What if a solar-powered pole could light up a village, charge phones, and preach the gospel all at the same time? Sounds impossible, but that’s exactly what is happening in rural Ghana, thanks to the Mission Pole project, an inspired idea from Reach Beyond’s New Zealand team.
The Mission Pole is no ordinary piece of equipment. It’s part streetlight, part phone charger, part radio, part Wi-Fi hub — and, as the locals have discovered, part tireless preacher.
By day, it offers free Wi-Fi from a device called a Sheep Station (no actual sheep required!) where villagers can download Bibles, worship songs, health advice, farming tips, and discipleship resources in their own language.
The pole also broadcasts Christian radio programmes through its speakers, and content is updated remotely so it always stays fresh and relevant.
At night, the pole lights up gathering spaces, essential in communities where electricity is scarce.
But it’s not just about power and connection — it’s about bringing the hope of Jesus to places that have long been unreached.
One local Chief, who has many religious shrines to local gods in his village, said things have changed dramatically since the Mission Pole was installed near one of these sacred spots. Now, instead of heading to the shrine, people schedule their day around the messages and music coming from the pole, and many are coming to know Jesus.
In another village, where once half the people were Muslim and half were Christian, more than 75% now follow Christ. That’s the quiet, steady work of the Mission Pole — faithfully sharing the gospel day in, day out, at a cost of just £1.50 a day.
Think of it as an evangelist, pastor, youth worker, women’s leader, and community builder all rolled into one solar-powered superhero — and it never asks for a day off.
By blending practical help with the life-changing message of Jesus, the Mission Pole is bringing light, hope, and connection to communities that have long been out of reach.
This is just the beginning. The vision is to plant 100 Mission Poles over the next five years. One pole costs around £5,500 to build and install. Discover how you can help.
