A New Name

Names are very important to Ghanaians. The Dagaaba people are no exception. A name can tell a lot about who you are, the circumstances of your birth or of your family. For example: Dery is a name given to a baby boy after a previous baby boy in the family died as an infant. Debuo is a name given to a child whose father died before the child was born. Barvier is a name given to a child who has been born on the final day of the Bari Festival (a Traditional festival) if there were no casualties during the festival. Bonyelli, the name of one of the girls who lives at the centre, means "What have I done? What is wrong?" (These questions are coming from the mother.) Papula is the name given to a child who has been born with fair skin, even though the skin darkens with time. Ayou is given to a child whose parents died while the child are still young.

So, when Dery told me that I was becoming a "Dagaarapog" - a Dagaara woman - he said I needed a Dagaara name. Hmmm...most of the ones I have heard have not been very positive. But, Dery said he would pray and let me know what name comes to mind. Monday, he told me my name..."Wasonti" (pronounced wa (a as in want) sewn tea) which is made up of three words. "Wa" means come, "son" means help, "ti" means us..."come help us." He said that God had sent me here to help the people, so the name fits well. I pray that I can "live up to my name" with God's help. I do not want to be an enabler. I want to be an "empower-er!"

I am so Blessed!

Monday, as I was driving home from the Home Group I belong to, my mind began to wander as it often does on an open road. Since my computer was not working, I had checked my email at my friends house before I departed. My messages included one from a church in central Pennsylvania which wants to support my ministry at $100 a month and this was the message to confirm that commitment. I was also asked to speak to the congregation in January.

As I drove, I thought about the lack of "stuff" I'll have. I was thinking about cooking over a fire some of the time, and not having water some of the time, and having very little in belongings with me. And, I was so excited. I was excited because my dream is slowly becoming reality. "I am the luckiest person in the world" was the thought that crossed my mind. Then, I corrected myself, "No, I am the most BLESSED person in the world." The Bible doesn't mention luck, not even the "Luck of the Irish!" All good things come from God.

And, I see living among the Dagaaba people group a good thing coming from God. How else can I see this situation? The Dagaaba people group are an under evangelised people group. Most still believe in traditional or animistic religions. They don't know the love and hope of Jesus Christ. And, many times, when one accepts Christ into their life, the new beliefs are mixed with the old ones.

In Genesis it is written that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. The blessing spoken about is not an American way of life, or a certain monetary income, but the blessing of salvation. And, to share that blessing with others who don't have the opportunities to hear about it as we do in the USA...well, it doesn't get any better than that!

Celebrating Life

During the last 10 days or so, it seems like there has been a lot of "celebrating life." First, Leon was born and a party was held in his honor last Saturday. He is so cute! Then, a friend died. I didn't know her well. Years ago, I went to her house for a small group Bible study. The thing that really got me is that she suffered so much. And, she was my age. There have been several people from my church who have died recently. Remembering and celebrating their lives is always bittersweet. For the last couple of days the sun has been shining, snow has been melting and birds have been singing. Another way to celebrate life! Life has been given to the dirty grey colored snow that has been part of our world for what seems to be forever.

I am involved in a Perspectives class...Perspectives on the world Christian movement. It, too, celebrates life...life in Christ. As I immerse myself in study, I think of Leon and I pray that he will become a man of God, that he will do great things for God because of His faith and beliefs. I pray that people will stand beside him and teach him. I pray one day he will embrace Christ for his life.

Those whose lives we celebrated have been believers and we can be sure that we will see them "on the other side." They have been involved in the building of God's Kingdom here on earth. Now, it is time for their reward.

I wonder...will the Dagaba people of Ghana celebrate life with ancestral beliefs and juju or will they celebrate life by glorifying God within the context of their culture. They can do this honoring ancestors, but not worshipping them. They can do this with traditional food, dance, celebrations, leaving out the juju. Because...Christ IS life!