GI Kojo Goes to Church

It was a day to celebrate at Wesley Methodist Church of the Chiraa Circuit. The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was going to take place, and it was a day to try to raise the funds to complete building the church.
 

As we got closer to the church on Sunday 31 August 2014, we noticed a few guys in army uniforms with AK 47s in their hands. The closer we got to the church, the more military we saw among the trees, by the church building…all over the place. Hmmm…why was GI Kojo at church today?
 

 

The answer to this question was very simple, His Excellency, Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, the vice president of Ghana was going to worship with us this day. As we waited for everyone to arrive and the service to start, we heard sirens…everyone got up and looked out towards the street. The motorcycle motorcade had arrived, with the drivers showing off their unique driving abilities…next came the VIPs, including the vice president. All the GI Kojos were alert, watchful, doing their job .
 

 

The local chiefs and political VIPs attended as well as plenty of “big men.” Worship started – it was a wonderful service. The Foundation Stone was unveiled and dedicated, with plenty of people in attendance. Money was raised. And, maybe when the church is complete, the VP will come again…along with more GI Kojos!

There She Stands

When the night seems to say

All hope is lost, gone away.

But I know I’m not alone.

By the light, she stands.

There she waves, faithful friend,

Shimmering stars, westward wind,

Show the way, carry me,

To the place she stands.

Just when you think it might be over,

Just when you think the fight is gone,

Someone will risk his life to raise her,

There she stands.

There she flies, clear blue skies,

Reminds us with red of those that died,

Washed in white by the brave,

In their strength, she stands.

When evil calls itself a martyr,

When all your hopes come crashing down,

Someone will pull her from the rubble,

There she stands.

We’ve seen her flying torn and tattered.

We’ve seen her stand the test of time.

And, through it all the fools have fallen.

There she stands.

By the dawn’s early light,

And through the fight…

She stands.

 

~There She Stands by Michael W. Smith

 

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."



A Dog's Life

Hi! Since Maakum has not written a blog post for a while, I thought I would. My name is Ruby, one of Maakum's grandpuppies. Ruby is short for Ruby Tuesday...my human dreams about food a lot! I am also known as Ruby Slippers, Rubik Cube, Baby Girl and Monster, although I don't know why anyone would call me a monster!

I often visit Maakum, especially when my human is out and about. I have been known to whine at her front gate until she lets me in. Then, she feels sorry for me. (YAY!) So, she brings out my water bowl and my toys!

So, I start to play with bunny. But, then I realize that I am not the center of attention. Imagine that! Maakum is drinking coffee and reading her Bible! So I whine...a lot. And I look at her with my big, Eeyore type eyes. And, it works! I am now comfy on her lap, ready for a small nap!



After my nap, I decide I am a tad hungry. So, the eyes and the whine go to work again. Maakum grumbles small, but I know she is only teasing...she loves me...and she goes inside to bring me some summer sausage! Do I have Maakum trained or what? Then, I let her know I want more. She goes inside again, but, this time she comes out with banku with fish, one of my favorite Ghanaian dishes. I dig in!

I am just a bit messy when I eat! Now...time to play again...and she says, "I'm not a dog person." Huh! What am I? Chopped liver?

My visit to Maakum is almost over...my human is on her way. But, one more thing Maakum lets me do....

somehow I got on Maakum's bed. I don't know how it happened...maybe Scotty beamed me up. :-)

That's all for now. I need to do my duty as "guard puppy." I'll be back again if Maakum forgets to write!



I Lied

It is true. I have been lying to you. I have finally come out of denial. My knee pains me a lot. It keeps me awake at night. It shoots sharp pain up my leg when I drive my moto because of the angle I need to have it to drive. It makes travel very challenging. I limped from my kitchen workspace to my refrigerator today. I cannot wait a year for a knee replacement. I have called my surgeon to find out what my options are. (Two years ago he told me that he would do surgery whenever I wanted…it was that bad!) It is like a constant toothache or worse.

 

So, pray for me, for my knee and for health decisions that need to be made. (Surgery has been scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2014.) I cannot live in Lawra like this and do what I need to do/want to do. Thanks!

Life in Lawra - Cow in Hole

 

So here's the thing...I almost had fresh beef today! The chief's cattle were grazing through my front yard as I was disposing of some leftovers from my grandpuppy, Ruby. I heard a SPLASH. " What was that?" I wondered? I looked up and saw a cow in a cement water collection hole. The cattle were being herded by some small children, so I called to them. Then, I told my neighbor, who is a daughter of the late chief. She KNEW who to call. And, she called PLENTY of people!

 

A man who Beatrice, my neighbor, called "uncle" came. He tried and tried to free the cow, pulling this way and that, even putting his fingers up the cow's nostrils to get good leverage. Eww! When some small boy came, the boy pulled at the cow's horns and Uncle pulled the cow's tail. It looked like it would hurt. (Can a cow's tail get broken?) Needless to say, the cow did not get out of the hole.

 

Finally, the Fulani man, who is to take care of the chief's cows, came. Uncle jumped into the hole and pushed the cow up, while the Fulani man and children pulled up from outside the hole.



 

The final result? A freed cow...who was not very happy to have been in the hole. Needless to say, those of us watching, watched from a safe distance. No beef for dinner tonight!

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!

A Visit from John

Last Friday morning, I was outside my house early (6:00), taking pictures of the gorgeous sunrise. I was thinking about hopping on my motorcycle (in my Christmas jammies...they were long sleeved and long trousers) to take some pictures along the LawSec road when I saw a young man walking towards me. He was carrying a torch (flashlight) and a small, black book, which looked like it could be a Methodist hymnal, but was really a King James Bible. I greeted him. He told me he was being spiritually attacked, could I help him?



Hmmm...old white woman, young black man, 6:08 in the morning. What to do? I asked his name. "John." "Are you the John I spoke with in Kalsagri?" "Yes." I invited him onto my veranda and we began to talk. I realized I was over my head in this. John had a tormented soul. I didn't know all of the cultural spiritual beliefs and battles, so I called Razak. He would know what to do. He said he was on his way coming. Meanwhile, Fortune, the woman who helps me twice a week arrived. (Good sigh.) I served water and began to prepare tea. Razak arrived and sat with John and talked.

John said that when he tried to sleep, three bears would come to chase after him. He was sure if he was anointed with oil and American water, that this would stop. Razak spoke truth to him. He asked John about his beliefs and what was he doing to prevent these spiritual attacks. So, they talked some more. Razak told him that American water wouldn't help. And, even being anointed wouldn't help if John didn't take some action in this situation. God wasn't like some magical wizard, say and do the "proper" things and all would be well.

After the guys had their tea and talked for about an hour, we prayed. Razak anointed John with oil, asking the LORD to protect John and watch over him and draw John close to Himself. Would you continue to pray for John, too?

A Kalsagri Funeral

Early yesterday morning, I was informed of the death of one of the church members in Kalsagri, Afie Yongpugre Songneh. Afie was one of the older women of the church, one I called, "Maakum." (Grandmother)  Here, in the north, the body is "staged," items from the person's life surrounds them. Mourners come and grieve and throw coins on te ground. The coins will be used to pay the grave diggers.

The casket is ordered and made the same day. There are no casket shops! The calabashes and pots are broken underneath the staging area. Afie used these items in this world, and will need them in the next. This is how the transition is done. Next, goats were sacrificed. It is believed Afie will need these in the next life, also. 

The Very Rev. Ernest Baiden came to Kalsagri to lead the funeral service. After prayers, scripture and a sermon, which included an invitation to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, a collection was taken up for the family to help alleviate funeral costs.

Next, the graveside service. the family and friends of Afie formed two lines and the pastor, myself and the casket passed through, then, the rest followed.

The grave was hand dug, which is no easy task on the savannah. The earth is hard and I am sure a pickax was used part of the time. The step on the side of the grave was for the grave diggers to stand on while they straightened the casket inside the grave. 



 As the words, "From earth to earth" are said, a shovel full of dirt is thrown on the casket. The same for the words, "From ashes to ashes." And, for, "From dust to dust." The sound of the dirt and stones hitting the top of the casket are a reminder of our mortality...and Who gives us life!

Final prayers are said, a benediction and a song. Then, greeting the family, once again, offering our condolences and inviting them to the service that will celebrate Afie's life. Afterwards, we join the family under the mango tree and visit with family and friends before leaving. One topic of conversation...one of Afie's relatives wants me to be his second wife!!

I pray that the Christian example that was seen these past few days will speak louder than any words preached. Seeds were sown. Praise God!



School Discipline

 

Here, in Ghana, I often see adults with a stick in hand, ready to discipline a wayward child. Caning is an acceptable form of discipline, even in schools. But, some schools are trying to get away from that type of punishment. If a child gets in trouble, they may have to pick rocks up from an area on the school grounds that is in the process of being cleared. Weeding is another punishment that is given. Try weeding in the sun when the temperature is in the 90s. No fun at all! Digging a hole for whatever is needed is also a punishment that is used. Also, sending a child to fetch water can be a disciplinary action. There are so many "manual labor" kinds of punishment that I have heard of and seen.

 

Recently, while traveling, I saw all these school children kneeling on the dry, hard ground, in the scorching sun. They knelt there for several minutes. I had never seen that before, so I asked about it. It was corporate punishment - punishment for the entire school! People would walk up and down the lines of the students, making sure they were in the correct position. The students had to remain there until the signal was given to get up. Caning was no longer allowed at this school, so this form of punishment was being used.

 

Hmmm...makes one wonder about the consequences of one's actions!

 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Wedding Bells? I Think Not!

 

 

Last week I received another marriage proposal. By the same man who asks me EVERY month. You see, he works at the Lawra Water and Sanitation Authority. And, when he is there when I pay my bill, he proposes marriage to me. In the past, I have told him, "I am too old. There are younger women here." He responded, "I see them come and go. It is YOU I want." I said, "but I am 60 years old. I am too old." He responded, "I am seventy years old. You are not too old."

 

During our latest discussion of marriage, I smiled when I turned him down. He said that because I was smiling, I meant that I really do want to marry him. He told me, "In Lawra, you can find love anywhere...in the market, in Lawra towne, at the river..." "...and, evidently at the Lawra Water and Sanitation Authority," I responded. He laughed. He told me we will have an April wedding.

 

So, there you have it. This 70 year old man wants to marry me in April. I don't know his name. If I asked, it would probably seal the deal. I don't know if I will be the only wife or the second or third wife, maybe even the fourth wife. I didn't even tell him who to talk to about a bride price!

 

Hmmm...I think I will send someone else to pay my water bill next month!

 

Desert Song

This is my prayer in the desert, and all that is within me feels dry.

This is my prayer in the hunger in me, my God is a God who provides.

 

And this is my prayer in the fire, in weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved of more worth than gold

So, refine me, Lord, through the flames.

 

And I will bring praise. I will bring praise,

 No weapon forged against me shall remain.

I will rejoice. I will declare:

God is my victory and He is here.

 

And this is my prayer in the battle and triumph is still on it's way.

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ, so firm on his promise I'll stand.

 

All of my life, in every season, You are still God.

I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship.

 

This is my prayer in the harvest, when favor and providence flow,

I know I'm filled to be emptied again.

The seed I've received I will sow.

 

~ by Hillsong