Today we celebrated Ellie’s 83rd birthday! At devotions, David Mensah shared a little about her passion for missions and for the relationship that they have had since they first met in 1987. He prayed over her for “fruitful years to come.” The birthday celebrations continued throughout the day as classes at school sang “Happy Birthday” to her.
Pastor John’s devotional message brought context to the writings in Jeremiah 2. Judah had experienced many years of comfort and prosperity and they forgot that God was the one who gave and blessed them with much. In our arrogance, we want to believe that we can depend on ourselves, rely on our own strength and resources, needing no one else. Pastor John then challenged everyone: “Hold on to what you have, remember those who have gone before, and who have accomplished what they have through their dependence on God. Don’t lose that, because we need that from you.” David thanked him for the reminder to keep “El Shaddai!”
At school, students learned about Jesus’ resurrection today. In retelling the story of the crucifixion, Robert, a student in Kim’s Grade 3 class, gave a long comprehensive presentation in his language. (He did say that he aspires to be a pastor!) A highlight of the day was individually presenting each student in the class with their photo and hearing their affirmation that God loves them. Donna has been paired with the perfect teacher, Sara. There is no question that each child knows that Donna loves them. She wears her nursing heart on her sleeve.
Aaron had a fulfilling day as he and NEA mechanic, Clements, completed the work being done on the Ford Cargo truck. Parts were gathered to be returned to Canada for the reimbursement of their core charges. Aaron also joined Bruce and Adam fixing school desks.
Each day 60-70 people have been working on the build site. Today the floor was being poured and the building of foundation walls continued in the other wing. A split shift lunch system was implemented so that the pour was not interrupted. Brad was the winner of the “Golden Shovel Award” today, because of his “sharp” eyes; he has been able to see things that needed to be done to keep things “in the flow.”
May all of our efforts and the stories we tell testify to El Shaddai…and may they be fruitful for years to come.
Hesther says
Greetings to Sam and Jacqueline,
Praying, wishing each and all of you safe travels home.
May God’s blessing rest upon your labor of love and compassion
shown to the Carpenter community in Ghana!
Thanks Kim/ Lynn for the updates and pictures, I enjoyed each day!
Hesther, Ancaster , ON
Sandy Wagner says
Praising the Lord for all He has done and is doing. Who could have imagined all that has come to pass. God is good. It is so good to see each one doing their part and all co-operating together. Thank you each one for serving so well.
Ollie says
What a difference portrayed in the pictures: from the first blog to those in today’s.
The children look relaxed, have made friends and enjoyed having the extra volunteers to teach, give of their love and time and take pictures of each of them with Bible verses for them to keep and cherish.
Praise God!!
The building scene has totally changed. So much has been accomplished in such a short time. Well done, team. Obviously God has been at work among you and you have all been using the gifts and talents given to you.
Praise God!!
God continue to bless you, give you good health and travelling mercies as you wrap up the 2020 Ghana Build Team.
-You are leaving a great structure for others to carry on to completion.
-You are leaving children with memories, equipment and pictures to
carry with them into their future.
Thanks for all the wonderful updates, Kim and superb pictures, Lynne(?). It has been an amazing adventure for those of us at home.
Thank you David and Brenda for your vision of years ago, for your faithfulness to our Heavenly Father and your people, for your continued work and love to bring to fruition God’s plan for the people of Northern Ghana. God is so Good!
Praise God!!
Love to you all and especially Craig and Isaac.
Lori-Ann Leigh says
Another great update! What progress you all have made on the building and in the hearts of the children in the schools. What sweet little faces they have. I’ll be praying as you spend your last few days making an impact and as you prepare to leave.
Tell Adam he has won Best Husband Ever!!! Award. I am enjoying all my “Valentines Week” prizes. What effort and thought he put into planning this. Can’t wait until you are home!
Continued prayers for strength and health in your final days.
Love Lori-Ann
Martin and Caro-Claire Wiles says
Hi to all and Happy 83rd birthday to Ellie Martin and I will also celebrate “83 ” later this year in June and August!
1937!! It was a very good year!
Good to hear that David blessed her and that the celebrations continued on throughout the day.
Good biblical message from Pastor John as well to encourage everyone.
Wow … This construction team is absolutely amazing.
The way you all work together to get the job done!
Congrats to Brad on the ” Golden Shovel” award for the day!
The students sounds like they have had wonderful teaching from Sara and Donna and to hear the young ones like Robert retell what he has learned must touch all your hearts .
Loved to see the whole group of them and also to see Brittany as she writes their memory verses.
Glad Aaron and Clements were able to get the work done on the truck in time to make the necessary returns back to Canada and also that he was able to help Bruce and Adam fix the school desks.
Many hands make labor light!!
Lots of love , blessings and prayers to all from Orillia
Lauren Waterford says
I am so proud of the work being done by this ministry! Shoutout to my mom, Malissa, and her work with the children in the school! I love seeing the updates and can’t wait to see more!!!