Tuesday with the Winona Team!

Today's schedule was as packed as the students in this picture of the morning assembly of Nalerigu Secondary School (NASS).  

1.  We started the morning at 7:00 as we were welcomed by students and faculty.  We were ushered to a small stage area where there was a table complete with white table cloth awaiting our entourage.  There was an opening prayer by the secretary of the Scripture Union, Gifty (see a picture of her on the previous post).  Even though the headmaster is Muslim, he knew we were Christians and allowed her to pray.  In Gifty's own words, she prayed "in the MIGHTY name of Jesus Christ!"  Go Gifty!!  It's so encouraging to see Christian students taking such a stand for their faith.

The students then sang their school alma mater and national anthem.  It was amazing to hear all these 2000 students lifting their voices together.  Then Charlie introduced all of us. The students started yelling "Boss, boss, boss" again.  He said, "I could get used to that!"

Then Charlie addressed the students telling them we were from America and then a little bit about our school in Winona.  Charlie wasn't shy about his faith either as he made it clear that it was only the love of Jesus in our hearts that led us to travel to Ghana to be with them.  

After the assembly, we presented the school with some new soccer balls and new soccer uniform for their men's soccer team.  The team was regional champs in 2004, but now doesn't even have uniforms to compete in.  We hope that this gift will touch the hearts of the muslim students in some way.

After the assembly, we were taken on a tour of the campus.  It really seems like a small college campus.  Take a look at this picture of one of the girls' dorm rooms.  120 girls sleep in this small room -- 6 to a set of bunk beds!  That's right, 3 to a bed.  Charlie also showed the faculty a video of scenes from around Winona.

    2.  Before lunch, there was a quick tour of the chicken farm.  The kids got a chance to get their hands dirty feeding, gathering eggs and grinding corn for the chicks.

3.  After lunch, we traveled to Gambaga, home of the ladies' outcast camp.  We've written about it before -- ladies and children accused of being witches and driven away from their homes.  The chief of this village has offered asylum to these ladies for years.  Christians are ministering to them and many are now followers of Christ and are being re-introduced into their home villages.  

Before we went to see the ladies, we had to go meet the chief and tell him why we were there.  We weren't able to take pictures, but Cindy, Nancy and Keenan went as representatives of the group.  While we waited to go in to see the chief, we visited with some ladies outside his home.  Here is a small child that was playing in the dirt.  (Couldn't resist including this shot).

The meeting with the chief was brief and uneventful -- introductions, greetings, then exit.

When we arrived at the all-purpose building in the camp, the ladies were already assembled.  We greeted all of them as we entered and filed around the room.  They were all so happy to see us.  Cindy presented the ladies with some jewelry making supplies.  Then, Nancy shared a message from God's Word and presented the gospel.  Then we bought some of their jewelry that they make and sell to help support the ladies.  

3.  On the way back to Nalerigu from Gambaga, we stopped by NASS to help with some more cement blocks and to have some more time of fellowship with the students.  We were able to present them with a sizable contribution to the building of their chapel.  This is such an important building as it will allow them a place to gather and worship and offer a visible presence on campus among many muslim and traditionalist students.  This gathering of students is essentially a church.  We were so excited to be able to be a part of their building project.  Please be in prayer for these bold students as they PHYSICALLY build their chapel.  Thanks to all who made the financial gift possible.  You are truly helping plant churches in Ghana!!!

While at NASS, we were able to see the final practical exams of some of the students as they planned, cooked and served meals designed for people with various types of health conditions.

4.  Just outside of Nalerigu, we stopped by to visit with Manassah at the site of his new home and chicken farm.  The building is progressing well and they hope to complete the project in a few weeks.  It was exciting for the Winona team as they had read about Manassah and the chicken farm on our blog.

5.  Just before dark, we went to meet with Pastor David of FBC Nalerigu.  He has started a multi-agesoccer outreach ministry in Nalerigu that will give boys an opportunity to play in an official soccer league (maybe even gaining access to their national league!) while learning how to become a Christian and lead life as a Godly man.  He is so passionate about the LORD and we were honored to be able to present them with some quality soccer balls to practice and play with.  The ONE ball they had was worn down to bare threads.  They were so appreciative that they sent a delegation of the boys to our house the next evening to officially greet and express their gratitude.  

Needless to say, we did not have to be rocked to sleep this night.  We were all exhausted, but pleased with all the ministries in which we were able to take part today.

Please be in prayer for each of these ministries -- that God will take our gifts and visits and allow them to be seen as an outpouring of God's love that has been shown to us so freely through Jesus Christ.

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