Markaz al Bishara - our client in West Africa - is Arabic for "Center of Good News". It's a progressive social enterprise that encompasses several businesses and even more humanitarian outreach projects in the region.
So for Amani Global, this trip brought a new perspective on what 'good news' sometimes means.
Several important things happened for us during our 3 weeks in Ghana:
1. Our daughter, Audrey, took her first steps. (Somehow I knew she was waiting for this trip!)
2. Everyone stayed healthy.
3. We solidified our relationship with Markaz and advised them on the next steps to take in the development of their social enterprise business group.
4. Destiny Foundation got to experience Africa for the first time.
All of these things were the subjects of much prayer and contemplation before and during the trip...so we're grateful that we can look back and say 'good news' on all fronts.
We also experienced a few firsts along the way...
- Our first official visit to the leading Muslim cleric in the region
- The visit included the mosque and his home (inner room - most rare)
- Our nanny on the trip, Gail, got to experience Africa for the first time and loved it - she kept a great attitude the entire time (also very rare!)
- Visit to the poorest village I've ever seen in 15 years of traveling to Ghana - heartbreaking
Woman in Daboya Village, Northern Region of Ghana
With Christmas here, of course, the best 'good news' is that the reason for doing what we do...the reason for all the humanitarian work...the reason that we love others...is Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
- mike
2 comments:
Great picture and great reminder about the real good news in the world. Any trip can be riddled with frustrations and disappointments, so I'm glad to hear this one had it's notable successes as well!
Well written article.
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