Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives

BY: DR. DAVID & BRENDA MENSAH, GRID & NEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Over the past 40 years of work in Ghana, we have often looked directly into the eyes of countless men, women, and children, seeing the hopelessness etched there as they shared their burdens with us: widows struggling to feed their children; men whose entire year’s crops were destroyed by bushfires; students with dreams of further education but no one to support their school fees; the sick, unable to afford or access the medical care they desperately needed; and the hungry — one woman’s words still haunt us: “I can’t remember what it feels like to be full.”

BUT, by God’s grace and with your faithful partnership, we have seen that look of despair transform into one of joy and hope. Through your support, these same individuals have experienced restoration, triumph, and renewed purpose.

THANK YOU, on their behalf, for being a beacon of hope! As you read the stories that follow, know that you played a vital role in these transformations—and in so many others. May God continue to use us all to bring hope to those in despair.

Lovea’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the impact of support. In 2020, she gained admission to a nursing training institution in Ghana. However, her aging parents couldn’t afford the admission fees, forcing her to forfeit her spot. Determined to pursue her dreams, she moved to the city to take on menial jobs, saving every bit she could.

The following year, Lovea reapplied and was accepted once again, but the financial barrier remained. As her hopes of pursuing higher education began to fade, a friend told her about our scholarship program. She applied without hesitation and as a determined young woman who met all the eligibility criteria, her application was approved. With the support of our sponsorship program, Lovea enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Community Mental Health program. This year, she graduated as the best student in her class, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.86—just shy of the perfect 4. Lovea’s story is a powerful reminder of how opportunities, combined with determination, can transform lives.

One of the things that brings joy to parents, especially those in rural areas, is seeing their children thrive and access the same opportunities as their peers in larger towns and cities.

For Mr. Moses Kwadwo Lantoh, this dream was no different. He longed to see his daughter, Emmanuella, pursue higher education. However, financial hardship stood in the way.

Despite his age and the challenges involved, Mr. Lantoh traveled several
kilometers with Emmanuella to our project site, determined to seek
sponsorship for her education.

Thanks to our educational sponsorship program, Emmanuella is now pursuing
a Bachelor of Science in Disease Control and Epidemiology at a tertiary
institution, turning her father’s dream into a reality.

A 32-year-old woman visited Leyaata Hospital a year ago. Married with five children, she suffered from congenital cataracts in both eyes, a condition causing clouded vision. Despite years of herbal treatments, her sight did not improve. After the Leyaata Hospital’s optometrist’s review, she was recommended for cataract surgery. On July 26, 2024, a visiting opthalmologist operated on her right eye at the Leyaata Hospital. She recently returned for review and her sight is improving. She is now planning for surgery on her left eye. We thank God for restoring her hope and rebuilding her life. Indeed, our God rescues!

A NEW DAWN OF HOPE:
Launch of the Hypertension Clinic in Ghana’s Savannah Region

A group of community leaders, healthcare providers, and attendees celebrate the launch of the Hypertension Clinic, marking a transformative step towards better health care in the Savannah Region.

In Ghana’s Savannah Region, hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” affects nearly one in three people, many of whom are unaware of their condition. This year, a new hypertension clinic opened its doors, offering critical resources to address this pervasive health issue.

Launched on October 18, the clinic serves as a central hub where Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and local Health Centers can refer patients for comprehensive hypertension care. Developed through a co-production approach led by Sandra Peniston, a team lead with Ghana Health Partners, the clinic was thoughtfully designed with input from local residents and healthcare providers. Community focus groups, supported by NEA, helped identify barriers to care, while insights from healthcare providers guided the creation of practical, effective solutions.

Drawing over 300 attendees, the clinic’s launch represents a new era of health and hope in the Savannah Region. With community support, this initiative is a major step in restoring health and saving lives.

These stories reflect the power of resilience and the unwavering hope that carries us through life’s toughest challenges. The restoration of hope in these lives is made possible through the partnership we share with you — our valued supporters and partners. We celebrate not only the journey but also the strength, faith, and perseverance of those who inspire us all. Together, we are building a future where hope not only survives, but thrives!

Looking Ahead – Rebuilding Continues

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 NIV

The work that GRID has been doing in Northern Ghana since 1984 has always been, at its core, about restoring hope through building relationships and providing training and resources that allow the men and women of Northern Ghana to live, work and provide for their families with dignity and pride.

Over the years we’ve encouraged the growth of programs like Babanayaa which allows women to be self-sufficient through peanut farming, through education by providing scholarships and building schools and through health initiatives like constructing clinics and, most recently the Leyaata Hospital in Carpenter. We have also invested our time and resources into peace building, food security, environmental protection and water and sanitation projects.

But our work is not done. There is much more than remains for us to do. It is hard work, demanding sacrifices of time and resources. Nevertheless, we are motivated by the love of Jesus to serve the poor, and help struggling communities to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner; we intend to continue this work until He returns. Working hand in hand with NEA (Northern Empowerment Association), to alleviate poverty and transform communities has had its challenges but it is so worthwhile when we see women becoming self-sufficient, or children having safe access to education, or pastors proudly welcoming their flock to a church building, instead of the grass under a tree.

Hope is nothing without faith! We at GRID work as a team to help fulfill the hopes and dreams that the precious people of northern Ghana long for. Through the endeavors of GRID and you, our partners in this mission we have helped build the faith in Christ needed to instill Hope and restoration!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us. This update we offer you can’t even come close to actually being there to be able to see what God has accomplished through His people. It is truly amazing to see. God Bless you as you continue to walk with us.

Yours in Christ,

David Butcher, GRID Chair