Akwaaba Accra
In 1990, Judith Weir was part of the Methodist Church in Ireland’s “Go for Ghana” team. More than thirty years later, accompanied by former Mission Partner Pat Jamison, Judith returned to Ghana with the aim of developing relationships between Irish and Ghanaian Methodists. Judith, now a member of the WMP committee, shares about their visit:
“Akwaaba”: the word means “welcome”, and from the moment we stepped off the plane in Accra, we were certainly made to feel that way! The weather was warm and so were the greetings, first from our host Rev Joseph Donkoh and our driver Elvis, and later from just about everyone we met.
One of those warm welcomes came from Rev Dr Paul Boafo, Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana (MCG).
Paul has a special place in his heart for Irish Methodists, having studied in Edgehill in the late 90s. Paul shared his memories and thankfulness for the love he was shown in Ireland, and asked that Irish Methodists continue to pray for his vision and leadership of Methodists in Ghana.
Left to right: Rev Joseph Donkoh, Pat Jamison, Rev Dr Paul Boafo (Presiding Bishop), Judith Weir, Dr Kenneth Sagoe
Women’s Fellowship gathering on the Northern Accra Diocese
“Make you His service your delight, He will make your needs His care” – this is the slogan of the Women’s Fellowship.
As with many of the organisations within the Methodist Church in Ghana there is a uniform to be worn with pride. Their work amongst the church community and with their neighbours keeps these ladies very busy as they live out their faith.
Members of the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade showed off their marching and musical skills, welcoming us with a parade in Ebenezer Methodist Society.
Service in Immanuel Society, led by young people celebrating National Methodist Youth Week
You have to get up early if you want to join this English-speaking service! Pat and I were in our seats for 7am, at the Immanuel Society in Accra. The superintendent minister here is Rev Dr Jacob French. Readers may recognise the name - Jacob was the minister who brought a team to Ireland in 1991!
Immanuel Society is part of the Airport East circuit, which is hoping to develop a link with MCI’s East Belfast Mission. Both sides are looking to learn from one another and to support each other in their outreach and ministry.
We joined a youth service in Mount Zion Society which saw people come to faith, and others renew their commitment to Christ. The evening was topped off by generous helpings from the popcorn machine!
The Sunday School in Calvary Methodist, Adenta Circuit
A man gives his life to Jesus during the service in Mount Zion
The Sunday School at Calvary Methodist Society welcomed us in song and told us about their learning and activities. We enjoyed singing “Father Abraham” with them and sharing memories of our own days in Sunday School. MCG has committed itself to building dedicated spaces for children’s ministry at every church, and the children’s building in Calvary Methodist is almost complete.
Pat and Judith are welcomed by the work crew and members of the congregation in Capitol Hill
The “Children’s Chapel” in Capitol Hill is in the early stages of construction, with help from Irish Methodists - funds from our 2021-22 JMA (Junior Mission for All) campaign are being used toward this project. Eight days of work laid the foundations and started the walls in time for our arrival. Credit to Elvis (our driver), who overcame heavy rain and fading light to deliver us safely to the building site!
Throughout our time in Ghana, Pat and I met incredible people with a heart for Jesus and a real interest in developing relationships with brothers and sisters in Ireland. If that is something you’d like to explore for you own church or group, we’d love to share our stories and introduce you to some of the people we met. You can get in touch with us via World Mission Partnership.