God’s Ghana Immersion Program
Friday, November 27, 2009 at 8:48PM Have you ever gone to an intensive training program? I have several times, starting with police academy and continuing on through multiple trainings associated with my career in that field—trainings that were both physically and mentally intense. Recently, I met a woman through painting a town (long story, but true) who has grown into a friend of mine. Debbie is an RN and only just began a new job where she travels around a bit for a company reporting on medical things (okay, I don’t have a clue, but I know she’s good at it). Before she began for realsie (can you believe spell check won’t accept that word? Real-sy? Nope, no better…anyway…) she had to spend a week in North Carolina training and being tested on the computer software. When I saw her the following week she was happily volunteering for Point Hope, spending five hours removing sheriff patches from the sleeves of the donated uniforms we are sending to Buduburam. Deb said she was grateful she didn’t have to engage her brain to use a stitch remover as one week of this training had fried it! We laughed, but I know what she’s saying—intense concentration for an extended period of time, not my idea of a fun date! I have never been part of a language immersion program, but I have to imagine it’s very similar, only for a longer period of time. Not what I would envision as a relaxed, enjoyable, extended experience.
So, imagine my surprise to find myself sitting in the dark on a firm mattress (a piece of plywood might be as comfortable), unable to sleep because it is 9:45 p.m. at home even if it is 5:45 a.m. here in Ghana and I went to bed at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (or so my body clock is assuring me, even though my brain is trying rational arguments regarding what time zone I’m in). I took part in a meeting earlier this Ghanaian evening where I received a crash course in all things refugee as it transpired in Buduburam. Some of it I knew, much of it was new to me. I sat processing the information, interjecting questions and evaluating how the new input affected, or should affect, the plans in place for Point Hope in Ghana among the Liberian refugees.
In a few hours we will tour the camp, again. Unlike the last time I was here, however, this time I am the Executive Director of Point Hope. I will meet people whose names I would like to remember, I will see familiar faces from our last visit and greet them as people I have been praying for and I will be deeply in the middle of this month-long immersion program. This intensive program which asks the questions: How can Point Hope and its partners do the most good for the most people and how should we proceed to effect the blessings of change?
Dear God, I know You are here and have a purpose and plan. I am still amazed You called me and Gerald (even though he was fighting it more than me!) to this place, to this time, to Your purpose. Help us to see, to receive, to be able to visualize and verbalize Your plan. Oh, and even though it is really hot here, can You please make sure my brain doesn’t get fried?
Reader Comments (3)
Isnt' Debby wonderful? I've adopted her too, she's a doll.
Jan, I am so proud of you, and all that you and Papa G are doing. You have such a huge heart, God couldn't have chosen anyone better.
You guys are truly amazing people, not just because you guys are the greatest parents ever, but because you guys give all you have to serving the Lord. I am so sure he is looking at you two and is smiling! He has chosen you two because he knows where your guys hearts are, and where they will always be and that is focusing on Him and giving the best of yourself to everyone you come in contact with.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and the pictures with everyone! You guys are really inspiring people and I am so blessed to be apart of your family. I love you guys and I look forward to reading more that you have to share! You guys and everyone in Ghana have tons of thoughts and prays going out to you each and everyday!!!!
Jan and Gerald,
Thank you for sharing your pictures and your blog - what a treasure to follow along with you, support you in prayer as you do His work! Once again, I'm amazed at what God calls us to do, and so inspired by watching you answer that call. Read 1 Peter 3:13 - 22 today and it speaks to me for you both. Be safe, and know that we are here for you. Blessings, Chris
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.