Prempeh, Collins Kwasi
Collins Kwasi Prempeh is a Global Missionary of The United Methodist Church, serving as regional missionary for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries at Old Mutare Mission, Zimbabwe. Because of his placement, Deaf students will be able to study at Africa University. New Deaf ministries have begun in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Burundi.
Collins, who is Deaf, earned Bachelor of Divinity and master’s degrees from Africa University and a diploma/certificate in Bible translation into sign language at Deaf Opportunity Outreach (DOOR). He was an evangelist at Tepa Wesley Methodist Circuit in Ghana.
After accepting Jesus Christ into his life in 2008, Collins started his faith journey.
“I discovered a deep passion for serving others, particularly within the Deaf communities in Ghana,” he said.” Through my preaching and ministry work, I have witnessed firsthand the power of faith to bring hope, healing and transformation to those who are often marginalized and overlooked.
“God urged me to preach to Ghana’s Deaf villages and surrounding area. In 2011, I traveled to Kenya to translate the Bible into sign language at Deaf Opportunity Outreach. I was invited to The United Methodist Church’s third worldwide Deaf mission in Nairobi in 2013. As soon as I got my certificate in 2014, I volunteered at a Deaf ministry in Tepa, Ghana, my home country. I received an invitation to attend the fourth World Methodist Missions Conference of the Deaf in Waxahachie, Texas, in 2017.”
Feeling God’s call to the ordained ministry, Collins applied to Africa University.
“I traveled to Zimbabwe in 2019 to study theology at Africa University,” he said. “I made many trips to Deaf communities in Mutare, Zimbabwe, where I shared counseling, the gospel, news and my own experience. I was also asked to preach to the Deaf congregation at HillTop UMC, Mutare, Zimbabwe.”
Collins is certain that God has shaped him for his new role as a missionary in Zimbabwe.
“Through various experiences, challenges and opportunities, God has been equipping me with the skills, knowledge and spiritual gifts to minister effectively to Deaf and hard of hearing communities in Africa and around the world,” he said. “My unwavering commitment to this cause, coupled with me deep empathy and understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population, demonstrates God’s hand at work in my life.”
Collins realizes that mission work may test his faith, perseverance and reliance on God’s strength. “The complexities of working in a new cultural context, the emotional weight of hearing the struggles of those I seek to serve, and the practical challenges of navigating unfamiliar territories may pose obstacles along the way,” he acknowledged. “However, it is through these challenges that my faith is likely to deepen, my character is refined, and my reliance on God is strengthened.”
He has participated in mission journeys across Africa and around the world, providing firsthand experiences of serving and interacting with diverse communities.
“My involvement in Bible translation into sign language for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities,” he noted, “demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring that all individuals have access to the teachings of the Bible in a way that resonates with their unique needs and communication preferences. This dedication to making the message of Jesus Christ accessible to the Deaf and hard of hearing reflects my heart for inclusive ministry.
“My perspective of mission has been influenced by a combination of personal faith, experiences, mentorship, engagement with Scripture and a genuine desire to serve others. These factors have collectively shaped my interest in mission work and my dedication to ministering to Deaf communities, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God’s calling and compassion for all people.”
Collins and his wife, Victoria Quao, who teaches at Demonstration School for the Deaf (DEMODEAF), Mampong-Akuapem, are parents of a daughter, 5, and a son, 3. His family, he said, “plays a crucial role in supporting and encouraging my mission endeavors. Their love, understanding and prayers are invaluable as I embark on this journey of faith and service. My family’s unity, love for God, and dedication to serving others will undoubtedly inspire and encourage others as they learn about my mission endeavors.”
The Bible verse that resonates with Collins is Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
Mission, he said, “provides a sense of purpose and direction, driving individuals and organizations to work toward a common goal. In a world with diverse challenges, mission helps to focus efforts on addressing specific issues, such as poverty, education, health care and environmental sustainability. It also fosters collaboration, innovation and social responsibility, leading to positive impact and meaningful change. Moreover, mission encourages personal growth, self-reflection and empathy, helping individuals to develop a sense of belonging and connection with others.
“By having a mission, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.”