They stood around a close, tight circle in the Counseling “Shack” with me seated in the middle.  Sweating and emotional in the non-air-conditioned space in the Ghana heat.  Some holding my hands, others touching my shoulders and yet others brushing my hair. There I sat, bellowing out a deep cry, gut-level. Almost embarrassing. Yet, encouraged by the Logistics and Discovery Team (LDT) made of my Mission Partnership Team (MPT) and Core Volunteers all from my home church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. Along w/Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil, IM Short-term Missions Director.  In that moment I felt vulnerable, yet relieved and safe. “Rev. Sandra” led the prayers; lifting me up, the counseling space up, the girls and the team.  I felt her hands on my shoulders and back. I felt God’s Presence in the room.  This team of 7; Debra Prioleau, Edwarde Moise, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Jones, Arlette Dolphin, Ivori Hawkins, led by my fearless Convener, Dawn Maxwell, “prayed down” the evils that are attacking this ministry and “prayed up” the walls of love, protection, health and healing.

Answering God’s Call ain’t always easy. I guess I thought if I’m walking in line with His Will, in a way it would be.  But it hasn’t been. The attacks have come from every angle imaginable. Like sweeping waves. When I ask Him a question I sometimes stop mid-question and say “Well, yeh You’ve already answered that one…” When I say, “Well God I don’t understand why it has to be so difficult,” I realize He’s answered that one too. The fact that He’s answered questions is a sign of His sufficient Grace. Today I thought, “He’s cleared a way for me, this I know. Can you imagine if He hadn’t cleared the way for me…I would’ve surely crushed up under!”

Sometimes we think that when God clears a path for us it’s going to be like a scene from the Wizard of Oz and all we must do is be like “Dorothy” and follow the yellow brick road. But somehow, we forget all that she encountered on her way to the Wizard and returning to Kansas. Well, at least I had forgotten. She had to deal with a lot of Stuff!

It’s been almost 2 weeks now since the LDT which came as a part of the “*Bring Yourself” Campaign (empowering through Spiritual Gifts and skills) left, but their presence is still felt. Wednesday the students sang “The Fruit of the Spirit” song during Devotion taught to them by the team. Thursday in S.E.W. (Sowing Empowered Women) Support Group the young ladies virtually ran the group themselves discussing what they learned about Self-Esteem taught by a team member. **Clare and I simply watched in Amazement! The students even smiled with hope of IIhan Omar, the newly elected Somalian-American to Congress because they observed on maps during the member-led Global Awareness workshop where Somalia was in relation to Ghana.

In thought and reflection these Scriptures come to mind:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 and

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9

To God be the Glory of All!

Prayer Request:

Upon reading this journal please take 3 minutes to talk to the Holy Spirit and “lift up” what He places in your heart.

 Thank you Supporting Friends Near & Far!?

Warmly,

Rovaughna “Kekeli”

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SUPPORT:

*Join the “Bring Yourself” Campaign! Bring Your Church or Organization to do Short-term Mission work at BVTC!  Contact me at: www.RovaughnaRichardson.com >Contact Us  

Or

GIVE Tax-Deductible denoting “Rovaughna Richardson-Specifics” by:

Phone 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2324,

by Check-Memo line “Rovaughna Richardson-Specifics” or

Click “Give” at: https://internationalministries.org/teams/744-richardson   or click “Donate” at: www.RovaughnaRichardson.com (you will be navigated to my IM page). 

** Clare Kyomuhendo, came to BVTC Counseling “Shack” Centre as our 1^st Masters-level Social Work Volunteer-Intern from University of Ghana-Legon. Though her time was only 3-weeks due to her November 17^th Graduation she provided Individual and Group Counseling, conducted Person-Centered Initial Assessments, a “Developing a Positive Attitude” Workshop, made recommendations for improvements of BVTC processes as well as bonded well with the students. She will be missed!?