Kennedy Osei
Kennedy’s latest letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in-Christ:
We thank the good Lord for another opportunity to write a short report of our activities in Ghana. It is our sincere hope that all is well with you, your families and the church.
I am full of joy as I write to you now about a very remarkable convert at the Kona church this year. Exactly a month ago, we baptized a Moslem young man and he has expressed the joy of being a Christian in a way I have never experienced among brothers in Christ.
Since Idrisu was converted, his whole personality has changed within this short period, always smiling and wanting to meet Christians. He is a certified teacher in Ghana and therefore can read and understand English well.
Idrisu’s zeal and love for his new found Lord, has inspired him to read almost every Christian literature we have introduced to him. Within this short period, he has read and made comprehensive notes from ” EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT”a powerful and comprehensive book on Christian Evidences, among others.
His aim is to help enlighten his folks who continue to be in the unfortunate religion of Islam.
Even though his Moslem parents have decided to disown him, he is not purturbed, his prayer and ours is that the Lord enlightens their hearts and minds to see the light. His younger brother who is a second year University student in Kumasi has also been converted.
Two weeks ago, a lady who had been visiting us for some time was also baptized at Kona.
The church is doing better now as we continue to teach the members the true way of the Lord in terms of doctrine and Christian living.
This is the reason for our joy and why I have spent so much of my time working with this congregation. More converts are anticipated here soon.
I also continue to organize seminars for church leaders in and outside our area. Last week, Comfort joined me to organize one three-day seminar for the church at Pakyi and nearby congregations. Pakyi is comfort’s hometown and the church there is doing very well.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers as we work for the Lord.
Greetings and best wishes to all in the Lord.
Sincerely in Christ,
Kennedy & Comfort Osei-Hwedie
Interview with Henry Huffard on August 7, 2004.
Q: How do you spend the majority of your time?
A: I spend most of my time with Ghana Bible College students. I teach three courses: Christian Evidences, Christian Counseling and Pastoral Epistles. I was acting Principal while Augustine Tawiah was taking a course some distance away. I didn’t want to be hemmed in by the responsibility, so I did not apply for the job permanently. I am a mentor to students and go with them on evangelistic trips. When they have conflicts, I help to resolve them. The accounts of these successful trips have been sent to Hillsboro.
Q: What else occupies your time?
A: Here are some of the things I am doing.
- I am working with a congregation that was established in 1999. It is twenty kilometers (12 miles) from Kumasi and averages 60 in attendance.
- I am active in the Institute of Biblical Studies program, which contains simple courses to develop leadership. Eight of us are teaching this series to Kona, Bantuma, Agric Station Church, Assinpraso, Dadiesoaba, etc. – all churches that have no elders. Bantuma (where you attended on your last visit) is a case in which those who were qualified on the surface were not performing well, yet they were trying to rush those involved in the selection process. He decided to start the lesson series and try again to select later. I am trying to follow the Hillsboro policy on developing leaders in students and to be a good example of leadership myself.
- Third on my list of responsibilities is counseling. When I preach people come up and ask to speak to me. This began about two years ago. I keep a list of those I counsel. They come to my house as well as my office. This isn’t too disruptive of my regular work. I don’t think the extra work will result in burn out. I am able to help parents and children make good choices. Counseling sessions enable me to form strong relationships with many members. (Kennedy’s studies in the U.S. led to an MA in counseling.)
Q: Does Woodmont Hills help you in your counseling ministry?
A: Periodically, Roger Weimers sends money from Woodmont Hills earmarked for benevolence. I charge nothing for my
counseling services. Recently the wife of the preacher at Bantuma was sick and money from Woodmont Hills was given to her. Roger asked on her behalf and Woodmont Hills responded.
Q: Do supporters other than Hillsboro visit you?
A: Randolf Gonce from Gonce, Alabama has come with his friend, Roger Weimers, and his two children each year for the past three years. We organize lectureships for them over the summer months. They have come with three or four others, such as Beth and ___ Staggs who is principal of _________ Christian School and is a member at Concord Road. The total number is as many as seven. An African American who teaches at Meharry has come, too.
Q: Can you update us on Comfort’s plans?
A: Comfort’s plans to start a primary school have never materialized. She accompanies me and helps the women. Also, she helps in counseling at Ghana Bible College, especially with women’s issues. She isn’t a qualified teacher or counselor, but she advises and helps me. She is careful not to take over. Someone has given them land on the Kumasi-Accra Road. They are patient and are willing to wait on the Lord.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
A: I’m sorry for my inability to communicate. I haven’t wanted to concentrate on reporting, and this has led to missed communication. (We discussed more on communication and openness was encouraged.)
Q: Is there a part of your ministry that you would like to spend more time doing?
A: I believe that I need to do more counseling. I see preachers suppress their wives, hurt their marital relationship and serve as bad examples to the church. But I know that without the gospel, counseling is hollow, so I must continue to introduce lost souls to Christ.