wfn.org | Ghana: Head of State Speaks Frankly with Adventist World President;

["Beckett, John" <BeckettJ@gc.adventist.org>]

Commends Church

ANN Bulletin
Adventist News Network
Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
January 25, 2000
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Ghana: Head of State Speaks Frankly with Adventist World President; Commends
Church

Accra, Ghana ... [ANN] 

The Head of State for Ghana, President J.J. Rawlings, in an hour-long
meeting with the Seventh-day Adventist Church's World President Dr. Jan
Paulsen, spoke frankly of his dreams and concerns for his country. In the
January 21 meeting, Rawlings welcomed Paulsen back to Ghana where the
Adventist leader had begun his mission service in 1962. 

"I can see you have a Ghanaian heart," he told Paulsen, and then went on to
discuss what the Adventist Church meant to him. "I remember seeing Adventist
missionaries going around, but it wasn't until I found some of your
literature that I learnt something about you," Rawlings said. 

"The literature explained that heaven may be over there, but we have to
start here. That's when the Adventist Church won my respect. I have asked
the media to share more about your Church program, because I am very proud
of your achievements and want more people to become involved. Unfortunately
in this world there are too many passengers who won't even get off the bus
when you have to jack it up and change the tire."

The Ghanaian president also commended Adventists for being concerned with
making the best use of the present.

"Your approach is pragmatic and down to earth," Rawlings continued. 

"You need to take us politicians to task when we create problems. There's so
much to do and so little time. Don't waste it and go into reverse when we
should be moving ahead. I congratulate you for what you do. Your burden and
responsibility is our burden and responsibility. We share your vocation-it
is a mission. We all must be mission-minded. This is not being mystical, but
practical. Too many are just waiting around for a miracle to happen and
don't use their hands to do something."

After hearing a brief presentation on the work of the Adventist Development
and Relief Agency in Ghana, Rawlings asked that the program be better
publicized.

"Instead of this emphasis on entertainment, the popular media should make
special time for the important issues, including environmentalism and what
ADRA is doing," said Rawlings. "I want to hear more about these activities
through the media."

Speaking for the Adventist Church, Paulsen expressed his appreciation for
the opportunity to meet and discuss important matters. 

"Ghana is a very significant participant in international affairs," Paulsen
affirmed. "I want to commend you for keeping the country on the track of
democracy and for continuing the difficult task of economic development. For
if there is a contented people, then there is a stable government. And on a
personal note, let me say how wonderful it is to be back in Ghana-it was a
tremendous experience for our young family at Bekwai nearly 40 years ago."

Paulsen spoke of the Church's progress, and the reason for the visit-to
establish the new Ghana Union Conference.

"As a Church, we have seen rapid expansion recently," noted Paulsen. "We are
part of an Adventist family of 15 million, including the children, in more
than 200 countries. We are here to celebrate the inauguration of the new
Ghana Union Conference. This is an organizational unit that means the
Adventist Church in Ghana can continue to develop its program with
sufficiency in finance, personnel and administrative needs."

He also addressed the invitation to coordinate activities together with
government agencies.

"The tolerance found here in Ghana is treasured by us," Paulsen continued.
"Not only are Adventists concerned about the future and the security of
hope, but they are significantly and creatively involved in education,
healthcare and health education, and development and relief work. We have
appreciated the government's assistance in helping our new Valley View
University here in the outskirts of Accra become a reality. Our desire is to
make a contribution to the people's quality of life. Tomorrow must be better
than today."

The meeting concluded with prayer for the nation and its government by
Paulsen, and the presentation of a framed plaque featuring a quotation by
Adventist pioneer Ellen White, "The greatest want of the world..."

"I try to be honest and sincere," commented Rawlings. "Otherwise I cannot be
true to God or to myself." [Joe Hagan/Jonathan Gallagher]

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