Ghana Travel Seminar: The ties that bind

BY MARCY WRIGHT

Today was one of my favorite days so far in our Ghanaian journey. My colleagues and I spent time with some of the students here at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute. Together we reflected on our individual and collective calls to ministry, our theological and academic interests, and the historical touchstones that drive our scholarship and plans for service in the future. I was struck by how much we held in common: we share a desire for healing and reconciliation in our families and in our communities; we share frustration at the exploitation of land for personal gain, which denies our neighbors access to abundant natural resources, including water that is not poisoned; and we share a dedication to asking the important and tough questions that will drive our service to God. I rejoice that despite our physical distance across continents and despite the distance that may be created by language and culture, we are bound together in our dedication to use our gifts and talents, our imagination, and our creativity— whether in scholarship, in pastoral care, or in community organizing to work for God’s Kingdom and God’s people. We are united in our commitment to bring more peace, more kindness, and more justice in the world. For me it is further confirmation that none of us do this work alone — anywhere in the world — is so powerful. We have partners across the globe, tied together by the Spirit of God that encourages us, empowers us, and binds us together for the work of transformation that needs to, and must, be done.

Marcy Wright is a Master of Divinity / Master of Arts in Christian Education student at the Richmond campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary.