For those who may not be aware, St George's has enjoyed a link of friendship with St Mary The Virgin Anglican Church in Axim, Ghana for ten years. News and photos have been exchanged in the past and we have been able to help finish the Mission House (Vicarage) for the Parish Priest to live in. However, there have been long silences and one of the difficulties has been that with every change of Priest (there have been seven), because correspondence has been directed to the Priest, the link has been effectively broken and we have had to start again with introductions and photos.
However, the present Priest is The Reverend Father Samuel Kojo Addison who came to the Parish last year. At the time of writing, I do not have any general personal details in connection with himself or his family.
The encouraging news is that I am currently in correspondence with the Parish Secretary, Seth Bondzie, who reports that the Church Council are very keen to re-establish the link of friendship with us. He writes: -
"The executives of the Parochial Church Council, the entire Congregation of the above mentioned Church (St Mary's), have the pleasure to write to re-establish the friendly relationship which existed between St George's and us".
In replying, I had asked Seth what the latest position was with regard to the repair of the Church walls. (One, in particular, was needing to be practically re-built). Seth replied: -
"This I would mention by saying that the broken walls have been repaired, but at the moment, the weight of the slates on top of the building is forcing the rafters to break. The experts have advised that the heavier slates be removed and more lighter ones placed on top to save the building."
Needless to say, under the hot African Sun, a sound roof is imperative.
Our Church Council have agreed to a special retiring collection during August and September and I am delighted that we can make this gesture.
My recent visit to Ghana has given me a greater understanding of the problems that the Ghanian people face, communications, buildings (there is an incredible amount of building work going on) and money being three of them. I am very hopeful that we can continue our link, perhaps now with greater vision and mission. Sadly, I was not able to visit St Mary's as time did not permit - but, hopefully, one day I may return - you never know!
written by Lynn Winter
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