Short-term mission the start of a long-term commitment
Ryde Salvation Army mission team members at The Salvation Army’s Begoro Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana. (Photo courtesy of Ryde Salvation Army)
A short-term mission trip to Ghana by members of Ryde Salvation Army in Sydney has sparked a passion within the corps for a long-term mission partnership.
Ryde Corps Officer, Major Topher Holland, says the trip to Begoro in Ghana came about through a member of the corps, Katherine Dale, who has been working for The Salvation Army in the African country for a number of years.
“So we thought we should actually be supporting her and the mission that she is involved in, there in Ghana,” says Major Holland.
A team of nine Christians including Major Holland, travelled to Ghana in September last year to help at The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centre for children and adults with disabilities.
The shame and stigma associated with disability is so strong in Ghana that children with disabilities are often not given medical treatment or an education. The Begoro Rehabilitation Centre gives disadvantaged adults and children with disabilities a safe place to belong, and access to education, health care and rehabilitation treatment.
During the mission trip, the team from Ryde repainted the inside of the centre and conducted activities with the children at the centre, the local Salvation Army corps and the surrounding community.
Major Holland says everyone who went on the trip returned saying they received more than they gave.
“To see people who have been through incredible difficulties be so resilient … and just the opportunity to walk alongside and to learn more about the culture - we received much more than we gave,” he says.
Ryde Salvation Army is now committed to providing regular financial, ministry and prayer support to Katherine and the team at the Begoro Rehabilitation Centre. There are also plans to send teams to the centre on a regular basis.
“We’re trying to help as much as we can,” says Major Holland. “We’re thinking long-term partnership and ministry.”
For more information on how you or your corps can partner with an overseas expression of The Salvation Army, contact The Salvation Army’s International Development Office: salvos.org.au/said
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