Christ's Co-Mission Int'l Get-Together
Christ's Co-Mission Int'l Get-Together met Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at 21 Hillcrest Dr., Tolland, CT. Refreshments included a special rice casserole, finger sandwiches, chips, veggies, a special punch, assorted desserts, and cookies.
David and Rose shared details and pictures from their last trip. We saw the progress on the new kitchen, moving the school watchman's storage shed, and John S's helping with bathroom work at the residence, and the reinforcement of a perimeter wall in front of the residence.
The report continued with pictures showing the loading of the container. Patricia and Luis helped for several days with these tasks and showed a willingness to do whatever was needed. It is to our joy that Patricia and Denise are planning to go on Serve & Grow trips this coming year. We are very thankful for Scott L.'s helping us with moving many of the warehouse filing cabinets and boxes of books. We are so grateful to two of our colleagues who made major donations of roofing sheets and solar equipment. These will be such a blessing to the residence and the school. Renee came with color coding for the shipment boxes - and we took turns spraying the corners of the boxes. It was good to see her son Jake helping repack legos into a box and share in this task. Renee kept the boxes moving and helped us work efficiently. She and Patricia also kept track of all that was loaded into the container. Rose and young DJ helped with finding and retrieving things from the trailer, repacking several boxes, and helping us with meal times when Berta brought a variety of donuts, meals, and drinks. We were encouraged to work with Greg W., who helped with packing many items and helped us fill in the ceiling areas tightly. It was great to work with Todd and Roger, who kept us going on our last day with the container, along with Deb H., Denise, Esther, and Tom. We had great weather until the last few hours when we experienced a light rain. What a joy it was when the truck arrived and the doors of the container were closed and secured with Ghana seals. It is hard to describe the comradery and fun we experienced as we worked together, even though very tired, and saw God help us complete this task. It was for His Glory and we pray HE will watch over the shipment as it travels and arrives in West Africa. David finished his report with news of his upcoming trip with Esther and some of the things they would be doing.
We closed the evening with two small groups sharing prayer for the beginning of a new school year, graduation, and our heart felt thanks for answering our prayer for our new Serve & Grow participants. Thanks to all who helped whom we may have missed in our note and those who were not able to attend the meeting but were with us "in spirit". We are also grateful for Sol C. and RCN for their help and for allowing us to use their spaces as we assembled, prepared, and loaded items for shipment.
Christ's Co-Mission Int'l Get-Together met Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at 21 Hillcrest Dr., Tolland, CT. Refreshments included a special rice casserole, finger sandwiches, chips, veggies, a special punch, assorted desserts, and cookies.
David and Rose shared details and pictures from their last trip. We saw the progress on the new kitchen, moving the school watchman's storage shed, and John S's helping with bathroom work at the residence, and the reinforcement of a perimeter wall in front of the residence.
The report continued with pictures showing the loading of the container. Patricia and Luis helped for several days with these tasks and showed a willingness to do whatever was needed. It is to our joy that Patricia and Denise are planning to go on Serve & Grow trips this coming year. We are very thankful for Scott L.'s helping us with moving many of the warehouse filing cabinets and boxes of books. We are so grateful to two of our colleagues who made major donations of roofing sheets and solar equipment. These will be such a blessing to the residence and the school. Renee came with color coding for the shipment boxes - and we took turns spraying the corners of the boxes. It was good to see her son Jake helping repack legos into a box and share in this task. Renee kept the boxes moving and helped us work efficiently. She and Patricia also kept track of all that was loaded into the container. Rose and young DJ helped with finding and retrieving things from the trailer, repacking several boxes, and helping us with meal times when Berta brought a variety of donuts, meals, and drinks. We were encouraged to work with Greg W., who helped with packing many items and helped us fill in the ceiling areas tightly. It was great to work with Todd and Roger, who kept us going on our last day with the container, along with Deb H., Denise, Esther, and Tom. We had great weather until the last few hours when we experienced a light rain. What a joy it was when the truck arrived and the doors of the container were closed and secured with Ghana seals. It is hard to describe the comradery and fun we experienced as we worked together, even though very tired, and saw God help us complete this task. It was for His Glory and we pray HE will watch over the shipment as it travels and arrives in West Africa. David finished his report with news of his upcoming trip with Esther and some of the things they would be doing.
We closed the evening with two small groups sharing prayer for the beginning of a new school year, graduation, and our heart felt thanks for answering our prayer for our new Serve & Grow participants. Thanks to all who helped whom we may have missed in our note and those who were not able to attend the meeting but were with us "in spirit". We are also grateful for Sol C. and RCN for their help and for allowing us to use their spaces as we assembled, prepared, and loaded items for shipment.
Mission Updates & Newsletters
September 2016
Daughter Rose and I arrived to Ghana on Monday with the hand of the Lord very clear. With much to care for in the meantime, school reopens next week.
We at Loved By Jesus School request prayer as staff and students soon return and as there are some teaching positions that have just opened up. I and our Academic Officer will be interviewing some applicants tomorrow. We trust God's faithfulness!
It turns out that as utility prices have risen dramatically this year, the city water pipe for our school has been disconnected since the bill was far more than anticipated. Earlier this year I had planned to share that monthly donations for school electricity and water would be welcome. Anywhere from $35 to $65 per month each. In part due to a previous leak (that a local plumber was not able to repair properly in my absence) we are faced with a water bill of over $340 needing to be paid before they will "on the pipe".
Our monthly GAP amount per class this new school year is projected to be about $50/per class per month. Multiplying times 12 classes and times 12 months that equals just $7,200 to subsidize payroll for the whole school for a whole year. We have not increased tuition rates to the same percentage as we desire to increase teacher wages. That said, our goal (through increased enrollment) is to annually continue to decrease the amount needed for subsidy -- as we have dropped from last year's average of $55/month per class.
Back on the home front in New England, there has been increased interest by some of our colleagues to re activate some of our committees and tasks that help the mission fulfill its purposes. Pray for us as we desire to be in the center of God's will.
Prior to returning here to Ghana, CCMI held a quarterly Get-Together highlighting our experiences on previous Serve & Grow trips and had a season of prayer. If you would like to receive an email invitation to future Get-Togethers in Connecticut, you can let us know by replying to ccmi456@gmail.com
God bless you
Seeking first His kingdom with Christian's globally!
www.co-mission.us
CCMI P.O.Box 456 Rockville, CT 06066
July 2016 - Dear Staff,
This month I would like to share with you a classic prayer that has helped thousands of people globally:God …“Give me the serenity [peace] to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen”
When next I write, we will have accomplished another school year, by His grace. God knows the degree of your faithfulness as we come to reach the finish line.
We welcome back Madam Vero and express appreciation to Sir Moses Divine for assisting us. This evening, let’s pray for his recovery from malaria.
God is accomplishing His purposes here through several difficult situations around me and providing Grace through paths of humility. The peace and joy that come after surrender of the human will is amazing.
God is good … all the time,
David J. Blaney
PMO managing director
Saturday, April 16, 2016
David gave praise for God's help through Sunny and John during the New Year Trip. Sunny shared in various duties as well as helping the school watchman fix up his new living quarters. John worked on financial records and audits. The new toilets are working well and the school facilities continue to be improved under David's skillful hand.
Prayer is needed for 3 key areas. First, School enrollment numbers are down and there is a shortfall of about $600 per month. Increased enrollment plus additional giving could help close this gap. Second, Changes in school personnel continue to be a challenge. School staff need prayer for flexibility and courage to do their best under these difficult circumstances. Third, David and his son, DJ, returned April 25th, to help with several urgent needs. One enrolled student struggles with committing to LBJS and his education. Fresh Surrender would help him overcome this hurdle.
Looking forward to the next Get Together as David and DJ return.
28/Feb/2016 Article:
Public school "... teachers insisted they will not call off their planned strike."
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Gov-t-calls-for-emergency-meeting-with-teachers-to-avert-strike-419526
As it becomes increasingly difficult to function here in Odumase... our purposes are as alive as ever. If gov't teachers strike for very long, parents will likely look to private schools (such as LBJS) as an alternative. That said, a strike would not be a positive thing in this economic environment. And yet something has to give as gov't school classes are reaching 50-60+ students, inflation is out of control, and most citizens don't have a coveted gov't job to strike from.
LBJS is running extremely trim financially and so far has maintained very affordable tuition rates. Even with not replacing a couple of Administrative posts at LBJS we are still (as projected) facing a ~$55 month GAP per class on average (we have 12 classes = $660/mo.). Donations provided to CCMI with this interest in mind are used to purchase from PMO so that PMO can pay LBJS payroll.
This academic year (since Sept.2015), although some students have left to gov't schools, our total enrollment has started growing again -- new admissions are up! LBJS staff are a key part of this. This trend will be essential to our aim of LBJS getting closer (in the future) to operating with a balanced budget. If the economy continues as it is, though, we may need to be prepared to supplement our school operations here for quite some time.
In addition to LBJS, is the significance of our part-time workers program and development/maintenance of our facilities here. Much appreciation for the gift that allowed us to continue to employ several young men over the past two months since I arrived. Considering the fact that most building supplies are similarly priced to the US, we keep several earning at an average total cost of only $300/ week for supplies plus ~$150/week for wages (this past week's total pay was over $250 and this my last week here will be similar). On a personal note, yesterday was very challenging for me and it was our guys who came through with great attitudes and diligence. Several sat awaiting work while there was almost no water to mix several loads of concrete. I was frustrated because I had called for there to be water in advance but .... There I was helpless after so much effort to prepare for the day. I, almost empty myself, called on our watchman whom I often encourage by calling him the "Site Minister" to minister to the waiting guys who were dependent upon the work. You should have heard him proclaim the faithfulness of God!
For such a time as this, CCMI continues to be relevant.
I extend a boat-load of appreciation to Sunny who served here wonderfully much of January and to John who, during February, once again entered-in to the realities here to be a significant help.
We have room for a Trip Participant to humbly Serve & Grow here with us during May into early June, and then there will be an opening for one or two in Sept/Oct.
More info at www.co-mission.us ; The next CCMI Get-Together in CT will be after Easter.
Nothing is easy here in Ghana, but I must testify, "Jesus never fails!"
December 2015
We at Christ's Co-Mission Int'l, including the school we operate in Ghana, thank you for your prayers and support in 2015. The Lord has seen us through triumphantly!
- Over 270 students enrolled at Loved By Jesus School;
- Our Parent/School Alliance organization continues to develop very beneficially;
- Two dozen paid local Staff serving and caring there, despite many challenges, including godly administrators, coaches and watchmen;
- Additionally, the mission provided significant part-time work to 21 individuals throughout 2015 -- with more hoping for work.
Thank you for your part in this developmental mission.
God has blessed us with a team of volunteers in the US who make this mission possible. You are welcome to attend our next Get- Together in April and even consider preparing to "Serve and Grow" with us in West Africa.
You are loved by Jesus!
Christ's Co-Mission Int'l
P.O.Box 456 Rockville, CT 06066
Sunday November 29, 2015
Our after-Thanksgiving Get Together in CT began with worship for our God who is "Mighty to Save".
A high-light was news of christian "Sisters" in Odumase-Krobo being led to reconciliation after months of interpersonal strain and hurt. God used CCMI to provide patient and loving mediation. A photo of these co-laborers smiling together encouraged us all.
Students and staff knew working toilets were in the plan, but our first one was actually brought to life during this trip. Though this was years in preparation, one is finished and two others are very close to completion. Students and staff have used just one out-house for years. From digging a large septic hole, to laying blocks and significant concrete work, hundreds of hours of employment were provided to local Christians
Work on the new school kitchen is also moving forward and further progress is planned during the next Serve & Grow trip.
"Working Together" has been a key with this "Co-Mission" and future trip participants will experience this JOY as they share in the many opportunities.
There was some discussion about the need for an suv or sturdy van which would be very helpful in transporting small children to the school as well as for transporting US staff when there are more than three of us in Ghana. A pledge was made for import costs/fees. We hope to be able to acquire metal roofing sheets here in the US for both the school and residence in Ghana. We have been blessed with another donation from a local church but almost $6.200 would still be needed to send a shipment.
Since several members of the educational committee were at the meeting, there was also discussion of a project to upgrade our end of semester tests for kindergarten level one and two. The goal is to help these teachers "jump start their students" into better preparedness for primary levels.
There is also opportunity to improve our science classes as we collect supplies for experiments.
A report regarding LBJS's participation in an interschool sports gala encouraged us as we heard that "Our school won the most disciplined and God fearing award"
We closed the meeting holding hands in a circle thanking God for all that had been accomplished in His name and for "fresh surrender" to GO and do the things that remain.
As Christmas approaches, and our world is dark with sin, we must remember the treasure we have within us - only one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.
Sunday November 29, 2015
Our after-Thanksgiving Get Together in CT began with worship for our God who is "Mighty to Save".
A high-light was news of christian "Sisters" in Odumase-Krobo being led to reconciliation after months of interpersonal strain and hurt. God used CCMI to provide patient and loving mediation. A photo of these co-laborers smiling together encouraged us all.
Students and staff knew working toilets were in the plan, but our first one was actually brought to life during this trip. Though this was years in preparation, one is finished and two others are very close to completion. Students and staff have used just one out-house for years. From digging a large septic hole, to laying blocks and significant concrete work, hundreds of hours of employment were provided to local Christians
Work on the new school kitchen is also moving forward and further progress is planned during the next Serve & Grow trip.
"Working Together" has been a key with this "Co-Mission" and future trip participants will experience this JOY as they share in the many opportunities.
There was some discussion about the need for an suv or sturdy van which would be very helpful in transporting small children to the school as well as for transporting US staff when there are more than three of us in Ghana. A pledge was made for import costs/fees. We hope to be able to acquire metal roofing sheets here in the US for both the school and residence in Ghana. We have been blessed with another donation from a local church but almost $6.200 would still be needed to send a shipment.
Since several members of the educational committee were at the meeting, there was also discussion of a project to upgrade our end of semester tests for kindergarten level one and two. The goal is to help these teachers "jump start their students" into better preparedness for primary levels.
There is also opportunity to improve our science classes as we collect supplies for experiments.
A report regarding LBJS's participation in an interschool sports gala encouraged us as we heard that "Our school won the most disciplined and God fearing award"
We closed the meeting holding hands in a circle thanking God for all that had been accomplished in His name and for "fresh surrender" to GO and do the things that remain.
As Christmas approaches, and our world is dark with sin, we must remember the treasure we have within us - only one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.
19 October 2015 - From David J. Blaney
19 October 2015 - From David J. Blaney
Thank you for your prayers!
Berta, Esther, Rose, DJ returned to CT a couple of weeks ago. They were so helpful as we grow as a serving family. I fly back to CT later this week.
Things have been well here as God is faithful. The school (Loved By Jesus) is functioning well with at least a couple of the staff doing better than ever.
Over a dozen guys wanted work on what was my final Saturday here -- its a challenge. The dynamic of working together is a blessing and yet there are more needing work than one guy can handle. Big thanks to the donor who funded all of this trip's construction (materials and labor) and to those who provide money that bridges the gap above the tuition for our school payroll.
We have the foundation to create more jobs here but it will take more US personnel to be devoted on an ongoing basis -- possibly tithing their time annually to serve here. Nothing is easy in Ghana but there are opportunities to help this developmental mission bring out the best from within the community here. We participate in the challenges and in identifying locally reproducible solutions without being "fixers". Our potential to export from here to create more jobs though is an untapped opportunity.
You would be blessed to see the progress of our increasingly becoming a wholesome community. A few of the students come to mind who each were quite the challenge, but today have a positive impact on the school community. God is good.
While back in the US, our family will report to our quarterly Get-Together in CT. It will be good to see those who have served here with the mission, those intending to return to Ghana again with us, and those who are considering humbly Serving and Growing with us here.
Before I sign-off, here is a highlight from my Scriptutre reading:
In first Chronicles, Joab is quoted as saying, "Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. and may the Lord do what is good in His sight"
A couple of chapters later, Ornan, sacrificially offers abundantly to David saying, "Take it to yourself, and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes." But David had come to know that God is God, and what He wills is far better than our understanding.
God is trustworthy! In whatever circumstances we may find ourselves, may He do what is good in His sight.
... Thy will be done on earth (and in our willing hearts) as it is in heaven.
You are loved by Jesus!
www.co-mission.us
CCMI P.O.Box 456 Rockville, CT 06066
Newsletter #57 -Third Qtr.2013
The Book of Nehemiah has been very encouraging these months. Quoted phrases in this newsletter are from Nehemiah and have significantly paralleled our circumstances in the Kroboland.
In the midst of the “distress” of 20% inflation in one month, the Lord has provided through donors for the mission to be able to offer more desperately-needed jobs. In addition to over twenty school personnel, twelve young men have been able to work and worship with us recently. The school facilities (owned by CCMI’s affiliate) have needed significant repairs and improvements. So, starting with stones that needed to be cracked into gravel and a heap of broken wheelbarrows, within about “52 days” we “Your servants, who desire to fear Your name” shovel-mixed and poured over 40,000 pounds of concrete.
Click Here to download the full Newsletter #57
Newsletter #56 Second Quarter 2013
Throughout recent months, much attention and effort has been focused on our ninth grade students at Loved By Jesus School. The nationalized exams are very competitive and determine whether a student will be invited to attend a government High School or not. Devoted LBJS teachers have often returned to teach evening classes to diligent students. We now await the results of the full week of exams. Most importantly, over the years, LBJS staff and volunteers from CCMI have had the opportunity to minister the love and truth of Christ to these students. Please pray that the seeds the Lord has planted through us will reap a harvest.
Click Here to download the full Newsletter #56
Click Here to download the full Newsletter #56
Newsletter #55 First Quarter 2013
Staff accepting the opportunity to mentor individual Junior High students, rescue missions to follow-up truant students, in-class prayer meetings, and development of the “Parent-School Alliance” are methods the Lord has recently inspired at Loved By Jesus School in Odumase-Krobo. As we seek Him and His kingdom, He amazes us with solutions to overcome the challenges. Thank you for praying with us for students, parents and staff.
Click Here to download the full Newsletter #55
Click Here to download the full Newsletter #55
Thank God with Us:
Thank God with Us:
For opportunities He gives to serve in His Kingdom
For providing very special staff at Loved By Jesus School
For healing several sick school staff over the months
For allowing us to provide part-time jobs for those in need
For several godly Trip Participants in recent years
For meeting us time after time at Porch-church
For re-starting the Good News club at the school site
For an open door at Kpong for children’s outreach
For providing CCMI with the Willing Hearts mission house
For safety from armed robbers and from serious injury
For the repair of our broken vehicles
For the birth of the CCMI “Education Committee”
For the re-establishment of the LBJS PTA
For providing LBJS with access to city water
For providing computer staff in the US and in Ghana
For playground equipment provided by CT home schoolers
For LBJS completing 10 years of ministry
For those who are serving with CCMI in the US & abroad
