09/19/09: Anaji Town Evangelism

“In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible—doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.” Great Controversy, 606.

Attentive audience at the Anaji Town meetings.

Attentive audience at the Anaji Town meetings.

The time in which we live calls for active warning of the inhabitants of the world since probation will soon close.

Anaji Town is the indigenous people in Takoradi. We have a church located on their soil. Unfortunately, few of our members are from the community as the people do not patronize the Adventist message because of the social, economic and cultural life of the people.

Plans were made last year to visit the community and give them the everlasting gospel, but times and funds were not on our side. Early this year, the church voted to work in the community; but because of my planned activities at Setswi Bekwai and Pokuase Mayera, we had to defer it until 17th of March.

Attendees at a nighttime meeting.

Attendees at a nighttime meeting.

Two weeks before we were to begin, local church members began visiting the people in their homes and opening the Bible with them. Then one week beforehand, the handbills were distributed to the community. During the last six days before the meetings began, I went on the local radio station to arouse the people to our messages.

People waiting for health screening before meetings.

People waiting for health screening before meetings.

One the March 17th, Evangelist Gabriel Brew arrived from Accra to assist with our meetings. The high publicity had worked. Many people were attracted to the meetings because of that and because we were offering medical advice at the meetings. We had a medical team on site for one hour before the meeting was to begin. Some of the team would take blood pressure, weight and height, and write a report and submit it to the health counselor who would educate them on healthful living and refer the more difficult cases to our clinic. The interest in the medical work was great, and we would have to actively suspend the activities each evening so that we could begin the evangelistic meeting. We would get the people’s attention by singing our theme song entitled: “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.”

The interest in our message was great as we continued to reveal to them hidden truth. One brother exclaimed, “We are lost!” The people could see their sins as we studied deeply each evening.

People fill seats for a daytime meeting.

People fill seats for a daytime meeting.

The night that I presented Revelation 17, “The Woman on the Beast,” I showed that the woman represented a church and that the beast represented Rome. Then I asked which church had ever controlled the kingdom of Rome. To my surprise, some mentioned the Papacy. I continued to reveal what the wine represented—false doctrine. When I concluded, I asked if they now accepted why the Bible refers to that church as Babylon the Great.

When the appeal was made, over thirty-five people signed their names to study with us. We now have Bible studies going in a local classroom with the new converts and interests who are preparing for baptism. With this group we have shared Bibles and some literature.

Pastor Nyanor inviting people over the radio.

Pastor Nyanor inviting people over the radio.

We are badly in need of more Bibles, since many of our hearers need Bibles, and when they are asked to come for a Bible they respond favorably.

Plans are far advanced to move to the northern part of Ghana on the 16th April to help the people in the North. Your prayers, support and materials are most welcomed as the work in the Northern Ghana is difficult because the poverty rate is high and the cultural practices of the people does not encourage them to accept Adventism.

If we refuse to work in this time of liberty, we will work in hardship in the crisis ahead. Let us come together to help finish the work. Soon our Savior will be coming.

By Pastor Benjamin Nyanor, Box MC, 1280, Takoradi, Ghana.