No Excuses!

I know it has been a couple of years since I have written my blog.  I allowed the negative words of one person to have way too much power in my life.  Today I take back what I allowed to be stolen from me.

This last trip back to Ghana was eye opening and I must share it with whoever reads this.

We were in Ghana for just under two months and were on the road for the majority of that time visiting as many of our campuses as we could fit in. We now have 52 Campuses in Ghana and 1 in Belize, over 1450 students and over 250 volunteer leaders.  God is moving in ways we never expected.

 When we traveled for campus 42’s graduation, in Kasoa (pronounced CasWa) I saw something that changed me.  This church has no building; they have land that they will eventually build on.  They normally have church service early in the mornings, so it isn’t too hot for the people.  Since we arrived well after the heat did, a local pastor offered his church building for the graduation service.  As I watched the church fill with Jesus School students, I heard God say, “if anyone has an excuse not to do this, it is this man”. There are 42 students in this campus...yes 42 students and 6 leaders with no building, no luxuries, and no excuses.  (top picture)

When we traveled to the north to launch 7 campuses in the Wa area, we stopped along the way and visited a campus on a Sunday morning for service.  I had not been to this campus in person and it was so moving that I cried. This church is in Gbeniyiri (Benyeri) it is so far back in the bush (or jungle) that they are almost in Cote d’Ivorie.  They have no church building, just some structures covered with thatch, to keep the people shaded in the hot sun.  As I sat there and watched, kids in Jesus School shirts just kept arriving...it was moving to see 55 students in their shirts on the front row ready for service.  God again whispered, “this man also has every excuse to quit but look what I can do through someone who doesn't give me excuses.” These kids danced and sang and praised the Lord with their whole hearts.  Who would have led these young ones if their Pastor gave God excuses. 

How many times have I given excuses for why I don’t obey God? How often have I missed the blessing of serving despite the circumstances.  I know I have titled my blog, The Reluctant Missionary.  Giving up everything I knew for a life of following wherever God leads was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I had a choice, to obey or give God excuses as to why this really couldn’t work. Some people see us as brave and bold and fearless, I would say that surrendered, unsure and scared is more truthful.  We know what God has called us to, and I now wouldn’t be able to go back to just an ordinary life.  I was asked on our most recent trip back to Texas, if I could, would I change anything knowing what I know now.  My answer was, no, after seeing God change the lives of these children and leaders, life back in the USA would be hard.  Now if God calls us back, I will gladly return to the land of A/C and Chick-fil-a! Thank you for taking the time to read this, please let me know if you have any questions. Until next time...Keep us in your prayers, we definitely need them! 

Gbeniyiri