After rejecting the Gospel for years, "Malik" is now on fire for the Lord. He has turned from extremist to evangelist. He got hold of the Jesus Film and showed it in "Hochim" village in the north. Islam came to this area some 400 years ago. Illiteracy in this farming village of 5,000 is very high. Still, many heard the Gospel joyfully. A follow-up trip to the village revealed 91 people had given their lives to Christ. Many brought their talisman for burning. The new Christians have faced opposition however. The wives of the new believers cannot grind their grain in the only grinding mill in the village owned by a Muslim.

Ghana's Crossroads

Ghana is at a crossroads. Areas in the north of the country are strongly Muslim whereas the south of the country is predominately Christian. New, cement-built mosques are rising up among grass huts of villages. Money from countries such as Libya and Saudi Arabia are helping every village to have its own mosque. Islam originated in the north through merchants from the adjacent Western Sudan, and through immigrants from Hausaland.

Capital Accra

In the south, the atmosphere is quite different. A walk around the old area of James Town in the capital Accra gives an example. Many shops have a bible truth on their sign posts. "Jesus Loves You Beauty Salon", "God is Life Telecommunications Centre". Perhaps that is why Ghana has one of the highest economic growth rates on the continent.

The gold rush

Flag of Ghana

Map of Ghana

The Portuguese who came to Ghana in the 15th Century found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the place Mina - meaning Mine. The name "Gold Coast" was later adopted by the English. Today Ghana is an island of stability in a region struggling to find its way. It is renowned for some of the friendliest people in Africa, many of whom are well educated. Still, HIV / AIDS and areas of extreme poverty tarnish the gloss of cities like Accra, but progress has been made.

Points for Praise and Prayer:

* There are many good outreach programs in Ghana including music projects, gospel recordings and the use of choirs.

* Despite the poverty levels in many places, Ghanaians love God. But Islam is making inroads. Pray for ministries working in predominantly Muslim north and amongst Muslim groups.

* Radio and Television are strongly Christian based. But secular organizations are making efforts to reverse this trend. Pray for our networks to remain Christian oriented.

* Government: Many of our leaders profess Christ. Please pray that they will practice His principles in government.

* Items given to the very poor and needy include: educational materials, hospital equipment, clothing, food and water. Pray this practical end of the ministry will be blessed and used in the spreading of the Good News and follow-up discipleship.

Background on Ghana (World Factbook)

Once a center of the slave trade, Ghana was the first modern African country to win its independence, in this case from Britain - giving it a head-start in nation building. The people of Ghana are proud of their country - it has good schools, a thriving press and one of the highest potentials for growth and stability on the continent. Its beautiful beaches, variety of landscapes and friendly people make it a joy to visit. Ghana is home to the world's largest artificial lake, Lake Volta. In early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

Economy of Ghana

Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the per capita output of the poorest countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 37% of GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders.

Statistics on Ghana

Population: 24,791,073 (July 2011 est.) - See note below. World Rank #47

Life expectancy at birth: 61 years. World Rank #186

Ethnic groups: Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8%

Religions: Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1%

Languages: Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official))

Literacy: 57.9%

School Life Expectancy: 10 years

Population Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

Ghana Youth Photo Project - Video

Sights and sounds and ideas, from Ghana

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Peaceful despite religious and economic division

There is also a religious divide between the more Christian South and the largely Muslim North (although most tribes are still influenced by animist beliefs). Happily there are some communities of believers in the North, however, Islamic countries have invested a great deal of money to bring Islam to the various ethnic groups. There is a race between Islam and Christianity in much of West Africa. While there is still a peaceful co-existence between the two groups, conflict exists between various Muslim sects in the region.

Flag of Ghana

Map of Ghana

A stronghold of Islam in Ghana is the city of Wa in the north-west of the country. Its residents are mostly Muslim merchants. Some of the believers in Wa did see a few people come to Jesus during the last year. It is difficult for new believers to attend public worship services, for most, it would mean rejection from their families.

Prayer Starters:

* Pray for the Ghanaians who are seeking to make Christ known to Muslims. They need encouragement and support in order to continue the work.

* Pray for the people of Wa to become open to the Gospel. Pray for the new believers to have courage and grow in their faith so others may be reached.

* May believers in Wa and other regions grow in God's strength and wisdom, developing good relationships with one-another, and encouraging one-another.

Testimony from Ghana:

After rejecting the Gospel for years as an Islamic extremist, "Malik" is now excited about the Lord Jesus. He has become someone who peacefully proclaims Jesus. Recently he obtained the "Jesus" Film which he showed in a village where Islam became established some 400 years ago. Illiteracy in this farming village of 5,000 is very high so the film was appreciated. Many heard the Gospel joyfully. Later it became clear that almost 100 people in the village had found new life in the Messiah. Having placed their confidence in Jesus who delivers from evil spirits, the new believers burned their talismans. They have also faced opposition from some people.

Video: Sights, sounds and ideas, from Ghana

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