Hope in Ghana
Kids Camp
Submitted by Hope on August 16, 2011 - 15:28
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
The theme for Kids Camp 2011 was "God Loves me." It seems like such a simple concept to so many of those that are believers but what a powerful message for children and us as well. It was absolutely amazing to see so many children hear the Gospel day after day. Learning the truths and promises the Word has for them. These children came from many places and different backgrounds. Some came from muslim homes and others came from Christian homes. The counselours were encouraged to seek each child out and ask them why they were at camp in order to talk one on one with those who did not know the gospel. It was such an incrediable even to be a part of! How encouraging to see the Lord softening the kids hearts and bringing them to their knees worshipping His name. One of the things that rejuvinated my soul was wathcing and participating in worship every morning and evening. They would sing and sing and sing! The kids woud worship with their whole mind, body and soul. They danced and danced. Some fell on their knees as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The Word says "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2 And the kids did just that! The camp was filled with focused time on studying the Word so that the kids did not just walk away with days of fun and games, but with the knowledge that God loves them and the promises that the gospel holds. How encouraging to think that they will then go home and share this exciting news with their family and friends. The impact is far reaching than we will ever know!
I was able to see God at work in many other ways throughout this time. It was a very tiring 4 days but the Lord provided us with strength and stamina to get through. Every morning we opened our clinic at 7:00 and treated campers and staff until 9:00 or so. We saw many kids with minor cuts, sore throats, headaches, colds, stomach upset. We also saw a handful of children battling malaria. They had high fevers and their body ached. It was hard to see them hurting so much. Some even had hallucinations. A few would stay and sleep in the clinic all day. What a blessing to have the medication to heal them and to watch God transform their weak bodies into strong, playful children again. By the grace of God, all the children were well by the time they went home on Sunday! What a testament to His name and His glory!
Kids Camp is such an incrediable program, equipping children with the knowledge that will bring them eternal life. Although the counselours, staff at the center, along with myself and the other nurse, were exhausted by the end, what a blessing it was to be involved in expanding the Lords kingdom!
I have one week left and my time here has gone by so quickly! There are several things I want to do and see before leave. The Lord has been working in my heart in so many ways and I have seen Him doing such great things through the ministry here. I have received far more than I have given while being here. Please pray that the last week of my time here is fruitful, that the relationships with those I have met will deepen, and that we will be able to show Gods love during our time in the villages. I have also been able to visit the orphanage Elizabeth worked at while she was here. Please pray that they will be provided with a means to sustain and in order to contiuning caring for the babies there. Thanks for walking in this journey with me and for all your prayers!
Finally Arrived!
Submitted by Elizabeth on August 10, 2011 - 06:45 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:10-12
Finally arrived in Ghana! God is so good!
My first obstacle was tackling the plane ride and continually praying that my bags with the medications arrived with no problems. God, in His mercy and grace, allowed me to see that He was my sole provider. I sat next to a very sweet Ghanaian on the plane from NY to Ghana who took good care of me, helped me through customs, and allowed me to use her phone to contact the person picking me up from the airport. Truly an angel! My bags arrived safely and after waiting for just a bit, Pastor Daniel was there to pick me up and take me to the place I was staying for just one night before traveling the next day to the center. My second flight was uneventful but it what a relief to have come to my final destination.
As soon as I pulled into the center, we went to devotions. What a blessing to sing songs of praise and hear the word of God, reminding me of his sovereignty! A few hours after arriving to the country, I was on a bus heading to a village. Full of excitement, anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy, I was ready to serve. At the village, the people gathered around us eager to see us. There were two pastors and our driver to help interpret. They met with the chief of the village while we set up the “clinic.” As soon as the chief allowed us, the Pastor introduced each one of us and prayed for the village. They then sang a song for us and we were ready to start.
I prayed the Lord would give me a clear head, knowledge, and the ability to use my hands. I was timid and unsure, but was reminded that the Holy Spirit was guiding our hands, our hearts, and our minds. That we were just being used as the Lords hands to heal His people. But only through Him were we able to do this. What an amazing blessing that He chooses us to be His hands and feet to serve and care for His people.
Everyone I have met has been so welcoming and eager to teach me more about the culture in Ghana. I met with Pastor Mbarra and it was encouraging to see his heart for the people here and the ministry. He has trusted and turned to the Lord to find ways to meet the needs that he sees people facing. He has so much love in his heart and you can see that it is overflowing from the Holy Spirit.
There are so many new things to learn! The smells and sights are new each morning. The driving is crazy, no one follows a speed limit and there are so many people everywhere on bikes, walking, cars, and motorbikes. Everyone works so hard, even small children are up early and out late selling all sorts of things. I went to the market my second day and that was an experience! Again several people trying to sell food and spices and clothes.
I have been praying to stay focus on just being here and allowing the Lord to guide my steps. I desire to build relationships and share the love of Christ with those I encounter. I have been holding tight to the promises the Lord has for me in His Word. I have been uncertain about my abilities and my knowledge, but have been praying for courage and boldness. The Lord does not send out the most skilled, but instead, those that are common men. Above all else, we are called to love, and what a blessing that the Lord has given me my nursing skills as a way to love those here.
Although I am here to heal the sick in body, God calls us to heal those who are sick in spirit. I pray that remains my focus. I am also praying for the upcoming Kids Camp that the Lord would prepare the hearts of the kids and the counselors. How awesome to see their desire to share the Gospel with the children, many who are coming from Muslim homes and do not know Christ. What an amazing opportunity to share with these kids. That the God who created them loves them and wants to be working in their hearts, so that then, they can return home and share with their own families!
godly jealousy??
If there is such a thing as godly jealousy, than I'm jealous! Thanks for soaking up the sights and sounds and experiences and taking the time to share them with us! We are definitely praying, keeping you before the Father!!!
I am soooo grateful to the
I am soooo grateful to the Lord that you could come with me so last minute to Ghana! God is so good and you are picking up things about the culture so quickly :)
:-)
Thank you for the update!