Greetings from Amy Ridall

Benton, Pennsylvania

September 2009

     It is always exciting to receive news of what is happening in the Lord’s work in Ghana, West Africa where I had the privilege of serving the Lord for forty-five years (1962-2007). You were a partner with me in that work for many years and can join with me in rejoicing in the fruit that continues to be borne as a result of the literacy and translation ministry in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

    In her August letter, Nancy Ball, my former co-worker in the literacy ministry shared the following information. “In the circumference of Wa there are many villages where the Waalii reading classes have opened up a whole new world to those who attended and persevered until they could read in their own language. In the literacy Center we have professionally published for them many primers and readers covering various topics, but the only professionally published book they had was their Waalii New Testament. It was the Word of God that brought eternal change to their lives. Twenty-seven of these readers have gone on to attend the Waalii Bible School and became lay pastors.” Numerous others are serving the Lord in their local churches as Sunday School teachers and youth workers.

   There is great excitement and anticipation growing in the hearts of Christians in the Upper West Region as they await the completion of the printing of the entire Waalii Bible. Bibles International had initially planned for a dedication of the Waalii Bible in Wa on the 7th of November; however, an unexpected delay in printing has necessitated a change in plans. The national “Waalii Bible Launching Committee” is strongly urging that ample time be allowed for shipping and arrival of the Bibles in Wa before a definite date is determined. In the meantime, Nancy stated in August letter, “the rejoicing has already begun. The churches are taking up special offerings weekly to help cover the expenses of the celebration.”

     Since retiring from Baptist Mid-Missions in July 2007, I have been involved in various ministries in my home church. The Released Time School ministry has afforded an opportunity to share the Word of God with children who might not otherwise hear the message of God’s love in John 3:16. Three children have trusted Christ as their Savior. I will continue that ministry as long as God allows.

     I thank the Lord for the opportunity to minister to the needs of my own family. I just spent 2 months with a sister who recovering from surgery for a brain aneurysm and a stroke that involved eight months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. As I have reconnected with my family after so many years on the other side of the ocean, it is a joy to learn that many of my extended family do know and love the Lord.

     Thank you for your prayers and financial support through the years. I will endeavor to do better in keeping in contact in these retirement years. My home church in Shickshinny, PA is going to pay the expenses for me and for my pastor to attend the dedication in Ghana when the date is determined. Perhaps I will be able to share some pictures of the dedication of the Waalii Bible if we are able to attend that special event. Thank you for your faithfulness to me and to the Lord.

In His love,

Amy Ridall