People

Our first day of teaching training…yet I am the one learning so much…

The day started at 7am, meeting with the team leaders for extra training. 8:15 we met to start Haverim devotions (Pais’ new way of studying scripture daily as a team based on PaRaDiSe teaching & principles from Talmidin) outside in the courtyard – what amazes me is a cliché, but none the less a valid point – people are people no matter where they are from: Ghana, England, America, Germany, Togo, Germany…we all desire to learn more, and share ideas and thoughts on the word of God. 

As we worshipped and prayed together as the rain gently patted onto the corrugate iron roof, I couldn’t help but smile as I looked around and heard their voices raise, desperate to see God move this year in the lives of the people of Accra. As we sang “God of this City” we declared what we wanted to see happen – more students saved, a greater passion in this area, truth brought to these people….

Today’s sessions were:

-       Kingdom Principles: “Rubbish In, Rubbish Out” – Paul Gibbs (via video)

-       Schools: Delivery – Gail Whittaker

-       Apprenticeship: FriendRaising – Sebrina Miller

-       Apprenticeship: Mistakes & Lesson – Steve Miller

Everyone is keen to write down notes but not everyone had resources. Several of the Ghanaian team members were scribbling notes into abandoned diaries/calendars; one was even writing in the blank pages back of George Foreman’s autobiography! So 10 (of the 210!!) notebooks we collected as school supplies for the students were given out to apprentices – glad we brought as many as we did!!

Following the sessions, we were taken on a tour of the surrounding area. Despite being in the capital city, there is such a disparity between the wealth of the malls, modern stores, university and large houses surrounding the airport, and the clay red path and shack huts just a half hour away. Our guesthouse, one of the best in the city, is occasionally without water and electricity yet we just get on. The endurance of the apprentices, even the western ones, is astounding – it takes a very special type of person to be willing to live this uncomfortable life, but a life that is essential to be led in order to bring the gospel to these students.

As we strolled around the backstreets, led by the Ghanaian apprentices and support staff, random children shouted “obruni” (white person) and “obini” (black person) – with my cardigan jauntily tied over my shoulders and skinny fit twisted jeans, I am called “obruni”. As they came towards us, some unexpectedly hugged us and all were desperate to have their picture taken – it seems everyone in the world wants to be “Facebook famous”.

Ben, one of the support staff from Royalhouse Chapel International, talked passionately and candidly about the needs of the people in this area. Most would be born, live, & die in this near poverty, never seeking to achieve more because they were without the hope of Jesus: this hope, Ben said, was they key, their way out.

A bigger vision of God gives you a bigger vision of yourself.

From Ghana to America, Germany to England, Togo to Mexico and beyond.

That’s what people need.