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In Defense of John in Ghana [1]

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Date: 2023-02-01  

I have been writing diaries about John in Ghana and his work for awhile now. Some of the diaries have been sad, some have been happy, some have been downright desperate. I have been trying to document some of what John has been doing and his ministry of help to those who are in desperate need in his community in Ghana.

John in a licensed minister, though his work has always been helping people rather than simply preaching on the street. (He has done that also but gave it up from distaste, even though it hurt him financially to do so.) He is desperately poor but he is just not somebody with absolutely no credentials, (Though in actuality, what if he were? Does one need a license in order to care about others and to do good for them?)

I admit I was reluctant to mention him here because I know there are certain people who always try to dispute and disprove and deny whatever anyone says. The skeptical debunk ‘gotcha’ attitude is common in the world, and especially on the internet, and I was not eager to expose myself to it. But people here have been more than welcoming, which I appreciate.

In my last diary I was trying to provide some background on the little girl John has been trying to help. It had little response, in fact the only reply seemed to be saying that they knew more about Ghana than I and that no child there would be abandoned and in Anabel’s situation. I responded to this, perhaps, harshly, but felt uncomfortable and ultimately I deleted the diary.

I admit I felt called out. I know this is partly because I find it extremely embarrassing to be writing these diaries at all. I am an intensely private person and I am putting myself out there in a way that makes me cringe. I have done it because I realize that this is about John and the people he is helping and not me, He deserves some recognition for his work and his sacrifice.

So I thought I would make a few points here.

One, when John asks me for help with someone he always- ALWAYS- has a photo taken of that person with him in the photo to prove that the person really exists and is physically with him, not just a photo off the internet or a random person from the street.

Two, when possible he sends documentation. While it is not always practical, he tries to send photos of receipts, prescriptions for medicine, and other paperwork to prove what the money has been used for.

Three, when he gives them money instead of paying their bills in person he takes a photo of himself giving the people the money, literally handing it over, to prove he did not take the money himself as a scam.

I would also say that he also sends photos so terrible I would never show them to anyone. Even I cringe to see them. John is not shy at showing pain and suffering.

I am also aware that some might take this series of diaries as a fund-raising scheme and I admit I have asked for help a couple of times. One was when I was in a blind panic as John was literally dying and one was simply to provide a means by which those who so chose could help with his work. This series was not meant as a way to raise money and I have repeatedly said so, even when people have asked how they could help.

I feel bad having to make this defense. As I said, I dislike exposing myself in this way anyway. Right now I am not sure I want to continue these diaries but perhaps I will feel in a better mood tomorrow.

God bless.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/1/2150626/-In-Defense-of-John-in-Ghana

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