Hear directly from our children, volunteers, and staff on how D1:8 has impacted their lives
“I am Bernard Osei, and I have been with D1:8 since its inception and beyond; D1:8’s director was my Sunday School teacher in our local church since I was a little boy. I will be 20 years old by November this year, but I am just in the first year at senior high school… ideally I should have been in university by now but I’m not because my father decided he was not going to take care of me and my siblings because my mother walked away from the relationship. It took the late intervention of my grandfather for me to be enrolled in school, so schooling started quite late for me.
I struggled through school with paying bills and buying books; I had to sell drinking water on the street. My eyes were damaged from carrying the water through the sun all day and a specialist told me I urgently needed medical attention. When I finally finished junior high, I had no idea how I was going to financially sustain myself through senior high.
I am so grateful for the kind intervention of both D1:8’s support through the Barnabas Fund, as well as (Doris) D1:8’s director’s personal generosity with helping me through school. The support went above and beyond my school-related expenses; helping me with personal expenses and extra classes to catch up.
I don’t know who might be reading this, but I want to strongly encourage you that when you give to this ministry, especially the Barnabas Fund, you are helping young ones like me get closer to our dream.”
“D1:8 has helped me in many many ways and I am so excited and proud to share with friends when I have the opportunity."
“I am Kelvin Gyamfi, and I am 17 years old. I have 3 amazing siblings and I really love my entire family. By October 2021 I will have graduated senior high school. Though I have a stepfather that I have a good relationship with, growing up was a bit emotional for me. My father was not in my life and I have close to no idea about who he is. It was always a struggle for me to understand and accept why my biological father would reject me. D1:8 and my church have really helped me a great deal in handling all these emotions.
At D1:8 there are a lot of counseling and Christ-centered activities that help us grow in the Lord… the mentors use scriptures to teach us everything that pertains to even the littlest life skill. Having the opportunity to serve as a peer mentor in the ministry is something that is really getting me to mature in many aspects of my personal life. The day I had a one on one talk with my director, what she said really gave me hope that I really have something to offer. She told me: “Kwadwo (as she usually calls me) I want you to serve for a full year as a volunteer when you graduate senior high school.” I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe that she believed that much in me to offer something however little to my peers.
Being a peer mentor for D1:8 has been a great experience for me and my favorite times have always been when we are loading up for camp and being in the kitchen and preparing the meals for all our campers. I’d love to be a journalist in the future, though I am not very sure if that is what the Lord has in His divine plans for me. With the help of the Holy Spirit and through the ministry of D1:8, I know I will achieve greatness. You have no idea what your partnership with D1:8 is doing for people like me… it is giving us a future that otherwise would have been a struggle.”
"Having the opportunity to serve as a peer mentor in the ministry is something that is really getting me to mature in many aspects of my personal life."
“Summer Camp at D1:8 is one of the most exciting events. It’s a great opportunity to retreat, renew, relax, and socialize! I am Irene, and I am 16 years old, and this is Alfred, and he is 17 years old. We are both currently in our first years at senior high school. Alfred and I are always very excited when it is that time of the year again for Summer Camp at the D1:8 center!
Some of our favorite moments at Camp are meal times and times where we can be alone with Jesus in prayer around the grounds. Practicing 'alone time with Jesus' at Summer Camp has given us the excitement to continue that practice at home too!
Last year, as the pandemic hit our area, it also affected the education calendar, which led to a shift in the examination calendar. Unfortunately, we had to miss this year’s D1:8 Summer Camp due to the shift in our examination dates. We were very disappointed that we weren’t able to attend Camp because of this conflict. It was difficult for us to miss out after excitedly anticipating this event all year. We were hoping the ministry could host another event, but, sadly, that wasn’t possible. There is always next year, and hopefully, it will work out that we can attend then!
We want to encourage all the young people reading this to consider joining D1:8, especially for our major yearly events like the Summer Camp, Boys & Girls Summits. Call or email to get more information about how to be part of this great ministry.”
"Practicing 'alone time with Jesus' at Summer Camp has given us the excitement to continue that practice at home too!"
“Despite going through family-related struggles and tension, one place, in particular, has given me solace: the D1:8 center. I always find my strength attending church and the D1:8 gatherings. D1:8 has given me a space where I can let go of my worries. I have made friends that now feel like family to me! Daniel 1:8 Ministries has given me “brothers and sisters” who love me genuinely and care for me more than I ever could have expected. The ministry itself and being a part of it have been a blessing and a turning point in my life.”
“D1:8 has given me 'brothers and sisters' who love me genuinely and care for me more than I ever could have expected.”
“My name is Mariama. I am nine years old and live in Nsuta in Ghana. I gave my life to God after hearing the message from a woman, telling a story about a man and obedience. The woman ended the sermon with a charge to put my faith and respect in the Lord. After that day, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. After that, my attitude and willingness to go to church completely turned around. My friend Morrison invited me to a Christian gathering, which is how I started regularly attending D1:8 Ministries. D1:8 has greatly helped me with my spiritual and personal growth, like obeying God and being loving to others.”
"D1:8 has greatly helped me with my spiritual and personal growth, like obeying God and being loving to others.”
“My name is Selinem, I’m eight years old, and I live in Nsuta. One day I attended a Sunday school class and heard the gospel and the love of God. I decided that day to invite Jesus Christ into my life. Since then, I found myself happy and obedient to do things, like run errands for my mother. I got connected to D1:8 Ministry through my sister, Selassie. We attended while D1:8 was hosting discipleship training. D1:8 has and still helps me by guiding me with Godly principles and good advice on obedience.”
" Since then, I found myself happy and obedient to do things, like run errands for my mother."
“Hi, my name is Yvonne, and I am 13 years old. I am originally from Banda in the Bono region of Ghana. My father is a driver, and my mother sells soap. I am attending school in Kotokrom Basic School, and I am in form two. Some of my favorite things are Bible discussions, sports, eating banku with okro soup, and playing games, especially Iudu, with others.
My parents are Christians, so I grew up in a Christian household, attending a Presbyterian church, which I am very proud of! I came to know D1:8 Ministries when I was 10 years old and started attending their evening meetings each Wednesday. D1:8 has helped me grow as a person and a follower of Christ. I’ve grown to control my temper through learning self-control. Time management is another area in which D1:8 has helped me. The teachers and mentors at D1:8 taught me how to manage my time in anything I do.
Recently, at the end of August, we went for a general meeting and the director of D1:8 told us that April 2022 will be D1:8’s 5 year anniversary! I was so excited when I learned that! Something I love about D1:8 is that everyone is fair to each other and there’s always space to speak freely and without judgment. I am committed to bringing anyone I can to D1:8’s gathering so they can hear the gospel and meet the great people there.”
"D1:8 has helped me grow as a person and a follower of Christ. I’ve grown to control my temper through learning self-control."
“Hi, my name is Tracy, and I am 12 years old. I am from Berekum, but I am currently living in Kotokrom with my parents. My father is a driver, and my mother sells soap. I have two older siblings, Irene and Stephanie, and one younger, Lois. My family has always been very close, although we get annoyed at one another, like most families. I want to become a doctor that cares for children and pregnant women, which will require lots of hard work, studying, and being respectful.
I am thankful to have a happy and loving family and one that focuses on knowing God. I grew up in a Christin household, and I have always been interested in having a relationship with God. I know God has done so many wonderful things in my life, and there are miracles that He is still working on in me.
I learned about D1:8 Ministries through my sisters, who were attending its weekly gatherings in Sunyani. I always wanted to join them but was never allowed. Then we heard that D1:8 was starting meetings in our area in Kotokrom! This was so exciting. I was so happy to go to my first meeting! Of all the topics that I’ve learned from D1:8, the most interesting is trust. I’ve learned how to trust in God and rely on Him.
I thank God for protecting my life, and I ask Him to still protect me.”
"I know God has done so many wonderful things in my life, and there are miracles that He is still working on in me."
My name is Afari Pius, I am 17 years old, and I’m one of four children in my family. My parents divorced at a young age, after which my siblings and I had to live with my dad. The divorce was difficult on everyone in my family and made my life unbearable. Living with my father, we were told that “what we have is ours but not that of others”, therefore we need to work for what we want. So I started working at an early age, rather than going to school. When I went to live with my mother at the age of ten, I had no education experience. She took me to a government school, where I started classes. Living with my mother was challenging as well, in different ways. To financially support us, the home, and keep up with school fees, I had to start selling on the weekends and holidays. I was blessed by one of my teachers, Evelyn, who helped me out a lot with school fees. I also worked as a mechanic for three and half years and alongside other jobs until I got to junior high.
Returning to Sunyani, I had the opportunity to meet a friend who was Christian and decided to join him at church one day. Even though I was attending a church, my understanding of Christianity and God was limited and I did not grow up with any Christian family members. In my search and love for music, I came across a musician named Uncle Ato whose music touched my heart. One day as I was listening to his music, I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, and since then I have not turned back.
I discovered D1:8 Ministries through a friend of mine at New Life World Mission. Again, I followed my friend Eric one day as he was attending a D1:8 prayer meeting. I’m now a regular member of this great ministry and I have loved being a part of it! It has taught me how to care for others, be time conscious, save money, and socialize with others. I have met a lot of wonderful people through this ministry. I thank God for the existence of this ministry. I also thank God that, through my acceptance of Christ Jesus and D1:8 Ministry, my family has come to know God, accepted Christ Jesus, and now attends church with me.
"In my search and love for music, I came across a musician named Uncle Ato whose music touched my heart. One day as I was listening to his music, I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, and since then I have not turned back."
“Hello, I’m Irene! I’m 16 years old and I live in Kotokrom, but am originally from Berekum in the Bono region of Ghana.
Pastor Doris introduced D1:8 to me through my church. I was intrigued by the ministry and decided to join a gathering. I’m so glad I did, because D1:8 has really taught and helped me in many areas of my life.
The people, mentors, and messages at D1:8 gatherings and events have taught me how to love, trust in the Lord, pray, and be confident in my own abilities and dreams. In addition to my spiritual well-being, D1:8 has instilled life skills, like work ethic and financial skills. An important lesson I’ve learned is that time wasted can never be recovered, so I must make good use of any time I have. Properly managing my time was such a tedious task for me, but now I am thriving at it.
Thank you D1:8, for all the ways you’ve impacted my life.”
"The people, mentors, and messages at D1:8 gatherings and events have taught me how to love, trust in the Lord, pray, and be confident in my own abilities and dreams."
“I know that meeting Rev. Rose Donkor was a blessing in my life. I had little knowledge about the Bible, and Mama Rose Donkor introduced me to Christ. The happiest day of my life was when Mama Rose Donkor told us that she wanted to support us so we could go back to school! She treated us like we were family and provided us with food, clothes, shoes, books, and school supplies.
I was part of the singers in my church, but I didn’t have much other involvement or interest in church. I see now that, at the time, I had grown distant from God and was not content with what I had. Seeing the kids at D1:8 Ministries happy with what they had and not comparing themselves from each other was something I knew I wanted to be a part of. The same month that I started going to D1:8, they were hosting their annual Summer Camp for the kids. While attending the camp, I committed to changing my ways to stop coveting clothes and other things that weren’t mine. Thanks be to the almighty God, I am a new person now!
I am now a member and peer mentor at D1:8 Ministry in Nsuta! There have been some personal life challenges for me since starting to attend D1:8 and committing my life to Christ, but because of all this in my life, I still want to give thanks to the almighty God for bringing me this far. D1:8 has shaped who I am today; a much healthier, happier person.”
"D1:8 has shaped who I am today; a much healthier, happier person.”
Meet Blessing, the winner of 2021's Prov. 21:20 Challenge!
If you aren’t familiar with D1:8’s Prov.21:20 Challenge, it’s an event in which the kids are challenged to practice financial stewardship and intentionally save up their spare money for a whole year. After that year is up, they can decide what to do with the money, but the goal is to donate their savings to a charity of the group’s choosing.
Blessing is only 10 years old, but has been very active at D1:8 since she was only 7 years (which is much younger than our typical middle school and high school aged members). One of the activities she pursued and excelled in from the very start was the Prov. 21:20 Challenge. Each year since our inception, Blessing has been one of the top savers. She might have been too young to fully appreciate what it meant to “invest for your future”, but she embraced it with such passion. Her dear mother has been very instrumental in her contributions.
The winner/highest saver of the challenge is rewarded with the choice of which charity trip the D1:8 group will embark on and how the money will be donated.
As the winner, sweet 10-year-old Blessing has passionately chosen that the money be given to a struggling mother of one of our D1:8 members.
Our team at D1:8 is so proud of Blessing and all our young ones for the thoughtful and selfless charity they do every year out of the little they have themselves. They believe there is more blessing in giving than receiving, and it’s heartwarming to see them put those beliefs into practice.
Felicia is an emboldening social worker from the Ashanti region of Ghana with a heart for supporting young ones academically. She is happily married and a mother to 3 boys. With academic credentials in the field of education, she joined D1:8 to not only support the children academically, but as a Christian she saw an opportunity to also support them in growing their faith. She empowers our young people through the word of God and is a great role model to many young girls in the ministry.
“By the grace of God and the skills I have learned, I’ve been able to coach and encourage two teenage mothers. These young moms nearly gave up on their studies, but have been encouraged to remain in school. Currently, as I speak, they are both in their second year in high school! These girls are happy that they've made it to secondary school. In the last academic year, out of the 30 students that registered for the entrance exams, only 18 were accepted into secondary schools, while the other 12 entered into vocational training. So to be apart of that group that continued into secondary school is a great accomplishment for the two girls.”
“By the grace of God and the skills I have learned, I’ve been able to coach and encourage two teenage mothers."
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