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RE: April update

OirrRNTtSstEWS UPDATE OF BRIGHT OUTREACHApril, 2000 )

THANKSGIVING

"Dear Friends,TTiank you once again for your gracious support to the ministry of BrightOutreach which supports the work of Tim and Twyia Bright in Ghana WestAfrica. Your timely gifts are helping train West African leaders for theLord's Kingdom, and helping to establish a new campus. Blessings to eachof you as season of Christ's resun-ection is celebrated."

CONFERENCE 2000

Missionaries fiam six different African countries attended the West

African Mission Conference held at Tils Hotel on the beach of the Guinea

Gulf about 30 miles from Accra. Tliis is held e\ery other year to helpmissionaries in their fellowship with one another, exchange ideas, and justrelax from the usual routines. Micheal Hogg and his family fromBloomington, IN visited Ghana and was the guest vespers speaker. GaryBrock, missionary from Kenya, brought the morning thoughts. His wife,Linda, also was able to accompany him.

Other seminars were held throughout the day with various missionariesleading them. TlTe theme for Conference 2000 was "Enabling the Church toMature." Various topics such as evengelism, leadership, health,benevolence and contextualization comprised the seminar sessions. Eachaflemoon there was time for recreation on the beach, and each eveningafter \espes there was a planned after glowwith funny stories, games and avideo one time.

Tim and Twyla Bright, and Bob and Connie Sheffler were the planningcommittee this year. The conference was a great success, and all who cameseem to really benefit.

GHANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

April Break - The College is on recess until April 25. During this timestudents are experiencing practical internships for two to three weeks withchurches throughout the country. Many go to their home churches whileothers work in different churches. Classes resume April 26.

College Building Program -* Faculty Houses are going up. The house that Tim and Twyla will occupy isscheduled to be done by Dec. 2000. It is right on schedule so far with thefoundation to be poured around the middle of April. Three other facultyhouses are being built at present.* The classroom project will resume in about a month.* Wells are the next project, and that will insure that there will beenough water for some time.

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BRIGHT FAMILY

At last report all the children of Tim and Twyla busy and doing well. Theyare all in the U.S. working and/or attending college/university. Pleasecontinue to pray for them.

Tim and Twyla keep their busy schedules with Twyla teaching until Easterbreak. Tim, although he is on break now, is working on several writingprojects. One is a book fo class material. He is also teaching ElementaryGreek for Third Term. Break time is usually preparation time.

PRAYER TIME

* Ghana as the country enters into political campaigns, that they will bepeaceful.* Churches and their ministers for stability, growth, and financialsupport.* Bright Children as they work and continue their education.* Students of Ghana Christian College on break as they do their intershipsin various churches.

* Tim and Twyla as they teach and prepare lesson material.* Ghana Christian College Campus - Relocation Program - especially forhousing to finsh on time; and for funds for addtional wells, classroom andmen's dorm.

* Travels throughout the country on very dangerous roads.

STORIES - Fictious mice friends, Harriet and Victor are at it again withadventerous acticitives. Watch for these stories coming soon. They aresuitible for youth groups, children's church, VBS mission moments, andother activities.

A Video Update is coming soon also of the campus work. Of course, theprogress changes each week, so the video will only hi-lightsome things.But it will be available to each church and individual who support BrightOutreach.

Tim's Travels; Tim has preached each Sunday since Jan. 8, and there doesnot appear to be an empty place until Easter. The next fisw weeks will takehim to a place near Accra, Kumasi area for the Easter Convention (ChristianChurch/Church of Christ Easter Convention) and Frankadua.

Frankadua Project. The church runs about 20 now. They are clearing theirland and putting a termporary building (thatch roof). Tim goes there abouttwice a month. They do not have any minister and their leaders (elders)are in training. However, their are an enthusiastic group and progressingwell.

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Thank you all again and may the Good Lord see you through and gl\e his mostgracious blessings. Our Iovbto each of you. Tim and Twyla Bright.

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"Enabling the Church to Mature" was the theme of the Missionary Conference 2000held in Ghana. West Africa April 4-8. The conference was enjoyed by thirty adults andten children. These missionary families represented missions in Mali, Ivory Coast,Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Kenya.

Desiring maturity was evident as missionaries from both the Christian Churches andthe Church of Christ joined in teaching and sharing to strengthen God's message oflove and hope to Muslim and animistic populations. Helping the existing churches toa more mature, responsible self expectation was a thread throughout the sessions.

Garry Brock, Africa Coordinator for CMF, was our Keynote speaker each morning. Hisexcellent messages set the tone for the continuing sessions which were presentedby the various missionaires. We were challenged to grow daily and trust others togrow as well.

Mich^^HHogg, a minister with the Sherwood Oaks Church in Bloomington, Indiana,was -euf vespers speaker each evening. His heart touching messages werestrengthening and encouraging to all. We express euf sincere appreciation to theShen/vood Oaks Church for allowing us to have Michael, Marcia, and Megan come andshare with us. They were truly a blessing.

Bob and Connie Sheffler and Tim and Twyla Bright served as both the localarrangements committee and the program committee.

The conference closed with a meeting of the Association of Christian ChurchMissionaries in West Africa. Plans were made to visit the Sylvesters and their work inMali for the association meeting in 2001.

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--moro offoctivoly roach our world:-PICTURE? ^

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To: "roger twiia Williams" <rtw@infocom.com>,"Sharon and Jim Wale" <jnswale@bright.net>,"Ron Swinger" <RSwinger@prodigy.net>,"LloydJl_Sfffincgr^^s@oygc.com>, /Oo0^

Subjec^^-^ummer Update~~^ ^

Dear Friends,Your gracious gifts and prayers continue to play an important part in

providingituatlty-education-feci^ders in Ghana and West Africa. Throughyour/Kelp Tim and Twyla Brigl^ontinue to equip many leaders in excellent

education, church planting and maturity. Thank youand may God giant you His many blessings.

TIM'S TRAVELS

America - Tim traveled to America in July. During this time heconducted a booth for Ghana Christian College and Seminary, spoke at

ten different churches, visited briefly with all six children and parentstraveling over 6,000 miles including the NACC.

"Thank you to those who hosted me for a Sunday or special time during theweek. The fellowship and response was outstanding." (Tim Bright)

ON THE HOME FRONT IN GHANA

During July Twyla hosted two young ladiesbesides Tai. They traveled several places of interest. At the end of Julyand first part of August (when Tim came back) there were two otherministers staying in the Bright"hotel" who were teaching summer school atGCC. Besides these guests the Bright's were host to a young collegestudent doing an intemship.

- VisitorWorking teams. These people stayed at the new campus. Most ofthe time they were taken care of by the missionaries IMng there. Therewere 18 to house and feed. However, one weekend there were over 20

Twyla provided meals three weekends for these people.All the visitors were a blessing, and it was great to have Tai here

throughout the summer.

FROM AROUND GHANA

* Philip Akaisi, a recent graduate ofGhana Christian College, reports froma church that he is workingwith in the northem area. There were 60baptisms thefirst couple of weeksin August. There are a number of vllages asking him to plant a church.

What an opportunity.

* During the weekend ofSept. 2-3 Tim helped the Grace Christian ChurchofAshaiman in

their

effort for a weekend evangelistic meeting in a nearby area called Nungua.The desire

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of Grace is to plant a new church there. As a result of the showing of the"Jesus" film

three accepted Christ. The minister of Grace, Nicolas Otumfb, has beenholding a Bible studyin the area. These new people will be part of that group which may becomea new church soon.

Please pray for this new group and the Grace Christian Church.NOTE: Tim visited Grace Christian Church and they had 61 present Sept. 3

SPECIAL NEED: Nicolas Otumfb. the minister of Grace Christian Church,expresses

a strong need for funds for land on which to build thier church. They havebeen located

in a very horrible place since their beginning. However, in order to growand developthey need land. They must come up with about $1000 ifthey are go ha>«chance at

anything in their town. Ifyou can help, let us know va Lois Nichols.Thanks so much.

*Frankadua. Tim has been traveling there tvnce a month when his schedulepermits. This churchwas officially launched last Sept. They have 17 adults members (baptized).The church broke

ground on land they were able to purchace some time ago. Since that timethey have put up asmall bamboo and palm branch structure. Sunday, Aug. 27 there were 26present. Sunday, Aug.13, Tim took two of the vsitors from America to Frankadua. Brother RonSavtz, a minister fromPennsylvania, preached that moming. Continue to pray for the faithfulnessof the church.

TRAVELS THROUGH GHANA

Sept. - Dec. 17 is full. There will be 14 nights of evangelistic meetingsduring various weekends. Each Sunday is scheduled as many people havainvted Tim to speak to their church. Please pray for safetravel to:

Kofbridua, 9/10; Accra, 9/17; Tema (a Baptist Church), 9/24; Pokoasi,10/1; Achimota, 10/8; Accra (a Methodist Church), 10/15; Mumfbrd ChristianChurch 10/22; Frankadua, 10/29; Ho, 11/5; Awoshie-Accra, 11/12; Prassoarea, 11/19; Frankadua 11/26; Faithway, 12/3; Northem Region 12/10;Accra, 12/17.

GHANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

SUMMER SCHOOL CLOSES WITH A GREAT SEND OFF! Tim taught Pastoral Counselingand Evangelism during the last two weeks of August Sessions (summer school)at the College. There were 51 students in all the courses this year.Students who are

first, second and third year in this Certificate Course study 8 hours a dayin classes for four straight weeks.

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NEW REGULAR ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS

The Collegehas accepted 29 new students as the new year begins.Registration Day is Sept. 11 and classes begin Sept. 12. Tim will beteaching Advanced Greek; Life of Christ and Evangelism.

As of Wed. Sept. 13 there are 83 students for the regular temi

NEW CAMPUS

Faculty Houses - Progress continues as the third house is nearly finishedand plans are being made for occupancy in a couple ofweeks. Prof. ManuelAdjei, one of the Ghanaian Old Testament teachers and his family plan tomove

very soon.

Tim and Twyla's house that they virill occupy is coming along vary well. Thetile

roofshould start any day now. About 70% of the stone facing is on so thehouse

is starting to have a more permanent look to it on the outside. There isstill much

to be done. Move in target is sometime in mid December of this year.

The scond phase of the classroom building is under constrcution. Walls aregoing up.Morepipe line has been put down fiom the second well. The first well isstili pumpingbut it is very stow.

FUNDING - for the faculty house Tim and Twylawill occupy is sufficient.More funds will continue to be needed as the campus continues to be built.Here is

a list of future plans before students can mo>eand the actual campus canconduct

classes;

1) - Completion of the third phase of the classroom2) - Morewater and sewerage lines and connections3) - Men's Dormitory

Tim is responsible for raising a portion of these funds. House buildingfunds

will go toward the building fund of the new campus.Other projects on the campus includeat least three more faculty houses

and an

administration-library builidng (the library already has a substantialamount of funds raised).Therefore your help is continually needed. A new budget for the upcomingyear will becomingsoon, and it will include what fiinds will go toward the new campus. Thankyou for your

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generous support.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR UPLIFTING ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYERS ANDGIFTS. BLESSINGS AND LOVE TO YOU ALL. TmandTwyla.

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To: "rogertwiia Williams" <rtw@infbcom.com>,"beck! Williams" <BECSHELLE@aol.com>,"Sharon and Jim Wale" <jnswale@bright.net>,"Ron Swinger" <RSwinger@prodigy.net>,

Subject: Bright Outreach

CHRISTIVIAS BLESSINGS

Thanks to all of you, your prayers, patience and great financial help, Timand Twyla Bright will be moving to the new campus Dec. 16. For the pastnine and one-half months the house that they have sponsored has been in thebuilding process. It is not nearly done at all and not hardly liveable butthis was the date (an extended time actually) that was always projected.Therefore, moving day is as scheduled. The Brights will be camping out forsometime but the holidays but thiCs may be the most fun-filled andadventurous Christmas yet.

CAMPUS WORK

There is not much going on right now. Although to some degree part of thefocus has been on finishing the house the Brights will occupy there hasbeen a smattering of work here and there around the campus. Some cementwork is going on with the new classroom building. One of the houses in theprocess of being built is the one that will be occupied by Ron Rife. Tberoof is slowly being put on. A smaller house is also being built. It willserve as a guest house until a permenant staff member moves in. The secondwater well is working but it is only pumping water for constructionpurposes. It began to silt in before a proper pump could be installed.Hopefully it will clear itself out in time.

TERM ENDS

The First Term of the full-time academic year ended with the usualChristmas Party. Tim Bright served as the MC and Program planner for thesixth time since 1991. The usual carols were sung, and the students alsoparticipated with severai specials. A good time was enjoyed by all.

BEREAVEMENT

Christian Adjel's father died a few weeks ago and the funeral was Dec. 9,2000. Condolences are extended to him and his family. His wife has alsobeen sick and hospitalized. She has retumed home now. Prayers areextended on her behalf as well as Christian.

THE CHURCHES

Land Purchases - Accra North has just purchased land for their chapel.Ashaiman has also obtained land. This is a particular joy since they havestruggied in a very low income and crowded condition for several years.Theirchurch the past seven years has grown from just a handful to over 60and they have no room where they are. Both churches will be benefitgreatly, and they are to be congratulated on their excellent efforts.

TRIP NORTH

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71m Bright and team traveled throughout Northem Region of Ghana the firsteleven days of December. The "Jesus" film was shown six nights to a totalof over 2500 souls. Scores accepted Christ. Tbe first Sunday, Dec. 3,three were baptized. The final Sunday more even came and accepted Christ.Places such as YezezzI, Ezebesi, Saboba and other vllages were therecipients. One of the most interesting one was at a polling station, aschool, on election day. Of course, proper arrangements had been made wellin advance. The army truck came with fourarmed soldiers. Theirduty wasto make the the ballots were being counted fairly. They left after a fewminutes, and then came back some time later to collect the ballots and takethem to the main area center. The film and preaching were never disturbed.The tripwas a very good success. Everything went well except fora fiat

tire but that was only a minor inconvenience.One of the main reasons for taking this joumey was to support and share

in the memorial services of father of Philip Akwasi, a recent graduate ofGCC. His father was baptized last December but died at age 70 during March2000. By the time Philip had heard the news the father had already had theburial servce. Now Philip had to face the ordeal of dealing with familymembers who were not Christians and >0rious other problems. Tim Brightwent him last April during the break to help sort these things out. Planswere made then to have a funeral memorial servce in December when TimBright couldget there. The testimony Philip and other Chritian familymembers gavewas that they were so happy theirfatherwhowas a fetishpriest gave his idols up, bumed them, became a Christian, and that theywould see him again. Itwas powerful!

CHRISTMAS WITH THE BRIGHTS

The family members are getting together at several places this year.Nathan and Tai are traveling to Arizonaviaseveral midwestem states withtheir brother Lance lives, aunts and uncles, and so on. They will spendthe holidays with their sister and her husband inArizona and also withgrandparents in Prescott. Other will be sharing with their in-lawfamilies. Tim and Twyla hope to be set up and decorated by then, nextweek no snow, just harmmatan dust, bats, and traffic. But throughit all, the travels and peculiar surroundings, Christ will be honored, Hisname lifted up, and the glorious carols will ring out. Let them ring! Maywe all pray forsafety, for the spirit of Christmas to shine and forourhearts to know the joy of giving.

THEFT

Remembering the "high" Elijah felt after defeating the priest of baal atMt. Carmel, and then the "lovw" of having his life threatened by one Jezebelcorelates a bit with the recent theft of money from Tim Bright. After the"high" ofthe northem trip, the next day Tim received his check from theCollege, took it to the bank, cashed it, and decided to wash some ofthered dust offthe truck. He went to a good filling with a car wash. Theydid a beautiful job, inside and out. Tim was happy but surprizedwhen theygavesuch a cheap price. Hegot in the truck, his hand stillon the handbag when a young man opened the passenger side and grabbed the bag. Timgrabbed a piece of it and held on but the bag tore and the thief ran to theget-away car that had pulled up and away they went. Fortunately Tim did

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breacKthegoSpeiro^ne^^— - -

^stear whatG^ gave to "^nd the

AND SO . _ , . j- housethe Lord gave usThis ends my saga ' .i,. 53^ Ghana Is our home.

over 9years ago. P®"**"""® has been our home longer than anywhereHouse #1, First ""^ose ".rnk T^ano has ^ourj^::^eTw'?-i^e,V^lnd blew the^^^^^^S^s'̂ ckCS^rand bum"^^^^ eltermenf.^! Sl^-king

^"'t^^st^ant^o '̂'thank you great supporting ®P '̂®'of love We took time out and watched "It's aWonderful Life. Wetouch so many lives, and the li\es we touch are foundation arid link to somany other events in life. Without these "touchings" we would not exist.So "Thank you and Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Lovs,Tim and Twyla

P.8.: This will not liethe last email but it might be for a little while.We have no phone service in the new place right now. However, Iam sure wewill get that going soon. You can still email us at thecurrent address.Iwill just tap in a phone linesomewhere.

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Palestine Church of ChristP.O. Box 86

Palestine OH 45352 ADDRESSCORRECTION

REQUESTED

Mission Services

P.O. 13111

Knoxville TN 37920-0111

Non-Profit Organ.U.S. Postage

Paid

Palestine OH

Permit No. 1

BRIGHT OUTREACH

DECEMBER 2000

Christinas Blessings:Thanks to all of you~your prayers, patience, and great financial help—

Tim and Twyla Bright moved to the new campus on December 16th. For the pastnine and one-half months the house that they have sponsored has been in thebuilding process. It is not nearly done, and hardly liveable, but this wasthe date (an extended time, actually) that was always projected. Therefore,moving day was as scheduled. The Brights will be camping out for some time,but the holidays this year may be the most fun—filled and adventurousChristmas yet.

Campus Work:There is not much going on with the new campus right now. Although to

some degree part of the focus has been on finishing the house the Brightswill occupy, there has been a smattering of work here and there around thecampus. Some cement work is going on with the new classroom building. Oneof the houses in the process of being built is the one that will beoccupied by Ron Rife. The roof is slowly being put on. A smaller house isalso being built. It will serve as a guest house until a permenant staffro®n^r _mpyes in. ^The se_cpnd water_well is-working,—but it-is-only pumping^water for construction purposes. It began to silt in before a proper pumpcould be installed. Hopefully it will clear itself out in time.

Term Ends.:

The First Term of the full-time academic year ended with the usualChristmas party. Tim Bright served as the MC and Program planner for thesixth time since 1991'. The usual carols were sung, and the students alsoparticipated with several specials. A good time was enjoyed by all.

Bereavement:

Christian Adjei's father died a few weeks ago, and the funeral was Dec.9th. Condolences are extended to him and his family. His wife has also beensick and hospitalized. She has returned home now. Prayers are extended onher behalf as well as Christian's.

The Churches:

Land Purchases—^Accra North has just purchased land for their chapel.Ashaiman has also obtained land. This is a particular joy since they havestruggled in a very low income and crowded condition for several years. Theirchurch the past seven years has grown from just a handful to over 60, andthey have no room where they are. Both churches will be benefited greatly.They are to be congratulated on their excellent efforts.

Trip North:Tim Bright and team traveled throughout Northern Region of Ghana the

first eleven days of December. The "Jesus" film was shown six nights to atotal of over 2500 souls. Scores accepted Christ. The first Sunday, Dec. 3,three were baptized. The final Sunday more came and accepted Christ. Placessuch as Yezezzi, Ezebesi, Saboba, and other villages were the recipients.One of the most interested ones was at a polling station—a school—on electionday. Of course, proper arrangements had been made well in advance. Thearmy truck came with four armed soldiers. Their duty was to make sure theballots were being counted fairly. They left after a few minutes, and thencame back some time later to collect the ballots and take them to the mainarea center. The film and preaching were never disturbed.

The trip was a very good success. Everything went well except for a flattire/ but that was only a minor inconvenience.

One of the main reasons for taking this journey was to support and sharein the memorial services of father of Philip Akwasi/ a recent graduate ofGhana Christian College. His father was baptized last December, but died atage 70 during March, 2000. By the time Philip had heard the news, the fatherhad already been buried. Now Philip had to face the ordeal of dealing withfamily members who were not Christians and various other problems. TimBright went with him last April during the break to help sort these things out.Plans were made then to have a memorial service in December when Tim could bethere. The testimony Philip and other Christian family members gave wasthat they were so happy their father—who was a fetish priest—gave his idolsup, burned them, became a Christian, and that they would see him again. Itwas powerful!I

Christmas with the Brights:The family members in the States are getting together at several places

this year. Nathan and Tai are traveling to Arizona via several midwesternstates, where their brother Lance lives, aunts and uncles, and so on. Theywill spend the holidays with their sister and her husband in Arizona and alsowith grandparents in Prescott. Others will be sharing with their in-lawfamilies. Tim and Twyla hope to be set up and decorated by then, next week

snow, just harmmatan dust, bats, and traffic. But through it all, thetravels and peculiar surroundings, Christ will be honored. His name liftedup, and the glorious carols will ring out. Let them ring'! May we all prayfor safety, for the spirit of Christmas to shine, and for our hearts to knowthe joy of giving.

Theft:

Remembering the 'high' Elijah felt after defeating the priest of Baal atMt. Carmel, and then the 'low' of having his life threatened by Jezebel corelatesa bit with the recent theft of money from Tim Bright. After the 'high' of thenorthern trip, the next day Tim received his check from the College, took itto the bank, cashed it, and decided to wash some of the red dust off the truckHe went to a good filling station with a car wash. They did a beautiful job,inside and out. Tim was happy but surprised when they gave such a cheap price.He got in the truck, his hand still on his bag, when a young man opened thepassenger side and grabbed the-bag.- Tim"grabbed a piece of it and held on,but the bag tore and the thief ran to the get-away car that had pulled up, andaway they went. Fortunately Tim did not pursue on foot or do anything exceptto ask where his keys were. The washing attendant still had them. "I firmlv^lieve two things: the Total Filling Station at Abeka-Tesano was in on thetheft, and that they really wanted the truck as well as the money." Tim usedthis as an opportunity to preach the gospel to the crowd who seemed somewhatstunned. No one can 'steal' what God gave to the world, nor the moment theangels sang their glories, nor how the shepherds worshipped, and certainlynot the delivery by Mary, a Son who would deliver her and all who believe.

And SoThis ends my saga tonight, our final night in the house the Lord gave us

over 9 years ago. Pardon us if we feel a little sad. Ghana is our hoL.ouse #1, First Mukose Link, Tesano, has been our home longer than anywhere we

have ever lived!! We have loved this place. We have been frustrated when thepipes broke, the wind blew the water tank cover on the roof of our bedroomcreating a large hole during a rain storm, and the house was struck by lightningand burned the wiring. But we will miss our big room that we used as a masterbedroom, entertainment room, working room, eating room, conference and livingroom. We will miss the roosters. We will miss our neighbors across the streetwho are very kind Ghanaians. The place has become part of us. We both criedtonight as we packed. Tomorrow the moving truck comes, and ready or not,we will set up housekeeping in a new place.

We want to say 'thank you' our great supporting team, for your special1, u' the lives we touch are foundationnd link to so many other events. So thank you, and Merry Christmas to all...

Love, Tim & TwylaBright Outreach3900 Koons RoadNew Madison OH 45346Phone: 937-997-6718E-mail: loisnic@juno.com

Charles "Tim" BrightP.O. Box 5722 Accra NorthGhana, West AfricaE-mail: CBRIGHTAME@IGHMAIL.COMOr: tbright@lincoln.edu.gh