Ghana Mission Network Convenes in Erie June 27-30
Creating Connections & Unity through Global Mission in Ghana
Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie & First Covenant
Global Mission takes center stage at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie June 27 – June 30, 2019 as the Presbytery of Lake Erie (PLE) hosts the 18th Annual PCUSA Ghana Mission Network Meeting. This is a global gathering with more than 50 participants and representatives from across the U.S.A. and around the world. First Covenant and the PLE are partnering with Gannon University to provide accommodations for our visitors at Gannon University’s Harborview Apartments. The visitors are coming to Erie from 12 states and from Ghana, western Africa. These participants represent 15 Partnerships, 3 Presbyterian Seminaries, Presbytery World Mission Staff and several new members. Click this link for the full schedule of events: 2019 Ghana Mission Network Schedule
This year the theme is: “Being living sacrifices – living in unity – in our Global world.”
Psalm 133, John 17:20-26, Romans 12:1-18.
Donna Cammarata of Erie is the Coordinator for the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network and the Coordinator for the Lake Erie Presbytery’s Partnership with the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. Below is a conversation I had with Donna about the global mission in Ghana and what it means for the people in Ghana and for us in the Presbytery of Lake Erie.
What is the Ghana Mission network?
“The Ghana Mission Network (GMN) is a community of people who are in some way connected with Ghana and involved in missions within the country and with the people who live there. Many of the connections are through partnerships within the Presbyterian Church USA, together with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Donna believes, “The reason for the GMN is to join together in the common goal of sharing God’s love and the teachings and way of Jesus Christ.”
To see the mission work in Ghana follow these video links:
Lake Erie Ghana Partnership
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83eA2WT88FM&feature=youtu.be
Ghana Mission Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se_dJ5TmZ5Y&feature=youtu.be
Please explain why this mission is a good fit for you?
“My introduction to Ghana was as a member of Lake Erie Presbytery’s second delegation visit to Ghana in October 2011, which formally initiated the Partnership. The Christians I met in Ghana welcomed me as family. I was overwhelmed by their hospitality, the depth of their faith and their commitment to Christian ministry and mission in extremely challenging conditions. My heart was captured and they became my family.”
“The following year, I attended the 2012 Ghana Mission Network Meeting and met wonderful people involved in all kinds of creative missions and Partnerships in Ghana. I was asked to be the Communications person for the GMN, which I agreed to. Over the years, that role has grown into organizing and overseeing the GMN membership, connections and yearly GMN Meetings. I find it challenging and rewarding, and am continually surprised by the opportunities I believe God opens up. My passion for living out my faith, love for my family in Ghana and having some good organizational skills make this a good fit for ministry for me.”
“I see myself as a connector piece in this part of God’s mission. Connecting Lake Erie Presbytery congregations to and through the Ghana Partnership. Connecting Lake Erie to Northern Ghana. Through the GMN, connecting to other Partnerships and helping other Partnerships connect.”
Explain the importance of the Ghana Mission?
“The GMN provides a yearly time to gather. There are members all over the United Sates and all over Ghana. At the meetings, presenters share information, partnerships share reports of what they are doing and experiencing, conversations in groups and with individuals offer insights, wisdom, encouragement and challenge. There are times of worship and prayer together; opportunities to grow in understanding and appreciation of one another, of different cultures and perspectives. The aim is to learn together about how cross cultural relationships and ministries happen in meaningful ways and are mutually beneficial. The Ghana Mission Network opens up availability of resources and opportunities for collaboration. The GMN also supports and is supported by two Presbyterian World Mission co-workers in Ghana.”
Why does the Presbytery of Lake Erie support the Ghana mission? What benefits do you see with this partnership?
“The Lake Erie Ghana Partnership has greatly benefited from the connection to the GMN. Early on, Lake Erie drew on the experiences and wisdom gained from others. From that, a good foundation was laid and built on, slow and steady. Now, eight years into our Partnership, Lake Erie offers the Ghana Mission Network a model for a strong, healthy Partnership and a Presbytery wide endeavor. It is able to help shepherd and encourage new and struggling Partnerships.”
“A global partnership can bring unexpected benefits. It can break down misconceptions and assumptions. It can show how differences and similarities enriches life. It can give a bigger perspective of God and Christianity expressed in another culture, in another part of the world. It can tune one into the needs and gifts in the local neighborhood as well and encourage a more generous outlook and outreach.”
Explain to a Presbyterian church member here in northwest Pennsylvania why this outreach is important and should be supported – especially considering the many needs right here in this region?
“There are needs all around to be responded to as Christ would and as He calls His followers to. The needs nearby don’t have to be overlooked in order to also respond to needs far away. There is a whole other level of need in many places far from our homes. I believe we are to stretch ourselves and share our abundance to address those faraway needs as well. One reason I see for a Global Partnership is that it helps make real those faraway places and the people who live there. My friends in Ghana have said to me, “when you come so far from your home and leave your comforts … when you come to this place so remote, with many challenges, and you don’t complain … when you want us to be your friend … you show you really care, and that show us that God cares about us, and that gives us hope.”
What do you especially want people to know about the Ghana Mission?
“Not everyone can go to Ghana. But when you support the Ghana Mission Partnership you are part of all that goes to Ghana. You are joined in the love of God that gets manifested through improvements to a health clinic, transportation for pastors to minister to their congregations, clean water, education, Bibles in mother tongues, through the presence of those who do go, you are touching lives in ways you can never imagine.”
“I’m excited about this year’s GMN Meeting in Erie because it gives the GMN an opportunity to learn more about Lake Erie Presbytery and members and congregations of Lake Erie Presbytery an opportunity to learn more about the GMN. My GMN family meets my Lake Erie family and some of my Ghana family is here as well!”
Donna is looking for volunteers to help host and transport our visitors during the GMN. If you can help in anyway or volunteer some time, Donna can be reached at 814-873-4860 or email her at pcusa.gmn@gmail.com
