Our return to Ghana this month went smoothly. When you leave with nine pieces of luggage and all of them arrive when you do it is a good day! We spent two days in Accra to take care of business at the ministries before flying up to Tamale. Everyone was happy to have us back in Yendi.
The workers were eager to talk about the new King of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II. Everyone was excited to tell us about all the festivities. They said the town was full of people; lots of dignitaries including past and present Presidents of Ghana; security was very tight.
We arrived in Yendi on Friday and plans were made for us to go to the palace to pay our respect to the new Ya-Naa the next Tuesday. Most of the compound workers, Timothy Niligrini and Brother Divine went with us. This Ya-Naa is the 2nd most important chief in Ghana. We could not go to visit him empty handed. Kandie and I purchased a water cooler/heater and two 5 gallon bottles. The Ya-Naa can use the cooler for his personal use and for his guests. Money was “added on top” of the gift. We also had to give money in envelopes to the elders, linguist, first wife, and a few others. Kandie was lamenting the amount of money we had to give but we both know how important it is to show proper respect to the “Overlord of Dagbon”.
The Ya-Naa was happy to meet us. He is no stranger to Yendi; he knows about the Child Center and what we do there. He had sent an abandon baby to the Child Center a few days before and he told us to make sure we took good care of the child and never let it run out of formula. As a token of his appreciation the King gave me a new traditional smock. I was instructed to put the smock on and I did a couple of swirls so the smock flares out around the hem. Everyone laughed! Before leaving the palace grounds we visited the wives of the King and gave them their monetary gift. As a Christian we are instructed to show respect and pay tribute to kings and those in authority.
On the 17th of the month we visited the congregation at Sakpei. The brothers requested help to floor and repair the church building. We gave them enough money to purchasing eight bags of cement and to buy a new door for their building. They will provide the sand and manpower.
The next Saturday (23rd) Timothy Niligrini, Kandie, and I were invited to speak at the village of Nyankpala for a naming ceremony for a baby boy whose parents are church members. I named the baby Ezra. The next day we visited the church at Mulipido where Daniel Batoln, one of the evangelists lives.
There were twenty-three men present for the February monthly class. My part of the class was used to try to set up one day seminars in different locations with Churches that we work with. We will provide rice and oil for the noon day meal. It is important for the brethren to have fellowship with one another. These mini seminars will also give Biblical instruction and encourage the Churches. The brethren report that were two people baptized and one was restored to the church this month.
In His service,
Stephen and Kandie Taylor
