Drumming led by the children of Lahuenya.
In October 2024, the Westminster African Mission Committee sent three representatives to Ghana, Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff, Shernette Grant, and Belinda Quaye. Their goal was to connect with our partners in West Africa, celebrate our shared accomplishments, witness the incredible impact of community-driven initiatives, and participate in the Ghana Mission Network meeting, which was planned by a team chaired by our own Belinda Quaye. Learn more in this blog: A Powerful African Partnership: Notes from the Ghana Mission Network Conference by The Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff
This article shares an account of Shernette Grant’s experience visiting the village of Lahuenya. Through this visit, Shernette reflects on the incredible resilience of the Lahuenya community, as well as the meaningful impact of Westminster’s support for a new computer lab and ongoing recovery efforts after the devastating Volta Dam flood. Read on to learn more about the inspiring people of Lahuenya and the partnership between Westminster and the Ghanaian community.
A Visit to Lahuenya
On Sunday, October 13th, following worship at Greenwich Meridian and Redemption Church, our team from Westminster, with our Host, Rev. Barbara Asempa, who partners with us through The Home of Care and Protection (HOCAP), drove to visit the village in Lahuenya to see the computer lab that Westminster supported with donations raised at our annual African Family Night. The village was flooded a year and a half ago when the Volta dam broke.
A Warm Welcome: Singing, Dancing, and Drums
We arrived at the village to a large group of men, women, and children singing and dancing as drums played, welcoming our bus as we arrived. The village officials and elders escorted us to our seats under a tent facing the crowd. I had no idea there would be so many people, especially children. Everyone was either waving or smiling at us. I felt so happy to see us received with such warmth; it was nothing like I have ever felt. After a while, we were invited to join the circle of clapping and dancing as the drummers played even more energetically. After a few minutes of dancing, I sat and watched the children play. I did my best to capture the moment on video and took pictures. The elders introduced us to the village. Pastor Heather talked with the crowd and delivered a message of optimism. I was so excited I also got out of my seat to say a few words to the children. They were so attentive and eager, and I was amazed.
The Computer Lab is a Proud Achievement
Children getting aquatinted with their desktop computer for the first time.
We were then invited to see the remodeled computer lab. The children were eager to see the room as well. We were not disappointed. The room was freshly painted and had lights and ceiling fans. I was very impressed. The teacher unveiled the computers for all to see as the older children sat at their desks. I was proud that Westminster was able to support the village and make it possible for the children to have computers. The room quickly filled up with adults and children. It was a great moment to see everyone react. The village now has a fully functional computer lab, a resource that will undoubtedly open up new opportunities for these children!
Exploring the Flooded Areas and a Testimony of Resilience
A family home damaged by flood waters.
After seeing the computer lab, we were invited to visit the flooded areas where some people still lived. We got on our bus, and as we drove away from the first site, some children followed; they were walking to where we were going. Surprisingly, we did not arrive at the next site for at least 15 minutes. I did not imagine the distance the children would have to walk. It was not a short walk, and the terrain was challenging to drive, let alone walk. I asked myself how could children be so resilient.
A family home and outdoor classroom.
As we arrived, I could see that the village had not recovered from the flood. Homes still had external water damage, and the village was less populated. The few people who were there continued with what they had. There were a few goats with kids, clothes placed in areas to dry, and outdoor stone stoves. It was clear that there was loss in this area. We walked to the building of worship to see a partially collapsed roof. The village is building a new church just a few feet from the old building. The new building is much larger; they hope to complete the structure. Also, the village plans to have a bakery, offering a new vocation for the people.
The start of construction for a new church building.
A Lasting Connection
It is impressive that despite having what some may think of as very little, the people are humble, friendly, and warm. The joy on their faces to receive strangers and their resilience despite not having permanent homes or infrastructure is inspiring. I will never forget the people of this village and hope to return.
Want to get involved in supporting our partners in Ghana?
Donations are always gratefully accepted.
Your generous support is needed now and throughout the year. Whether we are getting ready for an African Family Night or working with our partners throughout the year, contributions are always most gratefully accepted online at any time (wpcalbany.org/give) or by sending your check to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut St., Albany, NY 12210 (“African Mission” on the memo line).
Learn more: Visit our website to learn more about our mission partnerships and consider joining our African Mission Team.
Pray: Gabriel Ofori-Okai gathers prayers from each of our partners every month which are then posted on our Prayer Chain email list. To sign up to receive these emails, send a note to [email protected].
Together, we can continue to build bridges of hope and make a difference in the lives of others.
Please stay tuned for our African Mission highlights!
- To learn more about this trip to Ghana, read: A Powerful African Partnership: Notes from the Ghana Mission Network Conference by The Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff
- A recap of our 2024 African mission work can be found here: Your 2024 Support is Making a Difference in West Africa!
- Stay tuned to our blog page where we share our news and updates.
Please help us keep you up-to-date by making sure we have your most current and preferred email address by notifying the Church Office at [email protected] or calling 518-436-8544.
Join us in our continued work of “Transforming the lives of children in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.”
Written by Shernette Grant on behalf of the African Mission Committee
