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On planet Earth, the secular and the sacred are two sides of the same coin, each with distinct characteristics. Although they are different, they coexist. From birth, we are exposed to both the secular and the sacred worlds. In the former, we are expected to follow the culture and norms of society and to do what society considers good and acceptable. Deviating from these norms may lead to being labelled as socially unacceptable or, in some cases, mentally ill.

The sacred world is not entirely different in this respect. In this realm, where divine principles prevail, we are expected to abide by the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, which define the culture and conduct of the Christian faith.

Every person encounters both worlds. For instance, a nurse who is a Christian is expected to perform certain duties in the ward to restore and maintain the health of patients. Failure to perform these duties in accordance with the required professional standards may result in disqualification or disciplinary action. Similarly, when this nurse refuses to follow the teachings of Christ, he or she cannot be considered a faithful Christian.

Whether in the secular or the sacred world, everyone has a calling and a purpose to fulfil. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, minister of state, market woman, farmer, minister of God or engaged in any other profession or occupation, you have a purpose to accomplish.

Today, we are drawing our attention to the divine calling we have received, which places us in a position to fulfil God’s purposes. As Christians, some of the divine purposes for which we are called include being witnesses of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for Christ, the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

1. You Are Called To Be A Witness Of Jesus Christ

To be a witness of Jesus Christ is to make Him known wherever we find ourselves. It involves making Him accessible to those who do not know Him by demonstrating His love to them and others. It also involves demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit through the healing of the sick, the casting out of demons and the bringing of joy to communities and hope to the hopeless.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Their mission extended beyond making disciples to include healing the sick and casting out demons.

The early Church played its part, and today it is our turn. Souls are perishing, and Christ is counting on us to reach out to them with the Gospel and lead them to the saving knowledge of Christ.

Philip went to Samaria to proclaim the Gospel. Through his ministry, the sick were healed, and impure spirits came out of those who were possessed. As a result, there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:6–8).

We, too, can fulfil this divine mandate through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2. You Are Called To Be An Ambassador For Christ

An ambassador is a person sent on a mission to represent another person, organisation or country. Jesus has called us and made us His ambassadors to represent Him on earth in His physical absence (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means that He has entrusted us with the responsibility of carrying out His mission and doing what He would have us do as His representatives.

Just as an ambassador represents his or her country and promotes its interests in a foreign land, Christians are expected to represent Christ faithfully wherever they find themselves. We are to demonstrate His character, proclaim His message and live according to His teachings.

For this reason, Christ has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation so that, through us, people may be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18–20).

An ambassador does not act merely according to personal wishes but follows the instructions of the authority he or she represents. In the same way, as ambassadors of Christ, we must heed His instructions and faithfully carry out His commands.

You are an ambassador for Christ, and His Spirit is with you. Therefore, be bold and faithful in representing Him wherever you find yourself.

3. You Are Called To Be The Salt Of The Earth

Salt is commonly used for preservation and seasoning. It helps to preserve food and enhances its flavour, making it more palatable.

Christ likened His followers to salt (Matthew 5:13). This means that we have a responsibility to influence society positively and help preserve its moral and spiritual values.

Corruption and other forms of moral decay exist in our societies, workplaces and nations. As Christians, we must help preserve what is good and challenge practices that undermine righteousness, justice and integrity.

How can we fulfil this responsibility? We can do so by proclaiming the Word of God in our families, workplaces and various sectors of society. As we teach moral values and principles that discourage corruption and deviant behaviour, we must also practise what we preach.

Our lives must reflect transparency, accountability and integrity so that society can learn not only from our teachings but also from our conduct. We must be intentional about transforming society and must continually pray for the welfare and peace of our nations (Jeremiah 29:7).

4. You Are Called To Be The Light Of The World

Light provides illumination, direction and hope. Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This means that we are called to guide others towards the truth, demonstrate godly living and bring hope to a world in spiritual darkness.

The world, in this context, includes people who do not know Jesus Christ. Many are walking on the wrong path and need someone to direct them to the true way, Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As Christians, we have the responsibility to point them to Him.

Those who live without Christ are vulnerable to the destructive influence of the devil and need the protection and deliverance that God provides. Many are also searching for lasting joy and hope beyond this present life. These needs find their ultimate answer in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world so that, through our words, actions and godly examples, those who are perishing may be drawn to Him, come to know Him and receive salvation.

Conclusion

Beloved, we have not been called merely to occupy space on earth but to fulfil a divine purpose. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for Christ, the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Let us, therefore, take our divine calling seriously and fulfil it faithfully wherever we find ourselves. May our lives bring glory to God and lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Written by Elder Frederick Chaba (Fielmoa District, Tumu Area)

Acts 9:1–22; Philippians 3:4–9; 1 Timothy 1:12–16; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 1:15–16

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.”
Acts 9:3

Introduction

Some people can see clearly with their physical eyes and still be spiritually blind.

They can recognise opportunities but fail to recognise God.

They can understand religious regulations but miss divine revelation.

They can quote Scripture but fail to encounter the Christ revealed in Scripture.

They can be sincere, passionate and committed—and still be travelling in the wrong direction.

Saul of Tarsus was not an atheist. He was not indifferent to God. He was deeply religious, highly educated and passionately committed to what he believed.

He knew the law, honoured Jewish traditions, defended the faith of his ancestors, possessed impressive religious credentials, and was sincere in his convictions. Yet Saul was sincerely wrong. He believed he was defending God while fighting against the work of God. He thought he was protecting truth while persecuting the One who is the Truth. He carried religious authority in his hands, but spiritual blindness in his heart. Saul could see the road to Damascus, but he could not see where that road was taking him.

Then Jesus interrupted his journey. A light from heaven shone around him. Saul fell to the ground, heard the voice of Christ and rose physically blind. Yet that physical blindness became the beginning of spiritual sight. The man who lost his natural sight on the Damascus road began to see what he had never seen before. He saw Jesus differently, saw himself differently, saw the Church differently, saw Scripture differently, and saw his purpose differently. Sometimes God must interrupt what we are seeing before He can show us what we have been missing. Saul was blinded so that he could finally see.

1. It Is Possible to Be Religious and Still Be Spiritually Blind

Acts 9:1 says: “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” (NIV)

Saul was not living without conviction. He was acting from conviction. He sincerely believed that the followers of Jesus were dangerous and that destroying them was service to God.

In Philippians 3, Saul later described his religious credentials. He was circumcised according to Jewish law, belonged to the people of Israel, came from the tribe of Benjamin and was a Pharisee. Regarding zeal, he persecuted the Church; regarding legalistic righteousness, he considered himself faultless.

If religious credentials could save a person, Saul had enough. But religion had informed his mind without transforming his heart. Religion without revelation can make a person proud of knowledge but empty of love. It can make someone passionate about rules while remaining insensitive to people. It can make a person defend God while behaving in a manner that does not reflect God. Saul knew the written law, but he did not recognise the living Word. He knew what Moses had written, but he did not recognise the Messiah about whom Moses wrote. He was trying to protect the honour of God while dishonouring the Son of God.

This is the danger of religious activity without a genuine encounter with Christ. A person can attend church without surrendering to Christ. One can sing, preach, pray, serve and hold a position while remaining unchanged within. Religion can modify outward behaviour, but only Christ can transform the heart. The core of the matter is not, “Do I practise religion?” but “Have I encountered Jesus Christ?”

2. Saul Had Zeal, but His Zeal Was Travelling in the Wrong Direction

Saul was not lazy, passive or half-hearted. He was passionately wrong.

He obtained letters from the high priest authorising him to arrest believers in Damascus. He invested time, energy, influence and strength in a mission that opposed the purpose of God.

Zeal is powerful, but zeal must be guided by truth.

You can run quickly in the wrong direction.

You can work hard on the wrong assignment.

You can be committed to something God never commanded.

You can be admired by people while resisting the purpose of heaven.

Romans 10:2 speaks about people who were zealous for God, but whose zeal was not based on knowledge. Passion alone is not enough. Fire is useful when it is placed in the right location, but when it leaves the fireplace, it can burn down the house. Saul’s passion was not the problem. The problem was that his passion had not been surrendered to Christ. After his conversion, God did not remove Saul’s passion. God redirected it. The same man who travelled from city to city to arrest believers later travelled from city to city to preach the gospel. The same mouth that breathed threats later preached grace. The same hands that carried letters of persecution later wrote letters that strengthened the Church. The same courage that had been used against Christ was surrendered to the service of Christ. God does not always destroy your passion.

Sometimes He converts it. Your energy must be surrendered. Your ambition must be surrendered. Your intelligence must be surrendered. Your influence must be surrendered. Your talents must be surrendered.

When zeal meets revelation, passion receives divine direction.

3. Jesus Interrupted Saul’s Journey

Acts 9:3 says:

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.”

Saul was approaching Damascus, but Jesus was approaching Saul. He had a plan, official permission and companions. Everything appeared to be under his control, but one encounter with Jesus brought his entire journey to a halt.

The light came suddenly.

Saul did not schedule the encounter, invite Jesus into the journey or search for Christ, but Christ came looking for him. This is grace! Grace is God stepping into a life that is travelling away from Him. It is Jesus confronting us before our choices completely destroy us. It is God interrupting our wrong direction and offering us a new destination.

Saul was going to Damascus to arrest Christians, but God was going to Damascus to arrest Saul’s heart. Saul carried letters from the high priest, but Jesus spoke with authority from heaven. Earth had authorised Saul, but heaven overruled him.

Some interruptions are not attacks; they are acts of mercy.

The closed door may be mercy; the uncomfortable conviction may be mercy; the exposure of your weakness may be mercy; the failure of your plan may be mercy, and the voice calling you to repentance may be mercy. We often ask God to bless our journey, but sometimes God loves us too much to bless the direction in which we are travelling. Some journeys need divine interruption.

4. The Light Exposed the Darkness Saul Could Not See

Saul was surrounded by light, yet he rose from the ground unable to see.

This was more than physical blindness. It was a visible picture of his spiritual condition. Before the encounter, Saul thought everybody else was blind. He thought the followers of Jesus were deceived and believed he understood God better than they did. Then the light of Christ exposed the darkness within him. True revelation does not merely show us who God is; it also shows us who we are.

When Isaiah saw the Lord, he cried:

“Woe to me! … I am a man of unclean lips.”
Isaiah 6:5

When Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, he said:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
Luke 5:8

When Saul encountered Jesus, the strong man fell to the ground.

You cannot truly see Christ and remain impressed with your own righteousness.

Revelation produces humility. Before Damascus, Saul walked with confidence because he believed he understood everything. After encountering Jesus, he had to be led by the hand. The man who came to control others could no longer direct his own steps. Sometimes God allows our confidence to collapse so that our dependence on Him can begin.

5. Saul Discovered That Attacking the Church Was Attacking Christ

Acts 9:4 records the voice of Jesus:

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Jesus did not say, “Why are you persecuting My followers?”

He said, “Why do you persecute Me?”

Saul had arrested believers, but Jesus took it personally.

This reveals the depth of Christ’s relationship with His Church. When the Church suffers, Christ is not emotionally distant. He identifies with His people.

When you wound Christ’s people, you touch what belongs to Christ.

When you encourage them, you honour Christ. When you serve them, you serve Christ. When you oppress them, you oppose Christ. When you persecute them, you persecute Christ. Saul thought he was fighting ordinary men and women. He did not realise that heaven stood behind the people he was attacking. Be careful how you treat people who belong to God. They may appear weak, but Christ identifies with them. They may not be able to defend themselves, but heaven knows their names. Jesus knew exactly where Saul was, what he was doing and whom he was hurting. The persecuted believers were not forgotten.

6. Revelation Begins with the Right Questions

Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5)

This was the question that changed everything. Saul knew religion, but he did not know Jesus.

He knew traditions.

He knew arguments.

He knew regulations.

He knew how to defend his beliefs.

But when the light appeared, he had to ask:

“Who are You, Lord?”

Jesus answered, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Saul’s transformation began with a revelation of Jesus Christ. Christianity is not merely accepting a moral system. It is coming into a living relationship with Jesus. The centre of the gospel is not a denomination, tradition, personality or institution. The centre of the gospel is Jesus Christ, who was crucified, risen and reigning as Lord.

The second question that emerges from Saul’s surrender is expressed in Acts 22:10: “What shall I do, Lord?”

These are the two great questions of genuine conversion:

“Who are You, Lord?”

“What shall I do, Lord?”

The first concerns revelation, and the second concerns submission.

It is not enough to recognise who Jesus is. We must surrender to what He commands. Many people want Jesus to save them, but they do not want Him to direct them. They want His blessings without His lordship, His promises without His instructions and His comfort without His correction. But when Saul called Jesus “Lord,” the direction of his life changed. A genuine encounter with Christ does not merely produce emotion. It produces surrender.

7. Saul Had to Lose Control Before He Could Discover God’s Purpose

Acts 9:8 says:

“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.”

What a dramatic reversal! Saul entered the journey as the leader, but arrived in Damascus being led. He began the journey with letters of authority, but entered the city without personal direction. He planned to return from Damascus with prisoners. Instead, he entered Damascus as a broken man. God sometimes allows us to reach the end of our own strength because self-confidence can make us difficult to lead. Before God could use Saul powerfully, Saul had to learn dependence. For three days, he was blind and neither ate nor drank. The noise stopped. The threats stopped. The movement stopped. Saul was left alone with the revelation he had received. There are moments when God brings us into stillness so that our hearts can finally listen.

Silence is not always rejection.

Waiting is not always punishment.

Brokenness is not always destruction.

Sometimes God empties our hands because we are holding the wrong assignment. Sometimes He permits darkness around us because He is producing light within us. Saul’s blindness was temporary, but the revelation it produced lasted for the rest of his life.

8. God Used Ananias to Help Saul See

In Damascus, God spoke to a disciple named Ananias:

“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15

Ananias knew Saul’s reputation. He had heard about the suffering Saul caused. Naturally, he was afraid. But God had seen something in Saul that nobody else could see.

People saw a persecutor, but God saw an apostle. People saw a destroyer, but God saw a builder. People saw danger, but God saw a chosen instrument.

This does not excuse Saul’s actions. Grace does not pretend that the past never happened. Grace demonstrates that the past does not have to control the future.

Ananias obeyed God, entered the house and placed his hands on Saul. Then he said, “Brother Saul…” What extraordinary words! The man who had come to arrest believers was addressed as a brother by one of the believers he had intended to persecute. Ananias did not call him “enemy Saul” or “murderer Saul.” He called him “Brother Saul.” Grace had created a new relationship. The Church Saul intended to wound became the community through which God welcomed and restored him. Sometimes the person God is transforming still carries a frightening reputation. We must learn to recognise what grace is doing, not only what the past has done.

9. When the Scales Fell, Saul Saw Everything Differently

Acts 9:18 says, “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.”

The scales fell from his physical eyes, but something deeper had also happened within his heart.

He could now see Jesus as Lord.

He could see believers as family.

He could see the gospel as truth.

He could see his righteousness as insufficient.

He could see his life as belonging to Christ.

He could see his suffering as part of a divine calling.

Before Damascus, Saul saw Jesus as an impostor. After Damascus, he proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God. Before Damascus, he considered believers enemies. After Damascus, he called them brothers and sisters. Before Damascus, his credentials were his confidence. Later, he considered them loss compared with knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:8 says:

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Revelation changes how you interpret everything. When Christ opens your eyes, what once appeared valuable may lose its attraction. What once appeared foolish may become precious. What once seemed like weakness may become the power of God. The greatest miracle on the Damascus road was not merely that Saul regained physical sight. It was that he received an entirely new vision for his life.

10. Genuine Conversion Produces Visible Change

Acts 9:20 says, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”

The people were astonished. They asked whether this was the same man who had caused devastation among believers in Jerusalem. It was the same person, but he was no longer living under the same authority.

His body was the same, his history was the same, and his intelligence was the same.

His personality was the same, but his Lord had changed, his direction had changed, and his message had changed. Conversion is more than repeating words. It is the surrender of a life to Jesus Christ. Saul did not merely add Jesus to his former life. Jesus became the centre of his life.

His conversion changed:

• His convictions
• His relationships
• His direction
• His priorities
• His message
• His mission
• His use of influence
• His understanding of suffering
• His understanding of success

The clearest evidence of conversion is transformation.

If Christ has truly entered our lives, something should begin to change. Our attitude should change. Our conduct should change. The way we treat people should change. The way we use our resources should change. Grace accepts us where we are, but grace does not intend to leave us unchanged.

11. Your Past Cannot Cancel God’s Purpose

Saul’s past was serious. Believers feared him for good reason. He had approved of Stephen’s death and attempted to destroy the Church. Yet Jesus met him.

Later, Saul wrote:

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Paul never glorified his past. But he used his past as evidence of the greatness of God’s mercy. If Jesus could save Saul, nobody is beyond the reach of grace. Your history may explain where you have been, but it does not have to determine where you are going.

You may have opposed God.

You may have wasted opportunities.

You may have hurt people.

You may have made destructive decisions.

You may carry a reputation that frightens others.

But one genuine encounter with Jesus can redirect your entire life.

The blood of Jesus is stronger than your past, the mercy of Jesus is greater than your failure, and the purpose of Jesus can rise from the ruins of your wrong decisions. The man who attempted to silence the gospel eventually became one of its greatest messengers. Only grace can write a story like that.

12. Revelation Must Become a Life Assignment

Saul was not given sight merely so that he could see again. He was given sight so that he could serve.

God told Ananias:

“This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name.”

Saul’s revelation carried responsibility. Every encounter with God should produce obedience. Every revelation should lead us deeper into God’s purpose. God did not rescue Saul simply to make him comfortable. He rescued him to make him useful. Salvation is not only deliverance from something; it is a calling into something.

We are saved from sin and called into purpose.

We are delivered from darkness and sent to carry light.

We are rescued from destruction and commissioned to lead others towards life.

Paul would eventually preach across cities, plant churches, endure persecution, write letters and carry the name of Jesus before rulers and nations. The one who once caused believers to suffer later suffered for the gospel he had tried to destroy. When revelation is genuine, convenience is no longer the highest priority. Christ becomes worthy of everything.

Conclusion: Let the Scales Fall

Saul began the journey with open eyes but a blind heart. He ended it with temporarily blinded eyes but a heart awakened by revelation. He left Jerusalem believing he could see. He entered Damascus knowing he had been blind. That is what happens when we encounter Jesus. He shows us the blindness we were too proud to recognise. Perhaps your blindness is not physical. You may be blind to your spiritual condition, blind to the pain you have caused, blind to the purpose of God, or blind to the condition of your family. You may be blind to the danger of your direction, blind to the pride controlling your decisions, or blind to the Jesus standing in the path of your rebellion.

Today, the light of Christ is still shining.

Jesus still interrupts destructive journeys, confronts misguided zeal, opens blind eyes, transforms enemies into ambassadors, and gives new direction to surrendered lives.

Do not merely ask God to bless the road you have chosen, but ask Him whether you are travelling in the right direction. Let the scales fall.

Move from religion to revelation.

Move from knowledge about Christ to relationship with Christ.

Move from self-confidence to complete dependence.

Move from activity without purpose to obedience under His lordship.

Saul entered the light as a persecutor and came out as a witness. He went into Damascus with letters from men, but he came out with a commission from heaven. He entered intending to arrest believers, but he left captured by grace.

He was blinded, and for the first time, he could truly see.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, open my eyes.

Let me see You beyond religious activity.

Let me see myself in the light of Your truth.

Let me see the direction in which I am travelling.

Let me see the people I have misunderstood.

Let me see the purpose for which You created me.

Interrupt every journey that is taking me away from You.

Remove every scale from my eyes.

Turn my passion towards Your purpose, my strength towards Your service and my life towards Your glory.

Let me not merely practise religion. Let me encounter Christ.

Amen.

Written By Apostle Joseph Danzerl (Achimota Area Head)

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.” Genesis 16:1-2 NIV

Introduction

Waiting for a child is one of the most painful experiences a married couple can face. Few things test a marriage as deeply as longing for a child who does not come. In my years of pastoral ministry and counselling, I have sat with many couples who have prayed fervently, fasted, sought medical help, and exhausted their savings, yet the cradle remains empty. In such moments of disappointment and uncertainty, one term surfaces more frequently today than it did in the past: surrogacy.

Some see surrogacy as God’s gift through science. Others see it as a dangerous road. The truth is that surrogacy has a good side, a bad side and an ugly side. This article looks at all three in simple language, so that couples, parents and church leaders can think clearly and pray wisely.

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy and give birth to a baby for another person or couple. After the birth, she hands the child over to them to raise as their own. The woman who carries the baby is called the surrogate (or gestational carrier). The people who will raise the child are called the intended parents.

There are two main types:

Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is used, usually fertilised with the intended father’s sperm. She is therefore the biological mother of the child she carries.

Gestational surrogacy: An embryo is created in a laboratory through IVF (in vitro fertilisation), using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or of donors. The embryo is placed in the surrogate’s womb. She carries the baby but is not genetically related to it. This is the most common type today.

Surrogacy can also be described by how money is involved:

Altruistic surrogacy: The surrogate receives no payment beyond her medical and pregnancy-related expenses. She does it out of goodwill, often for a relative or friend.

Commercial surrogacy: The surrogate is paid a fee for carrying the child, usually through an agency or clinic.

Surrogacy is not entirely new. As can be noted from the scripture reading from Genesis 16, Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to Abraham so that she could “obtain children by her.” In Genesis 30, Rachel did the same with Bilhah. What is new is the science that now allows a woman to carry a child who is not genetically hers.

The good

It brings hope to couples who cannot carry a pregnancy. Some women are born without a womb. Others have lost theirs through surgery or have medical conditions that make pregnancy life-threatening. For them, surrogacy may be the only way to hold a child who carries their own blood.

Consider a practical example. Kwame and Efua (not their real names) married in their late twenties. After two difficult pregnancies ended in loss, Efua had an emergency hysterectomy to save her life. Her ovaries were healthy, but she no longer had a womb. Through gestational surrogacy, an embryo formed from their own egg and sperm was carried by Efua’s cousin. Today they have a son. Efua told me, “I could not carry him, but he is fully ours.” For this couple, surrogacy did not replace God; they saw it as an answer to years of prayer.

It can be an act of love. When a sister, cousin or close friend carries a child for a couple, it can be a beautiful sacrifice. Many surrogates speak of the joy of helping another family. Their generosity reflects the spirit of Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens.”

It can ease the pain of childlessness. In our African setting, childlessness carries a heavy social burden, and too often the woman is blamed even when the problem lies elsewhere. Some marriages collapse; some husbands are pressured to take another wife. Where surrogacy is handled honestly and lawfully, it can protect a marriage from such pressure.

It has medical support. The science behind gestational surrogacy builds on IVF, pioneered by Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, whose work led to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978. Edwards later received the Nobel Prize for it. Today, millions of children worldwide have been born through IVF, and surrogacy is one of its applications.

The bad

Emotional attachment. Nine months is a long time. A surrogate feels every kick and carries the child close to her heart. Some find it painful to hand the baby over. In traditional surrogacy, where the child is genetically hers, the pain can be deeper still.

The famous “Baby M” case in the United States (1986–88) shows this clearly. Mary Beth Whitehead agreed to carry a child for William and Elizabeth Stern, but after the birth she refused to give the baby up. The courts eventually gave custody to the Sterns, while recognising Whitehead as the legal mother with visiting rights. The case opened the world’s eyes to how messy surrogacy can become when hearts are involved.

Family confusion. Who is the mother: the woman whose egg was used, the woman who carried the baby, or the woman who raises the child? Children born through surrogacy may later ask hard questions about their origins. When the surrogate is a relative, family relationships can become strained, especially if the arrangement is kept secret.

Medical risks. Pregnancy is never without risk. Surrogates face the same dangers as any pregnant woman: high blood pressure, diabetes in pregnancy, bleeding, caesarean section and, in rare cases, death. IVF also raises the chance of twins or triplets, which brings additional risks.

Legal uncertainty. Laws differ widely. Some countries ban surrogacy entirely; others allow only the altruistic type; a few allow commercial arrangements. In Ghana, there is still no comprehensive law dedicated to surrogacy, so couples rely on private agreements that may not hold up well if a dispute arises. Without clear law, questions about parental rights, birth certificates and inheritance can become a nightmare.

The cost. Surrogacy is expensive. IVF, medical care, legal fees and the surrogate’s expenses can run into large sums. Some couples sink into debt chasing a result that is never guaranteed.

The ugly

Exploitation of poor women. This is the darkest side. In some places, poor women are recruited to carry babies for wealthy foreigners. They may live in crowded “surrogacy hostels,” have little say over their medical care, and receive only a small fraction of what the clients pay. India and Thailand once had booming commercial surrogacy industries, and both tightened their laws after cases of abuse drew public outrage. The Swedish writer Kajsa Ekis Ekman, in her book Being and Being Bought, argues that commercial surrogacy turns a woman’s body into a rented space and a child into a product.

Children treated as goods. In 2014, the case of Baby Gammy shocked the world. A Thai surrogate gave birth to twins for an Australian couple. One twin, a boy with Down syndrome, remained with the surrogate in Thailand while his healthy sister went to Australia. Whatever the full facts, the case raised a painful question: what happens when the “product” is not what the buyer ordered?

Disputes and abandonment. Some intended parents divorce during the pregnancy and no longer want the child. Some surrogates demand more money at the last minute. In a few sad cases, babies have been left stateless in foreign countries because no nation would recognise them as citizens.

Fraud and trafficking. Where there is money and no regulation, criminals follow. There have been reports of fake clinics, false promises and even baby-selling disguised as surrogacy.

These abuses have led many voices to call for limits. Pope Francis, in January 2024, called for a universal ban on surrogacy, describing it as a violation of the dignity of both the woman and the child. Italy later made seeking surrogacy abroad a crime for its citizens. On the other side, many feminist and human rights thinkers argue that a woman should be free to decide what to do with her own body, and that good regulation is better than a ban that pushes the practice underground.

A pastor’s counsel

As a pastor and counsellor, I do not believe the Christian answer is a quick “yes” or a quick “no.” Christians of good faith disagree. Some churches reject all forms of surrogacy; others accept gestational surrogacy within marriage, using the couple’s own egg and sperm, as a medical treatment. What matters is that every decision is taken prayerfully, honestly and with full knowledge. Here is my practical counsel:

1. Pray together first. Do not let pressure from family or friends drive your decision. Seek God’s peace as husband and wife (Philippians 4:6–7).
2. Keep it within marriage. Any arrangement that brings a third person’s egg or sperm into the marriage raises serious moral questions. Discuss these openly with your pastor.
3. Get proper medical advice. Visit a recognised fertility specialist. Understand the risks to the surrogate and the child, and the realistic chances of success.
4. Get proper legal advice. Have a written agreement drawn up by a qualified lawyer. Make sure it covers parental rights, medical decisions, expenses and what happens if something goes wrong.
5. Protect the surrogate. Never exploit a poor or vulnerable woman. Treat her with dignity, pay her medical needs fully, and ensure she has given free and informed consent.
6. Plan to be honest with the child. Secrets have a way of coming out. At the right age, tell your child the story of how he or she came into the world, and tell it with love.
7. Consider adoption too. Many children in our orphanages and children’s homes are waiting for loving parents. Adoption is a deeply biblical picture: God Himself adopted us as His children (Ephesians 1:5).
8. Remember that a childless marriage is still a complete marriage. Your worth, and your wife’s worth, is not measured by the number of children you have. Hannah was deeply loved by Elkanah even before Samuel came (1 Samuel 1:8).
9.  Churches should put in place doctrinally sound regulatory policies: Churches should be abreast with any scientific knowledge breakthroughs and review them in the light of the word of God. To be able to handle such dicey issues, churches should put in place policies which are regularly updated to address such issues so that when people confront leaders with such scientifically complicated matters, their doctrinal stance can be unambiguous in handling such matters.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is like a sharp knife. In the hands of a careful surgeon, it can save a life; in the wrong hands, it can wound. The good is real: hope, healing and new life for couples who have wept for years. The bad is real: emotional pain, family confusion, medical risk and legal gaps. The ugly is real: exploitation, the buying and selling of children, and fraud.

The Church must neither condemn every childless couple who considers surrogacy nor bless every arrangement without question. Our task is to walk with such couples in love, give them the truth, and help them make choices that honour God, protect the vulnerable woman and respect the dignity of the child. Above all, we must remind them that children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and that His grace is sufficient, whether the cradle is full or empty.

Written by Pastor William Boachie-Ansah (Atomic Hills District)

This age is saturated with motivation. From motivational speakers and self-help seminars to viral quotes and inspirational content, humanity is constantly being told that personal renewal is within reach. We are encouraged to believe in ourselves, unlock our potential, overcome limitations and become everything we desire.

These messages can be inspiring and emotionally stirring. They can awaken ambition, encourage discipline and give people the courage to keep going. Yet, beneath all the inspiration lies a deeper question: Can motivation truly transform the human heart?

The Christian Gospel makes a far more radical claim. It does not merely promise improvement; it declares rebirth. It does not simply teach people how to succeed but offers salvation and redemption to sinners. While motivation often focuses on what a person can achieve through determination and self-development, the Gospel addresses humanity’s deepest problem—the condition of the heart—and provides the power to transform it.

Our personal experiences often expose the limits of motivation. Every January, people make resolutions to become kinder, more disciplined, more honest, healthier or more productive. Yet, within weeks, many return to the very patterns they resolved to abandon. Addictions persist. Pride, envy, greed, resentment and other struggles remain. Motivation may awaken desire, but it cannot regenerate the human heart.

The Gospel begins somewhere fundamentally different. It does not begin with human potential but with humanity’s need for God. It does not make man self-sufficient; it points man to the One from whom true transformation comes.

At the heart of the Gospel is not merely a principle but a Person—Jesus Christ. John 3:16 declares that God gave His Son for humanity. Christ’s invitation is not simply, “Try harder,” but, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28). He does not offer a formula for self-actualisation. He offers Himself—for the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and a new identity for everyone who believes in Him.

And this transformation is not merely theoretical. Across generations and cultures, the Gospel has reached people at the deepest points of their brokenness and changed the trajectory of their lives. It has also produced consequences beyond individual lives. Christian convictions have historically contributed to movements and institutions concerned with human dignity, compassion, education, healthcare and social reform.

The contrast is significant. Motivation can sometimes reinforce self-reliance: Believe in yourself. Discover yourself. Build yourself. The Gospel, however, confronts human pride and redirects confidence towards God. It tells us that our deepest need cannot be solved merely by looking within ourselves, but by surrendering ourselves to Christ.

Yet, the Gospel is not only for the unsaved. It remains the message through which the Holy Spirit continues His transforming work in the believer. The Apostle Paul describes it as “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).

Salvation itself has a continuing dimension. Theologically, it is understood in terms of justification, sanctification and glorification—what God has done, what He is doing and what He will ultimately complete in the believer. The same Gospel that brings a person to Christ is the Gospel that continually shapes that person into the likeness of Christ.

This is why the Gospel cannot end at the crusade ground, the altar call or the moment of conversion. It must continue in the life of the believer.

And when genuine transformation takes place within individuals, it inevitably begins to affect their surroundings. Acts 8:8 records that there was “great joy in that city” following Philip’s ministry in Samaria. The Gospel changed people, and the transformation of people affected the wider community.

This raises an important question for the contemporary Church: If the Gospel is being preached abundantly, why does its transforming influence sometimes appear so limited in our communities and nations?

It is a question that should cause those who stand behind pulpits to examine not only how much they preach, but also what they preach.

We can preach frequently and passionately and yet fail to proclaim the Gospel in its fullness. The Gospel is not simply a message about becoming a better version of oneself. It is the message of surrender to Jesus Christ and submission to His will.

The preacher, therefore, is not merely called to motivate people for temporary change but to be a channel through which the transforming truth of Christ is proclaimed.

Speaking on Thursday, 16 May 2024, during the Pentecost 2024 conference in Oberhausen, Germany, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, emphasised that the Gospel must be preserved, preached, taught and demonstrated.

That framework provides a powerful reminder of what the Church has been entrusted with. The Gospel must first be preserved in its purity. It must then be preached faithfully, taught carefully and demonstrated through transformed lives.

A Gospel carried by the power of prayer and lived out through the Holy Spirit cannot remain invisible. Where the Gospel is genuinely embraced, its influence should eventually become evident in the lives of individuals, families, churches and communities.

This does not mean motivational speaking has no value. Encouragement can awaken dormant potential, help people endure hardship and inspire responsible action. Motivation has its place. But it must be recognised for what it is—a tool, not a cure.

Motivation speaks primarily to what a person can do. The Gospel speaks to what God can do in a person.

Motivation may modify behaviour. The Gospel transforms the heart.

Motivation can produce a temporary surge of determination. The Gospel produces a new life.

The world does not merely need better habits, sharper focus or stronger self-confidence. It needs redemption.

And that is why the Gospel must never be reduced to motivational rhetoric.

In a world hungry for change, inspiration alone is not enough. Humanity needs more than encouragement to try again. It needs reconciliation with God. It needs forgiveness. It needs a new heart.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not merely promise a better version of the old life. It offers a new life in Christ.

That is the transformation the world desperately needs.

Let us, therefore, preserve the Gospel. Let us preach it faithfully, teach it clearly and demonstrate it boldly—because the Gospel is far more than motivation. It is the power of God unto salvation.

Written By Atinyo Reuben (Dekpor District, Aflao Area)

In a generation where many young people proudly identify as Christians, perhaps we need to ask a more searching question: Does our lives reflect the Christ we profess?

Being a Christian is more than attending church every Sunday, carrying a Bible, posting Scripture verses or being known as a member of a church. Christianity is a way of life. It is seen in how we treat people, how we speak, how we respond when we are hurt, how we handle relationships and how we behave when nobody is watching.

Our character is part of our testimony.

Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Jesus did not simply instruct His followers to talk about their faith. He called them to let their light shine.

This means that people should experience something different because they encountered us.

As young Christians, our faith should make a difference wherever we find ourselves. We cannot continually profess Christ while being careless with people’s hearts, disloyal to those who trust us, disrespectful to others, dishonest in our dealings or unkind to people who have nothing to offer us.

The real test of Christianity is not only what happens inside the church but also what happens when we leave the church.

How do you treat your friends? How do you treat your family? Are you loyal when it becomes difficult? Can people trust your word? Do you remain respectful when you disagree? Can you admit when you are wrong and genuinely apologise? Do you care about people even when there is nothing to gain?

These things matter.

We should not desire merely to be known as “that church girl” or “that Christian guy.” We should desire to be known as people of integrity, compassion, humility, responsibility and love—people whose presence positively influences those around them.

Our Christianity should be visible in our classrooms, workplaces, friendships, families, relationships, social media spaces and communities.

This does not mean Christians will never fail. We will make mistakes. We will sometimes become angry, make poor decisions and fall short. But when Christ is genuinely shaping our lives, there should be evidence of growth. There should be a difference between who we were and who we are becoming.

Faith should shape character, and character should influence community.

Imagine a generation of young Christians who are not only passionate about church activities but also passionate about kindness, honesty, service, loyalty, respect and responsibility.

Imagine young people who can be trusted.

Young people who encourage rather than tear others down.

Young people who stand for what is right even when nobody is applauding.

Young people who use their gifts to serve their communities.

Young people who do not merely say, “I love God,” but allow that love to transform the way they treat people.

That is the kind of Christianity our generation needs.

Do not just carry the name Christian. Carry the character of Christ.

Let your life become a testimony.

Let your words bring healing.

Let your presence bring peace.

Let your actions demonstrate that goodness still exists.

And wherever God places you, leave people better than you met them.

People may eventually forget the church you attended, the titles you carried or the Bible verses you posted. But they may never forget how you treated them, how you made them feel and the positive impact you had on their lives.

As young Christians, may our lives preach even when our mouths are silent.

May our conduct point people to Christ.

May our character give credibility to our confession.

And may our influence make Christ visible wherever we go.

Be more than a Christian by name. Be a Christian in character, in action and in influence.

As Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

Writtem Angela Ankrah Gyasi (Mckeown Worship Center, Asokwa Area)

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

The story of God’s work in the world is often told through the lives of extraordinary individuals. We celebrate Abraham’s faith, Moses’ leadership, Esther’s courage and Paul’s missionary zeal. Yet, Scripture reveals a deeper truth: God works not only through people but also through systems, structures and patterns that sustain His purposes across generations.

In a world that often presents people and systems as opposing forces, the biblical narrative offers a different perspective. While some view systems as restrictive and impersonal, others place excessive confidence in processes at the expense of human relationships. Scripture, however, demonstrates that God’s purposes are best served when transformed people operate within structures that honour Him.

A God Who Values People

At the heart of the gospel is God’s love for humanity. People are the objects of His redemption and bearers of His image.

From Genesis to Revelation, God relates personally with humanity, calling individuals by name, establishing covenants and pursuing people with unfailing love. Jesus demonstrated this through His earthly ministry, healing the sick, comforting the broken, restoring the rejected and ultimately laying down His life for sinners.

Throughout history, the advancement of God’s Kingdom has depended on men and women who respond to His call and surrender to His purposes. Yet, God’s concern for people does not diminish His emphasis on order.

A God Who Establishes Systems

The same God who called Abraham established covenants. The God who delivered Israel from Egypt also gave the nation laws, leadership structures and systems of worship. Likewise, the God who bestowed spiritual gifts on the Church instructed believers to ensure that everything was done “decently and in order.”

Creation itself reflects this divine pattern. The sun rises according to established cycles, seasons follow predictable sequences, and the human body functions through interconnected systems. Order is not the enemy of life; rather, it provides the framework within which life can flourish.

Why People Alone Are Not Enough

Passion may ignite a movement, but sustaining its impact requires effective structures. Moses discovered this when the demands of leadership became overwhelming. Through Jethro’s counsel, he established a system for sharing responsibilities and ensuring that the needs of the people were addressed effectively (Exodus 18:13–26).

Similarly, the early Church encountered complaints over the distribution of food to widows. The apostles responded by establishing an administrative arrangement that promoted fairness and accountability (Acts 6:1–7). This practical intervention strengthened the Church’s ministry, and the Word of God continued to spread as the number of disciples increased.

These examples demonstrate that sound systems do not undermine spirituality; they can strengthen ministry and create room for greater impact.

WHY SYSTEMS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH

While systems are necessary, they cannot replace compassion, spiritual discernment or the work of the Holy Spirit.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He confronted religious leaders whose strict adherence to traditions and regulations sometimes overshadowed mercy and justice. Their experiences demonstrate the danger of structures that lose sight of the people they are intended to serve.

Rules without compassion become burdensome, while structures without love risk becoming lifeless. Systems must therefore remain instruments for advancing God’s purposes rather than substitutes for spiritual transformation.

Where People And Systems Meet

Scripture presents several examples of people combining vision with purposeful organisation.

Nehemiah united leadership, planning and coordinated effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Jesus developed personal relationships with His disciples while preparing them for the mission ahead. The early Church depended on the Holy Spirit while establishing practical arrangements for service, accountability and growth.

In each case, people brought faith, passion, vision and obedience, while systems provided order, consistency and sustainability. Their combined contribution created an environment in which God’s purposes could advance.

Advancing God’s Unleashing Agenda Today

The challenges confronting the Church today require both spiritually transformed people and effective structures. Compassionate believers must be equipped through intentional discipleship. Mission efforts must combine spiritual passion with responsible stewardship, while churches need leaders who are both Spirit-led and organisationally effective.

Families, too, flourish when love is reinforced by healthy patterns and practices. Similarly, Kingdom impact becomes more sustainable when God-given vision is supported by structures that promote accountability, continuity and growth.

The question, therefore, is not whether people matter more than systems or vice versa. Rather, it is how both can work together to advance God’s purposes.

Conclusion

God’s agenda has always involved transformed people and purposeful systems. People bring life, vision and movement, while systems provide direction, order and continuity.

When the Church embraces this biblical balance, ministry becomes more effective, discipleship more intentional and Kingdom influence more enduring.

God does not merely call people or establish structures in isolation. He brings people and systems together to accomplish His purposes on earth. It is at this intersection of spiritual transformation and purposeful organisation that the Church can fulfil its calling and advance God’s Unleashing Agenda.

Written By Juliet Senanu Agbenyezi, COPHSWA President

There has never been a generation with greater opportunities to make an impact than the generation of young people alive today. With a smartphone, a social media account or simply a circle of friends, one can reach hundreds, thousands or even millions of people within seconds. Yet, in a world where fame is often measured by followers, likes, views and public recognition, the Church is asking a different and more important question: Who are we making famous?

The 2026 Youth Week celebration, under the theme “Making Jesus Famous Everywhere,” therefore comes at a significant time. It is not merely a theme for a week of activities; it is a call to Christian young people to redirect their lives, voices, talents and influence towards Jesus Christ. It challenges us to move beyond celebrating Christ within the walls of the church and deliberately make Him known wherever God has placed us.

The theme draws our attention to Daniel 3:28–29, Acts 8:4–8 and Mark 1:28, reminding us that the life and message of a believer can cause others to recognise the greatness and power of God.

More Than A Theme

To make Jesus famous is to make Him known, honoured and recognised through our lives and actions. It does not mean seeking popularity for Christ in the way the world seeks celebrity status. Rather, it means living in such a way that people encounter the character, love and truth of Jesus through us.

The Christian youth must therefore ask a personal question: When people interact with me, what do they see?

Do they see Christ in the way I speak? Do they see Christ in the way I treat others? Do they see Christ in my relationships? Do they see Christ in my decisions? Do they see Christ in what I post, share and promote online?

Making Jesus famous begins with allowing Him to be seen in us.

Making Jesus Famous Through Our Lives

Daniel 3 introduces us to three young men—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who refused to compromise their faith even when their lives were threatened. Their courage eventually caused King Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the greatness of their God.

Their story speaks directly to today’s young Christian.

We live in a time when young people face enormous pressure to conform. There is pressure to follow trends, fit into social circles, pursue popularity and compromise personal convictions for acceptance. Yet, God is looking for young people who will stand for Him, even when standing alone is difficult.

Our Christianity must be visible beyond Sunday services. It must be reflected in our conduct at school, at work, in our homes, among friends and online.

Before we can tell people about Jesus, our lives must give them a reason to listen.

Making Jesus Famous Through Our Witness

Acts 8:4–8 presents an inspiring picture of believers who continued to preach the gospel wherever they went. They did not allow difficult circumstances to silence them. Instead, they turned every location into an opportunity to make Christ known.

This is the challenge before today’s Christian youth.

Our mission field is not limited to the church auditorium. The classroom is a mission field. The workplace is a mission field. The neighbourhood is a mission field. Social media is a mission field. Our friendships are a mission field.

Everywhere we go, we encounter people who need hope, encouragement, direction and, above all, the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We must therefore become intentional about our witness. Christian young people should not be ashamed to identify with Christ or speak about what Jesus has done. Our generation needs young people who will boldly and respectfully share the gospel.

Making Jesus Famous Through Our Influence

Every young person has influence. You may not have thousands of followers on social media, but someone is watching your life. A friend may be influenced by your choices. A younger sibling may look up to you. A colleague may be encouraged by your faith.

The question is not whether you have influence. The question is what you are doing with it.

If you have a talent, use it to glorify Christ. If you have a platform, use it to point people to Christ. If you have influence, use it to draw people closer to Christ. If you have leadership responsibilities, lead in a manner that reflects Christ.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Our influence should ultimately direct attention to God.

Jesus Must Be More Famous Than We Are

There is a subtle danger in a generation driven by visibility: we can become so interested in being seen that we forget the One we are called to reveal.

John the Baptist demonstrated the right attitude when he said concerning Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

That should be the desire of every Christian youth.

Our talents should point to Jesus. Our achievements should honour Jesus. Our platforms should promote Jesus. Our conversations should represent Jesus. Our lives should glorify Jesus.

The goal is not for people to leave us impressed with who we are. The greater goal is for them to encounter Christ through us.

Everywhere Means Everywhere

The most challenging word in this year’s theme may be “everywhere.” It means there should be no environment in which we suspend our Christian identity.

Jesus must be famous in the church—and outside the church. At home and at school. At work and among friends. In our conversations and on our social media platforms.

We cannot be committed Christians in church and completely different people online. We cannot sing about Jesus on Sunday and dishonour Him through our conduct during the week. The call is to carry Christ with us wherever we go.

A Challenge to the Christian Youth

As we celebrate Youth Week 2026, every young person should take time to examine their life.

What am I using my influence to promote? Does my lifestyle point people to Jesus or to myself? Am I willing to stand for Christ when it is unpopular? If someone followed my example, would it lead them closer to Jesus?

These questions remind us that Youth Week must be more than a programme. It should become a turning point—a moment when young people recommit themselves to representing Christ in every sphere of life.

The world does not simply need young people who can quote Scripture. It needs young people who live Scripture. It needs young people whose character reflects Christ, whose voices proclaim Christ and whose influence advances the purposes of Christ.

Our Time to Make Jesus Famous

The opportunity before us is enormous. We have platforms previous generations never had. We can reach people through our conversations, music, creativity, education, businesses, careers and digital platforms.

The question is whether we will use these opportunities for ourselves or for Christ.

As young people, let us rise to the challenge. Let us take the gospel beyond the church building. Let our lives preach. Let our words testify. Let our talents serve. Let our influence point people to Jesus.

We may not be able to reach everyone, but wherever God has placed us, we can make Jesus known.

This is more than a Youth Week theme.

It is a lifestyle.

It is a responsibility.

It is our mission.

Let us go everywhere and make Jesus famous.

Written By Elder Dickson Akweh (Kpong District Youth Leader)

University life comes with excitement, freedom and many new experiences. Yet, for many students, the thrill of entering this new phase can cause them to overlook one crucial responsibility: building a strong academic foundation.

One of the common mistakes students make is taking their Level 100 and 200 courses lightly. Because some of these courses are general or considered “easy,” students assume they can simply work harder in Levels 300 and 400 to improve their grades. But academic success does not work that way.

In Level 100 and 200, you make your class; in Level 300 and 400, you maintain your class.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” This principle applies to every stage of university life. The first two years provide a valuable opportunity to establish a strong academic foundation. Every course, whether general or directly related to your programme, contributes to your cumulative performance.

Unfortunately, some students enter university with the mindset that Level 100 is simply a period to “settle in,” planning to become serious when they reach Level 300 and their courses become more specialised. By then, however, they may have accumulated grades that are difficult to recover from.

If you desire to graduate with a First Class or a strong Second Class, start early. Take seemingly easy courses seriously. Attend lectures, complete assignments, study consistently and understand how your GPA is calculated. Build strongly in Levels 100 and 200, then work deliberately to maintain your standard in Levels 300 and 400.

Think of your academic journey as building a house. Before a structure can be maintained, it must first have a solid foundation. Proverbs 24:3–4 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Your Level 100 and 200 years form a significant part of that foundation. When you perform well during these years, you enter Levels 300 and 400 with greater confidence. You are no longer trying to build your academic record from scratch; you are maintaining what you have already established.

This was my own experience. By the time I completed Level 200, my cumulative GPA was around 3.8. By God’s grace, graduating with a First Class was no longer the major challenge. The foundation had already been established, and my focus shifted towards graduating as the best student in my class.

That experience taught me something I believe every student should understand: the best time to secure your class is before your final year.

Of course, Levels 300 and 400 are not unimportant. In fact, they can be more demanding because the courses become specialised, detailed and closely connected to your programme. However, when you have built a strong academic record in Levels 100 and 200, you approach these challenges from a position of strength. Your goal becomes maintaining your standard rather than desperately trying to repair your academic record.

This requires consistency.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Do not become complacent because you performed well in your first two years, and do not become discouraged because your courses have become more difficult. Keep working.

Never underestimate small beginnings.

Sometimes, the grades that appear insignificant can have a significant impact on your final outcome. An A in a general course may seem ordinary, but several good grades accumulated over time can make the difference between graduating with a First Class, a Second Class Upper or a lower classification.

Zechariah 4:10 asks, “Who dares despise the day of small things?”

Do not despise Level 100. Do not despise Level 200. Do not despise the courses you consider easy. Every stage is part of the journey.

A First Class is not simply produced in the final year. It is built gradually through discipline, consistency, wisdom and diligence.

If you are entering Level 100, start strong.
If you are in Level 200, build aggressively.
If you are in Level 300, maintain what you have built.
And if you are in Level 400, finish well.

Remember the strategy:

In Level 100 and 200, you make your class; in Level 300 and 400, you maintain your class.

Above all, remember that academic excellence should not be pursued apart from God. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Study hard. Plan wisely. Remain disciplined. Trust God.

Start well. Build strongly. Maintain consistently. Finish well.Written by Deacon Francis Baah

In Mark 16:15, Jesus Christ commanded His disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” In our generation, “the world” is no longer limited to our immediate physical communities. Social media has transformed the world into a global village, bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and X.

If the world is gathering there, that is exactly where the Christian must be.

In the past, reaching a soul with the gospel could require walking miles or travelling to another community. Today, a single post, short video, testimony or Scripture-based message can reach thousands of people within minutes. More importantly, social media can provide opportunities to connect those who respond to the gospel with a local assembly or minister for further follow-up.

To win souls in this digital village, however, we must be intentional. Let our timelines testify about Christ, and let our words be seasoned with grace. We should not keep the lessons from our personal devotion and walk with God to ourselves. Sharing what we learn from Scripture, messages about God’s love and our personal testimonies can encourage others, especially because people often connect deeply with real-life stories.

The social media village is here to stay, and the Church must embrace it responsibly and intentionally as another avenue for reaching the lost.

Matthew 24:14 reminds us that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This presents a clear opportunity for believers to use one of the most influential tools of our time to advance the gospel.

Across social media platforms are people who are hurting, confused, lonely and searching for hope. Some may never walk into a church building unless they first encounter Christ through something they see or hear online.

As we pursue the Operation 800,000 Souls Agenda, let us use our digital presence wisely for Jesus Christ. Let us not merely consume content when we can create content that points people to Christ.

Don’t just scroll — evangelise.

Don’t just like — lead a soul to Christ.

Written by Bernard Apprey