A historic service was held last Sunday [September 26, 2021] at the McKeown Worship Centre in Toronto, Canada in honour of Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anthony and Mrs Patience Owusu, who bowed out of active ministry after 26 years.
The service, which was officiated by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, also had in attendance Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Bompata Area Head and Executive Council Member), Prophet James O. Amaniampong (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle Patrick Aseyoro (Odorkor Area Head) and Apostle Michael Osei (France National Head).
A delegation from the USA, consisting of Apostle John Appiah, Apostle Samuel Arthur, Apostle Andy Donkor, Apostle Stephen Amponsah, Apostle Dr. Portuphy, Pastor Joseph Gyamfi, Pastor Joseph Antwi, among others, and led by Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako (National Head for CoP-USA and Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Chairman for the Americas) also graced the event.
Speaking on the topic: “The Jewish Root of Christianity: Some Lessons for our Time,” Apostle Nyamekye stated that God chose Israel strategically to reveal Himself to the other nations of the world. (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 9:18-19; Exodus19:3:-6; Deuteronomy 4:-8; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Psalms 78:6).
According to him, Israel had a covenant with God, and as part of the covenant, they were to be holy people, a kingdom of priests, and a treasured possession unto the Lord. They were also instructed by God to teach this to their children so they would not forget Him, he added.
Apostle Nyamekye stated that, even when the Jews had dispersed on the face of the earth, they were expected to hold on to the word of God and remain holy. With this in mind, as they interacted with other cultures such as the Babylonian and Greco-Roman cultures, the Jews, he noted, ensured that they influenced and possessed the other cultures, thereby spreading their religion to other nations.
Comparing the church (now the Israel of God) to the nation of Israel, Apostle Nyamekye said God’s agenda for the world is to ensure that “none should be lost.” (Galatians 3:8; 3:16; 6:15).
Just like the Jews, he advised the Church in Canada to explore ways by which they could influence the Canadian people through their culture in order to draw them to the Lord.
“Our churches should be equipping centres where righteous men and women are raised to influence the society with Kingdom values and principles. Let us live exemplary lifestyles based on the principles and values of the Kingdom of God like the Jews did,” he said.
He also advised that only people who are adaptive to various situations should be called to serve in leadership positions in the church.
The Chairman urged parents to endeavour to teach their children the word of God and be an example of authentic Christianity.He also urged church members to avail themselves to be used by the Lord to possess their communities for Christ.
Testimony by the General Council in honour of the retired minister read by Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng hailed Apostle Dr. Owusu as an embodiment of humility, hard work, service and discipline. It also described him as one who accomplishes assignments efficiently and effectively.
The Council also praised Mrs. Patience Owusu for being the strong pillar in the life and ministry of her husband, whilst acknowledging her selflessness, love, hard work, compassion, and dedication to God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
The National Council of CoP-Canada further testified that Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu made a difference in the lives of so many people as a preacher, teacher, prayer warrior, an affable father, counsellor, and an effective administrator, who helped to maximise the church’s financial resources and ensure a smooth financial administration.
To climax the event, Apostle Eric Nyamekye presented a ‘certificate of service’ plaque to the retired minister in acknowledgement of his meritorious service to God and The Church of Pentecost for over two decades.
Among those in attendance were Mrs. Mary Nyamekye (wife of the Chairman), Apostle Ackah-Baidoo (rtd.), a former National Head of Canada, and his wife, as well as Mrs. Mary Miah and Mrs. Faustina Bediako (both wives of former Canada National Heads). Some community leaders, including ministers from other churches, the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario led by Mr. Emmanuel Duodo, and royals, attended the event.
Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu was called into the full-time ministry in 1995 and served at Toronto (1995-1999), Vancouver (1999-2003), France (2003-2009), USA (2009-2016), and Canada (2016-2021). He previously served as an Acting National Head for Canada between 2013 and 2014 and also served as an Executive Council Member and the RCC Chairman for the Americas from 2015 to 2020.
Report by PENTMEDIA Canada.
