A Chapter Closes, Another Opens

May 9, 2010 - Posted by admin
We all have talents and skills that can be used in many ways. On January 13, 2008, God called me to minister as an expression of Jesus’ love for all.  In my life, I have been a Realtor, concrete layer and finisher, grocery store worker, metrologist, engineering technician, Barista, Nuclear Health Physicist, retail clerk, US Airman, and other work.  But I have been designed, and find no greater joy, than to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with love and respect and for my life to testify about the goodness of God.  My work is a joy because I’m joined to my Father in heaven and know He is pleased with the path I’m on. Thank you so much for participating in this path, without your prayers and support this chapter could not have been possible.

I left Tamale the 28th of April to Accra the Capital of Ghana, which is about 14 hours south of Tamale on the coast. I returned to the US on May 6th.  What had I been doing in Accra the past week? I had the honor to continue the work God has called me to by evangelizing in a prominent area of other faith.  There are now six new believers in Jesus Christ because of God’s grace and your participation!

I was not alone in this work as a Ghanaian evangelist heard I was in Accra and joined me for the mini-outreach. We were able to encourage some Christians living in the area too. On the last day of our outreach, we met a Ghanaian Christian evangelist living and working right where the six new believers came to Christ.  God is so good. Elisha has agreed to continue following up with the new converts and to shepherd them into a wholesome church. If we patiently wait upon His timing and plans to unfold, God always provides.

During the events that led up to my resignation on April 20th from the Center of Good News, the point God made in Proverbs 16:9 has been etched in my heart: “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”  God allowed us to make a plan, but God always has the last say and will do what is best for all. Letting go is not easy, it wasn’t for me, especially because of the relationships that were built.

Please pray for the people and work in Tamale that were encouraged through SGM; the school outreach, the discipleship class, the hospital outreach, the community family outreach, the six new village church plants, the Christian radio start-up and humanitarian work. Pray that we, leadership and I, discern God’s direction for the next chapter of the mission He has me on.  I left a big part of my heart in Tamale with some very special people, please ask God if you and I still have a role to play in the lives of many in Northern Ghana.

May God bless the 260 plus people that now have eternal hope, even though in this life, likely many will not be able to escape one of the toughest environments this earth has to offer. Whatever our circumstance, please thank God for His sovereign choice for us being born in the USA.  We have so much to be thankful here.

Jesus is Coming Soon; may God bless our spirits with preparation,

Joe

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 9th, 2010 at 12:06 am and is filed under About Me. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

1 Comment

  1. Misty says:

    Joe – I am so sad to hear of your resignation. I can feel through your words how hard this decision has been on you. We will continue to pray for the Ghanaians, as they have become part of our family as well. We will pray for continued guidance for you and your next journey to serve the Lord. It is so inspiring to watch God use you and your complete willingness to follow his call and serve in whatever capacity he reveals. Thank you also for Proverbs 16:9, it is such a important reminder how our lives are not about “our” plans but His. And if we just hold true to that, how glorious and fulfilled our lives here on earth may be. Thank you for all you do in His name…
    God Bless, Misty

    ... on July May 10th, 2010

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