Webster United Church of Christ Delegation to Ghana

November 11—25, 2002
 

 

 

Report by Rev. LaVerne M. Gill

  
  Experience Ghana by Jessie Bradley  
  "Go to Ghana, Girl" a poem by Jessie Bradley  
  Map of Ghana  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Webster United Church of Christ Delegation to Ghana
November 11—25, 2002
By Rev. LaVerne M. Gill

I. Introduction:

"…For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me…’Truly I tell you just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’"(Matthew 25:35-36a; 40)

The Webster United Church of Christ delegation to Ghana became the embodiment of scripture from its first site visit with EP Ghana in Ho throughout its last day of active mission at Krizan/Sanzule Refugee Camp. The Ghana Mission trip provided inspired spiritual mountaintop experiences for many of the twelve. For some it will take months, if not years to fully process and integrate the poignant moments of the pilgrimage. So profound was the Providence of God in our midst that it probably could be said that each delegate experienced his or her own unique pristine moment of transformation. Because of the distinctiveness of the presence of the Holy Spirit, this report is replete with stories evidencing God’s footprints throughout the journey.

Background: Responding to Global Ministries Call
In August 2001, Global Ministries (GM) embarked upon an ambitious project. It sponsored nearly a dozen African American clergy and lay leaders on a trip to Ghana, West Africa under the auspices of the Christian Council of Ghana (a Global Ministries partner). The purpose of the trip was to apprise African American lay leaders and clergy of the work of Global Ministries in Africa through its Ghanaian partners in ministry. It was hoped that such immersion would serve as an impetus for more congregational involvement with the Africa Office and with African missions.

The pastor of Webster United Church of Christ and the author of this report
Rev. LaVerne Gill

(Rev. LaVerne M.Gill) was a participant in this Global Ministries program. Following the trip, she began to discuss a mission trip with the Webster Congregation. The result was a planned mission pilgrimage similar to the original GM’s August 2001 trip.

Unfortunately, for the Webster delegation, Bridgett Robinson, the delegation leader was no longer with Global Ministries. In her stead, Rev. Sandra and Mr. Daniel Gourdet represented Global Ministries on the trip. The Gourdet’s served a different function than Bridgett Robinson. They participated as partners and pilgrims along the journey. This dedicated and experienced couple brought wisdom, knowledge and a firm spiritual foundation that served to buoy the delegation during its times of fatigue and frustration. Rev. Gourdet provided an invaluable orientation and they both provided the necessary expertise to ensure that appropriate and culturally sensitive protocols were followed.

The trip was scheduled for November 11-25, 2002 using an itinerary that was slightly modified from the August 2001 delegation’s agenda. Webster’s itinerary included additional site observations and a limited amount of hands-on mission work. People-to-People visits were not logistically feasible, eliminating the possibility that delegates would spend time with Ghanaian families in individual homes. Three major sites were selected by Christian Council of Ghana: Christian Council of Ghana Projects in Accra; Evangelical Presbyterian sites in and around Ho; and The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) run Refugee camp in Krizan/Sanzule.

The delegation brought along with it funds for food, medicine and scholarship support. The funding sources were a combination of the United Church of Christ’s Michigan Conference (Committee for Church in Society and World Mission) that provided $1,500 for Food/Hunger projects and the Webster United Church of Christ Congregation, which provided nearly $6,500 for trip support, scholarships and medicine. In addition to these contributions, individual delegates made contributions to: an eye-care fund for EP Ghana; Concern and Caring Program for the differently abled (EP Ghana); Shoes for Lepers (EP Ghana); Emergency hospital funds and contributions for a sick child and her parents; contributions toward overhead cost for Christian Council of Ghana; start up material for Sanzule women’s project (Refugee Camp); and school supplies and basketballs for the youth at the Refugee camp.

A more detailed report follows this brief summary. Needless to say, it is impossible to capture the spirit of this trip on paper and the pictures only one-dimensionally depict the experiences of the delegation. Despite a few inconveniences, for most of the delegation this was a rich and rewarding experience.

Webster United Church of Christ’s Ministerial Mission:

Many of the delegates from Webster UCC did not know what this experience would provide other than a life-altering event in their spiritual journey. The initial intent was to have an opportunity to do hands-on mission work and to visit with Ghanaian families in their homes as guests, as well as to view the projects of Global Ministries’ partner—Christian Council of Ghana.
It was certain that this trip would serve as a way of broadening the mission of the church, however, the manner in which that would be accomplished was not clear in the beginning. There is no doubt that following the trip; the delegation came back with a cachet of ideas about involvement. The question now becomes how to choose and subsequently implement the projects selected.


II. Delegates: The Twelve Pilgrims

Not unlike those twelve disciples in scripture, the delegates came from many different backgrounds and were positioned on many different points along the spiritual pathway. They had many gifts and each came with a different quest and varied questions.
The delegates for the Ghana Mission included: representatives from Global Ministries, members, officers and friends of Webster Church and the pastor. They were:
A View of Accra, Ghana

 

The delegation received three orientation sessions before leaving the US and one orientation upon arrival in Ghana.

Dr. Richard Douglass and Dr. Brenda McGadney Douglass, members of Webster Church conducted two orientation sessions. The Douglass’ had just returned from an academic year in Ghana, where Richard Douglass was a Fulbright Scholar. Their orientation provided valuable insights into the culture and life of Ghana, as well as a review of some of the aspects of their professional work and research.

Global Ministries staff person, Rev. Sandra Gourdet, provided the third orientation. This orientation focused on cultural awareness issues; the importance of such missions to Global Ministries and the potential for spiritual and personal transformation in undertaking such a pilgrimage. Rev. Gourdet’s insight into the people of Africa and the potential for spiritual enlightenment was unquestionably a blessing for the delegation. She fielded and responded to a wide range of questions and came prepared with materials that would prove to be quite useful for the impending pilgrimage.

III. Global Ministries Support: Workers in the Vineyard

This trip would not have been possible without the logistical, financial and staff support of Global Ministries. The People-to-People program funded the Pastor’s proposal for financial support, resulting in an award of $1,500 to defray travel costs. Global Ministries also provided initial funding for deposits to secure the reservations for the delegation.

While the funding and logistics were a major contribution of the Global Ministries Africa Office, the staff support was indispensable. Rev. Enrique Ocasio, coordinated the schedule and agenda with the Christian Council of Ghana, as well as assisted in the travel arrangements through the Menno Travel Service. Although, Rev. Ocasio received the assignment late in the process (around September), he was able to efficiently and effectively provide the much-needed liaison between Christian Council of Ghana and the delegation. His diligence made it possible for this intense eleven-day immersion to be successful.

As partners along the journey, the presence of Rev. Gourdet and her husband Daniel kept the delegation spiritually and culturally grounded. Their presence became a blessing to all of the delegation, as is evident from the qualitative relationships that developed with them and each of the delegates. Educating the delegation to the role of Global Ministries and providing a perspective on the relationship between GM, the Christian Council of Ghana and the local church was one of the major tasks of the Gourdet’s and they performed it in an exemplary fashion.

IV. Christian Council of Ghana’s Schedule: A Story of Fishes and Loaves

The Christian Council of Ghana is to be commended for its hands-on logistical support. They designed the agenda, accommodated the request of Webster’s pastor and made arrangements for lodging, ground transportation and visitation. The leadership at each site had been briefed on the delegates, the church and the purpose of the trip. At the refugee camp, assignments were pre-arranged according to the interests and vocations of the delegates. At EP Ghana, Rev. Richard Nimo was prepared with a three-day agenda for visitation, worship, and interaction.

The Rev. J.W.K. deGraft-Johnson was able to provide a much-needed briefing upon the arrival of the delegation and a thorough debriefing at the end of the pilgrimage. A bus and driver were provided for the duration of the trip and accommodations were in place at each site. With limited financial resources and staff, the Christian Council of Ghana truly extended itself to support and make possible a successful pilgrimage. Many delegates continue to marvel at their resourcefulness and their ability to do so much with so little.


V. Overview of The Eleven-Day Pilgrimage

Day 1: Orientation and Visits to Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) sites:

The first full day of the trip, Thursday, (the delegation arrived late Wednesday night) began with a much-needed orientation by Rev. J. W. K. deGraft-Johnson, the CCG Director of Programmes. His wise words were that "Ghana must be experienced". After giving an overview of some of the projects, a lesson in geography and a warm welcome, Rev. deGraft-Johnson told of the acute needs of the children in the Northern Region of Ghana. He made a point of singling out the need for food programs for school-aged children.
Accompanied by CCG staff, the delegation was taken to two projects in Accra—The Mother’s Union Training School for Girls and the St. Barnabas, Anglican Church School.
The Mother’s Union Training School: The Mother’s Union Training School construction project was temporarily disrupted by structural damage to the building. This was caused by insufficient drainage. The drainage problem created cracks in the wall of the concrete structure. Delegates discussed ways of solving the problem.
Behind the school, the Mother’s Union planted a vegetable garden. It is situated between the school and a Chapel that is also under construction. Delegates discussed the feasibility of sending seeds for the garden and considered the legal parameters for shipment.
The St. Barnabas Anglican School: The St. Barnabas Anglican School is a vibrant bustling school for primary and secondary level children. The need was expressed for tuition scholarships and school supplies.
Cultural Arts Center: Following the site visits the delegation had its first Ghanaian market experience at the Cultural Arts Center.
Reflections: The evening concluded with reflections led by Tepper Gill. Using a Taoist metaphor about anthills and mountains, the delegation reflected on how many anthills it might have ignored, or stumbled over during the day.

Day 2: Friday: Travel to Ho and Evangelical Presbyterian Church Campus

Roaside Market


Friday was primarily a travel day. The ride from Accra to Ho was the delegation’s first trip onthe less than smooth roads of Ghana. Roadside vendors and occasional stops to satisfy bodily needs introduced many delegates to another side of life in Ghana. When the delegation arrived in Ho we received a late lunch at EP Ghana and an introduction to our home for three days—the EP campus.

Akoefe Farms: Following a brief welcome by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Moderator, Rev. Dr. L. K. Buama, we were taken to visit the Akoefe Farms. This impressive farm served as a laboratory for projects aimed at self-sufficiency and modernization of agricultural practices. Snail and mushroom farming, creative housing for chickens and goats, the use of donkeys for transportation and other farm work were just a few of the programs being undertaken by this project.

Echoing through the air as the delegates visited the farm were voices from a young people’s choir. Literally following the voices, the delegation ended up a few yards away singing and moving with the rhythms of the church choir.
Reflections: Following dinner, Karen Kulp, who reflected on our eyes being opened to so many new experiences, lives and realities, led the evening reflections.

Day 3: Saturday: "Know Who You Are; Where You Are; and Why You are Here"
The Clinic in Gemeni: Following breakfast we headed out for Peki Seminary, but our guide re-arranged the schedule that resulted in our visiting the EP Clinic at Gemeni first. It was here that we had an opportunity to be a part of God’s work in a very personal way.
Upon entering the clinic, we saw a father holding a listless child of about 18 months. The child was suffering from a fever and some other malady that was not easily determined. The clinic, staffed by nurses, but no doctors gave the child a shot of medicine, but knew that more was needed. A trip to the hospital was out of reach for the mother and father. A cost of about $20.00 for an entrance fee was prohibitive for the family and the one-hour drive to the hospital required additional funds to pay someone in the village to drive the family there.
The delegation pooled its money to pay for the child’s entry fee into the hospital, gathered additional money for the family to use for food and transportation and took the mother (Ruby) and the baby (Grace) to the hospital. Following a prayer with the mother and a brief discussion with the doctor, it was determined that the mother was fearful for the life of the child since one child in the village with similar symptoms had died the day before.
It was the highpoint of the trip—a true mountaintop experience. The spiritual and emotional elation of the delegation was palpable. Our guide, Rev. Nimo likened it to the story of the "Good Samaritan".

Peki Seminary: Upon arriving at Peki Seminary—delegates-still absorbing and processing the clinic experience—were greeted with a sign that resonated with the feelings of the moment: "Know who you; Where you are; and Why you are here".
The seminary provides certificate training for catechumen’s in the Presbyterian Church. A tour of the campus left us with an understanding of some of the needs of the school. They included, sleeping mats for student beds; resources for the soon-to-be completed library, needs for the music program (The seminary has one keyboard and a piano in disrepair for its certificate training in sacred music), and financial resources for students.
Our detour to the hospital resulted in a late lunch; however, the EP restaurant staff prepared our meal without complaint.

Ho Polytechnic, Leprosarium and Regional Hospital:
The day had been emotionally and spiritually full, but nothing prepared us for the evening visit to the Leprosarium. There we were mesmerized by the stories of the residents (most cured of leprosy, but still bearing the scares and deformities of the disease). These stories told of two and three decades of lonely existence—people who had not had any relatives, children or spouses visit them for almost 30 years. Abandoned by family, they were also shunned by the "outside" world. As the residents sat on one side, the medical staff on another and the delegation on the third side of the seating triangle, one member of the delegation, Jessie Bradley, rose up and approached the leper residents and reminded them that we were all children of God—sisters and brothers—and that we love them. She then went over and kissed and hugged them all. The delegation followed her lead.

It was another God moment—never to be forgotten.

There was a need expressed for special shoes for the lepers. The shoes must be specially fitted for the deformities that result from leprosy. Many of the Lepers were without these special shoes.

The final trip of the day was to the Regional Hospital. There the delegation toured the facilities and a group stayed behind to pray for those in the emergency ward.
Reflections: Following dinner, Judy Bemis led the evening reflection time. The emotionally and spiritually charged day was framed well by Judy’s presentation and her personal embrace of the fullness of the day’s experiences.

Day 4: Sunday: A Day of Worship and Celebration
Sunday was another significant travel day. Following breakfast, we headed for Kadjebi-Asato for the Centenary Celebration of the Asato EP Church, Ghana. The celebration featured a sermon by the moderator, presentations by the village chief’s, a welcome to the delegation and greetings from the Global Ministries representative: Rev. Sandra Gourdet and another from Rev. Gill. Special presentations by choirs, youth groups and dance troupes preceded a reception for the delegation.

Reflections: The delegation returned to Ho and following dinner, Daniel Gourdet led the reflections. Daniel reflected on Matthew 11:28: "Come to me all who are tired and I will give you rest". He wanted to show in a jovial way that after the emotionally-charged Saturday and weariness of traveling to Asato that the lively Sunday service was God’s way of giving us a bit of rest.

Members of the delegation practiced that night in preparation for the singing of an African American Spiritual during the Monday morning devotional.

Day 5: Monday: Looking at Mountaintop Experiences
Following breakfast, the delegation prepared to lead the morning devotion with the EP Headquarters Staff. Ted Fischer led the worship service with a reflection about the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop (Luke 9:28-36). His theme—mountaintop experiences—was reflective of our sojourn in Ho. The ad hoc Webster choir sang: The African American Spiritual, "Over my Head".
Following lunch we traveled back to Accra.
Reflections: Following dinner at the Family Life Lodge, Steve Bemis led the evening reflection. Steve used as part of his reflection the story of the Canaanite woman. The theme of love and forgiveness framed our discussion that evening.

Day 6: Tuesday: The Long Trip to Takoradi
Tuesday was a travel day and could probably be described as our most inconvenient travel day. We were headed for a town near Takoradi—an eight-ten hour drive. Due to a mis-communication between the driver and a CCG staff member, the driver was late. The delegation ate breakfast at Frankies a restaurant in Accra and followed that with individual errands—all scheduled to culminate at the CCG office. Measurements for clothes, shopping, money exchange and other incidentals characterized the morning.

Local Pharmacy

By noon, the delegation began the journey toward Takoradi, with one stop planned—a pharmacy. The CCG staff person (John) thought that purchasing the medicine for the refugee camp would be more cost effective in Accra. Needless to say, an order of $300 worth of medical supplies required the pharmacist to make a trip to the wholesaler and resulted in a wait of more than an hour. Tara Lostetter, Ted Fischer and Steve Bemis were responsible for purchasing the medical supplies. (A list of medical supplies was provided by the clinic at the Sanzule Refugee camp).

Once on the road, the driver took an unexpected detour—a visit to his home church to meet with his pastor. A delighted pastor met with the delegation and shared his joy at meeting us and his sorrow at our inability to stay overnight.

Tuesday was a big market day in Accra. This resulted in a traffic jam getting out of Accra, causing an even greater delay in our schedule. Once on the road, we had a vehicle mishap. The shaft holding the battery in the bus broke, causing the battery to be unsupported. God’s hand came in the form of a Swiss Army knife owned by Connie Bank; some twine carried by the driver; the ingenuity of Steve and Tepper in securing the battery and a welding shop less than a couple of miles away.

While the time was short it still amounted to about an hour before the bus was repaired and we were on the road again.

Dinner was late and we had completely skipped lunch. We finally ended up eating in Cape Coast and driving another two hours before reaching the hotel near Takoradi.
Reflections: We had no reflections that night.

Day 7: Wednesday: Refugees—Strangers in a Strange Land
Krizan/Sanzule Refugee Camp:
Refreshed after luxuriating in a wonderful Oceanside resort, following breakfast, the delegation prepared to take the one-hour drive to the Krizan/Sanzule Refugee Camp.
The delegation was greeted with open arms at the refugee camp. The camp manager gave the delegation an overview of the governance of the camp. This was preceded by the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) assistant assigning delegates to various groups within the camp with which to work. Assignments included: Steve Bemis meeting with the Togolese Refugee Council to assist in the writing of their constitution; Jessie Bradley and Tara Lostetter spending time with the children at the school; Jim Kulp and Ted Fischer assisting the Olympic Aid staff person with recreation; The Gourdet’s touring a number of projects; and Judy Bemis, Connie Bank and Pastor Gill meeting with the women’s council. (The August 2001 trip had resulted in Rev. Gill and others making a commitment to help the refugee women. This was the beginning of the fulfillment of that commitment). Tepper Gill and Karen Kulp prepared to go to Takoradi to purchase the food using a list provided by the camp manager. They were responsible

Vendors?

for purchasing $500 worth of food for the camp. Following the formal introductions, a tour of the camp, and the sharing of gifts with the refugee management, Karen and Tepper, along with the CCG staff person, John, were prepared to go into Takoradi to purchase the food.

The plan was to begin our various assignments after lunch. Lunch was available at a restaurant not far from the camp; however, by the time we reached the restaurant they had run out of food. The CCG representative talked the owner into giving the delegation the leftovers from lunch and making some crepes for the rest. In the meantime, Steve Bemis became ill and had the bus driver drop him off at the hotel on their way to the market to purchase the food.

The evening was spent with delegates having separate experiences at the refugee camp and coming away with letters, pleas for help, and a list of needs for various constituencies of the camp. It was around 6 pm and dark (the camp does not have electricity) by the time the "food committee" returned. The food was unloaded to the cheers of the refugees and the delegation headed for the hotel.

Reflections: Following dinner, Tara Lostetter led the reflections. Taking a quote from the Tao, Tara reflected on her observations about the various transformations that she witnessed within the delegation as well as her own. Preparing for the next day’s visit with the women’s group: Jessie Bradley, Judy Bemis and Pastor Gill met to strategize about a plan for the women.

Day 8: Thursday: Return to Sanzule
Following breakfast the delegation returned to Sanzule and their respective areas of interest, after the official presentations of the food, medicine, and gifts for the camp were made with the Rev. Dr. Robert Aboagye, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana in attendance.
Steve Bemis and Tara Lostetter met with the Togolese delegation, Karen Kulp and Jessie Bradley spent time with the children in the schools; Jim Kulp and Ted Fischer continued to spend time with the camp youth and others. Judy Bemis and Pastor Gill met with the women and presented their plan for a Sanzule Women’s Sewing circle (see section on Follow-Through Projects). The food purchase was almost complete. Tepper Gill and the driver, Ben completed the purchase of the food, while funds were provided for Connie Bank to purchase material for the women’s project.

At the suggestion of Daniel Gourdet, sandwiches were made by the hotel for the delegation to take along for eating during the lunchtime.
The delegation left the camp around 4pm in order to travel to Cape Coast where they had living accommodations.
Reflections: There were no reflections.

Day 9: Friday--Visit to Slave Castle Follows Completion of Official Mission Trip
Reflections:
Following breakfast, Jim Kulp provided reflections on scriptures based on "truth". He lifted up his concern and that of others regarding how to discern truth in a situation similar to that of the refugee camp, where the officials tell one story about conditions and the refugees tell another.
Prior to heading for Cape Coast and the Slave Castle and KanKum Park, the delegation met to put closure to the official part of the pilgrimage. Rev Gourdet closed out the meeting with a prayer and words of "Grace".

Cape Coast:
We arrived in Cape Coast in time to visit one of the slave castles (Elmina). Many in the group took the guided tour, while a few others made the pilgrimage individually. The guided tour resulted in the participants having a late lunch. The eating conditions were made the worst because the Castle Restaurant was unable to accommodate that many people with such short notice.

Exhausted, the group reached its accommodations for the night at the Jubilee Hotel only to find that there was no water. The owner immediately went out, secured a plumber and fixed the water situation, while his wife and the cook prepared a meal for the delegation. Sweaty, gritty, exhausted and hungry, the delegation considered alternative plans for accommodations and sent Tepper, Ben the driver and John (CCG), out to scout for another hotel. However, during their time away, the delegation agreed to "tough it out". When trio returned, with another place, the delegation agreed to disagree. John, Ben and Tepper went to the "other place" and the remainder stayed at the Jubilee.

Day 10: Saturday: The Final Adventure—Canopy Walk at KanKum Park
Kakum Park
The water returned and the delegation had a wonderful breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice. The owner compromised on the price of the rooms.
The delegation headed for Kakum Park and the challenge of the canopy walk. Along the way, plans were made to have lunch at an outdoor restaurant on a lake. The delegation took on the challenge of the canopy walk over the rainforest. Feeling triumphant, they enjoyed good food and good music at the planned luncheon buffet.
Upon arrival in Accra some members of the delegation did last minute shopping at the African Market and then headed back to the hotels to prepare for dinner at Mary’s Place (one of the lodges used while in Accra). After being led astray, some members of the delegation reached Mary’s Place late. However, once there they found the most elegant dining that the delegation had experienced. The dinner ended with a presentation of a gift to Rev. Sandra and Daniel Gourdet for their walk with delegation on the journey and a presentation to Mary for her hospitality. Mary also made a presentation to the delegation of a kente cloth stole with "Mary’s Place" on it.

At about 8 pm, Pastor Gill was advised that she was scheduled to preach Sunday morning at 9 am at St. Barnabas Anglican Church.

Day 11: Sunday: Worship, Hospitality and Debriefing
This last day in Ghana was marked by worship and celebration. Rev. Gill preached at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church. Since the African Anglican Church has not endorsed the ordination of women, this was an historic moment. The Webster delegation was greeted with open arms and a reception in their honor.

Early check-in’s required that the delegation cut short the reception and head for the airport, where a debriefing would be held with Rev. deGraft-Johnson.
Comments and Reflections
The delegation shared their reflections with the staff from Christian Council of Ghana and listened attentively as Rev. deGraft-Johnson responded to their questions and concerns.
Many of the delegates shared their interest in various projects (listed below) and provided a preliminary assessment of their trip. The comments were highly favorable regarding the visits made to the various projects. The major critiques of the delegation can be summarized as follows:

1. Not enough downtime for rest, reflection and processing of experiences.
2. Need for a consistent meal schedule.
3. Desire to be involved in more "work" projects
4. Desire to participate in the People-to-People program which would allow for visits in family homes.

It was generally agreed that the planning of the Christian Council of Ghana and the Global Ministries staff was greatly appreciated and is to be applauded. The delegation was very appreciative of all of their efforts and the care and concern with which they planned the mission pilgrimage.

VI. Webster UCC’s Contributions during the Ghana Trip

The financial support and contributions for this trip originate from four sources:

1. Webster UCC Congregational Support: The congregation of Webster United Church of Christ provided financial gifts to support this trip. The gifts were received from individual members of the congregation and ministries within the congregation. The Webster Guild, The Scadin Scholarship fund; The Fischer family; Gil and Kathy Whitney; Paula and Dave Meyer donated gifts from their church baby shower; Bill Thayer; Donna and Jerry Champine; and of course the delegates themselves.
The Webster funds were disbursed in the following categories: Funds were used to provide three partial delegate scholarships. Additional funds were used to defray some of the cost of the travel for members of the delegation. $600 was awarded to Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana for scholarships. $400 was awarded to the St. Barnabas Anglican Church School for support of 10 students for one academic year.
The Webster Church congregation has been enormously supportive of this delegation and its prayers were welcomed and felt as the delegation journeyed through Ghana.

2. UCC Michigan Conference Support: The United Church of Christ’s Michigan Conference, Committee on Church and Society and World Mission, responded to a proposal submitted by Pastor Gill for support for this trip. Following their mandate, they were unable to provide financial support for the actual trip, but would provide support for any project that involved alleviating hunger.
To this end they funded the proposal with a grant of $1,500. The delegation assessed the needs of the various projects and used the $1,500 in the following manner:

Webster church is very appreciative of the funding provided by the Michigan Conference, Committee on Church and Society and World Mission, staffed by Rev. Henrietta Andrews.3. Global Ministries: Global ministries funded a proposal prepared by Rev. Gill for support from the People-to-People grant. The proposal was funded in the amount of $1,500 and was used to defray airfare for the trip.
In addition to this support, Global Ministries staff representatives: Rev. Sandra and Daniel Gourdette, contributed to the school supplies for the Sanzule Refugee camp and to the contribution of gifts for the various hosts in Ghana.

4. Individual Delegates Support: The Webster delegation, provided support throughout the trip for causes that touched their hearts. As a result of our visits to the various EP Ghana sites individual delegates made the following contributions:

VII. Follow-through Projects by Webster UCC:

The delegation continues to look at ways of keeping the momentum and the spirit of the pilgrimage thriving. The following projects have been discussed and will be worked through in more detail in other documents:

1. Establishment of a relationship and provision of overhead assistance for Christian Council of Ghana: In a preliminary discussion with Rev. deGraft-Johnson the delegation made it clear that any future work within Ghana would be done through the Christian Council of Ghana with the appropriate oversight and coordination with Global Ministries. To this end, the delegation will be working on a protocol to transfer funds and other resources to CCG for processing the various projects. The delegation also wants to provide ample support for CCG to administer any projects that it proposes.

A. Shipment of Computers to EP Ghana: The delegation discussed investigating the possible gathering of computers to ship to CCG and EP Ghana. Such computers could be repaired and used in its various locations as well as at the headquarters office. Contact person: Steve Bemis

B. Sanzule’s Women’s Circles (dressmaking, hairdressing): This is a project designed to create an internal sustainable economic structure for the mutual benefit of the women of Sanzule using their gifts, talents, skills and professional expertise. Initial fabric and an order of 50 dresses have already been given to the women to begin the project. The business plan will be provided under separate cover. Contact persons: Judy Bemis and LaVerne Gill

C. Roofing of Facility: A professional tailor in the camp is constructing a building to house a shop and display room. One member of the delegation is interested in supporting the final construction of this facility. The amount of the commitment is approximately $60. Contact person: Ted Fischer

D. Male Tailors Circle: One member of the delegation is interested in supporting a Male tailor’s circle similar to the women’s circle. Contact person: Ted Fischer

E. Scholarship Assistance (Refugee Camp /EP Ghana): A number of members within the delegation are committed to providing scholarship support for various areas. For some the scholarship support will be designated for individuals and others for categories of people (i.e. teachers). Contact person: Ted Fischer

F. Vegetable Garden Circle: Another member of the delegation is interested in supporting a vegetable garden circle at the refugee camp and providing seeds to the Mother’s Union School. Contact person: Connie Bank and Cherryl Vanderhoof

G. Sports sponsorship for Refugee camp youth: A request for tennis shoes for the youth sports group was made and one member of the delegation is investigating getting American tennis shoe manufacturers to take this on as a social responsibility project. Contact person: Tepper Gill

H. Information regarding Boys Scout: Members of the Sanzule refugee camp were interested in getting additional information about the Boys Scouts. One member of the delegation is following through on securing that information. Contact Person: Jim Kulp

I. Books and a Feeding program for Refugee camp school: Several members of the delegation are interested in providing books and school supplies for the refugee camp and for looking at ways to establish a feeding program for school aged kids. Contact Person: Jessie Bradley and Karen Kulp

J. "T-Shirt" Ministry: Members of the Webster congregation have begun a "T-shirt" ministry and are currently gathering "T-shirts to be shipped to Ghana on a regular basis. Contact Person: Carolyn Cherwon

K. Physician Recruitment: Commitment to attempt to identify a physician for one to 12 months for EP Ghana projects. Contact Person: LaVerne Gill

L. Music Equipment for Peki Seminary: Investigate the possibility of providing additional musical instruments for Peki Seminary’s Music program. Contact Person: Judy Bemis

Internal Webster Church procedure. It was agreed at a subsequent meeting following the trip that all contact with respect to the projects identified would go through the Webster Church office and that all correspondence would be directed through Pastor Gill.

VIII. Conclusion

The journey of the Webster Church delegation continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of the delegates. Processing the information and turning it into an integral part of our faith odyssey is the challenge that we all face. One thing is certain, the church will be a lot richer for having supported this pilgrimage.

 

 

"EXPERIENCE GHANA" by Jessie Bradley

I sit, cramped and patient, in what seems to be a traveling time capsule to a place called Ghana. Never have I been anywhere past the American borders. My brain carries an empty pocket of what to expect. My canvas is blank, yet my paints and brushes are ready upon arrival. I can’t wait to fill my mind, soul and body with what is Ghana.

My first step out of the airport and into Accra, I immediately feel the moist hot air on my skin and my nose absorbing the smells so desperate to identify. Is it smoke, mixed with sweat, and fish? It smells like no other city I know. It is as hot as a noonday sun on the beach, even though it is dark with the early evening sky. We are rushed passed the crowds through a path cleared by someone in charge at the lead. Quickly bounding onto an oversized van or a mini bus, our luggage is hurled through the back window. "You are welcome!" says the man who led us through the crowd like a mission from some spy movie. "Thank you," we chant back. Our bus travels in a sea of traffic, with people and bikes and cars, honking and flowing like a rushing river stream, merging and separating with only your own destination in mind. Splashes of paint are frantically being thrown on my once empty canvas of my mind. I know the colors but somehow they seem different in this scene. We turn off this rushing city road onto a dirt road. Is this a short cut? The bus rocks as we climb the rugged road to our evening destination. Walls surround the homes with gates. The horn beeps and the iron door is opened. We are here. Let the paint spatter and spread tonight as I sleep. Maybe the color of daylight will define my experience with more sharp lines.

The next day, we are greeted with breakfast. The yolk of my egg is white not yellow. The sky is blue and the sun is hot. Daylight shines on the faces and colors of the people. Men and boys rush to our windows pleading, "Please lady, buy this. It is beautiful." I rest my arm on the window to let the moving air brush over my hot skin. The colors of rich red-brown faces peer in my eyes, hoping for an opportunity to trade for some small fraction of a dollar. The people are busy about their work today, begging for a bit of a dollar. Colors of cloth wrapped around high buttocks and blooming bosoms as women carry babes on their backs and balance their goods up top their heads. Stand tall, dark women; let not any shame pass on your face. The smells continue with ocean salt, smoke, mixed with sweat and open troths of sewage along every village and roadside edge.

We arrive at the Christian Council of Ghana. There are chickens with chicks scurrying freely just as the pigeons on the New York street squander for scraps. Enter the Council office, I feel a slight relief from the air conditioning fan. "You are welcome!" say the greeters at the door. "Thank you!" we replay in chant. After a bit of words to fill my understanding of the struggles of Ghana we begin our journey to the various mission projects throughout Ghana.
The Mother’s Union Training School is a block cement building with three cement floor rooms set back from the road. The woman speaking is excited to show us this building and the future that it holds for young mothers. We discover a huge crack and one of the walls. We deliberate in extensive discussion about the crack on the wall. The building went up fast without proper drainage for they feared someone else would build on their land and take it from them. The Ghanaian woman was praising God for the building. The program will begin in January, despite the crack in the wall. My eyes divert to the many geckos prancing about the premises as we head back to the mini bus.

Stepping across the drainage troths and passing the laughter from the school windows, I see children waving and greeting us as honored guests. We enter one of the rooms. Twelve young people in matching uniforms rise, and we are greeted, "You are welcome!" They return to their seats and continue their English grammar lesson. The teacher has nothing more than a blackboard and chalk. The air is hot and the noise of other children’s laughter rises through the open classroom windows. We talk of the need for supplies, computers and scholarships funds.
We wave to the children and head back to the city for our market experience. Entering a large tented area on open flat dusty grounds, my eyes feast upon colorful cloth bags and fabrics hanging for floor to tent top. Beads and bongos, carvings and creations are on mass magnificent display. The sounds of voices bartering and bantering, the offer and the counter-offer, fill my ears with the rhythmic song of the market. The exchange is fast and furious with an excitement that soars beyond what my senses can carry. After a purchase that seems like a treasure for pennies, I board the bus and we head back to lodge for rest and relief.

Morning comes quickly again. We board the bus and head out of the city and north to the city of Ho. Villages and people about their work, flash by my window as we scurry down the road. The air changes texture. It is cooler, the horizon more lush and mountainous. The smells are similar but with an added whiff of vegetation. The bus finally arrives at the EP campus in Ho.
We visit Akoefe Farms. A baby goat gingerly watches and follows us at a distance as we tour the premises. I peer down a dark concave filled with snails bigger than golf balls. Rabbits are caged and goats are in raised shelters for sanitation purposes. Bees buzz busily and mushrooms grow enmass in specially prepared places. All the while in viewing this fruitful project, we hear the music fill the air. Drums and songs are soaring above our heads. The sounds draw us to a nearby shelter. The men are drumming and the women are blending and pouring their voices out into the air like rich chocolate batter filling a pan. The pounding of the beat commands our feet to move and our bodies to swivel. We join together with the people of Ghana and dance to the praises of joy. We arrive back at the EP campus and continue to hear music in the air into the night until the rooster crows before the break of dawn.

We rise from our music filled rest to the adventures of another day in Ghana. The spirit of God is stirring in the air and miracles will happen today. We arrive at a clinic in a remote village off a beaten path. It is not our plan to be here this early but it was the plan of God. We find a man holding his listless child in front of the clinic. Earlier that morning another child died in the village with similar symptoms. The mission is obvious. We transport mother and child to the hospital and extend prayers of hope for life and health restored. God is stirring up miracles in the air today.

We travel to a leprosarium. I see rows of people maimed as a result of a virus. But when I look in their eyes, I recognize a greater tragedy, a pain of rejection and loneliness. God, you did not bring us all this way to sit beside a leper in need of love and let me leave without an expression of love and acceptance. God is stirring up miracles in the air as we reach for their mangled limbs and share a warm embrace.

From there we visit another hospital where God uses us as instruments of prayer for those sitting in their beds. We stop and pray with the sick and I watch as their eyes move from their pain and loneliness to a vision of faith , hope and friendship. God is stirring up hope in our hearts today.
Sunday, we wake to a day destined to fill us with joy and renewal. God guides our fearless driver over and around caverns of potholes for four hours. He brings us to a place of celebration. Tribes, churchmen and political delegates gather in a celebration of a church. I join the women wearing white and waving their sweat rags, as we dance with our gifts and offerings to the center of the field. We dance together with our gifts and we dance with each other in a celebration of praise and thanksgiving.

On Monday we worship together with the people of the EP campus and share song and sermon inspired by the one Holy God.

Tuesday, we arrive at the refugee camp. For two days we walk and we talk and we pray with the people. For two full days we experience their pain and their hunger. The people share their stories and together we share ideas for a better tomorrow. We offer food, books paper and pens. We lend an ear, an idea, and share in a hand of hope.
My soul is heavy with the weight of an unjust world as we move on to the slave castles on our finals days in Ghana. I dread to enter the castle but I know that I must. I see the dungeons, the shackles and the darkness. I smell the death and the pain of the spirits left behind. I climb to the very top of the castle walls and peer out to glorious ocean beach. How can this be? Such a horrific place on such a gorgeous land. When will our tolerance for the pain of our brother’s and sister’s pain sink beneath the sandy shore? I watch the waves coming to the shore hoping that humanity will rise with each wave to a higher level of love and mercy for our brothers and sisters.

My canvas is covered with the colors, shades, light and shadows of Ghana. The pockets in my mind are filled with the smells and the textures of the land. My heart is filled with the stories of the people and the faces of hope and love felt in the land of Ghana. Thank you God, for the experience of Ghana.