This month, MyTurlock.com is highlighting a missions organization that is based right here in Turlock. According to their web-site, Harvest Keepers International is a Christian non-governmental organization established to be an agent of rural socio-economic development. What is unique about this organization is that not only do they send missions teams to different countries to give supplies to villagers, but they also teach them how to be self sufficient. HKI explains that its work and program activities are accomplished through programs and projects focused on the economic, social and spiritual development of individuals, family units and the communities in which they live. HKI project are targeted to, but not limited to, poor and underdeveloped societies and built on Christian principles of preserving the end time harvest (Matt. 13:30) and the promise of abundant life for all who would live accordingly (John 10:10b).

I contacted Nana Bekoe-Sakyi, who is one of the Directors of Harvest Keepers International, and got more of an idea of what their vision is as a world wide organization. For Nana, this isn’t just a personal passion. His whole family is involved. Nana is married to Mavis and they have three children, Junior (12), Aseda (8) and Kojo (6).

Currently Nana & Mavis are preparing a team to send to Ghana, Africa to continue a mission that they started back in 2006. According to Nana, back in April 2006, a team of HKI representative traveled to Ghana to hold meetings with the traditional rulers, political officials, religious leaders and the community Abokobi. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for future projects. This gives us the local support that will be required to meet the objectives of the organization. This worked out great since HKI made the town of Abokobi its operational base for future Africa projects. Highlights of the Abokobi visit included a Youth Soccer Festival involving 8 surrounding villages and a distribution of clothes and toys to the community.

This current team will be traveling back to Ghana on November, 17th 2008. Upon arrival, there will be a storage container that was sent from California, full of supplies such as clothing, shoes, bicycles, and medical equipment. Not only will they be distributing these supplies, they will get the opportunity to share the love and hope that Jesus Christ brings to us all. “We are expecting God to move mightily and are anticipating a tremendous impact in the live of so many,” says Amanda Coffman, who was a part of the Ghana 2006 team.

For more information about HKI and the Ghana 2008 Mission trip, go to www.harvestkeepersinternational.org.

Packing volunteers pose for a quick picture.

Abby & Aseda sort through shoe donated by the Addidas Shoe Company. These shoes will be distributed to kids all around Ghana.

Nana & Mavis go over some details with the Director of Assist International. Assist International has helped out by letting us use their warehouse to store the supplies.

Part of the team getting supplies ready to be shipped.