"So keep to the old roads
Keep to the old roads
And you’ll find your way."
I did not drive at all during my first six months in Ghana. We had no car and I was learning my way around. Anytime we wanted to go somewhere it meant a 10 minute walk down the road to catch a cab. It was all part of the experience, but I must admit it was not my favorite part. So you can easily imagine that when I set foot on American soil last November, I was elated to get behind the wheel of a car. I felt a sense of freedom in driving that reminded me of the months just after I turned 16. In Memphis I drove on familiar roads that led me to people and places I cherish. I drove across Tennessee a couple of times and it reminded me of the trips I took home during college. While in East TN I was able to drive up in the mountains a bit and experience the joy that only mountain scenery can provide. Going back to those familiar places filled me with peace and comfort.
I am finding my "roads" here in Ghana. At first we were strangers in Winneba, stumbling in how to accomplish simple tasks. But now we have gotten to know many friends and neighbors in our community. A trip down the street is filled with greetings to familiar faces. We know where to buy the good bread. We know who has the best stock of phone minutes. We have found a good seamstress. We have our drivers that we call when transportation is needed. These small steps help so much in feeling settled and comfortable.
Comfort and familiarity in our community is a blessing. But I am learning, for the 15,438th time in my life, that our true comfort and familiarity is found in God alone. You see, I am convinced that Satan likes to keep to the familiar as well. He uses the same tricks over and over again to mess me up. He knows my weaknesses, the lies I believe and he goes for them every single time. In the US, I knew how to cope with this. I would spend time with dear friends and mentors that speak the Truth to me or I would go for a long drive and listen to music that is filled with God's Truth. In a new place with new relationships and no car (until recently!) I have had a hard time figuring out how to process the battle in my mind and stand up to fight back. But then I remember, the thing that always brings me back is the Truth.
The other day I was listening to music and a familiar song came on. It was Andrew Peterson's "You'll Find Your Way." In this song written to his son he sends the reminder that no matter where you find yourself, you keep to the old roads.
So every day, I go back. I go back to what I know is True. I keep to the old roads until I find my way to the Truth. And then I hold fast.
May we all be found holding fast to the Truth.
Spiritual formation in teenagers has been my heart and passion for many years now. It was what I was hungry for as a teenager and I don't think I ever grew out of it. I love watching God transform someone's identity from an awkward and uncomfortable child to a stumbling, yet beautiful creation of the King.
The story is no different here in Ghana. The stresses and the drama are different, but the heart is still the same. I would venture to say that the heart of all creation is the same. We want to be known and we want to be loved. Even Jesus received those words from His Father. The voice of God shouted affirmation over the God man as He was buried in baptism. God said, "This is my son, I love him and I am super happy with what He just did." If Jesus was blessed by that affirmation, how much more do we need that encouragement as children of God?
The girls of the Pearl House are learning about the heart of God - who He is and what he cares about. When they came to the house, they knew who Jesus was, but their knowledge of God did not extend much beyond that. As a staff we are working hard to lay a good foundation for the girls, but there is a lot of work ahead. They have memorized several scriptures so that Truth will be hidden in their hearts. They have memorized the 10 Commandments and are working on the books of the Bible. Every morning we study wisdom from Proverbs. We spend time in prayer and worship every morning and every night. We have several hours of prayer and fasting on Saturday mornings. We sing song after song. We teach about right and wrong. We teach the Old Testament Bible stories, all new to the girls. At times they are literally on the edge of their seats, asking questions like, "Did Pharoah's firstborn die too?" They are appalled that Joseph's brothers would sell him off and tell their father of his death. We are teaching them who Jesus is and what his life on earth was all about. We are talking about the Holy Spirit and about how with Him at work in us we can overcome the temptation to fight and cheat.
Through these daily moments of teaching and worship, I'm reminded and the girls are learning for the first time that God's word is Truth. I thank God for what He is doing at the Pearl House. Please join us in praying that His mighty transformational work of grace will be done in us all. Pray that we will all be consumed completely by the heart of God and live a life that bring others to the foot of the cross. May God be made known throughout Ghana through these girls.
