The National Democratic Congress (NDC) UK/Ireland Chapter joined other Ghanaians and believers in a church service on Sunday,1st July, to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of Ghana attaining a republican status.
The Worship Service was held at The High Cross United Reformed Church on Tottenham High Road in North London and was officiated by Revd Dr John Campbell, the Minister in-Charge.
In his sermon based on Acts 8:26-40, Minister Campbell used the encounter of Philip and The Ethiopian to illustrate the extent of God’s design for the good of all people .He mentioned that even though we would try to do our best in this life, we might be stopped by issues as jealousy, people who teach us, illness, one’s race, other people; God is determined to give us success in his salvation plan. The message of Dr Campbell is best summed up in the second stanza of his words for the hymn titled ‘Facing Unfairness’ in the tune of ‘To God be the Glory’ (MP708) ;
‘No matter what hurdles are placed in our way,
Though bullies confront us, disrupting our day,
The peace and promise of God still endure;
God’s welcome is gracious; God’s mercy is sure.
Don’t despair, don’t despair-
Tho’ your struggles seem vast.
God is there! God is there-
to bring rescue at last.
Tho’ hurts lie before you,
unfairness all around,
take heart, keep believing,
the lost will be found!’
A brief statement was made by Mr Dominic Mbang, First Deputy Organiser of the Chapter about the background of Ghana becoming a republic on 1st July, 1960 under the leadership of late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He said Ghanaians believe in God and are prayerful especially the current leadership of President John Evans Atta Mills.
The occasion, also, like in the case of The Ethiopian, saw the baptism of Mia-Jane Allen, a young member of the congregation.
Special prayers were said for Ghana and other nations for peace and development.
