Global Ministries partnered with Lexington Theological Seminary for a Pilgrimage to Ghana Travel Seminar from Sept. 27-Oct. 5. This pilgrimage served as an expression of LTS’s commitment to the formation of students, clergy, and lay leaders who embody a deep understanding of our global realities, the interconnections of our lives, and the mission of the global church. The pilgrimage provided an opportunity to study the exponential growth of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa, the efforts and challenges of contextualizing the gospel as an authentic expression of African faith and spirituality, and the opportunities and challenges currently facing theological education in the Ghanian context. There was also an opportunity to visit community-based projects of the Christian Council of Ghana related to interfaith dialogue, human trafficking, and economic justice.
Several of the travelers contributed blog posts that we are sharing here. This one was written by Rev. Donald Chase.
DAY 4
“Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
On day four of our Ghanaian pilgrimage, the delegation from Lexington Theological Seminary traveled to the seaside fishing community of Oshiyie. In this small community of about 2,000 people, we met at Mt. Zion Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ghana, along with Salome Kadie from the Christian Council of Ghana and Dr. Kahala Cannon and Rebecca Choate from Global Ministries. We heard stories and engaged one another as 24 members (including three precious babies) from the Oshiyie community talked about the devastating impact human trafficking has had on their community and families.
Deceptive practices by the fishing industry result in children being separated from their families, domestic violence, and the removal of the hope of a proper education for children, as well as a plethora of social and economic problems.
As I reflected on this shared time together, I was curious as to the most effective way to enter into partnership and mutuality when contemplating such a huge social illness – literally a problem worldwide in scope. As I listened to their communal story – really “sacred” stories – as they trusted me, a total stranger, my sense of helplessness and powerlessness was keen. What can I say? What can I do? I still do not have an answer, and I know one is not coming. Instead, there is a “presence that does make a difference.” Knowing God is present and at work in the moment makes a difference. Knowing that we are present to one another as the God in me finds solidarity with the God in you makes a huge difference. Knowing that God’s presence is changing me from the inside out as I return home to share these sacred stories I have been entrusted to share with the community of faith I worship and commune with.
Upon departing from the Mt. Zion congregation, our delegation traveled a short distance down the dusty road to a locale bristling with people and shops. There we witnessed the redeeming work of our God in a powerful way. The Christian Council of Ghana works closely with community leaders to empower their respective communities through education, support, and the sharing of resources. With the Oshiyie community, this involves educational resources for human trafficking as well as assisting the community in developing a means to generate income to provide for family living expenses and educational opportunities for their children. The LTS contingent visited with three women from the community who had developed a robust business processing and smoking large volumes of sardines over stacked trays and brick fire pits. The sardines were fished the previous night by the men from the community. After processing, they would then sell the smoked sardines locally and around the country.
For the many blessings received and experienced on day four of the Ghana pilgrimage, thanks be to God!