Letter from Glen and Carol Hallead in Ghana
May 21, 2007
Reflections at the end of a very frustrating day
Dear Friends,
Another day, more counseling with pastors and missionaries here in Ghana struggling with the question of whether their ministry is worth the trouble. No sense of personal accomplishment in my tasks, more news stories about congregations and pastors leaving my denomination, no sense of despair—just a question of how I measure success.
On the bulletin board in my office hangs an index card with a statement from a parting gift that was given to me when we left Thailand.
On behalf of Christian Suksa School. We thanks a lot for everything you look forward to helping, take caring and coordinating about CVT to teach English at here. Finally everything is achievement very well. The students, the teachers and parents admire you.
And today we’re very sorry that you’ll transfer to work another. God be in your way and your family forever.
We’ll recollect you endlessly.
God bless you.
A major portion of our assignment in Thailand was to coordinate the English teaching efforts of Young Adult Volunteers from the PC(USA) to work with the 25 different primary and secondary schools of the Church of Christ in Thailand.
A popular Buddhist amulet.
Today, as I reflect on the fact that I failed to accomplish almost everything I set out to do this morning, it would be easy to say I was not very successful. After reviewing the above quote after having worked six years to help improve English language programs in Thailand. I’m not feeling a great deal of fulfillment right now.
And so the question comes to my mind, “How do you measure success?” Certainly the quality of the English used in the above statement wouldn’t leave anyone feeling very successful. And yet I keep this statement where I can see it to remind me that success cannot always be measured by outcomes. Rather, it’s in the development of relationships that allow ministry to take place.
In Thailand, the relationships were developed through English language classes. The ministry however, was to provide a witness to the freedom that can be found only in Christ to a people who had been steeped in religiosity from a Buddhist perspective, where idols, amulets, and superstition control one’s world view and how one lives one’s life.
In Ghana we find that the relationships that enable ministry do not come through particular church programs either, but in the befriending of those who may be ostracized, or challenged by denominational politics, personal grievances, or tribalism.
I wish I had a sappy little story to share with you about such matters, but discretion argues against giving any specific examples. One of our most demanding ministries is among the pastors and the missionaries working with the different denominations here in West Africa. I (Glen) have been asked to serve on conflict mediation committees, to hold private conversations with pastors in conflict with other pastors or with denominational leadership, and to provide pastoral care to European or North American missionaries working with our partners. I’ve spent many hours just sitting and talking through the dreams, frustrations, aspirations, and fears of many people working for the church.
Glen and the Rev. Dr. John Azuma, a pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
This success of this ministry cannot be measured in earthly terms. It doesn’t make for great stories of orphaned children, persecuted minorities, or even people coming to faith. And it doesn’t save lives. Rather, it encourages, befriends, and sometimes even equips people to live a courageous life.
Every day I am reminded of the parable of the wheat and the tares. Denominations are not perfect institutions. The pews in all our churches –from the most conservative to the most liberal—hold people driven more by their own agendas than by the Lord’s. This is just as evident in my own PC(USA) as it is in the partners with which I work. But it is into this imperfect mix of humanity that I am called to minister, and I consider it a privilege.
I am often asked by folks from other denominations when I am going to leave the PC(USA), or why I haven’t, or some such question. It seems to be the question of the day throughout the PC(USA) from what I get to read. My answer is always the same. I was born into this denomination. I heard the gospel and came to faith in this denomination. I was called by God to serve this denomination. I don’t have the freedom to leave that call.
As I sit and talk through the politics, the polity, and the theology of denominationalism with so many hurting and broken pastors and missionaries here in Ghana, I am struck by the fact that this very ministry of mine is made possible by PC(USA) congregations experiencing the same hurt and brokenness, but who remain steadfast in making certain that we have a credible Presbyterian witness overseas. I guess that’s what it really means to be a regional liaison.
I don’t know what the future holds but I do know who holds it and for today that is enough for me. I pray it is for you too.
“We thanks a lot for everything you look forward to helping, take caring...May God be in your way and in your family...”
Glen (for the family)
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 315
