Ghana Retreat

Last week, we trekked across the continent to West Africa to join our fellow LCMS World Mission colleagues and workers from Lutheran Bible Translators for a conference and retreat in Ghana. After an eventful trip there getting with the Trumps filling the last seats on the flight right before take off, we finally made it to steamy Accra, Ghana and met up with some other World Mission folks. The night we arrived, we were fortunate enough to be invited to the home of some fellow Americans working at the Embassy in Ghana where they had American goodies like root beer, cheetos, and jello! We were in heaven. The next day we headed to our retreat center in Elmina, Ghana on the Gold Coast to begin our conference.

Tim by a cannon at the Slave Castle in Elmina

The conference was facilitated by a group of 5 people from Trenton, Michigan and was a great time to come together and fellowship and worship with other missionaries. We were incredibly inspired by all the other people there, some who had been serving in Africa (in Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria, South Africa, etc.) over 30 years! During the conference we got a chance to come together as a team to get updates from the head office, hear about each other's work, do strategic planning, and film some video clips.  We also relaxed by the pool, played ping pong, and had time to fellowship. Many people were just thankful to have the treat of hot water and electricity.

Megan and Cindy eating some Ghanaian
street food of fried plantains

Some of us also visited the Elmina Slave Castle near our retreat center. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1482 and then taken over by the Dutch, it was a trading post that predominantly housed slaves waiting to be shipped to the Americas and Europe. It was a very sobering experience but one that encompasses Africa's history and stands as a reminder to fight for freedom.

We are so thankful we were able to share this week with our fellow friends here in Africa and those who facilitated the conference. Please keep all them and their work in prayer. 

A group discussing during 

a Bible study time

Bishop Fin of Ghana and wife receiving
gifts from our retreat facilitators