Fanning the Flame in Guyana – A New Director!
By Kimberly Rae Thigpen
A good flame takes work. Even when a flame is nurtured, if too many additional materials are added, the flame can be smothered. If the small base flame is not well-tended, it will not expand well. For a fire at any stage to be stable and mostly self-sustained, the person in charge must keep vigilant watch, and work to maintain its flame.
Guyana has a long history with Source of Light. The work there began generations ago, and through the years, as people came and went and situations changed, the Branch there has become harder to manage and sustain. There is tremendous need in this area for our materials. SLM sought a new younger leader to oversee SLM Guyana, someone who can devote his ability and energy fulltime to taking the small flame that is left and fanning it once again into a large and vibrant ministry.
This need has been answered. SLM needs $800 to bring Dwayne Daniels from Guyana to our Headquarters in the United States for training in all things SLM this summer. At that point, the team at Headquarters will get to meet this young man. For now, we introduce him to you here.
Dwayne grew up in a village called Mocha on the East Bank of Demerara, Guyana. His wife, Jenelle, grew up on the East Coast. Neither were raised in Christian homes. As Dwayne puts it, “Our family members were professing Christians, but church attendance was irregular and holy living not practiced.”
Invited to a Vacation Bible School at age sixteen, Dwayne heard a clear presentation of the Gospel for the first time. “I responded to the invitation and trusted Christ as my Savior that day (02 August 2005) and was baptized the very next day and I’ve been walking with the Lord ever since.” Jenelle came to Christ at age twelve.
Dwayne and Jenelle were engaged on Valentine’s Day of 2019 and married just last December. Both are called to serve. Dwayne is currently the Senior Pastor of Revival Baptist Church in Georgetown, Guyana. Jenelle is the Sunday School Superintendent.
This well-spoken young man shared with us how he came to be part of SLM, and his vision for the future work of Guyana.
How did you become connected with Source of Light?
I came to know about Source of Light Ministries through my home church where I served as an Assistant Pastor. I was responsible for the adult Sunday school class. There, we utilized the Source of Light materials to disciple new converts. In time we later used these materials in the public school Bible clubs we conducted.
After working along with Source of Light Ministries for some time, I was asked by one of the official members in Guyana to assist in their ministry efforts to spread the Gospel and disciple those who came to Christ, and also to assist with the various Associate Schools.
What is your favorite part of ministry?
My favorite thing is to preach the Gospel and help in discipling young converts. It brings great joy to my heart seeing souls saved from hell and living a changed and mature life in Christ. I do enjoy reading as well.
Now that you are becoming Director in Guyana, what are your hopes for the SLM work there? What is your vision for the future?
My hopes are to see the SLM Branch rejuvenated and set ablaze for Christ once again, to see Source of Light materials used on a large scale countrywide; to help young Christians mature in their faith; and to have an effective, functioning office where pastors, leaders, and every individual who needs Source of Light materials can have easy access to them.
Is there something you hope to change soon at the beginning, to help the ministry grow or thrive?
Accessing and storing of materials have always been a challenge for the ministry in Guyana. It is my goal to solve those two particular issues readily.
How much will it cost to relocate the office? Can you share the reason for the relocation?
It should cost approximately $3,000 to relocate the office. This would cover the construction of storage space for the materials as well as a working office space. This is essential for materials to be easily accessible and well-protected from damage, as the current location is not as accessible nor conducive.
About how much support will you need personally and to run the branch?
It should cost approximately $1,500 per month to keep the ministry running efficiently.
