Greetings from Ghana,
This will be short and to the point as we are about to head off to the work that brought us all here. Yesterday was a day of meeting new friends at the ELCG (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana). Dr. Finn (the "Chief") is wonderful man who shares the same vision of sharing the Gospel to the Deaf here. It's needed here! He is truly interested in Deaf Ministry!
Next, our constant and trusted companions (Amadu, Okorful, and Enoch) took us to the Cultural Center so that we could do our shopping (can you imagine, with 3 women!) We could NOT have done this without them watching over us. The vendors LOVE to "neogotiate" and Pastor is a natural at this. We all came back with some GREAT clothes. Still learning how these "cedis" (Ghana monies) work so that they don't take advantage of us "oburuni's" (white people).
Last night as we packed up again, Karen, Jean and I expressed to each other our apprehensions, our "fears" of what we are expected to do, to teach. Our evening devotions were to recite a verse that we thought of when we knew we were coming here to do the Lord's work. My verse was Ephesians 1:11 (PLEASE READ!). I have always felt inspired by this verse. I have a purpose here. But it was a friend who wrote and said to read Philippians (Thanks David and Lori) for encouragement. One verse hit me Philippians 4:9, It reads, " Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into PRACTICE. And God of peace will be with you." That is what I have been doing to get me here. I have been "practicing" for this moment. Thank you ALL for your encouraging, inspiring words (AND prayers!) from home. I am TRULY humbled.
Jean and I will be heading to Cape Coast this morning and will be teaching the deaf children at the school. I will not have access to email until the following Friday but I am strong knowing that all of you are praying for not only me, but for the children that will be taught. I will keep you in my prayers as well. I thank God for all of you!
God's Peace and Blessings,
Linda
Good afternoon, everyone.
It’s been a while since I’ve written, but I know you are being kept up on what’s been happening from Linda and Jean.
Before leaving from Accra, yesterday, I read my morning Portals of Prayer and, because it so fit Linda’s, Jean’s and my purpose for accompanying Pastor Reinke yet feeling very nervous about our ability to share the Good News, I had to share the reading with the team. The topic was “Learn to Talk” and the parts that had to be shared were: “. . . the fastest way to learn a new language is immersion in that language and culture. When we are immersed in the study, culture, and love of God, then our hearts are directed toward God, our lips are opened and our words are made pleasing to Him. Formed and given by Him the, the words of our mouth will be the words of God, not the words of Man. . .”
I have to say, we three ladies were really feeling tugged yet knew that, with God, we will be able to spread God’s Word.
Linda and Jean were dropped off at a Deaf school in Cape Coast, yesterday. It was touch and go if they were going to be allowed to stay because there was no advance preparation due to the phone lines being down. We went shopping for supplies, in case they could stay, had lunch, and returned to the school to find they could stay. The children were great and wanted to know all about us. The sign system, here, is Exact English - a lot of initialized signs.
After leaving the school, it was off to a 4-hour drive to Kumasi, where Pastor John and I would be staying. We had a lot of help unloading the van, empting the boxes of supplies, and sorting out books and supplies.
This morning, Pastor and I went to Deaf Church - 2 hour Deaf Church!- well, actually, it was Sunday School, then Church. Lay leaders lead the services with Pastor Reinke giving the sermon. After church, we took one of the leaders home so we could visit his pregnant home-bound wife. She had already had 2 miscarriages and the doctor is hoping with bed rest, she will be able to deliver then, according to Ghanaian custom, the couple can marry.
Tomorrow is the start of our 2-week classes. From the responses, at church today, it looks like we will have a good group.
Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers. Many Law-teaching organizations have been established here; pray that we can instill Gospel-teaching to the Deaf Ghanaians.
In Christ,
Karen
Bad news today, one of our Evangelists was taken to the hospital on Sunday night for surgery. We will go to visit George tomorrow morning and find out what happened. We are praying strong for him.
Jean and Linda will be traveling to join us on Thursday. Give them two days to meet the people here, have our gathering on Sat, then travel up north. It is great to have cell phones to keep in touch!!!
I think they are feeling a little of the isolation of being two of few oburunis. Plus fish stew 4 or 5 times. plus no light in the bath, plus ???? I know they have fun stories about a toilet seat and ???????? We will wait to see their reports - smile. Please pray for God to keep them safe.
We are getting into the schedule of teaching. We are having some great discussion how to connect the Old Testament to the New Testament. Also how do we apply this in our teachings and sermons?
I am sooooooo Impressed with the leaders and Evangelists. They understand more and more the Gospel and how important that is in our lives. It is fantastic to see and I continue praying God will continue to keep their faith strong. They are facing so many struggles with law teachers. One of the ladies, who has not come to class yet but we are praying, said she could not come to Lord's Supper because she was not good enough. She needed to do better this next week, then she can come. Please continue to pray for our leaders that God will give them the right words to explain God's Word. Also pray for the Holy Spirit to work in people hearts and lives.
God bless you and thank you for your prayers!!
PS some of the deaf asked when we can start the school, they want to study more all year - smile. Others asked when we can send someone for 6 months as 3 weeks is too short. Pray for the harvest and the workers to bring it in!!!
Pastor Reinke