A Time for Transition

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven."  

Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is a time of transition for me here in Lawra. I am not going anywhere. I am not changing the focus of my ministry. But, people who have become close to me, people whom I have grown to love are leaving Lawra or maybe even Ghana, and going else where. The picture above is the Very Rev. Ernest K. Baiden at his Farewell Service. He has been my pastor, my boss, my colleague, but, most importantly, my friend. He and his wife, Bertha, are moving to Tamale where he has been posted. I will see him a few times a year, but, it won't be the same. I am looking forward to getting to know the new pastor better and to welcome him and his family to the Lawra area.

Then, there is Leela, from the UK. She left Lawra on Sunday, and will return to London later this week. We have become good friends during her time in Lawra. I hope to visit her and Sarah (who goes and comes from England) sometime next year. Also, very close colleagues of mine, who live in Bolga, left Sunday. I will see them at a conference, but, they will not return to Ghana until the beginning of March. A Peace Corps friend is leaving Lawra in three weeks, going to America, then, returning to Ghana to work in Accra. Other colleagues of mine are leaving in December and will return six months later. Oh, and I am sure there are more...

Saying "good bye" isn't always easy. I have lived in Lawra before all of these people were here. I have lived in Ghana before I became close to these people. So, what do I do now? I believe that the Lord will use this time to draw me closer to Him, to strengthen our relationship.I don't know what God has in mind. But, what I do know, is that he won't leave me to be alone. He will bring others along side of me, both Ghanaians and expats. I will be keeping my eyes and ears open to where He leads!

...They Are Life

"The words I have spoken to you," Jesus says,"are spirit and

they are life." (John 6:63)

They are life...so, when I feel as if the joy of life is ebbing away, I need Your words, Lord. If I am tempted to give into depression, or a "woe is me" attitude, Your words will give life. When the words or actions of others threaten to suck life out of me, Your words give life. Lord, I need You and Your words. Life has its challenges.. Some days those challenges are small. Other days, those challenges are big. And, once in a while, those challenges are HUGE! But, if I immerse myself in Your word, meditate on it, learn from it, know it, lean on it, draw strength from it, no challenge is too big for us together. Life is You. I am determined not to give in to the pull of the world. Instead, I choose life! - Your life!

I Love a Lonely Day

TV's off at 1 a.m.

One more day alone again.

The work gets longer every day.

Why'd I have to get away?

But I have found a comfort here.

Solitude can be so dear.

Loneliness is not so blue,

When it puts my mind on You.

I love a lonely day,

It makes me think of You

All alone, I can easily find Your love.

I love a lonely day,

It chases me to You.

It clears my heart,

Lets my very best part shine through, it's You!

~ Amy Grant

Lessons Learned from a Coloring Book - Part 3

I haven't colored for a week. So, I decided to pull out the pencils and sharpener and the coloring book. I just got started coloring when the lights went out! What to do? grab a couple of flashlights and keep coloring, of course! (Lights were off for twelve hours.)

The next day, when I looked closely at what I colored the night before, I was a bit disappointed. You see, what I colored by flashlight wasn't nice and "crisp", not close to the edges and even missing some places. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but, well, was it really worth it?

I started thinking, "It's all about the light." When the light is good, the coloring is good. Better choices are made. All goes well. But, by flashlight, things aren't so good. Hmmm...sounds familiar. 

The light of Christ helps me make good choices. His word lights up the way I should go. Temptation is easier to ignore in the daytime, in the light. Thoughts stay focused. But, in the night, in the dark, when I am tired, it is harder not to give in to temptation. My mind wanders. And when making decisions on my own instead of by Christ's leading, sometimes they are less than beneficial.

Light versus darkness....in coloring and in life, choose Light!

More than a Mug

When I first moved to Ghana, I brought the necessities to begin life in a far off land, not knowing what would be available. Plus, I brought a few things that would provide comfort. One of those things is a coffee mug. It isn't anything special to most people. But, when I was looking for a mug to match a plate, my sister bought it for me. Whenever I use it, I think of Debbie, of the great time we have had, of the blessings and the love that is shared.

As my time in Lawra stretched on, I started buying coffee mugs when I traveled. One from Chang Mai, where The Mission Society had a Conference some years ago, reminds me of colleagues and fun times we had together in a place where I never thought I would visit. Then, there was Leahy,a Peace Corps volunteer, who brought me a mug from New York City. I think of her every time I use it to drink hot chocolate, with a spoon. Sarah, a VSO volunteer from England and now works for Action Through Enterprise, brought me an England mug. She also surprised me with a Christmas mug! What memories, old and new!

Again I went to the US. And, when I returned to Ghana, I brought back more mugs...one from St. Simon's Island, GA, where I spent a week with my good friend, Tula. There is also my "hand warmer" mug from Mt. Airy. Ellen brought me a mug from the Lawrenceville Diner. Since it has lots of "bling" on it, I use it when I want to accessorize.

                                      

Then, there is my good friend, Nancy. We have been friends since high school. She is a funeral director, hence the funeral home mug. But, she also gave me mugs from Ohio and Florida. I used the funeral home mug yesterday and sent her a picture. She used the exact same mug yesterday! God is good. I use the mugs when I need some comfort (like the one from Memphis and the Sunday School Class at Cordova UMV), or I am missing a particular friend and want to "spend the day" with them, or as a reminder to pray for them.

Of course, there are times when I use the mugs just because. Olaf here is my main squeeze. When I used this mug this morning, I thought of my nephew's wedding in Florida, of the good times I had with my sister-in-law, Anita, while we were shopping and of the cool weather we are having today.

Coffee mugs are so much more than something to use when you drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate. They are reminders to pray, a way to feel close to someone far away, a way to celebrate an ordinary day, a reminder to be grateful for all the people God has placed in my life and opportunities God has given me. 

Making New Memories

Today would have been my 40th wedding anniversary. Life happened and it is not my 40th wedding anniversary. I get thinking each year when it rolls around. What would life be like today if I were still married? All the wondering and speculation. The reality is my life is VERY different than what I imagines 40 years ago. That doesn't stop me from wondering...

So, this morning during my quiet time, I decided today's theme would be, "Making New Memories." I try to do something nice for myself around this time of year. Well, due to the illness of my friends, I cancelled my plans for this weekend. I had a "stay-cation" instead. I pulled out my card making things yesterday and started working in Craft Central, Lawra Campus. It is still open for business.

When a friend of mine, Leela, heard it was my ex-anniversary today, she decided on the spot that we would go for a brunch picnic this morning. She rode her bicycle to my house, I put the last odds and ends in my backpack and away we went to picnic at the Lawra stadium.

There isn't much to the stadium except a wall and grass. Oh, and grazing animals and stuff that animals leave behind...if you know what I mean. We carefully looked at the ground and found a spot on which to place our cloths. As we unpacked our bags, we created quite a stir. What were these two white women doing? The sun is strong and they are sitting in it! Elvis and his friend kept a watch on us, hoping to reap the left over food. We had a lot of entertainment...sheep grazing, a man urinating, a farmer weeding, one of the boys mooning us, and then, they serenaded us. Oh, and I must not forget the women who stopped by to tell us we shouldn't sit there because people sh__ there. Such fun! 

As we packed up, we shared our left overs with the boys and let them take a spin on our bicycles. As we were leaving, Elvis told us, "Good bye and good luck!" What a lovely morning! New memories that make me smile were definitely made today! Isn't it just like God to take a day that could be filled with regrets and turn it into something beautiful. Thank You, Jesus! (And Leela!)

Learning to Trust in You

Sunday, August 16, 2015, was Baptism and Confirmation Sunday at Kalsagri Church. Here are the simple testimonies of five people who have chosen to trust Jesus.

I am called Dome Tuole Emmanuel. I thank God for calling me to give testimony. I think this worshipping God is very good. I was in the darkness. And when I was in the darkness, I was experiencing a lot. And I heard there was worship here and so I also ran to come and join. When I joined this church, those things that used to worry me, I don’t experience them again. That’s why I want to continue to worship God, so that God will protect my life. So I thank God so much.

I am called Sabina. I thank God so much, that He has brought me so far to this place. Yes, I’m so excited that I have come to join this church. It got to a time, I was very worried. And I never knew of any witchcraft and people attributed witchcraft to me. And God directed me to come here and join the church. I’m coming here, not even up to a year, but I have seen the transformation in my life. If I hadn’t run to God, Christ, by now I would have been dead and gone. I thank God for delivering me and raising me up to know Christ. I am very excited and I pray that God would continue to protect my life.

I am Donicia. I saw my colleagues were running to join Christ and then I also decided and came. I used to have bad dreams. Things that have been happening in my life. Ever since I came here, I have never experienced that again. So, I am very happy. I want to be baptized, and those things will run away and leave me, with my whole heart.

I am called Kuuzina Madina. I was also a widow. I was sitting in the house, all the time becoming so worried for my life. I didn’t have any way out to forget about it. Every day I think and think. I was wearing down. I started asking and I heard one day there was church service here. Let me run to the place to join my colleagues and then they will also shout. And when they shouted, I also had a sound sleep. I came to the church and they were praying, praying for me. When I went home, I could sleep. Then I saw I was getting myself happy. There was nothing worrying me. I have come to be washed away from my sin and to be baptized.

This church that was brought up again…my small girl. I can remember that when I was born some people told me I even died and some people prayed for me and gave me the name Nnienebe Ama. I also grew up, got married and gave birth to children. Five girls, three died. One lady is still around. This small girl, anytime they are coming to church, she will cry that she will also come to church.The small girl came back and told me, “Mama, let’s go and worship God.” Then, I also came out. Then the small girl said, “Mama, have you seen that prayers is good and worship is good? And let’s pray.” And she started. Nothing is worrying her. And up to date we are saying she should be baptized. I even wanted the child to be baptized, but I think she is too small. I would have been happy if the child would have joined me to be baptized. I want to be baptized with my whole heart. And I will continue to worship with the child here. I thank God for my life. (The child was also baptized the same day.)

Technorati Tags: Baptism,Testimonies,Kalsagri Church,Trusting God.

A Blessing and...not so Much

This past Sunday was a day of celebration at Kalsagri Methodist Church. There were 37 baptisms and 30 confirmations, plus communion! It has been a blessing to be part of the preparations for this day. I was given the opportunity to teach half of the classes to these people who have decided to follow Jesus and to join the church. During the class time, I was able to get to know some of the people and to learn more names than I already knew. I was blessed to hear their testimonies. These are people who cannot read, who cannot write. One person is lame, another blind. Many do not even know their birth date. Yet, they love the Lord. They have seen what changes God has made in their lives. It is humbling to be a part of their faith journey.

Yet, there is a down side, too. But, not with those who have been baptized and confirmed. It is with the business side of it. The man-made rules and expectations. One man did not come to church because he could not afford to pay for the two certificates, a cost of just over $1. (Unknown to him, they were already paid.)  I try my best not to be a part of them. There are times, though, when I cannot escape them. That is the part I don't like.

Being part of this blessing...amazing. To have this opportunity...priceless. I choose to focus on the great things the Lord has done and to celebrate with those who have seen the power of God is truly stronger than the power of darkness.

Flexibility

Rainy season has definitely come upon us. For a while, it seemed slow in coming. Now, it is here with a vengeance. It rains several times a week. Farmers are happy. Their crops are growing. There will be food for the coming year. But, there is another side to rainy season.

When it rains, everything shuts down, no matter how much it rains. People stay home. If they are out, they stay put. Most people walk, ride a bicycle or a motorcycle as a means of transport. So, during rainy season, plans are made, but may never come to fruition. Meetings are delayed. Church services start after the rain stops and people arrive at the church. Tro tros (vans used for public transportation) sit unoccupied because people won't come out in the rain to the station. (Which is fine, since most tro tros leak and you might as well be outside in the rain.)

Kalsagri Church is preparing for Baptism and Confirmation to be held this coming Sunday. It has rained the last three days of class, but, stopped long enough for people to come. This afternoon is our last class. It remains to be seen if we have class or not. And, this morning, a group of us were to meet at the Kalsagri church to paint the inside walls. It is pouring outside. I can’t drive a moto in this weather. People won’t come to the church in this weather. So, instead, I sit here and write this blog and wait as my computer updates.

Flexibility is definitely needed while living here. Not only in rainy day situations. Electricity is unstable. Schedules and plans get interrupted all the time. Electronics have a mind of their own and work when they want to, not when you want them to. There is no such thing as a tro tro schedule to plan your travel. Meat that is recognizable is not readily available. Neither are a variety of fruits and veggies. Laundry takes forever to dry. So, what do you do? Be flexible. Plan to do nothing else on a travel day. Develop a liking for fruits and veggies that are available. Don’t wait until you have nothing else to wear before you do your laundry. Have a good book or something else to work on during a rainy day. Be flexible! Take advantage of the quiet of a rainy day. “Stuff to do” will get done. And, will it really matter if the church doesn’t get painted today?

Technorati Tags: Rain,Flexibility,Life in Lawra

Lessons Learned from a Coloring Book - Part 2

I was coloring again today. All was going well. The centers of the flowers were yellow. The orange flowers were colored in. Then, I started on the turquoise flowers. Hmmm. Something isn't quite right. As I colored, I could feel the pencil point wiggling. So, I sharpened it, hoping to correct the problem. Something was still wrong. I looked more closely at the pencil. The point had broken off and was being held in place by the wood surrounding it. It was still usable. I continued coloring...carefully! As I colored I kept thinking, "The point is going to fall out. I should just take it out and sharpen it." But, I didn't. I kept using the pencil for quite some time before I finally gave in and sharpened it. Afterwards, I wondered why I waited so long to resolve the problem. The coloring went much easier, smoother and faster with the pencil point in the proper form.

Hmmm...I'm like that pencil. Sometimes things go wrong within me. It can be an attitude. It can be an action. It can be a thought. Many times I keep on going. Life goes on. Work gets done. Chores get done. Classes get taught. Sermons get written. But, am I really in the best shape for it? Am I really representing Christ if there is an area in my life that is as shaky as that pencil point? I need to deal with that issue, make things right again before I can fully be myself again, especially as a follower of Christ. 

So, I will keep my pencils in good shape. I will have my daily time with God and continue it throughout the day. And, when life circumstances get shaky or I need to take a good look at something God brings to mind, I need to take action. And with His help, His strength, I can be that pencil in God's hand that He uses to write His story in Lawra, Ghana and throughout the world. 

Dreams

Good morning, Lord. I need to talk with You today. I need You. I need You to be not only a Savior, but also a Father, a Brother, a person who keeps the dream alive. I wonder, "What is my dream?" It used to be to work with orphans, to tuck them in at night and to tell them that Someone loves them. Now, I'm not sure. Is that still my dream? I was working with the children from the OVC Centre for a time. Due to circumstances, I no longer work there. 

If someone were to ask me today, "Sue, What is your dream? What are your dreams?" I wouldn't know how to answer. I might say, "I dream of a week where nothing needs fixed, everything works," but, that is not the intent of the question. I do not dream of greatness. I do not dream of marriage. I do not dream of having children or grandchildren. I do not dream of building schools or hospitals. And, I do not dream of leading a small church in a village in the Upper West Region of Ghana - that was Your idea, Lord! I do dream of the day when I stand before the congregation of Kalsagri Methodist Society and tell them they have done well. They are ready to stand on their own. Kalsagri standing on their own is within reach. It is a matter of time. It isn't really a dream. 

But, what's next? Dreams have been hard for me, Father. Dreams have been hard because they are easily broken. So, today, Father, at 8:43 am on August 6, 2015, in Lawra, Ghana, I ask You, "Father, give me a dream."

Paying the Price of Being a Missionary

I love this time of my life! I believe I am where God wants me, doing the things He wants me to do. It is expensive, though. There are costs that people aren't aware of. Costs that are provided by the local church for the pastor, but not in the case of a missionary living in Lawra, Ghana. Every little thing, or big thing, I need for ministry, for office supplies, transportation, continuing education, insurance, retirement...everything...all funds need to be raised and continue to come. If not, I would be heading home.

But, there are other costs, too. Over the last 4 1/2 years, I have shed tears over these costs. The cost of not being able to attend a dear friend's funeral. I have had a few very close friends die since I have been in Ghana. When my neighbor in New Brighton, Nancy, died, I think part of me died with her. I still think of her when I have tea...I would watch the sugar melt on the spoon. Dee Dee died a couple of years later. She was my encourager, my prayer warrior. She knew me in good times and in very, very bad times and loved me through them all, speaking the Truth in love. Graduations of my nephew and close friends. Illnesses of family members, some serious. Family picnics. Oh, engagements. And, babies of others. Moving of pastors. Welcoming new pastors. And, weddings.

I was looking through Abby's wedding pictures. And, I started to cry. She was a beautiful bride. Joe is a Godly man. They are a wonderful couple. And, on their special day, I was half a world away. Praying for them and their new life together. Being so proud of them. Wishing I was with them in person instead of in spirit.

Yes, the monetary cost of sending a missionary overseas is great. But, the non-monetary costs are even greater. I am feeling it today.

Lessons Learned from a Coloring Book

My dear friend, Tula, sent me a coloring book, a set of colored pencils and the accessories. I have to admit, when I looked at some of the pictures, I thought that I would never color something so tedious. Then, I became almost addicted! 

Coloring does relax me. It is good therapy! And, I don't need to pull out as much stuff to color as I do when I make cards.I feel so good when I finally finish a picture. But, I had to learn to "think outside the box." Leaves don't always have to be green. Flowers can be a variety of colors, not just the "normal" ones. Don't look close, Sometimes, I don't stay in the lines very well...when I am tired, if I try to hurry, or when the pencil point isn't very sharp, or, when I am not being careful!

Isn't that like our Christian life, too? We hurry. We aren't careful. We don't take time to be with God. We aren't as "sharp" because we haven't drawn our strength from Him. And, as we live out our daily lives, we are not showing a good reflection of him. 

As I was working on the above picture this morning, I thought, "What a mess I have made!" when I looked at a particular spot. I got out the eraser and managed to fix it. But, still, there are places that are "messy." Life gets messy, too. My God is the God of second chances. He forgives. I can try again, not in my strength, not with what I want to do, but with His strength, leading and guiding me. Sometimes life stays messy for a spell. God uses those times to glorify Himself, too, if we allow Him. 

My coloring isn't perfect. Never was. Never will be. And, that's OK. I won't stop coloring. It is a reflection of who I am. My life isn't perfect. Never was. Never will be. And that's OK. Because, I have a God, the Father, who loves me anyway. He leads me, gives me strength, gives me mercy and grace. And, because of His everlasting love, my life can be a reflection of Him.