Our plans to leave at 8:30 this morning worked out. Timothy Niligrini was here and the five of us headed into town and made our way to the road that leads to Gnani, east of Yendi. Unbeknownst to us the Muslims were having a big celebration at the old parade grounds and traffic was snarled for about 20 minutes. It was like a fire drill that no one knew which way to go.
I had to take the good van this morning because the mechanic still had the green pickup working on the driver’s side door that wouldn’t open. I could have taken the red pickup but when you have 4 large people along with Timothy the people in the back seat would be very cramped. The road isn’t too rough to the village of Borido where we were headed so it worked out fine.
Foster, one of the church leaders, led us to the chief’s house so we could say hello. The man was sitting under a tree making a wooden pestle that would be used to grind corn or any other grains. This chief is always happy to see us. Kandie inquired if he had another pestle but he said he had already sent the last one to sell in the market. She would have bought it from him just to help him out.
Our son-in-law, Marcus, was given the opportunity to preach this morning. He taught a lesson about King Solomon. There were approximately 50 people present for the worship service. We gave the congregation some gifts; bread, juice, cups, 3 pads and pen, chalk, bible, and a soccer ball.
After services one of the men mentioned the women were having a hard time getting water since their well went down. We asked what was the problem? The reply was that the well pump needed to be repaired. The village had already gathered 700 GH Cedis and the pump repairman told them it would cost 2000GH Cedis to fix it. With Marcus’s help we supplied the rest of the money needed to get the pump repaired. Oh, my, how the people were so happy to hear we were supplying the remainder of the money needed for the repair!!
Right after we finished with the pump problem we were told there were 6 young people who requested baptism. We promptly loaded the van and headed about 10 miles to the Oti river near Gnani to find enough water for the baptisms. Marcus prayed for the welfare of the new converts before we proceeded back to the church building where we dropped everyone off and drove on to Yendi.
Around 2pm Donkey went with us to the Ya-Naa’s palace to let the king know we had brought strangers to Yendi for a visit. Kandie and I had purchased a walking stick with a lion on the handle as well as a 18 inch ebony baton bearing a lion’s head on one end while we were in Accra when we first arrived in February. We also bought a brass bracelet with a lion’s head on it; all were a gift for the Ya-Naa. The lion is the symbol used for the Ya-Naa. When you visit the king you don’t go empty handed; there were several envelopes with money given to the king and his elders. We were warmly greeted by the elders. The king wasn’t present. They said he was resting because he was fasting for the Ramadan season. The men were happy to receive the gifts and to meet Marcus and Evan. It isn’t everyday you visit a real live king!
Tonight at Kulkpeni Evan did a good job giving a lesson on forgiveness. The people always like having new people teach.
It has been a hot, busy day so we will close for now. Have a good day and may God bless!
In His service,
Evan, Marcus, Kandie, Stephen, & Skeeter
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