Celebrating Easter

There are several occasions during the year when the village churches gather together to celebrate something. Easter is such an occasion. As most of the village churches are relatively small in number, it is always encouraging for people to gather as a larger group so they can see they are not the only ones in an area where less than 5% of the population are Christians and for them to know that they are part of a 'big family'. It is wonderful as a big group to pray, sing, dance and to listen to God's Word together. It is also just fun to spend time talking, exchanging news and laughing together.

'the outside Easter gathering'

The gathering was organised in the village of Sambu. Sambu is a Dagomba village with a church congregation of about 15 adults and a lot of children. The mostly Muslim community at Sambu only knew that Christians celebrated Christmas, so to see Christians celebrating Easter was new to them. And on this occasion it was not only the 15+ church members who gathered together, but about 400 adults and 300 children! What a celebration and testimony to the death and resurrection of Christ. For many women the message Abukari shared was an 'eye-opener'; they heard that it was women who were first given the mandate to share the news of Jesus' resurrection. He encouraged the women to seize every opportunity to share the Gospel in their daily interaction with others, especially with other women. The unity in Christ was climaxed with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

'dancing together'

Joke organised the gathering for the children. It was a bit of shock when we realised they numbered around 300, as we had only expected about 100 children. This was amazing as many of the children had to walk at least 4 miles (one way) to be part of the celebration. In fact, most people (adults and children) walked or rode their bicycles over distances of between 3 and 30 miles.

'many people use bicylces and motobikes to travel'

We did not provide a meal for the people but for the children we distributed drinks that we had put in plastic bags and biscuits. Fortunately shops are always open and we could buy more drinks and biscuits for the children to meet the need, but we had to drive back to Yendi (9 miles away) to do so. Whilst the adults gathered outside, the children met in the newly built (but currently unfinished) church building, which was pleasantly cool. We told the children the story and importance of Jesus' death and resurrection, sang songs, played games and made little crosses with the older children. The crosses were quite a challenge as most of the children had never held scissors before!

'the children's gathering'

'enjoying the drinks'

Please pray:

• For peace in Yendi. Last week nine people have been arrested in relation to the murder of Yana Yakubu Andani (the paramount chief of Dagbon, now 7 years ago!) and tensions between the Abudu and Andani gates are rising.