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.