Ghana Mission Report 1984
Planned Trip Report
(Faith & Victory : January 1984)
Okla.-Dear Bro. Flynn, all workers, and saints scattered abroad: This comes your way trusting that all of you had a blessed Christmas, and that the New Year will be the best ever for everyone. I am looking to the Lord to bless us all according to our many and varied needs.
My visa arrived too late to make the Faith and Victory paper in December. As soon as I get there I will apply for a resident missionary permit. I am confident the door will be open just as long as there is a need for someone to be there. I do need your prayers that everything will work out to the honor and glory of God and the salvation for souls.
My flight is scheduled for Jan. 8, 1984. I leave Oklahoma City at 2:15 p. m., on T. W. A. to St. Louis, Mo; then on British Caledonian to Accra, Ghana, via London, England, arriving in Ghana at 7:40 p. m., Jan. 9. It is a small world, considering that much of the time is spent in air terminals.
I am taking a duffle bag of used clothing to the saints there. I’m also taking an army cot, sleeping bag, and a few things to keep house with for an extended stay there, and some dehydrated foods to supplement my diet. Air freight is so high that I am hoping to get some rice for the saints after I get there.
I want to thank everyone for their good support of the new work in Ghana. . . . I am praising God for all of His many blessings concerning the work there.
My mailing address will be: Dorothy N. Keiser, c/o Jim Akwasi Konadu Yiadom, P. O. Box 44, Akumadan-Ash, Ghana, West Africa. Offerings sent to this address over-seas should be in a cashier’s check or a P. O. money order, and registered. Pray for me as I go.
Yours for a harvest of many souls,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
(Faith & Victory : February 1984)
Ghana, W. Africa (Jan. 10)
To the dear saints at the Print Shop and scattered abroad: Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus.
My trip to Ghana began on schedule. The trip was long and uneventful, except that someone stole a scarf out of my bag while I was taking care of my ticket in St. Louis.
I arrived in Accra, Ghana, on schedule. Bro. Jim Akwasi, his two sisters, his Uncle Duku Agyemong, and two young preacher brethren were there to meet me. All of my baggage didn’t come in with me, so on Thurs. morning we’ll have to return to the airport to get the things when the next flight comes in.
This morning Bro. Jim and I went to the Dept. of Ministry and inquired about an extension on my visa, to labor as a worker on the field. They had settled to give me two months, but for the price of $500 (American dollars), granted me one year. There is a price attached to everything these days, but just one soul saved for God will be worth all the prayers, labors, and offerings that have gone into this effort. We also went to Jamestown today and bought 60 Bibles in the Twi language. . . . By Friday morning we are hoping to go to Akumadan-Ash, where our work actually begins. Duku will be taking us by car. I’m planning to purchase 200 pounds of rice to take to the saints there while I’m here in Accra. Don’t forget the work here-we need the prayers and support of the homeland. Will write again soon.
With Christian love,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
(Faith & Victory : March 1984)
Ghana (Jan. 23)
Dear saints at the Print Shop, in the U. S., and scattered around the world: Greetings of Christian love to all in the lovely name of Jesus.
After picking up my baggage at the airport on Thursday morning (Jan. 12), Bro. Jim Akwasi and I traveled on to Akumadan-Ash, the village where I will be living and call “home” for the next year. It took eight hours to travel the 220 miles from Accra, over nearly impassable roads. I couldn’t walk very straight for a while after I arrived.
I am temporarily settled in a single room with outside facilities. I do my little cooking on a one-burner kerosene stove outside my door on an open porch. The Methodist lady who let me have the room doesn’t charge me anything. When she came to see me she said I could stay 10 years if I wanted to. She is precious, and I desire her soul for God.
The Church is meeting in a Methodist school house at the present time, free of charge. My first Sunday here we were in service from 9:30 a. m. to noon. A good lesson was given on “Prayer” by a Bro. James. It was given in both Twi and English. A space was given for testimonies, and two of the preachers testified how they were led by the Holy Spirit out of the places they were in, into the true Church of God. Preaching service followed, and Bro. Williams Kusi brought a message on the young man who came running to Christ (Mark 10). This was delivered in the Twi language and translated into English. My eyes were filled with tears many times during this service as I could see what God has done in this place in a year’s time. . . .
I have been able to get Bibles, benches, and rice for the two congregations. Most everyone found something they could wear amongst the used clothing I brought on the plane, and there is more clothing coming by boat. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and offerings that have made this missionary effort possible.
The roof is going on the mission house, and it should not be too long until I can go there to live during my stay here. The land on which the chapel is being built is beautifully located on a hill just above the river. There is a dense jungle between the property and the river, but a wide path leading down over which the natives tread their way for water. Eventually a wall will be built around it all.
A good water supply is hard to find here. Water is carried on the heads of very young children and adults. . . . It is my heart’s desire to see if water can be obtained for their use either by a well or piped in from the river. The well would be best, as the water could be consumed without purifying it. I am praying about this. There is nothing too hard for God to do when His people have a mind to work. I desire your prayers that everything done here will be done to the honor and glory of God, in the salvation of precious, never-dying souls.
I am feeling well, and have made several personal contacts. There is a hunger here that God can satisfy.
God’s missionary to Ghana,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
Keiser Reports From Ghana – February
(Faith & Victory : April 1984)
Ghana (Feb. 7)-Dear saints at the Print Shop, and scattered abroad: Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus. In two days it will be one month since I arrived in Akumadan-Ash. The time has gone so quickly, and I am adjusting very well to the new world that I am in. I have started learning the Twi language and it comes very easily. . . .
At present, both congregations are using school rooms for services, and they are filled to capacity. . . . All services are interpreted, the Spirit of God is in the midst, and I am rejoicing at what God is doing and has done here. Surely, this is the time for Ghana to be saved, and I am glad to see the hungry souls come to the light and receive Christ into their hearts.
It is taking longer to get the mission house finished than we had hoped. Laborers don’t work by the clock here. I am still living in a single room not too far from the building site. My things are still packed as I have no place to put them. As soon as the bathroom and two bedrooms are finished, we will move in and the rest can be finished as we reside there. . . .
I have had opportunities to witness to many about the true Church of God. Doctors, preachers, and laborers, many of different faiths, have promised to attend services. Some have already come and are returning. Pray for a harvest of souls through this missionary effort in Ghana.
As I write to you, I am well and contented where God has placed me. I dearly love the people, and they are responding not only by word of mouth, but by their deeds of kindness, thoughtfulness, and care for me.
I would appreciate hearing from some of you. Mail service is so slow, but when the mail van comes in, it is good to hear from home.
God’s and your missionary to Ghana,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
Keiser Reports From Ghana – March
(Faith & Victory : May 1984)
Ghana, W. Africa (Mar. 10)
Dear Bro. Flynn and all the dear saints at home and abroad: Greetings from Ghana in Jesus’ dear name.
I have been in Akumadan-Ash for two months now, and I am feeling quite well. We are not in the mission house yet as it has been hard to get the supplies that we need to finish with. We are hoping that before the May issue of the Faith and Victory goes to press we will be moved in and settled.
This is the harvest season for some of their crops (tomatoes, yams, tapioca, onions, peppers). Most everyone has a little plot of ground on which they grow their living. Many pass by my dwelling each day going to and from their little farms, carrying all kinds of produce on their heads.
About three or four weeks ago I was in Afrancho one Sunday afternoon when a man came up to me and asked if I would come to his village and preach to them. I said I would when the time came to go. We went to the village which was about twelve miles from here. Sekyere, the little man, had really worked to get the village people out for the service. By noon we had preached a salvation message, and when the invitation was given, Sekyere and two of his four children came forward to be saved. I thought this was the result of the trip, but in the afternoon a young man came back and wanted to get saved. When he came forward, nineteen others came with him. . . . In the meantime, this number has grown to around fifty people, and they are asking for a Church of God to be established in that village. . . . It was over an I8-hour day. I had a few crackers and one pint of boiled water in that time. I was on my cot about midnight, thinking over the events of the day. I could but praise God for the souls saved and the strength He had given me to see the day through…
The work is coming along fine here. There is hardly a service goes by but what someone gets saved. The preaching, testimonies, praying, and singing are all anointed. Surely, Ghana is having an opportunity to get saved, and many are taking advantage of the open door to the gospel. Continue to pray for the work here.
Your missionary to Ghana,
Dorothy Keiser
Keiser Reports From Ghana – April
(Faith & Victory : July 1984)
Ghana, W. Africa (Apr. 7)
Dear Sis. Maybelle, workers at the Print Shop, and saints scattered abroad: Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus. Once again we come your way from Ghana with good news of the Church work here.
God is adding to the Church daily such as should be saved. Hardly a service goes by but what someone comes forward to get saved. Bro. Jim Akwasi, Bro. James Badu, and I revisited one of the two villages previously visited. We had a night service outside by lantern light. Both villagers came together for this service. In order to sit down, they carried benches on their heads (about three miles). The bugs were bad, in and out of our clothing, biting, and it was so hot, but the service was very profitable. Three men were restored back to the Lord. We spent the night in the village and early the next morning the two brothers had a service in the village for those who would be going to their “farms” to work.
We are painting the mission house now. The outside is finished, the outside doors have been hung, but the carpenter still has to put louvers in the bedroom and bathroom windows. We can’t finish the inside bedroom walls until this is done as this is the rainy season now and the wind blows in water.
Bro. Jim has planted tapioca (one of their main foods), okra, tomatoes, onions, and everything is doing well. . . . It is very hot here, but God is helping me. I have lost quite a bit of weight, but keep fairly well.
We all send our love to you and “me da wasi” (thank you) for the letters received and the offerings enclosed.
Your missionary to Ghana,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
Keiser Reports From Ghana – May
(Faith & Victory : June 1984)
Ghana, W. Africa (May 13)
Dear saints at the Print Shop, and scattered abroad: Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus. Once again we come your way with news concerning the work of God here in Ghana. The pastors here are Bro. Appeah who is at Tano Kwaemu; Bro. James Badu who is at Afrancho; and Bro. Jim Akwasi who is here in Akumadan-Ash. These are all dedicated young brethren. Pray much for them that their ministry will be effective where God has placed them. They are fighting against many forms of sin, including idol worship and witchcraft.
Bro. Jim Akwasi and I have been invited to Port Harcourt in River State, Nigeria, to hold a meeting. We hope to leave here either in the first or second week of June, if things can be arranged. On our return, we are planning a street meeting (three days) in Techiman, a village about fifteen miles from here, with the desire to start a new work there in the future.
The mission house is finished, and we should be occupying it on May 18. It has been a real burden on the brothers and myself, and we are all glad and rejoicing to see the work accomplished. Sand has been delivered to start making blocks for the chapel. We will build as quickly as God supplies for the need. The work is going forward and I am very much encouraged with the progress made. When we get settled, I intend to learn the language and get into a prayer and fasting and visitation program. They now have a 5:30 a. m. prayer meeting six mornings a week, and as many as thirty or more come out.
We have a young crippled brother in the congregation here. From his waist up he is a normal person, but he is not able to walk on undeveloped legs. He gets around in a crawling position. He is worthy. His name is Maxwell, and he is a single man. Because of his physical condition, his work ability is limited. If he had a three-wheeled cycle (with a motor on it), it would be a real blessing to him. They figure the cost is about $300.00.
All of the saints in Ghana send their love to all the saints scattered abroad. We desire continued prayer for the work here.
Your missionary to Ghana,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
(It was with thankful hearts that the above report was received on May 21. Sis. Keiser expressed in some letters to other saints that a garden has been planted and is looking really good. Some much needed rain has been received, too. Sis. Keiser has to go about 65 miles to get her mail. With transportation being very limited and poor, she is not able to get it regularly. She made no mention of trouble of any kind. We are truly thankful for God’s protection over her, and for answering prayer that contact has been restored. -Editor]
Keiser Reports From Ghana – August
(Faith & Victory : September 1984)
Greetings of Christian love to all in Jesus’ dear name.
We are in our rainy season now. It does hinder church-going some. We don’t have roads, nor cars to ride in. In fact, everyone walks, so when the heavy rains come, people just stay home. There is mud everywhere, but everyone is so thankful for the rain which has been bountiful this year. Everything is so lush and green. Things grow quickly here. You can just put the limb of a tree in the ground and it grows. Bro. Jim has done a lot of “limb” shrub and flower planting. He started before we moved into the mission house and everything looks really nice. It takes quite a while to clear as the land-stumps come out gradually.
I want all the saints to know there is no war going on here. The whole world is corrupt and Ghana has her share of it, but the door is wide open. I am free everywhere. There has never been anyone even to see my passport. I am possibly safer here than in the United States. Just pray that the doors will stay open to the gospel.
I am very happy for the way God has worked in Ghana. Bro. James Badu is picking up the work at Afrancho. He has given up a higher education course for the pastorship. He is a single brother, 24 years old, but I feel he will be married soon. Bro. Appiah has taken the work at Tano Kwaemu and Bro. Jim Akwasi is here. There are five young brothers that I have great confidence in along with the other teachers and preachers amongst us.
We are planning another street meeting this week end. A man from an apostolic church here is loaning us the loud speaker system. I know by the time you get this letter that the meeting will be history, but we desire your prayers for the work here always.
We are having to wait about three months to get checks cashed here so we feel it will take some time longer to build the church house. Furnishing the mission house was drawn out so long that everyone was worn out, so we feel it would be better to wait until we have enough funds to finish before we start to build. Meanwhile, we can concentrate on the work. There is always much to do. My work won’t be done by January, 1985. If I feel by November like I do now, I will ask for another year in Ghana. By then I will have to see about my flight. If I can stay another year, we’ll see the church house built and God can give us another work or two. Just pray that God will have His way in hearts. We have not long to labor at the most. My years of service are fast fleeing away. I keep well and have gone to native food and river water. I do love it here and could spend the rest of my natural life here if need be. God is so good to us.
With much Christian love to everyone,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
Keiser Reports From Ghana – October
(Faith & Victory : November 1984)
Dear Sis. Maybelle and all workers in the Print Shop and saints everywhere: Greetings of Christian love to all in Jesus’ dear name. . . .
We have just finished a three night crusade in the large village of Techiman which is about fifteen miles from here. The response was good. This is the second such meeting we have had here lately.
The three-wheeled bicycle for Bro. Maxwell has been paid for. The next thing is for him to learn how to handle it on the roads which are so rough. Bro. Maxwell is very happy with it and I know he will be busier for the Lord.
We have had a lot of rain lately and it’s somewhat cooler at night. The blankets I sent home for are feeling good, particularly towards morning. The rain keeps us from services some-no cars and no roads. It seems that we appreciate the meetings that much more when we have to miss some of them. . . .We’ll close for now.
Lots of love,
-Sis. Dorothy Keiser
