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
Monday, July 12, 2010
On to the Volta region
Just a quick note this morning before we head northeast toward the Volta region of Ghana.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Ghana 2010 Day 07
-
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.
=-
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
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)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Ghana 2010 Day 06
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.
--
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
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
-
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
-
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ghana 2010 Day 05
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.
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
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.
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.
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