Sacrifice Isn't Pretty

We were invited once again to attend a meeting with the chief and sub chiefs of the Akropong Akuapem region. We sat in the courtyard of the chief’s “palace” like dignitaries, watching the events of the morning. All of the chiefs and the women were dressed in their colorful indigenous garments. There was a group of people present at the meeting that were in mourning over a lost friend a member of the tribal council. As according to the tradition they marched into the courtyard presented several gifts before the chief. We noticed that there was a man who walked in with a large goat who was tied to a rope. I was hardly concerned about the purpose of the animal when I saw it being brought into the council room and figured it was probably just a gift. I reasoned that this animal would probably go into the chief’s stable or something of the sort. But after the gifts had been presented, the goat was lead to the center of the courtyard. The clamoring of percussion instruments and loud drums filled the space as the tribal rituals took place. Then the clamoring ceased and we realized that this animal was about to be sacrificed.

My immediate reaction was shock and disgust. Sure I have known the facts of life and death for a while and know that chicken on my plate came from a live animal, but I had never witnessed a ceremonial killing of an animal for ritualistic or religious purposes. Although I was repulsed and wanted to look away, I realized that I needed to watch as an opportunity for theological reflection. As a little girl, I remember being highly disturbed when I read my children’s Bible and saw that they sacrificed animals in the Old Testament. Although I am not a child any longer, the image of sacrifice is still disturbing, and according to the Bible that is the cost of sin. This event was difficult to watch and in no way made me rejoice, but it was a powerful reminder to me. As the writers of the NT have pointed out, Jesus Christ was our ultimate sacrificial lamb who went to the slaughter willingly for our sin. This real life analogy reminded me that sacrifice isn’t pretty, and it isn’t easy. If we romanticize the cross we tend loose some of the weight of the true suffering of Christ. Furthermore, it impacts how we understand the process of picking up our own cross daily and being living sacrifices unto God. But more than the suffering of Christ, we are to acknowledge the deep and true love of Christ who gave himself for us so that we might live. The cross wasn’t pretty, but the triumph of Christ lies in the empty grave.

School For the Blind

We recently had the opportunity to visit another school of several hundred students in the town of Akropong. It is a boarding school, so the students live their year round and go on leave for the holidays. We visited the craft shop while school was in session and saw the students weaving baskets and trays out of wood. They had sponges with water to make the wood soft and bendable. Once these projects are finished the school sells them. They also have rugs, foot stools, wreaths, and an assortment of beaded jewelry for sale. We chatted with a few of the students while they were working on their projects. I saw one boy with a large book opened in front of him and asked him what he was reading. He said he was reading the book of the Gospel of John, chapter 3 about Nicodemus. This is the account in which Jesus states, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” When you are outside among the students there is one thing you have to be mindful of—they are blind. You would not know it from the looks of the campus since the students know their way around and walk around freely without hindrance. They are so confident in their steps that we sometimes nearly forgot to give them right away on the paths. Although they cannot see with their eyes, the students know their way around by using other senses. They can recognize people through their voice and even by smell. They can do their own laundry and know their own clothes according to smell. They are very aware of their surroundings and use their memory as sight.

We had the pleasure of attending a special music chapel sponsored by the students. They sang very beautifully, all in their specific parts and sometimes breaking into a round of melodies. One group came up to share a powerful song which states, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory, honor and power belong to the Lord our God.” I had the privilege of sharing a song with them on my mandolin. After singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” they erupted in wild applause. They have such enthusiasm and joy as they sing. There is a quote painted on the front wall of the chapel which states “Disability is Not Inability.” This school provides the children the opportunity to receive a specialized education and the resources to have a successful life. It was founded by the Presbyterian Church and now the school has a partnership with the government to provide funding. Graduates from this school have gone on to do great things, including a Ghanaian government official, a woman, who graduated from this school and is now giving back to her country. I don’t want to take for granted the simple blessings of life such as my sight, but even more so I want to be able to have joy like these kids amidst all of life’s situations.

The House Church

 

I recently had the privilege of visiting a local church plant in Akropong which is sponsored by Christ Church that has just started 2 months ago. Rev. Nyarko and I visited the small congregation which meets in a home to administer communion. The kids meet under the porch of the house while the adults meet in a small room across the courtyard. Our first stop was the children’s service where Rev. Nyarko gave a message to about 30 children in their native language of Twi about the Israelites leaving Egypt and going to Canaan. They attentively listed to “Papa” as he spoke to them and a few of them enthusiastically raised their hands when they knew an answer to a question. After Rev. Nyarko had finished his talk, he asked me to “whisper them a few words of love.” The kids melt my heart every time I am around them, I can’t imagine the love that God has for them. I recently read the book Heaven is for Real which accounts the testimony of a young child’s encounter with heaven. One of the things that the child disclosed about his experience is that “Jesus loves the children.” His parents recounted how this young child would constantly remind them that Jesus really loves the children. It gave them motivation to pour into the children’s ministry at the church. Of course the Bible supports this claim in the gospel accounts where Jesus welcomes the children and even instructs the adults to have faith like the children. I had been practicing the song Jesus Loves Me in Twi and decided to try it out with the kids. They joined with me as we sang together “Yiw Yesu do me.” After we sang the chorus together I simply told the kids that Jesus really loves them and that God has a plan for their lives. I was overwhelmed with the sweet spirit of these kids and I know they have a special place in the heart of God.

After our visit with the children we went into the room nearby where the adults (about 20 women and 1 man) were packed into a small room. There was one woman elder who was facilitating the meeting until we arrived with Rev. Nyarko. As I was sitting in a plastic chair, unfamiliar with the language being spoken around me, I couldn’t help but think that this church plant probably looks something similar to the beginning of the church in Acts which met in people's houses. I could sense the community and love in that room without understanding the words that were being spoken. When I was given the opportunity to address the one room congregation I told them about the Acts comparison; they agreed with hearty “amens.” In the same way that the first church was empowered to love and serve each other and have great impact I pray the same for this start up congregation in Akropong. It was truly refreshing to see this start up congregation in action. There was no procession into the service, they were their own choir. The ordained clergy came to administer the sacrament, but lay leaders use their gifts to facilitate the meeting; and instead of being able to hide behind a large congregation of people, are known by each other. It is a good reminder that all you need is two or three gathered in Christ’s name and he will be in their midst.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Last Sunday we were able to attend the kickoff of the new season of the Evangelical Football League sponsored by Christ Church. When I heard that the church was starting the league I did not have this caliber of outreach in mind! First, this is not your beginner’s soccer match. There are many players that come out that already play in city leagues or other avenues. Secondly, it draws a large crowd. There were probably a thousand people that came out from the community to see the kickoff game. It is entertaining and it is free. Vendors come and sell fried plantains and boiled eggs with a special sauce. There are no stands or bleachers and the field looks as if it is in the middle of the jungle…it is incredible. Many of the people that attend may profess Christianity but more or less do not have a committed relationship with Christ. The church wants to use this sport to reach people with the gospel. They hope to purchase a sound system to use during the half time and perhaps bring in a special speaker to share his or her testimony. Alcohol abuse is one problem in the lives of the young people in the community. Already, the outreach is helping young people see the benefit of living healthily and taking care of your body.

One thing about working at Christ Church for this internship is you get paraded around a lot, or at least it seems like it. I am not used to sitting on the stage during church or being apart of processions in and out of buildings for important meetings. During this kickoff we had the privilege of joining Rev. Nyarko on the field for the blessing of the game. We got to shake all of the player’s hands and wish them luck. They looked sharp in their new uniforms that were donated by a government member (who happens to have an upcoming election). The game was exciting with all of the energy of the crowd. A goal brought the crowd to their feet jumping and cheering loudly—some things are the same in every culture. At one point, an upset portion of the crowd started a semi-brawl on the field. Usually it seems this would be on the account of a bad call by the ref, but that was not the case for these folks. Our friend Kojo informed us that some disgruntled fans were accusing the winning team of using magic to make the other team do poorly… yes, magic. It just goes to show how spiritually inclined this area is. The game ended up being a draw, but it was exciting all the way. It will be neat to see all the good that will come in the future from the Evangelical Football League this year.

They Call Me Yaa Baby

 

In Ghana the day you were born is VERY important. Whichever day of the week you were born on becomes apart of your name. Since I was born on a Thursday, my name is Yaa (Yah). In order to distinguish my name from some of the other Yaa’s I am referred to as Yaa Baby. This came about after a discussion which revealed I was the youngest of my two other colleagues that are here with me. At first I thought it sounded too much like something from Austin Powers, but it has grown on me. Every time I am introduced at a church or school function, my Ghanaian name is also mentioned… and the kinds LOVE it. My name usually brings about a chuckle from the adults and a wild applause and laughter from the children. They tell me that it is funny because usually only really small children and infants are called “baby”. Nearly everyday as I walk down the street I will hear a kid shout “Yaa Baby!” from down the street. It is very endearing and a lot easier to remember than Valerie.

This year my birthday just so happened to fall on a Thursday and I had the joy of celebrating in Ghana. I was informed that to truly celebrate within the cultural norm I would have woken up with a bucket of water on my head… thank goodness that did not happen! But the celebration of life here is truly something special. Birthdays are a big deal, not to be shied away from because they signify the blessing of another year. No one is guaranteed their next year of life, especially in countries where healthcare is less accessible and the living conditions are substandard from countries such as the U.S.. The ability to celebrate your birthday is a testimony of God’s provision for another year. The church truly blessed me this year for my birthday. They showered me with cards, birthday songs, blessings, and a wonderful luncheon in which all of the church staff and elders were invited. Everyone contributed to buy glass bottled soda, a complete meal, and they even baked me a cake! So many wonderful words and prayers were spoken over me, it was truly great. I told them I would have to come back to Ghana every year for my birthday now.

My colleague Simone (who is called Aunti Afua for being born on Friday) told me that she is so blessed by the way this culture celebrates birthdays. She said that they may not be able to buy you an expensive gift, “but they will give you their heart, their whole heart.” I truly resonate with that statement and believe it is a better gift to have community and family rich in love, peace, and joy than all the material presents in the world. Thanks Ghana for a great birthday.