Consfords Chronicles
Missionary Internships in Africa
Stories from the mission field where young missionary interns learn ministry, culture, and service in Ghana.
A Real Missionary Life Field Experience Ghana Interns Learn Quickly
One of the things I am learning during this missionary life field experience Ghana is that there are very few “slow” days on the mission field. Even when a day starts quietly, it rarely stays that way for long.
This morning began like many others. I woke up around 7:30 and joined everyone for breakfast. Mornings here are usually simple but refreshing. The air feels different than back home, and there is always the sense that something interesting could happen before the day ends.
We knew it was going to be a busy day. Several errands needed to be done around town, and in Ghana that usually means visiting multiple places spread across the city.
So after breakfast, we got ready and started out.
Running Errands Is Part of Missionary Life Field Experience Ghana
A lot of people imagine missionary work as constant preaching, teaching, or evangelism. While those things are certainly important, a true missionary life field experience Ghana also includes many ordinary activities that keep life moving forward.
Our first stop of the day was the mall. It might sound funny to say that, but even missionaries in Ghana have to do normal life things like shopping. We picked up a few items we needed and then headed to another grocery store.
In Ghana, finding certain foods can sometimes feel like a small adventure. One store might have something the others do not, so it is not unusual to visit more than one place when doing weekly shopping.
At the second grocery store, we were able to find some fresh meat along with several other items we needed for the week. That was a blessing because fresh meat can sometimes be difficult to find depending on the day.
After loading everything into the vehicle, we moved on to our next stop.
Waiting and Learning Patience on the Mission Field
Next we went to a doctor’s office for Mrs. Angie’s checkup. While she went inside, I stayed in the car and waited.
Waiting is another quiet but important part of a missionary life field experience Ghana. Life does not always run on tight schedules here like it often does in the United States.
Sometimes you wait.
Sometimes you wait longer.
And sometimes you simply take the opportunity to rest.
I ended up sitting there for about an hour. Thankfully, the car was shaded, and I was able to get a little nap while I waited. After several busy days in a row, that short rest was actually a blessing.
When Mrs. Angie finished her appointment, we continued our journey across town.
Pizza Hut in Ghana
Our next stop was another grocery store. By this time we were all getting pretty hungry, and thankfully this store had something we were not expecting.
Pizza Hut.
Now, if you have never eaten Pizza Hut in Ghana, you might not realize how exciting that can be when you have been overseas for a while.
We ordered pizza, and Bro. Ruckman asked for extra cheese. When the pizza arrived, we laughed because they really did put extra cheese on it. Sometimes when you ask for extra toppings, you get about the same amount as usual.
Not this time.
They definitely delivered.
After a busy morning running around town, that meal tasted especially good.
Snacks From Home and New Surprises
Once we returned home, everyone was ready for a little rest.
Shopping days can be surprisingly exhausting in Ghana because of the travel involved, the heat, and the number of stops required. When we finally got home, we unloaded the groceries and took some time to relax.
While unpacking everything, we noticed something fun.
There were snacks we had not seen in quite a while, and there were also several snacks that were completely new to us. Living overseas often brings these little surprises. Some familiar things appear unexpectedly, while new foods show up that you have never tried before.
Those moments make daily life interesting.
We also noticed several flooded areas around town during the day. Heavy storms had passed through the night before, and parts of the roads were still showing signs of the rain.
Storms in Ghana can come quickly and leave their mark just as fast.
Church With Half the Lights
Later in the evening, we got ready for church.
Church nights are always something I look forward to during this missionary life field experience Ghana. Even when things do not go exactly as planned, the fellowship and preaching make it worthwhile.
When we arrived at the church building, we discovered something unexpected.
Most of the lights in the auditorium were not working.
Apparently, the storm from the previous night had caused problems with one of the breakers. Someone flipped the breaker back on, but the lights went out again almost immediately.
So we made do.
We managed to run two fans and keep a portion of the lights working. It was not perfect, but church services continued anyway.
That is something I am learning on the mission field. Ministry does not stop just because the conditions are not ideal.
People still come.
The Word of God is still preached.
And God still works.
Ministry Meetings After Church
After the service ended, Bro. Ruckman gathered the men for a short meeting. They discussed plans for some new signs that will be placed at the church.
Even something as simple as putting up signs can make a big difference in a community. Clear signs help people know where the church is located and make it easier for visitors to find the services.
While the men talked through the details, the rest of us waited and visited with one another.
Eventually the meeting ended, and we all headed home.
Ending the Day With Smoothies
Back at the house, we wrapped up the day in a simple but enjoyable way.
Homemade smoothies.
After a long day of errands, church, and travel, sitting down with a smoothie felt like the perfect ending.
Everyone relaxed and talked about the day while enjoying the cool drink.
Soon it was time for bed because tomorrow will be another full day. Life during a missionary life field experience Ghana rarely slows down for long.
A Health Update and a Reminder to Pray
Before ending the day, we received an important update.
My dad had spoken with the doctor about some new symptoms that appeared today. After hearing the details, the doctor confirmed that it was malaria.
Thankfully, my dad had already taken malaria medicine home with him from Ghana because it is far cheaper there.
When the doctor asked how much he paid, Dad told him it cost six dollars for three doses.
The doctor was shocked.
In the United States, that same medicine costs about five thousand dollars for a single dose.
That moment reminded all of us how different life can be between countries.
More importantly, it reminded us how thankful we are that he already had the medicine ready.
Please pray for his quick recovery.
Even during a busy week on the mission field, the Lord continues to show His care in ways we never expect.
More Missionary Internship Stories
I’m glad the fans and some of the lights worked and that your dad had brought med back with him. Praying for Ms Angie, all y’all, especially healing for your dad.
We are so glad you had a great day! We are headed off to church. We had to chase goats around to get them back in the pen. We are farmers. Hope Joe gets better quickly! Love you!
I’m so glad your Dad has the medicine available. Praying for fast improvement! 😊💕💕💕
I’m glad your Dad has the medicine available. We are praying for fast healing! ❤️🙏