Over the past four years, the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has experienced a remarkable transformation, largely credited to one man: the outgone Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis.
Answering the call to full-time ministry at the age of 60, just after retiring from active working life, was a significant sacrifice that the former Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was willing to make to God and the Church.
Initially serving as the Deputy Director of the Children’s Ministry and later as the Director, Professor Ellis provided visionary leadership, steering the ministry to new heights and building on the legacies of his predecessors. Achieving so much in just four years is nothing short of extraordinary.
It was, therefore, no surprise that the PIWC-Kaneshie auditorium today overflowed with relatives, ministers (both active and retired), members, and well-wishers who gathered to participate in the retirement service held in honour the man who had elevated one of the Church’s most beloved ministries.
The event, chaired by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, was a celebration from start to finish. The ministration, worship sessions, and prophetic messages all reflected the profound impact Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis had made.
In his tribute, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted Ellis’s significant contributions. “Four years ago, we recognised the need to reposition our Children’s Ministry. We needed a model we could call our own. When we sought the right person for this task, the Lord gave us Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis, and he has be able to accomplish this to the glory of God.”
“But for me,” Apostle Nyamekye continued, “his greatest contribution was that he walked among us, the pastors, and taught us Christianity with his life. I observed him both from afar and up close, and he demonstrated true Christian character in his submissions during meetings,”
The sermon, titled “The Impact-Making Christian Leader,” delivered by the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, at the event was both timely and inspiring. It called on all Christian leaders to strive to make a lasting impact during their tenure.
Apostle Obuobi emphasised virtues such as humility, integrity, faithfulness, sacrifice, love, and compassion as essential traits for impactful leadership.
“And from all these parameters, we can confidently say Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis has made a significant impact in his generation and beyond,” he concluded.
Glowimg tributes from the Children’s Ministry and the General Council praised Pastor Prof. Ellis for the innovative programmes he introduced, including the Community Children’s Club (CCC), Jethro Initiative (JI), and Foundation Builders Conference (FBC).
The Women’s Ministry of PIWC-Kaneshie also honoured Dr. Florence Otoo Ellis, wife of the retiring Ministry Director, for her virtuous qualities and admirable teaching ability.
In an emotional speech, Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis thanked God, the church leadership, his immediate family and all who supported him in diverse ways during his tenure of office.
The retirement service of Pastor Prof. William Otoo and Dr. Florence Ellis, was truly intergenerational, featuring ministrations from children—a fitting tribute to the Children’s Ministry Director.
Everyone who attended the event would attest that it was a unique and joyous occasion, filled with celebration and valuable life lessons.
PENTECOST NEWS
