Reflections on the trip to Ghana
Summation
By Rev. Kathleen Smallwood Johnson,Esq.

“She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.” 1 Kings 10: 6-7

As a child of the 60’s, I had a world-view whose center is the continent of Africa, generally, and the country of Ghana- specifically. I must confess that years of study and conversations with others who had been to Ghana did not prepare me for the awe and wonder that I experienced as I walked in the dust and the spirit of the ancestors. The members of the First Baptist Church delegation, each experienced moments of awe as we realized this tremendous gift of experience granted to us by almighty God.

Akawaba- means welcome. There was a spirit of hospitality that was bestowed upon us from the moment we walked through the gates of the airport in Accra. We were greeted with smiling faces and helping hands- with all that luggage!!!!!

The Land of Kings and Queens. The cliché became a reality as we had an audience with a true and living king. King Oshafu. A king who serves the true King Jesus Christ. This is a man who is turning tradition into a 21st century reality as he seeks to serve his people in the Excellency of Christ.

The value of education. From the Street Academy, to the university and the seminary, to the 2.5 million dollar Boarding School. The children understand the importance of education. The teachers seek to meet the educational needs of the students and teach with enthusiasm. Ah, so much we could learn, so much we need to learn, O Lord, take us to the place where we once placed a premium on both learning and teaching.

The challenge of sickness. The staff of the fever hospital use their own money and limited resources to assist those who come for help. The HIV virus and AIDS is ravaging the continent and the nation of Ghana is no exception. Millions of dollars is spent in addressing the attenuating issues of Malaria, which leaves very little for preventative health. The challenge from the Minister of Health is for all pastors and Christians to go back to Bible and live by the dietary principles for long life.

The Spirit of Worship. The Spirit of the Lord is here. Despite language barriers- the music touched your soul, the drums moved your feet, and the freedom of praise encouraged your heart. From the places of contemplative worship, to the giant halls of exuberant worship- all is done to Give God all the Glory and to Give God All the Praise. Whether spoken in the British tongue or in the mother tongue- everywhere we went to church- the Spirit of the Lord was there!

Partnering for the Future. There is a historic negative legacy from those who went in the name of Christ on Missions- seeking to displace traditions with the trappings of western culture. There is a current virus being spread from our postmodern ways in America that appears to do more harm than good. Rev. Dr. Soaries has been strategically placed by God for such a time as this, to develop true partnerships with the Business/Economic Sector of Ghana, the Ghanaian Baptist Convention, and the king; to develop Key Networking Projects to benefit the people of Ghana, enlighten the membership of First Baptist, and to build the Kingdom of God. The possibilities are endless. Our responsibility to follow up and follow through is essential.

And so my brothers and sisters our challenge is to follow Pastor Soaries as he follows Christ. Follow and implement the vision. Follow and seek to serve. Follow and share of your time, talent and resources. Follow and show the Love of Christ. Follow and not just go to church, Be the Church.

“ Follow me, as I follow Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1”