Faith, Hope, and a Future - Help Us Rise from Poverty

NOTE: All donations go to Joshua Yankson & Barbara Otoo (the beneficiaries). Organized by Kava Afu, Joshua’s brother, to support their plumbing business and family.

My name is Joshua Yankson, and this is the story of my family—a story of unshakable faith, heartbreaking trials, and a dream that refuses to die.

I come from a family of ten—the third of eight children. Life was never easy, but we learned early that hope is the anchor of the soul. A year and a half after completing my missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I married the love of my life, Barbara Otoo.

Barbara is a woman of unmatched strength. She is the only daughter of her mother, though her father had other children. Tragedy struck early—both of her parents passed away years ago, leaving her to navigate life’s storms alone. Yet, despite her pain, Barbara chose to serve as a missionary, carrying light to others even when her own world felt dark.

But life wasn’t done testing her. During her mission, a doctor in Uganda delivered a crushing blow: scans revealed severe lower back issues, chronic migraines, and eyesight problems. The words that followed shattered us—"You may never be able to carry children."

Love Against All Odds

In 2020, Barbara and I married, fully aware of the battles ahead. At the time, I was a plumbing apprentice, and we were both students in the BYU Pathway program. Money was scarce. Nights we wondered if God had forgotten us. But we held on—to each other, to our faith, to the belief that miracles still happen.

And then—they did.

Against every medical prediction, we were blessed with two beautiful children—a vibrant four-year-old boy and a joyful two-year-old girl. They are our living testimonies, proof that God writes stories man cannot predict.

The War Isn’t Over

But joy doesn’t erase struggle. For years, I searched for steady work with no success. Recently, I secured a job at a paper packaging company in Ghana, but the pay is barely enough to survive. Barbara started a small food business through a church initiative, but instead of profit, she’s drowning in losses.

Every day is a battle. Rent. Food. Medical bills. Utilities. The weight is crushing. We lie awake at night, wondering how we’ll make it another month.

A Light in the Darkness

Then, hope sparked. We moved to a fast-growing community where new homes are rising every day—yet there’s no hardware store for miles. Families must travel long distances just to buy basic plumbing supplies.

I saw the answer.

With my plumbing skills and Barbara’s relentless spirit, we could open a hardware and plumbing shop—a business that would serve our community while finally giving our family a way out of poverty.

But dreams cost money. And right now, we have none.

This Is Where We Need You

We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking for a fighting chance.

With $5,000, we can turn this vision into reality:

• $3,000 – Inventory (stocking the most essential supplies)

• $850 – Store setup (shelving, signage)

• $450 – Marketing (flyers, social media ads)

• $700 – Working capital (6 months’ rent & utilities)

This isn’t just a business—it’s our children’s future. It’s Barbara’s chance to finally rest. It’s my way of providing, not just surviving.

Will You Stand With Us?

If you’ve ever known struggle, ever held onto hope when all seemed lost, ever prayed for a miracle—you understand why we’re begging for help today.

• Donate—even $10 brings us closer.

• Share—your share could be the one that changes everything.

• Pray—we still believe in the power of prayer.

This is our shot. Our only shot.

Help us build not just a business, but a future.

With tears in my eyes and hope in my heart,

Joshua, Barbara, and our two little miracles

P.S. If you’ve ever witnessed a miracle, be part of ours. Click "Donate" now. Thank you.