Consfords Chronicles
Missionary Internships in Africa
Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana.
A Quiet Day That Still Taught Big Lessons
Some days on the mission field are full of preaching, church services, and evangelism. Other days seem quiet on the surface—but they still become part of a valuable mission field experience Ghana is known for teaching young missionaries.
This particular morning began a little slower than usual. I woke up at 8:00 A.M., which honestly is a habit I need to break while living on the mission field. Missionary life often begins early, and the day tends to fill up quickly. Still, I must admit the extra rest felt good.
Around 8:20 A.M., I came downstairs and found Bro. Ruckman already thinking through the day. Plans had changed overnight. Originally, he and Mrs. Angie planned to take a couple visiting from Texas to see some of the churches and the ocean. The idea was to eat lunch at the beach and enjoy the beautiful coastline Ghana is known for.
However, Mrs. Angie had been dealing with some back pain. Instead of pushing through a busy day, they decided it would be better for her to stay home and rest. That meant our schedule would change as well.
Life on the mission field teaches flexibility very quickly. Plans can change in a moment, and learning to adjust is part of the mission field experience Ghana gives those preparing for ministry.
Adjusting Plans on the Mission Field
After we talked through the situation, Bro. Ruckman suggested we head to the mall instead. Mrs. Angie could get her back worked on with a massage, while he and I took care of a few errands and maybe even got a haircut.
We left the house around 9:00 A.M. to start the day.
The mall in Ghana is a fascinating place for someone spending time on the mission field. It blends local culture with international influence. You will see Ghanaian shops beside international stores, families walking together, and people from many different countries passing through.
When we arrived, everything went according to our new plan. Mrs. Angie went to get her massage while Bro. Ruckman and I went to the barber.
I had actually gotten a haircut about three weeks earlier, but my hair seemed to be growing faster than normal. That might be one of the mysteries of missionary life!
The barber who cut my hair the last time had done a great job. This time, however, someone different was working. He asked if what he planned to do was okay. I told him what I wanted, but apparently what I meant and what he understood were not quite the same thing.
Before I knew it, he had shaved the sides of my head almost to the skin—about a zero—going an inch and a half up.
Then he tapered it the way I had asked.
All I could think was that at least I would not need another haircut for quite a while!
Even small moments like this become memorable parts of a mission field experience Ghana interns often laugh about later.
Lunch and a Phone Call from Home
After finishing our errands at the mall, we ordered pizza from a place called Peter Pan’s. If you have spent time in Ghana, you learn quickly that international food often comes with a local twist.
The pizza was not quite like Pizza Hut back in the States, but it was still pretty good.
While we waited for the pizza, I had the opportunity to call Danny. That conversation meant more to me than I expected. We talked about deer hunting and what his plans were for the season.
It reminded me that being on the mission field always comes with a trade-off. You gain incredible ministry experiences, but you also miss moments back home.
Talking to family during a mission field experience Ghana can be both encouraging and a little bittersweet.
Still, hearing his voice was a blessing.
Once the pizza was ready, we took it home and enjoyed lunch together. Afterward, everyone took a little time to rest before the next part of the day began.
The Computer Problem at the Mall
Around 3:30 P.M., Bro. Ruckman and I headed back to the mall.
A week or two earlier, we had purchased a computer for Pastor Dare. Unfortunately, it had been giving us trouble. The battery would not hold a charge, so we needed to take it back to the store.
At first, the store employees planned to simply replace the computer. However, as they started checking other units, something strange happened.
Every single one of them had the same problem.
They tested four or five computers—including the display model—and none of them worked properly.
After a little discussion, we decided the best option would be to upgrade and pay the difference. Unfortunately, they did not have the upgraded model available that day, so we would have to return the next day to finish the purchase.
That is another reality of working overseas. Simple tasks can sometimes take much longer than expected. Patience becomes part of the mission field experience Ghana teaches missionaries and interns alike.
An Unexpected Encounter at the Grocery Section
Before leaving the mall, we stopped by the grocery area to pick up a few things for supper.
While we were walking through the aisles, we noticed a group of young Mormon missionaries. Several were from Utah, and one young man was from Liberia.
They were friendly and polite. It is always interesting meeting other religious workers while serving overseas.
Still, it is also sad to see young men sincerely dedicating their lives to a message that is not the true gospel.
One of the young men had something clearly wrong with one of his eyes. Bro. Ruckman asked him what had happened.
He replied, “Oh, I have something the Africans call Apollo.”
I immediately knew what he meant. In Ghana, people often use the word “Apollo” to refer to pink eye.
Sure enough, that was exactly what he had.
Even simple encounters like this remind you how important it is that the true gospel reaches every corner of the world. The need for clear biblical teaching becomes obvious during a mission field experience Ghana provides.
A Simple Evening of Fellowship
After finishing our errands, we headed back home.
That evening, Bro. Ruckman and Mrs. Angie made delicious burgers for supper. There is something special about simple meals shared together after a long day.
During the evening, I also made friends with their dog, Koda. Animals seem to have a way of becoming part of missionary life as well.
After supper, we all spent time working on our Fante homework. Language study is a major part of preparing for ministry in Ghana. Learning the language opens doors for deeper relationships and more effective ministry.
Finally, we settled down to watch a movie before heading to bed.
Tomorrow would be another busy day on the mission field, so rest was important.
Days like this may not seem dramatic, but they form the backbone of missionary training. Each small moment contributes to the larger picture of ministry, culture, and service that shapes a true mission field experience Ghana interns carry with them for the rest of their lives.
More Missionary Internship Stories
Dear Gilbert, I think the hair cut looks very good on you. I am also glad you are friends with their dog. It’s always good to be a friend of a German Shepherd. Keep up the good work. We’re praying for you.
The boys like your haircut. They think it’s pretty snazzy. 🙂
REEEELY LIKE THE HAIRCUT. YOU LOOK STRONGER AND …………STRONGER. ANYWAY GOOD TO HEAR/SEE YOU DOING SO WELL. DANNY MAY HAVE DEER TO HUNT HERE BUT JUST THINK YOU COULD TRAVEL A LITTLE WAY AND MAYBE HUNT LION…ELEPHANT…CAPE BUFFALO. NOW THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT. ENJOY YOU LETTERS. PRAYING FOR YA.