“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” With these words, the crowd of disciples joyfully welcomed Jesus as he entered Jerusalem at the beginning of the week of Passover. Little did they know what the week held for Jesus, and the importance of the events surrounding Passover and following Sunday for all mankind. Our prayer is that, as believers around the world, celebrate Jesus’ sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, we will all sing for joy to the One who has given us peace with God.
From February 22 to March 7, 2010, David traveled to Ghana, West Africa, with a small team from Calvary Church, Roseville, MN: Pastor Richard Schoenert and Morris and Sandra Anderson. The primary reason for this trip was to speak at several Pastors’ Leadership Conferences at several locations in Ghana. The main topics presented at the Pastor’s Conferences were:
- David: The Church’s Responsibility to Persons with Disability: A Ministry Challenge – or an Opportunity?
- Pastor Rich: The Characteristics of a Healthy Church
- Morris: Biblical Principles of Leadership
- Sandra: To speak to women’s groups, separate from the Pastors’ Conferences, from portions of the Book of Esther and other passages.
The schedule for our ministry at first seemed “easy,” but we had forgotten the time that would be spent traveling, especially through Accra, a city of nearly 3 million people, nearly all of whom seemed to be driving somewhere at the same time! Nevertheless, it was a good experience, God’s hand was upon us as we traveled, and we are confident that God used what we each presented to bless and to challenge many.
The Pastors’ Leadership Conferences were held in Kumasi, Accra, Agate , Kormantse, and Cape Coast. The amount of time at each location varied, from less than two hours (Kormantse) to three days (Accra).
We also had opportunity to tour Good News Theological College and Seminary, where we (David and Florence) spent the 2002-2003 academic year, and to meet informally with the students. It was also our privilege to worship with the GNTCS faculty and students: Pastor Rich preached and Morris led in a time of fellowship around the Lord’s Table. During the second week of ministry, we met with the executive committee of the GNTCS Board to discuss various issues which the school is facing and how we might be able to assist.
On Sunday, February 28, Rich, Morris, and David each preached in different churches in Greater Accra area.
David also spoke at Ghana Christian University, Trinity Theological Seminary, and Valley View University, always focusing on aspects of disability ministry. Copies of David’s book, Reaching out and Bringing in: The Role of the Church in Ministry to and with Persons with Disabilities, were presented to the libraries of each college, seminary, and university at which he spoke. The challenge was well received, especially at Trinity Seminary which has invited David to return in 2011 to teach an intensive course on disability ministry.
For Prayer
- Praise God for his watching over us as the team ministered in Ghana.
- Pray that the thoughts shared during our ministry in Ghana will “percolate” in the minds and hearts of those at the various conferences – that God will water the seeds planted and bring forth fruit, leading to church growth and (especially) ministry to and with persons who are dealing with disability issues.
- Continue to pray for the needs of the CEFED Special School in Cameroon, particularly the ongoing health needs of many of the children.
As always, we invite you to contribute in the ministry of Crossing Bridges. Tax deductable donations can be sent to CROSSSING BRIDGES, INC., P.O. BOX 131524, ROSEVILLE, MN, 55113.
May you experience in a new way the joy of Easter!
David and Florence
