Calling All Golfers!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 26th for the Fifth Annual Mission Resource Golf Classic in memory of Earl Ketchum.  All the funds raised from this year’s classic will go to support projects—ones that have been approved but have not received funding.  Our goal is to clear $20,000 for projects. Please consider being one of our event sponsors and/or putting together a foursome. We are confident everyone will have a great time while helping more people receive zero interest loans that help them succeed without the shackles of high interest.  If you would like to sponsor the event please visit our website for as list of sponsorship benefits.  For more information about this year's event or to register contact Abby at 812-314-2927 or abby@missionresource.org.  
 

Happiest People in the World

This morning on public radio I heard that the people of Australia are the happiest people in the world.  The people of Sweden were second with the Canadians third.  That reminded me that in 2007 when I was in Ghana, I read an article that stated the Ghanaian people were the 5^th happiest people in the world.  How can people in a developing country with enormous issues of clean water, poverty, lack of jobs and constant trials be so happy.  My conclusion is that they have family and friends constantly around them.  They certainly are not lonely and receive support from extended family, friends, and their churches.  Secondly, approximately 60% of the country is classified as Christian.  Consequently, they have God on their side.  Believe me, they are constantly involved with those around them.  Where we Americans are so task oriented and driven to get the objective accomplished, they are much more likely to be on their way to an appointment and see someone they have not seen for a while along the street.  They might spend considerable time with them catching up as a priority to getting to their appointment.  Time and objectives are not nearly as important in Ghana as are relationships. 

Blessings,

David Ketchum

The Late President Prof. John Evans Attah Mills

President Prof. John Evans Attah Mills

Below is a note from Enoch Nyador, Director of Ghana Christian Mission, on attending the funeral of the late President of Ghana last summer.  

"Attending the funeral of the late President of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Attah Mills meant a lot to me on many levels.  He was someone close to my wife's family long before he was elected as the President of our nation. The closest I got to him was when Lydia served him lunch at the residence of her brother, Dr. Bernard Glover at Akutukope after a church building dedication at which he spoke and I led a prayer.  We felt we lost a family member and in deed, shed a lot of tears for him.  On another level, his life was an integration of high Christian integrity with dedicated political service.  Prof. Mills was not ashamed to declare his faith and love for Jesus publicly and backed it with a high quality of dedicated leadership devoid of corruption and selfishness.  He was one politician who was not motivated by the love of money, power or personal aggrandizement.  He exemplified humble and passionate service to the population that elected him.  Finally, being at his funeral was to pay tribute to his love of unity of our nation.  He worked hard to breakdown tribal differences and encouraged all of us to love and accept one another as fellow citizens with a common destiny.  He frowned upon seeking personal or communal revenge.  He preached and practiced tolerance of opposing views and persons.  I pray God would give me half a heart as big and loving as that of my dear late President Prof. Mills."

Where Are All the People?

In January of 2012 Emmanuel Akorli was invited by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to come to Indiana to be a part of their program.  Mission Resource has been involved with their GLOBASE program and worked with them in Ghana in 2011 and 2012.  One of the most interesting comments Emmanuel made upon his visit to Indiana was “where are all the people?”   

In Ghana as you look out a window or drive down the street, you literally see thousands of people walking, talking, and going about their business.  Here you rarely see anyone.  We are either in our cars or in our homes or businesses.  No one is relating with their neighbors or co-workers in a way that is similar to the way it is done in Ghana.  Years ago I heard that two of the greatest difference makers in how Americans relate happened when air-conditioning became common in our homes which brought people off their front porches and into their living rooms with the second cause of lesser amounts of interaction—the television.

Blessings,

David Ketchum

Doing it Ghana Style

The students from The University of Indianapolis on their 2012 trip coined the phrase “Doing it Ghana style.”  Even though they had a lot of fun with it, the first thing I would say characterizes doing something Ghana style is doing it with a smile.  It is simply unfathomable to me that Ghanaians are such happy people.  Whether the person is cutting grass with a cutlass/machete, selling goods along the road, or just cooking or doing laundry.  Very rarely do you hear a Ghanaian complain about anything, although occasionally you will hear them say something about the government or get into a debate about politics which certainly can be informative and extremely entertaining.  They take their politics seriously.  Another characteristic of Ghana style is their recognition of God in their lives.  He is so real to them and actively involved in the small things of their lives.  Sometimes before a long trip, people here in the United States will pray before leaving.  The Ghanaians normally pray before each trip no matter how short.  The amazing thing is that they, too, pray and thank God for their safe arrival to their destination.  So, if you are doing it Ghana style, you will have a smile on your face and you will be in prayer often—prayers of request as well as thanksgiving.

Blessings,

David Ketchum

Easter Celebration in Ghana

Group of Pastors being ordained

Group Bible Study

Praise time with dancing

Easter in  Ghana is such a special time of year.  The Monday after Easter is actually a national holiday.  The various churches and denominations have large conventions.  For example the Christian Church group in Ghana holds a national convention every two years with people from around the country gathering to celebrate.  They have lots of workshops and training sessions that begin on Friday and continue through Saturday.  Sunday everyone gathers in a large square of canopies.  There is lots and lots of dancing and singing.  The service generally begins around 10am and last until mid afternoon.

In 2004 Enoch Nyador invited me to give the communion meditation at the national convention which was held in Accra that year.  The communion mediation in Ghana is often a mini-sermon, lasting 10 minutes or so.  I was so honored and nervous to have this opportunity to share.  That year approximately 2,000 people were in attendance.  It was really hot.  I had my white shirt, tie and coat on like many of the Ghanaians who were not in traditional dress.  In Ghana there are nearly 50 language groups.  I shared my message in English, but I was translated three more times—Twi, Ewe, and another language from one of the northern tribes.  So, think of the time it takes for just one statement.

Seeing these pictures from the 2013 national convention in Saboba, northern Ghana bring back wonderful memories.

David Ketchum