Introduction
In the heart of Winneba, a simple act of kindness towards a determined student became the cornerstone of a national ministry. This is the story of how the Adventist Braille production began, growing from a single slate and stylus to a production house serving the blind across Ghana and beyond.
Humble Beginnings in Winneba
It started with one person: Mr. Samuel Egyir Baah, a Senior High School student who had lost his sight but refused to let go of his dream to continue his education and his faith. Seeing his need, Mrs. Linda Manu Arhin stepped in. With no formal mandate, but with a heart full of compassion, she began teaching Samuel to read and write Braille. Every week, using the simple, manual tools of a stylus and slate, she would meticulously transcribe the Adventist Sabbath School lesson for him, ensuring he remained connected to the Word of God just like every other sighted member.
Support and Encouragement
During this early stage of the ministry, her husband, Pastor Ernest Edson Arhin, played a supportive and encouraging role. Recognizing the spiritual and educational value of the work, he offered moral support, encouragement, and practical assistance that helped sustain the effort during its humble beginnings. His involvement strengthened the foundation upon which the ministry would later grow.
Recognition by Church Leadership
This quiet, dedicated work continued for years. The effort caught the attention of Pastor A. P. Mensah, who recognized the wider implications of Linda’s work. He invited her to join the team of Sabbath School directors, asking her, “Come and speak with me about what you are doing. How can we ensure other blind members receive these lessons too?” This conversation planted the seed for a church-wide vision.
It was at this critical juncture that Pastor Asiem, who was then serving as the Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) Director, lent his crucial support. Recognizing that this initiative fell squarely within his mandate to advocate for persons with disabilities, he provided the organizational backing needed to structure the work. His support helped legitimize the effort and laid the groundwork for its expansion.
Formalization of the Ministry
The ministry continued to grow as a supported church effort until a pivotal moment in the Mankessim district. Pastor T. T. Ocran discovered Linda’s work and was profoundly moved. He saw not just a volunteer, but a solution to a long-unaddressed need within the church. Recognizing the potential for expansion, Pastor Ocran guided Linda to formalise the work by writing a proposal to the General Conference (GC) of SDA.
The response was a resounding affirmation of the ministry’s value. The General Conference approved the proposal and provided the seed funding to purchase a Braille embosser and a supply of Braille paper in 2018. This marked a monumental leap from the painstaking slate and stylus to efficient, mass production.
Expansion Across Ghana
From that point forward, the ministry was transformed. No longer limited to one student in Winneba, the production expanded to serve blind members across the entire nation of Ghana. Today, every blind member in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana receives their Sabbath School Bible Study Guides in Braille every quarter.
Mission Beyond Borders
The mission has since grown even bolder, reaching beyond national borders. Recognizing the needs of our neighbors, a prototype of the French Sabbath School lesson was successfully transcribed. This pioneering effort opened the door for Francophone siblings in Christ to also enjoy the teachings in their own language.
Braille Resources and Spiritual Materials
The scope of the work has also deepened. Beyond the weekly lessons, the team now annually transcribes the 10 Days of Prayer materials, ensuring blind members can participate fully in these spiritual emphasis periods. Foundational books by Ellen G. White, such as Steps to Christ, have also been made available in Braille, bringing comfort and guidance to many.
Impact and Testimony
What began as one woman helping one student has become a lighthouse for the visually impaired. Through the support of visionary leaders like Pastor A. P. Mensah, Pastor Asiem, and Pastor T. T. Ocran, and with the dedication of Mrs. Linda Manu Arhin, a faithful Shepherdess, supported by her husband Pastor Ernest Edson Arhin—this ministry stands as a powerful testimony of how God can multiply a small, faithful effort into a blessing for an entire nation and beyond.