4 Mar 2025, 10:11Rubina Fosua ArthurLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Echoes of Grace: London Ghana Women Reach Out to Touch Hearts!
In a society often quick to silence the voices of women, the London Ghana Women’s Ministries embarked on a week-long journey of audacious candour and heartfelt connection during this year’s International Week of Prayer. Their endeavour, far from being a mere series of events, was a powerful testament to the strength found in shared vulnerability and unwavering faith. This wasn’t simply about putting women ‘in the limelight’, but illuminating the path towards wholeness and understanding.
The week’s programme, spanning from the 23rd of February to the 1st of March, was a carefully woven tapestry of practical wisdom and spiritual depth. Each evening, expert voices addressed a spectrum of topics, from the delicate art of personal planning which touched on how to keep a work-life balance, the science of fertility, cataract surgery and dry eyes, snoring at the top of the throat, oral hygiene to the intricacies of mental health and well-being. These sessions, delivered with both sensitivity and expertise, fostered an atmosphere where attendees felt seen and heard. The breadth of subjects covered spoke to a holistic approach to womanhood, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of their experiences.
The Sabbath morning service served as the week’s emotional and spiritual crescendo. Mrs Margaret Eshun, a clinical psychologist, took to the pulpit, her presence a beacon of strength and authenticity as she preached, Reach out! Her message, rooted in the biblical narratives of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood, resonated deeply with the congregation.
Mrs Eshun’s personal testimony, her recollection of a challenging childbirth experience, was delivered with raw honesty. She spoke of the fear and reliance on faith that accompanied her emergency C-section, a moment of profound vulnerability that served as a powerful reminder of the shared human experience. Her words, “Labour should be focused on the end goal which is a healthy mum and a healthy baby,” challenged societal pressures and offered a compassionate perspective on childbirth, debunking the notion of weakness associated with emergency C-sections in certain cultures.
Her subsequent discussion of the stigma surrounding childbirth, and the tragic consequences of women attempting natural births at the risk of their lives, was both sobering and necessary. She drew a poignant parallel to the woman with the issue of blood, emphasising the isolation and desperation that can accompany societal judgement. “No woman should be defined by whatever society views as who she is,” she declared, “Say to yourself He Touched me, and today I am made whole”, urging listeners to embrace their inherent worth and find strength in faith through this timeless song.
The visual spectacle of the congregation, adorned in the symbolic green and yellow of the Vessels of Honour, young ladies and girls under the ages of 35yrs, and the distinguished over-35s, Women in Christ, wearing rich purple and white cloth, underscored the unity and purpose of the ministry. Andrea Asare, a sixth-form student in her late teens, articulated the profound sense of belonging fostered by this shared visual identity. Her call for intergenerational dialogue highlighted the importance of creating spaces where younger women can learn from the wisdom and experience of their elders. Andrea said she looked forward to having sessions in the future, where “the older and younger youth are educated. The younger ones can ask for advice and the older ones can share their experiences”. The presence of the men, wearing their own ministry attire, served as a powerful symbol of solidarity and support.
Under the leadership of Ms Grace Ababio, the London Ghana Women’s Ministries over the past three years have consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of women within the church and the wider community. Their focus on building positive relationships and ensuring that women’s issues are prioritised on the church’s agenda reflects a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and empowerment. This year’s International Week of Prayer was a testament to their dedication, a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, community, and open, honest dialogue.
In a society often quick to silence the voices of women, the London Ghana Women’s Ministries embarked on a week-long journey of audacious candour and heartfelt connection during this year’s International Week of Prayer. Their endeavour, far from being a mere series of events, was a powerful testament to the strength found in shared vulnerability and unwavering faith. This wasn’t simply about putting women ‘in the limelight’, but illuminating the path towards wholeness and understanding.
The week’s programme, spanning from the 23rd of February to the 1st of March, was a carefully woven tapestry of practical wisdom and spiritual depth. Each evening, expert voices addressed a spectrum of topics, from the delicate art of personal planning which touched on how to keep a work-life balance, the science of fertility, cataract surgery and dry eyes, snoring at the top of the throat, oral hygiene to the intricacies of mental health and well-being. These sessions, delivered with both sensitivity and expertise, fostered an atmosphere where attendees felt seen and heard. The breadth of subjects covered spoke to a holistic approach to womanhood, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of their experiences.
The Sabbath morning service served as the week’s emotional and spiritual crescendo. Mrs Margaret Eshun, a clinical psychologist, took to the pulpit, her presence a beacon of strength and authenticity as she preached, Reach out! Her message, rooted in the biblical narratives of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood, resonated deeply with the congregation.
Mrs Eshun’s personal testimony, her recollection of a challenging childbirth experience, was delivered with raw honesty. She spoke of the fear and reliance on faith that accompanied her emergency C-section, a moment of profound vulnerability that served as a powerful reminder of the shared human experience. Her words, “Labour should be focused on the end goal which is a healthy mum and a healthy baby,” challenged societal pressures and offered a compassionate perspective on childbirth, debunking the notion of weakness associated with emergency C-sections in certain cultures.
Her subsequent discussion of the stigma surrounding childbirth, and the tragic consequences of women attempting natural births at the risk of their lives, was both sobering and necessary. She drew a poignant parallel to the woman with the issue of blood, emphasising the isolation and desperation that can accompany societal judgement. “No woman should be defined by whatever society views as who she is,” she declared, “Say to yourself He Touched me, and today I am made whole”, urging listeners to embrace their inherent worth and find strength in faith through this timeless song.
The visual spectacle of the congregation, adorned in the symbolic green and yellow of the Vessels of Honour, young ladies and girls under the ages of 35yrs, and the distinguished over-35s, Women in Christ, wearing rich purple and white cloth, underscored the unity and purpose of the ministry. Andrea Asare, a sixth-form student in her late teens, articulated the profound sense of belonging fostered by this shared visual identity. Her call for intergenerational dialogue highlighted the importance of creating spaces where younger women can learn from the wisdom and experience of their elders. Andrea said she looked forward to having sessions in the future, where “the older and younger youth are educated. The younger ones can ask for advice and the older ones can share their experiences”. The presence of the men, wearing their own ministry attire, served as a powerful symbol of solidarity and support.
Under the leadership of Ms Grace Ababio, the London Ghana Women’s Ministries over the past three years have consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of women within the church and the wider community. Their focus on building positive relationships and ensuring that women’s issues are prioritised on the church’s agenda reflects a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and empowerment. This year’s International Week of Prayer was a testament to their dedication, a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, community, and open, honest dialogue.
