Kim Lawson

Home again…for most of us anyway.

A few team members have extended their time away to visit family and/or discover other parts of the world. Bruce and Mira have stayed in Carpenter because of their roles with hospital landscaping and hospital equipment coordination.

From the beginning of our journey as a team, we were very aware of the love, prayers and generosity of those we were sent to represent and to work with. Thank you!

We were tested and encouraged. We celebrated and we mourned. We laughed and we cried. We worked and we played. We gained perspective. Our faith, (and for some, our muscles!) grew stronger in so many ways!

We will miss gathering under the gazebo with our Ghanaian friends as testimonies are shared, prayers are raised and The Word is shared. May they know that we, the tender people, are forever united with them in Jesus’ name. We pray at the dawning of each new day, no matter the weather, we will remain strong together and remember to keep it simple, follow the golden rule, and be steadfast and fruitful for years to come.

By His grace, for His glory and in His name, a huge thank you to everyone! Jan-Jam.

David Mensah’s devotion on this, our final day, was titled Listen To The Leader from Acts 1:4-12. Although the disciples were under the threat of death, it was incredibly important that the disciples stayed in Jerusalem as Jesus instructed because at the proper time, people from all over the world would witness the apostles be filled with The Spirit. Prophesies would be fulfilled and thousands would accept the message of Christ and be baptized. In the same way, God does not give us a complex recipe to follow Him. We are simply asked to follow the simple instruction of The Word.

Both the build and teaching teams worked until lunch and then we started packing and distributing supplies. More concrete floors were poured, and the last of the foundation block walls were built. The teachers spent the first hour of the day in their morning classrooms and then, after taking class photos of approximately 250 kids, the field games began.

The architect, engineer and Mira walked the hospital site followed by a meeting. Everyone left with the necessary information needed to move forward in the different phases of the project. In the afternoon, we toured the hospital again as we had heard that the trusses were going up, and up they were!

At dinner, Steve S. shared that every morning, he and Donna opened a dated envelope from their children and/or grandchildren. Each envelope contained a note, scripture and/or pictures. After two weeks of opening the envelopes, one of the given verses, Psalm 96:1-3 has a whole new meaning for him. “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name, proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

Brenda spoke about how wonderful it was to walk together with us these past two weeks. She recounted the beginning of their relationship with each church represented in the room and the wonder of what God has brought together. Joy was found on the build site, on the hospital site and in the NEA shop as Aaron brought much relief and encouragement to Jackie, who works many hours every day repairing and maintaining a lot of equipment.

Soale shared with us that on the stretch of road from Wa (a few hours north of Carpenter to Kumasi and a few hours south of Carpenter), people have passed through and noted that it is only in Carpenter that new things are happening. He noted, “Although each person on this team came to Carpenter for their own reasons, it is possible that God wants you to see something you have never seen before. It is possible that God wants you to hear something that you have never heard before. God will guide and bless you”.

Tomorrow morning, we will gather at 5:30am for our final goodbyes. Our trip home will be long, but we’re leaving with David Mensah’s encouragement ringing in our ears: one step of obedience at a time.

Pastor Rans led this morning’s devotion with Matthew 7:12. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” He told the story of a mother who considered that her daughter had married well because the man she married did everything for her. She also had a son who she thought was in a bad marriage because he did everything for his wife. It’s all about perspective! Pastor Rans asked, “Are you loving and serving others? We easily lean on others, but we need to give way for others to depend on us.”

At dinner tonight, David Mensah was very generous with his words of encouragement saying he hopes to see some of us return and have the chance to stay in this new building. Dave expressed to David and Brenda that it has been a joy for us to help in their ministry. Over the past few days, many team members have said the words “Next time…”

The concrete pour continued at the 16,000 square foot dormitory site. Everyone who shovelled received the “Golden Shovel Award” tonight! Adam was recognized for pulling together tomorrow’s school field day activities rotation and Brittany for adapting crafts to suit kindergarten age children. Steve and Malissa experienced the joy of watching children accept the truth of God’s Word for themselves. Malissa was recognized for stepping up to the huge task of putting together the teaching program. She communicated with the teachers before our arrival, and has been the backbone of the program. She certainly has been the greatest cheerleader of the teaching team.

Our evening ended with a fashion show of Esther’s creations, fabulous fabrics brought to life!

Looking around the building and teaching sites, it is easy to find many who are diligently serving others, the Golden Rule in action.

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.

David Mensah’s brother Yaara Chief Joseph visited the site today. Pastor Peter, David’s other brother, has been working alongside the team all week. It was exceptionally hot today even though clouds helped shield us from the afternoon sun. There was no breeze and the humidity level is rising.

Pastor Charles shared with us this morning that a lion roars most when he has the least strength and power in order to scare and intimidate its prey. The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Ephesus that, although there was an enemy prowling around them, he has been conquered and left powerless. Psalm 82:6 tells us that we are all sons of God and carry His power within us so we should never be afraid to approach Him or be held back by the past.

In spite of the heat, it was literally “all hands on deck” today as dirt was carefully spread between the foundation walls in preparation for pouring some of the floors tomorrow. Steve S., John and Caleb wrestled a massive clump of dirt out of the way and everyone tossed rocks out of the dirt to create a smooth level surface in preparation for the cement.

Ellie, who will celebrate her 83rd birthday tomorrow, has done a wonderful job of equipping the local teachers. At the school, the lesson focused on the crucifixion and students were moved to hear about what Jesus endured for them. Paula has a great passion for telling the children about Christ and has developed a close relationship with them. Matt joined Isaac in the classroom today where students composed Haiku poetry as they learned about syllables.

After dinner this evening, several team members wrote notes and Scripture on pictures which will be given to the students tomorrow. Craig helped get water for the cooling system of a broken-down bus and in the process learned the names and their meanings of some of the high school students and teachers on the bus who were en route from Accra to Wa for a mathematics competition.

It is such a joy to see how willing everyone is to use their gifts and talents wherever they can, even when their minds and bodies are tired from the work and the heat.

Tents, chairs and a sound system were set up and ready for our solemn gathering. Women from Noah’s home arrived dressed in black and red, the colours of mourning. David Mensah was also dressed in red and black regalia.

Following opening prayers and songs, Pastor Craig drew our attention to Psalm 133: “Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” A youth choir led and we all sang “How Great Is Our God” and “How Great Thou Art” during the offering.

Following Pastor Rans’ message “Let Us Be Steadfast…The Lord will bring light into the darkness,” David Mensah spoke of Noah, a unique man who included God in all he did. When David felt weary with the work, Noah reminded him, “You know this work is God’s work. You know that.” Noah was kind; he cared for people and nothing deterred him from his task. David reflected that it was fitting that brothers and sisters Noah has worked with are here at this time working on this project. Some members of today’s team were here in 2000 on the first mission project, building the compound peanut house. Today’s group represents hundreds of those who have been here in the past twenty years.

After church, Gretchen repaired a little girl’s sandal with a pipe cleaner and Matt participated in wheelbarrow races with some children. We rested in the afternoon, enjoying pleasant conversations in the shade of the NIM house gazebo, taking naps, participating in late afternoon sports, photography and walks into Carpenter.

Tonight’s setting sun was a perfect round orange ball in the sky and the moon was much the same. Amazing!

Although some days are long, our time here has passed quickly. Continue to pray for health and strength as we head into our final four workdays before we depart on Friday.

Let us be steadfast and finish well.

Saturday = Shopping, Sorting, Sleeping, Servicing, Soccer, Snacks and Socializing

Today, breakfast was served at 8am…a whole extra hours sleep!

Peter, the weaver from Tamale, was set up and ready for us to shop in the gazebo. Woven baskets and hats, fabrics, carvings, beaded jewelry and much more awaited our eager shoppers. Several team members then headed into the Training Centre to sort through the many hockey bags of soccer equipment donated, while Lynne printed out the school pictures she took on Friday.

After a fabulous spaghetti lunch, the ECAC bus was on its way to Bamboi for those that wanted to experience an authentic market experience. Beads and fabrics were bought, yet not one dried fish made its way back to Carpenter.

A handful of men, led by Adam, made their way to the Carpenter school to repair desks, and a couple others played football (soccer) with the local kids. Otherwise, well-earned afternoon naps were had.

After dinner, the team returned to the NIM House gazebo for some special Saturday night treats, Chicago mix and other flavoured popcorn, licorice, Peak Frean Cookies and M&M’s, cardgames and much conversation.

We are grateful for all of the comments heading our way, and appreciate your prayers for our health and strength as a couple of our team members have had a rough day. A lot of sun, exhausting heat and a change of diet can take its toll on a body. Thankfully, they are getting a lot of rest and are recovering.

Tomorrow we look forward to a church service on the grounds and a Sabbath day of rest.

P.S. In keeping with the “S” theme, earlier this week, Steve G. met a scorpion head on and won.

Thank you for praying for our continued safety. 🙂

At the dawning of this new day, we celebrated Steve S’s birthday and Brad and Brittany’s 5th Anniversary. Steve shared how special it was to celebrate his birthday with us here, seeing David and Brenda in a place he has heard about for over 30 years, and witnessing all that has and is being done, is overwhelming. At devotions, the Ghanaians said a prayer for Brad and Brittany and their marriage, an anniversary not quickly forgotten.

Pastor Craig delivered a super charged message at devotions this morning, Acts 2:1-4…it was a new day. The promise of God was now on all people, men and women alike to put everything forward for their God. As the disciples gathered to celebrate the giving of the covenant, they broke out from under the law, filled with the Spirit. The best building project ever, the building of the Church. All man-made buildings will eventually fall, but what God builds will last forever. How can you not be filled with joy? We are God’s children and he wants to pour His Spirit into us, and we need to grow, to grow up in this truth. Know…Grow…Go!

Lynne made a special visit to the Carpenter School this morning, taking class and student pictures. These class pictures will be a special gift to the teachers on our last day in class, and the individual student pictures are being printed and given to each student with a note of blessing written on each of them. Gretchen was inspired when she sat to teach her class about Zacchaeus, how Jesus knew his name although he had not met him before. She emphasized to each child in her class how God knows each of their names. Our topic of the day was “Honesty” and Steve G’s idea of using play pirate coins as a great prop to act out an example of honesty was of great success. Brittany was recognized by Adam for her outstanding progress from a nervous kindergarten teacher to a confident and creative one.

Incredibly, Justen and Isaac had still had enough energy after a long work day to join Pastor Gabriel and others for an hour of football (our soccer) before dinner.

Dave reported that today’s theme for the build site was “Down in the Trenches.” This past week has been all about the foundations being set. Coming together with NEA builder Thomas, an efficient plan was set in place and the expectation is that by Tuesday, floors will start being poured.

Aaron, in NEA overalls, joined NEA’s mechanic Jackie in maintaining and fixing wheelbarrows, bulldozers, and trucks. Together they accomplished a lot and enjoyed driving the bulldozer around once they were done.

Mira has been hard at work in the (air conditioned) training centre all week. She has been working on the landscape plans for the hospital. She has also had additional productive tours of the hospital with Brenda, and with NEA staff members as she studies the plants here at the compound.

David Mensah shared with us that the NEA build team has found our team “stronger than we look.” (Perspective. Tender People who are Super Strong.)

Our day ended with an inspirational presentation of the Layaata Ane Project by Mumuni, Prosper, Mary, Rachel and John. Our eyes were opened to the amazing impact this program is having on 160 villages in educating adolescents and decreasing infant death rates. It truly is amazing what God can do when we know, grow and go!