Akosombo district of Assemblies of God Church has began post trauma counseling for six survivors, families and church members after the Senchi marine accident on Saturday. Â
Four out of 10 church members of ElShaddai Temple lost their lives after the canoe they were aboard capsized whilst crossing the Volta lake from Senchi to Old Akrade in the Eastern region to propagate the gospel.
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Rescue efforts took over three hours to end due to murkier water and lack of in-water rescuing equipment.
Following this harrowing experience, survivors look visibly terrified but the church fears its possible negative impact of post traumatic disorder on the survivors.
Counselor at El Shaddai Temple, Assemblies of Assemblies of God, Rev. Lydia Ackam, told Adom News the post traumatic counseling is needed to stabilize the survivors.
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“Joining hands with medical officers, we were able stabilize their condition after the incident. From now, we are going to counsel them as well as their families. We need to continue until they are fit to live”, she said.
Aside the victims and their families, church members are also being counseled.
El Shaddai Temple Sunday held special church session for the survivors and deceased but made it clear that the church will not suspend any planned activity prior to the tragedy.Â
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Akosombo district Pastor for Assemblies of God, Rev. Prince Owusu Frimpong sees the tragedy as a test of their faith in God.
“This is a difficult moment for us but it will not affect our faith in God in anyway. This is even the time for us to draw closer to God the more. Spreading the gospel comes with its own risk,”he revealed.
He said 2 Corinthians chapter 11 highlights the numerous trials and challenges Paul went through in an attempt to spread the word of God.
Picking his sermon from Job 13:15, he urged members not to be discouraged or give up in the face of current happenings.
Meanwhile, Chief of Senchi, Nana Ofei Agyeman II want users of the lake to take precautions.
“I want to assure the bereaved families that we are with them. Aside the counseling, we are ready to support them in any other way. I must add that, crossing the lake must be done in a safe manner,” he urged.
He said canoes, boats and other water vehicles must be in good shape if one intends to use the lake.
Nana Ofei Agyeman II assured that, they are going liaise with NADMO, Asuogyaman District Assembly in providing life jackets and also educate the people on safe crossing to avoid any future mishap.Â
Ghana|Adom News|Kwame Yankah