Final Ghanaian Entry

It is Sunday afternoon here at Shiloh House (The Embassy). We have returned from church (amazing end, Jason preached, 8 people gave their lives to Christ). And we went to eat pizza on the beach at the Ramada. Some magical things happened there. So to close, here is everyone’s lightning round final blog:

It has been an amazing trip. The “kids” have been perfect and the unity of the group will change the whole youth group. Although I love it here, I love my family, miss them and can’t wait to see them. I want steak and baked potato with the works, and broccoli, and a big salad. Phyllis- leaving medications, supplies, and equipment with Valerie. She will guard them with her life! It will be less for you to transport back here. We saw over 800 people! Love you all! – Rebecca

This trip has been so amazing, it was all a new experience and I loved it. I couldn’t of asked for anything better, all the kids we got to play with, and the families we got to speak to was so impactful not only for them but for me! –Katie Wilburn

This trip has been an amazing experience. We have impacted so many people and our group has been great. I loved playing with the kids, they are the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. And Katheryn- Africa is completely different than I expected and everything you said made so much more sense when I got here and it helped. And mom don’t worry I’m here. I love you see you tomorrow! –Brooke Couch

WOW!! This trip was so awesome! I miss everyone at home and ready to see everyone but I don’t want to leave! Everyone is so kind and hospitable here. So many stories to tell and amazing ways God has worked! The kids are so cute and I want to take one home with me (Deborah). Miss everyone and thanks for the prayers. See you in a bit  --Alex Mortensen

I don’t even think I can find words to describe how amazing this trip has been. It was everything I expected and sooooo much more. I have missed everyone so much and I can’t wait to tell yall about all of the things I experienced. I’m sad to be leaving because I have had a great time, but I’m also very excited to come home! Mom, I just read your comment and I can’t stop smiling  that has made this trip 10,000 times better. I love yall! –Hannah Harrington <3

God is good and has allowed me to do and see many things, far more than I ever dreamed of when I was these guy’s ages. And each time, I can’t see how God can do something better. But, we serve a big God with big plans for us all, especially if we are earnestly seeking him. The kids did, and this has been a God size trip. He has allowed us to see things and do things that were beyond what any of us could have dreamed. There were many, many things everyday. It will take a lot of time even begin to share. Jennifer and Zach, the camera has worked great. Almost 2000 pics. Melissa thanks for being so good about me going. Love everyone and will see you soon. Gene [stevenote: Phillips clan, your dad/husb was INCREDIBLE this week. You would swell with tears if I could recount all his acts of incredibleness for you. Be proud of ole pops!]

I have an incredible experience serving with this mission team. Everyone stepped up and also stepped out of their comfort zone. We had quite the experience at the market yesterday… Anyways, I have an unbelievable experience and am so thankful for the opportunity to be here. It was amazing to see how many lives were truly changed this week. See you soon! –Will Watkins

What an amazing group of students and adults. Parents you should be so proud of them. They have been selfless in how they have served the people here in Ghana. We are so excited to head home in just a few hours. Steve, I love you and have missed you so much. Sara, cannot wait to talk to you once I get back. I have missed our daily talks. Hope all is well in Panama City. Love you so much. See you soon, Jamie Watkins

I had an absolutely amazing time this week. I was so proud to see everyone step up this week and I was so excited to see God work in so many amazing ways this week. I don’t want to leave this place but I do miss you guys. I cant wait to share with you guys about all the ways God has worked this week. Im pretty sure I wil be bringing a kid home with me so be prepared for that!- Clara

I love AFRICA!!! I love the people and the hope that I have seen here… God is greatly moving and it was an honor to be a part of it. I miss my family and friends so much, but am so thankful for this experience! I have too much to say about the trip, but it would take forever, so I’ll tell ya’ll later. Love you! –Margo

This trip has far exceeded any thoughts or expectations I might have had! I am overwhelmed with an incredible JOY. I have missed my husband most of all, and it has been very difficult to be away from him. This has been a very hard week and we are all exhausted. But I know that God said to endure hardship Like a good soldier, and I feel like that is what we have done. So there is this tremendous sense of joy and excitement, thinking I might have accomplished some small part of what God expects. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve God. Love, Kathleen Griffith

Greetings from your African American friends…get it? It’s a pun!? Well by now you all know that everyone LOVED Africa, and our hearts are being left here. This week there have been tears, laughs, singing, dancing, games, and most of all memories to last a lifetime. I am so blessed to have been a part of this amazing experience. Sorry mom I’m not ready to come home! I built friendships I did not see coming, I learned new languages, I was blessed in so many ways. I don’t love anyone and won’t be seeing you soon…haha kidding of course! –Annie Harrington

This was one of the most awesome weeks of my life!! It was an absolutely amazing experience. Something I’ve never done before. God did some really crazy things this week. (crazy is a good thing). And I learned so much that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I’ve made looooooots of new friends, African and American. And I made a new family  thank you everyone for any kind of support you’ve given before or while we’ve been gone. <3 KELSEY

This week has been so amazing. We’ve been stretched, challenged and from that we’ve grown. I LOVE IT HERE!!! I’ve made so many new friends and learned some crazy fun African games. I can’t wait to come home. Miss y’all at home and can’t wait to see you! All my love, Katie Nixon

Ohhhh how to describe the experiences I had in Africa. Let’s just say it was absolutely amazing, fantastic, supercalifragilisticexpeallidocious, and super! I learned so so much and I’ll never forget anyone or anything, I think I might be in love with Accra, Ghana. Miss you all, can’t wait to see you when I get home! Love you soooo much! <3 Anna Douglas

I’m usually pretty good with words, but after this week… I’ve got nothin’. Hopefully our in-person conversations are a bit more descriptive. Looking forward to seeing y’all very soon! LOVE Christy

We’ve been through more than most people could ever go through in a week. I’ve learned so much in Ghana, which makes me excited, because learning is one of my very favorite things. And we accomplished so much!! It’s been awesome. I miss hot showers, though. See home sooooooon!!– Hannah Franklin

This trip has all over been awesome. God helped me to have a good attitude when I was craving everything from home and I got everything out of this trip and more then I was expecting. I loved it! Jonathan Crawley

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your dedication. And I know you are all dedicated at this point cause you’ve by now wasted at least half an hour reading…anyway…this has been seriously the best trip I have ever taken with any group for any reason. I cant believe I’m almost done with my 6 years in SHBC youth group, but I cant think of a better way to go out. I’ll give more detailed stories to those who ask, but right now I want to see my family and my house and any food that is not rice. Guess this was a little long. And guess that last sentence did more harm to that problem than good. Thanks again and I love every one of you guys. Good bye for now! --Jeff Gunter

It’s been good. Hi mom. – Will Mortensen

It’s been an amazing experience but I’m ready to come home. Oh yeah… thanks mom for saying nothing about me in your blog comment you were suppose to write to me, and for writing in all of my nice clothes to keep in sharpie. But I love you anywho- SETH

I know I wrote earlier last week, but God has been doing some pretty flippin awesome stuff! Its been great having the team up here with me! Cannot wait to come home and tell you guys ALL about it! Dad, I got your hug from Steve… thank you! Ha ha!! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU GUYS! See you in a few hours! –Rachel

So much to tell and no words to do it. Maybe by the time we get home my brain will have had time to do some processing. My heart is full and satisfied in all that God did this week as we lifted up the name of Jesus Christ in Ghana. I gave more than I ever thought I had to give—as did all of the team—yet I am overflowing with joy. Can’t wait to get home and see you, Jordan and Scott. Love and miss you so much!! Alicia

What up mom and pops. We just ate Ferdinand the goat and loved every bit of it. About to head out on an excursion to the great unknown and hopefully end up in Tulsa Oklahoma. Peace and blessings. –Edouche(for paige Searle)

Greetings mother dearest and father sweetling, you won’t be reading this anytime soon because you are in Mexico where there are hot showers and no mosquitoes. I am about to jump in head first to the airplane ride of my life, which I hopefully can sleep through unlike the last one. But Africa has been amazing, I didn’t talk to strangers or get Ghanaria(for Julia Pitaniello). I’m excited to be home in Tulsa. The dogs were greatly missed. Thanks for the surprise letters mom, I loved them. Okay well the giraffe is here to take us to the airport so see you soon!-LYDIOT

The past few days have been a lot of work but, have been the most rewarding and challenging personally. I want to thank everyone that has been praying for me and the rest of the team. We are looking forward to seeing you at the airport tomorrow. – Jason

So we come to the end. On our way home. Pray for on time and easy connections and no traveling sickness. Fabulous trip. We will tell you all about it soon. Court, can’t wait to see you and Franny Fran. And that dog. Love you! –Steve

Jordan and I had a great day… Jeremiah

We’re engaged!!!!!!!!!!! Jordan and Jeremiah

Ghana wins!!!!!!!

Ghana wins!!! Oh yeah, and we are back in Accra! But before the serious discussion, let me (Steve) tell you about watching US v. Ghana in Ghana. Easily the most fun I've had watching a soccer game, thought it's not saying much. After Ghana won (we were cheering for the US by the way), we walked out onto the street and listened to the city around us roar (we are on a quiet, dead end street). Unreal. In America, no one even knows the game was played! haha




We got back into town today, went to the market (crazyness, why we go there, I don't know), and then back to Shiloh, which I refer to as the American Embassy. After being out in the villages and in Winneba for 4 days, it really felt like coming home, in a way. And we were met with Cheeseburgers! (Thank you Tina, our lovely cook).



So we spent 3 nights in Winneba. Winneba is a decent-sized city situated between Accra and Cape Coast. Our lodging was more than adequate. We were quite comfy at the Windy Hotel in Winneba. There we did 2 medical missions, 3 nights of crusade, and also drove to 2 villages for 2 more medicals. We also spent Friday in Cape Coast touring a slave castle (Cape Coast Castle) and eating at the crocodile restaurant. Much needed break!



Let me tell you, this was a very difficult trip. And before you picture a team meltdown in your mind, there was no such thing. Our kids (YOUR kids) did an outstanding job every day, every minute. The meltdown was from the heart. Our kids and adults broke over the people there. Our kids were exposed to more speaking in tongues this week and it was uncomfortable and unsettling. We made a decision to leave early on Friday night. But after we worked through the discomfort and began to understand the truth of Romans 14:1 and following that it wasn't our place to really correct them, though we did let them know of our concern out of protection of our students. But the real "Breaking" was over the hearts and MINDS of the people. We have discovered that the reason they (the Winneba people and bush people and even the people in the church we are working with) elevate tongues and spiritual feeling and material blessings is their lack of access to the Word of God. Nobody has bibles. Nobody knows the word outside of maybe the pastors and leaders, and many of them really don't know the Word. Our kids do, though. They were all over it. Once they saw some things that didn't seem right they noticed.



Best of all, they didn't shut down. They kept working. And we saw some great movement from the leadership here at MPM. When we were back at our hotel Thursday weeping and trying to re-set ourselves, Pastor Odai and the local pastor here were meeting to devise a plan to follow up with the new Christians there and to disciple them. It was such an answer to prayer and an affirmation that we were supposed to be there when we learned of this meeting. Our greatest concern was that the 200 people that had come forward to receive Christ that night was all for naught. That maybe only a few were genuine. And who knows. Maybe they were, maybe not. Might have just been my awesome preaching. But what we learned was that God has this all figured out. And he is raising up a church (us) to help MPM win Ghana. They need Bibles. Oh Jesus, they need Bibles. (Milt, if you are reading this, make plans now to fly here and lead a seminary course for about 3 weeks...I'll come with you!)



Our kids are busy working on their final plans for tomorrow's service. We are done with everything save 2 worship services, 8 sunday schools, a children's church and a youth service. But it will all be in the books by the time most of you wake up.



For our prayer warriors: Thank you. We have faced spiritual warfare this week in some pretty tangible ways. Although Ghana is a Christian nation by majority, the darkness is palpable. Especially in the villages we visited. Voodoo is rampant and powerful. But not as powerful as God Almighty. Your prayers made a difference. The only reason we made it through was you on the other end holding the rope for us. And I mean that as literally as possible.



This has been the most difficult mission trip I have ever been on. And it's not even close. But it has been so rich. I truly feel like I am a better person and a more godly leader. Tomorrow, I imagine you will read similar testimonies from the rest of the team when we give them an opportunity to blog. Hopefully you will hear from each of them. Good night. We love you and miss you all!!! (Your prayers and comments mean the world to us here)



Steve

Update: Internet was down last night. So this didn't get posted last night. I am posting it today. Jeremiah just preached (while feeling ill) and did a fantastic job. He is like a seminary prof in the making! We are now leading Sunday School and then 2nd service will begin. You will hear from us later, I hope.

Tuesday p.m. 6/22/2010

The past few days have been a blast, but today was a real stretching for me.  Two years ago I worked on the Glory Hill Chapel and did not get to experience the healing service.  Wow, that is really all I know what to say about it.  I have seen God do many things but this was truly an experience and a stretching for me spiritually. 

The afternoon was nice, as we got a few hours to just sit an visit, and catch up on journaling.  These students continue to impress me with the heart for serving.  I know that what we have seen so far is not even close to what awaits us in the bush for the rest of the week.

Tonight we had another Youth Explosion.  There were more people there tonight and our students sang, danced and shared their love with the youth.  The other churches that were there sang and did some dances as well.  This was a fun night of praise. 

I love being here and serving with these students and working with the people in Africa, but I do miss my family so much.  Molly, I love you and the boys so much.  I can't wait to talk to you again.  I am not sure when that will be while we are over here, but I will call before we leave on Sunday.  That seems like a long way away. 

Please continue to lift up our team as we travel in the morning.  We will be leaving at 5 am here.  That would be midnight in T-town.  We will be starting the building of the church I believe and doing crusades in the evenings.  Pray for travel safety, and clarity in speaking and in knowing what God wants all of us to say. 

Jason Myers


Hi everyone! It's Hannah Harrington. So Jason just took forever typing out pretty much everything that we did today but I just wanted to say what I thought about everything. This morning a few of us went to a school close to the church and told ALL of the children (and when I say all, I mean ALL OF THEM) a couple of testimonies and we sang a fun song. Brooke told them the story of Daniel and the lions' den. It was astounding how many kids they fit in the small-ish area we were in. Katie, Annie, Anna, and I did our dance for them in a 2 and 1/2 foot space between the kids and the tables we were sitting at. It was soooo much fun. When we were done we gave the school a soccer ball and a dodge ball. They basically mobbed us to get them. We left there and went back to the church to join the rest of the group for the remainder of the healing service. I have had nasty allergies since last night so I didn't feel too awesome. I spent my time sitting in my chair and praying from afar. I was continuously astounded by the amount of faith all of these people had. They all prayed out loud and at once for somewhere around 15 minutes. It was so cool. After the service when we came back to the house, my room took a group nap and it was greatly needed and appreciated. We all really needed some sleep before the youth explosion. Although we are still exhausted, we are doing so much for God.
 P.S. I LOVE YOU MOM AND I MISS YOU!!!!! I hope you're having fun at the beach with Aunt Tracy and Mrs. Thomas. I can't wait to get back and tell you all about the amazing experiences I'm having.

<3 Hannah

After all the novels Im gonna try and make this short. Today we got to go to a healing service and I was able to pray for a woman who was really hurt. There were about 10 of us praying for her. One of the pastors came up to me and took my hand and put it on her forehead. He asked me to tell her to recieve the healing and, knowing me, I started freaking out in my head but I did it. It was umm.. an "interesting" experience. Tonight I got to sing, share my testimony, and dance in that order. I loved it! Eric got to preach tonight and I was EXTREMELY proud of him. MISS ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS A TON!!!! SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK. Love you with all my heart! <3

-Annnaaaaa

WHAT UP!?!! Its Katie Nixon and Annie coming to you from AFRICAAAAA!!!! (annie) AFFFFRRRICCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Katie). So instead of telling you about our day we would like to take a moment of your time to amuse you. So Katie...Yes annie... How was your day? It was aight. We felt like ROCK STARS today. REMEMBER?! We got pushed up against the wall pinned by a table, it was legit. yet scary, but we have awesome people looking out for us (THANKS MEN). Anywho Miss everybody back home. Hi mom, and hi other moms. Figure it out which one is which? Hope everyone is enjoying the novel of a blog, jason is reading over our shoulders, (MOLLY, dont worry we are looking out for jason just as he is looking out for us. He misses you.) guess that means we gotta blow this popcicle stand. peace out scout!

Katie and Annie.

Me again, Jason, the long typer, and shoulder reader.  Food is on the table and we have an early morning and the young ladies need to go to BED!!!!!!

Tuesday #1

Hi all, it's Alicia. Just wanted to share a couple things. My heart is full and I need to make room for the experiences to come. Yesterday at the medical mission, I had the privilege of praying with many of the patients who came. I learned so much about praying boldly for healing, forgiveness and salvation from the one true God and our healer, Jesus Christ. In a community filled with voodoo, it is very important to acknowledge Jesus Christ and the only true God and not just another of many gods. Many women and children came through and were so receptive and thankful for the medical help and our prayers. One woman came back to ask me to pray about the nightmares she was having every night. After I prayed for God to lift her oppression and give her peace, I asked her to pray for herself every night before she went to bed.


At one point during the day, I sat down to rest and was completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the needs all around me. I began to feel sick and my back started to hurt, but realized that it was when I was praying for others that God gave me strength. So I started to pray for Will W. as he shared the Gospel with a young man at the clinic (ask him about it if he hasn't shared it already). I looked in John for verses about the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and as I finished, my eyes fell on these words in John 14: Don't let your hearts be troubled, Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. (v.1-2a) God spoke to my heart, letting me know that no matter how overwhelmed I might feel as I see all the needs and know it is only a small part of the needs all around this world, God has enough room, enough grace, enough love, forgiveness, healing and provision for ALL of it. My spirit was renewed as Jesus filled me up again. Thank you, Steve Douglas for your word to me about the need for this very thing.

Scott and Jordan, Jonathan and I miss you very much and wish you were here. We'll be in Winneba for the next few days where the church will be built. You would have been so proud of Jonathan as he shared his testimony this morning in the healing service. The Holy Spirit spoke a powerful word of healing and purpose through him. I spoke too and God was very present with me as well. We love you bunches!! XOXO

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers. Judy, I am so thankful God chose you as a special prayer warrior for me. I know there are many others for our whole team. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Alicia

Tuesday 22, June 2010

We just finished lunch (2:30) after an eventful morning. We went to a 3 1/2 hour service that included a lot of healing prayers for people. The kids jumped in like they done it hundreds of times, praying and laying on hands. The praise and worship was awesome even if most of it was in a different language. We heard testimonies of healing also.  We are going to rest for a few hours before another youth service at 6:30.  The kids and adults are all well. They seem to like Shiloh house a lot. We talk about our families and wish you were here. Al, the loud music and lonngggg services would probably drive you crazy and Emily you would love all of the beautiful babies you could hold and kids you would play with.  I love and miss both of you.  Tomorrow at 5 a.m. we head to Wennabba (sp?) until Saturday with a team of young adults for medical missions and sharing God's word with the people. It apparently is a university town with villages surrounding it and we will stay in town.  Today we will also sort and count medicine and send a list with Apostle to buy more medicine for us to take.  While we are in the bush (much more jungley than last year) we will also visit the crocodile restuarant and the slave castle. We will return to Accra Saturday late in the day and then Sunday go shopping after church. Our plan leaves at 1:00 a.m. Monday so we will go to the Accra airport about 10:00 p.m. Sunday. 
Miss Charlotte will love hearing your word at breakfast every day from Annie. 
Did anyone call the Thomasons? 
Keep praying for endurance, rest, God's work to be done, and continued good health.
Love you all so much!
Rebecca

Monday, June 21

Today was an amazing day in Nungua. Fifteen people were led to Christ in the street/clinic in the rain. God led a man who didn’t have any plans to come to our clinic to come in and then led Will Watkins to talk to this man. Will led him to Christ, asked around for a bible to give him and a random Ghanaian man on the street heard us asking and brought Will a bible. Will was able to share scripture, pray with the man, and give him the bible. The man plans to see Will at church on Sunday. It was an awesome experience to watch God working through him from a short distance away. Jeremiah, Will, and Will went to a family’s home and led a family to Christ. (Jeremiah was offered gold) Gene, Seth, and Jonathan led 7 people to Christ. Anna D. and Hannah F. led one of the shopkeepers to Christ. We saw over 225 people today with Dr. Otis, Kathleen, Margo, and a little help from Rebecca. Jeremiah also taught the bridge illustration to a young man so that he could show his friends. We used almost as much medicine as we packed for today with lots of malaria, worms, waist (back) pain, joint pain, high blood pressure, diabetes (Phyllis-Dr. here wants metformin), and different types of infections, even 2 TB patients. We finished up about 2 hours after the planned ending, turning people away. When we returned to the house we had an amazing meal, sharing stories. We had a little break, used all the water in the house, and went to a Youth Explosion Service which many of our youth participated in and I’m sure they will tell you about themselves. Clara, Seth, Brooke, and Jeremiah were on Pastor Odai’s radio show tonight! Some of us heard parts of the show. They’ll tell you more. A fun time together tonight. God has blessed us richly today! -Rebecca

P.S. someone call Margo Thomason’s mom and ask her to feed the fish!



Will Watkins & Kelsey Schmitz

Today was an incredible day in the village. We were able to spend a lot of time with children and adults waiting for the doctor to see them. I (Will) was able to play music for the people while they waited, it was so cool to see them get excited by something so small. I (Kelsey) also got to play with children! I fed children medicine with tootsie rolls. And a woman left me her year old child with me most of the day (I’m not complaining). She was so cute and fell asleep on me  Back to Will!! I had an amazing opportunity today to share Christ with a man named Paul who truly felt the weight of his sin lifted and said his life would be changed. I am so thankful that God has been able to work in so many different ways on this trip. Also (this is Kelsey now) today one of the pastors at the church was talking to a few of us about the work we’ve been doing. We felt like even though we’ve done so much, it’s not enough. He told us that it’s kind of like a ripple. And that in Africa families are really close and everyone is like family to each other. So when we help a few people, they tell their friends and family and that inspires them to show God’s love to other people!!! Thank you so much for all of the prayers and support this week. There is so much more to say but we’re being yelled at by others so Goodnight America! Xoxoxo-will ;)

P.S. whoever reads this please call Margo Thomason’s mom and ask her to feed her fishy!!!



Lydia Rachelle Carrington

Hello America, just so you know, Africa is great! Really. First off, I would like to say hello mother and hello father. My dogs better be alive when I get home. Second, Ghana is the bomb.com. I really am enjoying this new and different culture. It definitely puts our church to shame on the spirit-o-meter. And finally, the thing im looking most forward to is being able to share with the people of this amazing country! I’ve been stuck in medical for the last few days so I’m pumped and ready for God to use me! Love you both and miss you guys like crazy, Corky and Bessie! And I love you mom and dad. Tell Julia her giraffe bracelet is in good shape! Goodnight!

Ps. Can someone mention to Margo Thomason’s mom or pop to feed her fish? This is crucial.

Lydia Carrington



Hannah Franklin

What can I even write about to begin to share about the adventure that’s going on here for us all?? Ooft. We have ventured into the bush, done a taxing, but awesome medical mission, and danced for over twenty minutes non-stop. I’m in love with Ghana. It doesn’t feel like it has just been four days. We’re already calling Shiloh House “home” and are learning the Twi language. Well, a bit. Some of us. =P I’m doing so many new things and am stoked about it!! My comfort zone has definitely been shattered to pieces so that the zone extends to infinite possibilities. I’m so touched by the Ghanian people and I’m proud of the entire team.

Things I Have Learned

+ Anything that goes wrong is Jeff’s fault.

+ When Jason gets tired he plays with flashlights and makes alien shapes with his hands.

+ Balancing things on your head is actually impossible for Americans.

+ If you give one Ghana child a present, you give them all presents, or you get mobbed.

+ “Head shoulders knees and toes” turns into learning the entire anatomy in Twi.

+ It’s midnight here. This happens often.

Thank you all at home for prayer and for the love that you hold for us. We’re all full of so many stories already, so you have lots and lots to hear!! We miss everyone. Mum, Sissa, Ariel, I miss you all. Very much. Love, too, always.

1 Thessalonians 2:8



From Jamie Watkins

You family of this shbc mission team should be so proud in the Lord of your kids and family. They are an amazing group of students and adults. I am priviledged to be working along side of them. They jump in and need absolute no nudging to get involved. They are loving on these people. The are bold in their faith. Please be in prayer for us. Tomorrow, Tuesday, we will be doing 2 things simultaneously; about 7 students and Jordan are going to a school to do ministry and the rest of group will be in healing service. Alicia is sharing her testimony. Tomorrow night we will be doing a second youth explosion. Then Wednesday early we will head to the bush villages. So much to be in prayer for this team. We love you all and miss you all. Hi Sara and Steve, love you and miss you. FYI, incase you haven’t figured it out my phone isn’t working over here so use Gene Phillips or Alicia Crawleys number as a contact if anyone needs one.

p.s. can someone please feed Margo's fishy fish?

From Steve

Court and Fran- Love you and miss you. And please send Margo some valium.

The end.

First two days, by Rebecca

Friday, June 18, 2010


Its morning now and the sun is shining brightly through our windows in…Atlanta. We spent the remainder of the night at the Holiday Inn Airport, courtesy of Delta. We arrived here about 3:30 a.m. after a 1+ mile walk through the airport, as the girls said, “All the way through the alphabet.” Everyone was a trooper and there were no complaints. We are disappointed that we are not landing in Accra about now but know that God has a plan, so we will just wait and see what it is. Our next plane leaves here about 4:30. We will leave the hotel at 12:30 after a meal, also courtesy of Delta, and head back to the airport. So far we have spent more hours in a plane on the ground than in the air. Although Seth asked after almost 2 hours, “Is the plane in the air?” So begins a new day. Please pray for our continued travel safety, stiff bodies, and a new plan in Ghana since we lost our preparation day. We love you all and covet your prayers.

Saturday, June 19, 2010


We reached Accra about 8:30 a.m. after very little sleep for most of us on the plane. Screaming babies do not make for good sleep. We were met at the airport by 3 beautiful little girls in African dress with flowers for Pastor Steve and a “Welcome to Ghana” sign. But everyone jumped right into the medical clinic at the church. We weren’t able to eat or change our 2 ½ day old clothes! Luckily we were in an open air space. Our 2 doctors, Otis and Theodore (hard last names) are great, very knowledgeable. Everyone is exhausted and a little sunburned tonight but hopefully after the excellent meal we had and all the water we drank we will be renewed by morning. You would be surprised that it is barely 8:00 and everyone is going to bed. We pray tonight that the Lord will renew our strength. Tomorrow is Sunday. We will go to church tomorrow. The youth prepared to teach/lead Sunday school classes from children to adult tonight. It was so wonderful tonight to hear the kids’ thoughts on God’s work in our lives so far. The Lord our God is good.

It was so great to see Rachel today. She looks great and is so happy. The Odais are excited to have us here. For those who were here last year, quite a bit of renovation has been done to Shiloh House. The dining room is now a bedroom and bathroom for 6 girls. The dining area is outside under a new beautiful covered patio.

We had hoped to post tonight but don’t have internet access yet. We know that you are all waiting on the edge of your seats to hear from us.

We love each of you so much and especially wish all of the Father’s a Happy Fathers’ Day.