Thursday began with leading the Women’s Fellowship class. I used the scripture from Proverbs 31:11-31 where it addresses a “worthy woman.” They were very encouraged and engaged in the discussions quite well. Then in the afternoon Bright and I traveled to the village just beside us for the community football tournament. The communities come together for football and other various activities during the Easter Holiday. The village that I am staying at tied in both of their games. It was a lot of fun and always great to be in the community and involved in peoples lives. The football games are played by the youth, but the youth in Ghana are from 20-30 years of age. Following the football games, we headed to another village in the other direction beyond Akplale. This “village” as I found out only had one house, so for us to find it was a little adventure. We just cut off the main road and began to walk and after some time they realized that things were not looking very good for the route that we were taking, so we decided to head in a different direction. We did make it there and it was literally in the middle of nowhere! The closest place was miles away. The riverside, where they get their water, was about a mile away. The family was very welcoming and it was interesting to see the remoteness of some families. I would easily become lonely from the sheer isolation. The day was a very beneficial day with teachings, fun, and adventure.
Friday morning Bright and I went to another village by bike. There were many people coming in from the city to spend the Easter with the families. The one thing that I noticed is that Easter is a time of celebration much like in the states, but they do a lot of drinking!!! By the time, we got there around ten in the morning a lot were already wasted! I was very shocked by this in the sense that even those who were going to church that afternoon were drunk. After the very interesting visit we left for home (I am not really sure where that is right now?). In the afternoon, we went to watch some more of the football games. More people started to come out to the games as they came in. The rest of the day was very relaxing and enjoyable as we made a few more visits to a neighboring village.
Saturday we walked to the village on the island. Here the Volta River surrounds them. We hunted for some ripe mangos, played with a pet monkey, and meet with some of the residence. I found out later that this is a modern day Sodom and Gomorra! They are involved in fornication, incest, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and prostitution! I did not get to spend much time with people for they were all going for the games, market, and fishing. After the visit, it was back to the field for more football.
Easter Sunday! It was interesting to spend my first Easter away from family and the traditions that go along with the Holiday, but it was all right. With some churches in Ghana, it is celebrated with marches, prayer services, plays, and other activities, but in the rural villages not so much. Not much was done in celebration of this day. Church went on at the same time, a sermon was preached, and the people went home. As far as the sermon, I thought it was good. What I prepared for turned out better then I had thought. I have noticed that once you start preaching things start roll’n! I have found myself just having the words to say and the direction to go. All of this is truly because of the Holy Spirit. I am not even qualified to profess the glories of Christ, but through Him, I, a vessel of His, become a means of soul preach’n for some soul reach’n. With a group photo of the church and Ernest’s family, I said my good-byes on this portion of my trip and I traveled back to Tema. I will be here for two days to pack for my nine-week trip throughout the north.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Day 89 Week 13
Monday morning I went and spoke to a couple primary schools. I have done this many times since I have been in Ghana, but today I became frustrated with myself, with the circumstances, and I almost felt as though I was speaking a false hope. I spoke to the students and give a little talk to them about never forgetting their dreams, staying in school, and working hard. They always are very exuberant to have me come and speak to them, so I do it with much elation! After speaking to them, I allow for some questions, and the one thing that I have noticed is that they do not ask questions at all! I am not sure if the teachers do not encourage them to ask questions or they just do not see a need. It will remain a mystery to me. With this, the teachers, normally become the ones to ask the questions. I was asked some difficult questions today and my response in their eyes seemed far fetch for them to accept. One question was “what do we do if we have the desire to learn and advance, but have no support financially?” I told them that there are scholarships for those who study hard and are among the best, so study hard. I also told them that they could do work in the evenings and save up little by little to go to school. As I was telling them this, I thought about the realities of the difficult circumstance that they were in and for me to tell them this as an outsider, not fully relating to them; well my heart sank and went out to them. In addition to that question I told them that it is a generational cycle that needs to be broken and it will take generation that is determined to arise from the current circumstance to take the nation to the next point. The other question that sparked a minor debate was “What is one to do if they are orphaned with no parents?” To this, I told them that the families are very big and that I have been told that most families will take in most relatives, but if this is not the case, then I would challenge the community to take in the child. With this said I was told that that is not practical! They said that only 2% would believe in that, so I said that that should not be the case and no matter if, that is how things are they should change. I told them that the youth are the future of the country, so if you abandon the youth you are setting your future of the country to remain the same or to backslide. I really felt that I was talking to them as someone who has no idea that their lives are really like and cannot relate to them at all. I really wonder if the motivation and desire to change is there, or if excuses cloud the path of movement. Overall, it was a good meeting with the schools, but some of these circumstantial issues are starting to weigh on my heart! The afternoon Bright, Pastor Ernest’s eldest son, and I went to Tovue to make visitations. While there we talked to members of the church as well as some who were not apart of a church. Our time spent was very nice and the people were very welcoming! On our way back, we stopped by a mission were they provides free vocational training to women. It seems to be a very beneficial ministry, but being in a rural area the people are many, but many miles away. At night, we received notice that there was a woman who could not walk and so we took the motorcycle to see her. After taking her blood pressure and temperature, we gave her some malaria medication.
Tuesday I spoke to a few more schools in the morning. They were once again very welcoming and thankful for the message of encouragement given. In the afternoon Bright and I went to the village of Tuve to make visitations to the residence. I find that this part of ministry is where I enjoy and feel the most comfortable. I t does make it a little more interesting when you do not know the people and you are speaking through a translator, but even with this I feel a better connection with people then behind the pulpit. I just connect better with people one on one for I can be more personal. We spoke to a couple of people who went through a prayer of accepting Christ into their lives and are in the process of making plans for being baptized. After they say the prayer then we talk to them about being baptized. We even ask when the best time will be, but for some they are nervous about it, so some times you have to go back for a couple of visits and just talk them through it more. The walk was very enjoyable to and through the village. What made the day finish even better was the walk next to God’s beautiful artwork in the sky as the sunset!
Wednesday morning Bright and I traveled by bike, a couple miles, to a school and led the morning devotions. This was the first school in all my meetings that actually asked questions. Some of them were very good and interesting. They asked about the ration of Christians to unbelievers, how long I have been preaching, what the schools are like in America. While in the village of Agbeve, we visited the family members of Pastor Ernest’s wife. This community is also located next to a river and with the coolness of the breeze mixed with the scenery and this place a very peaceful. In the afternoon Bright and I went to the village of Adzeke. Here we continued with the visitations and meeting of the church members. We had the privilege of having a couple more women accept Christ and one even made the commitment to come to church on Sunday (Easter Sunday) and will be baptize after the service. It was a very remunerating day with the talk at the school and the meeting with the community members!
Tuesday I spoke to a few more schools in the morning. They were once again very welcoming and thankful for the message of encouragement given. In the afternoon Bright and I went to the village of Tuve to make visitations to the residence. I find that this part of ministry is where I enjoy and feel the most comfortable. I t does make it a little more interesting when you do not know the people and you are speaking through a translator, but even with this I feel a better connection with people then behind the pulpit. I just connect better with people one on one for I can be more personal. We spoke to a couple of people who went through a prayer of accepting Christ into their lives and are in the process of making plans for being baptized. After they say the prayer then we talk to them about being baptized. We even ask when the best time will be, but for some they are nervous about it, so some times you have to go back for a couple of visits and just talk them through it more. The walk was very enjoyable to and through the village. What made the day finish even better was the walk next to God’s beautiful artwork in the sky as the sunset!
Wednesday morning Bright and I traveled by bike, a couple miles, to a school and led the morning devotions. This was the first school in all my meetings that actually asked questions. Some of them were very good and interesting. They asked about the ration of Christians to unbelievers, how long I have been preaching, what the schools are like in America. While in the village of Agbeve, we visited the family members of Pastor Ernest’s wife. This community is also located next to a river and with the coolness of the breeze mixed with the scenery and this place a very peaceful. In the afternoon Bright and I went to the village of Adzeke. Here we continued with the visitations and meeting of the church members. We had the privilege of having a couple more women accept Christ and one even made the commitment to come to church on Sunday (Easter Sunday) and will be baptize after the service. It was a very remunerating day with the talk at the school and the meeting with the community members!
Day 86 Week 13
Thursday was a matter of doing a little shopping for supplies, packing, and office work. I completed the letter and sent it to Enoch, in which he will be adding to the April monthly donor article. We discussed the remaining schedule for my stay in Ghana, for this will be the last time I see Enoch until I return form the north in June! Enoch and his wife Lydia are leaving Sunday for the states for two weeks, where Lydia will undergo some testing to try to identify her sickness. With this in mind, I will head to the north before they return.
Friday I headed to Akplale, which is Enoch’s home village. I will stay until April 12, so that will give me just over a week. I also will be spending/preaching my first Easter Sunday sermon in Ghana. We arrived in the afternoon where I unpacked and mingled among the community for the remainder of the day.
Saturday I went to meet the headmaster of the school in which I will be speaking to on Monday to ask for permission to address the school, but upon arriving the teachers and headmaster were not there. With this, we decided to go to a village near a beautiful river. The breeze was amazing and the shading from the large trees provided a very peaceful and relaxing place. We spent an hour or so talking to some of the anglers and residence. While doing so you cannot just talk you have to enjoy some fresh coconut milk and meat! I really enjoyed this village and the scenery! I could stay at this place for some time. After or visit we returned to Akplale for lunch. In the afternoon, I began to work on my sermon. I was focusing on unity while working with the Palm Sunday remembrance. I found this to become difficult for some reason. I finally came with the idea of paralleling the battle of the Alamo with the ministry of Christ and the disciples. As hard as it may seem it actually works well.
Today is Palm Sunday and as I woke, I had a feeling come over me as I just sat and thought about Christ riding in on a donkey with everyone worshiping Him. It seemed easier to imagine this for palm trees and dusty roads surround me. Then I also remembered that at the same time in only a few days these same people abandoned Him and then crucified Him. For some reason today, it really sat deep in my stomach the sacrificial love that Christ has for me! How amazing is he! After this wonderful wake up note, church began. I was very impressed for the worship dancing stepped up even more by dancing out of the church and all around the perimeter! It really became morning aerobics! Then it came time for the sermon. I was surprised that only a couple people realized that it was even Palm Sunday! I guess it is surprisingly not looked upon as much at least at this church. After delivering the sermon, I sat down having no idea if this sermon made any movement into the hearts of the listeners. It seemed as though this day was no different from any other day and some Yavu (white man in Ewe) gave a mediocre sermon at best. You cannot hit a homerun every Sunday! The rest of the day was really good. Bright, Pastor Ernest’s son and nephew of Enoch, and I went for a canoe ride. While out we watched as the anglers were setting traps for lobster (shrimp). It was truly another beautiful setting and a great reminder of how amazing our Creator is! Then from enjoying God’s creation, we went to enjoy the company of God’s people. We traveled around to spend some time saying hello to the members of the community of Akplale and surrounding villages as well. I have taken splendor of the simplicity of this life that has been given to us. I find myself becoming lost to often in the daily tasks that cloud our eyes to the majestic aroma of Christ in the ordinary places. I am working on living in the now, for tomorrow will come and if I am not careful, I will miss everything that is around me. Christ truly will take care of tomorrow, so I must live for Him now!
Friday I headed to Akplale, which is Enoch’s home village. I will stay until April 12, so that will give me just over a week. I also will be spending/preaching my first Easter Sunday sermon in Ghana. We arrived in the afternoon where I unpacked and mingled among the community for the remainder of the day.
Saturday I went to meet the headmaster of the school in which I will be speaking to on Monday to ask for permission to address the school, but upon arriving the teachers and headmaster were not there. With this, we decided to go to a village near a beautiful river. The breeze was amazing and the shading from the large trees provided a very peaceful and relaxing place. We spent an hour or so talking to some of the anglers and residence. While doing so you cannot just talk you have to enjoy some fresh coconut milk and meat! I really enjoyed this village and the scenery! I could stay at this place for some time. After or visit we returned to Akplale for lunch. In the afternoon, I began to work on my sermon. I was focusing on unity while working with the Palm Sunday remembrance. I found this to become difficult for some reason. I finally came with the idea of paralleling the battle of the Alamo with the ministry of Christ and the disciples. As hard as it may seem it actually works well.
Today is Palm Sunday and as I woke, I had a feeling come over me as I just sat and thought about Christ riding in on a donkey with everyone worshiping Him. It seemed easier to imagine this for palm trees and dusty roads surround me. Then I also remembered that at the same time in only a few days these same people abandoned Him and then crucified Him. For some reason today, it really sat deep in my stomach the sacrificial love that Christ has for me! How amazing is he! After this wonderful wake up note, church began. I was very impressed for the worship dancing stepped up even more by dancing out of the church and all around the perimeter! It really became morning aerobics! Then it came time for the sermon. I was surprised that only a couple people realized that it was even Palm Sunday! I guess it is surprisingly not looked upon as much at least at this church. After delivering the sermon, I sat down having no idea if this sermon made any movement into the hearts of the listeners. It seemed as though this day was no different from any other day and some Yavu (white man in Ewe) gave a mediocre sermon at best. You cannot hit a homerun every Sunday! The rest of the day was really good. Bright, Pastor Ernest’s son and nephew of Enoch, and I went for a canoe ride. While out we watched as the anglers were setting traps for lobster (shrimp). It was truly another beautiful setting and a great reminder of how amazing our Creator is! Then from enjoying God’s creation, we went to enjoy the company of God’s people. We traveled around to spend some time saying hello to the members of the community of Akplale and surrounding villages as well. I have taken splendor of the simplicity of this life that has been given to us. I find myself becoming lost to often in the daily tasks that cloud our eyes to the majestic aroma of Christ in the ordinary places. I am working on living in the now, for tomorrow will come and if I am not careful, I will miss everything that is around me. Christ truly will take care of tomorrow, so I must live for Him now!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Day 79 Week 12 (March 29,2009)
Thursday morning there was more dawn preaching at 3 a.m. Then in the afternoon, we traveled to Apromasi village for the two baptisms. When we arrived, we were blessed by meeting a man who had heard us preaching and heard his niece was going to be baptized, so he decided it was time for him to do so as well. When we went to meet with Josephine, we found out that she was very hesitant. We found out that she was scared and highly influenced by here mother and aunt who were Jehovah Witnesses. The one thing that has really bothered me with both the Muslims and Jehovah Witnesses is that both receive and keep people within their religion by means of bribery and threats! She wanted more time, but did agree she would do it on the following Tuesday. After meeting her, we went out under the mango tree to talk with some of elderly men who were relaxing there. After we were finished talking to them they all agreed to be baptized on Tuesday as well! Out of a little set back with Josephine, God took two baptisms and turned into five with more potentially joining. God’s work did not stop there. Before we left the village, we wanted to meet with the chief. He had been living in New York for the past 35 years and just moved back. Pastor Paul had meet him only once before over three years ago, so he has never been able to make much progress in starting a church in the community, but when we meet the chief (Nana as all are called) agreed to help us out. He agreed to give ten plots for the church, an academy, and missionary house! Ten plots equates to 700 feet by 1,000 feet in dimension! Nana was so generous that he even asked us to come back on Sunday to see if the land they choose would be acceptable for us. As for payment, all he requested was for the church to give the community what they saw fit to help with more development. In the evening was the second night of the revival and I had the pleasure of preaching. The message went very well and it seemed to be well received. God has been doing so much and I feel bad for my lower than normal energy form this sickness.
Friday was another interesting day! It was our final day of dawn preaching. At times, I have felt bad for I feel that we are just preaching to the wind and the Bible even talks of random preaching, but we are sharing the Gospel, so if just one person accepts Christ then it is all worth it. I am struggling with analyzing time spent for lives changed evangelistic returns. This I feel comes with my youth and love for business, but Christ is not a business, so I heed myself. Later in the afternoon, Pastor Paul took me around to visit a few more sites. We saw the largest market in all of West Africa. Went to the teaching hospital, which is just one of two. It was there that we went to see the King Arthur sword equivalent for Ghana. A high fetish priest over six hundred years ago, supposedly, received a golden stole form the skies. It is this stole that the power of the Ashanti’s remains. If the stole is taken then the power of the Ashanti’s is taken as well. This fetish priest also placed a sword in the ground and no man has been able to remove it! People such as Mohammad Ali have tried to remove this sword and have been unable. Following seeing this we went to the World Famous Kumasi Zoo!!!! Ok this was a very sad site. It is extremely small, and the animals were few and far between. The conditions of these animals and the small size of living conditions almost made me feel guilty for even going.
Saturday God did stop moving! During the whole of last night the church got together to pray from 10 p.m. till 4 a.m. I was unable/unpermitted to attend for threat of the most deadly beast in all of Africa!!!! The Mosquito! After all the pastors recovered, we headed toward Abennase, which is the other village in which Pastor Paul wants to plant a church. Currently they meet every Wednesday for fellowship. It was very encouraging to meet more people and God was a moving once again! While here, through the sharing of the Gospel to many families by all of the pastors and I, there will be around ten or more baptisms on Wednesday with more potentially coming as well. The past couple of days have been very encouraging! I am unaware if this is common or not, but it seems no matter what that God has been busy! Very ones energy is very high and I have experienced that when God speaks through you, your message can leave footprints. From a message that I thought was ok, for I am still young in preaching, the pastors have been quoting and applying. This is truly God’s doing for I even forget some of the things that they have been saying as bad as that may seem. I love the energy that is being felt for it is very contagious to everyone we encounter. GOD IS GOOD! I also forgot to mention that I learned a new way to battle against the fetish practices or the practice of worshiping other gods…run them over! As we were, leaving Abennase Pastor Paul was backing up and could not see very well. The next thing we hear is a loud crash! We had run into and over a cement monument/statue of one god that was worshiped in the community. I love this tactic and plan to see if this is applicable back home!
Another portion of my stay in Ghana came to an end today. I concluded my stay in Kumasi with Pastor Paul, Pastor Jones, Pastor Hope, and all of Garden City Christian Church. God did so much in a short period of time and all, including myself, have been blessed by this time of unity. This morning I delivered the sermon and they actually gave me a whole hour to preach. They said that they have been extremely blessed by my, God’s, messages, so they wanted all they could get from me, God. Following the service, they presented me with beautiful gifts. They gave me kentia shirt, sandals, bracelet, and tie. The Ghanaian people are very hospitable and will do anything to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. One part of there hospitality is giving of gifts to the visitors. I have been blessed by everyone I have stayed with in which everyone has given me shirts and other such gifts. Upon resting, I received a visit from one of the members from the church who invited me to come to his house again to give me one of his paintings. He is truly talented in painting and actually does it as a hobby only!! His business is in graphic design, so he wanted to show me some of his work. He is doing well with his ability and is able to produce pretty good quality material! I was very impressed at his level of God given talent. He never went to school for art or anything for he says that it just comes naturally! After this visit, Pastor Paul and I went to the Bus terminal to purchase my ticket for tomorrow’s trip back to Tema. The night was good as I watched Ghana win its first qualifying game in soccer for the world cup. Now I am currently writing this update in “lights off” mode, which is common in both the village and the big cities!!
Friday was another interesting day! It was our final day of dawn preaching. At times, I have felt bad for I feel that we are just preaching to the wind and the Bible even talks of random preaching, but we are sharing the Gospel, so if just one person accepts Christ then it is all worth it. I am struggling with analyzing time spent for lives changed evangelistic returns. This I feel comes with my youth and love for business, but Christ is not a business, so I heed myself. Later in the afternoon, Pastor Paul took me around to visit a few more sites. We saw the largest market in all of West Africa. Went to the teaching hospital, which is just one of two. It was there that we went to see the King Arthur sword equivalent for Ghana. A high fetish priest over six hundred years ago, supposedly, received a golden stole form the skies. It is this stole that the power of the Ashanti’s remains. If the stole is taken then the power of the Ashanti’s is taken as well. This fetish priest also placed a sword in the ground and no man has been able to remove it! People such as Mohammad Ali have tried to remove this sword and have been unable. Following seeing this we went to the World Famous Kumasi Zoo!!!! Ok this was a very sad site. It is extremely small, and the animals were few and far between. The conditions of these animals and the small size of living conditions almost made me feel guilty for even going.
Saturday God did stop moving! During the whole of last night the church got together to pray from 10 p.m. till 4 a.m. I was unable/unpermitted to attend for threat of the most deadly beast in all of Africa!!!! The Mosquito! After all the pastors recovered, we headed toward Abennase, which is the other village in which Pastor Paul wants to plant a church. Currently they meet every Wednesday for fellowship. It was very encouraging to meet more people and God was a moving once again! While here, through the sharing of the Gospel to many families by all of the pastors and I, there will be around ten or more baptisms on Wednesday with more potentially coming as well. The past couple of days have been very encouraging! I am unaware if this is common or not, but it seems no matter what that God has been busy! Very ones energy is very high and I have experienced that when God speaks through you, your message can leave footprints. From a message that I thought was ok, for I am still young in preaching, the pastors have been quoting and applying. This is truly God’s doing for I even forget some of the things that they have been saying as bad as that may seem. I love the energy that is being felt for it is very contagious to everyone we encounter. GOD IS GOOD! I also forgot to mention that I learned a new way to battle against the fetish practices or the practice of worshiping other gods…run them over! As we were, leaving Abennase Pastor Paul was backing up and could not see very well. The next thing we hear is a loud crash! We had run into and over a cement monument/statue of one god that was worshiped in the community. I love this tactic and plan to see if this is applicable back home!
Another portion of my stay in Ghana came to an end today. I concluded my stay in Kumasi with Pastor Paul, Pastor Jones, Pastor Hope, and all of Garden City Christian Church. God did so much in a short period of time and all, including myself, have been blessed by this time of unity. This morning I delivered the sermon and they actually gave me a whole hour to preach. They said that they have been extremely blessed by my, God’s, messages, so they wanted all they could get from me, God. Following the service, they presented me with beautiful gifts. They gave me kentia shirt, sandals, bracelet, and tie. The Ghanaian people are very hospitable and will do anything to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. One part of there hospitality is giving of gifts to the visitors. I have been blessed by everyone I have stayed with in which everyone has given me shirts and other such gifts. Upon resting, I received a visit from one of the members from the church who invited me to come to his house again to give me one of his paintings. He is truly talented in painting and actually does it as a hobby only!! His business is in graphic design, so he wanted to show me some of his work. He is doing well with his ability and is able to produce pretty good quality material! I was very impressed at his level of God given talent. He never went to school for art or anything for he says that it just comes naturally! After this visit, Pastor Paul and I went to the Bus terminal to purchase my ticket for tomorrow’s trip back to Tema. The night was good as I watched Ghana win its first qualifying game in soccer for the world cup. Now I am currently writing this update in “lights off” mode, which is common in both the village and the big cities!!
Day 76 Week 11
Monday began with a trip to the cultural center, which gave more history of the Ashanti Kingdom. One would see this as just site seeing, but it adds into understanding the history of the community and the people of this area. Later in the afternoon, Pastor Paul and I continued in more house-to-house evangelism. Once again, this was very enjoyable and encouraging for both us and the people we were meeting. Throughout the whole day, I felt weak, but I could tell I was starting to slowly come around.
Tuesday I arose at 3 a.m. for my first ever, never thought I would do it, dawn preaching! This consists of driving to random spots in different communities and preaching to people whether they are there or not. The car has an amplifier and speakers on top, so we begin by driving around with music playing and then we stop when we find a place we want to preach. I asked how effective this method of evangelism is in Ghana and Pastor Paul says that many people have testified to coming to know the Lord through this way, himself included. This is definitely not one that grabbed my interest, but I know it is a passion of Pastor Paul’s. He has a lot of dedication and variety in reaching out to the community. Later in the day, we traveled to Apromasi, a village in the outskirts of Kumasi where Garden City Christian Church wants to plant a church. Here we continued with house-to-house evangelism and it was very promising. During this visit, we were encouraged to begin a church there. There is already a Methodist and a Roman Catholic church, but not everyone is attending these churches.
Wednesday I again arose at the glorious 3 a.m. for more dawn preaching. We decided to go to the village during this time to continue to make our presence known. In the afternoon we traveled back to the village for more house-to-house evangelism. During this trip we had the opportunity to had a great opportunity of a young women accepting Christ for the first time. We made plans to return the following day to baptize her. Then as we were leaving a young man, who had been spending the day with us, decided to also get baptized. The day was great and God is really moving in this village. Before we left we also received word that the community was going to be able to give us some land for a building or a room to rent for church. This was a great day and Pastor Paul was filled with much joy! Then in the evening it was the beginning of the revival that was going to continue for the following three days.
Tuesday I arose at 3 a.m. for my first ever, never thought I would do it, dawn preaching! This consists of driving to random spots in different communities and preaching to people whether they are there or not. The car has an amplifier and speakers on top, so we begin by driving around with music playing and then we stop when we find a place we want to preach. I asked how effective this method of evangelism is in Ghana and Pastor Paul says that many people have testified to coming to know the Lord through this way, himself included. This is definitely not one that grabbed my interest, but I know it is a passion of Pastor Paul’s. He has a lot of dedication and variety in reaching out to the community. Later in the day, we traveled to Apromasi, a village in the outskirts of Kumasi where Garden City Christian Church wants to plant a church. Here we continued with house-to-house evangelism and it was very promising. During this visit, we were encouraged to begin a church there. There is already a Methodist and a Roman Catholic church, but not everyone is attending these churches.
Wednesday I again arose at the glorious 3 a.m. for more dawn preaching. We decided to go to the village during this time to continue to make our presence known. In the afternoon we traveled back to the village for more house-to-house evangelism. During this trip we had the opportunity to had a great opportunity of a young women accepting Christ for the first time. We made plans to return the following day to baptize her. Then as we were leaving a young man, who had been spending the day with us, decided to also get baptized. The day was great and God is really moving in this village. Before we left we also received word that the community was going to be able to give us some land for a building or a room to rent for church. This was a great day and Pastor Paul was filled with much joy! Then in the evening it was the beginning of the revival that was going to continue for the following three days.
Day 73 Week 11
Early Thursday morning I began my journey to Kumasi. The trip was about four to five hours and I traveled on a very nice tour bus. Upon arrival I meet Pastor Paul and Pastor Jones who are two of the three pastors of Garden City Christian Church. Garden City Christian Church has been blessed to be able to support three full time ministers. There hope is to train pastors and then to have them take over the future church plants that are in planning for near by villages. Pastor Paul, from the very beginning, has been very hospitable. To much surprise they accommodated my stay to be in a very nice hotel. This is due for another family is staying with Pastor Paul. I enjoy the nice room and service, but to be honest I enjoy being with the families. I get to know them better and it feels warmer, but the family that is staying with them consists of a pastor who had a stroke, so this is not their fault.
After resting most of Thursday we went out for site seeing of Kumasi on Friday. We visited the Palace Museum and the Military Museum. The Palace that we visited is that of the Ashante Kingdom. This is the largest kingdom in all of West Africa. They have a long history of both power and wealth. To clarify they are very much a tune with the world and are by no means a kingdom separated from the world. There main source of wealth comes from gold. The military museum was very educational as well. The history of the country under Britain and their involvement in WI, WII, and UN peacekeeping missions are vast.
Saturday consisted of a prayer service for a couple of hours and the beginning of a very bad cold for myself. The service went well and I am growing so much in my praying, in both quantity and quality. Truly practice makes perfect, the more time one spends with someone (our father) in conversation the more easy it becomes to talk to Him. Later in the day I went with Pastor Paul for my first ever door-to-door evangelism. This was a very different situation to be apart of, but it has been very exciting getting to meet many people and learn more about them. It seems to be very effective in Ghana, for if they already believe, then it gives us time to encourage them as a fellow believer, but if they have not then we are there to welcome them to join us and to accept Christ into their lives.
Sunday I awoke to a very bad cough and extreme weakness. To my fortune I was to deliver the sermon for the service. This was another great experience were the Holy Spirit took control. In the matter of minutes my cough ceased, I gained some energy, and the message just flowed. It truly was amazing! A message I on paper that looked average, turned out to be a message that touched peoples hearts. I know that it had nothing to do with my little knowledge and all from the words of God. It was so compelling that Pastor Paul, who normally just relaxes the rest of Sundays, felt compelled to go and make house-to-house visitations. For a day that was full of sickness and weakness Christ showed me literally that when we are weak He is Strong!
After resting most of Thursday we went out for site seeing of Kumasi on Friday. We visited the Palace Museum and the Military Museum. The Palace that we visited is that of the Ashante Kingdom. This is the largest kingdom in all of West Africa. They have a long history of both power and wealth. To clarify they are very much a tune with the world and are by no means a kingdom separated from the world. There main source of wealth comes from gold. The military museum was very educational as well. The history of the country under Britain and their involvement in WI, WII, and UN peacekeeping missions are vast.
Saturday consisted of a prayer service for a couple of hours and the beginning of a very bad cold for myself. The service went well and I am growing so much in my praying, in both quantity and quality. Truly practice makes perfect, the more time one spends with someone (our father) in conversation the more easy it becomes to talk to Him. Later in the day I went with Pastor Paul for my first ever door-to-door evangelism. This was a very different situation to be apart of, but it has been very exciting getting to meet many people and learn more about them. It seems to be very effective in Ghana, for if they already believe, then it gives us time to encourage them as a fellow believer, but if they have not then we are there to welcome them to join us and to accept Christ into their lives.
Sunday I awoke to a very bad cough and extreme weakness. To my fortune I was to deliver the sermon for the service. This was another great experience were the Holy Spirit took control. In the matter of minutes my cough ceased, I gained some energy, and the message just flowed. It truly was amazing! A message I on paper that looked average, turned out to be a message that touched peoples hearts. I know that it had nothing to do with my little knowledge and all from the words of God. It was so compelling that Pastor Paul, who normally just relaxes the rest of Sundays, felt compelled to go and make house-to-house visitations. For a day that was full of sickness and weakness Christ showed me literally that when we are weak He is Strong!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Living for Christ
When Paul wrote, "to live for Christ", one cannot fathom to grasp the intensity of such a statement. To what degree does one strive to replicate the Son of God? Does ones life truly change? What affects does ones actions truly have on others and the world? "Truly, Truly I say" the affects of ones life and the affect one has on others is great! So, Why do we have a hard time being a slave of Christ, and to give ourselves in all actions to the one who has given us life?
From my experiences that I have indulged in so far, I have begun to immerse the vast life lessons deep into my heart. As I have been moving from place to place and meeting many people God has been showing His greatness and passion to reunite with His children. Life has not been without its pain and discomfort, but Christ has been glorified even in the sorrow and uncertainties. There have been many times when the words have been provided and hearts have been touched for the glory of God. I have been working on putting myself in the background and Christ in the foreground, but this can and is difficult. With my life at out my control, it has been the best opportunity for God to gain complete control. No worries are burdensome upon my heart, no fear for what tomorrow brings, and all hope in the one whom I serve. I am learning to humble myself in all regards to the point of getting on my knees and becoming, as Christ exemplified, the "feet washer". The greatest thing that I have been enlightened is that at some point you as the "feet washer" become the one to whose feet will be washed. The blessing of being a servant of Christ is that in all actions, assuming they are for Him, are cyclical.
I have been reminded and urge others to look at your life, your family, your job and see if Christ is the focal point. Sometimes we are involved in our own plans and miss Gods plans for us. Sometimes our families become so busy that Christ is briefly mentioned as an entrance to ones meals. When life's comfort of routines blind us from broken and lost people changes have to be made, priorities have to be reevaluated, and sometimes we need to get a little uncomfortable. I cannot explain the difference I have felt with not having control and trust being upon Him. More doors have been opened then ever before and there has developed visions and directions I would have been oblivious to had my heart not been open, my mind not been willing, and for all control to be out of my hands. Losing control is the most difficult thing for myself as it might be for you. Life seems so much easier to manage when we have the control of getting the best job we see fit, living in the place where we want to live, and to be able to choose how much involvement we will have in church and in the work of the Kingdom, but I tell you that God has been showing me how amazing life is when we serve him and live to do the work for the kingdom in all that we do! I pray that you take time and see if what you are doing is for the
So, to what degree does one strive to replicate the Son of God? One should be having the eyes of Christ in that no matter if you are walking down the street, sitting in the pews Sunday Morning, or at work, you are seeking the lonely, the hurt, the lost, and the misguided. Then take action and engage them with the heart of Christ. Does ones life truly change? Yes, your life will not be the same if you are doing everything for the kingdom and become completely immersed in the direction that Christ has for us. What affects does ones actions truly have on others and the world? Your affect can save lives that would have been disregarded by others, you can bring purpose and meaning to someone who feels worthless and scared, you will be the “light” in a dark world. By bring Christ to others you are bringing comfort, peace, grace, mercy, love, endurance, strength, meaning, trust, and care. The world that is lost and forsaken becomes a world where a hungry are feed, the thirsty are given living water, the pain is replaced with comfort, and people become united through the Son of God, the Giver of Life, and Definer of Love!
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Day 66 Week 10
The last few days have been very very busy and many life experiences have occurred. Thursday was very productive. In the morning I helped the Cincinnati Christian University (CCU), team who came for a short-term mission trip, move solid concrete blocks at the site of the future Faithway Christian Church. I loved getting my hands dirty and finally being able to do some manual labor. Every worked very hard and put up with the scorpions and snakes to achieve a lot. In the afternoon, Pastor Ntim and I went around and did a few visitations to various members of the church. Following this, we went for a prayer meeting in the evening time, where we prayed for the church, government, members, and gave thankfulness for many things.
Friday was a very early morning! We left the house around 5:30 to go and deliver some items to Pastor Ntim’s son Flint. The school was about an hour away and in the mountains, so the drive was beautiful. Upon our return, I spoke to the Faithway Christina Academy. I found out that I have a difficult time teaching younger students. I do not know why, but that is not an area that I am gifted. It is always good to identify your strengths and weaknesses, so that is what I am dong as well while I am over here. In the afternoon, I worked on my sermon for the first time and this was going to be the only it me as well, but God provided guidance and direction, so it came quickly and smoothly. Then in the evening, we went to visit more members who were sick or have not been to church in a little while. The visitations went well and the people were very nice. I had many wonderful conversations with the people and I will be implement these visits into my ministry no matter where I end up, for it creates a more personal connection with the members of the church and the ministers.
Saturday, wow what a day! This begins the weekend of death! I do not mean this figuratively, but literally. I found myself waking up really early in the morning to leave by 5:00 a.m. to attend the funeral of Pastor Ntim’s wife’s brother. Three hours later, we were approaching the village and descending a very steep mountainside when all of a sudden we came across a very recent accident. A pick up truck was going to fast and lost control and ended up rolling several times. In Ghana there are bad roads, no service in remote areas for cell phones, and the hospitals are few and far between. So, anyone and everyone who is around become apart of the emergency response team. They dragged the bodies out in which I saw many very critical situations in which I could tell the person was already dead. With some, I could not even tell if the person was alive or not. Blood was everywhere and some of the victims where already in shock! So, many taxis and trotros (Makeshift shuttle vehicles, a min-van taxi) came and the bodies where carried into these vehicles to be rushed to the nearest hospital, which could be around and hour or more! A majority that are in these types of accidents probably die from the moving of the bodies into the vehicles. They are not knowledgeable of spinal injuries or how to properly transport them! I am not sure how many survived, but I do know that what I saw was not easy and their lives were truly in God’s hands. Following this horrific incident, we arrived safely to Pastor Ntim’s Wife’s home village. This was my second funeral to attend and I discovered that they are not all the same. We drove over three hours to get there and all that was done was the viewing and some dancing. Then all of a sudden they put up a curtain and closed the casket and of they went with no service, no announcement (none to my knowledge), and not very many people followed. Within a matter of an hour of being there it was done. I long day, which will forever be with me. The accident truly showed the underdeveloped nature of this country.
Sunday continued on in the theme of the weekend, death. I delivered the sermon for the service, which God truly spoke through me for I had a lot written and I abandoned my notes, oops. Following the service Pastor Ntim received a phone call from a man who we had visited earlier in the week. He called to inform us that his wife had passed away that morning! When we went to visit them earlier in the week she was very much in pain, but nowhere near death, and we checked up on here when we saw the husband on Thursday and everything he said was ok. This was very shocking and unbelievable with the weekend we had had. The afternoon we visited this man and then continued on to various members homes as well. I truly was enlightened on the shortness of life and as a minster one has to be prepared at all times! This was a very long and challenging weekend, but by God’s grace, I made it!
Friday was a very early morning! We left the house around 5:30 to go and deliver some items to Pastor Ntim’s son Flint. The school was about an hour away and in the mountains, so the drive was beautiful. Upon our return, I spoke to the Faithway Christina Academy. I found out that I have a difficult time teaching younger students. I do not know why, but that is not an area that I am gifted. It is always good to identify your strengths and weaknesses, so that is what I am dong as well while I am over here. In the afternoon, I worked on my sermon for the first time and this was going to be the only it me as well, but God provided guidance and direction, so it came quickly and smoothly. Then in the evening, we went to visit more members who were sick or have not been to church in a little while. The visitations went well and the people were very nice. I had many wonderful conversations with the people and I will be implement these visits into my ministry no matter where I end up, for it creates a more personal connection with the members of the church and the ministers.
Saturday, wow what a day! This begins the weekend of death! I do not mean this figuratively, but literally. I found myself waking up really early in the morning to leave by 5:00 a.m. to attend the funeral of Pastor Ntim’s wife’s brother. Three hours later, we were approaching the village and descending a very steep mountainside when all of a sudden we came across a very recent accident. A pick up truck was going to fast and lost control and ended up rolling several times. In Ghana there are bad roads, no service in remote areas for cell phones, and the hospitals are few and far between. So, anyone and everyone who is around become apart of the emergency response team. They dragged the bodies out in which I saw many very critical situations in which I could tell the person was already dead. With some, I could not even tell if the person was alive or not. Blood was everywhere and some of the victims where already in shock! So, many taxis and trotros (Makeshift shuttle vehicles, a min-van taxi) came and the bodies where carried into these vehicles to be rushed to the nearest hospital, which could be around and hour or more! A majority that are in these types of accidents probably die from the moving of the bodies into the vehicles. They are not knowledgeable of spinal injuries or how to properly transport them! I am not sure how many survived, but I do know that what I saw was not easy and their lives were truly in God’s hands. Following this horrific incident, we arrived safely to Pastor Ntim’s Wife’s home village. This was my second funeral to attend and I discovered that they are not all the same. We drove over three hours to get there and all that was done was the viewing and some dancing. Then all of a sudden they put up a curtain and closed the casket and of they went with no service, no announcement (none to my knowledge), and not very many people followed. Within a matter of an hour of being there it was done. I long day, which will forever be with me. The accident truly showed the underdeveloped nature of this country.
Sunday continued on in the theme of the weekend, death. I delivered the sermon for the service, which God truly spoke through me for I had a lot written and I abandoned my notes, oops. Following the service Pastor Ntim received a phone call from a man who we had visited earlier in the week. He called to inform us that his wife had passed away that morning! When we went to visit them earlier in the week she was very much in pain, but nowhere near death, and we checked up on here when we saw the husband on Thursday and everything he said was ok. This was very shocking and unbelievable with the weekend we had had. The afternoon we visited this man and then continued on to various members homes as well. I truly was enlightened on the shortness of life and as a minster one has to be prepared at all times! This was a very long and challenging weekend, but by God’s grace, I made it!
Day 62 Week 9
The last couple of days have been very good. Sunday went well as I meet the congregation and delivered the communion meditation. The service went well and everyone was very welcoming, this is a consistent theme everywhere I go. After Church Pastor Ntim and I went to families homes to see how they are doing and encourage them to make to come to the churches events throughout the week if they were not involved. I really enjoy the visitations for you learn more about the members of your congregation, and plus it makes your relationship more personal.
Monday began with a brief visitation to the academy in the morning where I spoke with some of the teachers as well as observed the children in school. This was very good to see the students learning a lot verses the way I saw school being conducted in the villages. The afternoon Pastor Ntim and I went out again to make more visitations that included a few members who had been absent for a little while and the cause for not coming was from sickness. With this, I prayed for the health and relationship of the family. Monday night I spoke to the Women’s Fellowship and was very well received. The message that was delivered seemed to connect well with them and I know it was God speaking through me because it was women!!! Plus I am not married and so I have a very limited amount of wisdom concerning women, but God provides where we are unable.
Tuesday I had the luxury of spending the day at Ghana Christian University College. It was very nice to see a similar set up as most of the Christian Colleges in America. They are doing very well and the college has some prestigious professors. The students seem to work very hard, but they are still young and so the same time management skills are applied (procrastination). They have a big vision and I will be excited to see and hear about it when they get to their temporary goal. That evening I led the Bible Study from the Philippians Chapter 2. It was very interesting to hear the reactions of those who attended. They, after some time, began to have some very good thoughts and encouragement towards one another.
Today I was back at the academy in the morning where I sat in on every one of the classes for a little bit. Here I interacted with the students and tried to help the teachers out in classroom. I love working with kids, but it was a different game when it comes to teaching them. I have developed more patience and learnt that if one way of teaching does not work then you must find the one that does, and this might take some time. Overall, I had a great morning and they taught me more than I taught them. Then tonight I spoke to the youth; I love the youth so much! They just have a very passionate heart and a wiliness to push themselves! The worship time was very intense and I found myself in the middle of dance workout routine. Out of breath and all I delivered a message to the youth. They really took to heart what was said to them and I pray that they begin to act. This group has so much potential to be examples to the church and community!
I have been very busy, but once again, it is with great opportunities. I look forward to some rest, but my schedule is very busy so I will rest in Christ and in the work for Him.
Monday began with a brief visitation to the academy in the morning where I spoke with some of the teachers as well as observed the children in school. This was very good to see the students learning a lot verses the way I saw school being conducted in the villages. The afternoon Pastor Ntim and I went out again to make more visitations that included a few members who had been absent for a little while and the cause for not coming was from sickness. With this, I prayed for the health and relationship of the family. Monday night I spoke to the Women’s Fellowship and was very well received. The message that was delivered seemed to connect well with them and I know it was God speaking through me because it was women!!! Plus I am not married and so I have a very limited amount of wisdom concerning women, but God provides where we are unable.
Tuesday I had the luxury of spending the day at Ghana Christian University College. It was very nice to see a similar set up as most of the Christian Colleges in America. They are doing very well and the college has some prestigious professors. The students seem to work very hard, but they are still young and so the same time management skills are applied (procrastination). They have a big vision and I will be excited to see and hear about it when they get to their temporary goal. That evening I led the Bible Study from the Philippians Chapter 2. It was very interesting to hear the reactions of those who attended. They, after some time, began to have some very good thoughts and encouragement towards one another.
Today I was back at the academy in the morning where I sat in on every one of the classes for a little bit. Here I interacted with the students and tried to help the teachers out in classroom. I love working with kids, but it was a different game when it comes to teaching them. I have developed more patience and learnt that if one way of teaching does not work then you must find the one that does, and this might take some time. Overall, I had a great morning and they taught me more than I taught them. Then tonight I spoke to the youth; I love the youth so much! They just have a very passionate heart and a wiliness to push themselves! The worship time was very intense and I found myself in the middle of dance workout routine. Out of breath and all I delivered a message to the youth. They really took to heart what was said to them and I pray that they begin to act. This group has so much potential to be examples to the church and community!
I have been very busy, but once again, it is with great opportunities. I look forward to some rest, but my schedule is very busy so I will rest in Christ and in the work for Him.
Day 59 Week 9
I once again am on the move and quickly have become involved in the local ministry! I arrived at Faithway Christian Church on Wednesday and to my great surprise, this church has a huge vision. I have been so use to being visiting the churches in the villages that pray and hope for a church building to meet in, but here there is a strong vision. Pastor Richard Ntim has a good size church of around 200 plus members, but he is not satisfied and wants more growth. He is truly focused on winning souls and it is evident in the way God has blessed him. There is an academy, which has over a hundred students from k-1 all the way to 3rd grade. The building is very nice and provides better quality teaching then the public schools by far. He vision is to have a school through Junior High, which would consist of a two to three story building. On top of the school, he has begun the construction of another church building on the campus to be functional for the growth they are experiencing. I have noticed it is through the personal care of visitation and challenging of the members that they have growth both in numbers and in unity with Christ!
On Thursday I went to the prayer meeting which was very encouraging to be apart of. They prayed for the church, the government, the school, and many other people and issues or concerns. The one thing that was very good to was how much thanks was expressed during this time. They are very appreciative with what they have, so they are very conscience when praying that they make sure to thank God for their blessings!
Friday I had the pleasure to go with the youth to the Beach! This was my first outing with any youth, so this was very beneficial! Immediately God reassured me that this is where I am supposed to be (with the youth). I get a different feeling when I work with the youth. I enjoy people in general, so its not one of favoritism, but one of directional focus form God. We had a wonderful time at the beach and I got fried! The was a very scary time though for a group of girls (against the advise of the leaders) went out by themselves without a guy while caring their bags. While out they were surrounded by eight guys who pulled a knife on them and stole their things! I do not write this to instill fear of the country or of my safety in this country, but to express the opportunity that was made to teach the rest o the youth the value of life and the meaninglessness of worldly possessions! Everyone is ok and have all learned a valuable lesson. I am learning a lot about safety preparations, what needs to be implemented when going on trips and such. The youth here are very strong and what I can tell as their results of unity is from the leadership among them. The youth is primarily run by a youth committee who guide the activities and studies. There are some adults involved for guidance and for their presence, but it is manly run by the youth. The youth here are more around the high school college age, but nonetheless they are still youth in relation to their stage of life as youth in America. The passion that I saw in the youth was incredible! On the way back from the beach, the whole bus was rock’n literally! The youth sang songs accompanied by the rhythm of miscellaneous items such as wrenches, hard plastic coverings, the side of the metal bus, and so on! It was so encouraging to see the openness to live on firer for Christ! I want to bring back this excitement and love to the youth that I am apart of.
Then on Saturday, I made a long journey to an all girls senior academy for the daughter of Pastor Ntim. They had an awards ceremony that lasted for over four hours and started two hours late! TIA (This Is Africa)! The day was long, but it was good to see the encouragement of women education in a developing country. The traffic when we got back to Accra was ridiculous and once again I understand why they pray before and after they travel for it is truly God protecting you. My first three days here at Faithway Christian Church has been very encouraging and I am excited for what is yet to come!
On Thursday I went to the prayer meeting which was very encouraging to be apart of. They prayed for the church, the government, the school, and many other people and issues or concerns. The one thing that was very good to was how much thanks was expressed during this time. They are very appreciative with what they have, so they are very conscience when praying that they make sure to thank God for their blessings!
Friday I had the pleasure to go with the youth to the Beach! This was my first outing with any youth, so this was very beneficial! Immediately God reassured me that this is where I am supposed to be (with the youth). I get a different feeling when I work with the youth. I enjoy people in general, so its not one of favoritism, but one of directional focus form God. We had a wonderful time at the beach and I got fried! The was a very scary time though for a group of girls (against the advise of the leaders) went out by themselves without a guy while caring their bags. While out they were surrounded by eight guys who pulled a knife on them and stole their things! I do not write this to instill fear of the country or of my safety in this country, but to express the opportunity that was made to teach the rest o the youth the value of life and the meaninglessness of worldly possessions! Everyone is ok and have all learned a valuable lesson. I am learning a lot about safety preparations, what needs to be implemented when going on trips and such. The youth here are very strong and what I can tell as their results of unity is from the leadership among them. The youth is primarily run by a youth committee who guide the activities and studies. There are some adults involved for guidance and for their presence, but it is manly run by the youth. The youth here are more around the high school college age, but nonetheless they are still youth in relation to their stage of life as youth in America. The passion that I saw in the youth was incredible! On the way back from the beach, the whole bus was rock’n literally! The youth sang songs accompanied by the rhythm of miscellaneous items such as wrenches, hard plastic coverings, the side of the metal bus, and so on! It was so encouraging to see the openness to live on firer for Christ! I want to bring back this excitement and love to the youth that I am apart of.
Then on Saturday, I made a long journey to an all girls senior academy for the daughter of Pastor Ntim. They had an awards ceremony that lasted for over four hours and started two hours late! TIA (This Is Africa)! The day was long, but it was good to see the encouragement of women education in a developing country. The traffic when we got back to Accra was ridiculous and once again I understand why they pray before and after they travel for it is truly God protecting you. My first three days here at Faithway Christian Church has been very encouraging and I am excited for what is yet to come!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Day 41 Week 6
(February 18, 2009)
I safely made it back to Tema yesterday at around 3:00. That is adventure in itself! My stay in the Nkwanta area has just completed after about a month stay. I have learned some much and God has used me be there guiding me every step of the way. I know that it has been God speaking through me and it is grace and love that I feel outpouring through me. He is truly an amazing God who cares for the hurt, lost, and the faithful! This has been a great month and it has gone by extremely quick.
I feel that the hardest times for me in this stay was when I went into some of the other villages to meet and speak to the church. With some of the churches, I did not feel much receptiveness. It has been hard from preaching and teaching at the church at the location that I am actually staying at, be so interactive, to go to some of these churches that in the end they just stare at you. I initially if my visit was even worth it for them, but I also know that God will be the one to take care of the message that He delivered. I also feel that it is the fact that I just had met them earlier in the day and then gave this message in which I left the following morning. There definitely lacks a personal connection with the members of the church, which makes it harder to receive the message when you do not relate with the person giving the message. God will ultimately deliver the message and develop it within each of His hears, but as the vessel delivering it can be somewhat discouraging especially when I am battling with confidence and assurance. All in all God has been terrific and blessed me more than I deserve or could ask for.
I am finally catching up on my emails for I am going to be leaving again for another ten days. God is literally moving all across Ghana!
I safely made it back to Tema yesterday at around 3:00. That is adventure in itself! My stay in the Nkwanta area has just completed after about a month stay. I have learned some much and God has used me be there guiding me every step of the way. I know that it has been God speaking through me and it is grace and love that I feel outpouring through me. He is truly an amazing God who cares for the hurt, lost, and the faithful! This has been a great month and it has gone by extremely quick.
I feel that the hardest times for me in this stay was when I went into some of the other villages to meet and speak to the church. With some of the churches, I did not feel much receptiveness. It has been hard from preaching and teaching at the church at the location that I am actually staying at, be so interactive, to go to some of these churches that in the end they just stare at you. I initially if my visit was even worth it for them, but I also know that God will be the one to take care of the message that He delivered. I also feel that it is the fact that I just had met them earlier in the day and then gave this message in which I left the following morning. There definitely lacks a personal connection with the members of the church, which makes it harder to receive the message when you do not relate with the person giving the message. God will ultimately deliver the message and develop it within each of His hears, but as the vessel delivering it can be somewhat discouraging especially when I am battling with confidence and assurance. All in all God has been terrific and blessed me more than I deserve or could ask for.
I am finally catching up on my emails for I am going to be leaving again for another ten days. God is literally moving all across Ghana!
Day 55 Week 8
(March 4, 2009)
The last few days have been very slow. I pushed back my next trip to Faithway Christian Church in Accra form Sunday to today so I could get caught up on my school work and rest. Monday was very productive and relaxing, but yesterday was frustrating and boring. I did not get anything done yesterday that I needed to, because the electricity was out the whole day. Once again, “Adaptation” is the word for my stay in Ghana. I am learning that what we have planned is not exactly what will happen. This just forces me to rely upon God that much more and allow Him to plan and control my life. Trust me it is much easier to give it to Him to deal with then to do it yourself, plus it will drive you insane, literally!
The last few days have been very slow. I pushed back my next trip to Faithway Christian Church in Accra form Sunday to today so I could get caught up on my school work and rest. Monday was very productive and relaxing, but yesterday was frustrating and boring. I did not get anything done yesterday that I needed to, because the electricity was out the whole day. Once again, “Adaptation” is the word for my stay in Ghana. I am learning that what we have planned is not exactly what will happen. This just forces me to rely upon God that much more and allow Him to plan and control my life. Trust me it is much easier to give it to Him to deal with then to do it yourself, plus it will drive you insane, literally!
Day 52 Week 8
(March 1, 2009)
Today my parents set off for home. There stay was very enjoyable and eye opening. I think the departure will be more difficult for them then for me, but nonetheless they will be missed. This past weekend was very interesting and long. Upon our final day in the north, Thursday, we found ourselves once again in another country and yes, once again it was “officially” “unofficial”. Burkina Faso was our destination, but unlike our adventure to Togo we just stayed in what is referred as the “nomad’s land.” This is a part of land in-between Ghana and Burkina Faso that is not claimed by either country, but there borders are truly in this area, so we did actually go into Burkina Faso. After this, I found myself as well as my parents sitting on a live 98-year-old crocodile! Upon our “Crocodile Dundee” adventure, we made our way back to Tema where we began this trip one week ago.
We arrived on Friday and relaxed the rest of the day. Then on Saturday, we began our site seeing and shopping in the greater Accra. The market, much like Mexico, has a more then less unique business operation. There is a price and then there is the agreed upon price (bartering). I personally love this because I will love business and cannot be pushed around. My Mom on the other side is a softy and my dad just was the carrier of the items. Upon our crazy shopping time we went and saw the capitol, parliament building, U.S. Embassy (which was surprisingly Huge!!), and Ghana Christian University.
This week I have not been really involved in much ministry actions, but I have been still involved for when on a mission trip there really are no days off. I would equate this last week as a youth conference for youth ministers. You are technically working, but it is also designed for you to gain some rest and revive yourself. I need this for the past five weeks were very intense in the amount of preaching and traveling I had done.
Today my parents set off for home. There stay was very enjoyable and eye opening. I think the departure will be more difficult for them then for me, but nonetheless they will be missed. This past weekend was very interesting and long. Upon our final day in the north, Thursday, we found ourselves once again in another country and yes, once again it was “officially” “unofficial”. Burkina Faso was our destination, but unlike our adventure to Togo we just stayed in what is referred as the “nomad’s land.” This is a part of land in-between Ghana and Burkina Faso that is not claimed by either country, but there borders are truly in this area, so we did actually go into Burkina Faso. After this, I found myself as well as my parents sitting on a live 98-year-old crocodile! Upon our “Crocodile Dundee” adventure, we made our way back to Tema where we began this trip one week ago.
We arrived on Friday and relaxed the rest of the day. Then on Saturday, we began our site seeing and shopping in the greater Accra. The market, much like Mexico, has a more then less unique business operation. There is a price and then there is the agreed upon price (bartering). I personally love this because I will love business and cannot be pushed around. My Mom on the other side is a softy and my dad just was the carrier of the items. Upon our crazy shopping time we went and saw the capitol, parliament building, U.S. Embassy (which was surprisingly Huge!!), and Ghana Christian University.
This week I have not been really involved in much ministry actions, but I have been still involved for when on a mission trip there really are no days off. I would equate this last week as a youth conference for youth ministers. You are technically working, but it is also designed for you to gain some rest and revive yourself. I need this for the past five weeks were very intense in the amount of preaching and traveling I had done.
Day 48 Week 7
(February 25, 2009)
Wow wow wow! Today was a very long day for we traveled a long distances and found ourselves to be at the end of the world (if there is one we were there). The last couple of days my parents and I were with Pastor Kingsely in a village near the Togo boarder. This community is run by very young men both as the chief and as the elders of the church. I am looking forward to coming back and working, encouraging, and growing with these young men. We “officially” “unofficially” went into to Togo as well. If we officially would have gone in then we would not have been able to get back into Ghana, and that would be bad. How does one get around this, I am glad you asked… With a little pay off and the Ghana immigrations holding on to your passports, so we went into to the country, but our passports did not. TIA (This Is Africa). As a future pastor, this would seem a little controversial if one really stopped and thought about it, but in an unfortunate culture that “Pay off” was like paying taxes or a security. All in all our stay with Pastor Kingsley was very good one and has excited me for when I return to work with them in May.
For today’s little adventure, we traveled form Pastor Kingsley, which is located in the Far East and about ¾ of the way up in Ghana. The town we left form is called Tatale. We traveled from there all the way to the near northern boarder of Ghana and about 2/3 over to the west. We traveled over to Yezesi to visit Pastor John. This will be the location on the field in my stay here in Ghana. Let me tell you this is in the middle of nowhere!!!! It is the hottest place I have every been and the sweat would evaporate before even hitting the ground! Our visit was short, but again I look forward to the new experiences come June. I also have developed a list of things that I will be eating in the northern region as well: Grass cutter (a type of rodent), Rat (a true rodent), snake (Poisonous), and dog (but not like my own dog). Just for clarification, this is not by force and it is not as common as one would think to eat these things. This is truly me wanting to go all the way with this trip. Most people do not even eat these things to be honest. As far my ministry has been concerned this trip has been more of a preparation for my last final leg, so in a very good way it has instilled in me a little different passion of my hopes for each location when the time comes.
Wow wow wow! Today was a very long day for we traveled a long distances and found ourselves to be at the end of the world (if there is one we were there). The last couple of days my parents and I were with Pastor Kingsely in a village near the Togo boarder. This community is run by very young men both as the chief and as the elders of the church. I am looking forward to coming back and working, encouraging, and growing with these young men. We “officially” “unofficially” went into to Togo as well. If we officially would have gone in then we would not have been able to get back into Ghana, and that would be bad. How does one get around this, I am glad you asked… With a little pay off and the Ghana immigrations holding on to your passports, so we went into to the country, but our passports did not. TIA (This Is Africa). As a future pastor, this would seem a little controversial if one really stopped and thought about it, but in an unfortunate culture that “Pay off” was like paying taxes or a security. All in all our stay with Pastor Kingsley was very good one and has excited me for when I return to work with them in May.
For today’s little adventure, we traveled form Pastor Kingsley, which is located in the Far East and about ¾ of the way up in Ghana. The town we left form is called Tatale. We traveled from there all the way to the near northern boarder of Ghana and about 2/3 over to the west. We traveled over to Yezesi to visit Pastor John. This will be the location on the field in my stay here in Ghana. Let me tell you this is in the middle of nowhere!!!! It is the hottest place I have every been and the sweat would evaporate before even hitting the ground! Our visit was short, but again I look forward to the new experiences come June. I also have developed a list of things that I will be eating in the northern region as well: Grass cutter (a type of rodent), Rat (a true rodent), snake (Poisonous), and dog (but not like my own dog). Just for clarification, this is not by force and it is not as common as one would think to eat these things. This is truly me wanting to go all the way with this trip. Most people do not even eat these things to be honest. As far my ministry has been concerned this trip has been more of a preparation for my last final leg, so in a very good way it has instilled in me a little different passion of my hopes for each location when the time comes.
Day 45 Week 6
(February 22, 2009)
It has been nice to see my parents and for them to be assured and comforted that I am safe. Yesterday the church that we were at in Salaga wanted me to preach, so I decided to incorporate my parents within the sermon, so I broke it into three parts and we all preached. It went well, but the main thing that was to be received was the family strength that the church is to also to have. This week has been nice and a good break. I think I might have been getting a little burnt, but not to bad. The only thing about this little break is that we are driving so much. We are going to three villages to see the evangelists that are supported by my home church. Overall, it has been a very uplifting week. I have not been home sick by any means, but to have your parents with you and for them to see what you have been doing is very exciting. It is odd now to be the one to help with the church side of things (preaching, teaching, interpreting, ect.). I am very excited, because I am very comfortable with the environment and culture. I am starting to understand the culture and customs in the villages and Ghana in general. I finally have figured out the lay out of church and some of the songs for worship!!! We will see what God has in store for this next leg of my trip; all that is being done here is in His hands and for His glory!
It has been nice to see my parents and for them to be assured and comforted that I am safe. Yesterday the church that we were at in Salaga wanted me to preach, so I decided to incorporate my parents within the sermon, so I broke it into three parts and we all preached. It went well, but the main thing that was to be received was the family strength that the church is to also to have. This week has been nice and a good break. I think I might have been getting a little burnt, but not to bad. The only thing about this little break is that we are driving so much. We are going to three villages to see the evangelists that are supported by my home church. Overall, it has been a very uplifting week. I have not been home sick by any means, but to have your parents with you and for them to see what you have been doing is very exciting. It is odd now to be the one to help with the church side of things (preaching, teaching, interpreting, ect.). I am very excited, because I am very comfortable with the environment and culture. I am starting to understand the culture and customs in the villages and Ghana in general. I finally have figured out the lay out of church and some of the songs for worship!!! We will see what God has in store for this next leg of my trip; all that is being done here is in His hands and for His glory!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Day 39 Week 6
The last few days have been very culturally educational. This past weekend the surrounding communities came together at a neighboring village of Abindo for a funeral. The women was known in the area as well as her husband. It was a very interesting time for this was a Christian wedding, but there was plenty of apestesh (Alcohol). Everyone is very supportive throughout this time in helping with the arrangements, financial support, and taking care of the mourning family.
After about a week of the death of the women everyone came together Friday night. During this time people dance, sing, and pay their resects to the elder and the mourning family. Later in the night a service begins. All the area churches of the same denomination present a song and dance. This portion of the service can go one for a couple of hours. Following this a message is presented by the minister. Then there is a time for stories and or words of encouragement to be given by selected people. This portion also can go on for a very long time. We left during this portion for it is the last thing that is done, but it was already after midnight, so it was pretty late.
Around 9:00 a.m. (which could be closer to 11 in Ghana) the funeral service begins. Once again all the area churches present a song and dance. Following this the biography or the obituary was read. Then one of the sons read a poem he wrote towards his mother and on behalf of the family. The minister presented a message again of encouragement and hope. Then the community comes together to present an offering to the family to help with the expenses. A final prayer is given and then the whole community follows the casket to the burial site. This walk was about a quarter to a half a mile away, so those caring the casket were very tired. The minister presented some last words and scriptures before the casket was lowered into the grave and then they fill it right away.
Then yesterday, Sunday, I preached at Abrebrawa. Pastor Hayford and I walked the two miles to the church and arrived just on time, which was whenever we got there. The sermon went well and I felt that the people were once again very warm and welcoming. I have been gaining more confidence through the encouragement and prayers that I have been receiving wherever I go. Then last night I did my final lesson with the youth and adults of Obanda. My time here has been amazing and very quick. The hardest thing in leaving is the friendships and bonds one makes. I have loved experiencing the unity we truly have through Christ! It is amazing that people form completely different cultures and lives can come together in Christ name and develop close relationships. God is truly great and I pray that I never forget how great he truly is! I pray for God’s hand to be active in the churches of this Volta region and that He blesses them and they flourish! I leave tomorrow to go back to Accra/Tema area as I evaluate my stay in Obanda and wait for the arrival of my parents.
After about a week of the death of the women everyone came together Friday night. During this time people dance, sing, and pay their resects to the elder and the mourning family. Later in the night a service begins. All the area churches of the same denomination present a song and dance. This portion of the service can go one for a couple of hours. Following this a message is presented by the minister. Then there is a time for stories and or words of encouragement to be given by selected people. This portion also can go on for a very long time. We left during this portion for it is the last thing that is done, but it was already after midnight, so it was pretty late.
Around 9:00 a.m. (which could be closer to 11 in Ghana) the funeral service begins. Once again all the area churches present a song and dance. Following this the biography or the obituary was read. Then one of the sons read a poem he wrote towards his mother and on behalf of the family. The minister presented a message again of encouragement and hope. Then the community comes together to present an offering to the family to help with the expenses. A final prayer is given and then the whole community follows the casket to the burial site. This walk was about a quarter to a half a mile away, so those caring the casket were very tired. The minister presented some last words and scriptures before the casket was lowered into the grave and then they fill it right away.
Then yesterday, Sunday, I preached at Abrebrawa. Pastor Hayford and I walked the two miles to the church and arrived just on time, which was whenever we got there. The sermon went well and I felt that the people were once again very warm and welcoming. I have been gaining more confidence through the encouragement and prayers that I have been receiving wherever I go. Then last night I did my final lesson with the youth and adults of Obanda. My time here has been amazing and very quick. The hardest thing in leaving is the friendships and bonds one makes. I have loved experiencing the unity we truly have through Christ! It is amazing that people form completely different cultures and lives can come together in Christ name and develop close relationships. God is truly great and I pray that I never forget how great he truly is! I pray for God’s hand to be active in the churches of this Volta region and that He blesses them and they flourish! I leave tomorrow to go back to Accra/Tema area as I evaluate my stay in Obanda and wait for the arrival of my parents.
Day 34 Week 5
The last few days have been very relaxing in most regards until today! We made some visitations to surrounding villages, which can be up to three miles away or so. The area is somewhat mountainous and so these journeys can be very wearisome! I am learning that ministry is not just mentally tiring at times, but also physically exhausting as well. When we do these visits I am sometimes out of the loop for they speak in Delu, Twi, or Ewe of which I understand nothing! After the visit I generally ask a little about what was discussed and it varies from small talk to family issues.
Now for today’s journey that has taught me a lot! First, we had to wake up at 6:00 to get ready for our trip, because we were intending on returning back t Obanda by 3:00. Well that did not happen. Today we were going to go to Nkwanta to visit a wildlife reserve, of which no one had been to or knew much about. We ended up not leaving until close to 8:30. Once again the Ghanaian time strikes again. Upon arrival we made a few stops to buy some items we needed and then took off to where we (thought) we needed to go to register for the park. This consisted of a two mile hike to the building that ended up just being a reception building for large groups. After this unfortunate discovery we made our way back to where we started. We found a taxi who did take us to the park. We asked him to stay while we figured out what we were going to do since Pastor Hayford had not been to the park. We went in and basically discovered that were going to see very little and spend a lot over four to six hours on this adventure or which neither of us were prepared for. With this we decided to leave and head back to Obanda, so the trip we made ended up being to get a couple drinks, lunch, and a few items. God was not done with our little adventure either, and I am sure he was just laughing the whole time because that’s all we could do, for as we came out of the park our taxi driver had left! We are now about three kilometers away form town and at the peak of the heat. We made it about half way and someone gave us a lift the rest of the way. Wow! O but wait I am still just getting started! It is about three o’clock in the afternoon by this point so the day has already been long. We get back to town and grabbed some lunch and picked up a part for someone in Obanda. We had the very fortunate time in finding a taxi driver right away who was leaving, typically it can be an hour to two hour wait for one. Well it turned out to be to good to be true. The diver had to make a personal stop to get a back of rice or sugar, so we waited about a half hour or so. Once we got going we were about half way and we made a slight (huge) detour! We headed to another village off the direction we needed to be going. Once we finished dropping off this woman we completed our loop which put us back into the town we needed to be in Brewaniase. Well, we decided to make things a little more interesting and half way on this detour our car ran out of gas! We did stop right in front of a small village so that was at least nice. It took us about an hour before anyone came back with some gas. Well that was the least problem for we had hit some big rocks and one of them had punctured the gas line! So what does one do when you are stranded in the middle of a village and you have a punctured fuel line? You get some soap and there is your plug! Laugh all you want, but it worked. We made it to Brewaniase and now it is around 5:30 going on 6:00. The same man was going to take us the rest of the way to Obanda, when a sudden we ran out of gas again. Upon refueling and a lot of push starts (everyone starts to push the car to gain speed so the driver can put it in gear, which then the car starts) we were on our way. We finished off this day around 8:00 at night having walked about 6 miles give our take and lots of dead ends!
I learned that in ministry you are going to have many dead ends and not to get discouraged. As well, when curve balls are thrown at you just keep your eye on the ball and swing for God will get you through it all! The most important thing I learned today is that one is a representation of Christ at all times and so when one is thoroughly exhausted and more things keep going wrong to keep a level head and keep smiling or laughing. Laughing was what got us through the day!
Now for today’s journey that has taught me a lot! First, we had to wake up at 6:00 to get ready for our trip, because we were intending on returning back t Obanda by 3:00. Well that did not happen. Today we were going to go to Nkwanta to visit a wildlife reserve, of which no one had been to or knew much about. We ended up not leaving until close to 8:30. Once again the Ghanaian time strikes again. Upon arrival we made a few stops to buy some items we needed and then took off to where we (thought) we needed to go to register for the park. This consisted of a two mile hike to the building that ended up just being a reception building for large groups. After this unfortunate discovery we made our way back to where we started. We found a taxi who did take us to the park. We asked him to stay while we figured out what we were going to do since Pastor Hayford had not been to the park. We went in and basically discovered that were going to see very little and spend a lot over four to six hours on this adventure or which neither of us were prepared for. With this we decided to leave and head back to Obanda, so the trip we made ended up being to get a couple drinks, lunch, and a few items. God was not done with our little adventure either, and I am sure he was just laughing the whole time because that’s all we could do, for as we came out of the park our taxi driver had left! We are now about three kilometers away form town and at the peak of the heat. We made it about half way and someone gave us a lift the rest of the way. Wow! O but wait I am still just getting started! It is about three o’clock in the afternoon by this point so the day has already been long. We get back to town and grabbed some lunch and picked up a part for someone in Obanda. We had the very fortunate time in finding a taxi driver right away who was leaving, typically it can be an hour to two hour wait for one. Well it turned out to be to good to be true. The diver had to make a personal stop to get a back of rice or sugar, so we waited about a half hour or so. Once we got going we were about half way and we made a slight (huge) detour! We headed to another village off the direction we needed to be going. Once we finished dropping off this woman we completed our loop which put us back into the town we needed to be in Brewaniase. Well, we decided to make things a little more interesting and half way on this detour our car ran out of gas! We did stop right in front of a small village so that was at least nice. It took us about an hour before anyone came back with some gas. Well that was the least problem for we had hit some big rocks and one of them had punctured the gas line! So what does one do when you are stranded in the middle of a village and you have a punctured fuel line? You get some soap and there is your plug! Laugh all you want, but it worked. We made it to Brewaniase and now it is around 5:30 going on 6:00. The same man was going to take us the rest of the way to Obanda, when a sudden we ran out of gas again. Upon refueling and a lot of push starts (everyone starts to push the car to gain speed so the driver can put it in gear, which then the car starts) we were on our way. We finished off this day around 8:00 at night having walked about 6 miles give our take and lots of dead ends!
I learned that in ministry you are going to have many dead ends and not to get discouraged. As well, when curve balls are thrown at you just keep your eye on the ball and swing for God will get you through it all! The most important thing I learned today is that one is a representation of Christ at all times and so when one is thoroughly exhausted and more things keep going wrong to keep a level head and keep smiling or laughing. Laughing was what got us through the day!
Day 30 Week 5
Wow! I finally arrived back in Obanda yesterday completing a two-week side trip. I visited seven villages and preached over ten times, spoke to two primary schools, a Junior High, Spoke to a whole community on behalf of the chief and elders, and have meet hundreds if not thousands of people. I have had no time to myself and it does wear a little on you just for the rest sake. You would think that I would have time to rest today, but nope I go to preach tomorrow! This truly has been the best possible way for me to feel what ministry is going to be like! I am very thankful for this experience and God has blessed me and the people I have meet over this past month! I have made it my goal to not repeat sermons or lessons throughout this portion of my trip and so far so good. It has been very difficult at times to feel God put a message on your heart and or you have planned, what you think, is a solid sermon and then to have no response to it in anyway! I was reminded of when Jesus sent out the disciples’ to their ministries and told them to dust their feet off and although these people are already believers I still feel like it applies.
Day 26 Week 4
I have been away from my main village of Obanda now for over a week and it is amazing when you are away from even a temporary home how you look forward to returning. I was planning to go back to Obanda this past Sunday, but well will just say adaptation has strike again. I am loving this trip, but it is becoming very tiresome. I am speaking every night and traveling during the day to the next village via a small 100 cc motor bike that is really a one seater! I am learning so much and appreciate all that God is doing in my life. It has become a challenge in preparing for each night. The services are full-blown Sunday morning services, so my lessons become sermons. I am not able to put together the same type of sermons as I would in my homiletics’ class, but I know that what I am delivering is not of me, but of God and a sermon of the truth from the Bible never goes wrong. I love seeing all the children and meeting all the people, for they have been very warm and welcoming! Today I thought I saw another American, but it turns out that it actually was an albino Ghanaian!
Yesterday Pastor Hayford left for Accra and I began my trip with Pastor Newman for the next three days. We stopped in Tutukpene for last nights service and today we continued on to Ashebre. The people are very nice here, but I feel little more of an outsider in the way they respond to me. I kind of do not blame them for I am an outsider coming and so I really don’t feel like I have much authority in my deliverance with them. The other thing that I am finally getting use to is that every time I have been speaking to the church members or visiting them at their homes is the public breastfeeding of the babies. One minute I am talking about Christ receiving rest and seeking time of prayer and then bam! A mother begins breastfeeding right in the front row. This has been very helpful in teaching me to preach through distractions, because the kids will always cry, people will always be getting up and church never runs at 100% every Sunday. Although not the way I was expecting to learn to handle distractions, none the least God has worked again in HIS OWN UNIQUE WAY!
Yesterday Pastor Hayford left for Accra and I began my trip with Pastor Newman for the next three days. We stopped in Tutukpene for last nights service and today we continued on to Ashebre. The people are very nice here, but I feel little more of an outsider in the way they respond to me. I kind of do not blame them for I am an outsider coming and so I really don’t feel like I have much authority in my deliverance with them. The other thing that I am finally getting use to is that every time I have been speaking to the church members or visiting them at their homes is the public breastfeeding of the babies. One minute I am talking about Christ receiving rest and seeking time of prayer and then bam! A mother begins breastfeeding right in the front row. This has been very helpful in teaching me to preach through distractions, because the kids will always cry, people will always be getting up and church never runs at 100% every Sunday. Although not the way I was expecting to learn to handle distractions, none the least God has worked again in HIS OWN UNIQUE WAY!
Day 23 Week 4
This morning I awoke at the unprepared time of 5:45 a.m. Yesterday we meet with the chief and elders of the community of Pusupu and upon departure of our visit, they decided they were going to bang the gong to address the community for the youth to arrive in the morning for a message. Before going to bed, we had not heard the gong, so we were under the impression that it was not going to be happening. Well I was wrong! I rushed to get ready and when we got up there no one had arrived. I am learning that the people of Ghana and the Ntrubo people are not concerned with time. In addition, they seem to tell you one thing and then at the last minute it changes. Adaptation is the word of the trip. I had not prepared a message for the morning, since it I was not thinking we were meeting, so I had to gather myself and put a message together. I remembered my word of the trip, adaptation, and once again, I had to implement that very word. Once people started to arrive, it was not the youth at all, but all the adults. I again had to change my message and speak of something more appropriate. The delivery went well and I feel it was well received. I am learning that God is with you always. I am also learning not to worry for he will help you when you are not able, or caught off guard.
Finally Rain!!!! It is the first time for rain in over two months! Wow! I never thought I would look forward for rain… Never mind, it was just thunder!
Finally Rain!!!! It is the first time for rain in over two months! Wow! I never thought I would look forward for rain… Never mind, it was just thunder!
Day 20 Week 3
I am concluding my third week of being in Ghana and my third week in the Volta Region. I have preached, taught a ministry class, or spoken to the schools almost everyday since I arrived in the Volta Region. I am currently in Brewaniase working still on the interpretation during my speaking for sometimes my word choices become confusing. Above all else, I have started to become a little worn of speaking so much. I love the experience, but since they are back to back, I find myself not being as well prepared and doing a lot of discussions and lessons on a rough outline! I am understanding the importance of that day off from work as well as designating specific days for just office work. As far as emotions go, I love the opportunity to speak as often as I am, but I have quickly felt that I am starting to sound like a broken record. Even with this every time I speak, I generally am speaking to a new group, so the receptiveness is strictly with myself. I spent the past weekend with the church and community of Abrubrawa. There I preached and it was the first time preaching in a thatched roof building, which was outside with no electricity. This also was very interesting for the evening services. I feel that God is truly using this time for me to develop me speaking skills and to work with my people relations as well. On a more personal note, spiritually I feel I am learning to develop a regular Bible reading and a regular prayer life. This I am thankful, for the pass of life is much slower here, so it has provided me with no excuse not to develop one. I am growing so much and the time is truly going by fast. I am getting more opportunities to preach and teach here just in the short while I have been in Ghana than I would have anywhere in the U.S. for the whole six months!
Day 15 Week 3
Currently I am experiencing the things we take for granted in a developed country. I am currently writing not knowing how much longer my battery will last for we are out of electricity at the moment. This happens almost every week at least once and no one knows when it will come back on. I have been involved a lot in teaching and preaching and observing throughout the village. I spoke to both the primary schools and the junior high school. Both of which I observed in their classes and then gave them words of encouragement. I love how open the country is for in the public schools there is a classes taught to everyone about religious and moral education. In which they talk about Christianity and all that comes with it. I also spoke to the women of the church. That was interesting and challenging for a man to addresses women, especially when I am so young and am easily intimidated by women. However, it went well and I welcome the opportunities in the future to speak to them again. The students were very open to what I had to say and over all everyone has been very pleased with the messages that have been delivered. I am learning how to be a vessel for God to work through, because there many moments where I just have thought after thought that keep coming and it all makes since and flows nicely. It is difficult to preach the way I have been taught for I can not type things out and or write everything out for I do not have much paper, so I have been doing outlines and then developing them when I preaching. It seems very poorly planned, but I am assured that I have the ideas of what I speaking about. Much like in the America all the children and youth have taken to me and are very open and warm. I am now going to be going to another village done the road for a few days to preach and see the people and then I am off for a two week travel of about 7-10 villages where I will be teaching and preaching and making visitations.
Day 12 Week 2
Wow already I have been here for one week and I feel very much apart of the village. I am constantly being addressed in conversations and it has been great. I am becoming to have more confidence in my teaching and preaching for I have taught every night since Friday. I have spoken to the youth and the men. Both of which I feel went really well. It is difficult to plan for the lessons because of the way I have been taught, in which I realize now how much I rely on technology and resources that are not available. I actually love it though because I feel I am learning to preach and teach strictly form the word. I do not have access to the Internet, commentaries, or anything else other than the Bible. Although I feel those things are very useful, I am glad that I do not have those for I feel this is preparing me to be a biblically focused preacher and teacher. It has been a little more difficult using a translator for sometimes even the translator does not understand me and so it can throw off my thought or movement, but all in all it has been good. On to week three here we go!
Day 9 Week 2
Wow what an experience I am having! I am having such a wonderful experience. I love taking the bath outside under the stars. I truly feel that God is very near and very real with me as I am in the middle of a village, which is in the middle of nowhere. I am not sure how effective I have been in speaking for the language barrier has made it more challenging to feel for the responses to things said, but I know the Holy Spirit will work through that and carrier the message over to them. I also have gained in understanding of what it means to communicate out of love. I cannot speak the language of the Delu people, but out of dancing, acknowledgment, and smiling they know where my heart is and the real reason why this Bruni (White man in Twi) is with them. I am a little nervous about my first sermon that I will be preaching and the load that I will have in a couple of weeks. I will be preaching at least four to five times at various locations within a week. This will be great work and experience for me, but I am a little nervous about delivering good quality in such a short amount of time. God will be with me and prevail through the message.
Day 6 Week 1
Only in my first week and I have witnessed more than I thought within the first two or three weeks at best. I am currently located in the Abanda Village in East-Ghana in the Volta region. Yesterday, was my adventure coming up. It began with leaving Enoch’s around six in the morning. We were heading to Accra to catch a van/bus. Getting anywhere in the city or I guess anywhere at that is always life threatening. “Ways of the road” seems to be whatever you make them. The traffic is constant and unorganized you latterly fight for your positions! When we arrived an hour and a half later, we entered a market area. Here there were shops lined everywhere. What I thought was going to be a mild wait, turned into five hours of waiting in intense heat. We finally began our journey, which consisted of a six-hour drive through a lot of Ghana. I saw a variety of landscapes and vegetation. The van was very uncomfortable and very very hot! The bridge that goes over Volta Lake (largest man made lake in the world) was very beautiful! When we came closer to the village we began to drive on the dirt roads again, most of the way up they were paved roads. The amazing thing about coming up was the speed we were going at when the roads were nice. At top speed, we hit 150 km! I loved it! Upon arrival, I was introduced to my living courtiers. Not a Holiday INN! I became a little overwhelmed at first but took a deep breath and said a prayer and I was fine. My room is pretty nice actually; it is more of the other hygiene things that are a little difficult. The toilets, well there are not any, at least ones to sit on. There is a whole in the concrete and you do your best at aiming at the hole. Showering is out side, which I actually enjoy a lot for you get to see the stars and he weather is amazing (at night)! Today I meet many of the people of the village. Those consisted of members of the church, the nurse, elders, and the chief interim. I meet with Pastor Bismarck and Pastor Maxin today as well. I had a lot of great discussions over cultural comparison with America. Although in the obvious sight the two countries are very different, but in the large scheme of things we are very similar. The same things that we deal with in America they deal with in Ghana. I am looking forward to a wonderful month. It may go by slowly for that is village life, but it will be a great one at that!
Wow what a month!
I have completed my stay with Pastor Hayford in the village of Obanda, in the Kwanta distric of the Volta Region. I preached or taught a lesson around 23 times or so, spoke to 6 schools, and addressed a whole community! I will be adding a video, and posting my journal enteries that I took over my stay in the next day or so. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and encouragement! I am sorry it has been so long since I gave anyone an update, but it was not possible with where I have been. God has been doing some amazing things in my life and in the lives of the people I have been with. My stay there has been amazing and truly a great start to my stay in Ghana! Please pray for the people of the Obanda area and for God's blessings upon them. I have taken many pictures and video, so I will do my best to share those with everyone. I will be leaving again here in couple of days upon my parents arrival. keep them in your prayers as well as my brother and sister. Once we return I will be able to give more updates a little more regularly! I am growing in experience, confidence, and reliance with Christ as my guide! My eyes and heart have been opened like never before. Through Christ it is truly amazing to see the quick unity of people from different walks of life and different cultures come together with the same purpose and desires in Christ. I have developed many friendships that will continue to bless me beyond my stay in Ghana!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
First Three Days in Ghana, West Africa
Within the first few hours of arriving I went to the office in Tema by way of a trotro (this is a mini-van which has make shift seats). I found myself becoming quickly accustom with the people for i shared half a seat with a women. It was a great for me to begin to become accustom with the culture. I also have become very acquainted with Ghanaian foods. I have had fufu (finely smashed yams), Banku (fermented corn i think) and kenkaey (is another type of fermented corn). along with eating I have learned that not all your food is to be chewed, so that has been interesting! Silverware??? Nope a lot of the dishes you use your right hand (only).
On Saturday I went to the Akplae Village (which is the village were Enoch and his family grew up). Today I awoke at 5 in the morning to witness a former Priestess receive Christ, so we took her down to the river to be baptised. Following that I was a part of wedding ceremony (not for me) in which Enoch's sister was married. i had the invitation to deliver the communion meditation. This was my first time using an interpreter and I was a little intimidated by the ceremony for it was extremely different from anything that I have ever experienced! It was great though. The service lasted for about three to three and a half hours. There is a lot of dancing and then the sermon lasted for about an hour. A lot of this was apart of a traditional church service as well. Later today I witnessed one of Enoch's nieces receive Christ as well, so it was back to the river and there was much rejoicing! Only three days and I feel like I am right in the middle of it all!!! It is truly a great experience! O and i am getting use to the low water pressure and currently and cannot take a shower for there is no water (the city only lets the water flow to the people once a week or so for them to fill their tanks and then they shut it off). I will be leaving Tuesday for about a month where I will be living in a village about 8-10 hours or so north. I am not sure when I will have contact again but will update you when I get the chance!
On Saturday I went to the Akplae Village (which is the village were Enoch and his family grew up). Today I awoke at 5 in the morning to witness a former Priestess receive Christ, so we took her down to the river to be baptised. Following that I was a part of wedding ceremony (not for me) in which Enoch's sister was married. i had the invitation to deliver the communion meditation. This was my first time using an interpreter and I was a little intimidated by the ceremony for it was extremely different from anything that I have ever experienced! It was great though. The service lasted for about three to three and a half hours. There is a lot of dancing and then the sermon lasted for about an hour. A lot of this was apart of a traditional church service as well. Later today I witnessed one of Enoch's nieces receive Christ as well, so it was back to the river and there was much rejoicing! Only three days and I feel like I am right in the middle of it all!!! It is truly a great experience! O and i am getting use to the low water pressure and currently and cannot take a shower for there is no water (the city only lets the water flow to the people once a week or so for them to fill their tanks and then they shut it off). I will be leaving Tuesday for about a month where I will be living in a village about 8-10 hours or so north. I am not sure when I will have contact again but will update you when I get the chance!
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