Tender People

At breakfast this morning, David Mensah prepared our build group for their first physically challenging work day. He addressed our group as “very tender people“. Considering the fact that many of our team are not accustomed to heavy labour, and all of our team are not accustomed to working under the hot African sun, we appreciated his words of caution and concern.

He also challenged all of us, whether teachers or labourers, to just “get in the flow” of the work at hand. To be present and involved, but not to put undue pressure on ourselves. He wants us to enjoy our time, as we have brought joy to them in their time of grieving.

This morning’s devotion was led by David, the NEA Accountant, and he spoke on John 12:23,24 “…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” As Jesus came to earth to lay down his life for us, unless we give Him our lives, we bear no fruit. If you are a branch, and you don’t bear fruit, you are cut off. What fruit are you bearing to please God? Are we increasing His kingdom? Bear fruit for Christ. The Bibles and biblical study resources sent by Westney Heights Baptist Church will bear fruit. Connections made through one of the US team members, will be bringing vital and profit making equipment to the hospital. He asked, “What are you doing do bear fruit? How are we bearing fruit?”

We then pray and laid hands on Abraham. Although he has studied in London for his position as the hospital administrator, today he was being sent to begin a year and a half of prerequisite study in Ghana to be further accredited and to learn more about the workings of the Ghanaian health insurance system. David asked that we prayed that Abraham will be sharp, alert and be reminded that God has blessed this hospital, that he’ll be one of God’s agents in a system where there are “wolves“. John led in that prayer.

At dinner it was great to hear Dave’s build team report. How our trained carpenters were quickly respected for their skillset working with the masons. How everyone found their place shovelling, moving wheelbarrows and moving bricks and supplies. How they will all need to start the day tomorrow clearing a lot of materials out of the way for 5 dump truck loads of dirt to come tomorrow to bring up the level of the interior courtyard.

Ben shared about Ghanaian volunteer Francis from Kintampo, a volunteer from Pastor Daniel’s church that is studying to be a lawyer.

Lynne was tested by being asked to carry the heavy blocks, and although she managed well, her new expertise in providing the proper portions of concrete ingredients to Solomon, the concrete mixer operator, earned her his thumbs up!

Jacqueline kept up the flow with her wheelbarrow.

Today’s felt board lesson was the story of creation, and it was wonderful to hear how so many of the children and teachers were familiar with the story. While some classes acted out their “The Giving Tree” story book reading, others listened intently and responded with discussions about responsible forestation!

The difference between the two schools was seen in many different ways. One of the visible differences was class size. Ellie’s morning class at the public school had 50 students, while her afternoon class at EPS had 5. One of the most impressive differences was that the EPS Grade 1 class recited John 3:16 without prompting when they heard it was foundation of the next activity lesson, and then they started reciting other verses they had memorized!

After sorting through some pretty mixed up laundry, conversations were had, games were played and our evening was spent once again with Soale and Esther, as clothing designs were considered and measurements were taken.

Our prayer is that we all continue to work well while staying healthy, bearing good fruit as we find ourselves “in the flow” of whatever it is we are doing and remaining a “very tender people“.