Last weekend we visited the "witches camp" in the village of Gambaga. In traditional African understanding, when bad things happen (deaths, accidents, diseases, etc.), they are often attributed to witchcraft. Villagers identify unfortunate women as the suspected witches and often banish them from the villages as a means of self-protection. These women are left with no homes, no families, and no means of support. More than 100 years ago the chief of the village of Gambaga began permitting these women to come and live on his land.

Twenty years ago the Presbyterian Church of Ghana began a ministry to these women. A woman pastor/social worker has been caring for this community of women for the past 20 years. Through her efforts they have been able to become self-supporting, receive medical care and education for their children. She is a truly remarkable person who is deeply loved. I had the privilege of preaching at her church on Sunday.