Ghana Mission Project: The Birth and Growth of a Presbyterian Partnership

1989
Frank Abror, a blind Ghanaian Presbyterian comes to Kalamazoo to study in the field of Blind Rehabilitation at Western Michigan University. Frank transfers his membership from the church in Sokode Bagble to FPC in Kalamazoo. He also becomes a member of the Local Global Committee of Session. There he shares the story of his home congregation in Ghana which is frustrated with plans to rebuild their church as it will take a life time to raise funds for the project.

November 1990
The first Mission trip from Kalamazoo to Sokode Bagble, Ghana takes place to become acquainted with the community and to validate the need. As a result of the trip the idea of a "partnership" is born.

February 27, 1991
The Session at FPC acts to establish a partnership with the Sokode congregation. At the same meeting the Session approves the plans for "Restore, Renew, Rejoice" with a benevolence component included.

May 22, 1991
The Presbyterian Church, Sokode Bagble establishes its Partnership Committee. Work on a new Sokode church is accelerated in anticipation of support from their partner congregation in the USA (us!).

April 1995
Upon completion of the RRR campaign a cash transfer is made to the Sokode congregation enabling them to purchase, cement, roof tresses and roofing for the new church.

July 1995
A second Mission Trip of five people travels to Ghana to help build the church and two new elementary school classrooms. Conversations are held with the Togbe (Chief) about ways to help the people of Sokode provide resources to the families of Sokode to send their children to high school.

September 1995
First conversations take place about the necessity of a tractor. At the same time, books are collected and shipped to Sokode to help establish a school library.

December 1995
The first worship service is held in the new church in Sokode.

September 1995 - June 1997
Funds are raised in Kalamazoo to purchase a tractor, plow, harrow and trailer for the village of Sokode.

April 1997
Representatives of Massey Ferguson visit Sokode to evaluate the need and the ability of the village to operate and maintain tools for advanced agriculture. Their report is glowingly positive.

June 25, 1997
The Session at FPC authorizes the release of funds collected for the Tractor Project.

November 19 - November 29, 1997
The third Mission Trip with five people travels from Kalamazoo to Sokode to help the people of the village to celebrate the anticipation of a new way of life.

1998
The Session at FPC authorizes the release of funds for the Water Project.

April 8 - May 11, 1999
Vida Ahiati and Patience Anyomi journey from Ghana to the United States to reach out to others that all may discover another dimension of life. Their travels take them to Kalamazoo, Michigan, Washington D.C., York, Pennsylvania (to see Frank Abror), Denver, Colorado, and back to Kalamazoo.

Vida and Patience, with the congregation at FPC, use this time as a period of discernment regarding the future of the partner relationship.

"Africans explain that partnership is give and take. There is no partnership relation where one only gives and the other only receives....In real sharing both partners get enriched and this is a great chance, an encouragement to get involved more and more deeply."

    - I.H. Frempong and B. Bassini in Cultures and Crossroads (Ghana, 1978)

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