Ephesians 6:18

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. — Contemporary English Version

Just before leaving Ghana I traveled to the Northern Region to one of my favorite villages, Larabanga. Much time was invested into future plans for expansion of the African Hope Library and multiple projects in this area. Sadik, the Imam’s son, has partnered with this ministry of hope and has been coordinating these projects. Larabanga has been a ministry focus area for several years and many long term relationships have been developed. Just yesterday I received a text message from my friend Sadik… technology is our friend.

After a week in Larabanga I had contracted a fast growing fungus and I was suffering from heat rash on 50% of my body. It was a pleasure to get into my vehicle and crank up the windows and turn the air conditioner on high. The 15 hour ride home quickly became a bit more complicated than previous trips when the power steering belt broke. Controlling the 4 wheel drive vehicle became quite difficult over the rough dirt roads. The repairs were only at the end of the trip and even with the AC on high I was sweating. This had happened before and I knew that it was going to be a long trip. Half way through the trip my severe heat rash was growing, itching and burning, further irritating the growth of the fungus. I was miserable! Additional complications occurred half way through the trip, the other two belts on the engine broke. I was without electrical system and my A/C was gone. The front windows are electric so they remained closed and the rear widows were rolled down; boy was I sweating and covered in dust. My brake lights did not work, the head lights were dead and there was no horn; gladly only 3 hours of the trip was in the dark. As I reached my front gate I was at the end of my endurance. As Kim opened the gate she laughed; knowing the car had just barely made it home. All I could do was laugh! The trip had been full of spiritual battles with many victories.

The text message yesterday from Sadik reminded me of the last trip from his village. Now I am getting excited about my October trip to Ghana to visit Larabanga. Much is planned for this trip and I hopefully will be able to report the progress being made on many fronts after my return. I am truly missing my friends in this area also… maybe you want to come with me to meet them.

Oh yea, just two weeks ago my rashes and fungus finally subsided. Praise God!

Keep praying,

Pastor Charlie

As we travel to a different church each week we are excited to meet up with our dear friends. Some we have known for decades, others we have only met recently. Each church has its own personality and we are blessed to share our testimony in many diverse congregations. So far this furlough we been at a Church of Christ, a Four Square Church, a Church of God and a Baptist Church; all are very special, all have people that have traveled to Ghana and all love Jesus. June 7th was a very special day as we traveled to The First Baptist Church of Waynesville, Ohio.

Our relationship with this church is through Margie and Bob. Two years ago they agreed to be a foster parent to Rebecca, a Ghanaian orphan needing surgery to her left leg to enable her to walk correctly. Rebecca is a beautiful 8 year old who has been through multiple surgeries, and now is the adopted daughter of Margie and Bob. This real life story is one of those that are exceedingly, abundantly more than we could have thought or imagined. Margie and Bob fell in love with Rebecca as she was going through her first surgery. As they prayed about adopting her they were prompted by the Holy Spirit to consider adopting a Ghanaian boy from the same orphanage. This did happen and 8 year old Timothy was adopted also. Timothy has an eleven year old sister, Esther, who also now is the adopted daughter of Margie and Bob. That’s right; three orphans from Ghana have been adopted and now live with their seven (7) other brothers and sisters. This is a very special family that has three biological children and 7 adopted children. Praise God!

Sunday, after preaching the second service, an invitation was given and several responded, but one came forward to make a first time decision to accept Christ as their personal Savior. It was Esther! This beautiful eleven year old Ghanaian girl wanted to dedicate her life to Christ. Praise God!

Each week of travel holds blessings as the Budds share testimony concerning the blessings of how God is working through this ministry of Hope to change lives here in the USA, in Africa and all over the world. Please take today to show someone God’s love. Share your Hope with someone who needs to know God loves them.

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie

Do you remember Wisdom? The 10 year old boy from Ghana who was miraculously healed from being deaf and mute is in the USA for multiple health issues. He requires speech therapy as he has only had the ability to hear and speak for one year. Wisdom also has a cataract that needs removed, serious dental needs and proper nutrition; he is only 38 pounds and 46.5 inches tall. He has met with several doctors during his short time here in USA for all the medical needs mentioned, what was also discovered was an abnormality with his heart. The condition is called large patent ductus arteriosus; it is where a vessel fails to close after birth and allows abnormal blood circulation between the heart and lungs. This surgery can be done with a heart catheter and children have been able to return to school three days after the procedure.

God has been prompting us for over a year to get Wisdom to the USA for medical treatment. We were aware of many needs, but not the heart issue. This was hidden from us and now being discovered it can be corrected. Praise God! Please pray for Wisdom as he receives his needed care, also pray for his foster parents, Jack and Betsy.

Another small boy, three year old, David, now awaits his final surgery in September to remove a pin and a screw from his successful hip surgeries. This final step to recovery will allow him to return to his mother in Ghana. He and I have tentative plans to return to Ghana on October 1, 2009. The tickets are purchased and we believe that he will be ready for the journey home. While in Ghana I will be traveling to several of our ministry locations, speaking in several churches and being honored by the chieftaincy of Larabanga in the Northern Region. Why don’t you make plans to come with me on this two week whirlwind tour of Ghana and the ministries of Hope?

For any that are interested please reply ASAP! Airline tickets must be purchased by the first of July and other logistics must be set in motion. Another all men’s team is forming for January 2010. Info will be available soon. For those interested in the June 2010 short-term outreach please contact Kim to schedule a time to meet with us within the next 60 days. We are now scheduling churches for Sunday Services. Let us come to share testimony on what God is doing all over the world and in your neighborhood.

Keep praying

Pastor Charlie

kim@africanhope.com

We thank all of you from all around the world who prayerfully support this ministry. Your prayers have carried us through the last several weeks as we relocate to USA for our 2009 Furlough Tour. As we land in the USA we begin with nothing to put together a household, a ministry office, a home school and a home. A special thanks to Mark and Val for allowing the Budd family into their home and life. Thanks also to John and Elizabeth for the much needed Pontiac Van donated though them. As we work through the next several week we are needing furnishings for the house, bikes for the four children, and an Xbox 360 .

This weekend will be the Ohio Memorial service for my father, the Florida service was 2 weeks ago. Several of you have asked for details so they are added below. Thanks to all of you who have sent condolences and prayers for us through this situation.

Keep Praying,

Pastor Charlie
614.390.6088

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James M. Budd
Celebration of Life

Saturday May 23rd
Jim Smith’s House from 2PM until ?

Please bring a snack/side to share, we will have Chicken and beverages.

Address: 2411 Beverly Hills Dr.  Lancaster, OH 43130

Home Phone: 740-205-2104

Click for a Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2411+Beverly+Hills+Dr.++lancaster,+oh+43130&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=kkkDSu6vAeCLtgfsx-GHBw&ll=39.75463,-82.564423&spn=0.010376,0.027895&z=16&iwloc=A

If you have not seen the memorial wall for him, please go to this URL: http://jamesmbuddjr.lifememory.com/

Thanks for all the words of encouragement that have come from all over the world. Many times it is easy to get so wrapped up in family situations, current ministry projects and work that you forget what has happened in your life. As the emails began pouring in it reminded me that God has blessed me to have traveled to 6 continents, preaching the Good News to hundreds of thousands of people and to see tens of thousands make decisions for Christ. Though this ministry of Hope there has been thousands who have responded to make Jesus their Lord and Savior right here in Ghana. Praise The Lord!!

As I reflect over the life of my Earthly Father I thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of Salvation. Now I will see both my Fathers together in heaven. Hallelujah!

Also I have been reflecting over this busy week as we prepare to return to USA for Furlough and a 6 month speaking tour. Reflecting on ministry here in Ghana since 2001 and living here since 2003. Much has happened, lots going on, much to be considered!

Saving money is always a big consideration. The more money we save in operating cost the more we have for ministry projects. So we have made a bold move. The cost of keeping the Ghana house while we are in USA for furlough can be up to $10,000. When we return we are planning on moving from the noisy, dusty street to a quieter neighbor hood, closer to some friends. All the furniture is bamboo or cane construction and is worn out in need of replacement. The appliances all wear out due to electricity fluctuations. So we have liquidated the household items and vacated the house. We return the keys today at 4 PM. This has been a monumental task, but will greatly enhance the ability to continue ministry in our absence. Even as we are preparing to leave, future plans have been made in Ghana;

August:

* Emily returns for an art workshop for orphans at Village of Hope

October:

* Charlie returns with David Larty 3 yr old with bilateral hip surgeries.
* Gomoa Fetteh 4 day Musical Festival Celebration.
* Speaking at Week Long Revival Tema.
* Northern Region to place computers in African Hope Library.
* Larabanga to be honored as Chief of progress and development.

January 2010:

* Charlie and small team for month long speaking tour.

Just last week I returned from a week long ministry in the Northern Region.

* Larabanga African Hope Library received books.
* Electric being installed in Library for computers coming in October.
* Painting of Library facility planned.
* Visited new water well sites.
* Ministered in many rural villages.
* Distributed Bibles and tracts though out Moslem villages.
* Warmly welcomed in Larabanga by Sadik, Imam and village leaders.

Today has us:

* Staying in another missionary’s home awaiting Monday’s trip home.
* Emily is in Volta Region doing ministry with the local church youth group.
* Preston with friends visiting a monkey sanctuary in Volta Region.
* Kim and Natalie at Delta office getting tickets verified.
* Daniel and I finish emptying house and turning in keys.

Lots to do!

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie

My Earthly father died yesterday. He had been in the hospital for over a week battling with a serious lung infection, heart difficulties and insomnia; unable to sleep due to persistent cough that took away his breath. Dad checked himself into the hospital and was immediately sedated. Extreme anxiety from being unable to breathe was worsening the situation. His breathing difficulty persisted and a breathing tube was inserted. X-rays showed a huge infection in his lungs and attempts were quickly made to break up and extract as much as possible. The infection persisted, he was kept in a medically induced coma, and it went from bad to worse. The doctors tried to bring him out of the coma but the reactions were always bad. Doctors called in the family and options were explained. So the tubes were removed, and the initial results looked O.K. But as the day lengthened the breathing become more shallow, heart rate lessened and other life signs subsided.

My brothers called me several times from Naples Florida and I was updated constantly. To represent me being in the hospital room a small white Bible was placed in my Dad’s right hand. My father, James M. Budd JR., passed away April 30th, 2009 at 9:35 AM.

Please pray for Sharon Budd, my step mom, and for the family as we go through this situation.

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie

A Note from Hannah:

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Hey Kim wanted to make sure you know how much I appreciate you!

THANK YOU so incredibly much for looking after me SO well.

I had the most incredible, life-changing time(as im sure you observed) and im so grateful for your great planning!

It still amazes me how things were timed and how involved God was/is in my life. Thanks for being so open to his direction!

I learnt a lot from your organisation skills (and my cousin loves your pasta salad!:D)

Thanks for all the little salads you made me

Your so sweet! and it made my time in Ghana that much ’sweeter’ being around you!

Thanks for looking after me so well when i got sick! (not looking forward to getting sick here…I wont get that kinda treatment! )

Thanks for allowing me into your home (starting to realise how big of a thing that can be to sacrifice)

Thanks for being there when my aunty died…and being so compassionate(but that goes for all your family too)

Thanks for praying for me everytime I left on a new adventure

Thanks for lending me you ear…

Thanks for texting me when i was away and making me feel cared about..

Thanks for your hugs God knew i needed them…

I remember the first day i meet you..when you arrived back from the states…I think I breathed a lot easier for the first time since I had arrived…you have such a soft, loving affect on the people (and even atmosphere) around you..

Thanks for giving me so much freedom..it really helped me to become more of who I am in Ghana and made the experience so enjoyable!

Thanks for your endless patience and giving of your time just so I could get a visa for 8months! (and your attempt at trying to get me to take in my stride ..you would have been proud to see me in the Damango hospital after like 6months in Ghana…I was a changed [very patient] woman! )

Thankyou for going the extra mile in every way possible and being such an incredible servant of God

Thanks for kicking me out(haha)…well organising a leaving date…you so knew what you were talking about!

Thanks for lending me suitcases and toothpaste and buying me useful tools…it was so kind of you!

Thanks for equipping me with tools to use when I encountered so many little Ghanaian kids in need of so much…thank you so much for the stories and big books and crafts and toys and toothbrushes…in a way they were my sanity(i dont think i could have handled being completely untrained and unprepared!)

Thanks for buying me christmas presents! and giving me so much of your time, energy and money!

I seriously could go on and on(especially if i start to jog my memory to the ‘early days’!

THANK YOU!!

Cant wait till you all come and visit me here in NZ!! (im actually so excited!) and hope I can show you at least part of the incredible hospitality that you showed me!

Madasai Pa
Arohanui
Hannah

Expatriate

Person who chooses to live in a country not of their origin.

We are referred to as Expats, by other expatriates and from many of the indigenous peoples. Most times as we are traveling up and down the roads of Ghana we are called out to much the same, in every part of this country. Obroni!, (vowels are all long sound), this means white man. It is obvious that we are not from around here. The average Ghanaian man is 5′7” tall, weighs 100 pounds (no body fat), and is very, very dark skinned. Equatorial Africa is quite hot, as you might imagine, and this big white man is usually red in the face from sunburn. Nevertheless, I stick out in the crowd, as do most Expats. The population of Ghana 98% black African.

Over the years I have turned this to my advantage. Where ever I go they know I am Obruni. When asked why I am here there is always the opportunity to share the Gospel. But Obruni has it drawbacks.

Most goods being sold on the streets of Ghana have no marked price. After living here you will discover the true price for most items, but learning can be quite costly. Obruni will, most times, be quoted a higher price than others buying the same item. Then the negotiations begin, also a common cultural event, and an agreed price can be settled. Living here since 2003 has made us aware of the true prices and we are now excellent negotiators. There is a newer, bigger drawback that has recently become increasingly obvious. We are being targeted by armed robbers.

As reported a few weeks ago, my friends, M&C (Obrunis) had armed robbers (machete and guns) come into their compound. Computers, electronics, phones, money and jewelry were targeted. It happened quickly and was over in 15/20 minutes. No one was hurt, Praise God!

Just Monday night I was traveling, down in Central Region, preparing for a Baptism celebration that will occur April 18th. Over 30 baptisms are scheduled for this day. We will be on Till’s Beach and the baptisms will be in the ocean…wish you could be here!

While I was away, my family attended our weekly Bible Study at our dear friends home (JLK). Pastor J graciously drove my family home and returned to his home, only a few kilometers away. When he returned home he was followed into his compound by armed robbers. They thumped him in the chest, pointed a gun at him and took him inside. Just like with M&C, the targeted computers, electronics, phones, jewelry and money. Kim had forgotten her phone and it was taken along with all the other stolen items.

We ask that you pray for the men who are targeting the Obrunis. Pray for them in any way God convicts you to pray. Do it now! Close your eyes and say a prayer. Amen!

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie

Ephesians 6:18

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. – Contemporary English Version

Keep Praying!

It is how I sign off all my journal entries as a reminder that WE have a direct line of communication to God. The creator of the universe wants to hear from us! He is listening to our prayers of thanks, praise and petition. He Cares!!

Many prayer request have been shared through African Hope updates, we know the Saints are praying and that God is listening. Over the years you have prayed for issues of health, safety, for successful programs, for travel mercies, petitions for the family and for the ministry. We have given praise for all the answered prayers and we want to do this again. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for this ministry and for the Budd family. It has been completely humbling to see God moving in such a powerful, miraculous way. Praise God for answered prayer and for blessing all of us with His grace and mercy.

Kim has just returned from the USA. As she was packing her suitcases she has injured her back and has been in serious pain, but she is smiling.

* Wisdom’s medical/dental/therapy needs are beginning!
* Home with family!
* Suitcases were full of food not available here in Ghana!
* We have a full schedule through November!
* We have a place to stay during furlough!

Her trip was very productive and on the last day of her stay she was offered housing for our furlough. Our request was for a small mother-in-law suite, what we have been offered is 2 floors of a renovated school house. It is quite spacious and in the city Kim had been praying for, Bremen, Ohio. It is only a few blocks away from where we stayed during our last furlough. This small community has a wonderful library, a nice public park and is very close to friends and family. We are overjoyed with God’s provision! Thanks Mark and Valerie!

Over the next 2 months we close down shop in Ghana but we will be quite busy with local ministry programs;

* Graduation Ceremony for Deacons at Holy Ghost Revival Ministry
* Easter Evangelical Crusade HGRM, Pastor Joseph
* Music Festival Celebration Pastor Sampson
* Visitor from Naples Florida 10 days in April
* Preparing local Pastors for international communication/banking
* Baptism celebrations in Gomoa Fetteh and Ashongman

Yesterday I sat outside in our thatch roof summer hut and found myself laughing out loud (even though the thermometer read 105′). God has been so good allowing us to minister internationally and keeping us safe in His shadow. What a blessing it is to have all the opportunities to share God’s love and the Good News. Take advantage of God’s love and share it with someone today! Jesus Is Alive!!

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie

As in most developing countries there is a diminutive middle class. There are the rich and the poor; as it is here in Ghana. The middle class has been growing in Ghana as we have observed slow economic growth occur over the last 6 years living in that economy. We have also monitored the increase of felony crimes. Armed robbery being the fasting growing crime in Ghana as reported by The Daily Graphic, Ghana’s largest circulated newspaper. The criminals are armed with guns, knives and machetes; making their way into your compound in a number of creative ways.

Most missionaries live in compounds; a house surrounded by a concrete security wall with razor wire on the top. All missionaries we know have a gateman or security man to open the big iron gates (also topped with razor wire). These men monitor the coming and going of all people into your compound. We have been criticized for not having a security man, but have lived under God’s protection since our arrival.

A few days ago a fellow missionary family was robbed in their house by armed men. These missionaries have been here for a very long time, have security guards, big dogs, a secure compound and are very wise on the ways of this culture. As they returned home in the evening, the gateman opened their gate, at which time another car closely followed them into their compound. All the family and the security man were forced inside and made to lie on the floor as the house was pillaged. The robbers threatened them with guns and machetes as they filled their car and made their getaway. It was a very traumatic experience; we praise God no one was injured physically. Please pray for these dear friends who we will call M & C.

This is but one of the many crimes that are happening in my neighborhood. M&C are only one mile away! Last month armed robbers were masquerading as meter readers from the Ghana electric Company. After gaining entry into the compounds they would rob the residents at gunpoint. When this was reported in the Daily Graphic it was then copied by other criminals (also reported in the Daily Graphic). Most recently there has been a surge in car jacking/kidnapping. When the criminals gain control to you and your vehicle they sometimes take you to the newly installed ATM machines in the city. With the new technology come new crimes.

So we are keeping the lights on! The lights outside will shine all night to illuminate the compound and deter any thief. The Light of the World is proudly proclaimed as we have Bible scriptures painting on our outside security wall and continue ministry to the lost and hurting people in Ghana. Thanks to all of you who prayerfully support this ministry.

Keep Praying

Pastor Charlie