This
morning I had the opportunity to go to my Professor, Mary Ashun’s church in
Oakville; it was my first taste of a real Ghanaian church service. I didn’t
really know what to expect going into it, but it was amazing. It was exciting
to experience the dancing and clapping, and the smiles that never left the
faces of everyone worshiping there. Some of the boys in the church even performed a dance for us; it was adorable! The people were so welcoming and I could
see how genuinely excited they were for us to be there!
Melissa,
the intern who went to Ghana this past semester, talked about the experience
she had and about all that she had learned. She connected her experience with
that of Mother Theresa, demonstrating that following God’s call is not always
going to be easy, and there will be times when you feel afraid and lonely. The important
thing to remember is that God is always here for us; He will never leave us and
will never give us more than we can handle.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he
will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deut 31:8
Melissa’s
testimony was so encouraging for me to hear as I am preparing to leave in the
next couple days, (so Mel, if you are reading this, thank you). I know that
there will be times when I wonder why I am so far from home, or why I am away
from my family or why God called me all the way to Ghana. The encouragement and
prayers of everyone back home will keep me going, knowing that I have the
support of so many people, and most importantly the support of a God who loves
me and will never leave me.
My dad was actually able to come with me today. He is
thinking of visiting near the end of my time in Ghana and it was really cool
for him to get a taste of what a church service there might be like too.
The elders
of the church prayed for Petra and I for safety and encouragement as we leave
this Friday, and it felt so good to know that these people, who don’t even know
us personally, were thinking and praying for us as well.
I feel so blessed to have so many people that
love and support me as I go out on this journey across the world, and I just
want to say thank you for keeping me in your prayers!
And I know that you will be a marvelous addition to what God is doing in Asamankese! You have taken such a step of faith and I trust that the Lord's grace, mercy and patience will go with you. We all enjoyed your visit...many are asking when you will come again! God bless you my dear...and keep in touch. Dr.Ashun
ReplyDeleteSunday was a great experience for me. As a father it is exciting to see my daughter step out of her comfort zone and put her faith in action. It is also comforting to see the church in action as the elders laid their hands on her blessed and prayed for strength and safety.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Carolyn I can honestly tell you that this is an amazing step of faith and your life is never going to be the same again (cliche yes, but that is the truth). Thank you for taking this time of your life to minister to a woman or child in need.
ReplyDeleteI was in Church on Sunday; one of the people smiling, singing and clapping hands, and we were really blessed.
Have a safe and wonderful trip and come back with memories full of the marvel, love, mercy and blessing of God upon your life.
For God is not unjust to forget our labour of Love for Him. My warmest love and regards to Petra.
Have fun in Ghana.