My Kalsagri Peeps

I drove out to Kalsagri for what I thought would be a quick trip. I needed to pick up some information for a letter I was writing. I was wrong. It wasn't a quick trip. Here's what happened...

I stopped at Alex's house for the information I needed. No one was home. But, I did hear voices nearby. A couple of little children came to greet me. I greeted them and, in my "best Dagaare," I said I was looking for Alex. They looked at me like I had three heads! My Dagaare wasn't THAT bad! Then, a man came over. I told him that I needed information from Alex or at least the key to the church, so I could look it up myself. He said his father wanted to see me. And, while I went to his father, he would find Alex. So, I went to see his father - the Chief Regent.

I greeted the Regent and others. His daughter, Grace, was there with her baby, Richmon. I could tell right away Richmon was not "normal." And that is why the Chief Regent wanted to see me. He was concerned for his granddaughter. He wanted to know if I could help. I explained that I do not have a medical background. But, I have seen many children like this. (My guess was CP, but, I didn't say anything.) I told them that the possible cause of the child's problems could be a variety of reasons. I have seen children like this whose parents cared for them, loved them, included them in family life and, in time, they learned to walk. Sometimes it takes years, but, it could happen! I gave Grace a few suggestions of things to with her daughter. And, then, we prayed.

Alex did finally come. He gave me the information I needed and we began to talk. Nicodemus joined in. They were telling me about the church and how much they missed me. They told me Wisdom broke his arm and Razak went to Clementia's husband's funeral when I traveled. We talked of Rev. Baiden's funeral and people expressed how much they loved him. They told me of the problems with the new Caretaker. (They want me back. It's nice to be missed. These people are family. For a culture that doesn't express much emotion, my Kalsagri family hugs me!) They are going to speak to the pastor this weekend. 

Then, we went to Clementia's house to greet her. She was still in mourning. I spoke with her, telling her it is okay to grieve, to cry, to be sad. They all have their place. I also told her that Christ will give her peace. and comfort. I encouraged her to hold on to her God and He would give her strength.

These are just the people I spent time with. There were so many that greeted me and asked about my travels.  They don't treat me like a "rich white woman." These people have become family to me. They have accepted me as their own. 

And I wonder...God, why me? What did I do to deserve all of this? All of these blessings? And I am grateful. Very grateful.

A Proud Mama

Sunday, I preached in Lawra at the Bethel Society. It was good to be in Lawra again. Bethel is my Ghanaian "home church." But, I do get more nervous when I preach there. Even though there are plenty of village people who attend this church, there are more educated people attending there, too. So, I allow that to put more pressure on me. I have to keep in mind that the sermon can't be too complicated for the uneducated, but not so simple as to be "boring" to the others. Oh, why do I worry about those things? I really don't have to. If I listen to the Lord, all will be well. And it was. 

I was at the church to worship. To preach. To be in fellowship with the people of God. Yet, I also had a couple of "Proud Mama" moments. The woman who interpreted for me was Akos. (Her Christian name is Paulina.) When I met Akos in 2008, she was 12 years old. I looked at her and I thought, "Oh, Lord, she has become such a sweet young woman." She is dedicated to serving her Lord and her church. The way she lead the worship service and the singing....I am sure my face was glowing I was so proud of her and the way she has dealt with all of the challenges life had given her. (She has completed Senior Secondary School and is working in the office at the Methodist clinic in Lawra.) Akos also interpreted for me as I preached. She did an excellent job. He voice was strong. The inflections of her voice were perfect. And, she helped me to keep the attention of the people. Thank you, Jesus! I wish she could be with me in Kunyukuo!

Then, as I sat up front, facing the congregation, my eyes fell on a handsome young man wearing a long sleeved shirt and a tie! His name is Richard and he is from Kalsagri. He finished Senior Secondary School last year and is now in his first year of nursing school in Lawra. He is doing well at school and looks forward to the day when he will graduate and will be gainfully employed. When that happens, he will be able to help his family and be a leader in his church.

These are two of the "kids" the Lord has given me. When I think of them, I smile. When I see them, my heart is full of joy. And, I am grateful.

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!

Five Years of Change

This month is my five year anniversary in Ghana and in Lawra. I have seen and done so much in these years. God has truly blessed me. Lawra has changed and so have I.

Now, in Lawra, there are more than two paved roads! And street signs! The internet connection is so much better. I can use a VPN. I can use FaceTime and Skype. I can download a music CD in less than six hours. The Methodist clinic where I worked when I first came has grown so much. There are eight or nine trained medical staff. The client numbers have gone from maybe ten a day to sixty a day. Agamal has arrived! They spray the inside of your house each year to kill mosquitoes and prevent them from feeling welcome. NGOs have arrived to help with development...small business grants, farming helps, and more. People have been expanding their businesses. There is an ATM machine at the bank. (Trips to Wa for money are no longer necessary.) Pre-paid electricity meters have been installed on the houses in Lawra town. The OA bus comes through Lawra, so it is possible to travel straight from Lawra to Accra. The DKM bus comes through Lawra, too, and travels to Sunyani. Green peppers are available almost all year! Non-dairy coffee creamer can be bought in town! Special needs children are accepted and seen as blessings and valuable members of their families. The nursing school has expanded. A new fuel station has been built and will soon begin to sell cooking gas! Lawra has a radio station. The Home Touch Restaurant has arrived with excellent food. Alas, not all has improved...now we only receive mail once a week instead of three. The Metro Mass busses don't come through Lawra as often. Cases of bottled Coke are no longer sold in Lawra. As you can see, the improvements far out weigh the things that aren't as convenient as they once were. I'm good with that!

Change hasn't only affected Lawra. It's affected me, too. That's a little harder for me to see. I came to work with small children who were at risk. I am now taking care of village churches. I preach most Sundays. I drive a motorcycle! I am "Maakum" or "Grandmother" to many. I know how to properly dress for a funeral. I know how to properly eat according to the customs here. I know greetings and other words and phrases in Dagaare. (I understand more than I  can say, but, I can't speak well enough to preach.) I can read Dagaare. My hair has gotten lighter because of the strong sun. My weight is harder to loose because of driving the motorcycle. But, in the big picture, that all doesn't really matter, does it?

The things that matter - change there is harder for me to see. Yes, I say I trust the Lord. But, do I really? When I am afraid, what do I do? I pray. So, that's good, right? I have had to depend on the Lord more and more since I have been living here. There are dangers here in Lawra, although they are mainly health related. But, there are also battles, spiritual battles. Because of this, I need to be prepared. I need to keep my eyes and ears open because the deceiver (I learned the Dagaare word for "deceiver" this past week!) comes in a variety of ways. My quiet time with Him becomes more precious and more important everyday. I believe my walk with the Lord has gotten more personal, stronger. But, the closer I get to Him, the more I realise how much there is yet to allow Him to change in me. It's all good. Five years of change is just a beginning. I pray He allows me to stay for many more. There is more change to help facilitate...for HIM!

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.

Is Ignorance Bliss?

I have been traveling internationally on a regular basis for twenty years now. I have never had any problems, and I thank God for that. Sometimes, I have traveled with a group, or at least another person. Sometimes, I have traveled alone. And, When I have traveled alone, God has always placed someone in my life to watch over me, making sure I found the correct line, the correct gate, etc.

Then, 9/11 happened. Was I afraid to travel then? No. I sincerely believed that the safest place for me was in the center of God's will. And, I thought what I was doing was there - in God's will.He would protect me or give me the strength and courage to endure whatever came my way. 

Now, tonight happened. I was having conversation with Ghanaian and British friends. During the course of our discussion, I found out that one of the terrorists who was involved in the attack on Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso was arrested in Tumu, in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Oh! Now things are getting close to home. 

Am I concerned? Yes. Am I worried? No. I still believe that the safest place to be is in the center of God's will. I will continue to "live smart" and watch what I do and how I act. But, the bottom line is, I have put my life in God's hands. Have you?

A Tamale Funeral

The funeral notice.

Thursday, January 7, 2016, I traveled to Tamale with a good friend and ministry partner, Razak Abdul Iddi. We were going there to attend the funeral of his Auntie, Stella Nitori, who was an amazing woman! I left my house at 3:45 AM to walk to the tro tro station where I was picked up by Yaroo, the driver. Razak joined us a few minutes later. It was a full car! We proceeded to Wa, where we went to the Imperial Station to buy tickets for Tamale. We arrived at our final destination around 1:30 in the afternoon. I was exhausted! After a nap, we went to the family house to greet everyone. I met relatives from near and far who accepted me as one of their own.

Julius and myself in our "proper" funeral wear with bags from the Lawra area.

There was no viewing of the body at the family home. The first "formal" part of the funeral was a mass at the Catholic Church Friday night. So, Friday, we hung out at the family house, greeting people and getting to know one another, waiting for family members to arrive from all over Ghana and points beyond. And remembering...  I thought there would be viewing at the church, but, I was mistaken. (This was a Tamale funeral, much different from a funeral in Lawra. So, I was definitely a learner in this situation!)

The funeral mass - notice the lights INSIDE the casket!

Saturday morning was the Mass of the Resurrection. I arrived at the church before 9:00 for the 9:30 Mass. There were plenty of people there already, all standing outside, choir singing, choristers singing, each group Stella was involved in, taking their turn. When the time came, the six priests and the bishop came out to say their prayers and escort the casket inside the church. Crossed swords, from the Knights of St. John, made an arch over the entry way. Then, Mass with lots of singing, both in English and in the local language. Muslim, Traditional believers and Christians all gathered together in church to celebrate the life of this woman! The family gave testimonies about their loved one's life. At the end of it all, the top of the casket was undone and the entire congregation lined up and passed by. (This was the only time the casket was open.) Next, burial on the grounds of the school that Stella started. After the burial, there was plenty of music and dancing, eating and drinking and talking with people.

Musicians at the family house - tradition has it that you dance, or give them some small money.

Sunday, a Mass of Thanksgiving for Stella's life was said. Then, back to the family house for eating, drinking, visiting. Stella's sons then traveled to the village of Savelugu to see the Yoo Naa (the chief.) Since the deceased husband was part of the royal family, the funeral had to be "passed on" to the village and her death formally announced. 

Razak dancing at the funeral festivities at the Yoo Naa's palace.

Monday, late afternoon, we all crowded into cars and trucks and hopped onto motorcycles to travel to the village of  Savelugu to begin the funeral "festivities." Plastic chairs were set up in the street, making a circle around the space left for dancing. The local musicians came and started playing. They would choose a person and that person had to get up and dance, or give them a small amount of money. As a person danced, money was placed on their foreheads. The money was used to pay the musicians. There is actually a CD of me dancing at the funeral!

The village musicians.

The next morning, Tuesday, we went to the village early. The women made sure I stayed with them and took good care of me. We all filed into one of their rooms and sat around and looked at jewelry that was for sale and just talked "girl talk." It was nice. Then, we went back outside where others were preparing teezert and groundnut soup to pass out to extended family in the community. The men had gathered to say their prayers for the deceased. (The people in the village were mainly Muslim.)

Tradition calls for the family to cook for the much larger extended family in the village.

After the prayers and the food, the funeral rites were finished. Then,we went to see the chief. After a short visit, when we were all leaving, the chief called to me and asked if I wanted a picture with him. I went up to him and he gave me some kola nuts, a sign of peace. We greeted each other, pictures were taken, plenty of pictures and plenty of laughter was had! We left the village early - before noon! After that, it was relax, rest and pack to return to Lawra the next day. These few days in the Tamale area opened my eyes to a whole other Ghanaian culture. And, has given me a new Ghanaian family! I thank God for this opportunity and privilege. 

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!

Help or Hindrance?

An iPhone. Everybody has one. Or they have something just as good.It's more than a phone. It's a camera. It tells you the weather. It stores your music. It's a radio. It has the latest news. A calculator. A calendar. It has an alarm clock and a timer. Map your walk, run, ride or track your fitness activities. It has games on it (for those boring meetings that you attend.) It has Facebook, Viber, Whats App, Messenger. Check your email. Video call a friend. And, it has Google. Do you need to know anything right NOW? Google it! Oh, don't forget the Amazon app. Shopping at your fingertips. What can be more fun when you"re bored? And, there is so much more available. A mini computer in your palm!

I recently traveled to Tamale for a funeral. I didn't take my laptop. But, I took my iPhone. It was really nice. I was able to check my email and answer anything that needed to be dealt with right away. I was able to read the daily devotional that a pastor friend sends out. (Thanks, David!) I was able to post pictures on my Facebook ministry page - Sue Kolljeski, Serving Christ in Ghana. I was able to post on my personal Facebook page. I had my music in the morning. I had episodes of Monk at night. It was very convenient, a big help to me.

But, my iPhone can also be a hindrance. I usually take my phone on the veranda with me when I go out on the veranda for my quiet time (for the music and the clock). But, when I am in the midst of a difficult Bible passage, my phone can "call" to me. I'll check Facebook. Or, if I hear the sounding of a message, at times, it is hard to ignore it. So, I have learned to put the ringer on silent. But when my mind wanders...discipline! That's what I need. And then, when I am working on a report or a message and I come to a point where it is not "flowing," it is easy to pickup the phone for a diversion. Just for a minute. Right? Wrong! Again, discipline. Focus. 

All of the modern technology can be such a great help to a person in so many ways. But, it can also be a hindrance. The choice is yours. The choice is mine. What do you choose?

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?

A Date to Remember

Many aspects of my ministry are not structured. The ministry of presence and taking advantage of God moments are very much a part of what I do in Lawra. So, saying this, here is the story of my morning...

Today was a very special day. Pius, Boniface and myself would walk into town to have breakfast at the Tea Shop. Since Boniface is usually at my house by 8:00 in the morning, I told him when he got up, he should bath and get dressed and come to my house. Today, of all days, he didn't come. Oh! It was almost 9:00! I walked to his house to pick him up. Then, we went to pick up Pius.

Pius was ready and waiting! (complete with knit hat because it was "cold" outside.) We started off toward Ali's Tea Shop, greeting people along the way, talking about school and all kinds of things. They were so funny. "Shhhh. Be quiet!" was what I was told as a group of six people approached us and passed us on the street. Hmmm.... 

We arrived at the Tea Shop and ordered bread and egg for all, Milo (chocolate) for the boys and Nescafe for me. They were so excited! They said please and thank-you and were very polite, and VERY excited! Pius and Boniface were so fun to watch. After each boy finished their breakfast, they were given money to buy bread to take home. And, of course, the universal rule is whoever carries the bread, keeps it. Needless to say, the boys carried their own bread! Before we left the Tea Shop, we read the Bible story about the Wise Men from the East, tomorrow's Scripture reading. When that was finished, we started our walk back.

On the way home, the boys politely and correctly greeted the policeman, shaking his hand. As we neared Abraham's Auto Repair Shop, the boys decided to greet him, too. So, they wished Abraham a "Happy New Year" and shook his hand. Then they dropped off their bread at their homes and came to my house to play, along with Stanley, Stephanie and Amanda. It was a busy morning.

I thank God that I have the privilege of being part of the lives of these children. I pray that I am showing them His love in action, not just talking about it. And, I hope I am teaching them about God's wonderful Word. I am also showing them that adults can make mistakes - and ask for forgiveness. (Maakum is not perfect!) I pray that God will give me more moments to help shape these young lives. 

A New Year Dawns

When I was much younger, I worried about what would happen when the year 2000 came around. 1953 sounded fine, so did 1967 and 1971. All of the "teen" years sounded fine when they were spoken. But, how would you say the year 2000? Or 2010? Or 2015? I had no idea. I wondered if the world would come to an end just because I couldn't fathom how a person would say the year starting with a "20." 

Now, I have to chuckle. The year 2000 has come and gone. So has 2001, 2002, 2003...all the way to 2015. People have spoken the year. It sounded strange at first, but then, new things often sound strange at first. God has blessed us with another year - 2016. (I have no problem saying the year.) What is your prayer for this new year? What is my prayer for this new year? It is the same as the past many years:

I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for Thee or laid aside for Thee, exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee; let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal.

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.

Another Year Comes to a Close

Another year is coming to a close. It seems as if the "proper" thing to do is to reflect on 2015, it's joys and sorrows, things learned, hopes and dreams...did they come to fruition? Tonight I am not feeling inspired, I don't have any deep or lofty thoughts, I am just grateful.

I am grateful for being alive tonight. And, for the opportunity to serve my Lord in the way He sees fit. Who would have ever thought that at 62 years of age, I would be living in Ghana, driving a motorcycle, preaching on a weekly basis, and doing all those things that are part of life here in Ghana? I am grateful for the children who come to my door calling, “Maakum! Maakum!” as if their lives depended on them coming to my house to play. And, maybe they do…not in a physical sense. But, what spiritual seeds am I planting? I fall short so many times. Yet, there are times that I know deep down that I acted in the right way. I am grateful for mercy and grace and forgiveness and second chances.

I am grateful for the simple things in life, the sunrise, the sunset, early morning sounds of birds singing, a veranda on which to have my time with the Lord. I am grateful for an internet connection that is strong enough to make video calls…I can see my friends and family! I am grateful for running water and electricity. I am grateful for my health tonight.( There have been times in the past year that I have been so sick. I am grateful for medical help and friends who take me to the clinic when I need to go.)

Shall I go on? I am grateful for the copy of the Christmas cantata from my home church. I am grateful for Tula getting me hooked on coloring. I am grateful for snail mail and care packages. I am grateful for my Ghanaian family that watches over me. I am grateful for my family in the US and the relationship we have with each other. I am grateful for travel within Ghana and outside of Ghana. I am grateful for the support of friends that are like family to me. They will never replace my family, but, have become such a part of my life. I am grateful for my friends who live all across the globe.

And, I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who makes this adventure called life, worth living!