Day 7 Cape Coast

Romans 5:2-5

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  

 We got up early again today to get breakfast so we could start our journey to the coastal town of Cape Coast.  Along the way, we were honored to be able to accompany Pastor Casely to his father's hometown and the Abura Dunkwa Methodist Church  where his father was buried. We gathered there along with Pastor Casely's brother, Joe Hann, and a hand full of relatives to pray and reflect on the life and ministry of Pastor Casely's father.

Pastor Casely and Uncle Kwame Pastor's Father's grave

Although you never know what awaits you on the roads of Ghana, our talented driver was so efficient and we reached the beautiful coastal town earlier than expected (the newly constructed roads and bridges helped make travels smooth).

For a special treat, we went to the Cape Coast Castle( slave castle) and took a tour...a sobering tour that left each of us reflecting upon the impact of humanity for many nations. Silent prayers were lifted for healing for God's people even generations after the slave trade ended.


Inside slave dungeon at Cape Coast Slave Castle

Cape Coast slave Castle tour

Right after the castle tour, we visited the very FIRST Methodist Church built in Ghana in 1835. This is a beautiful church inside and out with wooden pews, stain glass windows and painted columns. It is also a church rich in history as 3 of the first missionaries (and their wives)who came to Ghana to spread the Gospel are buried beneath the pulpit.  (Rev. Joseph Dunwell, Rev & Mrs. George Wrigley, and Rev.  & Mrs.  Peter Harrop sacrificed everything for the sake of spreading the love of Jesus!

Very FIRST Methodist church built in Ghana

We then embarked on a brisk stroll through the open market of Cape Coast. You can get just about ANYTHING at the market: fish, snails, bread, fruit & vegetables, jewelry, fabrics, clothes, spices, shoes, and even electronics.  The sights, sounds, and smells were ones we have never experienced before and made our market walk truly unique and interesting. 

 

Still in Ghana, we rode through Pastor Casely's high school campus-a place of distinct significance to Pastor Casely because its the location where he first accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior during a SU gathering.  We are all grateful for the impact SU has made on us and so many others through Pastor Casely's life!

Building on Pastor Casely's former high school campus

A short drive to the University of Cape Coast for dinner and lodging for the night. The youngsters and Pastor Casely did take one more little excursion that evening to visit a friend, look at the ocean, and pick up some souvenirs.
 

Along our travels into various regions of Ghana, we've been hosted by several SU regional directors.  They are wonderful and gracious hosts!! We thank God for each and every one of you and see for ourselves the important leadership role you play within the SU organization.  Your work in the schools is such a labor of love! Thank You! You blessed our time in Ghana immensely!!