For 13 years, Rainer and Telca have shared their lives, building a family of five children. While their love for each other and their children was steadfast, there was one thing that remained out of reach for them: marriage. The couple longed to wed but were held back by financial struggles. Despite this, they never gave up on their dreams. Rainer had been baptized as a young man, and in 2018, Telca followed, along with two of their children. After their baptism, they stopped attending church. As young believers without spiritual guidance, they felt lost.
Then, four years later, we entered their lives. We had just begun a children’s evangelism program at Aripiaco church, and the family reconnected with us. It was during this time that two of their children decided to take the step of baptism. This moment of joy was only the beginning of a journey that would bring the family closer to Jesus and strengthen their bond with the church. We spent many happy times together, inviting them to nature camps, going fishing, and learning to cook and enjoy local food. Through it all, we saw them growing in their faith.
Throughout this period, we continually encouraged the couple to get married. Every time we visited, we would remind them that we were here to help them make it happen. Their response was always the same: “We’ll do it when we have the money.” Yet, we knew they were ready, and we didn’t want financial worries to hold them back from fully embracing God’s plan for their family.
The breakthrough came during an evangelistic crusade in Karwab. Pastor Blair spoke to couples who had been living together for years without getting married, offering to perform the ceremony for free. We immediately called the couple and urged them to take advantage of this opportunity. They told us they would think about it. Three hours later, they called us back with the news: they had decided to get married!
We couldn’t contain our excitement. "Yes!" we shouted, as smiles filled our faces. The very next day, we visited the couple to finalize the details. The following day, we took them to Charity to buy clothes, sandals, and shoes for their wedding day. Their joy was evident, and the love and excitement they felt radiated from them. It was a day they would always remember.
On Sabbath, after their wedding, they recommitted their lives to Jesus through baptism. It was a celebration of new beginnings—not just for them, but for their children and the entire church family. From that day on, we saw them regularly at attending church, growing in faith, and becoming active members of the congregation. It seemed like life was moving in a beautiful direction for them, but their journey was far from easy.
After their baptism, something devastating happened. Four of their children became demon-possessed while at school. The family was heartbroken, and each day, we found ourselves at the school, praying for the children and helping them recover when they regained their senses.
The family wrestled with deep questions: Why was this happening to them? How could such evil take hold of their children? Before the possession began, the mother had a terrifying dream. In her dream, legions of demons with red eyes appeared at the church, seeking to harm them, and a voice demanded the blood of their children. The mother’s dream came rushing back to her when the demon possession started. She knew there was something deeply spiritual happening.
The school attempted to intervene, inviting pastors from both Pentecostal and Assembly churches to pray for the children. However, their presence seemed to only make the situation worse. When the pastors prayed softly, the children calmed down, but when they began speaking in tongues, the children became agitated, running around and hurting each other. It became clear that the prayers being offered weren’t bringing peace.
We advised the family not to attend these meetings and instead to gather their children at home for prayer. Every morning, we called them, praying over the phone and reminding them of the power of God’s word and the importance of steadfast faith in the face of evil. We also took the time to explain the biblical perspective on speaking in tongues, assuring them that it was not the solution to their struggle. We told them to continue trusting in the God they served, who was powerful enough to deliver them from the enemy.
It wasn’t an easy battle. There were days of doubt, frustration, and fear. But through it all, the family held on to their faith, trusting that God would bring an end to their suffering. And God did answer our prayers. Slowly but surely, the demon possession stopped, and the children were freed from the torment they had been experiencing.
Our hearts ached as we walked with them through their struggles. They were the ones who encouraged us to stay in Guyana longer, to continue serving the community and investing in their lives. Their children would often cry at the thought of us leaving for the Philippines.
We are incredibly blessed to have found such a beautiful and faith-filled family here in Guyana. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of love, the importance of community, and the unwavering faith that can carry us through even the most challenging times. We are grateful to God for the opportunity to walk alongside them, and we continue to pray for their continued growth in faith and for the protection of their family.
Through all the trials and triumphs, we have seen firsthand how God can work in the lives of those who trust Him, and we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of their journey. We look forward to the many more memories we will create together, knowing that God’s love and grace will continue to guide them every step of the way. Every morning, we called them, praying over the phone and reminding them of the power of God's word and the importance of steadfast faith in the face of evil.
