More news on our Africa trip
Well, what can I say? First off, a big thank you to all who helped make it possible for me to join David on this trip! A term that might be used to describe my role might be ‘encouragement’. There were a few people I felt drawn to in particular to whom I felt God used me as an encourager. A couple of them were Africans and a few were missionaries – some not even in our organization. There was one person that I was not particularly drawn to and may have more naturally avoided but unbeknownst to me, God intended for me to be an encouragement to them. So, as I purposed to be open and friendly, I was surprised to see how God used me and blessed that relationship.
Isn’t God good? I wonder how many opportunities I’ve missed (wherever I find myself – here in the States or wherever) because I subconsciously closed
my heart to someone that ‘turned me off’ in some way or another. We are not here to serve ourselves. God’s plans and purposes are so much better than our own. …Somehow I am reminded of the passage of Scripture where Jesus says, “Freely you have received; freely give…”. The context of that bit of Scripture is that of Jesus sending out His disciples to go from town to town and tell people that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand all the while using the power of the Holy Spirit to express the Father’s love toward mankind by healing the sick, cleansing lepers, raising the dead and setting people free from demons – you know, the works of the Kingdom. Those things are amazing – and I want to do all of them, and on a regular basis – but giving the Kingdom away through any act of love – any outreach of the Father’s heart – is still freely giving away the Kingdom. When we give the Kingdom away, people are encouraged and even set free from such things as fear of the unknown, anxiety in times of transition or anxiety regarding potential failure to name just a few. Even while writing this up, the Lord is teaching me to appreciate the value of such small things as encouraging the saints. If it helps them to leave behind their fears and anxiety, and by faith move forward in their ministry, then I am prepared to give thanks and to not despise these ‘small beginnings’ in the Kingdom of God. 
Enjoy a few scenes from our Africa trip…
Visiting outside the headquarters of the Lutheran Chuch of Ghana where we came to visit and report to Bishop Finn
A water delivery truck in Accra Ghana. Water is somewhat scarce depending on the season. When rain collection tanks are empty, water has to be delivered.
Ruth talking with and Ethiopian lady at an Ethiopian restaurant in Accra, Ghana.
Ethiopian food - yum! (mostly )
John Donkoh (Lutheran Media Services, Ghana) speaking to the SE conference. To the left of David is the Archbishop of Nigeria. To the Right of David are Revs Kirien and Linus of southern Ghana.
Our Scripture Engagement group enjoyed several meals at the Lutheran Bishop of Ghana's 'Southern' Chicken restaurant.
David got a kick out of this take-off on Starbucks. At present, this place does not yet serve coffee.
Accra Traffic. Yikes! If you don't like the way I drive, stay off the sidewalk! (Actually, that is more discriptive of Nigeria)
Accra is a crowded city with many unfinished buildings.
A major road in Jos, Nigeria. Where'd the traffic go?
Down town Jos, Nigeria
Road side venders. It is very common to have people selling things on busy slow-moving roads. In the city, you'll see people walking between the lanes selling everything imaginable - magazines, peanuts, toilet paper, phone recharge cards, etc. You can even buy home gym equipment at the side of the road!
For sure, there are many conveniences if one lives in the city, but many of our teams do not live in cities.
I’ll be back again with more photos and such,
Ruth