Ghana Mission

Ghana Mission Update – December 2021

The Presbytery of Lake Erie Ghana Partnership provided $5,000 for Manse renovations and $4,000 for vehicle repairs for the new incoming Moderator of the Upper Northern Presbytery.

 

Photo left: Renovation of the Manse in Yendi

 

 

Photo right:  Rev. Vincent Dagadu (2nd from left); Rev. Joshua Nabuer, Yendi District Pastor (2nd from right).

Photo above center: This is Wapuli Clinic’s only Ambulance. They were trying to get the engine started when this picture was taken (Ghana trip Oct. 2019). The Presbytery of Lake Erie provided $3,886.43 to replace the engine in the Ambulance and the engine in the Clinic’s pickup truck (also in need of repair).

Covid-19 Relief Assistance  for Pastors and Lay Leaders in the Upper Northern Presbytery

The Covid-19 pandemic caused additional hardships for the Pastors and Lay Leaders (Catechists and Evangelists). Weekly offerings significantly declined, and salaries are not able to be paid. The Presbytery of Lake Erie provided $8,000 in relief assistance to these faithful servant leaders.

Rev. Vincent Dagadu shared …

“This amount will provide the equivalent of two month’s salaries to 11 Pastors, 10 Lay Leaders, the Presbytery Driver and the Presbytery Treasurer. It will also provide an honorarium for 7 Presbytery Executives who have sacrificed their time and resources for years to ensure the work of God continues in the Presbytery.”

“We believe if this support is given, it will help alleviate poverty in about 30 households with an average of 6 people per household. They will also be very grateful that for the first time they have received such a wonderful gift for their Christmas festivities. At the end of the day, they will give glory to God and thank Him for your lives. Thank you very much.”

News from Ghana – November 2021

Update on Rev. Joshua Heikkila, PCUSA World Mission Co-worker, Ghana, West Africa Liaison

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, PCUSA Mission Agency called all global staff back to the USA and put a hold on all work travel and in-person meetings. Some staff were granted permission to stay in their countries. Josh chose to stay in Ghana, and then in January 2021, returned to his home in Minnesota. He was able to continue working from home, as well as work on renovations to his apartment and take classes for a DMin program that he started in the Fall of 2020. Josh returned to Ghana in May 2021. While he was in the USA, he received full covid-19 vaccinations.

Ghana Partnership Meetings

The Presbytery of Lake Erie (PLE) and the Upper Northern Presbytery (UNP) held two Partnership meetings via Zoom in Sept 2021. It was wonderful to connect in this way and more meetings will be planned. It is our mutual hope to continue to build and strengthen our relationships and collaboration in mission endeavors.

 

Changes in Leadership

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) elected a new Moderator of the General Assembly.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine K. Agbeko (Rtd) took office in January 2021. The Moderator joined one of our Partnership Meetings. He shared that he had traveled to the Upper Northern Presbytery earlier in the year to see first hand the ministries, missions and challenges of the UNP. He also expressed his gratitude to Lake Erie Presbytery and for our Partnership. 

Rev. Vincent Dagadu will be finishing his six year term as the Synod Moderator of the Upper Northern Presbytery in Dec. 2021. Vincent has been and continues to be an invaluable leader in our Ghana Partnership. He has always emphasized building friendships and relationships founded on the common bond of our Lord Jesus Christ. He works tirelessly in many mission and ministry endeavors. He initiated and planned, along with Rev. Dr. David Oyler (past General Presbyter, PLE), our Ghana Partnership Week in Feb 2020. Vincent visited Lake Erie Presbytery in 2018 and 2019, and spoke in several of our congregations. He graciously hosted the Lake Erie Delegation to Ghana in 2017 and met with the 2019 Delegation. A farewell service is planned for Vincent Dec. 26, 2021. 

The new Moderator of the UNP will begin in Jan. 2022. Also, a new District Pastor will be assigned to Tamale. Vincent currently serves in both of those capacities.

EP Church Health Clinic in Wapuli: Lake Erie Presbytery has provided five computers for the Clinic’s operations. The Clinic’s ambulance and pickup vehicles are in need of new engines; $3,885 for those repairs will be sent soon.

Labors of Love Initiative: $25,000 from the Labors of Love Initiative for medical equipment was transferred to the PCUSA in Oct 2020. Due to a reporting issue (not related to our Partnership) these funds have not yet been transferred to the EPCG. Attention is being given to get this matter resolved, so funds can be released to the Clinics.

Preparations for Incoming UNP Moderator: The new Moderator will live in Yendi where the UNP Headquarters is located. Lake Erie Presbytery has provided $5,000 for renovations to the Manse and $4,000 for a vehicle for the Moderator’s use.

UNP and PLE Partnership Report prepared for the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network Meeting 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BqsdiW7aEE9ZI_tIVrFhmEOe2ZcJ1c-0/view?usp=sharing

Shea Butter Lotions and Cream: Individual containers of shea butter lotion and shea cream are available (suggested donation $5 small /$10 large). All donations are designated for maternal and child healthcare at the Wapuli Clinic. Contact Donna Cammarata at [email protected] 814-873-4860.

Support for our Ghana Partnership: We are grateful for the tremendous financial support from individuals, congregations and the Presbytery for the Ghana Partnership. Please continue to support the Partnership through prayers and involvement.

For more information or ways to be more involved in our Ghana Partnership, please contact Donna Cammarata at [email protected] 814-873-4860.