September 23, 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 One…
Consfords Chronicles
Missionary Internships in Africa
Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana.
One of the things I have quickly learned while serving on the mission field internship in Ghana is that every day is full of opportunities to grow. Some days are filled with outreach or ministry events. Other days are quieter, focused on study and preparation. Today was one of those days that reminded me how important Bible training is for anyone preparing for ministry.

The day started early. I woke up around 7:05 in the morning. Even though the day ahead would be full of classes, I wanted to begin with some personal time in the Word of God. Those quiet morning moments have become an important rhythm while serving on the mission field internship. Before the busyness of the day begins, it helps to stop, read the Scriptures, and ask the Lord for wisdom.
After spending time reading my Bible, I began studying for the quizzes scheduled later that day. Bible Institute days can be intense, and keeping up with the material requires discipline. But honestly, that challenge is part of what makes the experience so valuable.
Preparing for a Day of Bible Institute Classes
Once I finished my personal Bible reading, I made a simple breakfast. After eating, I headed back upstairs to my room to review my notes. One thing about serving on the mission field internship is that learning never really stops. Whether in the classroom or studying alone, there is always something new to understand about ministry and the Scriptures.
Around 9:55 in the morning, we left the house to head to the church where the Bible Institute meets. The church building serves as both a place of worship and a place of training for future pastors and ministry workers.
When we arrived, Bro. and Mrs. Ruckman needed to leave quickly for a wedding they were scheduled to attend. They dropped me off at the church, and I suddenly found myself with a quiet building and some extra time.
At first, the church was completely empty. That quiet gave me a perfect opportunity to get some additional studying done. I pulled out my books, reviewed notes, and spent some time reading ahead in the material. These moments of quiet preparation are easy to overlook, but they are an important part of missionary training.
Eventually, around 10:45 A.M., people started arriving.
Learning Through Classroom Training on the Mission Field
By 11:00 A.M., enough students had arrived for us to begin class. Our first class of the day was the Book of Romans. Romans is one of the richest doctrinal books in the New Testament, and studying it carefully is essential for anyone preparing to preach or teach the Bible.
During the class, we walked through passages that explain salvation, grace, and the righteousness of God. Listening, taking notes, and discussing these passages reminded me again how critical sound doctrine is in ministry.
After Romans, we moved into our Old Testament Survey class. Mrs. Angie had not yet returned from the wedding, so we adjusted the schedule slightly. Flexibility is something you learn quickly on the mission field.
Missionary life does not always follow a perfectly organized plan. Sometimes schedules shift. Sometimes unexpected events happen. Learning to adapt is part of serving on the mission field internship.
Eventually, around 1:00 P.M., Mrs. Angie returned, and we were able to continue with the rest of the classes.
English Class, Homiletics, and Baptist Distinctives
The next class was English, which is an important part of the training program. Communication is a key skill for ministry. Whether teaching, preaching, or witnessing, clear communication makes a difference.
Missionary on Fire Podcast
Preserving the Legacy of Faithful Missionaries
The Missionary on Fire podcast features interviews with veteran missionaries, classic sermons from the field, and stories of God’s faithfulness across generations. If you love the heart behind these stories, you will love the podcast. New episodes regularly.
After English class, we continued with Homiletics 1, which focuses on the art of preaching. Learning how to prepare a message, organize thoughts, and communicate Scripture effectively is a skill that takes time and practice.
For anyone serving on the mission field internship, preaching training is especially important. Missionaries often find themselves teaching Bible studies, discipling believers, or helping train local church leaders. Knowing how to present the Word of God clearly is essential.
Our final class of the day was Baptist Distinctives. This class focuses on biblical church principles such as the authority of Scripture, believer’s baptism, the autonomy of the local church, and the importance of soul winning.
These foundational truths shape how churches operate and how missionaries serve around the world. Understanding them deeply helps prepare future ministry leaders for the challenges they will face.
By the time the final class ended, it had been a long but productive day.
Winding Down After a Full Day of Study
After classes finished, we headed home. My brain definitely needed a little break after a full day of studying and lectures.
When we arrived back at the house, I went to my room and relaxed for a bit. Sometimes the best way to absorb what you have learned is simply to let your mind rest.
Later in the evening, we had supper delivered—KFC. It was a welcome treat after a long day. Missionary life can involve a lot of rice and local food, so occasionally having something familiar from home is a fun change.
After supper, we spent a little time playing a game together. These simple moments of fellowship are part of what makes mission field life enjoyable. Ministry is serious work, but it is also filled with friendships and shared experiences.
During the evening, I was also able to talk with Danny back home. He is starting to set up his deer stand for the upcoming hunting season. Hearing about that definitely made me think about one of the hobbies I miss most while overseas.
Deer season has always been something I enjoy, and helping him think through his setup was a fun way to stay connected.
The Real Value of Serving on the Mission Field Internship
As the evening wound down, everyone eventually went their separate ways to rest after a long day. Bro. Ruckman shared a little about the wedding he attended earlier. He said it was definitely something new but interesting to experience a cultural wedding ceremony.
Moments like that remind me how rich and diverse mission field life can be. Every day brings opportunities to learn—not only about ministry, but also about culture, people, and the way God works in different places around the world.
That is one of the greatest benefits of serving on the mission field internship. It provides a unique opportunity to experience real ministry while receiving training at the same time.
Classroom study is important, but seeing ministry happen in real life adds a completely different level of understanding. Whether studying Scripture, preparing sermons, or simply observing how missionaries serve people daily, every moment becomes part of the learning process.
As the day came to an end, I started preparing for bed. Tomorrow is Sunday, which means another full day of church services and ministry opportunities.
After a long day of classes, studying, and fellowship, I was definitely ready for some rest.
And yes—tomorrow I will absolutely need my beauty sleep.

Wow that is a lot of classes. Hope you did well on the quizzes. It was much cooler today. We went out to Amish country to see the big auction for crafts. They were selling quilt tops,mums, wood products like swing sets, porch swings, lawn chairs.etc. They had three auctions at one time. Very noisy. We didn’t stay long. We are praying for a fruitful Sunday and encouragement for you! Love you lots.
You sure need that beauty sleep!
DON’T BE UGLY AUNT MANDY!! 🙂