May Newsletter

Prayer moves the hand which moves the world.-Dr. Akin

STORY:

This month we had the privilege of hosting a naming ceremony for our daughter. Many people have asked us questions about the ceremony. Below is a list of the most common questions and answers. 

What is a naming ceremony?

A naming ceremony is a cultural custom in which a baby is given a name 4-8 weeks after he or she is born. There is a high infant mortality rate in Northern Ghana, therefore, babies are not given a name until the baby has lived outside of the womb for a number of days. Until a name is given a name the baby is known as stranger boy or stranger girl. The practice of waiting a number of days before naming the child helps the family from becoming too attached. Every religious and people group in Northern Ghana have their own customs in regards to a naming ceremony. 

Where did you conduct Piper's naming ceremony?

We hosted Piper's naming ceremony at the Outcast Camp of Gambaga. The camp is made up of women who have been accused of witchcraft.

Why did you do the naming ceremony at the Outcast Camp?

Julia and I have been working with the women for a year and a half. We go every week to share Bible stories and minister to the women. The 90 women at the camp have become a part of our family. Everyone wanted to give Piper a Maumprulli name. My Muslim friends were asking, tuberculosis patients, churches, and even random people on the streets. We wanted to give the honor/privilege of naming Piper to these women to encourage them and demonstrate our love and God's love for them. We wanted them to know through our actions that they have been created in the image of God; God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives. Conducting the naming ceremony at the camp provided us with opportunities to speak with individuals in town about fear, and the spirits. We were also able to deepen relationships with the women at the camp and develop new ones with a village chief. 

What is Piper's Maumprulli name?

Piper's Maumprulli name is Wunpeni which means God's gift. She is God's gift to us and the women at the camp.

PICTURES:

As soon as we arrived the women were waiting to take Piper and dance her into the ceremony.

Before the ceremony could start we had to visit the chief. He was honored that we would name our child in his kingdom. The women of the camp picked out the name but he was the first one to say it. Her Maumprulli name is Wunpeni which means God's gift.

The women took what little they had and blessed us with an abundance of gifts. We were humbled and honored by their generosity. 

Maumprusi love to dance. We hired drummers to play at the ceremony.

Dancing with some of my friends at the camp.

Julia and Piper also danced. They are better dancers than I am.

The women began cooking early in the morning to make all of the food for over 100 people. I was nervous we didn't have enough food. We had enough! Everyone was able to eat and leave full.

The meal consisted of Jolloff rice (oil, dried fish, and rice) and goat.

Can you spot Piper in this picture?

The head witch of the camp. She is carrying Piper into the ceremony.

Showing off my dance moves.

Piper posing with two of her friends.

Piper's Maumprulli name is Wunpeni which means God's gift. She is God's gift to us and the village of Gambaga. We are thankful for the privilege of being her parents.

Wunpeni wanted to wish everyone a very HAPPY EASTER!

Our goat which we purchased for the naming ceremony.

I can honestly say this was the first time in my life I purchased live food to slaughter and eat.

The rice and dried fish which would be used to feed the 90 women at the camp. 

Posing for pictures before the ceremony. Piper was finished with pictures.

DEVOTIONALS:
The Lion King, Frozen and Piper
An Open Letter to EVERY Christian

PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) We have two months left in Nalerigu. Please pray we take advantage of our last days. Pray God open's doors to continue sharing the Gospel with my Muslim and Animistic friends.

2) The young man whom I am discipling will be leaving Nalerigu to attend school this month. Pray for a sweet time of fellowship as he prepares to leave. Pray the message which he has heard from me will be entrusted to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

3) The volunteer coordinator is vacationing in America this month. We will be taking on additional responsibilities while he is gone. Pray we are hospitable and welcoming to new volunteers. Pray we serve volunteers and they hear/see Christ in our words and actions.

4) Please continue to be in prayer for us as we search for jobs in the States. Pray God opens the door for us to continue in ministry. Pray for wisdom as we begin to plan our return to the States and speaking in churches.

Thank you for holding the rope and praying for us. We love you.

Serving Him,

The 3 Welchs