Why Are You Here?
Jim and I were shopping the other day and a little 4 yr old stopped Jim and said, "What are YOU doing here?" It was cute at the moment - but when we got in the car I said to Jim, "I wonder how often Ghana is asking us the same question?" What I meant was, do they see the benefit of our presence and partnership.
I won't try to answer for all of Ghana, but in the village of Chiranda where we are currently working, I can tell you while we are planting seeds in the field to harvest a crop of soybeans - they are experiencing the seeds of our presence.
Our plans were for our Agricultural team to be in Ghana this last March and use a tractor to prepare the land and plant seeds. Obviously, those plans didn't work out because of and unexpected pandemic, Covid - 19. Martin, our director in Ghana, was resolute in getting some planting done. He determined 20 acres would be good if he was planting by hand. Andy, our Director of Agriculture, was on the phone with him over and over, not telling him how to plant, but cheering Martin on - "You got this!"
Martin is planting the last 20 acres of a 60 acre revised goal. That's heroism and untiring loyalty Martin has for the villages in the surrounding area. What a blessing in spite of disruption.
The youth in the village are being paid to plant the seeds. They are using machetes and if you look closely you can see the string that helps to keep the rows distribute evenly - well closely. What you cannot see is while planting, these young people are singing. They have a job and are earning wages.
You are naturally going to form some assumptions and comparisons about the youth in America and whether or not they would be in the field working - I can hear you now. These youth are bent over, for 8 hours - and then happy on top of it.
What I can tell you is that the village of Chiranda is so proud of the work being done. They wanted to see us use a tractor, but more than that they wanted the planting done. We are working with THEIR DREAM. Operation Dignity International is using assets on hand, the villagers, and helping to fill the gaps so there can be a harvest.
What I can also tell you is that the chief and the villager see Martin differently than they see the church, other churches, and the stories they hear of other nonprofits working in Ghana. We may not have all resources on hand right now (such as a tractor) - but we are consistent and present in the person of Martin King Mensah.
We have been blessed by the villagers and just being available to them, But there is more work to do.
I have a favor to ask. In January, or March, 2021, we are planning to be back in Ghana. If we are able to go in January, we will plan to prepare more land for a larger crop. If we need to wait until March, we will prepare and plant at the same time. Do you know of anyone, or perhaps you, that is interested in helping with the agriculture or experiencing Ghana, the people, and the work being accomplished. I would love to chat with you and answer questions you might have. Call me! 763-432-0543.
