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.