Sharon Margaret Titian 1948-2011
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant Jeremiah1:10
In 1989 Sharon Titian responded to the call of God on her life which led her to a remote village in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa. Life was very hard there for a Canadian woman and Sharon suffered greatly during those early years. Still, the Lord used her there to expose the Tro-Kosi Fetish Shrine system. Under this system young girls are enslaved in the shrines to atone for the crime of a family member. They become the property of a Fetish priest, deprived of food, medical help and basic needs and suffer terrible reproach by their families and communities.
For the next 10 years, Sharon helped to provide life skills and vocational training to enable these girls to become self-supporting as well as teaching them the Word of God. After accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts they were delivered and set free from demonic oppression, fear and guilt.
In 1994 Sharon was asked to provide evidence to the Parliament of Ghana to introduce a bill which would stop this cultural abuse of women and young girls. By the grace of God, in 1998 a law was passed in Ghana to abolish the practice. A Vocational Training Center was established at Missions International where the then free Tro-Kosi girls could learn skills which would help them to become independent.
Work continued with the schooling for the poor of the area needing economic help. Literacy and vocational training was provided for both young men and women. in November 2002, a Biblical Studies Program was begun, born of a request from local church leaders. The Bible School provided diplomas and degrees for Ghanians who desired education in biblical studies but would never be able to afford it.
After eighteen years of working in Ghana the needs of the African community changed. In response to the change. Sharon concentrated on providing a feeding program for the elderly and a home for at risk children who the social welfare department and educational services in the area brought to her for care. A social shift in responsibility whereby a small pension is now available for the elderly led to the discontuation of the feeding program.
As the Lord directed Sharon, the children's program continues at a new location along the coast. The Children of Zion mission in Anloga supports short term emergency housing, especially for infant care and ongoing help for children with no reasonable place to live in a village setting.
The death of Reverend Titian has delayed the opening of a much requested daycare centre for the area.
It is only through teamwork that we are able to continue the work. God bless all of you abundantly for your prayers and support. We will continue to let you know how the Lord is moving in Ghana. We thank the Lord for all He enables us to continue to do through you, our supporters.