After 35 years of serving The Church of Pentecost, Apostle James Nana Ofori, Mankessim Area Head, and his wife, Mrs. Ellen Mary Ofori, have ended their active service in the church.
The glorious retirement service which was held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at the Estate Central Auditorium in Mankessim, was officiated by the Co-ordinator of the Central Regional Co-ordinating Committee and Executive Council Member of the church, who doubles as the Cape Coast Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi.
The event saw people from all walks of life in attendance to honour and appreciate God for the great work He has accomplished through his servant.
Delivering a sermon on the topic, “All Because of Him,” Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi entreated believers to always remember where they come from and how they have been saved by the grace of God, saying, “Some of us were not influential and were not born with silver spoon in our mouths”
Using Luke 19:28-35; 17:10; Mark 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 as scripture references, the Cape Coast Area Head said that like Barabbas, most ministers in the full-time ministry today were unqualified but God chose the foolish things of this world to glorify Himself and shame the wise.
“Ministers of the gospel must understand that all that we have been made of is because of the Master,” he stated while admonishing the clergy to eschew pride, exaggerations on matters and super-heroism.
Apostle Antwi, therefore, urged Christians to be humble while staying at the feet of Christ for greater glory, adding that “after all is done, know that you are a worthy servant for you did what was required of you.”
Apostle James Nana Ofori was born on July 15, 1957, at Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region to Opanyin Kwadwo Appah and Madam Elizabeth Yaa Ofosuhemaa, both of blessed memory. He had both his elementary and secondary education at Obo- Kwahu and received his G.C.E. O’ Level in 1973. He also holds a certificate in Library and Archival Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Bachelor of Theology from Canada Christian College.
Before joining the full-time ministry of the church, he worked as a Librarian for nine years at the University of Science and Technology School of Mines and Technology (now University of Mines and Technology), Tarkwa from 1978 to 1987.
Throughout his 35 years of ministry, Apostle Nana Ofori served at seven stations commencing from Ankaase (1987-1992); Ashanti Mampong (1992-1995); Assin Manso (1995-2001); Ashaiman (2001-2007); Kwadaso (2007-2012); Sunyani (2012-2017) as District Pastor, and Mankessim Area as Area Head (2017-2022).
Notable among the various leadership positions he held was the Central Regional Treasurer of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), from 2018 to 2022, and GPCC Mankessim District Chairman, from 2018 to 2022.
Testimony by the General Council described Apostle Nana Ofori as a “dynamic man of God who operates in charismatic gifts, prayerful and grounds breaker in new and difficult terrains.”
Both the Mankessim Area Presbytery and the Pastorate described him as a great lover of music and a worshipper, evangelistic man and a motivational minister.
The Area Women’s Ministry also described Mrs Ellen Mary Ofori as a formidable, affable woman who always beams with smiles and a homemaker whose hospitality know no bounds.
Gracing the event were Osagyefo Amanfo Adu VI (Paramount Chief of Mankessim Traditional Area), Hon. K. K. Essuman (former MCE for Mfantseman), and Hon. Samuel Obodai (former Deputy Central Regional Minister).
Also present were Apostles Daniel Kwaning Mireku and wife (Agona Swedru Area), Frederick K. Andoh and wife (Assin Fosu Area), Jones Awuah Afrifa and wife (Dunkwa Area), David Nii Addo -Pappoe and wife (Twifo Praso Area), Samuel Appiah (National Head of Dubai).
Others were Pastor Obiri Yeboah and wife (France), and Mrs. Gifty Dansoa Appiah (wife of Winneba Area Head), Rev. Vincent Mensa (Assemblies of God and GPCC Central Regional Vice Chairman), Rev. Felix Awuah (Area Head, Apostolic Church and GPCC Secretary, Central Region), Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh (Rtd.), Apostle Robert Christian Ackon (Rtd.), and Area Deacons from Kintampo, Asante Mampong and Mankessim.
In his response, Apostle James Nana Ofori, on behalf of his family, expressed his utmost appreciation and thanks to God, the Church and the leadership of the Church for their continuous support throughout their 35 years in ministry.
Report by Pastor Joel Beddim.