Every day remains unique with unique challenges and opportunities

Jesus was certainly right when he admonished His passionate followers to bother less about tomorrow, as He reiterated that it has its own way of dealing with itself. It is interesting the ripple effect of every single action, even our decisions to remain insensitive. Perhaps that is why many people believe atheists belong to a religion in their own right.

I have come to believe that one can do everything, but not all things within a period of time. That is the more reason I believe in prioritizing events on the long and short term. It is interesting to note that as u lay the first few blocks well the other blocks  follow in an easy and beautiful pattern. This is what yields joy and fulfillment. Life truly does not depend on the abundance of things one possesses, but on the possession of the most important.

We surely must seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and it is beautiful to watch how all other things are added to it!

Love vs Tolearance. How far should the Christian tolerate evil?.

Society is plunging deep downhill! Any doubt about that? Certainly not.
To many folks, it is an expected phenomenon as the Bible explicitly conveys the fact that “the love of many shall wax cold.” and that wickedness shall abound. Any mathematician critically observing the trend of parameters like selfishness, lust, and their like will doubtlessly conclude that the world is heading towards a danger zone. The increasing rise of robbers, prostitutes, homosexuals, lesbians, corrupt leaders, etc will be rising still!!

That notwithstanding, it is amazing to come across countless souls who admit their shortcomings and express a genuine desire to trade their plight for a “better life”. This is a great expectation for any Christian. But then the approach remains a challenge to this day.
John Maxwell chirps time and again that “it is easier to catch more bees with honey than with vinegar”. That is certainly true! Encouragement and love for the sinners is a beautiful way to commence the process of restoring them to a better life. Many books, websites, and individuals are amazed at the countless souls that knock their doors for counseling (or just to be listened to sometimes)- they share their endless narrations and finally conclude with the popular “I am confused” phrase. The warm and comfort soon evolve to a stage which I consider even more dangerous – a stage where the individual “normalizes” his or her condition. This is to say he/she comes to believe whatever is happening is natural and not an exceptional case. These further degenerates into a mindset where morality is compromised and souls malnourished, thereby plunging souls further downhill.
There is no substitute for condemning explicitly what is considered wrong by God! Men should never feel comfortable in a church while they remain sinners. It is high time the “prosperity gospel” was substituted for the intended gospel, where men consider Christ their Lord and Saviour – a stage where they begin to depend absolutely on God, even in a fallen world. It is an era where “heaven never helps those who help themselves” but rather equips and strengthens those who walk by faith.
The command to love is clearly Christian. But to condone evil in the name of love is clearly unpardonable.
Ray Boltz came out last year to publicly announce his members in homosexual’s world and “convincingly” said that he is sure that’s how God made Him. Yeah. Men, even baby Christians as well as “Christians” with contradictory doctrines will strife to justify immorality. Revered men may fall in a world of disillusion. But that NEVER makes their conduct or utterances true. Post modernism will seem to bring some “truth”, but shall still miss the mark.
How far should a believer tolerate? How far?

So Precious!!

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Along the beautiful, winding road to the East

The easiness of the heart is like none but falling manna

Sure! That smooth curve is so perfect a shape, just like banana

Look! Beyond the edge lies the panorama of a savannah

My body, soul, and spirit worship the Lord for this creation

Who but Jehovah has perfectly established this nation

And so much more; the skies, the rivers, and mighty oceans

Thank God for perfect revelation, else a painful evasion

Indeed the Mighty One is only righteous

His mighty deeds are so marvelous

He parades great works so virtuous

Even my beloved so … precious!

Inspired by wonderful thoughts flooding through my mind as journey from Accra to Koforidua one weekend. later dedicated to Adwoa Amuah

Morality on the decline…values being compromised!!!

The daily attitude of people nationwide is attaining an alarming level. Rich and cherished values have gradually been branded “colo”. To be described as “sexy” years back was tantamount to a prostitute. It is however a compliment in today’s world.
… Wake up!!

Ray Boltz. Truly Created So?

As one of his classics, “I Wouldn’t Go Back”, rolled in my very serene environment this last Thursday in the month of October-the second of such a month in the second leap year of the new millennium, I couldn’t help, but ponder over the latest and famous decision of its renowned author – Ray Boltz.

I started meditating deeply on his pieces with relish in the early years of my university education. My big brother, Clemence Fomevor- a young man with so much passion and zeal for the Lord had an album of Ray Boltz. It was captured “The Concert of a Life Time”. The exquisite lyrics of the individual tracks wove together beautiful twines, resulting in a very powerful and consistent theme. Of much interest was the concise and meaningful rationale behind the various songs to further give it a vivid impression. I could almost hear myself soliloquy, “where else could such an inspiration come from?” Of a truth out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

The faithfulness and love of God is nonetheless diminished by any act or thought of man. The joy of the Lord remains our strength.

The powerful introductory section of the Book of Romans provide such deep insight:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.(NKJV)

55 year-old Ray Boltz has truly come a long way. We are still on our knees: trusting God to give him a deeper insight into the salvation concept and life of the believer.

His last I heard

While one half of me felt desperate to hurry to the computer center to complete a task assigned to me by my boss, the other half longed to witness the party hosted by the outgoing vice chancellor of the university. The latter won the day perhaps considering the fact that it was one of his very last messages to a gathering in the university he has spent decades serving.

Earlier on, there had been a number of meetings at the Unversity Interdenominational Church (UIC) in preparation towards the incoming  crusade. I continued to Hill Top with Richard Nana Boateng, who had also travelled from Kumasi to pay his dues to the occassion.

The sound of loud music and ecstatic shours from the direction of the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge almost scared me away, but my persistence to witness the atmosphere won the day. On reaching the grounds for the party, the feeling was mixed. A relatively large gathering of service personnel for the university covered the ground area. While others danced happily, others relaxed on their seats and watched the personnels dancing with glee.

Before long, the VC’s face appeared from the backstage accompanying a thunderous jubilative welcome. His speech was very concise. Rev Prof Addo Obeng is noted for his characteristic diction and clear tone. The big silence on the ground was an indication of the crowd’s big expection. He thanked the service personnel for availing themselves to serve their alma mater. He further challenge members present to feel free to return and pursue further studies as well as work in the university. He equally encouraged all to give out their best so the image of the university will be lifted other than taking a nose dive.

Their last in Cape Coast

Time to go….

The 15

The Last Night in Cape Coast

The black and white pair stepped down from a rather rickety “trotro” (a lowcost commercial vehicle in Ghana). Their steps alone was ample evidence of the stressful day. They seem to love it though. After greeting me with a warm hug, they greeted the old lady of the house. “Maadwo” (meaning good evening in the Akan language of Ghana).

These two are part of a 15 member team from the United States of America with the purpose of joining the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students (GHAFES) for SICE (Student in Church Evangelism) in the Nkwanta district of the Volta Region of Ghana. After a successful week stay in Kwame Nkrumah Hall, they embarked on a home stay with christian families on the University of Cape Coast campus. Kasey “Yaa” Alwood and Jonelissa were assigned to I East Hill Top, the residence of Dr. Peter K. Kwapong and family.

The mother of the house, Mrs. Lydia Kwapong, had to rush for a praise and worship meeting as she is committed leader of the team. She subsequently missed dinner. Daddy was however there to take up his position for the very insightful dinnner, which revealed great lessons through the sharing of experience especially on the part of our foreign friends.

Notable among the many insights was their peculiar challenges here in Ghana. Kasey was quick to point out the “food issue” explaining she loves to eat frequently in bits, but was compelled to take the whole bulk at a time back in the Sasakawa restaurant as they were encouraged to do so. Touching on the outreach programme organized at the University Interdenominational Church (UIC), Jonelissa compared it to the Jehovah witnesses in the state, stating emphatically it was quite weird in their setting.

Kasey loved the newly born bunnies and held them warmly throughout the evening. She actually planned spending the night with her newly discovered friends.

They saw me off the junction amidst hugs and little pleasantries. Indeed how beautiful it is to dwell in the creator’s love.

When all apears meaningless…

Time has unsuspectingly been flying consistently very similar to Ghana June’s unabatting torrential rainfall. It wasn’t until I took one of my long reflective walks along the University of Cape Coast’s brightly-lit main road towards the science faculty that I discovered my long-term plans were not going as ordered.

A lot has happened since I started my National Service (also coined National Suffering by a host of notorious Ghanaians). A good number of activities have certainly been done with relish: My impact with the kids and youth of the University Interdenominational Church, by God’s grace, has been awesome; remedial students, especially those resident at Kwame Nkrumah Hall, have received great guidelines and inspiration from Charles; My moves in GHAFES have equally been so fruitful; my service at the computer science department and computer center has yielded great gains; who knows what else…

The one question that had ripple effects throughout that week was the question from my boss: “What are your plans after service?”. It compelled me to think through my career path for a long while. I soon developed proactive ways of clarifying my priorities, needless to say that was short-lived. Resorting to my natural style of life seem to give me great fulfillment. It also seem to align me to great opportunities. Two will do for now.

It is typical of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) to train student missionaries. Part of this big group is the Ghana Fellowshiop of Evangelical Students (GHAFES). On hearing that a 15 member team from the United States of America has arrived in Kwame Nkrumah, I had no other choice than to contribute my time and resources to ensuring that they had the best of times. My personal interaction gave me a deep insight into several areas of lifes. The many radiant smiles which travelled across their rather smooth faces was really refreshing to me. Guiding them to the Elmina and Cape Coast castles was really emotional on their part, especially the Afro-americans. Analyzing and interpreting the various instances in a godly manner revealed a great deal of truths and assurances. With about two days more to join their counterparts else where for the village outreach (missions), there is no  two ways describing this period as a great blessing.

Seeing Prof Turkson at the computer center of the University of Cape Coast was certainly inspiring. He is one of the many members of UIC who challenge me continuously with his academic life. My task was to help him troubleshoot a problem he had with his anti-virus. Though my task was accomplished, the experience he shared and a suggestion to consider Central University College as part of career development and fulfillment of personal vision.

Don’t you believe it’s a beautiful thing to plan? I certainly support it. However when frustrations pop up here and there and life seem meaningless our mindset and style of living can always bring great relief to the heart. This I think is the creator’s natural gift to them who he created.

When all seems meaningless, always remember the “little” things in life possess priceless packages.

… And the Day Died !!!

To discover it’s two minutes past 23 hours GMT is horrifying. Honestly speaking I confess I’ve turned nocturnal, but this particular time lapses are horrifying !! I think I almost lost control of time.

On the positive side, I had accomplish somethings. To God be the glory, the project work assigned to be supervised was successfully completed today. A sample of the printed work was submitted today by Raymond. It was challenging on my part as time was very limited. The lack of collaboration on the part of the entire project team I believe costed them so much.

The first part of the computer literacy programme wrapped up today. Having taken the class through Introduction to Computers and MS Word, it’s assumed they’ve built a strong foundation for the other applications.

What about the weekend? Prince weds Dzigbordi !! It was great to be in Kumasi to witness this great occassion. I missed Eric, who was busy behind the keyboard all throughout the occassion.

The desire to encourage brethren in the bus was welcome by many. This, however, did not spare me the agony to think of my being with Adwoa when the bus was ready. Believers ought to be cautious about thoughts of others.

Siesta at Adoration Hostel was great !! Woke up back to Science for downloads.

KK may come later….

Science Remedial Programme in full swing.

Miss you from Adwoa.

Plenty stuff in store.