Reflections on the Ghana Mission Trip: Divine Appointments

It has been about a week since we returned from Ghana, and I have enough footage from the field to keep me busy for a long time. The impressions, emotional impact, and perspective gained run deep—they will fuel me for years to come.

Yet, catching up after 10 days away has made it difficult to collect my thoughts and put them into words. So many moments are still swirling in my mind, so many emotions yet to be fully integrated. To be honest, my energy level was completely drained upon returning home, and even now, a week later, I find myself more exhausted than usual.

Rather than forcing everything about this mission trip into one article, I’ve decided to share it as a series—unfolding in the order and priority that God places on my heart.

The Team God Brought Together

One often wonders how mission trip teams come together. But while we may wonder, God simply sees—the connections that need to be made, the divine appointments arranged long before we even realize them. We may not fully understand why we were brought together at this specific time, but the relationships formed and the ripple effects of this journey will unfold over a lifetime.

Our team consisted of 13 people, spanning generations from Gen Z to Boomers, each from different walks of life. Among us was a veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, an airplane mechanic from American Airlines working out of Philadelphia, and others with equally unique backgrounds.

Two college students, currently roommates, were also part of our team—one who had been to Ghana multiple times despite her young age, and her roommate, originally from Montana, who had previously served on mission trips to Kenya and Peru. Speaking from the perspective of a father with a son of similar age, it was a privilege to witness these two young women connect with the people of Ghana. Their passion, energy, and willingness to serve were inspiring, and it was clear that God had uniquely prepared them for this experience.

Another remarkable team member was a woman who had previously managed a bulk order of Bolga baskets and sold them to her church congregation. Now, for the first time in her life, she was boarding an airplane—stepping out in faith to make her inaugural journey one of service in Ghana. Serving the very people she had just recently helped by selling their Bolga baskets, providing them with the resources to feed their families. There, she boldly shared her powerful Christian testimony at the women’s conference, a moment that deeply moved those who heard her story.

The team also included pastors, chaplains, and elders, some of whom were joined by their wives. Together, they played a vital role in teaching during the leadership and women’s conferences. Their wisdom, encouragement, and guidance poured into both the local church leaders and the women in attendance, creating moments of deep spiritual impact that will resonate far beyond our time in Ghana.

After several days in Ghana, I suddenly realized why the airplane mechanic’s face seemed so familiar. Years ago, I was on a layover in Philadelphia. My flight had boarded, and we were ready to push back when the dreaded announcement came: there was an issue with the lavatory at the rear of the plane, and a mechanic was on the way. I remember watching him walk down the aisle, thinking to myself, “Please be competent. Please fix this quickly so we don’t get delayed or canceled.” Thankfully, he was competent, and fixed it quickly.

Now, here he was—sitting across from me at a breakfast table in Ghana. What were the chances? And yet, I believe this was no coincidence.

Each person on our team was there for a reason. Some had been to Ghana before, eagerly returning to reconnect with the people they had bonded with. Some of us had recently faced health challenges leading up to the trip, wrestling with doubt before ultimately deciding to step out in faith. The journey to this field is grueling, both physically and mentally, but what I witnessed was nothing short of miraculous.

The very individuals who had struggled most with the decision to come were now drawing from a source far greater than themselves—what I can only describe as “Jesus Power.” It was one of the most powerful moments I have ever witnessed.

One woman, a returning team member who had recently faced significant health struggles, stood among the crowd at the women’s conference, moving with strength, speaking with authority, and pouring love into the women she had built relationships with over the years. This was not her own strength—this was divine energy flowing through her.

Unity in Diversity

One of the most remarkable aspects of this mission trip was how, despite our diverse ages and backgrounds, we all came together seamlessly. Everyone treated one another with love and respect—something that is never guaranteed, especially under the challenges of travel.

Long days of service in the relentless Ghanaian heat, averaging 102°F, took a toll on all of us. We were operating on little rest, taking medications unfamiliar to our bodies, and eating food outside of our daily norm. Under different circumstances, this could have easily led to frustration or conflict. But not with this team.

Instead, what we experienced was a true reflection of the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—on full display for all to see. It was a testament to the power of faith, unity, and a shared purpose that went beyond our individual comforts.

Final Thoughts

This trip was filled with moments of divine connection, and undeniable evidence of God’s hand at work. It was a reminder that when we step out in faith, we are never walking alone. The relationships built, the lives touched—both within our team and among the people of Ghana—will continue to unfold in ways we may never fully understand.

And so, this is just the beginning of the stories I will share. One by one, as God brings them to my heart, I will put them into words. Because the impact of this mission trip didn’t end when we boarded the plane home—it is only just beginning.