Things gets improving day by day in our ministry. After walking Mary Grace Diggs to and from Korle-Bu to see Lady and teaching Mary everything she needs to know from transport (trotro) fairs, the actual price of basic items such as Fanice creem,  Fanice Yogut (strewbery), Fanice choculate, dounut, bread, some fruits and others.

On Thusday 26th,  Mary decided and  go to Korle-Bu alone in other to learn how to go alone. Don't forget that I have been teaching her and walking her through a particular way in other for her to know the simple way to Korle-Bu. To my surprise, Mary was able to make it to Korle-Bu without any problem. "It was a wonderful esperience",  she said. I make sure I call her to find out where she is.

Today Friday 27th, Mary left to Korle-Bu alone again (I thank God I have been a good teacher, for my student to do something that she has never done before). I have talked to her twice this morning, just for me to know that she is safe, and I ahve been praying for her. As usual Mary has been teaching Lady at the Hospital and to my surprise. Lady is doing very well to learn the English alphabets, Mary also make sure what ever medical items Lady need for her treaatment she provide by going to the phamacies in and around Korle-Bu to them. Also, Mary washs Lady's dirty clothes, make sure Lady have food to eat and other things she would need.

Mary and Lady

Lady busily writing her alphabets

Lady showing what she has written

Please my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, there is much being done and the love of God is bing felt in people's life. We thank you all for your prayers and support. Lady is happy and developing very fast.

Thank you

Friday 13th January at about 9:05pm Mary Digs arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Hiram (mysecon born and I hired a Taxi Cab to pick her from the Airport. We all arrived home in about 10:45pm. Mary is staying with Mama Nancy a very loving woman in the Church (Afiaman Church of Christ) where I preach. This is because I have not finished Mary's room in my house.

On Saturday 14th I took Mary out to get her money change at the bank and after which we went to see Lady at the Hospital. Lady was surprise to see  Mary for the first time. Mary bought her food and some water. we staid with her for almost an hour.

Sunday 15th it was a tied for us all. I went with my family and Mary Digg to Domiabra a village of about an hour drive where I helped start a new church and I am taking care of that church. Mary and my wife Faustina were teaching the children class while I I taught and preach the Adult. Every body where happy to see Mary and my family fir the first time at the church. One of the sister at the church gave us pineapples Mary's favorite. after church services we went to see Lady at the Korle-Bu hospital again this time it was more fun. Mary taught Lady some color work and what colors are and learning some basic English. she bought her some food and we play with her my family also talked to her for the first time in the hospital.

We came home at about 6:pm this time round Mary took Lady's cloths that are dirty to be washed and would  would take it back to her today at 3:00pm. This time round Lady was very very happy and could say some things in English. with her leg, since she is currently going through Physiotherapy, she is feeling pains when she sits on the leg.

Today Monday 16th, at about 10:am we went to see Madam Mary -The  Director of Health at the District. The initial plan was to see the Director (Dr Cynthia). But, unfortunate we could not met her. We had a good discussion with her and I am very very happy Mary has to stand firm to defend her case in connection to Lady and the reason why she is here - Ghana when the Madam Mary was trying to explain something which was not clear to us. Thank God we have to come to the understanding of  all things. We are currently preparing to go and visit  Lady  at the Hospital again at 3:0m pm to day.


Thank you

CHURCH OF CHRIST, GHANA @ 50

I am yet to witness or hear any country celebrating a period of restoring the New Testament church in your country. As a young evangelist and one of the most happiest fruit of the seeds planted in Ghana 5 decades today, I can vehemently say that indeed, history have been made in Ghana.
Over 7000 adults and over 3000 children (members of the Lord’s church) do not know the history of the Lord’s church in Ghana until the Preachers, Elders, Deacons and members of the churches of Christ in Ghana planned to remember this historic day. Several activities: clean-up exercise, donation of items (food, used clothes, soaps, shoes, and many other thing) and blood donation to hospitals to save lives. Seminars and a 50th Anniversary Lunch was organized at Nsawam Road Church of Christ auditorium in Accra. The national celebration on the anniversary was divided into two sectors:
The Northern Sector : (Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Ashanti, and Brong Ahaful Regions).
The Southern Sector: (Western, Volta, Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Region)
NOTE: I AM ONLY REPORTING ON THE ACTIVITIES THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE SOUTHERN SECTOR.
The church of Christ , Ghana organized a national joint Service in the sectors respectively on Sunday 11th Dec. 2011.
The theme for the celebration was: “CELEBRATING 5 DECADES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IN GHANA.”
It was a wonderful joint Sunday morning worship ever organized in the history of the church of Christ in Ghana since the church of Christ was restored in Ghana in 1961.
At about 7am in the morning of 11th December, brethren have started gathering at the National Independence Square. Singing praises and worship songs were made by groups of acapella singers of the church. Several prayers (Thanksgiving, or the church, for the nation, and for peaceful election in 2012) were said.
In the welcome address Evg. John F. Tamakloe, Preacher, Community 2 church of Christ, Tema and a member of the co-ordinating committee said “This day, 11th December, 2011 will go down in the history o the churches of Christ, Ghana as a memorable one. Never before in our 50 years of existence… Today history has beckoned us and we have accepted its call. We sit here as citizen of this noble country with the sole aim of lifting up the Lord Jesus and bringing Him glory through the Church. This gathering will; never repeat itself again until the next 50 years. This is why your presence here must bring you joy and happiness; that you were able to see this event in your life time.”
The speaker: Fred Asare, Director of Village of Hope, preached and reminded the entire church especially the preachers, elders and deacons about the “Great Commission” Matthew 28:18-20. He emphasized on preachers who do not want to share their pulpit with the God gifted young ones, elders who do not want to teach its young ones how elders run their meetings. When all these are not noted and corrected, there would not be a future for the church. Interesting enough Fred touched on the peace we enjoy on Ghana and as we approach an election year he entreat the electoral commission to do everything possible for free and fair election and the members of the churches of Christ, Ghana would also conduct themselves to warrant the peace we want in Ghana. The Lord’s Supper were served by the Preachers.
Over 20 people gave themselves to Christ through Baptism. We had The Ghana Police, private security and the church security helping with security issues. There were no problem encountered and the programme ended at 3pm.

Heritage Christian College 44 Bible Students

the Guest of Honor assembled on the campus for robes and photographs which marks the 16th Graduation/Ordination ceremony of Heritage Christian College (soon to be known as) Heritage Christian University College after the Government of Ghana accredited the college.

The Acting Principal, Evans A. Lartey the preacher of Accra New Town Church of Christ, in his welcome address stated the vision o the college and the number of bible students the school have trained and are working on the field both in Ghana and out side Ghana which include Benin, Southern Sudan.

On 10th December, 2011 , 44 students graduated from the college with respective pragrammes. Two of these students were females. 3 students graduated with Higher Diploma in Christian Ministry, 6 graduated with BA in Christian Ministry, 12 graduated with Diploma in Biblical Studies and 24 graduated with Certificate in Biblical Studies. The chairman for the occasion was Dr. George Akpabli (President, BTC, Benin) and the Guest speaker was George Funk (Missionary in South Africa).
One of the students is Peter Obeng a member of Afiaman church of Christ, whom we support at Ayikai Doblo Church . Peter is the college bus driver.

Mission trip to the Village of Nkurakan

Nkurakan is a community which can be categorize as a below average income community, is a two hours drive from Amasaman. It has electricity, good school but with no hospital (all medical cases must be rush to regional capital- Koforidua) which is very bad. Nkurakan is one of the villages in the Koforidua municipalities; it has a population of about 15,000 people with the “Krobos” forming the majority ethnic group while “kyerepong”, Akans, “Ewes” form the minority. Nkurakan is ruled by a traditional leader (chief) with his council. The name Nkurakan literally means “first village” for a reason we do not know. The Village is a rocky land and very closed to the “akwpim ridge mountain”. This mountain is said to have settlers (small villages) on it, they have most of their building built on huge rocks. Some people too have their farms on the mountain. Some of the crops the people grow are: cassava, plantain, banana, okro, pepper, tomato, garden eggs, yam, they also have cocoa farms in smaller farms. The people of Nkurakan are not friendly except some few visitors who have resettled there.

Day One (Thursday 26th)

In the month of August of the Lord’s day of Thursday 26th was the set day for volunteers of Hirex Missions. We left Amasaman at about 11:45am but unfortunately, took a different root thinking that we could avoid road traffic but, instead, it took us more than the normal two hours drive journey (it was a long root). We had several encounters with the police who are on the various check points trying to arrest over-speeding. Some we were able to go through without time wasting when they stopped our lorry because of our big banner we had at the back of the lorry. But, some police officers wouldn’t want to look at it but instead, want some money from our driver (Gh 1). Beautifully, everybody, including the driver and his mate (conductor) who was not part of the organization had the T-shirt of Hirex Missions on. Since, it was our first time going there, the two sons of the host church’s preacher (Brother Isaac Botwey) came to meet us in Koforidua to take us to Nkurakan. (Just as someone meets you at the airport to take you home).
We arrived in Nkurakan at about 3:25pm met Brother Isaac Botwey who led us to our lodging place, a nice spacious 4 bedroom apartment (he rented the place for us). After everybody had located his or her bed we them converge again to sing and pray to thank God for our save arrival. We then had a short meeting with Brother Isaac who also briefed us about the culture of the village. From there, he led us to the chief house as requested by the team to say hello to him and also introduce ourselves to him and tell him that we are strangers in his land and we need his protection and support. We met the chief, two of his sons, and one council member. The chief was very happy to see and have accorded him the respect to tell him our mission in his village. We met in a small shed fenced with a dwarf wall which we were told is the traditional court, where cases are tried and settled. After a wonderful conversation with the chief, we then moved to see the market (an open air market) where mainly food stuffs are sold. It has an old sheds with dwarf wall. There is also a newly two story building construction room space stores to be rented to people by the District council.
We met with the queen mother of the market, the leader of all the fish sellers in the market. She is called Mary Okorley an aged woman; she sells a dried salted Tilapia called “coobi” and other smoked fish. Madam Mary has a problem with one of her leg and therefore she uses a walking stick to help her walk. We were directed by a different woman after we asked her a few questions about the market, she stretched her hand and showed us Madam Mary at the far end of the shed to go and see her for much better answers to our questions. We got to madam Mary and introduced ourselves and she was surprised to see us we told her our mission in the village and what we intend to do for all those who sell in the market-to paint the market sheds for them free of charge because Jesus Christ have asked us to do it. Surprisely, madam Mary was offering us some money (less than $ .50p equivalent) as a token of gift, but we realize Our master did not asked us to take money in return any time we do good to people, also, it might be that what she is offering us is what she has sold at that moment. Instead, Lawrence on behave of the team gave her Gh¢5 (about $ 4.00). As a process of studying the village and the people we had some friendly chat with some few people which some include the local members of the church. All are happy to see us and have come to work with them.
Brother Isaac Botwey led us again to see the meeting place of the church we met an elderly man who more or less has his house close to the meeting place which to us looks like he protects the compound of the church. On our way to the meeting place Lawrence saw a woman selling his favorite fried cassava doughnuts called “agbeli kaklo” with dried coconut which is usually eaten along with, he bought some and shared to the volunteers who want to enjoy it. When we got to the meeting place, we saw two signboards (a metal and wood). These signboards broke down from its original place by the road side and were carried to the meeting place and have been placed there for so long. The metal one was dirty and the wooden one was won out, we have to ask one of the brothers who is a carpenter to remove the pieces of the woods and re-cut them into smaller shapes for signposts.
We went back home and low and behold Bother Isaac’s wife called Mrs. Faustina Botwey whom we met in her absence on our arrival. Madam Faustiana had prepared food (Yam and Kontomire-fresh green leaves stew) for us. We enjoyed it so much. As part of our goal on this trip, unity and love among volunteers is needed, we have to eat in twos and threes from one plate. We took our evening bath and at 7pm we were at church (the local church don’t meet on Thursdays but the team had it in our list that we will like to meet with brethren and have a thanks giving service with them for safely arrival of Hirex Missions and also to know some of them. At the meeting Kingsly Asare led the songs of inspiration and prayers: he made us prayed over few areas which include the safe arrival of the team, the village Nkurakan, the local church. At 8pm the church service has closed, all went home. We have to go to bed as early as we could because we will wake up the next day to start the tedious work for the day.

Day Two (Friday 27th)

We woke up as early as 4am brush our teeth, went on open-air dawn preaching while Lawrence and Hayford are doing the preaching, the remaining 9 volunteers are singing acapelar music in popular spots of the village. This went on for one and half hours after which we went jogging (exercising). At 7:30am we have changed into our working clothes, took our breakfast (hot Milo tea with bread). We carried all the items we bought for the painting to the chief’s house and the market. We arrived in the chief’s house greeted him and we asked where we could get water to mix the paints. We were shown the place, actually the water is for sale therefore we gave Gh ¢ 1 (less than a dollar), the team got the water with the help of some of the members of the local church who accompanied us to work in the chief’s house. It was so joy and terrific to see these young boys and girls who have not painted before doing a marvelous work with the guidance of Dominic Quashie (one of the Volunteers) who was our leader for the painting work, because that is what he does part-time for income, therefore, he is good in painting. We spent 3 hours on the chief’s house and the traditional court room. To our surprise, one of the chief’s sons brought a crate of fanta drinks which we tried to reject it but the chief insisted that we should take it because it’s from his heart as an appreciation. From there, we went straight to the market. There wasn’t anybody especially in the sheds selling because Friday is not a market day for the people of Nkurakan. The Market Days are Mondays and Thursday. People from far and near bring their things for sale. It is on these days that you will have some things sold cheap price. Quickly, we started painting because we don’t have much time we also finished it within one hour. There is more paint left therefore, we went straight to the meeting place of the church and painted the inside of the structure and left the outside because it was not plastered therefore it could not painted. After the painting, we decided to cut the wooden won out signboard into smaller sizes for signposts. The brother who was a carpenter has to run home and bring his saw, hammer, nails and other tools to be needed. He did the work very beautifully and we took it to our lodging place repainted it. The other metal signboard the ladies on the team washed it and it looks nice now and planned to replant it the next day.
After everything done and done well we went back and low and behold many women had converged in the preacher’s house to help sister Faustina (the preacher’s wife) to cook. Just as we finished bathing, Fufu with meat and fish soup (pepper soup) is ready for us. Any body who want to have a taste of this food must make sure that he or she is served in this special earthly made bowl called “Asanka” in Akan and “Ka” in Ga. It is through that you will enjoy the real African traditional food. Many Are suppose to eat from it to signify “unity and love” among any group of persons who eat from it.
At about 3:30pm the team grouped into twos and distributed bible tracts and invitation cards to the people of Nkurakan. About, 3,000 tracts were distributed and 150 invitations were also distributed.
Friday is a usual meeting day for the local church and we joined them for singing and prayer in the evening 7pm. We came back home after 8pm to prepare to sleep since the next day is also another hard work.

Day Three (Saturday 28th)

As usual, after our open-air dawn preaching and jogging, both and breakfast the team prepared for personal evangelism the team grouped on twos and three with one or two brethren from Nkurakan to join each group, therefore. Each group consisted of four or five members. We spread into the village and took into every path and entered almost every home to study with the people. Some did not accept us. They showed it by their action and frankly said “I don’t have time”. We made over 50 contacts which each evangelism group took the particulars of individuals we had studies with. We did this in other for the local church to make a follow up after we have left. The whole activity started at 8:30 am and ended at 12noon. We converged in our lodging place and prayed and a good lunch and Lawrence and Dominic designed the newly prepared signposts. At 3pm the team redressed in our football (soccer) jesses and walked to the football field to play with the youth of the Nkurakan. Since, they could not reach to the 11 players they have to encourage some friends to join them to play against us. The intention was that after the game, these friends who were invited to play would be encouraged to come to church. The game started at 3 pm and in the first 15 minutes Hirex Missions made their first score which put the youth of Nkurakan church in their toes and they played with more serious and equalize. They came in to add one to it and after the whole game they had scored us 4 goals while we scored 1. Unfortunate incidence nearly occurred; while playing, some young boys who came to watch the game tried stealing the shoes of two of the volunteers and Kingsly who happened to be the goalkeeper caught them and collected it from them. Actually Lawrence confronted these boys to find out why they did that. These boys started reigning insults on Lawrence.
Upon arrival to our lodging place, we did not even change we took the signposts that we have redesigned , and planted them at vantage points where it will give easy direction to the church meeting place. We plated three signposts with “CHURCH OF CHRIST” written on it. The background colour is white with red colour for the writing. It was so joy while doing this work because the team and the members of the local church who joined us to do this work were all happy because, the direction to the meeting place was quiet difficult to locate (any visitor who is new to the village will fine it difficult to find the church) therefore, this signposts will serve a great purpose. After which we also replanted the big mental signboard we cleaned at its usual place. It position was very close to the market and its really on huge rocks therefore, we have to fine a way to dig small hole, mix cement with water, sand and some stones and put it around the stand of the metal signboards. All these were done with the help of two of the local congregation leaders and the two sons of the Brother Isaac Botwey. We finished it and went back to the lodging place took our batch and had a wonderful “fufu” with fish soup prepared by some women and Sister Faustina Botwey. We admired their services so much that we thank God for their lives so that we could meet them again next time we visit. In the evening around 7pm we spend almost two hours in brother Botwey’s house with his family thanked them and showed our love to them. After which we showed them some pictures of some of the things we did in the village. We also sung acapella songs in the local language to them and the people living close by were watching us sing beautifully.

Day Four (Sunday 29th)

We did not go to do open-air dawn preaching and jogging this time because some have to iron their cloths for worship service. Whiles some of the volunteers are taking their bath others are ironing and Lawrence too is preparing the morning breakfast. Unfortunate, the iron was not working properly therefore, it wasted our time. After everything and we are about to walk to the church, the team asked one of the volunteers (Godsway Dedoo) to pray, as soon as he started he stopped and put us on hold for almost 15 seconds which Lawrence furious and asked him to stay back and sleep (he should not go to the church because he has an appointment to perform (he will be praying the first prayer). What he did shows that he does not want to pray. The team asked him why he didn’t tell us that he can’t pray. Therefore, the team has to change him for the opening prayer at the service. We arrived at the church while many are sited – getting ready for bible class.
Quickly, Eric Nartey (a volunteer) who is the Bible class teacher went to start teaching. He taught on the topic “How will you know that you are going to Heaven” There are several question coming from the members because of the way he presented the lesson which opened their mind to ask more questions. Lawrence also helped in answering the question using scripture. The children class was handled by Dominic Quarshie who happens to be one of the children class teachers in Afiaman church of Christ in Accra. Kingsly Asare, was the songs leader and master of the service. Lawrence Lamptey preached on the theme “The TRNSFORMED PERSON-CHRISTIAN”. Hayford Mensah Lead the Lord’s Supper and assisted by Jacob Amisah and Lawrence Lamptey. The ushers/greeters were Ernestina and Nina.
Church service started at 9am and closed at 12noon we had four first time visitors all females Lawrence had one-on-one chat with them and asked them how did thy find our service. They were happy and said “it’s simple and very educative” therefore they promise to come back again. We asked the church to make a follow-up and know their house and encourage them to come. The attendance was 88 and the giving was Gh 66 (about $50 USD). Hirex Missions Donated some items to the church some are for the poor in the church and some are for bible studies. (Cloths, educational materials and 12 pieces of hymnals “Songs of the Church”.
We had a wonderful group picture, exchange phone numbers and addresses which individuals goodbye, all this while our lorry to take us back to accra as arrived. Sister Faustina Botwey and her women have also gone to prepare some lunch for us before we go. On our way back to our lodging place, the team decided to say good bye to individuals which include an old lady who was sick when some of the team members visited her when we were doing the personal evangelism-when we got to her, she was quiet better and she could speak to us. “We prayed for her and told her that we are leaving and we wished her speedy recovery” we then again to the chief ad say good bye, we also prayed for him and his family, he pronouns blessing upon us and wish as well back to Accra. Two of the volunteers and a leader of the local church when ahead to see if they will see Madam Mary Okorley (do you remember her?), the queen mother of the Nkurakan Market Sellers. Unfortunate they did not meet her they were told she had gone to church (Roman Catholic).
We got to Borther Botwey’s house food was not ready therefore we have to wait for sometime, we used that time to park our luggages into the car. We finished eating, thank the family and everybody, went into our lorry, prayed and depart This time we took the normal raod (the short root) eventhough the road was bad (under construction). We managed to get to Accra within 2 and half hours. The Lorry stopped at Lawrence house and everybody took his or her things and went home.
We thank God for all that he has done for us, individuals and congregations who also supported us with their prayers and funds. We Say God bless you all and replenish all that you have lost for the sake of God’s work in Nkurakan.

Celebrating the AGED DAY

It behooves on the church to remember the Aged in a special way and be treated with kindness just as Paul asked the young evangelist-Timothy to do to all older person in his church. Afiaman church of Christ is not exceptional.

Therefore, the Minister, Leadership and the entire members of the church remembered the Aged (50 years and above) by setting a special day for them. Sunday 2nd October 2011 after worship was the Aged Day Celebration for our Aged.
We prayed for them asked them to tell us about their life story. We presented to them gifts. Unfortunate we had only five families out 28 families in the church presenting gifts to these aged, it is a sad thing to see or tell.

But, we pray that in the near future we would be able to present enough gifts to these aged since we are the one who suppose to care for them.

Please pray for the poverty situation in Afiaman church.

Reported by Lawrence Lamptey (The minister and Director of Hirex Missions International)

Gomoa Tarkwa Missions Trip

Introduction
Helping you to understand what went on the field is our priority. Whatever your thoughts may be as you read this report, welcome you Hirex Missions International. And for those of you who have been involved in mission or several years, thank you for paving the way.
Hirex Missions International is nothing new now. This is our second mission trip, this time round there has been a tremendous improvement or progress in term of number of Volunteers participation. Last year there were 11 young Christian volunteers between the ages of 17 and 32. This year we were 23 volunteers between the ages of 16 and 33. In this report, I am going spell-out the day-to-day activities of the trip.

Day One
Wednesday 17th August, All the volunteers met at a spot where we would be boarding a bus at about 11:15 AM. A bus (School Bus) which had been paid for already disappointed us after waiting for it for over 6 hours. The director of the school we paid the money to was nowhere to be found. Therefore, the money (Gh¢ 330 equivalent to $200) we paid was locked up. We tried all that we could to get a different bus to convey us to Gomoa Tarkwa but didn’t get one. We have to talk to the volunteers to understand the situation and we all agree to sleep so that in the next morning we could go while one of the Christian brothers called Ebenezer Agbemeka helped us by arranging for a 33 sitter bus for us. Volunteers who came from far distance have to go with volunteers who lived in Amasaman to spend the night. This means that our journey did not materialize on Wednesday 17th August as was planned. We made some phone calls to inform the chief and the elders and the host church in the village about our inability to arrive on

Day Two

Thursdays 18^th August, at about 7AM the new arranged bus has arrived right at the Heritage Christian College old campus. In the next 30 minutes we have finished packing our luggage in the bus. Exactly at 8:25 AM we have left Amasaman. Interesting enough, when we left Amasaman Hirex Missions International has no money on us because our transport fare is locked up with the first bus arrangement (We are not worried because the school bus is in Amasaman and we could go for it when we return from the trip). Also, we have the organization’s ATM Card (Visa card) which we intend to take some money from a bank when we get to Swedru – the next big town which has different banks. Because we have told the driver that we do not have money on us but we would get some money from the bank when get to Swedru he accepted our proposal. Unfortunate for us, none of the banks in Swedru has ATM Cash withdrawer machine. And from Swedru to Gomoa Tarkwa is about 1 and half hours drive. It means that, After Swedru, we are entering into villages along the way and there are no banks. Volunteers are going to be starved and we would not get money anywhere to pay this driver who also have charged us GH¢ 400 - $300 USD. Quickly, I have to put on my laptop computer connect my wireless modem send a mail to Scotland, UK to the brethren there to plead for their help. As soon as I sent the mail my battery went off (how would I check for the reply?). I quickly asked volunteers in the bus if any has a laptop, Hayford Mensah (The Benevolence Director of HMI) said yes, but the battery too is low.

I prayed to God to help with the situation other than that we would not be able to do anything and volunteers would be disappointed. On our way, Eric Nartey (the secretary to HMI) felt stomach ache therefore, the bus has to stop and we walked in to a close pharmacy to get him some medicine. When we arrived I asked him how he is feeling. “I am ok now”, he said. We arrived at the village at about 11:53AM quickly I took Hayford’s laptop and connect my modem and got the internet connection (because, that was another prayer of mine to be able to get the network and I did, even though it was very slow) when I went into my mail box I found a mail from Derek Brown the accountant for Castlemilk church of Christ who have wired £600 GBP via western union. I thank God so much that I referred to this event as a miracle. So I told the driver that “I have to go with you to Swedru on your way back home to be able to cash the money and pay you also” Therefore, after talking to the volunteers to go ahead to start the day’s work (Work on the church building) whiles Hilda, Vera and myself -Lawrence rash to Swedru to get some food stuffs and other things. Things went okay and we also arrived with food items which could take us through our stay in the village. After the work at the church’s building and getting some lunch for the volunteers, we all went to see the chief and the elders of the village to tell them our mission in their village. Unfortunate for us, we did not meet the chief and some of the elders rather met with the queen mother, and the Assembly man (a representative from the village in the District assembly) of the village. The queen mother and the assembly man were happy of our arrival after which we met with some of the leaders of the local church. All this while the preacher (Ebo Wilson) and two other men from the church were escorting us to all the places we need to go.

We have to come back and prepare for open air (evening) gospel preaching and film show around 5pm. Since we had a projector we made great impact on the people. Lawrence Lamptey preached on the topic “The Love of God: (John 3 16) after 45 minutes gospel film (“the passion of Christ”) show. We have to close at 8:45 pm unknowingly as it was that time the people started trooping on to the campaign ground. Brother Ebo (the village preacher) has to alert us that the village people normally come out in the evening after 8 pm (e.i. closing too early).

We celebrated two birthdays: Vera and James at this night and went to bed after having a short devotion led by Nana Kwasi Asiamah.

Day Three

Friday 19^th Auagust, the day’s activity started with dawn preaching and singing accaplla music. Lawrence, Paul Amisah, Nana Kwasi and Ebo Wilson went to the village information center (it was a small room where microphone and machine and 4 speaker horns erected outside that building) At about 4 AM we were there after the village announcer had finish making his announcement for the people of the village, we took over; Lawrence Lamptey preached about the plan of salvation. Out of the 3 who were preaching from the information center, the rest of the volunteers were walking through the village and singing. We had some brethren from the village church join us to sing. At about 6:00AM preaching and singing has ended and volunteers went on jogging to keep fit or 45 minutes. Have to get our own water from a close by. The water is for sale 0.10 Gh p (ten Ghana pesewas) per a bucket. Each morning we have to fill two big drums in other to reach what it needs to be used for.

After taking our breakfast, we went straight to the chief palace to give a new look. We bought the paints for the painting of the palace this took us 3 hours to finish. After which we were asked by some of the elders and the village preacher to paint an old but strong building which was used as a post office for over 52 years old. Ebo informed us that the community would like to use it for a community Library. As soon as we finished the painting of the old post office, “fufu with goat meat and pepper soup was ready for the volunteers prepared by some women of the village church.

While enjoying our specially prepared “fufu”, others including Lawrence were prepare to carry the items to the center for the film show. This time around we have to close a bit late. Since we want to meet the people’s need, we spoke on Basic Health care. Daniel Oti, Eric Nartey, and Hilda Sefa (all volunteers) who were since students did a very good work by speaking to the issues with basic health care. This began with a film about Jesus Christ “the passion of Christ”. This time we did not close at 8:45PM rather, 9:45 PM. Every night, before bed time we come together and have devotion. (Sing and pray and thank God for the day’s work and ask for His protection throughout the night.)

Day four

Saturday 20^th August. As usual we started the day with five minutes morning devotion and as usual Lawrence, Nana Kwasi, Paul and Preacher Ebo went to the information center to preach whiles the rest of the volunteers sing vocal songs through the village. This took us one and half hours. (Preaching at the information center come with a fare. We have to pay Gh¢ 5 Cedis ($3 USD) each time we preach for 45 minutes). This time Nana Kwasi preached on the topic “One Day”

We joined the others to sings and invite people to come and worship with us on Sunday. At about 6AM we all took on our heels to jog and exercise for fitness. One o the sisters from the village church drew our attention on a sister who was sick for the past 4 month she is called Dorothy. We spent almost one and half hours singing and praying for her while Lawrence put his hand on her.

The same way too, has to go and get some water for bathing and cooking. Had our breakfast. At about 10am we held a special programme for the children in the community whom we were told are selected children and being giving special attention by an organization called “COMPASSION GHANA” These children are abandon, destitute, orphans etc. which compassion Ghana support through the Methodist church in the village to give hope. After talking to the authorities they gave us the opportunity to play with them. We organized a colouring competition, thought them children songs, and Origami (paper folding). We bought them crayons, pencils, and coloured papers to be able to continue what we taught them. The children were happy and wanted us to stay and continue the activities with them but, we could not because of our next programme. Lunch-rice with stew and egg was ready we enjoyed it to the fullest and got prepared for football (soccer) match between Hirex Mission Int’l Volunteers and the Gomoa Takwa church of Christ Youth. It was very joy to see people started trooping on to the field to watch the game. Daniel Oti (a volunteer) was the referee and he did a good job (no partiality). The village team won the game. The first goal came as a result of a mistake of two defenders of HMIV it proceeded with the second goal which made the coach of HIMV (Lawrence Lamptey) began to shout on his team and rearrange the position of the team. They scored the third goal but we were able to score one before the first half break. We came back from the break with fresh mind but luck was not on our side even though Lawrence the coach has to change and come to play and the goal keeper – Gabriel Morrison has to be substituted to play while James (a Nigerian with the volunteers) who was playing decided to catch, the village team still scored us 3 more goals which made them the winners of the game with 6 goals against our 1 goal. The whole game came to a wonderful end at about 5:12pm with relationship created. After taking our bath and supper we became so late to go to the part to set our thing or film show and talk. But we were able to do that. Unfortunately, for us the film show could not continue because our projector develops a slight fault (the fan in the projector was not working). It kept the machine turning off automatically any time we put it on. But still that did not discouraged us we still did what we are suppose to do. Eric Kavi (a volunteer) used scripture to teach the “importance of Education”: why we have to take education seriously. Christ being educated in Carpentry and in scripture “grew in wisdom, structure, and had favor before God and men” Luke 2:52. Almost all the night we spoke to the people there were so many questions the people were asking about best they can improve their Christian live, in health and education. Since Saturday was our last open air preaching, we also gave them opportunity to win a book (“The Agony of the Cross”) for themselves. The questions came from the topic we talked about. There were ten copies: 5 for male and other 5 for females. Brother Ebo Wilson was also given the opportunity to speak to His people about salvation and he did extremely well by torching the issue in the people’s language. Closed with a prayer led by Hayford Kumah Mensah.

Day Five

Sunday 21^st August. This time we did not go for dawn preaching and jogging. Because we want to have enough sleep and be able to wake up strong. Anytime we go on a mission we talked to the congregation there to give the volunteers the opportunity to lead all the worship activities: a

1. Bible Study-all classes
2. Preaching
3. Lord’s Supper and Giving
4. Lord’s Supper assistance
5. Prayers-all prayers
6. Singing (worship leader)

All these are being done by the volunteers except the announcement. We call for this because it is an opportunity for the organization to train these volunteers how to lead in the worship activities. Some of them are not given the opportunity to do so at their mother congregations and they are happy to lead in these activities.

Eric Nartey taught the old convert class while Eric Kavi assisted by Joseph Owusu taught the visitor/non baptized class. Dominic, Ernestina, taught the children class. There was no new convert class. Dorothy, Hilda, Evelyn, Vera served as Greetings/Ushers. Kingsly Asare led the singing during worship, Lawrence Lamptey preached Hayford Mensah Led the Lord’s Supper assisted by Nana Kwasi, Paul Amisah and Samuel Asare. Opening prayer was said by Christopher Asare, Intersectional Prayer was said by Hayford Mensah and closing prayer was said by Nana Kwasi. The church service ended with attendance of 115 adults (this include first time visitors) and 72 children. Lawrence introduces the volunteers to the congregation. Had a group photograph with the congregation.

The executive of Hirex Missions Int’l had a closed door meeting with the leadership of the local church. We thank them for their support and told them of the few short comings on side of the local church. And encourage them to continue to do the good work started by the volunteers. Finally, we presented some money to take care of needs. As we prepare to pack our luggage and wait for our bus, we went round to say good bye to the opinion leaders of the village and went to visit Dorothy the sick woman we prayed for; miraculously, met her quite well she thanked us so much and asked that we pray finally for her. We also gave her some money to go to hospital. We were also asked to go and see another woman of the church was sick and receiving healing. Some of the volunteers bought some food staff which is expensive in Accra. By time we got to our lodging place, “Fufu” was ready and we enjoy it, the bus arrived and the driver joined us to “make justice the food”. After eating we board the bus and left Gomoa Takwa at 3:34pm. Inside bus was another birthday celebration Hayford Mensah. On our back home, we visited Swedru International Bible Institute where we met the Principal and some o the students. He talked to us by encouraging the volunteers and prayed for us. We left and arrived in Accra, Amasaman at 5:43pm. We thank God for this wonderful and successful trip.