Recently I was amused by the rumor that the Electricity Company of Ghana was going to make a concerted effort to have the power on so folks here can watch the World Cup matches. By the way, the U.S. beat Ghana last night in their World Cup match, 2-1. Now for more important news . . .
An Opportunity for James
Four years ago James Boadu, whom I’ve mentioned in earlier letters, was invited to church by one of the captains in my Common Faith class. James responded to the invitation, received the Gospel, and was baptized the first Sunday he attended. Later that year James enrolled in our Bible college. What a blessing it has been to see James grow in the Lord. Just recently James was asked to preach for our church plant in Offinso each Sunday. He will also be soul winning there during the week. I will sorely miss having James in my Sunday school class, but I am very happy for his new opportunity. Please pray for James and the work in Offinso.
Update on Adankwame
Emmanuel Tawiah has agreed to take James Boadu’s place as bus captain in Adankwame. Let’s pray for him in this new endeavor. The other day Emmanuel told me that Common Faith class member Bernard has been preaching in the mornings over Adankwame’s public address system. If I lived near that loudspeaker in Adankwame, I would be annoyed at the lack of peace and quiet, but if someone has to make noise over that loudspeaker, I am glad it is someone who knows the truth about salvation! Also, I met Opanin Tuffour when I preached at a funeral in Adankwame earlier this year. He and his wife are now attending the Common Faith class faithfully.
Another Funeral
In May I preached the funeral of Akwasi Kusi, who was a member of our Common Faith class. He was only 54 years old and left behind a wife and three young children. About 100 family and friends filled the small courtyard where I spoke; they listened very well. A dozen or more raised their hands at the invitation to indicate they were now trusting Jesus instead of their good works for salvation.
A Ghanaian custom is for family members to attend church dressed alike and give thanks for a peaceful funeral. At least 20 of Akwasi’s family attended our Sunday school class (pictured on left) and church the day after the funeral. Please pray with us that several from Akwasi’s family will become faithful, productive members of our church.
Prayer Reminder
Over the next few weeks, if you hear about Ghana playing in the World Cup, let that serve as a reminder to pray for the work here. Thank you again for your prayers on our behalf!
Mike, Maria, John, Joy, Faith
