Gladys

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 On Thursday we visited a former Trokosi and her family in a remote village called Fiuekpe (pronounced Fē˖ĕk˖pā).  The woman’s name is Ewornu Axatse and we met two of her daughters, Bernice and Gladys.  We have been told that they are all Christians, but one of the daughters, Gladys, has been suffering from what appears to be a severe case of depression for the past two years. 

Ewornu Axatse and her daughter Bernice with Denese and Mary. 
Gladys is in the background.

When we arrived at the home, we could see Gladys from a distance hiding her face from everyone as she sat alone on a stool in their yard.  She would not respond to us or even acknowledge our presence. It was a heartbreaking moment for all of us as we watched this woman in her thirties languish in sadness.  Mary, our Ghanaian colleague, who has been working with her, said that Gladys used to be a functioning adult and had aspirations to complete a vocational college when this illness struck her.  Gladys has been in and out of the hospital and has been prescribed various types of medication.  Unfortunately, given the rudimentary nature of the medical care here in the Volta Region, it is hard to determine whether or not she is receiving the proper type of diagnosis or care.

As one who has suffered from bouts of depression in the past (particularly as a child), James’ heart aches for Gladys.  Depression is an ailment that can leave one with a feeling of loneliness and imprisonment.  For the Christian, the delusion of being abandoned by our Father is both magnified and quite painful.  This disease, if left untreated, may result in victory for the enemy as the victim will sometimes yield to the voices that deceptively offer death as a way out of the torment.

After we had a Bible study with her family, we laid hands on Gladys and prayed for her.  We plan to visit her again next week.  Please pray that God would heal her completely.

We love and miss you all!  May God richly bless you!

James & Denese