Answering the Call: God’s Love in Action and the Power of Generosity

Joy of the Lord Missions conducts two annual events, one of which is dedicated specifically to children and youth. This article offers a concise overview of the history and motivation for these events. For additional information about Joy of the Lord Missions, please visit our website or listen to the founder Theresa’s testimony on our YouTube channel.

The Heart of God’s Love in Action

God’s Love in Action is not just an event—it’s a deeply personal journey that resonates with everyone involved. This program stirs memories, both joyful and painful, but it ultimately shines a light on the transformative love of Christ. His sacrifice for humanity is the foundation of our mission, inspiring us to give up our own comfort and resources to serve those who are less fortunate. Many children in Ghana have never imagined the opportunities and comforts we take for granted in the Western world daily, but through this initiative, they get a glimpse of hope and experience the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Our goal is to stand in the gap for these children, showing them that they are not alone. There are people praying for them, interceding on their behalf, and willing to leave everything behind to meet their needs. Just as the shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that was lost, we are called to seek out and care for those who are hurting and in need.

A Personal Journey from Need to Hope

Theresa the founder of Joy Mission reflects:

The significance of God’s Love in Action is deeply personal for me. I was once a child who knew hunger and wore worn-out clothes, living with no hope for the future. I know how it feels to wear worn out and torn clothes. My life changed when American missionaries made the journey to my small village Nkoranza in Ghana. They didn’t have to leave the comfort of their homes in America, but they chose to come and serve us. Their kindness went beyond words—they fed us, clothed us, and invited us to know Christ.

Their actions spoke louder than any sermon. They didn’t just say, “Accept Jesus” and “goodbye.” They made sure our physical needs were met, showing us, that love is more than a message, it’s something you do. When love isn’t backed by action, it’s hard to believe it’s real. I needed to see Christ’s love in practice, and these missionaries showed me what it meant.

I remember being at a crossroads, struggling with despair and questioning whether my life was worth living. In that moment, the words of John 3:16 echoed in my heart: “For God so loved the world…” I knew the missionaries were in town, and I looked forward to their visit, knowing I would have food for at least one day. But more than that, I wanted to understand if God truly loved me.

That day, their message became real. I saw Christ’s love in their actions, and it moved me deeply. I wept, overwhelmed by the kindness and hope they brought. I decided to trust Jesus with my life, asking Him to rescue me from misery and promising to share that same love with others in need. I wanted to be a light in the darkness, a channel through which God could bring hope to children who felt hopeless, just as I once did.

Sharing Hope and Testimonies

God’s Love in Action is more than a single event—it’s a movement that has touched countless lives and continues to inspire testimonies of transformation. Over the years, we’ve visited schools to share the message of Christ’s love and to encourage students facing difficult circumstances. Theresa’s story specifically has become a source of hope for many young people who are struggling.

During these school outreaches, we’ve met children who were contemplating desperate choices, including self-harm and abortion. After hearing Theresa’s testimony and learning about God’s love, they have chosen a different path.

I’ve counseled students caught in cycles of sin, such as adultery and unhealthy relationships, and have even intervened with teachers on behalf of those who faced disciplinary action for their mistakes.

Our mission is to be a vessel for God’s compassion—a light in the darkness for a generation facing many challenges. We strive to be peacemakers, not judges, because we know what it’s like to be lost and then found by God’s mercy. The message we share is simple but powerful: your life belongs to God, and He can turn your mess into a message. As long as you have breath, there is hope.

Theresa shares:

When I ask students if they want God to change their lives, many respond with a resounding yes, they say they want a life like mine. I remind them that the goal is not to be like me, but to be like Jesus Christ. My presence is simply a living testimony of what God can do. I often tell them that I could be spending my time relaxing in a beautiful place, a new country on the beach in a resort on vacation, but instead, I choose to be with them—because of the love of Christ. That sacrifice itself is a message of hope and love.

Impacting Lives—Stories of Transformation

Our ministry has been blessed to witness countless stories of transformation, each one a testament to the power of God’s love expressed through action. One child who stands out is Calvin, a boy with severe autism whose life has been marked by both tragedy and hope. Calvin lost his mother at birth and has been raised by his grandmother, who faces her own health challenges. When we first met Calvin, he was unable to communicate or interact with others. Over the past three years, we’ve made sure he attends every program, providing him with school uniforms, athletic gear, tuition, and special gift, a toy just for him. Each time he sees us, his joy is unmistakable—he runs to Theresa for a hug, and we remind him that Jesus loves him.

When Calvin sees us, he has so much joy! I have to make sure I’m standing firm because he comes running at full force speed. “MAMA! Hug me!” All we have to do is show Calvin that Jesus loves him. Every time I see him, I smile and say, “Jesus loves you”. He’ll smile. I embrace him with the love of Christ.

Today, Calvin can make sounds and communicate far better than when we first met him, a remarkable improvement that fills us with gratitude.

Another story is that of Gifty, a baby who was severely malnourished when we met her at just three months old. Her mother was recovering from multiple surgeries and was unable to care for her. We stepped in, feeding Gifty and providing milk from the market. Now, she is healthy and plump, a beautiful little girl, and her mother has regained her strength.

We’ve also helped a young boy born without an anus, supporting his family through the process of medical assessments and surgery. When we first encountered him, his condition was dire, and his mother was unable to go out in public due to the stigma and the challenges of caring for him. With the help of our volunteers and donors, we provided medical supplies, new clothes, and arranged hospital referrals. The family is now awaiting surgery, and the child’s health has improved significantly.

John is another child whose life has been transformed through our ministry. Orphaned at a young age, he was left to fend for himself, moving from house to house. We took him in, raised him, and watched him grow into a young leader. Now, John helps organize other children, leading them in cleaning up after Joy Missions events and serving as a role model. He calls me “mom,” and his growth is a source of great joy for our team - Theresa shares.

These stories are just a few examples of the impact God’s Love in Action has had on children and families in Ghana. Each life touched is a reminder of why we do this work—to bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those who need it most.

Opening Our Hearts—Listening and Supporting

After returning from our outreach in May, I received a call from Comfort, a sister who helps with our ministry in Nkoranza. She was in tears, sharing the heartbreaking story of a twelve-year-old girl from her neighborhood. This child, who often ran errands for Comfort, lived with her single mother and was struggling with depression. One day, she was sent to gather cassava leaves and feed the cattle, but she didn’t return for hours. When her family finally found her, she had taken her own life in the goat pen.

This tragedy shook me deeply. It made me realize how many children are silently suffering, facing problems they feel unable to share with anyone. That’s why, after every outreach, we make ourselves available to listen and counsel. We encourage the children to come to us if they need someone to talk to, even if they don’t feel comfortable speaking with their parents. Our doors and hearts are open.

In the past, many young girls would come to my home. They would help with chores, and we would spend time talking, sharing stories, and building trust. I would tell them about life in Canada, and they would open up about their own struggles. By being present and approachable, I hoped to create a safe space where they could find support and guidance.

For many of these children, life is incredibly difficult. Most come from broken homes, have little to eat, and are left to navigate the world on their own. They are often influenced by negative peers, and some have experienced abuse. Many girls engage in risky behaviors at a young age, not fully understanding the consequences. Our approach is to start by working within—offering counseling and support during school outreach assemblies, where we sing, and ask them if they know what John 3:16 is. Then we invite them to the event so they can experience the love of Christ, and we can share the good news with them.

We let them know that Jesus sent us from Canada to show His love in a tangible way. If they have any problem or issue, we encourage them to come to the Lord and surrender their lives to Him. We share our own stories, and many volunteers give what they can. We also connect them to a recommended church for ongoing support and community.

Bringing Dreams to Life—Joy and New Experiences

For many children in the villages we serve, life is marked by hardship and limited opportunities. Most have never traveled by bus, visited a city, or seen an airplane up close. When we organize our events in Nkoranza, it’s not just about meeting basic needs, it’s about giving these children experiences they’ve only dreamed of.

Some children must cross rivers and swim to reach the bus that will take them to the event. For them, simply riding to Nkoranza is a dream come true. Last year, one girl shared that her greatest wish was to visit Nkoranza, and when she finally arrived—even though we ran out of food and she didn’t get to eat—she was content just to be there. Her dream came true even on an empty stomach.

Our volunteers, some traveling from abroad, also bring excitement and curiosity. Many of the village children have never seen a white person before, and their reactions range from little ones running away in fear, to some who might rub their skin, wondering why the color doesn’t come off, or compare their own thinness to our perceived prosperity. These moments highlight the stark differences in their world, but also the joy of new experiences.

We focus our efforts on the poorest villages, where children are most in need. For some, the event is their first time leaving their home village, their first bus ride, or their first encounter with people from other places. It might be their only opportunity.

When I was a child, I dreamed of seeing an airplane and going on a road trip to Kumasi. The excitement of seeing a swimming pool or a zoo—even one with just a few animals—was overwhelming. Today, we hope to make similar dreams come true for the children we serve, perhaps even organizing a bus tour or a visit to a zoo in the future. That’s our dream.

As Theresa reflects on her own childhood memories, these experiences bring immense joy, not just to the children, but to everyone involved. They remind us that small acts of kindness and generosity can create lifelong memories and inspire hope.

The Deeper Purpose—Why We Serve

At the heart of our ministry is a promise—a commitment Theresa made to God to reflect the love of Christ in the same way it was once shown to her. The example set by the American missionaries who came to Ghana changed the course of her life.

I often wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t obeyed God’s call to visit my village. Their obedience brought hope where there was none, and I am determined to

uphold the promise I made to God and be a light in the darkness, share my story, and help children who are in situations just like I was in Ghana.

Back then, travel was much more difficult. Today, we can fly from Accra to Kumasi, but those missionaries faced significantly arduous and challenging journeys. Had they not come, I might not be alive today. I remember the moments when despair nearly overtook me, when I was tempted to drink poison and end my life as just a little girl. Yet, in those dark times, a gentle voice reminded me that I was precious. That voice kept me from harm, and the missionaries’ arrival at just the right moment saved me from a tragic fate.

This work means everything to me. If even one soul is saved, all of Heaven rejoices. Jesus left the ninety-nine to find the one, and I was that one. Now, I want to be a vessel, an instrument God can use to reach others who are lost and hurting. Whether it brings gain or loss, our purpose is to do His will.

God called me out of darkness into His marvelous light, and now that light must shine through me—and through all of us involved in Joy of the Lord Missions. We are called to rescue children from despair and spiritual and physical death, to pull them out of the fire and into hope. The journey is not easy; it requires preparation, sacrifice, and many sleepless nights spent in prayer. But through every challenge, we learn to trust God more deeply and depend on His Word.

He has never abandoned us, and He never will. His faithfulness sustains us, and His sovereignty covers every aspect of our mission. Our greatest desire is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That is the ultimate reward—to enter into His rest, knowing we have served faithfully to the end.

Continuing the Mission of Love—A Call to Action

As we look back on how the journey of God’s Love in Action started and has grown, we see countless lives touched and transformed by the power of Christ’s compassion. Every act of kindness, every sacrifice, and every moment spent with these children is a living testimony to what it means to put love into action. The challenges are real—preparation is demanding, and the needs are great—but the rewards are eternal. Each child we reach, each life we touch, is a victory for the Kingdom of God.

Yet, the need never ends. There is always another child who is hungry, another family in crisis, another soul searching for hope. With our next event coming up in December, the urgency is greater than ever. We are currently only 16% of the way to our fundraising goal, and the gap is immense. Without generous donations, we

cannot continue to provide food, clothing, medical care, and spiritual support to those who depend on us.

We trust God to provide, knowing that He moves hearts to give and opens doors of the souls who need saving. But we also know that He often works through people—through you. Your support, whether through prayer, volunteering, or financial gifts, makes it possible for us to keep serving, keep loving, and keep bringing hope to those who need it most.

We invite you to join us in this mission. The need is urgent, and every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Ghana. Together, we can build a legacy of faith, compassion, and transformation—one child, one family, one community, one village, one city, one country, one continent at a time.

May God richly bless everyone who is part of this ministry. May His love shine through us, bringing light to the darkest places and hope to the most desperate hearts. Let us continue to serve, to love, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus—until every child knows they are cherished, and every soul finds its place in His family.

Love isn’t just a feeling – it’s a choice to act. We can’t claim love without showing it. God’s Love in Action is your opportunity to make love visible. To show God’s love to Ghana’s children. Love shines brightest, when it’s lived. We invite you to make a difference.

Donate directly through our website, or through GoFundMe https://gofund.me/9ceec8401 to contribute today. Follow us on social media to share our mission and reach out if you would like to get involved or help in other ways.