Rescued and Rising

How Global Ministries’ Support Changed 162 Lives

In 2008, the Christian Council of Ghana launched a bold initiative to rescue and restore children who had been trafficked for labor along the Volta Lake and in fishing communities. With support from Global Ministries—and funding from One Great Hour of Sharing®—the work began to heal both children and families torn apart by exploitation.

“From 2008 up to 2011, we rescued 162 affected children, and Global Ministries supported us throughout,” said Joyce Le Castine, Director of Programs and Advocacy. “Some have finished school. Of course, we didn’t have 100% success, but in such a community, above 50% is a huge gain—and we share that success with Global Ministries.”

The journey from rescue to restoration was long and personal. Each child required schooling, mentorship, and emotional support. “We saw children who had forgotten how to play,” Joyce said softly. “They had lost their laughter. But when they went back to school, they began to dream again.”

Over time, the results became visible. “Two of those rescued children have gained university admission,” Joyce shared with pride, “and six others are entering college. These are critical results—proof our interventions work.”

For Joyce, Global Ministries’ presence has been just as important as their financial support. “Their support was not just money, but presence—visits from congregations, commitments made,” she said. “They don’t just send money; they come and see what’s going on.”

This holistic approach—rescue, reintegration, and community rebuilding—continues to ripple outward. It has inspired new initiatives in education, parenting support, and faith-based advocacy. “We are trying to make the world a just place for women and children,” Joyce affirmed. “People misunderstand gender equality; we advocate for equity—leveling the field.”

Through One Great Hour of Sharing, the United Church of Christ continues to sustain this vital work. Each gift supports Global Ministries partners like the Christian Council of Ghana, turning compassion into long-term change. What began as an act of rescue has grown into a movement of hope—children rescued, educated, and now rising as leaders in their own right.