ghana / africa

Spiritual Climate

Poverty is a way of life for 79% of the population who earn less than $2 a day. Many people, even those who say they are Christian, tend to overlap contradicting religions, beliefs and worldviews. Over 40% of the population is under the age of 15 years old and very open to the Gospel. One downfall is the lack of specific ministries established to reach them.

Ground-Level Perspectives

Ghana enjoys both a rich Christian tradition and the emergence of many new churches. Many of the traditional denominations such as Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican have a vibrant spiritual life, while African Independent Churches (AICs) also grow quickly.
— Operation World

Mature Christian leaders remain at a premium. As churches multiply, biblical faith is challenged and doctrines become confused.
— Operation World

Islam has set out to conquer Ghana and is making serious headway
— Operation World

While avoiding large-scale civil war and genocide, Ghana has still been witness to violence along both political and ethnic lines; no country is safe from human sinfulness.
— Operation World

More about Ghana

A Couple Raw Facts


Graph

A fertile and once-prosperous land with rich natural resources, Ghana now struggles with poverty – 79% of the population earn less than $2US/day.

Baby Illustration

Street children number over 30,000 (possibly that many in Accra alone).

 

History & Future

Entered
2005

WorldVenture History in Ghana

WorldVenture first entered Ghana in the year 2005. A lot of the focus has been on training pastors and church leaders.

Today &
Tomorrow

Ghana Team Goals

WorldVenture workers in Ghana are praying that the future will bring a leadership development center. Team expansion is a priority in the Ghana field for the increase in discipleship and evangelism outreach.

5 Global
Objectives

WorldVenture Global Objectives

  1. Evangelizing the Peoples of the World
    • Relationships being cultivated with non-believers
    • Decisions to follow Christ
    • Believers baptized
    • People engaged in intentional discipleship
    • Bible verses translated and Christian resources created or translated
  2. Extending Grace
    • People helped through development assistance
    • People provided with medical and health assistance
    • People helped toward justice who are in illegal, immoral, dangerous, exploited circumstances
    • People helped directly through disaster relief
  3. Establishing Churches
    • New churches established
    • Daughter churches established
  4. Equipping Leaders
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through formal contexts
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through non-formal contexts
    • TCKs (third culture kids) being equipped
    • 360º leaders being equipped
  5. Encouraging Mission Movements
    • National Christians preparing to become cross-cultural missionaries
    • National churches engaged in cross-cultural missions
    • National church groups engaged in cross-cultural missions

Living Here

 

FOOD & HOUSING

A common lunch dish is called red red and is made of beans in a tomato sauce usually served with fried plantains. Another common dish is called Jollof rice and is a rice with sauce and chicken. A dish very different from home is called Banku and is a doughy ball that you must eat with your fingers and dip in a spicy sauce.
— Jamie Corliss

COMMUNITY

Ghana is an example of how a multi-ethnic and multi-faith nation in West Africa can remain largely at peace.
— Operation World

 

WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

Initially Ghana looks like a typical Caribbean city - very hot, and very dry with terrible drivers. The one thing that made Ghana different were the people on the side of the road, and in the middle of the road, trying to sell things to vehicles passing by. When I say in the middle of the road I don't mean when traffic is stopped, they walk right down the middle of the road in moving traffic waving things at hour window.
— Derek

 

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Young people remain key in the efforts to bring revival to Ghana.
— Operation World


Local News

The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.

ghana source:bbc - Google News
Jambo pesa! (Hello, money! in Swahili) - BBC News

BBC News

Jambo pesa! (Hello, money! in Swahili)
BBC News
I was in Africa to report on the explosion of mobile telephony that was transforming communications in the cities and the countryside in many African nations, and creating new business opportunities. In Ghana, schoolgirls were putting themselves ...


Monday, June 17, 2013 5:27:07 PM

G8 summit to make 'real difference' on tax avoidance - BBC News

G8 summit to make 'real difference' on tax avoidance
BBC News
Mr Umunna told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme he supported the action being taken, but the G8 must address the issue of companies moving their profits between countries in order to reduce their corporation tax bill. Google, Starbucks and Apple are ...


Sunday, June 16, 2013 4:33:04 AM

Groups AE: Ivory Coast qualify for play-offs - BBC Sport

BBC Sport

Groups AE: Ivory Coast qualify for play-offs
BBC Sport
This gave Ghana the chance to go a point clear at the top of Group D should they win in Lesotho - and they made no mistake with a 2-0 win thanks to goals in each half from Christian Atsu and Asamoah Gyan. Boasting just a point less than the Black Stars ...


Monday, June 17, 2013 4:43:40 AM

Monday's gossip column - BBC Sport

Monday's gossip column
BBC Sport
Marseille's Ghana winger Andre Ayew, 23, has told French TV of his desire to play in the Premier League and of his fondness for Liverpool. Full story: TF1 (French). Paris St-Germain have agreed a five-year deal with Lille full-back Lucas Digne, 19 ...


Monday, June 17, 2013 12:20:26 AM

The living dead: new embalming method aids surgical training - BBC News

BBC News

The living dead: new embalming method aids surgical training
BBC News
According to Dr Anderhuber there is also interest in learning the method from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Spain, Switzerland and West India. Prof Black's centre in Dundee, the first place to adopt Thiel embalming in the UK, recently ...


Friday, June 14, 2013 6:10:54 PM

This feed has 5 articles on 1 page

Opportunities

Opportunity TitleMinimum StayMaximum StayWorld AreaCountryOppSummaryOppResponsibilitiesOppRequirementsOppID
Facilitator - Mobile Leadership Academy3 Months2 YearsAfricaGhanaFacilitate small group discussions with rural pastors pertaining to issues of culture, relationships, character formation and other heart issues. Working with a national pastor/church leader as an interpreter, participate in monthly Mobile Leadership Academies in the Volta Region of Ghana. The primary function will be to create a safe environment where these pastors and church leaders can learn and share with their peers. You will be briefed on the particular cultural issues you will be asked to speak on prior to you coming to the field. You will not be expected to be an expert on the culture – but you will be responsible to use the information we give you regarding your particular topic (s) to prepare well for your time with us. In the case that you are intending to stay on the field for 3 months or more – an initial period of language study (Ashanti Twi) and culture studies will be required before your ministry work begins. Language and culture learning will be tailored to your specific ministry needs. Minimum 3 month commitment. Passion for his own spiritual formation and the spiritual formation of others. A desire to disciple others. Demonstrated Bible knowledge. Experience as a lay leader in the local church is helpful, especially experience in small group facilitation. Humility and a servant’s heart are essential. 1399
Leadership Developer2 YearsLifetimeAfricaGhanaUse your experience training Christian leaders or teaching in a Bible school and your passion for working in women’s leadership development to help strengthen the leadership of the next generation of Christians in Ghana. The church in the area where we work is less than 20 years old. The leaders have only a middle school education and more than 90% of them have no Bible training. These leaders have the passion but lack the maturity and experience that you can give as you walk alongside them. The focus is on character development. You will first focus on learning Twi well, adjusting culturally and developing good ministry skills. This time of language and cultural study can be combined with other relevant interests such as developing relationships with national leaders. After language learning – you will teach and disciple Ghanaian pastors and church leaders and assist in the development of culturally relevant teaching materials. Embrace the goal of character development and a teaching method that will enhance the leaders’ ability to think critically and problem solve. Develop deep and meaningful relationships with the students; shepherding, counseling, preaching, teaching, discipling and mentoring. Model the character of Christ. This position requires a spiritually healthy person who models the character of Christ and has the ability to motivate. The ideal candidate will be well read as it relates to cross cultural ministry – and have some training in the same; be a gifted teacher with a burden for discipleship and skill in counseling others. The position requires a team mentality, strong devotional life, an adaptable personality, and a strong conviction regarding your calling to Ghana. Demonstrated Bible knowledge. 1400
Construction Project Manager6 Months2 YearsAfricaGhanaHelp to facilitate the growth and strength of the church in northern Ghana by facilitating the building of training facilities for pastors and church leaders and assisting in various community development projects. Length of service is 6 months to 2 years. Use your skills and experience to oversee the work of national workers in all areas of construction – carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical; work with skilled laborers in the acquisition of materials and equipment needed. Experience managing large ongoing building projects; Ability to troubleshoot; Ability to keep a cool head in a sometimes frustrating environment; Willingness to learn from the skilled workers regarding the way things are done here. Must be in good health and able to withstand the heat and humidity. The ideal candidate will be cooperative, industrious, dependable and flexible. 1401
Information Technology Professional1 YearLifetimeAfricaGhanaDevelop and implement a plan for reliable internet and intranet at the site of the Nkwanta Leadership Equipping Center. After research, implement appropriate internet and intranet facilities for the Ghana field and for the Nkwanta Leadership Equipping Center. We are located in a rural area and desire to have the most cost efficient yet creative system that is available. Also identify appropriate software/hardware for the pastors library and the training center. Most of your work can be done in English, however, the field does require that you attain to a courtesy level of Twi before beginning work. Experience in Information Technology. Experience setting up internet and intranet facilities. Experience with satellites and other communication technology. 1403
Christian Education Intern2 Months6 MonthsAfricaGhanaThe goal of this internship is to expose seminary students to ministry opportunities with WorldVenture Ghana; prepare seminary students for educational leadership by giving them opportunities to: develop curriculum, work in Christian education administration, and teach in a Christian school environment; and expose seminary students to the needs of people beyond their current sphere of influence. Length of service is 2 months to 6 months.Teach Bible classes to the middle school students of the New Life Preparatory school once per week; Partner with the Head Master of the school to create a task force made up of senior teaching staff and older students that will assess the curriculum, current teaching methods and the physical plant needs; Mentor teachers of the New Life Preparatory School through weekly prayer and devotions, logic lessons and one-on-one discipleship; Provide a teaching methods workshop/seminar/class for the teachers; Participate in the planning, research and design of new facilities for the school and new programs for future planning. A bachelors degree in education or C.E. A desire to work in the Christian Education field; heart for children and youth and a desire to develop relationships with the national children and youth; creativity due to the nature of the work environment – where there are limited teaching resources; willingness to learn and adapt to the culture of the people of Ghana; Resilience, compassion and flexibility are essential; Willingness to learn and apply good pedagogical principles to oral culture (eg: creative use of storytelling, art, and other non-literature based media). Some experience is helpful.1709
Media Ministry Intern2 Months1 yearAfricaGhanaHelp to communicate ministry vision to US churches; Be exposed to ministry opportunities with WorldVenture Ghana; Prepare for service in the area of media ministry by shadowing missionaries in their day to day work and chronicling their work; work in relative autonomy with the ability to be very creative, Teach media ministry skills to nationals in Ghana;; and be exposed to the needs of people beyond their current sphere of influence. Length of service is 2 months to 1 year.Visit various ministry sites in the Nkwanta District; Produce videos and/or other media materials that will communicate well the ministry of WorldVenture Ghana to US churches; Produce videos and/or other media materials that can be used to highlight ministry opportunities in Ghana. The student applying for this internship would need to have gifting in media production and/or graphic design; a passion for the work of missions; a heart for communicating the work of missions to the church in the USA; a desire to see others discover ministry opportunities on the mission field; and the skill to tell a story well in order to produce projects that give a good overview of the ministry and vision. A willingness to learn and adapt to the culture of the people of Ghana. Resilience, compassion and flexibility are essential. Experience is helpful. 1710
Vision Trip1 Month3 MonthsAfricaGhanaExplore long-term ministry through visiting, asking questions, praying and learning about ministry. A vision trip is meant to help individuals see for themselves how they can be an asset to the kingdom work that WorldVenture is involved in within Ghana. We are interested in educators, artists (music, drama, etc.), disciplers, bible teachers, business people, software trainers, IT professionals, carpenters, plumbers, etc. Length of service is 1 month to 3 months. Throughout the trip participants will be responsible to ask questions and pursue answers pertaining to life and ministry in Ghana. The participant is responsible to cultivate a humble spirit and maintain a learning attitude. The participant is also expected to seek God’s leading for future ministry in Ghana through prayer and consultation with other believers. Significant interest in serving long term in the future. Interest in and understanding of the strategic plans of the Ghana field. Agreement from field leadership that your ministry interest could fit within the ministry of our field. The WorldVenture missionaries in Ghana work as a team; the candidate must be willing to work under the leadership of the team and within the context of its benefits and responsibilities.1842

We're Open to New Ideas

We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.

Are you interested?

Get Started

If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.

Projects

Missionary Team


Lloyd & Jan Chinn

Serving in leadership development in Ghana


Chris & Dana Holloway

Serving in short term ministry coordination and administration in Ghana


Sherri Schneidermann

Working with Mobile Member Care Team based in Ghana to assist missionaries serving throughout West Africa

Evangelizing the Peoples of the World

With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..

Relationships Being Cultivated with Non-Believers

We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.

Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.

 

Decisions to Follow Christ

We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.

Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .

 

Believers Baptized

Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.

 

People Engaged in Intentional Discipleship

We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.

Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.

 

Bible Verses Translated and Christian Resources Created or Translated

We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.

Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.

Extending Grace

Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.

Helping People through Development Assistance

Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.

 

People Provided with Medical & Health Assistance

The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.

 

Justice for those in Illegal, Immoral, & Dangerous Circumstances

We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.

Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.

 

Helping People Directly through Disaster Relief

In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.

Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.

 

Establishing Churches

Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.

New Churches Established

Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.

 

Daughter Churches Established

 Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.

 

Equipping Leaders

We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.

Leaders Being Trained for Ministry through Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.

Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.

 

Leaders being Trained for Ministry through Non-Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.

Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.

 

TCKs (Third Culture Kids) being Equipped

Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.

 

"360º Leaders" being Equipped

Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.

Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.

 

Encouraging Mission Movements

We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”

National Christians Preparing to Become Missionaries

We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.

Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.

 

National Churches Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.

Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.

 

National Church Groups Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVES

COUNTRY SEARCH



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