Ghana

Accra, Nkwanta, and Cape Coast

On March 1, 2024, a group of professors and students from Dallas Theological Seminary and I embarked on a journey that would forever change our lives. Our destination was Ghana, where we would teach at a Pastoral Leadership Conference hosted by World Venture missionaries. It was my first time in West Africa, and my excitement was palpable. If you know me, you know how much I love traveling abroad. The journey was long and tiring but filled with anticipation. We flew nine hours to Amsterdam, where a six-hour layover turned into eight, but our spirits remained high as we eagerly awaited the next leg of our trip. Another six-hour flight brought us to Accra, Ghana.

Arriving in Accra in the evening, we settled into a beautiful apartment hotel, resting briefly before our early morning departure for Nkwanta. The drive was long and bumpy, but the scenic beauty of Ghana’s countryside was mesmerizing. I managed to sleep most of the way, waking up occasionally for restroom breaks and refreshing coconut stops. Upon reaching Nkwanta, we were immediately advised to unload our luggage due to a town curfew. A tribal war had erupted recently, causing tension, but we felt secure knowing the captain of the police force was staying in our hotel.

The next morning, we ventured into the bustling local market, where the vibrant array of goods and the lively atmosphere left a lasting impression. The heat was intense, much different from the heat back in Texas. After our market visit, we headed to the mission compound where we would begin our teaching. Hearing the mission directors' story of how they acquired the land was nothing short of miraculous.

Over the next three days, we had the privilege of teaching local pastors. I focused on the Foundations of Women in Ministry Leadership and Leadership Development. Despite the planned sessions, many were cut short due to the curfew. While teaching, I noticed a recurring concern among the women about the false ideology that they could not be ministry leaders. Their stories were heart-wrenching. One woman shared that a pastor had told her she couldn't pray for a man because she was a woman. Another was accused of operating with the "marine spirit" due to the engagement of her women's group. Two young women were troubled by the insistence that they must keep their heads covered.

Initially, my session on women in ministry leadership was attended only by women. By the second day, a few men joined, but it was clear the women felt less comfortable speaking. I took this opportunity to hear from the men and provide scriptural insights to dispel any misconceptions. Surprisingly, many men were supportive of women in ministry leadership, acknowledging that cultural norms often hindered women's opportunities to lead. They admitted that some women were more equipped to lead than some men, even in their ministry schools. One pastor expressed concern that if his wife became a ministry leader, she might neglect her home duties. I reminded them that any church leader must first manage their home well. Our discussions were engaging and enlightening, with many leaders leaving more supportive of women in ministry leadership. One pastor struggled with the idea of women not wearing head coverings, but we were able to discuss key scriptures often misinterpreted to justify this belief.

The other sessions were equally enriching. Many pastors realized they needed to learn more about pastoral counseling, highlighting a gap in their ministry school education. This hunger for knowledge was inspiring and reinforced my commitment to developing leaders globally.

After our teaching days, we toured Nkwanta and met the chief who had donated the land for the mission compound. He was kind and carried himself with the dignity of a king, earning respect from everyone around him. Our journey back to Accra was another evening arrival, and we were all eager for a meal and rest.

The following morning, we traveled to Cape Coast to visit Kakum National Park and Elmina Castle. Kakum National Park's infamous Canopy Walkway was a thrilling challenge, pushing me to conquer any dormant fear of heights. After our workout, we had a meal and proceeded to Elmina Castle, a sobering site where slaves were once held, murdered, and shipped away from their homeland. It was a haunting reminder of a dark history.

Returning to Accra, we visited the market once more. Our last day was filled with activities: attending church, enjoying a good meal, reconnecting with influential pastors from my past, and ending our day at the beach—a perfect conclusion to our trip. That evening, we bid farewell to Ghana and headed home. Our flight home included a short layover in Paris, where I marveled at the amazing airport.

My time in Ghana was transformative. The culture felt like home, reminiscent of my Naija roots. This trip deepened my desire to serve the nations, reaffirming that God's presence is everywhere and there are many people eager for His word. I look forward to returning to serve again, filled with a renewed passion and purpose.