Lake Erie Ghana Partnership News
Update on the E.P. Church Health Clinics in the Upper Northern Presbytery
Wapuli – EXCITING NEWS! Out of hundreds of health facilities across Ghana, the Wapuli Clinic received a SafeCare Quality Recognition Award for Most Improved Clinic / Health Centres from 2021-2023. Mr. Paul Mahama, Physician’s Assistant in Charge at Wapuli, traveled to Accra to accept the award. Later, he sent this note:
“I would like to specifically dedicate this award to Madame Donna Cammarata and the Lake Erie Presbytery team. Your unflinching support can never be overlooked in this success. I would also like to thank the Coordination Director, the UNP Moderator, the Health Committee and all others who played various roles to achieve this milestone.”
Congratulations to Paul, staff members and all supporters and contributors! Currently, staff accommodations are being renovated. There are ongoing needs for upgrades and equipment. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Wapuli Clinic. A celebration is being planned for November.
Bladjai – This Clinic had a new building but was completely unfurnished at the time of our visit in 2019. With PLE funds ($7,000), equipment and supplies were purchased. Because of these improvements and the efforts of the staff, the Clinic recently received National Health Insurance accreditation and HeFRA (Health Facilities Regulatory Agency) license to deliver healthcare.
Kpalba – This small clinic was struggling and taken over by the Government Health Services. However, through neglect it continued to be in disrepair. The UNP recently took strides to reclaim the Clinic and garner support from the local community elders and leaders. The UNP hosted a day-long meeting for over 50 leaders and stakeholders to visit the Wapuli Clinic and to meet with the UNP Health Administrators. This was very successful. All saw the progress in improvements and dedication in running the Wapuli Clinic. PLE provided $300 toward hosting and travel expenses for this event.
Land Redevelopment Initiative – Multi Store-Complex in Yendi – Groundbreaking!
The land has been cleared and prepared for building. Over 4,000 concrete blocks have been handmade and sunbaked! Steel rods and other materials have been purchased. Building permits have been obtained. The formal Ground-Breaking Ceremony has taken place and work has begun on laying the foundation and constructing the walls for the structure.
Phase One – Land readied and foundation and walls constructed (PLE funds $10,000)
Phase Two – Complete building structure and infrastructure ($TBD)
Rev. Joshua Heikkila will be visiting Lake Erie Presbytery!
PCUSA World Mission Co-worker (Ghana) and Regional Liaison to West Africa, Rev. Josh Heikkila, will be visiting the Lake Erie Presbytery in November 2023. The last time he visited was in the summer of 2019.
Josh recently traveled to the Upper Northern Presbytery where he spent significant time with Moderator, Rev. Samuel Amafu-Dey (above – green jacket). He visited several congregations and communities, learning first-hand what is going on in the UNP. Josh will be attending the Lake Erie Presbytery Meeting in Utica on Nov. 14th.
He will visit with the Beaver Butler Presbytery and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary – Nov. 15 & 16. His schedule is still open for the Lake Erie Presbytery for the 17th & 18th, and for Sunday Worship, afternoon and evening on the 19th. It would be wonderful for Lake Erie members and congregations to connect as much as possible with Josh during this time.
PCUSA Ghana Mission Network Meeting and 2024 trip to Ghana
There has been a tremendous increase in participation of our companions in the Upper Northern Presbytery (UNP) in recent Ghana Mission Network (GMN) meetings because of zoom access The GMN is always open to new members and this is a wonderful way to connect with brothers and sisters in Ghana and in other parts of the USA who have interests in Ghana.
The 22nd Annual GMN Meeting will be a hybrid meeting Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2023, with Zoom Sessions on Sept 29th & 30th. Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA will host the conference. The theme is Co-development in: Mission & Evangelism, Youth & Next Generations, Companions & Partnerships. Program, Registration Forms, and more information available from Donna Cammarata (email pcusa.gmn@gmail.com or donna.camm@gmail.com).
The Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana and the Rev. Dr. Lawson Dzanku (Clerk) are expected to attend the GMN Meeting in person. An invitation has been extended to both to visit Lake Erie Presbytery either before or after the conference. We are waiting for their itinerary.
The Ghana Mission Network will hold their next Annual Meeting in Ghana, Oct 9-12, 2024. This may be an opportunity for a delegation from PLE to attend and also meet with our UNP Partners before or after the meeting. It will be held in Accra, which is the capital of Ghana.
Presbytery of Lake Erie Ghana Partnership Transactions 2023
A $4,300 Transfer was made on March 28, 2023. Here is the breakdown:
- $2,000 to complete the wall fencing and gate to enclose the yard around the Moderator’s Manse – for security purposes
- $1,800 to the E.P. Church Health Clinics for equipment and supplies ($1,000 Bladjai, $800 Wapuli)
- $200 for Seminary Certification for the Rev. Salome Mansa Oye to obtain full Ordination status. Rev. Salome is the first and only female Pastor in the UNP. The PLE sponsored her Seminary education.
Financial Update:
- Through the Presbytery’s Labors of Love Initiative, $30,300 has been sent to the Health Clinics (Wapuli $23,300, Bladjai $7,000). All donated funds have now been sent. A big thank you to all who have contributed! Let’s keep this going and replenish funds to continue supporting the Health Clinics in providing quality healthcare to their communities.
- Some proposals for about $19,000 of the $23,000 available in the Ghana Partnership are in the works. This will leave about $4,000 left. We (especially our Partners) are so grateful for the tremendous, generous support within the Presbytery. These contributions are making a significant difference. Please consider a donation to keep these good works growing.
For more information, ways to be involved, or ways to connect with our Ghanaian friends, please contact Donna Cammarata donna.camm@gmail.com 814-873-4860.
Financial support may be sent to: Presbytery of Lake Erie, 2816 Elmwood Ave, Erie, PA 16508
On the memo line: Lake Erie Ghana Partnership
Online Giving: https://pbylakeerie.org/ (click on Give Now tab; choose General Mission. In Notes, indicate: Lake Erie Ghana Partnership)
*If you would like your donation designated for a particular mission, include that in the memo or email a note to bookkeeper@pbylakeerie.org and cc donna.camm@gmail.com.
