It is that time of year. Summer has come and I am once again traveling in the States. This has been a very busy year for me. It has also been very exciting. In February, my cousins from Costa Rica came to visit with their pastors of the International Baptist Church of Costa Rica. What a joyful time we had. Even though it was a very short visit, they were able to travel on the Amazon River with me and connect with the church that I am working with in Caballo Cocha. Pastor Paul preached and his wife and my cousins shared with the church. They were a great help with the baptism of the new converts. Yes, we baptized them in the river. I think they had more fun with the adventure of traveling on river transportation to and from our various destinations. I look forward to their next visit to Leticia Amazonas. Pray for the Pastor Maritza of Caballo Cocha she is very sick and needs a complete healing.
After their visit I was very busy with logistics for my home church, Christ Kingdom Church, from Maryland. They came for a much longer time and were able to visit with all the different ministries with which I am connected in this region. Two weeks before they came I spent time in Iquitos Peru doing discipleship teaching with the two churches that I have been assigned to by my pastor here in Ministerio de Misiones Church, Pastor Julio Pacheco. It was good that I was able to spend time teaching in both churches. God moved and before I left we baptized eleven persons. I was also able to better set up the logistics for the Christ Kingdom Church (CKC). WOW! WOW! WOW! It had been quite a while since my church came to visit. Neivy, my daughter, her husband Junior and my grandsons Elias and Eliseo are staying with me in the apartment downstairs. They were a great help to me during the CKC Vision Trip. Those that came are my State side leaders and after visiting with and getting to know the people and ministries with which I am connected, They now desire to become more directly involved with the work here in the Amazon. This makes my heart leap for joy!
Every year I have to do my yearly Humana Health check-ups. I planned to come to the States at the end of July, but I received a call from a church in Silver Springs, MD which is not far from my home church in District Heights. So... I ended up arriving at the beginning of July and participated in an awesome mission conference entitled Missions by the Book 10. The focus was on going past our limits and trusting God and serving Him BOUNDLESSLY. I believe that all those who attended were greatly challenged to let go of the things that keep us from advancing in our service with Jesus whether it is at home or abroad.
The following week placed me with my church, Christ Kingdom Church in District Heights. There I taught an introductory Spanish class (That will be ongoing until they return to Leticia next year.) and preached on routine. Sometimes it is so easy to fall into routine in our christian lives that we stop listening for God's voice and His direction. We begin to focus on our wants and desires and stop considering God's wants and desires. He desires so much for us, but we need to be willing to walk according to His plans and not ours. Many responded to the message and committed to take that leap of faith and step out of routine.
For the first time in a long time I spent a much needed vacation with my family reunion. I definitely had been out of touch with my family and now I can pray more intelligently for their needs, God is Good!
While I have been here in the States my family and friends in Colombia have been looking for a property where I will be able to continue to serve the people who God continues to bring to me for classes, music, discipleship, Bible studies and hospitality for pastors and ministry leaders who need a place to stay. The place where I have been renting for the last 10 years is being sold. Please be in prayer with me as it will cost $100,000. for the property that we are looking at buying. Since I am now a legal resident of Colombia, I just need to apply for the documents that I will need to buy property in Colombia. Pray! Pray! Pray! Psalm 37 is an encouragement to me to keep trusting and waiting on the Lord because He will bring it to pass. He will do it! Together we will advance His kingdom in the Amazon.
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Exec. Dir. AFAMMS
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Summer News Letter
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Winter News Letter
Hello my dear friends and family!
This has definitely been a remarkable year. I know that you all have been waiting for some time to hear how God has used
your prayers and giving throughout the Amazon and during my time in the States. As many of you know that in the
beginning of the year the screw that had been placed in my foot a few years ago moved and began to poke into my flesh.
The very good orthopedic doctor here in Leticia removed it, the plate and the bunion that was giving me quite a bit of pain
on my right foot. God blessed me with two young persons who helped me through the whole process. The 2 and a half
months of recuperation went by quickly and freed me to be able to attend the NAAMC International Missions Conference
in Charlotte NC this past June. The Conference was awesome! I’m looking forward to the next conference that will be held
in 2027. I invite you to pray about attending. Please check out the YouTube videos when you get a chance.
During my time in the States, I was also able to visit and minister with my home church in Maryland and spend time with
some very dear friends and family in Michigan. I was also able to complete my yearly health check-up for my health
insurance. It was good to be able to get around without the pain and discomfort that I experienced the last few years. All I
can say is that my God is the best and only one who could make this possible!!! Even though I am 68 years young I am
only getting better with time.
I returned home to Leticia Amazonas in the beginning of September and found that my house had been robbed and the
mattresses on the first floor had been taken along with a fan. I was to receive the group from Iquitos Peru for the pastor’s
and leadership conference. In spite of the break in, the women stayed with me and the men who normally would stay in the
downstairs room ended up staying with another member of the church. The Conference was AWESOME! It was focused
on the family. Ministry can take time away from the family but it is the responsibility of the parents to keep the priorities in
the right place. God – family – ministry .
After the conference, I finally took that vacation that many of you have demanded that I take. I am glad that I was
obedient. It was the first time in many years that I was not suffering from recovery from surgery and amazingly I even
went on the Zip line whoosh! A beach vacation in Costa Rica was what the doctor ordered. Thank you my family for
enjoying the time with me.
Since I came back from vacation, I have been very busy teaching literacy, music and Sunday school in Caballo Cocha
Peru. God is growing this church and the Spirit of God is moving. Please pray wisdom for me as I teach and minister in
this town. I know that God wants to great things with and in these people.
This next year there are 2 different groups that are planning vision trips to visit with me and to see how to be more
involved. Please pray for them. One group is coming from Costa Rica just for four days at the end of January. The other
group is planning their vision trip towards the end of February and the beginning of March for 14 or 16 days. Please pray
for the logistics to be according to God’s plan..
2026 is a year of evangelism and discipleship. Again, please continue to pray for me to have a hearing heart and God’s
wisdom as I minister with His people. Blessings to you all.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Donations by check or money order: AFAMMS (do not put my name on the check); PO Box 39803; Redford, MI
48239-0803
You may also go to the Web view on the blogspot and press the yellow donate button. Use the PayPal
receipt for your tax deduction http://afamms.blogspot.com
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Spring News Letter
🌿 African American Mobilization Services (AFAMMS) Newsletter
From the Desk of Min. Orchidy T. Boyd
Leticia, Amazonas – Colombia, S.A.
May 2025
💌 Greetings from the Amazon!
Hello my dear family and friends,
As my little brother Lusire says… Whew! The last few months have been quite the challenge! I could sense that God was sharpening my focus, preparing me for the direction He desires for my life and ministry—both now and into the future. Was I ready? Not quite!
🦶 Health Updates & Renewed Strength
Physically, I needed another surgery on my right foot. The screw and plate placed years ago had shifted out of position—ouch! They were removed, along with a painful bunion. Add in new glasses and a complete physical, and this 67-years-young woman is feeling stronger than she has in years! I’m ready to embrace whatever this next season brings. I am excited!
🙌 Local Ministry Highlights
God has blessed me with a young lady from Bogotá who is living with me at the mission house. She’s studying Portuguese, serving in the church, and helping at home while my foot heals. Our time together in the Word and fellowship has been such a joy.
I continue discipling Cesar Martinez, a passionate young man eager to reach the unreached in the Amazon. Watching him grow is a gift. I believe every believer should disciple at least one person for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While recuperating, I’ve also been teaching English classes—a part of my "tent-making" ministry.
🚤 Upcoming River Ministry
I’m praying about taking a river trip to Caballo Cocha before heading to the States. Pastors Maritza and Fernando have been faithful partners, and I plan to work more closely with them next year to train leaders deeper in the jungle with the gospel message.
“The harvest is plentiful…” and the hunger for God’s Word here is very real.
🇺🇸 Stateside Itinerary (Summer 2025)
-
📍June 18:
Attending the NAAMC International Mission Conference in North Carolina.
➤ More info: info@naamcmissions.org
Hope to see you there! -
📍June 21:
Visiting Christ Kingdom Church (District Heights, MD) to help plan their upcoming mission trip to Colombia. Please keep this in your prayers. -
📍Late June–July:
Heading to Detroit, Michigan for:-
Mandatory physical exams
-
Board of Directors meeting
-
Planning a mission seminar in Fort Smith, Arkansas
I’ll be available to meet as the Lord wills. You can reach me on WhatsApp or through my blog:
👉 http://afamms.blogspot.com -
✈️ Looking Ahead
-
August:
Returning to Colombia, with a visit to churches in Iquitos, Peru before the Pastors & Leadership Conference in Leticia. -
October (Vacation!):
I’ll finally take a much-needed vacation—pain-free for the first time in years! New knees, hips, a reconstructed foot, and weight loss mean I’ll fully enjoy celebrating my sister’s 70th birthday in Costa Rica.Pastor Julio reminds us:
“God is responsible for our healing. We are responsible for our health.” -
November:
One month of ministry in Montería, Colombia, teaching from my manual “Rudiments of the Faith” (Hebrews 5 and 6:1–3).
➤ Please pray for wisdom and discernment as I share.
✝️ Final Word
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.”
– Proverbs 19:21 (RSV)
Thank you for your continued prayers, giving, and your open invitation to visit. Together, we can reach the unreached for Christ’s Kingdom here in the Amazon.
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T. Boyd
Executive Director
African American Mobilization Services (AFAMMS)
🌐 http://afamms.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Fall 2024 Newsletter
Hi everyone!
Here is a brief update on what has happened in the last few months. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible says in Probverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.” My last letter had all the summer plans for the trip to the States. In April I made plans for one more trip up river to participate in a celebration with the church in Caballo Cocha. After arriving in the port in Caballo Cocha, I prepared to disembark from the launch when in the act of sitting on the deck my right hip dislocated. This was the same hip that dislocated 2 years ago after the total hip replacement in Bogota. I was rushed back to Leticia and taken to the ER where the orthopedic surgeon popped the hip back in place and gave me the option to be sent to Bogota for a revision or to have the revision done in the States. I chose the States. To say the least, the next few months were quite challenging. I made all the appointments to meet with the surgeon that replaced my left hip last year. The day of the appointment the right hip slid out again. To make a long story short, I was taken to emergency in Detroit and was attended to by team members of my surgeon. The hip was popped back in once more and the surgeons office brought me in and set up the date for a revision surgery. July 2, 2024 the surgery was excellently done and for the next 2 and a half months I focused on healing and therapy.
Even though I was not able to visit with the churches or attend the family reunion in Myrtle Beach, God continued to show Himself very caring towards me during the time of convalescence.
The four major blessings that God gave to me (among many little ones) were:
- To be able to attend my niece's quincinera coming of age party
- Receive better health care insurance coverage
- Attend my oldest brother's 70th birthday celebration
- Continue with discipleship and Spanish classes with my students on the What'sApp application
God used my baby sister and her husband also, my friend Monifa (who visited with me last year here in the Amazon) to show me great hospitality by providing a place to stay while I was going through all the processes of hip revision surgery. A special thanks to them and to all that were praying for my speedy recovery.
The doctor released me to return home to Colombia 2 and a half months after the surgery. I arrived in Leticia in time to host the group of leaders from Caballo Cocha for the Pastor's and Leadership Conference. I was also asked to host a young man from Switzerland as he was getting experience learning about the ministry of the church and disciplining the people here in the Amazpm. It has been a joy having him visiting. The seventh of December we will be headed up to Caballo Cocha to help prepare the church for a regional wide crusade with guest speaker Brian Bolt and about 29 persons more from the States. We will be celebrating the new church building that has been built to accommodate the new members, and baptizing those who have been recently added to the church. What a joy it is to be apart of what God is doing in Caballo Cocha. Thanks to the Greater Damascus Church in Hazelhurst, Mississippi that gave generously to this project and thanks to those of you who have been praying for the discipleship of this church. I truely believe that God is going to reach many lives through the pastors Maritza and Fernando who are training and equipping their members to reach the unreached in this region of the Amazon. Your prayers and giving are making this possible.
The next few months I will be working very closely with our brothers and sisters teaching the basic fundamentals of the faith as found in Hebrews 5-6:1-3. Please pray that God will bestow upon me wisdom and anointing as I teach these young babes in Christ. Alexandre will be going back to Switzerland to complete his civil service obligations. Pray for him as he will be making some great life decisions in his service with the Lord. Also, continue to pray for Nataly (the daughter of the Pastors of Caballo Cocha) She has returned home to help out there and continues to seek God's direction for her life.
I pray that you all will have a wonderful holiday season and that you prosper as your soul prospers.
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Exec. Director African American Mobilization Services (AFAMMS)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Spring News Letter
Wow! Wow! Wow! God is moving big time here in The Amazonas. Since the pandemic, the church here in Leticia has grown. Mission Ministries (MDM) is the covering of AFAMMS here in Leticia Amazonas. I have been watching God move with great excitement. This newsletter will share with you the highlights of what God has been doing here.
Last year we hosted the Pastor's and Leadership Conference at our church. I shared in the last newsletter how God allowed us to bless the indigenous pastors who work in hard-to-reach places on the Amazon River and its tributaries. This year Pastor Julio gave a challenge to all the leadership at MDM and the Houses of Faith to do an evangelistic outreach to a minimum of 50 persons including refreshments. WOW God! The leadership took up the challenge which resulted in over 1,000 persons receiving the gospel message, over 1,000 persons receiving refreshments and a major growth in the local church at MDM. Good Friday was encountered with the great revelation that the church building where we have been meeting can no longer host major events. The church was so packed full that about 100 persons were seated on the floor, the chairs were placed to the edge of the wall with only a small isle for walking, the back doors were opened out toward the street and still people were standing. Therefore (of course), we are in a major building project. The present building will be used for youth and children ministries. We are now feeding over 100 children on Saturdays. The challenge has been given to as many as desire to sow $130.00 as many times as they are moved to do so until July 31st for the purchasing and foundations of the new building that they sow. (Luke 7:4-5)
The churches that are under MDM are all growing to the extreme. Besides serving on the praise and worship team, I am working with 3 churches on the Peruvian side of the Amazon. The church in Caballo Cocha Peru has been ministering in San Juan. We are all in building projects and exploding with people. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to the harvest. I believe that these are the end times. There is much to do before the rapture. We need people, money and PRAYERS! What is God saying to you? How can you be a part of what God is doing here in Leticia?
The last 2 months I have received the daughter of the pastors in Caballo Cocha. Her name is Nataly. She is staying with me to complete her schooling in order to study economics here in the university in Leticia. This is a 3 – 4-year commitment. When she finishes, she will have a higher education than most of her family and peers in her community. Since their church is growing so much, there is great need for someone who can steward the blessings of God that is being poured out on this church. Please pray for divine wisdom on my part as I am teaching and supplementing her training and discipleship.
The middle of July to the middle of August I will be in the States to work on AFAMMS documentation, visit with some churches, assist my niece's quincinera, attend a women's conference and see family and friends. Continue to pray and give. Remember “The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” KJV If you would like to participate in the financial challenge of sowing, My contact info is above. I hope to see many of you soon.
Giving Link http://afamms.blogspot.com
Adventuring with Christ,
Orchidy T Boyd
Executive Director AFAMMS
African American Mobilization Services (AFAMMS)
Min. Orchidy T. Boyd— AFAMMS— PO Box 39803 – Redford, MI 48239-0803
What's App or Call Colombian Cell: +57 312.557.5379
United States Phone Number: 1 313 903 5662
PayPal address: safricanamericanmobilization@yahoo.com
E-mail: orchi41@gmail.com Website: http://afamms.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 12, 2023
November News Letter
Wow!! It is so good to be back in Colombia. Since April 14 th until September the 19th , I was in the USA receiving a total hip replacement and therapy. All went so very well! Some of the problems with the right hip replacement from last year were corrected and now I am just working on strengthening the muscles. God is good! Thank you to all who were praying for me during that whole process.
While in the States, I was able to visit with a number of friends, family and churches who have been an encouragement to me over the years as I have been ministering abroad. Some of the highlights were spending time with my oldest sister and her new missionary friends. Time spent with her allowed me to get reacquainted with old neighborhood friends and family. Thanks Chrys for drawing us
all together. One of the special things of which I became aware was, even though my communication with you all since the pandemic was very sparse do to the lack of good internet signal here in Leticia; your prayers and giving actually increased. I would like to share with you all some of the things that God has been doing through AFAMMS as a result of your prayers and giving since last year. He has done SOOO much! Last year after I returned from the States my desire to minister up river grew strong. I spoke with my pastor in Leticia and he expressed a need to have someone to do discipleship with two of the churches under the covering of Ministerio de Misiones (MDM). I was very willing and God had already given me the teachings that were to be used from the discipleship manual that I had written during the pandemic.
I stayed for about a month in Caballo Cocha Peru teaching on the 7 fundamentals of the faith as found in the last section of Hebrews chapter 5 and the beginning of Hebrews chapter 6. I also taught basic music with the praise and worship team and those who desired to learn more about music. I believe that God formed a special bond with these pastors in Caballo Cocha. The time spent there was also
a time of encouraging the pastors and developing the vision that God has given to them. As I taught, God was confirming His word with signs and wonders of healing and deliverance as He said He would in Mark 16. WOW! WOW! WOW! I got back in time to host pastors and to participate with the worship team in the first International Pastor's and Leadership Conference in MDM. Brazil, Colombia, Peru and various Indigenous tribal groups participated, were challenged and refreshed. Through the
offerings we were able to give a boat with motor to one of the pastors who worked in a very remote region. WOW! WOW! WOW!
In January of this year, I traveled to the second church which was in Iquitos Peru. There I taught the 7 fundamentals of the faith and ministered the same as led by the Holy Spirit. The music classes and the time spent with the pastors and youth of this church were awesome. We gave certificates and had a joyous time baptizing those who placed their faith in Jesus. WOW! WOW! WOW! Just before coming to the States for my left hip replacement Frontier Gospel Ministries asked if I could do a Praise and Worship
Seminar in Caballo Cocha. I said yes. The joy of seeing your students understand that praise and worship is not just something that is performed on a stage but rather an expression to God through an intimate relationship with Him was awesome. Song, dance, instruments, giving of our time, talents, money and obedience to His will in one's life with a willing spirit and spending time with Him brings great joy to our Father. One of the students used his creativity to make a drum set out of tambourines, buckets and kitchen pots. Check out the video and pictures on the web: http://afamms.blogspot.com WOW! WOW! WOW!
I was able to connect with many of you (even if for a brief time) while in the States recuperating from the surgery, Two really neat things happened. One of the 2 girls that AFAMMS sponsored for girl's camp returned with me to Colombia with her mother to better acquaint themselves with the ministry here in the Amazon and to assist in the preparations for the second Pastor's and Leadership
conference. Which, by the way, was off the chain!! This year about 14 different tribes were represented and many of these pastors take the gospel to extremely remote areas of the Amazon. We were able to bless 14 of these pastors with hand made boats and Peki Peki motors. You did this with your giving and prayers. The other neat thing was that one of the churches that have been supporting me for years made a commitment to not only financially support but to come visit for a short-term outreach in 2024. Please pray for them as they take on this endeavor. WOW! WOW! WOW!
One more big praise and celebration!! In the month of October MDM baptized over 100 persons in the Takana River. ALELUIA!!
Still Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Execu. Dir. AFAMMS
Monday, March 27, 2023
March 2023 News letter
Yes I am still here in the Amazon! This past year was full of challenges.
From the wedding of my daughter Neivy and Junior Santana in February to my return from the States in September, God's care and encouragement for me was evident.
After the wedding, I left for Bogota to receive a total hip replacement. The month of march was all about the surgery and recuperation. At the end of the allotted therapy sessions, my brother Lusire called to let me know that my father was in his last days so I decided to go to the States instead of returning to Leticia. Praise God that I made the right decision to got to the States. I arrived on March 30th and had a chance to talk with my Dad. A few days later on April 4th my new hip slid out of position and I was rushed to emergency. I praised God that I had come home to Michigan. If I had returned to Leticia I would have died. There is no technology in that region that could have handled my situation. God is Good! Then on April 8th my father went home to be with his Father. In the same week that we were burying my father, Benjamin (the boy who helped me raise money for the boat that I had when I lived in the jungle) also went home to be with the Lord at the young age of 17. His parents who support and counsel me on my Board of Directors and his younger brother along with many who loved him and were ministered to by his life grieve his loss but with joy because we know that we wll see each other soon when the trumpet sounds.
The summer months were filled with God's presence as I was ministered to by family and friends. Even though the recuperation and the emotional losses were challenging, God provided times of refreshing and healing as I got to spend quality time with camp friends and family. A special thanks to Huron Forest Camp CedarRidge for continuing to minister to boys, girls, teens and families. You have blessed me greatly! The National African American Mission Conference was also an encouragement to me as pastors and church leaders met in Virginia to plan and discuss ways to more effectively reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ through a network of organizations committed to helping one another in that task and vision that God has given each one. And last but not least, the opportunity to attend the virtual mission conference with the People's Community Baptist Church was a highlight of continual blessing.
The summer ended with an opportunity to share AFAMMS with a group of friends and family in the K.C. MO area, a new pastor in the Southwest Detroit, MI area and a celebration of my nephew and new niece Alexander and Felicia Boyd's wedding. AWESOME!!!!!
My niece Grace returned to Colombia with me to help me settle in and to get to know my life and ministry here in Leticia, Amazonas Colombia. We had a great time being tourist and she had an opportunity to minister in music with the Praise and Worship team. She was a real blessing to me as my body was adjusting anew to the life here in the Amazon.
After Grace left, my focus has been on strengthening my muscles for the next hip replacement in May 2023, discipleship of the churches under the covering of Pastor Julio Arley and Jenny Pacheco in Iquitos and Caballo Cocha Peru. I taught from my first discipleship manual that God placed in my heart to write. Sorry but, I wrote it in Spanish so it will not be available in English until I can get it translated. I will be returning to Caballo Cocha March 30, 2023 to teach a 4 day Praise and Worship Seminar. Please keep me in your prayers so that I may teach what is on God's heart with wisdom and creativity.
April 12th I will be returning to Detroit, Michigan in order to have the left hip replacement which is scheduled for May 11, 2023. After my time of recuperation, I pray that I will be able to visit with some of you before I return to Colombia September 19, 2023. Imagine! It has been a year since I have been able to send out a newsletter because of the almost non-existent internet service here in the Amazon. In the last month, it has finally improved. Yaaay!!! For those of you who have been able to keep up with my Facebook page, you are mostly up to date. Remember! Your prayers are making a difference in the Three Frontiers (Colombia, Peru and Brazil). Thank you!!!
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
AFAMMS Execu. Dir.
Leticia, Amazonas Colombia
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
March 2022 Update
I don't know the date of Jesus' birthday and I definitely do not celebrate Santa Claus but, I do know that if it wasn't for Christ coming to the Earth to make it possible for us to be reconciled to the Father through His death on the cross, burial and resurrection, I would not have had reason to come to Leticia Colombia in the Amazon. I would not have become a single mother when child services asked me to become the guardian of a 13-year-old girl. She would not have been taught the Word of God to recognize the lies of the enemy in her life. And, there would not have been a seed of love placed in her heart that would germinate when she went to The Encounter Retreat Weekend for Women this past July. But, because Christ did come to earth and was born in Bethlehem, as was foretold, the little Yagua girl that God gave to me has committed her heart and life to serving Him. The exciting news for me was that her boyfriend also went to The Encounter Weekend for Men and was completely changed by the Holy Spirit. Many of you gave extra to help me during the time that she was living with me and many of you continued to pray for her even after she left to live with her boyfriend. THANK YOU!!
Because of your prayers and giving, the two of them decided to put their lives in order before the Lord and for their two little boys. They got married in September 2021 before a judge and got married in the church where we attend on February 5, 2022. They moved to Bogota where Junior, Neivy's husband, has been given a job offer and an opportunity to finish his schooling. Neivy is also completing her schooling and desires to take the REHMA Bible School training. Discipleship is not just a class taken for a few weeks. No, it is a long-term process that requires much prayer, sacrifice of time and a commitment to love unconditionally. It is being an example in such a way that your faith may be seen and your love may be experienced. Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragement for her and me during these past few years.
Now, what about me? Well besides having just planned a wedding (Check it out on my Facebook), I am still teaching English and music classes. I am also practicing the violin and clarinet a lot. I am playing with the praise and worship team. The music for the 15th anniversary of the Mission Ministries Church where I attend ministered to many. I have had the opportunity to serve teaching the youth and various other discipleship classes. The women who attend the House of Faith (Casa de Fe) are a real joy. We are going through the Bible focused on our covenant relationship with God. The challenge for them is to read the Bible from beginning to end in order to better understand the heart of God towards us. They were so excited about Neivy's wedding that they had dresses made to go with the wedding theme and greatly helped me in serving during the wedding. Awesome!
Physically this year is challenging for me because on March 6, 2022 I received a total hip replacement. I praise God for the Colombian health insurance that is covering most of the expenses involved in this process. Please pray for a quick recovery. Here is a BIG praise! In May 2021 I was diagnosed with diabetes and in December I went forward for prayer against Diabetes AND GOD IS HEALING ME! Trusting God's word and with the consent of the doctor over my case, I am no longer taking pills and insulin!! Yeah God!!
God has opened doors for me to do more teaching in Peru and here in Leticia, Colombia. Please pray for wisdom as I follow the Lord's leading. Pastor Julio and his wife Jenny Pacheco of Mission Ministries Church has stepped in to be like a bishop to a church in Caballo Cocha and for a church in Iquitos Peru. As I am healing, I will be working with Pastors Julio and Jenny as we train and equip the church in these (among other) discipleship ministries.
Speaking of the challenges and blessings that God has placed before me in this year 2022. I have finally decided to accept the challenge that many of you have asked of me and have begun to write “my story” Yaaaay! And boy do I feel challenged!! I guess this too is part of the adventure. This year of 2022 is a great time to be alive! We will go forward and we will get the job done! Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (KJV)
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Exec. Dir. AFAMMS
Friday, May 14, 2021
2021 Update
Happy New Year! This is a year of change and growth. It is a time when what we have believed would be has and is being challenged. As the song says, “I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day!” Someone asked me “What can a missionary do in these pandemic times?” Like many countries we were commanded to stay in our homes. There is a running message on the cell phone that says, “Quedate en casa” (Stay in your house). So what has this missionary been doing this past year? Accepting the challenge to ask God what is His purpose for me in my life and, who will I be on the other side of this pandemic. Will I be ready to do His will His way or will I keep on doing what seems good to me my way? Sooo.... I have spent a lot of time talking with God to see how He would have me serve Him as we enter the “New Norm.” Here is what you and I have been doing during this past year.
It started off with a major surgery on the last day that Colombia declared no more surgeries because of the pandemic. The surgery went well and I was released 3 days later to recover in my home. 15 days later the nurses were sent to my home to do follow-up and take out the stitches. Praise God all went well! God blessed me with my downstairs neighbors who made sure my needs were met and my bills were paid. We became family.
From March through July, I was in recovery and like all of Colombia in quarantine. I was allowed to be out on the streets 2 days of the week according to the last number of my Government issued I.D. Card and gender. One always says, “If I had more time I would....” So, I took advantage of the time in house to pray, attend Zoom meetings and 2 mission conferences (NAAMC in Maryland with Christ Kingdom Church and The Peoples Community Baptist Church). Both of these really blessed me. I also taught myself piano and spent time worshiping on violin and clarinet. I focused on getting out of debt since I did not need to spend money on gas for my motor scooter, my electric bill was much lower, and I found that I could do without many of the daily cost that tend to attract our attention when we are “out and about.”
In July, the National African American Mission Conference (NAAMC) had a special surprise for me. Many people here in Leticia Colombia lost jobs and were without food. They would put out a red cloth outside their home if they were in need, and people would respond to their needs. I desired to be a part but could not go out because of the government restrictions on my age and quarantine rules. BUT GOD!!! As a last minute decision, I filled out an application for the George Liele Scholarship given out by the Ambassador Fellowship Mission Agency through the NAAMC Mission Conference for long-term missionaries. I WON!!!! God allowed me to use the $2000.00 dollars awarded to me to pay on the debt accrued by travel expenses while in the States visiting churches, groceries for the families in need and the radio broadcast that has been an encouragement all over this region of the Amazon during this pandemic. Because the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Colombian Peso has been over 3.000/1.00 USD, through your prayers and giving we have been able to help many. HALLELUIAH!!!
At the end of the year I became sick with COVID19. But, God's plans and purposes for me here in the Amazon are not yet done. I experienced a “bad cold” and a small lung infection that God healed and 3 weeks later I was back to teaching my discipleship and music classes. The airports and borders have been closed down here in Leticia. Everyone has to receive the vaccine in order to travel. It does not look like I will be coming to the States until 2022 Lord willing. Please keep me in your prayers.
LOOKING AHEAD
God is moving in the Yagua community! He is resurrecting the vision that He gave me from the beginning. More to come about this in the next newsletter. Please be in prayer for me as I seek His will in this re-connection.
I have accepted a position at the church where I am serving as the Music Coordinator. I will be working under a wonderfully anointed music director who is also helping me to improve on the piano and still worshiping with the clarinet and violin. I am challenged but blessed! This is also the year to renew my visa and become a permanent resident of Colombia. I do not know how the process will go but, I am praying for a smooth transition.
Thank you for all the prayers and financial support of the ministry here in Leticia. We (meaning you and I) have been able to do so much good during this pandemic. Sad things happen because we live in a fallen world but, I am very confident that God is still in control and His will will be done on this earth as it is in heaven.
Adventuring with Christ,
Min. Orchidy T Boyd
Exec. Dir. AFAMMS
PS: If you are friends with me on Facebook, feel free to check out some of the recent events and videos.
African American Mobilization Services
Min. Orchidy T. Boyd— AFAMMS— PO Box 39803 – Redford, MI 48239-0803
PayPal address: safricanamericanmobilization@yahoo.com
E-mail: orchi41@gmail.com Website: http://afamms.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 9, 2020
May News letter
African American Mobilization Services
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Winter Newsletter
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Celebrating 10 Years in the Amazon
Hello! Hello! Hello! All I
can say is that “My God is Worthy to be Served!” Now after 2 years and four
major surgeries, I am walking like I have never walked in my life. The second and third surgeries were to
correct the position of my right foot and to repair the tendon that had torn. The first and last surgeries were total knee
replacements. The manner in which the surgeons replaced the knees corrected the
deformity that I had since birth, and now my feet are straight in stead of
being turned inward. Hallelujah!! When I
left the States 10 years ago after a bad
car accident, the doctors then said that I would always be in pain. I decided then that if I would be in pain
that I might as well be in pain serving God in the Amazon reaching people who
had little to no chance of hearing the gospel.
Pain at home is the same as pain abroad. BUT GOD... God said that He would that none should
perish. When we focus our lives on what
He wants He provides for ALL of our needs according to His riches in Glory in
Christ Jesus. I am celebrating 10 years of serving God in the Amazon region
of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil!!!
Because of His loving care for me, I will be able to continue to serve
Him with better health than when I came.
“By His stripes we were healed!” “I will rejoice in You and be glad!”