Many people hold strange or negative perceptions about the church and its leaders. Some believe that churches are only concerned about collecting offerings and filling auditoriums, with little interest in the personal growth, welfare, and future of their members.
These assumptions have led many to distance themselves from church communities, convinced that spiritual leaders do not genuinely invest in the lives of individuals beyond the pulpit.
However, stories like that of Ghanaian journalist Afia Adepa Kwarteng challenge these perceptions and offer a different narrative—one that highlights the transformative role a church and its leaders can play in shaping destinies.
Speaking on Accra FM, Afia shared a deeply personal account of how her church stepped in at a critical moment in her life and helped redirect her path toward academic and professional success.
Having lost her parents at an early age, she was confronted with severe financial difficulties. The burden of survival forced her to drop out of school after completing her first year in Junior High School. For many young people, such a setback could easily mark the end of their educational journey.
Afia recounted how her church, International Central Gospel Church founded by pastor Mensa Otabil became instrumental in reshaping her mindset about education and her future. According to her, her pastor, Mr. Acheampong Yiadom Boakye, Head Pastor of ICGC Strong Tower in Accra took a personal interest in her situation.
Rather than overlooking her struggles, he sat her down and had a heartfelt conversation with her about the importance of education. He reminded her of her intellectual abilities, her industrious nature, and her potential to achieve greater things if she returned to school.
That conversation became a turning point.
Encouraged and inspired, Afia made the bold decision to pursue her education again despite the obstacles. Through determination, resilience, and the continued support and motivation from her church community, she gradually climbed the academic ladder.
Today, she holds both a first degree and a master’s degree in Communication Studies with a specialization in Public Relations from University of Media, Arts and Communication – Ghana Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-GIJ).
Her academic achievement opened doors to a thriving career in journalism. Afia Adepa Kwarteng is now recognized as an outstanding parliamentary staffers in Ghana, a role that demands intelligence, diligence, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that the church can be more than a place of worship. For many, it is a community, a support system, and a source of mentorship.
While it may be true that not every church or leader fulfills this role perfectly, Afia’s experience demonstrates that there are churches and pastors who genuinely care about the holistic development of their members—spiritually, academically, and professionally.
In a society where many young people struggle with discouragement, poverty, and lack of direction, stories like Afia’s reinforce the importance of guidance, encouragement, and community support. Sometimes, all it takes is one leader who believes in your potential and challenges you to rise above your circumstances.
Rather than judging the church based on assumptions, perhaps more attention should be given to the positive impact it continues to have in the lives of individuals like Afia Adepa Kwarteng—proof that faith, when combined with mentorship and personal determination, can truly change the course of a life.
