June 2009
It’s time for a midyear update, just to let you all know I’m still around. A lot has gone on since January. I have continued going to my two nursery schools faithfully, although at one time I was sorely tempted to stop and look for ‘a better’ place, like a primary school, to go to. I also went on a mission trip with the National Union of Anglican Students (NUAS) which greatly challenged me.
After one of the preschoolers who used to come to my Good News Club died suddenly in February, I realised that God was showing me how VERY important ministry to preschoolers was, and I repented of my sin of looking down on these little ones. Since then, I have given my all to ministry to preschoolers, and take it extremely seriously. I know my little girl is rejoicing in heaven right now, because she heard and received the message of salvation.
Now a short report on the mission trip. I was invited by a missionary friend of mine, and was very happy to go. We first went to Danfa near Dodowa, and we were comfortably housed in the Medical Students’ Hostel there. I was a little taken aback when I saw the itinerary though. I remember complaining in my diary after the first day, when I woke up tired and irritated. Here’s what I wrote: I’m about ready to go home now! Ei, this isn’t easy at all. We are allowed to go to sleep at 10 pm, then my group wakes up at midnight to pray till 1:00 am. After all that we wake up at 3:45 am. Help!!!! I want to go home! I’m a tired, unhappy mess! And this is only the first day. There is door to door evangelism twice a day and other punishing schedules.
I’m happy to say that the tiredness and irritability died that day, and for the next 5 days God gave me strength on wings as an eagle’s. I took part in most activities after that. Truly, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Thirty plus children came to know the Lord through the combined efforts of the children’s committee.
Halfway through the week, we all moved to Danchira, a village somewhere beyond Kasoa, where the ban on drumming was still in force. We were told we wouldn’t have the liberty to clap and pray etc. like we had been doing. We would sleep in a classroom and wake up extra early to rearrange the desks. Also there was no electricity or potable water. I know I wasn’t the only one who was a little apprehensive as we left.
When we were finally there and had unpacked all our belongings from the bus, the first task was to go on a Jesus march through the village to announce our presence. I wasn’t able to go very far, but when we got out of the compound, we saw a wonderful sight that made all my fears disappear. I'll forever regret not taking my phone along to take pictures. There was this beautiful cloud that had come down low and had rays pointing down at it from heaven. It was the only cloud on that side of the sky, and it was shaped like the head of a lion which had opened its mouth and was roaring. Others said it was the head of a lamb! Now, how can the head of a lion look like the head of a lamb at the same time? It’s impossible in my books. But this was to remind us of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lion and the lamb, who triumphed over death and hell and won the victory for us on the cross of Calvary. God gave us a powerful reminder that He had already won the victory and we were only to go and pick up the spoils. What a mighty God we serve! I came back from that mission trip a changed girl. PTL!!!
Akos
Ps: I would value any feedback you have on my newsletters. Thank you!
Newsletter for January
And are we yet alive,
And see each other’s face
Glory and praise to Jesus given
For his redeeming grace.
Praise ye the Lord!
Dear Friends,
God is Alive!!
A year has come and gone, and what a year it was!! I’m sure we all had our high points and low points, but the fact that you are alive and reading this now is evidence of God’s goodness. 2008 was good for me; it was the year that I re-started climbing the academic ladder. It was totally unexpected, a friend of mine told me about a new course that was being run by Trinity Theological Seminary, and things just clicked into place. I became a diploma student in Holistic Child Development from February to November. I’m proud to say that I am now better equipped for the task ahead.
We were to graduate in the second week of November, but there was a little delay. Then, on the 24th of January, our graduation came on with the majority of us getting diplomas. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me. That was not the only surprise though, there was more in store. I was awarded the “Best All Round” prize, and all the guests were told that the project work I submitted was “one of the best”! It was a complete surprise to me, and thank God the tears that were threatening didn’t fall (my tears don’t stop in a hurry). What a great testimony!! When all seems lost, just rest in Him. It sounds like such a contradiction, but our part is just to stand still and see the glory of the Lord. God will sort it out for His children; He always does, even if it takes 25 years. Ask Abraham!
Camp 2008! Alive in Christ!!
In December I was invited to a Children’s camp which was being run by International Needs at their Vocational training school situated at Adidome in the Volta region. It was a teens’ camp, and I was to be a camp counsellor, which meant I was to reach out to children who had needs and counsel them. Not being previously acquainted to the children made it a bit more complicated, but I talked to a few, since I was in charge of a small group.
The theme for the camp was “ALIVE IN CHRIST!!” and there were 100 children/young adults from 5 schools started by International Needs. It was more of a vacation for me, I must say, since I was really very well taken care of.
Once there I was asked to give a talk to the whole group on the 4th and 5th days, quite short notice, but God was good. Overnight I had a message to give, and I was pleasantly surprised at the reception of the young people. They loved it (especially when I got to the part about relationships). They asked some very frank questions too! The following day, I talked for only 10 minutes since I was suffering from a bad throat infection which was getting worse with each day. Every day I could see God looking out for me in all that went on. I thank Him for the opportunity.
Well, 2009 has just begun, a brand new year and we can only look forward to the bountiful blessings in store for us. Please continue to remember me in your prayers.
Blessings,
Akos
See my graduation pictures here -> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15780&l=7992f&id=1090069808
Pilgrim's Progress
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August 2008
Dear friends,
So he did, and behold, at a great distance, he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and fountains, very delectable to behold. Isa. 33:16, 17. Then he asked the name of the country. They said it was Immanuel's land…- “Pilgrim’s Progress”
The Lord has been faithful! We have entered the second half of the year,once again. and it is time to tell of the goodness of the Lord!
These past months I have felt like Pilgrim of Pilgrim’s Progress must have done, as he went along his way learning and discovering more with each new day, the cross behind him and his path before him.
Progress in Training Adults
I finally decided to try my hand than teaching adults once more. It was a daunting task, especially as I was immediately reminded of my first experience, but in March a training session (Teaching Children Effectively – TCE) was organised for Sunday School teachers at my church, Accra Chapel. I was asked to take part, and I was given two sessions to teach, namely, The Conversion of the Child and The Importance of the Teacher. I just committed myself to God and gave it my best. I performed creditably, if I say so myself! After the first lesson, one of the other teachers told me that everything I was saying was right on target, but I just needed to speak with more confidence. The second lesson was much smoother since I was more confident. Anytime there is another training session I will be ready to take up the challenge once again!
Progress in Teaching Children
Soon after, there was an opening to teach at another nursery school, Grace and Truth School, just adjacent to my house. It’s a small class of about fifteen children, which lets me get much closer to them, and I go there on Friday mornings. It was a little unsettling at first, getting used to both schools, but I’m more used to it now. At the moment schools are on holiday, so I am free, but I will resume when the term begins in September.
Progress in Building Bridges
I continue going to True Love School on Thursday mornings, and two months ago I noticed that a special child had been admitted to the school. His name is Sakyi. I really didn’t know how to reach him. He was so excitable and he wouldn’t sit down along with the other children. I didn’t know how much he would even understand, and the other teachers generally ignored him or would shout orders at him.
At first he wouldn’t come near me, but one day as I was telling the story, I noticed that he had come quite close to me. I extended my hand but he drew back sharply and went away again. Over the next two months I extended my hand over and over again as I was teaching but to no avail. The breakthrough came when three weeks before school vacated, I extended my hand and this time he reached out to take my hand. I drew him close and gave him a hug and a little kiss, and surprisingly he hugged me back! This stopped my story momentarily, and I heard ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the stunned children; I told him he was my friend, and from that time he has followed me adoringly every time I come. It was a breakthrough for me, but I know the real work is only beginning. I took a picture with him sometime later. I'll soon upload it on Facebook and send the link.
The Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4:13! I have found a few more avenues for ministry that I will be exploring in the next few months. I am currently writing my thesis in preparation for my graduation from Trinity Theological Seminary in November, then I hope to go into ministry full time (Godwilling). I have learned many valuable lessons from my course and I want to make full use of it. I am very interested in counselling children, and I pray that God makes a way for me.
Please continue to bear me up in prayer for a stronger ministry.
Let the children come unto me, and do not hinder them - Jesus
Yours in Him,
Akos
The first Newsletter I wrote!
December 2006
Hi Everybody,
This is a first from me. I have decided to start my own newsletter, since there have been many changes in my life. This year has been A YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS in every sense of the word. There have been countless surprises, but I will name just a few new beginnings here. The Lord says, “Behold, I make all things new”. Rev. 21:5.
…New Beginnings in Business
On the 9th of July I began a new phase of my life when I moved to the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Centre in Tema to embark on my Children’s Ministries Institute® training. I have had this soft spot for children for as long as I can remember. It is nothing but the hand of God that got me registered in this course which cost over ¢4 million ($500), and for the next 3 months I lived in Tema. God is sooooo good! I have to think and pray seriously about what to do with my transcription business now since I am really more interested in children’s business. To tell the truth, business is really slow, and I haven’t been advertising either. I have this secret fear of being overburdened with tons of work that I can’t finish; I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. I visited the orphans at Osu Children’s Home with some goodies for Christmas, and I hope to resume my weekly visits from February next year.
…New Beginnings in Learning
In Tema, the Institute, as it is called, soon proved that it was going to be quite demanding. There were many practicum assignments expected of us, and we were kept extremely busy. We were taught how lost children were and were told of the need to catch them young for Jesus. We were taught Christian Principles; shown how to give captivating bible lessons, use the wordless book and generally how to behave around children. Children as young as five can be saved if the gospel is brought down to their level.
We were also taught how to instruct other people in child evangelism and were given solid leadership principles by our teachers.
In the fourth week we had to write a 20 page paper within a week, defending the biblical basis of child evangelism. It was like writing a thesis, the college paper I never wrote. It was a frenzied time, but I got an A+ for the paper I produced; God’s grace alone. We graduated on the 29th of September with a ceremony at the First Baptist Church, and I gave a testimony about my twelve weeks there.
It was a whole new experience, and I thank the Lord for it.
…New Beginnings in Ministry
Since returning from the Institute, I have become a Sunday school teacher at church. It is a challenge handling the preschool aged kids, but He who has called is faithful.
I am now a voluntary worker for CEF, and I have helped out at the at the Channel R studios (a local radio station) a few times, helping out with the Good News Club on air that is broadcast every Saturday. I will go more often when I am put on the programme.
I started a Good News Club on the 3rd of November with a grand total of 3 children. Since then the club has grown to 11, and most of my children have accepted Christ. There is one boy in particular that I am praying for. He is yet to accept. We meet on the front porch on Friday afternoons. I need strength, since most times even though I have prepared, I find myself getting stressed out when Friday is approaching.
A friend of mine started a school programme and invited me to help out. We go to Calvary Methodist School at nearby Adjiriganor once a fortnight to give the morning devotions. We tell the children bible stories and missionary stories and teach them memory verses. My real interest is counselling hurting children, which I did a bit of at Tema, but I haven’t yet found a real avenue for that. A degree in child psychology would really come in handy here, but unless that door opens, I will make do with what I have.
Since I started working with children, I have seen the Holy Spirit’s work in 79 children who have come to know the Lord. One time at the school programme, the whole of Class 4 & Class 5 accepted Christ! I would like to get more involved in the lives of these children.
The verse that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” has now taken on greater meaning for me. I know what lies ahead is not going to be a walkover, but with Jesus in the boat I can smile at any storm.
… Praise & Prayer
Praise the Lord with me for the opportunity to go to CMI®. Thank God that it has opened my eyes to the great need around me; the harvest which is waiting. Pray that the Lord Himself will direct my paths.
Praise the Lord for the new doors which are opening in my life and the fulfilment which I now find in CEF, working among children.
Pray for the Good News Club which has started, and for my 10 saved children, that they will truly be like Jesus. May many more children be saved through this ministry!
Pray for a helper for the club, who will share the responsibility with me, and pray that the gracious Lord will provide the materials needed to sustain a club like this. At the moment I have only one book with 5 stories, and I need more books, song sheets, a flannel board, etc.
Pray that I will be able to train other teachers through CEF (I am also an instructor of teachers) and impact the lives of my preschoolers. Do remember me in your prayers, as we have an enemy, who would really love to see God’s work fail. Please let me know if you want to make a pledge to pray regularly so I can make you a prayer partner and send you frequent prayer bulletins. I hope there will be more new beginnings next year…
“Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that even one of these little ones should perish.” This verse is found in Matt. 18:14. Have you ever thought of telling a 10 year old about Christ? The Saviour is waiting with open arms. Have you taken up His offer of love yourself? Will you accept the privilege of being the one to usher the little ones in? Will you heed the urgent call to salvage the souls of these precious ones so that they also can be found in glory? God richly bless you, and the best of the Season to you!
Yours in His Vineyard,
Akosua M. Dankwa
Hi Everybody,
This is a first from me. I have decided to start my own newsletter, since there have been many changes in my life. This year has been A YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS in every sense of the word. There have been countless surprises, but I will name just a few new beginnings here. The Lord says, “Behold, I make all things new”. Rev. 21:5.
…New Beginnings in Business
On the 9th of July I began a new phase of my life when I moved to the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Centre in Tema to embark on my Children’s Ministries Institute® training. I have had this soft spot for children for as long as I can remember. It is nothing but the hand of God that got me registered in this course which cost over ¢4 million ($500), and for the next 3 months I lived in Tema. God is sooooo good! I have to think and pray seriously about what to do with my transcription business now since I am really more interested in children’s business. To tell the truth, business is really slow, and I haven’t been advertising either. I have this secret fear of being overburdened with tons of work that I can’t finish; I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. I visited the orphans at Osu Children’s Home with some goodies for Christmas, and I hope to resume my weekly visits from February next year.
…New Beginnings in Learning
In Tema, the Institute, as it is called, soon proved that it was going to be quite demanding. There were many practicum assignments expected of us, and we were kept extremely busy. We were taught how lost children were and were told of the need to catch them young for Jesus. We were taught Christian Principles; shown how to give captivating bible lessons, use the wordless book and generally how to behave around children. Children as young as five can be saved if the gospel is brought down to their level.
We were also taught how to instruct other people in child evangelism and were given solid leadership principles by our teachers.
In the fourth week we had to write a 20 page paper within a week, defending the biblical basis of child evangelism. It was like writing a thesis, the college paper I never wrote. It was a frenzied time, but I got an A+ for the paper I produced; God’s grace alone. We graduated on the 29th of September with a ceremony at the First Baptist Church, and I gave a testimony about my twelve weeks there.
It was a whole new experience, and I thank the Lord for it.
…New Beginnings in Ministry
Since returning from the Institute, I have become a Sunday school teacher at church. It is a challenge handling the preschool aged kids, but He who has called is faithful.
I am now a voluntary worker for CEF, and I have helped out at the at the Channel R studios (a local radio station) a few times, helping out with the Good News Club on air that is broadcast every Saturday. I will go more often when I am put on the programme.
I started a Good News Club on the 3rd of November with a grand total of 3 children. Since then the club has grown to 11, and most of my children have accepted Christ. There is one boy in particular that I am praying for. He is yet to accept. We meet on the front porch on Friday afternoons. I need strength, since most times even though I have prepared, I find myself getting stressed out when Friday is approaching.
A friend of mine started a school programme and invited me to help out. We go to Calvary Methodist School at nearby Adjiriganor once a fortnight to give the morning devotions. We tell the children bible stories and missionary stories and teach them memory verses. My real interest is counselling hurting children, which I did a bit of at Tema, but I haven’t yet found a real avenue for that. A degree in child psychology would really come in handy here, but unless that door opens, I will make do with what I have.
Since I started working with children, I have seen the Holy Spirit’s work in 79 children who have come to know the Lord. One time at the school programme, the whole of Class 4 & Class 5 accepted Christ! I would like to get more involved in the lives of these children.
The verse that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” has now taken on greater meaning for me. I know what lies ahead is not going to be a walkover, but with Jesus in the boat I can smile at any storm.
… Praise & Prayer
Praise the Lord with me for the opportunity to go to CMI®. Thank God that it has opened my eyes to the great need around me; the harvest which is waiting. Pray that the Lord Himself will direct my paths.
Praise the Lord for the new doors which are opening in my life and the fulfilment which I now find in CEF, working among children.
Pray for the Good News Club which has started, and for my 10 saved children, that they will truly be like Jesus. May many more children be saved through this ministry!
Pray for a helper for the club, who will share the responsibility with me, and pray that the gracious Lord will provide the materials needed to sustain a club like this. At the moment I have only one book with 5 stories, and I need more books, song sheets, a flannel board, etc.
Pray that I will be able to train other teachers through CEF (I am also an instructor of teachers) and impact the lives of my preschoolers. Do remember me in your prayers, as we have an enemy, who would really love to see God’s work fail. Please let me know if you want to make a pledge to pray regularly so I can make you a prayer partner and send you frequent prayer bulletins. I hope there will be more new beginnings next year…
“Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that even one of these little ones should perish.” This verse is found in Matt. 18:14. Have you ever thought of telling a 10 year old about Christ? The Saviour is waiting with open arms. Have you taken up His offer of love yourself? Will you accept the privilege of being the one to usher the little ones in? Will you heed the urgent call to salvage the souls of these precious ones so that they also can be found in glory? God richly bless you, and the best of the Season to you!
Yours in His Vineyard,
Akosua M. Dankwa
A little Something I shared last Sunday
A short discourse on two kings: without mentioning their names I’m sure you’ll know who they are.
The first king had a problem with fear; he was always afraid of what people would say about him. He was an angry king, and he was insecure. He tried to kill the man who would be his successor. He tried several times, but he did not succeed.
The second king was a man of war. He once told a lie, and as a result a whole settlement of priests was killed. One day, while he was supposed to be at war, he saw a woman having her bath. Instead of turning his eyes away, he looked, and looked, and looked, and finally he called her, and had his way with her. When he realised she was pregnant, he ordered that her husband be sent to the frontline so he could be killed. He then took the woman as his wife! What a wicked king! I would have said the first king wasn’t as wicked as the first king, but God rejected the first king, and he called the second king a man after His own heart!
The difference between these two kings was their heart attitude. Saul persisted in his sin, but David repented in sorrow, and went on to serve God with all his heart. I am not advocating going to do all the wrong you want to, saying that God will forgive you, but I say to those who have fallen into some sin or the other to come back to God in repentance. God will accept you and restore you.
I would like to appeal to all of us. If someone does something that you would never do in your lowest moment, please do not judge that person. The bible says we should restore those who have been found in sin gently, and speak the truth in love. The one you are harshly criticizing may be the one after God’s own heart.
Over the Mountains and the Valleys
January 2008
| I |
t’s a New Year with new hopes! I’ve been silent since July last year and missed out my December newsletter, but now its here, better late than never. The past months have been turbulent and challenging, and but through it all, my Heavenly Father has been carrying me in His everlasting arms. Deut 33:17a
Valley
Soon after I sent out my last newsletter I had to stop going to BASICS, the school I talked about. The lady in charge had issues with the way I incorporated the gospel in my story to the children and how I gave out the invitation every time. She called me after one lesson and said that the children probably did not understand since she had seen a few of them putting up their hands more than once after the invitation was given. She asked me if there was any way I could give the lesson without giving out an invitation. It was quite an upsetting experience for me, and I sought advice from a few people who encouraged me to keep going despite the new condition I had been given. I did go for a few more weeks and just gave the lesson without an invitation, but then I opted out.
Mountain
Valley
Getting to Osu Children’s Home was becoming increasingly difficult; the day that favoured me was Tuesday, and the Head had asked me to come on Wednesday. It was also a real time of discouragement after I had to leave BASICS, and though it may not have been the best decision to take, I stopped going there too. I still want to work with disadvantaged children, though, and I am making efforts to start visiting Agape Children’s Home in Adenta, which is closer to me.
Mountain
8 “He (she) will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
God also gave me a beautiful picture in my own potted plant. During the harshest weeks of the harmattan when everyone had dry lips and skin like sandpaper, I noticed that my potted plant was looking very healthy. It reminded me of Psalm 1. I took a close up of it, asked God to help me to be like it, and I was encouraged.
July 2007
July 2007
Dear Friends,
GOLD, DARK, RED, CLEAN, GREEN
All too soon it is time for another newsletter. I hope you all got the chance to read my first newsletter. I had a lot of trouble sending it out, and I finally resorted to a web-log on the internet.
THE GOLD PAGE
I guess you are wondering what those words up there mean? Well, each one stands for a page of the wordless book, which is the backbone of child evangelism. It tells about the streets of gold, where God Himself lives; it tells how God created all mankind to inhabit the earth. It tells how much God loves us and wants us to be with Him (I have loved you with an everlasting love Jer 31:3), but it also tells about the holiness of God, which means that there can be no sin in or near him.
One characteristic of gold is that it goes through a blazing fire until all the impurities have been burnt out. That is exactly how I have felt these past few months, like a piece of gold being refined. It has been a real baptism of fire, getting down to the nitty-gritty of child evangelism. I’m not perfect yet; He’s still working on me, burning out the dross and making me more like Jesus. With God’s help I have prevailed, and I have set my face like a flint, I will not turn back, no matter the difficulties that come my way, I am ready. Just thinking of those children who will be wearing crowns of glory with me in heaven one day is enough reward to keep me going.
THE DARK PAGE
The dark page stands for man’s sin, the stumbling block between God and man. Sin is anything we think, say or do that does not please God. We all know the things that we do that do not please God. The bible says that (ALL mankind has sinned and has fallen short of attaining God’s glory Rom. 3:23). There is no way we can find our way back to God on our own, because our sins have separated us from God. Our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, and their fellowship with God was cut off right from that day.
When people come to know the Lord, a great load is taken off them, the darkness they were groping in vanishes, and it is replaced by the glorious light of God. Periods of darkness are not always bad though. The darkest time of night is actually just before dawn, helping us to appreciate the sun better when it bursts out in all its beauty. Whatever you may be going through, please know that it is just temporary, until the dawn appears.
THE RED PAGE
The blood of Jesus, the Son of God, atoned for all our sins; He took my punishment; He took your place. He shed His spotless blood on the cross for us because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). He died and was buried in a borrowed grave, but after three days he didn’t need that grave anymore, because He arose from the grave in victory, triumphing over all principalities and powers and paving the way to heaven for us, where He is now praying for us.
Red means stop. For a few months now I have been forced to stop and think. When I came back from CMI, I was full of zeal to put my transcription business aside and go full time into children’s ministry. However, again, and again, I have felt that Still, Small Voice, telling me to put the brakes on. It took some time for me to hear it, I tell you; I never thought it was possible for God not want me to go full time into ministry, but over and over again, I have come up against a stone wall. After much prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is not God’s will for me to be a full time children’s minister. As such, my transcription and secretarial business still stands, and I invite all of you to send in your jobs. What I have done is to engage the services of a friend, and if the job is too heavy for the hours I keep, I share it with him. I pray that this arrangement works out well, so that I can have the time to do the work that the Saviour Himself has commissioned me with.
THE CLEAN PAGE
But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name (John 1:12). This is where we now stand: Jesus has bridged the chasm between God and man. He stands with outstretched arms, longing for you to accept His offer. All you have to do is:
Admit that you are a sinner
Believe that Jesus came to die to take away your sin
Choose the Saviour and give Him total control of your life
He will come in and wash your sin stained garments in His blood, give you a new garment of righteousness and come in and fellowship with you, making your life one of worship and service.
After hearing the voice of God and choosing to obey Him, I have felt such peace and contentment that I wouldn’t trade this for anything. After all, ‘Obedience is better than sacrifice’ 1 Sam. 15:22. I am content with working 2½ days for God and humanity and devoting the rest of the time to my work.
My club, Peace like a River Good news Club, which started with 3 children has had the number multiplied to 18. I am pleased to report that Emmanuel (talked about in my previous letter) is now a believer; thank you for praying! One boy, also called Emmanuel came to the club for some time when he came to live in the next house. He was living with his dad and step-mum. He accepted Christ, but a few weeks later, it was decided that he would be better off with his own mum, and he has now moved to another part of Accra. I have not had any contact with him after that, but I am glad that he heard and understood the message of salvation and accepted Christ before he left. I still pray for him, and I know God is able to keep him in His bosom.
Another boy, Godsway, burst out one day, “I want to stop stealing!” as he put up his hand to accept Christ. To the glory of God, he has not stolen anything since that day.
The Green Page
The green page stands for growth. Once the child is saved, there are 5 things that this child needs to do to grow in the Lord. The first one is to build a relationship with the Lord through prayer, that is frequent conversation with God. Secondly, s/he should also pray in confession when they go against God’s rules. (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9). Third they should start reading their bibles to know more about God. Starting from the book of Mark, s/he can read a number of verses according to how old they are. A ten year old will read 10 verses a day, etc. etc. Fourthly, they should start going to church where they can hear more about God. The last thing is to tell others about Christ so that others may also hear the message of salvation.
Green means go, go, go, as our popular children’s song goes. Now it is full guns ahead. I have resumed my weekly visits to Osu Children’s Home, and I asked if I could tell bible stories to the 4 and 5 year olds sometimes, as they have a Preschool there. They said I could, so I went for my first time in the last week of June. One of the children had just died so the atmosphere was quite sombre. I did not have the chance to tell my story, but I will go every Wednesday as long as the Lord gives me strength. Preschoolers are a delight to be with, so I do not anticipate getting tired of it any time soon.
On Tuesdays I go to BASICS, a kind of shelter run by an African American lady who left the comfort of the United States to come to Ghana and help needy children. BASICS stands for Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Pat (that’s the lady’s name) goes to the Korle Gonno beach and ‘takes into custody’ the children she sees loitering there. After that the child brings his/her parents, and some sort of sponsorship is set up. The child starts school at Pat’s expense and apart from fees, the school uniform, school bag and stationery and shoes for school are provided. If the child is in the morning stream, s/he comes to BASICS in the afternoon and stays there till 5:00 pm. They do their homework or an academic exercise, they play games and are taught basic etiquette, and a meal is provided before they go back to their various homes. Apparently CEF workers have been visiting the place on and off, and now I have the opportunity to go and tell bible lessons once a week. Six of the children gave their lives to Christ the first time I went, and last week the most troublesome boy, Nii Otoo gave his life to Christ. I hope many more will get to hear of the Saviour’s love.
I also help out once a month at State House/Independence Square where Women Aglow hold their monthly prayer meetings for the nation. Being women, their children are never far behind them, and they asked CEF to provide volunteers who would come and handle the children for them. We go on the third Saturday of every month, and it is always a fruitful time.
I taught at my first ‘Teaching Kids Effectively’ class at Madina in April. About 30 people assembled to learn how to reach children. I taught ‘Counselling the child for Salvation.’ The results were disastrous. I did not do well at all, and the supervisor even gave me my slip back so that he would not have to record such low marks for me. It was quite humiliating, but then quitters never win. I am really dreading my next class though.
We are just entering the season of radio for Accra East. The year has been divided into three month portions so that every CEF office has the chance to be on radio. The good-news-club-on-air is now under new management and is much more interesting than it used to be, and I am pleased to be a part of it. I would encourage you and any child around you to tune in to Channel R 92.7 and listen in from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Our school programme is still running, and many more lives have been given to Christ. I need strength to go on. I am trying to get another school to start operating in. If I succeed, my friend and I will split ourselves between the two schools.
I am now part of a choir, Music Ministry Chorale, run by Mr R Acquaah-Harrison. Since I had to give up singing in the choir when I started teaching at the Sunday School, I am grateful I have this chance to praise the Lord in song once again.
… Praise & Prayer
Praise the Lord for the 20 children who have given their lives to Christ this year.
Praise God for the strength He has given me to do this work. It can be quite strenuous sometimes, and I thank God for sustaining me.
Praise the Lord with me for Music Ministry Chorale. They shun mediocrity and I think the discipline will be good for me. Pray also for the leader, Mr Acquaah-Harrison; that his vision will stand and God will give him the strength to carry on.
Pray for my partner in school programme, Afua Segu-Quartey, that God will strengthen her also in this children’s ministry.
Pray that God will give me wisdom for the next TCE class I will be teaching. Pray that all fear will be taken away from my heart.
Pray that God will lead and guide me in my ministry. Pray that I will hear when He speaks and do only His will.
All in all things have gone well. I look to God for all that He has in store for me for the future. Until we meet online once more, its bye from me.
God bless!
Akos
Dear Friends,
GOLD, DARK, RED, CLEAN, GREEN
All too soon it is time for another newsletter. I hope you all got the chance to read my first newsletter. I had a lot of trouble sending it out, and I finally resorted to a web-log on the internet.
THE GOLD PAGE
I guess you are wondering what those words up there mean? Well, each one stands for a page of the wordless book, which is the backbone of child evangelism. It tells about the streets of gold, where God Himself lives; it tells how God created all mankind to inhabit the earth. It tells how much God loves us and wants us to be with Him (I have loved you with an everlasting love Jer 31:3), but it also tells about the holiness of God, which means that there can be no sin in or near him.
One characteristic of gold is that it goes through a blazing fire until all the impurities have been burnt out. That is exactly how I have felt these past few months, like a piece of gold being refined. It has been a real baptism of fire, getting down to the nitty-gritty of child evangelism. I’m not perfect yet; He’s still working on me, burning out the dross and making me more like Jesus. With God’s help I have prevailed, and I have set my face like a flint, I will not turn back, no matter the difficulties that come my way, I am ready. Just thinking of those children who will be wearing crowns of glory with me in heaven one day is enough reward to keep me going.
THE DARK PAGE
The dark page stands for man’s sin, the stumbling block between God and man. Sin is anything we think, say or do that does not please God. We all know the things that we do that do not please God. The bible says that (ALL mankind has sinned and has fallen short of attaining God’s glory Rom. 3:23). There is no way we can find our way back to God on our own, because our sins have separated us from God. Our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, and their fellowship with God was cut off right from that day.
When people come to know the Lord, a great load is taken off them, the darkness they were groping in vanishes, and it is replaced by the glorious light of God. Periods of darkness are not always bad though. The darkest time of night is actually just before dawn, helping us to appreciate the sun better when it bursts out in all its beauty. Whatever you may be going through, please know that it is just temporary, until the dawn appears.
THE RED PAGE
The blood of Jesus, the Son of God, atoned for all our sins; He took my punishment; He took your place. He shed His spotless blood on the cross for us because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). He died and was buried in a borrowed grave, but after three days he didn’t need that grave anymore, because He arose from the grave in victory, triumphing over all principalities and powers and paving the way to heaven for us, where He is now praying for us.
Red means stop. For a few months now I have been forced to stop and think. When I came back from CMI, I was full of zeal to put my transcription business aside and go full time into children’s ministry. However, again, and again, I have felt that Still, Small Voice, telling me to put the brakes on. It took some time for me to hear it, I tell you; I never thought it was possible for God not want me to go full time into ministry, but over and over again, I have come up against a stone wall. After much prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is not God’s will for me to be a full time children’s minister. As such, my transcription and secretarial business still stands, and I invite all of you to send in your jobs. What I have done is to engage the services of a friend, and if the job is too heavy for the hours I keep, I share it with him. I pray that this arrangement works out well, so that I can have the time to do the work that the Saviour Himself has commissioned me with.
THE CLEAN PAGE
But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name (John 1:12). This is where we now stand: Jesus has bridged the chasm between God and man. He stands with outstretched arms, longing for you to accept His offer. All you have to do is:
Admit that you are a sinner
Believe that Jesus came to die to take away your sin
Choose the Saviour and give Him total control of your life
He will come in and wash your sin stained garments in His blood, give you a new garment of righteousness and come in and fellowship with you, making your life one of worship and service.
After hearing the voice of God and choosing to obey Him, I have felt such peace and contentment that I wouldn’t trade this for anything. After all, ‘Obedience is better than sacrifice’ 1 Sam. 15:22. I am content with working 2½ days for God and humanity and devoting the rest of the time to my work.
My club, Peace like a River Good news Club, which started with 3 children has had the number multiplied to 18. I am pleased to report that Emmanuel (talked about in my previous letter) is now a believer; thank you for praying! One boy, also called Emmanuel came to the club for some time when he came to live in the next house. He was living with his dad and step-mum. He accepted Christ, but a few weeks later, it was decided that he would be better off with his own mum, and he has now moved to another part of Accra. I have not had any contact with him after that, but I am glad that he heard and understood the message of salvation and accepted Christ before he left. I still pray for him, and I know God is able to keep him in His bosom.
Another boy, Godsway, burst out one day, “I want to stop stealing!” as he put up his hand to accept Christ. To the glory of God, he has not stolen anything since that day.
The Green Page
The green page stands for growth. Once the child is saved, there are 5 things that this child needs to do to grow in the Lord. The first one is to build a relationship with the Lord through prayer, that is frequent conversation with God. Secondly, s/he should also pray in confession when they go against God’s rules. (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9). Third they should start reading their bibles to know more about God. Starting from the book of Mark, s/he can read a number of verses according to how old they are. A ten year old will read 10 verses a day, etc. etc. Fourthly, they should start going to church where they can hear more about God. The last thing is to tell others about Christ so that others may also hear the message of salvation.
Green means go, go, go, as our popular children’s song goes. Now it is full guns ahead. I have resumed my weekly visits to Osu Children’s Home, and I asked if I could tell bible stories to the 4 and 5 year olds sometimes, as they have a Preschool there. They said I could, so I went for my first time in the last week of June. One of the children had just died so the atmosphere was quite sombre. I did not have the chance to tell my story, but I will go every Wednesday as long as the Lord gives me strength. Preschoolers are a delight to be with, so I do not anticipate getting tired of it any time soon.
On Tuesdays I go to BASICS, a kind of shelter run by an African American lady who left the comfort of the United States to come to Ghana and help needy children. BASICS stands for Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Pat (that’s the lady’s name) goes to the Korle Gonno beach and ‘takes into custody’ the children she sees loitering there. After that the child brings his/her parents, and some sort of sponsorship is set up. The child starts school at Pat’s expense and apart from fees, the school uniform, school bag and stationery and shoes for school are provided. If the child is in the morning stream, s/he comes to BASICS in the afternoon and stays there till 5:00 pm. They do their homework or an academic exercise, they play games and are taught basic etiquette, and a meal is provided before they go back to their various homes. Apparently CEF workers have been visiting the place on and off, and now I have the opportunity to go and tell bible lessons once a week. Six of the children gave their lives to Christ the first time I went, and last week the most troublesome boy, Nii Otoo gave his life to Christ. I hope many more will get to hear of the Saviour’s love.
I also help out once a month at State House/Independence Square where Women Aglow hold their monthly prayer meetings for the nation. Being women, their children are never far behind them, and they asked CEF to provide volunteers who would come and handle the children for them. We go on the third Saturday of every month, and it is always a fruitful time.
I taught at my first ‘Teaching Kids Effectively’ class at Madina in April. About 30 people assembled to learn how to reach children. I taught ‘Counselling the child for Salvation.’ The results were disastrous. I did not do well at all, and the supervisor even gave me my slip back so that he would not have to record such low marks for me. It was quite humiliating, but then quitters never win. I am really dreading my next class though.
We are just entering the season of radio for Accra East. The year has been divided into three month portions so that every CEF office has the chance to be on radio. The good-news-club-on-air is now under new management and is much more interesting than it used to be, and I am pleased to be a part of it. I would encourage you and any child around you to tune in to Channel R 92.7 and listen in from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Our school programme is still running, and many more lives have been given to Christ. I need strength to go on. I am trying to get another school to start operating in. If I succeed, my friend and I will split ourselves between the two schools.
I am now part of a choir, Music Ministry Chorale, run by Mr R Acquaah-Harrison. Since I had to give up singing in the choir when I started teaching at the Sunday School, I am grateful I have this chance to praise the Lord in song once again.
… Praise & Prayer
Praise the Lord for the 20 children who have given their lives to Christ this year.
Praise God for the strength He has given me to do this work. It can be quite strenuous sometimes, and I thank God for sustaining me.
Praise the Lord with me for Music Ministry Chorale. They shun mediocrity and I think the discipline will be good for me. Pray also for the leader, Mr Acquaah-Harrison; that his vision will stand and God will give him the strength to carry on.
Pray for my partner in school programme, Afua Segu-Quartey, that God will strengthen her also in this children’s ministry.
Pray that God will give me wisdom for the next TCE class I will be teaching. Pray that all fear will be taken away from my heart.
Pray that God will lead and guide me in my ministry. Pray that I will hear when He speaks and do only His will.
All in all things have gone well. I look to God for all that He has in store for me for the future. Until we meet online once more, its bye from me.
God bless!
Akos
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