Ghana Update – December 2016
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians1:3-6 NIV)
Introduction
Like the Apostle Paul I always thank God anytime I remember you and your partnership with Unite 4 Africa bring us great joy at every moment. We are thankful that the Lord who began the year has brought us thus far and we are confident that He will surely carry us to the end of the year. We appreciate every effort of yours in whatever way be it in the form of prayer, word of encouragement or your substance.
Outreach Programs
Outreach programs carried out at the Sadugu and “Overseas” areas in partnership with the Ghana International Baptist Convention, the Tahima Clinic and rural communities. Several approaches including showing the Jesus film, providing dental care and having time of fellowship with people in the various communities and worshipping the Lord together were used to present Jesus to the people. 7 fellowships were started through these outreach programs.
Goats Project
There are very encouraging reports of hope from the beneficiaries of the projects. Parents of some of the beneficiaries had this to say. “The gift was timely and I trust the Lord that as they keep multiplying we will be able to meet our basic needs from the sale of some of the offspring”. “ I am grateful for this show of love and for counting us worthy for such a gift and may the Lord provide for others too.”
Scholarship Fund
The $20,000 scholarship endowment fund Samson led the International Baptist Convention to establish during Easter to assist in the education of needy students has so far yielded about $2000 from the
contributions by the members. It is anticipated that the educations will be used as a means of reaching out to people with the love of Jesus Christ and helping many to have a better life.
One Million Village Challenge
Samson and two hub leaders participated in the one million villages Challenge training that took place in Tamale. It was followed by Community Health Evangelism (CHE) Training of Trainers (TOT) 2 which has spurred us on to consider doing some work at the North Eastern part of Northern Region of Ghana in the coming year.
Global Leadership Summit
The Ghana U4A Team had the privilege to participate in this year’s Global Leadership Summit and had these testimonies to give about summit. “What an opportunity to be part of such a great forum” “It was an awesome and insightful program” “The Global Leadership Summit has completely reshaped my view about life”. What each person was saying could be summed up this way “I will want to be a part of the Global Leadership Summit every year”
Sustainability Project
The Lord has been good to us this year and we were able to get good harvest of maize. This year we were able to make over 100% return on our investment into the farm project that we embarked upon. This has offered us an opportunity to directly affect the lives of 7 families.
Time with Widows
Listening to the widows in this year’s meeting with the widows drawn from the GIBC member churches helped me to understand the need for the body of Christ to go back to the Bible to do what scripture requires of us with regards to our support to widows and orphans. In the coming year there are plans to move beyond encouraging the widows with the word of God to empowering them to meet some of their basic needs.
Prayer Needs
Please pray with us that:
- The Lord will grant the Nation of Ghana a peaceful moment before, during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections.
- The Lord will direct and lead the Ghana team as we consider opportunities for the coming year.
- This year’s end of year retreat will bring a refreshing moment to the team.
- Global evangelistic efforts will continue to grow and yield good results.
Yours in His Vineyard Samson Abukari (Country Director)