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FIRST WORD note from ella

T As it turns out, someone was willing to trade him a fish-shaped pen for his red paperclip. Weird, right? And then somebody else wanted to barter a hand- made doorknob for the Fish-shaped pen. The ball was set in motion, and just 12 trades later, Kyle Macdonald had turned that single red paperclip into a two storey house. Can you imagine trading a single paperclip for a house? Crazy, or crazy enough

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he year was 2005. A young Canadian man by the name of Kyle MacDonald noticed a red paperclip on his desk, and thought to himself, I wonder what I could trade this for?

to actually work?

In the financial sense, Leverage is the act of using debt, or borrowed capital, to purchase something in the hope that the profit from that thing would be greater than that debt. Our idea of leverage is in much the same vein -except we consider ALL resources as leverageable. Our time, our talent, our platforms and such can all be used to glorify God. We tend to know and accept this. But what if I told you that even the outfit you have on could preach

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GNOMIC MAGAZINE A CHRISTIAN YOUTH MAGAZINE

ISSUE 14

LEVERAGE AUG/ SEPT 2020

an entire message on its own?

This is kind of the same idea the Apostle Paul put forth in Romans 5:3, when he spoke about hardships producing patient endurance; and endurance producing spiritual maturity. Circumstances can and are leveraged by God to produce certain fruit in us; a necessary maturity. This verse dwells mainly on intangibles, but in this edition we ask- well, what about the more tangible things- money, possessions, and others? Can they be leveraged too? The answer is a resounding Yes!

GNOMIC ACCRA Editor-In-Chief | EMMANUELLA AGYEMAN Content Head | SYLVIA ASARE-DANSO Publicity Head | REUBEN ODAI LARYEA Finance & Marketing Head | CHERYL LAMPTEY Creative Head | FRANK AYUGANE Faith Correspondent | DERRICK NYARKO AMOAKO Special Board Member | NANA KWAME BROWN

GNOMIC CAPE-COAST

GNOMIC UCC Editor-In-Chief | YINLOGRE ATONGO Content Head | AMA ASARE BOATENG Publicity Head | ERNEST AMOAH Creative Head | KWAKU BOAKYE GYAMFI Special Board Menber | SHOLA MAKINDE

In this issue, we’ll take you on a tour through what it looks like when we apprehend, employ and leverage every single thing we have to glorify God in every way that we can.

And as we share how to convert resources into weightier gold, we hope you journey with us into Eternal Relevance.

Publisher | JOHN A. TURKSON

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PORTIA N. Y. SINTIM KWASI KYEI-OFFEI PRISCILLA KYEIBAFFOUR UFUOMA MAMOH KOBINA ESSILFIE-QUAYE MAAME ADWOA OWUSU-KONADU ALBERT IDLAFF OFORI

CONNECT WITH US /theGnomicMag /gnomic_magazine /gnomic_magazine +233 (0)55 8033 725 feedback.gnomic@gmail.com

Eatuffour Emmanuella AGYEMAN Tuffour EIC, Accra

Gnomic Magazine Accra, Ghana AUG/ SEPT 2020

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CURRENT NEWS AND FAITH

ON THE MATTER OF

THE COVID-19 BLACK LIVESPANDEMIC MATTER Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada. Their mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities by state and vigilantes by combatting and countering acts of violence, creating space for black imagination and innovation and centering black joy. Black Lives Matter began as a call to action in response to statesanctioned violence and anti-Black racism.

The movement was founded by three Black women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, two of whom identify as queer. From the start, the founders of Black Lives Matter

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have always put LGBTQ voices at the center of the conversation.

It began as a love letter to Black people in the wake of an unexpected verdict. #BlacklivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Trayvon Benjamin Martin (February 5, 1995 – February 26, 2012) was a 17-yearold African-American who was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida by George Zimmerman, an American. On the evening of February 26, Martin was walking back home alone from a nearby convenience store when Zimmerman, a member of the community watch, saw Martin 8

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claim of having acted in self-defense. There was outrage when he was found not guilty of murder, and a Facebook post entitled “Black Lives Matter” captured a mood and sparked action.

Seven years down the line, there have been reports of several other experiences of brutal injustices and violence against black people, including Adama Traoré, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery and now George Floyd.

Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

and reported him to the Sanford Police as suspicious. Several minutes later, there was an altercation and Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, who did not possess any weapons, in the chest. Zimmerman was subsequently taken into custody, treated for head injuries, questioned and later released because there was no evidence to refute Zimmerman’s AUG/ SEPT 2020

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On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a White police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe”.

Officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane further restrained Floyd, while Officer Tou Thao prevented bystanders from intervening.

During the final two minutes, Floyd was motionless and had no pulse while Chauvin ignored onlookers’ pleas to remove his knee, which he did not do until medics told him to.

After George Floyd’s killing, the BLM Global Network Foundation gained momentum and received some support; taking the movement to areas it had not reached before.

Inasmuch as the ideologies of the movement may not sit down well with several evangelicals, due to its antithetical nature, the statement #BlackLivesMatter has generated a lot of solidarity globally. gnomicmagazine.com

DO BLACK LIVES MATTER? God is not in support of violence and injustice; God loves justice (Psalm 37:28). It is hence a godly attribute to be just and to execute justice to all. We are all one in Christ and this unity must of necessity be made evident in our actions and inactions.

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Absolutely! As a matter of fact, all lives matter - Black, White, Hispanic, Austrian or Canadian.

Genesis 1 :27

So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them ; male and female He created them.

Galatians 3:28

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The cry for justice stems from the fact that Scripture tells us that each person is created in the image of God and therefore is of an intrinsic worth and value. No matter who you are, you are made in the image of God, according to His likeness and have been given the mandate to dominate over other things and not other humans (Gen 1:28-30).

As a church we need to call out any situations of injustice and address them accordingly – be it with color, race, age, ethnic group, social rank, political affiliation etc. We need to look up to the cross and recognize our oneness with the cross at the center. We are what we are because of who we believe in and since our God loves justice, we need to, also.

While it’s true that all lives matter, to say that in this situation minimizes the incredibly different experience of Black people in some parts of the world today. In the United States for example, studies prove that Black people are, on average, three times more likely to be killed by police than white people; and Blacks that are killed are also more likely to be unarmed. That’s not to mention the long list of other disparities in education, health care, housing and wealth. The whole concept of looking down on or giving favor or extra privilege to an individual just because of their skin colour or how they look is wrong in every sense and must not be condoned with.

Justice must be served, always!

REFERENCES 1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-uscanada-53273381 2.

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ ShootingofTrayvonMartin

Thus says the Lord: “Execute judgement and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place...

Scan to join the conversation

- Jeremiah 22:3

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CLICK TO GRADUATE Every tertiary student dreams of their graduation; the final, glorious event which commemorates the completion of school and the start of a brand new life. Whether graduations were going to be held in these current circumstances was a major concern for those completing this year. The coronavirus brought a screeching halt to most, if not all academic work. Fortunately, most tertiary institutions were able to complete their academic work, including a final assessment. These schools have adapted very well to the times, and have held virtual graduations which have been just as successful as previous graduations in more normal seasons.

The virtual graduation ceremonies were held online and allowed students to safely go through their much anticipated ceremonial promotions via their school websites. Due to the virtual nature of their convocation, the class of 2020’s graduation was dubbed, “Click To Graduate.”

On the 25th of July Ghana Technology University College was privileged to hold its maiden virtual graduation and also the first virtual graduation ceremony in Ghana. The ceremony was held on the video conferencing application; Zoom and streamed live on the University’s website, Facebook and also the GTUC radio. The graduation

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catered for 279 students with 170 masters, 100 undergraduate and 9 PhD students. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions only the PhD graduates, staff and management of the university and other dignitaries were present at the Eva von Hirsch Auditorium, were the main event took place. The others followed the programme on various online platforms.

The University of Ghana also followed suit and held its first virtual graduation ceremony on the 30th of July. This ceremony was for the final year undergraduate student of the School of Law and students who took supplementary examinations at the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry. This ceremony also served as an opportunity for the university to test the idea of a virtual graduation ceremony. The ceremony commenced at 10:00 am on the 30th July and was subsequently made available for viewing on YouTube.

The successful virtual graduation ceremonies in these institutions shows us the good work and the effort, school authorities are making despite the restrictions on public gatherings. These are laudable acts and these institutions should be commended for their effort.

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The Energizer Concert happens to be the first of many Annual concerts from the Badus.This event featured Kofi Owusu Peprah, Rockhill songs etc.

It was produced by Analiticks production company.

The ‘Energizer Virtual Concert’ was dedicated to their daughter; Imani Badu on her 5th birthday

THE ENERGIZER VIRTUAL CONCERT

UNCLE EBO WHYTE THRILLS FANS TO TWO PLAYS

Dr. Sonnie Badu, a gospel musician, shook the internet with a virtual concert which he held together with his wife, Annie Badu. The event was dubbed “The Energizer Virtual concert”. This event took place at his church, Rockhill church, on 17th July, 2020.

Well, if you have never seen a theatre production or attended a live concert, this pandemic has been a great opportunity to have access to these while sitting in the comfort of your home.

Father’s Day saw The Godfather of Theatre in Ghana, Uncle Ebo Whyte, airing his play “The Day Dad Came” on his YouTube channel. All you needed to do in order to view, was to subscribe.

Most definitely, you would also need adequate data bundle or wifi, a cold drink and popcorn to go as well. .

The event was broadcasted live on various pages of Dr. Sonnie Badu which included his Facebook page, Official Sonnie Badu TV etc.

According to Sonnie Badu, he had planned this convert with his wife for a very long time and he is happy this dream came into existence.

The play was wonderful and was interspersed with music and dance. The characters played their roles exceptionally well. And portrayed great lessons on marriage, forgiveness in marriage and the role of Godly parenting.

“After we both sang Ogene Doh together on my last album, I loved the chemistry and I felt good to have my wife sing alongside with me. I also feel holding concerts with my wife Annie will help improve on her ministry, because I believe she has been called into her own ministry of which she will account to God one day”, he reiterated.

Well, those who missed the first, had the opportunity of also watching another on the 26th of July, also on Uncle Ebo’s YouTube channel. This play was entitled “The Come Back”. It was acted skillfully with comedy that could leave you begging for more. And just as characteristic of all Uncle Ebo Whyte’s plays, it was not without lessons.

Sonnie Badu’s wife, Annie Badu was happy to work with her husband on this mega concert.

Annie Badu showcased her fantastic vocals coupled with a deep lyrical prowess. The songs she ministered were spiritual and touching.

Annie Badu sees this concert as her comeback into her full ministry and she knows that all viewers across the globe will be blessed with this concert.

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If you missed these, keep your ears on the ground, and dont forget to subscribe to his YouTube channel (@Uncle Ebo Whyte) for when next, the theatre maestro releases a new play.

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he pandemic has drastically changed every aspect of our lives, and many changes are likely to continue far into the future. How realistic is a recovery, and will everyone recover?

Actions, traditions and items - whether temporarily, partially or completely are likely to fade over time as a result of the new normal, social-distancing and the germ-conscious world the virus is helping to shape.

Here are 5 things that may change, remain or fade away after this pandemic:

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then, before the two people withdraw hands, their palms slide together until their middle fingers are touching and then they turn their hands so that the palms are glimpsed before bringing together thumb and forefinger for the signature click at the end. There is always a spark of comfort and warmth at the end of any handshake. The humble handshake spans the mundane to the potent, ranging from a simple greeting between strangers who will never meet again, to the sealing of billion-dollar deals between business titans.

Can you remember your last handshake?

HANDSHAKES More than just a symbol of greeting, handshakes in Ghana are a cherished ritual which symbolizes friendship and unity. The elaborate meeting of palms, thumbs and forefingers begins as a regular handshake

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Due to this pandemic, our good old way of greeting friends or colleagues, is no longer viewed as safe, as it has the potential to spread bacteria or viral particles from one person to another. Due to the biological drive in humans that yearns to touch and to be touched, the elbow bump and fistbumps seem to be gradually replacing our handshakes, and is likely to go on for some time even post-COVID. The future of the handshake remains uncertain.

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Even though handwashing could reduce the risk of spread, no restaurant owner would like to compromise on the safety of their customers and staff.

BUFFETS

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Buffets, where lots of hands touch the same utensils over open food containers, now seem more like petri dishes than a nice place to have dinner. With the help of health experts, Japanese public broadcasting organization NHK simulated a buffet-style restaurant inside a cruise ship. The video shows ten people, with one person singled out as the infected person. A substance, only visible under black light, is applied to that person’s hands and each participant then goes about the buffet as one normally would. When the lights turn off, you can see where the infection spread; from the food, to utensils, to even people’s faces - that’s cross-contamination.

HUGGING

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says social distancing, that is staying at least 6 feet from people not in your household, is the best way to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus and makes it less likely for you to get COVID-19.

Understanding the reason why we can’t hug and touch those we love during this pandemic is one thing and dealing with the effects of that are still proving very difficult for many. The longer this pandemic goes on, the more likely that an association will be formed between social touch and a sense of negativity. People may eventually forget all about the virus, but still be wary of social touch without knowing why. This is because negative associations often create more readily available memories for people than positive associations. Once the outbreak is over,

While his restaurants don’t serve food in a buffet or salad bar setting, he doesn’t think anyone will be able to do so for the foreseeable future due to the pandemic.

Public health experts say buffets are riskier than regular sit-down restaurants when it comes to the potential spread of COVID-19.

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one vital challenge will be to reset our thinking about touch, keeping in mind its importance.

After all, a hug may be just what we need to move on from the traumatic experience of the coronavirus.

more convenient and efficient option, people should reach out to their primary-care provider should the need arise. COVID-19, interestingly, has been an eye-opener, showing individuals that there are less stressful ways of doing things – the need to leverage technology.

Even as more communities reopen, touching is still the final frontier for many. Some public health experts have said they don’t think we’ll ever return to certain habits like hugs, a pat on the arm, back or head, kisses on the cheek, or hand-holding.

5 4 VIRTUAL MEETINGS

TELEMEDICINE

Still on the matter of leveraging technology, another area that has seen a drastic increase is on the matter of virtual meetings. For many individuals, living during this pandemic has meant working and schooling from home. Events currently organized virtually include classes, business meetings, seminars, conferences and even stage plays. This has meant that we are spend a lot of time on video meeting applications like Zoom. The videoconferencing company Zoom stated in April that it had reached 300 million daily meeting participants. Despite the many inconveniences that come with virtual meetings, they have also proven to be very useful and necessary and chances are that even post-COVID, individuals and businesses would be exploiting virtual meetings a lot more.

Many doctors’ offices that didn’t see patients virtually have started doing so during the pandemic and are likely to keep it as an option in the future. For their part, many patients are also avoiding visits because they do not want to leave their homes and risk exposure. In Ghana, the pandemic has spurred people to adopt innovations in health care, from apps that help diagnose coronavirus symptoms to drones transporting blood samples and medicines.

Though in some cases telemedicine can be a AUG/ SEPT 2020

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CALL/ TEXT +233558033725 19

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DON’T GIVE UP

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

DANIEL 1:8, NIV

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ften there’s the tendency for so many of us is to be overcome and overrun by the culture around us.

For some of us, it becomes easier to simply give up trying to hold on to biblical principles and go along with the culture. But should we?

Daniel was a young man who would gnomicmagazine.com

giving up. Joseph, in an Egyptian dungeon, did not give up. Paul, in a Philippian jail, did not give up.

Daniel, in Babylonian captivity, did not give up. And God did not forget any of them.

So often in a culture that is crumbling like ours, we’re tempted to ask, “Where is God?” He was there with Daniel and He is here with us. Note that God had brought Daniel into the favour and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:9). Note also that God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom (Daniel 1:17). God was in control of every one of Daniel’s circumstances and situations.

I love what the Bible says in Daniel 1:9,

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.

not compromise and would not quit. In the very first chapter of his book, Daniel states to the chief of the eunuchs that he would not defile himself by eating the King’s meat. (Daniel 1:8) His boss was reluctant, but Daniel was determined. He would not give up. Finally, his boss “consented” to a test to see if Daniel’s diet would suffice.

The single characteristic of those who succeed in the challenges of life is the element of consistency, of not

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When we establish standards like Daniel, God shows up on our side. Daniel had purposed in his heart. Daniel had made his choice. Daniel had set his mind.

In the very next verse we find God intervening. It was not Daniel’s stand that influenced the chief of the eunuchs, it was God Himself.

Remember, God has the remote control in His hand. He can turn us up or turn us off. He can change our channel or mute us if He so gnomicmagazine.com

desires. He is in control.

Many are prone to give up what they stand for when they’re out in the culture. Some of us seem to be geared to think that if we do not compromise we might lose our position or even our promotion. Daniel had figured out who he wanted on his side. It was not his boss, it was his God. He knew the truth of Proverbs 16:7,

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

So, what is the point? If we’re going somewhere in life we need to learn some lessons from our friend Daniel. We should live our lives in such a way that they line up with the Word of God and please him in the process. And then we can watch Him work on those around us as he did in Daniel’s day. It is not enough to simply be resistant if we’re not consistent. Some start well but give up and go with the crowd around them.

Oh that we could grasp Daniel’s spirit. He purposed in his heart. This is not a guy trying to prove something to someone with a bunch of self-righteousness. This was no show. This was from his heart. There are some who don’t give in and are resistant but who become caustic and crude when trying to resist a culture. The Bible reminds us that a soft answer turns away wrath.

Daniel has a disarming way about him that honors God. He not only calls upon us saying “Don’t give in, be resistant,” but he challenges us by saying, “Don’t give up, be consistent!”

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He not only calls upon us saying “Don’t give in, be resistant,” but he challenges us by saying, “DON’T GIVE UP, be consistent!”

This piece was culled from an article of a similar title by O. S. Hawkins

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THE ATTRACTION THAT DIRECTS. AUG/ SEPT 2020

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A moth and a flame, A magnet and a piece of iron, A man and a woman, . . . Attraction Attraction occurs when a certain unique characteristic in one entity evokes a liking, interest or desire in another.

We all are attracted to certain people because they possess a certain character, or they have attained a certain measure of success. We see in them something we desire, and this attracts us to them. At one point in time or another, all of us have yearned to be like the people we are attracted to in that particular trait that endeared us to them.

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us, let

your light so shine amongst men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. This

means that we get to wield our light as a means to draw people to the Father. In John 3, we see an interesting story unfold. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, goes to Jesus at night, and says to him, “Rabbi, we know

that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that

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You do unless God is with him.�

Clearly, it was the signs Jesus had demonstrated earlier that had allowed Nicodemus to see in Him in the light that had caused him (Nicodemus) to be attracted to him (Jesus). Thereafter, with piqued curiosity, he sought to find out what made Jesus a different Rabbi. Jesus seeing this did not hesitate to leverage this newly found opportunity to share the good news with him. We must endeavour to do same.

Another interesting thing about letting your light shine lies in the fact that you get to pass on ideas.

Dr Myles Munroe calls an idea a very powerful force. Letting your light shine affords you the opportunity to influence people, even to the point of they asking themselves questions .

How can one person be so enthralled by the personality of God?

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How can one person do so much for God and still do so well in this field?

to draw men unto ourselves, but to give God glory.

Just like the compass, the attraction serves a greater purpose – to point people in the direction of the one who gives the light.

How can one person be so open about the things of God and still thrive in this perverse generation?

“

Once people have found themselves asking these questions, the primary drive of curiosity will push them to seek answers. If in their search for answers they are eventually led back to you, you get to show them The Truth and point them to God. Shining, thus, must always lead to a transformation only the gospel effect.

Just like the compass, the attraction serves a greater purpose – to point people in the direction of the one who gives the light.

Leveraging the idea of shining in order to stay relevant is definitely not going to be easy. For most of us, that would take extra effort – a conscious one; but for the sake of the Gospel, we cannot relent.

We cannot give up!

We have to be that lighthouse, drawing sailors to the shore. We need to draw the world into the saving arms of God; not forgetting that the attraction is not

EMMANUEL AGYAPONG

“

We have to be that lighthouse, drawing sailors to the shore.

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’ve seen it, you’ve seen it; my ‘yam-using’ grandma has seen it. It’s a cycle that repeats itself every few weeks- someone tweets out an opinion that is misconstrued, or deemed offensive, or tone-deaf, or harmful or is simply unpopular.

‘Havoc!’ cries the Internet, and let’s slip the Dogs of War: its own brand of Immediate Justice, also known as Cancel Culture. The backlash ruthlessly rips through the unfortunate tweeter’s virtual life, and oftentimes their real life as well.

They may issue a tearful apology, but the damage would have already been done. They are now Persona Non Grataat least until the next unacceptable opinion is expressed.

That’s what online shaming has become for the most part, and it seems to have settled in to stay- for better or for worse.

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Don’t get me wrong though in no way do I mean to defend the ideologies of all victims of Cancel Culture.

Willful ignorance is offensive at best and harmful in its most malignant iterations. ‘Cancelling’ a harmful person often does bring a measure of peace to their victims’ lives in lieu of the real justice a perfect society would have afforded them. We often forget the emotional burden carried by many victims who see their abusers surviving- yes, even thriving – in the same virtual and physical places that should have been safe spaces. My heart breaks for these brave ones. The monsters who prey in the dark should absolutely be called out to answer for their deeds. However, virtual mob justice is oftentimes no justice at all.

Cancel Culture points to a deeper problem inherent in social mediaengagement has come to mean attention instead of communication.

Sometimes statements are taken extremely out of context by radicals to push their agenda.

Sometimes the response is entirely disproportionate to the crime. And sometimes the backlash affects innocent bystanders- family, coworkers, neighbours and even strangers. Most importantly, though, online shaming rarely ever gets to the root of the issue. The person may lose their social standing, or their job, and that’s about it. There’s no transparency, no continued accountability. They may leave the platform they were shamed on, but they just hop on to another one where others may be more accepting. All they learn is not to share

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their opinions publicly- opinions that they still hold strongly to and which affect the people they know in real life.

Cancel Culture points to a deeper problem inherent in social media- engagement has come to mean attention instead of communication. Social media tends to reward controversy. Pithy one-liners, snappy comebacks and aggressive putdowns tend to garner likes and shares instead of well thought-out, respectful dialogue. This encourages punch-downs, especially on dissident views. So far as it’s possible to hide behind an icon, words we would never say to anyone face to face are freely juggled and tossed around with impunity.

Social media is a tool. Like all tools, how it is used depends on its user for the most part. That it lends itself to encouraging this kind of toxicity due to its inherent nature is true: in the same way a knife lends itself to cutting, and a fire lends itself to burning.

It’s up to us to wield it masterfully, and with great prejudice, knowing that every platform we have been given has to be leveraged for our purpose.

Instead of canceling social media entirely, we should re-evaluate how we use these platforms. The defining character of a Christian is love and true love never simply declares itself. True love shows up ready to do the hard work of real engagement

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Instead of cancelling social media entirely, we should evaluate how we use these platforms

and challenging the culture for better.

Are we ready to correct in love, instead of cancel? Are we ready to respectfully disagree, while honoring others’ right to express themselves?

One way to make sure we’re effectively utilizing social media in love is to define the purpose for each platform we hold.

If you have a Facebook account- what is its purpose? What’s the purpose of your IG account? To show off? To show up for God’s business? Dr. Munroe famously said, “Where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.” This is not to say that we should all convert our IG accounts into Bible Lesson accounts- while admirable, it’s not necessary. Like the Christian shoemaker, we show off God with quality in our posts that reflect the qualities of the one we serve

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Let your tweets be gracious, seasoned with salt. Did what

Another important point to remember is that you don’t owe your socials every minute of your life. You don’t need to post all your ideas up, and you definitely don’t need to post every update. It’s safer to share your ideas within a trusted circle of friends who can nurture, critique as needed, and correct in love.

Correcting in love also extends to our virtual interactions. To paraphrase Colossians 3:6, Let your tweets be gracious, seasoned with salt. Did what you posted benefit the person who heard or read it? Did it build them up? Did it encourage them? Was it respectful? Did it honour them? I’m sure you get my point. Just as we strive to speak life into everyone we meet physically, so should we apply the same standards to our posts.

you posted benefit the person who heard or read it? Did it build them up? Did it encourage them? Was it respectful? Did it honour them?

Finally, and this is by way of admonishmentunfollow what you can’t handle. Mute and block with extreme prejudice. If you find yourself slipping into sin- dishonourable words, sinful deeds, lustful thoughts, remember that that app is not in control, you are! And you decide what you use it for. Don’t be afraid to delete any platform you can no longer effectively leverage for God’s glory. It’s far better to be a one handed saint, than a castaway with both arms intact.

In conclusion, our social media presence is, for better or worse, a front facing billboard we’ve been given on the Information Super Highway.

It’s an extension of our own lives. We must make sure our platforms accurately reflect our beliefs, our passions, and our purpose, for His glory.

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MANUELA C. KANDEM

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IT GETS BETTER.

WHEN YOU REALIZE IT DEFINITELY DOES. AUG/ SEPT 2020

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I CAN’T SMELL! I screamed, left my kitchen and quickly went to check if i could sense other smells.

It was a regular day. I had returned from my usual morning reviews at work, and rounds with a few colleagues. I got home to prepare food for the week.

While the stew was on fire, I realised for the first time that I couldn’t smell the aroma of the stew I was preparing.

I quickly rushed to my room to spray my perfume; still, I couldn’t sense the fragrance. About a week ago, I hanged a new air freshener in my hall. I remember complaining the day before that it didn’t smell like the previous ones I had bought. But now, putting one and two together, it all added up - I had anosmia (Anosmia is the medical term for the loss of the sense of smell). I knew two other colleagues who had had anosmia and later tested positive for COVID-19.

“Could this be COVID, or the usual sequelae of the cold I had the week before?” I thought.

I had had my samples taken 3 days earlier as part of protocol as a few of my colleagues had been exposed to some positive patients. As at that time, I was perfectly fine. I had tested positive for malaria two days prior to having my samples taken and was on malaria treatment. I didn’t have any of the usual COVID-19 symptoms then. But now, I was having anosmia, one of the rarest but highly sensitive symptoms of the disease. I whispered a short prayer, finished up my stew and went through the day.

“

Could this be COVID . . .?

In the course of the week, I noticed the anosmia had yet to resolve. I spoke to some senior colleagues who, upon speaking to the COVID-19 response team in my facility, decided to test me again. I was retested, isolated and started on treatment while awaiting my results. This began my journey of making it to the statistics of COVID positive patients in the country and in the world, as well as doctors who had tested positive. In the weeks that followed, I had to battle with the thoughts of being positive, having to live an isolated life and having to give feedback to many loved AUG/ SEPT 2020

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ones who wanted to know how work was.

A colleague asked me what I wanted her to do for me. My response to her was to call occasionally to check up on me, and to pray.

In a situation like this, it sure isn’t helpful to be throwing blames about. No one goes around inhaling the viral particles on purpose. With all the required protocols in place, and even wearing a mask throughout a 12-hour duty, these infections could still happen. Reminding the individual of how negligent they were is definitely not the way to go.

Thank God for prayers Thank God for a community of faith Thank God for friends and mentors Thank God for His word Thank God for faith Thank God for the discipline of Solitude

Thank God for prayers

When I first realized that I had anosmia, the first thing I had to do was to pray – to pray and hope it wasn’t what I thought it was, to pray for strength to go through it even if it was.

Prayer is a means of supply of the Spirit and strength to anyone going through such a period.

Paul says in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit”.

Prayer, whether individual or corporate, is of great benefit to anyone going through experiences like mine. Sometimes, it may be difficult for the one going through such an experience to ask for prayers, hence, if you know anyone going through it, request to bear them out in prayers.

Thank God for a community of faith

After praying, my second reaction was to send a text to a friend and then a mentor about how I was feeling and how I felt I needed prayers. I also let them know about those I knew who had tested positive for COVID-19. I just asked them to pray. To pray for me and to pray with me.

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The Bible tells of how Jonathan met David in the strongholds to strengthen his faith in The Lord; 2 Samuel 23:16-17 – Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.”

Paul talks of how he was sometimes deserted in his ministry.

Don’t be like Job’s friends; better to be silent than say unnecessary words. For anyone going through such a situation, find strength in a community of faith, one or two trusted people who can help you by enduring situation with you. Wisdom is definitely needed in determining who to tell, as some may just be anxious and worried when they get to know.

If you’re privileged to know about someone’s status, know that the information shared is a

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pearl of great treasure given, keep it and handle it well.

Thank God for His Word.

During the period, I found so much strength and comfort in His word concerning healing, victory and protection. Yes! I had had COVID-19, but that didn’t water down the promises of God concerning healing or his protection. Psalm 48:14 told me, “This is Our God, The Lord Our God; He will be our guide, even till death!” I believed God. He worked out all things for my good and He had a purpose in letting this happen. As He led on, I could rest and trust in His plan.

Thank God for faith.

The hymnist says faith can sing through days of sorrow. And to me, faith during those periods in God’s word and work in times past forbade me to

Thank God for peace, his peace that surpasseth all understanding. When I recovered, the two doctors who were taking care of me told me they hadn’t met a patient as happy as I was.

I smiled and said to myself, “That’s the feeling you have when you know God takes care of His own”.

I received my results two weeks after taking my samples, 8 days after I had gone into isolation, 7 days after the anosmia resolved. When I was told my result was positive, my friends laughed saying that I had made it to the national statistics of positive COVID-19 cases. I laughed in response and said, “Yes, but I’ll make it to the statistics of recovered cases as well”. Today, I look back and thank God for everything that the experience taught me as well as the many lives God will use me to help go through the experience of surviving COVID-19.

Faith can indeed sing through days of sorrow.

think he was going to leave me in trouble to sink.

Yes, there were times I wished I was at work. Yes, there were times I wished I could step out; but God’s Holy Spirit’s comfort in making me adjust to the normal helped me a lot.

Thank God for solitude.

The discipline of solitude is one that I’ve always loved. However, increasing work schedules had made it difficult in times preceding my ailment to have some time alone with God. This period however helped put things in order - to retreat, re-strategise and to get back into God’s plan for my life.

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The author is a Medical doctor in one of the leading teaching hospitals in Ghana, and would be happy to encourage any persons going through the intense stress of dealing with a positive COVID-19 result.

The Editor may be contacted about this and any other enquiries.

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INTERVIEW

DR YAW PERBI

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It takes deeply transformed people to bring about deep transformations.

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x INTERVIEW

TIME WITH

Can you please tell us about yourself; your upbringing, educational background, and your family?

Well, I was born in 1978 (laughs) . . . in a Christian home. My dad was Reindorf Perbi, a chartered accountant and my mum was a history professor at the University of Ghana. My parents were very determined to have a Christian home- they both came to Christ in secondary school through the ministry of Scripture Union and they were both UCF executives. My dad was President andmy

mum was, I think, Volta Hall president. So that was the context in which I grew up.

We grew up in Kotobaabi, then we moved to La and then to Legon campus in 1992.

My dad was a very strict man but very loving at the same time. We were not so wealthy but my parents sacrificed all they could to give us the best of Christian education. I am the first of four children– two boys and two girls, and we all went to Ridge Church School. From there I went to Achimota School, and all my siblings followed me there as well. I was in the medical school, in Korle Bu, from 1997 to 2005.

How did you get to know Christ? How did you discern your ministry?

We had family devotions and things like that, but my very first conscious time of giving my life to Christ was at a Scripture Union camp in Achimota School. I remember being totally terrified by the

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THIS IS IT. Enough of this sinusoidal, up and down thing, this is it ! I am absolutely convinced that Jesus is my Saviour and this is the life I want to live

idea of hell so I committed my life to the Lord. In my teenage years I had a lot of ups and downs. Anytime I heard an altar call I’d go and say, “Hey God...”

I’m sure when you take a look in the Book of Life you’d realize that my name has been written in it several times- I got born again again and again and again.

heard the Lord speak to me saying, “It’s my world and I send you where I want you ”. As at that time, in terms of geography in ministry, I really wanted to stay in Ghana. At the beginning of 2008, my wife and I were reading the Scriptures when Genesis 12:1 literally jumped off the page.

At age 17, I was sitting in the Legon Interdenominational Church, which was then in Legon Hall, and I said to myself: This

is it. Enough of this sinusoidal, up and down thing, this is it ! I am absolutely convinced that Jesus is my Saviour and this is the life I want to live . And that’s how it started.

“Leave your country, your people, your father’s household and go to a land that I will show you .”

We had no plans of being outside the country.

I did not know when, I did not know how but I knew I had just received what my Pentecostal friends would call, a rhema.

The matter of discerning ministry is a really big question in life. I remember in medical school Myles Munroe was invited to a conference in ICGC and he was speaking on the 5 questions everybody asks about their lives; Who am I? Where am I from? What can I do? Why am I here? Where am I heading?

The question of why am I here is key and it was during those days I really began to search. I even began asking myself if I really wanted to do medicine. Eventually, by God’s grace, I was able to discern my ministry.

Discernment means being sensitive to the presence and activity of God’s Holy Spirit – what God wants you to do in your life and in your world. Through prayer and through His Word I was able to do just that.

In June, God had kicked me out of Ghana to Cote D’Ivoire. I was at the 37 Military hospital then but was moved to work with the United Nations in Cote D’Ivoire. By July, God kicked my wife out to Canada to do her Masters in Economics at Yale University in Montreal. So “mennk) bebiaa, mennk) bebiaa” and all of a sudden we found ourselves in 3 countries - I was in Cote D’Ivoire, she was in Canada and our one year old son was with my parentsin-law in Ghana.

Yet another way to discern is through hearing God’s voice. For me it hasn’t been an audible voice but it has been an impression. David said in Psalm 16 that even at night my heart speaks to me ; so that’s how it is, it’s an

There are specific Scriptures He gave me to direct me as to what He wanted me to do, when, how and even where. I was in a conference in Malaysia in 2006 when I

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THE PERBI FAMILY impression.

Counsel is also another means. Scripture says that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. There are various people I’ve talked to at various points in my life- Uncle Ebo Whyte, Dr. Otabil and others. A number of mentors in my life have helped to shape me.

The last way I’d say I was able to discern what God would have me do is what I call

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the common sense approach. I learnt this from Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life , and that is SHAPE. I always tell people to look at their SHAPE – your Spiritual gifts, your Heartfelt passion, your Abilities, your Personality and lastly your Experiences.

How do you balance family, ministry and your work as a doctor?

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two are not the same. If you just say family man, you’ll miss it, because children are suckers ( laughs ). They will suck all your time and all your energy. So I plan my role as a husband, as a father, as a communicator, as a preacher, as a writer, as an entrepreneur and as the president of the International Students’ Ministry, Canada.

I also plan my role as the global CEO of the HuD group*. I make sure that for every week there’s something I do for each of my roles so I don’t focus on one thing to the neglect of the others.

I actually haven’t practiced medicine since 2009. While I was in Cote D’Ivoire I was involved in a very tragic accident. Three of us were travelling in a car to Abidjan and out of the three of us, I was the only survivor. That was a wakeup call for me. I just knew God has spared me for a purpose beyond medicine.

The doctors who died were way better and higher in rank than I was. I figured if somebody had to die, it should have been me because they’d be more useful economically, but God preserved my life.

The last paradigm that helps me is seasons.

There are certain seasons for certain things.

For example when I became president of the International Students’ Ministry, Canada, I was the only black person on staff. As a black person running an organization that is full of white people and some Asians, I had to do a good job. It was a season that I had to say to my wife, Honey, for the next year or so, I’ve got to put a lot into this . So we all had to agree together as a family that this is what Daddy has to do. There are some seasons that you focus on certain things.

After that accident, I made a vow to the Lord that I would spend the rest of my life preaching the Gospel and raising younger leaders. When I came back to Ghana in 2009, I resigned from my position at the 37 military hospital and around the same time my wife had completed her Masters and was getting into a PhD program. I decided then to move to Canada with my son to join her (but I always say she tricked me, because she got out of the PhD program the moment we joined her). But that was all God’s plan. For now the only medicine I do is mentoring young doctors; I haven’t done clinical work for the past 11 years.

When it comes to balance, for me I see everything as ministry; I see my family as an internal ministry and my work out there as an external ministry. If I don’t see it that way, I’d give all of myself to the people outside and my family suffers for it. Taking care of my wife is ministry; in fact there’s no one on this earth that I have a vow with, except my wife.

After that accident, I made a vow to the Lord that I would spend the rest of my life preaching the Gospel and raising younger leaders.

Secondly, I plan. I still use a physical schedule, so every week I plan according to my roles in life. In fact I separate my roles of being a husband from my roles of being a father; the

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Can you tell us about a bit more your ministry (The International Students’ Ministry)?

And specifically why the youth, and international students?

I didn’t even apply for this role; they actually came looking for me. My passion has always been for young people. Bill Bright made a statement that every soul is equally valuable but not every soul is equally strategic . I looked at young people and I saw them to be strategic. Young people have energy, talents, nerve, power and potential.

You guys determine what happens in the world. So when I saw that this was a combination of not just youth, but also international students I was like my goodness!

C a n a d a , currently, has almost 650,000 international students from almost every country in the world. Imagine if these strategic p e o p l e encountered the gospel and had a heart for Jesus, imagine the impact in the world!

What we

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I’m made in the image of God, whether I’m red or yellow, black or white, all lives matter, and all lives include Black lives.

do at International Students’ Ministry is to empower these international students by providing hospitality and friendship, host families, leadership development and sharing of the gospel through evangelism and bible study. Most of our students come from the unreached parts of the world so I actually get a front seat at what God is doing in the world today. I’ve been the president of this organization for a little over 7 years now. We have about a hundred staff and about 500 volunteers across Canada.

Another factor is our misinterpretation of Scripture. We can all use Scripture to justify what we do, for example people used Scripture to justify slavery, just like people used Scripture to abolish slavery. The same Scripture! The thing is to let Scripture transform our hearts rather than let our hearts manipulate Scripture.

I have had my own share of racism. A couple of years ago, I had to go to court because somebody falsely accused me of assaulting him. This white guy walked up to me wanting to take a picture of me because I had parked at the wrong spot. I said

How do you feel about “Black lives matter” as an African Christian living abroad, and do you think the Church is doing enough to curb social injustice?

“No. You can take a picture of the car, but why take a picture of me? Who knows what you are going to do with it?” So I stretched forth my hand to block

the camera, I didn’t even touch the iPad he was using to take the picture. Long story short, he went to tell the police that I had assaulted him. I ended up in court with three criminal charges – assault, assault with a weapon and the third one was attempting to steal an IPad, now think about that. And this is me, a doctor, how much more a guy wearing a hood and walking around?

Black Lives Matter as an organization is usually linked with other things including the LGBTQ movement, so it makes other Christians go like ‘Aaaaarrgh! We can’t support

that!’

The truth, however, is that Black lives really do matter. I am all for Black lives matter in terms of the idea or the movement, though I may not necessarily agree with everything about the organization that calls itself that.

It is a real issue in our world and the church has failed miserably when it comes to that.

However, there are some bright spots, don’t get me wrong – some parts of the church have done well in terms of dealing with social injustice but we need to do more.

Lastly, a lot of Christians are not passionate about this because they do not realize that this is part of the mission of God. God is on a threefold mission – to bring Himself glory, to bless people and to destroy evil and establish His kingdom.

A part of the mission of God is to ensure that

The truth, however, is Black lives really matter.

If we took Scripture seriously then we’d know that we all were created in the image and likeness of God, that is,the Imago Dei . So if

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My number one principle in life is: In

all your getting, get God first . That’s my proto

there is justice. Economic justice! How can the pastor be so rich and there are other people in the church who can’t even afford to pay school fees? That’s injustice! It also includes social justice for the orphan, the widow and the poor. A lot of us only talk about the gospel of salvation, but there’s also the gospel of the kingdom and God wants to establish His kingdom through us on earth, as it is in heaven. I think all Christians need to grab that, and I hope we do.

principle. Another is to die empty. to go just because I am a doctor. God has used the title, he has used the experience, he has used the knowledge, he has used the discipline - you know medical school is not hard but it requires a lot of discipline, stamina and grit. So God has used all of these for me to be able to do what I’m doing.

The theme for our next issue is “leverage”.

In it, we seek to explore the numerous diverse ways we can employ our experiences as Christians, and make good use of our everyday circumstances to achieve the maximum possible outcomes as far as our calling is concerned. This forms part of a series we are looking at this year dubbed “Relevance”. Which experiences would you say constitute a major pivot in your life and ministry, and which have profoundly shaped your Christ-given mission?

What have been some of your guiding principles throughout life? How do you feel about Christian excellence?

In the first place, God’s word is a love letter to us, but I also see it as a book of principles. The Bible is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

It is life’s manual. I love God’s Word. My number one principle in life is: In all your getting, get God first . That’s my proto principle. Another is to die empty. In other words, I want to die giving out everything that God has given me – every gift, every talent, every song, all that He’s given me.

Why go to the grave with it?

God uses everything we are for His purposes.

The Bible says that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose. All things means all things; including everything, excluding nothing. Look at how Paul wrote the gospels, with his training as a lawyer- I mean, look at Romans, you can tell that this a lawyer making argument after argument. Just look at how God has used my training as a doctor in my writing. There are places that I have gone to and when they see the title Dr., they just give you some level of respect. There are places I get

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As part of my principles in life, I do believe in excellence. God is a God of excellence and Daniel is a great example of that. You know how when people are graduating from school they do these ‘slam books’ and yearbooks where they nominate people for positions like best dressed gentleman and most fashionable. Do you know what they voted for me as? Most likely to leave the medical profession! So I call them the school of

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Medicine-wise, because I’m not practicing clinically, once in a while I go for the Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundations of North America meetings. But I am not as up to date when it comes to medical stuff as compared to ministry and missions.

prophets.

I’m sure they could all see that I had a passion for more than medicine. I started the HuD group when I was in medical school. My belief in excellence was such that even though I was not as passionate for medicine itself, I still practiced it in a way that will give God glory.

With COVID here, we’ve been very much at the forefront, adjusting and readjusting. So we’ve always been using Zoom, I think for the last 3 or 4 years now, unlike most of you who are latterday saints (laughs). Canada is really wide and so Zoom helps us to work more efficiently but in this pandemic, we have had to step up how much we use it. There‘re other things we’ve had to add up, for example we had to hire a Vice President just to focus on the digital field.

Primarily, our mission is not first to preach or to go; primarily, our mission is first to be – to be God’s people, to be a counter cultural witness.

You are the light of the world, not the sound of the world. The Christian and excellence should be synonymous.

It doesn’t mean I don’t fail sometimes, but a principle is a principle.

Listening to the Holy Spirit has also really helped.

The Holy Spirit is always ahead of the curve, so we need to listen to Him. The mission is still the mission, whether or not there’s COVID-19. In fact, because there’s COVID, there’s even more mission. It definitely will not look the same way, the problem comes when we get stuck with the methods and strategies rather than keeping the big WHY in mind.

How do you manage to continually stay relevant in these rapidly changing times, taking full advantage of changing societal trends as a man in youth ministry? How has the recent pandemic shaped your ministry?

I do read a lot; I believe in continual learning.

Yes I’ve finished medical school, but I’ve taken a number of courses – I’m a John Maxwell trainer.

I just finished a Masters in Global leadership in December, and I’m currently thinking of taking another one, probably Doctoral Studies in Global Leadership. So formally and informally, I keep learning. Now in the COVID times, I’ve been in a number of webinars, just listening to what is going on. I also read a lot of articles. As the President of the International Students’ Ministry, I am in a couple of groups with other presidents, more like peers, so we get to exchange ideas to keep me sharp at what I do.

Are there other things you engage in apart from ministry?

I love soccer; unfortunately I don’t get to play enough of it these days. I also love to travel. I have found a way of making the things I love be my work; so I love to travel and my work involves a lot of travel. There are some years I’ve had to make about 70 flights. It is work, but oh yeah it’s really fun. I love to read, it’s my work and it’s my hobby.

I also really love playing with my children; hanging

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around with the one-year old, fooling around, she’d be spitting on me and all that. But I love children, and that’s why I have 6 of them.

I don’t need a television.

Finally, what advice will you give to the youth of today?

My advice to the youth would be the proto principle: In all your getting, get God first . It looks like in our societies today, God is just a ceremonial figure; we live our lives the way we want to. We’ve become so materialistic that we even use God to get stuff but we need to truly look for God. The Bible says that if you seek Him, you will find Him. I like to illustrate it this way, if you go to a shop and bought some stuff, they put it in the polythene bag for you. You can’t walk into a mall just to buy the polythene bag. And even if you did, guess what? It’s empty! That’s the way I see it.

We have come across a few books of yours.

When and why did you start writing and how many books have you written so far?

I have written 15 books so far. My first book was What Every Fresher Should Know Before Leaving The University and that was in 2002.

The UCF asked me to speak at the orientation for freshers and as I prepared the speech, I just knew that this cannot be done in 45 minutes; I knew that a book was coming. And for those who would miss the orientation, I wanted them to have something to read. As a speaker you always need to leave something with your people. Your books can go to places you can’t go. I know some copies of my book Youth Power have gone to Iraq but I’ve never been there. In mentoring people, one of the best things you can leave them is a book. A lot of the letters we read in Scripture were actually mentoring letters; Paul was writing to mentor a church in Ephesus or in Corinth or to mentor young man Timothy. These were mentoring letters that have been kept.

When you get Jesus as the treasure, all the other things are added up – the good marriage, successful business, success in medical training: these are like the polythene bag. If you end up going for the bag, you may get them, but it’s empty. Why would a multimillionaire kill himself?

Why? He’s got the polythene bag, but it’s empty. In all your getting get God first. God is always right. It may take 5 years to prove it, it may take 10 years to prove it, but God is always right.

I have seen that it takes deeply transformed people to bring about deep transformations. If you yourself have not being changed, how do you expect to change the society?

After my first book, I wrote another book, Positiveness: A Fuel for Success and after that I wrote a three-part book on financial wisdom and investments. One of my big things was to teach young doctors on investment. You can be as smart as whoever, but if you’re not smart with money, you’d become a very poor doctor.

Seek God first!

I love to share what I learn. I love to share what God teaches me, and books have been a way to do that.

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Galatians 5:24

“...And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts.”

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T

o have a unique leverage, one must first have an encounter with the God of Heaven. No two ways about that. God is our life source, and He is able to make things work in our favour.

He gives us true purpose and guides us into making right choices in life. Sometimes, even after we have failed, He brings comfort to our spirits and supplies us with the strength to move on. The Christian life is tough but God is faithful and Hhas perfect understanding of our trials and heartaches. He is ever present to dry the tears from our eyes when our skies grow dim; when we’ve been hurt through and through.

There’s more to the Christian life than meets the naked eye. The Christian is simply a mystery! You see him walk among the crowd just like anyone else. He’s got the same human flaws and carnal tendencies just like everyone else, but deep down, his spirit man is a firebrand! He has a unique leverage that sets him apart from others. With his transformed spirit, he overcomes fleshly tendencies and lusts.

He lives above sin, and sin does not have dominion over him. He is not utterly helpless against sin’s powerful tides but is able to make a decision whether or not he wants to exchange his birthright as child of God, with few moments of sinful pleasure. The devil fears him because his decrees make the kingdom of darkness tremble and God answers his prayers by fire. God contends against those who contend against him and

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fights his battles. Yes! “He suffers no one to do him wrong and rebukes kings for his sake”.

The case is not so with the unbeliever. He has no commitments, no leverage; sinning is a constant habit, a way of life. He has no God to account to, no holy garments to protect, no strength of will, no heaven to miss. He is defenseless, and lives under sin’s heavy yoke. Satan tosses him anyway he likes and terminates his life at the slightest opportunity.

The Christian’s prowess is not measured by Christian jargons or fluent prayers, but by his character, his leverage. It’s seen in how he forgives the perceivably unforgivable, and loves the perceivably unlovable; living peaceably with God and fellow men. The transformation that powers the true Christian life occurs only at Calvary. As you picture him hang there on the cross, bleeding, dying, in agony; realizing it was for you he suffered. You must tell him

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how sorry you are for all the wayward living so that he perceives your broken wounded spirit and releases his power upon you. Your spirit man will receive new power to become a child of God - A new creature with a new leverage and purpose.

Old desires, old longings, old associations, old friends are passed away, behold, all things become new. The Holy Spirit becomes your new companion; He shows you the will of God in every situation. This is the new birth experience.

Suddenly you’re excited with joy bubbling from within you. Your skies are bluer and the sun shines brighter over your life. You move with purpose, for you possess a God given leverage.

Things just aren’t the same anymore! You have the seal of God upon you, and oh Satan hates you now with a passion as you possess a certified passport to Heaven. He fights you every which way. Your friends, your academics, your finances, he turns everything against you - but in the end you always win!

This is the life and leverage God gives to everyone who comes to him in true penitence and with a contrite spirit. Will you be left out? You sure can’t miss out on such a fabulous life. Trust me; I’d always rather be a true Christian, one with a unique leverage and power that sets me apart.

MABEL ESI BOADI

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CYRIL WORLAKO XEDIDOR

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et me tell you a quick story; call it the story of the grasses.

The sun once shone bright in the sky, and beneath it two grasses grew. One grass was wise in that it grew towards the sun. When he was seen, it was impossible to miss the fact that he had been growing towards the sun. The other grass however was not as wise— he was wise in his own eyes. He’d said to himself, “I would grow in my own direction, that I only may be seen”.

The latter, dear friends, is the grass which now lies in a grave with an epitaph, which reads “More popular, away from the source I chose to shine.”

“My decrease for His increase” is not a denial

kingdom shall be preached in the whole world…” Though it is men that will

preach the gospel throughout the world, it is the gospel that is to be preached and not the men.

Thankfully, Jesus— the most popular person who ever lived— has stayed consistent throughout history. His values are clear. His vision and mission have been recorded in the gospels and have not changed.

Jesus is the same Jesus in Asia and Africa, in Paga and Mamprobi, in the market and church pews, in the kitchen and in the bedroom.

Regardless of which people meet Him, follow Him or unfollow Him, understand Him or misinterpret Him, love Him or reject Him, Jesus Christ has been, is and will always be Jesus Christ. The humility that allows Jesus to shine through a man is accompanied by the consistency of being a servant and steward of Christ.

Whether in great company or little, when I know and when I am known,

“My decrease for His increase” is not a denial of the greatness God has purposed for us to attain; it is the earnest desire that all our sparks reveal Him as the fire!

of the greatness God has purposed for us to attain; it is the earnest desire that all our sparks reveal Him as the fire! God is not afraid that we will be widespread; for where we’d go, He has already trod. The person with the most followers on Twitter has just about a hundred million followers, but statistically backed, there are billions of Christ followers worldwide.

Judging from these plain facts alone, you and I are no where as ‘popular’ as Jesus

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is, and hopefully, this does not hurt our feelings. God has Himself made us widespread that “this gospel of the

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Am I more popular than Jesus Just in case I have the tendency to feel I am too widespread, To have control over what happens to people involved with me?

Am I more popular than Jesus?

when I tweet or post a letter, if Christ is not boldly my intention, my faith is in its very basics an inconsistent proclamation.

Though it is men that will preach the gospel throughout the world, it is the gospel that is to be preached and not the men.

And, say with me . . .

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.�

So, ask with me . . .

Am I more popular than Jesus?

Could it be that I desire even slightly to outshine Him? Am I more popular than Jesus If men meet me rather than Him?

- Philippians 3:12-13

Whether in great company or little, when I know and when I am known. . . if Christ is not boldly my intention, my faith is in its very basics an inconsistent proclamation.

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GEORGIA GHARTEY

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AUG/ SEPT 2020 CHRISTMAS EDITION18

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TECHNOW

3D printing technology gives Africa a unique approach in rapidly developing to meet its needs.

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A

dditive manufacturing (AM) is a non-conventional technique in the manufacturing of items.

Under additive manufacturing, many methods exist all of which are quite different from existing traditional methods such as forming, subtractive and cutting. AM also referred to as 3D printing, includes processes used to synthesize a three dimensional object in which successive layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object.

3D printing is achieved in three basic steps: modelling, printing and finishing.

The modelling includes using a CAD program to design what you want.

Printing involves using a machine to make the 3D model, whiles finishing includes sanding, painting and many more methods of making the model’complete’.

WHY 3D PRINTING? 3D printing offers scientists, engineers, students and biologists the ability to make complex structures, make prototypes and verify theories. 3D printing has many applications. In medicine, 3D printing has been used to make tissues, skulls, and other anatomically correct replicas. Currently, 3D printing has been used to make personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields,

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nasal swabs and ventilator parts.

In the construction sector, it is used to make building replicas, to print houses and bridges. It is also used in the food, fashion and automotive industry.

3D printing technology gives Africa a unique approach in rapidly developing to meet its needs. In Ghana specifically, 3D printing can be used in different ways to fast track development. Ghana, like many other African countries, lacks manufacturing capacities to support its citizens and as such tends to rely on imports for oftetimes, the most basic things such as toothpicks and toilet rolls.

3D printing can help bridge this gap, perhaps not entirely, but help fast-track the development process. In Suame Magazine, one of the largest industrialized zones in Ghana for instance, there are a lot of informal manufacturers who can make anything as far as they can picture it. These informal manufacturers may not be able to read complex engineering drawings, but with 3D printing, any individual can print what they want and get it manufactured. This reduces the need for complex explanations and the need for monitoring every

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process to get the right thing done. This in effect means the country can make more use of their services whilst slowly learning to regulate their businesses.

Companies can also use 3D printing directly in their products especially if quantities are low. An example of such a company is Dext Technology which uses 3D printed parts in their award winning science sets. Another critical use of this technology is prototyping of products. Initially, product prototypes were manufactured the traditional way which is costly as only one was being made at a time, and it took a long period to be made. With 3D printing, product prototypes can be made in a day if not hours and iterated over and over until the desired is achieved. It reduces cost and greatly enhances development to market times for any product involved which is key for a country which wants to develop rapidly. Companies like Klaks Technologies provide this service; allowing companies and researchers to verify their designs before final production.

Another great way 3D printing can help in development is the “stop-gap� potential it creates. It literally can be used to provide temporary relief to supplies when need be as the Covid-19 pandemic has shown.

The technology has been used to make face shields, nose masks, ventilators and nasal swabs, which many countries are experiencing shortages of, hence, giving time for the supply chains and factories to recover.

In research, 3D printing provides the unique opportunity for Ghanaian scientists to conduct research. 3D printing tissues, dental fixtures and tools can provide the necessary environment for research to be conducted.

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With the aid of open-source technology, 3D printing can greatly expand what can be done with research in Ghana. Development cannot be achieved without education. 3D printing presents itself as an educational tool maker. Be it anatomy models, jet engine cross-sections, student prototypes, mathematical model representations, microscopes; 3D printing is a tool that can help improve the standard of our education system which we admit is oftentimes more theoretical than practical.

Despite the many pros of 3D printing, there are limitations. These limitations include access to materials (which can be manufactured locally if there’s the desire to) and the lack of technical know-how and scalability. 3D printing does not scale very well when making huge (5,000+) items at a time, however they are indispensable in making custom items and care must be taken when implementing large manufacturing programs solely based on 3D printing.

Nonetheless, it is a technology that can push our efforts in rapidly developing as a nation and as a continent.

KOBINA ABAKAH-PAINSTIL

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FOOD

1. GHANAIAN PUFF-PUFF (‘BOFROT’) INGREDIENTS 3 cups of Hard Flour ¾ Cup of Sugar 4 Tbsp of Margarine 2 Tbsp of Instant Yeast 1 Tbsp of Nutmeg Oil Salt

DIRECTIONS 1. Dissolve sugar and salt with lukewarm water and set aside.

2. In a mixture bowl, mix flour, yeast and nutmeg 3. Rub in the margarine until completely mixed in.

4. Add the sugar solution and mix into a dough 5. Flour a flat surface and knead dough until smooth 6. Divide the dough into two and cut into pieces 7. Knead the pieces of Dough into golf size balls.

8. Place on parchment lined baking tray and cover with a dump napkin.

9. Keep in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the dough to rise.

10. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add the dough and fry until golden.

11. Drain the excess oil in paper towel.

12. Bofrot is ready. Serve warm.

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2. FRENCH TOAST INGREDIENTS FOR 6 SLICES 2 large eggs ¼ cup of milk 1 Tbsp. sugar Pinch of Salt Vanilla extracts (about ½ tsp) Oil

DIRECTIONS 1. Break eggs into a large flat bowl.

2. Whisk then add milk and whisk 3. Add the other ingredients and whisk till everything well mixed 4. Add oil to your frying pan 5. Dip one bread slice in the mixture and coat both sides 6. Fry under medium heat

3. LEMONADE INGREDIENTS 1 cup of lemon juice 1 cup of sugar 6 cups of water

DIRECTIONS 1. Squeeze the lemons (using a lemon squeezer/manually) 2. Transfer the freshly squeezed lemon juice into a big jug.

3. Add your sugar and stir till the sugar dissolves 4. Add your cold water.

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4. PANCAKES INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 2-4 tbsp. sugar 1 egg 1 cup evaporated milk ½ cup of water ½ tsp salt ½ tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract or any extract of your choice Oil for frying.

DIRECTIONS FUN FACT: Did you know you could make your pancake mixture in a blender?

1. Add your wet ingredients into the blender (egg, water, milk) 2. Add your sugar, salt, nutmeg and vanilla extract.

3. Blend for a minute.

4. Add your flour last and blend for about 2 minutes.

5. Pour your mixture into a bowl 6. Add oil to your frying pan and fry your pancakes over medium heat 7. Make sure you swirl your pan when you add the mixture so it is evenly distributed.

5. POPCORN DIRECTIONS 1. Heat some oil in a pan 2. Add the appropriate amount of corn relative to the oil 3. Cover the lid of the pan till you hear a popping sound.

4. Add salt or sugar depending on your preference.

5. Upon addition of the salt or sugar, swirl the pan on fire with its lid closed to ensure good distribution of the salt or sugar 6. After all the corn is popped, remove the pan from the fire and serve as desired!

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1.

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2.

3.

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GRAVES TO GARDENS

YESU MO

Graves into Gardens, a live album recorded

by Elevation Worship in January 2020, featuring 12 newly-penned tracks that showcase the musical range and depth of the group while spotlighting a number of special guests including Brandon Lake (Graves Into Gardens), Tauren Wells (Never Lost) and Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes (The Blessing).

Joe Mettle, a Ghanaian award-winning Gospel singer, released a new song last month to mark his birthday. An African Highlife composition with contemporary influences, “Yesu Mo� is a heartfelt song of thanksgiving acknowledging God for all He has done and affirming absolute dependence on Him. This serves as his first new music after his 5th project release, Wind of Revival, in 2019.

ELEVATION WWORSHIP

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JOE METTLE

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WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT

MORE THAN A SONG

Grammy–winning gospel singer Tye Tribbett has fused Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Alright” into a new tune to send a message to people during this coronavirus pandemic: We Gon’ Be Alright. Tye Tribett states that,

Worship revivalist, singer and songwriter Dunsin Oyekan has unleashed yet another powerful sound, “More Than a Song,” recorded live at The Covenant Nation, Lagos. Speaking about the song, Dunsin Oyekan shares;

TYE TRIBETT

DUNSIN OYEKAN

“Every time I play the song in my house, my family rushes to dance together and celebrate, even during this pandemic! My prayer is that this song does the same for your house or wherever this song is heard as we hope in the promises of a God who has never failed.”

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“Worship is more than a song… Friends, this should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies, that you surrender yourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of Worship.”

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LAST WORD note from ama

LEVERAGING THE SEASON ‘’There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the Heavens.’’

The world has entered a new era, a new season, a new discipline. For us to make use of this season, we have to apply what Scripture tells us to what we already know. How do we put to good use this new season and make the best out of it? It’s only by knowing and understanding it, can wisdom be applied to it. We have knowledge of all that’s happening around us, but the most relevant question to ask is whether we understand it well enough to able to make the best out of it.

1 Chronicles 12:32 says that the sons of Issachar “were men that had understanding

of the times to know what Israel ought to do. ’’

With understanding of the times and seasons they found themselves in, they knew what to do, which showed how wise they were. One must understand what the ever-changing scenery around us means and what it brings to the table so that we can capitalize on it and make more gains.

James 1:5 says, ‘’And if any of you lacks

wisdom, ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.’’ To make great use of this season we

would need wisdom and who better to ask

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than God, our ever loving Father who gives unto us great gifts?

Now that you are done reading this issue, I hope there will be a dynamic change towards our new season and era, and it will be approached with diverse thoughts and enthusiasm so as to unravel what it has for us.

Our experiences are the keys we hold to certain spectacular doors; may this issue help you unravel the beautiful mystery and opportunities this season comes with and help you maximize it to the fullest.

Putting this magazine together was such a delight and joy. We hope this issue is a game changer and an eye opener for you. I hope you learnt a lot from this and gained new insight into this new season, and that your life experiences have been put in perspective to tackle this season fully.

Now that your candle in the dark has been lit, take it and go light your world.

There is a candle in every soul Some brightly burning, some dark and cold There is a Spirit who brings a fire Ignites a candle and makes His home Carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the helpless, confused and torn And hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world Take your candle, and go light your world

Amaboat AMA ASARE BOATENG

-Go light your world, Chris Rice

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Content Head, Cape-Coast

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The best of all is that God is with us.

- JOHN WESLEY

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