Photos courtesy of Amanda Lewis
understanding that other people came to share God’s love with them and now it’s their time to go out and share that same love across the continent and to the ends of the earth. In my opinion, the energy they share for this project is outstanding. In spite of the many ways that I saw God at work, I admit that there were many days when I dreaded walking out of my front door. I would have just as soon hopped on a plane and come back home. But I stayed for the simple reason that I knew God had placed me in Ghana for a reason; it was my time to serve my brothers and sisters in the name of Christ. In a mere seven months, I witnessed the formation of more than twenty churches in communities in Ghana. These are not churches with brick buildings, elaborate stained glass windows or committees to select the floral arrangements. These churches are made up of people who are joining together to learn more about Christ and share God’s love with others. They study scripture with fervor. They offer prayers and supplications for those who are sick and in need of a helping hand. They give time and attention to the needy, and
they make the sheltered faith of my past seem subordinate. Honestly, the ministry they’re doing is quite organic. I’ve been back in the United States for a few months now, and my head is still spinning. I set my experiences aside to focus on celebrating the holidays with my family and to pack up my belongings in order to move to Atlanta. But now I have finished unpacking my boxes, and I must begin to process what I learned and experienced. I use the term “begin” knowing I will never finish reflecting on God’s beauty and power in the incredible ministry field happening in Ghana. My heart sunk the first day of class at McAfee when I realized I was going to be required to journal for Spiritual Formation; and to make matters worse, the class is not even optional. Yet it is through the journal assignments that I initially dreaded, alongside of class discussions, that have allowed me to begin the precarious process of articulating what I learned and how I developed while serving in Ghana. Only time will tell on how God will use what I learned to further God’s grace and peace. At McAfee, I am blessed to be surrounded by students of all ages who are also working to understand their call to ministry. I have a better glimpse of mine, although it’s still unfolding. But I’m more aware than ever that it’s our time to serve. It’s our time to lead. It’s our time to make a difference in the world. I’m excited to see what God is doing in and through us now and into the future.