Pray for Ghana on Sunday, May 24, 2015
Lectionary Selection: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Prayers for Ghana:
Sixteen young women attend classes at the Activity Centre School for Teenage Mothers at the headquarters of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ho, Ghana. Not all of these students are mothers, as the school’s purpose has evolved since it opened 15 years ago. Nevertheless, it remains a safe haven for all of its students, whose school fees are subsidized by the EP Church and its partners. Some left school because of pregnancy, others because the death of one or both parents forced them into the workforce, and for one student the Activity Centre is a chance at an education uninterrupted by violence. Victoria travels from her family’s home in Nigeria where the terrorist group Boko Haram is active, across two countries, and then into Ghana to study in Ho. UNICEF estimates that 800,000 children in Nigeria have been displaced by this group, who target school children and teachers.
Boko Haram’s violence is incongruous in Western Africa, where most Christians and Muslims are raised to be respectful and tolerant of each other’s beliefs. Imams are invited to pray at the EP Church’s Synods and General Assemblies; churches host sunset dinners during Ramadan. Though the extremists are not the majority, they are still able to persecute innocent people. West Africans are working to counteract this culture of hate with one of love. This is what it means to have the Holy Spirit residing in us. It means we are called to help and protect one another, to provide refuge from oppression. By partnering with the EP Church, DOC and UCC congregations have joined the fight against injustice and are helping young women like Victoria pursue their dreams.
Mission Stewardship Moment from Ghana:
Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to come together safely this morning to worship you. We know that there are some who face persecution and worship in secret. Let them know that they are not forgotten by you or by their brothers and sisters in Christ. Today we pray for our partners in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana, and the work they are doing to improve the lives of children in Western Africa. We hope for a day when every child is able to attend school without fear, knowing that in you all things are possible. Help us to recognize the good being done to prevent inequity and injustice in the world. Through Jesus’s sacrifice each and every one of us is able to carry the Holy Spirit and the love of God within us. Move in our hearts and show us what we can do to further your work and promote your gracious love. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.
(Prayer and Mission Moment by Kristine Tisinger)
Mission Partners in Ghana:
More information on Ghana:
http://www.globalministries.org/ghana
Global Ministries Missionary in Ghana:
Kristine Tisinger serves with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana, working with education and women’s empowerment. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples’ Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.