Jennifer M. Flowers

Village of Hope Orphanage Ghana 2010

2011-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from my 2 and half month stay at the Village of Hope Orphanage in Ghana, West Africa where I had the amazing privilege of living with over 200 children and teaching art at Hope Christian Academy. These are all the children that I love and miss so much. Lordwilling I will be returning in January 2012 to live once again at the VOH and teach art at HCA for 3 months. I am praying for the Lord's guidance and direction as I continue to pursue His will as I serve Him in Ghana.

So Simple Yet So Meaningful

2010-10-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Marita Barnett house for devotions and brought scrap paper and markers to draw with the children afterwards. However, I was the one who ended up doing all the drawing that evening. A sweet 12 year old girl named Ethel drew me a beautiful picture so I drew her name in block letters and created fun patterns in each letter. I decorated around her name and wrote I love you. After I gave her the drawing and all the other children saw it, they all asked me to draw their names too. So I spent the evening drawing each child's name. I did this until I ran out of paper. So I told the children I would bring more paper to draw the rest of their names. I really enjoyed drawing each child's name because as I was drawing each one I was thinking about how precious each one is to the Lord. He knows each one by name and created each one for His special purpose, and I want to communicate to each child just how special he or she is. What better way than to draw their names. One gift I feel the Lord has given me is an overwhelming amount of love for each child here at the Village of Hope. All the children are a part of my heart, and I can sincerely say that I know each one of them by name.

After I ran out of paper, Ethel asked me to teach her how to draw a star. I demonstrated how to draw one, and she practiced until she finally could do it. It warmed my heart to see her beautiful face light up with joy once she was able to draw a star. Something so simple yet so meaningful for this young girl to accomplish and that is the joy in teaching. I showed Ethel how to draw a face another time I came over to her house to draw, and ever since then, she has asked me to come back to draw more with her. I absolutely love spending time in the evenings with the children in each house, drawing with them and spending time teaching those who are interested in learning to draw.

Three Cheers for Art

2010-10-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

I love teaching the primary classes because every time I walk into the room for art class, the whole class cheers with excitement. Last week I was teaching class 2 about how to create patterns so I decided to give them a rainbow scratchboard to practice drawing their patterns on. As I was demonstating on the whiteboard how to create a pattern using different shapes, the entire class was so quiet and intensely watching me draw. It was such an amazing moment because they were all silent and listening. It does not always happen this way where they are all listening as I am trying teach. As I drew the different patterns on the board they applauded with complete delight and amazement at what I was drawing. It was so great! Then when I told them they would each get a scratchboard of their own to use to create patterns on, they all shouted with excitement and clapped. It was so precious to see all their faces light up with joy over having the opportuntity to use the materials I brought for them. I am sure this was their first time using a scratchboard, and they were anxious to try it out.

Last week I was also teaching class 3 about how to create patterns with paper shapes and how to create a rubbing from their patterns. I demonstrated on the whiteboard how to create a pattern with fun shapes. I showed them step by step how to create a pattern on the board, and they all applauded me with each step. Then afterwards I showed them my sample and immediately after they saw it, they all clapped. They also got really excited and clapped when I showed them how to create a rubbing using my example. All the children loved using the fun shapes to make their own patterns, and it was so sweet to hear them sing quietly as they worked. These are the moments when I am teaching that make the hard days all worth it. This was definitely the highlight of my week! I have so much I would love to teach all the children here, and it is these days that are so rewarding when I see the delight and excitement in the faces.

For the Lord's Splendor

2010-09-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
-Psalm 71:8

A day has not gone by where I have not seen the splendor of the Lord. I have seen His splendor in the beauty of His creation all around me. I have seen His splendor in the precious children He has given me the privilege of living alongside. My mouth is fillled with praise for all that the Lord has blessed me with here. The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and it is through His strength I am sustained and refreshed to pour out His love with each new day of life that He gives me. The Lord encouraged me with Isaiah 49:3: You are my servant, in whom I will display my splendor. I am the Lord's servant, and I desire to be completely used for His glory and splendor so that His name may be praised forever.

Freeman, Joel, Wisdom, and Teiko

2010-09-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

It has been so great having all the new 47 children from Tema and Kete-Krachi here at the Village of Hope. I have loved every minute of spending time with them and loving on them. I have made so many new friends! One of my new friends is Freeman. He was only 3 and a half years old when he was sold into slavery. The Touch a Life team was not even looking for Freeman when they found this little boy, naked and running as fast as he could away from them. He is the sweetest and funniest little 7 year old boy with the most adorable laugh. The past couple of evenings I have been sitting and holding him on the porch steps of his house. He just holds me so tight and looks right into my eyes and smiles. I told him I had to go back to my house for bed one evening, ane he whispered into my ear and asked me if he could have a hug before I went to bed. When I told him yes, he jumped into my arms and squeezed me so tight. He wouldn't let go. I held him there on the porch for a l while, and when I told him I had to go again, he only held me tighter. He placed his lips on my cheek and kept giving me kisses. I didn't want to ever let him go.

Joel is another little friend from Tema that I met last year. The moment I saw him, he was all love and smiles. He jumped into my arms and gave me a huge hug. He was just rescued last summer with his older brother Wisdom. Both boys are so special to me. One evening when we were talking about birthdays, I asked Joel when his birthday was. He told me he didn't know. I told him my birthday was July 9th, and that I would love to share my birthday with him. With a big smile and a little laugh, he said he would like to celebrate his birthday with mine. That evening he asked he if I could be his mom, and when I would take him to America. Joel's brother Wisdom wrote me the most beautiful letter and inside the envelope he gave me a plastic heart ring, a bracelet he made, and his most prized possession, a wire cross necklace. I felt so honored that he would think of me and want to give away something that was so special to him. What little he had he so freely gave away. I showed Wisdom that I was wearing his ring and told him that I would always think of him. He just looked at me with his big eyes and smiled real big.

Teiko Florence is another sweet little friend who is from Tema that I met last year. She has grown so much since I saw her last summer. She is now five years old and just wants to be held all the time. She never had a childhood because she was sold into slavery and was resuced when she was only four years old. Now she doesn't want you to ever put her down. All the love, affection, and nurturing she never received, she cannot get enough of it now. She just wants to curl up in your arms and be held. When TAL found Teiko she was a domestic slave. She was covered in ash from head to toe and her old shirt was the color of her dark skin. Teiko loves laying in my lap during church and always falls asleep in my arms. Teiko with her huge beautiful dark eyes looked into my eyes and asked me to be her mommy and take her home with me. I would love to be her mommy and give her the love she has missed out on and longs so much for.

The Blessing of 24 More Children

2010-09-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

All the Touch a Life children who are under the age of 13 years old have arrived at the Village of Hope!!! There were 23 children from Tema that arrived this past Friday and 24 children from Kete-Krachi that arrived this past Saturday. The remaining children that are 13 years and older are at the Village of Life in Kete-Krachi going to a vocational school that was just newly built. The 47 new children at the VOH are only going to be here temporarily until TAL builds a house nearby for all of them to live. They will continue to go to Hope Christian Academy located at the VOH for schooling.

It has been a joy having these new children in my Creative Arts classes, and several of them are wonderful artists! We have been short some desks so they had to share a desk and chair with their new classmates. Having so many children in class has definitely been challenging, especially with all the noise. Trying to establish structure and procedures in the classroom where there are none has been really challenging. There are constant interuptions, and the children are out of their seats and very talkative. It does not help that I am female and American. The children listen so much better to the male Ghanaian teachers, so I know they are capable of working quietly in art. I just haven't been able to manage that yet. The children are all very excited to see me when I show up for art class. Today, Mishel turned in his drawing, and then quickly asked for it back. When he gave it back to me, I saw that he wrote I love Jenny on it. The little ones are so precious! I pray the Lord would continue to fill me with His strength, love, and patience so that I may pour out His love each day to the children and teach them art in the process.

My Friends From Tema Arrived

2010-09-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today 23 children who were all rescued from a life of slavery on Lake Volta moved into their new temporary home at the Village of Hope. They moved from their previous home in Tema, which is a couple hours from the VOH, so that they can attend Hope Christian Academy. They will be living here until Touch A Life can find some property nearby to build an orphanage for these children. The children will be starting Hope Christian Academy on Monday. You can keep these children in your prayers during this transition into a new home with so many new faces. About half of the children are excited to be here and the other half are unsure about the change. I am so happy to be here with them and to help in any way I can to make them feel right at home in their new place.

It is so great to see all my special friends again!!! I have missed them so much. Tonight we showed a movie for the children at the campus center (the old church building), and my special friend Joel, who just arrived tonight from Tema, layed in my lap during the movie. I absolutely loved holding him in my arms and sharing this special moment together. After his big move, he rested in my lap and as I held him close, he fell asleep. He is such a sweet little boy and as I held him tight, he asked me when I would take him to America. It was so precious. I would love to take him back with me in October.

When I tell the children I live alone in America, they always ask me if I am lonely. Nkugami, who is beautiful 15 year old young woman, asked me if there were poor people in America. I told her that there were poor people in America and that some of them were homeless. When she heard this, she asked me if I would do something for them when I go back to America just like what I am doing here at the VOH. Belinda, who is a sweet 11 year old young girl, was standing with us, and she told me to take one of the homeless people into my home to live with me since I live by myself. I was deeply touched by these two young girls great compassion and concern for the poor in America. These girls may be considered poor in the eyes of the world, but they are far richer than the wealthest person in America by the Lord's standards. They truly understand what it means to love as Jesus did and to walk as He walked, caring for the poor, broken, and lost.

School Begins

2010-09-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last week Monday was the reopening of school. It was not a typical first week of school. The teachers were in and out of their classrooms all day, and sometimes the students were left all alone in their classrooms for the entire day. During the first week, the assistant to the headmaster was trying to correct all the scheduling conflicts with all the classes. So I did not get my official teaching schedule until Thursday. Since there is not a music and dance teacher, Katie and I will be teaching music and dance together. Katie has joined me from Texas and will be staying at the guest house with me for the duration of my time here. We are going to try and teach what we know and leave the African dancing to the Ghanaian teachers. The lower primary classes (1st through 3rd) have 35 students in each and the upper primary (4th through 6th) to Junior High School classes (7th through 9th) have 45 students in each.

The boarding students have all arrived so there are an additional 80 boys and 40 girls here at the VOH until school breaks for Christmas in December.

A typical school day:

The Village of Hope children wake up at 5:00 am (4:00 or 4:30 am if they have to cook breakfast and lunch for their house that day.) They do all their chores, have devotions with their families, eat breakfast, and go to school early to clean around the school before devotion time. Then the children line up by class in front of the school for devotions. They praise the Lord through song and have prayer. Followed by song and prayer, the children sing the school song and say the school pledge together. Then, the school day begins at 8:00 am with someone ringing a bell. They have only one 20 minute break and a 25 minute lunch during the day. There are 8 class periods during the day, and their subjects include Math, Science, English, Bible, Fante (the local language), French, Creative Arts, Music and Dance, Religious and Moral Education, Citizenship, and Physical Education. For the changing of lessons or classes someone rings a bell and says change classes (or lessons) please. The day ends with a time of worship from 2:45 to 3:15 pm.

My Sweet Friend, Famous

2010-09-03T02:56:00.000-07:00

I have had the blessing of spending time with a young boy named Famous who is probably 12 years old, but because of his size looks younger. He was rescued from a life of slavery and lives in Marita Barnett house. He is such a sweet, gentle, and kind boy. He picked a flower off the tree by my house and gave it to me yesterday. He also told me I was handsome and that he loves my hair. This past week I was asked by several of the children in Famous' house to teach them how to draw the human face. So I have spent some evenings this week teaching and drawing with Famous and the other children in his house. While I was drawing one evening, Famous stood right above my shoulder watching and gently playing with my hair.

There are some really incredible and gifted young artists like Emmanual and Kojo who live in Marita Barnett. Last time, I was there for an hour and a half in the evening, and for almost a straight hour, the kids kept asking me to draw things for them instead of them drawing. I drew boys, girls, planes, ships, birds, flowers, sharks, and lions for the children. Famous saw how all the children were asking me to draw this and that for them, and he told them that I was not a machine and that I could not draw that fast. I just laughed. Then I told him about a photocopy machine and his eyes got really big in amazement at the possibility of making 25 copies of my drawing to give to all the children.

After I demostrated how to draw a boy's face, Famous asked me if he could keep the drawing. When I gave it too him, he said it was handsome and that it was him. He asked me if I would draw a girl on the back of that paper, but he said he didn't want to worry me so he would wait until I finished drawing pictures for everyone else. After I finished, I drew the girl for him and he loved it. He said that whenever he is sad, he would look at the drawing and that would make him happy because it was so beautiful. It was really precious to see his face and his amazement at the beauty of this simple sketch I drew for him. It meant so much to him.

Life in Ghana

2010-08-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I have already been here one month!!!! God is so good! By the grace of God I have been healthy and strengthened each day to continue to serve and love in the Lord's mighty power! I feel so at home here at the Village of Hope surrounded by all these amazing children! I have been trying to learn some words to communicate in the primary language of this area, which is Twi (pronounced tree) and Fanti. There are some sounds that my mouth has a hard time making, but I am trying. One of the first words I learned was thank you because I was told that Ghanaians really like when we Americans say thank you in their language. I also wanted to say I love you to the children in their language, so I use that word all the time too. When I said it for the first time to my little 8 year old friend, Ruth, her eyes just lit up and she laughed. Now we say it all the time to each other! And I taught her and some of the children I love you in sign language.

I have also enjoyed learning more about the Ghanaian culture, but I have so much more to learn. Two and a half months just is not long enough (I know my mom thinks it is though). Here are some new phrases and words that I have learned since I have been here:

"Rubber" means a plastic bag
"Flashing" means dialing someones cell phone number and then hanging up before the person answers. They do this so the number appears and that person calls them back so that they do not use their own phone credit.
"I'm coming" means I'll be right back
"Plaster" means a bandaid or bandage (The children are always asking me for a plaster when they get scrapes and blisters)
"Slippers" mean flipflops
"Dress" means clothes

I also learned it is not appropriate to wave with your left hand, of course, after I already did so. Good to know. You should only wave with your right hand or both hands, not the left because it is considered unclean. You should also only accept items from others with your right hand. When you eat, you only wash your right hand, the hand you will eat with (you don't use silverware). You will be given some soap and a bowl of water before a meal to wash only your right hand. When you are eating, if someone walks by you, you need to invite them to your food by saying "your invited." People will not usually eat from your plate, but you need to offer.

When I was at one of the children's houses during dinner, a child said "your invited" to me. I decided to pass on the fish head, but I had a bite of the banku (ground maize and water pounded into a large ball) dipped in sauce. Stephen who was sitting right next to me popped the fish's eyeball out and ate it. I heard a crunch. I tried to keep my stomach from churning too bad between watching him eat the fish eye and the smell of the fish itself. It was hard since fish grosses me out, and the kids eat the entire fish. I have eaten both banku and fufu (ground plaintains and cassava with water pounded into a large ball), which are traditional foods here. They are pretty good in soup.

20 Unexpected Blessings

2010-08-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Lord is so good!!! Today I experienced such a huge and unexpected blessing from the Lord. I was spending time outside the Linary House with several children (the newest house with 28 new children), when a group of children with 2 adults were walking up to the house. I waved to the group thinking they were some people visiting the Village of Hope for the day. It took me a little bit to realize but once the children got closer, I started to recognize their smiling faces. Some of them started to run up to me, and that is when I saw Moses, Benjamin, Joel, Gabriel, and Chakobie. These were all the children I met last summer who were rescued from the lake and joined us for the art camp. I could not believe it!!!! I was so excited to see their beautiful faces. I was hoping to get to see them while I was here in Ghana. They have grown so much since I have seen them!!! Joel and Benjanin ran right into my arms, and I gave them a big hug. I love these kids so much!!! Joel showed me he was wearing the watch I sent him.

It was so great to see Chakobie!!!! He was the little boy who was rescued last summer while I was at the Village of Hope, and in just one year, I could see a tremendous transformation. He came right up to me with a huge smile and gave me a hug. Words cannot even begin to describe the joy in my heart when I saw this precious child so full of joy and with new hope in his eyes. When I met Chakobie last summer, days after he came from the lake, he was quiet, reserved, and scared. Today I saw a sweet, gentle, loving, and adorable little boy. Praise the Lord!!!! Just when I thought my heart could not be any more full...full of joy and love for these precious children... these 20 blessings show up to the VOH.

I found out today that these 20 beautiful children are coming to live at the VOH in September, and they were here today taking their placement exams for school!!!!! There has been construction going on since I came here on August 2nd, and I was wondering what the building was for. No one I asked seemed to know for sure. It is a new house for these 20 children who are currenting living in Tema, a couple hours from the VOH. I am thrilled that I will be here when they return in Septmeber to move into their new home at the VOH.

I walked with the children to the campus center where we gather for church so that they could eat some lunch before they headed back to Tema. I thought this would be a great time to get out the suckers that I brought for a special occasion. All the children ate their lunch of rice and an egg that the VOH provided, and once they were finished I passed out a sucker to each child. Seeing these 20 precious children sitting together and enjoying their lunch brought tears to my eyes because not that long ago they were all in slavery on Lake Volta.

These children and the many others still on the lake were destined for more than a life of slavery. The Lord has a special purpose and plan in creating each of these precious souls, and each of us can do something to help fight human trafficking, whether you are here in Ghana or raising awareness in the states. Freedom has a face and a name, and those names are Moses, Isaac, Gideon, Mary, Comfort, Benjamin, Jacob, Joseph, Joel, Wisdom, Christiana, Gabriel, Chakobie, Felix, and many more! I cannot thank the Lord enough for each life here and the promise of hope that He has for each of these children.

A Heart BIG Enough

2010-08-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

Living at the Village of Hope with so many children means always having someone calling my name and wanting my attention, whether it is to simply sit and talk, play a game, read a book, make a bracelet out of string, teach them how to draw, or bandage a bloody knee.

I do not have enough hands to hold each one when I walk from place to place. When I sit down my lap is not big enough for them all to curl up in my arms to be held. However, the Lord has given me a heart BIG enough to hold all the love I have for each one here and by His strength I am able to pour out this love to each child. And by His grace, I will continue to pour out His love each day He gives me here with the children.

This past week, I was so glad I was able to be here with eleven year old Hagar when she needed to go to the clinic. With so many children to care for, the house parents do not have the time or ability to see to every individual concern of their twenty-some children, like taking them to the clinic. Hagar had a staph infection that manifested itself in the form of a boil on her leg. It kept progressively getting worse until I finally went with her to the clinic to see the doctor. Staph infections and boils are so common here with unsanitary conditions. It can spread so easily from person to person. Hager asked me to go in with her when she saw the doctor. I held her hand as the doctor cleaned the area around her boil, which was extremely painful for her. It was hard for me to see her in such pain, but she was really brave through it all. I was thankful to be there with her so that she did not have to go through that alone. She thanked me afterwards for being there with her and gave me a big hug. The doctor put her on some medication to help fight the infection, and she is now doing much better.

While I was there, Benedicta, who is 11 years old, was sitting in the waiting area alone. She was waiting to get her bandages changed from the burn she suffered when boiling hot porridge spilled on her chest and stomach. Akua, who is 8 years old, was sick with malaria. She was waiting with 11 year old Agnes from her house to see the doctor. As I was sitting there in the waiting area with these young girls, I kept thinking about when I was sick as a child. I had parents who took me to the doctor and sat right by my side the entire time when I was not feeling well. I had the comfort and support of a loving mom who held my hand when I was afraid or rubbed my back when I was hurting. And all these girls went in to see the doctor by themselves. As I was holding Hagar's hand while she was in pain, I was so thankful to be with her in that moment to show my love and comfort her.

Angels Are Rejoicing In Heaven

2010-08-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight a Ghanaian man named Daniel gave his life to Christ and was baptized!!! What a joy to witness the new birth and welcome a Ghanaian brother into the family of God. When Daniel came out of the water, everyone joined in and sang the song, I Have Decided To Follow Jesus! It was amazing to be a part of this glorious Lord's day with all my Ghanaian brothers and sisters in Christ!

There is a baptistry outside behind the church building where we all gathered around to witness the new birth. Praise the Lord!!!

A typical Lord's day at the Village of Hope begins at 8:30 am for devotions in the campus center building right now (this is the old church building) . It is not large enough to hold all the children and adults, but since several of the children are gone on vacation, this is where we meet. The Village of Hope is in the process of constructing a larger church building but at the present time, that building only has the foundation and the supports that hold up the roof. There are no walls yet. After devotions, Sunday school is from 9-10 am for children and adults with the preacher teaching the lesson. Then the church service begins at 10 am and concludes at noon. Hymn books are passed out, and the worship is led by one of the older children at the VOH without music. I absolutely love hearing all the children's voices singing loudly in worship to our God. There are designated ushers that walk up and down the aisle tapping children who start to fall asleep during the service. The little ones tend to lean over in their chairs and fall asleep so the ushers watch them during the service and try to keep them alert to what is being said.

Following the songs, there are several prayers including prayer for the preacher and his message, and another older child does the scripture reading of the passage the preacher will be teaching on that morning. After the sermon, we all gather around the Lord's table for communion. More hymns are sung while we take an offering, and then we close with any announcements. If it is someones birthday, that person goes up front, and we all sing happy birthday to him or her. After the song, we pray for that person, thanking God for adding another year to their life.

Then we gather together again in the evening from 6-7 pm for evening service, which is similar to the morning service with hymns, prayer, and a message.

Genuine Faith

2010-08-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Every evening at 6 pm each of the houses have devotions as a family. On this particular evening, I was walking to Linary House for devotions, and it was a little after 6 pm so the other houses had already begun their devotion time. As I walked by, I heard the children in each house singing different praise songs to the Lord. It was such a beautiful sound to my ears, and I could only imagine how even more pleasing this was to the Lord's ears as His children worshipped Him in song.

During devotions one child leads the others in songs from a hymn book. Afterwards, the child leading calls upon different children to pray. One child prays a prayer of thanksgiving for their lives, food, water, clothes, shelter, and safety. Another child prays a prayer of forgiveness for their sins, while another prays for the house parents, visitors, and travelers. One prays for the Village of Hope staff and preacher. One prays for the sick, and finally one prays for a good nights sleep. The children without hesitation stand up and lead the others in their specific prayer, and when he or she finishes the prayer with Amen, the others all echo with Amen. Following the time of singing and prayer, the house parents share a message from God's Word with their children. If there are guests joining them for devotions, the house parents will ask the guests if they have a message to share with their family. I have been asked to share a word of encouragement from the Bible with the houses I have been at for devotions.

The Village of Hope is training the children in the ways of the Lord. And it is my prayer that as they grow older, the seeds that were planted while they were here, the scriptures they memorized, and the examples of Christian character from their house parents and other adults will altogether grow into a strong faith of their very own.

God's Goodness

2010-08-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

God is so good!! The children sing the song God is so good during devotions all the time, and I cannot help but see God's goodness all around me here at the Village of Hope. My heart is so full...full of joy...full of peace...full of love...and overflowing with contentment. Each new day brings new blessings with the children and opportunities to pour out the love the Lord has filled my heart with for each precious child. The moment I stepped off the bus nearly 3 weeks ago and saw the children, I was overwhelmed with joy, so much so I could not help but shed tears of joy. My heart is finally home! My life over the past 3 weeks has been full...full of laughter...full of play...full of children wanting my constant attention...full of hugs...full of praise to the Lord...full of new faces...full of God's goodness all around me. I had been waiting nearly a year to be reunited with all the children here and have felt a constant ache and longing in my hear that has finally ceased. I am right where I am suppose to be...in the center of God's will loving His children in Ghana!!! I cannot think of any other place I would rather be right now than here. By the grace of God, I am feeling well and strengthened to do the work He has called me to do. I am here to serve the Lord with the strength He has provided me and love with the love He has filled my heart with.

A Divine Appointment

2010-08-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Lord had a divine appointment for me one evening after church with one of the house dads in Chisholm House. I stood in the dark for an entire hour as he poured out his heart and I listened. It was such an amazing time, where I got a glimpse of his passion and heart for his 18 children. George and his wife came to the Village of Hope in June after the house mom passed away in Chisolm. It was evident to me through our conversation that this is exactly where the Lord wants him and his family to be. He has 3 young children of his own, George Jr., Abigail, and baby Jessie. He has such a huge heart for his new children and a desire to do whatever possible to help them succeed in school. He shared with me that education is the key to ending Africa's greatest problems: illiteracy which leads to poverty which leads to diseases. He referred to the VOH as a "Little Paradise" that serves as a stepping stone for these childrens' futures if they only take advantage of the opportunities they have here.

The verse that the Lord has impressed on my heart over the last 2 years has been James 1:27 that says: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. George shared that scripture with me when he told me how he came to the VOH. That is exactly what the house parents here at the VOH are living out 365 days a year. George said how encouraged he was to see me come so far to love and care for these children, and he said if I can come that far, then he can come from Tema (a couple hours away) to the VOH to serve. However, there is a big difference between me giving of myself for 3 months and him sacrificing and caring for these children 365 days a year. Then he shared with me 1 Corinthians 15:58 that says: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. He believes that nothing he does for these children is in vain.

George's heart and passion were so encouraging and inspiring and at moments brought me to tears. I could clearly see his love for the Lord, his desire to serve Him well, and the high calling the Lord has placed on his life. I am so thankful for this opportunity to encourage him and his children while I am here. He has 4 boys that are extremely talented artists and I will be doing some art lessons with them in the evenings while I am here. I started last night with a watercolor painiting with Alex, Bright, Dana, and Dawuni.

All for a slipper

2010-08-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

This past week when I was walking to the school for the art camp, there were some children throwing their slippers (the children call their flipflops slippers) at a mango tree to knock down some fruit. In the process, one little girl got her slipper stuck in the tree and was trying to knock it down with a mop. She couldn't reach so I thought I would give it a try. Without knowing that the branch with her slipper on it was swarming with big red biting ants, I hit the branch and the slipper along with all the biting ants came showering down on top of me. They were on my head, in my shirt, and on the bag I was carrying. Needless to say, it was a little awkward getting those biting ants out of my shirt, but at least that little girl had her slipper back.

My new friend Benedicta

2010-08-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

This year there is a new house full of 28 new adorable smiling faces and Benedicta is one of those beautiful children. She is 11 years old and has the most tender heart for the Lord. I had the opportunity to go to her house for devotions one evening last week, and after a time of singing and prayer with all the children, I talked with Benedicta for a while. She took me into her room that she shares with 5 other girls and showed me her closet with all her possessions. She is going into class four and wanted to share with me her test scores.

Afterwards we sat down and I asked her what her favorite scripture was and she shared with me Psalm 122:1:

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

She said that was her favorite verse because she loves to be in the house of the Lord. Her exciement and joy was precious and so evident in her eyes and beautiful smile. I shared one of my favorite verses with her: Zephaniah 3:17:

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Benedicta was absolutely delighted with this verse. It was so amazing to see her love for the Lord. She was so thankful for me coming to see her home and spending time with her. She also told me that when her parents tell her to go to bed, she loves to grab her Bible and read before she goes to sleep.

The next day I stopped by to give her a letter I wrote her and a piece of gum. The following day when I saw her she thanked me again for the gum and said she really enjoyed it. I was so amazed by her sincere gratitude for something as small as a piece of gum. I am truly thankful for the Lord bringing her and her younger brother, Prince, to the Village of Hope, and I am so thankful for the blessing of being here with her. It is so cool how the Lord works and connects you with certain people, and Benedicta is one of those special people.

You can pray for Benedicta because she was severally burned a week ago when a boiling hot bowl of stew fell from her head and spilled on her entire chest and stomach. She showed me the burn this week and it just looks so painful, but you would never tell from her sweet spirit.

Samuel Amofa

2010-08-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it has already been one week since I arrived here at the Village of Hope. It has been a really busy week so far and I have a few short minutes to update because I am helping out with the summer reading program while someone is gone for the next 2 weeks. Life has been so full here... full of laughter...full of hugs... full of joy... full of singing praises to the Lord... full of so many activities with the children... and my heart is so full and content being here with all these precious children. I have enjoyed every moment loving on them and getting to know all the new children to the VOH.

I have been spending several nights working with Samuel Amofa on illustrating his story. I have gotten close with him over the last 2 years and was so honored that he asked me to help him draw his story. He is a sweet 12 year old boy and I have truly enjoyed our time together drawing. His story will be published along with 11 other VOH children and sold in the U.S. to help raise money for the orphanage.

I gave Mark, Hagar, Kofi, Kojo, Vida, and Sarah their drawings and they all loved them. I loved seeing the excitement on their faces when they saw their portraits for the first time. Kofi carries his drawing everywhere he goes. I asked Kojo where he put his drawing and he had a huge smile on his face. He took me to his room and opened his closet door. There it was hanging up inside. I have been asked by practically every child and house parent at the VOH to draw their portrait after they saw the drawings I brought several of the children. I will have my work cut out for me when I return home. I would love to draw each child at the VOH eventually.

To God Alone Be the Glory!!

2010-07-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

3 days from today I will be at the Village of Hope Orphanage in Gomoa-Fetteh, Ghana for 2 and 1/2 months! I will finally be reunited with all the children I know and deeply love! I have been awaiting this return since I came back last August from teaching art for an Art and Music Camp at the Village of Hope. Last year was the second time I taught art for the Children's Art Village camp and while spending more time with the children, the Lord was really stirring in my heart and making His will more clear to me... that I would return for longer to serve. And now is the Lord's appointed time!!!!

I am completely overwhelmed by the Lord's rich and abundant provision for my trip this year. All of my support was raised and I feel so truly blessed and affirmed in my calling to minister to the children in Ghana. I am so excited to be a part of the Lord's work in the lives of these children in Ghana. During my 2 and 1/2 months living at the orphanage, I will be teaching art for a 2 week camp. Then, once the school year begins the 1st of September, I will be teaching art classes at Hope Christian Academy for grades 1 through 9. HCA is located at the orphanage and has 650 children that attend (200 from the Village of Hope and the rest of the children come from the surrounding villages.) I feel honored to have this amazing opportunity to share the love of Christ with these children and pour into each of their lives. My prayer is that the Lord would use me for His ultimate purpose and for His glory. It is the Lord's heart to care for these children and I am believing His promise in Ephesians 3:20-21!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20-21

Thank You!

2009-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Mark is 8 years old and was rescued off Lake Volta on December 21, 2006 from a life of slavery.

The girls of Prestoncrest House and their house mother, Milleficent.

Moses is 11 years old and was rescued off Lake Volta from a life of slavery in March 2009 after working for his master for 4 years.

I am so eager to share with you my incredible experience in Ghana at the Village of Hope orphanage. Returning to the village of Gomoa-Fetteh and seeing the familiar faces of all the children that came running to greet us with such excitement was by far one of the most touching parts of my journey. I had been anticipating that moment since the day I left last year and praying the Lord would provide the means for me to return the following year, and He did! Praise the Lord! During my time at the Village of Hope, the Lord was stirring in my heart and pulling me even more towards the work He is doing there in Ghana. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who partnered with me through financial support and prayer to make this ministry possible. I could not have done this without all of your prayers, encouragement, and support, and I thank the Lord for all of you.

First of all, I am excited to share with you a huge praise. During my stay at the orphanage, three children were rescued from the lake and the horrific suffering of slavery. Two of the three boys were brought to the Village of Hope for the camp, while the third remained at the orphanage near the lake. The boy who remained at the orphanage near the lake is now nine years old but was sold into slavery when he was only two. Therefore, it was in his best interest to stay back due to his lack of social skills and the good possibility of him feeling too overwhelmed by all the people at the Village of Hope. The other two boys, Tetteh and Chakobie joined us for the last day of our camp and the celebration.

This year for the Art and Music Camp, we had children from two other orphanages, the Village of Life in Kete Krachi and the City of Refuge in Tema. All these children who joined us were rescued from slavery off Lake Volta. I had several of the children in my first, second, and third grade art classes, and they all seemed to enjoy creating and expressing themselves through the mediums of tempera paint, watercolor, markers, and clay. The time I was able to spend with so many of them was such a blessing. I could not fathom the kind of life they had endured prior to being rescued, yet so many of them were so open and loving towards me, and I just wanted to hold them and never let them go.

It was truly heart wrenching for me to see the actual faces of child trafficking, to know how much they have suffered, and to see some of their physical scars from a life of abuse. At the same time I was filled with such love for each them and hope for a better future, one that offers food, shelter, clothes, an education, and most importantly love, not only from the people who care for them, but a love that is greater than all human love, a love that knows each child’s pain and can heal the emotional scars that each child knows, the love of God! For that, I can trust each child into the care of our Lord and pray for His guidance for what I can continue to do for these children. It says in Proverbs 31: 8-9, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

I believe with all my heart that the Lord is calling me to Ghana to continue to do the work He has prepared in advance for me to do, and I am truly excited about this new adventure and where it will lead as I obediently seek Him. My heart is definitely with all the children at the Village of Hope as well as with all the children who have been rescued off the lake. I am following the Lord one step at a time, and I know it was His will for me to return this year for the camp. I am praying, and I would sincerely appreciate your prayers as well as I continue to serve God in Africa and anticipate returning next summer to Ghana.

In Christ,
Jenny Flowers

I'm leaving for Ghana in 6 days!!!!!

2009-08-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

Eric Bukari

Last year, Eric gave me two pictures, one of himself and one of a butterfly, and asked me if I could draw them for him. Well, that is exactly what I did, and I cannot wait to give him these drawings when I see him in 6 days.

I am meeting up with my team in New York on Friday, August 7th, and our flight leaves at 5:30 pm (if it is on time this year.) It is an 11 hour flight to Accra, Ghana and then another hour and a half bus ride to the Village of Hope Orphanage in Gomoa-Fetteh. I can't believe that one week from today I will be in Africa again!!!!!! I have missed all the children so much since last summer and cannot wait to give them all big hugs when I see them again.

Art and Music Camp 2008

2009-05-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

Vida

2009-05-05T13:41:00.001-07:00

Artwork by Vida Binyimbor

Vida and I...isn't she beautiful!

Vida is a super special 10 year old girl that I spent every day with last summer! I prayed that God would bring children into my life at the Village of Hope that I could love and really connect with in a special way. Vida is one of those special children that God placed in my life, and it broke my heart to have to leave her. The night before we had to leave I held Vida tightly in my arms, not wanting to ever let her go, as we both cried. I told her how much I loved her and that I would see her again...in faith... knowing that God would bring us back together again the following summer...and HE DID!

I was so touched to receive this piece of artwork from Vida recently. An American team made up of a couple of people who went to Ghana last summer recently went back to the orphanage and Vida asked them to give me this drawing that she made for me. The director of Children's Art Village made sure I got the drawing, and it is now hanging up in my room. I see it everyday and think of Vida! I cannot wait to see her this summer and hold her in my arms again!!!!!

I'm Going Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-05T13:13:00.001-07:00

I am going to see these precious faces again this summer when I return for the 3rd Annual Art and Music Camp in Gomoa-Fetteh, Ghana!!!!! I am so EXCITED and can hardly contain my joy! I will be leaving for Ghana on August 7th and will be gone for 9 days...too short but it will be worth it just to spend time with all those beautiful children at the Village of Hope Orphanage. I will be one of the American art teachers again for the camp. I haven't stopped thinking about or praying for all the children at the orphanage that I got to spend time with while I was in Ghana. The Lord has kept them close to my heart since last summer, and I have been praying that God would provide a way for me to return this summer.

God is GOOD!!!!! The plane ticket to Ghana was an answer to prayer. The director of Children's Art Village (the organization that I will be traveling with) bought her plane ticket for $1415 and shortly after that the price jumped back up to $1915. Over the next week, I kept checking the price daily and praying that the price would go back down so I could buy it for the cheaper price... and IT DID!!!!!! It went down to $1156 and I couldn't believe it!!!!! God provided and He is ALWAYS faithful! Praise the Lord!!!!!

August 7th cannot come soon enough. There will be 29 of us on the American team going to Ghana and 5 Ghanaian teachers joining us. Going back to the Village of Hope means the world to me!!!!!! I just sent 5 letters to the children there telling them how excited I am to be coming back this summer. I want with all my heart to LOVE the orphans in Africa, and God has given me this opportunity to do just that... and I'm so thankful to have this chance to share the love of Christ with these children in Ghana. They all have a special place in my heart and ALWAYS will!

I am also planning to do some more drawings of the children to give to them when I see them in August!

Missing the children in Ghana

2009-02-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that in five short months I have the opportunity to go back to Ghana for the 3rd annual Art and Music Camp at the Village of Hope! I am trying my best to save up enough money to go back and see those amazing children that I miss so much. I received five letters from the children a few weeks ago that really brightened my day! It has been hard for me working at the Family and Children's Center with teenage boys who have emotional and behavioral problems. I miss working with young children and part of my heart is still in Africa with those Ghanaian orphans. God is good...He knows my heart, and I know He will provide again like He did last summer. Right now God has been teaching me to wait on Him and His perfect timing.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. ~Psalm 27:14

As much as I want to go back to Africa and care for the orphan children in Ghana, God has me where I'm at right now for a reason. I might not know the reason why, but I can trust the One who holds my future.

Samuel Amofa

2008-09-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Samuel and his scratchboards

Samuel was in my 3rd grade art classes, and he became my buddy during the week! The day before we had to leave Samuel had a necklace on with the African symbol for "accept God," and he wanted me to have it. I told him thanks and that he could keep it, but he insisted I take it. So he took it off and put it on me. Even though this might have been the only necklace Samuel had, he wanted to give it away to me. The children gave so generously of what they had...I was honored to accept this gift from Samuel. On Saturday, September 13th I received a letter in the mail from Samuel. He wrote:

"Dear Jenny Flowers,
I am very sad that we are not here together. Please I have been praying. Thank you for being my friend. Also I hope I will see you soon and if I remember you and think of you, I'm crying. I hope your family is fine by God's grace. Please don't forget that you have a friend, his name is Samuel Amofa, and please don't forget that God is with you and your family. Please if I say that you will take me as your brother and I will also take you as my sister. Please write your best friend."

I was surprised to receive a letter so soon from the Village of Hope, but it was awesome! I wrote Samuel back already and sent him these two pictures, stickers, and a soccer necklace. I hope he gets it because mail in Africa is not as certain as here in the United States.

My Video

2008-09-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is the video I created for my presentation tomorrow night, September 14th, at my church. The first song is called "I Saw What I Saw," and it is by Sara Groves. I found this song and thought it was perfect for my video. Sara wrote this song after her experience in Rwanda. While in Rwanda she visited the genocide memorial, a school building where 50,000 people were killed.

"I saw what I saw and I can't forget it ~ I heard what I heard and I can't go back ~ I know what I know and I can't deny it ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ Your pain has changed me ~ Your dream inspires ~ Your face a memory ~ Your hope a fire ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ And what I know of love ~ We've done what we've done and we can't erase it ~ We are what we are and it's more than enough ~ We have what we have but it's no substitution ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ I say what I say with no hestitation ~ I have what I have but I'm giving it up ~ I do what I do with deep conviction ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ Your courage asks me what I am made of ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ and what I know of love ~ And what I know of God"

While I was working on this video, God was really tugging on my heart. As I was remembering all the children at that orphanage, I was filled with such love for them. Their precious smiles and loving hearts are full of such life and joy. In the loving embrace of a child I found Jesus. These children are rich, richer than anyone of us here in America could ever be. As I look at picture after picture of the many children at the Village of Hope I am taken back to all the moments I shared with each of them... each a gift from God...an indescrible blessing!

My experience at the Village of Hope with all the children is something I will never forget. The children's faces with their beautiful smiles were so full of joy and hope...hope in a God that holds their future, a hopeful future! These children have known loss and have experienced hardship that children should not have to go through, yet they know a Savior who takes that pain and hardship and never wastes a single one of their tears. The Lord is working in the lives of the children at the Village of Hope, and there is healing that can only come from the Lord. The children who may have loss their earthly families have now gained a family full of brothers and sisters in Christ, a family that no one can ever take away. They are children of the Lord, and they are forever His!

Francis and Monica Bijah

2008-09-02T15:30:00.001-07:00

Brother and sister, Francis and Monica

Francis and his watercolor painting

Monica and I

Francis and Monica have a very special place in my heart. They are extraordinary children with hearts so full of love and an indescrible joy in the Lord. When I first met Monica I was struck by her beautiful face that lit up with such joy! Her loving embrace made me feel so loved and special. She was a blessing and each time I would see her, her love and joy that she so freely gave was felt in the huge hug I received. I miss her dearly and look forward to the day we can be together again when I visit. Her brother Francis was amazing too. I had him in my fifth grade watercolor class. The moment Francis walked into my class he had a huge smile on his face with a huge loving hug waiting for me. My heart was so full of joy and excitement to be with these children at the Village of Hope orphanage. They truly reflected the beauty of Christ...their faces simply glowed! The second time I had Francis' class, we decorated cards with stamps and wrote letters. Francis wrote me the most beautiful letter that brought tears to my eyes when I read it. He wrote:

"Dear Jenny, I am very excited to write you this letter. The reason is that, I thank you so much for your care and concern for us your student and helping us. May God who gives generously to all without finding fault richly bless you in all you do. And always remember that, all things work good for those wh0 love the Lord, and for that matter, continue to do the great work that you are doing in the name of the Lord and love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. May God bless you. With much love, Francis Bijah"

Monica also wrote me a wonderful letter in response to the letter I wrote her. She wrote:

"Jenny, thank you very much for your great letter you have given to me. When I recieved it I was so glad. I will continue to pray for you and your family. You are so great to me. You always make me feel happy. Thank you very much. Send my greeting to daddy Ed, Cathy, and your brother. May God richly bless you. I love you. And God loves you too."

Francis and Monica are gifts from God. Their lives truly reflect the heart of Christ, and I was so honored to be able to impact their lives just as much as they impacted mine. God is so good!!!!!!

Eric and Alex

2008-08-29T19:34:00.001-07:00

Eric's brother Alex and his wooden plaque

Eric and his fingerpainted fish

Eric and his fingerpainted butterfly

Eric and his watercolor painting

I wrote Eric a letter before I went to the Village of Hope, and I brought him the letter when I met him. He was such an amazing young boy. I had him in my seventh grade art class. We did watercolor paintings and fingerpaintings. He was quite the artist. During the week he asked me if I could draw him so he gave me a beautiful picture of himself as well as a picture of a butterfly to draw. I plan on drawing the pictures and sending them to him. He was such a joy to have in my class, and I enjoyed sending time with him. I learned that he is one of five boys. His parents died, and so he was forced to live on the streets for three years. His oldest brother who is now in school at a university tried hard to keep the five brothers together. During the day they would try and sell what they could while at night they would sleep on the streets. As you can imagine this was extremely hard for the boys, but they managed to stay together until finally a Christian family found them living on the streets. They ended up at the Village of Hope orphanage. Eric is so full of joy and love, and you would never be able to tell that he had to endure such hardship. He was such a blessing!

My Trip to Gomoa-Fetteh, Ghana

2008-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Eric, Vida, and Diana

I am excited to share with you my incredible experience in Ghana at the Village of Hope Orphanage. The Lord is working in amazing ways in the lives of the children, and I was able to see His hand at work through my visit at the orphanage. I would like to sincerely thank you for partnering with me through financial support and prayer to make this ministry possible. I could not have done this without you, and I thank the Lord for all of you.

As we made our way to the Village of Hope, men, women, and children trying to sell an assortment of food, toys, papers, etc. surrounded our bus desperately trying to make some money. Everywhere you looked there were small stands with people selling anything and everything as well as all types of buildings partially built without the means of being finished. We arrived at the Village of Hope after an hour and a half drive from Accra, the capital of Ghana, to Gomoa-Fetteh.

After we unloaded all of our luggage and storage bins full of art supplies into the guesthouses where we would be staying during our visit, we went to meet all the children. I had been anticipating this moment from the day I had committed to come to Ghana, and I could have never imagined the amazing blessing of meeting all the children and their warm responses to each of us.

The children came to greet us with open arms full of love and eager to have their pictures taken with all of us. There was such joy and hope in their eyes that could have only been from the presence of the Lord in their lives. I came to the Village of Hope desiring and willing to share the love of Christ, yet that is exactly what I received from the children in all their loving embraces. The children taught me so much about what it is to be a follower of Christ through their love they gave so freely to all of us without expecting anything in return, through the way they gave so generously of what little they had, through the way they wholeheartedly praised and thanked the Lord for all they had, and through their sincere and genuine spirits so eager and willing to serve.

By far the best part of my entire experience in Ghana was all the time I spent with the children, which made it so hard to leave all of them. Before I went to the Village of Hope I did a drawing of three children from the orphanage, and I brought a copy of the drawing to give to Kerine, Vida, and Diana when I met them. They loved it and were so thankful. I also got several other requests from the children to draw them as well.

The Art and Music Camp was so much fun and went really well. There were about two hundred children from pre-school to eighth grade involved in the camp, and they had a great time creating art, singing, and dancing. Our team consisted of thirty people including the American and Ghanaian teachers and volunteers. Most of the classes were taught at the school, Hope Christian Academy that is located at the Village of Hope. I taught art classes for first through seventh grade that included watercolor, finger painting, card making, scratchboards, create-your-own stickers, wood plaques, and canvas and paper murals. We had three classes a day each an hour long Monday through Thursday and only one class on Friday because we had to get ready for the festival showcasing all the art, music, and dancing from the week. We decorated the church building with all of the children’s artwork and watched all the dances that they worked so hard all week long to learn. There was music from the drums, flutes, and xylophones accompanied by the children’s voices that filled the church for the festival. It was amazing, and after the program we all gathered around and danced to all the music.

The name of the Lord is truly praised at the Village of Hope, and another blessing was hearing all the children sing songs of praise to God with all their hearts at the top of their lungs. It was awesome to see the children being taught the scriptures through their devotions each day in the morning and at night as well as church on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The letters the children wrote to me while I was there were so precious and encouraging with scripture. Francis wrote “May God who gives generously to all without finding fault richly bless you in all you do. And also remember, all things work for good for those who love the Lord, and for that matter, continue to do the great work that you are doing in the name of the Lord and love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.”

Francis and all the children at the orphanage loved me with the love of the Lord and made my experience so rich and full of blessings that my heart was overflowing with joy. The night before we left after the church service, they called us up front to praise God for us and lift us up in prayer. They all stood up and sang the song “We love you with the love of the Lord,” and the adults and house parents stood around us and prayed for our safety as we traveled home. In that moment as tears streamed down my face my heart was so full of love for all the people and overwhelmed by their thankfulness and love for all of us.

Heart for Africa

2008-04-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

My Drawings

2008-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean Orphans

Hope

Vida and Friends (Ghanaian Orphans)

These three drawings are the start of my body of work that depicts the childen of Africa. All three pieces are drawn with conte on paper (17.5 x 23 inches).

Mark's Story and the Mural

2008-04-08T18:25:00.001-07:00

Little 4 year old Mark as a child slave

When the New York Times journalist found Mark in October 2006 this 4-year old little boy told the plight of his story through his eyes. In this one picture there is a feeling that all hope is lost. Mark had been sold by his mother for $25 ($US) to a fisherman in northern Ghana. The fisherman who bought Mark could only afford to pay for a small little boy. Even so, Mark was expected to work 12 hour days untangling fishing nets by diving into the deep waters, oftentimes in the pitch black of night and the dangers of drowning. With only one meal served to him a day and nominal hours of sleep, Mark survived to be rescued by Touch A Life's founder, Pam Cope. She purchased his freedom along with six others for $500 per child. Pam had seen Mark's picture on the front page of the New York Times on that fateful day in October 2006 and was moved to find this little one and to free him. After Mark and the six other children were rescued by Touch A Life Foundation, the Village of Hope orphanage agreed to open their doors to these seven children. Now living at the orphanage, these children have a hopeful future. They are cared for, given meals three times a day, have safe shelter and are enrolled in school.

This is little Mark today...thriving at the orphanage and smiling once again! He has a hopeful future!

I just received the image of the mural we are going to paint during the Art and Music Camp this summer! I absolutely LOVE it, and I am so excited to be part of this project!!! I also found out some other exciting news concerning our trip...Mai, the director of the Children's Art Village, has been corresponding with Oprah's people to do a follow-up story on Mark, one of the orphans who lives at the orphanage that was rescued out of child slavery. The filming will be done during the camp while we are there, and I am thrilled to be a part of that as well!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! When we step out in faith, He shows up in mighty ways! Joy overwhelms my heart as I prepare for this opportunity that God has ordained. My prayer is that God would use me in a mighty way in Ghana for His glory, and that I would be a reflection of His love to the many children as well as my American and Ghanaian team.

Village of Hope

2008-03-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is the video that God used to confirm to me that I was to follow Him and go with the Children's Art Village to the Village of Hope this summer. I have always wanted to work with children, and it wasn't until this past semester in chapel with the testimony of John Bul Dau from Sudan that God opened my eyes to the hurting children of Africa. John escaped the genocide and was one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan." Grace College showed his documentary (God Grew Tired of Us) and after watching it I felt a burden for the people of Africa.

As a Christian that was now more informed of the suffering in Africa, I prayed about how God would have me help in some way. Even though I am only one person, I know with God the possibilities are far from impossible. Through all my research online, I came across the website for the CAV. God has laid an opportunity before me to goto Africa and use my gift in art, love these orphans, and use art as a means of healing (art therapy). I am so EXCITED about that. I don't know what this might lead to but I am open to God's leading.

Erik, Belinda, and Vida

2008-03-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Erik is in 6th grade.

Belinda is in 4th grade.

Vida (in the center) is in 2nd grade.

Erik, Belinda, and Vida are three orphans who live at the Village of Hope orphanage in Fete, Ghana. The director of the Children's Art Village gave me their names so that we could be pen pals. I wanted to write to a few children before I go to Ghana this summer. Aren't they simply adorable! I cannot wait to meet them!

Ghana Support Letter

2008-03-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

God is so good! I am so excited to share with you what God is currently doing in my life. Over the past couple months God has placed a passion in my heart for the hurting children in Africa who have been invisible to the world for too long. My heart breaks for the countless children who are suffering and dying in Africa with no one to care for them or dry their tears. God has opened my eyes to the cries of these children in Africa, and they are no longer invisible to me. I would have never imagined what God had in store for me in order to use this passion for Him (Ephesians 3:20).

After I graduate from Grace College in May, I have an opportunity to go to the Village of Hope in Fete, Ghana with the Children’s Art Village to host a ten-day art and music camp with three hundred orphans. The Village of Hope is a Christian orphanage that is home to one hundred fifty orphans from ages two to sixteen years old. With child slavery as a major problem in the western part of Africa, some of the children at the orphanage have actually been rescued out of slavery. The Children’s Art Village is a non-profit organization that partners with orphanages in third world countries to bring healing to the children through art and music. The objective of the Children’s Art Village is to encourage a child’s creativity by providing opportunities for children to participate in art, music, singing, and dance classes. Most particularly for children in third world countries this can also offer hope.

I will be in Ghana from August 23rd through September 3rd. I will be one of the American art teachers who will be working together with the Ghanaian art and music teachers. Our team will be teaching classes in arts and crafts: including chalk/ pastels, watercolor, finger painting, coloring/ pencil/ markers, and acrylic; music and singing: including sound/ rhythm/ chords and harmonic structure; and dance, which all incorporate the Ghanaian culture of the children. My prayer is that God will use us as well as this art and music camp to bring the hope and healing of Christ to the children.

But I cannot do it alone. I am a small part of a larger team God will use to make this ministry happen. I need people who will partner with the Children’s Art Village and I through prayer and financial support to help reach the Ghanaian orphans.

The total cost for the trip will be $3,000. God has called me to live out my faith in Africa as I serve Him at the Village of Hope, and I am looking for a team of people to partner with me. I am also seeking prayer partners, who will pray for the ministry each day. Will you consider partnering with me in prayer or finances? Your gifts and your prayers will help share the love of Christ with the Ghanaian orphans.

In His service,
Jenny Flowers

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…
~ James 1:27