In a comprehensive report, the Kingdom Equip Network (KEN) has shed light on the spiritual and infrastructural challenges facing rural churches in the Jamboi-Ocherepe community of Ghana’s Northern Region.
The organization’s “Equipping the Church Series – Rural Mission Edition II” held in November 2024 revealed significant obstacles confronting local pastors and congregations, including extreme financial constraints, limited educational resources, and inadequate church infrastructure.
The two-day conference, led by Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ansah, Convenor/Executive Director, Kingdom Equip Network, focused on church leadership, spiritual accountability, and community empowerment. Attendance was notably high for both the morning and the evening revival sessions.
Key challenges documented include:
- Monthly church incomes below 1,500 Ghanaian Cedis
- Pastors forced to farm alongside ministry work due to financial hardships
- Incomplete church buildings lacking roofs and walls
- Limited access to Bibles and study materials
- Poor transportation infrastructure
- Scarce clean water and educational resources
The mission team proposed eight strategic recommendations, including:
- Bible and resource donation programs
- Pastoral support funds
- Church building completion assistance
- Infrastructure improvement advocacy
- Educational initiative launches
- Clean water access projects
- Clothing donation drives
- Motorcycle sponsorship for pastors
Despite facing significant hardships, the report highlighted the community’s remarkable resilience and spiritual commitment, with congregants displaying “joy and devotion” even amid substantial material scarcity.
KEN plans to continue its rural mission work, with hopes of fostering sustainable growth in church communities across Ghana.