I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel with The Summit Church to Ghana, Africa, on a mission trip. This journey was profoundly meaningful, and the impact it left on me is something I will carry for a lifetime. Our team consisted of 17 people, including nine healthcare providers—physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses. Before our departure, we collected 31 wheelchairs, several pediatric walkers, and 15-20 large boxes of donated goods, including clothing, shoes, toys, books, hygiene products, and medical supplies.
We stayed at the Mephibosheth Training Center (MTC), a boarding school and church dedicated to children with mental and physical disabilities. Our primary mission was to share and demonstrate the love of Christ while serving the staff, children of MTC, and families in the surrounding communities.
Leading up to our arrival, MTC had been spreading the word that we would be offering health assessments for families in need, which, for some, would also function as an assessment for a child’s eligibility to join MTC. Each afternoon, we worked with parents who traveled from near and far, assessing and providing treatment for their children. These assessments covered general health screenings, occupational therapy evaluations, and physical therapy assessments. As a physical therapist, my role was to evaluate a child’s mobility and functional abilities, including sitting, rolling, standing, and walking. When needed, we provided wheelchairs or walkers and offered guidance and activities to help parents support their child’s development.
We also worked closely with the children at MTC, many of whom require assistive devices for mobility. A significant portion of our time was spent adjusting, repairing, and, in some cases, completely replacing these devices to ensure they met each child’s needs. Additionally, we conducted full health assessments and provided assistance wherever possible. Beyond the medical work, we spent time simply being present—playing games, organizing activities, and forming connections with the children. One of our team members even installed Starlink for the school and church and raised funds to secure internet access for at least the next year.
From a practical perspective, this trip was a success. We were able to serve a large number of children and families, and the resources and education we provided will have a lasting impact on their lives.
However, the spiritual impact this trip had on me is immeasurable. The first thing that struck me upon arriving at MTC was the overwhelming joy that filled the place. We were in a poverty-stricken area, enduring intense heat with no air conditioning, inconsistent running water, and no internet, surrounded by children with significant disabilities. Yet, these children radiated genuine, unshakable happiness that many people I know, who have far more, struggle to find. They had formed a communal bond that consistently lifted each other up. What stood out most was the way these children cared for one another. If a child had a need, a peer was always there to help without hesitation.
Each morning, we were greeted with smiles and hugs that made any discomfort—whether the heat or the necessity of bucket showers—fade into insignificance. In contrast, in our culture, it’s common to see people with abundant resources still feeling unfulfilled. At MTC, I witnessed the opposite: a community whose joy was rooted in love for Christ, love for each other, and gratitude for what they had rather than a focus on what they lacked. They embodied the idea that we have all that we need in the free gift of Jesus Christ. We need nothing more and nothing less than the grace offered to us by the Cross.
This experience challenged and blessed me in ways I was not expecting. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve at MTC and can only hope to return in the future.
