Consfords Chronicles
Missionary Internships in Africa
Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana.
The Start of Week Six on the Mission Field
The sixth week of my missions internship field experience in Ghana began quietly. Some days on the mission field are packed with activity, outreach, and unexpected events. Other days seem slow and ordinary. Yet those quieter days often teach lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom.
That morning I woke up around 7:30. Like many mornings during my internship, I began the day by reading my Bible. One of the blessings of a missions internship field experience is that it forces you to slow down and prioritize your walk with the Lord. When you are far from home and serving in a different culture, those quiet moments with Scripture become even more meaningful.
After getting ready for the day, I headed downstairs for breakfast. The meal was simple and quick. In missionary life, breakfast often serves one main purpose—fuel for the work that lies ahead.
Preparing the Church for Ministry
After breakfast we went over to the church. Much of missionary work happens behind the scenes. On this particular morning, Bro. Ruckman needed to meet with several of the men who were helping prepare supplies for upcoming work around the church.
There was also another practical need. The restrooms were having some plumbing problems, and a plumber had been called to fix the toilets. It may not sound very spiritual, but these small maintenance jobs are a real part of a missions internship field experience.
Church buildings in developing countries require constant attention. When something breaks, there is no large maintenance staff to call. Instead, missionaries and church members work together to keep things running.
While the meeting was taking place, several of us helped where we could. Even when you are just observing or doing small tasks, you are learning. Watching how missionary leaders organize people and solve problems is an education all by itself.
A Quiet Afternoon of Ordinary Work
After the morning activities at the church were finished, we returned to the house. The rest of the day did not have many scheduled plans.
Sometimes people imagine missionary life as constant adventure. However, the truth is that much of a missions internship field experience consists of ordinary daily responsibilities.
Back at the house I decided to spend some time cleaning my room. There was quite a bit of dust on the floor, which is not unusual in Ghana. Dust seems to appear everywhere, especially during the dry season.
So I grabbed a broom and started sweeping. It was not a glamorous job, but it felt good to tidy up the room. Once that was finished, the afternoon slowed down considerably.
We ate lunch around noon, and afterward I took some time to rest. I watched a movie and eventually took a nap. Long days of ministry can wear you out, and sometimes the best thing you can do is recharge.
Meanwhile, Bro. Arhin found something productive to do. He offered to clean Bro. Ruckman’s office. He simply told him, “I need something to do.”
That is a great attitude to have on the mission field. When someone is willing to serve wherever needed, they always find opportunities to help.
Evening Preparations for Church
Later that afternoon it was time to prepare for the evening church service. I got dressed and headed downstairs for supper.
We had leftovers from the past few days. The food was simple but delicious, and the fellowship around the table was just as enjoyable as the meal itself. Shared meals are an important part of missionary life. They provide time to relax, laugh, and encourage one another.
After supper we loaded up and drove over to the church.
When we arrived, Bro. Ruckman dropped off Bro. Arhin and me. He and Mrs. Angie needed to say goodbye to a couple visiting from Texas who would be leaving early the next morning.
So while they were saying their farewells, we got to work.
Solving Problems with the Church Sound System
One of the responsibilities that evening involved helping with the church sound system. The audio setup was still being completed by the sound team, so some of the equipment was not fully connected yet.
Bro. Moses and I worked together to get one of the monitors functioning so the service could proceed normally.
Technical problems like this are very common in churches around the world. During a missions internship field experience, you quickly learn to improvise and solve problems with whatever tools you have available.
After some trial and error, we finally got the monitor working. It was not a perfect setup, but it was enough to allow the service to continue.
The evening service went well. People gathered, worshiped together, and heard the preaching of the Word of God. In moments like that, you are reminded why missionary work matters.
Helping a Friend Listen to the Bible
After church we returned home for the night. The day still had one more small task waiting.
Prince needed a phone that would allow him to listen to the Bible while he was at the house. Audio Bibles are incredibly helpful tools, especially for believers who may not yet be strong readers.
So I spent some time setting up the phone for him.
It was a simple job, but it felt meaningful. One of the great privileges of a missions internship field experience is participating in small acts that help others grow spiritually.
Sometimes ministry looks like preaching to a crowd. Other times it looks like helping someone listen to the Word of God through a phone.
Both are important.
Ending the Day with Fellowship
After everything was finished, I finally relaxed for the evening. Someone had brought out brownies and ice cream, which made for a great late-night treat.
We sat around talking and enjoying the fellowship before eventually heading to our rooms.
When I finally laid down that night, I thought back over the day. It had been a long day, even though it was not filled with dramatic events.
In fact, there were no big stories to tell.
But that is part of missionary life.
Some days are full of excitement. Other days are quiet and routine. Yet every day on the mission field adds another layer of understanding.
A missions internship field experience is not just about the big moments. It is about learning to serve faithfully in the small ones.
And who knows—tomorrow might bring the next great story.
For now, we are grateful for another day of ministry and thankful for everyone who continues to pray.
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