Thank God for Partners

Far too often we think we are working alone. I have been coming to Ghana since 2001. During these 19 years I’ve been blessed to witness God do some incredible things — 100’s of thousands of people have indicated a personal decision to follow Christ, and well over 1,000,000 people have heard the Gospel. This is a wonderful testimony to the mighty work of God!

Another thing I know is that none of this would have happened alone. My work in Ghana began when an evangelist from Texas, Rev. Mack Kearney of Gospel Harvesters International, invited me to join his team on a missionary journey to India. After spending a great deal of time with Mack, he told me more about the work in Ghana and asked me to go to Africa and see what God was doing. My heart was struck with the need for Christ and the great opportunity to do evangelism in Ghana. In just a matter of months, after my first visit here, GEM began working with a new national director here. From 2001to 2019 we conducted at least 2 projects annually here, and our team on the ground has grown slowly and deliberately.

In addition to the national team, I have been blessed to have a wonderful group of men and women who have worked alongside me on these trips to Africa (and many other places around the world.). The entire list of people who have joined me is too long to include here, but there are a few who have become a regular, nearly full-time, team in Ghana. Let me mention just a few of them:

• Jeff Andler (who is here on this trip) has been the closest friend and colleague I have in ministry. We have traveled the world doing ministry in Ghana, Togo, Romania, Czech Republic, India, and other places. Even though Jeff has his own ministry he has certainly become the single greatest partner and friend I have in ministry. After serving many years in local churches, Jeff followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit and launched out in full-time evangelism ministries in 2002. He is an powerful preacher and accomplished musician and composer who lives in Charlotte, NC. I thank God for Jeff and all that he brings to our ministry.
• Mark Chase (who is here on this trip) has been traveling with me around the world since 2003. We have been in several different countries, and just recently has Mark resigned his pastorate and entered into full-time vocational evangelism. Mark is a wonderful brother, preacher, and teacher. His compassionate and encouraging spirit connects with people in an incredible way. Everywhere we travel together reminds me of how big God is and I am thankful that Mark has joined our team. The future of ministry is better because of this.
• Andy Poe, who was unable to be on this trip (he lost his father while we are here and the funeral is on Tuesday) is certainly a brother that we count as a part of the “A-Team” here in Ghana. With no formal training in ministry, Andy has revealed us to all what happens when a person surrenders to God and allows Him to mold and shape our steps. He is a wonderful photographer and videographer, an accomplished artist, who has become a powerful preacher of the Gospel. I have known Andy “all his life” and served as his pastor many years ago and I am humbled and honored that he has become such am intimate part of our ministry here.
• Craig Barker and Michael Swink are among others who join us on a somewhat regular basis and I am looking forward to having them here with us again in 2020. Both of these brothers bring a quality to this work that is hard to describe. I am thankful to have them on this team.

This ministry project has been incredible. Our national leadership team of Jacob Yakubu, John Amauley, Delanyo Dormevenu, Terkper Tetteh, Simon Akpolu, Gershon Bediako, Benedicta Agbleze, Bless Teye, and Amos Akpolu have worked diligently under the capable direction of our new National Director, Ebenezer Agbleze, to coordinate, and facilitate this project in such a marvelous way. I am thankful for our entire team here:

“We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News.
Each of us did the work the Lord gave us.
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it,
but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting,
or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose.
And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.
For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field.”
—1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NLT

Through noon on Monday we have spoken in 196 venues to a total audience of 39,070 individuals. This is proving to be an amazing ministry project that is setting the bar for all future endeavors.

On behalf of everyone here, I urge you to continue to pray for the work … and for us as we “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
— Roy