Our Story

Arm of Hope began in 2007 with a seed planted by God in the heart of Philip Darko, a college student whose purpose in entering the slum community of Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, was to complete an assignment for his social work degree. He left with something greater—a vision to minister to the children living in these desperate conditions. From this vision, the Sunday Bible Club was born.

From that point forward, God has been on the move! What started as a Bible Club grew into a partnership with Mike and Cheryl Zimmerman and Hope Community Church in Pennsylvania—an “arm of hope” extending from Pennsylvania to Ghana, initially created to provide educational sponsorship for students, now includes more than 300 sponsors from many churches and walks of life. Hundreds of children are currently sponsored, from early education through college.

Annual summer camps bring children out of the slums each year to learn about Jesus. In addition, a “headquarters” built in the middle of the slum community in 2018 offers the community’s first-ever computer lab and library, plus a secure location for regular meetings and individual counseling. A medical clinic opened in 2025 employs many Arm of Hope college graduates, offering local medical care, previously unattainable in Agbogbloshie.

The future of Arm of Hope is bright. Our desire is to see children raised up as strong, passionate, and effective leaders with the desire to impact their community, their country, and their world with the hope available to all of us in Jesus. To those who have helped to make this happen, thank you. To those who are new to Arm of Hope, welcome to the adventure!

History Timeline

• The Arm of Hope clinic is built
  2024

  The clinic building is complete and dedicated in July, and God provides all the funds needed in October to provide for the furnishings and start-up costs.

• The ground is broken for our future Arm of Hope clinic
  2023

  In 2023 the Arm of Hope dream of breaking ground for our clinic became a reality, as we were able to purchase a plot of land right in the heart of the Arm of Hope community.

• Arm of Hope begins fundraising for the clinic
  2022

  Arm of Hope introduces the vision of an Arm of Hope Clinic at our annual picnic fundraiser on October 1, 2022.

• Arm of Hope registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit
  2022

  Arm of Hope is registered with the IRS as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

• Arm of Hope is a pending 501(c)(3) non-profit
  2021

  Arm of Hope begins the process of becoming an independent non-profit providing further opportunity for partnership and growth.

• Arm of Hope purchases a camp property
  2020

  Arm of Hope purchases a property in Ghana as a place to host camp. Work is started to prepare the land for future projects.

• Dedication of the completed Arm of Hope building
  2019

  Arm of Hope completes and dedicates the first Arm of Hope library, office space, and computer lab.

• Building project
  2018

  Arm of Hope begins its first building project in the slum with funds raised at the third annual banquet.

• Administrative assistant is hired
  2016

  Arm of Hope hires its first administrative assistant, Marigold Cobbina, to support and assist our missionary partner, Philip Darko.

• Arm of Hope’s first annual banquet
  2016

  Arm of Hope holds its first banquet, raising money to support children living in the slums of Ghana

• Monthly sponsorships
  2016

  Arm of Hope moves to monthly sponsorships, providing children with more opportunities and more benefits. Arm of Hope asks God to provide for 260 children in the year 2016.

• First Summer Camp in Ghana
  2014

  Arm of Hope holds its first kids’ camp in Accra, Ghana, bringing the children out of the slum to learn about Jesus. Student sponsorship has grown to 190 elementary students and 17 high school students.

• First 5k Fundraiser
  2013

  Arm of Hope holds its first 5k at Hope Community Church to promote sponsorship and raise funds for the children living in the slum. The student sponsorship program now supports 169 elementary students and 8 high school students.

• Ministry is named “Arm of Hope”
  2012

  Philip Darko named the Bible Club and education sponsorship ministry “Arm of Hope” as he sensed a partnership forming, like an “arm” extending from Pennsylvania to Ghana. The number of children sponsored has now grown to 141 students.

• School sponsorship begins with support from USA
  2011

  Hope Community Church in Mt. Joy, PA partners with Philip Darko to sponsor the education of children in the slum. Funds are raised to support 77 students for the first year.

• Bible Club begins in Agbogbloshie slum
  2007

  Philip Darko enters the slum for the first time to take a census as part of the social work degree he is completing. God speaks to him on that first visit, calling him to work in the slum. Philip starts a Bible Club to minister to children.

Statement of Faith

We believe in one God, Creator of everything, perfect, holy, and righteous in every way, and eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error, and the ultimate authority by which we should live.

We believe man is sinful, and our sin has separated us from God. Only by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus can we be reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and have the hope of eternal life.

We believe God has commanded us to love Him and live for Him by serving and loving others and by fulfilling Christ’s commission to make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go.