Winter 2020/21
BELARUS MISSION 2020
We left home early to catch our flight. On the way one of our tyres blew. How were we going to get it fixed at 6.00am? We eventually got a new tyre at 8.30, leaving us a slim chance of catching our flight. By the time we boarded the transfer bus to the airport our flight had already gone.
We were feeling utterly gutted, but still went on. As we loaded the guitars on to a trolley at Heathrow, I turned to my brother John and said, “Though the fig tree doesn’t blossom, though there’s no fruit on the vine, yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation” I was quoting the passage from Habakkuk 3. We knew our flight had gone, but we still proceeded. At the check in desk, they told us there was nothing they could do.
We kept on praying. Eventually an assistant said, “There’s another plane going in half an hour, it will get you to your connection flight in time, you have 10 minutes to book it and check in”. What an answer to prayer! We arrived on time at Belarus! Little did we know it then, that this would be the only mission we could go on in 2020. During our time in Belarus, we had many opportunities to speak and share in churches that were receiving guitars. This year, Belarus has been in turmoil, due to the elections. Later, watching the demonstrations on TV, served to further remind us of how blessed we were to go on this mission. Within days of our return, the U.K. was in total lockdown, with Churches, restaurants and shops all being closed. It’s been a difficult year for many, we’re thankful we didn’t miss the Belarus mission.
OVER 100 GUITARS SENT DURING LOCKDOWN
We came home from Belarus and were immediately hit with the first lockdown. Stay at home was the message. I am so thankful that Guitar Aid has its base at my home. As travel restrictions came into force, I realized we wouldn’t be going anywhere. My prayer was, what can we do next? We then started to get requests for instruments on a weekly basis during lockdown from March to November. This resulted in over 100 guitars being sent out. They went to Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy, Czech Rep, Albania, and even as far as India. This brings the total of guitars we have given since 1990 to over 3,600. We thank God for his provision during this time.
HUNGARIAN GYPSY CHURCHES
One place, especially on our hearts is Hungary. For many years we have travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting, giving guitars and preaching in many churches. We have always loved the enthusiasm and passion we found in the Gypsy churches. In these, we find a vibrant worship, that inspires us to want to support and encourage them. Pastor Janos has always been keen to take us to the gypsy churches, however remote the location. We have two good friends, both called Laszlo, that are actively involved in the Hungarian Gypsy Mission. We are helping them to raise up young musicians and worship leaders, by supplying them with guitars to learn and progress with.
30 YEARS OF GUITAR AID
When we started Guitar Aid in 1990, we could never have imagined we would be where we are today. It’s been one step at a time, sometimes small steps, but they all add up. The picture to the left is Albania, 25 years ago! I’m glad to say, in the 30 years of giving guitars, we have never lost our enthusiasm and desire to see people released in their gifting, with passion and skill. Thank you for the encouragement your support has given. Whatever the future holds, we will keep giving guitars, sending them, and going when circumstances allow. We want to be encouraging the next generation of musicians and worshippers to follow their calling, to be the people God wants them to be. Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.
Many Blesssings
Dave Sumner
Guitar Aid Director
