In November 2003 Pastor Cody Francis of Mission Projects International organized two evangelistic campaigns in the town of Obuasi, Ghana. He conducted one on one end of town, and Temple Restored Ministry conducted one on the other end of town called Akaporiso. The two 15-night campaigns were conducted simultaneously. Pastor Francis did a prophecy seminar, while Temple Restored used a Gospel/Sanctuary theme.
The Lord blessed and there were 30 baptisms between the two series. New members were added to the existing Church in Obuasi and a new congregation was planted on the other edge of town in Akaporiso. This new church was started with about twenty adults and ten children. At the conclusion of the evangelistic series, my heart was burdened to
raise funds to build a church for these new faithful believers.
They rented a local Catholic elementary school which had no electricity,and conducted three weekly evening meetings (in the dark) plus their main Church service for three years before the Lord blessed Temple Restored Ministry to purchase land and build a church for them.
In November of 2006 we were able to return and build a church in Akaporiso, Ghana with the help of some members of our team that went with us, and the local and neighboring church members. This was a project that we needed to finish in three weeks. Things move very slowly in Africa, and the Africans themselves thought it was impossible to do. There were many obstacles that had to be overcome at the onset of our building project which was mainly the weather. It was not the rainy season, however, it rained and rained prior to our arrival and for a few days after our arrival. The rain washed out the dirt roads that the gravel and sand trucks needed to use to deliver our supplies to build.
Once we realized the roads were not going to be repaired by the city, or anyone else for that means, it was decided that our construction would begin on repairing one of the roads so our supplies could be delivered. That was just one hurdle of many that we had to jump over in order to meet our deadline of three weeks.
After a lot of hard work in the hot beating sun, by both men and women, the last metal panel was nailed on the roof the day before our dedicatory church service.
The church was not in a finished condition but was brought to a state which enabled us to have the dedication service and allowed the members to worship there from week to week, and hold their regular evening meetings. The fifth and sixth picture shows the state of the church at the time of the dedication. The people who are standing at the front, are one who helped with the building project. Some of the church members were masons, others carpenters, some just there to carry a brick or clean up, and the women hauled water on their heads from a little distance.
A few months after we returned back to the U.S. Temple Restored Ministry was able to send more funds to finish the children's class room, complete the outside and inside plastering, paint the inside and outside, install bars and screens in the windows, purchase and install the doors, install the ceiling lights, and purchase a generator to run the lights.
Akaporiso has two full-time paid Bible workers who conduct the church services, visit families in their homes, and give Bible studies in the community, and even some places of business.
Once a month the Obuasi congregation comes to Akaporiso church to combine their services. This is a high day for the Akaporiso group, as their church is full to capacity.
This church has come to be known as the "Miracle Church". However this little "Miracle Church" still has a few needs so if you give to this project you will see exactly where your support is going.
The windows are still in need of glass to keep the heavy rains from getting in. The screens protect them from the mosquitoes, but does not keep the water out. The church is also in need plastic chairs or additional benches that remain at the church, especially when visitors come. At the present time, the visiting church carries benches with them to and from church. Areas of the church floor still need tile, especially where the congregation sits and kneels. Currently they are still kneeling on rough concrete. The church is in need of a bathroom that has a minimum of two stalls for the men and women. At present they are sharing a wooden enclosed out-house that has no running
water. We would also like to do some landscaping to beautify the church, but plant a few trees.
The church has been supplied with a few teaching materials for the Bible workers, (more is on its way) Bible story felts for the children's classes, and funds were sent to purchase 15 hymnals for the adults to share.
In September of 2009 construction began on an outside toilet for the church. This has been something the members have been looking forward to for quite some time now. They were happy to be able to use it during their October/November 2009 evangelistic series. Below is a copy of a letter sent by Paul, the Bible worker there, thanking us and those that supported this project, along with pictures he sent of their labors and finished work.
Temple Restored Ministry would like to thank you for your interest in this church project.
However, the members of this church are "very" poor, and often do not have enough offerings coming in to gas the generator which powers the lights for their evening meetings. The screens in the windows need to be replaced every year or two due to the torrential rains they receive during the rainy season. Bulletins need to be copied. More hymnals need to be purchased. And the grounds need to be cared for and maintained.
If you would like to help with any of the needs of Akaporiso church and would like to send a donation by mail, please memo your check, "church expense". If you would like to make an online donation please click here.
Akaporiso Church Expense
Here the church members and masons are mixing cement for the foundation.
The iron rods have been laid and the concrete carried on the heads of the women is being poured.
Brother Paul and Kwame the mason are plastering the inside.
Brother Paul inspecting the vent pipes.
Brother Paul say, "Successful person always smiles to his good work. Here is the front of the toilet, everything has come to an end. To God be the glory."
Meeting the Needs of Body, Mind and Spirit
Temple Restored
Ministry
