Janelle.
My first trip to Ghana was awesome! Even though there were some kids who kissed my arm and asked to marry me, I really like all the friends
I made. I think it is a good idea for pre-teens, like my age, to go to places like Ghana because the kids there seem to be more attracted to us. So, it is easier for the whole team to reach out to them and their families.
One thing I think our whole team is proud of is that we got to teach a 10-year old Muslim girl about how Jesus came to save us. Our family is praying that she will have the faith and courage to tell her friends and family about the Good News.
God showed me that we have to learn to treasure the things that we have, like clean water, easy access to computers, and lots of food! After my dad came back last year, he told all of us to turn off the shower while putting on soap and I kept “forgetting”! Later, I changed because I started doing what my dad told me to!
Some schools in Ghana have computers. If a computer breaks and they can’t afford new ones, they have to fix it. The computer teacher there told us that when a computer fails he just prays, and then it goes up and runs again! So I thought, “Wow. That is just... just amazing!” Because mostly if we break a computer, we just try to fix it a few times. If it doesn’t work, we throw it away. They really treasure their things, so I have to learn from them!
I am extremely happy that I went to Ghana and I hope that I will spark the fire in other kids’ lives, and they will want to serve the Lord more! If they can,
take the challenge to go to less fortunate places around the world!
I made. I think it is a good idea for pre-teens, like my age, to go to places like Ghana because the kids there seem to be more attracted to us. So, it is easier for the whole team to reach out to them and their families.
One thing I think our whole team is proud of is that we got to teach a 10-year old Muslim girl about how Jesus came to save us. Our family is praying that she will have the faith and courage to tell her friends and family about the Good News.
God showed me that we have to learn to treasure the things that we have, like clean water, easy access to computers, and lots of food! After my dad came back last year, he told all of us to turn off the shower while putting on soap and I kept “forgetting”! Later, I changed because I started doing what my dad told me to!
Some schools in Ghana have computers. If a computer breaks and they can’t afford new ones, they have to fix it. The computer teacher there told us that when a computer fails he just prays, and then it goes up and runs again! So I thought, “Wow. That is just... just amazing!” Because mostly if we break a computer, we just try to fix it a few times. If it doesn’t work, we throw it away. They really treasure their things, so I have to learn from them!
I am extremely happy that I went to Ghana and I hope that I will spark the fire in other kids’ lives, and they will want to serve the Lord more! If they can,
take the challenge to go to less fortunate places around the world!
Albert.
When my wife Philana asked me if I wanted to join, I hesitated
to reply. Many excuses popped into my head: it is expensive going to Ghana; the
health situation is poor; safety is concerning; etc. Basically, I just didn’t
want to go. I knew that the main reason is I got stuck in my own comfort zone. Philana insisted to go as she shared that this is a
calling from God that she heard a while back. As a husband, of course,
I’d go with my wife, so that I can look after her and make sure every thing
goes well.
Once we confirmed our decision to go, we started doing all the paper-work, like filling out application forms, applying for visa, etc. After, we consulted with Travel Clinic to take all the necessary shots and medications. The to-do list was quite long. But somehow, my attitude started to change. Before I was somewhat forced to go, but later I found myself quite interested in exploring this new place. I realized that God had changed my mind. Moreover, God had also prepared us for the trip.
....Since then, I didn't have a problem being around with all kids. The first time, I refused to get close to the kids; the next day, I was completely fine to hold their hands and let them touch me. I finally found myself fitting into their world. Only God could have shaped me and moulded me like that. He also broke into my own comfort zone, so that I could fully understand “acceptance": Jesus Christ accepted many people--even when they were poor and/or ill. By the look of the children's eyes, I sensed that they felt welcomed by a stranger like me.
This is an unforgettable trip for me. God gave me not only a spiritual journey but also a spiritual transformation. My perspective and behaviour are different now. I even decided to become a deacon at my church; not because I want to have one more title in front of my name, but because I really want to learn from Jesus Christ in serving God and following Him. This is a chance for me to serve people, and not only rely on my own talents but the wisdom and gift given by God. This is nicely summarized in the quote: “Not that you are qualified to do God’s works, but God will qualify you to do His works”.
Furthermore, I have made up my mind to learn more from the bible. I know my weakness is that I lack bible knowledge. As I have come to learn, only bible words can have impact on Christians and non-believers.
Once we confirmed our decision to go, we started doing all the paper-work, like filling out application forms, applying for visa, etc. After, we consulted with Travel Clinic to take all the necessary shots and medications. The to-do list was quite long. But somehow, my attitude started to change. Before I was somewhat forced to go, but later I found myself quite interested in exploring this new place. I realized that God had changed my mind. Moreover, God had also prepared us for the trip.
....Since then, I didn't have a problem being around with all kids. The first time, I refused to get close to the kids; the next day, I was completely fine to hold their hands and let them touch me. I finally found myself fitting into their world. Only God could have shaped me and moulded me like that. He also broke into my own comfort zone, so that I could fully understand “acceptance": Jesus Christ accepted many people--even when they were poor and/or ill. By the look of the children's eyes, I sensed that they felt welcomed by a stranger like me.
This is an unforgettable trip for me. God gave me not only a spiritual journey but also a spiritual transformation. My perspective and behaviour are different now. I even decided to become a deacon at my church; not because I want to have one more title in front of my name, but because I really want to learn from Jesus Christ in serving God and following Him. This is a chance for me to serve people, and not only rely on my own talents but the wisdom and gift given by God. This is nicely summarized in the quote: “Not that you are qualified to do God’s works, but God will qualify you to do His works”.
Furthermore, I have made up my mind to learn more from the bible. I know my weakness is that I lack bible knowledge. As I have come to learn, only bible words can have impact on Christians and non-believers.
Philana.
I am always afraid to talk in front of people. However, I feel God has really pushed me out of my comfort zone this time. Through preparing for my sharing, I have experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in telling me what to say rather than depending on my own efforts. I was even able to share at one of the youth nights without preparation (as it was not planned). The amazing thing is I feel God has given me the right words to share whenever I needed. During this trip, I definitely felt very close to God and that He was with me all the time.
I am very impressed by how people in Ghana worship God. They do not need any introduction from the singspiration leader to “lead” them into worship. I find they are always READY to worship God at any time. They are always and are willing to express their feeling through music and dance to praise our Almighty God. They do not need powerpoint because they know the lyrics by heart. When you worship with them, you can feel their simple faith and their thankful heart. I feel that this is something as Christians in North America that we need to learn from people in Ghana. Just as Pastor William shared in his sermon, indeed, many pastors in Africa are actually praying for Christians in North America as many of us may be abundant in our physical lives but are quite poor in our spiritual lives.
Albert and I deeply treasured the experience we learned from this mission trip. Together as a couple, we enjoyed having the quiet time to reflect and envision what God wants us to do in our lives together. We feel that we have gained so much from this mission trip and have done so little. While we
were in Ghana, I could feel that God has changed our attitudes and some of our lifestyles to be more like real Christ followers. We believe that although this
mission trip is over, this is just the start of our spiritual transformation in which we are willingly longing for God to renew.
I am very impressed by how people in Ghana worship God. They do not need any introduction from the singspiration leader to “lead” them into worship. I find they are always READY to worship God at any time. They are always and are willing to express their feeling through music and dance to praise our Almighty God. They do not need powerpoint because they know the lyrics by heart. When you worship with them, you can feel their simple faith and their thankful heart. I feel that this is something as Christians in North America that we need to learn from people in Ghana. Just as Pastor William shared in his sermon, indeed, many pastors in Africa are actually praying for Christians in North America as many of us may be abundant in our physical lives but are quite poor in our spiritual lives.
Albert and I deeply treasured the experience we learned from this mission trip. Together as a couple, we enjoyed having the quiet time to reflect and envision what God wants us to do in our lives together. We feel that we have gained so much from this mission trip and have done so little. While we
were in Ghana, I could feel that God has changed our attitudes and some of our lifestyles to be more like real Christ followers. We believe that although this
mission trip is over, this is just the start of our spiritual transformation in which we are willingly longing for God to renew.
Erica.
As a Christian, I feel that at times I am not as strong in the area of evangelism (giving testimonies in public) as I would like. I am the type that will worry about what people will think when I try to spread the gospel. Because I know that this is part of what our mission team will do, I initially prepared a more general, vague testimony of how God helps us through difficult times. But when I started speaking at different meetings, I realized that it would be more interesting for people to hear me speak from the heart, share about myself, and how I came to Christ. I felt people in Ghana just want to get to know us, our lives, and our every day struggles. It became easier over time to share about myself and to show how God works through us to deliver His message of goodwill and love with the testimonies we give.
Connecting with some of the locals made me realize that I can make a small difference in their lives; just being around them made them smile. I feel my faith is stronger after returning from Africa and when I am tested again, I feel that I can do anything through Him who gives me strength. God answered my prayers throughout this trip, and He revealed to me that I can hand over all my burdens to Him and trust God with the unknown.
Connecting with some of the locals made me realize that I can make a small difference in their lives; just being around them made them smile. I feel my faith is stronger after returning from Africa and when I am tested again, I feel that I can do anything through Him who gives me strength. God answered my prayers throughout this trip, and He revealed to me that I can hand over all my burdens to Him and trust God with the unknown.
Chris.
When I initially decided to join the STM team to visit Ghana, I struggled over the decision as I didn’t have the conviction. However, through prayers and discussions with brothers and sisters in Christ, I have come to the conclusion that God wanted me to have this experience, and this is a lesson of obedience that I have to learn. I expected the trip to be challenging for myself as I don’t adapt very well to hot weather conditions, the living conditions and food.
Going to a STM I know I need to have the right attitude – it’s not just what I do, but rather what God will reveal. God has given me a feel for how living in a place like Ghana is, because no amount of prior knowledge would provide the impact of physically being there. I learned more about myself over this experience by removing myself from my comfort zone, and have faith that all things are in God’s hand no matter how bad it seems.
Going to a STM I know I need to have the right attitude – it’s not just what I do, but rather what God will reveal. God has given me a feel for how living in a place like Ghana is, because no amount of prior knowledge would provide the impact of physically being there. I learned more about myself over this experience by removing myself from my comfort zone, and have faith that all things are in God’s hand no matter how bad it seems.
Flora.
Six years ago, CIM visited Kpandai for the first time. Back then, CIM did not partner with the local church yet. Now, looking back at how CIM’s ministries in Ghana have grow through the partnership with the local church group, we can only humbly thank God for this opportunity to get involved in a bit of the work for His kingdom in this country.
Visiting seven towns in Ghana and meeting with the local African pastors/missionaries/village school teachers/brothers and sisters deeply encouraged my spirit. I could see, feel and meet those who truly bear the fruits of the Spirit – their faithfulness, self-control, patience, goodness, gentleness, joy, kindness, peace and love. The humble and gentle hearts of those who serve the Lord faithfully are great reminders and spiritual encouragements to me. I had a good chance to reflect on how a right attitude to serve our Lord is the key to please our Heavenly Father--for that is what life is about.
Amazed with ministries growing and things changing over the past years, I felt that my life could also be transformed by God and amazing things could be done in me by Him if I am willing to open and humble myself before Him. If God allows me to see how He changed things and people in this country, I know he can also change and mould me the same way with blessings throughout my entire life.
Visiting seven towns in Ghana and meeting with the local African pastors/missionaries/village school teachers/brothers and sisters deeply encouraged my spirit. I could see, feel and meet those who truly bear the fruits of the Spirit – their faithfulness, self-control, patience, goodness, gentleness, joy, kindness, peace and love. The humble and gentle hearts of those who serve the Lord faithfully are great reminders and spiritual encouragements to me. I had a good chance to reflect on how a right attitude to serve our Lord is the key to please our Heavenly Father--for that is what life is about.
Amazed with ministries growing and things changing over the past years, I felt that my life could also be transformed by God and amazing things could be done in me by Him if I am willing to open and humble myself before Him. If God allows me to see how He changed things and people in this country, I know he can also change and mould me the same way with blessings throughout my entire life.
Johnny.
Now, as I look back on those 2 incredible weeks, I see that our entire trip was FULL of God. Learning about Him over my high school years and then being able to apply the things I learned on an actual missions trip was really something worth waiting for. If anything, God used this experience to further my desire to help those in need. And what I mean by people in need is this: people who do not yet know the lavish and true love of God.
Another thing was the joy received when singing "Every Move I Make" with the big groups of kids and the joy from seeing all those people stand up during that altar call in the village under the stars. One thing that really challenged my beliefs was just how open people were to talk about faith-related things. Coming from a very Western culture that is typically shut off to talk about things like Jesus and God, it really was a good change in mindset for me. The whole trip was one MASSIVE lasting impression.
Another thing was the joy received when singing "Every Move I Make" with the big groups of kids and the joy from seeing all those people stand up during that altar call in the village under the stars. One thing that really challenged my beliefs was just how open people were to talk about faith-related things. Coming from a very Western culture that is typically shut off to talk about things like Jesus and God, it really was a good change in mindset for me. The whole trip was one MASSIVE lasting impression.
Joyce.
Ghana has thrown all of us out of our comfort zones. Regardless of how tightly we tried to hold on to the familiar, all of us soon realized that we had to die to our own needs and quickly learn to share everything with the rest of the 11 in order for this team to function effectively. Girls learned to shorten their blissful time in the shower so that everyone else can de-stink before the water runs out; boys who are carnivores by nature had to stuff their meat cravings with more fufu so that the rest of the team gets to taste a morsel of that delicious (yet scrawny) chicken. Even in all this, our days spent in that little guesthouse boast many conveniences and luxuries that our Ghanaian friends don’t have: electricity, tap water, fan, proper four-legged beds, fridge, stove, cabinets or even meat on the table unless there’s a special occasion.
Undoubtedly, the degree of poverty stunned us; we saw much lack and real time needs with our own eyes as we visit schools and homes from village to village. Some schools have so many students, yet they are so ill equipped that teachers have to teach geography outside in the 40 degree heat under the shades of mango trees. More than a hundred students were crammed into a classroom not more than 200s.f., and eager souls who wanted to know more about Christ do not have bibles in their own language.
At first, we were eager to help in any way: loving on the kids and dishing out supplies we brought with us. Basically, we were trying to be the 21st Century savior to the poor people we met. However, it didn’t take long before our supplies ran low and we realized our limitations. There is no way we can satisfy all the needs we came across! Slowly, this became clear to us: even if every kid gets to go to school and every school gets all the supplies and teachers they need, there will still be new needs: more computers, more notebooks, new pens…the list is endless. Furthermore, no amount of shiny ballpoint pens or crisp, white sheets of paper will save these people from their poverty in material, let alone their poverty in spirit. This is a void only our Lord Jesus Christ can fill.
This revelation brought to mind a conversation the apostle Peter had with a crippled beggar after Jesus ascended to the heavens. One day he and John were walking along the road when they saw him, and he begged them for money. Instead of throwing a couple of coins at him, Peter said: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”(Acts 3:6-7) If only we possess Peter’sonfidence in Christ’s power that is alive and active within us today! If we did, I believe we would have walked the Ghanaian dirt roads with a different stride. We would have discerned spiritual darkness and starvation with a deeper compassion, conviction, and felt free and empowered to heal sickness in the body and spirit. If only…
Through this trip, I have witnessed God’s greatness. He is not only my God, but God of all people, all cultures, all nations. He showed me what peoples’ real needs are, and they are far from material. As I write this, I feel a spark ignited in my heart and a desire to grow in faith and walk ever more confidently in the power that is invested in me through Jesus Christ. May we come to know God for who he is and marvel at his greatness; may our lives pattern that after our Lord Jesus and forever point people to Him who is the fountain of truth and life – He alone will satisfy the deepest desires and needs.
Undoubtedly, the degree of poverty stunned us; we saw much lack and real time needs with our own eyes as we visit schools and homes from village to village. Some schools have so many students, yet they are so ill equipped that teachers have to teach geography outside in the 40 degree heat under the shades of mango trees. More than a hundred students were crammed into a classroom not more than 200s.f., and eager souls who wanted to know more about Christ do not have bibles in their own language.
At first, we were eager to help in any way: loving on the kids and dishing out supplies we brought with us. Basically, we were trying to be the 21st Century savior to the poor people we met. However, it didn’t take long before our supplies ran low and we realized our limitations. There is no way we can satisfy all the needs we came across! Slowly, this became clear to us: even if every kid gets to go to school and every school gets all the supplies and teachers they need, there will still be new needs: more computers, more notebooks, new pens…the list is endless. Furthermore, no amount of shiny ballpoint pens or crisp, white sheets of paper will save these people from their poverty in material, let alone their poverty in spirit. This is a void only our Lord Jesus Christ can fill.
This revelation brought to mind a conversation the apostle Peter had with a crippled beggar after Jesus ascended to the heavens. One day he and John were walking along the road when they saw him, and he begged them for money. Instead of throwing a couple of coins at him, Peter said: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”(Acts 3:6-7) If only we possess Peter’sonfidence in Christ’s power that is alive and active within us today! If we did, I believe we would have walked the Ghanaian dirt roads with a different stride. We would have discerned spiritual darkness and starvation with a deeper compassion, conviction, and felt free and empowered to heal sickness in the body and spirit. If only…
Through this trip, I have witnessed God’s greatness. He is not only my God, but God of all people, all cultures, all nations. He showed me what peoples’ real needs are, and they are far from material. As I write this, I feel a spark ignited in my heart and a desire to grow in faith and walk ever more confidently in the power that is invested in me through Jesus Christ. May we come to know God for who he is and marvel at his greatness; may our lives pattern that after our Lord Jesus and forever point people to Him who is the fountain of truth and life – He alone will satisfy the deepest desires and needs.