World Vision Ghana celebrates FY18 Day of Prayer

The Day of Prayer is a time set apart by the World Vision International Partnership at the beginning of the new Financial Year to enable staff across the partnership to gather to honour God with worship, praise and thanksgiving. It is also a time to commune with God and rededicate staff to the mission of the Partnership.

 World Vision Ghana joined the partnership on Friday September 29, 2017. In Accra, staff at the Head Office, the Southern Operations Region, VisionFund Ghana, Shared Services Center and partners converged with one accord to worship and celebrate the October Day of Prayer (DoP) under the theme “Together- One Mind One Voice”.

In Tamale, staff from the Upper and Northern operations led by representatives of Senior Leadership Team gathered at the GI WASH conference hall to celeberate the day.

The National Director, Dickens Thunde, in his welcome address said “The focus of this year’s Day of Prayer is “Together- One Mind One Voice”. According to Dickens, “the theme is inspired by Our Promise 2030 Strategy as it calls on us to come together in new ways of reaching across sectors and offices, uniting as one body, one mind and voice”.

He said “The Day of Prayer is for staff to renew their commitment and covenant with God in fulfilment of our promise to the vulnerable children.” He encouraged staff to trust God for guidance even in times of challenges.

Dickens drew staff’s attention to the importance of World Vision’s Mission statement which states “World Vision is an International partnership of Christians whose mission is to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good of the Kingdom of God.” He emphasised the need for staff to live by this mission statement.

In his exhortation, Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku of the Lighthouse Chapel International-Qodesh said “Christ desires that we have one mind and one voice”.He said staff should work with integrity as that would ensure the building of trust. He stressed the importance of unity of purpose and concerted efforts in the achievement of Organisational goals. According to Bishop Bortei-Doku, one of the major similarities between successful and well run organizations was the oneness of mind of staff. He therefore entreated staff to remain loyal as loyalty brings fulfilment and success.

Bishop Bortei-Doku who anchored his exhortation on Romans 15:5-6 cautioned staff against certain habits that breed disloyalty. These habits he said include; becoming overly independent, passive, critical and unnecessarily taking offence. He further entreated staff not to focus on remuneration and luxurious livelihood but rather be loyal and selfless in their line of duty in order to leave a befitting legacy.

Rev. Siyani Zimba, West Africa Channel of Hope Advisor, in his message to staff of the Northern/ Upper Operation underscored the need for staff to work together with one mind and one voice. He encouraged staff to love and care for each other. “As we follow Christ, we must care for each other so together we can care for the most vulnerable children in society”, He said.

Rev. Zimba. He encouraged staff to have complete trust in God, be prayerful and abound in gratefulness to ensure God’s presence at all times.  

He reminded staff to show their commitment to God and His purpose in every area of their lives. Saying this is the only guarantee for sustained and quality intervention to change the lives of vulnerable children and their families.

In a pre-recorded message dubbed “Endurance and Perseverance” Kevin Jenkins, the President and Chief Executive Officer, said achieving our shared goals requires perseverance and great effort. He likened that effort to climbing a mountain to the top. He explained that effort entails taking the right path and exerting one’s self. He underscored the need to do these things with one mind and one voice, entreating staff to unite as an organization.                                        

In his good will message, Emmanuel Baba Mahama, Advisory Council Chair, encouraged staff to exhibit commitment and dedication in their work to uplift the well-being of children.

Esperance Klugan, West Africa Region Senior Director of Operations, in a goodwill message stressed the need for staff to be grateful for the Day of Prayer as it is meant to appreciate God’s goodness. He said “To be Christian is not only a personal and transformational relationship with God but also a public one.”

Staff and partners made intercessory prayers for families, especially children and countries affected by disasters and conflicts after which communion was served and staff re-dedicated to the mission of World Vision amidst songs of praise.