Ghana Update – May 2020

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Introduction

In times like this we can only stand in the grace we have through our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no doubt that series of lessons shall be learnt through the current pandemic. Our hope and trust is they shall be useful lessons that will draw men and women to the Lord as we discover new ways to persevere, and be molded into Christ-like character which produces enduring hope for a better future built on Christ our rock.

Trained Leaders Very Helpful at this time

Leaders who were trained in Discipleship Making Movement (DMM) with Discovery Bible Studies strategies have been very helpful at this moment. Using a custom made procedure for Discovery Bible Studies, instead of meeting in one church building now the entire community is saturated with worship to the king of kings. Instead of having one Church service in a single building we now have ten churches in the homes of members in the community where God is worshipped and prayer lifted up for the community and the universe at large. Thanks to the leaders that were trained in how to lead a discovery Bible Studies who live in the community.

Offering Encouragement and Hope through Radio

Samson spoke on two Radio stations for three consecutive weeks to bring about hope and encouragement in the midst of the pandemic. Topics he shared with listeners include “The Sovereignty and love of God in the midst of crisis” and “Lessons the Church can learn though the Covid-19 pandemic.” Dozens of people phoned in to express their appreciation for the encouragement and the lessons they learned through the broadcast.

Empowered for greater exploits

After leading the Ghana International Baptist Convention for a decade it is heart warming to see the lessons on transformation playing out positively at this time. One of the main reasons why transformation has eluded most people is the negative mindset that one can do nothing unless help comes from another person. Yes we are interdependent but that does not take away our individual responsibilities. The leadership has just raised up a new office building with a conference hall on a property that has been around for a little close to four decades waiting for help from somewhere. It is heart warming and gratifying to see my people implement the transformation idea of using local resources and thinking outside the box to get things done.

Prayer Needs

Remember to lift up these prayer needs before the Lord.

• Continue to pray for divine wisdom for frontline workers that they will be kept safe during the COVID – 19 pandemic even as they help others.
• Ask God for healing on our universe and that this period will rather draw humanity closer to God.
• Continue to pray for God to help believers around the world to stand firm in their faith even in these uncertain times.
• Pray for Samson as he makes a decision on the offer for him to run a radio program weekly at a cost of $100 a month.

Yours in His Vineyard

Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana