What does it take to build a city from scratch?

When you think about building a city, it feels like history. Something we did a long time ago and it feels like a thing of the past. Yet this organization has done what we thought was impossible. They have begun to build and help the people of this village in Togo become sustainable on their own for the past 10 years.

"Mentor Leaders has seen under-qualified, unprofessional misfits turn to witness the miracles of Grace." says founder David Whetstone.

The village of Gbentchal started with nothing. No clean water, no proper buildings, etc. This village was named long before Mentor Leaders ever arrived and before there was a well. Dubbed "Well of the Hill" (or Gbentchal), the village was only graced with a well when the Lord provided through Mentor Leaders just a few short years ago. And the Lord continues to provide. Through the generosity of Mentor Leaders supporters, this organization has accomplished the many developments and has completed projects for the Mentor Leaders facilities in this West African village.

This village now has the following developments:

The Grace Center

The Grace Center is a training facility for the women of Gbentchal, Togo, West Africa. This ministry led by Veronica is dedicated to mentoring women in the community and teaching them the trade of sewing. These women then serve the community by helping sew uniforms for the Mentor Leaders students and will also sell other items they have made to the community to support their families. To donate towards the completion of the Grace Center, click HERE.

The Library

Most of the villagers in Gbentchal don't own a book besides the Bible that Mentor Leaders has given them. What makes a library in this rural village so extraordinary is that it will allow them to read, use their imagination, and further their education.

Education

While Mentor Leaders Academies endeavor to teach the gospel, they also aim to achieve academic excellence. The goal isn’t just to meet the national requirements but to surpass them and be the best school in the country. Togo’s “Will Smith” Mentor Leaders Academy continues to achieve recognition as a top school in the region. (measured by test scores)

Mentor Leaders is training students with skills that will equip them in building their community. As the cliche goes, “give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” Expanding the analogy, we endeavor to teach young people how to build a fishing enterprise. Though the spiritual development of the young people is their top priority. Agricultural and business development is also at the heart of our curriculum.

Mentor Leaders will also be building the first fully functional Christian University in the northern part of the country. The land is purchased, and they plan to break ground in the next one to two years. They will train young minds in Christian leadership, business, agriculture, civil engineering, computer science, house an internet cafe, and a center for benevolence through which the community in Dapaong will be served.

Jobs

Beyond the classroom, Mentor Leaders is working to help build farms for livestock, a sewing industry, a gas station, and vocational training for mason work. Teaching foundational skills, training for business, and partnering with locals to build enterprises of their own is a significant part of what Mentor Leaders do in the restoration process.

The Medical Clinic

Solar-powered, the clinic has reached 90% completion. While the building is nearly finished, some "red tape" is still to cut before it can be fully operational.

Clean Water

A lack of clean water is the source of shorter life-spans and mich disease in many impoverished countries. This is no longer the case in Gbentchal, Togo, West Africa. Students and families now have access to clean water giving them a better healthier life.

Health and Nutrition

Some of their most underserved communities are still in need of daily nutrition and health monitoring. The Mentor Leaders Academy provides a nutrition program that feeds approximately 400 students daily. Additionally, they provide vitamin supplements in areas where malnutrition is a serious threat.

Church Buildings / The Good News

While it is not always a felt need, the most basic need of any human being is the hope of lasting and eternal life. Through evangelistic campaigns and Bible teaching on the most basic levels in the Mentor Leaders Academy, they work with sponsors, missionaries, and supporters to bring the good news of life in Jesus to the communities they serve. Mentor Leaders is also committed to the prospect of serving alongside local churches and pastors in their endeavors to spread the gospel in their respective communities.

Mentor Leaders is not finished yet and they are looking ahead in 2021 for your support to continue to develop this village into a fully sustainable city.

How can you support Mentor Leaders?

1. Sponsor a child. Your child's sponsorship will go towards their education, nutrition, and medical. To sponsor a child, click HERE.

2. Donate towards building their recent developments. To donate, visit MentorLeaders.org/donate.

3. Go on a mission trip to Togo. Visit MentorLeaders.org/Togo for more information.

To learn more about Mentor Leaders, visit MentorLeaders.org.