Jon is learning first hand as he works with these young pastors, that their congregations face struggles remarkably similar to our American congregations. Their culture calls at the young men and women to work or party, to take purity lightly, to leave church to the older women who "need it". Our American pews may have more place holders, but these attitudes are the same! Being present and involved takes financial and social sacrifice for these young people. Whether their families are Muslim or Christian, sincere commitment is scoffed at. Megachurches here make Holy Spirit promises and fortell prosperity. When they don't deliver, it's no wonder families become skeptical. Like anywhere, a sincer believer shines.
We walked quite a ways to the baptism location, through tall grass and crossed a small stream. It was very hot, and we often stopped to talk to people along the way who wondered what these "obruni" were doing walking through their villages.
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The area where we held the baptism was a place where the river had a hard bend, so the water pooled up and only slowly flowed through. The water was a traditional, "Conestoga creek" brown with a sandy bottom. Pastor Foster, Pastor Frank, and Pastor John (senior pastor from Griner Mennonite here for a visit) waded into the chocolatety water and proceeded to baptize 35 individuals who were publicly announcing their decision to follow Christ. More pictures are up on the CFCI website for your browsing (http://www.cfcint.com/), and we are planning another baptism for the Asamankese congregation (Pastor Joseph) the first Sunday in May!
Pastor John Yoder (left), Pastor Foster (center), and Pastor Frank (right).
This woman had a difficult time getting out of the water, and collapsed once she reached the bank. Ron thought perhaps it was spiritual oppression, and asked if she wanted him to annoint her with oil. It then appeared she was disoriented from the submersion and quickly recovered.
Of course, the children "HAD" to be carried both ways, which made the stream crossing somewhat difficult, along with another sweaty body pressed up against you.
The baptism participants each received a certificate, and we wanted to get a group photo but most of Pastor Foster's church had left at this point. This is some of Pastor Frank's church, but instead of just the baptism participants, many just wanted on to get their picture taken. So, some of these are participants of baptism, and some just wanted to say "Jesus!". Since they don't really eat much cheese here, the common smiley face pose is to say "Jesus" instead of "cheese". Seems like a good idea, inasmuch as I love dairy foods.
This unfortunate critter was chased into our compound by some men who were looking for a meal. It went into our garage and then they were able to corner it and kill it. They were quite proud of their accomplishment, and sold it for quite a bit! They said they sold it for a reasonable price of 15 cedis. A full days wage for a carpenter is 15 Ghcd. They made a dandy profit! They told us they sold it to a man who wanted it for the magical powers of the animal.
We were able to continue to sort through our boxes (seems like an unending task) and we found some valentine's sent from Nanny and Pawpaw, which just delighted Elle. She carried hers around for quite some time, and it is still beside her bed. The children are slowing realizing that it may be some time before they see their Grandparents. This morning on the way to church, Rory asked "Are we going to Pawpaw's place? I miss Pawpaw." It hurts to see them struggle with the loneliness along with us. But it makes these things so much more special. On Saturday, with Sara shopping, Max and I made some cookies while listening to the "Kid's Cookie Break" on WJTL. We had good memories as we heard songs like "Tractor, Tractor", "The Fruit of the Spirit", and "The Muffin Man".
Hot season continues (actually dry season...but I prefer hot. Hot and sticky is much more descriptive than dry!). In many ways have adjusted to the weather. It's not the first thing we think of anymore! However, the power has been on and off this week. Sleeping and cooking with out fans make one feel American. Meaning Americans feel compeled to comment on and complain about the weather. Yes, call me one of them!
I took this picture as evidence. Even my lovely pottery mug shows perspiration. ;)
This week hold special challenges for us. I've got a giant yam on the back porch that needs the bark hacked off so I can fry or boil it, 25 oranges from the trees in our yard need juiced, convincing Max his bat-swinging, ball-catching hand really is not too tired to write a few more number 3s and inspiring young Rory to dash for the toilet just a few seconds earlier, before...well, you know. :)
We are taking comfort in knowing a few things these days. Not all things come as a surprise to us, we know how to get more than a few places and have made more than a few friends. We know the Ghana clap & the worship song that every village church sings, every Sunday. God is good & we testify again to His goodness having so little to do with circumstances!
Seek to experience His goodness this week!
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