There is a village in Ghana where the land stretches far, resting in intermittent valleys, carved with small, unassuming rivers. The community is called Yamakoan, and it is home to a living promise: its joy across generations.
Funded by our generous donors, Yamakoan recently hosted a Survival Gardening Workshop for 66 men, women and children who came to learn about effective ways to till the loamy soil in their area. They studied our time tested methods of raised bed planting, drip irrigation and composting, making use of the ingredients they already have on hand, and they know and believe that as they tend their new crops, they are tending their futures.
One mother carried her child on her back as she set her new farming skills into motion. She spoke on behalf of her own family and out of concern for her neighbors: “I am happy for the training, and it will help me to care for my own garden and family. This will also help us work on our community garden … You have indeed blessed us.”
A grandfather of the village proclaimed victory over a lifetime of hunger. At 83 years young, he literally jumped for joy, leaving his friends and family with a memory that will inspire them for the long haul: “At my old age, by God’s grace and Healing Hands International, I have found liberation from suffering. God bless you HHI!”
The general feeling of the entire event was centered around opportunity and gratitude, for knowing the turning point when sorrowful tears transform into tears of joy and relief. These moments unfold because of the everpresent commitment of our donors, volunteers and international staff. The way that God has constructed our stories together continues to create waves of triumph in impossible environments and circumstances, just as Ephesians 3:20 reminds us: He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Thank you for empowering the people of Yamakoan.
To God be all glory!