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Seventh Annual Deaf Camp Meeting in Northern Ghana Marks a Milestone in Inclusivity and Faith

Posted on janv. 10 2024

Seventh Annual Deaf Camp Meeting in Northern Ghana Marks a Milestone in Inclusivity and Faith
By Jallah S. Karbah Sr / Abraham Bakari

Agona, Ghana – The Seventh Annual Deaf Camp Meeting, held from December 26 to 31, 2023, at the Adventist Senior High School in Agona, marked a milestone in the efforts of the Northern Ghana Union Conference (NGUC) to foster inclusivity and spiritual growth within the hearing-impaired community. This event, a continuation of a tradition that began in 2014, has become a beacon of hope and unity in the region, demonstrating the NGUC's commitment to embracing diversity within its congregations.
Under the joint leadership of Paul T. Danquah, APM director of NGUC, and Henry B. Afoakwa, APM director of the Mountain View Ghana Conference, supported by Obed Osei-Ajema of the Mid-Central Ghana Conference, the camp meeting brought together 93 representatives from six deaf churches across the Ashanti Region: 20 from Atimatim, 28 from Kwadaso, 15 from Bekwai, 9 from Sekyedumasai, 12 from Atwima Koforidua and 9 from the host Agona company.
The theme for this year, "Love Begetting Love," was eloquently addressed by the guest speaker, Jallah S. Karbah Sr, the West-Central Africa Division APM director. Drawing from biblical texts, Karbah emphasized the virtues of pure love and true faith in Christ, using analogies that highlighted the importance of each individual within the Christian community.
The camp meeting’s impact was underscored by the baptism of 14 individuals, including 11 non-Adventist deaf participants, showcasing the event's inclusive and transformative nature. Additionally, the presence of members from the hearing community, including educators from the host school, further enriched the event's diverse atmosphere.
This year's program included performances by a deaf mass choir and a drama team, who utilized sign language to deliver captivating messages about love and acceptance. The performances were a poignant display of the joy and energy inherent in the deaf community's expression of faith and fellowship.
Moreover, the event offered much-needed counseling sessions for deaf married couples, addressing unique challenges and providing guidance, thereby strengthening family bonds within the community. The decision to host the next camp meeting in Bekwai in 2024 exemplifies the ongoing commitment to expanding the reach and impact of these gatherings.
Pr. Henry Brenya Afoakwa, the Deaf Ministries Coordinator for NOGH, has been instrumental in the decade-long success of the Deaf Ministries in the Union. The collaborative efforts of the Union and various conferences in mobilizing resources have been crucial in ensuring the participation of the hearing-impaired in Adventist meetings, reflecting a broader trend towards inclusivity within religious communities.
As the NGUC looks to expand the ministry into more conferences and regions, the support from the Division, Union, and individual conferences remains pivotal. This year's camp meeting stands as a testament to the power of faith in bridging divides, uniting a diverse community under the banner of shared beliefs and aspirations.