The recent LifeCheck 2024 event organized by the Empowerment Worship Centre (EWC) has become a beacon of hope for thousands within the community, transforming a dusty school park in Teshie into a hub of compassion and support. Over 16,000 individuals, including children, women, and men, arrived as early as 2 AM to benefit from an array of services such as medical care and back-to-school supplies. Under the leadership of Global Lead Pastor Pastor Gideon Danso, LifeCheck has thrived as a testament to the EWC’s commitment to community outreach and social responsibility, rallying participants under the theme “Compassion to Make a Difference.” This year’s event attracted people not only from Teshie but also from nearby areas such as Tse Addo, Baatsonaa, Nungua, and the Spintex Road community.
The outreach program, spearheaded by the Empowerment Care Foundation, featured a comprehensive range of services intended to address critical needs in the community. Attendees were offered free medical services ranging from eye and dental care to minor surgical procedures and laboratory testing for various health conditions. The initiative also enabled around 500 individuals to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at no cost, thereby facilitating long-term access to healthcare. Additionally, a blood donation drive, supported by EWC volunteers, led to the collection of over 50 pints of blood for the National Blood Bank, thus contributing to essential healthcare resources in the region.
LifeCheck’s impact extended beyond health services, focusing significantly on education as well. The program’s back-to-school initiative saw over 11,000 children actively engaged, with the distribution of more than 100,000 exercise books, 4,000 school bags, and 5,200 shoes, among other essential stationery items. The initiative also included grooming services for nearly 100 children, ensuring they looked presentable as they prepared for the new academic year. In total, more than 10,000 families received free meals, underscoring the comprehensive support offered during the event.
Pastor Gideon Danso emphasized LifeCheck’s mission as embodying the “arms and feet of Jesus,” illustrating the program’s spiritual underpinning and commitment to altruism within the community. The event’s theme resonates with the biblical text from Jude 1:22, highlighting the necessity of compassion in making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. The dedication and energy exhibited by more than 500 volunteers, primarily church members, as well as over 100 medical professionals, were indicative of a strong communal spirit and commitment to service. Participants noted the profound sense of fulfillment derived from their involvement, describing it as being part of something that creates a far-reaching impact on individuals and families in need.
The festivities of LifeCheck 2024 took place over a single day on September 28th, concluding around 4 PM after a day filled with support, generosity, and community bonding. This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of LifeCheck, and since its inception, the outreach initiative has significantly touched the lives of over 52,000 individuals. The program has facilitated the provision of medical care to more than 28,000 people, supplied over 52,000 meals, and equipped more than 32,000 children with necessary educational materials. Additionally, over 11,000 individuals have registered for the National Health Insurance Scheme through this initiative.
Reflecting on the event’s success not only highlights the tangible benefits provided to the community but also speaks volumes about the spirit of volunteerism and the collective effort to uplift those in need. LifeCheck embodies a promise fulfilled through tangible actions driven by compassion and community engagement. By exceeding the initial target of 15,000 attendees, the program continues to exemplify the essence of shared responsibility and active participation in caring for the vulnerable, ultimately illustrating the profound belief in making a difference in people’s lives through love and service. Through these efforts, LifeCheck has woven itself into the fabric of the community, ensuring that its mission to serve and empower will resonate for years to come.
