The Medical Director of Pentecost Hospital, Madina, Apostle Dr Edward Arko Koranteng, emphasised the importance of Christians taking their physical wellbeing seriously, noting that good health is essential for effective ministry.
According to him, “the human body is dust, and at some point, it will weaken – but the spirit does not; it only grows from glory to glory.”
He, therefore, encouraged ministers to maintain a strong spiritual life, noting that “if you are able to keep a robust spiritual body, your physical body will also thrive.”
Addressing the physical realities of ageing drawing from Genesis 27:1 at a seminar organised for ministers and wives due for retirement by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre on Thursday, Apostle Dr Koranteng highlighted several areas of concern, including weakened heart and veins, stiff joints leading to arthritis, and reduced ability to manage sugar and carbohydrates, which can result in diabetes.
He also mentioned conditions such as osteoporosis due to calcium loss, respiratory challenges like asthma, and cognitive disorders that slow brain function.
“Irrespective of your anointing, if you don’t take care of these things, they will worry you in old age,” he cautioned, stressing that these issues affect the majority of people as they age.
He further drew attention to digestive complications, including ulcers, constipation, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), as well as the growing prevalence of cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Apostle Dr Koranteng also warned about infections caused by weakened immunity and balance issues that increase the risk of slips and falls.
“We must be careful how we design our bathrooms as we age,” he advised, emphasising preventive living and environmental safety.
Encouraging discipline and faith, he urged participants to take prescribed medications faithfully and to live balanced lives marked by rest and self-care.
“Sleep is important,” he said. “At a certain point, we must shift from staying up late, even for spiritual exercises, and retrain ourselves to sleep at least seven to nine hours.”
In conclusion, Apostle Dr Koranteng advised ministers to gracefully manage the transition into retirement by adjusting their expectations, saying, “As you approach retirement, learn to decouple from the privileges of active ministry. Handle every change graciously, and rest in the knowledge that God remains faithful.”
PENT NEWS
