While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an Alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste? They asked. Matt. 26:6-8
The medical and dental clinic continues to be an excellent place of contact for preaching the gospel of Jesus to unbelievers. Since our last newsletter, more than 360 have come to know Jesus as savior. (Please continue to pray for the new believers. Some have started to come to Bethany Village to hear more about Christ. Pray that this continues.)
In the words of Kathy Leslie (member from Southeast Christian Church), “We fell in love with the Hammond family and we have fallen in love with Africa. Also, King can keep anybody motivated. We can see that the need is so great. The fact that King wants to empower the local people to help in improving their lives and their communities, I feel, is more fulfilling. We do not come to do medical for one week only, but the medical ministry continues after we leave.” Kathy Leslie (a surgical nurse), along with Dr. Zack Stearns (An Orthopedic Surgeon) and his son Evan came to Bethany Village during the month of August. 1 Samuel 14:6 “…..Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” This scripture comes to mind every time I think of Dr. Zack and Kathy.
They saw on the average about 85 people in each village that they visited. (They visited 5 villages). And they were never able to finish seeing the people in each village. So you can see the staggering volume of patients that need medical attention in these villages.
SOUTHLAND SHORT-TERM TEAM
The 12 short-term missionaries from Lexington, Kentucky came for ten days to share the love of Christ. They really did a lot of construction. They visited the village of Sanga and did hut to hut evangelism. They also went to the fish pond and planted grass to help stop erosion of the dykes. This was very helpful. They were humble enough to do everything that was asked of them.
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRESS REPORT
As you can see from the picture, construction of the vocational school has been completed up to the lintel level of the first floor. The dimensions are 190 ft. by 45 ft. – this gives us about 8,550 sq. ft. Per floor. We want to express our thanks to all those who believe in this project and have persevered with us to get to this point.
FARMING PROJECTS
The fish farming project is well on the way as you can see by the picture above. The fingerlings (baby fish) have been put into the pond and we are trusting God for the increase. We should be able to eat our own fish in a few months. (Please pray for this project. It is a much needed industry in this area of Ghana. It will improve the economy and help to provide a healthier diet for the people.
This year we decided to plant only corn because of the labor intensive nature of peanut farming. John Alhassan and his family have moved into the new farm house.
PRAISE REPORT
Pastor Zack is now mobile! In this area even for a person to get a used motorbike is something to speak about. God has honored our prayers and provided him with his own brand new motorbike. Thanks to Jim Headlee of Louisville, Ky. Pastor Zack has been faithful to go to the various villages with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though he has never complained, transportation was sometimes a problem for him.
BENTON & ELYSE
Benton will start grade 7 and Elyse will start grade 4 in November. They have nearly completed the Abeka home schooling program which they started last March. Their teacher, Alana Berglund had to leave earlier than expected and we are praying for the Lord to send another teacher.
Pease mail all contributions for Alabaster Project to:
P. O. Box 15008
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
To contact the Hammonds in Ghana Write to:
Alabaster Project Ministries
P. O. Box 324ER
Tamale , Ghana
West Africa
All family support should be mailed to:
Mount Paran Church of God
2055 Mount Paran Rd.
Atlanta , Georgia 30327 USA