Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This month we wish to report on the blessings, the battles, and the burdens of the ministry here in Cape Coast. Without the blessings we would be discouraged; without the battles we would be proud; and without the burdens we would be self-sufficient. The Lord truly knows how to keep us balanced in our ministry.
THE BLESSINGS!
This past month has been filled with preaching opportunities that we trust will one day bring forth fruit that remains. Besides our regular Friday chapel services at the deaf school, we have been going on Saturday’s to have question and answer sessions with the students. They have been asking some really good questions about salvation and practical Christian living.
Recently, I had the opportunity to preach at a deaf lady’s funeral service. It was sad to hear that this young lady died at the age of 29 years old of typhoid fever. The mother did not get an interpreter to find out what was really wrong with her until it was too late. Many of the deaf suffer in Ghana because the parents do not care enough about them to learn sign language and to help them. The families are poor and have many children, so the deaf are pushed aside and the hearing children are encouraged. Many of the deaf who came to the service were touched by the strong Gospel message and desired to ask me questions afterwards.
THE BATTLES!
With these open doors of opportunity to preach the Gospel are many battles with our adversary, the Devil. We had some heavy storms that caused electrical problems in our area. It took us five days to get the power company to come to our house to repair the lines. Because of power surges, we had over $500.00 of damage to small electrical appliances. These battles have thoroughly tested our patience and have caused us to retreat to the everlasting arms.
THE BURDENS!
We are making preparations for a six-month furlough (tentative July 2008 to January 2009) to report on our work, to receive some needed medical and dental work, and to raise some additional support. After three years on the field, prices have increased significantly and the dollar value has decreased. We need your prayers for our Father’s provision of many needs that He already knows about. Please pray about the need for the funds to purchase round-trip tickets, a van to use on furlough, and for our national leaders here to carry on the work in our absence. If God should lead you to help with these needs, please send to our church labeled for Johnny Widener-furlough.
All of our supporting churches who wish to have us report in person or for a special meeting can email us at the address below, or contact our sending church. If you do not support us and would like for us to share our ministry with your church, we would be happy to do so. Please let us know in the next two months so we can schedule your church on our calendar.
Grateful for His Grace,
Bro. Johnny Widener
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