I got up thinking right into the shower. But oh no the water still off.
It transpired it came on last night but I had fallen fast asleep before being able to take advantage of it. Mary and Eric had waited up so they had theirs. Then it went off again typical.
So a gentle breakfast of porridge was taken and conversations with Eric as he seeks to learn about Brirish Methodism. He will be serving in the Lincoln North Circuit from September so I am seeking to help him prepare for coming. Interruption 'Water is back on' says Mary and I'm off for a long long cold refreshing shower. Its amazing what simple delights we can enjoy when some of the basics of life are taken from us. However again it continues to help put life in perspective which I know will wear off once back in the UK, but hopefully not too soon.
David in the Old Testament reminds the people everything we have comes to us from God. We forget this to the cost of our well being and sitting lightly we what we have. Perhaps behind it is the root of why we fail to share justly because we think its ours in the first place and not a gift from God. Circumstances of birth means I live in a most fortunate position.
This afternoon I find myself at the Cathederal once again with the Bishop chairing a meeting looking at how they can develop their synods in the light of the last one. Once again the same issue rears its head as it does back in Sheffield. How do we make our gatherings a more profitable time? Revd Richard the synod secretary welcomes me as I enter the church remembering my name 'Mark Good Hand.' I'm impressed he knew my name after really only one meeting at the diocese office last Tuesday. But what a meeting. Even without speaking the language it was the same folk getting up to speak...... Sounds familiar?
But I was then saved by the school bell. The need to get the kids from school saw the driver sent for and I was more than content to collect them probably for the last time. What a beautiful sight greeted me as we drive along the coastal road. The ocean rolled onto the shore line, sea green set against a blue sky, refreshing breeze blowing through the car and the rows of coconut trees lining one side. Sorry you will have to imagine it as no camera to hand at this point. The driver was chatty and was amazed we didnt have drivers for ministers in England. Sheffield circuit please take note and add to the budget!
I received warm greetings by the children and time for an ice cream. Well bribery gets you everywhere, especially in Ghana. I hope the children re adust to life in the UK.
So back to the meeting and time for a few classic images to share.
Everywhere selling their wares
The courtyard into a number of homes in Kumasi
Hairdressers on the street three working on one woman's hair
Extreme wealth alongside poverty. This is being built for a chief and he may never live in it. You should have seen the palace built next door.
Typical school building all over the country.
Close squashed houses more usual - in cape coast
And is this more like a river bed in your view? It is in fact the road in a village.
Well I have one full day left before I will head for Accra and the airport. Then home to continue my sabbatical with the writing of a book about ministry. My Ghana travels will of course take up a chapter in its own right.
Eric's need to know about British Methodism has meant having to explain from my own perspective why we are the type of church we are in Britain. Here in Ghana the Wesleyan tradition is very strong. We have a much richer tapestry of traditions and of course it reveals my own personal roots in Wesleyan and Primitive Methodism. My rejection of Bishops as a way of leading the church and a clear view of chairs as mainly an administrative function that is pragmatic. Please note I have had some very good chairs. However as we talk I am aware of my dislike of people who think holding any office makes them important, especially if they abuse that position. I am conscious of a sense we have lost our passion that shares the good news in word and deed. That we need to re energise our congregations and make worship and what we preach connect with their lives. One comment from Eric and Mary struck home from their experience when they have attended British services. 'The depth of preaching is at Sunday School level' It seems harsh but I think what they mean is often preachers play it safe. And so we converse at the meal table, in the car, out in the sunshine and bit by bit we learn from each other. I am sure all my experiences here will continue to shape my faith and my awareness that being a Christian really does not equate to one country or culture. That being a faithful follower of Jesus means going out on a limb at times and for me being an irritant. Thankfully for the folk in Sheffield they get another 11 weeks without me fulfilling that role. While I get opportunity to be recreated with a reflective rest.
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