The City of Living God Ministries

Can a city built on a lagoon, amidst poverty, also be a City of God? The City of Living God Ministries in Accra stands as a testament to this very possibility. It is a beacon of hope. It arose from the heart of the Old Fadama slum, also known as Korle Dudor. This area, situated near Accra’s bustling commercial center, is a stark contrast of wealth and destitution. In 2002, a Franciscan friar, seeking to live amongst the marginalized, established a presence in the slum. He aimed to serve the poor and share the word of God. Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, recognizing the divine spark within the community, renamed the slum “The City of God.” The City of Living God Ministries became the embodiment of this transformation. The Ministries’ story begins with education. In 2003, night classes began in a local bar. These classes addressed the community’s yearning for literacy and knowledge. The classes soon moved to a dedicated wooden structure. The Peace Adult School was born. Despite fires and setbacks, the school has persevered, offering primary level classes and computer literacy. The City of Living God Ministries recognized another critical need: fire safety. The slum, with its densely packed shacks, was vulnerable to devastating fires. With the help of Italian fire-fighters, a volunteer fire brigade was formed within the community. They’ve battled numerous fires, sometimes alone, sometimes supporting the Ghana National Fire Service. The City of Living God Ministries extends its reach to the most vulnerable. Peace Craft provides skill training to young mothers, offering them a means of income and empowerment. They learn bead weaving. They receive human and management training. The City of Living God Ministries hasn’t forgotten the children. Peace Kids provides educational opportunities for those not in formal schooling. They prepare these children for integration into the education system. They also provide after-school study programs. Healthcare is another focus. The Ministries promotes the National Health Insurance Scheme. It provides health education and basic treatment through volunteer nurses. The City of Living God Ministries, born from a slum, has become a source of education, safety, empowerment, and care. It is a living example of how faith can transform a community. It shows how even in a place marked by poverty, a City of God can flourish.