The Guyana Conference mourns the loss of Pastor Oliver Lyttleton Thomas, a former employee. Oliver Thomas, known fondly as Pat, died at the age of 55 in New Jersey on September 4, 2009.

 

Pastor Thomas accepted the Adventist message in 1980 and was soon stirred to preach God’s word. As a lay evangelist, he conducted several evangelistic campaigns in the West Berbice District where he resided at the time. Oliver clearly had a zeal for witnessing and held a number of evangelistic meetings over his years in the Adventist church. This passion was complemented by a natural eloquence and evangelical fervor in the pulpit. Over his years as Lay Evangelist, he won the title, “Lay Preacher of the Year” on several occasions.

 

Oliver Thomas joined the Conference staff as a Bible Worker in 1991 and was soon called to serve as a District Pastor. His was a service of dedication and excellence - he laboured untiringly for years in Guyana’s rugged hinterland.

 

In 1998, Oliver’s ambition and dedication to the Lord’s work led him to pursue studies in Theology at the Caribbean Union College (now USC). At the college, his obvious leadership ability saw him being elected by the student body to serve as the President of the Association Student Body. This ability to lead was extended to his academic exploits. A brilliant and disciplined student, he completed his programme - a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in Social Science - Cum Laude. 

 

After graduation Pastor Thomas migrated to the United States of America where he continued to labour for his Master. His expertise and spiritual gifts were freely shared both within the church and with the wider society. He continued to minister from the pulpit and provided pastoral assistance to congregations in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey; his work as a Substitute Teacher brought blessings to numerous underprivileged children. While in the United States, Pastor Thomas was burdened by the need to return to his native land as an addition to the clergy force of the Guyana Conference. However, before this could become a reality, he succumbed to illness. At the time of his death he was employed as a Counsellor at the Kintock Group in New Jersey.

 

The life of Pastor Oliver Thomas was relatively brief, but it was one of tremendous impact. He will be missed.

 

The Guyana Conference extends condolences to his surviving wife, children, and other relatives.

 

 
 

The Guyana Conference would also like to register the loss of Sister Princess Edna Premdass

 

Princess Edna Premdas worked alongside her husband, Pastor Neville Premdas, in the Gospel Ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana at a time when ministers earned little, managed large districts, and traveled by the most economic means available: donkey cart, canoe, bicycle, public steamers, and foot. Her selfless, supportive service to the Adventist church was extended to Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten and Anguilla, among other Caribbean territories where Neville Premdas served as a pastor.

 

In spite of the challenges, Sister Premdas was able to successfully raise twelve children along with her husband. Several of them have assumed high offices in the Lord’s service. Her children and others who knew her testify of her culinary skills, embroidery and dressmaking abilities and her dedication to her family.

 

‘Ma Prem’ survived her husband by many years and had scored over a century – a remarkable blessing of longevity. She died on September 7, 2009 in the USA at the age of 101. Her family must be commended for the excellent care and love given to their mother during the years when she was unable to provide for herself.

‘Ma Prem’ was laid to rest on September 15, 2009 in Los Angeles, California, USA.