11 Mar 2026, 14:45Robert Kyei-GyauLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
London Ghana SDA Marks Women’s Week of Prayer with Sermons and Skills Workshop
Sabbath, 7 March 2026, was no ordinary day at the London Ghana SDA Church. The morning weather was mild by London standards but crisply cold for the uninitiated. Nonetheless, the congregation was ready for whatever message the Lord had for them.
However, there was a notable change — only women were allowed to play active roles throughout the day. From the outset, they were in full control. From gatekeeping and car parking responsibilities to marshalling duties and the preparation of a scrumptious lunch, they handled every aspect of the day’s activities with excellence. After all, it was the penultimate event of the Women’s Week of Prayer.
They came dressed in their assorted Women’s Ministries apparel, though the majority wore specially sewn garments in the traditional Ghanaian kaba and slit style, creating a beautiful and colourful spectacle. As if that was not enough, the young ladies matched their mothers, proudly wearing similarly distinctive outfits.
The men were not left out of the celebration. They arrived dressed in smocks — also known as fugu or batakari in Ghana — a distinctive handwoven garment synonymous with Northern Ghana. The occasion was further enriched by the fact that the previous day, 6 March, marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Day, adding a celebratory dimension to the day’s activities.
The week-long programme began on Monday, 2 March, when Mrs Foriwaa Amponsah delivered a presentation titled “Hagar – Seen and Not Forgotten.” On Tuesday, 3 March, Sister Sandra A. Buah-Odoom spoke on Deborah in a presentation titled “A Woman Who Rises in Power.”
Wednesday’s study focused on Ruth and was delivered by Mrs Freda Sam under the theme “Redeemed and Restored.” On Thursday, Mrs Gina M. Boamah presented a thought-provoking message on humility and carrying out God’s purpose. The penultimate presentation, delivered on Friday by Mrs Betty Dwomoh, centred on Esther and was titled “Transformed and Radiant.”
The climax of the programme came on Sabbath, 7 March, when the sermon was delivered by Mrs Ernestina Quaye, Women’s Ministries Coordinator at the Ghana Adventist Committee UK and a member of the Reading Ghana SDA Church.
The scripture reading was taken from Hebrews 4:14–16, where the Apostle Paul highlights Jesus as the great High Priest who passed through the heavens, encouraging believers to firmly hold on to their faith. Because Jesus was tempted in every way yet remained without sin, He sympathises with human weaknesses and invites believers to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find help in times of need.
In her sermon titled “A Woman, Faith and Prayer,” Mrs Quaye juxtaposed the story of a Mexican woman who, in her quest for a better life in America, lost her only child at the US–Mexico border for 17 years with that of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22–28, who persistently cried out to Jesus to heal her sick child. The Mexican woman eventually found her grown son after 17 years because she never lost faith, while the Canaanite woman’s deep faith in the Lord resulted in Jesus answering her prayer.
She encouraged the women to emulate Queen Esther, who courageously interceded on behalf of her people in the face of evil machinations.
The programme concluded on Sunday, 8 March, which coincided with International Women’s Day, with a practical skills workshop. Participants received training in sewing, brooch making, liquid soap production, and snack preparation.
The workshop was well attended, and participants left with newly acquired skills, having benefited immensely from the day’s activities.
Sabbath, 7 March 2026, was no ordinary day at the London Ghana SDA Church. The morning weather was mild by London standards but crisply cold for the uninitiated. Nonetheless, the congregation was ready for whatever message the Lord had for them.
However, there was a notable change — only women were allowed to play active roles throughout the day. From the outset, they were in full control. From gatekeeping and car parking responsibilities to marshalling duties and the preparation of a scrumptious lunch, they handled every aspect of the day’s activities with excellence. After all, it was the penultimate event of the Women’s Week of Prayer.
They came dressed in their assorted Women’s Ministries apparel, though the majority wore specially sewn garments in the traditional Ghanaian kaba and slit style, creating a beautiful and colourful spectacle. As if that was not enough, the young ladies matched their mothers, proudly wearing similarly distinctive outfits.
The men were not left out of the celebration. They arrived dressed in smocks — also known as fugu or batakari in Ghana — a distinctive handwoven garment synonymous with Northern Ghana. The occasion was further enriched by the fact that the previous day, 6 March, marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Day, adding a celebratory dimension to the day’s activities.
The week-long programme began on Monday, 2 March, when Mrs Foriwaa Amponsah delivered a presentation titled “Hagar – Seen and Not Forgotten.” On Tuesday, 3 March, Sister Sandra A. Buah-Odoom spoke on Deborah in a presentation titled “A Woman Who Rises in Power.”
Wednesday’s study focused on Ruth and was delivered by Mrs Freda Sam under the theme “Redeemed and Restored.” On Thursday, Mrs Gina M. Boamah presented a thought-provoking message on humility and carrying out God’s purpose. The penultimate presentation, delivered on Friday by Mrs Betty Dwomoh, centred on Esther and was titled “Transformed and Radiant.”
The climax of the programme came on Sabbath, 7 March, when the sermon was delivered by Mrs Ernestina Quaye, Women’s Ministries Coordinator at the Ghana Adventist Committee UK and a member of the Reading Ghana SDA Church.
The scripture reading was taken from Hebrews 4:14–16, where the Apostle Paul highlights Jesus as the great High Priest who passed through the heavens, encouraging believers to firmly hold on to their faith. Because Jesus was tempted in every way yet remained without sin, He sympathises with human weaknesses and invites believers to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find help in times of need.
In her sermon titled “A Woman, Faith and Prayer,” Mrs Quaye juxtaposed the story of a Mexican woman who, in her quest for a better life in America, lost her only child at the US–Mexico border for 17 years with that of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22–28, who persistently cried out to Jesus to heal her sick child. The Mexican woman eventually found her grown son after 17 years because she never lost faith, while the Canaanite woman’s deep faith in the Lord resulted in Jesus answering her prayer.
She encouraged the women to emulate Queen Esther, who courageously interceded on behalf of her people in the face of evil machinations.
The programme concluded on Sunday, 8 March, which coincided with International Women’s Day, with a practical skills workshop. Participants received training in sewing, brooch making, liquid soap production, and snack preparation.
The workshop was well attended, and participants left with newly acquired skills, having benefited immensely from the day’s activities.
