Chapter 1: The Roots of Faith
The Tragedy in Twabidi
Opanyin Danso and his wife, Abena Duruwaa, lived in Twabidi, a suburb of Tepa in the Ashanti Region. Opanyin Danso was born and raised in a traditional home in Twabidi. His life took a tragic turn when his parents were both killed by a huge tree on their way to the farm. Left orphaned, he moved in to stay with his uncle, who became his guardian.
A New Path
When Danso was almost thirteen years old, his uncle sent him to school. It was there that his class teacher, seeing the innocent boy being led into what he perceived as spiritual destruction by his uncle's traditional beliefs, introduced him to the Christian religion. Danso's uncle did not force him to worship ancestral gods after Danso declared he would no longer participate in idolatry. Instead, his uncle warned him: "The white man's God is not the god of our ancestors. Worship our gods, not theirs."
Building a Life
Danso completed Form Four and, inheriting the cocoa farms his uncle had left him—originally owned by his deceased parents—took a wife, Abena Duruwaa, to help manage the land. Abena, who knew nothing of Christianity, was gradually introduced to the faith by Danso. Together, they became devout members of the Church of Pentecost.
Barrenness and Prayer
For years, the couple struggled to conceive a child. They prayed fervently, clinging to their faith despite societal shame and whispers about their barrenness. Their persistence was rewarded in their old age when God blessed them with a daughter, Abital—named after one of King David's wives in the Bible.
Abital's Dawn
Abital grew into a beloved child, obedient and respectful to everyone in Twabidi. At nine years old, she began her education, learning to read, write, and memorize the Bible. Her devotion to God deepened with each passing year, bringing joy to her aging parents.
A Father's Trust
When Abital completed Junior High School, Opanyin Danso, though wary of the world beyond Twabidi, trusted God's plan as he arranged for her to attend Kumasi Girl's Senior High School. He placed her in the care of Elder Sunkwa, a church elder in Kumasi who frequently visited Twabidi to oversee his cocoa far