Zach Tanner: The Intern

This past summer, we were blessed with the opportunity of having Zach Tanner come and spend it with us. He was a good friend of mine back when I was a student at MACU, and he was a great help to our ministry. He said he would do whatever was necessary for the ministry to move forward so I put him to the test. :) He led music and devotions a couple of times in church assemblies, taught in school regularly, did a lot of maintenance work, was the guest speaker for our college aged "youth" meetings, helped expand the gym, helped train and pray with individuals in the gym, led a VBS in the village, helped fix up the school kitchen, worked with young kids in the school to help them be regularly attending church meetings, etc.

First thing we did was to go shopping in Central Market (the largest open-air market in West Africa) for  second-hand clothing to look professional for school and to get a feel for the city.

Enjoying coconut milk! Well... sort of :)

Working hard at men's work day

Putting the muscles to good use

Zach weeding with a machete

Something which touched my heart was Zach would see a need and do all he could to help meet that need. He freely gave to have our gym put up a small structure behind the gym so it could cater for the large number of people we have crowded in our little gym.

Making concrete to extend gym area

Zach helped clean out and paint the room for the school kitchen so we can soon offer canteen to the students.

Zach and some students at Costume Day 

Zach working hard and multitasking in the Learning Center

One thing which made Zach effective is that he was really friendly. Because of that, everyone loved him!

Our kids loving on him

Zach's students loving on him

Zach's mom generously sent over a package of school supplies for the students

Zach addressing everyone at Awards Night!

After a strong finish of school, the next day was Fun Day!!!

Praising God for a fun time and safe finish of the school year

Zach and some of the kids in the village of Akokoaso for VBS

Zach pounding fufu which he ate with a great attitude :) He was willing to try everything with a great attitude!

Zach's room in the village of Akokoaso (They just got electricity to the village less than a month ago)

VBS kids from Mr. Omane's Christian School in Akokoaso which meets in his house

                                   

While visiting in the village he worked to help fill in the dirt for the floor's foundation of the new school building being built for the Christian school.

Inside is now level

Current status: A four classroom block now being roofed

Zach at one of the College Aged "Youth" Nites

Barbershop, Ghana style. Preparing to head back to the States.

It was truly a blessing having Zach intern with us!!! I miss his friendship, our weekly Bible discussions, his great and positive attitude in everything, his hardworking nature, the good cheer he brings everywhere he goes, his comradery, etc. It was GREAT to have another faithful coworker to work with. These are just a few of the things he did. This blog would be too long for you to read if I were to write all that transpired the whole 10 week internship. We are thankful to Zach for his willingness to come.  We are thankful for all who supported him to make his time here possible.  Most of all we thank God for putting us together for the building up of the body of Christ!