Sunday, July 9, 2023
Saviour Blessed Saviour MHB 672
Saviour Blessed Saviour
MHB 672
As a YouTuber I come across a lot of YouTube videos by the way check out my YouTube channel-AWOFOFORMBARadio and TV.
So I come across a lot of videos - the legendary good, the bad and the ugly ones. Lately I chanced on a video l will recommend as a palpable Must Watch.This video is a recording of the a brief partThanksgiving service of the Bi-annual Conference of the Association of Ghana Methodist Church Choirs held as per
my research in 2018. The video was indeed the procession of the Mass choir and Clergy at the Service. The processional Hymn was the classic prayer of a hymn numbered 672 in our Methodist Hymn Book.
Savior blessed savior is a hymn one cannot sing in vain. Verse by verse we say a prayer for Fatter, Son and Holy Ghost. The Choir’s rendition of that classic hymn was to say the least solemn and impressive.
For me watching the video give me a foretaste of that heavenly mass choir rendering “Holy, Holy, Lord”. The glamorous uniformity in attire, the expert conducting, the organ recital by maestro late Brother Kweku Acquaah Harrison and the distinct but powerful Alto by an anonymous lady chorister all make that video worth watching.
I give credit to the YouTuber said to be one brother Kofi Henry - kudos. I however would like by this piece to congratulate all who were part of the Conference as a whole and of that magnificent rendition of this prayer-hymn.
MHB 672 cannot be meaningful without contemplating on the lyrics. Hymn 672’s very first verse sums up a prayer thus “All we have we offer all we hope to be, body soul and spirit all we yield to thee.” Truly, once sang with meaning these lines constitute a true Christian’s cry of submission.
The next verse cannot go without comment either. Here the Hymnist Godfrey Thrings makes it clear that in recognition of our Saviour’s sacrifice- He who “for our redemption camest on earth to die” and deserves to be worshiped in deep adoration with all of us bending low the knee -we must draw nearer and nearer to Him, Who by the way has gone up expecting us to follow suit.
Again we are told solemnly in the next verse that a clear light dawns on us from Heaven bringing with it, news of our many sins forgiven and rendering us holy in His sight. This is as a result of sadness leading to true repentance - making life lose its shadows (of sins). We are thus rendered pure, for there is now the light of Christ within us. Ultimately Christ has shed his radiance on our world of sin. Oh what reassurance!
Yet again in solemn reflection we are encouraged to journey onward over the road of faith which the many saints gone before us, have not just walked but worn out. This is a clear indication that we are not alone in this seemingly uneasy task. There are many like us have striven on.
We are therefore exhorted to leave all behind us and journey on. And unlike Lot’s wife our prayer is never look back till the price is won.
And the last verse- oh what a climax! Here the cry to God amid high praise is “ Saviour Who has ransomed us and saved us from earthly toils take us to Heaven.” There, is joy unthinkable, and there Saints and Angels render unabated and well deserved Praises to King Jesus.
And talking about the last but two lines of this verse, takes me back to the GHAMECC Conference Thanksgiving Service recorded in that special YouTube video. Notably in the said YouTube video, the able Recorder as if moved by the Holy Spirit zoomed in at a point. It was as if to confirm the words therein “ Saints with angels sing” , for at this point in time in the said video, The Presiding Bishop and members of the Clergy who officiated at the service were processing. And the glamorous scene seemed to reflect The Saints (Clergy) and the angels (The Mass Choir ) singing , not at all weary, high praises to their King.
For me singing this hymn always leaves me spellbound and reflective. I pray you look at the lyrics too. The set tune was used in the said video and expertly played by our late brother with precision.
It is my humble prayer that not only would you contemplate and reflect on this prayer- hymn but you would also take time to view the said video and subscribe to our brother’s channel.
In conclusion I dedicate this piece to all who were at that Conference and all who were part of that Divine Service. It is specially dedicated to that Anonymous Alto singer who clearly distinguished herself rendering heartily praises to her King.
Service to God.
Monday, August 7, 2017
MUCH ADO ABOUT….Nothing?
By Karen Ama Owubaa Essiful-Ansah,
Christ The King Ghana Methodist Church,Bethlehem,GA
The story of the anointing of Jesus by a woman or Mary of Bethany has had its bit of discussion, debate and discourse but has it sticken you as closely related to the triumphant resurrection story?
The Resurrection story is an important climax of the Christian story, in fact it is such that without it, there would not have been a greater antithesis to it all.THANKFULLY, as Apostle Paul confirms:
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
[1 Corinthians 15:14-20]
This, in my humble view,is the best part of the story, like the last piece of meat on the fufu that no one must steal or seize.
In discussing the triumph of Easter Sunday however we could gloss over the epic account of the anointing of our Lord Jesus and its many lessons. This story appearing in each of the Gospels variously recounted as from each writer’s perspective.
Many have discussed issues raised therein such as the expensive oil used to be nard and the disciples especially Judas’ contempt for the act as if the Lord and His sacrifice on Calvary could be compared to it; or to the meaning of Jesus’ saying the poor will always be with you. Some opine that by so saying our Lord confirmed that poverty will always be part of humanity but truly this curse must not be any one’s portion I humbly submit. More so if we have, by faith , appropriated the sacrifice on Calvary, by which He became a curse for us to cancel every curse.
Indeed the accounts vary and the discussions are endless but many basic aspects, for example, that it was a woman and she had expensive oil and poured it on our Lord are all established.
However one looks at it, this story thrills and is a palpable missing piece of the Resurrection story. In one way or the other it goes to confirm prophecy in its own small way. Our Lord in rebuking the critical minded at the scene told them that this act prepares my body for burial. How is that possible- a living being anointed for burial? The truth is that the Lord was speaking into the future which as with all other prophecies about His death came to pass.
When the Lord died it was Friday, we will let the Bible do the talking:
“Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.” [John 19: 31]
Our Lord had long before then, commended His Spirit into God’s hands and fallen asleep. [ Luke 23: 46] Consequently, the hardened criminals, still alive had their legs broken to hasten their death and our Lord received a piercing in his side which resulted in the anatomy defying flow of both water and blood from the wound.
The Body of our Lord was thus hurriedly bound in grave clothes and thrown into secret Disciple, Joseph of Arimathea’s borrowed tomb. The circumstances thus prevented the grief- stricken family and followers from properly bathing, anointing and embalming him for burial as per Jewish custom and traditions. We would recall the Bible stating in Mark 16:1, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.”
They thus went there to do what they could not do days earlier, not because they did not care about their beloved but because the circumstances of the time made it impossible.
Instead oh what a SURPRISE greeted them.
The Lord thus rightly declared that the act by the woman of Bethany indeed prepared His body for burial.As a result of this singular act whatever preparations had to be done but could not be done, were fulfilled.Jewish customary rites were strictly adhered to by true Jews.The Lord was the last to go against the traditions. It is noteworthy that when Our Lord had healed a Leper he [Jesus] asked him to go the priest and pay whatever he heeded to do as subscribed by the Laws of Moses. [Luke 5:14]
When therefore the Lord said what the woman had done will be praised wherever the Gospel is preached He was also right.It is today and will be tomorrow. Indeed until our Lord returns sermons and exhortations on this topic will continue.
However we learn from this act that not every kindly deed we do will be immediately rewarded. Many will be ‘praised’ later,even so in Heaven. Her unique sacrifice was then seen as a waste but her reward is great in Heaven.
Further the perfume according to the account by Apostle John was so very expensive, indeed it was said to cost 300 denari, a whole year’s wages for a worker of the day, and such that it’s fragrance filled the whole house, not just that room. And why not? Our Lord deserves only the best. Afterall He is Lord of all, owner of all, the earth is His and the fullness thereof [Psalm 24].
Besides when one is doing something for His Lord and Master, one must do something remarkable.The action should make Headlines in the news media of Heaven and cause angels to marvel. We must learn from her unique achievement. We must excel in things of God - no matter the cost.
As for Judas and his fellow naysayers, they will always be there but we need to be determined like Mary of Bethany to give our Lord our utmost best. It is noteworthy that Judas like many of such people often have bad motives for their ‘supposed’ advice to us. Besides our people say aptly and succinctly “ Nyame wo som no amandze a me hu” [One worships or serves God as per one’s own personal experiences]. Let not others’ derail our worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In conclusion, the Lord, as recounted by Matthew and Luke, described the woman’s act as a beautiful thing. May our daily acts be seen by Him as beautiful, notable, worth aping and above all let it not be said to be ‘much ado about..NOTHING’.
Defending a defied God with Five stones chosen from The Brook- The story of 1 Samuel 17
Defending a defied God with Five stones chosen from The Brook- The story of 1 Samuel 17
By Sis Karen Ama Owubaa Essiful-Ansah, Christ The King Ghana Methodist Church,Bethlehem,GA, USA
The epic story of David slaying Goliath of Gath has been an all time favourite for many. For me it was the very first Scripture lesson I read at Calvary Methodist Church, Adabraka during those golden years of the Calvary Students’ Association [CASA] God rest the soul of Lawyer B.A. Yankson of blessed memory; he helped make many of us excel in teen ages.
To me reading and rereading the story as beautifully and poignantly recounted in 1 Samuel 17 is a kind of a hobby hence a few observations I dare to explore with readers. David was a young man or a teenager it is believed when he achieved this feat.Otherwise he like his three older brothers would have followed Saul to war as the Bible put it ( a beautiful way of putting conscription if you ask me) Besides Numbers 1:3 states that every male twenty years and above was liable for conscription into the army.
He thus served at home as a shepherd boy and also a courier for Jesse, his aged father who like all of Israel of the day was anxious about the war taking place “at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah;... between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim”. [Vrs.2]
David’s journey began after, as a responsible young man, he had left his sheep to another ensuring that his journey would not affect his own daily chores. As God would have it he arrived just when Goliath the Giant of Gath ( Mr.G.G.G I call him) had began daily tirade of insults and taunts which saw valiant Jewish soldiers scrambling for hideouts just in case he picked one of them. Hear him ‘Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” [Vrs.8 & 9]
A curious and bewildered David needed explanation and he got it and more - a bounty for the one who slew Mr G.G.G. Come to think of it, was it not a war? Why then would one side bring a giant and ask one of Israel to fight and not only that add that when the obvious happened ‘then you shall be our servants and serve us.’[Vrs 9] All's fair in love and war, it is said but that reflects satan’s modus operandus. He always strikes at the weakest and during the weakest point of time. The Bible says women are the weaker sex [1 Peter 3:7] and so he ‘attacked’ Eve and here we are today. [Genesis 3]
David however showed strength young as he was for “he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking” [Vrs 42] and that according to the Bible angered Mr G.G.G. It is noteworthy that Satan detests the innocent,virginity, beauty and true elegance as the Lord God Almighty made them. The high rate of sexual immorality including abominations of homosexuality, lesbianism and the transgender are aimed at destroying the beauty of man as He made it. Innocence and virginity are great assets - Jesus had to come through a virgin. What would have been our plight if there was no virgin Mary at the appointed time? We would have died in our sins.Satan will always seek to destroy God’s elegant creation but as usual Psalm 2:4 is right for God laughs...last.
Again we learn that David was found with naysayers who happen to be his own family - his brother Eliab in this case. They will always be there for the Bible again says a man’s enemies will be in his own home [ Matthew 10: 36] and didn’t our Lord again say a Prophet is not accepted in his own home, see how few miracles He was able to perform in his own Hometown.[Mark 6:4] It is advisable therefore to do as David did - turn to someone else [Vrs 30]
Further noteworthy is that he was to appear before Saul because someone must have heard his own ‘holy tirade’ - ‘ For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”, and reported it to King Saul.[Vrs. 26b]
So he was asked to walk his talk and he this he did. He did not scramble for shelter but boldly appeared before a distraught Saul who most likely was expecting a fellow 6-footer ready to remove Israel’s shame. Instead here was this teen shepherd saying ‘ “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ [Vrs 33] ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth’, [Vrs 36] was Saul’s way of saving this teen he hardly knew from certain death and Israel from slavery at the hands of the uncircumcised.Yes David was right about that but surely Israel deserved better.
David had a story to tell him though. Doesn’t the Bible say also that we overcome by His blood and our testimonies?[Rev.12:11] David thus declared : ‘Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.”[Vrs 34-36] And again ‘“The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”[Vrs. 37] Oh what a testimony, no wonder Saul said to him “Go, and the Lord be with you!”. Oh that we would send off our children, family, church members to various daily endeavours in like terms and with such a shout of triumph!!
Another eye-catching aspect of this story comes in at this time. Saul in a bid to aid David and invariably the Lord, clothed David in his own war accoutrements. Imagine David, a young man clothed in 6-foot man’s intricate war garb. Thank God David took them off. Hear him,’ I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.’[ Vrs. 39] Testing and trying are important in every aspect of life and knowing what to do at every point in time is a gift from God called Discernment.[1 Corinthians 12:10]
So off he went with what he had tested and knew - a shepherd’s staff and a sling. Remember he had once sang ‘Thy rod and staff they comfort me’ [Psalm 23:4b], he knew it well and the sling too; and again he carried a shepherd’s pouch into which he usually kept stones for the sling and other items. Apparently he had no stones at the time so he stopped by a brook or stream and carefully chose five smooth stones! It is noteworthy that the Bible says he chose [NKJV]. Chose denotes a careful selection of five stones. Is it not interesting that our Lord’s name has five alphabets [JESUS] and again that he picked them up from the Brook? The Brook/Stream..which Brook/Stream? ‘The’ is definite...Ok the one close by. We know however that water in Biblical terms signifies the Holy Spirit. So come to think of it all three were present but seemingly hidden in this saga - defending a defied God with Five stones chosen from The Brook. David went to war with THE TRINITY- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is to say the least the summary of 1 Samuel 17. Any wonder he slew the giant?
Thus fully equipped for battle David drew near to the giant who had according to the Bible a man with him who bore his shield bearer [Vrs. 41] The man was a giant why did he need a man to go before him? Satan always falls short is the best way to understand it. Hymnist George Duffield Jnr. put it aptly ‘The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.[MHB 820]
When David run towards the two and in effect the enemy army however he had The Triune with him.
The Giant should have laughed at what he saw - a boy, bearing a rod and sling and so inappropriately dressed for battle. Instead he was full of disdain and cursed as he scurried towards David [ Vrs. 43& 44] To this David made the all time declaration which I would rather reproduce ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.[Vrs 45-47]
And it came to pass. The Lord indeed did proved that He saves not with sword and spear indeed every battle of ours is the Lord's.
How it played out must not be missed. Having heard negative confession and cancelled it out with Words of faith, the Bible says he hurried and ran towards the giant and the enemy camp - a one man army equipped with staff, sling and The Triune God. Any wonder what ensured? One Stone was all David needed and it was a ‘one touch’ action. He did not need to ‘re-load’ his sling, strategize as in adapt plan B etc. The very first stone he swung hit the giant, the Bible says he fell face downwards [ Vrs 49]. His face to the earth not vice versa? Science will establish that the impact and force of the stone on a forehead should push the ‘recipient’ backwards.
Yet the Lord who is Lord of Hosts, in charge and in control, whose dignity the lonesome warrior had dared redeemed proved Himself mighty again. Remember David testified that he was only a boy or young man but he had killed lions and bears who attacked his sheep. Only a few like Sampson and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel [2 Samuel 23:20] are on record to have killed lions. David was only a boy but he was able to kill lions and bears and now a giant because the Lord was with him. Goliath of Gath like Dagon the gods of the Philistines fell face down in ‘worship’ before the One and Only God,our God always has a memorable way of telling us that He indeed in God.
‘ So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.’ [Vrs 51]
END OF STORY.
No... please go on...David run to body and cut off the big heavy head of Mr G.G.G. We can all imagine the shout of joy, the dance, the crazy moves - picture Ghanaians celebrating a Black Stars’ goal. Oh how I wish I could put here an emojon!!!
When the day was over a shepherd called David Ben-Jesse of Bethlehem [Vrs.58b] went to visit his warrior brothers, chose to defend His God’s honour and came home the Greatest Warrior of his day and age.
What a story, what a testimony, what lessons!!
Friday, February 5, 2016
SOME FIVE YEARS AGO......If the Lord had not been on our side....PSALM 124
Five years on that young Fellowship is a power called CHRIST THE KING GHANA METHODIST CHURCH. This young Society has seen it all and with God's power survived. The impact is massive and ears keep tingling with each news. Its ripples beginning from Dacula and to Winder will go beyond the State, the Lord has promised, after all the vision from the Lord from the onset was "A Light to the Nations".
This Society is to say the least a Church-Family, where sharing and bearing each others' burden are common place. Fellowship and love are blended into a garment for all. Times of hardship and disagreement reared their ugly heads but faith and love plunged them down the dust.
As we celebrate King Jesus and His victories through mortals for the last 5 years we aim at telling all who will listen that this Society has come to stay. When it began many mocked as did the enemies of Israel in Nehemiah's time saying "What they are building--even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!". God has proved faithful Who gave the founders the go-ahead following much prayer.
One cannot help but mention that the message the young Church passed on to its critics is same as the Apostles' story had as found in Acts 5 as follows:
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR FIVE YEARS....OF VICTORY AND MORE VICTORY TILL JESUS COMES!
CHRIST NTSI.....Y3Y3 ADEHYE!
CHRIST THE KING....ROYALS!!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The Beginnings of Ghana Methodism....the blood and toil of our Founders
By Karen Ama Owubaa Essiful-Ansah
When Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey stated 'You can play a tune of sorts on the black keys only, and you can play a tune of sorts on the white keys only but for perfect harmony you must use both the black and white keys",he sought to express his belief in co-operation, which involved equality of opportunity; where each side [race] has something to contribute. He may well have been making observations about the sacrifices and contributions made by the founding fathers of the Church ' born in songs' in the Gold Coast.
The story of the Gold Coast Bible Band led by William DeGraft and their desire for Bibles, which resulted in the arrival of the first Missionary Joseph R. Dunwell is worthy of note. Unfortunately the history thereafter is replete with sudden obituaries and long but well deserved replacements. While an enthusiastic Dunwell died after six months, the Wrigleys and Harrops just as enthusiastic were called home within months.
Dunwell’s was a time when there was profound ignorance of the causes of the fever, which exacted a heavy toll on the lives of Europeans. Dunwell came over knowing his days would probably be few but he came anyway and immediately crowded as much work as possible into every hour of each day. He took no precautions to safeguard his health. Through the hot afternoon hours he hurried from house to house evangelising or visiting his members.
One remarkable thing he did was to begin plans to build the first Chapel in Cape Coast. He worked early and late to draw up plans, using every minute not engaged so to preach. He again managed to obtain from the Governor and traders resident there substantial gifts for the project. The result of the exposure to the sun and the excessive toll were inevitable. His strong body weakened rapidly and being unable to overcome the germs in his blood, it gave way. He had worked and died in the process for the new flock.
While the Church was 'orphaned' as a result of the unfortunate deaths of the Missionaries the true love of God found in the converts was evident. Led by a reconciled team of Joseph Smith and William DeGraft the Christians held the fort and worked hard to bring more souls to the Lord. So great was their impact that a formerly unconcerned group - fetish priests begun to oppose the Christians vehemently. By the time the Wrigleys arrived therefore threats on their lives were common as were forecasts of drought and consequent famine. The said priests' anger may have frightened a few back to their old ways but largely it led the Christians to earnest prayer and closer fellowship with each other.
The Wrigleys came ready to work and like their predecessor they worked hard. Rev. Wrigley began immediately to build as the chapel per the plans left by Dunwell while his dear wife started a school of Domestic Economy for girls, one believed to be the roots of the now renowned Wesley Girls High School. She taught her pupils to read English, to sew and such simple domestic duties as should make them suitable wives of the teachers and evangelists of the coming days.
Four months after their arrival the Rev. and Mrs. Harrop joined them. Excited by the evidence of an abounding harvest waiting to be reaped, they forgot, it appears, all the warnings about safeguarding their health. Like Dunwell they went from house to house at all hours of the day, talking eagerly of Jesus to all ready to listen. Within weeks the Harrops were both seriously sick.
Then Rev.Wrigley fell ill too and poor Mrs. Wrigley had 3 patients to nurse. Mrs. Harrop died first only 3 weeks after setting foot in Africa and the shock of her death caused an exhausted Mrs. Wrigley to collapse. She died three days later. Rev. Harrop followed suit leaving a recovered but heart-broken Rev. Wrigley. He immediately sent word to England fearing all the while that the triple tragedy could prevent others from coming to what seemed a certain death.
What finally ended the tale of tears was the arrival of a Missionary named Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman following the message sent by the Wrigleys. Rev.Freeman is said to have been born in Twyford, Hampshire,England in 1809. It is believed that Rev Freeman's mother was an English woman of humble circumstances, one of several servants in a large country home in Winchester,England. His father was an African and thought to be a servant in the same house.
Suffice it to say that the infamous Slave Trade may have destroyed Africa and deserved to be called ' the World's worst wound' but it had its benefits at least for the Methodist Church. As Joseph declared to his ' long lost ' brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" [Genesis 50:20]. It is believed that Rev. Freeman's ability to withstand the climate and fevers came from the African in his blood.
Thus what befell his predecessors did not frustrate his dream of a Gold Coast freed from the curse of slavery and truly Christian. He landed with his bride on 3rd January 1838 and immediately plunged into work.He set out to complete the Chapel and school began by Rev. Wrigley to contain the ever-growing congregation. So engrossed was he in the work he steadily treaded the way of his predecessors.The continued exposure to the sun so many hours each day resulted in a fever just a month after his arrival. Taking care of her sick husband must have been a very taxing for as soon as Rev. Freeman started showing signs of health she collapsed out of relief and died in a room nearby.
A grieving but even more determined Rev. Freeman took up the challenge once the Lord restored his health and began to do as the Lord advised ‘be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves’, [Matthew 10:15 - 17 - KJV] He began studying his environment and observed that while the Missionaries died months after arriving in the Gold Coast the Government officials and other traders resident there survived, indeed they lived and plied their trade for several years.
His studies established that apart from their hard work and zeal, the problem lay in the manner the Missionaries lived! Dunwell and Wrigley rented and lived in a small house largely stuffy and unbearably hot at midday. Freeman thus decided to build a two-story mission house, a decision, which was to have an incalculable influence on the health of future missionaries thereby prolonging their lives and strengthening the work already began.
Rev. Freeman on behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society accordingly purchased from Governor Macclean the little hill on which most of the Society’s property then stood in Cape Coast. It cost 500 pounds at the time and was the best bargain the Society made in West Africa.He named the Mission house “Standfast Hall” indicating his resolve to stand by the country to which he had dedicated his life.
It did also signify that the Methodist mission was to stay and to expand in the Gold Coast and beyond. And stay he did for from 1838 to 1857 he preached and visited converts far and near; he farmed and established missionary settlements like the famous Beulah; he visited England to appeal for funds and recruits. His pioneering work in founding many mission stations and chapels in the area underpinned later Methodist success in the Gold Coast, later Ghana, Western Nigeria and Benin.
By the grace of God and to the credit of these first Missionaries and Christian folk several other English Missionaries followed and came to work in the Gold Coast. Their sacrifices, their blood and their toil made many of us what we are today - Children of God and practising Methodists.
Praise we the wise and brave and strong
Who graced their generation.
Who helped the right and fought the wrong
And made our folk a nation.
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