FISHING IS LIFE

Along the coast and waterways of Ghana, fishing is the most common form of livelihood. During a recent family outing, the boys and I experienced first hand the hard work required of fishermen (and children, unfortunately).

We worked for about an hour helping to pull the net in. I'm guessing their net was about 200 to 300 yards long. These fishermen were working the Volta river for their catch. Their net was about 1/10 the size of some of the ocean nets I have seen. I can't imagine the endurance required to fish the ocean.  

The net was put out by boat in a horseshoe shape. Two teams of fishermen were at each end of the horseshoe working the net from the beach. We pulled at a steady pace, drawing in the net until our catch was on the beach.

By the time we heaved in the net, I had blisters on my fingers and nearly exhausted back, leg, and arm muscles. My pride wouldn't allow me to give up before we pulled in our catch - I was so thankful when we finished.

However, the majority of the treasure in the net was trash - plastic water bags, Indomie wrappers, broken flip flops, etc... At least 90 percent of the catch was garbage. I would estimate the entire weight of fish caught was less than 10 pounds, with four small 9-inch fish surrounded by scaly fins no larger than 2-inches.  The picture below shows everything we pulled in.  With 7 native guys fishing for themselves, their family, and their village, the contents of the net had to be very disappointing.  Over one hour of strenuous physical labor for 12 men resulted in this?

But fishing is what people in this village do - it's all they know to do. They fish just like their parents before them and their children who will follow in their fishing footsteps. They will be at it again tomorrow, hoping for a better catch. To these natives - FISHING IS LIFE!

Our experience fishing with the natives helped me see the importance of "fishing" with Jesus. These Ghanains fish in the same way that Peter and his friends would have fished 2,000 years ago. But fishing from my cultural background is quite different. I have grown up with a leisurely approach to fishing - it's something you do for fun, relaxation or sport.

When Jesus told his followers they would be fishing for men, the disciples (as well as my native fishing friends) would have envisioned "fishing" as something they would be doing every single day - as if their lives depended on it.  Before Jesus called his disciples, they had to work and work (just like the Ghanaian fishermen) until they had enough to feed themselves and provide for their families. When they traded in their nets for the gospel, they could not have imagined working any less than when they were on the sea.

The call to "fishing" and making disciples is not a call to leisurely fun. A weekend hobby or a once-a-year vacation pastime is definitely not what Jesus has in mind. The purpose, determination and commitment we give to our careers is exactly what Jesus calls us give as fishers of men. Just like the fishermen we met - the ones who fish from sun up to sun down 6 or 7 days a week - we must rethink (and quite possibly repent of) what it means to follow Jesus and make disciples.

Here is another perspective on "fishing" I read last week...

"Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.

Week after week, month after month, and year after year, these who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen.

Continually, they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions of fishing. Further they said, “The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by burning.” They loved slogans such as “Fishing is the task of every fisherman.” They sponsored special meetings called “Fishermen’s Campaigns” and “The Month for Fishermen to Fish.” They sponsored costly nationwide and world-wide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls, and whether any new bait had been discovered.

These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called “Fishing Headquarters.” The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn’t do, however: They didn’t fish."

(Darrell W. Robinson, People Sharing Jesus, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1995, pp 21-22)

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men" (Mark 1:17, ESV).

God Is In The "HARD"

We have arrived back in Ghana after a short 6 week furlough home.  Short is an understatement.  The time at home was a tremendous blessing but I found myself longing for more time, more conversations, more hugs, more connections with those I love...

Now, we are back in Ghana and facing another transition for our family.  Parts of coming back are wonderful, and parts are stark shoves back into the reality of life here.

Yesterday we drove to church and passed a woman wrapped in a rice sack for clothing...

Young ones who know us chased down our car at the toll booth.  I think they were there selling water to support their family...

Hugging some of the kids at the orphanage brought tears because I know parents on the other side of the ocean longing to be the one hugging their child.  Oh, I hold them tight.  For now, to a small degree, our family stands in their place to express love...

We've been without power and could not run the generator.  We've enjoyed candles and flashlights in the evening (not much, but enough to be reminded of how difficult it is to lose power - towels are draped in front of the refrigerator to absorb the defrosting water)...

In many ways, I feel like we are back to "HARD."

As much as I struggled going from Ghana to America 6 weeks ago, now I find myself struggling again.  Neither is an easy transition.

Our boys vocalize it too.  They miss relationships from home.  I heard their hurting hearts whisper people they miss from home.  Having our nephew, Zach, with us for the next 6 weeks has made coming back easier.  His presence has been life-giving for all of us.  We are thankful he is here.

I am not complaining.  Just sharing the struggle.

We are grieving again.  Losses.  Longings.  Things left behind.

A friend is preparing to move onto the mission field and her words are more eloquent than my own right now.  Maybe more honest too...

We've had people say "You chose to do this, so why are you complaining?" (I wasn't complaining, just answering their question "how are things going?" and, of course, they didn't want to really hear how things were going, they were just being polite--why don't I ever get that!?!!?)... I have always felt, that the only choice we had was to obey or disobey and that isn't really a choice for us--we will obey God's call, no matter what!!! and that means even with all the loss. And the losses are showing me where I have treasured things, both good and bad, that have kept me from treasuring Jesus above all. I understand how I've put my security in my abilities all my life and how I've protected myself from vulnerability, but all that is being stripped away. And the good things too, like relationships that are so dear to me. And so far, none of it has been replaced with a more intimate relationship with Jesus, which is what I hoped for; there is just an emotional void, an emptiness that I hope someday will be filled with more of Him.

I'm sorry to go rambling on, but there isn't anyone here who might even slightly understand any of this. I'm not sorry for the losses, but the dying is painful and knowing it will be like this for the rest of our lives is hardly "adventurous." It is something we embrace and trust His grace to be sufficient for "today."

HE IS WORTHY OF ALL and I'm praying for you today that you will feel His presence and sense His loving arms around you and your family and that, even when you can't make sense of things, you will find rest for your soul.

Another missionary wrote these words on her blog, and I found myself resonating with her thoughts as well.  I did find it funny that one of the comments said, "I count my blessing everyday that you are in Bogota rather than Uganda."  Too funny.  Sigh...  Yes, we are on the other side of the world.  And it is far away.

When She's Not the Good Missionary

These are the times, I seek the comfort of Christ.  I curled up this morning praying asking Jesus to sustain us, lead us, encourage us.  He is.  He will.  My feet need to remain grounded on the solid rock, and not grappling for footing on the sand.  

The times when I feel like God is far from me, I must remind myself of the truth that He is holding us.  He is with us.  He is in the "HARD."  

I need to be reminded of this.  He is teaching me more about contentment in Him alone.  He is worth everything.  HE IS WORTHY OF ALL.  

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:11-12

Consider Yourself Invited!

Knoxville Bound

On May 1st, our family will leave Ghana for a 6-week furlough, planning to arrive in Knoxville on May 2nd around 5:00 pm. Most of our furlough will be spent in Knoxville with a few days devoted to time with Reid's family in South Carolina and a weekend trip to North Carolina to worship and share with our former faith-family, Community Bible Church.

We are anxious to share all that the Lord has been doing in Ghana since our arrival last year. We are amazed by the stories He is writing. Here is a video highlighting some of things He has been doing.





We have several planned gatherings where we can enjoy each other's company and we will share some of our experiences from our first year in Ghana. We hope you will join us at one of the times below to join us in praising God for His work here.

YOU ARE INVITED...   (to as many as you would like to attend...)

Taste of Ghana Dinner and Market
Friday, May 10th at 5:30. PM,  Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 8807 Pleasant Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924. Dinner served at 6:30 PM. Stories from Ghana at 7:30. Reservations required: email Janet Franklin.

Night With the Beebes
Saturday, May 11th at 5:00 PM at Nicholas Ball Park, 8728 Ball Camp Pike, Knoxville, TN 37931. Please bring a main dish and dessert to share - drinks and supplies provided. Hosted by the Stevens, Lively, Randall, Roach, Brown, Gerard, Totty, Crain, and Von Hagen families. Please make reservations with Clark Stevens by email. 

Mother's Day Worship Services
You are also welcome to join our family for two Mother's Day worship services that we will be leading. Caledonia Presbyterian Church and Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church are holding a joint service on May 12th. The service will begin at 9:45 AM at PHUMC, 8807 Pleasant Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924.

On the afternoon of May 12th at 2:00 PM, we will be leading the Water Angels service for the homeless community of Knoxville. The ministry is located at 907 University Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921.

Night with the Beebes
Friday, May 31st at 6:00 PM. Location - Shannon Valley Farms Clubhouse, 4842 Horsestall Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918. Bring an hor dourve to share. Open invitation. Hosted by the Persinger and Salvador families. Email Cindy Persinger with questions.

Sharing Time in North Carolina
We will be celebrating at Community Bible Church, 4125 Johnson Street, High Point, NC on Sunday, June 9th leading the Global Connections Class at 9:30 am.  We will also be joining the CBC Ghana mission team for the luncheon after church raising money for their upcoming trip this summer.

We look forward to seeing you at these gatherings. Please join us in celebrating what our great God has done!

T-Shirt Truth

T-Shirt Truth:

YOU DON'T KNOW PAIN -

LOVE ORPHANS

This shirt was sold by Feeding the Orphans in the USA to raise orphan awareness.

Now it is clothing a young boy in Ghana.

And, the words are true - 

YOU DON'T KNOW PAIN - 

LOVE ORPHANS.

Hard words, aren't they?

Again, this post has two authors.  A few thoughts of my Dad from our visit to Ejura are shared later in this post...

Our family is tremendously impacted by the sacrificial giving of so many in the States for God's ministry here.  All of our monthly support funds our ministry here - transportation for ministry, emergency needs that come to us, internet to share photos and stories with you, equipment purchases for the film outreaches, replacement for flat tires, vehicle repair, etc...  We pray and try to steward well what is sent to our family in monthly support.

Other times, special gifts are sent to us us, and God always shows us clearly where He desires for us to use it.  You would be amazed at the number of needs God has met through your giving!  Over this past week, a gift from a homeschooling mother selling bread provided for the immediate need brought to us,  extra food was provided for a family because of a gift from our neighbor - the extra food  is now being shared with a double orphan in need, and two children sent us money that was used to help a pastor giving his life away to help fatherless children in a community virtually void of Christ.   We can not tell you all of the stories, but want you to know that the Lord has led us clearly with so many "extra" gifts.  Each of you have blessed others beyond measure and one day you will hear all of the stories in heaven.  We are amazed by God's provision for his children.  THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING PEOPLE HERE WITH YOUR GIVING!


Months ago, I wrote a post titled Disney in Ghana.  I created the comparison between Disney in America versus Disney here in Ghana.  There is a great contrast in what constitutes "dreams coming true."

In that post, I shared about a young boy, Timothy Lumsdaine, who gave us his all of his savings before we traveled to Ghana.  We prayed about how to use his money and the Lord led us purchase deworming and parasite medication for a village.  Life changing impact was made through his sacrificial gift, and it was done in the name of Jesus Christ.

A few months ago, my parents called and we learned of another sacrificial gift coming to Ghana.  An elderly woman at their church, Myrna King, did not receive any gifts for Christmas last year.  Instead, she asked her family to give her money to be given for ministry in Ghana.  My parents shared that they would be bringing this money with them, along with other financial gifts so Reid and I began praying for what God would want us to do with it.  Soon, God answered.

In January, we ministered in Ejura and saw many children with heads that looked like this one.

Missing patches of hair indicate the child has ringworm and likely other worms and parasites in their system.  These both suck nutrients from the system and prevent complete nutrition from absorbing in the body.  One dose of deworming medicine rids the body of the nasty bugs for three months.

We knew God wanted to money from Myrna to provide for the children in Ejura to be treated against worms and parasites.  However, there were 1100 people estimated to need treatment between the two villages.  Feeding the Orphans immediately agreed to provide the rest of the needed medication!  WOW!  All of the financial gifts my parents brought with them provided for the transportation to take it to the remote villages 10 hours from our home!  God always provides!  ALWAYS!  

In a few weeks, we are going to dedicate the FTO well in Paulkrom (another blog post about this amazing story coming soon too - I hope!).  As in Deti when we dedicated the well last year, we would love to provide dewormign medication for the village and school children.  If you would like to help provide deworming medication for this outreach, please contact Feeding the Orphans.  We estimate needing at least 400 doses for this village.  This is a picture taken last week in Paulkrom.  The need is great there as well.

Finally, I love this picture from the deworming and clothing outreach in Ejura because it shows that receiving a small gift of medicine or one piece of clothing is still "Disney in Ghana."

Now, some thoughts from my Dad about distributing the clothing and dewormer in Ejura.

Guest Blogger:  Robbie Franklin, my Daddy, shares a few thoughts

(There is more still to come from him!!  In this post there are a few thoughts from him with the rest coming from me, Robin, your normal blogger.)

(Dad)

When we arrived at the church in Abrewa Ano, the building and grounds were covered with women, men, and children.  We came with a fully loaded trailer of medication, clothing, shoes, and goodies.  

When we arrived at the church, everyone was singing and dancing.  A praise service was happening!  Everyone was so joyful and exuberant.  

Women were dancing while sweat dripped down their face.

Children were clapping and singing.

Everyone was so excited about worship!

After the time of worship, Janet shared with everyone about how God called her to trust him during her cancer.  Her story touched hearts and challenged us to walk out our faith.

We began with the deworming medication first.

Even Braden, age 9, became a pharmacist.

Donations from God's people provided doses of medication for 1100 children and adults!!!

 We distributed the deworming medicine to the men first, then the women, then the children.

 The entire family worked together, along with Ernest and Wahab to make sure everyone received a dose.  Because this medicine is most effective if it is taken at night, everyone was given one dose to take home and administer in the evening.

Ernest translated all day long.  He was invaluable to the team.

Some children were sweating profusely on their mother's backs.  It was extremely hot inside the church building.

Everyone waited patiently to receive their medicine.

(Dad)

After a long time, we had handed out the appropriate doses, and we made the preparations to distribute the clothing.  Donations of clothing from MLI Ghana and Feeding the Orphans were consolidated to have enough to share with the people.  Huge bags of clothes were opened and dumped onto the floor for the people to come and choose one new piece of clothing.

We started with the adults, so the children were sent outside to play futbol (soccer) with the Beebe boys until it was their turn.

(Dad)

Again, because this village worships Christ, there was an overwhelming peace among the people while they waited.  Everyone waited patiently for their turn.  It was very orderly.

Each person stepped forward and whatever they touched first became the one item of clothing they would take home.   The men were excited about a new tie or a sports jacket - even if it was too small.

The men and women choose carefully.  Remember, whatever you touch first is yours!

The kids play outside while until it is time for the children to come inside.

The girls line up before going inside.

One child ended up with one of our shirts that we sold to raise money for Godwin's adoption.  I can't believe it is now being worn by a child in this village.  

T-shirt Truth:  "I will not leave you as orphans.  I will come to you."  John 14:18

"Millions of orphans...millions of orphans...millions of orphans...  Will you come?...Will you come?...Will you come?  Yes, I'll come.  Because Jesus came for me."

One little girl in Knoxville, Reagan Hooks, sacrificially provided some new clothes for the children specifically for this outreach!  Sadly, I was outside taking photos when the specific ones she sent were handed out, but every child adored their new clothes.  Reagan, thank you so much for your generous heart to help! 

Some handmade dresses from Betty Barkley are also now adorning the children!  To know these dresses have been handmade with love is such a gift!

Adorable!

Handmade Pillowcase dresses also blessed the children!  Thank you!

Our boys also cleaned out their closets for this outreach.  After seeing the need here for clothing, they wanted to give away what they could to bless others.  Their closets now only hold the clothes they need.  Everything else is being given away.
I nearly cried seeing this little boy in one of Franklin's shirts.  His "Perfect Aim" band shirt now covers this precious little boy.  

The next day as we drove through the village headed to Mbana, Franklin saw the same little boy running through the village wearing his Perfect Aim shirt.  Wow!

T-Shirt Truth - "We make it our aim to please Him.  2 Corinthians 5:9. 
We aim for perfection.  2 Corinthians 13:11.  
What's your aim?"

Even the Tate family is represented in this village now.  When they came in December, they left nearly all of the clothes they wore, so they could be shared with those in need.  Now their clothes are clothing the children of this village!

One more gift given was new Bibles for the church.  This village boasts of 10 students going to senior high school.  10 students out of a village of about 600 people.  They are very proud of this fact, and they should be.  In the remote areas, many children do not have the privilege of any education beyond primary school.  Yes, primary school.  Few people in the village can read English so we didn't leave many English Bibles for them.  Eventually, we will work to find Bibles in their local language and take them if possible.

Janet enjoys playing hand clapping games with the children.  The kids were always around her!

Dad entertained all of the children with his nose flute!  They were very curious about it!

(Dad)

Many of the young children wanted to touch my skin, and some of the very young children looked at me with eyes full of fear.  In Ghana, I was called, "Obruini" meaning "White Person."

One little boy carries the gifts for his family home.  

While we head home to our comfortable house, everyone here walks home to their huts.  

(Dad)

The day was very orderly with everyone receiving a dose of medicine, followed with clothing and finally a biscuit (cracker) to everyone.  I wish that all of you who sent money to buy and transport the medicine, the clothing, or the flip flops could have witnessed the joy on the people's faces as they received their gift.  Reid, Ernest, and Wahab explained that all of these gifts were sent from brothers and sisters in Christ because they wanted to share His love.  They explained that the gifts given today were not going to last, but the love of Jesus lasts for eternity.

One more t-shirt truth for you to ponder.  I think this t-shirt actually came from the Oleary family as their own children cleaned out their closets.  The Olearys are the founders of Feeding the Orphans.  

Read this t-shirt truth knowing a child in Africa is now wearing it.  Read it knowing the children in this village have no electricity within miles of their huts.  Read it knowing the children walk barefooted  carrying water on their heads for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing because running water is a foreign concept.  Read it knowing children in this village are eating dead mice for dinner.  Read it knowing many children will not eat today.  

Read it asking yourself the question...  

T-Shirt Truth.  "Why should we eat like Kings and Queens when they have nothing?"

This picture reflects our heart.  Franklin is kicking the ball in the center of picture wearing a t-shirt that says, "Hope in the Dark."  That's what we are doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit - we are bringing "Hope in the Dark."  Beside Franklin runs a little African boy wearing a shirt that was once his.  A little boy running with purpose and running with aim.  A little boy, we pray, running for Jesus!  We pray this little boy will aim for perfection in pleasing Him - the Savior who came for him!  

As in other Africa scenes, the little boy's red shirt is the only splash of color.  Because Franklin is wearing brown, Franklin is faded into the background in this photo.  The memory of our presence in this village will fade as well.  We won't be remembered for long.  But the love of Jesus will not fade.  The HOPE of Him will not grow dim.  The TRUTH of him will not change with time.  So, as I see the little boy running in a bright red shirt, I pray that the tangible touch of Jesus given this day will last for all eternity of the lives of Abrewa Ano.  

"We make it our aim to please Him."

2 Corinthians 5:9

"We aim for perfection."

2 Corinthians 13:11