Sunday, July 17th

We slept fast last night and are up early to pack up and get ready for worship with the church in Saboba. Breakfast is fried eggs with onion, carrots, and peppers. I can see why Ted brings a professional cook on the campaigns!

Bible class and worship! 62 children have come before me for Bible class – all ages. Working with kids is my thing, so I’m thankful for the chance to teach the youth here. We discuss God’s love and our opportunities to show God we love Him through obedience. The class went very well as the kids were well behaved and a lot of fun. They know their Bibles, too. They answer my questions in great detail. Very good, they have been well taught.







Ted taught the adult class and when time was up, we gathered for worship. Jeff led the Lord’s Supper and Nipaak did the preaching. Other than the language and surroundings, one would not see a difference in their worship and ours, as it should be! We all worship in spirit and truth! This day 202 Christians meet to worship God in one accord.







Time to go North! We load into the van and go further back in time. What does “the road” have in store for us today?

No disappointments. “The road” delivered an exciting, brutal adventure into the north of Ghana. The dirt roads are washed out time and again leaving what resembles a dry river bed more than a road. There are huge boulders scattered across the road, like a giant had been playing marbles and had left them for us to enjoy. As we pass small villages along the way, the inhabitants stop and stare as if to say: “I called White car, I win!”








We arrive at the motel in Bunkpurugu and I find that my old digs from 5 years ago have taken a leap forward in time. We actually have AC, electricity, and running water! None of which we had in ’06. We unload and get a chance to rest before going to see the area chief.





The district leaders, including the District Chief Executive – a presidential appointee, stopped in to welcome us! This was a very traditional meeting with introductions, greetings, and a presentation of 10 guinea fowl! Those will make a good dinner for our team! I was impressed that the men from the district government put God first on their agenda. They expressed to us that while we bring a free medical clinic to the area, we more importantly bring the Word of God. They stated that when God is elevated in a community, the community will prosper! Are these guys really politicians? Maybe we need to go back in time 200 years?!





Spaghetti and meat sauce followed by one of Troy’s “stashed” snicker bars made up my meal. The rains have started and will spoil our visit to the chief. We will get to bed early tonight. Good night…

Monday, July 18th

Good morning! Our day starts with French toast and bacon. A cup of Milo, a hot chocolate type drink, tops it off. Jeff slays supper. The chickens we were given last night are now under Jeff’s knife. Jeff – slayer of chickens! We shall see them at supper tonight.






“The road” takes us on our most challenging drive yet. We confront boulder after boulder winding only about 8 miles north but spend 1 hour to traverse the distance to a small farming community called Gbankpooni, who had a conflict here two years ago and 400+ compounds were burned and the people left homeless. Last year we provided food relief to all the affected households. Our efforts this year were to help with a clinic and continue to help the community reunite after the conflict. This goes very well and by 4 PM, 266 people are served. I was again able to introduce Frisbee to the children. Soon, we will see Ghana in the Ultimate Frisbee World Cup!









Next we are presented with a gift from the elders. We receive a ram and a chicken. Their fate is somewhat certain as our cook has a plan for them. The ram rides back tied to the top of the van! We will see if these sheep can live up to their “steady on any terrain” reputation.






After defeating “the road” one more time, we have a great dinner of Jeff’s chickens, rice, soup, and yams. This is well received as the team worked through lunch today. A nice drizzle shower before bedding down for the night finishes me off.

Tuesday, July 19th

Our breakfast is eaten and we are back on “the road”. We don’t travel as far, but it is just as rough. On our way, we are stopped by “customs” who think we may be illegally attempting to cross the border to Togo. You see, not many vans would be on this road!





Once at Gbetimongpaak, we begin our 3rd leadership lectureship. There are leaders from several area congregations present. Our tummies have the grumblies! No lunch, we work straight through. We finish around 2:30 PM, then the questions begin. The preachers in the area deal with many challenges. We take them one by one, until we and the questions are exhausted. It is now 4:30 and we leave for base camp.










Our tummies will be satisfied! Quansah has killed the fatted ram! We are treated with ram soup, ram chops, ram kebabs, ram in rice, melon, and a few things I will try without knowing, or wanting to know, what they are.





*****The sign says “Don’t drive tired”. How does one drive without tires? I think this sign is an ad for the train. Yes, that’s it. Or am I just tired?*****

As the African darkness covers the land, we have packed up our bags for an early departure in the morning. “The road” will take us once again into the bush, to a place called Nanyiarpaak. Once there, the movie is set up and we begin to sing. It’s a beautiful African night. The moon is just beginning to rise and the sky is alive with stars. As the movie begins, we witness a falling star, then another! Awesome!





The moon is high and bright, giving Jeff the ability to see his audience as he proclaims the Gospel. The movie is paused while Jeff makes the Gospel plain. Then it happens. The invitation is offered… one comes, then 2 and 3. Before the singing stops, 27 have come forward to obey the Gospels call! I am called on to lead a prayer and then the van is loaded. 31 souls will ride to the water in (or on) this 15 passenger van. 13 will ride on top! Only Jeff and our driver will witness the event from our team. No room for the rest of us. We will finish the film with the remaining villagers and wait for our ride to return.







Among the 27 new babes in Christ is the chief of Nanyiarpaak! How effective will he be in evangelizing this place?! Very good, I think! The church is now established in Nanyiarpaak! The brothers in the area will mature this new congregation until it can stand on its own. Much teaching will have to be done. After care is very important. We can’t just dunk them and leave. We make sure this new congregation will be taught how to worship and grow properly. Jeff describes this night as a “joyous” occasion!

Back at base camp, we pack up and get some sleep. It’s 3 AM and wake up is at 5! Oh my.

Wednesday, July 20th

“The road” has beaten us, but not beaten us! After our 3 hour nap, we have packed, loaded, and left behind “the road.” We arrive in Yendi where the pavement welcomes us – Akwaaba! Our first stop in Yendi is a “car park.” It’s the Ghana version of our truck stops. The owner is a brother in Christ and has prepared a wonderful breakfast for our team – free of charge. The world is small in the Church!





Our next stop in Yendi is Sub-chief Adam’s palace. A palace here is not what we think a palace is like. They are quite modest. We are greeted and begin our history lesson. The chief tells us his conversion story. Yes, he is a brother in Christ. His father and grandfather were chiefs and the job came to him very recently. Back in the 80’s, when he was in politics here, he became aware of the church of Christ well project. He applied and was approved for a well in his community. Even though he was a Muslim, he took notice of how respective, honorable, and loving the drilling team was. They were prayerful and honored God, in his opinion. Because of his impression of them and the power of Christ he saw in them, he asked to study and subsequently became a Christian. He then went to preaching school where 2 of his instructors were men on our current team – Quansah and Owusu. Adams went on to establish the church in Yendi and over the years has started 25 churches in this area. He spoke of the persecution he and his family endured in this Muslim filled village and the power of God which saw them through it all. He is now the highest chief in this large area only subordinate to the Regent who we visit next. He explains that with his influence the church has thrived, giving all credit to God’s power. We exchange gifts, as is custom, and we bid our brother goodbye.





The Regent is our next stop. He controls a third or more or the Northern Region of Ghana. Because of a chieftaincy conflict, he is surrounded by 3 machine guns for protection. With a lot of ceremony we are ushered into the palace past the machine gun nest. This palace is very impressive, by Ghana standards! We exchange gifts and there is some small talk. The Regent would like our help in bringing a school to Yendi. We are allowed to take pictures and are given our leave. We meet the chiefs in the areas where we work out of respect for their authority. Then we can work in their lands without worry of losing our heads. Time well spent!






Our final stop in Yendi is the Church of Christ Mission Clinic. This is the HQ for the mobile clinics we run. They supply the nurses and help us purchase the drugs at wholesale prices. They have to be paid today. While there, we pick up some authentic bows we had made by an actual Konkomba bow-maker – from the Saboba District who delivered them to Yendi for us to pick up. Cool! Now we are off to visit Kintampo Falls!





*****Gas station. Some are as ours. Some pour by hand, filtering out dirt with a cloth. A syphon is used flowing to a gallon bucket, then syphoned into the van. Some are beer bottles filled with fuel and sold at road side stands.*****









Kintampo Falls – outstanding! This is an incredible falls in an area much like a rainforest. Everything is green save the natural black boulders that make up this place. Ted, Troy, Jeff, Ted Jr., and Ernest venture into the falls to entertain the group! Quite an adventure. There are 152 steps down into the falls and seemingly 552 steps out! We have our workout in for the day! Beware of Guinea Rash! Ask Troy…







This is becoming a long day as we make 2 or 3 errands along our way to Kumasi. 17 hours after departing from the north, we arrive in the big city. Kumasi is the 3rd largest city in Ghana. It’s much like NY City, only old. After snacking through the day on whatever we could find along the way, we find ourselves at the “Golden Tulip” restaurant, a very nice place. I have a hamburger and fries! We wash with warm water! I sit in AC! I drink from a glass! I sit in an actual chair! I am happy!

It’s after midnight and we are at the Bible College boarding house to get a couple hours of sleep. Dr. Samuel Obeng is the director at the college and our host. He is a pioneer of the church in Ghana, being the 1st convert in this country back in 1961. The street the school is on is named after him! He’s cool!






Ted has failed to let us know we would not be getting our bags down tonight – no time. We all raid Jeff’s bags for what we need for the night. His bags were packed inside the van. Once settled we all drop from exhaustion! Good nigh…

Thursday, July 21st

This morning we sleep in until 8. Cobbi has our breakfast of eggs with bread and butter. Afterwards, we are treated to a tour of the Bible College by Brother Foster. Foster graduated from here and now preaches in Adankrono where I have preached.





Next we hit the road for Accra. On our way, we stop at Ernest’s Uncle’s house to officially announce his daughter’s wedding, as per custom and tradition. This place is called Kibi.

“The road” has reappeared to gobble up our day. We hit many miles of rough, washed out roads leading to Accra. We finally arrive to Papaye’s restaurant at 7 PM. Our dinner is fried chicken and … wait for it… No! French fries instead of rice! We top it off with French pastries from across the street – chocolate! We travel one more hour to Tema, and bedtime at Ernest’s.

Friday, July 22nd

Today we wind up our journey in Tema. We are staying with Ernest and his family. They are great hosts and have even provided a wedding ceremony for us! Ernest’s daughter, Bonita, is getting married and today is the “custom rights” and party. After the ceremony, we are treated to a feast of rice, chicken, fish, and many other Ghanaian selections. The food is great!









Next is “High Street”. This is the area where souvenirs are sold. This is intense! We arrive and begin our quest for souvies. Immediately the sellers are upon us trying to vie for our money! They are like zombies after warm blood! We are surrounded and with the help of our Ghanaian brothers, we begin to “deal” with the venders. Never take the first price! You must go a third and be prepared to walk away! Then they drag you back and deal.

After finishing, they follow you back to your vehicle and hound you with more of their wares! No! Finished! We finally slam the door in their face and drive away!

To the airport! We have no problem checking in. One stop for Tobler dark chocolate and we wait to board! Chocolate………….mmmmmm…..

Twelve hours later, Washington DC welcomes us home to the US of A! Customs was a breeze! We are wearing our mission shirts and are getting a stars treatment all the way! People do appreciate the spreading of the Gospel, it seems.

Three hours and we are in Tampa, hugging our better halves! Nice. A cheeseburger on the way home, a shower, then I’m off to a Teen event in Clearwater! No rest for the weary! I want to get caught doing something good! Next!

Epilog

The Road

We take “the road”, to the mission field. You know the one, if you’ve been there. It’s long, rugged, usually made of dirt or mud, and will take you to some amazing places.

Along “the road” we find places that need the Word of God and we meet people who we may influence. This is why we travel this dangerous foreboding road. We are told to “go”, so we go. Though we are worn down, risk sickness, and are often dirty and hungry, we are blessed to be in the fight. We are privileged to carry the Gospel to those who would hear its call. To suffer for Christ – that’s something!

“The road” equals opportunity; occasions to make a difference. Whether you go down “the road” personally, or prayerfully send others, you meet those opportunities head on, as God would have it. You see, “the road” leads to another road. A road less traveled. One that is narrow. This road leads to Heaven. As you and I work together on the “missionary road”, we will remain on God’s narrow path. In a little while, we will find ourselves on a road composed of gold with those we’ve met along the way.

tim simmons

Out of Africa!

We have returned from Ghana with great news! We count 76 Baptisms, one congregation started, 3 congregations revived, 616 served in medical clinics, and many trained in leadership lectures! God is great!

Over the next few days I will get the log up with some pictures. Stay tuned. All our people are well, and home safely!

In Him, tim

One day and a wake-up!

We are getting close now. I'm all packed and the bags are by the door. Ted and I will be doing some last minute shopping tomorrow. Just a few more loose ends to tie up and its off to Africa!

When I left in 2006, I said good bye to many great friends and brethren I had met and worked with over about 4 weeks of intense mission work. These are the bonds that cannot be broken! To work with these wonderful people again has been my goal since I left. I promised them I would return, and Lord willing, I will be with them in 2 days. God is good!

We have a busy schedule and will be working hard each and every day. We will be giving leadership classes to the churches, preaching on each Sunday several times, doing personal work (face to face: my favorite), 2 clinics, and much more. God is great!

Thank you all again, for the prayers and $upport! You make this possible. Don't be surprised when in heaven, some African sole tugs on your white robe to thank you for your part in bringing them to Christ! It could happen! God is Awesome!

My next post will be from some Internet cafe in Ghana. I will post from there when I can, and will post the daily journal and pics when I get back.
In Him, tim

Busy Schedule!

Hi all,
We have a busy schedule lined up for us. We will waste no time as we spread the Word. Ted has us working tirelesly while in Ghana. But, like a good friend said to me once in Panama: "Thats why we are here". I'm ready to get to the work. I will be packing this weekend. Before I go, I need Krispy Kream, Starbucs, pizza, BBQ, and cherry pie. That should hold me over. Now for the schedule I promised:

Counting down ….

Th 7th … Tampa > DC > Accra

Fr 8th … Arrive Accra > Tema > Kukurumtumi (Kukurumtumi trip @ 3 hrs) (PM / Lesson)

Sa 9th … Kukurumtumi / Leadership Training for area church leaders (Day / 6 Lessons – PM / Lesson … Fellowship with the preachers at meals)

Su 10th … Kukurumtumi / Worship Services (BC, AM & PM Sermons … possible fellowship with the church)

Mo 11th … Kukurumtumi / Evangelism and PM Preaching

Tu 12th … Kukurumtumi / Evangelism and PM Preaching

We 13th … Kukurumtumi > Yendi > Saboba (@ 12 hrs – hard trip)

Th 14th … AM / Preaching in Mabimbor & Mulpido, PM / Public Preaching in Buagmal (all of these villages are 50-70 kilometers from Saboba and off the main road)

Fr 15th … AM / Free Mobile Clinic at Garinkuga, PM / Public Preaching in Ugando

Sa 16th … Saboba / Leadership Training for area church leaders (6 Lessons)

Su 17th … Saboba / AM Worship Services > Bunkpurugu (@ 3 ½ hrs)

Mo 18th … Gbankooni / Free Mobile Clinic (8 miles – last two years driver has refused to take bus more than a mile or two – we may have to leave the bus behind. But we will get there!)

Tu 19th … Bunkpurugu / Leadership Training for area church leaders (6 Lessons)

We 20th … Saboba > Yendi > Kumasi (10-12 hrs)

Th 21st … Kumasi > Tema (5-6 hrs)

Fr 22nd … Tema > Accra > DC

Sa 23rd … Arrive DC > Tampa

In Him, tim