Journey to Destiny Ministries (JTDM), a US-registered non-profit organisation has broken ground for the construction of a 90-bed capacity dormitory for children at the Power of Love Children’s Home in Gbetsile, Ghana.
The project, estimated at some $120,000, will include guest rooms, matrons’ quarters, a kitchen, dining area and office space. When completed, it is expected to serve as the main residential facility for dozens of children currently housed at the home.
The initiative is being funded by Dr. Jesse Kelly, Senior Pastor of St. Paul & St. Hill COGIC in Jackson MS, USA.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Dr. Jesse Kelly, said the project reflects their commitment to holistic evangelism.
“We believe in holistic evangelism, ministering to the whole person. That is why we are committed to this project. It is part of who we are, what we do, and how we serve God,” he stated.
He assured that the church remains fully committed to seeing the project through to completion.
“We committed to this project from the very beginning, and we will remain committed until it is done,” he added.
The need for the facility has become urgent, as the home currently accommodates 35 children in just four bedrooms of a five-bedroom house, forcing many to sleep in hallways, the kitchen and even the porch.
This overcrowding has led to a severe bedbug infestation, affecting the children’s sleep and overall health.
Founder of JTDM, Felecia Foster, described the project as a core responsibility in improving the lives of the children.
“We may not have huge amounts of money, but with the little we raise through God’s work, we make impact around the world. What we are doing here in Gbetsile is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for these children. It is our responsibility to ensure they are safe, happy and have a brighter future,” she said.
JTDM has worked with the home over the past four years, during which it identified the challenges and mobilised support from partners.
For the past four years, Dr. Jesse Kelly, Senior Pastor of St. Paul & St. Hill COGIC in Jackson MS, USA has consistently provided monthly financial support to the home. The church has now stepped in to fund the first phase of the dormitory project.
With an initial $25,000, two bedrooms and washrooms are expected to be completed within four months. The first phase will accommodate up to 12 children and ease pressure on the existing facility.
The announcement has sparked excitement among the children, particularly teenage girls who say the new facility will offer much-needed privacy.
“I’m excited because we, the teenagers, need our privacy. Sometimes even when you want to change as a girl, others are around. That is why we are very happy about this project,” said Rejoice Gadagoe.
Another resident, 19-year-old Sylvania Mensah, said the children have long endured difficult living conditions.
“We struggle with bedbugs, heat and mosquitoes. The bedbugs are a major problem, they bite us every night. We’ve tried different pesticides, but nothing works because of the overcrowding. We believe this project will bring us relief,” she said.
In response to the immediate bedding challenges, Sherita Kpetigo, founder of Suite Dreams and a board member of JTDM, donated 37 pillows, 37 sets of bedsheets, over 40 mattresses, and fully funded fumigation of the facility.
“As part of our non-profit work, we are providing new bedding for every child and staff member, and covering the cost of fumigation to eliminate the bedbugs. This is to ensure they can rest well even as construction continues,” she noted.
The donation triggered spontaneous celebration among the children, who sang and cheered in appreciation.
“I’m very happy about the promise to provide all the bedding we need. It means we can finally sleep well while we wait for the new block,” said 17-year-old Amanda Mensah.
JTDM has previously supported the home inamy ways including repainting the facility and constructing a new sewage system to improve sanitation.
Founder of the home, Obaamtampa Amanda Mensah, expressed gratitude to JTDM and its partners for their consistent support.
“We have endured hardship for a long time. Many people come and make promises but never return. JTDM and its partners do not just promise, they act. I am especially grateful to their country coordinator, Carlos Lorlornyo Atsu Calony, for his tireless efforts,” she said.
Obamtampa Amanda believes the new project will transform the lives of the children.
“This project will change our story. It will bring relief and help shape the future of these children,” she added.
She also confirmed that JTDM has sponsored two girls from the home, Comfort and Ayeyi for a skills training programme in Kenya.
Regarding the project itself, the contractor, Lynx3K Construction and Services Enterprise has assured that work will be completed within schedule.
