Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, has highlighted the significance of Christians being kind to others, as tomorrow is unpredictable.
He urged them to be mindful of how they treat people in today’s interconnected world.
During a sermon at the retirement service for Pastor Samuel Kwadwo and Mrs. Grace Oteng (the outgone Ashtown District Minister), on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Peter Agyapong Memorial Temple (PAMT) in Ashtown, Apostle Kumi-Larbi shared a personal story of how Pastor Oteng had positively impacted his life during their time together at Koforidua Secondary Technical School, expressing his appreciation and admiration for Pastor Oteng.
“I have known Pastor Oteng since 1979 during my school days at Koforidua SECTECH in 1979, where he was my senior. ‘Senior Oteng’ as I affectionately called him, helped me greatly by protecting me from bullying and guiding me in my Christian life, as he always made sure I did my morning devotions. If he had been aware that I would be officiating his retirement service today, I believe he would have offered me even more assistance. I humbly request the congregation to bless this man on my behalf,” he conveyed.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, advised the congregation to treat others well as they never know when their paths might cross again.
“Turn to your neighbour and say, ‘One day, we shall meet, so treat me well.”
Speaking on the topic: “Handing Over the Baton; Who Is Your Next of Kin?” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised the significance of succession planning and mentoring in the Church to ensure continuity and growth.
The immediate past General Secretary of the Church referenced passages from Ecclesiastes 2:14-26, Psalm 145:4-7, and 2 Timothy 2:2, encouraging Christian leaders to prepare for inevitable moment when they would no longer be available by training others to take over their responsibilities.
“God has a purpose for everyone, but this requires people to mentor and guide them to fulfill their potential,” he pointed out, adding, “God is a God of generations.”
He also advised against being egoistic and self-indulgent as such behaviour could hinder the ability to positively impact the lives of others, saying, “A leader allows others to stand on their shoulders to see afar, but not to suppress them in their leadership.”
While acknowledging the importance of training others, Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi noted that some people are untrainable, urging vigilance against “Gehazis” in the church.
Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah
