Ghana Visit
As a new Christian in the early 1980’s one of my favourite hymns was “To God Be the Glory”, with words written by Fanny Crosby. The instruction given on a piece of sheet music I have reads as follows, “To God Be the Glory" celebrates the greatness of God and calls upon an appreciation for the wondrous things "He hath done." It is a glorious hymn to be sung rejoicefully in the spirit of gratitude.”
I am not going to sing to you in the letter, but I am going to share the great things that God has recently done!
Ghana Visit
I recently traveled to Ghana, West Africa, to survey that country as a possible location to launch the Peter Project, a new initiative to train National Pastors to train new church leaders and pastors. I was in Ghana for a total of ten days during which time my attention was focused on the town of Wa, in the north-western part of the country, very close to the border with Burkina-Faso. The journey there was an adventure in itself as it involved a one hour flight from the capital city Accra, and then a six and a half hour drive on some very treacherous roads.
During my time in Wa, I ministered alongside Pastor Matthew Yennaah, an Associate Pastor with Independent Faith Mission, our Mission Board. He arranged a very full schedule for me during my time there. As well as meetings with Church Leaders to discuss the implementation of the Peter Project, I was able to preach or teach eight times over a five day period. Tiring to say the least, but such an amazing blessing!
Pastor Matthew Yennaah and his wife Mary - Wa, Ghana
These opportunities included sharing the Gospel at two children’s meetings, once at an inter-church soccer match, a Wednesday night prayer meeting, and a Sunday morning and evening service. I also had the privilege of teaching two Seminars - one on Church Administration and the other on Biblical Marriage. Over and above this, I had three meetings with National Church Leaders and Pastors to discuss the Peter Project.
The people of Ghana are warm, friendly and welcoming and I was readily accepted into their villages, churches and homes. They were eager for and receptive to the Word of God - all of the messages were well received. It was a humbling experience to see these people, who live in the poorest of conditions, respond to the Word of God with such enthusiasm and desire for more! “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!”
In almost all of the teaching and preaching opportunities I spoke through an interpreter, which in itself is a challenge. In all, over sixty people, young and old, prayed to receive Christ! All these new converts will be discipled by their pastors and incorporated into the churches. “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!”
In most instances our meeting venues were out in the open or under trees. Most meeting places had no electricity (lighting was provided by a generator) and all singing was from the heart (no hymnals or song books) and unaccompanied by any instruments. Oh how much we take for granted. I thank the Lord for this timely reminder.
Children’s Ministry in Ghana
In one of the villages, I met two young boys, Obadiah and Ezekiel, both aged six. They proudly recited all the Books of the Old Testament which served to reinforce the desire of these people to know God’s Word. What an encouragement! “ God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!”
I will share more about my meetings regarding the Peter Project in an upcoming newsletter next month, but for now suffice it to say, I experienced tremendous excitement for The Peter Project. I was told by many that they have been praying for some time for something like this. There is a Bible College nearby, but most are unable to attend due to the prohibitive cost involved.
Many of these men are already involved in leading small rural congregations but have not been able to receive any training for the above mentioned reasons. As a result, our discussions were very fruitful and created great excitement and anticipation for the future. More about this later. “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!”
Furlough Update
Our itinerary for our Furlough to The USA from the 7th January to 24th March 2020 is coming together well. I currently have only two Sundays available for meetings, as well as mid-week meetings or Sunday evenings. If you would like us to visit your church during our furlough, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can schedule a date to be with you. You can contact us at peacocke.graham@ifmnews.com.
Joanne and I are planning to travel together on this trip but we are in need of some assistance with travel funds to cover the cost of her ticket (approximately $1200). If you are able to help with her ticket, please send your gift to Independent Faith Mission, marked “Joanne Peacocke Travel Funds”. Thank you for prayerfully considering helping us with this.
A second need we have for our Furlough is for the use of a vehicle for the time we are in the States. This need can be divided into two parts as we will be on the West Coast for a month, so, we would need a vehicle for the period 8th January - 8th February 2020, and then again from the 2nd March until the 24th March 2020 on our return from the West Coast. If you are able to help us with a vehicle for one or both of these periods, again please contact us at the email address above. Your assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. Renting a vehicle would cost in the region of $1000 for this time period, which is beyond our means at this time.
As you can see, God has been at work in our lives and ministry and we are filled with a sense of anticipation and amazement. So I ask you to join us in praising the Lord for His goodness:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.
Thank you for journeying with us though your prayers and financial support.
