Report pre-field visit to Ghana 19.02.-31.03.2011
Report on pre-field visit to Ghana
von Adadow Yidana
My visit to Ghana was to familiarize myself with the field and to get some background information about the study area. Apart from the familiarity, I also needed some information for the review of relevant literature and contacting experts concerning the study and background information. This was very necessary because I needed to have a preliminary interaction with the contact persons within the Pentecostal and charismatic churches to see how they go about their daily activities.
While in Ghana, I used the first week (21-25/2/11) to explore the availability of these Pentecostal and Charismatic churches as well as their locations. Quite a number of them were found and I even visited some of them; Powerful Jesus Outreach Ministry, Kings Christian Ministry, Reach Chapel and Winning Life Ministry all located within Tamale, the study area to ascertain the possibility of studying them. I selected four of such churches and devoted one week to each one of them just familiarize myself with their activities, so that during the post field visit, I will know exactly what I will be looking for and where to find it. Thus, 28th Feb to 4th March 2011, I was with Powerful Jesus Outreach Ministry, then, from 6th – 11th March 2011, I was at Kings Christian Ministry, from 13th to 18th, I was with Reach Chapel and, from 20th to 24th March 2011 with Winning Life Ministry.
I had interaction with some of the pastors and church leaders of these churches. The conversation was basically on their activities and also to create the rapport so that during the post field study, I will not encounter any difficulty accessing them. I also had informal interaction with some of the church members just to have a fare idea with regard to what it takes to be a Pentecostal and their worldview on issues that were of interest. I also participated in some of their programs, for instance their healings and other programs and other activities they undertake.
The last week (25th to 30th march 2011) was spent in Accra for additional information. I had discussion with some of the experts in sociology of religion. They suggested some literature for me to consult. However I could not get information I needed from the council for Pentecostal and charismatic churches, the man in charge of documentation I was told was on leave. So I am hoping that I will get this during the next visit.