BiblePlus stands as a signal for unity and peace amidst tribal disputes
Usually a bustling marketplace, meeting spot and travel hub, Nkwanta, Ghana stands silent and empty by 8 p.m. Tribal violence has ravaged the area for years, and now, military police patrol with automatic rifles, ready to enforce a strict curfew. Local pastors issue a call for peace, recorded by OneWay Africa team members to be sent out to local communities as part of new BiblePlus units.
“We need prayer from all sources, from all places, from all groups, from all Christian fellowships, so that God will intervene,” says pastor Michael Owusu-Boafo. “So that we shall have peace and love for others … So that we shall see that we are one people.”
Other pastors’ exhortations for peace and reconciliation will be included on BiblePlus units along with Scripture, songs and testimonies.
“If this recording comes for the few Christians who are actively involved in [the conflict] forgive each other, maybe it will extend to the others,” a missionary there says.
Akyode, Adele, Konkomba, Challa, and other tribal land comes together to form Nkwanta in Ghana, West Africa, forming a delicate microcosm. When one tribe’s chief rises up to become “paramount chief,” seeking control of land distribution, development and government benefits, the other tribes rise up against him. To date, no chief has been able to assert control, so the pattern of violence and retaliation has dragged on for the last six years.
“People will calm down, normal life and business picks up,” says a missionary serving among the Akyode people. “But in January, things will get worse again. When farming season starts, no one has time for anything else. After harvest, people enjoy themselves. But in the off season, there is less to focus on.”
It used to be true that you could cross over between tribal land to pastor a church, own a home or run a business on the other side. But when the conflict flared, many were forced off their land. In government intuitions like schools and hospitals, people from opposing tribes have continued working only with extreme caution. Outside of the local girls’ school, a police barrier guards their coming and going.
The newly elected president and his administration have so far acted as a neutral party despite political differences between the tribes. But local leaders put their hope in a much higher power.
Listen to Pastor Michael's prayer request to join him in prayer for Nkwanta. Pray also for the recently recorded BiblePlus materials to be loaded on solar units and SD cards and reach the people there without delay. Ask God to soften the hearts of listeners not only toward peace but toward Him.
You could help spread this message of peace where it is needed most.
By April, $1,500 is needed to bring these new BiblePlus recordings to the field. Your gift can make this possible:
$500 will provide God's Word to 300 people
$250 will provide God's Word to 150 people
$100 will provide God's Word to 60 people