A Treasured Name

This morning I had to take something to the Manse. So, I put it on the back of my bicycle and rode to the Methodist campus. As I rode past the clinic, I heard the pitter patter of little feet trying to catch up to me and a little voice calling, "Maakum." (Grandmother) Music to my ears. It was Bernard, the two year old son of one of the workers at the clinic. And, yes, I am like a Maakum to him because I teach him things that his mother may not approve of - like how to climb the clinic walls - and I let him hang from tree limbs - while I am very close by - and I always have time to play with him. Oh, and of course, I love him! "Maakum"...such a sweet sound! 

Waiting...a Way of Life

Life in Ghana is definitely a LOT slower than it is in America, a LOT slower! People take their time. In Lawra, very few people wear a watch. Time is "told" by the position of the sun. So, if it is a cloudy day, people will be late for church, appointments, whatever they have scheduled. I like the slower paced life style, I don't like the waiting!

This past week or so, I had experienced quite a bit of this new way of life. The plumber said he would be at my house at noon. He never showed up. The Internet connection was slow, at best. Email was impossible to access even though I kept trying. Another person told me they were, "On the way coming." They arrived an hour and a half later. A friend told me that they would pick up some items from my house...they never showed. I wait for a vehicle to fill before I travel to Wa - sometimes two hours! Even church rarely starts when it is scheduled.

So, the lesson to be learned is basically "get used to it. Accept it. Always carry a book" because an entire culture isn't going to change just for me. It's that or get upset about it on a daily basis. I chose to accept the things I cannot change! 



Father, Forgive Us!

Yesterday was a "normal" Sunday in the local church I attend. The service was scheduled to start at 9:30. It began at 10:00. The prayers, the responses, everything was done in English. I was sitting on my bench feeling a bit guilty because nothing was said or prayed or read in the local language. Then, it was time for the Scriptures to be read. After the first reading, in English, a voice from the back of the church asked the Scripture to be "read" in Dagaare. The second, third and gospel scriptures were read - in English. My heart was breaking... This time, Patrick, the owner of the voice, stood up and asked the pastor why the Scriptures were not "read" in Dagaare. By this time tears were in my eyes. The pastor then asked someone translate the message as he preached, but the Word of God from the Bible was never translated yesterday. As soon as I could, I went to Patrick (who is blind and has leprosy), I apologized to him. I told him, "My heart was broken because Dagaare was not spoken."

"May God open our hearts and our minds and our eyes and ears to the needs of His people. God, forgive us!"  

Hidden Dangers

There are several dangerous here in the Upper West Region of Ghana that I have never experienced at home in the US. For example…I never gave malaria a thought. I would NEVER ride a motorcycle without a helmet (if I ever rode a motorcycle). I wouldn’t eat “mystery” food or questionable looking food. All these are dangers that you can easily see with your eyes.

Here, in the northern part of Ghana, there are two hidden dangers (There are plenty others) that I would like to point out. One would be my dead “friend” pictured above. I found him in my living room this morning. Yes, a scorpion. While living in western Pennsylvania I never worried about scorpions! Here, they do live and thrive and are very dangerous to your health!

The other danger that is around this time of year is cerebral meningitis. It’s something you can’t see, but again, it is very dangerous to your health. I have been told that if you have cerebral meningitis and you are sick for three days, you will survive. Most people die within 24 hours!

I am reminded of a passage of Scripture that I read this morning:

1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you;

Isaiah 43:1-5 (NKJV)

Simple Things

I tend to take the simple things of life for granted. Many of my friends have provided me with some of these “simple things” since I have been here in Ghana. I am VERY appreciative of all they send. But, I don’t appreciate it as much as those mentioned below:

Razak’s mother had been in the District Hospital for almost two weeks. She had been complaining that her lips were sore. So, I gave Razak a package of Chap Stick for his mother. Later, after she had been home for a while, I spoke with her on the phone. I understood her Dagaare (by the grace of God) until she began to thank me for something. I had no idea what I had done that would cause her to thank me so much. So, I gave the phone to Razak. She was thanking me for the Chap Stick. Her lips were healed and she was doing well.

Dery had a sore on his hand. It wasn’t healing. And, his children were getting sick. The only thing he could think of was the water they were drinking wasn’t clean. So, I made arrangements for his family to have a water filter. He called me a week later to thank me. His hand was healing and his family was enjoying better health…all because of clean water.

Patrick goes to the Bethel Methodist Society in Lawra. He has leprosy. His feet are about half the size of the feet of someone without leprosy. His shoes were worn out. So, he mentioned it to someone at church who gave him funds for a new pair. He also said that he is cold at night because he had no blanket. Later that day, we took him a blanket to use during these colder nights of Harmatan season. Patrick was so touched that he wanted to pray for us before we left.

Chap Stick, water, shoes, a blanket…when have I done without? When have you done without? Yet, do I ever think to thank God for these “simple things” in life? Father, forgive me and thank You!

Beautiful in Imperfection

I took several walks along the beach this past week. I couldn't help but pick up some shells and sand dollars. It seems as if I try to find "the perfect shell" if there is such a thing. There were so many of different sizes and shapes - very pretty! But, were they perfect? Maybe perfection is in the eye of the beholder. The waves and the sand definately weathered the shells. Some were no longer symetrical. Some were chipped or broken. Some had holes in them. Some were discolored. But, it was in their "imperfections" that they were beautiful.

I wonder...isn't that like us? We get battered and beaten by life, it's not "perfect." Yet, in the eyes of God, we are beautiful! I know I would not have chosen many of the paths, the storms, the "weathering" of life. But, if I had not gone through them, I would not be the person I am today. It is in those difficulties that my character has been made and Christ has been made more visible in my life. So, in all reality, I may not be perfect, but in Him, my life is beautiful! I am so grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ!

Questionings

As one year ends and another begins I can't help but think about what I've done in the past year and stop and wonder what will be part of my life in this new year. At this time last year I was living in an almost empty apartment looking forward to moving to Lawra, Ghana. And as I meet with others with The Mission Society and hear their stories of ministry I wonder, "Why am I here? What have I done for the Kingdom of God in the last 10 months?" My ministry seems so insignificant compared to theirs. I haven't saved lives or built hospitals, I haven't built a library or provided safe drinking water. I haven't been used to plant new churches or build a new school. Then, I remember that I am still at the beginning of my what I hope to be 10 years in Ghana. They have been here 5 1/2 to 14 years. But still, does anything I do matter?

As tears fill my eyes I think of 18 year old Akos who calls me her mother. I think of a Ghanaian co-worker who has told me of the fear of HIV/AIDS in their family. I think of the children who call out "Mama Sue-ry" when I am at the children's centre. I think of Aa-Denuu who told me he had never heard the creation story before. I think of 2 year old Paul and his family on the day he died and how they came for comfort. I think of Gurggisberg, how grateful his family was that strangers tried to help Gurggisberg when relatives would not. I think of the women who come to visit so they can "talk." I think of surprised faces on Christmas morning and teary faces as some children moved back to the village.

Yes, with the grace of God I have made a difference. I am sharing God's love with the people in the Lawra area. To the human eye, it may not seem like much. I'm not doing big, grandiose things. It's the small things that count. The trust and the relationships I am making with all these people and more - that's what my ministry is all about. And, every time time I hear someone call out to me, "Dagaarapog," (Dagaara woman) I know that I am doing what God what's me to do and the questions in my mind cease.

The Christmas Box

One of my Ghanaian co-workers surprised me last Friday. They gave me a Christmas gift. It was such a surprise because people in this area don't typically exchange gifts. This is because the majority of the population cannot afford it plus most of the residents in this area are not Christian, so Christmas is not celebrated. But, my friend is a Christian and does celebrate Christmas, but I know that this person cannot afford to buy gifts. That's what makes this little "box" so special. It is a gift not given out of plenty, but given sacrificially.

Sacrificial gifts make me remember the sacrifice that God the Father made. He sent His Son form the glory of heaven to be born in a stable - a barn with all the dirt and smell and filth. It was because of His birth and eventually His death that makes me a child of the King. The story doesn't end there...Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death once for all. Because of that sacrificial gift, we can be victorious...in more ways than one!

Akos

Hi! My name is Akos and today is my 18th birthday. I live in Lawra, Ghana at the Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children Centre with my 9 year old sister, Napog. Our mother died several years ago and our father died three years after mother died. We came to live here in Lawra. I am in my last year of Junior Secondary School. I enjoy school, especially English and math. I hope to be able to attend Senior Secondary School in the fall of 2012. In Ghana, students have to pass difficult examinations in all their subjects before they can proceed to Senior Secondary School. These schools are boarding schools. I pray that God will provide the necessary school fees so I can further my education. When I attend SSS I would have to leave Napog here in Lawra.

My life is much like the lives of my friends...school, study, cook, do laundry, look after my sister and others at the Centre, go to market, etc. I am very active in my church. I attend weekly Bible study and also I attend prayer meeting at 5 AM three mornings a week. It is my faith that helps me get through each day. God is watching over me and my sister and guiding me.

Even though today is my birthday, there will be no special celebrations, not like what I have heard about in America. Mama Sue and one or two others will make sure that I celebrate in some way. I thank God for watching over me all these years and pray that He continues to provide for our needs.

Just Another Day?

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there

~ from A Charlie Brown Christmas

These words may describe Christmas in America, but they don't describe Christmas in Lawra. Of course there is no snow. There are no sleigh bells. There aren't even "carols in the air." There are no decorations. There are no gifts. The only dreams here are the dreams of eating rice and possibly meat this one day of the year. If possible, new clothes are worn, if not, then the best clothes that one owns is worn. The "ancient story" is know by few and told in church and Sunday school.

The reason for the season remains the same both in America and in Lawra.."Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger."
.

Weights and Measures

Shopping at market in Lawra can be a learning experience. It is the same in much of Ghana. In America, when I shop for fruits and vegetables, they are priced according to weight. I can buy a pound of bananas for a certain price. The same for tomatoes, onions, potatoes, etc. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. A watermelon isn't usually priced by the pound. Neither is corn on the cob. But, I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Here, in Ghana, I buy a pile of tomatoes for a certain price, a stack of onions for a certain price or an apple for a certain price. There are no scales at the market, it's all by the number of items and their size. Buying rice and maize and soy beans is a little different. Those are sold by the "bowl". A bowl holds a tad more than 10 cups...I know because I measured my bowl today. Usually, the seller will pile the grains so there is a little pyramid of grain over the top of the bowl. This is how I bought maize, guri and beans for the children. I was grateful that the rice was already bagged!

Next, I had to bag the various items for each family living at the centre as well as the rice for the staff Christmas gifts. I'm not real adept at that. I won't say how much rice ended up on my living room floor! I was instructed to make the bowls "water full" so that everyone received the same. It all was bagged and some handed out. Today I will give the rest so that the mothers will have their items to cook for their Christmas dinners. Rice and maize and special spices and canned mackerel for Christmas dinner. It's something that these people rarely have, it is a feast for them. Makes me stop and thank God for the many blessings He has given me.

Christmas Clothes

Most of us think nothing of going out and buying a new outfit for the holidays. It is almost a given. You need to have something to wear to the office party or to Grandma's house and something new for Christmas service, right? Even though we have a closet full of clothes, still, there seems as if none of them will do.

Well, last week I had the privilege to buy dresses for six little girls who had never owned a new dress that was chosen specifically for them. The boys will receive play clothes since they got their "dress" clothes in October. I can't wait to see the surprised faces on Christmas morning. Imagine...a new, fancy dress for "occasions!" I want to make sure these children have something special on Christmas day. After all, didn't God give us something special on that first Christmas? He gave us His best! So, Christmas morning, I will visit the children and give them their clothes. After church, we will have a small party complete with a child's version of the Christmas story and snacks...and gift bags! Most of all, I want the children to know that the gifts are because of Jesus and His gift to us. I want the children to know His love for each of them. Someday, I believe they will accept His love and have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Until then, I'll sow seeds...this time in the form of clothes!

Christmas Shopping, the Upper West Way!

Christmas is quickly approaching. I have been asking people who live in the Upper West how they celebrate Christmas. For everyone who is a christian, Christmas is definitely a special day, a most holy day. People worship the new born King. As for family celebrations and Christmas gifts, those are very simple. There are no Christmas trees or hanging stockings. There are no big piles of presents. But, people do visit each other. And yes, they go bearing gifts. But, not like we would bring gifts in America. The gifts given are rice (most people can't afford to eat rice very often) and, if possible, a chicken, which would be alive! For the majority of people who live in the surrounding villages, Christmas is the only day of the year that they eat meat. It isn't because they don't like it or are mainly vegetarians, but because they can't afford it. So, Christmas here is simple, very simple.

It reminds me of another Christmas many years ago. It was a very simple Christmas, too. No one mentioned eating rice or chicken. The housing situation wasn't like the Hampton or Holiday Inn, it was simple. I doubt if it were very clean. But the day was filled with wonder, awe and worship of the new born King. People came to visit, too. They also brought gifts, simple ones - their worship of God's only Son. It was a Christmas that people still talk about today.

So, this year, I am going to focus on the simple things - the Christ Child and how and why He came. I will give gifts - rice and maize. (I won't be carrying around many live chickens.) There will be no Christmas tree with a big pile of gifts under it. I have a few simple decorations. They are quite enough for me. I'll visit my kids, bearing gifts for all...gifts of rice and maize...and some other "fun" stuff, too. I will tell the Christmas story. And we will celebrate with minerals (soda pop) and biscuits (cookies) and we will play. But, most of all, we will thank the Father for the most precious gift of His Son.