God Speaks MY Language!

On a recent afternoon, in the village of Kunyukuo, four of us met for Bible Study. Now, this isn't the type of Bible Study that us Westerners think of when we hear the term "Bible Study." We were reading the Scriptures for Sunday's service in English and Dagaare. I was helping the participants to understand the English and they were helping me to understand the Dagaare. This was basic Bible reading. And, simple explanations.

Those in attendance were Mama Jane (who can read and understand English, but needs reading glasses, so she just listened), Stephen (who can read both English and Dagaare quite well), Ernestina (who can read English some) and myself (who can read both, but understands some Dagaare.) 

First, we read the English passage in Luke. Three of us took turns reading it. Unknown words and concepts were explained. Then, we read the passage in Dagaare. Oh, Ernestina NEVER read Dagaare before today! Her eyes were glued to the page except when her baby was fussing. She was so focused and intent on reading the passage. Her face glowed! God speaks her language! She had seen and heard others read the Dagaare New Testament before, but, now, she was doing it! She was determined to read each word correctly. Stephen helped her along. Isn't this what the body of Christ is all about? Surely, Heaven was rejoicing as I witnessed this heart-touching scene.

Ernestina wants to continue to learn to read Dagaare. She wants to read God's words and understand them. And, I know that God will grant her these desires. I believe that Ernestina, along with Stephen , will one day be leaders in their church. God is showing them the way!

Kunyukuo

Ten days ago I was posted to the Kunyukuo Methodist Church. Today was my second Sunday to preach in this small village. I hopped onto my motorcycle around 8:30 in the morning to begin my challenging ride to the village. I have driven to Kunyukuo four times now, and I am far from an expert. There is a paved road for a couple of miles. Then, the dirt road begins. Not only is everything dry and dusty, so one has to be aware of loose dirt and gravel, but there are also several home made speed bumps, a bridge that is falling apart, rocks in the earth and V shaped ditches dug across the road (I like those the least!)

Once at the church forty minutes or so later, I am greeted by Matthias, the Society Steward. He helps with the business of the church. I walk inside, and there are PLENTY children waiting for the service to start. Total numbers are small, but, that is fine with me. As we get into a regular routine, people will come. 

Both Sundays I have asked, "Is there anyone here who can read English?" No hands went up. Hmm...I was hoping to get some people involved by reading the morning Scriptures. Then, I asked, "Is there anyone here who can read Dagaare?" No hands went up this time, either. Matthias and myself are the only ones. So, today he read the Epistle reading and I read the Gospel reading in Dagaare. I have asked "Uncle" if he would teach people to read Dagaare. He said he would. (Uncle is an older gentleman who is unable to walk, so he doesn't come to church. This would help keep him involved. So, I will continue my quest for Dagaare New Testaments.) 

Both Sundays, the service was very low key. The drum is spoiled and is being fixed. And, I know Matthias needs to brush up on his "church" Dagaare. (I may be able to help him with that. A Dagaare New Testament will help him, too.) The children have out numbered the adults. I know the word of God will be heard and people will come, not because of me, but, because of God. I am hoping people will invite others. In the meantime, we will come and worship and sing and hear the word of God. And, leave the rest up to the Lord!

After service, we stand around and talk. Mama gives me fried groundnuts to take home. I hop back on my motorcycle, a bit more slowly than earlier, and start the drive home, praying for safety. Kunyukuo is a lovely little church with precious people. I pray God will use me to do His will in that place.

A Hunger and a Thirst

October 2014 was a very special month for the Dagaaba people of Ghana. Why? Because it is the month that the Dagaare New Testament was published by the Bible Society of Ghana. Up to this point, there was no printed Bible in the language of the people with whom I work. The Bible was read in English and then interpreted into Dagaare. Many of the people of my church are illiterate. Some are not. There is a hunger and a thirst for God's Word, especially among the younger people of the church. Josbeth, pictured above is a quiet person, not loud spoken at all. A year ago, when asked to read English in church, he would read haltingly, not sure of himself at all. He would read the shorter passages for the worship services. Now, Josbeth comes to church and volunteers to read even the long passages in Dagaare, reading with conviction, as if he really believes what he reads. 

This is Comfort and Samuel. Samuel has been teaching all those who want to learn to read Dagaare and those who can read, but want to read better. Samuel is a church leader and Comfort herself will be a leader some day. Comfort attends Bible study and our English/Dagaare reading classes. She, too, has a hunger and thirst for God's Word. Samuel is hesitant to assign people to read during the services because he wants people to volunteer to read because they have a desire in their heart to serve God in this way.

These two boys are Wisdom (grade 5) and Godfred (grade 6). They walk from their village about a half hour away to attend worship services and when they are able, English/Dagaare reading classes. Wisdom often leads devotions at his school, giving the message. He wants to be a pastor when he grows up. They both have shown that they are hungering and thirsting for the Word of God. The day this picture was taken, they sat under the nymn tree and read the Scriptures aloud for 20 minutes before the service started.

It has been such a blessing to watch these young people grow not only in their ability to read, but in their desire to know the Word of God. New Testaments are made available to those who attend classes and take their turn reading in church during the services. For others of the church, they are made available at a reduced cost. Pray that God's Word would be planted in hearts and that someday, these young people would make a difference in their community and beyond!

Market Sunday Thoughts

 

Last Sunday was Market Day in Lawra. On Market Day, we worship at 7:00 am instead at 9:30 am. This gives the women time to go to church and then walk into Lawra to buy and sell. We have been doing this for two years now. I am hoping people realize that this is what happens every Sunday Market day.

 

Recently, I read a quote that said that God isn't interested in quantity, He is interested in quality. I was reminded of that on Sunday. I was sitting there, in church, wondering, "Where is everyone?" There were two funerals that day and it was market day, but, it was still early. And, I was a bit disappointed that only 25 people came to worship. But, then, I began to look around....

 

The two boys pictured above are in their early 20s, Samuel on the left and Josbeth on the right. A year ago, Josbeth would barely speak aloud. He had a hard time reading both English and Dagaare. And now, he jumps at every chance he has to read the scripture in Dagaare during the service. He leads the Dagaare responses and even preached a week ago! I am so proud of him and the way he has been open to God's leading.

 

Then, I looked to my right to Ernestina. Oh, how she loves the Lord! She is so passionate when she gives testimony of what God has done. She prays and praises with her whole being! Wisdom, a boy in grade five, stood up and testified that the day before, he almost didn't come to church for our Bible class because his friend, Godfred wasn't able to come. But, he came anyway. Wisdom reads Dagaare very well. And, because he has been coming to classes and reads the scripture in church for all to hear, he was given a Dagaare New Testament. He said that receiving that Book was the best day ever!

 

So, what do I have to worry about? Nothing! God has it all under control. I think I will trust Him. He has used these people who came to worship that numbers aren't everything, He is!