Mission Field Learning Overseas Ministry – Four Weeks into Ghana

A Month of Mission Field Learning Overseas Ministry

Today marks the end of my fourth week here in Ghana. Exactly four weeks ago we had just stepped off the airplane, gathered our bags, and made the drive to the Ruckmans’ house. At that moment everything felt brand new—new country, new culture, new schedule, and a completely different rhythm of life.

Now, one month later, I am beginning to realize what mission field learning overseas ministry really looks like. Some days pass quickly, while others feel like they stretch forever. Anyone who has ever served overseas will understand that strange mixture of excitement and exhaustion that comes from living in a new environment.

There are moments when time flies—especially when we are busy with ministry. At other times, however, it feels like the clock slows down, particularly during long study sessions for Bible Institute or the occasional quiet afternoon when nothing seems to be happening.

Thankfully, those quiet moments do not last very long.

Most days here are full.

And today was no exception.

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Early Mornings on the Mission Field

This morning I woke up around 7:15 A.M. I am slowly getting back into the habit of waking up earlier. When I start the day earlier, everything seems more productive. Mission field life quickly teaches you that discipline matters. The day fills up fast, so getting an early start makes a huge difference.

By 8:00 A.M. I came downstairs for breakfast.

Brother Ruckman had already prepared everything because we needed to leave the house by 8:10. Our first stop was to pick up Brother Kenney. From there we drove out to the Kojokrom church building project.

Brother Kenney will eventually become the pastor of that church once construction is finished. When we arrived, he was eager to see the site plans. It was exciting to watch him study the drawings and imagine what the future church would look like.

Standing there on that dusty property, you could almost picture the finished building.

One day believers will gather there.

One day children will sit in Sunday school classrooms.

One day the gospel will be preached from a pulpit on that ground.

Moments like that are a powerful reminder of what mission field learning overseas ministry really means. It is not just about travel or experience—it is about seeing how the gospel slowly takes root in new places.

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The Race to Language Class

While we were visiting the construction site, time slipped away from us.

Before we realized it, we were in danger of being late for Fante language class.

We hurried back home and I had barely five minutes before the lesson began. Thankfully I was able to jump right in and get about twenty minutes of one-on-one instruction before the others joined.

Language learning is one of the most important parts of mission field learning overseas ministry. If you cannot communicate with people, ministry becomes extremely difficult.

Thankfully, Fante has been much easier for me than I expected.

In fact, it has been easier than the language I attempted to learn years ago in high school.

Spanish.

When I was in school, I honestly did not have the motivation to learn it well. Looking back now, I regret that decision. If I had taken language learning seriously back then, I might already be trilingual today.

Still, there is something different about learning a language when you are surrounded by it every day. You hear it in conversations, in the marketplace, at church, and even in casual greetings.

Because of that constant exposure, I feel like things are starting to click.

Even the teacher mentioned that I seem to be picking it up quickly.

Those who know me well understand something about my personality: once I set my mind to something, I usually pursue it with determination.

Language learning is no different.

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Bible Institute and Training for Ministry

After our Fante lesson ended, we quickly ate lunch and headed to church for Bible Institute.

Classes begin at 1:30 P.M.

On Tuesdays we have four classes.

On Saturdays we have five.

These classes are an important part of the internship experience. They allow us to observe how local pastors are trained and how biblical education is structured for believers who are preparing for ministry.

The schedule is demanding, but it is incredibly valuable.

Sitting in those classes reminds me again how mission field learning overseas ministry involves far more than simply visiting another country. It means studying Scripture, preparing to teach, and learning how churches grow in very different cultural settings.

Every class today went well.

After the final lesson ended, we headed home tired but thankful.

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Supper, Fellowship, and Mission Field Life

When we arrived back at the house, Mrs. Ruckman had supper ready.

Freshly grilled tuna.

Fried rice.

The smell alone was enough to make everyone hungry.

I took my time eating because the tuna was excellent. Apparently I was eating so slowly that Mrs. Ruckman thought I did not like it!

I quickly assured her that the opposite was true—I was enjoying every bite.

Mission field life includes many moments like this.

Good food.

Laughter.

And the unique joy of fellowship among believers who share the same mission.

One thing I have really enjoyed during this internship is watching Brother and Mrs. Ruckman interact with each other. They have a playful way of teasing one another that makes everyone around them laugh.

It is a reminder that ministry families are still families.

They work hard.

But they also enjoy life together.

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Marriage Counseling and Ministry Opportunities

Later in the evening Brother and Mrs. Ruckman prepared for two marriage counseling sessions.

Just to clarify—they were not the couple receiving counseling.

They were the ones giving it!

The first couple is getting married in about two and a half weeks, so they are preparing carefully for their new life together.

The second couple will be married even sooner.

That second couple has become a special prayer request. The young lady involved is not yet saved, so we are praying that the Lord will work in her heart before the wedding.

Situations like this are another important part of mission field learning overseas ministry.

Ministry is not only preaching sermons or teaching classes. It also involves counseling, discipleship, prayer, and walking with people through important decisions in life.

Those are the moments when the gospel becomes personal.

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Ending the Fourth Week in Ghana

At this point in the evening, I am not completely sure what the rest of the night will hold.

Most likely I will spend some time studying, take a shower, and relax for a short while before bed.

Tomorrow morning will come quickly.

We have two transports scheduled to be loaded bright and early.

Life on the mission field keeps moving.

But tonight I find myself reflecting on how quickly these four weeks have passed.

In many ways it feels like we just arrived.

Yet at the same time it feels like Ghana has already begun to feel familiar.

That is the beauty of mission field learning overseas ministry. Each day adds new experiences, new lessons, and new opportunities to see how God is working in another part of the world.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and leaving encouraging comments. Your prayers truly make a difference.

Please continue praying for us.

The work here continues.