A Breath of Fresh Air

Heat. Travel. Unstable electricity Things not working. Heat. Things needing repair. Going to town to buy something only to find out "It is finished." Internet issues. Heat. Driving a motorcycle to villages in the strong sun. Not "seeing" any change/growth in the church or congregation. Wondering if "anyone hears." Heat. All of these may seem like small things. But, day after day, they can wear on a person.

Enter, a breath of fresh air. It came in the form of six people from Highworth Community Church, Highworth, Swindon, UK. They came to Lawra for a couple of reasons, one being to encourage me in my ministry, see what God is doing in this part of the world and to pray. And, pray, they did!

They prayed at the clinic.

They prayed at my house.

They prayed at the market.

They prayed at a funeral.

They prayed in Kunyukuo and they prayed in Kalsagri.

One of the things that this team did was to pray throughout my house - a house blessing. I was touched by the faith and conviction with which they prayed...and the blessings they prayed. 

We also had "down time" to share stories of life and faith.

Of course, some were more tired than others!

On Sunday morning, Pastor Matt and the group taught a song to the congregation. His sons did a drama to reinforce the morning Scripture. Then, he preached. It was really nice to hear a sermon in English! I know that all who were present were blessed.

Pastor Matt preaching in Kunyukuo.

All too soon, their time was up and the group had to leave. Lots of farewells and hugs and blessings were given. The visit was short. But, it was enough to strengthen me, to let me know in a concrete way that I am not alone here in Lawra, that others are here with me. (That is easy to forget since I get so few visitors and rarely anyone not connected with TMS Global.) I pray God will continue to bless Highworth Community Church, its leaders, and their mission focus. 

Who would have thought this partnership and friendship would happen? God is so good! Only He could have orchestrated this. Thank you for visiting. You are welcome to come back anytime. The door is open.

Grateful for Six Years

In February, I celebrated six years in Ghana! Six years. In some ways it seems like I just got here. Other ways it seems as if I have been here forever! When I came, I had in my mind that I would be here for at least ten years. IF I decide to leave after ten years, I have passed the halfway mark. I have only four more years! But, I don't sit around and count the days. What good is that?

Today I choose to be grateful for the time and the opportunities that God has given me. I came to Ghana thinking I would be working with children who were AIDS orphans. And I did for a while. But, God had other ideas.

I have had the privilege of: working with disabled children; being a "home away from home" for volunteers from the US and beyond; working in a clinic; being grandmother to a bunch of local children; and facilitating trainings for church leaders and Sunday school teachers. 

The last four years (has it been four years already?) I have been the equivalent of a lay pastor in two village churches, Kalsagri and Kunyukuo. I am so glad God put me in Kalsagri first because if it had been the other was around, I don't know if I could have done it. In Kalsagri, the congregation is made up of a variety of ages. The children and youth WANT to learn and many of them have attended Bible studies, English classes and trainings that  have been available. Even those in Junior High School are helping to lead the church. Kunyukuo is mainly made up of widows, a couple of young mothers and LOTS of young children. So far, I haven't seen the interest in growth among the people of this church. It is as if they are sleeping and need to be awaken. Both churches have a large percentage of illiterate people in their congregation. Both churches have welcomed and accepted me, for which I am grateful.  

It hasn't been easy. God has stretched me beyond what I could imagine. I drive a motorcycle! I prepare a sermon most weeks. I have seen the needless and preventable deaths of both adults and children. I've attended more funerals in the last six years than I have in my entire life before I moved here. I have seen people who are oppressed and need the peace of the Lord. I have seen people who try to feed their families and don't have the means to do so. I have known young men and women who want an education and can't afford it. I have had illnesses that I never thought I would have to worry about. I have seen way too many flying insects up close! And, now that we are entering the hot season...Ugh! 105 degrees and higher is NOT fun.

But,the blessings, oh, the blessings...a Ghanaian family... Being part of someone's life, watching them grow in their faith and be baptized and confirmed. Listening to testimony after testimony of how God has worked in lives. Being a part of a church where the blind, lame and disfigured worship and praise God side by side of others - and witnessing their confession of faith and baptism.Seeing people who have been outcasts become accepted. Watching boys and girls try their best both in school and at church, leading the worship services. Hearing children of all ages call out, "Maakum!" to me. It makes me smile and know I am blessed beyond measure.

Six years down...only God knows how many are in my future.

Christmas Day Ministry Challenges

During the Christmas Season, it is easy to think of decorations, special music and even going to church early so you can get a parking space. Some churches have the challenge of figuring out where to seat all of the people who attend their worship services. Not so in Kunyukuo. On Christmas Day, a Sunday, I arrived at church at 9:15 for a 9:30 service. NO ONE WAS THERE! I was so surprised! What was happening? Even the few that are usually in church early were not there. Did the village of Kunyukuo do something special on Christmas Day that no one told me about? 

I tried calling Mama Jane and Matthias. Neither of them picked up. So, I called Razak. He had relatives in Kunyukuo, maybe he knew. He told me that maybe people go to church on Christmas Eve. I said, "Razak. Even if they went somewhere else last night, today is Sunday. We have Sunday worship." He told me he would try to find out what was happening. Then, the network went down and wasn't working for the next two hours or more.

I walked over to Mama Jane's house. She said, "I am on my way coming." She was still getting ready. But, she also said, "It's so cold outside. I am moving slow." COLD? In Ghana? We really don't have cold. But, wait...I am from Pennsylvania. This weather in Ghana, even a morning Harmattan temperature in the 70s is nice to me. But, to a Ghanaian, it is freezing! I walked back to church. Oh, we now had five people. None spoke English. After waiting a bit longer, we had ten people, and Matthias had arrived from Lawra. He began the service....

I have been here almost six years. It sense to me that people would come late because of bad weather. Yet, in my American mind, this isn't bad weather. And still, I sometimes forget to look at things/circumstances from a Ghanaian point of view. I still have a lot to learn!

Uncompromising Faith

Esther is a member of the Kunyukuo Methodist Church. Recently, she received word that her daughter had died down south. The daughter, who was not yet 20 years old, had left the village to travel south hoping to find a job carrying things at market.. Esther traveled to the south for the burial and funeral. But, there also needed to be a funeral in her home village, too. Her culture requires this to happen.

Esther is a follower of Jesus. Her ex-husband follows the Traditional relion. So, when the time came for the Traditional rites to be performed on the parents of the deceased girl, Esther refused. "I am a Christian. I will not take part in these rites." she said. The community elders were not happy. They wanted both the mother and father to participate and, among other things, have their heads shaved. I was notified of this situation. So, I hopped on my motorcycle and traveled to Kunyukuo to meet with the family and some of the elders of the community. A compromise was made, one that was satisfactory to both parties. On the same day and at the same time as the Traditional rites for the father of the girl, the mother, Esther, would meet with us and the pastor. We would have a Christian counterpart to the Traditional rites. 

Saturday, the day for the ceremonies to take place, had arrived. We drove out to Kunyukuo and met at the house of Ester's ex-husband. Chairs were set out. Water was offered. Greetings were made. And then, the service began. The pastor preached an appropriate sermon. Songs were sung. Hands were laid on Esther and we prayed for her. And, soon, it was finished.

I had been touched by Esther's faith. She did not compromise in a difficult situation. Her faith held firm. I don't see that very often. Most times, a little bit of both traditions is done. But, Ester held onto her convictions and was not afraid to speak up. I asked if I could speak. I commended Esther for her faith. And, then I did something that I didn't plan. It was most likely an American thing, totally against culture, but people didn't seem to mind. I took off my cross necklace that I had been wearing since I came to Ghana. It has the word "faith" written on the side of it. I put it around Esther's neck and told her to continue sharing her faith. This cross itself has no power, but, Who it represents does. I encouraged Esther to tell her story of faith in the One True God when people asked about the cross she was now wearing. Then, I sat next to her, and we grieved together. I pray that the Lord will continue to keep Esther's faith strong until the day she sees Him face to face.

God Speaks MY Language!

On a recent afternoon, in the village of Kunyukuo, four of us met for Bible Study. Now, this isn't the type of Bible Study that us Westerners think of when we hear the term "Bible Study." We were reading the Scriptures for Sunday's service in English and Dagaare. I was helping the participants to understand the English and they were helping me to understand the Dagaare. This was basic Bible reading. And, simple explanations.

Those in attendance were Mama Jane (who can read and understand English, but needs reading glasses, so she just listened), Stephen (who can read both English and Dagaare quite well), Ernestina (who can read English some) and myself (who can read both, but understands some Dagaare.) 

First, we read the English passage in Luke. Three of us took turns reading it. Unknown words and concepts were explained. Then, we read the passage in Dagaare. Oh, Ernestina NEVER read Dagaare before today! Her eyes were glued to the page except when her baby was fussing. She was so focused and intent on reading the passage. Her face glowed! God speaks her language! She had seen and heard others read the Dagaare New Testament before, but, now, she was doing it! She was determined to read each word correctly. Stephen helped her along. Isn't this what the body of Christ is all about? Surely, Heaven was rejoicing as I witnessed this heart-touching scene.

Ernestina wants to continue to learn to read Dagaare. She wants to read God's words and understand them. And, I know that God will grant her these desires. I believe that Ernestina, along with Stephen , will one day be leaders in their church. God is showing them the way!

Kunyukuo

Ten days ago I was posted to the Kunyukuo Methodist Church. Today was my second Sunday to preach in this small village. I hopped onto my motorcycle around 8:30 in the morning to begin my challenging ride to the village. I have driven to Kunyukuo four times now, and I am far from an expert. There is a paved road for a couple of miles. Then, the dirt road begins. Not only is everything dry and dusty, so one has to be aware of loose dirt and gravel, but there are also several home made speed bumps, a bridge that is falling apart, rocks in the earth and V shaped ditches dug across the road (I like those the least!)

Once at the church forty minutes or so later, I am greeted by Matthias, the Society Steward. He helps with the business of the church. I walk inside, and there are PLENTY children waiting for the service to start. Total numbers are small, but, that is fine with me. As we get into a regular routine, people will come. 

Both Sundays I have asked, "Is there anyone here who can read English?" No hands went up. Hmm...I was hoping to get some people involved by reading the morning Scriptures. Then, I asked, "Is there anyone here who can read Dagaare?" No hands went up this time, either. Matthias and myself are the only ones. So, today he read the Epistle reading and I read the Gospel reading in Dagaare. I have asked "Uncle" if he would teach people to read Dagaare. He said he would. (Uncle is an older gentleman who is unable to walk, so he doesn't come to church. This would help keep him involved. So, I will continue my quest for Dagaare New Testaments.) 

Both Sundays, the service was very low key. The drum is spoiled and is being fixed. And, I know Matthias needs to brush up on his "church" Dagaare. (I may be able to help him with that. A Dagaare New Testament will help him, too.) The children have out numbered the adults. I know the word of God will be heard and people will come, not because of me, but, because of God. I am hoping people will invite others. In the meantime, we will come and worship and sing and hear the word of God. And, leave the rest up to the Lord!

After service, we stand around and talk. Mama gives me fried groundnuts to take home. I hop back on my motorcycle, a bit more slowly than earlier, and start the drive home, praying for safety. Kunyukuo is a lovely little church with precious people. I pray God will use me to do His will in that place.

Today's Prayer

4 December 2015

Good morning, Lord! You are the Giver of Life! You know my comings and goings. You love me just as I am and tenderly teach me to follow Your ways. I need You, Lord. Come, help me. There are things on my mind that don't seem to want to go away. I have been here almost five years. What have I accomplished? What have I accomplished for You? I have shown love to the least and the lost - and to the last - I think about the kids with special needs. I have helped them to become accepted, helped the parents to know that they aren't alone and their children are gifts from You. Your Word is filled with stories about the unwanted, unloved and lowly being lifted up by You. Thank You for these lessons.

But, Lord, where is my ministry going? When I use all the correct "church type" words, I get confused. All I have done was to be here...to love and accept people and show them You. A lot of this has been done in Kalsagri. Has it been enough? Do people really know You? Or do they still cling to their own ways, customs and traditions when it comes to things of faith? And, now, Lord, in a couple of short months, I will be moving on to the church in Kunyukuo. Is my work in Kalsagri done? It doesn't feel like it. It feels like there is more to be done. It's hard to let go, Lord. I want Kalsagri to expand, to grow - not only in numbers and in giving, but in faith, in following You. Watch over them, Lord. Continue to work in their hearts. Continue to develop the leadership of the church in Kalsagri. I pray that when it is time to leave Kalsagri and move on, that the "farewell" and the "good byes" are done well and all of us can look to the future with great expectation. I want to finish well, Lord, for both You and for me. 

I pray for the Kunyukuo church. Prepare their hearts and minds to welcome and celebrate our Saviour and His birth. Prepare me, give me knowledge, strength, compassion, love and vision for this new chapter of ministry. 

One of my concerns today, Lord, is monetary. Giving to my ministry here has gone down. Donations haven't met my monthly expenses in almost a year. I know some of it is due to changes in life circumstances for some people. And, Lord, many have given to this ministry for five years and more! I am so grateful for that. You have always provided through your people. Help me to trust You to continue doing so. Show me, too, what I should be doing to help in this situation. Lord, I am praying for five more years.I know You can make a way. Show me the people with whom I need to connect.

That's another thing, Lord. A partner in ministry sure would be nice...another person to share the joys and sorrows, to see the possibilities and to spur each other on. Hmmmm...

Well, Lord, You know what's in my heart. I give it all to You today. Take it and use it for Your glory. It is in Your holy name I pray. Amen.