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  • May 29, 2025
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All Glory to God! Reflections on Our Mission Trip to Ghana

“As we reflect on our recent short-term mission (STM) trip to Ghana, the overwhelming response of our hearts is: All glory to God for the great things He has done!”

We are Tomson and Lisa Chan, originally from Hong Kong and both raised in families deeply rooted in traditional ancestral worship. Our lives took a transformative turn in the 1980s when we encountered Jesus after moving to Canada. Since making FAC our church home in 2017, our faith has continued to grow.

We’ve known Janice Jabal and her family for a long time. Our daughters have been close friends since childhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I (Tomson) had the opportunity to travel to Ghana for a month to visit village pastors and attend Janice’s wedding. It was an incredible experience to connect with the pastors and the local community. That trip left a lasting impression on me, and I felt a strong desire to return and continue supporting them.

When Pastor Briana asked me to consider leading the short-term mission (STM) team to Ghana in 2025, I happily said yes and invited my wife, Lisa, to co-lead with me. We initially tried to form a team for 2024, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough sign-ups. So, we were thrilled this year to finally gather a full team for Ghana. God is truly amazing!

From left to right: Enoch and Janice Jabal (FAC International Workers), our team driver, Lisa, Tomson, Victoria, Debbie, Dave, and Sophia

As we reflect on our recent short-term mission (STM) trip to Ghana, the overwhelming response of our hearts is: All glory to God for the great things He has done! Throughout our time in Ghana, God taught us so much—lessons that deepened our faith and revealed more of His heart for the world. These were some of the key learnings and experiences.

1) The Power of Prayer

One of the most profound lessons we learned was the vital importance of prayer. The work of the Holy Spirit is evident through the faithful prayers of many. We are deeply grateful for the prayer warriors who lifted us up before and during the trip. We experienced the Spirit’s strength, particularly as we endured health challenges and the intense heat.

Our prayerful mornings (with our prayer journal) encouraged and sustained us throughout the entire trip.

Prayer also played a crucial role in preparing the hearts of those we were going to meet. Even before we arrived, God had already been at work. We witnessed many people open their hearts to the gospel, with some making the decision to follow Jesus. It reminded us that prayer is not only our support but the groundwork for transformation.

“Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

Isaiah 65:24

Evangelism with Pastor Caleb. Men and women gave their lives to Jesus.

2) Flexibility in the Mission Field 

Another key lesson was the importance of flexibility. In mission work, unexpected circumstances are inevitable, and being adaptable is essential. We learned the value of working in harmony with the international workers and local pastors. For example, the school programs were held outdoors, and by 10 a.m., temperatures often reached 38°C. To ensure the children could learn in a comfortable environment, we were advised to adjust locations and schedules daily based on the sun’s direction. These adaptations allowed the programs to continue effectively and joyfully.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21

Sophia shared her testimony under a tree.

3) Trusting God to Work Through Us 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

This trip also reminded us to trust God to work in and through each of us. No matter our personalities or backgrounds, everyone has something to contribute. God has gifted each person uniquely, and as long as we remain humble and serve in unity, He will use us for His purposes.

Suburini Mission School Easter Activities—many children accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour for the first time!

By partnering with local pastors and international workers—who graciously taught us about Ghanaian culture—we were able to serve more meaningfully. Ghana is spiritually challenging, yet we saw God’s power break through the darkness. We were deeply moved by the dedication and humility of the local pastors and saw firsthand how God is using them to advance His Kingdom.

4) Proclaiming the Gospel Boldly 

Finally, we witnessed the power of the gospel when shared boldly. When we proclaim Jesus Christ, God moves. Hearts are softened, lives are changed, and His name is glorified—even in the most difficult situations. We feel blessed to have seen His hand at work in the harvest fields of Ghana. 

We shared the gospel message and our testimonies. Five men gave their lives to Jesus!

This STM trip has deepened our faith and broadened our vision. We return humbled, inspired, and full of praise for what God is doing in Ghana. May we continue to be faithful in prayer, flexible in service, united in love, and bold in proclaiming His gospel.

As Romans 1:16 declares:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

All glory to God, indeed.

 

Tomson and Lisa, thank you so much for taking the time to share your reflections from the Ghana mission trip! Curious to hear more about what God is doing in Ghana and Cambodia? Join us for our Dessert Night Fundraiser on Sunday, June 22!

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