In the Mampruli Language of Northern Ghana, the word used for "unity" literally means "one-mouth." How then, do you speak on unity to a conference where the women attending come from five different language groups? This was the challenge confronting Rev. Stephen Aputara, President of the SIM-related Bible Church of Africa (BCA) in Ghana.

At a regional women’s conference in February 2007, Reverend Stephen spoke clearly and enthusiastically from the Bible about unity; the need for real love and self-denial. Over 250 women heard his messages and teaching from their own leaders in the morning devotion and workshop times. Each lesson was translated simultaneously into the five languages making the teaching times almost as noisy as the singing!

Many of the women traveled long distances from remote villages to attend the conference. This was a special event because they rarely get the chance to meet with Christians from other villages. Some had come to last year’s conference and encouraged others to join them this year.

It was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with other believers! Stella is a Pastor’s wife, and she helps lead a women’s Bible study group in her village. The conference was an encouraging time for her—she was strengthened by meeting with other women’s leaders, and by learning and praying together. Worshiping together with more than the small fellowship of her village church was a reminder that God's church is so much bigger.

It’s not always easy for women to attend conferences like this. Apart from the cost and difficulty of travel, they have responsibilities at home that are not easy to leave. Many women brought their babies and toddlers, but some were unable to leave their families.

Others come from non-Christian families who don’t like them being involved in church. One older widow hurt her leg when she got on a bus to go home from conference. Her son refused to help her get medical treatment, saying that she got what she deserved for going off to such a conference. Praise God, that with the help of her pastor, she was able to get treatment and made a full recovery.

Pray

Praise God with us for the blessing of this conference. Please pray that the blessing will continue as each woman serves God in her family, her community, and her church with a renewed commitment to love and unity.