News from Ghana: Jan – March 2025
Extracts from Oliver’s Diary –
17th March
Last Wednesday, Dorothy visited Rev. Cobbah Yalley JHS, and talked on, THE POWER AND VALUE OF GOD’S WORD. On Friday she took the leadership club at Ntankoful JHS and her topic was, THE CHARACTER OF A GOOD LEADER. The children were blessed.
16th March –
About three weeks ago I visited Nkroful JHS, because it’s getting close to Easter I decided to preached on the importance of receiving Christ in our lives. I emphasized on the fact that God’s image and likeness on mankind has been marred and distorted by sin and we need to be restored. I also emphasized that salvation is found in no one else under heaven, except in Jesus Christ. There were three of their teachers present who I believe were blessed with the children.
Last week, Wednesday, Lamisi visited Nana Brempong JHS and this week, Wednesday she visited Axim Road Crusader JHS. Her theme was, SHINE LIKE A STAR.
This Friday Lamisi also led the leadership club at Tanokrom JHS. Her topic was on LEADERSHIP STYLE
* This discussion aimed to enhance the young leaders to understand the effective leadership approaches and their application in different contexts
* The discussion centered around the five primary leadership styles : autocratic,democratic,transformational,situational and ,laissez-faire leadership style .
* This understanding these different approaches will enhance their leadership capabilities, promote collaborative work and also improve teamwork.
By the grace of God, Isha one of our first volunteers phoned me she was on two months holiday and she wanted to help with the school work. Isha is truly gifted with the work that the teachers phone to tell me. Pray that the Lord keeps her humble and focus. Isha visited Dr. Wilkle JHS, on Wednesday her topic was on, OBEDIENCE, its Importance and Benefits. On Friday she went to the same school to meet with the leadership club. Her topic was on,
- DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP
- WHO IS A LEADER
- GOOD ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD LEADER
- TYPES OF LEADERS
- CONCLUSION
She told me the whole teachers were there to listen. The assistant headmistress phoned to tell me she was a really a blessing to all.
Ramat is a new volunteer, she is my daughter Olivia’s mate in the university and working for Mercy Foundation. She went to Modernansah JHS on Friday for the leadership club. Her topic was on SELF- CONFIDENCE. She talked on THE BENEFITS OF SELF-CONFIDENCE and WHAT IS SELF-CONFIDENCE.
KORSAH COMPLEX
Introduction to leadership club
The leadership club was introduced to inspire and guide young people to prepare them for future leadership roles.
The mission and vision of the club is to train and prepare young people people for future leadership roles in the society.
The importance of the leadership club helps the students to be good role models,builds team work,helps in problem solving.
- Pray that the Lord will raise more volunteers into the schools work.
- I have another funeral service on the 29th of March. .Of a 53years old mother. Pray that the Lord will prepare the heart of all who will be there for His word to bless them.
- Many of the members have traveled to the North for funerals. Pray for traveling mercies
- Pray for wisdom, strength and guidance for Oliver work in Ghana.
25th February –
It seems the whole of February is for sports in the JHS and Primary schools. So Wednesday’s meeting has been difficult, but I pray to meet the leadership club on Friday afternoon. I have the strong urge to pray for revival among the schools. I have started praying for an hour at beach in the mornings. It’s very quiet and peaceful there at that time.
I have another funeral service on the 28th of March. The elders and all the members send their love. Pray with us.
5th February –
On Saturday 8th I will hold a funeral service for a 85years woman who went to be with the Lord. There will be many dignitaries. Please pray for me. I am preaching from Job14:14a
22nd January –
Lamisi went to Rev. Cobbah Yalley JHS on Wednesday last week and Korsah Complex JHS on Friday. Her message was from Psalm 1:1-6 and the theme was The Two Path. She is doing her national service at Takoradi Senior High. She completed HND last year with First Class. But she is able to go to the schools with me.
She couldn’t take any pictures because her phone is damaged.
I also visited Tanokrom JHS on Wednesday and Methodist JHS on Friday. I preached from Psalm 121. And my theme was, Where Does Your Help Comes From. My message led to the fact that Jesus Christ is our only Hope of the World and our only true help in this life. On the 8th of February I am officiating a funeral service of a 85years old woman a church member. Pray with us.
27th January
The whole of February is sports week for the JHS schools. So it will be difficult to visit the schools. But God willing we will be visiting Ntankoful JHS coming up Wednesday.
Last Friday I visited Modernansah JHS, I preached the same message, Where Does Your Help Comes From? Psalm 121. It’s my aim and method to let each school hear same message. Unless the Lord gives me a specific message for a particular school.
Please pray with me for more committed volunteers. Truly the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Please let’s pray to the Lord of the harvest.
11th January –
Today I officiated a wedding, between, John and Vida. Vida is my church member.
6th January – 2025
Mercy Foundation Organization,
Report on the Youth Empowerment Program, December 2024.
The program began with an opening prayer led by the MC, Miss Ruth, and Miss Lamisi.
Purpose of Gathering
Mr. Benjamin Otoo( Board member of Mercy Foundation Organization) The youth are the future leaders of a country and it is important to groom them by;
- instilling quality in them for the future.
- explaining the attributes of a leader to them.
- acquiring skills to build their capacity as a youth in a country.
First speaker: Matthew MacClean
Introduction
Youth is an important stage in human life. The internationally accepted age range for youth is 18 to 35.
Characteristics of Youth
Youthfulness comes with characteristics that include impeccable beauty, the skin is smooth and the hair dark. It is a period when learning becomes easy for life preparation. Above all youth is a period of inexperience.
Importance of the Period of Youth
The period of youth is the most productive in a person’s life.
Many things happen during the youthful period and many things can be done in that time. The youth are also found in all sectors of the economy. In education, there are learners and tutors in the youthful bracket. They form a larger proportion of health workers which helps in the development of a country.
After the first speaker was done there was a workshop where there was discussion on what was being talked about.
Second speaker: Rev. Esiama
Youth Empowerment is a vital process for individuals aged 15 to 30, enabling them to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and develop essential skills. A key aspect is the ability to establish personal principles, set future goals, and improve time management skills. This thoughtful approach allows young people to articulate problems and solutions, conduct research, and consider alternatives in decision-making. Additionally, skill development is crucial; engaging in online courses, reading relevant literature, and attending workshops can enhance their capabilities. Through these processes, young individuals prepare themselves for various life challenges and opportunities, effectively equipping themselves for success in different areas of their lives.
There was a second workshop in which the students were allowed to discuss what the speaker was talking about.
Conclusion
It is very important to empower the youth because it will help them to know who they are, discover their God-given talents, and use them to serve the church and the nation. The period of youth does not last forever and therefore, they must be helped to the development of the church and the nation.
Rev. Oliver Ossei Gerning made the final remarks about the program by urging students to practice what they have been taught and also thanking the dignitaries, teachers, and students who made it to the program.
Mr. John Azu, a board member of Mercy Foundation gave the final closing prayer after the program.
