Equipping for the Harvest Conference Renews Revival in Ghana
that Began Fifty Years Ago

AIMS News: Posted 2/1/2005

More than 50 years ago, in 1953, "Paul" (AIMS Associates Coordinator) served as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa. In October, he returned to Ghana with an AIMS team to facilitate an Equipping for the Harvest conference in the city of Kumasi. The team planned to include two pastorsí tracks, a womenís track, and a business track, but God had other plans.

"Since it had been several years since Dr. Howard Foltz (founder and president of AIMS) had been there, our convener asked if we could combine the two pastorsí tracks," said "Titus," International Director.

After adjusting the schedule, the team decided to teach the pastors and business tracks simultaneously. About 200 pastors and 150 business leaders attended the conference. At the conclusion of the event, the leaders formed four partnerships. Three partnerships focused on unreached people groups in Ghana. The remaining partnership formed to pray specifically for the unreached in China.

"Many of the pastors and business leaders told us that the training really motivated them to follow through with completing the Great Commission," said Titus.

The Fruits of Past Labors

During the teamís visit, Paul was able to witness first-hand the results of his ministry fifty years ago. After the conference, Paul spoke at a special missions meeting of the entire church network. More than 3,000 Ghanaians crowded into the auditorium and listened as Paul ministered to them and encouraged them with stories of his previous ministry in Ghana.

As he told them about healings and miracles that took place in the nearby cities, the congregation became excited. They stood to their feet and started dancing in the aisles.

"All that happened 50 years ago was nothing compared to what the Lord has for them today," said Paul. "They will do now what we couldnít do 50 years ago."

Meeting the "Queen Mother"

"Priscilla" (AIMS Director of Africa) met with the "Queen Mother" -- the mother of the king of an area tribe -- who attended the church hosting the conference. During her visit, Priscilla learned that she had been saved through Paulís meetings more than 50 years ago.

"My grandmother and mother used to worship the tribal gods," said the Queen Mother, who, at that time, was almost the age when she would have been required to worship the tribal gods. "But because he [Paul] came, our family was saved, and I never had to serve the gods of my mothers."

Priscilla felt a connection with the Queen Mother and prayed with her before leaving. "I have never met someone who radiated the love of Jesus Christ so much."