MISSION TRIP TO AFRICA
My recent trip to Saboba, Ghana (Africa) was one I'll never forget. It was my first missionary experience that consisted of 11 people, including my mom. Having had her there to share in the experience was unforgettable. There is nothing like sharing that with someone so close to you. You can come home and show pictures to everyone and tell stories of what happened, but it will never compare to having been there. So for me, having my mom there is something the two of us will have forever.
Our flight started in Los Angeles, stopping in Dallas and Memphis, then continuing to Amsterdam and Accra (Ghana).
After over 24 hours of flying, we had a 17 hour bus ride to Saboba ahead of us. There were several obstacles to overcome on our journey, like a broken down van, but we eventually made it.
There is no running water in Saboba. Rain water is collected in large black tanks, and that is what's used for showering, washing dishes, clothes, etc. Our diet consisted mostly of rice, eggs and bread. (Our group had brought lots of snack food, so peanut butter crackers and my mom's famous cookies served us for all 10 days!)
What we set out to accomplish, WAS accomplished. This consisted of pastors conferences, Vacation Bible School (VBS) for kids and medical treatment as we had a dentist, nurse, and doctor on our team. I shared my testimony the first night with the group of pastors in a thunderstorm (I was barely audible) and Pastor Brad Butler (www.bradbutler.com) did an amazing job of teaching the local pastors how to share the Word of Christ and to become a Contagious Christian. Several books and other materials were given to the pastors to equip them to teach the gospel to the local villagers. Other materials included the T.V. series "The Way Of The Master" at www. thewayofthemaster.com.
My mom, Barbara, Sandy, John and I taught VBS. We sang Bible songs with over 300 children and taught them the 10 commandments. We told the story of Creation and Adam and Eve and shared with them Christ's love in that while we are all sinners, Christ died for us. The kids left with small booklets of the 10 commandments and were told to study them. The following day, we gave out prizes to the kids who could recite all 10 commandments in order. It was great fun and the kids were so excited to receive toys and colorful hand knit caps. (Made by my Aunt Lynda). We gave out goodie bags at the end of VBS that included candies, toys, t-shirts, 10 commandment coins and other small gifts. The children were so excited and thankful we were there.
Tommy, the dentist and his assistant Patty pulled over a hundred teeth. Most of the people had never seen a dentist before. Greg, the doctor assisted the resident Dr. Jean on all her many patients. He was also able to share the gospel with one of the "Chiefs" of the village.
Soccer balls were given out to 4 Elementary and 4 Secondary schools. Several of us spent time at the hospital in the children's and woman's ward taking pictures and talking with the ladies. They were all so happy to have their picture taken. We used our own cameras and Polaroids, so they could have them instantly!
My missionary trip to Africa was a far cry from staying at "The Four Seasons", but a trip I eagerly wait to go on again and again. It was more fulfilling than any luxury hotel, spa, fine dining, celebrity filled event I've experienced. Next time, I look forward to bringing the rest of my family with me. :)
~Candace
