Well..a lot has happened since we last blogged. As Americans we have little comprehension of how much we utilize because of its ready availability. In our time here in Ghana we have not only used up our internet minutes which you purchase as you would a pay as you go cell phone but we also used up our water in the entire Shiloh Guest House. Ghana does not have running water. It is pumped from a well, stored in large containers which you purchase from the water company and pay for it to be delivered. Apostle took care of us as he does all our needs which enables us to do the medical missions, preaching and teaching while we are here. The second medical clinic was in a village not far from the first one Rebecca wrote about. The numbers at the first clinic were overwhelming. We gave many who were unseen numbers to come to the next clinic as the second village was a walkable distance. Rebecca (Nurse Rebecca as she is now called) helped quell the crowds by giving general medical information about how to make your own rehydration solution, how to properly boil water to wash your face each night and answered many questions of the Aged who hung on her every word. The second clinic we were more organized and able to increase the amount of people seen but still many were left wanting. As the medications ran low and the crowds were still so great, it broke our hearts and left many of us wondering what type of impact we could possibly have. Apostle told us that what little you can do, you do because how do you save a soul unless that soul is still living in the next 3 weeks. We can not see everyone in the clinic but there are many who will be saved. At each clinic, Belinda Love and Milt Olsen pray with each patient either before or after they are seen. We have some now who are not only saved by the medicines that they receive but also by their accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives.
Friday was the medical clinic at the church and the all night vigil ending the 14 days of fasting for Financial Freedom. When Apostle Odai asked for testimonies there were many. One man stood up to say that he had been an alcoholic for the last 12 years. He beat his wife and mother-in-law. At one point he earned what would be $450 in U.S. dollars. He spent the entire amount in alcohol. At the medical mission, he gave his life to Christ and begun the struggle to stop drinking.
Skip has also great successes to report. One of the ladies that applied for a micro-loan told the story of how she had saved up $6. She had a trade business that she ran from only a chair and a small table in the street. Thanks to the Micro Bank she received a $100 loan for her business. She now has a flourishing business in a container and is continuing to increase her inventory and profits. Just as she has received a blessing of the microloan, she is blessing her church for the items of which it has need.
Saturday we went to the Bush. Seeing the well being drilled and the many children was one of the most relaxed medical clinics we have had. There was time to teach the children some of our songs and walk through with them the bracelets of salvation.
Through all of this each day our team has led children services, youth services, gave testimonies, preached to the point of wonderment that Apostle Odai has the endurance and strength that he does. It can only be God’s strength in him. The church feels so very blessed and in comparison to the villages. Out of what the church here receives, 70% they put towards missions in the villages and the Bush. That bit of news staggered us. In all that we have seen and done here the main thought I am left with personally is just humbleness. I am so small in comparison to all the Lord is doing in and through his people.
We are going to the Bush now and spending the night for the last two nights. We will see you all soon. We may need showers!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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Thanks be to God for all his mighty works with you in Africa and us here in the US. We were all looking hard on the blog for a word. I got up early,Leah did,Al did and others because we hadn't had a blog since Wed. (2). What a relief Kathryn when I got my phone after church and had a text,then when I got to a computer and had such a great message. I had decided that you all were in the bush and had no coverage. The class was good (don't know about the teacher) but large group and great participation. We are all very committed to that effort in Ghana and I think I can say we are very difinately a part of it. Sounds like the Lord is working miracles and healing hearts and bodies. I am so glad that Milt and Andrew and Belinda are there to teach and lead. It just seems like each one of your team has a special niche, that is including the young people. Great service at SH today. Hess is back, we had communion Good. Many people went to the alter for prayer and several joined the church. Have a safe time and know that we are "co-laborers together with God."
ReplyDeleteTell Nurse Rebecca that Al is missing her a lot. I saw him this morning. We love all of you
We have all anxiously awaited your most recent blog. We can tell you wish you had more supplies,more people and more time. However,stop and think about all of your victories and how God will multiply these for His glory in the future. He works in eternity not our time.
ReplyDeleteWe anxiously await your return and having you safe at home. We look forward to hearing your comments and stories when you get home.
We pray for your sucesses in the bush as you care for the sick of body and soul leading them to reconciliation to God through Christ Jesus.
Rollie and Sammie
P.S.: Hang in there Clara,we are especially proud of you.
P.S.:
Chris and I are praying for all of you through this trip and we look forward to hearing more of your experience when you get home. What a glorious blessing the Lord has given you guys by giving you this glimpse of life in another "world". We're praying that His impact through you will be HUGE :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Jen Giles
It sounds exciting but tireing. True work for the Lord can at times be tiring but well worth it always. We are feeling so much a part of what you are doing there in Africa & am sure everyone would love to stand next to you telling of the word of our God & Christ Lord Jesus.& how it has changed our lives. Please save a life for us. I know how valuable water is & so thankful you are receiving your needs. We cannot wait to hear all the little things that happen that will grow in these precious people all the rest of their lives. Come home safe & well dear friends & thank you for giving of your time & resorces to encourage each one of us that are only there in heart, mind & prayer. Helen did a great job in Life group yesterday & a lot of participation. Loving each of you. Leah & Les
ReplyDeleteSo excited to read your latest post. God has not forgotten about Africa....He has placed you all there at this appointed time, and the difference you all are making by your obedience can not be measured or seen. So grateful to know so many of you on this trip and know that God is using each one of your talents to further His kingdom.
ReplyDeleteAnxious to have you home and hear all of the amazing things you have seen God do!
Prayers continuing for your strength, protection, safety and obedience!
Love you,
The Rykers
praying for you all. We serve a big GOd. He is using everything you do to His glory. He will make it all work for good. Keep the faith.
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
jamie
So glad to get a post... I check the blog multiple times a day just to hear what is going on in Africa. I can't even imagine what it is like and the impact is is having on the people of Africa and the impact it is having on each of you. Look forward to hearing all the details. Hopefully next year there will be a ton more people and medications to go to Africa to continue in the mission that you are doing right now.
ReplyDeleteLove and God Bless,
Karissa W.
Reading how the Lord is alive and working through each and every one of you is such a blessing. Lack of medical supplies, water? Our Lord had no medical supplies, yet he brought sight to the blind. He had no water, yet provided food and drink to the masses. These are little things in HIS eyes, and all you need will be given to you. We can't wait to see the Holy Spirit shine through each of you when you return. We can read and feel it now, but we want to see each of you soon. Prayers for comfort, strength, sleep, and courage for each of you today. Love and Blessings your way, Larry & Karen Saunders
ReplyDelete