Compassion partners with local churches around the world, empowering them to serve children in need. At Compassion centers located within these churches, we provide children in poverty with the love and critical care they need to thrive.
We met with Godfred Abbey, a center coordinator in Ghana, and asked him questions about the center and his passion for serving. Read his inspiring words below.
A Passion for Serving Children Through Compassion
What Influenced Your Decision to Work at Compassion?
I was attracted to Compassion because of the child-focused mission. I love children with a passion. I worked as a teacher for close to 15 years, and I have felt what joy comes from working with children.
I did not hesitate to apply for the job when my church went into partnership with Compassion, and it was announced that qualified people were needed for the center.
I wanted to be a part of the people who would impact children to grow into becoming fulfilled and responsible adults.
Above all, I was really motivated to take up this role in the ministry because it is a Christ-centered and church-based ministry. I wanted to serve Christ with all I have. I felt that there would be so much peace and harmony.
Where Do You Get the Spiritual Motivation to Work With Children in Poverty?
I am motivated by the joy in my heart to be serving my Creator by serving these children and the joy I always feel in the middle of personal family challenges. I am motivated by the positive transformations I see coming up in the children.
I am motivated by the hope and joy I see on the faces of the children when they gather at the center every Saturday. And I know that these things that I feel, these things that I see and am motivated by are from God.
I also get motivated by his Word in 1 Peter 5:2-4.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Would Compassion Be Who We Are Today Without Being Christ-Centered and Church-Driven?
This ministry would not have been able to reach this height in just a few decades of existence. There are other organizations that are far older that have yet to achieve half of what Compassion International has been able to do.
I believe that we must give the glory to Jesus because he has done it all. I also believe that using the local church as the ministry channel has contributed immensely to the organization’s success.
It is the Church’s mandate to give light, hope, joy, peace and redemption to those in need, and we work solely with the local church, helping them do that.
The Work of a Compassion Center Director
Have You Seen Christ Change the Outcome of a Child’s Story?
Every aspect of what we do here at the church and at the center with these children has been by the grace of God. I do not have any specific testimony to give because every child in the program is a testimony.
When we started the program, many children came with sickness and life-threatening health conditions. Today, these children are all free and healthy. Some children came here with violent behaviors, fighting over the smallest things. Today, these children can say “sorry,” “thank you” and “please.”
Most of the children were hopeless, but with Christ, they have something to look to the future for. Some of them were not in school; now they are in school. They can read and are able to write their own letters to their sponsors.
I know that it is only God who has worked in these children.
What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Current Role?
As a center coordinator, I have many volunteer teachers, so I do not need to go to the classroom to teach the children. However, I do it because I love teaching. I am overjoyed when I teach the children something and they get it and put those things into practice.
What Is Your Philosophy in Life?
If you will not do what you have to do with all your heart and might, do not do it. It is my policy to tackle everything I do with full attention, dedication and all my heart. I do not like working with people who grumble and murmur at their work.
This blog post was originally published in December 2011. Godfred still faithfully serves at the Compassion center.
At Compassion, our mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. And that’s not possible without faithful coordinators like Godfred and supporters like you. Whether you donate, volunteer, sponsor a child or simply pray for our ministry, thank you.
