Sean Hogan, a new S.M.A. Lay Missionary, is assigned to work with the Hope for Life Project (HFL) in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.
HFL is a multifaceted self-help project for physically disabled adults. For several years SMA Lay Missionaries have accompanied HFL's Ghanaian staff. Sean shares the following impressions and insights from his journal.

"Akwaaba" (Welcome) was the first Twi (pronounced TWEE) word I saw upon my arrival at the airport in Accra, though, more importantly, I'd learned "Meda ase" (Thank you) beforehand. I would use this latter word a lot until six weeks of language-training in Abetifi finally broadened my vocabulary.
Theo van Lin, SMA, Dutch Lay Missionary, who has served for three years in the Hope for Life Project, met me outside, soon to be joined by Amanda Mijangos, Leadership Team Member on a visit from the U.S.
En route to Bethany House, I admired Arthur and his driving skills as he negotiated the chaotic Accra traffic.
Arriving at Bethany House on the outskirts of the city, I was pleasantly surprised at its relative newness and by the distinctive Hope for Life signs at the entrance to the driveway. I had arrived at last!

First things first-Twi Language School
The hilltop town of Abetifi, a few hours north and, since 1899, home to Ramsayer Training Center, contrasts sharply with hot, dusty Accra. It is cool, windy and this time of year, very rainy. The surrounding countryside is rain-forest, lush, and with menacing bluffs and marvelous trees.
Teacher Yaw Douglas Asomani does the Twi honors here. The highlights of my stay included a cultural trip to the Ashanti Capital, Kumasi, a trip to Lake Volta, and numerous "contact walks" through Abetifi with "Teacha Yaw" (as he prefers to be called). This gave me a chance to meet the people and take photos. Following my May graduation and before beginning my ministry, my Dutch counterpart Theo arranged for me to visit and become acquainted with our many SMA mission sites, personnel, and ministries in Ghana.

Hope for Life Project
Back in Accra it was a morning of making “Hope for Life” bakery deliveries with driver Alex, a visit with HFL member Dawuda Mensah at the Paradise Clothing Shop, and an all-nighter working with the bakery staff (who trusted me only enough to let me help with the bagging and labeling). These folks are pros.
Next week, I am scheduled to join Social Worker Osmond Annum on his 2-3 weekly "car day" visits to the homes of the HFL members.
Home-visiting is a very important part of the HFL ministry, and I look forward to these encounters where I will get to know my HFL brothers and sisters, accompanying and encouraging them in their day to day journey.
The Hope for Life motto is: Disability is not Inability .
From the beginning, the goal has been to help the members develop skills to help them become self-supporting, all the while, helping each member to realize their dignity and importance as a precious child of God.
Depending on member interest (and expertise, since I've never done this before), I plan to start a garden at Bethany House, raising vegetables both for sale and for use by the house.
Although people will tell you that things are pretty tight here economically, the Ghanaians I have met are hopeful, and remarkably patient. I am touched by their acceptance of life, come what may, and their trust in God, that things will work out.

There are over 300 HFL members in the Project in Ghana. They welcome Sean as he begins his mission journey with Hope For Life.