the distance
There’s been constant schedule changes in my program due to some unexpected events that have occurred during my stay. One of them is the death of Auntie Elizabeth. I mentioned that I visited her within the first week that I arrived in Ghana. Although everyone is mourning her death, there is a spirit of peace and joy because she is no longer has to live in pain. So we gladly praise God for His sovereign timing and we hope to pay our proper respects at her funeral service.
So I am in Ejura now and have spent four days here. I will be on my way to Tumu tomorrow. Ejura is an interesting place. It’s in a constant transitory state because it’s the first stop for those traveling from the north, hoping to make it to one of the big cities like Komasi or Accra. There are new emigrants every week according to Pastor Eric. It’s important to minister to them as soon as possible so that they don’t get caught up in the whirlwind a new environment can bring. The second largest market in Ghana is just around the corner from Pastor Eric’s house, which invites people as far as Togo or Cote de Ivoire to buy goods like yams, charcoal, or rice grain in bulk. So you can imagine the chaos that can overwhelm someone new in town…
So far, we have visited three villages, mostly with the intention of fellowship with the church members. One of the villages we visited is called, Aminem meaning, “deep in the valley.” it sits between two lush mountains. I must say, the view is breathtaking. But it’s very difficult to get to because of the road conditions. The story is no different from what I have mentioned previously about what it takes to get to these remote areas. Except, it takes even longer and is even further than I have ever traveled before. As I rode down towards the village, I kept thinking to myself…”Wow, what a journey.”
Pastor Eric, brother Ernest, and brother Theophilus frequent about fifteen villages for ministry work. Because the journey is often far, they sleep at the villages for the week or the weekend so they can maximize their time with them. Brother Ernest said he eats what they eat, drinks what they drink, and sleeps where they sleep. Pastor Eric led me to one of their water sources, and it was shocking. The water sits below the short grass roots. You can’t even call this a stream. I asked brother Ernest if he’s ever gotten sick and he said, “no.” How is that possible? “By God’s grace.” He’s been visiting this village for fifteen years now. Fifteen years.
Pastor Eric also pointed out what looks like a puddle of water we had to cross on our way to the village and said that it was another source of water for them. So they use this to cook, bathe, wash their clothes, dishes, and food. It’s common for someone to have stomach pains, diarrhea, or worms in their stomach.
As I listened to the brothers share their stories and experiences, I was so curious to ask what keeps them so faithful to the Lord after all this time. Of course, it’s the power of God: Brother Ernest said that he saw a dream of hell fire- and he never wants to end up in such a place. Brother Theophilus said the Lord protected him from demons that tried to attack him. Pastor Eric said he can’t help but preach the gospel everywhere he goes; even if he doesn’t want to, the spirit moves for him.
These men showed me what it means to go the distance. To physically, spiritually, and mentally equip yourself so that your journey isn’t short-lived but stretches farther than your own capability. They have built their lives on the rock of Jesus and stand firm in their convictions.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24
