Africa Mission Trip 2016

It has been nearly 2 years since I made my first trip to Tegbi, Ghana in west Africa.  The invitation for this trip has unfolded in as unexpected a way as the last time.  Since leaving Ghana the first time, I have pined for my sisters and brothers there and looked forward to returning.  Over the last month, I have dreamed often of being back in their midst in various capacities.  My heart has ached to hug them and share our stories again.  Imagine my surprise and delight to find that I have been invited again! 

Here is some information to help connect what Father's House is all about.
Father's House Website
Father's House Facebook page

In case you don't have time now to look at the resources above, in general, Father's House is a home for boys who have been rescued out of slavery from fishing communities on Lake Volta. The Father's House mission is to raise these kids as sons who will grow up to be fathers in their nation, and to the nations. The Father's House helps get these boys, most of whom have never been to school, into the best schools and provides tutors for them. The Father's house has also dug wells, bought school uniforms, taken in sick and dying children, and much more! Father’s House has always been meant to be an apostolic base, a place of fathering, equipping, sending, but always, always home for the boys.

This trip will take place July 15- August 3, 2016.  It will include Tegbi, Ghana at Father's House the first week.  The second week will be spent in Kilgoris, Kenya at Windows of Hope and Hope Academy.  The last few days of the trip will be spent with an amazing, young, American, powerhouse woman who is spending the summer in Bath, England in scientific research.

Here is some more information about Windows of Hope:
Hope Academy Website
The website is in Norwegian but you can translate it here.
Windows of Hope was founded by Tollef and Maggie Gjedrem of Norway and is an aid project in Kilgoris, Kenya focusing on sponsored children, health and education. Windows of Hope operates two schools, one clinic and a buddy system with over 250 children. Hope Academy is one of the two schools that we will be visiting. They have land in Kilgoris, Kenya, and on it they have built a school, a dormitory, a small med dispensary, a bread baking facility, and a poultry house. Maggie had been praying for a more supernatural aspect to their ministry. They minister to the people of Kilgoris, most of whom are Masai . Many are still very traditional, many are construction workers, teachers, etc.

Windows of Hope video (including footage from Hope Academy)

In every place I tread, I plan to shower people with Abba's extravagant love as He has so freely overwhelmed and blanketed me.  One of my greatest joys is getting to be a Mom.   Abba has so easily allowed me to use this joy to lavish others.  The memories that I have of my previous trip to Ghana are full of Mom moments:
-  doves waking me in time to see the boys of Father's House off to school and not letting one get away without a hug
-  walks on the beach with sisters who needed a Mom to talk to and cry with
- holding babies and children, dancing, singing, drawing, and playing
-  prayers of intercession for God-sized problems knowing that He was able to solve issues of hunger that break a Mom's heart
-  training Tae Kwon Do with the boys to call out the warrior within
-  healing what hurts, feeding rumbling tummies
-  visiting a house similar to Father's House but in Akatsi, Ghana that rescued girls from Lake Volta
-  fellowship, companionship, and relationship with girls finding that they, too, are now Moms who felt lost and alone
The memories of what Abba did for me personally as well are so sweet.  I know that there will be even greater things this time as we move forward, accept the calling, and TRUST!
My partner on the trip and sister, Mya, and I at a baby dedication.  What an honor to have been included!!

Warrior training with lots of smiles included

The timing of embarking on this journey is very interesting as we are pursuing another open door in our adventure.  We were able to fund the last trip ourselves but this time we are totally beholden to our community to "send me, use me."  I am humbled and excited at the possibilities!
My brother, Jeremiah, leading the charge at Father's House and being the hands and feet of Jesus.