By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov. 26, GNA – The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has marked its 35th anniversary with a renewed focus on strengthening and equipping young missionaries.
A key objective of the celebrations was to establish a state-of-the-art research and training center, dubbed “Vision 2040 ” aimed at providing missionaries with the necessary skills and knowledge before they embark on their missions.
Rev. Dr. Godwin Ahlijah, President of GEMA, said finding the right candidates for mission work had been a significant challenge, making the training facility a vital component of their strategy.
He said the association was driven by a vision to transform Ghana from a recipient of missionaries to a country that sent missionaries to the world.
“By 2040, GEMA aims to sponsor at least 30,000 Ghanaian missionaries, both locally and globally. This ambitious goal is part of a broader effort to mobilize young, educated, and dedicated individuals to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ worldwide,” he added.
He said as the umbrella body for mission agencies in Ghana, GEMA had grown exponentially since its inception, now encompassing over 50 associations with more expected to join.
Rev. Ahlijah emphasized that GEMA’s impact was palpable across Ghana, with member bodies providing vital services, including the provision of freshwater wells to rural communities.
“This initiative is particularly timely, given the current concerns over water contamination and the devastating impact of galamsey activities on the nation’s water resources.
GEMA’s primary motivation stems from a deep-seated passion for God and gratitude for divine blessings,” he stressed.
He noted that this core value drove GEMA’s commitment to finding solutions to the pressing issues affecting Ghanaians, demonstrating its dedication to serving the nation.
Rev. Ahlijah said GEMA’s efforts extended beyond water provision, with initiatives in Bible translation, education, healthcare, socio-economic development and missionary leadership.
Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei, in delivering the keynote address, highlighted how GEMA had been instrumental in promoting mission work across the country since its inception in 1990.
He noted that, with a focus on providing access to the Bible in local languages and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in unreached communities, GEMA had collaborated with approximately 50 churches and parachurch groups to achieve its objectives.
“The association’s efforts have yielded significant results, with missionaries now present in every region of Ghana. GEMA’s members include notable institutions such as the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, which is dedicated to translating the Bible into major Ghanaian languages”
“This initiative has been crucial in making scripture accessible to communities across the country,” he said.
Prof. Delanyo Adadevoh, the President and Founder of International Leadership Foundation Global, said partnership with GEMA was a game-changer, adding that collaborating with GEMA was a top-notch opportunity that everyone must seize.
“Spreading the gospel message is life-transforming and gives a sense of responsibility to contribute to the greater good of all humanity,” he added.
He said the call to partner with GEMA was seen as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to this noble cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The ceremony brought together dignitaries, member bodies both from foreign countries and Ghana, featured a vibrant harmony and reflections on GEMA’s remarkable journey.
Fundraising was a highlight of the event, as members contributed towards the building of ultramodern missionary training centres across Ghana and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie