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Monday, September 5, 2011 The needs are great We traveled some 50 miles into the bush down dirt roads and walking paths to a small village in a rural pineapple growing area. The homes were made of mud with thatched roofs. The church was built from block and had a thatched roof. The worship team had a base drum, a snare drum and bongos--all very old. The 50-plus congregants had been waiting for us as we encountered traffic jams out of the city, and were running late. When we arrived, a representative from the local mosque buzzed through on his motor cycle to check on us and try to ascertain what we were doing in this remote village. The pastor was extremely grateful that we were there. You see, the Muslims are trying to claim his flock. Every week, the Muslims bring clothing and food to the village, trying to win his church to Islam. Eventually, they will try even tougher measures. Over 70% of Ghana's population is in the rural areas. Most of the large cities are Christian, although there seems to be a mosque now about every mile or so in the cities. But most of the Islamic activity is in the rural areas. The Muslims know that if they can control the rural areas and make conversions, forced or otherwise, they control the nation. I asked the church members what their biggest concerns were. They said that they need medical care, education for their children, and somehow to get paid for the crops they raise. Some time ago, a doctor made regular visits, but he died and no one has taken his place. There is no one to teach the children, although there is a school nearby. I have learned that "nearby" means a long ways away, especially in the bush. And their finances are troubled because the buyers of their crops insist on paying on credit, then after the crops are delivered, the buyers never pay up. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." I told them that the answers to their concerns were found in the Bible. That there was someone in their village that was gifted in each of the areas of their concern. I relayed how in the early days of America, the Bible was the textbook. I suggested they gather all the farmers together to negotiate a fair price. The result: They said they want to help themselves and they appreciated the encouragement. Imagine how much we spend on self improvement conferences, lavish buildings and stuff. And all some of our brethren need is a little encouragement...I'm just saying... Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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