According to the 2006 edition of Churches of
Christ in the United States, there are 12,963 congregations
of the Lord's church in the Unites States. In comparison, there
are only four congregations of the Lord's church in Suriname,
South America.
By the grace of God, the work in the United States
has been successful through the continual hard work of our brethren.
There has been a great effort to evangelize Suriname, but there
is still much work to be done. What is most needed? Mature men
who can lead the good brethren in "paths of righteousness."
Sound congregations need sound preachers!
Brethren, allow me to introduce to you Brother
Dhanpersaud (Dahn) Ramkelawan of Paramaribo, Suriname, South America.
Dahn dreamed of becoming a doctor and serving the people of Suriname.
Dahn obeyed the gospel and has since dreamed of becoming a gospel
preacher, serving the spiritual needs of all people.
Since his baptism in 2002, he has been actively
serving the Lord and seeking the lost. Paramaribo's regular preacher,
Nardeo Sukdeo, had to leave the country in the spring of 2006
to seek medical attention for his wife. With only a few days notice,
Dahn was asked to care for the church in his absence. Without
hesitation, not knowing when Nardeo would return, Dahn agreed
to the task. Dahn delivered all the sermons, taught all the Bible
classes, and assumed the role of "minister" until Brother
Nardeo's return several weeks later.
Dahn speaks three languages: Dutch, (the national
language), Taki-Taki (an indigenous language), and English. On
my mission trips to Suriname, Dahn has proven to be invaluable.
He opens doors to Bible Studies, translates our words, and provides
cultural illustrations and insights that we simply do not have.
Dahn is honest, sound, respected, and smart. He
has the desire, the talent, and the intelligence to make a great
preacher, but he lacks a deep knowledge of the scriptures. At
my urging, Dahn made application to and was accepted by the East
Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tennessee.
For decades, this school has provided sound training for men that
desire to preach the gospel. Prayerfully, Dahn will begin his
studies in August of 2007.
The opportunity has presented itself to train
a thirsty young man to proclaim the "Good News" of Jesus
Christ to the lost. Dahn needs everything: airfare, living expenses,
and other supplies. Brethren, I do not have to tell you about
the need for sound gospel preachers. I have seen this young man
in action. Upon graduation Dahn, plans to work with the church
in Paramaribo, Suriname.
As you know, this is a huge undertaking, but one
that is well worth the effort. Brethren, I'm asking you to prayerfully
consider this endeavor and allow me time to speak with you in
person (if convenient) about the details and itinerary for Dahn.
The leadership of the Columbia church of Christ
is overseeing all funds for Dahn. A one-time gift or a pledge
for twenty-four months can supply this man with the knowledge
to serve our God, assist our brethren, and contend earnestly for
the faith for the rest of his life. Please, if you have any questions
feel free to contact me.
I asked Dahn the other day if he were looking
forward to coming to America. He said, "Not so much, but
looking forward to learning about God's word." Thank you
for your time and attention to my request. May God bless you in
all your efforts to serve Him. Because He Lives! -501 Jamestown
St., Columbia, KY 42728. (270) 384-6467. deanroach@juno.com