Mission Field Learning Overseas Ministry – A Day of Evangelism in Ghana

Consford Chronicles Missions With the Consfords

September 21, 2023

Consfords Chronicles Missionary Internships in Africa Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana. Explore the Internship Program Follow the Consfords A…

Consfords Chronicles

Missionary Internships in Africa

Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana.

A Quiet Morning Before the Heat of the Day

One of the things I quickly learned during mission field learning overseas ministry is that every day on the mission field has its own rhythm. Some days begin with travel or ministry meetings, while others begin quietly with personal preparation before the real work starts.

This particular morning began early. I woke up around 7:30 A.M., which felt like a gift of rest compared to some of the earlier mornings we had experienced during the internship. The Ghanaian sun had already begun warming the air, and the day promised to be hot.

Before the house became busy, I spent time in my Bible reading. That quiet time each morning was one of the most valuable parts of the internship. Ministry opportunities often come quickly, and if a missionary does not begin the day grounded in Scripture, the day can easily become nothing but activity.

After my Bible reading, I ate breakfast and began getting ready for the day. Bro. and Mrs. Ruckman were preparing to spend the day visiting churches with a couple who had come from Texas. Their plan was to travel around the area, visit several churches, and spend some time encouraging believers.

Missionaries often have days filled with travel and fellowship like this. Visiting churches, strengthening relationships, and encouraging believers are important parts of ministry work.

They eventually headed out for the day while I stayed back at the house.

A Morning of Study and Preparation

While the others were out traveling, I had a quiet morning at the house. Internship life is not always constant activity. Sometimes mission field learning overseas ministry involves simple discipline—studying, preparing, and growing spiritually.

I worked on some homework for a while and then relaxed a little by watching a movie. The slower morning allowed me to rest before the heat of the afternoon evangelism.

Around 12:15 P.M., I stopped for lunch. After eating, I continued watching my movie and enjoying the quiet house. It may not sound like ministry work, but learning how to balance rest and responsibility is actually an important lesson during an internship.

Missionary life can be demanding. There are times when ministry requires long days, travel, and constant interaction with people. Learning when to rest and when to work is part of growing into long-term ministry service.

By about 2:00 P.M., it was time to leave for evangelism.

Mission Field Learning Overseas Ministry Through Evangelism

One of the greatest privileges of the internship was the opportunity to participate directly in evangelism. This is where mission field learning overseas ministry becomes very real.

That afternoon I met up with Bro. Arhin and a young boy from the church. Together we went out to witness and share the gospel with people in the community.

Evangelism in Ghana often looks different than in the United States. Instead of knocking on doors in neighborhoods, we often meet people along paths, near markets, or by small streams and fishing areas where children and adults gather.

As we walked through the area, we were able to talk with several children and share the gospel with different people along the way. Many of the children were curious and willing to listen.

Then we met a man named Emmanuel.

I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him and explain the message of salvation. As we talked, it became clear that he was understanding the truth of what we were discussing.

Eventually, Emmanuel trusted Christ as his Savior.

Moments like that are unforgettable for anyone serving in ministry. Watching someone understand the gospel and place their faith in Christ is the greatest joy a missionary can experience.

But the story didn’t end there.

After Emmanuel prayed and trusted Christ, I asked Bro. Arhin to question him in Fante to make sure he fully understood what had happened. Language can sometimes create confusion, so this step was important.

While Bro. Arhin spoke with Emmanuel, something remarkable happened.

Emmanuel’s two friends, who had been listening to the conversation, also decided to trust Christ.

Within a short time, three men had accepted the gospel message.

That afternoon we saw three people saved.

Experiences like this are exactly why missionary internships exist. They give young believers the opportunity to see firsthand what God is doing around the world.

Invitations by the Creek

As we continued walking through the area, we came across several children fishing in a small creek. It was a simple scene—kids enjoying the afternoon, standing along the water with their lines.

We stopped to talk with them for a few minutes and invited them to come to the Bible club.

🎙️

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Children’s ministries like Bible clubs are an important part of missionary work in Ghana. They provide opportunities to teach the Bible, build relationships, and reach entire families through the children.

Many churches in Ghana have grown because children first attended Bible clubs and later brought their parents.

Seeing those children by the creek reminded me again how simple ministry opportunities can be.

Sometimes it begins with nothing more than a conversation and an invitation.

Not Every Conversation Ends the Same

While we were evangelizing, Bro. Arhin also spent quite a while speaking with another man. He carefully explained the gospel and answered questions.

However, that man did not choose to accept Christ that day.

That is another important lesson in mission field learning overseas ministry. Not every conversation ends with someone trusting Christ.

Sometimes people listen but are not ready to respond.

Other times, the seed is planted and God continues working in their heart long after the conversation ends.

Missionaries learn to remain faithful in sharing the gospel, trusting God to bring the increase.

Small Moments of Mission Field Life

After finishing our time of evangelism, we headed back toward town. Along the way, I even stopped and bought a pair of sunglasses. It may sound like a small detail, but those little moments become part of everyday life on the mission field.

The Ghanaian sun is intense, and sunglasses quickly become a valuable piece of equipment.

By the time I arrived back at the house, Bro. and Mrs. Ruckman had not yet returned from their travels.

I was able to talk with Bro. Arhin for about ten minutes before they arrived. Those conversations were always helpful. Talking with local believers and ministry partners gives missionaries a deeper understanding of culture, ministry challenges, and opportunities.

Not long afterward, the Ruckmans returned home.

Supper and a Simple Evening

That evening the Ruckmans prepared supper. It was a simple meal—hot dogs and macaroni—but after a full day it tasted wonderful.

Missionary life often includes meals like this. Fancy dinners are rare, but fellowship around the table is common.

After supper we relaxed for a while and watched a television show together.

Later in the evening we all went our separate ways. The Ruckmans had an important phone call to make. One of their granddaughters was celebrating her first birthday, and they wanted to call and wish her a happy birthday.

Even missionaries serving overseas still carry the joys and responsibilities of family life back home.

Preparing for Tomorrow’s Ministry

As the evening settled down, I returned to my room to do some studying.

The next day I would be teaching a lesson at the Bible club, so I spent some time preparing for that. Teaching children requires preparation, especially when working in a different culture.

I also planned to do some studying for the Bible Institute. The internship included opportunities to grow not only through ministry experience but also through structured Bible training.

Before ending the day, one thing was certain.

After evangelizing in the heat of a Ghanaian afternoon, I definitely needed a shower.

Evangelism under the African sun will leave anyone feeling hot, dusty, and very ready for a cool rinse.

But even with the sweat, the dust, and the long day, the memory of three souls trusting Christ made it all worthwhile.

Days like that are the heart of mission field learning overseas ministry.

They remind us that God is working in every corner of the world—and sometimes all it takes is one conversation for eternity to change.

For those who want to understand what missionary life really looks like, stories like these offer a small glimpse into the daily realities of ministry on the field.

If you would like to learn more about how missionary internships prepare believers for real ministry, you can explore the program here:
https://consfords.com/missionary-internships/

JC

Joe Consford

Baptist Missionary — Author — Podcaster

Joe and Laura Consford are independent Baptist missionaries to Ghana, West Africa, sent from Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas. Joe is the author of That's My Goat and Missionary on Fire, and the host of the Morning Meditation and Missionary on Fire podcasts. The Consfords are currently on deputation and available to visit your church.

3 thoughts on “Mission Field Learning Overseas Ministry – A Day of Evangelism in Ghana”

  1. What a day you had! We spent the day in the Amish country. Papa found a man who would sell him a young hair sheep ram. When we got back Papa fixed the refrigerator for Punky. The kids do school work in the mornings. Eli and Andrew will go to a men’s retreat tomorrow. They call it a recharge because men don’t retreat. We are praying for you. Lots of love!

  2. Praising the Lord with you over the soul you saw come to Christ! What excitement that is! We read your blog post on our way to town on school days, it is an encouragement to Jim because he misses having you around. Him and Danny are always up to something, though 😁.

  3. I can feel your excitement leading a person to the Loed. Nothing in this world matches that. So happy for a GRANDson.

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