Uneducated but not uninformed: the journey of Rebecca Amissah (1920-2012) from The Twelve Apostles Church (Nackabah), Ghana
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[The Twelve Apostles Church (TTAC) was established in Ghana in 1962 by John Nackabah and Grace Tani, both converts of Prophet William Harris. In his evangelistic ministry, Prophet Harris commonly appointed twelve apostles in each village he evangelized to provide leadership for new converts. This organizational model was later adopted by the church, which came to be known as the Twelve Apostles Church. Among African Indigenous Churches in Ghana, TTAC is often noted for having comparatively low levels of formal education among its membership. Drawing on the practices of Prophet Harris, the church incorporates the Holy Bible, the musical enmeshed calabash (mfoba), and the hourglass drum (dondo), together with singing, to invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit during healing rituals. These same instruments are also used in the exorcism of evil spirits. TTAC refers to its place of worship as a “garden,” a sacred space where all ritual activities, including healing, are conducted. From this religious tradition emerged a woman of remarkable character and unwavering dedication, popularly known as “Maame David”—a prophetess who devoted her life to healing, guiding, and nurturing her community, and who became a beacon of hope for many.]
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