It had been a while since my last visit to the Tema congregation. And on the occasion of this recent visit in the company of National Heads of Seminars (NHS) to this congregation, on the 21st of November 2021, there was virtually a change in environment. The Sunday School now uses the low concrete-walled wooden-top building and they seemed very happy and well comported. Three Sisters; Emefa, Tetteh and Felicia, were in control of our future leaders who entertained the visitors with their dances – ‘Borborbor’ and ‘Agbadza’ – and a role play – ‘Joseph and his brethren’.

At the divine service, I saw Sister Emefa joyfully singing with the choir as well; a dual personality again! So I asked her if I could interview her for publication on our website. She responded “Yes!” My first question was…

Reporter: I am very curious about you, tell us a little about yourself?

Emefa: My full name is Lydia Emefa Djan and I am from Berekum and Peki Dzake . My dad is from Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region and my mum is from Peki Dzake in the Volta Region. They are both deceased.  I grew up with my grandmother, also of blessed memory at Hohoe in the Volta region. I had my primary and secondary education there and my tertiary education at the Presbyterian University, Tema campus. I studied Business Administration (Business Management). I am the eldest daughter of three children; I am followed by a brother and a sister.

Reporter:  Congratulations on the wonderful work done on the visit by the NHS. The choice of performances and delivery was spot on. What inspired you?

Emefa:  The passion I have for the work of God and the children, I would also say it's in the bloodline because my mum was a Sunday School Teacher in Lagos, Nigeria, working under Apostle Ohemeng (now retired).

Reporter:  How long have you been a Sunday school teacher and how many children do you currently teach?

Emefa:  I have been a Sunday School Teacher for close to 10 years now. Currently I teach about 45 children.

Reporter: What would you say is your proudest moment as Tema Sunday School teacher?

Emefa: I will admit, it has been this recent visit by the Apostles from various West African countries and how they were all happy to participate in whatever the children did, especially when Lead Apostle Ohene-Saffo, Apostle Amevoh and Bishop Asare joined the children. The joy and fulfillment I saw in their eyes and the appreciation of my work...It was great.

Reporter:  What has been your biggest challenge till date?

Emefa:  My biggest challenge is the lateness of the children to Sunday school.

Reporter: Looks like it’s same complaint everywhere. Now how do you handle troublesome kids?

Emefa: I do so by promising them some toffees and biscuits after service and you know when children hear of toffees or ice cream, they put up their best behaviour.

Reporter: Eiii!  Ice cream too? Well assuming you were the head of Sunday School teachers in Accra, what would you like to introduce to improve Sunday School activities?

Emefa: I would like to organise a seminar once every year, that also trains teachers on other innovative ways of delivering Sunday School lessons. I would also like to help the teachers to be equipped with more learning aids and tools. And as we are getting more and more digital in our daily lives, I would like to promote the use of audio-visual e-learning facilities.

Reporter: Interesting. What are your thoughts on the Sunday School manual?

Emefa: I think we should print yearly manuals, just as the minsters have yearly guides. The current approach makes it monotonous having to repeat lessons every four years. I also think many more bible stories could be developed to give a range of variety and diversity.

Reporter: I am told you are also a very dedicated chorister. How are you able to combine these two roles?

Emefa: Yes, that’s true. I have been a chorister since the age of 12. I was in the Sunday School choir, the Youth choir after my confirmation and then joined the main choir. I will say I have been in the choir for past 30 years and counting. Naturally, I am also passionate about singing. And so it's not such a big deal combining the two since they are things I love to do, so I make time for them.

Reporter: In your old age, what would you want to have achieved as a Sunday School teacher?

Emefa: In my old age, I would be happy and fulfilled to see the children I taught become Priests choristers and holding other positions in the church and the choir. I would also be happy to see some of these children becoming Sunday School teachers, just as I was.

Reporter: Finally, can you share some words of encouragement to other Sunday School Teachers?

Emefa: Sunday School teachers should love what they do and also remember that you are serving God and not man.  So even if no one appreciates them, they should not be discouraged or disappointed, they should just continue and also keep the faith and God who sees and knows our hearts desires will reward them at the appointed time.

Reporter: Sister Emefa, thank you very much. I have taken more than enough of your time and I greatly appreciate your responses. God bless you and your team at the Tema Sunday School.

Emefa: You are most welcome Bishop. Thank you too for giving a voice to Sunday School teachers.