Leaving Ghana

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of our mission trip in Ghana! The three weeks here have gone quickly.

We had our last meeting with GHAFES today, and walked them through steps for strategic planning. At the end of the meeting they said that they are feeling more confident about being able to work through the process, and this made us really happy. We have agreed to play an advisory role through the remainder of the year to help them complete their strategic plan. We’ll maintain communication with them via email and Skype as needed. Tomorrow we are meeting with Femi Adeleye, the Associate General Secretary of IFES, to present the results of our work. We prepared recommendations on how IFES can roll out similar training modules in communications, fundraising, and strategic planning to other national movements around the world. We’ll also share our recommendations on building an internal IFES website for national movements to share best practices, and a couple other projects.

Our experience in Ghana has been amazing! A few people have asked us whether we have been impacted more or made more of an impact by this trip. While we pray that we have made a lasting impact through our work with GHAFES, this experience has enabled us to learn about a new culture, meet new friends, strengthen our marriage, reflect and deepen our faith, and use our skills to help a non-profit Christian organization. There is no doubt that this trip has changed us forever!

We will always remember the outstanding hospitality that everyone here has shown us. We really hope that they will visit us so we can repay the favor one day.

While praying the other day, God put “7-7-7” in Loralynne’s mind. She looked in the Bible for the 7th book, chapter and verse, and found the following:

“I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” (1 Corinthians 7:7)

We feel that this verse has helped solidify the purpose of our trip. While God called us to serve

in Africa, we realize that it is not for everyone. However, God gives everyone their own gifts and each person has to decipher these gifts and how to use them. As we return to Chicago, we will continue praying that God will guide and show us how to continue our mission work.

We are eager to return to Chicago and tell our friends, family, church members, and Kellogg colleagues about this experience. We will continue updating the blog as we give these presentations and make decisions about future mission projects.

Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement throughout this process. Please pray that the GHAFES team is successful with their strategic planning, that we have safe travels back home, and that God guides us with ongoing mission work.