Two Amazing Young Men

I have known Wisdom and Godwin for three years now. They are members of the Kalsagri Methodist Church. I remember when we first received the Dagaare New Testament. Straight away, these two boys sat under a tree, opened them up and began reading. They read Dagaare so well! (And that is unusual.) You would never know that there was no Dagaare teacher at their school. 

These boys have been very active in the life of the church. They read the morning Scripture readings. And, if they are from the Old Testament, in English, they are able to appropriately interpret it into their own language. They are on the list to take a turn to lead the worship services. They walk over a half hour to attend church, Bible study, prayer meeting and school. Godwin interprets for Bible study. Wisdom wants to be a pastor and is always at church when something is scheduled..  Both of them are ranked first in their class - Wisdom in Form 1 (Grade 7) and Godwin in Form 2 (Grade 8.)

So, this past week, these two boys were given bicycles as part of the Kalsagri Bicycle Project. It is for Junior High School students. The requirements are: 1. Be a member of the church. 2. Be VERY active in the life of the church for at last a year. 3. Rank first in your class. Already Isabella, who is ranked third in her class, is saying she will work hard to become first. She, too, is active in the church.

What a joy it has been to watch these young people grow and mature, both physically and spiritually. When I question my work here...is it making a difference...I think of these two and I smile. God has blessed me with knowing these young people. Pray for them as they continue to grow, mature, study and become closer to the one true God in the midst of a society where idol worship is the norm. And, continue to pray for the congregations of Kalsagri and Kunyukuo that they may seek after the Lord and Him only. And pray that these congregations will become "a beacon on a hill" for a dark world."

Bible Storying

Most of the people with whom I work are illiterate. They cannot read or write. They live in an oral society and have oral traditions. They learn the stories of those who have gone before and tell them to their children. So, in this culture, it is especially important to teach the Bible in the way people will hear and understand. 

In the two churches where I work, Kunyukuo and Kalsagri, I have started a Bible storying class. We meet in Kunyukuo on Sundays, after church, and in Kalsagri on Saturday afternoons. We will methodically study the main 80-100 stories of the Bible, beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. During the class, the Bible story is told. We discuss it and answer some very pertinent questions, then the story is told again. (This is done in both English and Dagaare.) Then, we break up into pairs and tell the story to each other. Kalsagri did is when I was the Caretaker at their Society. So, they got right into it. They are very animated as they tell the story. And, when someone arrives late, there is no hesitation to tell the newcomer the story of the day.

Kunyukuo, on the other hand is tough. During the first class, people looked at me as if I had three heads. They are not used to doing thing. The last class we had, most groups told the story and a couple of them were very animated. I am hoping that this continues. You can watch some of the Bible storying on my Facebook page, Sue Kolljeski, Serving Christ in Ghana.

In an oral, illiterate society, it important to know the stories and lessons in God’s Word. And, little, by little, these two Societies are able to tell the Bible story and lesson that are taught. Hopefully, people will share the story of God's extreme love for us. And, hopefully they will draw strength from His word, for now they are learning it and hiding it in their hearts.

A Growing Church

I recently preached in the village of Kalsagri. (I consider Kalsagri my home village, even though I never lived there and I am now lay pastor at the church in Kunyukuo.) I haven't been in Kalsagri for church for a while, so it was like going home. At 9:30 am the service began. Comfort led the service. Wisdom, Alex and Elizabeth read the Scriptures in English and in Dagaare. Nicodemus and Francis translated/interpreted, when needed. People volunteered to pray aloud. Others led the singing. The young boys drummed and Alex played the traditional xylophone. All I needed to do was to focus on the Lord and worship....and, give the message for the day. Announcements were made. Scripture readings were assigned to people so they could prepare for the following Sunday. The offering was given. Prayers were prayed. Money counters had counted and recorded. The benediction was given and the worship service was finished.

I was the lay pastor for two and  half years at this church. When I was reassigned, I was a bit disappointed because I thought it was a few months too soon. But, look. God is in control! Everyone was doing their part! The church is standing on its own two feet. And, I couldn't be happier. It takes a long time to see fruit like this. But, if you go to worship in Kalsagri, you will see it. Praise God!

A Most Difficult Weekend

This past weekend was most difficult for me. Friday morning, I received word that my dear friend and colleague, the Very Rev. Ernest K. Baiden, ad died earlier that morning. How could this be true? I just saw him last week. Yet, I knew it was true. I couldn't accept it. I walked around the house like a zombie, not really focusing on anything. Doing something for a bit. Crying for a bit. Staring into space for a bit. Rev. Baiden was more than my pastor, more than my boss. Oh, how I will miss him.

I was scheduled to preach in Kalsagri on Sunday, yesterday. I am very grateful that for once I stayed up late on Thursday, not to color, but to finish my sermon. I knew on Friday, after hearing the news, writing a sermon would be useless. 

The theme of the day was to be, "Listen to the Lord and Live." What a perfect theme for the day! Two days earlier, I wasn't too sure as to what direction the sermon would go. Yes, it was written, but, still... And then, at church, before I preached, I announced Rev. Baiden's death. Most people knew already. Plus, I was wearing funeral cloth. Then, I began. After a few minutes, I put my notes down, and continued. It was truly the Lord who gave me yesterday's message. And, the untimely death of Rev. Baiden was a real life example that people understood.

I am not fond of having people repeat the "Sinner's Prayer." I want people to pray on their own, to mean it when they ask Jesus into their heats. Yesterday, we didn't have an altar call, per se. But, I definitely gave the invitation and had people pray on their own. I asked people to pray and ask Jesus to be Lord of their lives. Or, if they had already done that, which many have, what are the areas of your life where Jesus isn't Lord? Give those to Him. We prayed. And prayed. Surely, the Lord was in this place. This service was the perfect end to a most difficult weekend. Praise the Lord!

A Bittersweet Moment

I have been working in Kalsagri just shy of three years. During this time, I have come to love the people there. And, I believe the feeling is mutual. That was why going to church in Kalsagri was a bit difficult for me this past Sunday. You see, the pastor has posted me to be the Caretaker (similar to being a lay pastor) to the church in the village of Kunyukuo. I was told on Friday, the change was immediate. Oh! Was I not having a chance to tell the congregation? The person who would be the Caretaker of Kalsagri had traveled and wouldn't be able to be in Kalsagri on Sunday. I didn't have a preaching assignment. So, I was able to see "my people" one more time. Most didn't know I was posted to a different village. As I sat and looked out over the congregation, my eyes would fix on a person and I would remember a story or a situation that happened in the past. And, I would smile. I was really okay that morning...until my eyes found Josbet. He has grown so much in so many ways in the last three years. My eyes started to tear up. I didn't want to cry. (And, I didn't.) My eyes just got a bit watery.

At the end of the announcements, I told my church family that I had been posted to Kunyukuo. Oh, the looks of shock and disbelief. I think the women wanted to kidnap me. I had to assure them I would still be around and I might even be assigned to preach in Kalsagri from time to time. That helped make them feel better. Plus, the pastor says that it is only for one year. So, I will be back, God willing. 

The church has grown since I have been in Kalsagri. Not only in numbers, but in their spiritual life as well. I have to believe that God will continue the work that He has started in His people in Kalsagri. And, from the congregation, a pastor or two will rise up. For now, I will take away wonderful memories plus, I now have a family I never knew I had. And, before I know it, I will return! Praise God!

The Congregation has Left the Building!

Sunday was a typical Sunday morning at Kalsagri Methodist Church. The service was almost over. We had taken a special collection called the Kofi-Ama collection, based on the day of the week on which a person is born. (You put your money in the bag that is labeled with the proper day.) The congregation was singing, dancing; the drums were playing as well as the gyil (local xylophone.) I went into the back room to help count so that we could announce the amounts collected for each day. As we were counting, I noticed that the drumming had stopped. I didn't hear any singing. So, I went to check it out, to see what was going on. when I looked, I saw that our worship area was empty. The congregation had left the building!

I found someone and asked, "Where is everyone?" They had gone across the street where a motorcycle accident happened. Most people were just gawking, looking to see what happened. There were a few who were very concerned and tried to help. The guy who was driving lost control of his moto...I am wondering if it was because of the bald front tire. He didn't hit anyone. He had gone into a ditch. The front wheel of his motorcycle was bent in ways that a wheel shouldn't be bent. The man's hand was bleeding, so, someone brought water from the church to wash it off. Then, hand sanitizer. (That must have stung!) The palm of his hand was really messed up. He would probably need a couple of stitches. A couple of the boys ran up the road to the new clinic, but, no one was there. We found some kleenexes and a bandana to cover his hand. A few people prayed for him. Then, someone who had stopped took him into town to the hospital. 

We went back to church and finished the service. Hmmm...was that a God appointment for our congregation? Caring for the injured on the roadside? That's how God had used the Kalsagri Church this week. How has He used your church?

Flexibility

Richard stepping in to lead worship.

What happens at your church when the musicians don't show up and the worship leader disappears? What about when you are ready to start the Christmas Pageant practice and Joseph has left the building? Or at least 50% of the sheep don't show up? All of this and more happened at Kalsagri today!

These children should be in church, instead, they are finding a snack growing high in a tree.

Church service would soon start. I was writing out the announcements for the day when I looked at my watch. Oh, we are late starting. I walk into the worship area. Evidently, I was not the only one late! There were not even twenty people at church! I looked for Nicodemus, so he could lead the worship service. Oh, he was no where to be found. I was thankful to see that Richard had returned from school for his Christmas break. He most willingly led the service until Nicodemus returned. When it was time to read the morning Bible passages, no one was prepared. Again, Richard helped out, as did Samuel who was also home from school. I was (and still am) very grateful for the two young men. 

A shepherdess and some of her sheep.

We were ready to sing our first song. The drummers weren't here - yet.So, we sang acapella. We sounded tired and half asleep! I am happy to report we improved as people joined us. Seventy eight people attended worship today.

Searching the Word of God for the Christmas story.

After church, we had Christmas Pageant practice. Ready? No! Joseph has left. He had another commitment in his home village, but will be here Christmas Day. Sabina was Joseph for our practice - again! Half of the sheep were missing. More were recruited. We were ready to start. 

Jesus, on a bed of ebony fruit, what sheep would eat in this part of the world!

Godwin, our narrator, did a great job again. The first run through was a bit shaky. They would do it again. After a few pointers, I took a back seat and did not say a word. Trust me, it was hard! Jesus was born and placed in a "manger," a bowl of ebony fruit that animals in Kalsagri would eat if it were available. The kids did a great job. After the second time through, everyone started eating the ebony. "What will be left for Baby Jesus' bed?" I asked. "Oh, we will bring more," was the response. I was glad to hear that!

So, despite this old, American woman, Christmas Pageant practice was fine. And, I believe God will be glorified when it is presented on Christmas Day. Praise the Lord!

Just Do It!

The angel choir singing to the shepherds and their sheep.

Kalsagri Church is having a Christmas Pageant this year. They have never heard of one before. When I asked some of the youth if they were interested, there was a resounding, "YES!" There are challenges, though. At our first practice, plenty of children came, many filthy dirty, a few with only a t-shirt and underwear. So, we had to explain that, even though this isn't school, they still had to wear appropriate clothing.

Sabina taking care of baby Jesus.

On to the practice part...there was no Joseph, there was no narrator. Hmmm...what would we do? "Just do it!" So, we had practice and improvised. We scheduled another practice for Sunday after church. When the time came, Mary wasn't in attendance, we had to recruit a Joseph and a narrator, the head angels were not in attendance and half of the sheep were sacked because they were rolling on the ground fighting. (Am I too old for this?) The rest of the practice went amazingly well, praise God. Our next practice was scheduled for Friday afternoon at 3:00. (Today)

Practicing being a pregnant Mary.

Well, I drove my motorcycle out to the church. I arrived at 2:58. There was NO ONE there, although the boy drafted to play Joseph was quite close. I went to find Nicodemus to ask him what we should do. As we waited for people to come, Nico worked with Joseph, giving him pointers. Sabina and Ernestina came to help with the children.

The sheep adding color to their ears.

 The first thing we did when we had enough people, was to separate the sheep from the goats, oh, sorry....from the angels. The sheep were given their ears and colored them. (Ernestina helped with them.) They look so cute! Since Joseph left early, Sabina stepped in. I stepped in as Mary.

Angel choir practice.

The angel choir practiced, having way too much fun! Even though they may be small in number, they have beautiful voices.

Godwin, our narrator.

Once everyone was ready, we "ran through" the pageant. Godwin did an excellent job, reading the Scriptures from Matthew and Luke in Dagaare. Hopefully, we fine tuned some of the actions.

A couple of sheep just hanging around.

Our next practice is Sunday after church. I have no idea who will show up. We have had three practices and three different Marys! And, will Joseph be there? Who knows, maybe Sabina will step in again, No matter what happens, we will have fun. And, these dear people, most who are illiterate will see the Christmas Scriptures acted out. It will be culturally appropriate,in their own language. nd, hopefully we will all learn something in the process,..

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

Harvest

Today was Harvest at Kalsagri Methodist Church. As an American, I think of harvest as bringing in the crops. Maybe selling some to make money. I think of something to do with the autumn season. Oh, not here. Harvest is a fund-raiser. People are given notices and envelopes in which to put their donations. Then, members of the church bring items to the church to auction off. Since the growing season has ended recently, there was plenty of ground nuts, maize, hot peppers tomatoes and yams to sell. There were other things as well, especially since I don't farm. So, I didn't bring something I grew to sell! The auction started with a bottle of water, since water is life, it is everything in this hot and dry land. Then, the fun began with people bidding against each other. Oh, it was exciting to watch! At the end of the day, the church raised 508.95 Ghana Cedis, about $132 from people who can barely feed their families. What a miracle! Thank You, Jesus! The church was given a matching gift, so that now there will be money to meet their financial obligations and maybe have money left for their Easter Picnic! I am so proud of them.

A Blessing and...not so Much

This past Sunday was a day of celebration at Kalsagri Methodist Church. There were 37 baptisms and 30 confirmations, plus communion! It has been a blessing to be part of the preparations for this day. I was given the opportunity to teach half of the classes to these people who have decided to follow Jesus and to join the church. During the class time, I was able to get to know some of the people and to learn more names than I already knew. I was blessed to hear their testimonies. These are people who cannot read, who cannot write. One person is lame, another blind. Many do not even know their birth date. Yet, they love the Lord. They have seen what changes God has made in their lives. It is humbling to be a part of their faith journey.

Yet, there is a down side, too. But, not with those who have been baptized and confirmed. It is with the business side of it. The man-made rules and expectations. One man did not come to church because he could not afford to pay for the two certificates, a cost of just over $1. (Unknown to him, they were already paid.)  I try my best not to be a part of them. There are times, though, when I cannot escape them. That is the part I don't like.

Being part of this blessing...amazing. To have this opportunity...priceless. I choose to focus on the great things the Lord has done and to celebrate with those who have seen the power of God is truly stronger than the power of darkness.

Dreams

Good morning, Lord. I need to talk with You today. I need You. I need You to be not only a Savior, but also a Father, a Brother, a person who keeps the dream alive. I wonder, "What is my dream?" It used to be to work with orphans, to tuck them in at night and to tell them that Someone loves them. Now, I'm not sure. Is that still my dream? I was working with the children from the OVC Centre for a time. Due to circumstances, I no longer work there. 

If someone were to ask me today, "Sue, What is your dream? What are your dreams?" I wouldn't know how to answer. I might say, "I dream of a week where nothing needs fixed, everything works," but, that is not the intent of the question. I do not dream of greatness. I do not dream of marriage. I do not dream of having children or grandchildren. I do not dream of building schools or hospitals. And, I do not dream of leading a small church in a village in the Upper West Region of Ghana - that was Your idea, Lord! I do dream of the day when I stand before the congregation of Kalsagri Methodist Society and tell them they have done well. They are ready to stand on their own. Kalsagri standing on their own is within reach. It is a matter of time. It isn't really a dream. 

But, what's next? Dreams have been hard for me, Father. Dreams have been hard because they are easily broken. So, today, Father, at 8:43 am on August 6, 2015, in Lawra, Ghana, I ask You, "Father, give me a dream."

Anger or Compassion - What Is Your Choice?

 

Many times, as I read Scripture, something that I always took for granted jumps out at me. I was reading about Jesus' ministry and the thing that jumped out at me was His compassion. He looked out at the crowds and had compassion for them...they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus performed miracle to glorify the Father, but, I also believe that He did what no human could ever do because He had compassion for them. If Jesus was 100% human without being God, too, I am sure that He would have gotten angry more often. He may have wanted "His own space." He was always being pulled towards people and their needs. It wasn't often when Jesus heard a "Thank you." And, did anyone truly understand who He was and what His mission was all about while Jesus walked the earth? He was patient because of His compassion. He touched the untouchables because of His compassion. There was a time, He told the same basic story three times, so people would "get it" because of His compassion. (Lost sheep, coin and son in Luke 15.)

 

Then, I look at myself, at my actions, reactions, thoughts towards people. Are they always compassionate? I think not. My initial reaction oftentimes is to get upset, or angry, although I don't often act on that reaction. I forget that I am an American, with a different world view than the people with whom I work. We have been taught differently. We accept different behaviors as normal. We have different ideas on what should be done in many circumstances. It is OK to do things differently. People who live here know what works, I don't. (example -my garden!)

 

I know that I need to see what Jesus sees more often, not what Sue sees. I need to feel in my heart what the Lord feels. I need to pray more often and more seriously for the people with whom I work. Yes, there will be times of teaching and testing, both of myself and the people. We'll get through those times. God will bless us because of them...because He will be glorified. I will learn. The people of Kalsagri will learn. And, our lives will be a better reflection of the One we serve.

God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again

The day was Sunday, 17 August 2014. It was around noontime. Worship service was just about over. Announcements were being made. All was well...until I made the final announcement of the day. "I love Kalsagri. You have become my family...You have noticed that I have been sitting more frequently..." It was the beginning of a very difficult announcement. I was traveling back to America for surgery, for a knee replacement. I would be gone for 5 1/2 months...

As I spoke, I watched the faces of the congregation. The surprise. The shock. The love. The concern. And, something stirred within me. It was the same thing I experienced in August 1996, when I was leaving a camp in Russia. An 8 year old girl, an orphan was sobbing on my shoulder...and I on hers. I didn't intend to "get involved" with anyone then, just like I didn't realize how interwoven my life was with the lives of the people of Kalsagri. I was in pain (still am). I knew I needed surgery. But, oh, how hard it was to let people know I was leaving.

I was able to worship with the Kalsagri church one more time before I left Ghana. The congregation prayed for me with such faith and such love and such passion...how could God not answer their prayers? I miss them. And, my prayer is, "God be with you until we meet again."



Life in Lawra - Sunday

Yesterday was Sunday. In my mind it was a "day off" because I didn't have to preach. I woke up early and made croutons to serve as a snack later in the evening when I was going to have guests. After that, I made a tuna macaroni salad to have after church. If I made it before church, it would have time in the refrigerator, so it would be cold when I ate it.

I drove my motorcycle out to Kalsagri so I was there by 9:00. Church was not starting until 10:00 because the Superintendent Minister was coming to do a Thanksgiving service for a woman who had died two weeks ago. Plus, he was preaching and serving communion. Thus, my "day off" feeling.

When I arrived at church, the benches were set out, but nothing was ready for communion. The plates and cups were so dusty and dirty. So, I sent a couple of people up to the borehole to fetch water. I had a few anti-bacterial wipes in my backpack that we used to wash the things needed. When the water arrived, very cloudy and dirty looking, we rinsed the dishes. Then, we were able to set up for communion.

Since most of our singers and drummers had traveled south to try to earn money, our song leaders and drummers were young this week. They did a fine job. 

Later, as others arrived, the children went to the children's service and the adults took over the singing and drumming.

We sang plenty yesterday. The pastor had to preach and serve communion at the Lawra church before he came out to Kalsagri. He had told me that he would "fast track" the service in Lawra. Someone finally came who could translate for me, and we started the service. Scripture was read, songs were sung, visitors were introduced and welcomed, prayers were prayed, announcements were announced, the offering was taken...still no pastor. The "day off" feeling had long since left me. Where was he? Oh, one more song...he finally arrived, at 12:15! He once again welcomed the family of Afie, the woman who had died. People stood up and gave testimony of how Afie's life had touched theirs. The pastor did the Thanksgiving part of the service, thanking God for the life of this precious sister in Christ.

Now, it was time for the sermon..."Come to Me all you who hunger. Come to Me, all you who thirst..." Then, communion. The service was over by 1:30. So, I am thinking, "Yeah! Naptime!" WRONG! Someone had delivered a letter to Rev. Baiden early Sunday morning. It told of the death of a man in Techiman. He and his wife were from one of the villages of Kalsagri. Would the pastor please visit the widow and do the widowhood rites for the deceased man's wife. So, first we had to find someone who knew the family and knew directions to the family house. According to Tradition, the man was already buried, but the funeral and grieving were still going on. So, we "hopped" on our motorcycles, in search of the bereaved family. We did find them, but, then, we had to search for the man who had visited the pastor that morning. As we walked from here to there and from there to over there and from over there to...my knee was paining me with every step because of the arthritis. We did find the family house. We greeted everyone and sat down. We shared our mission of why we had come.

Then, the widow was found and brought to us. Again, greetings and sharing our mission. There was much discussion on when the widowhood rites would be done because the widow wanted to return to the south before she moved back north to the family house. She finally agreed to have the pastor do the rites now, while he was there. I didn't understand most of what was said because it was in Twi and Dagaare. So, I looked in my Liturgy book when I got home. First the pastor gave thanks that the two has said their marriage vows and were true to them. He had the woman put her hand in the hand of a male relative who would represent her husband. The pastor talked about the vow of living as man and wife until "death do us part." Now, death has separated them and freed her from that vow...and the hands were separated. He prayed that God would be with her during this time and again thanked God for their marriage.

He had the widow kneel. Then, as he prayed for her, she was anointed with oil. It was a short service filled with symbolism. I was glad that we could be there for the family.

I got home at 4:00 in the afternoon. I was exhausted. And, I was having guests at 6:30. So, I quickly ate and rested. Then, the sky was getting dark. I received a text, "Can I come early? Looks like rain." "Sure, come on over now."

So, Sarah and Sydney came over at 6:00 for our "girls night out" with Hassan, the three year old son of Sarah's fiancé. We watched it rain small, and watched the sky get dark and watched the candles glow as we talked and got caught up on each other's life.

The evening ended about 8:15. I was tired. I brought the things in and collapsed on my bed. It was a busy, but good, day in Lawra!







Church Meeting

 

Last Saturday, we held a church meeting in Kalsagri. (The above picture is the parking lot!) It was scheduled for 2:00 pm. I did not choose the time. The congregation chose the day and time. I drove out to Kalsagri so I would be at least 30 minutes early. I drove up and down a couple of kilometers of hard road (paved) honked my horn so people would know it was time to come to the meeting. And, at 2:00 there were....zero people there besides me!

 

But, I waited. By 2:10, there were about 15, by 2:30, there were thirty. I thought that was really good for people who have to take care of families and farm in the morning and don't wear watches or own cell phones. (I need to keep that in mind.)

 

After greeting and a prayer, we started the business of the day. I read our latest financial report. It was not very exciting. Only a few people fell asleep during it. Then, on to more important things...what to do with the people farming on our land? Do we allow them to continue? (Yes, until we need the land to build.) What do we give the Bishop as a farewell gift? (A traditional smock.) Who will volunteer to teach the children? (Janet - student, Hagar, Francis, Clarissa, Nicodemus.) Who will serve as Communion Stewards? (Janet - adult - and Yebedaa) Who is taking weekly attendance? (Janet - student, Nicodemus) Will we have a Harvest as a fundraiser this year? (Yes. November 23, 2014) Alex and Winifred have been serving as Financial officers. They agreed to continue. How many have chickens and other fowl? Are you interested in having them inoculated. (Plenty own them and YES, please set up an inoculation time.) What do you want the church to provide during the Harmatan season? (Soap making classes, Bible studies) What would you like our future building project to be? (A larger church)

 

So much was accomplished. There was plenty of discussion and debate. A lot of decisions were made. I pray that God will bless the willingness of these people to lead their church!

One Year Later...

 

May 19, 2014, Kalsagri Methodist Society celebrated its one year anniversary of renewal. Last Year, our first worship service was held on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013. I was a bit, to say the least, unsettled. I am not a pastor, I am not a preacher. God had other ideas.  In one year, our attendance grew from 59 to 118! And, a new roof, floor, windows, door and cement work and painting has been done. The church looks very nice.

 







During services, people sometimes fall asleep. People sometimes smile and nod their heads as if they know what I mean when I give an example or tell a story. Sometimes, they even get upset...like when Jacob was given Leah for a wife instead of Rachel!

 

Little by little, I am trying to find people who are willing to serve in leadership positions. This is their church. There are a few who will volunteer. Pray that leaders will rise up from the congregation and the church will be 100% led by people from Kalsagri. With God, anything can happen!

Easter Picnic

 

Here in Ghana, the day after Easter is a public holiday. The tradition is to have an "Easter Picnic" on Easter Monday. So, I asked the members of Kalsagri Methodist Church if they wanted to have a picnic. The answer was a resounding, "YES!"

 

We talked about food, since you cannot have a picnic without it. I would provide some yams for fried yams and some rice and oil to share. Everyone else was to bring food for their family and to share with someone who might not have any. One of the challenges of the day was lighting the fire to cook - the wind was enough to make this a problem! (See above picture.)



Three of the women of the church spent hours cutting and frying yams and preparing the rice. It was worth all their efforts. The yams were delicious!
 

 

While some women cooked, others sang and played games as if they were young school girls. They talked and laughed and had such a good time!

 

Now, it was time for the main event - FOOD! I was so grateful that people brought food. I wasn't sure. They had never had an Easter Picnic before and, we didn't have money for someone else to cook food for us. But, as you can see, plenty of food was brought to the picnic.

 

And, plenty of food was enjoyed at the picnic! When I left Kalsagri, five hours after I arrived, the festivities were still going strong with singing and dancing. Everyone was having a wonderful time.

 

I thank God for this experience. I pray that he draws the Kalsagri members into a close family, but, a family that ALWAYS welcomes new members.



Still Learning....

 

Today is market day in Lawra. So, in Kalsagri, we have our worship service at 7:00 am so people will have plenty of time to buy and sell. Several times, even many times over the last two weeks, we have announced this fact. I even told the congregation on Wednesday, Sunday, when it gets light outside, get up, bath, get dressed, eat fast and come to church. I had hopes that people would do so...it happened in the past.

 

I left my house around 6:35 am. The air was crisp. I almost expected to see frost on the ground. My arms were cold as I zipped (did I really "zip"?) along the road to Kalsagri. The sun was low and beautiful. What a lovely drive! Yet, when I arrived in Kalsagri, "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." No one was at church. It was locked. No benches were set out. The drum was still locked inside. No one was around. 7:00 came and went. No one. 7:10 came and went. No one. 7:20 came and went. Still, nada. 7:30 came and went...should I go home? The first person arrived at 7:33. Then, another person, a cripples man, walking on his hands, arrived. By 8:00, there were seven (7) of us. So, we started the service.

 

Little by little people did come. It was cold outside. The sun does not come up as early this time of year. Some people were out late last night. Whatever the reason, they did not come at 7:00 am, but they did come. By 9:00, there were 80 people there. And, by the time the service was over, there were over one hundred in attendance.

 

During the testimony time, I stood up to speak. I asked for forgiveness for thinking like an American. I am living in a country, in an area, where people do not have clocks. They do not have watches. They do not have cell phones on which the time is displayed. What they do have is the sun. When a person wakes up, they look at the position of the sun. And, that is how time is marked...by the sun. So, when the sun rises late during this time of year, I need to be sensitive to that fact. People did come to church. But, they came according to the clock in the sky, not the one on my wrist. I hope I learned this lesson today. The lesson? It would be that I am not living in America. The lesson that telling time by the sun is not wrong only different. And, the lesson that God calls people to His house, not me!

A Most Welcome Visitor



Friday, 13 December 2013, was an historic day in the life of Kalsagri Methodist Church. The Right Reverend Emmanuel MacLord Alfriyie, Bishop of the Northern Diocese of The Methodist Church Ghana came to visit. What a wonderful time! Surely God was in this place.

But, an hour or so earlier, this American woman was wondering if anyone would come! I arrived at the church an hour or so before the scheduled visit. There was one person at the church! Yes, you read that right, ONE! Oh, I know that most Ghanaians come late. They are on their own time schedule. And, my people even more since they do not have cell phones (on which they can check the time) or wrist watches.

Little by little, people came...

And as they came, they read Scripture...

 

Drummed...

 

And danced...

 

And, the people did come! I should know better. People come, even when I think no one will show up. By the time the bishop arrived, there were over 175 people in attendance, including five representatives from the Kalsagri Chief's Palace!

 

The Bishop was once a teacher and an evangelist...and still is! He spoke on Christmas, the celebration of Christ's birth. No one fell asleep. I think it is impossible to sleep while this bishop preaches. He is very engaging when he preaches.

 

The Word of God was preached...seeds were planted...challenges given...now, responses have to be made. Pray for these people...the people of Kalsagri who never saw a bishop in their church until last Friday...the people who live in extreme conditions, but who still have hope...pray for those who have not yet made a decision for Christ...pray for their Christmas celebration...may they experience Christ's love as we celebrate His birth!



Baptism

 

Sunday, 24 November 2013 was an historic day in the life of Kalsagri Methodist Church. The Very Rev. Ernest K. Baiden preached and then baptized 38 people, confirmed 18 people and then administered the sacrament of Communion. Many people  received communion for the first time!

 

 

There were several children under 16 years that were baptized. It was kind of funny...Rev. Baiden told the kids that they would all have to recite a Bible verse before being baptized. Many were cramming before the service! As you can see, Rev. Baiden does NOT use water sparingly!

 





 

Those that were 16 years old and above were also confirmed. They had to answer the baptism/confirmation questions individually and not as a group. First, baptism, then, confirmation.

  

 

I love the look on Comfort's face. You can see the joy! That is what makes life here in the Upper West worth it! Thank You, Jesus!

 



The gentleman above is Ko. He "walks" to church every Sunday. He is one of those people, who, if there were no church in the community, probably would not attend worship service. I don't want to say he is "cripple," it is just that he walks differently than you and I. I am inspired by his determination to get around and go places himself. It seems as if he does not give up! He is always one of the first people at church each week.

 

Communion was also part of the day. For those who were confirmed, it was the first time they were able to take communion. Surely, the LORD was in this place! I was privileged to be a part of these holy moments!