In 2006, Don Collins, then an Elder of the Village Church of Christ in Hot Springs Village in Arkansas, USA, led the efforts of the Village Church of Christ to establish an orphanage/ children’s home at Bongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana. In 2020, after 14 years of running the home to care for many orphaned, destitute and needy children, the Village church of Christ transferred ownership and management of the children’s home to Village of Hope. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Don was unable to visit Ghana until recently.
Some of the children and staff of Hope Children's Place with Don Collins (middle of back row), Fred Asare (left) and Samuel Osei (right)
With the current easing of travel restrictions, Don Collins was finally able to travel to Ghana during the first week of May 2022 and visit the children’s home again. He had a joyous interaction with the children and staff of the orphanage. Don had a very happy reunion with the children whom he has known for many years, especially those who are now adults. He also paid a courtesy call on the Bonaba, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area.
Don Collins with Felix and Joyce Ayambilla (house parents) and their children
We thank God for the life, ministry, and sacrifices of Don Collins whom God has used to give hope to the hopeless and transform many lives in Ghana. We are grateful to the Village Church of Christ for their missionary zeal and their continuous support of the children’s home at Bongo and God’s Kingdom work around the world.