The following information and prayer requests come from five missionaries and Christian leaders in Ghana:-
The number of confirmed cases in Ghana stands at 8,070 with 2,947 recoveries and 36 deaths on 1 June. We thank God for the relative peace and protection that Ghana has enjoyed so far in this period of the pandemic.
The land, sea and air borders of Ghana are still closed. All public gatherings of more than 25 people have been banned and schools also closed; though these restrictions are now gradually being lifted (see below). Church doors have been closed for the nearly 70% Christian population, but there is remarkable openness to the one Sovereign God and the gospel. There have recently been 3 weeks of lockdown in the most infected capital cities.
The President called for a Day of National Prayer on 25 March. The government this week has released the first tranche of significant emergency funding to cushion the economy against the impact of COVID-19.
- Pray that the Lord would guide the President and his government as they steer the nation in this period according to God’s will.
- Pray that Ghanaian political leaders would be united in building the nation, especially ahead of the General Election in December.
- Pray for a peaceful, transparent and trouble-free election.
- Pray that Ghanaians can see COVID-19 as God’s set time for His favour on Ghana, Africa and the developing countries for economic recovery and restoration.
- Pray for innovative ways of creating jobs amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Pray that all the riches of the country that have been swallowed through theft, tax evasion, and deception will be recovered.
Ghana’s 3-tier response of testing, tracking and treatment has been hailed by many as a shining African example. The Ghana health service has demonstrated outstanding sacrifice and professionalism in COVID-19 response.
- Pray for the protection of the whole healthcare team.
- Pray particularly for frontline health workers at COVID-19 designated country-side health facilities.
- Pray that God will give doctors, herbalists, and scientists wisdom and knowledge to find a medicine that cures and prevents the virus.
- Pray also for those who have tested positive, that God’s power will touch them and heal them wherever they are.
From 5 June, churches and mosques are allowed to re-open with no more than 100 people for no more than one hour and at least one metre apart. However, the requirements for prior fumigation, the provision of hand-washing facilities, sanitizers and masks means that only the more affluent churches are likely to be able to meet the conditions for re-opening. Internet access is very limited so it is difficult for the leaders of poorer churches to keep in contact and continue discipling the members in these situations.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit Himself will continue to remind these Christians of God’s Word and keep them from falling away.
- Pray that the churches in Ghana can resume their activities safely.
- Pray for genuine repentance: the COVID-19 season has coincided with a storm of shocks from the exposure of some pseudo self-styled flamboyant prophets and ministries. Pray for a genuine return to the Lord and uncovering of deceptive teachers and imposters.
Schools will re-open in stages from the middle of June to allow the final years of the Junior High, Senior Schools and Universities to take their final exams. Many Christian schools have struggled to pay staff since there has been no income from school fees for many months.
- Please pray that Christian schools are able to maintain themselves and re-open when the time comes. They make a great contribution not only to the education of the young people but also in introducing them to the gospel and discipling them.
One major reason for lifting the partial lockdown was the plight of the vulnerable, poor and needy who depend on daily income to survive. Most of them lack decent shelter, clean water and proper balanced diets. They most often live in clustered and insanitary environments.
- Pray that God will keep, protect and provide for these people.
- Pray for bereaved families and those who have lost loved ones; those who are grieving over loses; those who have lost hope in life because of the death of a loved one. They all need a consolation and assurance from God.
- Pray that God will use this pandemic to strengthen family lives.