Dear Friends in Christ,

This is probably the hardest letter we have had to write because we didn’t really know what to say. As you know, we were fast on our way to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to function as the financial representative for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). After ten months of French study in Burkina Faso and a week’s vacation in Ivory Coast, we were in Kinshasa for one month being trained on life in Congo by Bill Simmons, the former financial representative. The family was just getting settled in our apartment and learning which streets to drive down when a rebellion against the current government broke out on August 2, 1998.

Wendy and the children were evacuated with several other expatriates on August 7, 1998. Gar remained in Kinshasa undergoing "on-the-job training" by assisting in the evacuation of mission personnel and other Presbyterian visitors in Congo at this unfortunate time. After one week of this baptism by fire, Gar left the country when the U.S. State Department closed the Kinshasa Embassy. This was August 14, 1998, one year to the day since the family had arrived in Burkina Faso.

This experience left us wondering whether the mission field was where God wanted us to serve. Not that we are superstitious, but we were left to think "is God attempting to tell us something?" But what? Well, we concluded that God did in fact say something to us through the wonderful assistance and hospitality we received over the past year. Particularly, we are thankful for the Rev. Dr. Thomas Gillespie and Princeton Theological Seminary for opening their doors and providing accommodations in Payne Hall—the missionary apartment building. Additionally, Professor Elsie Anne McKee of Princeton Seminary adopted us and loved us through our early turbulent readjustment. We are also thankful that the children were not harmed by the events that took place in Congo, in fact, as a family we are closer and have increased our dependence on the Lord in everything we do.

God spoke by allowing Gar the opportunity to pursue and receive a Th.M. degree from Princeton Seminary with a special interest in African Christianity and theology. Clearly, this opportunity was an indication that God was not through with us yet, but only preparing us for future service. Wendy saw the children through their reentry into the American school system. The Lord blessed the children with a wonderful school year and allowed us to see that the education they received abroad was a beneficial and maturing experience.

This past year also gave the family the opportunity to meet several congregations and share our experience at meetings, dinners, and worship services. We are thankful for this, as now we know some of the faces that are praying for and supporting us. Further, we have established relationships that will prayerfully last a lifetime. As we have stated over the past year, we are going to interpret our experience with vigor and monthly share some of our insights.

Well, by now you are probably wondering what we are doing. Good question. We arrived in Accra, Ghana on August 13, 1999, as Gar was reassigned to be the West Africa mission Enabler, assisting in the Presbyterian Church’s efforts in evangelism, education, and development in the region. This is a new position, which means lots of opportunities along with some challenges. Wendy is seeking to get involved in children’s ministry as soon as possible in the greater-Accra area.

So we’re on the road again, much like the man who was assisted by the Samaritan in Luke’s Gospel—we assume he got back on the Jericho road! Rested, rejuvenated, and willing to go serve in Africa again, with the Lord’s guidance. Since we arrived in Ghana we have been the recipients of tremendous hospitality and care. Our fraternal workers in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana provided us with wonderful temporary housing in a village outside of Accra. Without transportation, we have had rely upon taxis to move us about the greater Accra area, which is no easy task. Our neighbors have volunteered to take us grocery shopping, take us to the communication center to do e-mail, and provided tours of the village areas. All of our neighbors are excited that missionaries are in their community who seek to help spread the gospel and do good. Frankly, during the past year, amid discerning God’s call, we could not see ourselves being any other place than in Africa serving as missionaries.

The family attended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s 70th synod meeting two weeks ago. At this meeting the family was formally introduced to the church’s leadership and delegates. After the moderator’s comments and welcome, a prayer was given seeking God’s presence and grace in our work and the unity of the Christian family to work together for the good of the world. Throughout the synod meeting one of the dominate themes was affecting positive change in African society through evangelism, education, and development. A big task indeed, but we believe with God all things are possible! Although we had not long ago arrived in Ghana, these comments and this prayer represented our being sent out or recomissioned as servants of Jesus Christ. As we continue adjusting to life in Ghana, please keep us in your prayers. Specifically, pray that the children will soon be enrolled in a school that will accommodate their needs, pray that we will acquire safe and reliable transportation for our ministry, that we will allow God to use us to God’s glory, and pray with our brothers and sisters in Africa that one day justice and mercy will prevail everywhere.

We have covered a lot of ground with this letter, which indicates that another is due to you within the next few months.

In Christ’s Love,

The Kelley Family

The 2000 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 33