There was a change in our schedule again today. We were to visit the village of Duni but a relative of one of the church leaders died so we will have to reschedule it for next month.
It had been some time since we visited the Church at Kpanjamba, east of Yendi so Timothy Niligrini endeavored to contact them but to no avail. We decided to visit them anyway in hopes they didn’t have other plans like a joint service. This congregation is located just a few miles down the road from Gnani (pronounced naa-nee) one of several villages in the area that is designated for witches.
Upon arriving at the church building I asked Timothy to check with the brethren to know if it was ok to visit. I try my best to allow the congregations to invite us to come. It is a good example of teaching the congregations about autonomy; self rule using the New Testament as a guide. One of the brothers told Timothy they were glad we had come. They had been praying that we would come.
The lesson this Sunday was again on witchcraft, soothsayers and dreams. These people know firsthand about witches and what happens to them. The audience was very attentive and asked several questions after services during the question and answer time. There is always concern about dreams and what they mean. It is hard for them to realize what we dream and what really happens have nothing in common. I explained how the brain continues to work even when we are asleep. One brother says he has bad dreams but when I asked what time he eats He said it is around 9pm. Sometimes full a stomach can cause some people to have unpleasant dreams. All of these things allow the soothsayers and Juju to capitalize on the superstitions of the people and gain money.
The congregation was happy to receive the new bench, N.T. Bible, juice ,cups, bread, chalk, and pad and pen. They told us they need to expand their building so they will come to me closer to the dry season.
Timothy has agreed to translate the 12 lesson booklet that I have made with Kandie’s help that we are using for the monthly classes. These lessons are geared to the people’s customs and ways of doing things. If he is able to get it done I plan to bind the 60 page booklet to be passed out to the congregations. Not everyone can read English but most men can read the Konkomba language.
About 5:30 this afternoon Timothy telephoned saying Brother Simon, one of the church leaders at Kulkpeni needed financial assistance with a hospital bill. His wife had complications with the 5 month pregnancy and lost the baby. The Church at Kulkpeni provided some funds earlier today but the wife had been discharged but wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital until the bill was paid. There were two prescriptions that needed to be filled so I got both of them as well. Thanks for the “whatever comes up”money so we could help this couple in their time of need and sorry.
Hope your day was as good as ours. Thanks for your prayers. My God bless!
In His service,
Stephen and Kandie Taylor
