Suriname Mission Pays Tribute to Adventist Pioneers
In a moving ceremony on September 1, 2022, the Suriname Mission of Seventh-day Adventists recognized the contributions of active and retired church leaders, who had served the mission field of Suriname. Families and friends packed the auditorium to support the honorees and offer congratulatory remarks.
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In a moving ceremony on September 1, 2022, the Suriname Mission of Seventh-day Adventists recognized the contributions of active and retired church leaders, who had served the mission field of Suriname. Families and friends packed the auditorium to support the honorees and offer congratulatory remarks.
Pastor Guno Emanuelson, the Suriname Mission President, addressed the gathering during the special celebration and shared, “Celebrating and recognizing these individuals is not just an event, but an opportunity to thank them for their contribution to the Church, especially during difficult times.” He congratulated the pioneers who gave committed and devoted service toward the development of Adventism in Suriname.
In August 2022, Suriname marked the 128th year of Adventism on its shores, which form part of the South American coastline. Congregations in Suriname have been making successful attempts to connect with the community. As of June 30, 2021, the Church in Suriname had 5,450 members, who were served by 17 established congregations, along with five companies and groups across the country.
Pastor Lindon Gudge and Administrators of the Suriname Mission
The Church in Suriname has not had an explosive growth, like other fields, due to the secular influences on this former Dutch colony and many different people groups, cultures and dialects spoken in Suriname. However, through the efforts of these committed workers and lay people, the Church tracked its impact in the areas of youth, radio ministry, health, and public evangelism.
Special awards and recognitions were given to former administrators and retirees, for making significant contributions in their respective fields.
Pastor Lindon Gudge, who retired in July 2022, was recognized for 51 years of service to the Church. Pastor Gudge’s work began in 1971 and he served as an educator until 1975. Sensing the call of God on his life, he attended Caribbean Union College, now the University of the Southern Caribbean, and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. In that same year, he began his ministerial career in Guyana, the land of his birth. He served the Guyana Conference as district pastor, departmental director, and president. He retired as a denominational worker in Suriname, where he also served as pastor, departmental worker, and president.
Former Education, Children, Communication and HR Director Carla Emanuelson, with newly elected administrators of Suriname Mission
Pastor Edward Blackman, served as president of the Suriname Mission from 2011 to 2022, and was recognized for 11 years of dedicated and outstanding service. During his tenure as president, Pastor Blackman was credited with serving as district pastor and departmental director, simultaneously.
Brother James R. Newland, served as treasurer of the Suriname Mission until 2022, and was recognized by the Church for his service. He began his denominational service with the Suriname Mission on January 1, 2018. Brother Newland was an outstanding chief financial officer, and was admired for his efforts to facilitate the modernization of the treasury.
Pastor Steven Tulp, who was elected in July 2022, to serve as the Suriname Mission Treasurer, was recognized for 10 years of faithful and outstanding service as a worker. Pastor Tulp served the Church as an accountant, district pastor, communication director and ADRA director.
Some retirees and their spouse of the Suriname Mission office
The organization also spotlighted several retirees and workers who celebrated their wedding anniversaries. These couples included: A former president of the Suriname Mission, Pastor Johannes Roseval and his wife Carmen Roseval (60 years of marriage); a former treasurer Brother Leslie Koorndijk and his wife Eline Koorndijk (50 years of marriage); Brother Dennis Emanuelson and his wife, Sister Carla Emanuelson van Brussel who is a former education director (45 years of marriage); and Pastor Roel Blackman and Sister Judith Blackman–Emanuelson, who are still in active service (40 years of marriage).
At this event, the Suriname Mission also honored retired George Elshot who had recently celebrated his 75thbirthday. Brother Elshot is well known for his passionate service within the education and health ministry departments.
The Church in Suriname will continue to embrace its mission, even as these individuals retire or transition to other responsibilities within God’s work. The Suriname Mission operates two primary schools and is a field within the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.