Kids club video

Here is a video of singing with the kids club

Last day in Ghana

Last Days in Ghana,

After our enjoyable visit to Cape Coast, we returned to Kumasi Saturday afternoon, spending a few hours preparing ourselves for another busy Sunday morning. The Lord's supper was well attended, and the theme of "God's great love" permeated the atmosphere of our praise, worship and meditations. After the Breaking of Bread the Believers Bible Assembly expressed their gratitude to the team, presenting each with a gift, presented by various members of the local church. The bridge of fellowship between the believers in Ghana with those from the USA and Canada was very precious to behold. The team also had their final opportunity to minister to the all the Sunday school children, and it was clear that each one on the team was enjoying their time with the children. Brother Caleb ministered to the adults from 2Cor 5:14 about the love of God being a motivation for living the Christian life, and the death and resurrection of Christ as our example of how we should live for Christ. Caleb did an excellent job ministering the word of God, and I am confident that the Lord will use him for teaching the word of God in the future.

Sunday afternoon we had to say good-bye to two of our team members, as their travel arrangements required them to leave earlier then the others. After saying goodbyes the remaining team used their time to pack all their bags and load the bus. Some helped me to conduct a bible quiz that I run every six months with the teen study group. Many were seen with either a broom, or mop in hand, while everyone pitched in to make the house clean and in good order. We compiled all of our digital photos together into a collection of some 6000 photos to share with each other, so that we can hold onto some great memories of this mission trip. Though we were due to wake early for the journey back to Accra, many wanted to stay up late and visit one last time before our final day of travel.

At 6am on Monday everyone was loaded on the bus and we headed downtown to do a little shopping for souvenirs. Many were able to buy a few more items to take along with them to remember their Ghana experience. Ofori, one of the church elders, made a special trip to meet us in town and provide us with some of his famed, and freshly baked, banana muffins. Kind gestures like this mark out the Ghanaian people as gracious and appreciative hosts. Two of our team members choose to fly to Accra to avoid the likelihood of sickness when traveling on the bumpy roads to Accra. The rest of the team traveled the 6 hours by bus to Accra and enjoyed a short visit to the Accra Mall, and saw how American shopping can actually be found in Africa also. At the airport we all said our good-byes, and several commented that they were willing to return to Ghana in the future. Everyone had such positive things to say about their experience, even though they all endured several hardships for the sake of the gospel.

For me this trip has been a wonderful expression of the goodness of God to His children, and an answer to our prayers. I had prayed for the encouragement of the team, the encouragement of the local church, and the furtherance of the gospel. All these prayers were answered in remarkable ways, that are hard to encapsulate in writing. The Lord added so much more than what we were requesting of Him, for I also came away so very encouraged by the partnership and interest for the Lord's work in Ghana. I believe the Lord will use this mission effort to open the door more widely for the gospel to Ghana in the years to come. May you also find encouragement from what you have read here about the Lord's grace and goodness shown to us during this mission trip.

And so our first team mission to Ghana has now come to an end, but we fully anticipate more mission team efforts in the future as the Lord directs His workers into this mission field!

On behalf of the whole mission team we thank you for your loving support and prayers for our efforts,
Daniel

Team outside Elmina Castle

Hanging bridge at Kakum Park Lori with Meghan in the lead

All the team taking on the surf at Stumble Inn Cape Coast

Eating breakfast under the hut at stumble Inn

Friday June 22^nd

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works thy hands have made…

Then sings my soul my savior God to thee,

How great thou art!

Team members could not help but burst into songs of worship as we woke to the beautiful eastern sunrise, the palms waving in the breeze and the smell of the fresh, unpolluted air coming in from the ocean.

Our stay at the Stumble Inn, Cape Coast  was an experience we would not forget.  The environment was as natural as possible. The buildings were constructed to blend in with the natural surroundings.  The glory of God’s creation was evident all around us.

We left early that morning to visit the Kakum Park natural forest where we enjoyed the wonders of the tropical forest. The challenge was to walk across a rope path over the forest canopy to observe the flora and fauna. It was a sight to behold.  For those like the writer who were not comfortable with extreme heights it was indeed a test of faith to rely on God’s protection in practical things.  We were reminded that God did not give us a spirit of fear. 

The opportunity for evangelism was ever present.  Literature was distributed to the hundreds of park attendees who were encountered along the trail and conversations relating to salvation were held with park attendants.  We thank God for the freedom to do such a work.

The team enjoyed fellowship in the waters of the Elmina coastal area and later around a roaring camp fire. During these times team members had the opportunity to witness to the artisans who came by to display their goods.

We are drawing to the end of our short term mission.  Please continue to pray for the team as fatigue sets in and individuals’ natural resistance to illness is consequently lowered.

Schoolground children receiving tracts

June 19 , Gospel to Ghana

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”  Romans 10:15

We started the day with a teaching session from Daniel W. on the  “Call of God”: to  Salvation,  to witness, to meet with other Believers, and to grow and mature in the Christian faith.  Daniel’s practical teaching and the opportunity to apply these lessons, have been brought before us every day, and today was no exception.

Meghan sharing her testimony and that there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN

Children singing at salvation academy

Jerry and JJ handing out gospel tracts

Bethany with Tim doing the rope trick

June 19 , Gospel to Ghana

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”  Romans 10:15

We started the day with a teaching session from Daniel W. on the  “Call of God”: to  Salvation,  to witness, to meet with other Believers, and to grow and mature in the Christian faith.  Daniel’s practical teaching and the opportunity to apply these lessons, have been brought before us every day, and today was no exception.

After a hearty brunch, the team left at noon to go to  a town called Kenysi, which is a short drive  away. After a few tries to park unsuccessfully, it is certain that the Lord directed us to the perfect place: a large space across from a National School. There were hundreds of students and people in the courtyard where a special outdoor program was underway with lively music and dancing.  Daniel W. and Emmanuel went to ask permission for our team to go around , giving out gospel literature  to the students. The Head Master not only welcomed us, but also asked if we would like to perform. Many hundreds of tracts were given out and  some of the team members were also given lessons in dancing to the delight of their student instructors! After the school program finished , the team was invited to the center of the courtyard to sing. We sang in Twi  two songs that we have learned. A sketch-board message was given with Twi translation.  Afterward , we all spread out through the town to give out gospel tracts and to speak with anyone interested . I was offered  a bench to sit down on at a  business stall to discuss the gospel message. One young man named Harry , whose English was perfect, explained to me that the Ghanaian people are taught that if they receive Christ and become a Christian, then they will gain material prosperity. Many shops  have a  Christian tag on their  storefront signs to attract business; Eg. “The Blood of Jesus Catering Business”, or “ God is My Refuge Hairdressing” ! Although the people are familiar with Christian terminology , they have no understanding of the simple truth of God’s Word and message of Salvation. However,  they will often give an earnest ear as we speak to them.  “By grace are you saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. “ Eph 2:8

In the evening, we went once again to Crown Prince school in Buokrom for the Childrens’ Club. There were many more children this week, than there were last week.  The singing was marvelous, the puppets were a hit as they sang along with the children and JJ gave a good message on the sketch-board using the numbers puzzle while being translated into Twi by young Immanuel from the Assembly here.

We were all tired but happy as we came back to Daniel W’s after a most satisfying and successful day in the Gospel effort. The joy of serving God in the way  that He has called  us to, must be experienced as words fall short to communicate this!

Cape Coast trip

Stumble Inn Cape Coast

Walking along rope bridges in the Canopy

Some team members walking along rope bridge at Kakum national park

Team at Elmina Castle

Cape coast on the beach at Stumble Inn

Eating dinner at Stumble Inn... Yummy

Team in the surf at Cape coast by Stumble Inn

June 21, Gospel to Ghana

It was an early start to the day with the team packing up and getting onto the bus for our journey to the Cape Coast.  The six hour drive was an experience of a  few miles of good road , followed by many more miles of  driving around huge potholes or over bumps.  What a thrill to see the African coast with the ocean sprawling out and the mighty surf rolling in to the shore.

  It was raining when we went up the driveway to the  Elmina  Castle fronting onto the ocean. There were many fishing boats  about and also a crowded shanty town  in the surrounding area where people lived and sold wares of every kind.  We were given a guided tour of the castle which was used to house African slaves in cells and very inhumane conditions before they  were transported to other countries.   Four hundred to six hundred persons into a room with little ventilation and no sunlight or toilet facilities was the accommodations for the slaves. The treatment  that the African people received at the hands of their Dutch captors  was described to us, and we were  escorted down a narrow and dark tunnel to an opening called “The Point of No Return”, that could only fit one person at at time as they  were loaded onto a waiting ship often after spending 3 months at this castle. They would never set foot on  African  soil again after passing this point.  It was a sober reminder to us that only with Christ can we have the mind of God  and a love for people that would never allow them to be treated thus.

 Afterward , we stopped into some shops beside the Castle and  even there some gospel tracts and New Testaments were gladly received and good conversations were had .  Heidi, spoke with a young man, who confessed to not being saved and also being troubled by that . He said that he would definitely read the literature that she gave to him! We afterward made our way  to  The Stumble Inn, which was our accommodations here in Cape Coast. For 10 Ghana Cedis per person per night (about 7$ US) we  were right on the ocean!  Our thatch roof dorm was rustic but comfortable, with an outdoor dining area, and  shower /toilet building. Lovely flowers were planted about the place  and everyone got settled and went immediately to the water to dive in.  It was cool and very refreshing,, not to mention  FUN jumping into the gigantic waves!

After our dinner outdoors, Daniel W. gave a short devotion on the Spiritual gifts together with a helpful questionnaire to aid us in determine  what each of our gifts were. We were able to also discuss how to best use this gifting of the Holy Spirit to the benefit of others in the Lord’s family.  A walk along the ocean shore, completed the evening for many, and it was early to bed, for an early rising the next day.

Wed June 20 outreach

Craig preaching Salvation Academy

 children at Salvation Academy

Lori and Lisa cutting Cassava for fufu

Craig pounding palm oil

making fufu pounding planteen

pounded fufu traditional ghana food

Wednesday June 20, 2012

‘Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not… when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them.’  Ecclesiastes 12:1

              A large percentage of the work of the mission team deals with school ministry. We thank God for the open doors into Ghana schools.  Invitation to minister in schools at present exceeds the availability of the local Assembly members.  We pray that God will show the way to solve this ‘good problem.’ 

              The team had the opportunity to minister to students at the Salvation International Academy in the town of Patasi.  One section of the group presented to the primary students and the other to the Junior High School students.  The program involved presenting the gospel through singing, puppetry, using the paintboard sketches and through sharing of personal testimony of team members.  The spirit of the Lord was felt in a mighty way as the students at the junior high listened in rapt attention as the message of salvation was presented clearly and simply to them through the paintboard. One of the sisters shared her testimony with the students and was able to make a very direct connection with her ‘before conversion’ experience of believing in ‘religion’ and ‘being good’ as means to getting to heaven with the very prevalent belief that we have heard being expressed that ‘being righteous, going to church, and praying every day’ are means of getting to heaven.  Students were also instructed to be aware of false doctrines which corrupt the true message of salvation.  All studentsreceived copies of the gospel of John at the end of the program. We pray that the message will be understood by the children and that they would understand that they are sinners in need of salvation. 

               Afternoon evangelism continued in the neighboring Truba Line community through the distribution of gospel literature at the main junction.  The goal is to establish a clear witness for the Lord in the area near to the Assembly meeting place at Daniel’s Webster’s home.

              One of the brothers from the Good News on the Move (GNOM) team ministered to the saints during the weekly Bible Study, on the topic ‘ Steps to Keep Oneself Close to God.’  All were encouraged and challenged by the message.  We thank God for the energy, effort and enthusiasm of the young people on the team.

                            Understanding the culture in which the gospel is being presented is important to the work of the mission team.  Beautiful fellowship was experienced around the participation of the team in the preparation of the popular Ghanaian dishes of fufu and palm nut soup.  As one sister remarked, the trust and cooperation involved in the pounding process, which is traditionally performed by the husband/wife team is a great picture of the marriage relationship.  All passed the test of eating the dish as the Ghanaians do. With the fingers!!

                             The team spent late evening preparing for a trip to the Cape Coast where some cultural activity will be combined with evangelism.  Pray for journeying mercies and hearts that are open to her the good news of salvation.

Ghana gospel outreach June 19,20th

Meghan sharing her testimony and saying there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN

Choir singing with salvation academy

Jerry and JJ sharing gospel literature with school kids

Bethany with Tim using rope trick for the gospel

Emmanuel using school PA system to preach to about 500 + students and parents and teachers

June 19 , Gospel to Ghana

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”  Romans 10:15

We started the day with a teaching session from Daniel W. on the  “Call of God”: to  Salvation,  to witness, to meet with other Believers, and to grow and mature in the Christian faith.  Daniel’s practical teaching and the opportunity to apply these lessons, have been brought before us every day, and today was no exception.

After a hearty brunch, the team left at noon to go to  a town called Kenysi, which is a short drive  away. After a few tries to park unsuccessfully, it is certain that the Lord directed us to the perfect place: a large space across from a National School. There were hundreds of students and people in the courtyard where a special outdoor program was underway with lively music and dancing.  Daniel W. and Emmanuel went to ask permission for our team to go around , giving out gospel literature  to the students. The Head Master not only welcomed us, but also asked if we would like to perform. Many hundreds of tracts were given out and  some of the team members were also given lessons in dancing to the delight of their student instructors! After the school program finished , the team was invited to the centre of the courtyard to sing. We sang in Twi  two songs that we have learned. A sketch-board message was given with Twi translation.  Afterward , we all spread out through the town to give out gospel tracts and to speak with anyone interested . I was offered  a bench to sit down on at a  business stall to discuss the gospel message. One young man named Harry , whose English was perfect, explained to me that the Ghanaian people are taught that if they receive Christ and become a Christian, then they will gain material prosperity. Many shops  have a  Christian tag on their  storefront signs to attract business; Eg. “The Blood of Jesus Catering Business”, or “ God is My Refuge Hairdressing” ! Although the people are familiar with Christian terminology , they have no understanding of the simple truth of God’s Word and message of Salvation. However,  they will often give an earnest ear as we speak to them.  “By grace are you saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. “ Eph 2:8

In the evening, we went once again to Crown Prince school in Buokrom for the Childrens’ Club. There were many more children this week, than there were last week.  The singing was marvelous, the puppets were a hit as they sang along with the children and JJ gave a good message on the sketch-board using the numbers puzzle while being translated into Twi by young Immanuel from the Assembly here.

We were all tired but happy as we came back to Daniel W’s after a most satisfying and successful day in the Gospel effort. The joy of serving God in the way  that He has called  us to, must be experienced as words fall short to communicate this!

Newcastle West Follow-Up and Prayer:

Hi Ron,

Thought it would be encouraging for folks to know of the responses to the 4You magazine that the team handed out in our area.

Please pray for: Graham M, Josephene F, Elizabeth H, Bridie Q, Margaret K, and Michael O.

These people have requested Bibles, a booklet The Road to Reality, and the most requested is A Way Out of Despair. Do pray as we make further contact with these people.

Colin

Mondays outreach for TNT Ghana

Our Canadian connection !!

Preaching to many people in the village

Meghan and Craig sharing the gospel

JJ sharing Gods word with Tracts along with Isaac

Discernment is defined as ‘the perception of that which is obscure.’ 

During our bible study today the team was encouraged to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to discern how we must proceed as we attempt to reach the unsaved with the message of God’s salvation.  We learnt that discernment can be considered one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

      1 Corinthians 2:14 states, ‘But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.’

Further study of the topic in Hebrews 5: 14 revealed that as Christians we are expected to grow in our knowledge of the Word of God in order to develop a discerning spirit.

     But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses

     exercised to discern both good and evil.

We reviewed examples from the early church and from the work of the Apostle Paul as guidance for the practical application of the spirit of discernment.

The team’s outreach today centered on the town of Kinyasi and extended to two adjacent rural villages.  We were immediately given the opportunity to practically apply what was learnt in our daily bible study.  Ghanaian culture requires that activity in the villages be approved by the village chief before proceeding.  Brother Daniel Webster was able, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, to discern that this protocol should be followed since a large group of strangers were entering the village.  This gesture allowed team members to move freely in distributing gospel literature.

Brother Tim Hood used the ‘paintboard’ to explain the A-B-C of salvation: Admit you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus Christ died to take away your sin and Call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.  The response to the outreach was very encouraging. Several team members conducted fruitful conversations with villagers.  Praise the Lord! Team members prayerfully agreed that it would be profitable to return to this location tomorrow, in the will of the Lord to continue the work. Please pray that hearts will be open to hear the word of God and make a decision to accept the Lord as their Savior.

In one of the villages a funeral ceremony was being conducted. Funerals are very highly regarded in Ghanaian culture. Activities an sometimes extend beyond one week and memorials are very extravagant.  Team members used this opportunity to remind villagers of the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

There is a lot for which we need to thank the Lord.  It is encouraging to see members of the Assembly ministering to the needs of the team by providing food items and taking time off from their daily outreach to join in the work. The Lord is no man’s debtor so their labor will not be in vain.  Additionally the weather is much cooler after yesterday’s rain, so we praise and thank the Lord for His goodness to us!

Sunday at Believers Bible Assembly in Kumasi

Sun

Now we know why it is called the "rainy season"

Sunday school singing a song

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee” Psalm 63:1

It was great for us once more to be able to worship the Lord this morning with believers in Kumasi, in the way that He has instructed us to do.  Led by the Holy Spirit the theme of God’s Love was the connecting thread as brothers led the saints during the worship service.

We praise the Lord that among those visiting were people with whom team members had some form of contact during the evangelism outreach of the previous days. Please continue pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them of their sin and they will come to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

As a form of testimony to the neighborhood in which the Assembly is located, Sunday school began with a short open air meeting outside the gates of Brother Daniel W. home.  Team members are becoming more proficient in singing choruses in the Twi language which has proven to be a blessing to the Ghanaians who hear it.

Sunday school continued with teachers assisting the students to understand the concept that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed to take away sin and that is the only way to heaven. Ghanaians are very ‘religious’ but their pervading responses to the question of how to get to heaven are the following ‘by ‘doing good’ or ‘being righteous’.  Pray that they will discern the truth of God’s plan of salvation.

Craig presented the message during the Family Bible Hour and exorted the saints to rejoice in the Lord and sing unto Him a new song (Psalm 33:1-8.)

Lord’s Day activities continued with a Women’s Bible Study of 1 John, led by Lori, on Seven signs that indicate we are in Christ.

Our afternoon activity continued with a picnic to Truba Lake where we enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation. On the way there team members sang the favorite Ghanaian ‘Traveling Song’ and distributed gospel literature. The heat of the Ghanaian sun turned into ‘showers of blessing’ as we were thoroughly drenched by heavy showers on the return home. This unexpected turn of events was immensely enjoyed by everyone and allowed us to enjoy a time of fellowship through caring and sharing that could only have been God’s plan for the evening.  It was noticeable that this was the only day that the showers would have prevented us from doing a gospel outreach in the neighborhood but through God’s divine guidance other activities were scheduled. Events like these help us to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL and we are only His servants.

On our return to the house we were treated to a local meal of kokoo also known as red-red (fried plantains) bayere ( fried yams) bean sauce and rice prepared by Daniel W. ‘Ghanaian sons.’ DELICIOUS!  We thank God for His blessings as we seek to serve Him.

Newcastle West Prayer Request

Dear friends,

Can I ask you to pray for Edmond? We met him on the doors 2 weeks ago while doing doors with the TnT Team. At that time he had Nathan Bolton and myself in for a chat. We have been in  regular contact since then. He said he knows our meeting was of God as he shouldn't have been home the day we knocked on his door. Since our meeting his life has been in quite an upheaval. Today he told me "you have met me in the worst week of my life" This morning he called to tell me his father had died in his sleep. 

On Friday I received a text from him which said " ... I really need your help and to explain to you about my life, please call over to me tomorrow. I would be so grateful, I really want to be helped and saved."

While the message was urgent, he did not have an understanding of his eternal need as much needing God's help "that week". He has agreed to meet with me weekly for a bible study. Do pray for his salvation. It is a bit hard to find the right words to say to him as he has lost his dad, as we cannot comfort him with the thought that his dad has gone to a better place. We hope that the love and care that will be shown to him will speak to his heart and bring him to salvation.

"Maranatha"

Colin & Natalie