ghanaforjesus

Culture shock begins as we embark the plane to Ghana. The colors, the accents, the hippy white people with the dreads and attitudes. 12 hours later, we arrive. A big sign stands over the doorway, “Arrival.” Above that is a sign that says “Akwaaba.” Welcome. Greeting are important in Ghana. They are a happy, peaceful people. Many just want to make a living. They swarm to help you and then want a tip. The immigration officers wave us through all the lines when they find we are missionaries. Preferential treatment toward missionaries? We are not in America. Everyone does what they can. They are amiable people but also willing to work hard.

We are here on mission. On Our first walk around the hotel compound, Wayne and I find ourselves sharing the “Three Steps to Heaven” with two men selling paintings and jewelry. Mission means always being ready. Witnessing is not a comfortable proposition. It requires vigilance and willingness and an unrushed approach to time…especially in Ghana.

Here is one of the Ghanians. Pray for Odamatin and others we will encounter.

Pray for Odamatin and others

Here we are. A team of five. A pastor, a IT architect, a doctor, a maintenance guy, and a teen. Called together by a God who loves diversity and uses people in unique ways. Concerns? Walking among crowds of people. Being mobbed. We live such a tranquil life in Massachusetts. There is always room. Even getting off the plane in New York, I began to feel the throng, and wanted to find space away from the crowd. Add to that, we will be five white faces among a sea of beautiful dark brown faces. We will be a spectacle. Famous because we are unique and then American. Whatever that means. How did Jesus feel when the crowds surrounded him? Overwhelmed? Perhaps it was that same feeling that made him insist on keeping his works a secret. He wanted people to be with him for the right reason. Yet he loved people. He had compassion on the crowds. He wanted to feed them, reach them, love them, heal them. Compassion compelled him to make a prayer request. “Ask, pray, plead with the Lord of the Harvest, to send workers into the Harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

And so we go. To the crowds. Not sure what we will face. Trusting that God will use us.

I will try to upload some pictures as we go. Hope we can connect.

So sign up and weigh in. Tell me how God is calling you. How are you responding to the Great Commission? How can we treat it with such indifference while living our American lives? Crowds of people clamber for life abundant, eternity with Jesus, and we watch TV. Ouch! Don’t get me wrong. I am not any better. I am just on this trip to get back a vision, to reclaim what I have lost like the rest of us.