Wed., July 12, 2006
After a very hot night, 6 AM brought the first day of the seminar. Cobbinah fixed a good breakfast and we were off.
The road to the church was more like driving on a dry river bed. We stopped to see the chief on the way! This was a very serious affair. We needed to receive his permission to preach in his village. We were to speak only when addressed by the chief. His first question to us was: “Where is Ted?” He asked for him by name. We explained his condition and the chief then told us of his recent health troubles. He is 92 years old. After some talk, questions, and pictures, he gave us his blessing and asked us to pray for him and his people. We did.
A short time later, we pulled up to the Gbetmonpaak church with the well the church had drilled almost on its door step. The well was new and only needed the pump to be attached to make it work. We hope it will be finished by Sunday!
We were welcomed and introduced followed by some very good singing. The songs were explained to us by Niipaak. They speak an entirely different language (Bimoba) here than down south (Twi). So all the Twi we learned – useless!
David kicked off the seminar followed by Bill, then me, and finally Rick. Bill fielded some questions like: “Is the religion of Christ only for white people as some people have told us?” He answered them masterfully! Bill is a seasoned missionary and we are blessed to have him with us. There were 350 adults, and 100 children in attendance.
Street preaching! No, bush preaching! This was one of those nights you know you will never forget and may never see again. I’m sure my description will pale in comparison to what happened.
We began at 7 PM with a drive into the bush! The road was more like a dry river bed. In fact, when it rains, it is a river. At one point the driver stopped and would not cross a small creek for fear of getting stuck. With much discussion, he attempted and crossed the stream. After a short time we literally came to the end of the road!
Next we walked into the pitch black African bush country. We would pass a village with a congregation that was established last year called “Nanyiar”. They met for services under a big tree. Some from the next village (in Togo, another country) were baptized last year and wanted a congregation established in their village.
The trail was dark, as the moon was not out yet. By flashlight we followed the donkey cart carrying the audio/video/generator. At first it was wide, then narrow, and then it was a corn row, then a dry creek, then wide again – ever changing. I shined my light to the left and right – only once – and saw things I’d rather not think about – like army ants and things. After 2 miles we were there. The name of this village is “Pauk”.
Quickly we set up the Jesus movie (generator, projector, sheet, and lighting) and began: first singing and then the movie. There were about 200 people present and by this time it was 9 PM with the moon rising, giving light and character to the village square. During the movie a bat with a 3 foot wingspan decided to let us know he was around.
After the movie, Bill gave an invitation and 83 villagers responded. Its 10:30 by now. Niipaak had gone to the creek to dig out a place deep enough for the baptisms.
Joy and excitement followed us to the creek. Yes, another trip into the bush! This time the full African moon lit the way and the use of our flash lights were not necessary. As the donkey and crew had taken our gear back to the bus, we would witness the baptisms and meet them there.
The creek was small and a bit treacherous to get to. Niipaak had dug out a deep spot and the people lined up, were baptized, and their names written in their roll as well as in the Book of Life! In 2 hours the work was done!
There was great joy in the middle of nowhere! Singing, laughing, talking, and more joy. The church in Togo had been established. Niipaak would be sure to support and work with them in the future. God bless this place!
After another walk through the bush, we were at the bus. Remember the impassable creek we passed? This time we got stuck. It was 12:30 in the bush country and we were stuck. There was no question, no hesitation – we were on our own and we would get ourselves out. After 1 hour of digging, rocking, and pushing, we were out.
We arrived at our compound and will get a quick nap before our day begins (I guess it already has.) Its 2:30 AM with a 5:30 AM wake up.
Again, I could not begin to describe the events of tonight with the fullness that it was. I can only say we came to work, and we found a fertile field in which to begin.
The road to the church was more like driving on a dry river bed. We stopped to see the chief on the way! This was a very serious affair. We needed to receive his permission to preach in his village. We were to speak only when addressed by the chief. His first question to us was: “Where is Ted?” He asked for him by name. We explained his condition and the chief then told us of his recent health troubles. He is 92 years old. After some talk, questions, and pictures, he gave us his blessing and asked us to pray for him and his people. We did.
A short time later, we pulled up to the Gbetmonpaak church with the well the church had drilled almost on its door step. The well was new and only needed the pump to be attached to make it work. We hope it will be finished by Sunday!
We were welcomed and introduced followed by some very good singing. The songs were explained to us by Niipaak. They speak an entirely different language (Bimoba) here than down south (Twi). So all the Twi we learned – useless!
David kicked off the seminar followed by Bill, then me, and finally Rick. Bill fielded some questions like: “Is the religion of Christ only for white people as some people have told us?” He answered them masterfully! Bill is a seasoned missionary and we are blessed to have him with us. There were 350 adults, and 100 children in attendance.
Street preaching! No, bush preaching! This was one of those nights you know you will never forget and may never see again. I’m sure my description will pale in comparison to what happened.
We began at 7 PM with a drive into the bush! The road was more like a dry river bed. In fact, when it rains, it is a river. At one point the driver stopped and would not cross a small creek for fear of getting stuck. With much discussion, he attempted and crossed the stream. After a short time we literally came to the end of the road!
Next we walked into the pitch black African bush country. We would pass a village with a congregation that was established last year called “Nanyiar”. They met for services under a big tree. Some from the next village (in Togo, another country) were baptized last year and wanted a congregation established in their village.
The trail was dark, as the moon was not out yet. By flashlight we followed the donkey cart carrying the audio/video/generator. At first it was wide, then narrow, and then it was a corn row, then a dry creek, then wide again – ever changing. I shined my light to the left and right – only once – and saw things I’d rather not think about – like army ants and things. After 2 miles we were there. The name of this village is “Pauk”.
Quickly we set up the Jesus movie (generator, projector, sheet, and lighting) and began: first singing and then the movie. There were about 200 people present and by this time it was 9 PM with the moon rising, giving light and character to the village square. During the movie a bat with a 3 foot wingspan decided to let us know he was around.
After the movie, Bill gave an invitation and 83 villagers responded. Its 10:30 by now. Niipaak had gone to the creek to dig out a place deep enough for the baptisms.
Joy and excitement followed us to the creek. Yes, another trip into the bush! This time the full African moon lit the way and the use of our flash lights were not necessary. As the donkey and crew had taken our gear back to the bus, we would witness the baptisms and meet them there.
The creek was small and a bit treacherous to get to. Niipaak had dug out a deep spot and the people lined up, were baptized, and their names written in their roll as well as in the Book of Life! In 2 hours the work was done!
There was great joy in the middle of nowhere! Singing, laughing, talking, and more joy. The church in Togo had been established. Niipaak would be sure to support and work with them in the future. God bless this place!
After another walk through the bush, we were at the bus. Remember the impassable creek we passed? This time we got stuck. It was 12:30 in the bush country and we were stuck. There was no question, no hesitation – we were on our own and we would get ourselves out. After 1 hour of digging, rocking, and pushing, we were out.
We arrived at our compound and will get a quick nap before our day begins (I guess it already has.) Its 2:30 AM with a 5:30 AM wake up.
Again, I could not begin to describe the events of tonight with the fullness that it was. I can only say we came to work, and we found a fertile field in which to begin.
posted by TQDivemaster | 6:25 PM
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