A bicycle accident in Ghana took the life of Pastor Moses Abubakari and left his wife, Rebecca, as a widow with five children, struggling to care for a church ministry, two farm plots, and a small business. To marry again—the accepted practice in Ghanaian culture—would’ve been the easiest thing for Rebecca. But she refused. Each suitor from her clan was Muslim, and Rebecca was not willing to abandon the work to which the Lord Jesus Christ had called her and her husband.
Rebecca’s spiritual life had begun during her childhood years at Zambogu Regular Baptist Church, pastored by BMM missionary Paul Boyer. Rebecca’s husband, Moses, was a graduate of the BMM Bible institute in Wa. After their marriage, Rebecca put her whole heart into being a pastor’s wife. Eagerly desiring to read the Scriptures in her own language, Rebecca learned how to read and then taught the other women from her Waalii-language New Testament. She was also one of the first people to receive a portion of the newly translated Waalii-language Old Testament. The gift of God’s Word comforted Rebecca immensely after her husband’s death. Her first copy wore out through much use.
Rebecca has worked hard to stay true to her convictions about the Christian home, striving to raise her children well in a single-parent household. Her children, all of whom have become Christians, are proof of her authentic faith and her sincere love for the Lord.
Earning a living and caring for her household now occupy most of Rebecca’s time, although her heart’s desire is to continue in the ministry. Presently, Rebecca counsels local people in her home and has dreams of writing a book that will help other people, both Christians and non-Christians, to find Christ.