The first Christmas occurred at a time of "home-going". Emperor Augustus Caesar had ordered a general census to be taken in the vast Roman Empire. Joseph and Mary went to their hometown Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Since then, and also partly due to the lengthy holiday season, Christmas-time has become a time of "Home-Coming" in many cultures.Our young family had maintained this tradition since we were separated by reason of our missionary assignment and the children's schooling. Every year we brought them from wherever they were for this family time. After Christmas 2002 however, it became hard for everyone of them to come.
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| L-R: Ebenezer, Samuel, Mike, Joanna, Joseph and Emmanuel with Martha and I seated. |
Last Christmas however, after nine years, the LORD opened the way for all of them to come over. It was added pleasure to have with us Grace Demitia, a niece of mine from Harstad University in Norway.
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| Emmanuel |
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| Samuel |
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| Joseph |
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| Ebenezer |
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| Mike |
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| Joanna Ntumy |
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| Grace Demitia |
We had much to be thankful to the LORD. They were amazed at the progress I had made and praised God for it. They thanked their mother and their other siblings, Mike and Joanna, as well as others who frequently came to the house to help, for taking good care of me. On our part we blessed the LORD for their spiritual momentum and their academic progress.
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| Our family with Grace Demitia, standing next to Joanna, dressed in a cream top. |
We took part in our Christmas Conventions, New Year's Eve Vigil Service and real family time of fellowship. They were delighted in helping with my various therapies at home. What they would not forget, however, was the Family Devotions held almost every night.
Soon however, it was time to return to their various places. It was difficult for them but I reminded them of something my father used to say: "A man who keeps his children around him all the time, does them no good"
Thank you for your prayers which sustain us as a family as we travel through this phase of our life.
Hi dad,
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to see all the family members. Emma is looking good and the rest of them...
it looks like all the big guys are taller than you and mum.
We thank God for all that He's doing with you and the rest of the family.
God bless you and keep you till the day you wake up and realise that you are walking. Amen.
Bye dad. Tell mum that we miss her dearly.
Dear Sue,
DeleteTo your blessings and well-wishes I say, AMEN. Yes, you see what God has done for us. When we remember the uncertainties and starvation which confronted these boys and ourselves in our Flamingo Hostage Camp during the rebel war in Liberia, we marvel at the grace and mercies of God. Emma, our eldest son was seven years and Ebenezer, then youngest was only seven months old when we were captured and sent to "The Camp of No Return".
They grew lean beyond recognition and lacked even the strength to raise an arm to drive away flies that perched on their faces!
Indeed God is able to keep whatever we entrust into His care.
Now, to think of Emma pursuing a PhD degree, Sammy and Joe pursuing Masters degrees and Ebenezer a Bachelor's, sets our hearts aflame with praise to God Most High.
My heart can only be filled with joy and praise to God when I consider how far he has brought each of us. The xmas of 2011 reminds me of the days back in Accra before the year 2003 when we used to have such xmas holidays together. We thank God that He has kept us all safe and sound and brought us back together again. Praise be to His name.
ReplyDeleteHello Chairman,
ReplyDeletehe who has started a marvelous work on you will surely bring it to a successful end. am so much happy to see n know that my prayers for your speedy recovery is heard. thank God for your life, am so excited and so grateful to God, regards to mama Martha(my role model)as well as the entire family.
from emily {Dr. Wyatt Assembly}