Ghana Team Daily Blog

A Sensory Taste of Ghana

    Thank you, readers, for joining us on this trip with your interest, support, and prayers! In a very real way, it has been successful because of you. This is an attempt to paint a little picture – or provide a tiny tase - of this beautiful country and people.

    And so… Akwaaba (ah KWA buh)… welcome!

    Ghana uses a naming system for males and females, based upon the day of the week that a person is born. We use our phones to find that answer and our lanyards for the week reflect both our first names and our Ghana names.

For Females:                                            For Males:

Monday – Adjoa                                       Monday – Kojo

Tuesday – Abena                                     Tuesday – Kwabena

Wednesday – Akua                                  Wednesday – Kwaku

Thursday – Yaa                                        Thursday – Yaw

Friday – Afua                                            Friday – Kofi

Saturday – Ama                                       Saturday – Kwame

Sunday – Akosua                                     Sunday - Kwesi

    There is a pervasive scent of woodsmoke, noticeable as we exit the airport upon arrival and everywhere we travel. As we’re transported through the city to our hotel, there is one word that comes to mind: JUMBLE. The more modern buildings near the newer airport give way to streets that seem to have no coherent plan or purpose, and certainly no apparent regulation. Hundreds upon hundreds of vendors with displays of their product held in anything from a tray to a wood shack or rehabilitated container line the streets and alleys in haphazard ways. Even on streets and highways in the city, vendors with a variety of containers on their heads walk the roads, fearlessly (and recklessly) weaving in and out among the vehicles. When the bus is stopped for any reason, vendors flock to the windows, hoping to entice us to purchase whatever they’re selling; and in one or two cases we do! To our amazement throughout the week, we see not a single traffic or pedestrian accident, although we do hear a siren now and then.

    Every infant and often young toddler we see is wrapped securely onto mother’s back, many sound asleep and perfectly comfortable and content, seeming unaffected by mom’s activity, whatever it may be. Roaming goats and scurrying chickens become evident everywhere and in one place we see a cowboy guiding his small herd up the road. Laundry is drying everywhere, on lines and rooftops, railings, bushes, and even on rockpiles. As we pass through the city, a few towns and many villages, there is much evidence of spirituality; signs and even billboards proclaim such things as “God Time is the Best” (Amen) and “Let God Handle It”. Almost everywhere, signs direct the people to many churches of multiple denominations.

    There has been an effort in the suburbs of Accra (which we travel through every day) to build highways without diverting traffic in an organized way to actual asphalt roads. Instead, for many miles on both sides of the coming highway, the road is a deeply rutted dirt space with no apparent rules, except that “the battle belongs to the bold”. And our driver is BOLD! And delivers us safely wherever we go.

    We see an enormous tractor-trailer loaded with thousands of pounds of plantains, a staple at every meal, and we learn that plantains hold far more potassium than bananas. Along the road we also see huge piles of coconut shells; some of the coconut palms appear to have both harvest-ready and clusters of baby coconuts on the same tree. Along one road (this is not for the squeamish) we see a vendor holding a fistful of very large “rats” by the tail – for sale! And a table full of them for purchase… agreed, there are some things that just don’t bear further thought.

    We see boys here and there holding a very long pole with small wheels attached at the far end, apparently a toy; perhaps it’s really a toy – but could it be of use for advance warning to snakes when a child is playing in the bush? That’s what I would use it for! Wherever we go, we see people of every age and gender simply busy at work in the activities of daily living necessary for life; in those we have a chance to interact with, there is a sense most often of contentment, satisfaction, and joy.

    This portion of Ghana is green and lush, as evident on the map, and is hilly in places. We pass through a space of cocoa bean bushes on both side of the trail, and through areas that seem to be part of a rain forest; coffee beans are grown here as well. The coconut palms are loaded with fruit and there are many other kinds of trees, some with evident fruit.

    So very much more can be said, but… there is a tiny taste of Ghana. Madase! (ma DAH say) – thank you for reading!

   

Day 1 - Saturday

    Well...how best to describe a travel day that extends to nearly 28 hours?  Many would likely advise not to even try!  But as we finally landed at the Accra airport in Ghana, my seatmate, who called me "mama," said the only words necessary -- "Thank you, Jesus!" 

    Gratitude can be a bit challenging when one discovers a seat configuration designed for very small people.  But...the straight, unadjustable seat backs did amazing things for our posture, and the toilet closet directly next to us came in partly handy during the 10 hour flight.  As we weather the progress of our plane over the Atlantic, it was easy to be grateful that our giant transport was flying far above those vast ocean depths.  Safe trip without any major snafus?  Yes, thank you Jesus!  

    We are blessed to be in a fairly new hotel that even has hot water - major good thing.  And we've experienced some of the local cuisine too. 

    The rooster nearby wakes me at five am, and in our travels we've seen goats and chickens that forage freely.  A multitude of street vendors walk fearlessly and gracefully along the roads and highways with large bundles, baskets or trays balanced carefully atop their heads.

    The afternoon hour provided a chance to visit Grace Mission Church International, a friend of Jewels of God Church that also functions as a school that provides educational opportunities for non-local kids.  We enjoyed a great, informational presentation on Ghana, were treated to a lovely lunch of "groundnut soup" and watched a dance program by some of the current students.  

    Tomorrow will bring opportunities to visit several of the Jewels of God churches.  Can hardly wait! Thank you again, Lord Jesus!

Day 2 - Sunday

    Akwaba (Welcome), from Ghana.  The main language here is Twi (twee) and we are learning a few words.  Today, our team will split up and visit three Jewels of God churches in Taifa, Pokuase, and Amanfrom.  Pastor Victor founded the first of these about twenty-five years ago and the ministry continues to grow.  Two of the churches offer Christian education for grades K-6.  

    Veteran of previous trips, Carol Macomber, offers ear plugs with a strong recommendation to use them!  She was right.  Our service at Pokuase surely exceeded the decibels our audiologist would approve.  Yet, it was full of joy and energy and the intent of worship was clear.  Pastor Victor and his wife Cristiana were able to join us, an amazing blessing since he has been very sick and recently had a major surgery.  Talk about joy & energy -- he is full of it, from his sparkling eyes to his wide smile and ready laugh.  

    The afternoon brought a little rest time and then some teamwork as we prepared for the women's conference this weekend.

    Looking forward now to a good night's sleep so we can be ready for tomorrow.

Day 3 – Monday

    Visiting villages, two schools and a clinic in the eastern region, Ghana.

    Many miles of bone-rattling road bring us through the city, into the countryside, on through villages and marketplaces. It’s the “minor rainy season” and in places we encounter 4WD-worthy steep hills and mud holes. “Fearless Frank”, our very competent bus driver, navigates us safely through, and we applaud him with enthusiasm!

    As we near the first stop of Apau the road narrows to barely a track; suddenly we enter a clearing with several small buildings. Six teachers serve about 100 seasonal students here; some of the children walk over two hours to reach the classes from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Students in their uniforms have gathered to greet us, and Brenda delights them by teaching a song with body motions. When our visit is over, we distribute gifts donated by Toys for God’s Kids of hand-made wooden vehicles, along with lollypops.

    Back on the bus, our next stop is Akorabo (uh KRAHB o) where a group of women wait to welcome us. Here we see one of the first wells installed with the help of CCPC, funded by a CCPC family. Pastor Emmanuel greets us, the women dance for us in welcome, thanks and blessings are spoken. As that time concludes we move on to the clinic in the village. Many villagers wait there to meet and greet us; part of the team tours the clinic where have come to evaluate their needs and share the medical supplies we’ve brought.

    Finally, we move on to Klo Agogo where we receive a royal welcome under canopies arranged around a presentation area. Many girls run to hug us as we step off the bus; after we’re seated the requisite water is distributed and the program begins. Students here represent two tribes, one of which speaks the Dangme language and opening remarks are repeated in both languages.

    We are formally greeted by the Chief and his second-in-command, then their wives; introductions are made on both sides, and we are warmly welcomed (with LOTS of hand-shaking!)

    In the program the children pour their hears into a high-tempo dance and drama. Jeanne expresses wonder at the transformation here since her last visit in 2018. Strong new buildings instead of a tent! Beautiful, clean and colorful walls instead of dirt. Children who are orderly and happy, learning and growing in healthy ways. And a Chief fully committed to the transformation of his village. Thank you, Lord!

    Pastor Victor and Jeanne address the crowd with eloquence and prayers are offered with gratitude for what God has done here. Finally, to the great delight of the patiently waiting children, our gifts are again pressed into eager hands, then once again we are on our way “home”.

    By far the most important part of the day hasn’t yet been mentioned, and that is prayer and blessing. None of this can happen without God’s power and blessing – so we pray – and all of you at home pray – and we all both give and receive blessing. All glory to our God!

Day 4 - Tuesday

Visit to Oframoase – Eastern Region

    Our faithful bus arrives at 9:00 am for another bone-jarring ride in a new direction. Today we head northwest within the Eastern Region. The landscape is much the same as yesterday, and the busy markets we pass through are similar as well. What’s different today is our destination and goal, because we’re going to see the king!

    We are received at the palace! Perhaps not quite the magnificence you might envision, but we are honored just the same. We see first a covered space that has been devoted to a vocational sewing room.  Several young women work on hand – driven sewing machines, one with two young sons playing nearby, another with a very young infant on her back. A passion of Pastor Victor, and all who labor with him is to provide vocational training. The skills acquired provide hope and a future especially for the girls who might be targeted for the streets.

    Jeanne and Pastor Victor are ushered first to their places of priority, then we’re all seated and wait patiently for the main event to begin.

    Pastor Victor fascinates us as he provides a frame of reference for some of today’s events. The king is always chosen by the Queen Mother – hers is the origin of the royal line. When she dies a successor is chosen from her blood line who will choose one of her sons as a succeeding king when that becomes necessary. The reigning king is never allowed to sit alone in the room of meeting, nor may he appear in anything but his royal garb.

    In time the king’s spokesperson appears and is seated, then the king in his royal robes, glittering sandals, wrist bands, and kingly accouterments enters, followed by the Queen Mother. A retinue of officials join him, and all are seated, waiting quietly. The water is distributed, and the meeting begins with formal introductions of everyone present. Many eloquent and elegant words follow in turn, from the King and from Pastor Victor and Jeanne that include the historical relationship that has been established here with mutual blessing. The King has given 25 acres of his land to Pastor Victor and the Jewels of God ministry. The goal now is to get this land formally registered and make decisions about its use for a vocational school. At present, the King has given up the palace’s courtyard for a sewing school. He commits his resources to training up the youth in his area of the Eastern Region. Toward the end of the meeting gifts are offered to each person in our group; then our gifts are presented, the meeting is closed, and we move on to the village clinic which has a designated well providing fresh water for the patients, one of the two wells that CCPC has provided Oframoase.

    Our medical team begins their tour while others wait outside. Of course we attract much attention from folks nearby, both children and adults. The very young are sometimes frightened by our white faces, but the children are at once both wary and curious. We interact with them as best we can, communicating with smiles and hand signals.

    When the clinic evaluation wraps up, Mike and Jeanne take time to celebrate the second well in the center of the village. Jeanne commented, “the village’s well is like none she has seen before,” – it boasts four spickets from which clean water flows freely. God is indeed good! All settle on the bus and head home again. It’s difficult to describe the roads here – washboard just doesn’t come close, and much of our travel has not occurred on pavement. After many miles had passed, Brenda commented “Well, at least when I’m called rattle-brained I’ll have a reason!” Laughter truly is a good remedy for “what ails ya”.

    But wait – we’re not finished yet. It’s dark and we’re weary after the long twelve hour day. We’ve dropped off the extra passengers and are just a mile from the hotel when the bus breaks down. Kathy immediately says to me “he just lost his clutch”. And sure enough, she proved to be exactly right. As you might imagine, there were many prayers going up. Fearless Frank was finally able to get the bus into first gear and we slowly limped to the hotel. The extraordinary thing is that Frank’s brother (! or maybe uncle) was able to repair the clutch overnight, Frank was able to grab some sleep, and the bus pulled up at 7:00 am Wednesday!     Thank you again, dear Lord!

Day 5 – Wednesday

Travel to the Ivory Coast – Central Region

    Our faithful bus arrives for transport to the Cape Coast. Bishop Moses travels with us today, along with Pastor Victor, Christiana, and our usual support team from the church. We endure the long and bumpy ride and the views along the way are heartbreaking at times; I see a dumping ground of plastic, at least the length of two long blocks, about ½ to 1 block deep and about 10’ high. Limited trash removal and recycling leave the people here few options for disposal. We see fewer good-sized towns and busy markets on this trip but eventually we near the sea, hear and see the waves of the Gulf of Guinea.

    Pastor Victor connects with Stephen, Pastor of Elmina church along the coast and he joins us for lunch at a lovely restaurant along the shoreline. Some of us are ecstatic with our orders of grilled Tilapia from Lake Volta and French fries, and we savor the taste, the beauty of our surroundings, and a pause for rest, seashell gathering, and quiet fellowship.

    After lunch the entire group tours the Slave Dungeon at Elmina, at once informative, sobering, and horrifying.

    Then, as we turned back toward home, we visited the pastors of the four churches in the Central Region. First, we stop to celebrate a new well and pray with Elmina Church situated on a busy market street. Our last trip to Ghana in 2018 marked the church’s 10^th anniversary. It was planted after a Cherry Creek team along with Jewels of God held an evangelistic crusade in the town’s square. Today it is home to the newest well in the Jewels of God network. Again, spring water…the Gospel on the ground! 

    Next, we stop at the Jewels of God church in Cape Coast and meet Pastor Evans (e VONSS). When Mike visited the building site with a CCPC team about 14 years ago it was simply a grassy hill. Later a youth team from our church, including Mike’s son, leveled the site and dug for the foundation. Windows and a roof will be the next step for this church.

    Our long ride back is fairly quiet, and we return to the hotel once again in the dark, ready for sleep.

 

Day 6 – Thursday

    BUSY day today as we prepare for the Women’s Conference that begins tomorrow. Brenda is in charge of the VBS teaching and materials and has done an incredible job already of much advance work, planning and purchasing. A few of us gather and bag the materials needed for four craft projects over two days.

    Kelly has donated expertise and products for bead design that will not only allow each of the attendees to create their own beautiful necklace but will allow one woman the seed materials and coaching to establish a business of her own. Lena is one of the church women who has accompanied and supported us all week. We saw yesterday that she not only has an extraordinary natural gift for bead design, but a passionate interest and deep desire to start her own business. God has provided what we prayed for!

    Evening brings us back to the church for the opening of the conference and we recognize some of the women from our earlier visits to churches this week. This chance to get away and enjoy fellowship, food, and loving care for their children makes the time so precious to them. We already see God’s hand of love moving in so many ways to bless them and to bless us. Thank you, Lord!

Days 7&8 - Friday, Saturday

    The Women’s Conference begins Thursday evening with a time of worship. The women and their children from the local church and those who have travelled from their villages are welcomed. They will be housed and fed here at the church property, and they’re excited for this refreshing break from their daily routines. The theme of the conference is Being a Shining Example to our Generation and Jeanne opens the teaching sessions with how sharing our unfinished stories of encounters with Jesus brings the hope of Christ to the church. The next few days will be full of sharing our stories, in words and actions, with one another.

    Friday morning, we arrive with all the supplies for two days of lessons, crafts and games. The VBS team is headed by Brenda, our veteran teacher, and helped by Mike, Cheryl, and Val; Kathy is enlisted following her morning work of distributing deworming meds to the children. The kids are captivated with the bright yellow banners Brenda has prepared, and each of the lessons have a corresponding song and craft. Brenda and her hand puppet assistant “Bob” delight the kids as they participate in activities to memorize the verses and seal the teaching with songs, all in English that they seem to clearly understand, recite and sing. Each lesson also has a corresponding craft, and the most popular seems to be the first, for the lesson that is all about names. Names are written in large letters on bright construction paper, the letters then outlined with glue and covered with glitter – glitter, glitter everywhere!

    Bob, Brenda’s sweet hand-puppet assistant helps her in many ways, charming the kids in the process, and as we watch and listen to the interaction, it’s evident that God has blessed this woman with the perfect gifts to touch the hearts and minds of these young ones. The same can be said of Mike and Cheryl, as they corral the kids for outdoor games at “recess” time. During most of the week we’ve been blessed with overcast skies, helpful for our bodies that aren’t yet acclimated to the heat and humidity.

    Meanwhile, the women have gathered for their sessions of learning and fellowship. Jeanne and Carol provide the teaching, Laura assists everyone with everything! Kelly and Doug provide expertise for the corresponding breakout sessions of bead-stringing and baking, which delight the women no end! One grandmother asks for lessons on cookie-baking and the making of such results in special treats to be enjoyed by everyone. On Saturday we all enjoy the wonders of freshly baked white and ginger breads. Literally and figuratively, the air is full of the sweet aroma of life and fellowship.

    Evenings both days we gather all together again at church for worship and teaching time together. All week, translators have provided everyone with understanding of words expressed in an unfamiliar language, but there is something unusual that happens as worship songs are sung. The language difference somehow fades as hearts express their common love for our Lord. The cultural difference is less noticeable as honor and joy is expressed in rhythm and dance, and those more reserved among our team begin to relax into this new expression of worship. Black and white hands are clasped together in a visual of shared joy and faith. On Friday and Saturday evening Laura and Cheryl touch many hearts with their testimony of God’s faithfulness in their lives. Jeanne weaves every aspect of our worship together with her beautifully appropriate words and ways.

    Finally, our time of worship concludes and as we prepare to return to the hotel, we’re crowded with those wanting their pictures taken with us. Who are the givers and who the receivers? All of us, mutually blessed. We look forward to our time of worship together tomorrow.

Days 9 & 10 – Sunday and Monday

    Our last day with these precious friends has arrived, and we prepare for church with mixed emotions, so grateful for our time here, yet with joy at the thought of beginning our trip home tomorrow. The women of our team who are new to Ghana have been gifted with custom-made dresses – long white skirts and tops to wear today. Our three returnees don the white dresses they have from previous trips while Mike and Doug wear the new shirts that have been made to order. Finally, the women are “topped” with head-coverings of bright yellow.

    As we arrive at church, we see that many of the local women are arrayed in beautiful gowns of white, some lovely enough to substitute as a wedding gown; and all wear the head-coverings of bright yellow. I’m wondering if the significance of these could have to do with believers being described as “the bride of Christ”; or the fact that our sins are forgiven, and we have been washed as white as snow.

    A single word to describe the service that begins is: CELEBRATION! The joy is nearly tangible as the rhythm of drums accompanies the keyboard and women in white gather at the front to dance single-file around the front perimeter. My intent to just sit and watch is interrupted by a beautiful black hand that reaches out to draw me into the procession of praise and thanks. Admittedly, this form of worship has taken a little time to get used to – but it has also caused us to think about the joy of heaven that may include types of worship we’ve never been aware of.

    Jeanne brings the message to us today, delivered and interpreted for the understanding of every ear. As she shares from her heart we listen carefully and are aware of those around us doing the same, and we are all blessed. The 3+ hours of the service pass quickly – yes, really! And as we move through the sanctuary and outdoors, we are surrounded by heart-delivered messages and hugs of thanks. God has used us to bless them and in turn has delivered those blessings right back to us, and we lose count of those who ask for pictures to be taken with them as phone after phone records a reminder of our time together.

    The afternoon brings a quiet time to rest and pack for departure; then we board the bus again for a trip to Samaritan House near Amasaman, where we are hosted by Chris Ampadu. Chris is the founder and director of Samaritan Strategy Ghana, whose goal is “Wholistic transformation of churches and nations, one community, one church at a time”. Chris’s home is a large 3 story structure of concrete, secure behind high walls with a single gated entry. He hosts us for dinner on the rooftop, a lovely space with views of the surrounding area and gradually many of those involved in this ministry join us. We learn the history of the journey Chris made to understand the source of pitfalls and failures of efforts to promote and sustain positive changes to the worldview of this ancient culture. Some of those who have been trained and are established in this ministry share their experiences and offer examples of Chris’s message; no matter how poor you are, no matter how little you feel you are or have – you have something you can choose to share. And in the sharing – you will always receive. What a beautiful reminder to begin each day with an “ask” …, “Lord, what would you like me to share today?” And when the ask results in action, what a mutual blessing!

    Thank you, Lord!

Val, on behalf of Ghana Team