In late August, five of us from Westminster—Christabel Abban, Belinda Quaye, Shernette Grant, Willie White and I—traveled to Superior, Wisconsin, for the biennial meeting of the PC(USA) Ghana Mission Network hosted by United Presbyterian Church. The theme of the gathering was “Partners in Growth: Holistic Approaches to Physical and Spiritual Growth and Community Sustainability” (rooted in Luke 2:52).
As our congregation prepares for African Family Night, it feels especially timely to reflect on what this partnership looks like today, how it fits into our broader West African mission, and why our shared commitment matters so much.
The Heart of Partnership: Presence and Mutual Friendship
While conferences often revolve around business and agendas, the true power of the Ghana Mission Network gathering was found in face-to-face relationships. A core principle of any meaningful West African mission is relational integrity; our Ghanaian partners made extraordinary sacrifices to be there, funding their own travel to Wisconsin simply because of the value they place on walking alongside us.
Whether we were gathered in deep Bible study reflecting on Mary Magdalene, leading worship together as a Westminster team, or sharing a lakefront bonfire where we sang and danced together in the chilly Lake Superior evening, we were reminded that mission is not a one-way street. It isn’t merely about funding projects across an ocean. It is about mutual discipleship—listening, laughing, breaking bread, and learning from one another’s strengths and contexts.
Looking to the Future: Bridging the Generations
One of the most urgent themes that emerged during our sessions was sustainability. As we listened to presentations by Dr. Acacia Nikoi on engaging youth and Dr. Njoki Kamau on women in leadership, a clear challenge arose: how do we nurture the next generation of leadership so these relationships endure?
Our partners in Ghana and our team here share a deep desire to bridge the generational gap. Looking ahead, we are already setting our sights on the next network gathering in Northern Ghana in October 2027—with the intentional goal of bringing a vibrant youth delegation with us to experience this transformative West African mission connection firsthand.
Connecting to African Family Night
Closer to home, the gathering reinforced the importance of tending our local and regional bridges, including connections with Ghanaian congregations in our region and welcoming voices from the wider network into our pulpit.
Events like African Family Night are where this spirit of partnership comes alive in our own Fellowship Hall. It is a celebration of the rich cultures, stories, music, and deep community that weave us together with sisters and brothers in our wider West African mission across Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. We hope you will join us there!
— Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff
