Blessings in Bosomtwe & Beyond

Back at home in Amakom

We have been back in Ghana now for 18 days and it's been a wild transition back into the way of life. It's been quite an adjustment this time to get acclimated back into how things work here.

Today we are just overjoyed because we know that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, doing exactly what we are called to do and are victorious! We will see the Kingdom of God advancing in this place, in power and might, with people living and loving His presence.

We are very grateful for those of you who are praying for us, especially during this past week as it's been a bit intense re-entry. It's so very wonderful to be walking with warriors, not alone, but with a winning battalion of super fighters with us. Thank you! Thank you Jesus for the overwhelming peace in the middle of challenging situations. He is our great strength.

Psalm 33:18-22 (Amplified)
Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name. Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.

Netting Nations - Partnership with Lake Bosomtwe Clinic

Check out, www.NettingNations.org, a great charity that has expressed interest and contacted us for partnership with them for July 2008 distribution of treated mosquito nets. They are working to raise $2500 so that we can distribute 5000 nets - wow, a lot less costly that the Nothing But Nets campaign.

If you or your group could help them reach their goal we would sure be grateful!

One more day in the USA

It's our last full day in the USA before returning to Ghana. Wow, it's been a full season here of work on this side of the ocean. We hope to get blueprints today for the clinic expansion and finish packing.

Yesterday we were able to speak in the two morning services at Metro Church in Birmingham, then my parents 50th wedding anniversary party in the afternoon - such a special time of celebration of two Godly people that are so active with the Lord and in life still. They have served with us for this time in the US, traveling and ministering with us. We praise God for them.

Thank you to all of the people praying for us and the people in the villages at Lake Bosomtwe, and the staff at Lake Bosomtwe Methodist Clinic - we are so grateful for your prayers. The financial support is coming in for the expansion, the ambulance, lab, and supplies - so we praise God for that and thank those of you have been giving toward it. New workers are coming this summer, teams from the US & UK, and it's an exciting time in the life of the clinic.

We bless you all and look forward to giving updates soon from Ghana!

New mission staff members

We are living in such victory and blessings as we share with folks of God's work and love for His people. What an amazing loving God! He is so lovely.

Juliana and I are speaking in the Wichita, Kansas area this week in groups, lunches, and gatherings - and it's great! Early on Sunday morning we got in from four days in Pasadena that were indescribably great at a conference there - a spiritual retreat that was very renewing and refreshing.

We are so blessed that Rebecca Hillman will be coming to work serving at Lake Bosomtwe with us - working in mercy ministry, with Lucas as he enters first grade, teams, and massage therapy.

During the months of June and July we will also have Hollie Combs (Georgia, USA) and Louise Monroe (England, UK) in interships as they explore their call into missions. If you would like to sponsor Rebecca, Hollie or Louise in their work to help with their housing and other needs email us (click here). Prayerfully consider it we ask.

Interview Online

About a week ago we were interviewed for the podcast from The Mission Society, click here to listen.

Until we go back to Ghana

It's a quiet morning in Sylacauga before the rush of travels hit again. Yesterday I got my doses of readiness from the travel clinic and the kids get their vaccinations tomorrow. We are off in a few minutes to go pack trunks in our storage unit, then lunch with ministry partners.

This Sunday, March 16th, we are at New Wine Ministries to give the message and minister in their morning service.

On the 18th we begin our trip to Kansas City where we will be from the 20th-24th for meetings with ministry partners and a conference at IHOP. Then on Wednesday the 26th-29th Juliana and I will be in Pasadena, CA at Harvest Rock Church for 'Releasing the Supernatural' conference, then it's to Wichita to speak at The Benton Church on the 30th. We will spend the week in Wichita visiting ministry partners, speaking at Seed of Faith and Udall UMC, then from April 4th-6th participating at the Global Impact Celebration at Goddard UMC , where I will give the closing life commitment message on the 6th.

It's back to Alabama on Monday, then I'll be ministering at Hueytown UMC in Birmingham, AL on Wednesday night the 9th, then Juliana and I will travel down to Lady Lake, Florida (near Orlando) to minister in the morning at Lady Lake UMC on the morning of the 13th, we celebrate 7 years of marriage on the 14th, then back to Sylacauga. On Sunday the 20th we will sharing in the morning services at Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham, then having a 50th Anniversary celebration for my parents that afternoon in Childersburg, Alabama. Then, on the 25th we leave for Ghana!!!

It's been a great time in the US for sharing the vision, thanking our ministry partners, and being challenged and renewed by the Lord. We have had time to read good books, and be renewed for returning back to the villages of Lake Bosomtwe. Praise God.

Spring Update Newsletter

Click here to read the latest newsletter that is mailed out this week.Download blessings_spring_2008.pdf

Pray like never before

Today as I was seeking the Lord I was deeply moved to pray like I have never prayed before for the people that do not know the Lord around Lake Bosomtwe, to pray for transformation, freedom and healing. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to see them serving Jesus?

Just a few days ago I received an email from Michael that he and others shared the gospel in one of the villages on the lake that does not have a church of any kind and about 100 people showed up to listen, and most of them responded to give their lives to Jesus.

John 20:21 speaks loudly to this as it says 'Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you"

He has sent us, He has sent Michael, and the other workers on the mission to serve and see hope and joy, healing and deliverance, songs of peace and visions of God. May His will be done.

Will you fast, will your pray like you never have before for the restoration of the villages around Lake Bosomtwe back to their creator, their loving Father.

If you will, let us know.

Always Enough

Juliana has recently read, and I am in the process of reading this book now so I add it here as a recommendation if you want to read about the extraordinary provision of God is mercy ministry in Africa.">
We are finding as we submit to the Lord and do as He leads us, that there is always enough to do what He is asking us to do. We have a amazing, loving and merciful God and it's great to see Him work right in front of us.

Each has a Special Function

In the last year work has been going steadily in renewing the work of the Lake Bosomtwe Methodist Clinic, and today I got an email from Michael stating that the new OPD (Outpatient Department) building is about ready to open. Last night I got a phone call from Sammy (the Accounts Officer for the clinic) saying that the National Health Insurance Scheme is arriving at the clinic today to install and network computers for a new ICT implementation program that the World Bank is funding across the nation in order to provide access to more people to adequate healthcare.

On Wednesday, Juliana and I met with Don Brown in Birmingham, Alabama to move forward with the creation of a full campus/facility map, and detailed blueprints for the expansion of the Inpatient Care Building that will begin in April and hopefully be competed by August (a 4,000 square foot addition). I didn't really expect to be learning how to use a surveyors scope or picture myself standing behind one of those tripods and telling the workers if they are on track or not, but he intends to teach me before we leave the US and send one with me.

I'm so excited about the phenomenal provision that God is bringing our way. It's so good to rest knowing that as needs arise, He provides and we don't have to work or stress over it, but submit fully to Him and wait. The more He gives moves us to help and give, the more it seems that He is sending our way and we are able to do more. It was on Monday that I got an email from Michael at the clinic saying that a severe tropical storm had blown roofs off and damaged many home in Amakom and we were able to email get the money to him to buy roofing sheets to give to the chief to give out to so many of the people in town.

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." Romans 12:4-8

Outreach Work Teams

The momentum is building as caring folks work hard to come and serve, care and love in the villages of Lake Bosomtwe with the work of the clinic. It's exciting as we work via email and personal meetings with the leaders of these groups. It takes months to get a team together, organized and funding for their project. We are grateful for the intense hard work and sacrifice of these team members, their friend, families and co-workers.

22nd of May - 1st of June: Construction & Decorating: a group coming from Sylacauga, Alabama, USA (click to contact this team leader)

10th of July - 26th of July: Construction: a group coming from N.Ireland/England (click to contact this team leader)

24th of August - 3 of September: Medical & Well Drilling: a group coming from Atlanta, Georgia, USA

October/November: Construction & Children's Work: a group coming from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

If your church is desiring to come on a work outreach trip to serve with us we challenge you to begin praying about it, seeking God, asking for Him to reveal Himself to you and give you a heart and love for the people here. It takes six months to one year to organize the team so we are working on 2009 scheduling now.

The Destitution of Service

As I read this this morning I thought you might benefit from it as I did. It's taken from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, the online version.

February 25, 2008

The Destitution of Service
. . . though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved —2 Corinthians 12:15
Natural human love expects something in return. But Paul is saying, "It doesn’t really matter to me whether you love me or not. I am willing to be completely destitute anyway; willing to be poverty-stricken, not just for your sakes, but also that I may be able to get you to God." "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ). And Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s. He did not care how high the cost was to himself— he would gladly pay it. It was a joyful thing to Paul.

The institutional church’s idea of a servant of God is not at all like Jesus Christ’s idea. His idea is that we serve Him by being the servants of others. Jesus Christ actually "out-socialized" the socialists. He said that in His kingdom the greatest one would be the servant of all (see Matthew 23:11 ). The real test of a saint is not one’s willingness to preach the gospel, but one’s willingness to do something like washing the disciples’ feet— that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God. It was Paul’s delight to spend his life for God’s interests in other people, and he did not care what it cost. But before we will serve, we stop to ponder our personal and financial concerns— "What if God wants me to go over there? And what about my salary? What is the climate like there? Who will take care of me? A person must consider all these things." All that is an indication that we have reservations about serving God. But the apostle Paul had no conditions or reservations. Paul focused his life on Jesus Christ’s idea of a New Testament saint; that is, not one who merely proclaims the gospel, but one who becomes broken bread and poured-out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for the sake of others.

Surrendered to His Service

Today as our family is together relaxing after a great at Northport (Alabama) First United Methodist Church as we ministered in their Mission Weekend, I am completely certain that God used us to speak into lives. We praise God for the privilege of sharing in churches in the US for this season. As we are surrendered to His service He is giving us the words to speak on the right occasions.

We ask for your prayers as it's been hard on the family. Last week, after a weekend in Moulton, AL we spend Tues-Thurs in Nashville,TN, then Thursday flew to Philadelphia, to be in Danville,PA on Friday to Sunday, then in Atlanta Tuesday to Thursday, then this weekend Saturday and Sunday here in Tuscaloosa as I type this now. We will get a mid-week weekend this week now, then to Columbus, GA for a Mission Weekend in two churches in that area.

In many respects it's a much more complicated life than Ghana, and makes it look forward to returning. But the joy of seeing the people that email and share monthly so that we can pour ourselves and His love into lives in Ghana...that's good too.

Our Father has firmly ask our family to love the poor, to heal the hurting, to share with those who need Jesus, to be the light in Ghana during this time - and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to obey.

It's Sunday afternoon ramblings, but I'm so glad to be able to do what we are doing and I had to write my feelings on the blog. There is no better place to be than in the center of His will and today I am feeling it - I am right in the center, and it's good - no, it's GREAT! :) Andrew

Job Opening at The Mission Society

The Mission Society has experienced significant growth in both field ministry and international church mobilization. In order to maintain adequate support for this growth, we are creating a staff position of “Assistant Director of Field Ministry and International Mobilization.” This person will report to the director of field ministry (Jim Ramsay) and will be assuming some of the administrative functions within field ministry. He or she will also be giving significant time and focus to the international mobilization work headed up by the VP of ministry operations (Dick McClain). The person to fill this role needs to have served as a missionary at least two years, have experience in administration and/or project management, basic understanding of financial accounting principles, preferably have mastered a second language. Also beneficial to this position would be some theological/Biblical training. The ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and to deal effectively with conflict is required.

If you know of any one that would like to apply for this position please have them forward their resume to Brenda Lee at blee@themissionsociety.org

Project 611 - Transformational Development at Lake Bosomtwe Clinic

Click to read and print a copy of what's ahead for 2008...
Download 2008_initiatives_of_project_611.pdf

If you would like to help in the transformational development work at Lake Bosomtwe, email us and let us know of your interest.

The Faith of a Child

Juliana writes:

"Being the only doctor working at the Clinic makes the workload sometimes overwhelming, not only to me, but also to my kids and husband, that don't get to spend so much time with their mom. But not to worry, since my son Lucas, our five year old MK, found out a true treasure: the power of prayer. It all started one night when we were praying together and he just burst out in tears to the Lord and told Him he really missed his mother and would like Jesus to make everybody in the villages around the lake well so nobody would come to the clinic the next day and he would be able to spend all day with his mommy, having fun together.

On the morning I went down the few steps walk to the clinic expecting to see a full load of patients occupying the benches by the front door but, to my complete surprise, found only the nurses and the clinic chaplain chatting on the same benches, instead. We all looked at each other with a puzzled look as we waited for a while for the patients to come. On that day, they never came. Instead I had a whole day to stay at home and enjoy my family. Lucas did not seem amazed at all when I told him what had happened (and even gave me the look that said 'why are you so surprised, mommy? Don't you know we prayed about it??' with the cutest smile on his face) and just rejoiced with the gift. Since that day, he has had a few other requests of more time with his mom, all beautifully and uniquely answered by His Father.

'Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.'
Matthew 18:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Let God's curse fall?

We have been in the US now for 2 1/2 months on our 6 month homeland assignment and I am still in culture shock I believe. It seems that there are so many people that are religious. I have met so many that are following a lot of other messages while holding the Bible, rather than the true messages of the Word.

In Galatians 1:8-10, Paul writes, "Let God's curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed. I will say it again: If anyone preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomes, let God's curse fall upon that person. Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant." (NLT)

I am challenged by these words since we are speaking in so many churches and groups while in the US. I want to make sure that I am living to surrender more to him, than living to please myself and live a more comfortable life. Being sincerely religious can become a habit for us so easily. Larry Crabb (in his new book SoulTalk) writes of this trap like this

The god of convenience:
Get is reasonable right
Plus
The god of cooperation:
Life will work reasonable well
Equals
Religion: You can make your life work in a way that satisfies your soul.

There are so many traditional church attenders that are completely religious, that have a solid grasp of this combination of the god of convenience merged with the god of cooperation. It is much simpler to submit request for cooperation from god so that their life can be more convenience and comfortable. I ask myself as I reflect on these things, and ask you, if we can look at our view of God a bit closer. Are we living to please Him or ourselves?

God inspired Paul to say that God's curse will fall on those that are living for anything other than the Father. I am deeply moved to surrender more into His hands and long for ways fall deeper into a love life with Him.

Is God Calling You Overseas?

Are you interested in moving overseas in ministry?
Click to fill out the interest form today.

What does our world look like?

All loved by God, do YOU, do I love them all? Let's pray for our friends, and our enemies today. Love our enemies, bless those who do things we don't like. Wow, it's revolutionary. Are you revolutionary? Can we renew the revolution like this type of behavior?

Reflection on Wisdom

Francis of Assisi said,
O Divine Master, grant that I may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

The truth from the word that speaks on this is also found in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 13, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

A great week in Newport News

It's 4:34am on Monday morning and I'm sipping my coffee before loading the children, Juliana and my parents into the van for a 10 hour drive to Atlanta today to go to The Mission Society office and visit some relatives. It's been a fabulous week with Rick and Betty (aunt and uncle) and cousins, and a wonderful time of ministry at First Baptist Church - Newport News, VA yesterday. What a motivated, sound and great pastor they have in Dr. Randel Everett!  A joy to be with them.

Thanks to all those who are investing in the work as we share and minister here in the US and keep Project 611 going strong in Ghana in the communities of Lake Bosomtwe.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”- Hebrews 12:28

...4x4 ambulance and ultrasound

In Ghana, we see people who need hope. Often, we get to transport them to a referral hospital, a facility with more...to do this we would like to buy an ambulance.

Would you partner to make it possible?

We want to be able to help more people than the Lake Bosomtwe Clinic has ever been able to reach before. A Nissan Patrol 4x4 ambulance will cost $31,000 - will you help make this happen?

An ultrasound machine is needed at a cost of from International Aid

Have questions, need more information?  e-mail us.

Thanks so much for caring, and helping us to assist in Ghana!

We are on the road in the US sharing the vision, expressing our gratitude to those who have been sharing and caring! This week...Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, next week Virginia.

In South Carolina at St. Luke UMC

Our family is being cared for and hosted so well in Hartsville, South Carolina by a strong partner church - St. Luke. It was almost three years ago when we were with them last, and they have been in the heart of the work so actively over this time, with emails, cards, care and support that has empowered our family, many staff and patients in the work in Ghana.

Last night we spoke to the Family Matters class, this morning to Women in the Parlor, then a lunch meeting. Tomorrow a Men's Gathering Lunch and a dinner party in the evening, then Sunday morning two services and a Youth Event in the evening.

Being in partnership with the St. Luke church has been deepened as we have been able to get to know more of the people making it happen and see how their life works out in their environment.

To you at St. Luke, and all those everywhere that make a difference through our service possible - thank you!

Global Health Mission Conference

It was so good to be part of a fun, refreshing, refueling, and re-connecting event where we were able to speak to prospective new international health professionals, meet students interested in coming to Lake Bosomtwe, and learn how do our work better, as well as present perspective in a breakout session as well at the Global Health Mission Conference this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.
It's an annual event, that is a recommended must attend for those interested in short term or career health care work with a US based faith-based charity. Everyone from Mercy Ships to The Mission Society, Samaritans Purse to InterServe, LifeWind to Red Bird Mission, WorldVenture to SIM to Pioneers to Tenwick Hospital.

If you are thinking of entering this field, and are from the US...then plan on attending. It's the first weekend of November each year in Louisville, KY. See you there!

Amazing creation of God

"For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being." Job 12:10 (The Message, The Bible)

One day recently Juliana took this picture of an amazing work of art of God, this moth. Can you see the artistry, the snake, the month, the camoflage. What a masterpiece His creations can be.

After Beeson Divinity School

WOW!

I just got finished sharing with a group of men at Beeson Divinity School this morning and it was great. Such men of character and world-changers!

The new DVD titled The Safest Place to Be by Watermelon Ministries was a hit, as many remarked how well it portrayed the place and heart of working in Ghana at the Lake Bosomtwe Clinic.

I'm so grateful to Joshua MacLeod, Scott Dotta, Philip Kowalski, Paul Williams and all those who have supported Watermelon Ministries as they all created this work of love through the financial and professional contributions. They need additional support if you fee like helping them out. The DVD they made will really help us as we share of God's work in and through us and those at Lake Bosomtwe Clinic. Go to www.WatermelonMinistries.org to help them build the Kingdom.

Email us if you would like a kit sent to you to host a screening house party of The Safest Place to Be.

If I knew everything about everything...

This morning I am sit writing notes of gratitude to some friends that shared financially with us when we visited in the churches we spoke in this week. It's a privilege to be able to be part of this work in Ghana and then be able to share about how God has changed us through serving there.

Earlier today I read a verse in scripture that says,
If I knew..everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be?

I think of these words and a picture comes to my mind of my wife, Juliana. It was the last Friday at Lake Bosomtwe Clinic in Ghana before we left for our homeland assignment. She came to staff worship and devotions with a bowl of joloff rice and banana bread for a little girl who had recovered remarkably from severe malaria. During the three or four days that she had been an admitted patient on the verge of needing to be transferred to a hospital, this child had not 'connected' with Juliana while she had been caring for her. Now, on this last morning as the 20 staff sang for 40 minutes with hearts of joy and praise, this little girl came and lay on the bench next to Juliana with her head in Juliana's lap. It was a gift, a parting gift, for Juliana. A good lasting memory of the love and care that God has shown this child, who would be going home healed and had made it through another severe malaria infection. Praise God.

What good are we without God's love? None.

The Safest Place to Be

Watermelon Ministries has just released their documentary film that they came to Ghana for the interviews and footage. Click here to watch and share it with friends by email.

Getting Ready to Go

The house is buzzing with activity as we get it cleaned and organized to leave here for our US homeland assignment.  Oh how I wish we could touch down this time too in the UK to visit the churches and friends that support and pray for us there. In just a few days our house becomes the home of Dr. Olukoya Emmanuel and family while they serve here in our absence - coming in as a mission physician from Nigeria.

Lucas and Luiza are SO ready to see their grandmommy and granddaddy in Alabama! Andrew will be speaking in Amakom in the morning at church, Dr. Cam, Anne and Caylor Gongwer will be coming for lunch, and then at 4:30am on Monday we hope to leave the bush for Accra for three days of meetings before flying out on Thursday, arriving in Birmingham, Alabama, USA at 3:15pm!  We are sad to leave here, yet too glad to be able to visit so many that invest in the work here.  To those, I say 'see you soon', yet to those here I say 'we will miss you incredibly much and love you'.

Radical Thoughts on Poverty

 by Jon Birch 

Jesus was furious about the religiosity of some of the 'church folks' and said to them...

"So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.

'What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things."  Luke 14:41 & 42 (NLT)

   

 

  by Jon Birch

There are some things that make me want to talk to God even more and then do more or what He says in the Bible.  Living the way of life, showing it and really doing it - that's my goal.  What do you think about these thought provoking cartoons?

Homeland Assignment Coming Up Soon!!!

Today our tickets for our first homeland assignment were purchased (if you are thinking what is homeland assignment...that is when our work location changes back to our home base - the USA) - and we are homeless, car-less, and traveling all across the country expressing our thankfulness for those sharing in the work, sharing the vision of what's ahead, showing our new DVD created by Watermelon Ministries, and raising support to expand and sustain the ministry.

So, all that said.  Anybody have an extra minivan/SUV/station wagon that our family can use from October 26th to April 21st and have it in Birmingham for us when we arrive on the 25th?  I know it's a lot to ask, yet we sold our car when we moved to Ghana. If you can think a way to help it would be great.

Pray for us as we transition from a simple, rustic, busy-but-in-a-different way life here in Ghana to the transient life of speaking in churches, houses, staying with people, staying in hotels (to maintain a sense of privacy and security for our family too), and eating in restaurants and peoples houses.  The abundance of 'stuff' in the western world is something that we need to adjust to as well.  Re-entry culture shock can be an issue.

Take a look at our schedule for the first bit...
  October 21 - Drive to Accra (6 hours) meet Dr. Olukoya Emmanuel and family   
  October 23 - have a Debriefing Meeting
  October 25 - Fly to Lagos, Nigeria to Frankfurt, Germany
  October 26 - Fly from Frankfurt, Germany to Chicago, IL, USA to Birmingham, AL, USA, drive 1 hour to Sylacauga, Alabama to Andrew's parents house.
  October 28 - Speak in a small group and two morning church services at Sylacauga First United Methodist Church
                       -   Speak in the evening service at Weogufka First Baptist Church (30 minutes from Sylacauga)
     October 29 - Andrew gets his wisdom teeth removed in Birmingham
       couple of days to re-enter the US
      Nov. 4 - Shine! Global Summit Mission Conference begins at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL
      Nov. 5 - Global Summit Mission Conference begins at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL
      Nov. 6 - Global Summit Mission Conference at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL
      Nov. 7 - Global Summit Mission Conference at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL 
      Nov. 8 - Global Summit Mission Conference at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL
      Nov. 8 - Drive to Louisville, Kentucky, USA as the Global Missions Health Conference begins
      Nov. 9 - Global Missions Health Conference - Louisville, KY, USA (Andrew recruiting)
      Nov. 10 - Global Missions Health Conference - Louisville, KY (Juliana speaking)
      Nov. 11 - Southeast Christian Church - Louisville, KY, USA
      Nov. 12 - family day
      Nov. 13 - Travel toward Hartsville, SC
      Nov. 14 - Begin ministry at St. Luke UMC, Hartsville, South Carolina, USA
      Nov. 15 - Ministry at St. Luke UMC
      Nov. 16 - Ministry at St. Luke UMC
      Nov. 17 - Ministry at St. Luke UMC
      Nov. 18 - Speak in groups and services at St. Luke UMC, Hartsville, SC, USA
      Nov. 19 - family day
      Nov. 20 - Travel to Newport News, VA for Thanksgiving with family
      Nov. 25 - Minister to a group at Newport News First Baptist Church
      Nov. 26 - Drive toward Atlanta, GA
      Nov. 27 - Arrive in Atlanta
      Nov. 28 & 29 - Meetings at The Mission Society in Norcross, GA, USA
      Nov. 30 - Arrive back in Sylacauga, Alabama at Andrew's parents house
      Dec. 2 - Minister in church services (to be determined which church)

It's a busy start in this first part of our six month stay in the US.  After December weeks staying in the Alabama area, we will then travel to Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, and Kansas.

Pray with us for this time of ministry, and if you have ideas and comments - we would love to hear from you.  Our number while in the US is 205-218-9641

 

Nkwantapong Friends

The morning started out calm and quiet, the view from the kitchen window of the tranquil waters of the lake as I prepared omelettes from our family and our new house guest (Rebecca Agnew) was again remarkable. By 7am there were at least 40 women with children on their backs singing and talking that began to sound as if a riot was taking place while they waited for Razak, the Community Health Nurse, to weigh and vacinate their babies. On the schedule for day was 8am Staff Worship & Devotions, but it was delayed.  We sat under the front awning of the outpatient clinic building waiting for the van load of church members coming over the mountain to share gifts of food for the staff and lead the service.  They came from Nkwantapong Presbyterian Church in the town of Nkwantapong. 

There is not a road that directly connects us with Nkwantapong, yet the clinic serves this village since the people from there follow a path through the bush and over the mountain top on a hike that takes over an hour (when healthy). Today, about 18 people came bearing gifts of eggs, plantain, and yam, came to give a message of hope and encouragement to us at the clinic. The chief of Nkwantapong came with this envoy of gratitude, he was dressed in nice clothes, yet did not announce that he was the chief and was so outgoing and friendly that it surprised some at his personable nature. They told us that he is the Prebyter and leader of the church, therefore is the chief of the  village. So, this particular village is ruled by the church and hence the leader of the church becomes the chief - if I understood the explanation correctly.

Nkwantapong is in need of a bore hole, their only source of water is a stream or small creek, that is poluted due to chemicals from gold mining. I am praying that a bore hole can be drilled for them. 

By the end of a delightful and lively time of singing, message, greetings, presentation of food, and closing prayer we had a small crowd of patients waiting to see the doctor. Juliana quickly took Lucas and Luiza back up to the house, where they would play then make their way back down to the office where I am now.  Lucas is five and full of vigor and super talkative. Luiza is eager to play with whatever he has and mimic his actions and words. The boat has arrived from picking up patients in Pipie and Old Brodekwano. After they see the doctor they will walk back down to Amakom, take the trail to the boat and return to their village shores.

It's 11:15am and Michael has gotten his guys busy on construction clean-up and re-wiring in a new staff flat.  What does this day have ahead?  I need to buy tickets for our furlough/homeland assignment in the US, we are scheduled to leave in two weeks, yet don't have tickets yet, and the funds aren't in for them either.  It will come.  What else will this day bring though?  Let's see. 

Chasing the Ambulance

As you have read in the accounts on this site, we have seen the need for the purchase of a 4x4 ambulance for the mercy ministries of the Lake Bosomtwe Clinic. One individual stepped out an begin fundraising a few months ago and opened an account at Wachovia Bank in Alabama to help with this effort. We have now moved forward with an easy way to help with this as well. 

Click here to Sponsor the Ambulance

Points.com - Creative Support, Expanding Ministry Funds

At the end of October we will leave for our homeland assignment in the U.S., it's during this time that we travel to friends and groups to share the vision, express our gratitude, and show the new DVD that will be released this month filmed here in Amakom recently.

We will need to fly to some speaking engagements, stay in many hotels across 11 states, eat in restaurants
(right now that sounds really good, since I am writing in Ghana), but the cost could mount and there is a simple way that a few people can help out fairly easily. 

Through Points.com you can give frequest flyer miles that can be converted to hotel points, gift certificates for restaurants, Target, Starbucks and more.  One couple comes to mind that gave Marriott Rewards certificates to us so that we didn't have to spend offering money on the hotel bill when we spoke at a few churches. Another friend gave airline miles that helped SO much!

Would you consider it? If you have questions, email Andrew. Your credit card may have a reward or point program that you can order certificates and hotel nights on as well - can you spare a few?  Points.com is helpful, but think outside the box, we could use your help.

The god of the Lake

Standing in my kitchen doorway I heard,

"Yaw is dead, doctor. He died while still in the boat, almost to the other side of the lake."

"Did you bring the body back?" I asked naively to the man who was driving the boat that day, not expecting the answer that I heard.

"Of course not, I would never cross the lake with a dead body on the boat, or the god of the lake would not be happy. Everybody knows that."

       Yaw was seventeen and had sickle cell anemia, combined with malaria and a few other complications. I knew he needed a blood transfusion as fast as possible and that we didn't have any available at the clinic or in the nearby villages. I knew that the family had decided not to take him to a different hospital to receive blood because the figured they would not be able to pay the bill. After the last six months working here at the clinic and getting to know more about the struggles the families in this area go through, this decision did not surprise me. But what came next did.

       Yaw's family had to bring his body by tro-tro (local word for a van that usually fits more people in it than should), on a one hour journey back to his village, right by the clinic. Why? Unwritten spiritual laws that have been engrained on childrens hearts, generation after generation. Laws that teach fear of spirits rather than of the One that created the lake. I was told, had it been done, certainly a cow would have had to have been sacrificed to the god of the lake to appease the spirits.

       That evening after hearing the news, I grieved for our young friend Yaw, for the lack of resources at our clinic, but more than anything, for the spiritual darkness that comes with idol worship, a very strong reality surrounding us.

       Since then I have been able to rejoice in the fact that what was meant to bring division in our staff has been actually a reason to celebrate the One true God of the lake, the One who has brought us together, loves us and has a perfect plan. Please pray for the clinic and the body of believers to remain strong in His love and unity, true to His Word and always grateful for His sacrifice for our sins.

Juliana

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Taken from the Bible in the book of First Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 4-7.

The Tale of Two Trucks

When you consider that we live in the bush, having a truck is not a convenience, but a necessity in the work that we are in. As you probably have read on the blog, our truck was in an accident over six months ago, and just a few days ago we got it back from the shop that was repairing it. Officially, this 4x4 Nissan Patrol seats 11 people, yet I have had 21 people in it before. It's a ministry machine! So many people gave and raised funds about 3 years ago so that we could purchase it. Thank you, it's back :) and we are so happy.  Luiza didn't remember it since it was in the shop so long.

Our colleagues, the Mozley's, (also serving with The Mission Society) provided a loaner vehicle for us, a Nissan van. It was while we had this van that we were able to carry lots of larger items that we needed to get, transport AIDS, HIV+, TB, and other patients to receive treatments, and go where we needed to go as a family. We are so grateful that they shared their van with us for so long.

We now want to purchase a 4x4 ambulance/truck for the clinic ministries, and some funds have been given for it already.

Latest eNewsletter: Blessings: September 2007

On Friday we have sent out our latest newsletter to friends, click here to view it.

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Fire in Kumasi: 131 injured

A tragedy occurred in the city where we go for groceries, and friends were affected.  Read the story by clicking here of the Gas Station fire that injured 131 people as reported by the press.

The same day it had occurred to me to purchase gas for our cylinder, and it happened where we usually do our refills.  Pray for the families and businesses affected by this incident.

The Latest from the Lake

It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Amakom, on this wet weekend of the rainy season. The roads of busy with the crowds of people coming and going from a busy funeral in a town just down from our village. We are about to hit one week without water, as the control panel of our pump on the bore hole shows that there is no water to pump. Not a pleasantry of life, yet this too is bearable.

We are so very happy to have our Nissan Patrol back from six months at the dealership in Accra for body and mechanical repairs from an accident that took place on the 14th of April.  It still has a bit of front end work to be done since it shakes when you go more than 80 kph. Still, it's good to have it parked here!

Friends came and visited and wrote about their their visit on their blog... click here to read it.

Keep us in your prayers we ask and we hope to hear from you soon.

Andrew & Ju, Lucas and Luiza

Friday Morning: A Great Start

It's a wonderfully cool morning ( 70° F, 21c°), and after making omelettes for Ju, Lucas, Luiza, myself and Bram (a visiting 'almost doctor' from the Netherlands) we came down the hill to Staff Worship and Devotions.  They were led today by Appiah Andrews from Amakom, a carpenter/concrete worker that is wor king on the patient ward construction. He spoke from the book of Ecclesiates, chapter 10:1

Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.

His words on it were really well received by the staff and I was encouraged by their response. It's great to see all that is happening in the staff, at the clinic and in the villages. It may just be my perspective changing and I now am able to see more clearly, or things are changing for the better - or both hopefully. 

Today, Isaac and Otta Bobo are out in the boat again going to the villages on the shores to pick up the sick that need to be brought to the clinic for medical attention - and as an added bonus get the love of Jesus through the staff, prayer and hospitality. 

Pictured: Isaac and Otta Bobo in the clinic boat, taken by the Cockram's, read about their visit to Amakom last week on their site.

Short Term Doctor Appointment

Lake Bosomtwe Methodist Clinic, where we service in Amakom on Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti region is in need of a doctor for 6 months while our family is on homeland assignment/furlough from October 25, 2007 to April 25, 2008.

We are grateful that this need has been emailed out to hundreds of docs in the UK this past week through the Christian Medical Fellowship and posted on their site HealthServe. Today we got news that it will be posted on the Christian Medical & Dental Association website as well on there 'Where to Serve' listings.

Are you a doctor that would like to come to a remote and rustic setting for tropical medicine exposure?  Email for more information. It is a volunteer, unpaid appointment. Excellent housing is provided, internet access on-site.

God Changed His Heart

I have been studying the transition of government structure from judges to a king (Samuel to Saul) from the Bible in 1st Samuel, chapters 9 & 10. Today's reflection from it is an act of God that reads "As Saul turned and started to leave, God changed his heart". Profound, it was independent of anything Saul did, it is something God did for Him.  Think on that one, read more, just click the underlined words to read the whole thing.

Today, Anne and Hilde arrived to work some this week here at the clinic.  They seem so full of energy and willing to do anything (medical or non-medical). They are in their final year of medical school in the Netherlands and are in Ghana for a 3 month program. They are staying at Lake Point Guesthouse in Obo and the clinic boat is taking them back and forth each day since we don't have housing on site for them presently. The Cockram family is arriving at Lake Point Guesthouse, they live in Accra and are from Canada, their cousin is visiting considering moving to Ghana as a nurse. It will be great to have them visit with us since many of our friends have spoken so highly of them.

A cool Saturday in Amakom

The wind is blowing and I couldn't help but go out an look at the thermometer a few minutes ago. It's 73° F(22c°), very comfortable. I just brought in some tomatoes from the garden and our lettuce is almost 3 feet tall, no not growing in heads. Almost unbelievable as tall as the lettuce is that it actually is lettuce - not Iceburg lettuce, but it makes a decent salad.

  Ju is in the clinic with patients and I'm here with Lucas performing a harmonica concert while I write. Life is good, it's simple, it's far away from ... most things and people we know. It's a good life, very different, yet good.

On Monday we have two Dutch almost doctors (final year of med school) coming for a week to work here at the clinic, then on Tuesday morning a Canadian nursing student is coming to visit for the day.

Construction is continuing on the patient ward as roofers are working on installing a new long span steel roof, carpenters will add a new ceiling, and tile installers will put tile in the toilets and showers. The house where we will live is about 80% completed; painting is being finished up today, then on Monday masons will repair some walls, plumber will put in a sink and lavatory, tile installers will work on the kitchen, and more. It's happening...bit by bit (kakra kakra in Twi).  I think we will move into it in two weeks.

Luiza has just curled up next to me asking for my attention so I will end this note to you all. She was up most of the night last night (therefore, so was her mommy - I was not aware as I slept in her room and she slept in our bed with Ju). I'm grateful that it's not malaria, just a virus giving lots of diarrhea.

We are living for a great God, the amazing and all-powerful God that loves us so. I hope you know Him and are serving Him. Jesus is coming back and we must be ready, we must be serving Him and surrendered to His voice, to His use, to Him. Hey, drop us a note sometime. Thanks for your prayers and for dropping by our blog site!  Andrew

Really Back into Life in Ghana

We are back....

Staff devotions were great today - I could really feel God speaking through me and people were moved closer to God and challenged - I sure was.

Immersion into life in the village hit us a bit harder this time after 3 weeks away in Brazil. It is a different world and we are adjusting to re-entering it.

Today I am in Kumasi for two days of construction purchasing, buying pharmaceuticals for the clinic, supplies for the family, renewing insurance, etc.  It takes a lot longer to get things done, yet patience is truly a virture.

Thanks so much for the prayers, for the support, for the patience that many of you have extended towards us as we haven't made contact since our arrival back in Ghana. Life and the many facets of it, the busy-ness of clinic and project work kind of caught us off guard.  Grateful to the Lord for His strength and love.

pictured: children playing table tennis on the porch in Amakom

Leaving Brazil

It has been a great visit to Brazil and it is ending on Tuesday, the 7th of August.  We have one last speaking engagement tonight at Igreja Batista Principe da Paz.

On Tuesday morning we fly to Sao Paulo, then in the evening to Johannesburg, then the next afternoon to Abijan, Ivory Coast, then on to Accra, Ghana where we will spend the night, then drive on home to Amakom. Luiza asked yesterday if we could go home, she is ready and so am I. It is good to be here, was too short of a visit, but it is time to get back. The work here was beneficial, successful and of God and it´s time has come.

In Brazil

We have been here in Belo Horizonte, our home in Brazil for one week now. We have had quite a few ministry speaking engagements during this week and another church service tonight at Igreja Batista Principe da Paz in the city centre.

It's been 3 years since Ju has been home to Brazil and this 3 week visit is flying by rapidly. We go back to Ghana on August 6th. One of the unique a spects of this trip is that we brought a Ghanaian friend and staff member with us to Brazil whose name is Juliana also :)

Ju and I feel so at home, it's been relaxing even in the busy schedule. Lucas and Luiza are peaceful as well. We have all been sick, but trusting the Lord for strength in these times of physical weakness.

Thanks for your prayers. It's been great getting emails and having more time to reply. Find peace in your Father, in Jesus today.

Prosperity in Africa

Would you take three minutes to watch a video right now, click here to view it, and see if you are swallowing a belief system that is contrary to scripture.  It is hitting life hard where we live in Ghana, but everywhere.  Take a minute to watch this please and ask your Father if you need a heart check up on your thoughts toward Him.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  Compassion — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT).

Read this from Cal Thomas                            Read this from Kato Mivule

Read this from Paul Gifford

Read this from July 12, 2007 in Christianity Today

Arrived in Brazil - Plane Crash

We arrived on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte, Brazil via Sao Paolo, via Johannesburg, South Africa, via Accra, Ghana. What a long trip. On the evening that we arrived a tragic airplane accident occured in Sao Paolo and almost 200 people were killed. A TAM Airlines Airbus slid off of the runway across a street into a gas station and building.

Wow. What tragedy!

We are in Belo Horizonte as it is where Juliana is from and it has been 3 years since she has been here. We have a large portion of our support for the ministry that comes from individuals, businesses and churches here so it is a time of touching base, sharing with them and expressing our grattitude for their work through our family through our friends in Ghana. 

It´s also a time for medical check ups (I have had a fever for three weeks now), dental appointments, etc.  We will have good email access while here so don´t hesitate to send us a note.