From the very start of 2025 it seemed as though a mission trip was not to be. People’s lives were busy, things were changing and there was a feeling that the focus was on wanting to finish the new Fountain of Life Chapel that has been under construction for many years. With the chapel just over 50 percent completed and so much work ahead and fundraising to do. One thing at a time, funny thing, that can be man’s point of view, but the Lord has a much broader vision than we do. As the 2025 Annual Children’s Retreat drew closer the Holy Spirit started working on past team members and the need to be in Ghana became clearer and clearer. So at the last a small team came together and things began to fall into place. Even as the trip started taking shape, the enemy began his attacks, family members were involved in auto accidents, one was stricken with serious heart issues and another was being scheduled for last minute surgery. While the surgery could not be overcome, the other attacks were beaten back and the team continued marching forward. On August 2nd at 6 AM the team departed Sky-harbor in Phoenix airport flying to JFK in New York. After a long layover and a longer 5-1/2 delay they departed for the long 10 hour flight to Accra, Ghana Africa, then the 3 hour ride to Ho and finally checking in to their hotel. Oh you don’t think you can do this, wait read on and understand the mission. It’s 9AM Sunday morning in Ghana, that’s 7 hours ahead of the time at home. You finally get your luggage and meet up with your partner Senyo who is now sharing the sad news that someone close to you in the community of Klokope has been called home to the Lord. Senyo shares the Togbui Ferguson has passed away. You now begin to understand part of the reason you’ve been called to this mission. Since 2009 you’ve been working on building a working relationship with him and the community he leads. You understand that the joyful visit you were expecting has a new meaning. Bring a compassionate message to the family and the community. Then wondering what will the change in leadership mean. Will we be excepted, welcomed into the community. What will the future hold?
Tuesday evening, August 5th the children from the rural communities begin to arrive for this year’s retreat. As they unload from the vans that are bringing them each child is registered then each community is gathered for a group picture. Once everyone has arrived and checked in they gathered in a large group where they were greeted by Senyo and the team. Dinner was then served and afterwards they went and played games. Then it’s lights out and off to bed.
Wednesday morning and each day of the retreat begins with waking up the children at 5am for breakfast. Then it’s off for devotions and morning services beginning at 7:00. Each day after morning service the team members would share three teaching lessons before breaking for lunch, followed by two lessons in the afternoon. After the last afternoon session dinner is served and then it was time for some fun and games, jumping rope, soccer, and beach balls.
After each large group teaching the children would breakup in to smaller groups were they would dig deeper into what they had heard with a question and answer session.
Over the past 3 years the retreat has grown from 40 children in 2023 to 125 children this year. Of the 125 children, 75 attended this year for the first time. Each of these new children received a new Bible signed by each team member and was inscribed with a personal scripture inside along with a new pencil and small journal.
On Saturday afternoon 10 children were baptized, excepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Then after a short closing ceremony the children loaded into vans and returned to the homes.
Sunday was spent attending Fountain of Life Chapel for church and spending the afternoon with Senyo, his wife Augustine and the children and grandchildren. Augustine who so graciously prepares many of the teams meals once again had prepared dinner for us. Their gracious hospitality is aways a treat and we look forward to that part of each trip. The work the family puts in to welcome us is one thing, but the time we have together is so valuable to us. From spending time with each other in the kitchen sharing recipes to sharing family stories we strive on building relationships. Not just in our homes but out in the rural communities.
Senyo and Augustine
Augustine holdingElyon one of many grandchildren
It’s now Monday morning and we’re off to Klokope. As stated earlier, we have been working with this community now going on 16 years. With new leadership before us we’re not sure what, if any changes are coming into place. When we arrive things appear to be different, we’re not greeted by the usual drumming and dancing as in past visits. We quickly learn that most of the men and women are out working on the road as they have loads of gravel coming and are waiting for the road grader. The new Togbui, Klo Azumah 111 is waiting are arrival along with a few other community leaders. Our partner Senyo introduced us to the new Togbui and then shared the long history of our relationship with Togbui Ferguson and the many blessings that had come to Klokope such as electricity, clean water, KVIP latrine the many sponsored children and the overall improved health of the community. He along with the team leader shared their desire to continue to work on the relationship started so many years ago and to continue the churches and the spiritual health of the people. Togbui Azumah 111 stated prior to the team leaving that he too wanted to continue the relationship and welcomed us to come back.
Togbui Azumah 111
Momma Rose sitting next to her son, Togbui Azumah 111
Togbui Azumah 111 sitting with the Elders and leaders of Klokope.
This year’s mission trip came to a close on August 13th with the ride back to Accra and an early morning flight back home on the 14th. There was a lot to take in and a lot to do with many long days. But our Lord is faithful and he is with us always. Senyo has already planned the 2026 youth for August 4th through the 8th. The theme is, Witness For Christ! If you are interested in taking part of a future mission trip you can message us at moveafrica.org.
Watch for farther updates on next year’s trip and construction updates on the New Fountain of Life Chapel.