"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how
can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how
can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rom 11:14)
 
 
"The sights, the sounds, the smells of Christmas.  We all know them: cooler nights, refreshing winds, the Harmattan obscuring the sun; drums beating an invigorating rhythm through the night; voices hoarse from singing; guinea corn porridge, peppered rice, spicy goat or pork or guinea fowl with soup." 

These are the words of Rev. Carl and Debbie Rockrohr, missinaries in Ghana, West Africa.  They have served in Ghana, along with their three young children, since 1992. 

Their words describe a life that we, as Americans, don't know.  Most of us don't have a clue what guinea corn porridge tastes like, much less spicy goat or peppered rice. 

We do, however, share at least one thing with the people of Ghana: a love for the Lord who takes of us all, no matter where in the world we celebrate Christmas.

The mission challenges

  • Ghana has many rapidly growing urban areas; we must work to meet the needs for ministry there.
  • During the Liberian civil war, thousands of refugees fled to Ghana.  We must finda a way to minister to these many displaced people.
  • We must train ELCG evangelists through a Theological Education by Extension program and to "equip the saints" of the ELCG for maturity as a self-supporting, self-propagating and self-governing church.
  • Many of the Ghanians, both Christian and non-Christian, are a quiet, friendly people.  Many of the villages--full of unreached people--have asked that the Gospel be preached to them.  Our challenge is to meet these requests.
 

The LCMS ministry in Ghana

  • LCMS missionaries began work in Ghana in 1961.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) became a partner church 10 years later.  In this country of 20 million people, about 30 percent profess Christianity.  About 20,000 are members of the ELCG.
  • The ELCG reaches out to the tribal homelands, rural settlers and urban migrants in six of Ghana's 10 administrative regions.  The church also reaches about 2,000 children by sponsoring child care/primary school through three congregations.
  • The church also provides social programs, including agricultural stations at Bunkpurugu and Nasuan; an ambulance service in the Konkomba area; and a development center in the Nasuan area.

You can . . .

  • Pray that our missionaries who are serving in Ghana are kept safe and are encouraged to keep at their work of reaching many more people for the Lord.  Also keep the missionary children in your prayers--the children must either be sent away to school or home schooled.
  • Personally encourage our missionary families in Ghana--both financially and by letting them know you care and pray for them through letters and cards.
  • Ask your congregation to help support a particular missionary through the LCMS World Mission Together In Mission Program.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1650.
  • Contribute directly to a particular mission project or missionary in Ghana.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1692.
 

I want to know more!

  1. For more information about mission educational material, including videos, Bible studies, displays, children's resources, call 1-800-433-3954, Ext. 1318
  2. Find out how you can become a Misson Sower.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1660.
  3. Find out how your congregation can support a missionary in Ghana through the Together in Mission Program.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1650.
  4. Find out more about mission projects in Ghana.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1692.
  5. Ask for the free quarterly "Harvest" newsletter.  Call 1-800-325-7912, Ext. 1692.
  6. Send your financial gift for project #90301 (Mission and Ministry in Ghana) to 
    7. LCMS World Misson
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
  7. Send your financial gift to support LCMS World Mission in general to the above address.
Source Publication: S12747, Board For Misson Services