Here’s an update for our Arm of Hope missionary and Ghana director, Philip Darko!
Dear Friends and Partners,
I believe the storms of the world still linger, and in the midst of it all, God has proven His words to be true: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close behind me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NLT).
But in the midst of the storm, Christians, we are the good news of the Gospel. We must continue to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ no matter the whirlwind that may be happening around us. Though the storms rage, He calms the winds and the waves. Praise!
You will never know the affect you are having on the ministry of Arm of Hope and the children’s lives here in Ghana. Thank you for opening your hands to the vulnerable and the unreached! Your continued prayers and financial support are transforming the lives of many children and their families living in the slums by providing instruction in the Lord on a weekly basis at Bible Club, formal school education, and vocational trades. This training is breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for financial independence.
Even though COVID restrictions are still in place, and it is hard to meet in a large group for Bible Club, we still manage to organize the Bible Club using small groups. What a great joy to see how our older boys and girls are changing day by day, knowing the future is brighter for them. It is amazing how they have made themselves available to be used to be a blessing to the younger children in their community. I have wonderful young men and women who organize the Bible club meetings without supervision, carrying out the Bible teachings on their own. This gives me hope that there are young men and women are are ready to take on the vision of Arm of Hope.
Two weeks ago I met with the 44 students who are entering high school in January of 2022. We had a wonderful meeting where we discussed how they can be guided in choosing their prospective high schools and the courses they want to take. I was able to interact with them and encourage them, as they prepare to take their exam to enter high school.
Diana, our assistant social worker, is doing a great job with the girls, and it is amazing how she is using our college students to help her lead. They have being meeting every other week and college students have been helping to lead talks on topics like domestic violence abuse, skills for effective living, personal development, reproductive health, and more. Our last two resource people for the meetings were Joyce Majambe, a law student, and Abigail Nabawo, who is studying management in living, clothing, and nutrition. It is humbling to see these ladies sharing their knowledge with the younger girls.
Aside from the college students making us proud, we also have four of our students learning trades. Within the last quarter we provided sewing machines, auto mechanic tool, and other items to some of our students learning trades in high school. We even have one student graduating in September! A little background story: Agnes Nakoja came to me one day and told me she wanted to end formal schooling at grade 8. She felt she was not meant for the classroom, but that she was instead interested in learning to do hair, so she wanted to pursue that form of education instead. On Sunday, September 12, 2021, she graduates from cosmetology school, and it is going to be a very big occasion. She has made me so proud, and I can’t wait to attend her graduation.
If not for COVID, there would be much excitement in anticipation for camp in August, but it has been moved to December instead, since the academic school year has shifted in Ghana. For the first time, I am requiring our high school graduates and college students to fill out applications for the following responsibilities at camp: counselors, coaches for our games, nurses, craft people, etc. Our team of students here will serve alongside the team coming from the US. We have more student leaders than ever so the application process will help us look for loving and caring volunteers to serve at camp. The two weeks of camp are run completely by volunteers and are provided free to our 500 campers and volunteers! God bless you for giving generously to support our again camp this year.
Though the American Embassy here in Ghana is still closed, we are thankful that Hannah and I have our multi-entry visas already in hand to travel to the banquet on October 2 at Hope Community Church. It will be an awesome celebration of God’s faithfulness, as Arm of Hope celebrates 10 years of ministry. We hope to see you there!
Thank you for your continual prayers and financial support to myself and the ministry of Arm of Hope.
Blessings and Shalom,
Philip Darko
Ghana Director of Arm of Hope