Meet the group!

As I was writing the journal, I realized you may not know the people I am writing about. I would like you to meet them so that the names will carry some meaning.

First, there are the U.S. missionaries:

Bill Dillon is from Arkansas and is a full time preacher. Bill is a lot of fun and very experienced in missionary work. His humor and understanding of the Ghanaian people were very useful on the trip. You might say that Bill was the anchor of our group.

David Stearsman is a student at the Florida School of Preaching. He was on last years campaign which made him invaluable this trip. He handled the finances and the travel plans while still carrying a full load of preaching assignments. He is a very good speaker and always ready to preach.

Rick Kenyon recently graduated from the Florida School of Preaching and will now begin college at Freed-Hardeman Univ. Rick is one of those guys who can remember everything and learn new things very quickly. He preaches with little notes and adjusts well in ever changing situations. He plays music and is almost always happy. Don't you just hate guys like that! Just kidding Rick.

Then there's me.

Now for the Ghanaian crew:

Paul Addo , Accra Rd. COC - Ashaiman. My protector. Paul works in the south as a building inspector and preaches a radio program on Sunday mornings. He works in the kitchen and is holding down the compound while we are away. He loves to joke around. He is strong and a great worker. He is a member of Ted's "fearless four." They were all together 20 plus years ago when Ted started this work.

Edward N. Quansah, Boadua - preacher, and Son Daniel. Quansah is a bush preacher. Rough and tough and gentle at the same time. He reminds me of the description of John the Baptist from the bible. His son is 19 and is enjoying Ricks instruction on guitar. Qhunsah also likes to laugh and joke around. He can take what he dishes out. Another one of the "fearless four."

Ernest Apeadu, Vertical Centre COC - Tema. Captain! Ernest has a secular job and is strong in the faith. He is quiet but when he laughs, everyone hears and usually joins in. Ernest is our group leader, banker, accountant, and get'er done'er. Another member of the "fearless four".

Edward Owusu-Ansah, Kpone - preacher. The last of the "fearless four" but not least. He is quiet at first, but when you get to know him, he is a fast friend. When he preaches he is in his element. He also loves to laugh and joke around. He would do anything for you and go anywhere to preach the Word.

Niipaak Laar - Saboba - preacher. Niipaak is instrumental in the Yendi clinic. He is the preacher in the northern region who helps establish congregations and ensures they are not forgotten. He keeps the word fresh in their hearts. This is a big job and the region is vast. He rides a motor cycle to get around. Its more of a dirt bike as that is what is needed to navigate these roads. He is a born leader and is what is needed for this great work. He is soft spoken up until he starts preaching, then stand back! He is our translator and guide in the north.

Kofi Kwakye -Takoradi - preacher. Kofi is helping Bill and they are inseparable. As I have Paul, Bill has Kofi. He is remarkably dedicated to Bill's health and safety. When he preaches, the people listen and respond! He is Quansah's antagonist and together, they keep the rest of us amused.

Edwina Owusu - Boadua - midwife. Edwina is the only female on the campaign. She works in the kitchen with Paul and Cobbinah. She is in her element when we do the free clinics. She is trained in the medical field. She assists the Dr.During the clinics. She is very nice and ready to help in any way she can. Her job at the clinic is to check the mothers and children.

Emmanuel Cobbinah, - Takoradi. Cobbinah is our cook. He is a lot of fun and enjoys a good practical joke. He is a cook in his daily job as well. He is very good at what he does. In fact, I think I will gain weight on this trip. He can make a 4 star meal with very little to work with in the way of facilities. He specializes in chicken and rice, goat, fish and a few things I can't pronounce (or recognize).

George. One of our translators. George was baptized on the campaign. He is a tall man and studies each word you say. He does a great job for us and is now one of us.

James Nyame - preacher - Ashanti Region. James is very helpful in custom and tradition questions. He is making sure we watch ourselves and do the right things at the right times.