The Yendi notes today are coming courtesy of Rusty Johnson.
Today was the start of day 2 of the seminar. Before breakfast we heard that some other people showed up during the night which has pushed the number to 390. What’s even more impressive is there are 35 different congregations represented. They all seem to be having a marvelous time together. We were also saddened to hear that one of the members was bitten by a snake on his journey home last night. If I understood it correct this gentlemen and his friend were on a motorcycle returning to their home village that is not too far away. They stopped and when he stepped off the motorcycle he stepped on the snake and it bit him. Timothy said it was one of the black snakes which was good even though it was poisonous. I guess it’s all relative, but in my book using the word good in the same sentence with snake bite just doesn’t make sense to me. They did take the gentleman to the hospital where he was given anti-venom and would be release once they made sure he didn’t have a reaction to the anti-venom. Life is hard over here for these people and we need to continue praying for them.
Perry had the morning session and his assigned topic was marriage, divorce, and polygamy. Once he opened it up for questions the flood gates opened. They actually asked some good questions, but in the end it’s the same question over and over again with a slightly different twist. The answer is always the same. I was disappointed that Perry didn’t get any questions about a wife that is a “proper thief”. I did tell Perry he is now fully Ghana certified after that very long Q&A session.
After lunch we headed back out for the afternoon session. My topic was on Church Autonomy. I had several good questions but one I thought was particularly interesting. They wanted to know how to handle some difficult problems if they were all independent and autonomous. I attempted to explain the difference between working together and supporting each other vs. combining in some organization. I think I got the question answered. I do know, after standing up there answering questions for more than an hour, it motivates you to study more. It’s amazing how much these people know their Bibles considering a large number of them are illiterate.
At the end of the session Steve got up and asked the crowd what they thought about the three podiums we were using. They all agreed they were nice. Then Steve told them that due to generous donations from various supporters that he had one for each congregation. They were all so excited to hear that. It was touching actually. How many of us would be excited that we were getting a new podium for our church building?
At supper tonight we asked Kandie what the plan was for distributing the podiums. She has a plan and we all know our assignments. Of course Perry and I kidded her a little bit when we told her that all good plans get thrown away at first contact with the enemy. I’m sure it will all get worked out tomorrow though.
It’s hard to believe we have already been here for two weeks. We will finish up the seminar tomorrow, and then visit a few churches on Sunday before we start our journey home on Monday.
Thanks to every one of you that support this work and keep the Ghana churches in your prayers.
In Christian Love
Steve, Kandie, Jack, Rusty & Perry
