Waters Edge Ministries

Interesting year - Open Doors - Ask Seek Knock

2010-09-14T20:01:00.001-04:00

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It's been an interesting year. There's that word 'interesting' that people use when they talk about my book or my life. Makes me laugh... nervously.

I remember at the beginning of this year, a friend asking what vision God had given for the new year. I thought about it for three days and came to the conclusion that there was no vision. We had been toiling the soil and planting the seeds the previous two years and this year was one to watch God do His thing.

Our annual mission to Ghana was the largest to date. In fact exponential growth by a factor of three. Any time a ministry experiences increase, it's a good thing and we're thankful.

Some how in the aftermath of this growth, we've felt a gnawing for more. Which is dangerous. The last time I prayed for more (which I added and please don't send me to Zimbabwe, for fear of spending the next 30 years of my life in Africa) I went to Swaziland on my first mission to the African continent.

So, we wondered, do we tarry? Do we just keep doing what we were told to do some years ago? Be obedient to the last instruction until further notice? Some what perplexing, but ask, seek, knock and you will be answered.

We were more than willing to continue but laid out a fleece and had some specific areas in mind. One being Kenya, another being India.

Well, once again, be careful about what you ask for. We were contacted by a friend who is a full time missionary in Kenya and that door has opened wide and we're going through it without reservation.

We see the door for India and someone is there doing research already and the way I see it will be our guide there a couple years down the road.

Does this mean the door to Ghana is shut? Absolutely not. In fact, we just today spoke with a gentleman that drills wells in Ghana and have requested him to contact our folks on the ground there and see if we can get some villages some much needed access to clean drinking water.

It may be that we have groups going to Ghana and Kenya alternating years, or simultaneous or one after the other in the same year. We'll follow God's lead and timing in all of this.

We're excited and ready to expand our territories. People every where need to be empowered to purify their source of drinking water. To restore their health and have Hope for the future.

I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

I pray, you Ask, Seek and Knock. That you are prepared to go where God leads. I promise there is no better plan for your life.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Culture Shock

2010-08-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

As we emerged from the plane into the busy Atlanta Airport, my senses were immediately assaulted by bright lights, flashy American advertisements, noise, and the usual US rush-rush hustle-bustle. I literally gasped in shock. Too much noise, too much "slickness," too much consumerism....

Driving home on smoothly paved roads, I don't feel any bumpy potholes. The other drivers stay in their lanes, come fairly close to maintaining the allowed speed limit, and don't blow their horns constantly. Quite a change from my experiences of the last couple of weeks.

Once home, I looked at our neighborhood. There were no high fences topped with constantine wire or broken glass to deter robbers as is common in the cities in Ghana. A neighbor, on his riding lawnmower, waved at us. I remembered seeing some men with machetes, hacking at the grass in front of a home in Tema...

I take a deep breath and smell....nothing, really. But the scents of acrid smoke, sweat, sea, animals, and fumes from vehicles all linger in my mind from Ghana.

I loaded the washing machine, added detergent, turned it on and walked away. Then I remembered Aggie and Maggie, sitting on low stools, scrubbing our clothes in a tub and hanging them across the fence to dry.

Ahhhh......hot water and a long shower, feels absolutely delicious. Though the tepid-cool showers in Ghana were a pleasure there, cooling my skin temporarily.

Gazing into the mirror, I suddenly realize that this was the first time I'd seen my image in nearly three weeks. Didn't have a mirror in Ghana; didn't need one. It didn't occur to me that it would matter what I looked like.

Taming my hair with hot rollers to make it conform to my "American standards"... why do I not think I can just let it go here, like I do in Ghana? The breeze blows it dry, the little bit of natural curl I inherited makes it wavy.

My husband comes in, bringing some groceries. We put things neatly away in cupboards and in our refrigerator. There's a gracious plenty of food -- we could live off of the food in our cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer for quite some time and not even have to go to the store. There is very little refrigeration in Ghana, even in the urban areas that have electricity. Most meals take a long time to prepare: peeling and cutting the fresh fruits and vegetables, slaughtering the goat or chicken or cleaning the fish, simmering the spices over a stove or a fire all take a long time.

On the counter, David places two ripe fresh plantains. Neither of us speaks -- but we both smile. We'll have a taste of Ghana at dinner, tonight, just to help us remember.....

Summer in Ghana

2010-08-08T11:46:00.003-04:00

I found the blog of a new friend I met in Ghana this past July. She relates a couple of days in July at the following links -

http://gbat.tumblr.com/post/849955507/wednesday-july-21-2010-part-one

http://gbat.tumblr.com/post/866350716/wednesday-july-21-2010-part-two

I always hope GOD does to others what GOD does to me. The Dump is a kick in the gut. I hope you can experience it with me one day.

These student/teachers from Dartmouth College are a rare breed that have answered the call and are making a profound difference....

From Ghana_2010_Day 17

and I'm honored to know them, and call them friends.

Heres a link to some photos from that day - http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day17#

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You hear the wind, yet you do not know where it comes from or where it goes to; so it is with the Spirit.

Blessings,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

What It's All About

2010-08-05T12:53:00.001-04:00

Our game plan was to spend Monday through Wednesday after the team left evaluating the trip, visiting with friends, and relaxing. However I'd begun to feel a bit bad over the weekend. Saturday I nursed a scratchy sore throat; Sunday found me sneezing and sniffling. What I *thought* was going to be a simple summer cold turned very ugly. By Monday morning I was in the middle of a full-blown "asthmatic episode" which left me literally gasping for every breath. As soon as a pharmacy was open on Monday, our friend Stephen took us to get some medication for me. It was pricey (about $90 USD) but at that point I'd have maxed out every credit card I had to get some relief. I spent most of the day doing absolutely nothing. By evening I was feeling MUCH better.

For me, Monday and Tuesday is sort of a blur. I'd get up and go a while, then nap a while. But David managed to get a good bit accomplished and I joined him as I could.

David took the time to go back to the dump, taking Bishop James with him to witness the conditions there first-hand. They discussed several options about ways to help those children. Besides the obvious issue of massive poverty, they face other problems. For example, often the parents do not care if their kids go to school or not; sometimes the kids have to work picking through the garbage for items to recycle. Another big problem is that the schools closest to the dump are still about a 2-mile walk that includes crossing a major 4-lane highway.

Ideas that we are considering include purchasing a van to transport the kids to schools in and around Community 25, or perhaps trying to get a school started at the edge of the dump itself. Given the transient nature of the residents, it can be difficult to keep track of the children themselves. It is a huge problem -- and a huge burden on our hearts.

Early Monday afternoon, we walked to Jerusalem Gates Academy, where donors helped us sponsor several children out of the dump last year. We took some candies to share with the children. We were sad to see that the number of students was significantly smaller this year; the headmaster indicated that since the school was relocating, many students were going to different schools. After more discussion and prayers, we decided to look for different avenues for the dump children's education.

We stopped by Manye Foundation Academy on Tuesday. There we met five volunteers, students from Dartmouth College in the US. We spent some time talking with them, and with the headmaster. The college students were about as excited to see us as we were to see them! Before we left, they'd agreed to stop for a visit on Wednesday, and David planned to take them to the dump for a look around.

We agreed to sponsor four children into this academy. Later I'll tell you their stories, so be watching in the coming days for information about Racheal, Comfort, Raphael, and Joseph.

Also on Tuesday, David pounded fufu with Mary and Emmanuel! He later feasted on that fufu at dinner! They also made my favorite fried plantains! YUMMY!!!

Tuesday evening, I met Joann, who is heading up the Christ Harvests Academies. I am very impressed by this lady's professionalism and drive to help provide a superior education to children, and I look forward to working with her!

By Wednesday, I was feeling pretty good. It was our last full day in Ghana; we were scheduled to fly out Thursday morning at 1 am. We had a lot of things we needed to catch up with before we left, so we hit the ground running.

A few years ago we met a young man named Cedric Emmanuel who had been badly burned on his face, arms, and hands. His medical bills were covered through efforts by Waters Edge Ministries. Recently a friend of ours saw the young man's photograph -- then contacted us that he wanted to help the young man with his education. This benefactor is a graduate student at USC who is from a different country -- and has a huge heart for children. With Richard's help, we contacted the headmistress at the school where he attended. We drove to the school where she serves, and she accompanied us to the junior high school that the now 13-year-old young man attends.

Upon our arrival, Cedric Emmanuel was brought to the office. He recognized us and gave a slight smile, but did not speak much. He wears a jacket all the time to cover his scarred arms; his hands are scarred and the joints of his little fingers are immobile and twisted. One of his ears was burned off; the other is partially gone.

The school headmistress told us that before the accident, he'd been a bright and happy student. When he returned, his scarred face frightened other students and they'd run from him. She expressed concern that he seemed depressed. (Who wouldn't be depressed???) She also shared some information about his home life -- he lives sometimes with his father and other times with his grandmother; neither send enough money for him to purchase food during the day. Usually he brings about 80 pesewas -- roughly 50 cents -- which would not buy a pittance of food. The headmistress often takes him home with her and feeds him dinner at night.

We explained that a benefactor wanted to take care of his educational costs, and he smiled as broadly as he could. My eyes teared up; it was obvious that he was grateful that someone wanted to help him, that someone cared about him.

This is what it's all about:

Connecting people through the Love of Christ.

******

The Dartmouth students came over for a visit; it was fun sitting on the porch and talking with them. David took them for a visit to the dump. It is impossible to see that place and not feel moved...

The rest of the evening, visitors were in and out to tell us good-bye, including Pastor Johnson, Chief Takyi, Ben, Christina, Victoria & the kids. We packed our bags, and shared a final dinner together. I tasted one more slice of fresh sweet bread to hold me over till next year. Gave one more giant bear hug to Bishop James -- also to hold me over till next year.

About 8:30 pm, we loaded Richard's Jeep Cherokee with our luggage. He, Victoria, Little Anita, Christabel, and Junior all piled in to drive us to Kotoka Airport.

At 1 am, Delta Flight 185 took off. We were headed home.

Weekend wrap up

2010-08-01T17:13:00.001-04:00

Saturday and Sunday, July 17 & 18

After the long week "on the road" in the Volta region, everybody slept in on Saturday morning! I think we all needed the rest; we'd worked really hard and accomplished a good bit. Along the way we built some relationships that are precious and priceless -- and help to show others the Jesus that is living in our hearts.

The Grace Team needed to make another trip to the Accra Arts and Crafts Market and they spent most of the day there. David and I ran some errands and made some visits in and around Tema.

We spent some time in the Tema market -- searching in vain for Kingsbite chocolate. That's one of our favorite treats. However, the factory had been shut down for a few weeks for maintenance, so we learned, and nobody in the market had any of the candies for sale. Pastor Paul drove us to the Evergreen Supermarket -- a large store fashioned like those in the USA. There we found Kingsbite, and purchased several bars to share with folks back home.

We enjoyed a long visit with Richard's wife Victoria and their three children Anita, Christabell, and Junior. Last year, they moved into a different apartment. It's outside of Tema, and as we drove there with Pastor Paul King, we were frustrated at how "far out" the place seemed to be. But when we arrived and entered, we were excited about how nice the place is -- bright, airy, spacious. It is by far the nicest place they've ever lived.

Later that afternoon, we walked around Community 11 a bit. I showed David a house I'd stayed in several years ago -- just a couple of blocks from where we were this year.

As we walked hand-in-hand, my mind wandered back a few years....my friend Rita and I walked along these same streets, laughing like a couple of schoolgirls, happy as we could be. I smiled with the memory; then remembering how our lives have changed since those times, I gave thanks.

The Grace Team arrived back home just as we returned from our walk. Everyone was excited about their purchases, and their excitement was contagious. Mackenzie modeled her new dress; John played his new drum; Sydney was thrilled with the carved birds she'd found. It was just plain FUN!!! I giggled to see the excitement among the group, and it was fun to share in their joy.

Sunday dawned and we all got up early -- we were to speak at two church services, sharing a bit about our experience with those who'd hosted and prayed for us. When we arrived at Christ Harvests the Nations in Comm. 4, the place was alive with singing and dancing and praise! We joined it, smiling and clapping. Praising Jesus whole-heartedly is one of my favorite memories of any trip to Ghana! Each team member spoke about the experiences that meant the most to them: the worship, visiting the kids at the dump, going to Potwabin, touring Elmina, worship at Kpeve, seeing village life in Adigbo Tornu, bringing pure physical water and the Living Water to Bame Atome, the wonderful people, the hospitality....we could share forever....

We left Comm. 4 and drove to the new church facility being constructed in Community 25. The building is nowhere near finished -- but that does not stop it from being used for worship and praise!! We shared once again, then left for home.

We had a late lunch -- it was our Farewell Celebration meal. The Grace Team made pasta alfredo and green beans -- I realized how much I'd missed green beans as I helped myself to seconds! Saturday night, Kristy sat on a low stool in the kitchen, teaching Ruth and Esther how to string the beans and prepare them for cooking. Their efforts paid off -- YUM!!!! Our Ghana hosts prepared jollof rice, fried chicken, bread, pineapple, kontumerie (sort of like spinach with smoked fish), goat stew, and a huge salad. We enjoyed the meal immensely -- and the company even more. We shared this meal with everyone that had helped us -- our cooks Aggie, Maggie, and Christina; Ben, Richard, Evelyn, Doris, and Bishop Godlly; Pastor Johnson and Chief Takyi; our drivers Kofi & Yaw. Other friends from Christ Harvests the Nations dropped by just to say goodbyes.

The Grace Team was flying out that evening, so they began packing up and getting ready for a long journey back to the USA. About 9 pm, goodbyes were shared along with hugs and smiles and they boarded the bus. We followed behind them in the car and helped them unload their bags at Kotoka Airport. One more round of hugs and farewells-- and they entered the airport terminal. We drove back to Tema.

They were headed home....or so we thought!

We hadnt even made it back to Bishop James' house when we got a phone call that their flight had been cancelled!!! The airline provided them with a room and some meal vouchers, so they stayed an extra day in Accra -- then flew out Monday night.

Well...actually Tuesday morning.

Ahhh Ghana time.... you just have to learn to adjust!

Retreat at Logba Tota

2010-07-30T21:06:00.001-04:00

Friday July 16, 2010

I woke up in the coolness of Logba Tota, remembering a childhood hymn my mother taught me: "God's beautiful world, God's beautiful world, I love God's beautiful world. He made it for you, he made it for me, I love God's beautiful world."

Logba is a natural retreat; it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after the busyness of the week. And it is a perfect place to reflect upon God's creation and grace, and commune with the Spirit.

There are several lovely waterfalls around the mountain. Several years ago, I made the hike down to the falls and back -- quite a workout! A few of the Grace team mates laced up their tennis shoes and headed out to see the falls.

I knew that physically I was not quite up to that trek this year (maybe next year!). David and I spent the morning in the village of "upstairs" Logba Tota. We first visited the new school built by some Dutch philanthropists. It is a good sized school; the facility is solidly constructed and is a "jewel in the crown" of the town. The person who donated a good bit of the money for the school is having a home built beside the school. We explored the partially constructed house, which is built into the side of the mountain. Breath-taking views will greet them each morning once they move into the place: the master bedroom has a huge window that overlooks a valley stretching several miles before another rocky mountain rises from the red dirt.

As I stood in that partially constructed home, looking out over that valley, I remembered a song from my childhood -- "God's beautiful world, God's beautiful world, I love God's beautiful world. He made it for you, He made it for me, I love God's beautiful world."

Nobody spoke for several moments as we basked in the newness of the morning, looking across the African countryside.

Eventually, we continued our trek through Logba Tota. We walked back through the town, where we had worshiped the night before, and then continued up the rocky path toward the church building. Christ Harvests is sponsoring a nursery school that uses the church building, and we visited with the 10 children. They had no teaching supplies to speak of: Children took their naps on old cardboard boxes that had been split and laid out on the dirt floor. The teacher did not even have a chalkboard; she used drawings on paper that she'd created herself, teaching English words to the children. David gave the kids toffees (candies) as we said goodbye.

Next we paid a visit to my friend Agben & his parents. They live even farther up the mountain!! Agben's dad is crippled --I think he may have had a stroke a few years back-- and rarely (if ever) leaves his house. Each time I go to Logba, I try to visit this family; it is an important relationship to me. We shared some photographs taken last year, made a few new pictures, and then bid them farewell.

Walking back down the mountain, through this village, then back to Fount Hill, I marveled at God's goodness! And I am always struck at the difference between "needs" and "wants" that becomes so obvious when I visit this place. Life is simple here; yet people give thanks and praise to God every day.

Back at Fount Hill, lunch was almost ready. The Grace Church hikers returned from their trek to the waterfalls -- most of them tired and maybe a bit muddy, but glad for the opportunity to see the beauty of God's creation.

After lunch, we packed up the bus -- which meant taking our luggage and all of the kitchen equipment and supplies back down the hill where the bus was parked -- and headed back to Tema -- about a three-hour ride.

Tired, but joyful, we were "home" again in Community 11. The "work" part of our mission was complete. We give thanks to God for the group, for the trip, for the things HE accomplished through us, and for the opportunities we've experienced in this journey.

Monkeys and an Angel

2010-07-26T15:38:00.000-04:00

Thursday, July 15, 2010

We left Ho this morning by way of Pastor Thywill's home. He is in 9 days of fasting and mourning for his wife; we did not stay long but we wanted to tell him we appreciated the use of the house for the team.

After fueling the bus and car, we were on the road to Logba Tota -- one of my favorite places on earth!

Every year we wind up our trip by a visit to the mountaintop village of Logba Tota. It is a wildly beautiful and spiritual place. As we made our way through the countryside, I noticed men mowing the shoulders of the road with machetes -- back-breaking work, for sure. Fields of corn and cassava dotted the hills.

As a surprise, Chief Takyi arranged for us to visit the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. We turned off the main road and drove 5 km on a rough, dusty road through bush that was taller than the bus. At last we entered a clearing by a sign "You are entering the Monkey Sanctuary."

We gathered together as a young man introduced himself as Emmanual and said he would be our guide for the hike into the jungle. We began to follow him down a narrow path. We had not walked very far when he showed us a "strangling tree" -- a parasitic tree that was literally strangling a palm tree by growing around and over it. It almost looked like a giraffe's neck, along side the palm.

We followed him further into the jungle, listening as he explained the history of the village and the Mona Monkeys that safely live there.

The Tafi people migrated to this area from the Central Regino of Ghana by the Volta River. They were considered to be fierce fighters, and brought along their idols to worship. They built a shrine to the idol, then when they went to war, they'd leave their belongings in the forest at the shrine. Whenever they won the war, they'd find all of their belongings in the forest, safe and secure at the shrine, being guarded by the Mona monkeys. They decided that the forest was sacred, and made it a preserved sanctuary. The only trees felled were those needed to be removed for a roadway. The monkeys were not to be killed because they were considered messengers to their god.

In 1908, Christianity was introduced and they did away with their idols. Some monkeys were killed; some trees were cut down. In the 1980's, John Mason visited the area and began researching the monkeys. He advised the people of the benefits of conserving the forest and protecting the monkeys. Some non-governmental organizations got involved, creating an official sanctuary of 80-90 acres in 1996. At this time, five colonies of monkeys live here -- the total number of monkeys is about 300. Each colony has a leader.

As we followed Emmanuel deeper into the jungle, he began making a shrill noise to call the monkeys. Before very long we heard a rustle over our heads -- and suddenly there were several monkeys in the trees by the path! Their leader, Commando, was a HUGE fellow, and he kept his distance from us humans. Emmanuel gave us banana halves and we held them up for the other monkeys to peel and snatch the fruit from our hands. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! We laughed and took photographs until our bananas ran out. Then we heard a deep grunt: Commando was telling his "family" it was time to move along. And just as quickly as they arrived, they left us.

This was absolutely one of the coolest "treats" I've ever experienced! I want to return to Tafi Atome again!!

We boarded the bus and drove back out to the main road -- but crossed it: we were on our way up the mountain! Up, up, up we climbed; my ears began popping. About halfway up, the temperature noticeably dropped. The Kofi manuevered that huge bus around all of the hairpin turns -- except the final one up the driveway to Fount Hill, where we would spend the night. So all of the luggage had to be off-loaded at the base of the hill and we carried our belongings the last leg.

The views from Fount Hill are indescribable -- breathtaking African vistas; in one direction you can see Lake Volta in the far distance. Look in another direction, and you see high, rocky bluffs. Still another direction reveals the town of "upstairs" Logba Tota. Chief Takyi's family owns Fount Hill. There are two houses at the top of the hill; one is new this year and has three bedrooms with private baths and a living room. I learned it was built in just 3 weeks' time when family members needed a place to stay when their beloved aunt passed away.

We enjoyed the scenery, had some dinner, and then walked down the hill and up into the town for a worship service in the center of the village. The area was lit by some really bright fluorescent bulbs (we all know how stage actors feel -- we couldnt see a thing because the lights blinded us!). The drumming and dancing was rhythmic and many of us joined in the dance. Pastor John brought a message, translated by Pastor Bertrand; later Pastor Frank also spoke to the worshipers.

As the service ended and we started back to our home for the night, I saw my friend Agben. I always look for Agben; I met him at my very first visit in 2001. He has Downs Syndrome, and is in his late 20's -- Pastor Bertrand is his brother. We'd brought him a bouncy ball that lit up when it hit the ground. The pure joy on his face makes me smile, just remembering ....

He hugged me really tightly, and held my hand while we began to walk toward the house. When he left, he smiled again, then shyly gave me a kiss on the cheek. My eyes filled with tears -- what a sweet and gentle soul Agben is. I know that one of these days, I'll make that trek up the mountain and he will be flying with the angels. But for now, he's an angel here on earth and I am honored to be his friend.

Later that evening as we lay down to sleep, the misty fog turned in to a gentle rain, pattering on the leaves of the trees sheltering our Team 2010 in the house on Fount Hill.

(~~from The Silver Lining)

Making Visits

2010-07-25T07:50:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, July 15, 2010 -- from The Silver Lining

We spent a lot of this day on the road. We were invited to a couple of different church plant areas that are part of Christ Harvests the Nations. In these rural areas, wherever they plant a church they also start a school.

Our first stop was at Labo Labo, whose pastor is Ted Heavenway. (Yes, that's his real name! Often Ghanaian pastors will change their names to reflect their Christian beliefs.) Bishop James met us there, along with Chief Takyi. The pastor shared with us that the church school began with 10 kids but after 4 months they had 46 children enrolled. They meet under a palm-roof, seated on wooden benches on a dirt floor; the three classrooms are divided by tarps strung from the ceiling. This building doubles as a church building for services.

Pastor Heavenway explained that while 46 children were enrolled, they all did not always attend. Some days, the children are needed to work on the farms to help support their families. Another deterrent is that the church and school building are across a very busy road, and the people have to dodge heavy traffic in order to attend. Indeed, as we were visiting we saw several large trucks and cars speeding by -- it is indeed a hazard. Most towns have zebra lines and speed bumps to force people to slow down, but there are none in Labo Labo. Believe me, with Ghanaian traffic, you can be taking your life in your own hands trying to cross a busy road!

We asked the Pastor what his top three priorities were for the school at Labo Labo.

He said the number one need was the zebra stripes and speed bumps for the safety of the children. This would cost 200 Ghana Cedis (less than $150 USD).

The second need was for a more permanent structure. The concrete blocks would cost about 3000 Ghana Cedis (about $2100 USD). He indicated that the community would provide the labor to construct the facility.

Teacher salaries are also on the list; this school pays about 30 Ghana Cedis (about $21 USD) per month to the three teachers. Currently, their salaries are paid by fees collected from the students; but sometimes they are not paid because the families cannot always afford to pay the fees.

We talked with the pastor some more, and our team sang some songs with the students. Before we left, a team member had partnered with us to provide the money needed for the zebra stripes and speed bumps. We are thankful for this generous heart who now "has a speed bump in Africa" providing a safer walk to church and school for many people.

Since we had another invitation, we were not able to stay long. We boarded the bus and began driving to the town of Dzodze -- pronounced "jo - jeh" -- almost like a twangy "Georgia". We asked how long a drive -- and were told about an hour. An African hour is about ...oh.... 2 and a half, maybe 3 sixty-minute spans. You never know exactly how long you're going to be on the road, nor if you're going to be having regularly scheduled meals.

We stopped back by the house in Ho and ate some lunch, then continued toward Dzodze. Seemed to me like we rode forever! At last, we stopped by the side of the road. Bishop James wanted to show us a mango farm that Christ Harvests had recently established in order to raise funds to pay its pastors. The 17-acre plot of land had been cleared and a crop of corn had been raised; then they planted the mangos. The first harvest will come off in about 3 years.

Back on the bus -- the town of Dzodze was only another 5 minutes away. Christ Harvests has a church and school meeting in a more permanent structure here. The tin roofed, concrete building housed about 120 children in the nursery, kindergarten, first and second grades. Five teachers serve along with Pastor Wisdom. They serve one meal each day to the students. We noticed that this facility made good use of rainwater harvesting, with guttering and downspouts draining into a huge hand-dug cistern.

Chief Takyi introduced us and we visited a few minutes with the teachers and staff before going outside with the children. We gave them a soccer ball and some other supplies. The team again sang songs with the children. We learned from our conversation with the pastor and teachers that their single biggest need was appropriate toilet facilities. Their second need was for a vehicle to help bring children to the school. Third and fourth priorities for them were land and a permanent structure for a larger facility to serve as church and school.

Time was getting late; we waved good-bye to the kids as we boarded the bus and headed back to Ho for the evening.

*****

Sometimes we face frustrations here. The time factor is always an issue -- we from the US tend to be very focused on using our available time, but our African friends are not that concerned about it. (There was an article in today's Ghana Daily Graphic newspaper about this very issue). And to them, driving 2 or 3 hours is no big deal -- but to us, it is almost an ordeal. And sometimes I feel as though we spend so much time traveling from place to place that we don't get to spend quality time with the children.

Another issue is with utilities. Electricity and water may go off, at any time and stay off for quite a while. This happened at the house in Ho: the water was off for about a day. While I can see that this is improving in Ghana, it does still occur. And to visitors it can be a real aggravation. (I am remembering the "rolling blackouts" they had a few years back. Electricity was off for 12-hour periods every three days. I'm grateful THAT practice has stopped!)

Back in Ho for the evening; we asked about going to a service at Pastor Thywill's church, but none were scheduled. So we relaxed and planned for tomorrow's trip to Logba Tota.

- posted by Anita Tarlton

Ghana 2010 Day 13 - 17

2010-07-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

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Finally all home safe, but never the same.

Here are links for Day 13 - 17's photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day13#

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day14#

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day15#

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day16#

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day17#

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Well update as we process all we witnessed.

Very very tired now, wore out, need sleep.

Thankful,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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A call to ACTION

2010-07-17T04:21:00.002-04:00

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As many things as we've seen and done while here in Ghana, and for that matter, for me, in my life, the experience I can not forget, the one that brings me to my knees sobbing is the children and people in the Dump.

From Ghana_2010_Day 03

(This is David and his mother and sister)(David who said he wants to be like me)

When I close my eyes, I see them. When I listen to ONE by U2 with Mary J Blige sing, "one love, one life, one need." I think of them.

I feel compassion rise up in me until I am dry heaving, I sob uncontrollably, I pray and I beg GOD to help me share this passion; to prepare hearts to receive it as an EMERGENCY!

I can have a hard time getting all dressed up nice and going to church to sing praises to Jesus while my brothers and sisters are in the Dump suffering all kinds of injustices, being denied the most basic of human needs, scraping out an existence that should NEVER be ignored!

From Ghana_2010_Day 03

(This is Esther, her scalp bears witness to her living conditions and her lacking necessary daily dietary needs)

How can we come to the altar without them heavily burdening our hearts? Where is their Jesus?

Let yourself go hungry every now and then, and in that discomfort, remember them. Wear the same clothes for a few days, don't bathe, remind your self over and over. Try to close your eyes and not see your own children in that circumstance.

You would move heaven and earth to rescue your own children. You would rally people and motivate and beg and plead and barter and work tirelessly with relentless passion to save your children from an existence like this. What about the least of these?

I am asking, I am begging, I am pleading, I am on my knees sobbing to our great, good kind and loving GOD to convict your hearts like mine. To burden them until you feel so uneasy that you simply MUST DO SOMETHING about it.

From Ghana_2010_Day 03

(this is Esther, and she is Beautiful!)

A call to ACTION. I ask, "since when, is children, any child, any where, living in and eating from a Dump NOT a state of EMERGENCY? For the children who have had no choice in this. Who have been born reaping seeds they did not sow.

Children who need a Champion

Children who need YOU!

---

Join us in caring for the least of these, in providing a Hope for the future, in shining the light within each of you, into their lives.

Join us and come to Ghana and be changed for ever.

Join us and give $50 to sponsor one of these children for a year, into school, where they will receive an education, a uniform and a meal per day.

---

Now close your eyes, see the little ones who need you and ask GOD, "what do You want me to do about this?"

Do not quench the Spirit's urging. You can not out give GOD, but it's incredible fun and there is no better life, than trying!

---

passionately -

David Lee Waters Sr.

The choice has been made.
There is no looking back.
I have stepped over the line.
I won't let up, back up,
give up or shut up.
My focus is clear.
My path straight
My GOD reliable

---

Ghana 2010 Day 11 & 12

2010-07-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

So sorry I have not poured my heart out in these blog entries this year. I have not had as much time with a group this size and Anita & I are sharing a computer this year. I promise to reflect more when I return. Until then, we press on.

Day 11 -

photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day11#

was a journey to Logba Tota where we stopped en-route and visited a Monkey sanctuary. We got to feed them bananas. The came across the jungly canopy to our guide's call and took the fruit right from our hands.

Then up to the mountain top (Tota means mountain top) where we were surprised to see a new building the team could use, right next door to where we usually stay.

We gathered for awesome primitive worship to the beat of drums and shakeres. (you all should encourage John Cromer to play Cunga's while Dottie plays a Shakere, for worship one day).

---

Day 12 -

We awoke to a cloud covered vista and but enjoyed the serenity of the place we love most, as the day slowly dawned.

Some of the team journeyed way down to a water fall, while Anita and I looked around the village at the changes, visited a new nursery and visited some wonderful old friends. (you'll see pics of Anita's buddy Agbenyushia (Agben for short) the boy with down syndrome. he is now 27 and one of the finest young men who helps his elderly parents day in and day out, you'll ever meet.

We scoped out a plot of ground offered to us by the chief for free. We are awaiting a quote on building there, to stay when we visit and ultimately retire and live out the remainder of our golden years there as well. For us, there is no place like Logba Tota on earth that we have ever encountered. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life or busy roads, with vistas that bring peace to your heart amidst prayers of thanksgiving.

We journeyed back to Tema and stopped en-route at a resort right by the Akosambo bridge that we didn't realize existed, for a short stretch / break. We may use this in the future for teams as a retreat after the long days in the field up in the Volta region.

Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day12

Love and Thankfulness for all of you,

David Lee Waters Sr.

Purify!

2010-07-15T04:06:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, July 14, 2010

What a great day we had!

After worshipping with Pastor Johnson's congregation in Kpeve and spending the night in Ho, the team boarded the bus and headed toward Adigbo Tornu. Pastor Johnson drove David and me to a hardware stall in Ho to pick up a few plumbing supplies and we met the group in the village.

We gathered in the shade with the chiefs and elders for a formal visit. John Cromer spoke for the Grace Church group, extending their greetings. Then we explained formally the reason for our visit. It was gratifying that the folks in the village remembered us. We had heard that one of the fellows we trained last year, Mr. Blackson, had passed away; we expressed our condolences to them at his death.

David had copies of several photographs we made last year, and we located the individuals to give them their pictures. That was a lot of fun for both the giver and the recipient!

Last year, Waters Edge Ministries installed our very first purifier in this village and they are our "flagship" effort. Pastor Johnson has been terrific as our "man on the ground" here, checking on the system and how the village has been using it. There were some cultural issues to be addressed -- the women would bring the water to the tank, but sometimes the men would not run the system in a timely manner. We determined that installing a pump might solve that problem.

When we arrived, we noticed right away that they had built a steadier foundation for the polytank, and constructed a ladder along side of it. Near the edge of the lake, a gasoline-powered fuel pump was installed. The villagers had also hand-dug a trench through the rocky soil and laid a pipeline from the pump up to the polytank -- approximately 600 yards. Impressive!!!

As David checked on the system itself and talked with the gentlemen in the village who were charged with running it, our team took time to walk through the village, talk with the people, and get an idea of what life in an African village was really like. Many of the children tagged along with us, taking our hands and letting us show God's love through our caring. I recognized Mary, a teenage girl, as one in a video we filmed of last year's "Water Dance" celebration after the installation was a success. She walked with me, as did tiny Allison -- who seemed a bit frightened at first, but soon was smiling and laughing as well.

We saw the kitchen huts, where the majority of the cooking is done using a clay oven. Young boys wove colorful kente cloth on looms that stretched many feet. At the edge of Lake Volta, fishermen were hauling in some of their catch of fresh tilapia as others mended nets. Ladies carried tubs full of freshly caught fish atop their heads back up the slope into the village, where the fish were dried and smoked and ready to sell in the market. Men were chopping the ground with picks, clearing away some brush so that more cassava could be planted. The thatch-roofed mud huts are clustered around neatly swept red dirt yards.

At the far edge of the village the kids attend school in a building constructed of mud walls and a palm-leaf roof. They sit on wooden benches as they recite their lessons. We spent some time singing and talking with the kids there; the Grace team also made some balloon animals to share with them.

Soon it was time to leave -- we were going to install a new system in the village of Bame. This system was provided through a grant from the Southern Baptist Association, via LifeNet, a Simple Church organized by our friends, Tom & Ashlea Dalik & family, who also sponsored many children last year and again this year.

We love, appreciate and are inspired by them and have witnessed a powerful move of GOD through their surrendered lives to many around the world. We pray they can join us and make the trip to Ghana some time in the future.

After a long drive (I think ALL drives in Africa are long!!!) we turned off the main road and onto a rocky rippled road that led into Bame. The yards were neatly swept around the mud huts in this village at the base of a mountain. Plastic chairs of blue and white were arranged underneath shade trees -- they were expecting us.

We met Pastor Zogli and hiw wife Georgina as well as the elders of the village. John extended greetings from the group, and then Pastor Zogli addressed us. "I cannot express my joy," he shared. There are about 600 people who live in this area, and when Pastor Johnson said we were going to install this system for them, he rejoiced. "It is one of the greatest gifts in my life, " he said. I got chill-bumps all over when he made that remark: that is exactly WHY we do this -- to show God's love through providing pure water an letting them know that it is the LIVING WATER of Christ that has placed this on our hearts. It makes me grateful, so very grateful, for Christ in our lives.

Dottie, Zach, Sidney, and MacKenzie sang, danced, and worked with the children of the village as we got to work on the water system.

A permanent well about 30' deep serves the community. The village had already prepared a platform, atop which sat the polytank, and they had installed a gasoline-powered pump with the pipelines already in place. They had filled the tank in anticipation of our arrival. It was obvious that they were willing to join in this endeavor.

Joseph, Emmanuel, and Komola have volunteered to work the system in Bame. These three gentlemen very carefully followed the instructions, interpreted by Pastor Zogli. His wife, Georgina and another lady, Senna also listened carefully. David, assisted by Sid, Bobby, John, Julia, and Christi explained and demonstrated putting the system together and testing the water for chlorine. They went over it several times, then stood back and allowed the men to try it. They quickly put it together a couple of times -- and then the two ladies wanted to try! They also had figured it out. So there are 5 people there that are able to put the purifier together and run it! AMEN!!!

They set the purifier into operation and allowed it to begin working. While we waited, we talked with Pastor Zogli and visited with some of the folks there. At around 6:00 the chlorine level read 5 parts per million -- BINGO!! A successful installation!!! Another "Water Dance" celebration, with candies for the children, and a prayer of praise!

Darkness was approaching, and we said our goodbyes and began the drive back to Ho. We promised to try to return next year -- it is not just about the water....it's about establishing the relationships, showing people there that we care and that GOD cares.

And as we drove home in the darkness, I smiled and said, "Thank you, God, for a VERY GOOD DAY!!!"

Blessings!

Anita

Christina’s Serenade

2010-07-15T01:35:00.000-04:00

Christina’s Serenade -- July 12, 2010 in Tema, Ghana

Christina was our chief cook last year in Ghana, and she has catered for us some this year as well. I very much admire and love her. She has this gentle, sweet spirit about her; an amiable calmness that makes you feel cared about and welcome. When she dances at church she moves with a gentle gracefulness, swaying in the rhythm of the music -- and you cannot help but feel the Spirit is dancing with her.

Sunday evening, I was feeling a bit down, frustrated and hurt about some issues. As the Grace Church group went into the back room for their meeting after dinner, I began to help clear the table. I’d take a load of plates and empty dishes into the kitchen, and she’d take them from me and stack them by the sink where Auntie Aggie started washing them. When we finished, I sort of hung around in the kitchen a little while, and David joined me there. And then God used Christina in a big way to lighten my spirits. We simply sat and talked a while.

We discovered we were all three Wednesday-born people. In Ghana people are given a middle name based on the day of the week that they are born. So Christina and I are both Akua and David is Kweku. At this revelation, she nodded and said that would explain our feeling of connection.

We told her how much we like to see her dance at church. Honestly, it is as beautiful an expression of praise as I have ever seen. She shared with us, “As I enter the worship, I give my whole body, my entire being to HIM. I dance with Him, and I dance for Him.” She spoke of King David dancing so totally in the Spirit that he danced out of his clothing and his wife chastised him. Chuckling, she said, “You cannot be concerned with pleasing the world. Like David’s wife, the world is never satisfied. You only concern yourself with pleasing the Lord.”

Later she remarked to us that she thought David and I “matched well together.” She explained that he is boisterous and energetic while I am calm and more reserved. “You balance one another,” she said -- which is something we’ve heard often, from many different people.

Her eyes twinkled and she laughed. “I want to tell you some gossip about you.” I thought ohhhh kaaaayyyy…. She’s known me for many years and I wondered what she was about to tell on me! She then said, “When I saw you here two years ago, I asked my friend, ’Who is this woman with the white hair?’ I could not believe it! I did not even recognize you -- your happiness has changed your whole face, your whole posture, your whole being!” We laughed, then David and I shared our love story with her. Soon everyone in the kitchen was laughing and enjoying each other’s company, sharing bits about our lives.

“Me? I am still looking. But for now I just dream,“ Christina told us. Then she began to sing that old Everly Brothers song, “Dream.“ David pulled me into his arms and we danced in the kitchen to Christina’s serenade.

Anita <><

Ghana 2010 Day 10

2010-07-14T17:13:00.000-04:00

Labo Labo and then on to Dzodze ( sounds like Jew-jha ) dz = j

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day10#

I think the team is about wore out - no water last night - some digestive issues - long bus rides on rough roads.

Prayers appreciated.

Tomorrow we share an intimate detail, Logba Tota - Heaven to us who know Ghana well.

Blessings,

David & Anita

Traveling to the Volta Region

2010-07-14T02:27:00.002-04:00

Monday, July 13

We ate breakfast at 7, and were packed up and ready to go by 8 -- we’re heading to the Volta Region for several days! As of 10:30, we were still sitting at the house, waiting to get the trip underway. I was not surprised -- this makes my 6th trip to the Volta Region and we have never once left on schedule!

First, all of our luggage was loaded. We had to pack clothing for the week as well as bed linens, pillows, and towels. And then we waited.

The ladies in the kitchen were hustling more than usual -- I realized that they were packing all of the dishes, silverware, pots and pans into large tubs and laundry baskets -- I think they literally packed up everything but the kitchen sink! These supplies, plus 2 tanks of propane, 2 small gas stovetops, and a microwave oven, were loaded on to the bus. To accomplish that task meant unloading some of the luggage, shifting things around, and re-arranging. Still we waited.

A taxi arrived, loaded with several cases of water. Had to find room for that -- so once again, the luggage holds beneath the bus were unpacked, re-arranged, and re-packed. And still we waited.

Mary (Bishop James’ wife) and her mother Elizabeth left to purchase some vegetables at the market -- reasoning that those would be a safer choice for us than produce purchased off the street. Once they returned, those items -- and a picnic lunch of sandwiches and drinks -- were squeezed into the bus.

At last, at 11:00, we finally boarded the bus: our team from the US, Richard & Ben as Christ Harvest representatives, and Auntie Aggie and Maggie, our cooks. Oh yes -- also Kofi the bus driver, and his first mate Yaw!

We barely made it out of Tema when we were flagged to a stop by a police officer. Kofi opened his window; the officer said something and an argument ensued. Earlier we’d passed through a toll gate, and Kofi paid the 1.5 cedis (roughly 85 cents) but did not take the receipt (common practice). Since he could not produce the receipt to prove he’d paid, he had to turn the bus around and drive back to the toll gate. No amount of arguing convinced the officer otherwise, yet we SAW Kofi pay the the toll. In fact, you cannot get through the gate without stopping and handing them money. But anyway…we backtracked to the toll gate and pulled off the road. Kofi stayed with the bus while Yaw, Richard, & Ben went to pay the 1.5 cedis. They seemed to take an awfully long time, and I had a feeling they were having to bargain us back on the road. Sure enough, when they came back to the bus, Richard told us that besides the 1.5 cedi toll, they also wanted to assess a fine of 200 cedis. A busload of American obrunis with out a receipt apparently looked like a golden opportunity. After much arguing, a phone call to the district commander, (and I am sure an exchange of “dash” -- a small bribe), we were finally allowed to be on our way once again.

We stopped for a picnic lunch near the Akosambo Dam -- the views from there are spectacular.

At last we arrived in the city of Ho. Our first stop was to pay a visit to Rev. Thywill Oliver, a good friend of Bishop James. He recently lost his wife, quite unexpectedly, and we paid a condolence call to him. A member of Rev. Thywill’s congregation graciously provided a house for our team, so upon leaving Rev. Thywill’s home, we headed for the house. It is a comfortable place, with a large central room and three bedrooms available for us. Three bedrooms housed the nine members of the Grace Church team -- but David & I opted to find a room in town rather than crowd the group. The “silver lining” to that is that here I do have limited internet connections, so we can get some of our blogs posted.

We took some time to refresh and have dinner, then we traveled to worship at Pastor Johnson’s church in Kpeve. What an awesome time of sharing and fellowship! This church was rocking with worship, singing, dancing, drumming! I felt like my face just automatically moved into a smile of joy that I could not contain! I LOVED being there, feeling the beat of the drums down into the very center of my being, sweating, singing, clapping, breathing in the night air, and praising our God and Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ! The Grace Church team members each shared with the congregation -- some shared verses, others a testimony. Pastor John Cromer brought the message, translated into the Ewe (pronounced EH-veh) language by Pastor Johnson. At the end of the service, the worship rocked the house again -- and this time Pastor Cromer played the drums to the glory of God. I smiled as he began playing, because after just a few seconds, several men in the church grabbed their cameras and took photos of John as he played. It made me wonder if they’d seen an “obruni” that could carry a beat like that before!

As we drove back to Ho for the night, I looked out of the window. The stars twinkled in the black velvet sky -- so many that I remarked to Pastor Johnson that I believed Africa had at least twice as many stars shining above it as the US does. Now I am fully aware that since we have so many “permanent lights” outside many stars are simply not as visible to us in the USA. But a part of me wants to think that while the world looks to man-made things to satisfy their hunger for beauty and wealth….Africa has all of these glorious natural God-made wonders, all free for the taking! The stars in the nighttime sky, the explosion of wild colors and fragrances in the tropical flowers, the tastes of fresh fruits and vegetables…. And in Ghana, the abundance of human hospitality, warm smiles, and friendship.

Blessings!

Anita

Ghana 2010 Day 08

2010-07-14T02:13:00.000-04:00

Travel to the Volta region, then late night worship at Kpeve ( sounds like Bev-A ).

Photos -

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day08#

Blessings,

David & Anita

Sunday worship, then Labadi Beach

2010-07-13T17:38:00.002-04:00

Sunday, July 12, 2010

I love worshipping at Christ Harvests the Nations. There is such joy in the praising of our Lord Jesus Christ; it takes me to the mountaintop as I participate in the singing and the dancing! This morning’s service was exciting and insightful. The Youth Choir sang -- accompanied on the drums by our own John Cromer! Richard sang, as did his wife Victoria. Our team took a few minutes to introduce themselves and bring greetings. Rev. James began his sermon with praise, singing “O Come Let Us Adore Him.”

It was a spiritually electrifying morning!!

After worship, we had lunch then packed up to spend the afternoon at Labadi Beach. We’d looked forward to this “day of rest.” very much.

The beach was absolutely packed -- we snaked our way between people, chaise lounges, tables, and umbrellas until we found an area where we could all sit down. We ordered some cold soft drinks, splashed in the surf (the rip-currents are very strong here and swimming is not advisable), and watches some of the entertainment. An acrobatic group of 3 men and two children tumbled, flipped, built human pyramids, and performed amazing stunts to the delight and applause of folks surrounding them. They passed the hat to collect tips, then moved on to another patch of sand and another group of spectators. Strolling musicians, with guitars and djembes did the same, sharing their talents with the folks on the beach. Several horses ambled along the beach; for a couple of cedis you could take a ride. A lady came by with a small basket of nail polish -- did we want a pedicure or a manicure? Only 3 cedis (5 if you wanted a design painted on your nails). Several of us ladies jumped on that bargain! Where else can you get a fresh pedicure for around $2.25? We ate plantain chips, popcorn, beef kebobs, French fries -- and could have ordered full meals from the restaurants behind us if we’d desired! Many many people, much laughter, entertainment, sun, sand, surf -- what more could you ask for?

The sun began to set so we boarded the bus and drove back to Tema. After dinner, we packed up for the week’s journey into the Volta region. The Grace Church group had their time of sharing while we uploaded some photographs and completed some other work.

Blessings,

Anita <><

Ghana Day 09 - Better than EVAH!

2010-07-13T17:26:00.002-04:00

--

Just a quick blurb to say the team is well and we had a BANNER DAY today with a new water purifier installed in the community of BAME ( sounds like BAH-MAY ).

Tomorrow is Farm & school, then on to a night in heaven, uh for us that's be Logba Tota. Then back to Tema on Friday, relax and do last minute stuff Saturday, say good bye to new friends, pray & give thanks and the team heads home Sunday.

I am feeling better than as they say in Ghana - EVAH! I got to do the Water Dance today!

Will try to get photos up soon - Internet not great here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day09#

Blessings,

David & Anita

---

On to the Volta region

2010-07-12T02:27:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note this morning before we head northeast toward the Volta region of Ghana.

We may not have internet access there. So it may be several days before we can post pictures or stories again. Check back by -- we will post if we are able!

Blessings!

Anita & David

Ghana 2010 Day 07

2010-07-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

-

Link for photos from Day 7 -

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day07?authkey=Gv1sRgCKHKwvyUvJysKQ#

Sunday started with some AWESOME worship at Christ Harvest's the Nations (CHNM) with Rev. James taking us to the mountain top and not letting go until the Spirit was finished.

John Cromer drummed for some of the worship.

We came home to lunch and headed for the beach! Labadi Beach. My first time there, only Anita's second.

All had a good time. We came home to chicken and fries. Much needed change from all the Ghanaian spicey stuff we've been eating.

I'm very sad to report that I asked if anyone would like Fufu before they depart back to the USA, and not one cares to partake. Hmm.... more for me? Quite Possibly so!

I'm feeling better, thank you for the prayers. Not all the way back, but getting there. Pressing on for the kingdom, no time to kick back.

God told me to tell all you you : "THANK YOU and He really wants to be closer to you than ever before!"

David Lee Waters Sr.

=-

Sharing Jesus with a soccer ball

2010-07-11T04:19:00.001-04:00

POP! HISSSSSSSSS…..

I felt the pop beneath my feet more than I actually heard it. And by the sound and the reaction of the driver, I knew it was not good.

Kofi (the driver) eased the bus to a stop, got out, and took a look. The bus had blown a compressor -- needed to operate the brakes.

So there we were, stranded on a muddy, pot-holed road, right beside the Tema dump.

Why were we there? Read on….

********

It rained a lot in the night, and the skies this morning were overcast. An intermittent mist of rain kept the air and everything else quite damp. Our team slept in; our original plans to travel to Keta had to be changed. So after breakfast we developed “Plan B” -- we wanted to return to the dump.

Christine & Auntie Aggie packed a light lunch of pb&j sandwiches, bananas, and bottled water. We boarded the bus, and headed off across town. Many of our teammates play soccer -- a couple of them played in college -- and yesterday they had purchased some brand new soccer balls. It was time to try them out!

We arrived at the dump. Kids remembered our visit earlier this week, and began to cluster around. A few adults joined them. We all walked to the big field where the kids play their games. It didn’t take long before there were plenty of folks to make up two teams. GAME ON!!!

Soon the air was filled with the sounds of cheers, clapping, laughter, and pounding feet as the Americans vs. Ghana Mission Match was played! One particularly impressive player was a fellow playing goalie. He was deeply into the game, and worked hard to block the opposing team’s attempts to score. Julia & John asked if he went to school. He answered yes, that he attended Jerusalem Gates -- he is one of Waters Edge Ministries sponsored kids.

Final score: Ghana 2, USA 1. It was a great game!

Dottie drew a hopscotch game in the wet dirt and soon several kids were playing hopscotch, using a flattened plastic bottle as a marker. David & I talked with some of the residents of the dump (more on their stories will come at a later time).

David & John trekked over to take a look at the main dump area. People scrambled for the trash as it poured from the backs of the dump trucks. They grappled for items they might use or recycle as the garbage poured over their heads. Acrid smoke hung in the air. Goats and pigs rooted in the piles of refuse alongside the humans. Birds circled overhead.

Soon, it was time for us to go. The team shared lollipops with the children, then we boarded the bus to leave. As the bus doors closed, many of the kids who’d played soccer gathered around. They were asking us a question in Twi , so we asked Richie to translate for us. They wanted to know if we wanted the soccer balls back. When we told them it was theirs to keep, they cheered and waved.

Our bus lurched out of the dump village area, and turned back toward town. We hadn’t gone very far when the compressor blew. We were right beside the edge of one of the dump mountains. Kofi (our driver) put on a long jacket to protect his clothing, rolled out a mat underneath the bus, grabbed some tools and went to work. Richie flagged down a small van, and half of our crew got on it and rode to the church, where they ate some of the picnic lunch the ladies packed for us.

A youth meeting was in progress, and Christi and Dottie gave a program there on evangelism.

Meanwhile, back on the bus, the rest of us waited, hoping for another van to come get us. Kofi continued to work on the bus. We couldn’t open the windows because of the flies; it was really kind of hot and sticky. Each time the doors opened, flies swarmed inside the bus. Soon the guys began a fly-killing contest.

FWAP! “That’s 32 for me!” FWAP!! “No way! I’ve got 35” FWAP!! “Three in one! That gives me 41!” And so it went. For the record, John Cromer is champion fly killer, with a whopping 50 flies! Bobby Brown and Joe Chen were runners-up!

After a while, Emmanuel (another friend from the church) arrived with two taxis to pick us up. We got off the bus and into the cabs -- then Kofi let us know he’d repaired the bus! THANK GOD!! Off to the church we headed -- we wanted some pb&j sandwiches too!

Once Christi & Dottie finished their program, the group hit the streets to share about Jesus. Four people accepted Christ today in Community 4, Tema, and we are thankful for their lives and looking forward to seeing them at church tomorrow.

David, Richie, & I attempted to find a battery to purchase -- we need it for the new water purification system we are installing next week. However, many of the stalls and shops were closed and we could not get the kind we needed. We’ll just have to pick it up Monday before we head to the Volta region.

At the end of the day, we had Dinner for dinner. Yep -- goat and fufu, on the table when we walked in. Most of the folks tried the fufu. The ladies also served rice, salad, and fresh fruit.

*****

As I think back over the day, I see many things that transcend the barriers of race, language, age, nationality, color, and creed:

A smile
A handshake
A rousing game of “futbol” (soccer)
The playful laughter of children playing
An appreciation for a job well done
Genuine interest in someone just because you want to know them
A sharing of beliefs and our personal “God stories”
A prayer in any language
A prayer request in any language

Each one of us has the potential to make a difference in the Kingdom of God. Each one of us has different talents and gifts; different ways of expressing our feelings and beliefs; different purposes ordained by God. We who are followers of Christ may have different ways, different tactics to accomplish these purposes, and sometimes we might even disagree about some things. But ultimately, we are all concerned and charged with sharing the Gospel with others. Sometimes we share with others who are also believers, in order to encourage them. And others, we share with non-believers so that they also might feel the joy and passion that a surrendered heart can bring.

In Jesus’ name, we press on….

(written by Anita, 7.10.10)

Ghana 2010 Day 06

2010-07-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

Link to the photos for today.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day06#

After a 1/2 day at home due to rain, we headed for the Dump, the team played soccer and donated a soccer ball to the kids and handed ourt candies as we left. Anita & I did some research by interviewing people that live there, how they got there, why they're still there etc. Details to follow via Anita's gifted writing.

We left the Dump and the bus broke down. 1/2 the team headed to the church in comm 4 on a van that passed by and we hired. Two taxis showed up for the rest of us, just as our driver repaired the bus. So back on board, we joined the rest of the group at church where Christi gave a class on evangelism.

The group went out street witnessing, and FOUR people accepted the Lord. Angels in heaven are rejoicing!

John Cromer is playing drums in church tomorrow. He & Julia bought Djembe's. (African Drums)

Thanks for all your prayers,

David Lee Waters Sr.

--

Ghana 2010 Day 04 - Silver Lining

2010-07-10T03:30:00.001-04:00

July 8, 2010

UP AND AT ‘EM!!! BRIGHT AND EARLY!!!We have a road trip today, so we set our alarm clocks to rouse us out of our sleep. We are going to the village of Potwabin, then on to Cape Coast to tour Elmina.

After a breakfast of crepes, bread and jam, oatmeal, and fresh pineapple, we collected our backpacks and loaded up the bus. Our goal was to leave by 7:00 am -- while it is virtually impossible to “beat the traffic” in Accra…we hoped to at least get through with the least delay as possible!

Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a bustling metropolis filled with people, cars, noise, and exhaust fumes. Maneuvering through the heavy traffic there is harrowing -- but we have a terrific driver who snakes this big bus through some of the tightest spots you can imagine!

Driving through I see lots of construction -- evidence of Ghana’s growth. We’re on a major thoroughfare through the city; yet there are patches of red dirt, huge potholes (I’m talking car-sized holes here!) and muddy ruts mixed in with the pavement. To describe the traffic with a simple word like “snarled” does not truly give the experience justice! If I had a dollar for every car I see on this road…I could probably pay off the national debt!

One thing I love about Ghana is reading the names and slogans posted on vehicles and businesses along the way. It is not uncommon to see the words “Thank U Master” or “Jesus is Lord” or “Praise Jehovah” plastered across the backs of cars, busses, tro-tros, or vans! For example, you could buy a car from “Good Shepherd Motor Works” and fuel up the vehicle at “Paradise Service Station,” where an oil tanker from “Jah Alone Transport Company” is filling the underground tanks. If the car gives you trouble, you can have it repaired at “To God Be The Glory Brake & Clutch Repair” and catch a ride on the “Pentecost Fire” tro-tro to do your shoping at “MerciGod Enterprises.” You can get your hair done at “Who God Bless Let No Man Curse Beauty Salon” or if you prefer “God’s Time Barber Shop.” Grab a fresh meat pie from “Trust & Obey” vendor’s stall, buy a mattress at “God is Able Enterprises,” select a musical instrument at “King of King’s Drum Works,” pick out some furniture for your home at “But Seek First the Kingdom of God Construction Works,” learn a new skill at “The Lord is My Shepherd Computer Education Center.” When you need help managing all that money you’re making -- there is “Broken Yoke Financial Services,” ready to help you out! And at the end of your days, your family can select your casket at “Glory To God Coffin Contractors.” ALL of these are real businesses I saw as we passed through Accra!

A van passes us with “Count Your Blessings” painted on the side -- a great reminder, huh? There are also some words in Twi: Adom = grace; Ensuro = Do not be afraid; “Na asem pa endi wakyi” = God’s word is after me; “Yehovah Nissi“ = Jehovah is great and mighty. . Our friends Ben, Richie, and Pastor Johnson are quick to help us with translating and pronunciation (though admittedly my Twi is very sketchy!)

We eventually untangled ourselves from Accra’s morning traffic and drove westward toward Potwabin. Our driver turned off of the main road and onto the familiar dusty red dirt road that leads to the village. We emerged from the bus as Pastor Isaac greeted us, then busily set out chairs and benches for our greeting ceremony with the chief. We all sat under the trees, and exchanged greetings with the Chief and Elders of the village. We formally asked about the water purifier that we installed there last year. They recently installed a gasoline-powered pump with pvc pipes purchased through donations to Waters Edge Ministries so that water could be brought directly from the source to the purifier. Then explained that heavy rains had toppled their polytank and it had broken, but they appreciated that we had acquired another polytank for them. (We knew all of this -- it was simply proper protocol to discuss it formally.) They invited us to inspect the system, and to walk through the village.

We walked through the village -- the familiar mud huts with thatched roofs were surrounded today with the laundry, spread out on bushes to dry in the sunshine. Goats trotted from one patch of shade to another; a few cur dogs lolled beneath the trees. I was happy to see Grace and her mother, Rebecca, again. We spent some time re-working the purifier. It took a bit longer than we had expected to work on, but it was ready to run by the time David finished. Meanwhile, the rest of the group played with the kids, making balloon animals and singing songs with them.

Before we left, the village shared fresh coconut with us, and presented us with a goat as a gift. (The goat, appropriately and perhaps unfortunately named “Dinner,” is currently tied to a tree in the back yard.)

We left Potwabin, and stopped to eat lunch at a café/service station. We actually brought our own food, and just went inside the café to eat it. Try doing THAT in the USA!

We then headed to Cape Coast, where we toured Elmina. What a sobering walk through history; the place stands as a grim monument, reminding us of man’s inhumanity to fellow man. As we entered the women’s dungeon -- where the rocks still cry out in pain -- I noticed the words on the back of John Cromer’s t-shirt “Pray As You Go.” In my mind, I could suddenly hear the prayers of the thousands of people who endured this prison centuries ago. I am sure they did, indeed, pray as they went to an uncertain future in a strange, cruel world. It is impossible to visit that place and not feel moved.

The long drive home was made even longer by the traffic we encountered AGAIN in Accra -- only this time it was dark! We decided that Carowinds could develop a terrific new thrill ride: 3D IMAX Accra Traffic.

We were grateful for the delicious dinner waiting for us when we finally arrived back at our house. Our day was done. We learned a lot of history, we learned a lot about people, we made new friends, and reacquainted ourselves with old ones. We laughed some, and we shed some tears also.

Thank you, Lord, for a very good day!!

Anita Tarlton

-

Ghana 2010 Day 05

2010-07-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

Another day, another set of photos capture the images burned into our souls.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day05

I'm not feeling well and wish I could spend the time to tell you about all of it. Just need some sleep and a good cry. A good friend, Bob Blackson died. He was in the 1st village, Adigbo Tornu, we ever had a successful purification system installed in. I brought photos of he and I, that I took last year.

We shopped today and there have been some changes to our schedule for tomorrow. we are going back to the Dump and we are not going to an orphanage that is too far off for us to fit in evidently.

Please pray for Davi Trotti. She had some dental work and got delayed to fly over with us and now she has made it to JFK in New York and had significant sinus problems on the flight there. So she is turning around and heading home. A willing heart, but not fully recovered. We pray she mends perfectly well and quickly.

I know she is upset, but GOD has a plan and she will be in Ghana again with us.

David Lee Waters Sr.

Ghana 2010 Day 04

2010-07-09T02:51:00.000-04:00

I am alive and well on the morning of Day 5 posting about Day 4.

Here's the link for a photo album of day 4 http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day04

We hit the raod at 7am and traveled to Potwabin, in the central region of Ghana, West Africa. We met with the chief and elders as is the formal custom to share greetings and state our intention, which was to visit with Grace & the rest of the village and follow up on the purification system. They now have a gas powered pump to bring the water to the polytank for purification.

Grace's Mom Rebekkah, gave us a goat, some plantains and we all hasd some fresh coconut juice/milk and meat.

We headed down the road about 2pm GMT, and arrived at Elmina Castle, a point of no return for many slaves. I despise that place and the crimes against humanity committed there. Not a happy happy joy joy kind of place. It kicks me in the gut, like the Dump does. I know I'll lead teams there again in the future, but I pray oh GOD, please never let me become immune or numb to it's atrocities. Let me experience the grief and pain each and every time aqs we vow to never turn a blind eye towards our fellow brothers and sisters.

---

Today, some street evengelism in Community 4, and some shopping in both the Tema market as well as the Accra Arts and Crafts Center.

Thanks for following and supporting us on the journey through prayers and encouraging emails.

Feel free to contact us with messages or questions at weministry@gmail.com

David Lee waters Sr.

Hitting the ground running!

2010-07-08T18:13:00.004-04:00

July 7, 2010

The photos from Wednesday's activities were posted earlier -- here's a bit of what we did that day! (I am posting this to both blogs, Silver Lining and Waters Edge Ministries.)

After a night of trying to sleep off jet-lag, we feasted on a huge breakfast of rice water (mmm my favorite!), bread and jam, and fresh pineapple. Our group’s morning devotion included some tips about evangelizing from Christi, who works with Campus Crusade for Christ.

Our first stop was at the Tema dump. Something new I noticed was a thick brick wall, several feet high had been erected around parts of the dump; We were told that families were being “discouraged” from moving there with small children -- but there are many kids living there anyway. Christ Harvests the Nations had requested permission for us to visit with some of the residents prior to our arrival. However -- someone contacted the local police when they saw a busload of American obrunis wandering around. Within minutes of our arrival, we were visited by three officers, clad in blue/gray camoflage. Richard and Ben talked with them a few moments, explained the purposes of our visit and that we’d obtained permission to be there, and they eventually waved us on.

It does not take long for children to give in to their curiosity and begin following us. A small sackful of lollipops or “toffees” brought smiles to their faces. Zach and Sydney helped the kids tear open the packages so they could enjoy the sticky sweetness of the suckers. I think they made some friends for life!

We recognized one boy as a child we’d seen at Jerusalem Gates, and we asked him about his mother. He shortly brought her to speak with us, with another small child holding her hand and a baby on her back. She said her son had attended school, but lately money and transportation to and from the school had been a problem. It is families such as this that tug at the heart. The little boy wants to go to school -- but they lack the resources to make that entirely possible.

Soon the group of children had grown into a fair-sized team -- literally! They led us to a large open field and soon a rousing soccer match was in full play! Our girls Julia and Christi were OUTSTANDING!! Soon laughter filled the air as the kids and our team members ran up and down the field, kicking the ball, cheering for each other whenever goals were made or blocked.

Our time at the dump flew by fast -- we made our way back to the bus, followed by a handful of the children and some of the mothers. The team brought long, skinny balloons and much to the delight of the kids, they twisted them into animal shapes -- dogs, elephants, giraffes -- and gave them to the kids. Pastor John Cromer shared some cookies with kids before we all loaded back into the bus and waved goodbye.

It is sobering to see the vivid evidence of “needs vs. wants” and as we leave, each of us carry in our minds images of the life we’ve witnessed here. Amidst the smoke, the grayness, the ashes, the piles of refuse trucked in from across the city -- there are yet touches of God’s grace. The laughter of children fills the air; a mother’s face shows pride in her children; a colorful butterfly drifts through the air. And I am reminded of God’s promise to give us beauty for ashes.

******

We drove to the home of Bishop James Godlly and his wife Mary. After lunch, we walked across the road to a local school, Manye Foundation. While David and Rev. James and I met with the headmaster to talk about educating some of the kids at the dump, our teammates spent some time in the classrooms, talking with the kids, sharing more balloon animals, and seeing what life in a Ghanaian school might be like. Joe soon had a couple of the classes shouting “GO GAMECOCKS!” and “WE WANT A TOUCHDOWN!” He drew a picture of an American football (as opposed to their “football“ -- which is a soccer ball) on the board for them!

The team spent some time in Community 25 with Emmanuel, evangelizing in the area. Sharing their testimonies, hearing other testimonies, helps us all to realize that we are all God‘s children no matter the circumstances of our birth, our color, our nationality, or our economic status.

*****

Big bowls of spaghetti, rice, meat sauce, steamed vegetables, and fresh mangos were on the table when we arrived back at the house. Delicious!!! We ate, freshened up a bit, then headed to church for the Wednesday night service.

Christ Harvests the Nations is growing and moving. When they began worshipping together, they met in a field in Tema. After much prayer, they were able to begin renting part of a building in Community 4, sharing it with a small clothing manufacturer. Eventually, they leased all of the building. From this home base, Bishop Godlly trained many pastors, and as a result there are several small churches throughout Ghana that have been established . Again, after much prayer, they acquired some land in Comm. 25 Tema, and are working on erecting their own permanent church building on that site.

Tonight’s service was held in the old Comm. 4 site, and I was glad to see many familiar faces among the worshippers there. We introduced our teammates and each of them gave a brief greeting before our own Pastor John Cromer brought the message. He reminded us that God’s love is freely available, freely given, and available to ALL -- and that while the Gift of Love is wonderful, the GIVER of that love is even better!

We ended the service singing praises -- what a glorious way to wind up our day!

Blessings from Anita & David and Ghana Team 2010!

Ghana 2010 Day 03 evening / 04

2010-07-07T18:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I can blog tomorrow. The Dump today ripped my heart out as usual and we hooked up with a new school to sponsor kids with a better education and environment. GOD is in it and a little is a LOT!

Potwabin w/Grace, & Elmina tomorrow!

Long day ahead, appreciate your prayers. team is awesome bunch of folks. John Cromer preached at church service tonight. Great stuff! He talked about a lot of things but when he mentioned Lepers, I could relate.
The people received the word through him as a blessing sent directly to them!

David Lee Waters Sr.

Ghana 2010 Day 03

2010-07-07T15:24:00.001-04:00

Link to photos from today's trip to the Dump in Tema and to a new school we are partnering with Christ Harvest's the Nations Ministry CHNM to sponsor kids and bolster their infrastructure, with private stalls in a bathroom facility and capture rain water to flush the toilets.

Should be 81 photos (give it time to upload all of them, internet is slow tonight)

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day03#

Headed to church service tonight and to Potwabin to see Grace and finish up on a purifier with a new pump tomorrow, as well as Elmina, a point of no return for slaves, on the Cape Coast of Ghana.

David Lee Waters Sr.

Ghana 2010 Day 02

2010-07-07T02:08:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to photos from Day 2.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_day02#

We arrived in Accra, where Richie, Chief Takyi, and Pastor Johnson met us at the airport. A Kente cloth that said "Welcome to Africa Mission 2010." was placed around each of our necks, like receiving a Lei in Hawaii, and we were greeted with a big hug and Akwaaba to Ghana from our hosts.

We got to the house which has welcome posters hanging and the staff their was full of smiles and hugs. The rooms had our names hanging on them and Ghanaian chocolate bars were on our pillows. So over the top of Richie to make it like that.

We took the team to the Tema market for a while. Experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and tempo of the bustling market made for a great contrast in cultures! It's not quite Wal-Mart, that's for sure! Fresh produce, live chickens, salted/dried fish, slabs of beef, pork and goat. Crates of eggs, spices, brightly colored fabrics, clothing, household items -- just about anything you can imagine -- arranged in tiny stalls separated by narrow alleyways. And the sounds!!! People talking in several different dialects, Ghanaian music playing, children laughing -- and the inevitable greetings extended to us as we walked along: "Obruni!! Obruni!!" "Are you from America?" "Welcome to Ghana!" "Akwaaba!"

Everyone is catching up on sleep this morning. Richie and I are meeting this morning about the schedule.... as if you can harness the wind.

I felt the Spirit on the way here, telling me NOT to place restrictions on it. I AM ALL FOR THAT!

Pray the Spirit of GOD has it's way with all of us!

Amen, so be it

*** Headed to the Dump today!

David Lee Waters Sr.

Ghana 2010 Day 01

2010-07-07T01:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a photo link for Day one which was travel from USA to Ghana.

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Ghana_2010_Day01#

An Army of Ordinary People

2010-07-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

-
GOD chooses the least likely. We have an "Army of Ordinary People," going to Ghana with us this year.

What an honor and a privilege to serve with them in the land of Akwaaba. It will be exciting to see them embrace the land and people we love so much and see GOD in action in their lives.

Please keep us in prayer, for unity in Spirit and ultimately for GOD to be glorified in our thoughts, feelings and actions!

Thanks for following along and keeping us in your prayers. We appreciate all of you so much and depend upon you for so much.

Blessings,

David Lee Waters Sr.

---

There... almost

2010-07-03T05:48:00.005-04:00

Almost time to go, yet I'm already there. I can taste the fufu with goat soup. I can feel the fresh cold pineapple on my lips. I can see the steam coming off of my rice watah' as I spread jam on my sweet bread in the morning.

I can see the orange dusty roads and feel their every bump on their long, winding journey to another village, a school, an orphanage up a mountain, down a hill.... I can smell the dump, with its smoke haze covered landscape where animals and humans alike, scavenge for the day's nutrition.

I can hear the children chanting in a school yard, louder and Louder, "o-bru-nee, O-bru-Nee, O-BRU-NEE," as they hop and skip about holding Mom-Anita's hands. Smiles wide, joy in their heart they can not contain. My heart leaps and flutters as I mist up and try to hold the camera still.

I can taste the unique dry chocolate that crumbles rather than melts. I see Papayas, Mangoes, Tomatoes, peppers, Bananas, Avacados, Garlic, and ground grains of every sort as vendors hope I buy from them.

I can feel road side fire roasted corn warm my insides from teeth to tummy. I can see masses of people carrying things for sale on their heads. I can feel the energy rise from the hustle and bustle of the pathways through the market place. I can feel the cool soothe of a Fanta Pineapple soda, over the teeth, on the back of the tongue, fizzing down my dry throat, at the end of a hot, humid, dusty day in the Tropics of West Africa.

I can hear the roar of the ocean drowning out children's giggles of fear and excitement as it's waves crash on the shore, where a skinny horse carries a rider through the stiff, salty breeze.

I can smell fish in the haze of smoke weighing heavily near the ground in a section of town near the port.

I can feel the embrace of friends and family; long lost hugs from those I've missed and thought and prayed about and longed for, for an eternal year.

I can see the stars more than ever before and watch them sparkle in sync with the tree frogs conducting a symphony of nature that sings praises to it's creator as they celebrate with passion for love!

I can feel the drum beat as the African rhythm awakens in my soul, on a mountain top shanty with one bulb burning; bodies moving, voices raised, hands clapping. I can let my heart sing every song it hears, worshiping the Lord in Spirit and Truth with exuberance rather than reserved tradition.

I can celebrate with dance as a village has clean drinking water for the first time.

I can revel in the beauty of Grace's smile, as GOD reveals the mystery of why we do what we do.

I am where GOD ripped my heart out and planted it...

in Ghana.

I am home.

I am there.... almost....

Always

* please follow along as we try to post here often and please consider joining us next year on this life transforming journey to GHANA.

David Lee Waters Sr.

Its time... to reflect and give Glory

2010-06-24T21:28:00.001-04:00

Through a series of events and communication with a friend who completely compels us to give thanks to Abba Daddy, I was led to one of my old blog posts, from August of 2008.

http://weministry.blogspot.com/2008/08/still-walking-pages-gnawing-return.html

In this previous entry, I recounted the experience of going to Ghana for the first time. I didn't feel called to Ghana, I just went to see what my wife had been up to there. She'd been 4 times already. I walked the pages of her book and I met the people she'd come to know and I experienced the Spirit of "Akwaaba."

More importantly, I experienced the vision I'd been longing for, for the previous three years. Now, I didn't have a vision in that I saw something, but I came to an understanding of what my role in the kingdom was to be.

GOD had ripped my heart out and planted it in Ghana. I loved the food, the people, the culture and I was sorry it was over and looking forward to returning. As I was handed the microphone the last day, about to say, "I am a missionary from the USA," I was told by the Spirit in no uncertain terms, you are to say, "I AM a missionary to the USA!"

I was to return and share my experiences and GOD would prepare hearts to receive it and join us and that cycle would continue and lives would be transformed!

Today, three years later, we are preparing to return to Ghana for the third time. This time, leading a team of twelve prepared hearts, to walk the pages of Anita's book, to meet Grace, RJ, Richie & Vic, Mary, the kids, Pastor Johnson, Chief Takyi, Ben, Evelyn and so many more who have become our extended family there.

To eat goat and fufu and the best pineapple on the face of the earth!

God had a plan, and I wanted everything GOD had to give. It was scary to ask, knowing there'd be some suffering, but the joy, oh the "Joie De Vivre," that comes from a life after the heart of GOD. I can begin to understand David dancing before a nation, dancing before his Abba Daddy, right out of his clothes.

Simply nothing else like it.

A fulfillment of every promise, with strength found in surrender I give glory to GOD for choosing a least likely me to participate in the grand scheme of things for His kingdom purposes.

GOD has a plan and I believe, I trust, that His plan is better than anything I can ask or imagine. I want it, I want what GOD has for my life and as I reflect, on where I was, and where I am and where I am headed....

Abba Daddy, You rock my world like no other! I praise You and I thank You for hearing me, being interested in me and for gifting me with blessings beyond compare!

ALL the Glory and ALL the Praise be to You my Lord, my Savior, my Abba Daddy.

Your son,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

with The Blessing ~ Anita in Logba Tota, Ghana West Africa

'The Lottery'

2010-06-10T13:54:00.000-04:00

Growing up, I was taught that playing the lottery would impoverish my family and leave me stuck in a dependent cycle of desperation. Dave Ramsey preaches the same message…the lottery is a financial wasteland of scratched paper, not-close-enough number series, and dangerous dreams of ‘what if’ and ‘one more’. Statistically, many of the people that play the lottery live in the lowest income neighborhoods, and there are many factors that contribute to the belief that winning the lottery will magically solve a myriad of problems. It’s desperation.

Desperation is what often causes people to throw away what they know about the odds and take a chance. And not all lotteries are equal. People will ‘risk it all’ emotionally, spiritually or physically. Sometimes it’s for love or a broken relationship. Sometimes it’s for a career move, political cause, or championship game. Sometimes it’s for our family.

As Americans, we rarely play the lottery with our drinking water. We’ll pay more, invest more, and do whatever it takes to provide our families with safe drinking water. We expect water to be free with our meal, ice to be available, and the container to be sanitary. We pay $1.00 for a liter of Smart Water at Publix and turn up our noses at the slightly funky smell of well water. Even the most basic of us are water snobs, simply because we have the luxury of demanding clean water. We’ve never known the real desperation of intense thirst.

Because people in America do not die of thirst.

Men, women, and especially children die of thirst in West Africa every day. But quite frankly, it’s hard to grasp that over a billion people are in desperate need of drinking water. So, think of the other risks you take…and substitute water. If you couldn’t demand clean water – if you were dying – what would you do? In scorching heat, with crying children, with a dry and swollen tongue…what would you do? I’m not talking about an unusually hot day. This is LIFE. It’s every day. Your cousin died of dehydration last week. Your baby is unresponsive. Your mother has continual diarrhea and cannot stand. What would you DO? Would you drink from the bucket of water possibly contaminated with roaches and unknown parasites? Would you risk it? I would. College degree and all, I would take a chance and risk (inevitable) death for a drink of water. I would dip my finger in the water and try to give my baby a drink. I would pray that th e billion-to-one odds of contracting a waterborne illness somehow pass by me and my family as we struggled to survive one more day.

This borrowed from Water of Life Ministries -

Past is Past

2010-05-10T17:54:00.000-04:00

When any thing or some one reminds you of your past in a manner which would prevent you from moving out of it and into the new creature you are in Christ, know with out a doubt it is functioning as a messenger of Satan. It is serving the darkness of this world while you are trying to bring light to those who thirst!

Pray for the death of your enemies. The same death that you and the apostle Paul experienced on the road to Damascus. Pray for the the death of their damaged past, that they may be released into their promising future.

Crucified with Christ we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The old has passed away.

Behold all things are new. There is now therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus...

AMEN!

BE the difference for GOOD

2010-04-26T17:43:00.001-04:00

We all make a difference. We all matter. We're asking YOU to join us in making a difference for the good of those less fortunate.

Waters Edge Ministries

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

2010-03-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed here," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in those same people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day.

The images spilling out of my television showed circumstances that could seemingly only equal misery, and I was fooled. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. The truth is, in Africa I find hearts full of victory, indomitable spirits. In places where despair should thrive, instead I find adults dancing and singing, and children playing soccer with a ball crafted of tied up trash. Instead of payback, I find grace. Here, weekend getaways are not options to provide relief from the pains of daily life. Relationships and faith provide joy. Love is sovereign.

My new reality… I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I'm ashamed by my lack of faith, but at the very same moment I am excited by my new pursuit. I'm forced to redefine the meaning of having much or having little. I'm uneasy with the prospect of change and of letting go, but just the thought of freedom is liberating. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart - I no longer want to need the "next thing" to have joy.

I'm not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I've come to understand that I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I've learned that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent's many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I've found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me.

Join Waters Edge in Spreading the Word
Start a new conversation. Raise awareness of the joy and hope that exist in Africa, and begin to reform the inaccurate perception that Africa is a continent only of despair.

Many in the west think Africa is simply an object of charity. This mindset does not breed true compassion. And there's something about truth… when it becomes clear, it hits you in a way that is hard to ignore. The same is true with people. If we invest in knowing someone, love is the automatic response. We can't all make a trip across the ocean, but we can seek to have a conversation that recasts the damaging images that force pity over partnership.

WHY DO YOU NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS YOU?

* I found this WONDERFUL story on another ministry site http://mochaclub.org

Water Purifier Described

2010-02-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

Haiti

2010-01-15T08:34:00.001-05:00

---

On the news this morning, WATER is the biggest need in Haiti.

Water is Life. In the immediate future Haiti will face the fall out of death in their water system. Merely giving them bottled water is not a viable sustainable solution. Empowering them to purify their sources of water is the answer.

Edge Outreach uses the same system we do and has a rapid response team.

Please, if you're wanting to make a difference, consider contributing to our friends at http://edgeoutreach.com who use the same water purifier system that we use. Theyre headed for Haiti with 9 purifiers!

This from their site -

We'll be sending three teams of 6, and nine water systems to Haiti beginning January 20. Output from these systems should be over 70,000 gal/day. The cost is $79,000. THANK YOU for your support!

---

Humbled & Honored

2010-01-10T13:25:00.003-05:00

A friend sent this to us:

David & Anita both of you inspire me to be better...your posts are uplifting and never EVER second guess yourself because there are those out there (me!) that read and breathe what you write....you can't even imagine! I love the history---I hunger for what you both write...literally.

YOU are powerful. Your WORDS are powerful...so keep them coming my dear dear friend!! God bless you....for everything...that you don't even know you've done for me....

God Bless you both. For you never know those of us you touch. Your words, your sympathy, your courage and your strength--each has so much meaning.

I'm blessed that God has placed me with you and that I call you my friend. The Lord walks in you and through that I am deeply touched, and I'm closer to our Lord.

We never know who we're helping when we share the over abundance of Christ in us.

But we know for sure who we're not helping when we don't share!

Selah ~

Something Beautiful

2010-01-03T12:51:00.003-05:00

The following is a post from another social network site. A recommendation from a world changer and we're deeply honored.

Dear Waters Edge,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other users.

Details of the Recommendation: "If you are interested in making a difference in this world then Water's Edge Ministries are who you want to connect with. David and Anita run this organization with integrity and heart. They are passionate about issues of poverty, hunger and orphans and specifically work within communities in Ghana to bring clean water to the people. They have taken teams to Africa and continue to impact villages by setting up filtration systems to eliminate the issues of dirty water and diseases. They also have a program to sponsor children so that they have opportunities to attend school, have hot meals and receive education that empowers their minds and future. I highly recommend David and Anita if you are looking to do something on a global level."

JW

Something beautiful, something good

All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokeness and stife
But he made something beautiful of my life

Mele Kalikimaka

2009-12-25T08:19:00.002-05:00

Woke up to a cold, rainy morning. Stayed in bed a while longer. Snuggled up with my Angel Baby Doll and gave thanks.

Put on a new long sleeve t-shirt (gift from a neighbor), heated some Chocolate Truffle Coffee, made tea for my butter cup, cut a couple of hefty slices of Cracker Barrel Apple Pie (gift from a friend), put a thick slice of extra sharp cheddar cheese on each and nuked!

Consumed above listed goodness while checking some email and tweets and discovered...

Christmas Opener: Just Come Home from NewSpring Production on Vimeo.

...this in a tweet by @perrynoble , pastor at Newspring church in Anderson, SC.

Just had to share it with Y'all!

** Mele Kalikimaka = Merry Christmas for you non-Hawaiian types!

Hope

2009-12-22T10:04:00.003-05:00

"The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope." --Barbara Kingsolver

He who began a good work...

2009-12-21T09:01:00.003-05:00

I have to share this devotional I received from a friend, Glenn Burris, Interim President of Foursquare Gospel Church:

Come, Emmanuel

Good morning!

John Mason Neale was born on January 24, 1818. He trained to be an Anglican priest at Trinity College in Cambridge. By most accounts, he was brilliant; a man who could write and speak in more than 20 languages. But he was also feared. In religious circles in the United Kingdom, many feared his intelligence and his insights. He was considered too evangelical, too progressive, and too much a free thinker. Many were afraid he might possibly gain too great an influence.

Instead of getting a parish in London, the church sent him to the Madiera Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. In a sense, he was exiled to this far away place in hopes that he and his ideas would never find root in England. Even in his isolation from mainstream Christianity, he could not keep his dreams submerged. He established the Sisterhood of St. Margaret, from which he began an orphanage, a school for girls, and a house of refuge for prostitutes. Often frail and sickly, Neale continued to steward his unique gifts and passion despite serving with physical limitations and in an obscure place.

Driven by his love for the Scriptures, he not only read the Bible, but he would also read any Scripture-based writing he could get his hands on. He came across an obscure Latin chant called “Psalteroium Canionum Catholicarum.” Some scholars estimate that a monk first compiled these words sometime prior to the 9th century. The text inspired Neale and he decided to translate it into English. The words reverberate with promises concerning the Messiah from Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23.

Neale, intentionally pushed into obscurity by his assignment, reintroduced the world to Emmanuel, God with us, and Israel as a representative of God’s passionate desire to bring redemption and restoration to all. He empathized with Israel’s “captive, lonely exile.” In the third verse of probably the oldest and still sung Christmas carol, we read:
    “O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer,
    Our spirits by thine advent here;
    And drive away the shades of night,
    And pierce the clouds and bring us light.”

Chorus: “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Now you know the rest of the story. A minister, destined by men for obscurity, rose out of the darkness to share his gift of writing with the world. Don’t ever allow your mind to wonder concerning the purposes and plans God has for you. No man, no system, no power, no demon, and no scheme can ever hold back what the Lord has commanded concerning you.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6 NIV).

Come, Emmanuel, come...

Merry Christmas!

To view in a browser and share with others -
nationalchurchoffice.createsend2.com/T/ViewEmail/r/EEB6D3FF15AF9E32/E035FAC9157698092540EF23F30FEDED

IF only one...

2009-12-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

IF you could only take one memory into eternity with you, what would it be?

For me, it'd be seeing Christ in my wife's eyes. What more could I want than to look into her eyes for eternity and see everything that is good?

Selah

Life Worth Living

2009-12-11T22:31:00.005-05:00

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We labor for those who thirst. The least of these. We pray for opportunities to share this passion that is born of our surrender to GOD in Christ and service for the kingdom of light!

It reaps eternal benefits and oh the joy when you open the mail and see...

... that we do not labor in vain, and that GOD's Word never comes back empty.

In every presentation, seeds are sown and those who thirst will be served!

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Tema Dump - Hope for the Future

2009-12-07T00:52:00.004-05:00

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This is the Dump, you can see the smoke coming off of it. This shot off of Google Earth.

This is where the children live that your $50 sponsors out of the Dump and into school. Providing a meal per day, a uniform and an education.

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YOU are their "Hope for the future."

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Re-Entry - African Beat

2009-07-22T15:06:00.004-04:00

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We're back not one full day yet and have unpacked and are doing laundry, paying bills, processing many thoughts and images.

A pastor friend of ours stopped by and listened to our stories. It's important to have this. He & his wife are coming over for lunch tomorrow. It'll be nice.

I had to take a nap afterward though. I laid there feeling like i have this better than gold gift and when I share it with others, if they don't seem as excited about it as I do, then somehow it is devalued.

So I almost feel like just closing the doors, taking the phone off the hook and being alone with my thoughts for a few days, maybe a week at least. Let them process themselves out of our frontal lobes.

Fan into flame the ones that we don't want to let die away. And gradually move back into the "swing of things" here.

The enemy was busy before we left and is at it again on our return. We'll not even entertain it's futile efforts to steal our joy!

Amen!

---

We're listening to some Ghanaian music and feeling home sick for Ghana.

So many things, like breakfast this morning. We had no milk, so we figured we'd go get some good old southern grits and eggs. One place don't open for breakfast any more and the other is shut down.

So we went to the store and got some milk for cereal with blueberries and banana.

It's just not the same. We had "Rice Watah" in Ghana nearly every morning with sweet bread and strawberry jam and of course fresh pineapple.

We're not greeted by the pitter-patter of tiny feet on the tile, entering our bedroom to play and get a toffee before having to get dressed, eat and go to school.

Our place is in great shape, Frances took great care of the house, plants and our fur babies while we were gone.

---

Anita and I were just talking about Sunday service in Ghana. Rev James would allow us to speak and burning the time he would normally use for a sermon, and not feeling very well due to some lingering effects of malaria, he would lead worship and the celebration of Christ in our lives was ON!

He's not a great singer, but has passion like I do. And every body and voice rises to join with him as he praises his King.

He took the time, after a long day of travel to Norway, to call and speak to each of us before we left.

We love him more than we can express. He's never asked us for a single thing.

I've some things to process, there are many needs there and we'll set up programs for them so you can seek GOD to find your involvement in them and assist us through pray & sharing these causes far and wide.

We may be back in the USA but our hearts are lingering in Ghana.

Tears already stinging our eyes. We've hung a few gifts on the wall and placed a few on shelves.

Reminders of our role in the Kingdom. Hope that we will once again, be in Ghana, serving side by side with our brothers and sisters there.

It's a place where there is no division because of any thing. It's a place we long for and hope for and pray for.

I can't fully articulate all that it is.

Once that African Rhythm is in you, you just can't shake it off!

It is simply wonderful!

And it is wonderful that GOD brought Anita and I together and that we share the same passion to serve the least of these.

Wonderful is HIS name!

---

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Ghana - Final Day

2009-07-21T01:32:00.003-04:00

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Photos & Videos from Jerusalem Gates Academy http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Day14 as well as some from the Feast!

Glad to be headed home to our other freinds and family. Ready to love on our fur babies.

Give thanks to all our contributors, we come bearing gifts!!

And to praise and worship the almighty GOD with the familiar faces of home!

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It's hard to transition from this....

to .. water stuff and cut the grass etc.

Please pray for our RE-ENTRY and help us to transition by asking us about the trip, and listening to us share. we really can't contain it and your allowing us to process it all, will HELP more than you know!

LU

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Day 13

2009-07-20T03:11:00.004-04:00

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Fufu & Goat soup today! All who have been involved in this mission trip will come and share the bounty. We will talk about what we did and what needs to be done.

We have specific burdens from GOD in our hearts, to bring clean and living water to those in need and sponsor children at the school we've adopted, Jerusalem Gates Academy.

There are many many more needs here. We have elected to contribute towards a church that has the hardest working person for the kingdom we've ever met; Pastor John Johnson. The church in Kepeve needs some chiken wire installed around the openings above the walls to keep the bats out.

His tireless efforts and never complain stance, along with his life circumstance of having no bath room facilities in his home, where he lives with a wife and two children; have led us to elect to sponsor his family. We are gifting him with two years paid rent.

Here in Ghana, you have to pay two year's rent in advance. They simply don't extend credit here. If you go to a bank, it's not likely you will qualify, and if you do you will pay 25% interest.

Pastor Johnson travels around on a 125cc motorcycle that Christ Harvests provided for him. He is constantly on the road, planting new churches, encouraging others and he will be following up on our water purification systems. He's bright, to say he's articulate is an understatement as he speaks five languages fluently and he is dedicated to service for the kingdom.

His rent is a mere 25 Ghanian Cedis (gcd) per month and in three months his lease expires. We'd like to see him move to a place with bathroom and kitchen facilities in the house and are told it will cost about 35 gcd.

At the current exchange rate this is: 35 Ghanaian New Cedi = 23.60829 US Dollar.

So we're asking if GOD places a burden in your heart for this man of GOD, please contribute and we will ensure he is moved and as he deserves, more comfortable in his living conditions.

http://weministry.com/ has paypal buttons, please indicate Pastor Johnson in the notes.

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We spend the day to day wrapping things up. We'll see a presentation byu the kids at Jerusalem gates Academy and we will do some final shopping and then feast on Fufu & Goat soup.

I'm told that the next purification is already planned in both of the villages, Adigbo Tornu and Potwabin, with Pastor Johnson supervising. This is GREAT news and puts our hearts and minds at ease.

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I can tell you I feel I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am doing what I was created to do. I've never been happier, never more fulfilled and blessed, pressed down, shaken, stirred and over flowing.

It's been an honor to serve with my team mates, Becky, Davi, and my wife Anita. I've made them laugh and cry and been the source of much entertainment while hoping I wasn't pushing too hard.

Job well done, good and faithful servants.

we could not accomplish any of this mission with out all of you who contributed through prayer, contribution, encouragement, emails and sharing our plight with others.

THANK YOU!

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As I was told last year, "don't be sad it's over, rejoice that it happened!"

We'll be back, bigger and better than ever!

---

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Day 12 - 13

2009-07-19T13:31:00.005-04:00

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A day of shopping was rather uneventful. We found some great gifts for folks back home and that shopping is just as good if not better in Tema as it is in Accra.

I found this verse of scripture today:

Isaiah 21:14 (New International Version)
bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.

Selah...

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Today was church and we had a great time! We all got to speak and give thanks and share the stories from the journey.

A few highlights can not escape mention. Victoria, Richie's wife sang for us. As sweet as a song bird, my heart melted. I asked her to sing again and my soul floated towards heaven!

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The next notable was that this year, we were surprised and presented with wood carved statues that represent things about us and our mission. It was touching and we were honored by the gesture.

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Then it was our turn and we took all the folks here who contributed to our mission, to lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Another good time had by all. They're our family in Ghana and we so very much appreciate them.

Last year Rev James preached that you could not seek GOD and not find GOD. And I came back to the USA with the knowledge that you could not go to Ghana and not be changed forever!

Evidence of some transformations -

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Finally, Anita ran into an old friend named Abigail that some of you may know from previous trips to Ghana.

And they embraced like the sisters they are.

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We'll never be the same and we wish it would never end. The journey has just begun. Our water purification ministry and child sponsorship will continue and we pray the team that comes next year will grow as well.

We look forward to coming and sharing with you further!

You ready to join us? We're ready for you, as you are! Please contact us at

weministry@gmail.com

---

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Day 12

2009-07-18T17:03:00.004-04:00

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At the end of each day, our team has a pow-wow to share about the day and the mission ahead. I thought today about how many "moments" there were.

We've been so busy, I've not had much time to write, but to just pop some photos on for ya and get some rest.

We're pretty much done and just have church & Jerusalem Gates Academy left to do.

But as I recalled, comparing of course to last year, there were more significant moments this year.

Looking back I can recall at each place we visited this year, something that stands out and when I can process it better I will blog about it.

I am very tired. Nothing short of total exhaustion has been acceptable this time around.

GOD will give back everything you expend, be it money, energy, food, good will, kind words etc.

So proud of Grace and her Mama, Rebbecca in Potwabin.

They and every one here always makes us feel like family.

I learned, how are you and response in Twi - fun practicing and messing up. Everyone encourages you and appreciate that you're trying to learn.

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Headed for bed at 9:30PM after a 1AM night last night.

ZZZZZZzzzz-Ya!

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Day 11

2009-07-17T19:48:00.004-04:00

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Potwabin part II

We returned to Potwabin to complete the water purification installation as promised!

I had thought numerous times about how to weasel out of it so I could go shopping with the girls, (Becky, Davi & Anita) on Saturday, tomorrow.

I reasoned that I'd trained numerous people and rationalized that everything would be okay without me.

I missed the Accra market last year and I was thinking selfishly. GOD wouldn't let me out of it, so I resigned myself to go to make the return to Potwabin and began the positive thinking that the eternal optimist that I am usually maintains. I'd get to see Grace again and GOD would get the glory. I travelled six thousand miles to install water purification systems and I made a promise to finish what was started. GOD is doing the same with me.

Turns out that we returned from the northern trip a day early and we completed the Potwabin purifier today!

It was once again a grand celebration with me teaching the kids my water dance afterward! (I'll show you some video of it when I'm back, maybe even put a blurb on YouTube!)

Anita cried a bit on the way down the road, leaving Potwabin. I felt what she displayed. I miss it already. We need another week!!!!!

We left behind some clothing for the village and rewarded ourselves with a Fanta Orange on the ride home.

It's 12:03 AM now and we're in the living room with Rev Jame & Mary discussing the wonder of GOD and life.

You can not seek GOD and not find GOD.

You can not come to Ghana and not be changed forever!

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All that remains is shopping on Saturday, Church on Sunday followed by our team taking the fine folks that have taken incredible care of us every step of the way, and then Jerusalem Gates Academy on Monday morning, followed by party down with FuFu & Goat soup at Rev James' place with all the folks we've come to know here this trip!

And flying back to the USA on Tuesday!

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See ya soon!

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Check out

http://anitatarlton.blogspot.com/
http://craigandbeckycheek.blogspot.com/

Ghana Day 9-10

2009-07-17T19:20:00.002-04:00

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I'll be short here, to get up to date. Photo's from these days are already in an online album at

http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry/Day710

From Adigbo Tornu we went to Alavanyo, and after a long arduous journey down a long, dark, beyond bumpy dirt road, and a walk into a remote location under trees & a thatch canopy. With one drum and no amplified instruments or voices, they romped and stomped the absolute best on this trip! In three months they grew from four to thirty eight. That night there were ninety eight in attendance!!!! See us Obruni's draw a crowd round about these parts!

On the next day to Logba Tota, one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a much appreciated haven for a much deserved R&R break! I'm sad to say that the spirit is not the same in the church there. Some problems were addressed in the leadership meeting the next day and a session of intense prayer was in order. We washed feet and sought the Lord's presence earnestly.

I definitely made a trip to the mountain top. Tota means moutain top. GOD met us there!

All has been good, no rain and travelling mercies abounding!

LU All,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Ghana 09 Day 7 - 8

2009-07-16T15:44:00.011-04:00

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Every day here seems like atleast two. Because we usually do something in the morning and then something in the evening and sometimes, like this week, we then continue on down the road to the thrid place and get good a wore out before we call it a day.

Hey, when it's for the kingdom, anything less than total exhaustion is nearly inexcusable. Travelling 6000 miles to get here and lazing around don't cut it. We're burdened and burn out is not in our vocabulary. We can adjust when we get back.

It's been gruelling, challenging and incredibly rewarding!

I'll only blog about a few places we went, and blog some more tomorrow, which by the way we get to visit Grace again tomorrow!

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So we set out on the journey to the Volta region, over the Akosambo bridge to the city of Ho, and met a Reverend "ThyWill" there. He had a very nice home and a huge church right next door. We then went to LaboLabo and met the teachers and children and preacher there. We danced with praised the Lord and danced with the ladies and the kids. It was an informal meet & greet but we broke the ice and Rev James is planting seeds for the kingdom here.

We went back to Ho and got a hotel room. A rare find unless you're in a big city in this country. It was nice with A/C, hot shower and comfy bed. Included breakfast too!

We headed out then that evening to Kpeve, Pastor Johnson's church, and I was asked to go to a local radio station for a 1/2 hour program. When I sat down in the studio, the DJ began asking me about the "Program" tomorrow, which I took to mean our water purification installation in Adigbo Tornu.

I soon figured out that the "Program" was a planned revival, in which Anita and I were two of the Featured speakers.

I'm told this is not uncommon in Ghana to be the featured guest without knowing it.

Poor folks, started at 9am and went at it until 3pm, then waited until 4:30pm for me to show up, which I never did. Why? Because we did not have phone reception and no one with me knew we were the featured speakers. Simply amazing. It was fun being on the radio, but missing the 6 newspapers that were there to interview us the next day, that stings a little bit.

But GOD had a plan and we, despite many little diversions, were able to succeed and provide clean water to the people of Adigbo Tornu, leaving there well after dark, near 7:30pm.

The installation completion was an absolute victory in my mind and in my heart. Just ask Anita, Becky, Davi & Richie. I cut loose in a major way and was the entertainment for the next 3 hours. More another time on that.

We proceded down a very bumpy road to Alavanyo and worshipped into the night, with one light bulb, under some trees, tarps and thatch.

Those people raised the roof! I love this singing and dancing. Man-O-Man, they let loose! No amplified instrument or voices, just a drum and some shakeres, like a tamborine and some serious shake it down now, what'cher Reverend say rompin stompin celebration!

I LOVE it!

Time to let the pictures tell the story...

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LaboLabo

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Ho

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Kpeve

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Adigbo Tornu (Tornu means by the water)

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GOD burdened our hearts for the people of Aigbo Tornu and all those who thirst for clean water. The 2nd most basic human physical need next air.

In the end, she doesn't have much choice, the choice is (y)ours.

We pray you join us on a mission trip to Ghana to make and BE the difference in lives like these.

---

David Lee Waters Sr.,

In ALL ways acknowledge GOD and GOD will direct your paths!

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Day 6 & early 7

2009-07-13T05:01:00.004-04:00

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Yesterday was a great day of worship at Christ Harvests the Nations With the team and Rev James. The music was heavenly and the team did an awesome job of sharing messages that we were told by the congregants, impacted their lives.

We're headed out this morning for a north eastern area, near lake Volta, where we'll visit many villages and install a water purification system and see some new church plants. We'll be back on Friday and not have access to the Internet until then.

I know some of you are stalking the Internet for the next piece of info from our mission and we must say we are honored to be in your prayers and have your interest peaked in what GOD is doing through us. It makes it that much more exciting for us to share it with you!

Here's a couple of pics from yesterday.

This is Ketu, Rita's son. Rita is from Ghana but lives in Charleston, SC.

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Traditional for us is a walk on the beach with Richie's family on Sunday after church and then IceCream!

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LU ALL

David Lee Waters Sr.

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Day 5 - Potwabin

2009-07-11T18:27:00.003-04:00

All did not turn out well today. Due to President Obama's visit we were unable to purchase a PolyTank container for installing a water purifier in Potwabin. But all is not lost, we improvised and did training as you can see above, in a small tub, with the purifier hung on a tree. Pictures are Isaac, who just got over malaria and the Chief of the village.

I was told I needed the fashion police called on me this morning and while we were enroute to Potwabin, we stopped for lunch and this girl had similar taste! BooYah!

This is a Potwabin family and you can see that it is a very remote jungle village with no running water or electricity with mud & thatch huts.

The team had a great time. Here we are with Grace and her mother. We didn't get two words out of Grace last year and this year, as a 14 year old, she came right up and spoke quite a bit! She is holding her niece in this photo.

I was told that GrassCutter is good to eat, so I bought one, road side on the trip home. Anita said it looks like road kill.

This was Becky's favorite. Watching Becky is half the joy. I remember it all as first's for me last year and to see her experience it all. She's ever the grandmother and always attracted to the least of these.

Davi gets surrounded by kids and is totally in her element. You can see it and feel it. It's a beautiful thing.

Anita gets a perpetual grin when she goes to see Grace. They've known each other for 8 years now. We've developed strong relationships in Potwabin and look forward to seeing them every year we come here.

One good thing, is I have to go back there this trip and finish what I started with the water purification. They promised to have my favorite Fufu and Goat soup waiting!!!!!

So glad GOD is finishing what GOD began in me.

And I pray Jesus has Fufu & Goat soup waiting for me in Heaven!

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We'll be gone next week from Mon-Fri, so hang in and look for a huge update when we get back!

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David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Day 5

2009-07-11T02:59:00.003-04:00

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We're headed to Potwabin today to see Grace and install a purifier. I'm decked out in my bright plumage.

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We'll be back very late and probably will not post here tonight. Long day of Church and family tomorrow and we'll try to catch up on Sunday eve.

Then we'll head out on a week long mission without computers, Monday through Friday.

These are the names of some of the places - Ho, Adigbo Tornu, Kpeve, Goviefe Kowu, Logba Tota, Labo Labo & a couple others.

Please pray the folks see Christ shining brighter than my clothes!

Until next time...

...pray for the least of these, what an honor to serve them.

...thank you to all who read and share this journey, your comments are fuel for us.

LU ALL

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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be sure to read Anita & Becky's blogs too -

http://www.anitatarlton.blogspot.com/

http://craigandbeckycheek.blogspot.com/

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Ghana 09 Day 4 - Water Training

2009-07-10T15:06:00.004-04:00

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I am wore out! I trained five guys today on the Water Purification System, individually!

They just weren't able to coordinate their presence simultaneously, as in at the same time? Is that how you say it?

Like I said, I'm wore out.

And we're headed for church tonight from 8 to 11. On Wednesday night, Rev James said he would read just one verse of scripture, three hours later...

power has been off a few times this year. I don't remember losing power at all last year. We did have the water off a couple times last year.

Food has been out of this world!

Anita and Davi & Becky held hygiene training and it was superb. I believe out in the villages they will did very well relating to the women.

The men may be surprised when the women can do the water purification too!

While the power was out, I journaled a bit. It was nice to put pen to paper to assist my processing all of this. It seems more intimate than blogging.

But I sure appreciate your comments here and sharing the journey with us.

Our hearts are burdened for the least of these and nearing the finish line each year as we are able to deliver the goods, so to speak, we're poured out like an offering and I pray it is sweet to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Clean water is nice, LIVING WATER is more!

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I'm blessed beyond measure. Davi & Becky are dynamite additions to this year's mission. Seeing Becky experience everything for the first time, reminds me of me last year. She's very much into the relationships.

We all get the meet GRACE tomorrow, in Potwabin (pronounced, like pote-wah-bean) !!!! :o) BIG SMILE!!

Anita & Becky & Davi slipped off to Jerusalem gates Academy today while I slaved over the water purifier. JUST KIDDING :o)

Imagine waking up to that every morning - PURE HEAVEN!

LU ALL

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Don't forget Anita's blog http://www.anitatarlton.blogspot.com/

Ghana 09 - Day 03 - JG Gates & Dump Day

2009-07-09T18:30:00.009-04:00

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Ghana is home. Ghana has great food and friendly folks that we consider family.

Ghana has a way of kicking you in the gut.

I thanked GOD for the gut punch today, I need them to humble me.

We visited Jerusalem Gates Academy today and look forward to seeing the kids there again next week, though the trip to the Dump today seems to captivate my thoughts at this moment.
Here is a photo of Anita and Elizabeth, a girl that was sponsored by a friend of our named Elizabeth from Peachland, North Carolina and a few other kids from the school.

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Now contrast them with these photo's from the Dump....

When we arrived at the dump, we were told this section is called the Airport and that you must pay a fee for special membership to access this area. Why? Because the GOOD left over food from the incoming flights is brought and dumped here.

When I got home and processed these photos and saw the Delta bag in the background, my heart just sunk, remembering what I was served on the plane and realizing ... well you know.

YOU can be the difference in their lives. You can sponsor one from the Dump and into school or you can share all about them as far and wide as you can through email, websites, facebook, myspace and in your local communities.

YOU can change the world for one of the least of these. For many of them in fact!

Selah~

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David LeeWaters Sr.,

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Check out our first timer to Ghana's blog http://craigandbeckycheek.blogspot.com/2009/07/laughter-and-tears.html

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Day2 - Akwaaba!

2009-07-08T18:12:00.006-04:00

We got here in one piece, the flight was only 1 hour late after leaving New York 2 hours late.

Neeter & Becky loaded up luggage and equipment and headed out into the rain - yep a raining welcome, but light and welcome cool temps.

Davi is smitten with Kelsey.

David got his FuFu and Goat soup!

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It was a FULL day! After the drive to Rev. James home, forever here on out known as RJ in this blog, we unpacked a bit and the girls got cleaned up while David & Richie & Chief Takyi ran around town getting battieries for the purifiers and checking prices and availability on water containers. We found they are available in locations closer to the villages than here, so we'll get them there.

We, Anita, David, Beckay & Davi took a walk with RJ to Jerusalem Gates Acedemy and met with Julius, the school's headmaster and his wife. It was good to see him again. we plan to meet the students tomorrow and further discuss the needs of the children needing sponsorship and the school in general, having to change locations. They have land but no building.

We had a GREAT meal of Goat Soup & Fufu with Pineaplle of course and we headed to church at 8 this evening. RJ said he would read one verse and three hours later.... we're home keeping you up to date!

It's good to be here. I miss my grrr-animals, but it's good to be home in Ghana!

I listened to the book "Crazy Love," recited by the author on the flight here.

He told the story of a pastor attending a funeral and sharing the gospel during the service. Then he sat down and died. His last words were, "we don't know when we're going to die, are you prepared?"

Jesus said, "Profess me before men and I will Profess you before my Father in heaven.

One second this man was professing Jesus before men and in the very next second, Jesus was professing him before GOD!

THAT is powerful!

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Professing HIM,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

We're having a great time and wishing Addison was here with us! We'll be talking about her tommorrow at the school!

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H2O9ers take the field!

2009-07-07T09:17:00.007-04:00

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We're the H2O9ers Team. Because we're the team going to Ghana, bringing clean and living water in 2009!

LOL, appropriate as well, due to all our checked luggage weighed 49 pounds each. Just under the 50 pound limit. I think most of them were actually 49.8 lbs. :o)

We're in the Charlotte airport and we're all online and talking on our cell phones bidding farewell to loved ones, checking emails, posting on Facebook, Twitter and this blog.

Technology sure has changed how we stay in touch. The post card sales must have dropped dramatically!

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I'm thinking about the year gone by and all the names and faces who have helped us with their contributions of prayers, encouragement, belief in our "H2O for those who thirst" and "Sponsor a child" programs and financial sacrificial giving.

We are merely the hands and feet of this body of believers. It would be impossible for us to complete any mission without you!

We love you, we appreciate you and we give thanks to GOD for each of you. Including the two anonymous donors we got this year. Rich is your reward in heaven!

Tears begin to crowd my eyes as I think about how GOD has moved all of us to this one thing. Being in it all year, it was rough for me to step back and see it. I sweated every detail and must admit, I worried, I was anxious at times that we might not make it.

GOD exceeds our needs. In fact we have $1,000 more than we anticipated as need for this trip in reserve. Things may change once we're there. It is VERY comforting to have a reserve available in the event we do find it costs more than we anticipated to get the purification systems to the villages. One concern is transportation of the containers. I'm thinking we won't be able to use the van we ride in for this and will have to pay for a truck to deliver them.

Please add this to your prayer list, that we're able to accomplish this with little to no additional expense. The villages are a LONG way from the place we purchase the containers.

Well, I'm going to try and be short and sweet on these blogs, so...

Love & Prayers

David Lee Waters Sr., & the H2O9ers Team!

Water Purification with the BIG BOYZ!

2009-06-14T13:44:00.008-04:00

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Anita and I asked to go see how the Big Boyz did Water Purification.

So we called our good Friend and County Council representative, Mary Lynn Kinley who promptly arranged for us to tour the plant.

Otis Williams is the head honcho and water guru extraordinaire locally. He's got more certifications than I can shake a stick at. It lets me sleep well at night knowing knowledgeable folks are handling the most basic need of life that we often take for granted.

I must say we were honored to go see how the Town Of Winnsboro handles the water that comes into our homes!

Otis showing David how with modern computer technology, he can monitor flow rates at the strategically located water towers that feed the town and surrounding areas.

We can purify up to 55 gallons per minute with our little portable device we're taking to Ghana.
These guyz are pumping, at times, more than 2000 gallons per minute!

Otis explains to Anita how the introduction of Alum to the Raw water brought in from the reservoir, adheres to the particulate in the water and gels, suspended in the middle of these tanks, where clarification takes place. It gradually sticks to other small masses that form larger masses and drop to the bottom.

Only the debris free water flows over the top, through these grooves and on to the next step of Carbon Filtering

Otis shows David the introduction of Chlorine from the tanks on the right through a Venturi type vacuum process, very similar to ours, but on a much grander scale.

Fluoride is added at a later step and finally another chemical to prevent break down of the lines carrying the water to our homes.

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Back at home we were preparing our team to go to Ghana and empower others to purify their contaminated sources of water.

Here David is explaining how the Venturi creates a vacuum as the water is passing through it, which then pulls the Chlorine gas off the top of the salt water brine that has 12 volts applied to it (electrolysis) causing the chlorine gas to be released.

Pointing to the bubbles of chlorine gas now on its way into the tank of contaminated water for sufficient contact time to kill the bacteria. This also provides a bit of ozonation (introduction of an additional oxygen molecule) which beefs up the purification process.

Additionally, David, with Davi looking on from afar, shows Becky & Craig how Hydrogen molecules are extracted as well, resulting in Sodium Hydroxide on one side of the electrolysis hub and another byproduct of the process is bleach on the other side.

--

Inside, Anita commenced Hygiene Training.

** Did you know, the single most significant thing you can do to prevent diarrhea is hand washing? **

Anita with Davi, Becky and Craig.

One of the exercises involved drawing a map of a village. Another involved what you see here, making food from play dough-clay. I think these are peas and carrots

This looks like a nice slab of Tuna or Salmon with a green bean, but Craig said it was a hamburger patty and asparagus.

All in all, I was very impressed with the Town Water process and with our team's preparation.

GOD just keeps taking us to the next level.

Today, we went to a different church to hear some preaching rather than teaching. Both are good, but we just felt the Lord leading us to go there. And sure enough, right on the bulletin was something about GOD taking you to the next level.

And the pastor got out from behind the pulpit and let the spirit flow and people flooded the altar. We all left knowing we'd grown and been challenged and experienced the Spirit of the resurrected Christ who calls us to Serve, regardless of our age, stature or past!

The weak shall be strong and humble the wise!

Amen, so be it!

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* We got an invitation to do a presentation next week at another church in another city that wants to sponsor a purifier!

** We got five more kids sposnored!!!

*** we have just two children left that need sponsored ***

Just $52 provides a meal per day, a uniform and an education for a child that would other wise continue to live in and eat from a Dump!

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GOD exceeds our needs!

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Inspiration via Addison

2009-05-18T09:08:00.010-04:00

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This is Addison and she inspires me!

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Addison is the daughter of our friend Laura whom we know from the Simple Church we're a part of. Addison started a project to raise funds so she can attend camp this summer. She crafted ink pens into flowers and pots. Anita says they're called Silk Flower Pens.

Addison, with little brother Whitman, with Silk Flower Pens.

Addison's mother Laura explained that Addison had already raised sufficient funds to attend camp this year and that Addison had selected a charity to give the proceeds of her remaining products to.

Addison stated that she decided she wanted to help the children that live and eat from the Dump in Ghana, West Africa.

My eyes immediately stung, welling up with tears as I struggled to maintain my composure and smile, finding it extremely difficult, I gasped for air and heaved a sob. I'm just overwhelmed when anyone wants to help these children that GOD burdened our hearts for.

When that someone is a 10 year old girl, well, it just blows me away.

I'm not trying to bash the traditional church here, but I must share that Anita and I were given an opportunity to do a presentation at a local traditional church and about 75 people were in attendance.

The result was zero kids were sponsored and zero contributions were made towards a water purifier.

We made the same presentation to this Simple Church gathering of five people and ten children were sponsored. In the following week, another child was sponsored, via PayPal by a member that moved to Maine as well as another child via check in the mail, by another member that was present, bringing the total to twelve.

We met the group again last night and Anita was handed a check for three more children at $52 each. I'm not mentioning names here because these folks are servants who seek their reward in heaven. As the evening progressed, I was slipped another check for another child.

Near the end of the evening, Addison walked up to me and handed me $52 and said, here, I'd like to sponsor a child in Ghana. My knees nearly buckled as I looked down at this pretty little redheaded, freckle faced girl with big brown eyes and an infectious smile.

This small group, this Simple Church has reached deep and answered the call to be burdened with us for the kids of the Dump Village in Ghana and sponsored seventeen children.

A handful of folks meeting to seek GOD and be servants in the kingdom and having a profound effect locally and internationally. Ralph Moore at Hope Chapel in Hawaii called this being a Glocal Church. Global and Local.

The primary focus of our meeting last night was to listen to a presentation about sponsoring a refugee family from Burma. Which we unanimously elected to take this project on and be assigned to assist family of four, with two children, adapt to life in the USA. They'll need help with transportation to and from appointments and help with rent, food, furniture etc.

The long process of being accepted into the relocation of refugees program culminates with a $425 per person check from the Federal Government and transportation to a state.

The woman who runs the placement agency, is the only full time paid employee and was herself a refugee from Bosnia. She has two paid part timers and a lot of volunteers. She wants to give back to what helped her find a new life!

Pay it Forward!

That's what Christ does to us. We can't contain it. We give out of the abundance of Christ in our lives.

Little Addison inspires me. If someone with no job, no income, no drivers license, no checking account etc., can take it upon themselves to make something with their own hands, market and sell sufficient quantities to get themselves into something they desire, like camp or school and then take the excess from that and give it to sponsor a child...

well, what excuse do the rest of us have?

Selah...

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We need one $275 solar panel for a water purification unit we're taking to Ghana in July.

We have twelve children left to be sponsored. Can you match Addison's efforts of $52 for...

her and others like her?

If so, you can learn more at http://weministry.com/missions.htm There is a link there for PayPal donations as well as here on this blog site. Your $52 provides a child a Uniform, a meal each day and an education for one school year.

More than that it changes the plight of the next generation. It provides Hope for the Future!

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I'm honored to know Addison and Inspired by her and the other kids at our Simple Church gathering who can quote scripture and go out and feed the homeless locally and put together projects to sponsor kids in Africa.

Lil' Teddy requested to say goodnight to the Water-Man!

Humbled,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Water Activision with Fearlessly Passionate Hearts!

2009-02-06T08:33:00.015-05:00

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No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. Helen Keller

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That's right, not Activism, which sounds a bit militant, but Activision, which has a solution and full of the Passion that GOD has placed upon our Hearts, we Fearlessly plunge forward armed with the vision of Clean and Living Water for every living soul!

Just wanting to matter. Wanting to be the difference in as many lives as possible. Wanting to serve in the kingdom of GOD to our utmost potential.

If I had to write a doctrine or statement of belief, I guess that'd be it. I hadn't planned it that way, it just came out, as does all my writing. I'm off the cuff. I don't prepare. I try to get out of the way and let the Spirit lead.

So, I've got some statistics and links and videos to share concerning our passion for every human being to have the RIGHT to life sustaining water, because as you'll see, huge corporations are sucking it up and selling it for more than gasoline.

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Flow (Trailer)
http://www.flowthefilm.com/

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Please go to this link and sign the petition to make it a right for ALL people on the earth to have an inalienable right to access clean life sustaining drinking water! http://article31.org/

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Of the 6 billion people on earth, 1.1 billion do not have access to safe, clean drinking water.(http://www.charitywater.org/)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently does not regulate 51 known water contaminants. (http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/)
While the average American uses 150 gallons of water per day, those in developing countries cannot find five.(http://www.charitywater.org/)
The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.(http://www.water.org/)
According to the National Resources Defense Council, in a scientific study in which more than 1,000 bottles of 103 brands of water were tested, about one-third of the bottles contained synthetic organic chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic. (http://www.nrdc.org/)
Water is a $400 billion dollar global industry; the third largest behind electricity and oil. CBS News, FLOW.
There are estimates that from five hundred thousand to seven million people get sick per year from drinking tap water. Erik Olson, Deputy Staff Director of Barbara Boxer's Environmental and Public Works Committee (EPW), FLOW.
California's water supply is running out – it has about 20 years of water left in the state.Maude Barlow, author of Blue Covenant and co-author of Blue Gold, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, FLOW.
There are over 116,000 human-made chemicals that are finding their way into public water supply systems. William Marks, author of Water Voices from Around the World, FLOW.
In Bolivia nearly one out of every ten children will die before the age of five. Most of those deaths are related to illnesses that come from a lack of clean drinking water.Jim Schultz, founder of the Democracy Center in Bolivia, FLOW.
The cost per person per year for having 10 liters of safe drinking water every day is just $2 USD.Ashok Gadgil, Senior Staff Scientist in the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, FLOW

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A World without Water ( 1 hr 16 minutes long )

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3930199780455728313&ei=bTsTScrhAo_o-AHlycSiCg&q=water&hl=en

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Water Harvesting (short)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnhYIIKY0U&eurl=http://weministry.blogspot.com/

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So, I ask of you ONE thing. Seek GOD about your involvement in this. YOU are the potential difference for life or death for a great many people. More than you might realize. For $2000 YOU can provide clean drinking water for up to 10,000 people per day! YOU are what we asked GOD for. Similar burdened hearts to join us in this cause for basic human rights and service for the kingdom of GOD.

Get Involved

Raise funds - Everything is tax deductible and every penny goes towards clean water for impoverished people. (no paid persons or administrative costs or over head)
Shares - GOD has prepared someone to hear You on this very thing.
Go on a mission with us - You'll be changed forever
Pray, for us, for funds, for your level of involvement
BE, the difference that GOD created you to be on a grander scale than you imagined.

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Now to GOD who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to GOD be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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My heart is Living Out Loud for Jesus and those who thirst for Living Water!

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Ghana Clean Water & Schools program

2008-08-17T08:00:00.029-04:00

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Water

Well this trip brought about change for us forever and it's time to begin bringing about change for those we encountered.

Clean drinking water is a NEED for the village of Adigbo Tornu. Please watch this video I discovered and consider joining us in this prayerfully and financially.

Pure Water _ Edge Outreach

We received an email back from this Edge Outreach and plan to attend a conference to be trained on how to install this type of system. I believe it can take the place of a well for less money, in those cases where there is a source of water like a stream.

Here is the email:

Mr. Waters,
Thanks so much for your email! It was great to receive your message. I was looking at your website, and it sounds like your group is doing some great work! The water purifier that we use is $1000, and it could be a great fit for your well situations. Have you tested the water to know specific contaminants?
We also do a variety of training from water purification and hand pump repair to hygiene education. Just let us know what other information we can provide you and please feel free to call us at the office (502-568-6342). We would love to give you more information, tell you more about EDGE, and learn more about what you do.
If you will be in the country, one thing I would like to let you know about is an upcoming opportunity for training and mobilization. EDGE will host its 3rd Annual Water Purification Conference October 8-11. We will have training in water purification, hand pump repair, hygiene education, water testing, and more. There is a link on our site to the registration page: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=185615.
We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please be in touch.
Blessings in your endeavors,
Adrienne Keller

** we need three of these !!
-

So please commit this to prayer and if the Lord leads you to help us to raise funds by having a bake sale or a plate dinner or a car wash or a yard sale or saving and committing your spare change or giving directly or making and selling something then by all means answer the call and contact us at weministry@gmail.com . Writing letters to corporations, organizations, groups, churches, small businesses would help as well. Petition, as we know the parable of the peristent widow that Jesus told.

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School

The children from the dump are in NEED of a new school building. Theirs is slated to be torn down. Land has been secured for them, but they need a building. I'm shooting for $7k on this. Imagine if we could build schools for $7k.

This is the Elementary Shcool. They also have a Jr. High

These are some of the kids. You can sponsor tuition for one child for $54 a year or $18 per term.

This is the head master, Julius' wife.

They believe we will be back to see them again with good news.

Remember this is where the kids from the dump go to school, when they can afford it. Most can't afford it. I believe the only way we can change the plight of the dump folks is to educate the younger generation and empower them to be self sufficient. Stopping the process of handing down this life style due to no alternatives. No Hope.

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People want to know this Jesus that sent us from so far away to help them in their helplessness.

I believe one day in heaven, that someone will walk up to you with a text book or a bible and tell you how it changed their life and they'll thank you. I know that in their living years, they will give thanks to GOD for Christ in you that brought you to be involved. I believe their prayers will be heard and your life will be blessed more than you can ask or imagine.

I believe if you went there with me, when you visited the dump, you'd want to blow chunks like I did. You'd feel as though you were just punched in the stomach at the thought of this child, who has been rescued from that dump and is living at the school with the headmaster & family now,

having to return to the despicable conditions of eating trash like this child.

YOU can make the difference in these kids life. A large bag of rice is $80. A bag that contains 5 small bags cost $50. It goes a long way to making a difference in their lives. But food is for the belly and what they NEED is a school where they can go, tuition paid to educate them and provide the uniform and food to feed them and ultimately change the plight of future generations.

Please just commit it to prayer. I believe the same Faithful GOD that exceeds our needs will meet and exceed their needs as well!

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FYE - Selah "Great is Thy Faithfulness"

Would you believe I sound EXACTLY like this when I sing it?

I didn't think so :o)

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You can donate through Pay pal to the WEM Ghana Clean Water / Schools program with Paypal

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Peace to you All !!

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Short Term, Long Term, 30-60-100

2008-08-16T08:54:00.010-04:00

Check out at http://weministry.com/missions for current short term mission opportunities.

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Thankfully, I didn't do anything this extreme !

But I'm surely changed forever,

for the better!

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Anita and I used to get temporary tattoos when we'd go to the beach.

Then Anita experienced something special to me, Plumeria flowers in Hawaii.

And she got tagged for life!

So glad it's not short term!

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Romans 8:28 tells us we are More Than Conquerors :

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.

Yesterday I mentioned my weed eater being stolen and ya know, that thing was falling apart. I was about to order some parts for it and it had the blower attachment on it at the time. So, who ever got it, may be in for a bit of a surprise when they go to use it. And having all the extra parts to make the only one available at the store work even though it was missing parts. Well, that's just GOD looking out for me.

I believe that!

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Saviour, all the day long.....

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GOD's word does not go out and come back empty. Please pray that as I sow seed it will fall on receptive soil:

Matthew 13:23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

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It all starts with what you believe ~ Selah

Peace to you all -

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Still Walking the Pages, Gnawing return..., Trusting GOD

2008-08-09T05:33:00.022-04:00

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I imagine the interview process was pretty intense when the first men came back from outer space or the moon. Did they see Moon people? Did they experience anything that wasn't revealed over the radio or video. I'm sure a team of experts were involved.

So here I am, still reeling from the mission trip to Ghana. A transformational one that has me up at 5:30 AM typing to you about it. I'm reminiscing, looking at pictures, watching videos. Processing it all. I get that 1000 yard stare. I want to talk about it. I want to share it with others and they don't seem to be interested. It's as though they'll politely listen for a few minutes then change the subject, not fully embracing it and I'm found wandering in my mind again... back...

...back to walking the pages of Anita's book. Even the unwritten pages. What I mean by that is there are things I know that she has shared with me, that have happened on her return and even as many times as she tried to share with me, I never really "got it" until I went and experienced it myself.

And now, here I am, experiencing the same after math process. Anita said on her first return in 2001, she sat in a chair and cried for three weeks. I'm not doing that, but I have had a sudden outburst of emotion wash over me like a tidal wave. Way down deep. So severely moved that I felt like blowing chunks. I think about hearing pastors that spoke of Jesus looking back at Jerusalem and having compassion. That he was so deeply moved, he lost the contents of his stomach or groaned inwardly, in the deepest and innermost places.

I picture the child and the woman at the dump. The face of Cedric. The children with no parents at the orphanage. The kids at Jerusalem Gates Academy, whose rickety school is going to be torn down. I think about, I know about the call GOD has placed on my life, so far down inside that I can't shake it.

There is no decompression. Only a further burdening. Only a gnawing yearning to return. This mission trip was more than a trip or an experience. It wasn't a paradigm shift but a culmination of many past events in our lives and clear direction for our future ministry and personal lives.

I remember when I got out of the military, I threw myself into my work and told employees that their every decision should be in the best interest of the company. Even when they're off the clock that they should be getting enough sleep in order to come and give an honest days work for an honest days pay. I mean if you come and give only 80%, you'll still receive 100% of your pay check will you not?

So, with clear direction, I feel that Anita and I have to act accordingly. I got to speak at length with Davi last night and it was delightful. She is another burdened for Ghana soul. And we found it hard to stop the conversation and we could just about finish each others sentences. We have a common ground that others don't understand.

I'm transformed.
The choice has been made,
There is no looking back.
I have stepped over the line.
I won’t let up, back up,
Give up, or shut up.
My focus is clear,
My path straight,
My GOD reliable,

I'm returning to Ghana...

... Again and again until HE returns or I'm taken home to forever be with HIM. I'm ruined. Nothing will ever be the same. I will long for souls to go and experience the same transformational experience. I'm at another level. One I'd been seeking. Praying for "more," is a dangerous thing folks. Praying for all GOD has to give is a fearfully wonderful process of surrender and exciting answer. Knowing full well that you will walk through the valley and in the shadows, but that HIS light will invade all darkness and being a vessel of HIM is the ultimate of purpose in this life.

You will reach the mountain top and yearn for it over and over again, even as the glory of HIS presence fades from your face.

I pray that you will pray and surrender all. It was easy for me, to see that GOD's way was better than my destructive plight. Though in surrender I did pray, "GOD please don't send me to Africa." I knew, I knew, I knew, that when I prayed that prayer, that I'd surrendered to the point where I was willing to go anywhere, anytime for any length. And it still scares me.

In my flesh I don't want to spend the next 30 years in a slum in Nairobi. But that is not the calling on my life. It is as I find, the usual opposite of what I'd thought. GOD's funny that way and I love it.

As I spoke that last Sunday to the congregation at Christ Harvests the Nations in Tema, Ghana. On the continent of Africa; I told the people that I'd come there thinking I was a missionary from the USA. When in fact, GOD has revealed to me, that everything I find so fascinatingly wonderful, how GOD had prepared Anita and I for each other and for HIS purposes, was to be a missionary to the USA.

To bring the experience back here and share it and pray that the Spirit works it's magical process on a willing heart and soul to answer the call and join us on a mission, closer than ever to GOD and to another level in our Spiritual life. To Ghana, the land with a Spirit of Akwaaba (Welcome) that will never be forgotten and will always be calling, from within.

Fufu and Goat Soup, mmm mmm Good!

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You know when you experience the Spirit of GOD. You will not be doing what you used to do. Things that used to bring joy, fade away. Replaced by a burden on your heart. Possibly and probably an unpopular one among those who know and love you. You're there among them, but you're somewhere else. Your wildest imagination never saw this, but it feels so right, like a garment made for you long ago, when you were fearfully and wonderfully made and knit together in your Mother's womb.

Anita was the birthing place of this ministry, before we met. Before we had any idea this was what we'd do as a servant team for the kingdom. Her inability to forget a little girl named "Grace." Her GOD gifted ability to write about it and express her experience. The Spirit upon that message that convicted others to Act, upon it and seek out this little girl from a remote village in West Africa called Potwabin.

The notoriety of that team making ripples to another place in the lake that felt the travelling waves from the stone Anita cast into it, disturbing the universe from end to end. Shaking up the world to heaven's purpose, with Angels scurrying about and the Spirit searing hearts with burning passion to Go and Be the Church.

The very body of Christ.

Anita's writing, ripples, passion, ability, inability, answering of the prompting by the Holy Spirit of GOD; Jesus with us, regardless of popularity, to birth a chain reaction of events that brought this tiny village, a healed girls face that smiles today and a Well for healthier members of the community and electricity.

GOD"s blessings, pressed down, shaken and over flowing.

Folks, this is what I'm talking about. This is what can happen in your life if you're willing to do One thing.

TRUST GOD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:4-6 (NIV)

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I'm married to the gift, the author, and I get to look into the eyes of this blessing. The birthing place of this thing that is bigger than any of us. We're unable to contain it and it's over flowing. Please, if you're feeling any prompting, pray about it and contact us. ~ Selah

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There are 16 online photo albums now available that I uploaded yesterday using Google's Picasa, if you're interested.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dwaters59 and http://picasaweb.google.com/weministry

Also please be sure to check out Anita's blog, "The Silver Lining" at http://www.anitatarlton.blogspot.com/

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I'm wearing a bracelet that states, "I have a Heart for Africa." I pray one day, you do too!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Peace out - Ghana on my mind !

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Delayed but back!

2008-08-08T08:36:00.008-04:00

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As you leave RJ's the next door neighbor has this plant out front, which I too have in front of my house. It was nice to see a reminder each day as we headed out.

This is a sad sight. It's the last look back at a mud hole leaving the road to RJ's house. We went through that mud hole many times in and out of this community.

Hug-a-byes at the Airport with Richie.

Anita's classy, business dressed friends Ruth and Ato came to see us off at the airport.

This is the taxi that took us most places. A car made in India, drivin by Fifi. First time Anita had A/C ( I requested that :o) )

Anita gets that deer in the head lights look when she has to leave Ghana. I shed some tears as well.

Soon we were trying to get some shut eye, but to no avail.

We departed Accra, Ghana on time....

We took one last look back as we left the African continent behind.

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The delay began on US soil. We touched down at JFK in NYC on time and then had to sit on the taxi way for more than an hour and our domestic flight to Charlotte was delayed and delayed and delayed.

We nearly spent the night in NYC. We finally made it to Charlotte by 2:30 AM, and to Anita's by 4:30AM.

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It's going to take some processing / digesting of it all before we're fully back to the swing of things here. I got a good start during the flight journaling the revelations and vision for the future. Thank you all so much for sharing. I hope and pray you join us next time. I promise you will NEVER be the same!

We would LOVE the opportunity to come and share more with you. If your group or church would entertain this idea, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Waters Edge Ministries

David Waters & Anita Tarlton

weministry@gmail.com

http://www.weministry.blogspot.com/ & http://www.anitatarlton.blogspot.com/

* I believe you'll be happy to know that we both plan to write more books.

** I'll post pictures of our last full day, where people went out of their way to come and eat with us and spend some time before our departure. It really made us feel significant, worthy to be more than just acquaintenances; more than just friends. We're family and we'll miss each other and rejoice when we can get together again.

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Peace out -

David Lee Waters Sr.,

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Homeward bound

2008-08-06T18:28:00.004-04:00

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It's been more than fascinating it's been wonderfully GREAT ! :o)

We look forward to sharing more.

Here's a video of Anita, Richie and the kids at the beach. It was as though they were our own kids and we fully enjoyed them.

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We'll be home late Fridy night.

Peace out -

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Yesterday, Today & The Last Full Day in Ghana

2008-08-06T04:03:00.013-04:00

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We're having a big ho-down.shin-dig today. We killed and prepared two goats yesterday. Most will go in a goat soup which I had in Logba Tota, but I took some of the meat and have marinated it with crushed Pinapple and garlic in a ziplock and placed it in the fridge over night. YUM! we'll grill that stuff!

We shopped and bought large quantities of all kinds of fruits and vegetables to supplement the meal. We're actually ging to make our own Fufu!!! I get to pound the casava and plantains in Fufu, while some brave soul folds it!

We searched the market place high and low for gifts for friends and contributors that helped make all this possible. It wasn't easy finding or deciding on what but I believe we made appropriate choices and the folks will like the choices we made.

I really like the direction Rev. James is leading. He is returning us to our first love. He has sought the Lord and relinquished all control to the Holy Spirit. Every meeting and service has been Spirit filled with signs and wonders and people growing hungry for more. At times it's been exhausting to keep up. I know I wasn't seeking as much because I was already full and worn out, but Rev, James inspires to get all GOD has to give! To surrender all.

I believe everyone who is willing to surrender like this will see blessings poured out in their lives that are more than they can ask or imagine. I believe that a fire is starting here and it will take off like a wild grass fire and spread far and wide.

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Some photo's from Shopping yesterday -

The cows, the goats the people, dig through the trash.

Usually these women don't use their hands. every where you will see them carrying amazing loads, hands free. All the people are so enterprising. When the government was not supllying the needs and jacking prices up, the people took it to the streets and there are stalls and people walking and selling everything from produce and meats to furniture and appliances. All roadside. Even prepared food and drink, as they snake in and out of traffic along the very busy roads that appear to have lttle to no driving rules. Amazingly their accident rate is incredibly low.

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More later... Just wanted to have something up to greet you this morning!

Full Day, Dump, Produce, Artful Shopping and Critters

2008-08-05T04:00:00.016-04:00

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We finally made it to the Dump. It was a blow to my stomach. I almost blew chunks. I was really moved down deep. The stench was heavy in the air. I believe the photos will speak for themselves and when I return, I will share the video....

Where they live

What they eat

A child

An anguished Mother

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It was a full day. We paid a visit to the US Embassy in the capital city, Accra and was unable to contact the vice consular, Peter Lee. Please write to the US Embassy in Ghana requesting permission for Richie to be granted a visa to visit us in the USA and share the ministry here. Richie has applied 7 times and been denied for no good reason.

Consular Section No. 19 Fifth Link Rd. Cantonments, AccraAccra, Ghana Telephone: (233) 21-741-100Fax: (233) 21-741-362/741-426 Email: consulateaccra@state.gov

I have written to Senator Lindsey Graham.
** update, I spoke to Peter Lee and he has given me no more hope. The system is the system and it's a coin toss when you apply for a US visa of any kind.

While in Accra we went to a road side market. The art work caused me to think of my friend Glenn, who designed the cover of my book. Here are some photos from there.

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On the way back we stopped at a roadside produce market to re-up on pineapples and stuff!

Sure is a long way from what those folks in the dump get. Fresh and delicious.

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This woman's produce was not as bright and vibrant as the others available and her face reveals a similar life.

I shared some scripture,

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.(Jeremiah 29:11)

and a prayer to "bless her indeed", just as Jabez prayed, she was smiling as we left.

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Now I can't pass up the little critters.. So Mary Lynn, I KNOW you'll be enjoying this...

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We finished the day with a Men's and Women's ministry meeting. Anita and I spoke to our relative gender. We both discussed our relationship. People see us interact and they want what we have. Relationships and gender roles are clearly defined here.

I reminded the men of what Pastor Ralph Moore, who performed our wedding in Hawaii, reminded me of during our union. There is four times as much instruction to men about loving their wives, than there is about women submitting to their husbands.

I told them it was easy for me to serve the Lord, to surrender because I came to the point where I knew my way would just mess things up and I believed GOD had a better way and I was ready to Trust GOD fully. I used to pray please don't send me to Africa. Look at me now. If GOD calls, I'll answer.

And that in that total surrender I am led to love my wife like she's never been loved before, all the days of my life forever more. I wake up each morning and tell her that she is beautiful and i love her. That our relationship runs on prayer and a communication that appreciates and reciprocates.

The men wanted what we have in their relationships so I said I would pray that they make many mistakes and become convinced that GOD has a better way. And that when i see them next, they will tell me how their heart flutters and their eyes light up when their wife walks in the room or they come home from work.

Anita told of making a list and praying for a mate and they just howled when she told them I do all the cooking! :o)

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We shop today and prepare for the send off party tomorrow since we leave early Thursday morning. I'm sure gonna miss this place. But we have a mission to be obedient to. I pray you've enjoyed the ride along. We sure appreciate the encouraging emails.

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Love & Prayers,

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Birthing.. Family Photos

2008-08-04T05:00:00.007-04:00

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MamaeAnita is such an appropriate name for my wife. It was her trips here and book that inspired myself and some I know to make this journey, like Bonnie Hood and Davi Trotti. The woman that Anita met yesterday named Happy told Anita she is the birthing place of a powerful ministry for here. Anita gave Happy a copy of her book. I know she will learn that her words were spot on.

David & Chief Takyi (Tachee). We bonded immediately and were inseperable. I'll see him for the last time this evening.

(front row left to right)- Chief Takyi, Rev James Godlly, Lil-Anita, Richie holding Jr., Mary holding Kelsy, and Abigail holding Alexandra.

(back row left to right)- Stephen (takes RJ's kids to school), Victoria(Richies Wife), Me, Anita Ato(Ah-Too) and wife Ruth holding child Edith Nora

Rev James and family

The Silver Lining, GOD's gift, my reward, my spoiled rotten Angelic Baby Doll, Mamae-Anita

She even does dishes.

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Anita and I had Hawaiian Pizza and some ice cream, and I had to try the fried chicken. It is spicey. They do not have regular fried chicken. Seems things are either bland or spicey, no in between and definitely not much sweet, except the natural fruit!

I just wanted to share some photo's from yesterday before we head out today, filming at the dump and maybe some shopping at the market in Accra.

Unfortunately the water has been off since last night, and the help is gone. Abigail attends school during the week and Emanuel had to go see his mother who is ill and lives 4 hours away. So Anita and I fetched some water and did the dishes after another splendid breakfast.

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I can't remember if I shared this already or not. Please forgive me if I have, but when we were in Kpeve, and I was preaching, I said the Lord had given me a specific number, 42, and I wrote it down three times. Once on the plane on the way over and twice that evening as I prepared to speak.

So I wanted to find out who was in need of $42 without giving the number, we asked if anyone had a super urgent need that money would solve. I mean we all could use a few buckaroos, well Cedi's here, which by the way we get about 106 Cedi's for $100 US dollars.

No one jumped out of their seat so we left it with the pastor and felt maybe someone who was not in attendance was in need of that exact amount.

As we were leaving an elderly woman walked up to Anita and handed her a hand written note on a crumpled piece of notebook paper and swiftly walked away. I asked about it and Anita wanted to read it later.

So the next day we looked at it and it askled us to please help with an orphanage. It had a name and a phone number. I asked the pastor, who was still with us, now in Logba, about 45 minutes from Kpeve, to call the phone and inquire but he did not get an answer and he did not know the woman personally to verify that she indeed had an orphanage. I looked at the note again and began to add up the digits in the phone number.

It added up to 42. Selah ~

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More later... be sure to check out Anita's blog at http://www.anitatarlton.blogspot.com/

Spirit Led

2008-08-03T16:59:00.004-04:00

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I hope I'm not losing anyone, sharing the amazing move of GOD's Spirit here. Today's service was long, exciting and another WOW! People were laid out on the floor. I saw two folks with evil spirits in them get delivered and many many were weeping and a couple were healed.

Everyone who was on the WOW mission to Logba gave testimony and Anita and I were given opportunity to speak. Anita spoke of her healing during the three years she missed coming here. She testified to the WOW of our recent mission. She found a heart shaped rock in Logba, right outside the Elders residence that has the child with Down Syndrome. She'll have that rock in her hands on the way home and at her bed side and will pick it up many times, close her eyes and be transported back to this place with these people.

I spoke of GOD using who GOD chooses, and it usually being the least likely subject. That there is "An Army of Ordinary People", as Felicity Dale wrote about in her book. And that there is power in one to change the world. That when you authentically encounter the Spirit of GOD your testimony is changed, you are transformed and you will never be the same. Just like I am now changed forever. I will never NOT be able to think about the power and abundance of the Spirit of GOD here and the people full of kindness and "Akwaaba."

Anita's book, Two Watches, the sub title is "The Extraordinary Call of an Ordinary Woman."
While here Anita ALWAYS sustains bruises while here. They just appear on her body. The enemy is afraid of Anita. She is quietly powerful for the LORD's kingdom. Her transformation in Christ, which led her to Ghana and a little girl named Grace has made ripples through out the world and it continues to march.

We pray that GOD moves you to join us on a trip here and be transformed forever.

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We took our family out to lunch today. Pizza and ice cream and it was GREAT !

Everyone had a great time. It was like a family reunion. Yesterday's walk on the beach was GREAT. Anita and I had the grand kids on our laps in the back seat of a cab with no A/C, the smell of fish from NewTown ( a local fishing village ) and we looked at each other and smiled. It was a "Precious Moment."

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Get this, we met a woman today that wrote a book and Anita exchanged books with her. She came to Anita and prayed powerfully with her after the service. We later found out at lunch, that she hosted, here, Bishop Bob Coulter, the head Bishop over TMCI, the organization I am ordained under and introduced him to Rev. James. Amazingly small circles.
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Tomorrow we go to film the people who live and eat at the dump.

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Peace out -

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Abundant Bubbles, Child like Joy, A day at the Beach

2008-08-03T02:21:00.006-04:00

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Here is a video of our accommodations at Rev James' place in community 25, Tema, Ghana.

AND... Since I LOVE you all so very much.. (in Twi, me-doe-oo-paa) You get TWO videos today!

This is a video of the right hand man / PR guy of a Kpeve village called Adigbo Tornu, explaining the need of a well. ( I missed the very first part of his presentation)

Please pray we can place this well and I see these lovely people again

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Well it's 6:30 AM and it's Sunday Aug 03, 2008. We get to go worship at CHNM this morning and Anita and I are taking RJ & Richie and family our for lunch at a pizza and ice cream joint!

We did the ice cream there with Richie and kids yesterday. It was very good. Creamier than in the USA. Might be like Gelato in Europe, less air. Not sure the pizza is good, but the pictures of it looked GREAT. Ya know, no matter how much I'm enjoying all these new things. There are old familiar things that really bring comfort.

We're creatures of habit. We seek comfort in our surroundings. Every now and then we need to challenge ourselves and go outside of our comfort zones and be changed forever.

Jesus said to a very learned man, Nicodemus, "you must be born again."

Yesterday I was blowing bubbles for the kids and I had the absolute best time. Laughing and playing and holding it in front of an oscillating fan I had the whole house filled with bubbles and adult and child alike were full of joy. We were all like children. Our faces could not hide it. It over flowed in shrieks of laughter.

"I came to give them life, life more abundantly," said Jesus. I believe children live a more abundant life. I feel as though we need to loosen up some and enjoy more. Life has it's ups and downs, but all work and no play doesn't sound like much fun at all.

Just sharing some things on my heart this morning. Selah ~

Alexandra, RJ & Mary's eldest, having that very child like joy I'm speaking of!

Anita, Richie and kids enjoy a stroll along the beach in Tema.

Lil' Anita gets a ride on Grandpa Dave's shoulders while enjoying the ocean breeze!

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We got to spoil the kids a bit yesterday and it was FUN! We ended with ice cream and it was FUN!

Have some FUN today. If I can have joy watching kids play, what do you suppose happens when GOD sees HIS children all over the world having FUN?

I'll bet the angels in heaven are all dancing with us and joy fills our hearts.

Logba, Logba, Logba! And Remote Villages

2008-08-02T00:09:00.005-04:00

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Please read yesterdays blog post. I was up late into the night posting my thoughts, some pictures AND a video!

Here are some more pictures from the three day trip I'm posting this morning.

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One of the many splendored views from Logba Tota

Anita and her loved ones. (the boy has Down Syndrome) She is a magnet for the special needs people of this world. She must look like an angel to them. She does to me too!

Anita & RJ at construction site of new Logba School...VERY NICE!

Cocoa Tree. Make your own chocolate! Who wouldn't want to live by that?

FuFu making woman at Logba. I Love this stuff!

FuFu and Goat soup. RJ and I ate all you see!

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More later... got grand babies to spoil!

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I got so wrapped up in Logba Tota (Low-Bah Toe-Tah) that I didn't post pictures from the remote villages in need of wells. So... Here ya go !

Adigbo Tornu Village Water Source that causes blood in the urine

Adigbo Tornu fish caught in the same stream

Adigbo Tornu Chief & Elders. It is always custom to greet the chief and elders and state the purpose of your visit

Adigbo Tornu Chief, Elders and Villagers (we presented candy and the youth leader was glad as you can see

I was being filmed explaining what was transpiring at the meeting with the elders and introducing everybody. At this point refering to Anita, the Angel from heaven that has been so instrumental in improving many lives here and I'm eternally grateful and over joyed that she has shared Ghana with me!

An Adigbo Tornu Home

Adigbo Tornu School, now imagine your kids here. We need supplies!

Adigbo Tornu Children that a well will improve the lives of

Anita had to show the kids what bubble gum was for

We're sharing a copy of the Charlotte Observer in Adigbo Tornu. With us is a Doctor Redeemer Foli who helped analyze the situation and said medicine would not help until they stopped drinking from the stream. Me, Anita, Rev James Godlly, and Rev John Johnson

CHNM bought this motorcycle for Rev John Johnson (who can speak 5 languages) and he scoots around to many remote villages, evangelizing, planting churches and finding needs to commit to prayer that we can be involved in a significant way for these people and for the kingdom of GOD. His translating services were much needed on this mission and for the future.

Peace Out -

David Lee Waters Sr.

Mission WOW!, I'll Never be the same and I will miss Logba Always

2008-08-01T16:09:00.002-04:00

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Folks, I'm not sure there are sufficient words to describe how I am feeling. My heart has been ripped from my body and planted here in Ghana. As Rev James (RJ) said in a sermon, "For MamaAnita, there is no Ghana without Logba Tota."

Wanna take a trip to the mountain top? Wanna talk about GOD taking you to another level? Wanna talk about a peace that surpasses all understanding? WOW!!!!!

That's what we've named this three-day, two-night mission trip to Logba Tota. The WOW mission! Everybody is just saying WOW! A lot of unexpected spiritual highs were experienced by all. I mean, laid out on the floor, laughing uncontrollably, praise and worship at a level that is as near to what heaven MUST be like as I have ever experienced in nearly 30,000 miles of travels from S.E. Asia, accross the Pacific, coast to coast in the USA and now here, accross the Atlantic in Ghana at a hilltop village called "Logba Tota."

I will NEVER be the same and I will miss this place Always!

We started out late as I indicated in my last blog post. We visited the dam that provides most of the power to the entire country of Ghana. Fascinating info on the tour and beautiful vistas of Lake Volta.

We arrived at Kpeve (k-PEV-ey) and worshipped at a CHNM church plant just two years old, led by Pastor Johnson. The church met in a tent constructed from wooden poles and plastic tarps with one light buld hanging. Drums and everybody, (lots of kids) singing. Anita and I preached again, interpreted by Pastor Johnson. RJ got everybody fired up as the Spirit hit him and we made it to our lodging for the night.

Which had HOT WATER !!!!!!!

It was the first warm shower we've had this trip. RJ's house has not had the hot water heaters installed yet and the water has not been tepid but down right cold. Not to fear though, they will be ready for when you join us next yer!

The next morning we had our brought-along Sweet Bread, Jam, Milo, Cappucino and my favorite Pineapple! I'm telling you folks, the pineapple here is not only incredibly inexpensive, but superbly delicious. Better than in Hawaii. And these people are sure to please you at home and in the field. Usually we would have a woman along to cook, but this time, Richie did all the cooking with some help from Ben. Both very good men indeed!

Interesting that I say that because when Anita and I went to Hawaii to be married, I shared wiht her my Spiritual birthplace and it is as beautiful land as I've ever seen and the people so near to my heart. I just "Feel" home there.

Well, Anita has always told me about things here and I've had no real idea what she was "Really" saying. Now I do, and you too will need to come here and "Experience" Ghana, especially Logba to know what I mean. I've always found it interesting that from a tiny island in the middle of the pacific that Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay is having an effect on the rest of the world for the kingdom. And now I find a similar mission occuring from the remote village in the hills of Ghana. At Christ Harvests in Logba Tota, they are planting churches and leading missions and praying and worshipping and sending out and discipling and having an effect that is rippling through mankind for the kingdom all the way around the world. RJ goes to the Netherlands and we lead teams here from the USA. Man-o-Man, I'm telling ya', it's sooooo "WOW!"

Three hours after leaving home we made it to our first village that we were to see about putting in a well, named Adigbo Tornu (pronounced an-di-BO-ton). Incredible, have I used that word yet? probably have and will more :o) !!!!!!! WOW !!!

This tiny and very remote village is near a river. The people literally live in mud huts with thatched roofs. The kids attend school in a similar dwelling with half-high walls and slate or plastic for black boards melded into the mud wall that separates the age groups. Some donated old desks that were used somewhere in the 1930's maybe. It really makes you think about how good you have it in an indistrialized country that provides a free education. These kids have to pay for their uniform and for the schooling.

We met with the Chief and Elders, as is custom and after the general greetings and politenesses, we got down to the how's and why's of intentionally being there. I told them I am there as a reuslt of prayer and if they wanted for us to be able to place a well in their village, they would need to keep us in prayer. They whole-heartedly agreed.

This village is very much in need of a well. They oftend suffer blood in their urine from drinking water from the stream. The entire village looked on as we discussed needs and wants and prayed. The children were very self disciplined and polite. We passed out candy and each one gave a sincere thank you in English. I "Believe" in my heart that GOD going to meet the need for this, no wait, GOD is going to "Exceed" the need for this village and we will see them again.

Please seek GOD if you're to accompany us next year. I promise you, you'll never be the same.

So, after a lunch of rice, beef in a spicy tomato-based sauce and some pineapple, we went on to another village with a long and difficult to pronounce name: Goviefe Kowuu (go-VEE-peh kow, more or less). It is much larger and more modern. I personally felt, this much larger community should utilize rain capturing methods in the interim while we see if we can obtain a $6900 sponsor for a well here. They have buildings that rain is running off of that could be contained and used. They showed us that the stream bed of their forefathers had dried up and they dug a hole to capture rain water but it is not deep enough. It is muddy and mosquitos are breeding in it. Malaria is so common here it's like the flu virus back home but it feels like pneumonia. Deathly no fun.

We packed up and headed for Logba. About a 45 minute drive, up, up and further up. GOD lives there. It is breathtakingly beautiful. We unpacked and rested from the long day, ate some supper and prepared for a night at the first daughter church plant of CHNM (Christ Harvests the Nations Ministry). We had to drive down and accross shallow ravine, then up to a village from Chief Takyi's Eagles Nest named "Fount Hill" on top of a hill where you can survey all Logba's villages. The chief told me, "As far as you can see, is mine. You point and it's yours." I was floored. He was absolutely serious.

We arrived at the church and the praise & worship began in this tiny wooden structure with a galvenized / corrugated metal roof with one flourescent light. The drums started and I remmebered Anita writing about them in her book and recalling them many times in conversations with me. I really had no idea until now what she was trying to say.

Two girls joined the drums with a hand held dried gourd that has a net around it with buttons on it, called "Shakeres" making a rattling noise in perfect timing. People began to move about and dance. The women, some with babies tied to their backs. (I have lots of video of all this to share, so please invite us to come and speak at your church or for your group as we will love experiencing it over and over.) We'll probably make some DVD's to raise funds for these wells.

The drums and dancing and shakeres rattling blended perfectly with voices lifted intensified and you were unable to NOT joine the dancing. You found yourself lost in a "Tribal" process in side of you, like early mankind, giving thanks for enjoying life in the favor of the Lord.

I'll Never forget it and will look forward to returning here to do it again and again and see their faces and pray and worship with them until late into the night. WOW !!! I'm laughing as I type this, an uncontrollable and joyful laugh that reflects the Spirit as I feel it's warmth and my eyes mist and my heart aches to run, run, run until I reach the summit of this place. It's people. It's incredible life os worship and thanksgiving. It's genuine refelction of the Father through Jesus in their every action. WOW !!

Anita and I preached again and RJ got everybody fired up again and asked for one more song and we danced AGAIN !!! WOW !!

A good nights' rest and the some breakfast of bread & jam with Cappucino or Milo or Tea and some Pineapple! Yea Pineapple !

We had a mid-morning leadership meeting that took us into the afternoon. This meeting was about the direction that RJ feels GOD is leading them. He was all in the book of Acts, much like Ralph Moore. It was great. There were about 16 of us in a tiled floor living room. We listened and we prayed and we sang and asked for the Holy Spirit to come and we apologized for being in the way and we surrendered EVERYTHING. People began to hit the floor, there was singing and laughing and crying and toungues and it was WOW! It just lingered and I wondered when it would end but never wanted it to leave. I felt led to wash their feet, but I was reluctant to leave the room and disturb any one amidst thier worship and I didn't want to lose the fire we were in!

But I obeyed and returned with a huge bowl of water, soap, and towels, placed strategically outside the door of the room. When the worship cooled down, eyes still closed, gentle singing still praising HIS name, I brought in the bowl and began to wash their feet. People were crying with tears streaming down their faces and I prayed and gave thanks for the vessel of Jesus' love that they each are and for their safety with boldness to share the testimony of Christ in their lives.

It was an intense meeting with people sharing visions and messages from the Lord they'd recived along the way. One man said as he came up the hill to the house, he saw a vision of feet being washed and had no idea it would be his that would be washed. This moved him deeply and confirmed a feeling he'd had about joining CHNM to serve along side a people he feels to be authentically seeking the Spirit's guidance. Some women who were in attendance and quite submissive (common in this society) also spoke and it was great stuff. A lot of folks were scrambling (afterwards) to write down what had happened to them. No cameras no cell phones, no instruments, other than our voices, no traffic noises, nothing but... WOW !!

Then we ate. FuFu !! WOW !! I loved it !!! It's made from the Casava plant, a tubor/root with white flesh. They peel, clean, boil and then pound it in a wooden bowl with what resembles a baseball bat. Old women with a rhythm that causes you to feel it deeper than you knew existed inside you. Somehow bring once again a link to early man and primitive ways that work the way it was meant to.

Fufu, is a ball-shaped (I'll post pictures later of all this stuff) gooey/douhgy like starchy food that is placed in a bowl of some soup. Ours was with a gifted goat. And though Anita wanted no part of it, she tried it years ago, I LOVED IT !!

FUFU Rocks !! And that goat soup, OMG !!!! Totally, incredibly, absolutely the best food I've had here and anywhere, including my own cooking. You think I really dig this stuff?

Ya know every time we eat, RJ and I are served first, most times Anita is with us, not on this occassion though. She waited for the yams, and hash/stew. RJ and I just about went for super-uncomfortable and we ate fingerful after finger full.

Yes we use our hands to eat this and most stuff. They do and I do, because I want to experience cultures, sights, sounds and smells of new places.

After this we visited a village elder. A sweet and gentle soul who has dedicated his life to serving the Lord in this community and we laid hands on and prayed for his healing. He has developed a problem with his walking. He still hobbles about with a staff. His family is lovely and their faces, in their humble surroundings, reveal peace in Christ. What a joy to have met them and Anita remembered their son, who has Down Syndrome son from previous trips her. He's now a joyfully pleasant young man. You shoulda seen him dancing the night before at the church with his face all lit up!

It's been a journey and I need a shower and some rest. I promise to get some photos and another video or two posted.

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I'm not the same, I never will be. I have a task. You're part of it.

You're all in my heart and in my prayers, I love each of you and I pray for you and I give thanks for you.

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Thank you Tam and Jamie for your encouraging words, as you follw our journey through this blog.

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I couldn't sleep, I'm still WOW'd, so as I promised, some pics -

The view from Chief Takyi's place on a hill in Logba

Anita Preaching in Logba about the ripples we make in peoples lives, hopefully for the kingdom! Pastor John Johnson interprets

I spoke about GOD being interested in the desires of their Heart and told my 40's story.

The drums actually broke and this young man stood there and held them together while we continued to worship to the beat!

The girls and their Shakeres (Sounds like "Shaker-rays)

Ah yeah! Worship at CHNM Logba!

LUNCH !!!! Best tasting goat I ever had!

This is a video of some AWESOME worship in Logba Tota!

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Tomorrow -
We're taking the grand kids, Richie's kids, lil' Anita and Christabel and Jr. to the beach tomorrow and getting ice cream !

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Peace Out --

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Schools, Market, Banku and Cedric

2008-07-30T03:15:00.001-04:00

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Good morning everybody!! It's Wednesday July 30th at 7:18 AM. We will head to Logba Tota this morning. About a 3 hour drive, but if traffic, which is "CRAZY," prevents it, it might take 5 or 6 hours.

Yesterday was a FULL day, with getting supplies, delivering them to two schools on Community 4 and then lunch at Richie's, where I experienced Banku. A mashed corn ball that is very dense. I took a few fingers full of the banku and then dipped it into a soup made from okra, some greens, tomato and a tiny crab. It all tasted sour. Both the banku by itself and the soup. Slimey and sour. But it was an eating experience that left me satisfied and I would do it again.

Anita won't touch it and has no interest in it! She had Yam and we all shared pineapple and Anita's favorite drink here, Faygo Pineapple!!! I stuck to water (pronounced Wah-Tah)

Here's some more pics

I just HAVE to get in a mix it up with the kids. They LOVE to meet you and I believe that shaking their hands, shows they you are indeed interested in getting to know them, rather than just looking at them and taking a few pics.

The kids here are very well disciplined. There are scriptures on every wall. They pray and play and learn. Sounds a lot like what the USA used to be like.

Cedric is a boy that fell into a fire some years ago. His family did not have the funds and he was going to have to leave the hospital. Davi Trotti, a GOOD woman who has traveled to Ghana with Anita and on her own many times, stepped up and met the need. I was telling Cedric, in no uncertain terms that, "GOD is Especially Fond of You!"

Teachers with much appreciated supplies

Banku

Angelic Anita with Evelyn and Richie at the market bargaining for supplies for a party we will throw for 70 kids at a school in a remote village in Logba Tota.

Anita and crew of Evelyn, Richie, Chief Takyi (Tachee) and a delivery boy, with supplies for Logba. I still don't know how they put all that in the trunk of this tiny car.

Anita walking through the outside part of the Ghana Market

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Wish I had time to post more. I have a lot of videos I need to get a couple up to you tube so you can see AND hear this experience.

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** We're waiting on the van for this morning's trip and I thought I'd take advantage of the down time and share some interesting things I've witnessed here.

The men here will urinate almost anywhere. As you drive along the road, you'll see numerous men, most turn their back to the road, but not all, standing there just shooting into the breeze so to speak. It becomes funny after the initial shock.

The food certainly is for a different palate than we are accustomed to in the USA. Things here are either bland, spicy or sour.

Everyone has a spirit of Akwaaba (welcome). People will just shout out, welcome to Ghana, or Akwaaba. As we walked through the market place, as busy as an ant hill with bodies scurrying in every direction, and exciting with sights, smells and sounds, we hear "Obruni" (white person) and "Obolo" (fat). I took no offense at it. There's a gracious plenty of heavy folks here too. Anita took a hit to the heart from it though.

The other morning Rev James and I just went for a walk around this ever and fast growing neighborhood. we stumbled upon a school yard that he did not know existed. we met a teacher and I inquired the cost. It is $13 per term. there are three terms per year. So $54 per child per year. These kids are from poor homes and some are homeless.

I thought how dreadful it would be if a kid could only attend one or two terms because their parents could not afford the rest of the year. I felt GOD tell me, "You can help."

Remember the change I rolled up? Well I reached in my pocket and handed them $50. It was graciously received and I'm told it will go a LONG way there helping the children.

The head master came to our home this morning and asked for me, as I had left my card with the teacher. He explained that my gift was an answer to many prayers. That some of the children and parents live in the local dump and scavenge for food and stuff to sell for money to meet other needs. He says these kids come to school filthy and use a piece of twig to scrape their teeth.

Folks, this is what I came to Ghana for. We have a busy schedule but this is something that GOD led us to and I feel it way down deep. The school is being forced to be torn down as it is old and rickety and the neighborhood is being molded into a high dollar community. They have been given some land by a chief. I want to help this school!

I want you to help me help this school! Please commit this to prayer and ask GOD to reveal your level of commitment to it. I'm crying as I write this and praying the Holy Spirit convict you to share this with others. I am going to make a video of the people in the dump and hope it rip your hearts out for them.

The name of the school is "Gates of Jerusalem Academy." Please consider saving your change for a year and allow us to use it for the benefit of these kids. Anita and I have agreed that we shall visit there again to inquire of immediate needs we can meet with what resources we have now, before we leave Ghana.

I Love every one of you so very much that my heart aches, I miss you and give thanks to GOD for you!

Yesterday, 7-29-08 was my son's 27th birthday. Happy birthday David Lee Waters Jr., !!!

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Peace out -

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Orphanage - Market Shopping

2008-07-29T04:08:00.001-04:00

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What a way to start the day !!

Today we go purchase and deliver $200 worth of supplies for the Eban House Orphanage. I am happy to report that the suspects in the brutal attack and rape of the care taker there have been caught and identified and are in custody.

I left some things out from yesterday. We were given coconuts while meeting with the Chief and Elders of Potwabin. We also bought and brought home, Plantains, Yams and Pineapples. (See picture)

We paid $4 for 20 Pineapples!! Is that incredible? I'm in heaven!!

We get to go to the market today and shop and bragain with the vendors!!! Anita has been looking forward to this. And we go to some schools and to the Eban House Orphanage.

Anita gathered supplies at the market for schools and orphanage and trip tomorrow to Logba Tota

Anita got some material for Victoria (Richie's wife) to make some African outfits

Eban House Orphanage

We didn't get to the orphanage until nearly bed time for the kids. Do you think they were excited to see us?

Anita and her new kids

Well, tomorrow is a long long journey for us. Headed to Logba Tota to two remote villages that are newly evangelized. We'll see about providing school supplies and placing Wells there.

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Love you all, I'm tired. It's now 11 pm and I started this morning at 6:00 AM.

David Lee Waters Sr.,

Waters Edge Ministries

Interesting year - Open Doors - Ask Seek Knock

Culture Shock

Summer in Ghana

What It's All About

Weekend wrap up

Retreat at Logba Tota

Monkeys and an Angel

Making Visits

Ghana 2010 Day 13 - 17

A call to ACTION

Ghana 2010 Day 11 & 12

Purify!

Christina’s Serenade

Ghana 2010 Day 10

Traveling to the Volta Region

Ghana 2010 Day 08

Sunday worship, then Labadi Beach

Ghana Day 09 - Better than EVAH!

On to the Volta region

Ghana 2010 Day 07

Sharing Jesus with a soccer ball

Ghana 2010 Day 06

Ghana 2010 Day 04 - Silver Lining

Ghana 2010 Day 05

Ghana 2010 Day 04

Hitting the ground running!

Ghana 2010 Day 03 evening / 04

Ghana 2010 Day 03

Ghana 2010 Day 02

Ghana 2010 Day 01

An Army of Ordinary People

There... almost

Its time... to reflect and give Glory

'The Lottery'

Past is Past

BE the difference for GOOD

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

Water Purifier Described

Haiti

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On the news this morning, WATER is the biggest need in Haiti.

Water is Life. In the immediate future Haiti will face the fall out of death in their water system. Merely giving them bottled water is not a viable sustainable solution. Empowering them to purify their sources of water is the answer.

Edge Outreach uses the same system we do and has a rapid response team.Please, if you're wanting to make a difference, consider contributing to our friends at http://edgeoutreach.com who use the same water purifier system that we use. Theyre headed for Haiti with 9 purifiers!

Humbled & Honored

Something Beautiful

Mele Kalikimaka

Hope

"The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope." --Barbara Kingsolver

He who began a good work...

Come, Emmanuel

IF only one...

Life Worth Living

Tema Dump - Hope for the Future

Re-Entry - African Beat

Ghana - Final Day

Day 13

Day 12 - 13

Day 12

Day 11

Ghana Day 9-10

Ghana 09 Day 7 - 8

Day 6 & early 7

Day 5 - Potwabin

Day 5

Ghana 09 Day 4 - Water Training

Ghana 09 - Day 03 - JG Gates & Dump Day

Day2 - Akwaaba!

H2O9ers take the field!

Water Purification with the BIG BOYZ!

Inspiration via Addison

Water Activision with Fearlessly Passionate Hearts!

Ghana Clean Water & Schools program

Short Term, Long Term, 30-60-100

Still Walking the Pages, Gnawing return..., Trusting GOD

Delayed but back!

Homeward bound

Yesterday, Today & The Last Full Day in Ghana

Full Day, Dump, Produce, Artful Shopping and Critters

Birthing.. Family Photos

Edge Outreach uses the same system we do and has a rapid response team.

Please, if you're wanting to make a difference, consider contributing to our friends at http://edgeoutreach.com who use the same water purifier system that we use. Theyre headed for Haiti with 9 purifiers!