I had the pickup already fueled and ready to go this morning for our trip to Nakpa. I had suggested to Timothy Niligrini the other day we should try to leave at 7:30. You never know what is going to happen on long trips. Kandie and I had all the supplies laid out for Shiabu, the electrician to continue his work putting up the ceiling fans in the apartment.
As we were about to pass through the village of Bakpaba, on the way to Nakpa Timothy told us that one of the church leader’s father died. We had already planned to stop long enough to give some grape juice to the Church. Moses Mabe, who attends the monthly class, greeted us. After leaving Moses we told ourselves we would stop on our way back to Yendi this afternoon to extend our sympathy.
We arrive on time with a little to spare. The brethren warmly greeted us. I had been asked this morning to speak about using love to deal with problems that arise in the congregation. After I finished and sat down I found out I was actually teaching bible class and the Church had me scheduled to preach. I taught a short lesson about Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Everyone in the building was sweating like a sauna. They did very well considering the environment.
After services were over during the question and answer period we were asked how to deal with situations that arise among the brethren. The Church at Nakpa is in the process of building a new cement block building. I randomly used an example of how the number of windows might cause a problem amongst the church members. You should have seen the faces of the congregation after I said that. Without knowing it I had hit the nail squarely on the head. One brother jokingly asked if someone had told me. I said no one had said anything to me but I figured it would be a good example. Another person asked if I was a prophet? We had a good laugh!!!
Before leaving we were presented with a nice guinea fowl and four of the largest yams I have ever seen here in the north. We made sure the brethren knew we were very pleased with their gift.
On the way back to Yendi we again stopped at the village of Bakpaba. Timothy and I were surprised to learn Brother Zack’s father that had died was also the chief that we had just greeted last week when we visited the Bakpaba Church. We had given the old man some extra money to purchase some medicine for his lower back pain. We again were both surprised to find out another church leader, Brother Samuel from Binalado, was the chief’s son-in-law. Timothy didn’t even know that. The area around the chief’s house was covered with people. Burials and funerals are taken very seriously. There were a least ten men sitting in the small round house to greet people that came to pay their respects. Timothy and I left a monetary gift to show our sympathy for the chief’s passing. It was very much appreciated.
When we got back to the house we were met by Shiabu and Mr. Iddrisu under the mango tree. He had gotten eight of the eleven ceiling fans hung. . He needed me to modify the down poles so they would fit in the housings of the new fans. Kandie and I sent Timothy home with the guinea fowl and the yams. He was a happy camper!!!
After the electrician finished his work and left Kandie and I went up to the drug store to buy some ORS (oral rehydration solution) and some vitamin C for the child center. I made sure to wear the shirt Mr. Hayes, the pharmacy owner, had given to me with the store logo on it. He was just a beaming when I walked through the door.
We enjoyed bible study under the stars tonight at Kulkpeni. It was much cooling outside than in.
Hope you’re having a good Lord’s Day and wish you all well. May God bless!
In His service,
Stephen and Kandie Taylor
