Abundant Blessings

It’s kinda strange. When someone in the US greets me and I respond, I respond totally different than when I lived in Ghana. The same goes with holiday greetings. When I wished a friend in Ghana a merry Christmas and a happy new year, I added, “May God abundantly bless you in the coming year.”

Then, I got to thinking., these days when I think of blessings, my thoughts go to the small, seemingly insignificant stuff. My Ghanaian friends look at God’s abundant blessings as monetary or material things. And, I can’t really find too much fault in that. These people had nothing. It was a blessing that they had food to eat. Many didn’t have clean water to drink. The women worked from dawn to dusk and later. Most chores were on their shoulders. So, to ask for God’s blessing might mean food for the day or medicine for a sick child. 

What I always had trouble with was when an “evangelist” came to preach, preaching a gospel of “If you give this much to the ministry, then I will pray for God to bless you abundantly so that you’ll never have a need again.” I know people who gave their hard earned money to such ministers only to realize later it was a sham. Abundant blessings…where were they?  In their situation, it was hard to see the blessings.

Sometimes it is hard for me to see the blessings, especially when life gets tough. Abundant blessings…there’s so many of them…life, breath, sight, hearing, hot and cold running water, heat on a cold day, food in the refrigerator and cupboards, Bibles in my heart language, coffee, a comfortable bed to sleep on, Christian music, a variety of gospel-preaching churches close to home, plenty of clothes in my closet, electricity, the ability to come and go as I please, family, friends, the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And the list goes on, and I thank God for these abundant blessings.

May God bless you abundantly this year.

 

Some New Year’s Day Thoughts

 

 

In the times I kept up with my blog, I frequently posted Wesley’s Covenant Prayer on New Year’s Day. I’m going to do this again, but a bit differently. I hope you will be challenged by this, or at least that you will give it some thought.

Many churches pray this Covenant Prayer on the first Sunday of the new year. I love that tradition. I often wonder, do I, or do others really pray this prayer or do they just say the words, not giving them another thought? I’m going to add my thoughts today.

I am no longer my own, but Thine.

When I made a decision to follow Christ, I gave him my whole life, so I thought. Sometimes it’s really hard to do. Did I ever wonder what that meant? Not at that time I didn’t. Did you?

Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt.

Many times in life I was the “low man on the totem pole.” And other times, I was held in high regard. And, of course, there’s always that middle ground. How did I handle each situation? Did I handle my position with grace? Did others see Christ in me? I didn’t really like the times I was in the spotlight, it’s nice to be acknowledged once in a while, but living as if I were in a goldfish bowl wasn’t my cup of tea. It was challenging at times.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

I would guess that we would all like to “do” instead of suffer. We like to be useful. But, are we willing to do menial tasks? What are we willing to do for the sake of the gospel? Work with AIDS patients? Work where no others would willingly work? Are we/am I willing to do what it takes? There was a time that I would have said, “yes!” loud and strong. I like to think I would react the same way now but my voice isn’t as loud or as strong anymore.

Let me be employed for Thee, or laid aside for Thee.

No matter where a person works, they can be the hands of Jesus. They can show His love to everyone that they interact with each and every day. Do others see that in me or do they see my impatience? When I was unemployed, were my actions those of Christ? Did I still have His joy in my heart?

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

Can you live without all the comforts of home that you now enjoy? Can you live without electricity? Or without clean drinking water? Without air conditioning in the summer? Without a washer and dryer? Most of the world lives just like that. When I returned from Ghana, I was so grateful for hot and cold running water. When a storm knocks out the electricity, so what? It’s not the end of the world. I have learned not to stress about it. I live a simple lifestyle. In years past, things were different, although I never did have an extravagant life. My friends in Ghana think I do. But, here in the US, no, I don’t. Things are a lot different here than in the villages of the Lawra District of Ghana. I have learned to be content no matter where I live.

I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal.

This is easier to do if you know in your heart of hearts that God can use you, your belongings, your cash, for a bigger purpose than what you can see with your own two eyes. Again, using Ghana as an example, I didn’t have to think twice about getting rid of 98% of my worldly possessions. God had a plan for my life in another part of the world. I had no idea how long I would be gone. And, why just let stuff sit in storage somewhere for years. Do I regret not keeping more? Sometimes I think it would have been nice to have a certain item or piece of furniture. But, again, what would I do with it? Where would I put it? In the end, I know that I did the right thing.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine and I am Thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in Heaven. Amen.

Lord, I give you my all today, my heart, my mind, my strength (or lack there of,) my will, my possessions, my life. It’s all yours, Lord. Amen.

Have a blessed year!

Barka, Gandy's Cove

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of being a part of a team from Gandy's Cove, AL. They came to Ghana to share the love of God through a medical mission trip. The pastor of their church led the group...he had lived in Ghana with his family for four years and was taking the group to places he had been in the past.

What a blessing this group of eight had been, not only to me, but to the people of the villages where they worked. I was able to see first hand how a team in Ghana can work. I had been a part of several teams in Russia, but doing the same type of thing in Ghana can be a nightmare! First of all, travel for a large group can cause one's hair to go grey and can be very expensive. Eight was the perfect size! Next, sleeping arrangements for a large group, especially when away from the large cities can be a challenge. The size of this group made accommodations reasonable.

The Gandy's Cove group showed me how a medical clinic can, and in many ways, should be run on a day to day basis. All patients were treated with love and dignity. Waiting time was as short as possible, with people working constantly until the medicine ran out. And, the team prayed with and for the patients. Each morning, we prayed for those who would be seen. And, the doctor and nurse, as well as others, prayed for individuals as the Spirit led them. People were so grateful for that! Sometimes, I think they appreciated the prayer more than the meds. Also, clients were touched, a hand on a shoulder, a touch of an arm, holding a hand or a child. Most Ghanaians are not demonstrative when it comes to affection. And, the human touch an be a source of healing. So, we made sure that people were touched on the arm, back, shoulder, head...just to let them know that they were special, not forgotten and that they are loved!

Most of all, I was blessed by being part of God's family who happen to live in Alabama. Life and especially work can be very demanding, with challenges that most Americans can't imagine. So, God used these dear people to put His salve on my spirit, to renew and energize me, to remind me that He is here in the midst of all the turmoil I face and He is watching over me. I have ideas that hopefully can be put into practice at our clinic, ways that can point to Jesus. And, I have a bit more courage to do and say the things that are needed. May God be glorified!

Barka, Gandy's Cove! (Thank You, Gandy's Cove.)

A Tro Tro Adventure

A typical type of public transportation here in Ghana is the "tro tro." A tro tro is a van that has enough seats to accommodate about 20 people. So, early this morning, a friend and I got on a tro tro headed fo Wa. It was a pleasant 2 hour trip. It wasn't too crowded, only about 18 people. But, on the way back, it was another story. The tro tro had seats for 20. Theoretically, by law, everyone must have a seat. There were at least 25 people, plus their purchases. The windows were held together with tape and you could feel every bump and stone in the road. Even though it was a bit crowded, it wasn't too bad. About 4 kilometers from Lawra, the tro tro pulls over. The driver talks to a bunch of people on the road, then, tells everyone to get out of the tro tro. He then loads up with all these other people. They paid him well to take them & their stuff to the river. They were planning to enter the bordering country illegally. And, there we were, sitting under a mango tree. We ended up getting a ride to Lawra from a friend of my friend. My friend reported the driver to the police. When the tro tro finally made it to Lawra, with it's original passengers, the police went after the driver. The driver knew he was at fault and took off, leaving a trail of dust...just another typical Ghanaian day!

The Final Trip

Sunday morning, the last of the furniture I bought was picked up. Then, we started on our final trip from Wa to Lawra. All was going well until, "bumpity-bump." We had a flat tire! I was grateful that it didn't happen on Saturday when our truck was fully loaded loaded with furniture!

While Anokye changed the tire, Mary Kay and I sat on some of the bush furniture that was in the truck. She was receiving and sending emails from the middle of nowhere while I read. We arrived in Lawra late for church, but safely! 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: 15 hours!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

I praise God for being with me and holding me up while I've been preparing for this moment in my life. Thank you for all your encouragement, your prayers, your support. Keep watch on this blog to see and read about the adventures that will be taking place in Ghana! To God be the glory!

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

Sunday I worshipped at a church that I refer to as my "second" home church. It was communion Sunday. The pastor spoke about the ordinary wheat and grapes that together make up this holy moment for us as Christians. What he talked about was what happens to the wheat, what happens to the grapes to prepare them for use as the bread and juice used as the communion elements. The wheat is pulled, chaffed, ground, sifts as it is made into flour. he grapes are picked, crushed, separated from the skin, they go through a process as they are made into grape juice. And, even during the communion service, the bread is broken. Christ did the same for us.

As I sat in the congregation and listened, I reflected on my life. The struggles, the heart aches, the abandonment, the rejection. The times when I never thought I would never be able to handle another day. Yet, God took those moments that seemed to crush me, that seemed to put me in despair, that seemed to be victorious in my life and He used them, He redeemed them, using them to glorify His name. That Is why I am moving to Ghana. Not because I am someone special or extraordinary, but because I have been broken and then redeemed. May I live up to the task that He has set before me!

Countdown: 10, 9, 8...

Up to this point in my life, whenever I went someplace, it was a round trip. I was always returning. I'd visit someone, then return home. I'd drive someplace, then return home. I'd go to a conference and return home. I'd go to Russia, Kaz, Peru, Ghana, Turkey, Costa Rica and I always had a return ticket. Now, I am flying to Ghana. But, this time it is different. I have a one way ticket. I am not returning home, I have no "home" to come back to. All my stuff is either sold or packed, I'm sleeping on an air mattress and using a borrowed chair and step stool.

When I fly out, I won't know if I'll ever see my family and friends again. I hope and pray I will, but that part of life is not as certain as if I were to stay in the USA. I may never worship at my home church again. Or go to the library or the local grocery store again. I may nervier see snow again, although right now, I'm ready to leave snow behind. There are a lot of people that I love to whom I will be saying "good bye" to. I know I plan to return in 2 years or so for a visit. But, things just seem a little more uncertain when you follow God's call in the way that I am following.

Am I hesitant? No. Scared? No. A bit apprehensive? Somewhat. But, I am ready to embrace what God has in store for me. Are you seeking Him and embracing what He has in store for you? I can guarantee your life will never be the same if you are!

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.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Praise God! I leave for Ghana on Wednesday February 2, 2011. I believe that God has His hand in this since I have my apartment until January 31, so I will only be "homeless" for 2 days. Plus, I can cancel my renter's and car insurance knowing that I will definitely be gone! What a great reason to celebrate. Thanks, God!

"Homeward" Bound

It's "official." When I first arrived in Ghana in October 2007, I felt as if I were "home." I had such a peace in my heart even though I did not know what lay ahead. And, now, for what seems like forever, my prayer has been that I would return to Ghana, not just for two months, but for an extended period of time. The time has now come! Praise God!

I will begin my journey to the Upper West Region of Ghana sometime between mid February and mid March, with the preference being mid February. So, I am finally on my way "home." I can't wait to see the faces of the children whom I love. I can't wait to return to my Ghanaian "home town," Ankaase. I can't wait to see my friends, Mary Kay & Charlie and Anne & Cam and Ritchie & Maggie and their families. But, most of all, I can't wait to be Jesus to the children at the Lawra Orphanage and to the Dagaaba people in the Upper West Region.

I know there is a lot to do between now and then...documents needed for my visa, housing concerns, raising some more support, a moving sale, Thanksgiving, Christmas, moving out of my apartment, and even dealing with being homeless for a time. But, I can't remember when I have had such peace, such joy. I imagine there will be bumps in the road, too. But, as it says in Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame." Obviously, God is in control. He has scripted this and, it WILL come to fruition.

Bonwire

There is this amazing town in Ghana named Bonwire (pronounced "bone weary") that is known for its Kente cloth. Visitors from all over come to watch as the artisans hand weave the cloth into narrows strips of colorful and most times, very intricate patterns. Each pattern symbolizes something, it has its own story to tell.

I had the opportunity to visit Bonwire in 2008. The main Kente cloth shop was closed. But, the owner was found and graciously opened his shop, invited us in, showed us how the weavings were done, showed us his wares and answered all our questions. We each ended up buying some cloth from him...I bought some in Steeler colors to give to friends. It was such a relaxing day.

Today is not so relaxing. I feel "bone weary." I feel tired straight down to the center of my bones. I struggle to stay awake and focused. I wonder if I should give up and take a nap. Yet, I continue...because isn't that what I'm "supposed" to do? I was taught to gather up all my strength and keep on keeping on until every last item on my list was finished. Then, do a few more things for good measure. That's the way to do it!

Many countries have an afternoon rest or "siesta" time. I wonder if they just might have the right idea. Stop for awhile. Rest. Get renewed. Then, continue the work of the day. I like the idea of renewal, of refreshing the spirit. Oftentimes, a nap isn't needed, only the refreshing of the Spirit. I know today I need that type of refreshment for my weary bones. How about you?

Missing Ghana

It is official...I have been away from Ghana for more than a year. I miss it so much. I especially miss my kids...

The music...

Teaching...

Getting my hair done...




And, fresh chicken dinners!

Well, maybe I don't miss the fresh chicken dinners that much! But, I do miss the kids.

"When, Lord, when?" I pray I will be there soon.

Bittersweet

Bittersweet. That is what Easter was for me this year. Bittersweet. That one word covers it all. No, I'm not talking about a type of chocolate. I'm talking about being here, in the US, not knowing exactly when I'll be with the orphans of Lawra, Ghana. I'm not packing up my apartment yet. I'm not selling my car yet. I haven't gone through tearful, but excited good byes yet. I do keep doing what needs to be done - praying, studying, calling, speaking, inviting...

The sweet part was that I was here, in the US, worshipping in my home church. I have spent Easter in Ghana and in Peru and it was so good to worship with my church family. I was also able to worship at a church just a block from where I live and able to have a culturally diverse worship experience there. It was nice to spend the day with friends who are like family to me. I am grateful for the time God has given me here.

I also look forward to the time I tell the children at the orphanage about God's love, about our heavenly Daddy and His faithfulness. I pray that time would come soon.

Achey Breaky Heart

A year ago today, I left for Ghana. I returned in the middle of March. It was my last trip there. I was hoping to move there this spring. I hate to admit it, but it looks like that won't happen. My heart aches to be there. My heart aches to be with the children of the Lawra orphanage. But, even more than that, my heart breaks for the Dagaba people of the Upper West Region of Ghana. My heart breaks because there are so many people who do not have a saving knowledge and day to day relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to be the Father's hand and feet in that area of the world. I pray that one day, the Dagaba people will throw away their idols, their juju and be unashamedly in love with Jesus bringing other with them.

Things I Learned in Ghana

~Boiled okra is slimy.

~There are different kinds of mangos just like there are different kinds of apples.

~Bananas are sweet, but they are even sweeter given to you by a friend.

~How to tell sheep and goats apart – goats’ tails go up. Sheep tails go down.

~Walking through a herd of cows is a great time to pray for protection.

~Water and electricity should not be taken for granted. They are gifts from God.

~Be prepared – church can last anywhere from two to six hours.

~The Muslim Imam can be VERY loud, especially ay 4 AM.

~Get up at dawn, be home by dark.

~The further north you live, the less food choices you have.

~Fu fu tastes better than teezert.

~There is only one letter difference between the Dagaare word for grace and the word for trouble. So, if you pray for God’s grace, make sure you end the word in an o and not an a.

~The richest people I know have very little material goods.

~Relationships are more important than schedules.

~God has given me a Ghanaian family, Ghanaian friends and a Ghanaian “home town.”

~There are not one, but two Ghanaian Albert Steiners!

~“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15

~ A chief can be enstooled (in the south) or enskinned (in the north.)

~ You can buy anything from your car window while waiting at a red light, especially in Accra. Things for sale include, but are not limited to water, eggs, apples, yams, biscuits, books, belts, ties, toilet paper, shirts, paint brushes, posters of Ghana, stickers for cars, apples, puzzles, super glue...

~ To carry a live chicken, pinch it's wings together behind it's back.

~ You can order hand sewn shrouds made to your specifications AND you can order a coffin any size and shape you want.

~ Trust. I learned that God is teaching me to trust. He used a Ghanaian pastor to open my eyes to this lesson.

Safe In Ghana

I safely arrived in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday morning after forgetting what time I was being picked up for the airport and my luggage attacking my big toe. Going through immagration, my passport was stamped for 30 days and not 60, so I had to get a visa for Burkina Faso where I will go and re-enter. Then I attended a Bible study with about a dozen of ladies from different backgrounds and countries. It was a Beth Moore study and the discussion was great! Then, we went out to lunch and each of us shared about our ministries and what brought us to Ghana. I ended up at a friend's house for the night. At 7 PM, the husband kept harping, "Go to bed, Sue" because I was so tired from traveling. So, at 7:30 I went to bed. At 8:30, they were robbed at gun point in another area of the house. Everyone was safe, no one was hurt and I slept through it. Praise God! It was His grace that kept me safe.

Thursday, I met the presiding bishop and went to get my Burkina visa, went out for lunch and to another friends office. I spent the night at their house and went to the bus station this morning to go to Ankaase. But, I had stomach issues, so I went back "home" to rest, relax and sleep. I'll go to Ankaase tomorrow.

I may not have internet for several weeks. Be blessed! I will update when able.

Gye Nyame

The Ghanaian people have a rich culure. And it is said that there are no athiests in Ghana. This culture is full of gods. But, even in their ancient beliefs, they believe in a supreme being, a supreme God who is Lord over all.

This is an ancient Ashanti symbol. It reflects the supremacy, power and dominion of God over all situations and creations. He is therefore reguarded as the immortal, omnipotent, omnicient and omnipresent. This is a symbol of the supremacy of God.

Does the one, true God have lordship in your life? Is He the one who goes before, after and beside you? Is He the one to whom you look to for forgiveness, peace, mercy and perfect love? He is for me. I hope He is for you, too.

A Friend in Need

Hi, everyone in Blogland! This is a picture of Pastor Clement preaching in the out patient department of Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing Hospital. He has a heart for the Lord and desires that everyone come into a personal relationship with Him. There is one problem - he doesn't have tracts in the heart or first language of the patients. The language in this part of Ghana is Twi. There are three tracts available in Twi from World Missionary Press (Help from Above, How to Know God and Satan vs. God) free of charge. I ask that if you want to be a part of Pastor Clement's ministry, click on the link below and order tracts in Twi (Ashanti.) Then, you can send them to Pastor Clement. He will gladly take as many that are sent to him. Please send only what will fit in an envelope no bigger than 81/2 by 11 inches, and even a size smaller would probably be better. If it can fit in his PO Box, it's okay. If it is too big, he would have to pay import tax & that is very expensive. As American Christians, we don't realize how blessed we are - we have so much Christian literature available to us. A lot of the world does not have this type of stuff readily available to them. Anyway, send the tracts to:

Pastor Clement Forkuo

Good News AGC

PO Box KS 9725

Kumasi, Ghana

The website to order from is:

http://www.worldmissionarypress.org/