The Outreach

Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. — 2 Timothy 4:2

AE Ghana did it’s city-wide mission in the coastal city of Tema, which started on 25th October 2024.

Throughout the mission week, host (local) evangelists alongside national and international evangelists, joined forces to immerse themselves in the communities of Tema. The evangelists passionately shared the message of hope, highlighting the freedom and salvation that can be found in the gospel. Their efforts were met with enthusiasm and heartfelt responses, as they invited individuals to accept Christ into their lives.

“Day by day, we have seen an increasing number of people responding to our invitations, expressing their desire to trust in Christ and change their lives forever. The stories arising from these encounters serve as a testament to the profound impact of our work. It is incredibly humbling to hear testimonies of lives that have been radically transformed, and it fills us with gratitude for the many ways God is moving through the Tema mission. We recognize that we are merely instruments in this divine orchestration, and we are committed to continuing our efforts with unwavering faith and dedication,” reported AE Ghana Team Leader, Rev. Bernard Sachie.

Testimonies and stories of impact from the Tema Mission

Ghetto Evangelism

In a quiet backstreet of Tema, evangelists from the Tema Main Zone shared a compelling report about their recent outreach efforts. During one of their visits, evangelists stumbled upon seven young men and a young woman engaging in drug use, specifically smoking weed, in Tema Community 2. The group was unaware that they had wandered into a neighbourhood often characterized as a ghetto, where the struggles of life can lead many down a path of addiction. The evangelists were deeply concerned about the increasing rate of drug addiction and substance abuse, which they recognized as a significant threat to the youth’s potential and productivity. This alarming trend not only affects individuals but also has a broader impact on the community, stunting growth and progress. Approaching the group with empathy and understanding, the evangelists decided to share their message of hope and salvation.

One of the young men, Stephen, felt comfortable enough to share his personal story with the evangelists. He expressed, “I had a bad day at work; my boss spoke to me so harshly that I couldn’t handle it. In that moment, I felt overwhelmed, and I turned to smoking to calm my nerves.”  His admission resonated with the evangelists, highlighting the struggles many face in their daily lives that can lead to poor coping mechanisms. In response, the evangelists shared an uplifting message about the power of the Holy Spirit, who offers true comfort and solace. They explained that while substances like drugs may provide a fleeting sense of relief, they ultimately have detrimental effects on both mental health and physical well-being. The evangelists emphasized the importance of seeking comfort and peace through a relationship with Christ instead. The young men and the woman listened intently, visibly moved by the compassion and love shown by the team. A sense of hope began to emerge among them, and one by one, they expressed their desire for change. Ultimately, the group decided to give their lives to Christ, marking a profound turning point in their lives. This moment represented not just a decision for spiritual transformation, but also a commitment to pursue a healthier, drug-free existence—signifying a collective step towards reclaiming their potential and contributing positively to society. The evangelists left the encounter feeling uplifted, hopeful that their message had planted seeds of change in the hearts of those young individuals.

The Prodigal Returned

As in the case of a prodigal son narrated in Luke 15, many made a decision back to God after a long time of losing fellowship with Him. In a similar case with many people, churches has been an exploitation means by some men of God. They claim the attitude of these men does not encourage them to go back to the Lord because their deeds are in contrary to the word they preach. 

A young man recommitted his life to Christ. He narrates “my elder brother who happens to be a pastor of a church, took total control of our parent’s inheritance and properties after their demise without any of my sibling having a penny share in it. This brought me so much bitterness against my brother and even doubting the faith he professes as a Christian. I believe in God yet I have lost the desire to fellowship with Christ though my wife is still in church”.

After a long discussion with the team with reference from the gospel according to Mark chapter 8 verse 36, he admitted that after he gain the whole world and loses his soul will profit him nothing. He decided to reconcile with Christ.