Three years ago when I returned to Ghana in 2019. I ran into a very attractive young woman working in a small convenience store in Sofokyere. The store belonged to one of her brothers and while she worked there he paid her 200.00 GHS monthly. I went there frequently because I always needed milk, sugar, Air time, and data for my phone and she sold them all. She was always there and didn’t need to do much more than serve the items ordered, and collect the payments made by her patrons. We chatted about a few things such as the Church she attended, the Sabbath and her father whom she claimed was Diabetic. On one occasion several months after first meeting her, I went into her store and discovered that she was having a dispute with a six-year-old girl. I expressed sympathy for the child because she had been reduced to tears. Consequently, encouraged by my pity she raised her hand to strike my 22-year-old friend. However, I quickly cautioned her against any such action. “Since,” I observed, “She is much bigger than you are and she will beat you up.” Furthermore, I consoled her by purchasing and handing her some candy.
I discovered that my shopkeeper friend had some interest in me. When I went there to purchase two 1-liter cartons of tropical fruit juice for two female friends of mine. Who accompanied me. Because she found it impossible to hide her jealousy and demanded instantaneous similar treatment. I was happy to oblige her. Afterward, whenever I went to Berekum I brought her a loaf of whole wheat bread or fried plantain chips. And she accepted them gratefully. One Friday afternoon she called me to ask if I was interested in sex? Since I was previously married and divorced. I knew that it would be unwise to rush headlong into any emotional entanglement. Therefore, my response was, “You will have to come to my house first to give me a demonstration of all your domestic skills.” She promised me that she would come and even though I invited her frequently. It took her two full years before she crossed the threshold of my apartment. During that period of time, she confided to me that even though she was in a previous relationship. She was still a virgin. I was impressed. Because in Berekum, Ghana. Such a status for a 22-year-old was a rarity.
I even invited her to attend church with me on several occasions but she declined. Claiming that her father wasn’t impressed with any such arrangement. Considering that she attended church on Sunday and I was a Sabbath keeper. Subsequently, I gave her a bible study proving to her from scripture that Saturday was in fact the true Sabbath. From all appearances, she was intellectually convinced. However, she made no changes in her lifestyle. Over the years I have found that such arguments are futile. As the saying goes, “Convince a man against his will and he’s of the same opinion still.” It is for this very reason that large evangelistic campaigns, (I have witnessed many. I even worked for several weeks in some of them), in which several hundred people are subsequently baptized are completely bogus. Primarily because there has been no change of heart and no corresponding change of life. Within a period of two months, they all apostatize. The most successful sales presentations are given to people who want to purchase the merchandise.
The most effective bible studies are given to people who yearn to know the truth. So that they may surrender their lives to Christ. As we read in scripture, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18. (NKJV). My new-found friend eventually told me that her ambition was to study to become a dress designer and wanted to know if I was willing to help her. I assured her that when the time came I would. After about eighteen months of visiting that shop, my friend informed me that her brother was about to close the store because he wanted to open a boutique at the same location, instead. Within three months of the transmission of that piece of information, the small grocery store was closed and my friend was out of a job. She never complained. However, she disappeared and I ran into her occasionally usually in a taxi or whenever I saw her strolling on Sofokyere Avenue. One Sunday afternoon while I was in the process of doing my five-mile evening walk. I ran into her at the corner of Berlin Street and Prepatapata Avenue. After greeting me she announced to her stepmother that I was her husband.
I was quite taken aback by her claim and I said to her, “Are you seriously acknowledging me as your husband?” She answered in the affirmative. She informed me that she needed some money. Normally when I go walking at night I don’t carry cash with me for whatever reason. But having lived in Jamaica previously and being informed of the criminal activities of malefactors I knew that this practice was unwise. But I continued it nevertheless. I informed my friend that I had no money with me but when I passed that way the following evening I would give her some cash. I kept my promise. However, at the time of my arrival, she was absent but I left 50.00 GHS with her stepmother. She thanked me profusely. Ghana is a poor country, its population is approximately 33 million, and its per capita income was 2014.74 USD in 2021. People routinely ask foreigners for money. Generally, I try to be accommodating without being extravagant because as we are instructed in scripture, “Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2. (NKJV).
(TO BE CONTINUED)
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