Ghana
(MNN) — Ghana
marks a half century of independence this month. In 1957, the country gained its independence
from British colonial rule, under the leadership of intellectual Kwame Nkrumah.
It was the first sub-Saharan
country to declare independence which triggered a domino effect in other
African countries.
Since then,
the country has struggled for economic independence. The country's
economy is picking up, and foreign investment is trickling in. With steady
economic growth, a stable, democratic government, and broad support from
development partners, this country of 22 million people is becoming a model for
many ministries looking to be effective in African ministry.
Today, about
64 percent of Ghana's
population claims to be Christian, but only 12 percent regularly attend church.
However, Bible League staffers say this last year has been one of marked ministry
growth.
The team has been working to encourage church growth by
providing Scriptures, training, and Bible study materials to Ghanaian church
leaders. The effectiveness of this strategy is evident in the ministry results
for 2006, which exceeded the average for the last five years by 40 percent.
According to Bible League ministry director, a
five-year high ihas been reached in Bible study completions and new Bible study groups.
Participants finished 57,165 Bible studies.
Over the last two decades, the Bible League has seen over
1,072 new churches planted and nearly 322,000 Bible studies completed, even
among members of several unreached people groups.
