The Father's House was honored to be chosen as the focus of a senior project of nearby Anlo Senior High School. The class visited the Father's House last Wednesday and made a presentation of food, toiletries, and cash they collected for the boys. They also enjoyed worshipping and drumming with the boys during their visit.

Thank you, Anlo Senior High Seniors!

A story of transformation... through Tammy's eyes... 

I've never seen a butterfly in Ghana. I've been told that there are some, mostly in the Northern Region. From what I've heard, they sound more like moths—color-wise, at least. So, imagine my surprise a few weeks ago, when I entered the gate at the Father's House for the first time in 354 days, to find not one, not two, but EIGHT beautiful butterflies! They swarmed around me as soon as I opened the car door. In fact, they got so close to me and moved so quickly that I actually pulled my head backwards, away from them, for a second, so I could really focus on them and take in the beauty of what was playing out in front of my own eyes. Who were these amazing creatures before me? They looked familiar, but somehow different. And what was all this noise I heard coming from them with no prompting from me or anyone else? It sounded like laughter... incessant laughter. What? You've never heard a butterfly laugh? Then you've probably never seen one smile either. Their smiles are... well... they're indescribable.

Of course, these were no ordinary butterflies. They didn't have colorful wings like you might have pictured. And they weren't flying. Not literally, anyway. But I can promise you this...there is no butterfly on earth who has gone through a more complete metamorphosis than the eight amazing boys I saw flitting around me that day. Since the boys came to live at the Father's House a year ago, I've seen a lot of pictures, I've heard some great stories, and I've even talked to them on the phone a few times. I could see that they had changed and grown, and I believed in my head that they were happy. But before I even got out of the car I knew... in my heart, I KNEW... that the change in each of them was real. It isn't something that can be seen in a photograph or told in a story. God has restored their childhood and redeemed the years that were stolen from them and they are truly being transformed!

I took many pictures of these same boys a year ago, and while there was a visible difference in their stature and confidence as soon as we took them from slavery on Lake Volta, I know that before every "click" of the camera, someone was there, telling them to smile, sometimes even showing on their own face an example of a smile and saying, "See my teeth? Do this." Part of it might have been a language barrier, but the harsh reality is that before those precious boys got to the Father's House, they didn't have much of a reason to smile. I played a little game with a couple of them when I would hug them last year, where I physically took their arms, wrapped them around my neck, and said, "Wrap your arms around me and squeeeeeeze!" And they would giggle and we would do it again. But the truth is, I'm not sure they had ever been hugged before. In fact, I'm pretty sure they hadn't.

I cannot begin to explain what it was like this year to see non-stop smiles on those eight amazing boys, or the joy that flooded my heart every single time I heard them laugh. I cannot describe the Light that shines from within each of them, visibly brightening their eyes and their faces. To witness what God is doing in each of their lives is a blessing and an honor that I will never be able to thank Him for enough. As hard as it was to say "good-bye" to the boys at the end of our visit, I can honestly say it is one of my favorite memories. You see, this year, I didn't need to play the "hug game" with anyone, because they all know how to hug now. And... well... butterfly hugs are just the BEST!

Tammy Garrett

Out of the countless number of worthy charitable organizations, Christian singer and songwriter Josh Wilson and his wife, Becca, have chosen to spotlight Father's House Ghana during his current Christmas tour, Noel. We are excited and honored that they are lending their voices to raise awareness of the child slavery issue on Lake Volta and raise funds for The Father's House. Josh is best recognized by his hit radio singles "Before the Morning," "I Refuse," and "Fall Apart," and his most recent release, "Jesus Is Alive," is quickly becoming a Christmas favorite. This tour is unique in that it features looped recording of over 20 instruments live on stage! His immense talent and ability to entertain a crowd are undeniable, but more importantly, Josh truly has a heart to use his God-given talents and abilities to reach people for Jesus and be a voice for those who have none.

"We are so thrilled to be a small part of the big thing God is doing through Father's House. In our first four concerts, audiences have given about as much as we had hoped to make on the whole tour. People are excited to help an organization that is meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of these 8 boys. We can't wait to see what God does on the rest of this tour. Thanks, Father's House, for what you're doing!" -Josh and Becca Wilson

So, check his tour schedule, gather your friends and family, and make a road trip if necessary! You won't be disappointed...and you just might see an exclusive video of some very special boys we know and love. And don't forget to stop by the merchandise table and buy a Father's House ornament from Becca!

Guess what happens...
          when eight boys who have spent years being awakened in the middle of the night, forced to work 16 hours a day on Lake Volta, are given a comfortable bed to sleep in and are allowed to run and swim and play and explore during the day...

Guess what happens...
          when eight boys who were once given only one small meal a day are fed three nutritious meals daily....

Guess what happens...
          when eight boys are given the medicine and clean water they need in order to recover from the illnesses and parasites they contracted in the waters of the lake...

Guess what happens...
          when eight boys who were once abused and mistreated are shown love and acceptance and are told that God has a plan for their lives...

They grow!

Well-rested, well-nourished, healthy, happy boys GROW!  As we gather with our families this season, we recognize that the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional growth we have witnessed in eight precious boys this year is among our greatest blessings.  We are thankful to God for each of you whose contributions to The Father's House have made that growth possible.   As the boys continue to grow and as we look toward rescuing more children in the future, our needs grow as well...new shoes, new clothes, towels, school and craft supplies, a guard house, a bigger staff, more kitchen equipment, a larger, more dependable vehicle...just to name a few.  Please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of these items.

Eight growing boys are very grateful for you...and so are we!

"From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing."
Jeremiah 30:19

If you prefer, you can donate Target or Wal-Mart gift cards by mailing them to:

Father's House International Ghana

PO Box 481077

Charlotte, NC 28269

Lake Volta, Ghana:

Over 7,000 children work 14-20 hours per day as slaves in the fishing industry. They are fed one meal a day and are not allowed to attend school. They are forced to dive underwater to untangle the nets. If they cannot untangle them or pull them in, they are beaten. Some children become entangled and drown.

     But there is hope…

Keta, Ghana – 150 miles South of Lake Volta

Two families from America followed God’s direction and built The Father’s House. In 2011, children rescued from slavery on Lake Volta are finding a new home at The Father’s House. During construction they began a community feeding and Bible teaching. Around 250 children attend each week. The Father’s House offers children a new life of hope, freedom, love, and joy.

www.Facebook.com/FathersHouseGhana

“I Refuse” used with permission of Josh Wilson http://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/

We are excited to welcome Jake and Chanda Crout to the Father's House family! Jake and Chanda are following God's leading in their lives and, beginning in January, 2011, they will be spending one year in Ghana at the Father's House. Chanda traveled to Ghana in March and November of 2009, and Jake visited in July, 2010. They each fell in love with the people and are looking forward to their time in Ghana. The couple currently lives in South Carolina.

Having Jake and Chanda in Ghana is an important step toward our mission of rescuing child slaves from Lake Volta. They will be instrumental in rescuing the children and will oversee our Ghanaian houseparents and the day-to-day tasks of caring for the children. Their most important role will be to show the unconditional love of our Father to the precious children He entrusts to our care. Both Jake and Chanda are filled with His love, and we have no doubt that lives will be changed as His love overflows into the lives of everyone they touch in Ghana.

To have Jake and Chanda speak to your group or church, contact them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can support Jake and Chanda by supporting Father's House International, Ghana.

 This spring and summer were a time of great excitement and anticipation for the Father's House. As many of you know, we are looking forward to taking in our first children very soon. The children we will house will be rescued from slavery in the fishing villages on Lake Volta. It is heartbreaking that there is a need for such work in 2010, but we are grateful that God has entrusted us with a building that will soon be home to eight boys, 5-8 years old.

Looking back over the last several months, we realize a lot has already happened at the Father's House this year.   March and April were times of intense preparation as Jeff & Lori Miller were in Ghana for 7 weeks. They worked diligently to turn the Father's House into a home for the children we will soon take in. They were also able to purchase a 4-wheel drive vehicle, which is necessary for navigating the deep sand on the road leading to the property. We are now able to drive right up to the front door, a huge blessing at any time, but even more so when building materials were being brought to the property. Jeremiah Banini was a constant presence there as well, moving from his home to the Father's House to help with building projects and to act as resident translator.

As Jeff & Lori were leaving Ghana, Paul & Chelsea Miller, along with their baby, Eden, were just arriving. They stayed for 3 months and continued carpentry, building of bunk beds, and numerous projects. Jeremiah and Paul teamed up for the weekly teachings as well as day to day discipleship of the area kids. This led to a number of salvations and baptisms, as well as walks through the neighborhood—a predominately voodoo area—in which they shared the love of Jesus and the power of the One true God with many.

On May 10, the horrors of child slavery hit very close to home when we learned that 11-year old Christian, one of the regular attendees of our weekly feedings and Bible teachings, had been taken by an uncle to fish on Lake Volta. It seemed that one of "our own" was suddenly in need of rescue. In mid-June, through a series of events that was nothing short of miraculous, Jeremiah Banini (Christian's friend and teacher at the Father's House) along with Levi Keplar, who was visiting from Kansas, ventured out onto the waters of a lake the size of Rhode Island in search of one small boy.

On this trip, they met with George Achibra, long-time rescuer and advocate for trafficked children on Lake Volta. They were introduced to former slaves whom George has rescued and heard their horrific stories, and they witnessed first-hand boys as young as 4 years old rowing and scooping water from the roughly-carved and constantly leaking boats. Boys who are fed only one meal a day and are not allowed to go to school are forced to dive into the dark waters to untangle nets from the trees below the surface. On numerous occasions, Levi and Jeremiah were told not to get their hopes up, that finding one boy among the villages on this vast lake was probably going to be impossible. But these two young men persevered. When the time came that they had to choose which village to go to (many villages on the lake have the same name), God led them to THE village where Christian's family lived.

After explaining their purpose to numerous people, they saw a group of children sitting outside the thatch-roofed huts. One boy stepped forward to shake Jeremiah's hand. Long hours of hard labor on the lake had darkened his skin and left his body very thin. Only when Jeremiah recognized his clothes did he realize that the boy smiling at him was Christian! In a rather intense conversation, Christian's grandfather asked him why two people would travel such a long distance--many hours in a van and 17 hours on a ferry boat loaded with yams and animals—to look for one boy. Jeremiah said he heard himself speaking words that he had not planned to speak. He explained that the Bible says if a shepherd has 100 sheep and one becomes lost, he will leave the 99 to go after the one. Jeremiah stood on the Authority God had given him, and went against Ghanaian culture, telling the elder man that he, at twenty years old, had come to retrieve his lost sheep. At that point, Christian's grandfather motioned for the boy to gather his things and allowed him to leave the island village with no further argument. Christian later told Jeremiah that he was not at all surprised to see them. He simply stated that he had prayed every day to be rescued, and that he knew Jeremiah would come for him. Jeremiah, Levi, and Christian returned home, to the Father's House, on June 17. Christian is living with his grandmother, who was thrilled to have him returned safely home. The Father's House is currently helping to support this family. (To hear an audio version of Levi telling this story, and the miracles along the way, go to http://newlifeequip.com/audio/Levi6-27-10ghana.mp3)

In June, co-founders Matt & Tammy Garrett and Jeff & Lori Miller were honored to meet with the founders and staff of Touch A Life Foundation in Dallas, TX. Touch A Life is an amazing group of people, led by Pam & Randy Cope, who are already hard at work, rescuing children from a life of slavery in the fishing villages of Lake Volta. They are not only working to rescue children, but are striving to end child slavery and human trafficking in Ghana and other parts of the world. Earlier this year, they visited the Father's House. We are grateful to Pam & Randy and the TAL staff for their encouragement and support and we look forward to working with them toward a common goal in Ghana. (For a glimpse into the life of a child slave on Lake Volta, watch this video by Touch A Life: www.touchalifekids.org/lake-volta-video)

Support for the Father's House often comes in wonderful and unexpected ways!

• In May, Charlotte, NC, area homeschoolers hosted by Leadership Link held their annual field day and added a Ghanaian Market to raise funds for the Father's House. These amazing students raised over $1300 and a lot of awareness about human trafficking and child slavery.
• In July, Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Balsam Grove, NC, chose the Father's House to receive their VBS offering of $550.
• Dan & Dawn Foss of Mooresville, NC, celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in August. In honor of this occasion, they donated funds to be used for a vegetable garden and grove of grafted mango trees. This will provide food for the children as well as income when the excess is sold.
• Currently, Jerry Schroeder of enCOMPASS Advertising Agency in Cornelius, NC, is rebuilding our website to meet our growing and changing needs.
• As an independent Christian musician, Jerry Schroeder gives all profits of his CD sales to the Father's House. www.jerryschroeder.com
• In November, 2009, Kyle and Christina (Edwards) McArver met on a mission trip to the Father's House. The two were married on August 20. As part of their wedding gift registry, they requested donations be given to the Father's House. This has led to a number of donations and increased awareness.

How can YOU get involved?

PRAY! Most importantly...Please pray with us for the boys who will soon call the Father's House "home" and that God will lead us to the right people to hire as staff to care for the children.

GIVE! In addition to obvious needs like food, clothing and bedding, there are transportation costs involved in rescuing the children. Each child will also need school uniforms and medical exams. To help us as we care for the day to day needs of these precious boys, and offer them a new life of hope and joy, visit our website www.FathersHouseGhana.com and click "Make a Difference with your Donation". Your donation of any amount is truly needed and appreciated.

SPONSOR! Interested in SPONSORING one of the children we rescue this fall? The cost to sponsor a child of the Father's House is $150/month. This will cover basic living costs: 3-meals per day, clothing, school uniforms, linens, tutoring in English, as well as other necessities. The cost of living is quite high in Ghana when compared to many other developing countries. We ask that you consider sponsorship only if you are able to make a 1-year commitment. Please contact us if you would like more information or to sign up as a sponsor.

Stay Informed! Visit our website www.FathersHouseGhana.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/FathersHouseGhana to see our latest pictures and information.   As we post needs, please share them with others. Also, please share with your friends and family the reality of slavery in the 21st Century. We cannot change what we refuse to talk about!

Please note: You do not have to have a Facebook account to view our page.

Thank you for your support in every way!
For the Children,

Matt & Tammy Garrett

Jeff & Lori Miller

Father's House International Co-founders 

March 2008

Lori, Matt, Vicky, Rhonda and I got back from Ghana this week: the Carolinians on Tuesday and Lori and I. Wednesday. Vicky and Rhonda were first timers and not only were they a joy to travel with, but they both ministered powerfully to the children every where we went! Perhaps they will give their report as well?

So much to say, but I will try to hit the main points! Pictures will be coming!

The orphanage site would absolutely blow you away. The structure itself, its situation overlooking the ocean, the feeling one gets on site are all excellent. We went there every day, sometimes twice a day, and I could feel the goodness of the place every time and never wanted to leave. Walking through the rooms and especially walking up the stairs and looking out over the top floor balcony is so amazing.

Much was accomplished. Matt and I helped mix concrete as the bottom floors are being done, but it was really more of a "photo op" than anything else! The men working there are good men: dedicated, hard workers very grateful for the work. It was fun hanging out with them, encouraging them, buying them tools, even rubber boots for their feet! Can you imagine doing that kind of work barefoot? We had to drive over to the border of Togo to even find boots. Wow, were they happy. Quashi, Remember, Godwin and Christian are their names.

And So humbling to meet the women who carry the water across the wide beach on their heads for all the mixing!

We are very pleased to report that a man named Gamaliel is now our overseer of the actual construction. Gamaliel is the carpenter David hired and is not only knowledgeable in all phases of construction, but a Godly man with a heart for what he sees God doing there. It was good timing that we were there to lay things out as there were many decisions to be made concerning finishing materials. The top bond beams are being formed and poured right now and then its on to roof rafters and roofing!

Power poles are being erected on the road out to the site, the top elected official over the entire Volta region is keeping his pledge to help us, with not only power lines, water and road improvement but he wants to design and install (at his expense)! an irrigation system on our acreage so we can grow food better. He came and picked Matt and I up Sunday afternoon and drove us around the region, showing us not only areas of local interest but how he has established a farm not far from our spot. Matt and I found out on this trip that Agbenifia-one of our board members-just happens to be this man's uncle. Is that God's providence or what?

The second afternoon we went out to the site there were 78 kids who showed up. No town, no village, just a few houses nearby, and 78 showed up! Many, many fatherless young boys. Over the next couple of days 25 prayed for salvation. These were all mostly young boys in the 9-14 year old range. Many were healed of various ailments. Praise God! But here's what I think is really cool: as all of this was happening on site and even in the rooms we have built, we felt led to have some of the teenagers from David's church lead the ministry. That's what our heart is. to raise up disciples who are disciplers, and how better to model it to these young people than by having them be discipled by Godly kids just a few years older than them? So the last night we had two young men teach and preach the Gospel, which they LOVED!

That Sunday David (who loved the idea too!) picked four young people that we prayed over during the service and "sent out." They will be going to the site every Saturday afternoon to minister to the new believers. May the Fire of His Presence fall on them all! It makes me very happy to know the site is being used a discipling center RIGHT NOW! And that number I had figured for how may orphans we could house there-32-can be tossed out the window. As we walked through the rooms we saw and were told by the locals helping us that our rooms were big enough to house at least twice that many. They are right. And God willing we will feed even more!

Much more to tell. Lori took pictures of many orphans, again, mostly boys. We are working on getting up a website so we can communicate better and show more pictures. We know that these kids need to be fed and cared for NOW. Our partner and brother David already houses seven orphans in his home and daily feeds several more. Thank God for such a man, already doing the work with what little he has. We know we are in a time of acceleration, and that we will travel there much more frequently. Matt is going to travel to Nigeria in June with the pastor of his church and then take him to Ghana to see what we are doing. Lori and I are planning another trip early fall.

I have to tell this: the afternoon we had the young men preach I asked them to lay hands on me and Matt. (Lori, Vicky and Rhonda were out in the orphanage's courtyard with a young man ministering to the younger ones). These new believers were very encouraged by this! The last day they followed me out to the car and would not let me leave until they had all gathered around me and prayed for me again!

We are so encouraged!

Jeff