Zion to Ghana: A Breathtaking Experience in the Motherland
December 13- 20th, 2024, members of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church embarked on a life-changing journey to Ghana, West Africa, reconnecting with the rich heritage and spiritual legacy of the Motherland. This pilgrimage was not only a cultural exploration but also a deeply spiritual experience that resonated with our shared history as people of African descent in The A.M.E. Zion Church.
Day One: The Journey Begins
On December 13th, the journey began with great anticipation. Traveling from various locations, participants gathered in New York City to board an Airbus for the nine-hour flight to Ghana. Upon landing at Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 9 a.m. (4 a.m. EST), the warm Ghanaian heat greeted travelers, a stark contrast to the cold winter weather left behind.
Bishop Hilliard Dogbe, President of the Board of Bishops and Bishop of the Western West Africa Episcopal District, along with ministers and presiding elders, warmly welcomed the group at the airport and assisted guests with their bags. The vibrant energy of Accra, a city bustling with over 2 million people, was immediately evident. A short drive through lively traffic due to a police escort brought the group to the Alisa Hotel, where they settled in before attending a welcome banquet. The evening was filled with cultural dishes, vibrant music, and the opportunity to meet political dignitaries, including the first Ghanaian Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Lawson. It was a joyous start to the Ghanaian adventure.
Day Two: Sunday morning began with a two-hour journey to Keta to worship at the newly constructed sanctuary of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church. The service was a lively celebration of music, dance, and faith, punctuated by a powerful sermon from Bishop Crenshaw. Following worship, the group visited the Zion College Senior High School, home to 1,639 students. The warm welcome included a military-style ROTC presentation, music, and heartfelt hospitality.
Day Three: On Monday, the group started the week touring the home of civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, learning about his connection to Ghana’s first president and legacy. This visit culminated in a moment of reflection at the site where Du Bois and his wife are buried. Meanwhile, some Bishops had the opportunity to meet with the U.S. Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy. The day concluded with an exhilarating visit to the local market, an intense and memorable shopping experience filled with beautifully handcrafted accessories and paintings, sculptures, and African garments.
Day Four: The journey continued with a three-hour trip to Cape Coast Castle, a historic site where enslaved Africans were held before being transported across the Atlantic. Walking through the infamous “Door of No Return,” the delegation felt a profound connection to ancestors who endured unimaginable hardship. Tears were shed, prayers were offered, and songs of hope were sung as the group reflected on the enduring spirit of those who came before.
En route to Cape Coast, the group visited Zion Girls School in Winneba and Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School. At Zion Girls School, the group was welcomed with music and learned about renovations supported by the Christian Education Department. At Aggrey Memorial, the welcome was overwhelming, with the first year of 4,600 students filling the assembly hall (auditorium) in a joyous celebration of song and dance.
Day Five: Wednesday brought the group to the Western West Africa Episcopal District headquarters. Bishop Dogbe showcased renovations and shared plans for a new episcopal residence. The Kenneth Monroe Worship Center, a beautiful chapel on the headquarters’ campus, was dedicated in a service led by Bishop Moore, who preached a stirring sermon titled “A Consecrated Church.” Over $30,000 was raised during the service toward the remaining $55,000 needed to complete the worship center.
Day Six: The final day included visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a monument built to honour Ghana’s president. The group learned about the nation’s first president and his enduring legacy. A return trip to the market showcased the group’s improved negotiation skills. The journey concluded with a farewell service at Aggrey Memorial Society (A.M.E. Zion Church) in Mamprobi, where Senior Bishop Daryl B. Starnes delivered a heartfelt sermon. The service overflowed with worship, music, and dance, leaving the A.M.E. Zion Delegation deeply moved.
As the Delegation departed Ghana, their hearts were filled with gratitude and bittersweet emotions. This journey deepened their connection to the Motherland and strengthened their bond with the Zion family. Special thanks were extended to Bishop Hilliard Dogbe for envisioning and facilitating this unforgettable experience.
The trip to Ghana was more than a cultural or spiritual journey—it was a bridge connecting the past to the present, a call to honor our heritage, and an invitation to walk boldly into the future. Worship services throughout the trip reflected the unifying power of faith, blending African rhythms with Zion’s hymns to create a symphony of worship that transcended borders.
From the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to Cape Coast Castle and the vibrant culture, the A.M.E. Zion Delegation was immersed in Ghana’s rich history and enduring resilience. The experience reminded them of their place in a global family bound by faith, history, and a shared destiny.
Returning home with full hearts and renewed spirits, travelers carry forward the lessons learned and memories made, inspired to continue building a legacy of hope, justice, and unity within The A.M.E. Zion Church and beyond. The breathtaking experience in the Motherland will remain a cherished chapter in their lives.
