Back Home in the States

In case you missed my last update, I have been back home for about 2 months now. My Ghana visa expired this fall, right about the time that George was ready to take the reigns of leadership. So instead of going through the hassle of renewal, the board agreed for me to return home a few months early.

It has been an adjustment to get back into the busy American lifestyle. In all the busyness, my mind often turns to Ghana and my friends there. It was hard to leave, but I felt like God was telling me it was time to trust the work to George’s leadership.

Since leaving Ghana, the Board has appointed me as a liaison to Ghana. I continue to work closely with the ministry team by means of email and WhatsApp.

Some of you may wonder whether to continue pledges of ministry support made on my behalf. Although my support ends in January, I ask you to keep giving toward the work in Ghana. I have been encouraged as to what God is doing in my absence.

Church Development

Men work on the roof of the new church building in one village. It has since been completed.

One of the challenges that we face is helping the people to take ownership of their church. This past month, one village church wanted to have some drums, and they came to the ministry team. George was able to challenge them to raise money and buy their own drums.

After only a couple months of raising money, the church was able to buy the drums. This is a small victory, but it is encouraging to watch the people start to see the church is theirs rather than looking to someone else for a handout.

The ministry team, led by George, is currently planning a three-day convention that will take place over New Year’s Eve in another village. We are praying that this will be a special time, bringing revival to our churches and our communities. We also pray that this will encourage the churches to continue to grow and disciple believers in the church.

New youth attending one of our churches

Building Healthy Leaders

Our leadership training, Building Healthy Leaders, is going well. We continue to see spiritual development and growth in our students. Part of the training is giving them opportunities to put their learning into action. One of these experiences will be during the convention. We are giving them the opportunity to lead part of the convention.

George is doing an amazing job directing our leadership training. He wrote recently, “Personally, I enjoy the training. I learn with them as I train, and am getting to know them deeply. As part of the training, I schedule one on one (meetings) with the participants where I sit with them to talk personally, especially (about) their struggles and where they need more help. The participants feel at ease in sharing with me their life experiences. I am like a brother and a friend to these young men, and we move along.”

Your Prayers are Needed

God is moving in incredible ways in Ghana. I ask that you continue to pray for the ministry team there, that they will continue to seek God and His Will. They face many challenges each week, and the work is difficult. Yet, the future is exciting when you stop and think about the different possibilities for the future, like new leaders, new church plants, and revival in communities across this part of Ghana. This is the vision I have, but it is only possible when we are patient and obedient to God’s plan.

Thank you for your support over the last 3 years. God used me in unexpected ways, but I know without a doubt that I was supposed to go to Ghana. Continue to pray for me as I work with the Ghana team, that I will be able to encourage them and give them godly wisdom and direction.

Merry Christmas to you and your family this holiday season.

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