From the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Guinea

Hotel Makavo Aflao, Ghana

We had been awake and traveling since 4:00am. We flew from Madrid to London and from London to Accra, Ghana. Our dear friends the Heywoods (better known as the Brits) who were our hosts in London on our previous visit meet us at Heathrow airport and brought two suitcases of witnessing materials that had been shipped from home. We had a short visit with them. It was fun to visit with friends again.

Michael
On our flight from London to Ghana, one of the flight attendants recognized us from an earlier flight. His name was Michael and I was so touched that he would remember us. Michael is from Scotland and he questioned why we were going to Ghana. I shared that we are on mission and offered a website bracelet, which he happily took. I asked if he knew Jesus. Michael’s response is one I have heard over and over throughout my life. He was raised in the church but as an adult he has gone in a different direction. I immediately got a sense that he felt condemned. I also immediately felt the love the Lord has for Michael that he doesn’t yet know.

I shudder to think about those who lead churches than run people away from God. God holds those in authority responsible for those He has entrusted to them. God so desires for each of us to know Him more intimately and He delights in sharing His love with us. He aches for Michael to accept His love for him. God aches for all of us to open our hearts to Him and everything that happens is God trying to get us to turn to Him and seek His face.

“…nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,…” Hosea 2:14

I don’t remember exactly what I said to Michael, but I tried to encourage him to be open to God again. We didn’t get to talk long because he was busy doing his work on the plane. I sat and prayed for Michael. After we left the plane, Michael twice walked past us and spoke. I was blessed by him and his genuine kindness towards us. Please pray for Michael to be touched and healed by God. Pray that he will open his heart to the awesome love of God.

Our flight arrived around 8:00pm. Within minutes of arriving I knew we would like Ghana. There is great warmth that exudes from the people here. After passing through customs, we were met by our host, Rev. Wisdom Shelter Ameku. Rev. Wisdom, Moses (a youth leader of one of the churches in the region) and Toalla (our driver) loaded up our luggage and we headed to Aflao. The drive was about 4 hours.

The boys fell asleep on the way, but I was able to learn a little about Ghana.