By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27
Hello everyone!!
The scripture above was a much-needed reminder that in times of fear, we are to persevere, even when the way is not clear.
Recently, I traveled to the Capital of Ghana for what had been a specifically planned out trip but ended up completely changing and being drawn out past what I had intended the length of stay. This forced me into several days of waiting, which is not unusual on this side of the world! While waiting, I had time to start reaching out and making connections with other ministries and organizations, which is something I had been seeking for time to do. I visited two different churches and connected with both national and international brothers and sisters in Christ, most of whom were around my age. Something I often lack in the Volta Region is having solid and vulnerable conversations with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in my heart language of English, so it was encouraging to spend time conversing and listening to others that were facing and going through very similar challenges to myself. At first, a circumstance can seem frustrating, but God can turn it into an unexpected blessing. I was preciously reminded of this again during a sunrise walk with my Jesus one morning. Walking on the beach as the sun rose above smoggy horizon, I first took notice of all the physical filth, poverty, and spiritually dark practices surrounding me, but still, there is an unexplainable peace that comes with knowing that The One who is invisible can restore all that is broken! Above the brokenness around me was a beautiful image of the sun peeking through the clouds as if The Lord Himself was saying, “I’m here.” I know He has made brokenness made new within my own heart, and my prayer is that I will continue to have opportunities to share this great hope and love that only The One who is invisible can provide a beautiful ending to a broken story.
Here are some pictures of some joyful moments The Lord has provided in the past month. It is always so encouraging to me to look back on what God has done during seasons that seem challenging. He is good, all the time!
After donating some learning materials to one of Sustaining Love Kids partner schools (Start Right Academy in the town of Aflao), some of the teachers asked if we could meet a few times so that they could receive training on how to use the flash cards, story books, and other materials. We have met together twice so far, and we hope to continue meeting with the goal in mind to fulfill the model of: I do, We do, You do, all while keeping the focus on treating children with love and compassion.
An ongoing project since I have returned has been to help organize a training program for children’s ministry volunteers among both churches and schools. The aim is for this to be a collaborative time of unity among different groups to receive training on how to teach and engage children with games, activities, and solid teaching from a Biblical perspective. I traveled to a few other established Bible Clubs for children to observe how it is done. I used videos and pictures to help promote and encourage training to take place in Aflao. It is a working progress but hoping it will take place within the next few weeks.
Speaking of training, a group of teachers that have been volunteering with the Sustaining Love Kids program joined me in Accra for a day to attend a writing workshop. These ladies chose to travel on their day off to receive training to sharpen their teaching skills. I pray that they will continue to be motivated to improve upon skills and seek out opportunities to implement what they have learned to teach and provide love to children that have little to no such love in their living environment.
This picture is from an outreach I joined in on while in Accra. This group has been traveling every Sunday from the heart of Accra for about an hour outside the city to an area on the outskirts to meet with children for Bible stories and songs under a tree. They do not use many resources, just time and energy! I was so encouraged to see how evident it was the impact this was having on the children. It was evident of how this group has chose to press on through challenges to see beauty from brokenness.
This final picture is a snapshot from a trip I took with one of my sisters to visit a children’s program in another area. I am always in awe of how vastly different landscapes can look, but once I arrive at the destination, I am met with similar needs among the areas. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few! Africa is the most populated continent of young people below the age of 20 years old. There is a great need for teachers and volunteers to be equipped in how to invest in the lives of children by utilizing talents and passions that God has given.
If anyone reading this feels specifically led or interested in exploring this more, or know of someone, please feel free to reach out to me! If not Ghana, I would love to pray and walk with someone pursuing a possible overseas ministry. I would not be writing this newsletter today from Ghana if there was not specific people in my life that helped to invest and guide me to where and how The Lord was leading me.
Lastly, I would like to share how writing this newsletter was such a therapeutic reminder about Christ’s love and provision during a season of transitions, unknowns, changes, and waiting. Life in Ghana can be full of unexpected, frustrating, and challenging circumstances. But, during chaotic circumstances, He softly whispers to: “Lean into Him. Trust Him. Endure patiently.”
Thank you so much for the love, prayers, support, and encouragement. Whether it is economical, physical, political, or spiritual, there is a blessed assurance that comes with knowing that Jesus wants to be our redeemer and friend! He was, is, and still to come to bring beauty from brokenness to every tongue, nation, and tribe!
Love from Ghana,
Chelsi
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