Living Word United Methodist Church congregants in Wildwood again this year were challenged by lead pastor, Rev. Michael McIntyre, to spend half of what they would have spent on gifts for family and friends at Christmas and to again give the other half to children in Northern Ghana who are dying because they lack basic necessities:  clean water, food and medicine.

On Christmas Eve, 1,242 people attended worship and presented their “Ghana Christmas Miracle Offering.” 

Donations kept coming in this month, and the tally was just announced:  $260,075.96. Since 2010, more than $659,000 has been collected at Living Word for the Ghana Project.

One hundred percent of funds raised go to people in Ghana.

Through the Ghana Project, church representatives are working with communities in Northern Ghana to improve water supplies and sanitation facilities, in addition to building schools and churches. The Ghana Project is an ongoing effort that also includes agricultural and medical elements.

What Has Been Done So Far in Ghana

Here are just a few specific ways Living Word UMC funds were able to make a difference for those living in Ghana:

• A Secondary School in Sakote
•  Four completed boreholes (sealed water wells) in Sakote and Yagzore
•  Two boreholes in progress in Tambigu and Bawku
• Latrines in Sakote
• Bolgatanga Methodist School electrical project completed
• Library in progress in Buipay
• A chapel in Paga
• A chapel in Navrongo
• Purchased land for a school and chapel in Najopuing
•  Four more boreholes purchased for Kassena region
• Numerous water filters purchased and distributed
• Numerous Bibles purchased and distributed

"Through your love, countless lives will be saved, and countless more will be enriched beyond our imagination," McIntyre recently told congregants.

He said he is enthused to return to Ghana in March with 10 other Living Word members to continue the amazing work God is doing there. "My excitement has increased exponentially because I know that the miracle will continue, I know that we will be able to do even more."

To learn more The Ghana Project, visit www.helpghananow.com.