Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Kairos luggage
God blessed us as we returned with over 1600 new Kairos bracelets today!
Here is a photo with all the luggage! Thank you for your continued prayers and support as God continues to bless and expand this amazing ministry!
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Here is a photo with all the luggage! Thank you for your continued prayers and support as God continues to bless and expand this amazing ministry!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Back in the USA
Well, where to start is the real question. We have officially landed on US soil. It's good to be home and at the same time a reminder of how blessed we are here and how little the villages we visited had. I'm not talking about the luxuries and pleasures like seeing Starbucks upon deplaning but the ghanaians we treated in medical clinics were without fresh water, no electricity and many of the children had no shoes or clothing. It is not possible to explain all we saw and how it made us feel. Personally speaking my heart will forever be changed. Asking God to use me and allow me to be His hands and feet meant breaking my heart for what breaks His. And despite their poverty and illness (and their was a great deal of malaria), they were joyful, thankful and some of the most hard working people I've met! We could learn something from them! Valerie, Apostle Odai's wife, told me she would be praying for my return. I too will be praying for God's will and purpose for my life and I am humbled to have had this amazing experience with this God given talented team! Mary
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Location:Atlanta
The Toffee Guild
Hello to all and God bless you for your prayers and support, they were much needed! When I first felt God tell me to go to Ghana (through a church bulletin no less) I came up with a thousand reasons why I could not go. but the only reason that came to matter was God telling me "because I said so!" so here I am ;)
I was prepared for culture shock, which came in many forms such as the red dirt roller-coasters they consider roads. But I would have never guessed the amazing ways God would work while I journeyed in Ghana this week. I witnessed how much God is in control as plans always changed (several times and only at the last minute) vans broke down in the middle of the highway, (frogger anyone?) and eager crowds of children would rush us for "toffee" or candy as you call it. Through all of this my constants have been a surrender to his will and prayer. I now understand the soul deep need behind "Here I am Lord, send me!" its not that he needs my help but more like a child jumping up and down shouting "pick me, pick me!"
The children of Ghana have been the highlight of my week. These children excitedly pose for pictures. They erupt into a chorus of giggles at everything you do all while mobbing you to goggle at themselves in the camera. Everywhere I went the children knew I had "toffee" my bag and would follow me around waiting for it. These pint sized Ghanians provided us with endless entertainment!
The first time we pulled into a village, Kawampe, for clinics, my heart was broken by the scene before me. It was as if stepping into a picture straight from feed the children. Dressed in torn, dirty clothes and malnourished rounded tummies. Many children had no shoes and those that did have them are nothing to write home about.
But it was their hearts, eager to learn and hear about Jesus, soaking up and parroting back songs and verses to me that made me fall in love with them. We replaced sticks and spools with soccer balls, bubbles, glove balloons and bribed with lots of toffee. We taught them "Jesus love me" and that Jesus said "let the children come to me" He knew more than anyone that having a child's simple faith is the key to letting God take control of having life abundantly.
I want you to know that God answered all our prayers before we even thought of them. On Monday alone, in the village Kawampe, we saw God bring 52 people to him and they were baptized. We treated many cases of malaria, and dedicated 4 water wells. This provided amazing opportunities to share God's love and his everlasting water of life. I started out on this trip trying to plan every tangible thing I could take to help. Now at the end I'm taking with me far more eternal things than what was left behind. I leave a humbled student of the powerful faith and worship Apostle Odai's people posses. I leave with wonderful new siblings in Christ and blessed new friendships. Finally I leave knowing God has been in control all this week and I must say it has been a blessed assurance. That and toffee!
Love in Christ,
Shawna Howard
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Kwanpe village
I was amazed that a village just off a national highway had never seen whit people. I remember scores of smiles even though the living conditions were so much more primitive. The adults were friendly and glad we were there. The clinic was challenging because it was the first for our team and the first in that village. The families were very thankful we were seeing them especially those with children. It was difficult to leave with hundreds of people still to be seen: "The needs are great but the workers are few." It was amazing that 52 people were baptized, demonstrating that when physical needs are met, people are much more receptive to the Gospel. I was glad to be a small part of helping so many in an are in which I am not confident. Maybe that is why God could use me.
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Lavonna's notes
Everyday here in Ghana has had adventure, education, spiritual impact, and fellowship with an amazing team.
I knew a few folks on one team very well, a few I knew cordially, and a few I didn't know at all. All of these people have come together for one purpose, and we have all become very close.
I already have so many wonderful stories to tell -and get so little time right now to tell them. This is our last day in northern Ghana, where today we will be dedicating another water well and doing a medical clinic. And the joy! Wow! To see the faces of these people when the water flows from the well is hard to put words to.
With 324 pairs of reading glasses (donated by Don Kerr) we distributed a number of pairs in all the villages, including the chiefs and Apostle Odai's wife! The look on their faces when they put the glasses on and were able to read words without squinting -wow!
One of my biggest blessings was yesterday in the Tanoanu village. A father with 4 children (ages 4,6,8,10) came to the clinic. During the time they came through I was at the prayer station with Alicia. We asked if we could pray for them. The father said yes. Immediately the children all bowed their heads and clasped their hands. As Alicia prayed, I snapped an overhead shot of them - it was glorious to see! I will attach the photo later.
Though I am just an ordinary person, God called me to this specific place for His specific purpose. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my Lord has called upon me showing others how He uses an ordinary life to bring extraordinary blessing into the world!
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I knew a few folks on one team very well, a few I knew cordially, and a few I didn't know at all. All of these people have come together for one purpose, and we have all become very close.
I already have so many wonderful stories to tell -and get so little time right now to tell them. This is our last day in northern Ghana, where today we will be dedicating another water well and doing a medical clinic. And the joy! Wow! To see the faces of these people when the water flows from the well is hard to put words to.
With 324 pairs of reading glasses (donated by Don Kerr) we distributed a number of pairs in all the villages, including the chiefs and Apostle Odai's wife! The look on their faces when they put the glasses on and were able to read words without squinting -wow!
One of my biggest blessings was yesterday in the Tanoanu village. A father with 4 children (ages 4,6,8,10) came to the clinic. During the time they came through I was at the prayer station with Alicia. We asked if we could pray for them. The father said yes. Immediately the children all bowed their heads and clasped their hands. As Alicia prayed, I snapped an overhead shot of them - it was glorious to see! I will attach the photo later.
Though I am just an ordinary person, God called me to this specific place for His specific purpose. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my Lord has called upon me showing others how He uses an ordinary life to bring extraordinary blessing into the world!
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Location:Ghana
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tanoanu water well dedication
Tanoanu received a water well, mosquito nets, and our team was blessed with a ram. Really enjoyed the Spirit of the people. - Charlie Pennington
Judy, Phyllis, David, Denise, and Corrie demonstrated hanging a mosquito net in a home and while there met a woman who was blind. She had been to the clinic and heard the preaching outside. She told them that she wanted to receive Christ as her Savior. Denise led her in a prayer to receive Jesus as her Lord. Then Judy felt led to ask the son if he wanted to receive Christ and he said he did! What a double blessing of the Lord for both this mother and son to confess them as Lord! - Judy
A short stroll behind the Tanoanu village today revealed God's magnificent, creative beauty in the landscape, glorious!
-Lavonna
I was blessed to attend a water well dedication in this beautiful village. It will provide fresh, clean water to 8 villages who had previously had to walk up to 3 miles in the bush to use a very dirty water source. While tasting this water I thought of something Alicia mentioned at the first well we dedicated. She said it reminded her of the story of the woman at the well in John 4. Just as Jesus met the woman at the well, He was meeting these people at the well, providing for a physical need, while satisfying a deeper spiritual need. What a gift this well is to the surrounding villages! -Andrea
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Judy, Phyllis, David, Denise, and Corrie demonstrated hanging a mosquito net in a home and while there met a woman who was blind. She had been to the clinic and heard the preaching outside. She told them that she wanted to receive Christ as her Savior. Denise led her in a prayer to receive Jesus as her Lord. Then Judy felt led to ask the son if he wanted to receive Christ and he said he did! What a double blessing of the Lord for both this mother and son to confess them as Lord! - Judy
A short stroll behind the Tanoanu village today revealed God's magnificent, creative beauty in the landscape, glorious!
-Lavonna
I was blessed to attend a water well dedication in this beautiful village. It will provide fresh, clean water to 8 villages who had previously had to walk up to 3 miles in the bush to use a very dirty water source. While tasting this water I thought of something Alicia mentioned at the first well we dedicated. She said it reminded her of the story of the woman at the well in John 4. Just as Jesus met the woman at the well, He was meeting these people at the well, providing for a physical need, while satisfying a deeper spiritual need. What a gift this well is to the surrounding villages! -Andrea
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Location:Ghana
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday at Maranatha
We are at Maranatha Power Ministries on this beautiful Sunday morning celebrating the 15th anniversary of the church! We as well as the entire congregation are wearing matching shirts and dresses celebrating this festive day! These are pictures of Denise sharing with the congregation about having strong families. There was also a mass wedding in which several couples are being joined together in Christ. Maranatha believes in husbands only having one wife, which is not a common practice in Ghana. We are so blessed to have taken part in such a wonderful time of celebration in the life of their church, and our hearts are thinking of our churches who are worshipping and celebrating this morning as well! Love you all!
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Safely on the ground in Ghana
Our team arrived safely at the Accra airport at 11:30 am Ghana time! We were greeted at the airport by Phyllis and Katheryn and went to work...shopping!
We visited both Tet's Bead Industry and TK's and were educated and given demonstrations on recycled glass bead-making.
We will check in at the guest house briefly, have dinner and then go to Maranatha Power Ministries to join in ministry with a prayer vigil and a women's conference led by Denise Lopez. Betty Lewis will also lead a prayer time and several ladies will lead in worship together.
Will post more tomorrow after we get some rest!
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We visited both Tet's Bead Industry and TK's and were educated and given demonstrations on recycled glass bead-making.
We will check in at the guest house briefly, have dinner and then go to Maranatha Power Ministries to join in ministry with a prayer vigil and a women's conference led by Denise Lopez. Betty Lewis will also lead a prayer time and several ladies will lead in worship together.
Will post more tomorrow after we get some rest!
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Location:Ghana
Because I'm a Masterpiece!!!
Wow! May I just start by saying God is incredible!!! Last night Mary and I (Allison :)) had the opportunity to share with the youth girls at Pastor Odai's church. We had almost 30 13-19 year old girls. I started the lesson by reading Psalm 139:1-18. The girls learned that these verses have 3 major points: 1) God see me and is with me, 2) God created me, and 3) God knows me and loves me.
While talking about the fact that God created them we were able to tie in Ephesians 2:10. This verse states, "For we are God's masterpiece. Created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good things he planned for us long ago." It amazes me that even with a language barrier these girls were able to grasp the concept that despite what they see when they look in the mirror or what other people say to them they are a priceless work of art because who their creator is!
Last night (at 1 a.m. :-o), we closed our time together by having the girls break up into 4 teams. In their teams they had to come up with a song that talked about what God says about them. One group sang the song "He knows my name" but they added "because I'm a masterpiece!" to the chorus. Mary was able to get it on video :-D we are hoping to get it uploaded soon. ;) it is absolutely precious!!!
After we finished, one of the girls (Debra) came up to Mary and I and shared that her friends at school tell her that she is fat and ugly. Mary and I were able to reiterate that she is a masterpiece, a daughter of the King and therefore a princess, and that she is BEAUTIFUL! When we told her those truths her face just lit up. I can't describe it. She went on to share that she has no one to talk to (at school or in her village). Mary immediately jumped on that and prayed that God would bring a friend. Not 5 minutes later another one of the youth girls walked over and come to find out she lives in the same village as Debra. Needless to say, God answered Mary's prayer for Debra right then. She now has a friend! :-) Who she can talk to at church and in her village.
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While talking about the fact that God created them we were able to tie in Ephesians 2:10. This verse states, "For we are God's masterpiece. Created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good things he planned for us long ago." It amazes me that even with a language barrier these girls were able to grasp the concept that despite what they see when they look in the mirror or what other people say to them they are a priceless work of art because who their creator is!
Last night (at 1 a.m. :-o), we closed our time together by having the girls break up into 4 teams. In their teams they had to come up with a song that talked about what God says about them. One group sang the song "He knows my name" but they added "because I'm a masterpiece!" to the chorus. Mary was able to get it on video :-D we are hoping to get it uploaded soon. ;) it is absolutely precious!!!
After we finished, one of the girls (Debra) came up to Mary and I and shared that her friends at school tell her that she is fat and ugly. Mary and I were able to reiterate that she is a masterpiece, a daughter of the King and therefore a princess, and that she is BEAUTIFUL! When we told her those truths her face just lit up. I can't describe it. She went on to share that she has no one to talk to (at school or in her village). Mary immediately jumped on that and prayed that God would bring a friend. Not 5 minutes later another one of the youth girls walked over and come to find out she lives in the same village as Debra. Needless to say, God answered Mary's prayer for Debra right then. She now has a friend! :-) Who she can talk to at church and in her village.
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Location:A Bus on the way to Frankadua
Frankadua princesses
I do not have words for what God did today in everyone's hearts but I'll try.
We arrived in Frankadua this morning exactly on time at 10 am. For those of you who have been to Africa, you know what a miracle that is! Reverend Grace welcomed us and got us settled in their newly built cafeteria/all-purpose room. It was so nice :)
Since the girls were on school break, many of them had to travel to get there. Some came the night before, some that morning. In all, we had nearly 50 girls, 3 boys, and around 10 instructors.
Starting with "princess" nametags that the girls decorated, we welcomed the young ladies. When they introduced themselves as Princess _________, their faces lit up in beautiful smiles. Andrea taught them Sing Sing Sing and they taught us There's No One like Jesus.
At lunch, we sat with the girls. They told us about themselves. It was a precious time.
Our time today was shortened by several hours to avoid night travel. So we promptly began the teaching time with the four parts of the necklace we had for them:
Chain: in Christ we are freed from slavery.
Sand vial: God's thoughts about you outnumber all the sand.
Crown w/ "diamond": You have priceless inner worth.
Pink Pearl: You are God's pearl of great price and He wants to be yours.
They loved knowing that they are precious to God and there is freedom in Christ. A number of girls were especially touched by Psalm 27:10--Even if my father and mother abandon me, the lord will hold me close.
On from there to the "Masterpiece Snap" and a crazy fun dance Allison taught them.
Next, we washed the feet of every girl, boy, and teacher, talking with them about the love of Christ and their relationship with Him. We prayed with them, then sent them to decorate flip flops with ribbon and flowers.
We also gave each person a purple Individually Designed tote bag, an NLT Bible, a set of cards with scripture from the day, and a God Box.
Finally, gathered in a huge circle we sang He's Got the Whole world in His Hands. Goodbyes were bittersweet as we hugged and took some last minute pictures.
Such precious girls who all needed to know how beautiful they are to their heavenly Father and to us.
Our hearts are already pulling us to go back. So many sweet faces crowd my mind. Reverend Grace and all the instructors are an amazing blessing to the girls. Please continue to pray for the girls as some graduate later this month and embark on a new part of God's plan for them. Others will continue their schooling, and new girls will begin as well. I hope to be able to communicate with them by email.
Thanks to everyone who supported this day in prayer and with sponsorships. The girls know that you have been praying and that they have special notes from many of you in their God Boxes.
Personal notes:
Judy says Hi!
Alicia says Love you Scott, Jordan, and Jonathan.
Sending love to all,
Alicia and whole Ghana team :)
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We arrived in Frankadua this morning exactly on time at 10 am. For those of you who have been to Africa, you know what a miracle that is! Reverend Grace welcomed us and got us settled in their newly built cafeteria/all-purpose room. It was so nice :)
Since the girls were on school break, many of them had to travel to get there. Some came the night before, some that morning. In all, we had nearly 50 girls, 3 boys, and around 10 instructors.
Starting with "princess" nametags that the girls decorated, we welcomed the young ladies. When they introduced themselves as Princess _________, their faces lit up in beautiful smiles. Andrea taught them Sing Sing Sing and they taught us There's No One like Jesus.
At lunch, we sat with the girls. They told us about themselves. It was a precious time.
Our time today was shortened by several hours to avoid night travel. So we promptly began the teaching time with the four parts of the necklace we had for them:
Chain: in Christ we are freed from slavery.
Sand vial: God's thoughts about you outnumber all the sand.
Crown w/ "diamond": You have priceless inner worth.
Pink Pearl: You are God's pearl of great price and He wants to be yours.
They loved knowing that they are precious to God and there is freedom in Christ. A number of girls were especially touched by Psalm 27:10--Even if my father and mother abandon me, the lord will hold me close.
On from there to the "Masterpiece Snap" and a crazy fun dance Allison taught them.
Next, we washed the feet of every girl, boy, and teacher, talking with them about the love of Christ and their relationship with Him. We prayed with them, then sent them to decorate flip flops with ribbon and flowers.
We also gave each person a purple Individually Designed tote bag, an NLT Bible, a set of cards with scripture from the day, and a God Box.
Finally, gathered in a huge circle we sang He's Got the Whole world in His Hands. Goodbyes were bittersweet as we hugged and took some last minute pictures.
Such precious girls who all needed to know how beautiful they are to their heavenly Father and to us.
Our hearts are already pulling us to go back. So many sweet faces crowd my mind. Reverend Grace and all the instructors are an amazing blessing to the girls. Please continue to pray for the girls as some graduate later this month and embark on a new part of God's plan for them. Others will continue their schooling, and new girls will begin as well. I hope to be able to communicate with them by email.
Thanks to everyone who supported this day in prayer and with sponsorships. The girls know that you have been praying and that they have special notes from many of you in their God Boxes.
Personal notes:
Judy says Hi!
Alicia says Love you Scott, Jordan, and Jonathan.
Sending love to all,
Alicia and whole Ghana team :)
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Location:Road to Accra
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Statistics about the country of Ghana
This is a video we put together after one of our previous trips, but it gives some perspective about the great need in Africa, and in the country of Ghana.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pray with our Team! Countdown to Ghana ~ departing Tulsa tomorrow!
SEPTEMBER 7 – MED CLINICS / NET DISTRIBUTION / WATER WELL DEDICATION
Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
SEPTEMBER 8- THANK GOD FOR ALL HE IS GOING TO DO
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
SEPTEMBER 8- THANK GOD FOR ALL HE IS GOING TO DO
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
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