Just want to drop a line and let you all know that the main part of my responsibilities in Ghana are now completed. They consisted of many things which have kept me busy for more than two weeks. These included services here in the capital of Accra and three seminars out in western Ghana - a four day one for pastors in the city of Tarkwa, as well as services there, a two day seminar for pastors, church leaders and congregational members in Takoradi, with services, and a similar seminar for three days at the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburam, closer to Accra. We also celebrated a Holy Communion service there just yesterday. I can only say that God just poured out His Spirit on all of these occasions. He is incredibly true to His Word. I really shouldn't be so amazed but I am constantly enthralled by the way the Holy Spirit knows exactly what is needed on each of these seminar days in each of these places! Tomorrow comes a new and exciting part - when we head for Togo by car. Togo is a little sliver of a country just to the east - between Ghana and Benin, which is apparently far less developed than Ghana. With a much poorer infrastructure and telecommunications network we will probably be out of internet coverage for most of our stay of at least a week there. But I am really counting on the fact that there will be more than adequate prayer coverage. Our chief reason for going to Togo is to strengthen the Apostolic Lutheran Church there by holding services and seminars for pastors and church workers and of course for other interested people as well. So you can check out where Togo is on Google Earth, and see if you can find the city of Lomé. It's there our adventure on distant and mostly unpaved roads really begins. Today I would like to include four pictures from the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburam, Ghana where I have been for the last four days. This camp still houses over 10,000 people who fled their war-devastated country up to four years ago. Maybe some of you have already seen the first picture since I believe John Ruotsala already posted it on the Foreign Mission blog.
Teaching at the seminar in the ALC sanctuary there.
Sunday School students at the church singing "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow black and white, all are precious in His sight" - that is sung in English which is the common language of all Liberians. I have this on video.
The pastors, church council and other leaders of our church at the camp - with Pastor Frank Famiyeh (center left in the rear) who is the President of the ALC in Ghana. They are standing in front of the school which is run by our church there.
And by the way, don't let the "fancy" clothes fool you. Even the poorest people in Africa always wear impressively neat, clean and nice-looking clothes to church on Sunday. They truly wear their Sunday best, often their ONLY best!
School officials with me standing in front of the church school.
An impressive school which meets the needs of 150 refugee children in grades 1 to 9. Thirteen teachers serve them but there is a critical need for support if the school is to continue. How I pray that the precious children in this Christian school would find a place in the heart of some brothers and/or sisters back home. The outlay need not be great....just to keep it going. May God's peace and love just surround you. "This is my commandment that you love one another!" With very warm regards in Christ from a very warm West Africa! Dennis
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