SERVICE TO HUMANITY IS SERVICE TO GOD

Rev. Dr. Isaac Wuni
Koinonia Baptist Church, Tamale.

The KBC 2023 Medical Missions in Tamale came to an end on Friday, 3rd of March 2023. In his closing remarks Rev. Dr. Isaac Wuni extended heartfelt congratulations to all the participants of the KBC 2023 Medical Missions in Tamale. He commended them for their unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the community.

Throughout the medical missions, beneficiaries were privileged to receive free medical care, which undoubtedly made a significant impact on their lives. Beyond physical healing, the gospel was also preached to them, offering spiritual nourishment and hope.

Rev. Dr. Wuni expressed his deep appreciation for the participants' efforts in bringing both medical aid and the message of faith to those in need. Their selflessness and compassion exemplified the true essence of service and love, reflecting the mission's core values. His remarks are as follows.

We give glory to God for leading us successfully through this week’s medical missions. God has been so good, faithful and gracious to us as we partnered with Him in reaching out to the people in the communities we visited.
God’s intervention in the lives of people during the missions cannot be over-emphasized.

At least everyone who came through did not only receive medical treatment but also heard the gospel one on one and was prayed for.
We must remember that God saved us so we could serve him and serve humanity. Thus, our compassionate attitude towards the needy reflects our attitude towards God; for service to humanity is service to God.

As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, 45, whatever we did for one of the least of mine, you did for me….. and whatever you did not do for one of the least of mine, you did not do for me. Therefore as we serve humanity, especially the needy, we are serving God.

As faithful and obedient followers of Christ, we must practice what we hear from God. So wherever you find yourselves you should show compassion that will positively impact the lives of others thus making Christ known.

Rev. Dr. Wuni urged all participants to perpetuate the spirit of service and continue creating positive impacts in the lives of others. He expressed his optimistic belief that the seeds of compassion and faith, sown during the missions, would take root and flourish in the hearts of both the beneficiaries and the wider community. The missions were accomplished with great success. May God bless all the partners and participants who generously dedicated their time, money, energy, and other resources to support the 2023 KBC Medical Missions.

TRAINING: 2023 TAMALE MEDICAL MISSIONS

Picture of ongoing training in preparation for 2023 KBC Medical Missions

On the 26th of February 2023, a day-long training session was organized for all attendees of the Tamale Medical Missions. Approximately 35 individuals took part in this event, comprising medics, pharmacists, counselors, Pastors, and various other professionals.

The purpose of the training was to thoroughly equip the participants for the upcoming medical missions scheduled to commence on February 27, 2023. It aimed to ensure that all attendees were well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities during the missions.

The training featured esteemed speakers, including Rev. Dr. Isaac Awuni (the host of the event), Rev. Frederick Asibu-Yartey, and Pastor Jacob Opata. These speakers shared their expertise and knowledge with the participants, enriching their preparation for the medical missions.

During his introduction, Rev. Yartey emphasized the significance of understanding the purpose of our actions. Drawing from Job 39:13-17, he used the example of the ostrich, a beautiful yet prideful creature that lacks understanding. This bird carelessly exposes its egg and chick to the harsh environment. Similarly, without understanding, we might zealously win souls but inadvertently subject them to unfavorable circumstances, missing the true essence of soul winning.

Picture of ongoing training in preparation for 2023 KBC Medical Missions

Rev. Yartey stressed the importance of paying close attention during the training to ensure participants are well-prepared and equipped to produce positive outcomes. By doing so, they can avoid unintentionally harming the souls they aim to help, ultimately leaving behind a legacy of fruitful and meaningful impact.

The training focused on three main areas. The first area was understanding and effectively using the CMRF Model. This model likely provided a structured approach to the medical missions, ensuring participants have a clear understanding of the process and their roles in the outreach.

The second area covered during the training was the utilization of picture booklets. These booklets likely served as visual aids and informative materials for engaging with the communities and conveying important messages during the outreach activities.

Lastly, the training also emphasized the use of evangelism tools called "evangecubes" for outreach purposes. Evangecubes are typically small, foldable cubes with various pictures and scriptures that aid in presenting the gospel message in a concise and engaging manner.

By covering these three main areas, the participants were equipped with practical tools and knowledge to effectively carry out their roles during the medical missions and share their message with the communities they served.

The training proved to be highly successful, eliciting a positive response from the participants. They expressed a high level of satisfaction with the content and delivery of the training sessions. Additionally, the participants demonstrated a strong willingness to apply the knowledge and utilize the tools provided during the upcoming medical missions.

The training's success is indicative of its effectiveness in preparing the participants for their roles and responsibilities in the missions. Their enthusiasm and readiness to employ the newly acquired skills and tools bode well for the potential impact and success of the medical missions ahead.

COMPASSIONATE CHRISTIANS

Rev Dr Isaac Wuni, Senior Pastor Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC) Tamale

Koinonia Baptist Church, Shalom Baptist Church and Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF) are holding a 5-day medical evangelistic exercise in Tamale. Rev Dr Isaac Wuni, in his welcome address to the participants of the Tamale Missions, stressed on the need to demonstrate compassion to all people.

Speaking from Luke 10:30-38, on the story of the good Samaritan, he emphasised, that Christians must not be part of those who walk away from the challenges that face our communities. God has called all to be a solution to the challenges in our communities. We need to brace ourselves and turn those challenges around.

He bemoaned the neglect of the great commandment, which is love for our neighbour, and the extensive focus on the great commission as the only panacea to the problems of humanity. Christians, as he noted, must exhibit both the great commission and the great commandment to make our communities better. We must preach the Gospel and be evangelistic. However, we must also meet our social obligations by supporting the challenged and providing social amenities. This is what has inspired some churches in Ghana to build hospitals, and schools and to engage in various forms of social interventions in the bid to make the people better.

He concluded that the mission exercises to Dungu, Tuutingli, and Tarikpa are ways we partake of God’s missions and express his love to the people. Participants were therefore encouraged to be zealous in reaching others with the love of God.

2023 TAMALE MEDICAL MISSIONS

Shalom Baptist Church, Tarikpa-Tamale

Koinonia Baptist Church, Dungu-Tamale

Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF)

Koinonia Baptist Church and Shalom Baptist Church Tamale, in partnership with the Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF), are holding a 5-day medical evangelistic outreach to Dungu, Tarikpa and Tuutingli, which are all communities in the Northern Region.

The purpose of the mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ to the community by sharing the word of God and good deeds.

The Gospel will be shared and medical provisions will be made available to people who may be in need. The medical supplies will be administered by medical professionals.

TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ATEBUBU-BANTAMA MEDICAL EVANGELISM

Pastor Stephen Ferguson Zawi

Lead Facilitator of the Training program for the Atebubu-Bantama Medical Missions/Evangelism

A one-day training session has been organised by the Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF) in preparation for the Atebubu-Bantama medical evangelistic activity. The training which was held on November 12, 2022, was available to participants virtually. The goal was to provide a refresher course for current members and introduce prospective members to The CMRF Model of medical missions/evangelism.  

The Atebubu-Bantama medical evangelistic exercise, starting from Wednesday 16th to Friday 18th of November 2022, is a joint effort by the Covenant Family Community Church (CFCC), Christian Medical Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF), and the Atebubu-Bantama Local Council of Churches.  

It was initiated in response to a request by the Chief and people of Bantama to see some relief work brought to the town. The mission's goal is to respond to this need by first offering medical assistance, and doing additional feasibility studies to determine other alternative forms of assistance that may be offered. This will enable the required resource to be be raised to meet the identified need.   

Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model front cover

The training manual

In order to keep members informed about the why, when, how, and where of this specific activity, the training programme was set up. Pastor Stephen Ferguson Zawi, the training's facilitator, spent time emphasising how important it is for team members to get to know one another. The CMRF Model of medical evangelism, the new training manual that was launched this year was used in the training.

Sixteen (16) participants benefited from the training. The training was a great success. It is hoped that the mission in Atebubu-Bantama will be successful and beneficiaries will be blesssed. 

MISSIONS KPANDO 2022 CAMPAIGN was successful.

The 2022 missions campaign to Kpando and its environs was a very successful one. The campaign, which took place from the 16th to the 23rd of July 2022, brought together a number of collaborators whose aim was to serve the people of Kpando holistically. These collaborators, Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF), Tesano Baptist Church (TBN), E3 Partners, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Biblica, Lakepointe Church, Kids Around the World (KATW) and the Kpando Local Council of Churches, ministered holistically to the people in Aziave, Anfoega-Dzana, Tafi-Atome, Adofe, Abanu and Konda through the provision of free medical services, commissioning of bore holes (wells), and the ministration of the Word of God (evangelism).

Nine (9) boreholes (wells) were dedicated to provide portable water to the people in some of  these communities. Free medical exercises were conducted to provide medical aid to those with health issues. These were accompanied by the provision of free Bibles and Christian materials, evangelistic film shows, house to house evangelism, and ministry to the children. 

About 5221 adults and 2382 children were exposed to the Gospel. 3448 people decided to follow the Lord, 2319 being adults and 1129, children. 

Dr. Francis Osei of E3 Partners, at the closing ceremony, which took place at the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church-Kpando, expressed his appreciation to all partners for availing themselves for the mission. He described the mission as very successful. 

Rev. Kweku Hazel, from Tesano Baptist Church (TBC), who preached at the closing ceremony, encouraged the Pastors and Ministers into whose care and congregations  the people who made the decision to follow Christ has been entrusted,  to be mindful of the flock ( the people who made decisions to follow the Lord). He instructed the Pastors and Ministers to ensure that they preach the good news of Christ Jesus and not fanciful messages. 

Dr. Victor Kobby Etwire, President of the Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF) spoke about the CMRF Model and the need to keep on approaching missions holistically. He stressed on the fact that these are challenging times and missions agencies must show concern by ministering to the total human person. "Our ministry must be holistic; serving the spirit, soul and body of the people." He also introduced the book, Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model, whose main aim is showing how to minister  the gospel holistically to people. 

Missions Kpando 2022 was thus successful. The people were blessed spiritually, medically and materially. Our highest gratitude goes to the Lord who made this possible in Christ Jesus. We are also thankful to you, our cherished partner who supported through donations and prayers. Finally, we bless the Lord for the lives of the team of 50 volunteers, comprising Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Counsellors, Pastors, Interpreters, and everyone who was physically present to serve on the mission. 

 It is our heartfelt prayer that Christ will continue to grow in us all. May those who made decisions to follow the Lord be empowered to grow in the Lord. God bless us all. 

MISSIONS KPANDO starts Today

Examination of a beneficiary on a missions field

A team from Accra, the U.S and other parts of Ghana will be embarking on a 5-day medical evangelistic mission in Kpando and some of its neighbouring towns starting today, 18th July, 2022. 

The team will use the period to engage the selected communities in various activities. First, there will be free medical exercises in all the selected towns to cater for the health needs of the people. The free medical exercise will comprise General Public health education, General Medical examinations, dental and eye services, and the provision of some medications.

There will be bore hole/well-commissioning exercises in 5 communities to supplement the demands in these communities for portable water.

Further, there will be general evangelistic activities such as one on one evangelism, Film Nights, distribution of Bibles and other relevant educational materials, and Church planting exercises in these communities.

The partnering agencies made up of the Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF), Tesano Baptist Church (TBC), E3 Partners, Christian Broadcasting Network (TBN), Kids Around the World (KATW), Biblica, Lakepointe Team, and the Kpando Local Council of Churches are ensuring that at the end of this 5 Days campaign, the people in Kpando and its environs have received a holistic ministry. Their vital needs have been catered God.

May the blessings of the Lord rest on this mission in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

Every day is Pentecost

by Jacob Kwame Opata.

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Today is historically the day that the blessed Holy Spirit descended upon the earth. This occurs fifty days after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and 10 days after His ascension. This day is celebrated worldwide to mark the presence of the Lord in our midst. The descent of the Holy Spirit to the earth has implications for missions. And as we celebrate this historic moment, we need to remind ourselves of some of its implications for us.

First, the presence of the Spirit assures us that God is still with us. God has not left us. God has not abandoned the world. God is still actively working in this world through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Many deny this fact and assert that we are on our own. However, we judge and affirm the truthfulness of God’s word that the Holy Spirit is right here on earth. Therefore, we are assured of divine help in our times of trouble and pain.

Second, the presence of the Spirit assures us that the mission work of God is ongoing. God is still in the saving business. God is reaching out to people with an offer of eternal salvation through Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit is here to ensure that people receive and respond to this message appropriately. Let us commit people we know are not saved unto the Lord and the Spirit of God will work on them to get them saved.

Third, the presence of the Spirit is a sign that the believer has not finished his or her work on earth. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses on earth. Our lives must bear witness to the truth at all times. This is a call that can only be fulfilled through the enablement of God’s Spirit. And as long as the Holy Spirit is on the earth, we have all the power to be and do all that God has willed. We shall fulfil our portion of this work to the praise and glory of God’s Holy Name.

Fourth, the presence of the Holy Spirit decentralizes the work of God. Gone are the days when only a select few are enabled to do the work of God. Today, you need not be ordained to be effective in the ministry. This is because, God through the enablement of the Holy Spirit, empowered believers to be effective witnesses to the world. The intention is to reach out to places cassocks and gowns will not go. The purpose is to meet people everywhere on the surface of this earth and to share the Gospel with them. Hence in the market, social, political and every other space available, men and women filled with the Holy Spirit can reach out as effective witnesses and be a blessing to others. The implication is that whiles you wait for a cassock or gown, know that you are well equipped to be an effective witness to others. Use the tools that you have and be a blessing to the world.

Finally, we are assured that we can be and enjoy all that God has planned for us. The Holy Spirit works in the world, but most especially, works in the believer. The Spirit creates an atmosphere of peace amid the turmoil. God’s Spirit creates visions that enlighten the believer amid the darkness. God’s plans for us are good and not evil. Irrespective of what we are facing or going through, we must trust that through the enabling presence of the Spirit, we will make it. As the Spirit works in us and through us, we become effective partakers of God’s nature. We are enabled to bear lasting fruits. And this and many others, we will experience as long as the Spirit tarries on earth.

As we enjoy the period, we must never forget that until the Spirit ascends, every day is Pentecost.

The CMRF Model duly Launched

The Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF) launched a book, Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model on the 28th of May 2022 in Accra. This book is a manual borne out of years of executing successful medical outreaches to various parts of the world. CMRF is deeply involved in medical missions. The medical missionary activities of the group date back to the 1990s. Over time, CMRF, through the outreaches, developed its unique way of organizing the mission. This is an integrated model that incorporates the preaching of the word, prayer, counselling, and the provision of medical care and other interventions to beneficiaries for free. This is what we have come to refer to as The CMRF Model.

This book is concise documentation and presentation of The CMRF Model. We examine the formation of the Foundation, the life of its founder- Dr Sam Annankra, the CMRF Model, the philosophy behind the model, how the model can be utilized effectively, and the impact the Foundation has had on some communities and individuals.

The launch, held at the Ghana Police Church Conference Hall, 37, brought together members of the Foundation. Several experiences and memories were shared. Participants were grateful to God for the opportunity to be partakers of a movement that sought to demonstrate practically the love of God to the world in word and positive action. They counted it all joy to be extensions of God’s saving work in this world. Participants presented themselves as witnesses who became changed through their involvement in the outreaches. They encountered the Lord, received grace and the trajectory of their lives was changed forever. This book is a must read for people who yearn to reach out to their community holistically.

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IT IS OUR STORY

Sharing our story at the GEMA Missions Fest, University of Ghana.

This world is full of stories. A bitter or better story it may be. It might be laden with love and pain. However, the stories are a testament to the life and its experiences on earth. Every country has its own unique story. The people we meet in our various interactions are stories. They are a total sum, an intricate and complicated mass of information and experience. They know things we cannot imagine, and may not have time to imbibe. Behind every edifice, picture, song, book, and group, is a story. Stories are pregnant with untold emotions and actions.

One difficulty is how one may access such stories without the willingness of the owners to share them. It is difficult to look and discern all the details behind an object. Archaeology, with all its sophistication, is still unable to provide fuller details on the various discoveries it makes on various cultures in the world. There is however a good attempt to decode much from the various sources that the previous generations left in the forms of inscriptions, carvings, paintings, buildings, etc. However, non can march the details provided by an insider; one who has lived and experienced the story.

The Good book, Bible, fully subscribes to this idea that stories are best told by those who have lived and experienced it. And so covenant people are mostly admonished to erect monuments from place to place. The monument tells a story of a condition and an experience these covenant people had. They demonstrate the sovereign acts of God with and among his people. The monument points an enquirer to one who knows the story and can share the story. Through this means, the great acts of the Lord; his mercies demonstrated to His people are shared through generations. The faith of the fathers and mothers are thus preserved in the community. A lack of this strategy leads to extinction. First, it drains passion, destroys existing structures, promotes corruption and adulterations of the mission, erodes identity, and finally, extinction.

Thank God for better ways of preserving our story. This generation is indeed blessed with a technology that can capture almost all the experiences of a people. This can then be shared with successive generations.

Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model is the experience of a people who became united by their faith in the Lord Jesus and a passion to be an extension of grace to others. They received a light to draw upon and maximize existing resources for the betterment of underprivileged, poor and marginalized individuals and communities. At a time when transportation and communication networks were poor, they reached out to areas that were neglected. They were involved in preaching the good news, counselling, providing Medicare and praying for a people long neglected. Their enthusiasm proves the capacity of the human spirit to do good even in times of adversity.

We must not allow this story, the rendering of loving services, the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection, their Christian witness through service, and their service of love inspired by Christ's example, faith, and endurance, to fade away like footprints on the beach.

As we launch and inaugurate this book, we are hopeful that there will be a transfer of knowledge and grace that will inspire innovations in the fulfilment of the Great Commission. Congratulations to all members of the Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF). Indeed, it is our story, and we will share it with the world.

REACHING THE UNREACHED: THE CMRF MODEL

Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model Cover design by Abednego Armah

Ever wondered how you can use your talents and skills as tools for outreach and make an impact as a Christian professional wherever you find yourself? Are you looking forward to joining or partnering a group that engages in Christian outreaches using their professional tools? Then this book, Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model is a must read.

Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model is definitely the answer to your cry. This book is a reflection on the work of a community of people who are sold out for the purposes of the Kingdom of God.

They are ordinary men and women who received a commission to undertake an extraordinary task using the basic tools they had acquired. Primarily, they use the medical tool and evangelism as means of reaching out to the poor and marginalized in some communities in Ghana and other parts of the world.

The Model presented in this book is time tested and born out of years of practical Christian medical evangelistic work. We believe you will be blessed and energized to evangelize and win souls for Christ as you read.  

ABOUT THE CMRF

Christian Missions Resource Foundation (CMRF) is a Christian Not for Profit Organisation founded by the late Group Capt. (Dr.) Samuel Annankra in 1993. We mobilise personnel and resources and use our professional tools for outreaches, especially, medical outreaches.

In the last 30 years, CMRF, together with her partners, has conducted medical and surgical outreaches to over six hundred communities in Ghana, and other parts of the world. Over 1400 surgeries have been conducted in Saboba and Sandema at no cost to beneficiaries. We have seen massive transformations in the various communities as a result of the interventions we embarked upon.

This book chronicles the main portions of the Foundations activities and its impact on the various communities and individuals involved. 

LAUNCH OF THE BOOK

The book, Reaching the Unreached: The CMRF Model will be launched on Saturday, 28th of May 2022 at the Ghana Police Church Hall, 37, opposite Max Mart. The time is 4pm.

Join us. Let us celebrate the wonderful works God does through yielded vessels.

Press on…