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Past Issues
Messengers of Goodwill
By The Journalist
Reide
had a dream while praying one night in 1991. The Lord spoke to her and
revealed what He had for her in the future. She was to travel to Africa
to spread goodwill and help the natives. This manifestation was just the
beginning of an incredible undertaking that has so far donated more than
a million dollars in drugs and medical equipment to the Brong-Ahafo Region
of Ghana.
Dr. Reide was in the process of attaining her doctorate when she had the vision. She then informed the then Pastor of the Greater Grace Temple Bishop David Ellis who without hesitation gave Dr. Reide his full support and blessing.
With a group of 10 including her children Malik, Maisha and Maya, nephew Richard Sheppard IV and Evangelist Kathy Jones, Dr. Reide set out and began God’s work. Their first trip took them to many small villages within the region as they preached, made friends and listened to the needs of the people. They took with them clothing and many items which were donated by church members. It was also during that time that she met Suffragan Bishop Emmanuel Baffour Awuah who would be head of the Greater Temple Ghana churches. They also met Sister Rose of Sunyani who would become “our guardian angel.” During the six months that she stayed there, Dr. Reide became a research affiliate at the University of Ghana, Legon’s Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) where she did research for her doctorate in Regional Hospital, Ho and Korle-Bu Hospital.
Upon
her return to the states, Dr. Reide met and gave a full and comprehensive
detailed account of her trip to Bishop Ellis who agreed to support the
work. After getting intimately involved with all the undertakings in Africa,
Bishop Ellis passed on and his son Bishop Dr.Charles H. Ellis III, who
took his place, continues to support their endeavors that have since taken
them to Liberia and other West African countries. Bishop Ellis III recently
returned from Ghana where he provided leadership training and donated
from the church to assist in employing the people.
In Ghana, they saw the need to do so much for the many that were underprivileged. Dr. Reide and husband Jerome together with another husband and wife team, Trustee Everett Howard and late wife Dr. Gladys Howard, reinforced their vision and their mission for Ghana by encouraging others here in the US with messages of love and support of the foreign missions. Before her death, Dr. Howard and husband Trustee Howard did so much to join the mission. To accomplish the feat of fundraising, they sold their cars, exhausted their personal funds, clothes so as to be able to afford the trip.
In 1998 and 1999, the group provided free medical and literacy training, free medicine, medical supplies, wheel chairs, walkers, crutches and books valued at $500,000 and $300,000 respectively for 7,000 people.
Last year, with a team of 35 volunteers including doctors, nurses and educators, Dr. Reide held a major outreach effort in the region. Free medical screening, pharmacy, equipment and supplies were provided for approximately 5,000 people in the Techimentia and Chiraa. Teachers and Health educators were brought from throughout the Tano School District to Berekum where free workshops on HIV/AIDS, emergency First Aid and literacy training were provided.
The team also donated 3,000 academic textbooks to the district. Upon completion of the outreach, a presentation was made to the National Ministry of Health where a 100 First Aid Kits were donated and the then Deputy Minister of Health Mr. Charles M. A. Kpabitey wrote personally to acknowledge. The group has an adopt-a-child program where they help with tuition, school supplies, medical needs and feeding both children and the elderly.
Personal letters of appreciation have also been received from Ms. Frieda Kpedekpo, Deputy District Director of Education/Asuogyaman District, Mr. Paul Bediako, District Disease Control Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Dwamena-Bekoe, and Mr. Samuel Nuamah Donkor. The work of the Lord is not yet done according to Dr. Reide. In September 2000, a Ghanaian brother and sister Minister Percy R. Welsing and wife Gloria joined the mission team. “They are very committed Christians who are determined to help so that God might be glorified,” says Dr. Reide.
As of now, the mission is preparing a container load of food supplies and medical equipment to be shipped to Ghana and may need the assistance of all willing to donate to this charitable cause. Dr. Reide appeals to all Ghanaians abroad as well as African Americans to look back and do what they can to help the continent and cites the example of ‘Sankofa’ a bird that has to look back in order to move forward.
To make an earnest donation or contribution, please contact Dr. Reide at at: Greater Grace Temple, 19190 Schaeffer Hwy. Detroit, Mich. 48235 or call (313) 342-2300.
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