Crazy man with clothes on!!
Unlike the USA, Ghana has no social programs for those who are physically disabled, mentally ill, or homeless. Many wealthy nations have a tax base that enables the government to care for those who do not have the ability to care for themselves. This is not the case here in Ghana. Sadly many of those in desperate need are dependant on others who are living a life of subsistence. Most of the population in Ghana has a family income that is less than one hundred US dollars. This creates a situation where those with disabilities have become beggars. Those who do not have the mental capacity to beg can die from hunger or disease if some one is not caring for them. The local churches have minimal funds for assisting these unfortunate souls; even after collecting offering two or three times during one church service. Many are suffering terribly in Ghana. It seems that each village has adopted one or two of these individuals. They are often referred to as the “Crazy Man” (or woman). They wander from benevolent person to benevolent person, conditioned to come at specific times, to receive life sustaining sustenance. Most times they are scantily clad, if not naked, and always in need of a bath.
The village of Gomoa Fetteh has such a resident. He is referred to as the Crazy Man and wanders the village each day. Many who have visited us have seen him, most are afraid of him. Several years ago, after first coming to this area for ministry, this man would scream at me, every time he saw me. My reply was always God Bless You! This went on for 18 months, so I began to ask about him. The story goes that his mother “cursed” him as an infant. When I heard this I was overjoyed! You see, my best friend has the ability to break curses! So it set in motion a series of events that are still in progress as of today; beginning with a close encounter over 6 months ago. While traveling into the village, there he was, in the middle of the dirt road, walking towards my vehicle. He was throwing his arms up and down, screaming, and appeared to be ready for a physical encounter. So like a prudent person I stopped the car, got out, walked to him and began yelling back at him. I mirrored every gesture, every word (in Fante), every tone, and every eye contact. Most of his words seemed to be gibberish, everything he did was extremely close to a physical encounter, and I was ready! He paused and I asked God to help me with this poor tormented soul. It was then that he began to laugh. It had to appear funny to any one else who might have been watching. There was a fat, white guy with white hair who was in a screaming contest with a young naked black man on a dirt road; both of us blaring words with no meaning. As I reflect it makes me laugh out loud.
It was this day that I made a friend, I shook his hand and we parted with smiles. I went to one of the local pastors and asked a question that I was embarrassed to ask, “What is the crazy man’s name?” I had been referring to him as the crazy man, even in my prayers. I was quite surprised when the pastor replied that he did not know because everyone calls him the crazy man. Since this time I have discovered that some call him Cassidy, and that his given name is Kabutey. Now when Kabutey sees me in his village he always greets me with a wave and smile. One day, late in June, my vehicle broke down in the village so we opened the hood to see if we could discover the problem. Jack Schumacher and I soon were joined by Kabutey, in all his glory, studying the engine of my Hyundai Galloper. He said nothing, just stood their and smiled, as a tear came to my eye. This man is my friend, still tormented with the “curse” he has carried since his infancy.
Fell asleep that night praying for Kabutey and I had a dream. You knew this was coming! During the dream I was conversing with Kabutey and he was wearing my blue T-shirt that has a slogan on the front that says, step up to the plate in 2008; this was a gift from my friends at Southside Church of Christ in Washington Court House, Ohio. The dream included a vision of Kabutey sitting in church, fully clothed, singing praise songs and listening to/understanding a sermon. This has not come true, as of yet, but I tell you this today so I can post the picture of Kabutey in the shirt and later at church. For all this to happen he must be healed. The good news is that my best friend, Jesus, can heal Kabutey, and He has given me a vision of this miracle.
Please
Keep Praying
Pastor Charlie
Tags: accra, beggar, budd, cassidy, charlie, Charlie Budd, crazy man, curse, cursed, dream, fetteh, galloper, ghana, god, gomoa, gomoa fetteh, hyundai, jack schumacher, jesus, kubutey, naked, nude, soul
