clay and filled with oil. The festival of Diwali celebrates
Mother Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of light and spiritual wealth. Many households light up their yards with deyas which they believe will guide this goddess’
spirit to reside in the homes of people all over Trinidad.
Hindus prepare large amounts of food and invite their friends for a Diwali meal. All aspects of Indian culture are represented. They will celebrate with nine
days of shows, stalls (more than sixty of them) providing a fascinating mix of culture and commerce, and events.
There may be every type of music from Indian classical to chutney (the Indian version of soca). As they celebrate this festivity of lights, we as Christians are
sad to think that they can worship this light and really they are in darkness because we know that the only true light in this world is found in Jesus Christ.
Pray with us that as we minister here, we will be able to share the true light of the world to many of these Hindus who are still in darkness.
National Bird - The Scarlet Ibis
September 30th, 2008 |
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| Trinidad's National Bird |
The Scarlet Ibis is locally known as the flamingo. It makes its home in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp-an area set aside by the Government of the
Trinidad for the protection of these birds. Several thousands of these birds nest and roost in the sanctuary and are often see in large numbers during the last two
hours of daylight. These birds feed mainly on crabs.
National Flower - Chaconia
September 30th, 2008 |
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| Pride of Trinidad and Tobago |
The Chaconia is an indigenous flower known by its long sprays of magnificent vermillion. Coincidentally, this flower blooms on every anniversary of Trinidad's
Independence Day (August 31). For Trinidad, the Chaconia represents the imperishability of life and the continuity of their nation.
Our Missionary Permit
September 23rd, 2008 |
Thanks to everyone who prayed for our missionary permit. Finally after waiting for many weeks, our permits were granted.
We have a two year permit for staying in Trinidad to preach and teach. However, we still have one more process to go through
and that is to obtain our multi-entry visas. We have our x-rays, our medical exams, and hopefully all the other necessary papers in hand for these visas.
We are just waiting now for our appointment with immigration. Please continue to pray that this process will go well.
Maybe we need a boat instead of a car here in Trinidad!
September 7th, 2008 |
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| 30 inches of flood! |
On Sunday September 7, 2008 just as Dennis finished preaching the morning message and we were getting ready for the Lord’s Supper, dark clouds were rolling in above us.
Before we knew it, rain was coming by the bucketfuls on the outside. On the inside we were also getting water from the ceiling, from under the doors, and from the windows.
Some of us had to move our chairs just to keep dry. Thunder was roaring and lightening flashing and wind howling.
Well we made it through our communion service in spite of the noise from the rain, etc. Dennis had to speak very loud even using the P.A. system. We fellow-shipped with the
people for almost 30 minutes after church and then we decided to head home to get a bite to eat and little rest before heading back out again in the evening.
However, it was still coming down in bucketfuls. We being rather un-educated as far as heavy rains were concerned started heading down the main
road that leads back to our house in Arima. Well, lo and behold, we were seeing water coming like a river and cars pulled over to the media strip in the middle of the highway.
Cars coming in the opposite direction were blowing at us saying “it is deeper up the way-don’t go up there.”
But my brave husband said we are going to just drive very slow and ease up the road. Just take a look at this picture and decide for yourself, if we needed a boat that day or
just stick with our car? The red barrier at the end of the street was about 30 inches high.
Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago
August 1st, 2008 |
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| Emancipation Day |
August 1st is celebrated as Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago. This holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1834 with a procession through Port of Spain. There are talks, workshops, and performances held in the grandstands at the Queen’s Park Savannah for a week, where an “Emancipation village” features local arts and crafts.
August 31st is celebrated as Independence Day when in 1962 Trinidad became independent of Britain. Flags and bunting decorate all public buildings, banks and large institutions, while fetes and street parties feature performances by locals.
We've Moved!
July 31st, 2008 |
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| Can you see us? |
Yep...we have packed our bags and followed where the Lord lead us. He had opened a door of opportunity and
we stepped through it! Right now we have already arrived and are settling in to our life in Trinidad. We would
love to hear from you! You can contact us by email or phone (will not be an international call - we use Vonage).
Go
here for our contact information.
While serving here in Trinidad, Dennis will be teaching classes at the Baptist Seminary of the West Indies,
preaching and teaching in some of the local churches. Frances' ministry will be working in the Seminary office,
library and grading papers as well as keeping the home fires burning.. :) Pray for this new ministry endeavor
as we seek to serve the Lord in everything we do!
Many of you may remember that we did mission work in Trinidad from 1976 - 1978.
In a sense, we have returned home and are now looking forward to renewing old friendships
and building new ones. Pray for us as our bodies get acclimated to the hot weather and as we
become adjusted to the changes here. We are learning how to drive again.. that is.. on the left side of the road. :)
Our Prayer's Request
1. Prayer for our family in the home going of Frances Rusk [Frances’ mother] (3/24/09); Letitia Bellew [Dennis’ mother] (07/11/09); and David Lee Rusk [Frances’ brother] (10/14/09).
2. Pray for us as we go to Aruba to assist a mission church (January to April, 2010) where a missionary is leaving the field. This is an urgent request due to the fact that our support level is low!
3. Pray for the faculty and students of the Bluewater Bible College (where I taught a module course in November, 2009) as the Spring 2010 semester begins soon.
4. Pray for Amazing Grace Baptist Church where we were ministering in Trinidad. Ken & Nancy Guth are holding on until John & Brenda Gossett return in March, 2010.
5. Pray for Bethel Baptist Churchin, Trinidad (still in need of a pastor) and Chaguanas Baptist Tabernacle, Trinidad (constructing a new church building).
6. Pray for the faculty and students of the Baptist Seminary of the West Indies (where I taught a module course in December, 2009) as the Spring 2010 semester begins soon. I may be teaching another module there in late Spring or early Fall 2010.
7. Pray for our country and its leaders!
8. Pray for Revival in our churches!
9. Pray for Frances’s sister, Joyce, as she is recovering from knee surgery.
10. Pray for the country of Haiti! Our grandson may be going with a team in the next 4-5 weeks.
