Opinions of Sunday, 6 January 2008
Columnist: Friends of SU Ghana
Friends of Scripture Union Ghana
For many, the mention of Scripture Union brings feelings of nostalgia, reminiscing those days in the Junior Secondary School, Senior Secondary School or a tertiary institution. For others, it is clouded with mixed feelings.
The vast majority view Scripture Union or SU as a non-denominational Christian group that seeks to start, continue and expand a unique relationship between the individual and Jesus Christ; achieving this through daily Bible reading, prayer meetings, camps, retreats and community fellowships. While this is true, Scripture Union (SU) of Ghana is also a national, autonomous, evangelistic Christian organization in Ghana. It is the largest Para church organization in the country, and has been established in Ghana since1890. However, modern SU work in Ghana began with a Summer Evangelistic Camp for 13 boys in 1952.
Available records show that the total number of Junior Secondary Schools (J.S.S) nationwide stands at 6371. In 2006, 109 new SU Bible Clubs were formed in Junior Secondary Schools nationwide. There are now SU Bible Clubs in 832 J. S. S. representing 13.1% coverage. At the end of 2006 there were 532 SU Groups in Senior Secondary Schools out of a national total of 569 S. S. S, which represents the work of SU in 93.5% of all Senior Secondary Schools in Ghana. On the basis of the statistics above, you could almost conclude that you or someone you know in your immediate circle of friends or one of your relatives was a part of SU or knew someone who was. SU has transformed the lives of people nationwide and internationally, the effect is beyond measure. When I set out to dig a little deeper into the positions in our society being occupied by SU members, locally and abroad, I was pleasantly surprised at the great achievements. We have SU members at the pinnacle of the legislative, executive and judiciary arms of government. We have SU CEOs, CIOs, COO’s, members of board of directors, presidential candidates, teachers, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, business men, etc. The list is endless. Certainly, not all of us have managed to amount to as much as we had hoped for, yet. A few of us, due to personal circumstances and the choices we have made, drifted away from what was deposited in us during our days with SU. It has reached the point where some even deny their association with SU. Our reasons may be legitimate but does it have to continue that way? I don’t think so, and if you will stay with me for a few more seconds, I will tell you why. Have you thought of a place where you can reconnect with both old and present SU members of your Alma Mater and other SU members worldwide? A place where you can relive those old memories, to continue what was begun several years ago and to be a blessing to many more people yet to hear about SU? The Friends of Scripture Union Ghana (FOSUG) is a virtual community made up of all who were a part of the Scripture Union in Ghana at www.friendsofsughana.org. Those who witnessed and were transformed by the activities of SU or who knew someone who was in the group - from the active executive to the dormant observer who didn’t want to get involved.
SU has made a huge difference to the lives of several millions since its formation in Ghana several decades ago. One of the core aims of FOSUG is to give back to SU. So how can you help? During camps, retreats and conferences, volunteers are needed to guide participating young people, usually children and teenagers through the sessions by providing physical and spiritual guidance. You could be a part in helping shape the destiny of a child.
SU groups in our schools are as rich as God enables students to make it. It is worth mentioning that some SU groups assist in paying the tuition of members who for one reason or the other are unable to meet these financial needs. You can donate to assist the work of SU in your Alma Mater or the work of SU in Ghana in general.
SU didn’t end with us, and it’s not going to end until the return of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. More souls need to be reached, won and sustained. The rallies, camps, conferences, retreat, etc should continue. Others must share in the wonderful experiences we have been given and are still having in a way contemporary to the changes in our times. FOSUG is NOT independent from Scripture Union Ghana. All activities are monitored to ensure continuous compliance with the ethos of SU.
Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.
