Marfo Children Care Foundation

On our last day in Ghana we visited the home of Ms. Adwoa Yeboah-Marfo, a woman with great passion for children in need. Her foundation is named after her late husband. She is an amazing woman who turned tragedy of losing a husband into triumph by helping the children of Ghana. Her home is not a foster home or orphanage, but a permanent home of love.

She is a radiant woman with energy and her faith is beyond reproach. Her many stories of how God has blessed her family in time of need and provided for them is truly remarkable. Please take the time to go to her website and read her story, it is very insiprational. If you are looking for an oppourtunity to donate, look no further. If not, she humbly welcomes your prayers.

http://marfochildrencare.org/

More photos from Cape Coast

A few more posts

Hello
Although we have returned to the States - we have a few more posts about our last few days. Hope to post today or tomorrow.

Thanks for following.

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Help Is On The Way Ministries

I thought I would forward the website link of the organization that coordinated our Mission trip.

www.hiotwm.org

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Final Reception

While we were at Cape Coast, I developed a cough and cold symptoms, perhaps a low grade temp It hasn’t held me back much but I am being a bit more reserved. When we arrived back in Tema at the hotel, we showered and freshened up and were off to our final dinner/reception at Dr. and Mrs Narh’s home. They are such exceedingly gracious hosts! Perhaps we get another hint of Ghanaian influence in the USA, Southern Hospitality! We met Uncle Joe the banker, John,the teacher and local leader of Help is on the Way, Katherine, Charles’ doctor sister,and of course, our new dear friend, Kobbi. Presentations of laptops were made to him and a student that Help is on the Way is sponsoring . After that we were treated to a performance by a Ghanaian Drum and Dance troop; then a sumptuous dinner of Fish, Chicken, vegetables,Yams,Plantains, Joloff and steamed rice, and wine. More toasts and blessings and another round of spectacular drumming and dancing during which some of our group—most notably Tina, joined in! We were were then sent off with hugs and fervent invitations to return to “our new home” Ghana, West Africa. After returning to the hotel , we packed our bags and this morning while I stayed to gather my strength, Tina and others went to visit an orphanage and children’s home and make a presentation of school supplies and clothes.

Other photos from Cape Coast

If the walls could speak, what would they say.

I must admit, I first glossed over the itinerary which read, visiting the slave castles off the shores of Ghana. Upon further reading, I thought, how exciting, I will be able to visit the port where the slave traders (traitors) took, stole, tore away our brothers and sisters from their land. Exciting was not the word to use. It was moving, overwhelming, gut-wrenching, at times infuriating, and wholly informative. I will not reenact the tour on this blog, it is something one must see for themselves. Although I did purchase the book and DVD to share with my family and friends. Most know the story, small, feces-laden cells overcrowded with men and woman (who were housed separately). The living laying next to the dying. Ventilation a mniinum, comfort non-existence, and terror on every side, knowing you would soon be displayed as a prostitute for the governors picking, so he can have his way with you. The long passage way to the ship (I could barely fit through it, you must walk very low to the ground), that would soon take you to an unknown land, called america (lower case on intentionally). I walked through the defiled corridors and could hear the walls talking to me. "Take back my dreams, my hopes, my desires with you." "Live out my destiny for me". Take back my words, my struggle, my story to your children and tell them to tell it to their children and to their children. So it is my charge to instill in myself and others, the struggles that our ancestor went through so we can uplift our race - the human race. So the mediocre is no longer acceptable. Too many lives lost and stolen. What will you do when the walls speak to you? Tina

Elmina Slave Castle

Picture by Tina

The Elmina Slave Castle: NEVER AGAIN!

The Elmina Slave Castle is one of two historical monuments in the Cape Coast Area. This particular castle is the largest of the two and was built in 1482 by the Portuguese in their search for gold and other plunder from the Africans. Though they did engage in the slave trade, the castle didn't attain its eventual function until the 1637 when the Dutch took it over forcibly and controlled it until 1814. In 1871 the Dutch Gold Coast, including the fort, became a possession of the British Empire. Britain granted the Gold Coast its independence in 1957, and control of the castle was transferred to the nation formed out of the colony, present-day Ghana

For any African or African American, or for that matter any human being this is a tangible embodiment of one of the most horrible holocausts ever inflicted upon humanity, easily comparable to the extermination of 6,000,000 Jews by the Nazis. And as our tour guide adamantly and eloquently stated Never Again! Free Africans were captured, placed in chains and kept in overcrowded stone dungeons for months with inadequate food and water, beaten and separated from children and families. Women were repeatedly raped and not allowed to bathe or go to the toilet . Many men , women, and children died. Then without any explanation or choice they were packed on boats and shipped to America and the Caribbean. How supposedly Christian human beings could perpetrate these atrocities on other human beings is beyond understanding.

We saw the dungeons where men and women were kept, the deep pits used to punish and torture those who didn't comply, the cannonballs that were chained to their legs, the chute through which they had to crawl to enter the ships. Many of those with me were profoundly moved by this story and this cogent reminder of man's inhumanity and the horror upon which this country was based. It is an unforgettable experience and one that everone should try to visit as a reminder.

Local artist at Labadi beach

The Village of Likpe-Abrani

Our next stop was the village of Likpe-Abrani near the Volta river. We were greeted there by the local chief and other dignitaries and once again we participated in a ceremony where we officially blessed the water system that Help is on the Way Ministries had donated to the village. We went to the home of a very learned man, Mr Henry Owusu, who had been headmaster of a school and had written extensively. He discussed the history of his area and his family's own personal history. He was 82 years old but had far more energy than any of us.

The Village of Tokuroanu

We arrived at the village after a 6 hour bus ride and were welcomed at Mrs Narh's home. Dr Narh greeted us and formally introduced each one of us to the village elders. We sat in chairs in front of the house and were introduced , then shown to our rooms. Dinner was served: goat soup, fried plantain and yams. When we asked where Mrs Narh was going to sleep she said, "outside in the yard" as this is the custom when one has guests.

We took a visit to the clinic, some walked, some rode in he bus, and I was asked to ride in Dr Narh's car. The clinic is very minimally resourced: a labor room , a small inpatient room and a trauma room. There is no doctor,only a nurse and a midwife who has been delivering babies in the village for 18 years and plans to retire in November. Dr Narh and myself did a walk through and discussed all the equipment and supplies that would be essential to make the clinic functional-especially for me to be able to work there.While at the clinic we also visited the water system that Help is on the Way donated to the village, which allows for clear, untainted water. We also met the elected assemblyman from the village area who is only 26 years old.

When we returned to the house we passed out toys and candy to some of the local kids who crowded around us as if we were giving out gold!! Mrs Narh's sister, Julianna, who is a school teacher, quickly established order, by making the kids line up .

Before dinner we went to the funeral ceremony where all were dancing and singing. They were passing out palm wine in gourds to all who wanted it. There were a few older men and women who had too much to imbibe and were imposing themselves in a loving way, so to speak, on some of us who were dancing, Fortunately sister Narh's brothers were on the lookout and ran interference for us. After we left the funeral we had aother fantastic dinner and attempted to go to bed, A few times through the night cannons sounded to alert surrounding areas to the funeral celebration.

The following morning we had a ceremony where we presented the laptops, clothes and school supplies to the leaders of the village, the school teacher aand other dignitaries. Then we boarded the bus and left for the next village that expected us, Likpe-Abrani. Details of this interesting visit to follow.

Funeral ceremony

This was the last day if a three-day funeral from Minister Narh's family. The last day is a celebration. There was plenty of dancing.

Alan will post about our experience.

Local children in Village

We had four large suitcases full of donations.

Quick chat

We had an incredible time at the village and there is much to report. It is late but Alan or I will update the details later. We leave tomorrow for Cape Coast.

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Swimming in the Atlantic

Big waves crashing over my head with the drums beating from the shore then I came back to shore and ate red snapper and rice while vendors tried to hawk paintings,statues, beads,bags,
clothing etc. We resisted. There were mostly Ghanians but tourists from Ivory Coast Asia and Europe as well. Tomorrow it's a 6 hour bus ride to the lower Volta region. We're stqying the night in the village, then we're coming back to Tema the next day,passing through another village for a well dedication ceremony. Once back at the hotel we leave for the Cape Coast region and the slave castle and possibly the forest .

Labadi Beach, Accra Ghana

Saturday afternoon at the beach. We leave for the Village in the morning, early in the morning.

The Village ( Bush)

Our plans have changed. We are staying in Tema Saturday and will leave on Sunday.

At least that is the plan tonight. Saturday will be a day of much needed rest.

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Heaven's ministry

These are our new friends. We felt a special kinship to Christopher (second from right).

I will try to upload their video.

They sang a special Good bye song to us. ( yes Alan joined in).

Don't worry - Rejoice in the Lord

The revival came to a close this evening. It was an uplifting service that crescendo with Alan playing Amazing Grace and Minister Narh preaching from Jeremiah - The Potter and the clay. We are the clay that God is adjusting us to make what He wants.

Alan truly ministered and he topped it off by giving two young lads each a harmonica. I have never seen young boys so grateful.

We have made so many friends which are our extended brothers and sisters.

More to come.

Last night of revival!

It is the final night of the revival. Minister Narh will preach and there will be a couple of youth choirs who are amazing. I believe Bro Alan will minister on the harmonica.

We have made many friends and it is bittersweet to end this leg of the journey.

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Mountain

Re: Alan's post

the Village and the Paramount Chief

The trip to the village was truly amazing, past mountains to each side of the road that are actually the ancestral home OF the people in the villages. We were witness to a Bridal dance where young virginal girls dance for the available young men of the village, laden with beads. This was NOT set up for our benefit. Here the dialect spken is not Twi and most people don't speak English. On the bus ride to the village we saw a large baboon at the side of the road. The plan of the chief is to make this area a world center for bead manufacture and training, and the beads which are marvelously varied in color and design have a 500 year tradition throughout Africa. This was the home village of Charles father, Dr Narh. Later we go to his mother's ancestral village inland in the lower Volta region. More to post on the paramount chief and our meeting with him to come.

Audience with the Paramount Chief

Part 1

One of the most exciting things we have experienced so far was an audience with Paramount Chief in the Odumase region. ( big mountain)

This was obviously an honor not afforded to many visitors. Dr Narh is an important man who comes from this area and arranged the meeting.

We were escorted to the small and humble palace to meet the Chief. There were linguist, bodyguard, and three elders. Finally the chief was escorted in and sat on a carved wooden throne. He was educated in the States and worked at a University.

He is Chief by his bloodlines. His great great great father was Chief and so on. He said this was either good or bad. :)

He spoke of the economic growth of the region by making beads and hope to make it the bead capital of the world.

End of Part 1

Weekend

NOTE: We will be traveling to a village, leaving Saturday morning. We will not have Internet so unable to blog.

Thank you,
Tina

Kurbo people

Sorry this picture is not high quality. I am juggling between my camera and iPhone for capturing photos. If I use my iPhone I can easily upload to the blog.

In short, this was a cultural festival. The was also a bead market. It was unbelievable. The jewelry was beautiful. Moreover, our experience with the dancing and the connection to the people have been overwhelming. My heart is so full I can not put it in words.

I have video put sorry unable to upload on blog right now.

We also met the Chief but that will be a separate blog. Too much to write, too great of an experience. In a few words though - life changing.

Moving in the name of the Lord!!

Buka restaurant

Wonderful traditional African food. Here is a cover of the menu.

I had Bean soup with Goat. Alan had Goat. Delicious.

Correction

The picture was not a local market - roadside Vendor.

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

More travels in Ghana

The revival we are attending is truly inspiring. There is teaching in the morning and worship service in the evening.

The music is incredible, uplifting and vocals are in Twi and English. They have bass, keyboards, & drums.

It is almost indescribable the joy, the power and how wonderful the music is each day.

However the preaching is even better!!

We had an acapella quartet (Heaven's ministry) that was fantastic, hope to post video soon. Check out their Facebook page.

The people are so welcoming and beautiful. They are warm, open, and have been so kind to us.

Wednesday we will visit a local market.

Saturday we leave for the Village (the Bush) were we will be hosted by Bro Narh's family. We will stay for two days and attend a funeral and other events.

Keep us in your prayers.

Will blog soon now that we have wi-fi although not very strong.

Also I (Tina) have a new appreciation for the commodity of water.

Love & Blessings,
Alan & Tina

Local market

Our visit to the hospital

Thank you Lord.
Bro Narh father founded this hospital. It is amazing. We prayed for the ill and hopefully we can return to do medical work. Well Bro Alan will do the work and I will do the praying.

Hospital

Worship Team at New Hope Resurrection - Tema Ghana

Awesome service

Just a quick note - we had Sunday Service with our Ghana brothers and sisters. The Lord was in the place, we sang, danced, and praised the Lord!!

More to come

Thank you,
Tina Werblin

Bro. Narh

Church meeting preparing for our Mission Trip to Ghana.

Pastor Lea anointed and prayed over the mission team.

Leaving for Ghana

We are finally about to leave on our journey after preparing for the past 6 weeks.

We have gotten our visas, all out vaccinations, bought insect repellents, mosquito nets, and rain gear. We have met most of our fellow travellers. Some are from our church, Mt. Calvary in Fairfield, CA. Some from Milpitas and some from the Bay Area Young Baptist Association.

The organizer of the trip is Evangelist Charles Narh, who is Ghanian. Brother Narh works as an Optical Technician at Kaiser in Milpitas and started an organization called Help is on the Way Ministries. The organization ministers to people in Ghana, has provided Wells and water systems to rural villages and is attempting to set up Eyecare Clinics. Brother Narh's father is a physician in Accra , the capital, and Alan will be meeting him and attempting to determine if a volunteer medical opportunity could be developed for himself an others.

We are first flying to Amsterdam, then on to Accra, the capital of Ghana. We will start by attending a revival for the first five days. During this time we plan to explore the capital and its surrounding areas. We will attend a soccer game, a village funeral, visit an orphanage and Dr Narh's hospital . We then will visit the Cape Coast area where the slave castles that were the center for the slave trade 4-500 years ago. We will also visit the Kokuma National Forest.

We are excited that we will be visiting and staying in a village where a well has been built and we will be dedicating it and praying over it.

We are hoping that this trip gives us an opportunity to meet and worship with our African brothers and sisters. In addition we are excited that this may be an eye opening opportunity for future ministry, and volunteer efforts. Stay tuned.....

More to come