I have contemptlating on how I would write about all that I have seen and heard over the last few days, and the time has come when I have time to do so. Today I awoke not feeling all that great and as the morning went on, I could feel myself getting worse, so just before everyone headed out I excused myself from going this morning and came in our room to rest. I have probably been asleep for a few hours now, but the dreams of Chanian faces have been so vividly haunting me. They have haunted me in a way that I feel burdened to pray for their hearts, their lake of guidance, and for the majority of them who still don’t know that God sent them the gift of life.
It really struck a cord in my heart when just a few days ago, we made it to the end of a very long day and were traveling on a hill to the north of Accra (the city). I was looking into a vast view of what seemed like miles and miles of tin roofs. There were no regular homes, no safe havens….there were no glamorous houses, or sounds of joy. There were no smells of the sweet cooking of dinner for the evening or mothers and fathers calling their small ones in from the night. There was no settling, no relief in sight for them. It hit me that for most of the people of Accra, there was no hope…no hope for joy or for comfort from God’s redeeming love. No, for the people of Accra (with probably somewhere around 70 people groups represented) there was only the reminder of a call to worship one who offered nothing but a threat that said if they did not do enough good works to cancel their sin debt, they would never see heaven. You see, islamic religion says that the only way to get to heaven is through Muhammed’s teachings and his teachings say that it is only by good works that they might obtain eternal life. There is no room for grace or mercy. As the night was approaching and I was overlooking a city drowning in fear, I was heavy in my heart for those people. I can’t speak their language so it is difficult for me to ever really know all that they have gone through in their lifetime as a result of their religion. For those who have accepted Christ, we can’t promise them safety, or promise them that they won’t face a life of persecution. We can only tell them that God’s love for them is so mighty, that no matter what they go through in this life, with His son’s blood, they have a promised eternal life.
I don’t know about you, but if I were a muslim, it would be so very difficult for me to put down a life that allowed me to be with my family but offered no grace, for a life that took away my rights and my family and all that I had ever known for eternal life that I have never seen or know what it would be like. Do you get me? Please continue to pray- You prayers are strong and vital to the work that is being done in Ghana. Each of you who is faithful to do so, is a partner to this mission! We love you and miss you.
February 24, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hope you are feeling better! This blog has been so touching to us. May God continue to bless the work being done over there. Take care and be safe.
February 24, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Is it a virus or just a cold? I hope you are taking loads of pics for us all to see your city of tin roofs so touching… I wish I were with you. I know how you are when you are not well. Let me know how you get along. We will continue to pray for you and your group and now for your health as well. Love to all.
Love,
mama
February 24, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I BET YOU DRANK THE WATER,AS HOT AND HUMID AS IT SOUNDS.Feel Better!GO AND SPREAD THE WORD.LOVE DADDY
February 24, 2009 at 9:45 pm
emily!
I am sorry you aren’t feeling well. one of my classmates is from ghana and she was telling me about the large number or muslims in ghana. her dad is a christian pastor and spent quite some time over there. I will be praying that you feel better and that your trip continues to be a success. we miss you and pray for you daily.
February 25, 2009 at 1:00 am
Hey Em!! I’m so excited to hear about what God is doing through you guys in Accra!! I can feel the Spirit coming through your words as you talk about the people and their need for life and hope. We’re praying for you, and for the Bissa people. Isn’t it amazing how intricate God’s plan is??
3 John 2 “I pray that you prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
Love you!!!
Beth
February 25, 2009 at 1:50 am
Emily I completely understand what you are saying. Looking over that area just amazed me last year. Words cannot describe exactly what you are seeing right now. It is overwhelming the massive amount of people squeezed into a small area but yet most of them have no true joy. I hope you feel better so you can get back out there and tell them where to find it…joy that is!
February 25, 2009 at 1:55 am
Hey Em. I just wanted to stop by and say I love you!! and tell my mom I love her too!!! I miss you guys!
February 26, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Hey everyone! For those of you are looking at the comments and wondering why there are no videos, please go to http://www.youtube.com and look for ler0417. All of Emily’s videos are showing up there including the most recent one of the children singing in Accra, Ghana.
For Emily and the mission group we miss you and look forward to you all coming home on Sat or Sun? No one here knows for sure when you will be arriving in Hampstead, or at least no one is telling MOM! lol Hope you are all well. We will be praying for your safe return.
Love,
Mama