From the Inside Out

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.