He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 4:14
Hello friends,
This is the heart of God. That we will be hid in Him within our innermost being, completely captivated by Him and for Him. Then, His love will flow from us to those around us. The thirsty will never thirst again once quenched by His never-ending love.
This photo radiates JOY! These sweet ladies are part of the youth group I have had the blessing of spending time with over the months. We went walking around one Sunday morning to share scripture and pray for people in their homes. We shared the passage of John 4 about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The Lord used that story to touch the hearts of those we visited as well as all of us walking and talking about Jesus together. His love brings life!
TRAVEL UP NORTH
Since the last update, it seems the time has flown by! At the end of July, I travelled to the northern part of Ghana with Junior and Jacob. We took a bus through the night from the capital city, Accra, all the way up to Tamale. It was a 14-hour journey, but well worth it. The different scenery, culture, and overall environment was a new perspective for us as a trio from the border town of Aflao. Our eyes were opened to the vast difference of the spiritual warfare in that area. In Aflao there is much traditional idol worship within the village and lifestyles of the people, but there is an evident presence of Churches and outreach. Up north, it is not so. We did not see one visible church in the area we stayed during our time there.
The whole trip happened through a connection I had from my last trip to The States. I met a couple that come to Ghana once a year to host dental and eye clinic and surgeries in the area. By God’s provision, everything worked out for us to take part in the clinic for Junior to have an eye surgery from the continued struggle he has had to have good vision for reading and day-to-day activities. We met a wonderful and inspiring team of doctors, nurses, and people who traveled just to serve. Most were from Mexico, and some from US. It was a true picture and experience of The Kingdom of God flowing from His children.
On the way back home after a few days visit, the three of us felt renewed and encouraged to keep being a light in darkness, despite the environment. Because there are places that have it far worse and in more need of light.
VACTION BIBLE SCHOOL
After the end of the school term, we were able to host a week-long VBS for children in the area near Mama Florence’s church. There was not much time to plan or prepare, but it was amazing how God provided and met the needs. Even the team that helped was a totally unexpected provision! 3 ladies joined for the week that I’ve known during my time here in Ghana. One is Ghanaian and lives in Accra. The other two ladies are from missionary families in Ho, which is 3 hours away. They came down to help out for the week, and it was such a sweet time of fellowship and serving together. We were able to visit two other communities during their visit to host a smaller version of VBS for those children. Praise God from all whom blessings flow.
TEACHER WORKSHOP
There was an opportunity to once again gather a group of teachers from various schools in the area for a teacher workshop on early childhood teaching strategies. I am always humbled during these workshops because I am by no means an expert on educational strategies, but God always opens doors for deeper conversations about the learning gaps here and openness to learn new ways from the teachers. The constant battle here within the classrooms are the lack of training and resources for teachers. So, during these workshops we focus in on what we do have, not what we do not have. To do the best with the ability, passion, and platform God has given to each one. The population of children and their individual needs here can be overwhelming. While planning these workshops, God always reminds me that its not about quantity, but quality. He goes for the one lost sheep, so to gently remind and teach these teachers to do what they can with what they have and leave the rest in His hands. To commit their classrooms into His care and authority for His love to flow from them to the children.
Jesus answered, “I saw you….” John 1:48
He sees us. Oh, what a comfort it is to know that Someone sees me when I feel unseen. He knows my innermost being. His love abides in me and flows from me. There is much to be in distress over these days, but much more there is reason to praise! A sunrise marks the beginning of a new day. His mercies are new every day, morning by morning. That is why I yearn for my early morning walks and talks with Jesus. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way…. He says to me, “I see you”. Oh what a friend that loves at all times He is. It’s hard to see what is ahead, but I know He is a faithful God.
I pray that all who read this also find comfort in that He sees you too. He is with us from the beginning to end of each day, like the sunrise and sunset.
With love from Ghana,
Chelsi
Comments