Dear Praying Friends:
Thank you for praying. Our telephone line was out for four days last week, and shortly
thereafter, our e-mail contact also went out. I will bring you up to date. Kalow Palata has been
struggling with headache and hypertension, while his son is in the hospital, having lost his right
arm. His son Gwatoes is having quite a bit of pain, but basically doing well. Church members
from all four churches met together for a time of prayer on Saturday night. I was pleased with
the turnout, and the support for the Palata family. We began about 7:15 PM, and finally
concluded at 11 PM. In addition to prayer, we had a short session of singing in a short message
from each of the pastors of the other church as well as myself. It was a good time of fellowship.
The churches have rallied behind Kalow Palata as the new senior pastor.
On Sunday, which was Mother's Day, I preached at Efraimzegen church. However, before we
went to church, someone was at our gate before 7:30 AM. Sister Wilma, one of our faithful
ladies, brought a meal especially for my wife for Mother's day. She brought gimber, a drink
which is her specialty, pom, which is a meat dish with chicken and pom tayer, and bojo, a sort of
cake. We really enjoyed her meal. Liz had also received a meal when she taught a ladies class at
Sunny Point the previous day. Since she did not have time to eat it before our prayer meeting,
she had it for lunch (a traditional meal called bami - noodles and chicken). So we ate well for
two days. What really pleased me was that Sister Wilma drove another several miles to Kalow
Palata's home to give a similar meal to his wife Bimla and family. Not only did this mean that
she did not need to cook, but also that she has been accepted as the senior pastor's wife.
The work at the Sunny Point building project was slowed down by heavy rains last weekend.
They plan to tie together the building steel this week, and then dig out the foundation next week.
Then a cement truck can dump in the necessary cement and they can put in the building steel at
the same time. All of the men work full time and when rain interferes with their free days, it
really holds back the work.
Two main events are slowing everything in Suriname down. We have the elections of the new
government on Tuesday, May 25th. This election occurs only every five years. Second,
beginning June 7th, the W.K. (World cup of soccer) begins, which occurs ever four years. When
that begins, you normally find TV's in all the shops, many businesses and offices. It is hard to
get work done, as the workers are reluctant to miss anything even though there is instant replay!
Usually Brazil, which sits on our southern border, is a sentimental favorite for many in Suriname.
Last W.K., we saw Brazilian flags flying and people wearing supporting T-shirts. They are "gek"
(crazy) over soccer (voetbal = football), which is not only the national sport, but the most popular
international sport world-wide. We Americans find it strange that there is such interest. They
feel the same way about the Superbowl.
The spirit at the main church is improving. The support for the leadership is there. We are
encouraged, and ask your continued prayers, especially for the family Palata, and for their 20 year
old son Gwatoes who lost his arm.
Prayer requests:
Strength and health for the work
Our own spiritual growth
Safety while driving.
Church independence completion
Sunny Point church building project
Souls saved and discipled
In Him and Content:
Bob & Liz Patton
Missionaries to Suriname
P.S. We just have seen God do something only He can do. Kalow Palata was given only part of
his compensation from the government which he received because he was mishandled and
injured by other soldiers when he was in the Army well over 20 years ago. Part of his
compensation package is determined by his ability to work. The lawyer has been delayed in
presenting his case. The previous surgeon considered Kalow 50% handicapped, but it is very
obvious that he has deteriorated since that report written some years ago.
He has had severe headaches with high blood pressure, and went to a local doctor. After
treatment, he needed a new statement about his disability. The doctor was new and gave him
50% based on his old papers. He called the doctor back after talking to me, and said that his
missionary pastor, Dr. Patton, was an internist and considered him more disabled than that.
Normally I would anticipate a negative response from the doctor. Instead, the doctor said that he
remembered me well, and that I had taught him Internal Medicine. He would be willing to revise
the figures on the basis of my written observations! I would note that I have not practiced
medicine now for 19 years. I have written that I believe him disabled at 80% (able to work 20%)
So join us in prayer that through this completion of Kalow's compensation, the Lord will help
with enough funds so that he can survive caring for his family on a monthly basis. I had also
mentioned the injury to his son Gwatoes, who had been doing the lion's share of the work for his
father. May the will of the Lord occur!
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