Kumasi: The Old Tafo Circuit of the Methodist Church is investing in the future of its members in need by providing resources to help them overcome financial hardship through vocational training.
According to Ghana News Agency, this initiative forms part of the Church's commitment to supporting its congregation beyond spiritual guidance by economically empowering them to contribute to the development of the church.
Mr. Francis Ampadu, the Lay Chairman of the Old Tafo Circuit of the Methodist Church, disclosed this at a ceremony to present a range of items and financial support to about ten needy members of the Church in Kumasi. 'This is not the only thing we have done for some church members. We previously gave some members soft loans without interest and most of them have used them judiciously,' he stated.
The items distributed included sewing machines, hair dryers, and significant monetary donations. These resources are specifically intended to enable beneficiaries to learn vocations such as hairdressing and tailoring, while the financial assistance was meant to provide crucial support for training and initial setup costs.
Mr. Ampadu revealed that the total expenditure for the gesture amounted to GhS14,000.00, with each recipient receiving either equipment, financial assistance, or both. He urged other churches within the circuit to identify members in need and those who desire vocational training and give them the needed support in line with the commitment of the Church to insulate members from economic hardship.
The Lay Chairman made a passionate appeal to well-to-do individuals within the church to financially support the programme to ensure its sustainability and expansion in the coming years. 'We are going to make sure every member, especially those within the Old Tafo Circuit of the Methodist Church, made up of 14 Societies, will be supported, especially those who want to learn a trade,' he emphasised. He further urged other Societies within the circuit to prioritise the needs of their members alongside church projects.
The beneficiary church members expressed profound gratitude for the support, pledging to use the items and money judiciously. 'All hopes were almost lost until our own church came to our rescue,' one member said amid tears. A young girl who received support told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that, 'I now have hope in life.' She refuted the common perception that churches do not help their members and appealed to other churches to emulate the Tafo Methodist Church's example by providing substantial support to those facing difficulties.
They promised to dedicate themselves to learning their chosen vocations, becoming skilled artisans, and potentially helping other church members in similar situations in the future. They all vowed to make good of the opportunity so others could benefit from them as well.
