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…
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