June 17th update

June 17^th 2013

Greetings again from Ghana! Looking back on another long day the team has had plenty of reason for thanking the Lord! Many on the team witnessed for the first time just how open the Ghanaian people are to the gospel. As mentioned yesterday, thanks to a contact made by Tim on a walk down the road from Daniel’s residence on Sunday afternoon, a door opened for the team to share with students in a nearby school. The headmaster that had agreed to the appointment wasn’t even on the premises when the team had arrived – and yet the teachers were more than happy to move the children’s break time to accommodate our program. It wasn’t long before the 300 or so students were filing into one large classroom, and we were given the floor. The choir started off with a few songs in both English and Twi, followed by a rope trick gospel presentation by Perry. Esther and Joanne followed this up with a puppet show with emphasis on scriptures pertaining to salvation, and the program was concluded with a paintboard message by Tim. Interpretation into the Twi language was also provided with the help of our own team members as well as teachers from the school. The flexibility of the school staff in allowing us to minister was remarkable!

Because of this unscheduled morning appointment, the team found itself late to fill our afternoon’s slot of evangelism in the village of Apoimanim. This was a very rural setting, and the locals were visibly much poorer; residing in very humble living conditions. Dirt floors and tin roofs housed most of the local residents. The Lord seemed to work out our tardiness for His own goodwill, as the team arrived just as the local school was about to dismiss its students. It wasn’t long before a crowd of young village pupils had gathered around where the team’s choir began singing. In the meantime the paintboard was erected, and soon Tim had the undivided attention of the children and other villagers – who seemed to be fascinated that a group of “Bruni’s” (non african people) could sing in the Twi language. The Gospel was clearly presented, with much interactivity from the crowd. We’d ask that you would please pray that the seed sown would bear fruit – even in the simple hearts of these young ones.

The team then proceeded to spread out from the main village square, going from house to house and with the help of interpreters, striking up many conversations and giving out tracts. Some of the team received their first taste of the work of evangelism, and sharing their faith with others, and what better training ground than to a people so welcoming and so open?

Orientation and evangelism training continues, pray that the team will overcome the lingering effects of jetlag, and have the energy to keep up with the demanding schedule. All that is done will be in vain without the power of the Holy Spirit – your prayers are essential!

Josh for Team Ghana 2013