Journey to Destiny Ministries (JTDM), a US-registered non-profit organisation, has officially broken ground on a new 90-bed dormitory for children at the Power of Love Children’s Home in Gbetsile, Ghana.
The $120,000 project will feature guest rooms, matrons’ quarters, a kitchen, dining area, and office space. Once completed, it will serve as the main residential facility for the dozens of children currently living at the home.
The initiative is funded by Dr. Jesse Kelly, Senior Pastor of St. Paul & St. Hill COGIC in Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Kelly highlighted the project as part of the church’s commitment to holistic evangelism.
“We believe in holistic evangelism—ministering to the whole person. This project is a reflection of that commitment. It embodies who we are, what we do, and how we serve God,” he said
He assured that the church is fully committed to seeing the project through to completion.
“We committed to this project from the very beginning, and we will stay committed until it is fully done,” he said.
The need for the new facility is pressing. The home currently houses 35 children in just four bedrooms of a five-bedroom building, forcing some to sleep in hallways, the kitchen, and even on the porch.
This overcrowding has fueled a serious bedbug infestation, affecting the children’s sleep and overall health.
Felecia Foster, founder of JTDM, described the project as a vital step in fulfilling the organisation’s mission to improve the lives of the children.
“We may not have huge amounts of money, but with the little we raise through God’s work, we are able to make a meaningful impact around the world. What we are doing here in Gbetsile is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for these children. It is our responsibility to ensure they are safe, happy, and have a brighter future,” she said.
JTDM has worked closely with the home over the past four years, identifying key challenges and mobilising support from partners to address them.
During this period, Dr. Jesse Kelly, Senior Pastor of St. Paul & St. Hill COGIC in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, has consistently provided monthly financial support to the home. The church has now taken a further step by funding the first phase of the dormitory project.
With an initial investment of $25,000, construction of two bedrooms and washroom facilities is expected to be completed within four months. The first phase will accommodate up to 12 children, helping to ease pressure on the already overstretched facility.
The announcement has been met with excitement among the children, particularly teenage girls who say the new space will provide much-needed privacy.
“I’m excited because we, the teenagers, need our privacy. Sometimes, even when you want to change as a girl, others are around. That is why we are very happy about this project,” said Rejoice Gadagoe.
Another resident, 19-year-old Sylvania Mensah, said the children have endured difficult living conditions for years, making the project a welcome relief.
“We struggle with bedbugs, heat and mosquitoes. The bedbugs are a major problem—they bite us every night. We’ve tried different pesticides, but nothing works because of the overcrowding. We believe this project will bring us relief,” she said.
In response to the urgent need for improved sleeping conditions, Sherita Kpetigo, founder of Suite Dreams and a board member of JTDM, donated 37 pillows, 37 sets of bedsheets, and more than 40 mattresses. She also fully funded the fumigation of the facility to address the bedbug infestation.
“As part of our non-profit work, we are providing new bedding for every child and staff member, and covering the cost of fumigation to eliminate the bedbugs. This is to ensure they can rest comfortably even as construction continues,” she said.
The gesture sparked joy among the children, who broke into song and cheers to express their appreciation.
Seventeen-year-old Amanda Mensah says she is relieved by the promise to provide much-needed bedding at the home.
“I’m very happy about the promise to provide all the bedding we need. It means we can finally sleep well while we wait for the new block,” she said.
JTDM has supported the facility in several ways over the years, including repainting the premises and constructing a new sewage system to improve sanitation.
Founder of the home, Obaamtampa Amanda Mensah, expressed deep appreciation to JTDM and its partners for their consistent support.
“We have endured hardship for a long time. Many people come and make promises but never return. JTDM and its partners do not just promise—they act,” she said. “I am especially grateful to their country coordinator, Carlos Lorlornyo Atsu Calony, for his tireless efforts.”
Obamtampa Amanda has expressed optimism that the new project will have a lasting impact on the lives of the children.
“This project will change our story. It will bring relief and help shape the future of these children,” she said.
She also revealed that JTDM has sponsored two girls from the home, Comfort and Ayeyi, to undergo a skills training programme in Kenya—an opportunity she believes will further empower them for the future.
Meanwhile, the contractor, Lynx3K Construction and Services Enterprise, has assured stakeholders that work on the project will be completed on schedule.
