KIDS!!!!!!!!!!

Six months ago I would have never imagined going to Africa, and here I am sitting in the living room at our mission house blogging.  Coming to Africa has changed my life!  I have realized how blessed I truly am.  These children have a very little amount of belongings, yet they smile more than any child I have ever met.  The amount of love in their hearts for anyone who has come into their lives is amazing.  All they want to do is shake your hand or high five or sing songs with you and that is all it takes for them to be happy.  Today for church we split up into two groups and each group went to one of the villages that we were at this week.  I chose to go to the first village because that is where I connected with the kids the most.  As we were leaving I felt very sad, I had built relationships with children that I will probably never see again.  Then I remember the other night at the crusade there was a very large group of children that gave their hearts to Jesus, and no matter if I don't come back to Africa ever again, I pray I will see everyone of those children in heaven one day.

We have had some serious times here, but most of the time we have been laughing.  Just about anytime Austin and Jim are in the same room.  We all knew if Austin came it would be a good time, but Jim, oh buddy the stuff he says and does is hilarious. Chris and Rachel have also had their share of funny moments.  There are plenty of funny quotes from this week and Austin has already put those on his post, so you can look there. 

 When we would be at the school the children would gather around us, not just a couple kids but sometimes over fifty.  Even though it was ninety degrees and I couldn't even move because we were packed all together so tight, every drop of sweat and inch of sunburn was worth it because of these kids and how they just wanted to be around us. I thank God I was able to come on this trip.  Thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible for me.

                                                                                               Love,
                                                                                                   Lindsey

Ghana Ghana how I will miss you!!

The trip is coming to an end.  Today I was able to preach at the first village that we had served in.  I was really hoping to find the boy that came to Christ and I did.  The experience this morning was really amazing.  We had a man come to Christ and we also prayed over a lady for healing.  This trip has been such a blessing.  For those of you that don’t know I almost didn’t go because of my Mom’s recent diagnoses with cancer.  But God kept pushing me to go and I am so glad I did.  There have been so many things that God has revealed to me this week.  I would love to share those all with you but there is not enough room on this blog.

Have you ever been asked to pray for someone not evening knowing who it was?  Well at youth group one of students had asked us to pray for a man named Phillip from Ghana.  I never thought anything of it until God gave me the opportunity to meet that man and hear his testimony.  God miraculously healed him from a disease he should have died from.  Our God is still doing miracles and this clearly reminded me of it.

 I just pray that as each of us returns home we can share our stories but most of all when souls for Christ back in the U.S. Because we were only here for 12 days and that leaves 353 days to win souls to Christ this year. 

I want to leave you with a few more random facts that I have learned in Ghana!

1.  Running is not something that Joseph likes to do.

2.  Fu Fu is actually a meal in Ghana and Pizza is always served with rice balls.

3.  It is finished is a very common phrase in Ghana which means you only get half of your change back.

4.  Telling people you are crazy in Ghana is an insult, wish I would have learned that the first day instead of the last.

5.  They sell 5 hour energy in the U.S. and in Ghana.

6.  The word/name Pinballnaeshay may not be real but it may someday surpass Gandhi.

Obedience

Some people have a burning desire to come to Ghana. Or some want to come for a specific purpose like playing with the kids and teaching them about God. I had no idea why I came on this trip. The last thing on my mind was going clear across the world. The thought of being on a plane terrified me, and the idea of a bunch of "strange" people wanting to talk to me and touch me was horrifying. But God said "GO!" God did more than just say Go, though. God carefully orchestrated our entire trip. First he told me to go. Then he told me that I was going to win the GIC scholarship. When my name was pulled out of the hat as the winner, I was not surprised or thrilled. But there is that little story of Jonah and the whale. I knew if I did not go, a whale would somehow find me in Lafayette, IN. That is not to say that God would have punished me for not going, but that He had something to teach me that I wasn't learning. It was an immediate decision for Rick and JoEllen to also go because we do almost all things as a family. I had no worries about the financial piece. I knew that if God wanted me to go, he would provide the way. The money arrived in God's timing and in God's way. As I prepared for this trip, I spent much time in prayer and fasting in order to release my fears. Faith and fear are not compatible. God does not give us a spirit of fear, nor does he want us to worry. He wants us to be able to say "I trust you, Jesus" in every situation.

I helped out in the medical clinic for the 3 days at the first village, and then I did what I could to help with building the church at the second villiage. I was certainly brought out of my comfort zone with children sitting on my lap. This trip has been a good experience for our family. Rick has grown so much. JoEllen now has a global perspective. I believe I have learned what I came here to learn which is this: God wanted to show me that in my submission of following him to Africa, He will use me in Lafayette.Because I have trusted Him in such an overwhelming huge step, it will be easier to trust Him in the daily steps. As my devotional said yesterday, the future is a secret, and it is God's secret. He will provide only what He wants us to know. God has great things in store for the Doyle family. He worked mighty works in Rick and my life individually, and He has not stopped working on us since He brought us together. It's kind of scary knowing that something greater is around the corner for us, but "I trust you, Jesus."  -MarJo

One thing I would like to say to those undecided about a mission trip. My greatest fear was that JoEllen would starve because she is so picky. But judging from how many times she has sat on my lap, I think she has grown taller and gained weight since we have been here. She loves Ghanaian ice cream. I have not been afraid for her safety. I am very glad we included her in this trip. We would have regretted it if we had left her at home. This has been the experience of a life time for her.

Stretching

I came to Ghana in hope of being stretched by God. I wanted to learn to be able to share my faith with others and reach out to people that are hurting. Today I had the opportunity to give a piece of my testimony with the help of Joseph as translator. God was able to help me speak the words to a different people group, and I lived through it. I have a feeling it was a message that they needed to hear. When I come back to America, I hope to maintain this boldness. I feel that I have grown closer to people on the team. Hopefully I have lost a little bit of my introvert-ness. This has been an incredible trip. The weather is great. I have not met a bad person here. Everyone is nice and friendly even with the language barrier. I walked down the street near the mission house and was able to say hello to people. That got a smile and a greeting back. I helped in the medical clinic for the first village and then with building the church in the second village. I also had time to play with the kids in both villages some. It is time for supper now. The food has been wonderful. They feed us way too much. Thank you for supporting us on this trip. Why didn't I do this earlier?  -Rick

Another Day

Today is a day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in him.  We will be heading off to worship at the to villiages we were with all week.  God as been so good.  Today I pray that we can remember what he has done in these short days a allow him to work through us the other 350 while we are in the states.


I have one more little story for you today!

1.  Understanding a lauguange that sounds like Chinese is very difficult.  When you are talking to a child and telling them that "you do not understand" and they just say yes, it is hard to communicatte.  But it makes more since when the child next to them says "She is telling you she doesn't understand."

Here is also a little video I made for my wife I think you will also enjoy it, these children are amazing!

Have a great day at church.

Austin aka Hey Austin!!!

Children and a comfortable spot

We were at Siribuoso in the evening for the crusade. The children are always excited when we pull up in the vans. And sometimes you'll find a couple kids that just really attach themselves to you. There's few things that warm your heart more than a little child from one of these villages climbing up in your lap and falling asleep during a message. God bless these children.  -Renee

We are still in Africa!!!

Hello from Ghana! It is “Verrry Goood” here (this is what Joseph would say)!

Well, it has been a few days since I have posted anything and a lot has happened!  We finished up at the first village.  The last night we had a crusade and showed the Passion of the Christ.  I was able to preach and the Holy Spirit was moving because I have no idea what I even said, but people responded!  One boy that responded had been my little buddy, and as I looked down he was standing at my feet with tears falling down his eyes.  His face was the most sincere that I have ever seen on anybody praying, and his eyes were closed with his hands raised up to God. I will never forget it!

I have learned a few more random facts in Ghana that I would like to share:

1.       If you say “I feel good” all of the children will start singing the song.

2.       The most common pain in Africa is waist pain.

3.       The difference between 2 schools is their love for the students and Obama.  The first school asked us what we would like to do for the children. The second school said, “What message do you have for us from Obama?”

4.       In some places, you could get a spanking instead of a speeding ticket.

5.       Driving in Ghana is never safe. 1 beep is a warning, 2 beeps means move, 3 means I am going to hit you, and 4 means you have been hit.

6.       The most popular question I have been asked is “What is your mother’s name?”

7.       Pinballnaeshay is still not a word, but people in Ghana are so nice that they do not let you know you are wrong.

I miss you guys! Keep praying that God will continue to grow the churches that He planted and use everything we have done for His Glory!

Austin aka Mi Dinde Austin

Shops

Today we went to the cultural center and bought some stuff, including 3 twi learning books for learners (it is called Basic Twi for learners), maybe 2 giraffes, a drum, and a whole bunch of other things. Then it started raining and we all got drenched. It was a sad yet happy day at the same time. :)   -Jo Doyle

900 patients treated!

We had a great week in the medical clinics. We treated about 900 patient this week. We had amazing efficiency and communication between the registration staff, people checking vitals, triage area, physicians, nurses and pharmacy staff. Because of this, we were able to see more paitents then expected and to see them in a timely manner. There were some times when we ran short on needed medicines. Fortunately, we were able to find ways to get them or use other adequate alternatives to provide quality health care to all. I was able to talk with many of the patients before, during and after their time in the clinic. I am very happy to report that they felt they received much needed medical care and that they understood our mission -- to bring the love of Jesus to them through health care. I want to thank all of you that support DUMC and our missions for making that possible! You are all a huge part of this trip!  -Chris

Frisbees and kids.

Remember how I always said I wanted to play frisbee with a few kids in Africa? Well, I did. And remember how I always said I would love to pray over a group of children that just gave their lives to Christ during a crusade?.... Well....that one was an awesome surprise. But I was asked to pray for these kids by one of the local pastors. And do you know how hard it is to do that while you're emotionally choked up?
God is good anywhere you go. Amen
Renee

Caught in an Avalanche of Ministry

This team has been busy! It kind of feels like riding an avalanche. We are not in control, but are being swept along in the Lord's work, in a good kind of way. We experienced a couple of very long days in the villages.

Wednesday, we were working in Anwiafutu. Our plan was to go in by noon and then remain there working until evening. After a granola bar or something, we went as we were to the center of town where we sat up equipment for a crusade. Joseph started with a Gaither video that was kind of a nice break for the team because it was in English. When darkness fell, Joseph showed The Passion of the Christ. Pastor Austin got up and presented the Gospel making reference to the events in the movie. Many people including a multitude of the children responded with first time commitments. As always, the local church people were there to counsel them and get their names for follow up. It was a very long and exhausting day for the team. We weren't even able to remain awake for reflection and devotion time at the end of the day. We simply needed a slice of bread, a mug of Milo and some rest.

Yesterday, was another taxing day. Ministry was more difficult for everyone. For one thing, the cloud cover that we enjoyed the first three days in the village was gone. The sun blazed and the temperatures rose into the 90s. Several people now have skin that is more red than we would like to see. It was also much more difficult to keep going in our different ministry area. The doctors were only saved by the presence of ceiling fans in the clinics. But they reported good results. They were, however, quite concerned about the condition of two babies that came into the clinic, it would  be a good idea for you guys to pray for them specifically.

The "kid" people had a good but more challenging day with the children of Serebuoso. Some prayer for these kids, particularly the older ones would be helpful.

The pavilion is coming along nicely. It was great to see Yebuoa and his men. I think the men will complete the roof before Sunday morning worship. Men are now working high in the air on narrow lumber. They also need prayers for safety and wisdom.

We had a crusade in the evening. Pastor Jim presented the Gospel and may people received new life. There was a good praise band from a nearby Methodist church. There was music and dancing and celebration.

We took some time to reflect last evening with the team.  This morning Isaac Brown has expressed his willingness to explain to the team some of the things that we saw happening that are strange to our eyes. I hope that we get that chance. After all the "rock slide" may start up again really soon. Morning is here. I need to go get showered and ready for another day. Please keep praying, and don't forget that part about cloudy skies but no rain.... and that part about the downpour of the Lord's Spirit on everyone. --Sue

Jesus always made time for the children. Could we do any less?

Glenn and Austin getting to know the children of Anwiafutu.  It's precious time we won't soon forget.

Time for the children

Rick and MarJo took a little time away from the medical clinic to spend with the village children.

Bringing the message of salvation!

Pastor Jim using simple language and concepts to convey the love of Christ and the grace of God to the villagers as they wait to see a doctor.  Again, many new names were written in the book of Life today!  -and all because some said "I will go" while others said "I can help".

Quiet sharing too

It isn't all high energy and big events.  Sometimes it is building relationships one or two at a time.

Great Day at the Medical Clinic

We had a great day today! The medical clinic treated 216 patients today (and that doesn't include Pastor Jim! He is now wearing a splint on his left wrist). You should have seen the "waiting room". It was hot and very hard work, but I know God's work was done. He has helped the team to be amazingly effecient and I believe lives have been changed. We ran out of some medicines and are short on several others. We will reload on these tomorrow. We are seeing lots of patients with malaria and I even treated a boy today with Schistosomiasis (swimming in African rivers and urinating blood is always bad!). We don't see that too often in Lafayette!
Well, it's after 11:30 pm and even laughing at Pastor Austin saying funny "pick up" phrases in Twi (on his ipod app) aren't keeping me awake. He and Pastor Jim have been 24/7 entertainment.

God bless,
Chris

oh goats!

Goats, goats, goats. I think I am obsessed with goats, mostly the ones with the tiny heads. Everywhere you turn: BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
                                                    -JoEllen Doyle

Hey Dexter!

Honey, I got a question for you. Thirty years ago, did you think I would be in Africa on a mission trip?....
God did.   Love you,  Renee

Greetings from Ghana

It is hard to believe that we are here. I believe we all are adjusted to Ghana time now. We are 5 hours ahead of you in America. We had our first full day today in the village of Anwiafutu. Speaking on the behalf of the team we had a very successful and rewarding day with all that we did today. The Lord guided us and taught us to be flexable with our activities, but we all saw the Lord workin a powerful way. Thanks for praying for us.
Many specifics will come later. I am tired so I am signing off to get my beauty rest.  Ah.

Love you all,

Pinballnaeshay

Pastor Jim (Read other blogs about how I got this name.)

We are in Africa! For real!

So today we went into the villages and spent time with the children.  It was an amazing experience where God used us even though we couldn't even understand half of what they said.

 I would like to share 4 things that I have learned thus far in Ghana:

1. The Chicken Dance works even if you don't understand the language.
2. No matter what certain people say pinballnaeshay is not a word or a name but, we will still let them think that it is!
3. The word comfort is a name in Ghana, the incorrect response would be "yes I am very hot and uncomfortable."
4. If I could discipline the youth group the way they do in schools in Ghana (beat them with a stick) the students would listen - and I would lose my job!

We miss you guys and keep praying for what God is doing.
Austin

Time with children

Today was our first day sharing with the school kids, and boy were there a bunch. We spent a few minutes sharing with the schoolmaster about our reason for being there with them, and what we would share with them. One thing is a story that pastor Jim gave with his wordless book about JESUS and HIS love for them and us. Then it was out to the field to play football the GHANA way, and oh boy stand back because they went at it. Well, after a hour just watching them, we got tired with 320 other kids just standing and looking at us.  It was time to do something else. So we (Austin, Renee, Lindsey, and Tommy) took them up under a big tree and started playing games, and taking pictures, and playing more games. We finishing out the time asking them to come Wednesday night for the movie of the Passion. We"ll share more later, and oh yes it is hot, very hot. Your friend in CHRIST -Tommy

First day in the village

Today was a great first day in the village. Going into it, we didn't know how things were going to work out, but it was obvious God had a plan! The medical clinic ran smoothly and over 100 people were seen in about 4 hours. Everyone was teamed up with a Ghanaian to work with, so we were blessed with getting to know people who work in the area.

Pastor Austin found a way to connect with the children; more on that later.......(when was the last time you played Red Rover?)

Pastor Jim has managed to recreate the World Cup in the "road" outside of the mission house!

We miss everyone at home!
Rachel

Email and blogging on Saturday

Today was a day of preparation for the busy week ahead.  Here Pastor Jim is using a computer to keep in touch.  After a minor mishap while texting with a cell phone, we may have to limit him to just computers!  

Medical Clinic Preparation

Counting out meds for perscriptions in the mission house.  Thousands of little pills!

You know you're in Ghana when...

The team at departure

Just now thought to post this one...  -Glenn



Arrived!

Well, we arrived in Ghana, nearly on schedule.  Everyone survived the trip and customs.  The in-country flight up to Kumasi was also fine, except the plane would have been overloaded with our large group and all of our extra bags.  The choice was to leave over half of our luggage in Accra to catch up with us on Saturday.  A few of us are "camping" tonight without our things.  Oh well, welcome to Africa!  It was great to see Joseph, Stella and everyone else.  We're all very tired and folks are dropping like flies so it's off to bed.  We'll probably be up and posting tomorrow before most of you are awake in the morning anyway.  -Glenn

Almost ready to go!

We're down to the wire with final preparations for our 2011 return to Ghana, West Africa.  The team meets one last time Monday night to ensure all is ready.  Then, beginning on February 18, we should be able to start posting pictures and commentary about our experiences during the mission.  Please stop back often, as we plan to post every day we can get internet access.  Better yet, scroll down toward the bottom on the left and become a follower.  Then you will get email notifications of postings as they happen.  Enjoy all the great reading!  Post your own comments if you like.  We'd love to hear back from you.  Blessings, -Glenn