DEFYING THE ODDS FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL

DEFYING THE ODDS FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL
(THE OCHS FAMILY AND FRIENDS)

Despite the World Health Organization’s declaration of the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world as a global public health emergency and its associated travel bans and restrictions, the Ochs family and friends found it worthy to embark on missions.  Missionaries are willing to risk danger and opposition to engage unreached peoples with the gospel because they understand the consequences of losing a soul to the world. On 30th May 2021, a ten (10) member missionary team from Tennessee, USA led by pastor Timothy Ochs and Mrs. Beverly Ochs arrived in Ghana for two weeks intensive ministry. Members of the team included; Rebekah Ochs, Madelyn Ochs, Debrah Moriarty, Ashley Philips, James Philips, Sarah Godsey, Mary McClure and Cloudi Bland

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death” (Rev. 12:11). Christ has again assured us of victory in the mist of danger because of his shed blood. 1 John 5:4 instructs us: “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith,” and that faith is expressed in the testimony we confess. But the ultimate victory comes in not holding on to one’s own life, even unto death!

The team had an incredible time and impact in Ghana. They ministered and made donations to the Nyamedua Orphanage, Great Mission International orphanage, Saviour Children Foundation Orphanage and Save Them Young Orphanage. They also ministered and made donations to the Akuapim School for the deaf and the Dzorwulu special School. The team also visited the Doron Medical Center and prayed for the facility and made special donations to the hospital.  They also embarked on evangelism in Agorkpo, a suburb of Big Ada where we distributed gospel tracts, prayed with the people and planted a church. A free medical outreach was generously sponsored by the team for the people of Agorkpo.

The Ochs family and friends are indeed devoted to the lordship of Christ, the obedience to his call, and the desire to make a difference for eternity. They are not living for their own comfort, safety, and convenience but for the glory of God among the nations.

There is still more work to be done in the Master’s vine yard. We are inviting all of you our cherished partners to support us in prayers, in cash and any other form to reach out to more people with the gospel.

REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY COVID-19 RELIEF PROJECT

REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY COVID-19 RELIEF PROJECT AT DEDUKOPE ON THE 10th OF APRIL, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging health systems across the world. Rapidly increasing demand for care of people with COVID-19 is compounded by fear, misinformation and limitations on the movement of people and supplies that disrupt the delivery of frontline health care for all people. When health systems are overwhelmed and people fail to access needed services, both direct mortality and indirect mortality from preventable and treatable conditions increase.

This research called for an urgent need to partner with The Church at Rancho Bernardo, San Diego to reach out to the people of Dedukope in the Volta region of Ghana.

On the 10th of April, 2021, our team together with some partners embarked upon this important outreach at the Dedukope community. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the natives who were all excited about the day’s activities. The program commenced with an opening prayer, praises and worship by the local Assemblies of God church and the welcome address was done by the pastor, Rev. Joshua Anane.  Rev. Godwin Ahlijah (PhD) the C.E.O of Meaningful Life International in his address explained the purpose of the outreach and encouraged the people to keep their trust in the Lord in these difficult times. He was full of praise to the Church at Rancho Bernardo for heeding the call to come on board to partner with MLI to organize this outreach. He thanked the leadership and members of the Church for their generosity and love towards God and humanity.

Dr Lenusia Ahlijah educated the community on the Covid-19 pandemic and its preventive measures. She encouraged them to observe the covid-19 protocols by observing social distancing, regular hand washing and personal hygiene among others.

We provided food packages to over 100 families which consist of 5-kilo bags of rice, a 5-litre bottle of oil, tin tomatoes, tin fishes, hand sanitisers, and face masks. We also distributed hand sanitisers and face masks to over 500 people who gathered for the program. The children were not left out of the party. Each child received drinks and biscuits and the atmosphere was like that of Christmas! It was heart-warming to see the joy on their faces as we distributed the items to them.

A total of over 500 individuals directly benefited from this outreach to the glory of God. Programs such as this are a great way to bring people together, to serve and share blessings and to give hope. Through these outreaches, we know that in our way, we are providing hope and new opportunities for our less fortunate brethren.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. – Proverbs 19:17