“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” (Psalm 18:30) I have delayed this update with the hopes of sharing with you that Hope Fundamental Baptist Church for the Deaf was now the owner of a permanent home. This update will be a bit different. Due to the large amount of money given towards the purchase of this property, we feel it is absolutely necessary to be as transparent as possible. As you recall, the owners gave us a three-month window to have all of the funds by November 30, 2024. GOD IS ABLE, and GOD DID PROVIDE through the faithful giving of His people! We are overwhelmed and grateful for your commitment in reaching the Deaf in Ghana. GLORY TO GOD!
Due to the complications in Ghanaian laws, especially when dealing with land, we sought out a lawyer immediately. God led us to an expert lawyer who primarily litigates land claims and also works for the Kumasi Land Commission’s legal department. As he was reviewing the owner’s file, he noticed that they had a few documents missing. In order to avoid future litigation on our part, he brought the owner and her family to his office, advising them of what was needed before we would complete the transaction, and it was then that a couple of matters came to light. The first matter was easily resolved by bringing in the other family members who also had a claim on the property, which is very common in Ghana. With our lawyer’s help, an agreement was made, and all needed family members were there to sign off on the sale. Praise God!
Secondly, prior to this meeting, the owner’s sons had been assisting her with the sale, informing us that their mother had early onset dementia. There was no indication from our brief interaction that this would be a potential issue, as she seemed quite well. However, when we were all in the lawyer’s office (out of her comfort zone), it was then quite evident that the dementia was more advanced. This would require the family to file more paperwork to satisfy the legal orders of a court of competent jurisdiction in Ghana. The holidays came, and everything came to a halt. After the new year, we began having discussions again, and the family is still wanting to sell to us. They, too, have a lawyer, and he told them that the document our lawyer was requiring was not necessary and told them to file a different document, which only delayed things more because our lawyer was right. Now, they are working on this particular document and are needing a medical specialist to sign off on it.
This is where we are at in the process, and we are extremely thankful for a lawyer who investigates all matters thoroughly. All of this to say, yes, we had hoped to already have the deed, but this delay will not cause us to cease from praising His name. PRAISE GOD that these issues were discovered now rather than later! God led us to this place, God provided the funds in a miraculous way, and the purchase will be completed in His timing. His way is perfect, and we are continuing to trust in Him!
Praise Report
September through November, we conducted an exciting eight-week visitors’ program. We were thrilled to see 64 new visitors, and 42 of those visitors place their faith in Christ alone for salvation. AMEN and AMEN!
Again, everything is in His time, and we are trusting Him. Having said that, we sincerely covet your prayers on our behalf. Before the holidays, our son Malachi was complaining of pain, which we assumed was simply growing pains. We now know that this is not the case, and it is something more serious. After speaking with our mission board’s doctor and our pastor, we believe it is necessary to take a furlough to get him the medical care that he needs. We hope to be back in the States mid-March, pending the completion of the purchase of our church property. Once in the States, we will take the time necessary to care for Malachi’s medical needs, and then, Lord willing, we will travel to update churches. We will be reaching out to pastors, too, in hopes to schedule some meetings. Please be in prayer, as we will be searching for a larger vehicle to accommodate Malachi’s needs.
Your co-laborers for Christ,
Rocky, Melanie, Rocky II, Malachi, Tyler, and Marissa Hall
