In 2015, immediately after completing SHS, I gained admission to the University of Ghana. At the time, I was a “maybe born again”. By this, I mean, I had said the sinner’s prayer and all other prayers connected to it, but I was not sure if I truly was a child of God. I was an average Christian who went to church regularly on Sundays, sometimes midweek, and that was about it.

One day, I met a very pleasant lady, Marietta, in a trotro. She and I talked like old friends even though we had just met. She told me about how she, too, had been doubtful about her salvation and how she was now sure because she learned that in a Navigator Bible study on campus. Since I, too, had a similar dilemma, I just agreed to join the bible studies. She introduced me to the Level 100 bible study led at the time by Naa Amanua and Kwame Asomaning. Then I was introduced to Akuafo Bible study leader Theophilus Quaye. This man would come to my room and have bible studies with my roommates and me whenever I couldn’t make it. At other times, Naa Amanuah (Marietta’s best friend) came to visit me and just chatted with me about life, family, and school. I saw the genuine concern for my physical, spiritual, and academic growth. In the study, quoting and memorizing scripture were normal. The depth of the Word was very intriguing and satisfying. And these people were not pastors but mere students! I felt like a thirsty man in a desert who had suddenly discovered an oasis.

I stayed with the Navigators on campus and grew through responsibilities like Prayer Coordinator for 2 years and Campus Leader in my final year. I never saw myself as one who would one day stand before people to teach God’s Word or have a desire to do ministry in any form. I saw those things to be for pastors and people on fire, because I was just a normal girl who loved God.

Youth Camps, Labourers’ Retreats, Transition Seminars, and conferences at the Nav office – all those times were carefully transforming me into what I have become and am still becoming.

The first real impact I can say is that God’s Word no longer feels like an unattainable standard I could only dream of, but His Word is a practical, livable thing. The Bible came to life for me during Bible study times with Uncle Nii Nortey at LIC on Sunday evenings. I observed the way he applied scripture to his daily life, money, family, ministry, and work. I got my lightbulb moment then and decided I would also challenge myself to God’s Word. I also learned to know God for myself through Bible reading (4 chapters a day), quiet time, and personal and corporate study times. I even discovered a few spiritual gifts.

Secondly, I got to live the abundant life in Christ. Previously, I was struggling with low self-esteem, unforgiveness, and an identity crisis. Who I thought I was, who people thought I was, and what God thinks of me did not align. I learned of God’s amazing love for me, how He is pleased with merely my existence, and how He has prepared good works for me to walk in. Also, how He is sitting as a refiner of silver to refine and prune me to bear more fruit.

I got a community – no, a family – of godly men and women. The Navigators Ghana are full of people who are not afraid to share their life stories. When asked a personal question, they don’t pacify you with: ‘O, it’s by the grace of God o.’ They would be vulnerable and give all the details, so you too can learn from them. I got encouragement from friends through ordinary conversations. I received godly counsel through the different stages of my life. Life has been livable because I’ve had Vida Odei, Godwin Ahiadzro, The Nimako-Boatengs, and other big brothers and sisters walk with me through different stages of my life. I experienced true fellowship with the Navigators.

Throughout my time with Uncle Nii Nortey on campus and with Vida Odei, the fact that I’m being invested in to invest in others was deeply ingrained in my heart. I knew it wasn’t enough to be a good Christian, but also important to help somebody just as I’d been helped. Currently, I meet with some four young ladies across different stages of life, for discipleship and mentorship. I also facilitate a Good News club in the Adenta-Ashiyie area. The joy I’ve found in being able to pour myself into these lives is unmatched.