From the Desk of Pastor Jacquelyn Hayes
Beginnings
About 18 years ago, I started having nightly dreams about children. These children would have my undivided attention. I would find myself going underneath houses and into horrendous conditions, literally pulling them out. The children would be frantic and visibly abused. While in the dream, my sole responsibility would be to care for these children and to love them. Every night I would be in the floor playing with my babies and upon awakening, I would be worn out from all of the activity. On several occasions I would see myself standing in a hallway, looking at the children sleeping in their beds. The atmosphere was so cozy and they were at peace. I can never forget the feeling of contentment and pure joy that would fill my soul as I looked at them.
I would talk to my sister about "these children" who were such an important part of my life. I remember describing them to her and the words: "Oh, these are African children!" just popped out of her mouth. I realize now that what she said was prophetic, but at the time it didn't affect me much because I had no plans to go to Africa and the only African person that I had ever met was my college biology professor, Dr. Okonkwo.
​
Back to my dreams...
I would be swimming across the ocean with children all over my body (I am getting chills just thinking about this). I would actually be wondering if the children who were under my body would drown by the time that we reached the shore. Once I arrived, I would be so happy to find all of the children alive and well. These dreams made a great impact on my life, yet I had no understanding of their meaning.
Fast forward about 18 years...I wake up to find that my sister (Joyce) had posted a video on Facebook requesting to send me on a trip to Ghana. I was so antsy about going, but how could I say no after arrangements had already been made? After a series of the most unusual events, I finally made my way to Accra, Ghana. I had several speaking engagements and met some of the most wonderful people while there. I visited an orphanage and after leaving, I knew why God providentially set up situations and circumstances that paved a path for me to come to Ghana.
I knew what I was supposed to do, but I didn't have a clue as to how I was going to do it. I didn't have the resources or the understanding as to how this could actually happen. BUT GOD... Everyday as I go forward in this work, I lean and depend on God Almighty (El Shaddai). I am so excited to see the unfolding of God's plan for his precious children in Ghana, and I'm so very thankful that He is using me to be a part of this plan. I give Him the honor and the praise for every individual that He will use to partner with me in this great work that will yield generational blessings and eternal rewards. Amen and Amen.
Pastor Jacquelyn Hayes