June 10th, 2008: Unexpected Reality
I have been in Accra, Ghana since last Friday evening, one day later than planned. Our plane in Baltimore broke down at the “right” end of the runway just before taking off! God is so good! A lot of folks were not happy, as you can imagine, but I knew that God had something for us all. After everyone settled down, most everyone seemed to relax and enjoyed meeting new friends. I exchanged contact info with a gentleman from London and another from Ghana. We had some very good conversations of life and God. It is amazing what God will do if we are open to him.
Oh, another benefit was flying from London to Accra with John Ramsey! We ended up on the same flight. It was a real blessing for me as I was a little apprehensive. It seemed strange to me as flying to Eygpt was no problem. God knew that I would need a friendly face and provided it!
Accra is teeming with people, cars, and lots of people on the side of the road hawking all kinds of foodstuffs and wares. It is the rainy season so it has not been that hot, only in the upper 80′s and about 90% humidity:) Let’s just say the roads vary from good to HOLD ON! Most drivers follow polite driving standards and respect stop lights.
Accra has many churches and you see signs stating, Jesus is King and Jesus Loves You quite frequently. Also, walking in crowds, it is not uncommon to hear people having conversations about God and other spiritual matters. Ghanians seem to easily see their relationship with God in the happenings of their daily lives. This has been a beautiful surprise for me.
I stayed with Pastor Stephen at the Bible Church of Africa’s guesthouse (Friday until today-Tuesday). He was a wonderful host and a model of joy. He has been a pastor for 18 years, focusing on evangelism in Central and Southern Ghana. I attended church this past Sunday at the Good News Church of Tusino-Accra. I was welcomed so graciously by everyone. During the service, newcomers are asked to stand and tell a little about their self. As I spoke briefly, but what touch my heart was the smiles and sheer joy on most everyone there. Their joy and energy flowed through the service with traditional (1800 -1930) and indigenous music–LOUD, my ears are still ringing ha-ha. It was a honor to be with people that expressed their love for God by open prayer, dancing, clapping, and times of silent worship. The preaching was wonderful.
Prince preached about Paul’s thorn in the flesh and wanting it removed. God’s answer was not yes, no or wait, but rather, my grace is sufficient for you. Yes, suffering had a purpose in Paul’s life and in each of ours; God uses suffering for our own good. You see Prince has been familiar with suffering. He was orphaned when he was 10 years old in the mountain region of Ghana. His family literally abandoned him. I did not get the full story, he struggled to survive. But God had a plan. Somehow Prince went through school and graduating from a University.
He went on to became a Pastor a few years ago. He told us how God was not pleased with him as a pastor (in the past) as he was a “fornicator.” He repented early last year (I think that is what I heard) deciding to submit his life to Jesus by being obedient to His Word. His honesty was shocking! God is not through with this humble young man. Prince announced that he had just been accepted and is going to Holland to get his Master’s Degree in Theology!
These first few days were not how I imagined or even planned (I was supposed to be in Kumasi North of Accra for this entire time, but God certainly had a plan and purpose. Bless His Holy Name! I hope we all are a blessing to Him as He always has our best interest at heart, no matter our circumstance.