In 2007 two lovely, ordinary women of God took on an extraordinary task knowing that God would supply all that was needed. Becky and Karen, from a large Church in Calgary, began the "small" project of helping to restore and equip the Philip Quaque Boy's and Girl's Schools in Cape Coast, Ghana, Africa.
The "small" project did not stay small for very long due to the perseverance of these 2 women, "GOD'S SNOWBALL EFFECT" and a chance meeting with 2 other women at Pilgrim Books (Wendy and Sue) who are always looking for ministry moments! Becky told them of her desire to build a library for the students at these schools and a bond of ministry was immediately formed. Pilgrim Books was always looking for ways to use the books that they already had enough of on the shelves and Becky was looking for books.
The small project snowballed into a 40 foot container and meant monthly visits to Pilgrim Books to pick up between 10 and 20 boxes of books that were being donated. Becky would pack them into her van and then into her garage. The garage soon became too small for this ballooning project but this determined woman found a storage place (also graciously donated) and then began to get donations to help send this container to Africa, which cost between 10 and $12,000.
Becky also began to add helpers to the project and received computers, fax machines, clothing, toiletries and more, to send along with the books to help the students and teachers in Africa.
People came up with creative ways to raise money and get equipment to send to these needy students. Many generous people became involved in this project! Our customers gave their pocket change (and more sometimes) as well as some large businesses (who gave generously) & many different Churches and individuals. People could see that this was a cause worth giving to and that God was at work!
On one visit to the school, Becky tried to get an audience with the King of Africa. She had heard this was a next to impossible task.but it was not (of course) for God. Becky was granted her audience with the King who was pleased to offer her 3 rooms in his Castle for the library. This is the very same castle that Presidents stay in when they visit.
During their time together on this project Becky told us that the King gave his life over to God after talking with her brother who was a Pastor there. This was not part of the original "plan" but always interesting how God can take someone's sincere projects and plans and snowball them into amazing rays of hope and grace to others and blessing for us!
This is a Glory to God story, started by 2 determined women bold enough to say "maybe we can help a little bit".and the now very full container with close to 900 boxes of Pilgrim Book's books, along with many other needed items for these 2 schools, was shipped at the end of January, 2010. Becky and Karen are planning a trip out to meet the container and begin work on the library in February and no doubt to share some "God stories" with their new brother in the Lord, the King of Africa!
This is also a Glory to God story to know of the humble beginnings of Pilgrim Books (some 20 years ago) and another 2 women (Grace and Ruth Eby) who said in another way "maybe we can help a little bit". Who could have foreseen that God would "enlarge their territory" (1Chr. 4:10) from Calgary Ab., to Ghana Africa.
Many thanks to all the generous donators for making this large project a reality and to Becky and Karen for their determination to follow God's leading on an otherwise impossible task! Many thanks for letting Pilgrim Books be a part of this lovely ministry and may the Lord continue to finish the work that He has started in Africa!
Respectfully submitted by Wendy Janzen