August 19, 2018 is a day I will never forget. It was the day of my Farewell Service at Bethel Society in Lawra, Ghana.I had lived and worked with the people there for going on eight years and I ws leaving Ghana in a few weeks. This was the official time to say "Good Bye." The Service started early with a naming ceremony for the pastor's baby girl. Then, we moved onto the worship service. The Scripture passages for the day were perfect and my beloved friend and brother, Rev. Job, preached.
After communion, the "Farewell" part of the service began. I was amazed at all the people who came, young and old, Christian, Muslim and Traditional.
They all came, they all sat through the worship service. They came honor me, to show their love for me, to say, "Thank You."
It was overwhelming. I didn't do anything special while I was there. It didn't take people long to find out that I wasn't a source of large amounts of money. I didn't pay for new churches or schools.
But, I loved the children. I spoke with the brokenhearted. I took time to sit with those older than me, to talk with them. I welcomed the handicapped. And, I tried to live out my faith.
I wasn't perfect. There were many times I had to say, "I'm sorry." And move on. People were forgiving. They were happy to talk things out because most of the time, I just didn't understand.
I was so surprised to see so many people come. And, I thank God for each and every one of them.
I was humbled by the outpouring of love.
Even my little buddy, Boniface came and sat through the almost seven hour service!
When I miss my Ghanaian family, I remember, they are here with me...when I sweep the porch with the brooms from Margaret, when I water my plant that is in the pot from Hagar, when I wear the beautiful clothing from Razak's family or Boniface or Pius or Kalsagri Church or....their clothing is like a big hug, reminding me of our times together. That because of Jesus Christ, we are family.
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