In all my many, miles of travel in Africa/Ghana, I have never been stranded. The Lord has faithfully taken care of me. Now Kirk on the other hand has had enough experience that he’s able to change just about any kind of tire in any kind of situation! He’s a man, in a man’s society. “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; …” Psalms 31:14. Once again the Lord has protected and provided for me. During the months of August and September I put a lot miles on my car. It had some quirky things happening to it at that time. The first time the engine cut off while I was in the middle of a left turn. No problem ... read more

Biblical understanding may be lacking in Africa but they have a better grip and understanding of where “life” comes from. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard an African “blame God” for sickness or accidents. Or even accuse Him of “allowing it to happen”. They have the very basic understanding that we live in a fallen world. Bad things happen and God’s not to blame. They function day to day in the realization that life is fragile. The church I attend on Sundays have 20-30 minutes of open microphone. The focus of this time is “Thanks”. Not just any thanks but giving thanks to God for a particular blessing or recent event. My mind and heart were touched today by two people in particular. Separately they led the congregation in a praise song thanking the Lord for ... read more

Following are some excerpts from the book, Honey I Dunked the Kids, by Phil Callaway. Children are more likely to follow your feet than your lips. You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving. --Amy Carmichael Of the seven deadly sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back - in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you. -- Frederick Bueckner - Ouch! That one hurts. Write injuries ... read more

No doubt, you are asking the same question; Is It Possible that tomorrow is really June 1st?! Time is passing. Looking at the date, I feel the crunch of time for the students that graduate from primary school in July (most of our 6th grade graduates are above 14yrs old). There’s still so much to do to prepare them for life outside of their protected village environment. Now so little time to do it in. I am so very encouraged concerning the students in the past 5 months. The added teachers (though part time) have been a tremendous help! The days they are with us a heap of pressure is lifted off of me, classes are quiet and moving forward in their education. Life is good. In 1989 left my job at the University of Michigan ... read more

A Trip to the Rainforest The rainforest: Protected, pristine, lush, full and cool in the heat of the day. It’s a very beautiful place abundant with provisions. It’s also a very dangerous place. A place where darkness begins to set in by 4pm. If you do not know it well, you should never enter alone. Robert, a 6th grade student, is the person I call on when a guide is needed! He knows the footpaths, as well as the dos and don’ts of the forest. He has the “hunter’s eye” and can spot a hunters trap or an animal in hiding. Sure the adult men probably know more but Robert is very people friendly and a tour guide at heart. As I walk through the forest I see green leaves and vines hanging, clinging and wrapping ... read more

Riverdance The Show. Ah! I love it! I never tire of watching it. The music draws you in. The dancing is captivating. I saw a live performance in Michigan a few years back. We have the show on VHS now and “rewind” is a fabulous VCR feature. Praise is just as captivated as I am by it and asks to watch it every chance he gets. He even enjoys the music and singing. Riverdance and Song of the South are his current favorites. The boy has good taste! We are all enjoying our holiday weeks. The lawn is mowed and Spring Cleaning is accomplished to a satisfactory point. There’s something about washing away all the dust of the last months/year. It just brings a freshness to the atmosphere. I’m waiting for our dog Daisy to deliver ... read more

I have three titles for this week’s blog entry. I can’t decide on which one to use. So I’ll use all three, one at a time. “It is finished” … The last words that Jesus spoke. As it is Easter Week it seems only right to begin with this title. My focus in using these words is slightly different. I am referring to the school building. It Is Finished! Completely built AND painted! It’s been a long slow process but it is done and it’s beautiful. The village people and students love it and are very proud of it. - By the way, did you know that Jesus prays for you? The bible tells us that He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. “Prayer” is simply talking to God. Jesus continually ... read more