Sunday 23 Jan
No such thing as a lie-in here. We were up, breakfasted and ready to be collected by Rev Seth Agidi for the first of three morning services by 7am! It is great to see that Seth is committed to building relationships at grassroots level and had picked for us three congregations which were different in size as well as the way in which they worshipped.
The first service was in the very large congregation of Dela Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church which is beside the Headquarters of the EP Church. We were at the youth service and there were around 300 people there. The church is vast and has a congregation total of 4000 members. The worship was led by a praise band and a different choir from the one we had been with last night- the singing was fantastic. As we came out the folks were gathering for the main service and we met last night’s choir; they were busy singing to us the song Iain had taught them. Quick learners! The whole scene was bright not just with the sun but with the beautifully coloured outfits of the ladies and some men in traditional dress – a cloth that covers over all their body apart from one arm – a bit like a big plaid. Some were carrying seats or large traditional drums, others standing chatting and others scurrying around purposely. It was a scene which made you want to stay but we had to move on….
The second congregation was a small rural congregation around 30 minutes drive from Ho and was called Wegbe Kpalime congregation and is the home of the current Moderator, Rt Rev Francis Amenu, who is coming to Scotland for the General Assembly this year. The Moderator was not there as he was on other business but we were very warmly welcomed by the congregation and we literally had to squeeze into the small building as it was already crammed with worshippers. They had the bunting up and the band consisted of drums, shakers and 2 trombones and two trumpets. Carol sat in the congregation with a lovely lady called Mabel and Iain was on the platform at the front with the ministers. However, as we do in every congregation, we both spoke to the folks. We also saw the site of their new church which they have been building from congregational donations for 10 years now. It is almost ready except for the roof which is a major expense for them but they are hopeful they may worship in the new church soon.
The third congregation was EP SSNIT Flats. The flats around the church are about 4 storeys high and are aimed at a low to middle income renter. This was our middle sized congregation of around 150 people. Their singing was fantastic and their choir so smart in their black and white robes.
Lunch today was red-red which we have been waiting for all week – a bean stew which was very tasty. It was served up with plantain and chicken, followed by fresh juicy watermelon. Iain preached a mini ‘sermon’ to Mawina, the girl who works in the restaurant as we waited for lunch to be ready. We then had a couple of hours to relax – first this week!
Now we are about to go to a meeting with the Moderator of EP Church and various office-bearers. Will let you know how it all goes in our next blog.
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