[Guyana-Mission-Report] Stretched but not broken

We're stilling hanging in here. Our two little girls are doing fine in Shea, except when it comes to sleep.  On average Joy and I are waking up 4 times a night to tend to them.  I pray that this doesn't continue too much longer.  We need some serious sleep! There is a terrible fuel shortage in Lethem.  It's very difficult to get any sort of flying gas for a reasonable amount.  Those who do have will only sell it for $8 US a gallon.  We do what we have to do, but its cutting pretty deeply at this moment. I wish the devil would lighten up and take a vacation, but no such luck.  When we got out to Shea we discovered yet another set of problems.  Sigh...  One of our members has become involved with another mans wife, and now the whole village has become aware of it, and are asking the toshao to stop work on the church.  We've had a good talk with all parties, and I think the immediate crisis is over, but the problem is still very serious.  Please pray for us. We're working on getting more livable living arrangement.  We've already finished a shower house, and are working on installing a sink and some plumbing. I need to run.  Thanks for all your prayers in our behalf. Must fly... James James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] "What is in thine hand?"

This is a very interesting question that God asked Moses in Ex. 4:2.  I'm sure Moses must have stared at his rod wondering if this was a trick question. The obvious answer was that it was "just a rod", but strangely enough the rod turned out to be more than a glorified stick.  Throughout Moses' ministry you see the "rod" surface again and again, and in each situation it does extra ordinary things. What does this have to do with our ministry?  Three weeks ago we returned to Guyana, minus an airplane.  We didn't have any good means of transporting ourselves out to the bush, and even if we did, we would be stuck without the disposal of an aircraft.   Well the Lord has provided one.  There is a little Cessna 150/150 tail dragger that has been sitting on the ramp at Ogle Airport.  A week ago David Gates arrived in Georgetown for a few days, and to make a long story short he was able to take time from his busy schedule to check me out in this aircraft.   Tomorrow we plan to fly down to Region 9 to once again take the gospel torch into the darkness.  It's not easy.  There seems like an infinite amount of things to do to get ourselves out to Shea, but I praise the Lord that we have this great opportunity. And yes, some people may see this as simply a Cessna 150 with a bigger engine, but I have no doubts that this aircraft will continue to do many extra ordinary things for God. We have to keep going forward with what is in our hand. The second bit of good news is that we just received word today that the Cessna 182 that is being prepared up in the States has been officially approved by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for work in Guyana.  When the airplane arrives in the country it can immediately enter into service. We praise the Lord for his incredible mercies to us. God bless, James, Joy, Jenna & Julianna James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] "We're seizing your bus!!!"

I stared at the officer in disbelief. "What?" "We're seizing your bus!" the officer repeated  "We have orders from the Supreme Court of Guyana to seize this bus and take it down to the courthouse" the officer told me as he hopped in the front seat, and unlocked the sliding door so two other marshals could get in. At first I didn't believe him.  Surely this was a huge mistake, or even worse still a scam.  Guyana is infamous for both, and I was not going to fall for their ploy.  It was late Wednesday morning.  I had driven down to the Guyoil Gas Station on Sheriff Street to pick up fill up our six gas jugs for the airplane.   David Gates, our director, was only a block and a half away, finishing up a conversation with some missionaries, and in a few minutes we would rendezvous and drive out to the airport together. "I think you have the wrong people"  I said calmly "Who are you trying to locate?" The officer pulled out a sheaf of papers and flipped to the back page he asked, "Is the license of this bus PJJ1896?" "Yes it is."  I replied.  "Then we have strict orders to drive it down to the courthouse immediately"  The officer stated emphatically.  "It is under a levy from the Supreme Court of Guyana." By this time the cars behind me were impatiently honking their horns for me to pull forward so they could get gas.  My mind was grasping for the right words to say to these men.  Finally I decided to pull forward, buying myself some precious seconds to come up with a viable game plan.  "Look" I said turning to the police man "I'll need to drive over to the mission house to pick up the director of our program." "NO!" the man shot back "We are not allowed to let this bus go to another location.  You must drive it immediately down to the Supreme Court, or we will seize control and take it down ourselves" "Ok"  I said as I shut off the ignition "I'll do what you want me to do, but before I can go anywhere I'll need to make a phone call to the director.  My cell phone is out of credit."  I got out of the van and started toward the station to buy a phone card. "Stop!!!  I'm warning you!  If you take the keys to the van we'll call a tow truck and have the van towed at your expense"   Realizing that I was inches from a major explosion, I froze in midstride. {Oh Lord!  Please give me the right words to say} I breathed as I slowly walked back to the van. "Look" I said  "Calm down, calm down…  You have the wrong people.  We're not who you think we are.  But… I recognize that you have a job to do today.  You must insure that this bus goes down to the Supreme Court.  I assure you that I will drive it down to the Supreme Court, but you are making things very difficult for me.  I cannot answer all your questions.  So you must first allow me to drive a block and a half to pick up our director, and then we will go to the court house." When the officer heard that I was willing to comply with their request, he relaxed and off to the mission house we went. At my request, David and Warren came outside to try to talk with the marshals to solve the misunderstanding.  As they were futilely presenting their case, another light was beginning to dawn in my mind.  Two years ago I was randomly looking through a little metal filing cabinet at the flight base when I stumbled across the original paperwork documenting the incorporation of Guyana Adventist Medical Aviation Service.  All of a sudden this flashed into my mind.  Maybe, just maybe this would satisfy the powers that be, and they would let us off the hook.  Unfortunately they wouldn't allow us to drive anywhere else except the courthouse, so reluctantly, David and I drove the bus down to the courthouse and surrendered the key.  By this time is was raining cats and dogs, and the outlook looked pretty bleak. On the way down town we asked the marshals what we could do to get the van "out of jail".  They informed us that there were only two people authorized to release the van was the court registrar, and the lawyer representing the plaintiff.   By the time we arrived the plaintiff's lawyer was on his lunch hour, so we decided rather than kill time waiting, to catch a taxi back to the hospital to try and find the document showing the incorporation of GAMAS.  Maybe he would see the light and let us off the hook. We searched carefully through the cabinet, digging fruitlessly through file after file of receipts, letters, manuals, important documents, and the like.  Just before 1pm I found the precious documents.  David and I ran out the door to flag a taxi.  The plaintiff's lawyer arrived back at his office close to 1:30pm, brushing right past us without a word and into his dilapidated office.   Soon his secretary came out and informed us that, "Mr. Chase can't help you.  You will need to get a lawyer to assist you in this matter." Since we were less than a block from the courthouse, we decided to try the registrar. We showed our documents, explained our situation and asked for assistance.  This time they did listen sympathetically.  There appeared to be some disagreement amongst them as to what to do.  But in the end, the answer was the same.  "We can't release the bus without an order from the court.  You will need to hire a lawyer." Sigh… So to a lawyer we went.  The law offices in Georgetown are all within two blocks of the courthouse and so after placing a few phone calls we decided to go to the law office of Boston and Boston.  Mr. Boston graciously ushered us into his office and invited us to have a seat.   After David and I explaining the situation to him he said that he would have to file an "interpleeder" document with the court to appeal the seizure of the bus.  He called in one of his secretaries to make some photocopies of our documents.  He then turned to us with a gracious smile, stating he could do it for a small fee of $180,000 Guyana dollars ($900 USD).   We were floored.  David explained the status of our organization as made up of volunteers.  The man didn't miss a beat, "Ok, I'll do it for only $150,000 ($750 USD).   Again David explained what we were doing and asked for consideration of this.  He then decided that he would give us his service for $125,000 ($625 USD).   David paused for a moment of consideration.  Then asking for $100,000 ($500 USD).  The man thought about it and decided that he could do it.  As we walked out of the office it became clear that this wasn't going to be an easy  or inexpensive process.  We've priced around and the cheapest place wants $250 USD to take the case.  It appears that we'll have to file an interpleeder, and get a court hearing.  The judge will listen to our case, and then allow the plaintiff to make his case.  The outcome will determine whether we get our van back.   This could take time since everything happens really slowly. In the mean time we've had to hire multiple taxi's to take us to and from Ogle Airport.  Please keep us in your prayers.  We feel that this is yet another way the devil is trying to harass us.  But God can work even situations like this to our advantage.  "All things work together for good, to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His Purpose."  Rom. 8:28 God bless, James James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] Dengue Fever

At times during our lives certain events happen which leave us scratching our head and wondering whether Romans 8:28 is valid, or whether it has expired. A month ago our family drove 5 hours to Seattle Washington with every intent to board the airplane that would take us to New York, and then on to Guyana.  But after standing in an unbelievably long line, we encountered complications with the baby's paper ticket.  We tried to reason with the agent, and even offered to pay for an extra ticket so we wouldn't miss our flight.  But to no avail...  Almost in tears we walked back to the car, and retraced the long journey home.  How come this happened?  Here's just one reason... A week ago our bible worker called me from Lethem, and told me the bad news.  He had contracted Dengue Fever.  Dengue Fever is spread by day feeding mosquitoes, and since the rains have been falling incessantly in Lethem, the mosquito populations have been thriving.  The illness includes strong fevers and body aching.  There is no cure for Dengue, and like a bad flu virus, it just has to be endured.  Certain strains of the disease are extremely deadly. As I was listening to Jacob tell about his "woes" all of a sudden it struck me.  Two weeks prior we would have traveled straight from Georgetown to Lethem.  With the road to Shea washed out, we would have been stuck at the mission house Lethem, and almost certainly, most of us would be sick at this moment with Dengue. But God in his mercy allowed two things to happen.  First he delayed our arrival in Guyana by two weeks, and then he sent such a deluge of rains that the only road from Georgetown to Lethem washed out, preventing traffic from passing.  So we've had to say here in Georgetown for an extra two weeks.  God truly sees the end from the beginning, and occasionally he allows us to encounter trials and hardship if it will bring honor and glory to His name.  But at other times, in  mercy, He throws road blocks into our path so that we can continue to move forward in good health and with grateful hearts. Please pray for our Amerindian bible worker (Jacob) that he would make a rapid recovery because he's been sick for over a week and he's still not fully recovered. God bless, James, Joy, Jenna, Julianna James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] (no subject)

We're back in Guyana. (Really, truly!) The plane that was to fly us from New York to Guyana was delayed 1hr. 30min. due to president Obama's departure.  I guess everything grinds to a halt when the president drops in for a visit. We eventually landed safely in Cheddi Jaegan International Airport at 8:30am last Friday, and stepped off the plane to be greeted to a blast of hot and muggy tropical air.  After 16 hours of continuous travel with a red eye special to finish us off, we were pretty spent.  While Joy and the girls crashed at the hospital guest apartment, I decided to hit the streets of Georgetown to check off a few more items of my never-ending-to-do-list.  By Friday, evening we were nicely camped out in the new "temporary" abode.  Little did we know that the dirt road that winds through the dense jungle and mountains from Georgetown to Lethem had been washed out at Mabura.  And from the pictures in the local newspaper, they haven't even begun to repair it!  The rains are still falling off and on, the local people say that it will be this way till the end of the month. The bible worker also informed us today over the HF Radio that the road to Shea is also washed out in a couple places and only tractors with experienced drivers can pass.  The last one carrying school children took 3 days to make an 8 hour trip.  The Savanna's are saturated and in some cases flooded with rain.  Streams and rivers which used to be but a trickle during dry season, are now raging torrents.  Airplanes are the only transportation that can effortlessly get in and out.  There's only one other full-time pilot down in region 9 so even air travel is in short supply. There is some good news though.  Malaria appears to be under control in Shea.   That is good because during rainy season with limited transportation, malaria drugs can be in short supply.  Even more miraculous is the report that the new church has sustained almost no rain damage to the unprotected walls!  It's almost as if our Heavenly Father has allowed heaven's floods gates to open, but at the same time put a sheltering hand over the new church building.  It will still be many weeks before we can get the zinc up to Shea but with your continued prayers, the church will come through in fine order. We praise the Lord for the progress on the new airplane.  I just got word that they are presently fitting up the wing tip extensions.  Once this is completed, it will be painted and the last items will be finished up and the plane will be ready to for its pilgrimage south. It will take some time to get it approved by the Guyanese government for work in Guyana, but with each day that goes by we're getting closer to the end goal.  What does that mean for our immediate plans?  We're going to see if we can arrange some sort of air travel to Lethem and hopefully Shea Village but this might be a bit of a challenge.  We're exploring all our options, and praying for direction.  Take care, James, Joy, Jenna, and Julianna James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] The Unsung Missionary Mechanics

In a society where too often cash is considered to be "king", I find it very refreshing to finds a few pockets of people who resist this notion, and are willing to freely give of their time and talents. Two such individuals that I have very high regard for is Mike and Larry at Northwest Air Tech in Kelso, Washington. Mike and Larry are both licensed airplane mechanics.  They've been working hard to prepare the Cessna 182 to fly back down to Guyana, South America.  Balancing commercial customers and volunteer work can be kind of tricky at times when bills begin to stack up, but that is exactly what these guys are doing.  Multiple times this last few weeks Mike didn't leave the shop until 8:30pm or later, just so he could keep on this missionary project.  With the precision of a general surgeon, Mike has been cutting and fitting the leading edge wing cuff (seen in the picture).   It is truly a work of art and the picture hardly does it justice. Larry on the other hand has spent a good majority of the last two weeks with his nose under the dash of the plane.  He's carefully removed all the 60's vintage electrical wiring and is meticulously rewiring the entire instrument panel (a true labor of love!!) These men are not the kind of guys who draw attention to themselves.  In fact, very few people know what they're doing, and the sacrifices they're making.  They truly embody the true missionary here in America. Many have asked us when we're planning to go back to Guyana.  We feel torn.  We would like to wait until the airplane is complete, but Shea Village has been without their health care worker for 3 months, and we feel we need to get back ASAP.  Later when the airplane is completed I'll most likely return to the States to fly it back down. Blessings to you all.  James James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842

[Guyana-Mission-Report] News Flash! - Shea Church

We just received pictures within the last hour from our bible worker.  These pictures show the new Shea Church under construction.  As you can see the walls and concrete columns are in place!  It's exciting to see the tangible results of a lot of prayer and hard work. But right now the rains are falling in Region 9 and the bible worker is really concerned that they might soften the concrete blocks and mortar. PLEASE -  take a moment right now to pray earnestly that God would hold back the rains until we can get a zinc roof installed.  The good news is that that rafters for the roof is already cut and ready to use, and we have about $1200 USD in our building fund, but we need and additional $2743 USD to purchase the zinc sheets for the entire church and sabbath school building.  This also includes and additional 40 additional sacks of cement to complete the concrete work and the hire of a truck to take all the materials out to Shea. If you would like to be a part of completing this exciting project, please email me personally, and I would be glad to share with you a breakdown on the individual costs.  My email: ashjam7@yahoo.com Thank you for your prayers and support. Sincerely James James & Joy Ash 121 Durban Backlands Georgetown, Guyana 011-592-629-5141 www.guyanaaviationevangelism.org James & Joy Ash Gospel Ministries International Project Name: Guyana Aviation Evangelism 874 South McDonald SW McDonald, TN 37353 1 (423) 473-1841 or 1 (423) 473-1842