Sunday September 16, 2007

First Baptist Church in Ghana
Reflections Day Six
Written by Dorothy Reed

Arise, Shine, and Give God the Glory
9:00 AM – Asokwa Baptist Church, Rev. Steve Asante
We slowly approached the church, on a long, bumpy, dirt road. A large crowd was moving slowly into the church, and the congregation was singing in thunderess voices
“Lord Lift me up and let me stand, Lord Plant my feet on higher ground.”
The Spirit was high upon arrival and tears welled up in my eyes. Again I could not believe I was in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa,. The Mother Land.

Rev. Asante welcomed Pastor, First Lady and FBC members. He said this church invites itself in partnership with FBC. Youth choir sung Holy, Holy, Holy – just like FBC. I was assured that the same God at FBC was in Ghana. Pastor preached - I Samuel 17:45-50. How do you defeat a problem? Know who you are and that same God will give you power. Moving sermon fit for young, old, rich, poor. God has all power.

Witnessed the Solemnization of Marriage – A wedding between two members of Asokwa. Prayed, recited vows and a big hug. African’s do not kiss in public.

11:00 – Grace Baptist Church – Rev. Osei-Wusuh
Large church and a large congregation. Rev. Osei-Wusuh said it rained last Sunday, “raise your hand if you were not there”. This reminded me of churches everywhere. When it rains on Sunday, people have a tendency to stay home. At that moment I reflected and thought we do the same thing in America. I believe Black people are alike everywhere.

Pastor spoke – I John 3:1-3 Why serve a God that allows bad things to happen. John answered the question, “I am a child of God”. We are God’s children; if you know this you can have HOPE. Hope in Jesus because He was hung high and stretched wide for me. Service closed with Hymn – Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry. I realized the same hymns sung in the same notes as in America.

In both churches, they take walk around to take up collection, large baskets for collections plates. At Asokwa their collection basket is on wheels. They have youth and adult choirs and they wear robs or matching colors. They sing- dance and praise God just like FBC.

Fabric shopping at the market:
As our van approached the market, we got rushed by young men with items to sell. They held up purses, bookmarks, jewelry, fabric, belts, etc. If you said no, they would reduce the price, after a while they were gather around us so tight you couldn’t move. It was hot and exhausting, but fun with laughter and bargaining. A bidding war. They would also give you their name and email addresses, and ask you for your pen or something from America.

In retrospect, I arose with excitement about going to church in Ghana. I saw an array of beautiful outfits, two piece Kente cloth suits, nice hairdo’s and yes, they bring their children dressed up in Sunday’s finest. I would say Sunday is a day of rest for everyone, even in Kumasi. The streets were not crowded, people were gathered sitting, talking and waling leisurely. Let nothing stand in your way. Look for God in all that you do and the Kingdom is yours. For God is Good.