From Nov. 10-18 it was my pleasure and privilege to visit all 3 Bear Valley extensions in the country of Ghana. I was accompanied by West Africa Regional Director, Steven Ashcraft, who also planned everything. We had originally planned to visit the graduation in Kpalime, Togo, but political unrest made it too dangerous.
We began in Accra, the largest city in Ghana, and visited the school in Nsawam/Doboro, which is on the outskirts of the city. This school has 12 full time students (who will soon graduate) and 30 in the extended program.
From there we went across to the city of Takoradi to visit the West Coast School of Preaching. I taught in this school in 2011 but have not been able to go back since then, so this was enjoyable for me. It was good to see some brethren that I had not seen in a long time and to visit with the current student body.
From there we made the long drive (12+ hours) to Tamale in northern Ghana. Tamale is a city of nearly a half million people and is 95% ethnic Muslim. While converting Muslims to Jesus remains a difficult challenge, the men trained in the Bear Valley extension there are doing an outstanding job withstanding against error. We were privileged to be able to attend the graduation and to witness the matriculation of the new class of 18 students!
We were blessed with safe travel and the fellowship of likeminded brethren. Counting those in the extended programs in Accra and Takoradi, there are nearly 100 students in Ghana. Please pray for them.
Brotherly,
Keith