Greetings! It is time for us to return to Yendi. We met with our H&R Block agent yesterday to get what we could get done on this year’s taxes before we leave. Our son, Jordan will have to do the rest if the Edward Jones paperwork isn’t generated before we leave on Tuesday, February 14th. Our flight is scheduled to leave at 2:47 pm.
The monthly class for the church leaders was held on January 27th. Timothy Niligrini taught that class with 22 men in attendance. The church leaders reported that 17 people were baptized into Christ and 8 people were restored back to the Lord. Occasionally we are asked “what happens with the work in Ghana while we are in the States?” Timothy Niligrini carries on with the evangelistic work while we are not in Ghana and the Child Center remains open. Cell phones help us stay in touch. “WhatsApp” has been particularly helpful.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who gave financial support to the work last year and to those who have helped for many years. Many of our supporters have been helping for over 20 years. Some people worry that what they have to give is not much but every penny will be used. The Ghanaians have a proverb that is very true; “Drop by drop the ocean is filled”. In Mark 12:44 Jesus said the widow who gave the two mites had given more than the rich had given. It’s not how much but how it is given! We thank you for giving to the work!
Below is a list of some of the evangelistic efforts that were carried out last year.
- Baptism – 149 recorded.
- Restorations – 39 recorded.
- The church at Nandundo was reestablished (the church had collapsed after the preacher gave the church property to his brother and the church had nowhere to meet).
- The highlight of the year was the area wide seminar; we could not have the seminar for the past 2 years because of Covid restrictions.
- 417 people were registered at the seminar.
- 36 congregations were represented.
- 2,642 meals were prepared.
- We bought 4 market hogs, 900 pounds of rice, 525 loaves of bread, 46.2 gallons of cooking oil, 125 pounds of beans, and 75 pounds of shelled field corn.
- All the food was cooked by the church ladies outside on wood fires.
- The villages of Duuni, Nakpa, Bungbali, Tumbu, Sobibito, Tumpandi, , Bakjo, Nandundo, Kulkpeni, Bakpaba, and Kpande are being helped with to build new church buildings.
- Metal doors and windows were made for the following congregations: Jerigdo, Kpanjamba, Frigmado, Bakjo, Sakpei, Niliyuundo.
- Kulkpeni and Kpande received paint and brushes to beautify their church buildings.
- Many of the churches were given church pews.
- A program was started to teach the children; 36 churches were provided Bible Story books and teaching material.
- We continued distributing the metal communion tables.
- Monthly classes were held for the evangelists and church leaders ( their transportation and food was provided).
- Bibles were distributed in English and Konkomba languages.
- Sign boards were made for the churches that did not have one.
- Twice last year tires and tubes were given to all the evangelists and church leaders’ for their bicycles.
- We attended and sponsored 7 men to attend the evangelistic seminar that was held in the southern part of Ghana.
- Continued to supplement the cost of the juice for the Lord’s Supper.
- A handicapped tricycle was given to a crippled church member at Sakpei (previously he had to crawl to church on his hands and knees).
- 10 church leaders were provided bicycles so they could go around and visit other churches.
Thank you again for all your encouraging words and support of the work. We look forward to returning back to Yendi and working with the Churches in 2023.
May God bless you all and the work we endeavor to do for His kingdom!
In His service,
Stephen & Kandie Taylor
