The Counselling Pulpit, in collaboration with the New Combine District Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost in Akosombo, has extended a compassionate hand to persons with mental health challenges by distributing raincoats and other essential items to those living on the streets of Akosombo and its surrounding areas.
The timely intervention was aimed to shield these vulnerable individuals from the harsh effects of the rainy season, as many roam the streets without shelter or proper clothing.
The initiative was inspired by a deeply moving experience the Counselling Pulpit team had during a recent outreach. About a month ago, they encountered four mentally challenged individuals sitting in different locations, nearly naked and shivering in the rain, completely soaked and exposed to the cold.
Motivated by compassion, the Counselling Pulpit, with support from the District Women’s Ministry of the New Combine District, responded by providing raincoats and other basic necessities such as singlets, boxer shorts, sponges, plastic buckets, slippers, food, and water to those in need.
The outreach proved to be both timely and impactful. Many of the individuals had worn-out clothing and were nearly naked. The raincoats not only offered protection from the rain but also helped restore their dignity. Remarkably, even those considered aggressive responded calmly to the team’s presence. It was heartening to observe that over 70% of the recipients kept and used their raincoats during subsequent rainfall.
Led by Mrs Esther Kesse, wife of the New Combine District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, the team also used the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of supporting and caring for persons with mental health challenges. The community was encouraged to invest in simple but meaningful acts of kindness, such as providing water, food, or raincoats, to uplift the marginalised, with the assurance that such gestures are pleasing to God.
In a touching conclusion to the outreach, four persons with mental health challenges gave their lives to Christ.
Report by Reindolf Botchwey, DAMCITY TV
