God is Faithful

During the past week, I was hit square in the face with some of the realities of living in this area. Oh, they were nothing new. But, maybe I saw them in a different light this time. Maybe it was the intensity of the reality. We all live in areas where there are spiritual battles going on. The battles you see and experience may be very different than the battles that I see and experience. Northern Ghana is definitely a spiritual battlefield, even amongst believers. Some days, when I return from a visit to a home in the village, I need the Lord to help me regroup, readjust. 

I think the experiences I had last week opened my eyes to see fresh once again. After being here for five years, I am sorry to say, it can be easy to think, "This is life in Lawra and the surrounding areas." and keep it at that. Between some conversations I had last week and attending a Traditional funeral, once again, my eyes were opened...not only my physical eyes, but my spiritual eyes as well. And, it unsettled me. Part of my problem was that at first, these things didn't bother me. And, that fact bothered me. I don't want to accept things as they are and not see them as the Lord sees them. So, I had to pray for forgiveness and ask the Lord to give me His eyes, His ears, His heart when facing these types of circumstances. In my mind, they should drive me to my knees. 

One thing that I did remember was that God is faithful! What an understatement! He listens to the cries of my heart. He knows what is going on within me even before I do. And He starts to work. I pray that I won't accept these situations as the "status quo," but would begin to seek the Father's will on what my part is when coming to these situations. There is an appointed time and an appointed place for conversation. Until then, may my actions reflect the Father's love to those I meet, especially to those who do not know the unconditional love of the Lord.

Why?

"Why?" It's such a great question, always looking to learning more. "Why?" It can drive a mother crazy when her young one asks the question 1,000 times. "Why?" is a question I have asked God not too long ago. I  had traveled to Albania to attend the Regional Gathering that The Mission Society sponsored for its workers in Europe, Asia and Africa. (It is a time for personal and professional development. And, a time of fellowship and worship.) 

I left my home in Lawra on September 30 to begin the trek to Albania. I was excited about the pre-gathering training that I would attend, a class on Team Leadership. And, excited to see all those friends and colleagues that I haven't seen for ages. And, excited to attend the sessions ranging from Inductive Bible Study to sessions on the Shame and Honor Cultures. Life was good! The flights were close, but, hassle free. I signed in. I took the Team Leadership class. For three days life was really good. 

Then, a day to rest. Hmmm...I wasn't very hungry and there was real, recognizable food! I was cold, I felt as if it might snow. Maybe I was tired. So, I napped. The next day, the official opening of the Gathering, I fought with myself to stay awake. At the first break, I spoke with my Field Leader. I had a fever. I went to bed. I was freezing. Then, I was sweating. Ugh! Malaria! I started the malaria meds and went to bed. For two days I couldn't eat. I drank as much as I could, but, it wasn't much. One of the doctors would check on me. People brought me tea and other good stuff to drink. I crawled further under the blankets. After missing two full days, I cried, "Why? Why, Lord? Why did I travel all this way just to stay in my room? I want to go home (to Lawra)." I felt awful.

Then, a still, small Voice reminded me that even though I live alone in Lawra, I am not alone. I have the God of the Universe looking after me. I have a family that is made up of all kinds of people who watch over me and take care of me. Yes, malaria was not what I had planned for this trip. But, God showed me I am far from being alone!

Faithful One

 

I find no hope within to call my own,

For I am frail of heart, my strength is gone,

But deep within my soul is rising up a song,

Here in the comfort of the Faithful One.

 

I walk a narrow road through valleys deep,

In search of higher ground, on mountains steep,

And, though, with feet unsure, I still keep pressing on,

For I am guided by the Faithful One.

 

Faithful, faithful to the end,

My true and precious Friend,

You have been faithful,

Faithful, so faithful to me.

 

I see Your wounded hands, I touch Your side,

With thorns upon Your brow, You bled and died.

But there's an empty tomb, a love for all who come

And give their hearts to You, the Faithful One.

 

Faithful, faithful to the end,

My true and precious Friend,

You have been faithful,

Faithful, so faithful to me.

 

 

And when the day is dawned and when the race is run,

I will bow down before God's only Son,

And I will lift my hands in praise for all You've done,

And I will worship You, my Faithful One.

 

 ~ Faithful One by Selah

The Many Faces of Wonder



 

Today, I visited the village of Kondokpie, a community of Kalsagri. It is the village where Naamal was living with her grandmother. Since Rev. Job, who has taken so much time with the care of Naamal while she was in the hospital and after, was in Lawra, I asked him to go with me to visit Naamal's grandmother. Friends of mine, Tula and Gary Crumpton, came along with us. When we arrived at the house, we asked for Naamal's Maakum (Grandmother.) We were told that her grandmother traveled south to Techiman to see Naamal! Amazing! This is the woman who pleaded with me to help her grandchild because no one else would help her.



 

Instead of leaving, we greeted the chief of this small community. Then, we showed him the before and after pictures of Naamal. Words cannot express the look on his face...awe, astonishment, wonder...and then, the photos were passed around. Naamal's uncle, who cannot hear or speak, was jumping up and down with joy, showing the pictures to extended family. People kept coming from their homes and from "out of nowhere" to see...male and female, young and old, all wanted to see the difference in Naamal. Unbelief...realizing a miracle had taken place. Everyone was so happy and so grateful. At least twenty people came all at once and shook our hands to thank us. I responded, "Barka Naangmen!" (Thank God!) Naamal's uncle went to the family house and came out with a bag of groundnuts from his family farm. He just didn't know what to say. Those were holy moments...moments when God was present and experienced by all. Even as we walked back to the truck, more people came to see the photos. They could not believe that this was possible! Our God is so good...to take a five year old girl who was seen as worthless to her parents, and He gave he a new life...a new face...her family back. Praise God for all of His wonderful deeds!

 

Naamal...Seeing Light at the End of the Tunnel

I saw Rev. Job yesterday. He has been instrumental in Naamal's physical and spiritual health. When I saw him, he gave me this picture. It is Naamal, two days after surgery. It looks like there is a "spacer" in her mouth, to help keep it's shape. I really don't know what it is called or what the reasons are for it's use. But, it does help shape her face. Rev. Job saw Naamal last week. He said that he almost did not recognize her. She can close her mouth! Her face looks so fine! And, her parents are so happy. More to come as I receive information and pictures. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,  for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

16 who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endure s forever.

Psalms 136:1-26 (NRSV)

 

Thorns

 

Are you suffering a thorn?It's probably safe to say that we all suffer a "thorn in the flesh" at some point in our lives. Scripture tells that Paul suffered a thorn. Three times he prayed to have it removed. Three times the answer was the same, "No." Why does God allow us to suffer with thorns? They hurt, they are painful, they are hard to remove...

 

Yet, we have them. I believe God allows us to have thorns in our lives to draw us closer to Him. I do believe that God does not give us these thorns, I believe that Satan uses them to take our eyes off of Jesus. I also believe that God can use these thorns to glorify Him. He uses them to build humility in us as we accept our thorns. As we place our trust in Him, others see He is our Comfort, our Fortress, our Shield, our All in All. People can see that His grace is sufficient for those who truly place their trust in Him.

 

Will our thorns ever be removed? Paul's wasn't. But, that doesn't mean that yours or mine won't be removed. God is the only One who can remove them, though. We can't do it ourselves. Will you trust him with the pain of your thorn today? I do!

On the Road Again...

 

 

I'm on the road again, or is it still? I guess it doesn't matter what continent I am in, I am on the road a lot!

 

I have been in the United States for 26 days. I have been in four time zones, spoken in the states and have attended a week long class which has assignments and teleclasses to complete. 

 

 

It has been a blessing to be with old friends and new, telling them what God has been doing in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

 

No matter how tired I am, I come alive when speaking about Ghana, life there, the villages, the people, the children.

 

Yes, I miss my life in Lawra. It is a lot simpler, a lot harder, too. But this chapter of life is much needed, too.

 

God has used this time to introduce others to His work throughout the world, and specifically in Ghana. And, He is using this time to meet the needs of those with whom I work as well as my own.

 

Yes, I am on the road again...and God is faithful!

The Night Fires

Last night, I was watching a movie and I heard a noise. It sounded as if great, big, fat drops of rain were hitting the ground. I thought, "Praise God, it's raining." We haven't had rain for six weeks. I went out on the veranda and looked closely - I almost held out my hand to feel the drops. Then, I saw it. The fires. To the left of my house & behind it, the fires were eating up the dry grasses. They were making a popping and crackling sound. The sky was lit with orange. And, when the wind started blowing, it urged the fires on towards the front of the house. After 15 or 20 minutes, it was over. The flames had died down and the fire department hosed the ashes with water. Now, there are large black areas where just 2 months ago, grasses, flowers and other plants grew. It is just a way of life here. The rainy/growing season, then after harvest the drier seasons and time to allow the gifts of the harvest to see us through the rest of the year. I wonder if it is like going up to the mountain top and then returning to the valley to put into use what God has taught me. A time to remember what God has done in the past and will continue to do. For He is faithful and I am thankful!

On the Road to Lawra

On Wednesday, February 16, the truck was loaded with refrigerator, stove, all the household stuff I bought and my cases that I brought with me.
Then, I left Accra with Mary Kay and our driver and started my journey north towards my final destination of Lawra in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

The roads, at times, were bumpy and dusty.
We stopped along the way in Ankaase, to spend the night. In the morning, after visiting Osofo Anderson and his wife, we visited another good friend, Maggie. Maggie formerly worked as house help for colleagues who worked in Ankaase. When I last saw Maggie two years ago, I asked her, “What will you do when they leave?” and she answered, “God will provide.” And, indeed He has! Maggie is now the headmistress of a nursery/preschool, Royal Christian Academy that meets in the house she and her husband, Richie had built. It has more than 200 students in attendance! When we were there, the children were still arriving and class had not yet started.
On the road again…although sometimes it was very narrow. We were trying to find the shortcut to a village where one of Mary Kay’s churches is building a girl’s dormitory. It was the correct road and we finally made it!

 Next, off to Wenchi to check on some bore hles that Mary Kay had drilled. That’s were we spent the night, due to the generosity of Wenchi Methodist Hospital who put us up in a guest house for the night.

In the morning, we left for Wa and eventually for Lawra. In Wa, we greeted the pastor and introduced ourselves. It turned out that there was a meeting at the church of the pastors in the circuit (32 “societies” or churches) and we gave greetings there, too. I saw my friend Rev. Salia there. What a blessing! Then, I bought a gas cylinder to connect to the stove. Propane is used. When we arrived at the gas site, there were more than 50 cylinders ahead of us! When we picked it up later in the evening, ours was filled and there were more than 100 people in line. There had been no cooking gas for months!

We arrived in Lawra, late afternoon. We greeted the people at the Lawra Integrated Health Centre. After that, we went to my house and unpacked the truck, met my neighbors and I received the keys to my new house.

I now have a HOME in GHANA! Praise God!

....Take Off!

Yesterday was the day I left cold western Pennsylvania to fly to the tropical climate of Ghana. I had been waiting for this moment for so long, dreaming about it. My sister, brother, sister in law, niece and close friends were at the airport to spend time with me and to see me off. It was kind of strange looking back at them and waving, not knowing for sure when I would see them again. I got settled in on my flight to JFK and then on my flight to Accra. It seemed almost anti climatic. I don't know what I was expecting to feel, I was just thankful that there was not anything else I could do, and if there was, too bad, so sad...I'll get over it. What I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that God is faithful and He has been with me every step of the way!

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 ...

Today, friends of mine took the last few things out of my apartment. I have a folding chair left. Even that will be gone before the day is over. But, the hardest part is coming to realize that it will be a very long time before I see these friends again. Tears were filling my eyes. It was a happy/sad moment. Even though I am looking forward to what God has in store for me, it is hard. Saying "good Bye" isn't easy. And I am sure for those I am leaving behind, the "Good Bye" will also be difficult. I am so thankful that these people are a part of my life. What a blessing! They have encouraged & offered direction. And now, I am going to miss them. We come and go. There are seasons of life. Things change. People change. Circumstances change. God is Faithful. He never changes! Praise God!

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

The theme for today seems to be "letting go." I packed up most of what was left in my apartment into my friend's van. She will store it for me in Erie. So, I let go of "stuff." I also "let go" of my car today, as I signed it over to someone else. It is their generosity that is allowing me to use the car until I move out of my apartment Sunday afternoon. I'm trying not to be a spoiled American. My apartment is pretty empty with piles of things here and there to give to a variety of people tomorrow. I'll be sleeping at my neighbor's house. And I'll be experiencing the bittersweetness of turning the pages to a new chapter of life. Sometimes it is a bit overwhelming, but that's OK, God will see me through.

Countdown: 10, 9...

The countdown is on...10, 9...only 9 days left before I fly out of the country on a one way ticket! Life has been pretty hectic for me recently. Errands, phone calls, travelling, collecting documents, packing, repacking, making choices on a variety of levels. I can't believe the time is actually near! I often have wondered if the time will ever come. And, now that it is so close...I am overwhelmed at the grace of God. He is so faithful! He knows what is best for His children, He knows what is best for me.

I spent the last 2 days in snow country, in Corry, PA, with friends that are like family to me. I worshipped with them, enjoyed their company, just "hung out" with them and was spoiled by them. The sermon was one that was perfect for the day, for my life and a reaffirmation of what God has been doing in my life. I was truly blessed while there, even in the -11 degree F weather. God has been so good to me.

Now, it is time to tie up some more loose ends. And I know God will be with me all of the way. He has already gone before me, finding me a house to make into a home that will glorify Him. It is so much more than I ever hoped for or dreamed of, yet He knew what I wanted, what I needed. I know that He will continue to be faithful and I pray that I will continue to be a faithful to Him.