A Proud Mama

Sunday, I preached in Lawra at the Bethel Society. It was good to be in Lawra again. Bethel is my Ghanaian "home church." But, I do get more nervous when I preach there. Even though there are plenty of village people who attend this church, there are more educated people attending there, too. So, I allow that to put more pressure on me. I have to keep in mind that the sermon can't be too complicated for the uneducated, but not so simple as to be "boring" to the others. Oh, why do I worry about those things? I really don't have to. If I listen to the Lord, all will be well. And it was. 

I was at the church to worship. To preach. To be in fellowship with the people of God. Yet, I also had a couple of "Proud Mama" moments. The woman who interpreted for me was Akos. (Her Christian name is Paulina.) When I met Akos in 2008, she was 12 years old. I looked at her and I thought, "Oh, Lord, she has become such a sweet young woman." She is dedicated to serving her Lord and her church. The way she lead the worship service and the singing....I am sure my face was glowing I was so proud of her and the way she has dealt with all of the challenges life had given her. (She has completed Senior Secondary School and is working in the office at the Methodist clinic in Lawra.) Akos also interpreted for me as I preached. She did an excellent job. He voice was strong. The inflections of her voice were perfect. And, she helped me to keep the attention of the people. Thank you, Jesus! I wish she could be with me in Kunyukuo!

Then, as I sat up front, facing the congregation, my eyes fell on a handsome young man wearing a long sleeved shirt and a tie! His name is Richard and he is from Kalsagri. He finished Senior Secondary School last year and is now in his first year of nursing school in Lawra. He is doing well at school and looks forward to the day when he will graduate and will be gainfully employed. When that happens, he will be able to help his family and be a leader in his church.

These are two of the "kids" the Lord has given me. When I think of them, I smile. When I see them, my heart is full of joy. And, I am grateful.