G H A N A H A R V E S T. Doctor of Ministry CONCORDIA SEMINARY ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

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1 G H A N A H A R V E S T Go ye therefore and teach all na ons, bap zing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. (Ma hew 28:19 KJV) ISSUE 40 Visit us at >>>>> APRIL 13, 2016 The Ghana Harvest Newsle er is published for distribu on by to all who feel the call to follow the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Go, Teach, and Bap ze. This newsle er focuses on the Chris an Outreach happening in the Upper East Region of Ghana, West Africa among the Kusasi villages which is presently administered by Pastor Nicholas Salifu of the LCMS. This newsle er may be reproduced and distributed to anyone interested in spreading the love of Jesus Christ in these remote areas of Ghana. Philip L. Herr Rev. Nicholas Salifu informa on and photos editor 2016 Ghana Harvest, Inc. 143 Helen PL. Collinsville, IL Doctor of Ministry CONCORDIA SEMINARY ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 1

PASTOR SALIFU TO RECEIVE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY ON MAY 20th, 2016 Pastor Nicholas Salifu was born in Ziako, a village near Bawku in the north eastern part of Ghana, West Africa and was brought up as an

His father then realized that his fortune was being exhausted because of the persistent sacrifices so he converted to Islam believing that he had finally accepted a powerful god that did not expect

2 PASTOR SALIFU TO RECEIVE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY ON MAY 20th, 2016 Pastor Nicholas Salifu was born in Ziako, a village near Bawku in the north eastern part of Ghana, West Africa and was brought up as an animist or nature worshiper, sacrificing chickens, sheep, goats, and even donkeys and cows to divinities such as rivers, stones, rivers trees, lakes and mountains. His father then realized that his fortune was being exhausted because of the persistent sacrifices so he converted to Islam believing that he had finally accepted a powerful god that did not expect perennial favors. Nicholas soon realized, after becoming a Muslim, that Islam, after all was not a liberating or transformational experience, finding it more difficult to follow than his previous traditional religion. Being forced to pray five times a day, memorize Qu ranic passages, and fasting one month a year from dawn to dusk, THE BEGINNING seemed an obligation no different than the favors sought by the traditional gods. However, being an obedient son he continued living the life of a Muslim that had been decided for him by his father. He attended school and following secondary school in Bawku and travelled to Tema, a port city in southern Ghana to find a job. There he was hired by Food Specialties Ghana Limited (now Nestles) and was able to save money to purchase grinding mills for his family back home. In Tema, Nicholas met Rev. Walter Schmidt, an LCMS missionary. While learning literacy skills, he was introduced to the Bible and enrolled in pre-baptism classes. Eight weeks later, he was baptized and confirmed. He enrolled in the first Theological Education by Extension class organized by Rev. Schmidt and held various positions in the church council. He established a preaching station in Nungua where he lived. Nicholas then returned to his home to Ziako, where there were no Christians, a few Muslims, and the rest were animists. There, in 1987, he started the first church, where 143 people were baptized at the first baptism service. Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ghana in the Study of Religions and Sociology. He was trained as an evangelist at the Lutheran Seminary in Nigeria in 1990 and studied translation skills at the Ghana Institute of linguistics, literacy and Bible Translation. Nicholas has been involved in training local church leaders and planting churches. There are now 13 congregations and more than 3,000 members. He has translated materials and written books on social issues such as family planning, tree planting, environmental hygiene, and a prayer book. In 2007, LCMS World Missions granted Nicholas a scholarship to study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree. On his return to Ghana in 2012 he opened the only religious school in Bawku, Ghana, Concordia Preparatory School, which as of today has an enrollment of over 500 students through the third grade. In 2016 he completed his studies for a Doctor of Ministry degree. He will return to Ghana to continue expanding Concordia Preparatory School, train more leaders, establish new churches, teach members how to read THE PRESENT and write, translate Lutheran materials from English to Kusaal, and possibly teach in the Ghana seminary. Nicholas is married to Cynthia and they are blessed with three girls and two boys, still in Ghana. Visit us at >>>>> 2

LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATERS FINISH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS IN KUSAAL After years of translating, for the first time, the

With great gratitude the members of St Luke Lutheran congregation accepted one of the first copies from the Rev David

For many years only the New Testament was printed in Kusaal, but now all of the history and prophesies are able to be studied

These dedicated translators provide Bibles for the world.

out for Martin Luther s Small Catechisms, the response came from the Concordia Publishing House Concordia Gospel Outreach

3 LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATERS FINISH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS IN KUSAAL After years of translating, for the first time, the complete Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is available in the Kusaal language. With great gratitude the members of St Luke Lutheran congregation accepted one of the first copies from the Rev David Fidewitz, member of LBT stationed in Ghana. Pastor Salifu accepted the Bible on behalf of the congregation. For many years only the New Testament was printed in Kusaal, but now all of the history and prophesies are able to be studied and read. The work provided by the Lutheran Bible Translators KUSAAL BIBLE can be found at These dedicated translators provide Bibles for the world. REV FEDEWITZ OF LBT KUSAAL BIBLE OPEN ENGLISH LANGUAGE CATECHISMS PROVIDED BY CONCORDIA GOSPEL OUTREACH When the request went out for Martin Luther s Small Catechisms, the response came from the Concordia Publishing House Concordia Gospel Outreach Division. This charity, under the direction of Elizabeth Meyer Pittman, provides Concordia books of all types that can be used by needy Christians around the world. Ghana Harvest was provided 50 catechisms and numerous supplements for use in Concordia 3 Visit us at >>>>>

4 There has been quite a bit of activity going on in the area of sanitary well lining recently. Five wells were funded by Concordia Lutheran Church in Geneseo, Illinois, and they are now sending funds for two more, and St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa has sent funds for three more wells. These well s are a blessing to the various remote villages and communities. They all meet once a month at the well and have Bible studies and prayers to give thanks for the blessing of clean, pure water. There have been many families who have come to follow Christ because of the love of someone in the United States. Some of the concrete liners were installed in these villages; Teesings, Kpaliga, Kpalwega, Kpalugu-nateng, Buolnatenga, and other areas that are unnamed. Following are photos of various stages of the lining process; the original hand dug well, the materials that have been gathered, the forms for the well casing, the workers, and the finished well. As you can see, the women work at gathering stones, sand, and water while the men assist the professional well liner with the construction. Visit us at >>>>> 4

5 5 Visit us at >>>>>

The construction of St John Lutheran Chapel

be adding about two classrooms every year

St John is the largest of all six of the

6 The construction of St John Lutheran Chapel at Kpalugu is nearing completion. This is the sixth chapel building that Ghana Harvest has funded in the last five years and should be the last for a few years as Concordia Preparatory School will be adding about two classrooms every year for quite a while. St John is the largest of all six of the Kusasi Lutheran Chapels and is fairly centrally located among the others. It will be used as a meeting center as well as for religious and social events. Funding for the final materials was sent two weeks ago ST JOHN FRONT VIEW so the roof structure and metal sheeting are being installed now. INTERIOR VIEW SIDE VIEW Visit us at >>>>> 6

PRAY FOR GIFTY Unfortunately, a young girl from At St. Luke Lutheran church in Bugzundehas been diagnosed with a hole in her heart.

She and her children GIFTY & PASTOR are Christian, but her husband is a Muslim and does not GIFTY AND CECILIA care about them because they left

If I remember correctly, Gifty at one time received a bicycle for being an exceptional student, and was proficient in reading Kusaal at a very

Some people had been prepared for baptism and when he went to Zuuku, the leader Solomon Asibi said, "Pastor we did not know you will be here

" Pastor Salifu is always be ready and by the grace of God, the people were baptized. Two men, a woman, two youth and two children.

Ever since I joined your church more than two months ago, I have not made any sacrifice to any idol, in fact, when I go home, now that I have

" He ended by saying, I am now free and I don't owe any idol or ancestor anything because Jesus has made everything good for me.

7 PRAY FOR GIFTY Unfortunately, a young girl from At St. Luke Lutheran church in Bugzundehas been diagnosed with a hole in her heart. Her mother Cecilia Suleman is the chairwoman of the St Luke Women s Fellowship. She and her children GIFTY & PASTOR are Christian, but her husband is a Muslim and does not GIFTY AND CECILIA care about them because they left Islam to become Christian. Gifty is scheduled to have surgery in Accra later in April and really needs your prayers. If I remember correctly, Gifty at one time received a bicycle for being an exceptional student, and was proficient in reading Kusaal at a very young age. JUST ANOTHER NORMAL DAY Recently Pastor Salifu first worshiped at Wiidi and then to Zuuku (Hope Lutheran). Some people had been prepared for baptism and when he went to Zuuku, the leader Solomon Asibi said, "Pastor we did not know you will be here today. We have seven people prepared for baptism, could you baptize them... they have asked for it and they are ready for it." Pastor Salifu is always be ready and by the grace of God, the people were baptized. Two men, a woman, two youth and two children. One of the men who is about 70 years told him,"pastor, I have worshiped idols all my life but now I have left them all. Ever since I joined your church more than two months ago, I have not made any sacrifice to any idol, in fact, when I go home, now that I have been confirmed a child of God, I will remove all the idols and throw them away." He ended by saying, I am now free and I don't owe any idol or ancestor anything because Jesus has made everything good for me. "Pastor gave that man a new name- Adam. He said, Adam, I have made you father of this congregation. The Lord will use you to bring all your family and friends to church. Adam said, BAPTISM AT ZUUKU that was easy and that all his family will follow him. Please pray for Adam and John Ayamba the two elderly men and the rest that The Holy Spirit will enter the hearts of these families. 7 Visit us at >>>>>

ASH WEDNESDAY On Ash Wednesday the Imposition of Ashes was offered at four of the Kusasi Lutheran Churches; Immanuel

Pastor Salifu led the service at Naransaug and the leaders of the other churches were asked to stay in their churches

Last year was the first IMPOSITION OF ASHES time this rite was offered and it was well received and members requested

Pastor Salifu says it is very special to see infants receiving the ashes and that should make us as adults extra

Many thanks to Pastor Mueller for helping to organize this service last year.

Churches!!! This is an answer to many prayers.

How to get men involved in church By this beginning, hopefully men will start to participate more in activities of

Men rarely MENS FELLOWSHIP get involved with anything that the women do, they eat separately and don t come into the

8 ASH WEDNESDAY On Ash Wednesday the Imposition of Ashes was offered at four of the Kusasi Lutheran Churches; Immanuel at Ziako, St. Luke at Bugzunde, St. Paul at Bansakpanatenga, and Redeemer at Naransaug. Pastor Salifu led the service at Naransaug and the leaders of the other churches were asked to stay in their churches until after 3:00 PM to enable the school children to receive the Imposition of Ashes and the Word of God after school. Last year was the first IMPOSITION OF ASHES time this rite was offered and it was well received and members requested that it be continued. Pastor Salifu says it is very special to see infants receiving the ashes and that should make us as adults extra grateful to Jesus for washing away all of our sins. Many thanks to Pastor Mueller for helping to organize this service last year. INFANT RECEIVES ASHES A MEN S FELLOWSHIP What a BLESSING A Men s Fellowship has started in the Kusasi Lutheran Churches!!! This is an answer to many prayers. This is the subject that earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree for Pastor Salifu. How to get men involved in church By this beginning, hopefully men will start to participate more in activities of the church. Traditionally men stay outside and the women are inside. It s a culture thing. Men rarely MENS FELLOWSHIP get involved with anything that the women do, they eat separately and don t come into the house until the day is over. Likewise most of the participating church members are women, except for the Leaders. It has been pastor Salifus goal to find a way to get men involved socially interacting with each other in a religious setting. It looks like the prayer is being answered and it is starting with The Men s Fellowship. May God continue to bless The Kusasi Lutherans as they learn what a privilege it is to worship as a family in the House of God. 8 Visit us at >>>>>

THE BIG EVENT The Commencement will begin at

Seminary s Main Quadrangle, weather permitting.

beginning at 5:00 pm in tent on the East lawn

The 5:00 pm time is not firm as the tent will

Nicholas will probably be there much earlier,

! If you cannot attend, but wish you could you

Commencement events will be available via live

edu/live COMMENCEMENT RECEPTION THANKS AGAIN

GHANA HARVEST To stay informed or to look at

org Please help by making a regular commitment

IL 62234 We can help tell the love of Jesus in

can go with your thes to help the work of

9 THE BIG EVENT The Commencement will begin at 7:00 PM on Friday May 20th 2016 in Concordia Seminary s Main Quadrangle, weather permitting. Ghana Harvest will host an IN- FORMAL reception beginning at 5:00 pm in tent on the East lawn of President Meyer s Home on the campus. The 5:00 pm time is not firm as the tent will lot be used for any other function that day. Nicholas will probably be there much earlier, so you are welcome whenever you arrive on the grounds. There will be a surprise guest in attendance!! If you cannot attend, but wish you could you may be able to attend via live stream. Commencement events will be available via live stream at COMMENCEMENT RECEPTION THANKS AGAIN FOR SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE LORD THROUGH GHANA HARVEST To stay informed or to look at past newsletters go to : Please help by making a regular commitment to: GHANA HARVEST 143 Helen Place Collinsville, IL We can help tell the love of Jesus in a place where you cannot personally go, but you can go with your thes to help the work of Pastor Nicholas Salifu as he con nues to serve our Lord. May the love of Jesus Christ remain with all of you! phil 9 Visit us at >>>>>

G H A N A H A R V E S T

G H A N A H A R V E S T Go ye therefore and teach all na ons, bap zing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. (Ma hew 28:19 KJV) ISSUE 33 Visit us at >>>>> www.ghanaharvest.org