Siham & Annie, lov’in, bless’in & serv’in

While constructing the Village of Life campus here in Kete Kratchi; we and the men, of multiple faiths, start the days with bible study and prayer. God has blessed this by growing a love and unity among them that is rare and wonderful. On Sunday April 24, during “church” at the work site, all of the men repented, accepted, or rededicated themselves to our Lord Jesus. Men of different faiths worshiping together, praising both God and Jesus, together in unity! A Glimpse of heaven, “people from every nation and tongue”. Each man expressed his desire to be more than a “religious man”, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. There were 12 men present.

Our mason /foreman who is/was  of a different faith now articulates that he “does not need an imam, priest or pastor to get to God. or to get right with God.” He says that “now, he has a right standing (righteousness) with God through faith in Jesus, not religion.” “God loved – God gave – we believe – we receive.” (John 3:16). “To believe means to put my full weight in the wheel barrel, lift my feet off the ground and let God push me,,,even across a small board on a high scaffolding. And if I ‘believe in’ Jesus like this, I am safe and not in danger any more.”

In Christian-ese we often say – saved. Here we like to say, we are now safe – rescued – no longer in danger,,, of being separated from God. The men understand that we are created in the image and likeness of God; “somehow like Him”, as they say. Therefore, we are all eternal beings. What will our eternity be, is the real question. We often talk of 2 questions we see in Genesis 16:8; “Woo free hee and Woo quo hee?”  Where have you come from, and where are you going?

Work’in

cook’in Banku on the site

All – “powered by armstrong”, manual labor, digging up aggregate, making blocks, mixing concrete, carpentry, etc, Our African brothers and sisters can WORK!

Robert from Bolgatanga in de north, and Joseph from home fellowship in Accra have continued to serve with us here in Kratchi. As we do community outreach, home church and organized church functions; Joseph leads worship, he is gifted and God has used him. These are 2 men who have committed to “follow” Jesus and God has used them not only as a great help to us, but also as great blessings and examples to both their fellow construction workers and the children. They are here with us in faith, trusting God to provide for them. Like the men, they normally earn about $5.00 to $7.00 a day.

“Go, i wish you well, keep warm and well fed, what good is that?” – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James)

Joseph, who is our electrician/worship leader, co-worker.

thank you for giving & sacrificing

Our Robert & Joseph, experiencing “life in the full”.

It is exciting to see how God is loving, stretching and growing those around us who have said “yes Lord”. Many of you have said “yes Lord” in partnering with us and we can’t express our gratitude and thankfulness for you enough. You constantly remind us that our God loves to; “dress Himself up in human skin”; and often does some of His best and coolest work, through His people!

Our Annie, from Colorado, has extended her stay/ministry with us an additional 2 months. God has also used her in many ways. Please keep them/us in your prayers, we have seen God at work but not without strong opposition. “A great door for effective ministry has been opened to me, but there are many who oppose me.” (Paul)

These men were some of the first students in the school, Jesus is there course of study.

Please pray for disciples not just decisions!

We believe that God is leading us back to Bolgatanga in the far north of Ghana. Mama Laadi’s children’s home has had a failed septic system for the boys dorm for over a year, (unsanitary to say the least) We plan to construct a new/secondary system. We also believe that God is leading us to build a church with some of our brothers and sisters in Bolga who live, work and worship “in de bush” as we say here. Photo’s & details of upcoming Bolga outreach/church plant to come.

Our 6th grandchild is “on the way coming”, as we say here in Ghana.

Thank you for your love & partnership in His mission, “to seek and save the lost”.
gary & siham

“Don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that i, jailbird preacher that i am, am responsible for getting out.”    Ephesians 6:19 The Message

Please continue to pray: God has us in a season of blessing, spiritual impact and fierce opposition.
“This is for keeps, a life or death fight to the finish against the devil and his angels. Be prepared. Your up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.”
Ephesians 6 The Message

Some have asked about the construction part of the work:

Robert came from Bolgatanga in the North to serve with us.
He accepted Christ and has determined to be a disciple.

Fetch-in lumber

Peter, working hard, powered by-Armstrong

Team Outreach Kratchi. Children’s home, finished

Working on the school bldg.

No, we don’t know why gary always has his arms up…maybe praising, maybe it’s really hot? maybe, just weird! :-\

A building is just a tool, but it can and will be a powerful tool,  and the enemy hates it. Please continue to pray for the kids and God’s will for them.

Siham with the first aid kit out, again. Kids are kids everywhere in the world!

Our Annie who is serving God with us for a couple months

“I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple like a child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” Mathew 18 (you must become like children) Message
Thank you all for your love and support.
In Him,
gary & siham