Ministry History
Bob and Bonnie Parker accepted Christ as their personal savior as children but both ran from Him for many years. It was through their children attending Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and a child evangelist that they came back to the church and the Lord. Bob was ordained as a minister at First Baptist Church, Elizabeth, Indiana, in 1995 and remained on staff as part of the Ministry Team until leaving for Ghana in 2001.
While on a short mission trip to India in 1995, Bob noticed the children and the need for children’s workers. Upon his return home, he and Bonnie together planned their next trip to India and their emphasis was again on the children. They continued to minister in India until the doors were closed.
In September of 2000, Bob and Bonnie traveled to Ghana Africa, for their first and only short term mission trip to the area. As they shared at a school one morning, Bonnie began to cry when she saw the children carrying their desks outside to hear the story of Jesus. That night as she recorded in her journal she saw the Scripture Psalm 126:5-6.
While on a short mission trip to India in 1995, Bob noticed the children and the need for children’s workers. Upon his return home, he and Bonnie together planned their next trip to India and their emphasis was again on the children. They continued to minister in India until the doors were closed.
In September of 2000, Bob and Bonnie traveled to Ghana Africa, for their first and only short term mission trip to the area. As they shared at a school one morning, Bonnie began to cry when she saw the children carrying their desks outside to hear the story of Jesus. That night as she recorded in her journal she saw the Scripture Psalm 126:5-6.
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”
Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)
She shared her experience with Bob and they agreed that God was leading them to full time missionary work in Tamale, Ghana, West Africa. Through their tears and God’s calling, Seed Ministry was formed as a non-profit organization in October 2000. A brief chronology of the ministry is shown below:
2001
· Moved into rental house
· Began establishing relationships
· Became involved with local churches
· Bible clubs started
· Training in local communities for pastors & leaders
2002
· Ministry team started
· 3 acres of land purchased, ministry facility started
· Bible Club leader training established
2003
· Ministry Center completed
· Soul Searcher boat started
· Leadership training began in Ministry Center
2004
· Soul Searcher boat launched, 7 villages visited on the Volta River
· Jesus Film project initiated
· Upper East Region Bible Clubs began – 1st introduction into northeastern Ghana
2005
· Joyful Sowers team began ministering in schools
· 5 acres of land purchased and 2 houses built for ministry staff
· Camp counselor quarters built
· Youth Camps began
2006
· Children’s Crusades began
· Young translators class began for ages 11-17
· Volta Region Bible clubs began – 1st introduction into southern Ghana
Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)
She shared her experience with Bob and they agreed that God was leading them to full time missionary work in Tamale, Ghana, West Africa. Through their tears and God’s calling, Seed Ministry was formed as a non-profit organization in October 2000. A brief chronology of the ministry is shown below:
2001
· Moved into rental house
· Began establishing relationships
· Became involved with local churches
· Bible clubs started
· Training in local communities for pastors & leaders
2002
· Ministry team started
· 3 acres of land purchased, ministry facility started
· Bible Club leader training established
2003
· Ministry Center completed
· Soul Searcher boat started
· Leadership training began in Ministry Center
2004
· Soul Searcher boat launched, 7 villages visited on the Volta River
· Jesus Film project initiated
· Upper East Region Bible Clubs began – 1st introduction into northeastern Ghana
2005
· Joyful Sowers team began ministering in schools
· 5 acres of land purchased and 2 houses built for ministry staff
· Camp counselor quarters built
· Youth Camps began
2006
· Children’s Crusades began
· Young translators class began for ages 11-17
· Volta Region Bible clubs began – 1st introduction into southern Ghana
2007
· Container shipped to Ghana
· Youth Mission Camps began
· Container shipped to Ghana
· Youth Mission Camps began
2008
· Farming, Food and Outreach Ministry began
· Our grandson, Seth, ministered in Ghana with us for 6 months
· Farming, Food and Outreach Ministry began
· Our grandson, Seth, ministered in Ghana with us for 6 months
2009
· Nissan truck was donated and shipped to Ghana from the US
· Soul Searcher partnership began with Terry & Amy Ruff of Team Expansion to the Gonja Tribe
· Nissan truck was donated and shipped to Ghana from the US
· Soul Searcher partnership began with Terry & Amy Ruff of Team Expansion to the Gonja Tribe
2010
· Our son and his family, Toby, Joy, Seth & Caleb moved to Ghana to begin 1-1/2 years ministry
· God's Story was translated into 10 languages
· Our son and his family, Toby, Joy, Seth & Caleb moved to Ghana to begin 1-1/2 years ministry
· God's Story was translated into 10 languages
2011
· 5 Outposts were established
· Number of Bible Clubs went over 200 and number of children attending weekly over 8,000!!!!!
· 5 Outposts were established
· Number of Bible Clubs went over 200 and number of children attending weekly over 8,000!!!!!
