Ghana Methodists Gather In Washington To Pray

The Fellowship of Ghana Methodist Churches in North America is organizing a three-day Retreat in Chevy Chase, Maryland from October 19 to 21, 2007. The Retreat, which is being hosted, by the Calvary Redeeming Methodist, is to provide a forum for prayer and discussions on the future of Methodist Churches in North America.

Very Rev Dr John Bonful, the Chairman of the Fellowship in an interview indicated that all the 25 Ghana Methodist churches in United States and Canada are expected to attend to bring back not only memories, but more importantly, the revival of old Methodist Camp meetings.

He also revealed that as part of efforts to end conflicts and individualistic tendencies, a newspaper and a web site would be launched at the retreat and asked all Methodists who have found themselves outside the Wesleyan family to come back home.

Very Rev. Dr. Bonful also revealed that the Fellowship of Ghana Methodist Churches held its Annual Synod in Charlotte, North Carolina in April 2007 and it was at the Lay Representative Session of the Synod that the problems facing Ghana Methodist Societies in the U.S. and Canada were considered. And it was realized that the issues were basically spiritual, which no human strength or wisdom could solve, except by divine intervention.

The Lay Representative Session therefore moved for a Camp Meeting in the true Methodist Tradition to pray, and seek the face of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, that by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they might find a way out. The decision was unanimously accepted by the Synod. The Ministers also decided to change the original venue of their Annual Fellowship of the Kingdom, which was Toronto, Canada to join the Lay in this all-important Retreat.

Brother Baffour Amoateng, the Vice Chairman of the Lay Movement and the Society Steward of Calvary Redeeming Methodist Church, Rockville, Maryland highlighted other items on the Programme. He said Committees would be constituted among others to see to the efficient administration of all the Churches’ Organizations, namely, the Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Youth Fellowship, Children’s Ministry, the Choir and other Ministries. He noted that the most contentious issue is to organize Churches without alienating the others and hoped the Almighty God himself will provide direction.

The theme of the Retreat is “MISSION AMONG GHANAIAN METHODISTS IN N/AMERICA- CHALLENGES, CONFLICTS AND THE FUTURE.” The three-day programme will comprise prayer sessions, talks and discussions, as well as meetings for both Clergy and Laity-all aimed at finding with God’s help the way forward for the Kingdom of God through the branch of Methodist Church Ghana in North America. Speakers slated for this all-important Retreat will be expected to address the issues of the Church’s mission in North America, its future among others. Delegates will be arriving from all Ghana Methodist Churches in America and Canada on Friday and will depart on Sunday. Singing of Methodist Hymns, Ebibindwon (i. e. Akan Lyrics), Ghanaian Gospel songs as well as fervent prayer times- all traits of the true spirit of Ghana Methodism will be the order of the day.

The Divine Service on Sunday to climax this Programme will see members clad mainly in the 170th Anniversary cloth and Organizational uniforms. It is expected to be a re-living of the old time Methodist Camp Meeting setting and many have indicated that they will love to be a part of this experience.