In the Swing’o’things
For starters...I'm settled in my new home in Nyankpala, I've been taking language classes the last four weeks and I'm building a pretty decent routine that creates a sense of normalcy for what has felt like a nomadic lifestyle the last six months!
My language instructor, Agyemang, teaches me Twi four hours a day every Monday to Friday (...with a great deal of patience!)
In preparation for my move, I received great advice from a seasoned International Worker. He told me, "Keep your eyes open to the Holy Spirit's work around you. You'll be surprised when He reveals something else that He may invite you to be a part of." True in life...and true in ministry and missions, always!
Initially, I didn't have any intentions of settling in Nyankpala (about 20 km from the city of Tamale.) But God in His ways, spoke to my heart and graciously reminded me of my initial call into cross-cultural missions in Ghana. Not only was I reminded of my love of building relationships within a community, but the missionaries that have been living in Nyankpala over the last few years have been praying for God's guidance in their ministries with the Evangelical Church of Ghana here in Nyankpala as they prepare to return to their home country in October. The final piece of the puzzle was to figure out my language training (as my language institute is located in Tamale.) Of course, God would have it to provide me with a teacher who just so happens to be from Nyankpala and would be commuting each day anyway! All of these steps have allowed me to move forward with full confidence in God's leading in life & ministry.
One area of "unexpected" ministry involvement (unbeknownst to me, but divinely appointed by God all along!) The children and youth from the community meet throughout the week to study scripture. It has already been such a learning experience for me, as the youth contribute their personal experiences and faith backgrounds to the studies. I am grateful for the relationships that have already been established between the community members and the local church (ECG) and missionaries, and I look to God for guidance on how He wants to use me here.
Thank you for your commitment to partner together in God's work here in Ghana. I'm grateful for your frequent reminders that I'm not in Ghana alone...I definitely feel your love and support. Please do let me know how I can be praying alongside you or your family as well!
