Posts in category: Articles

Introduction

In every generation, the Church has faced the challenge of believers drifting from the faith. Today, many pastors, parents and youth leaders are asking the same question: Why are many young people becoming reluctant about the things of God and leaving the Church?

The Bible calls this apostasy—a deliberate falling away from the truth one once professed to believe. It is a silent crisis. It is not always loud or obvious, but it can be gradual and steady.

Have you ever “unfollowed” someone on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram because their posts no longer made sense to you? Spiritually, apostasy can be likened to that—but it is far more serious. It is a deliberate turning away from God and the truth of the gospel.

What Is Apostasy?

Apostasy is not the same as struggling with doubt, going through a difficult season or missing church for a period. It refers to a deliberate rejection or abandonment of the faith one has professed.

It usually does not happen overnight. It can begin with seemingly small steps: neglecting the Word of God, entertaining compromise, becoming spiritually indifferent and gradually drifting away.

Hebrews 3:12 warns: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”

Sadly, some young people, as well as older believers, are drifting from the faith because they have stopped believing in God and no longer see Jesus as the answer.

When you listen to some of those who have turned away, you may hear arguments such as: “God is not fair to us. He watched my parents die and allowed me to suffer. God is wicked. The story of Jesus is all lies. The white man used the Bible to deceive us. Our pastors and church leaders are not telling us the truth. We are wasting our time at church and in church-related activities.”

These are serious questions and painful experiences. They should not simply be dismissed. However, they can also become pathways through which people gradually lose their faith, particularly when they encounter the pressures and competing voices of today’s world.

For me, some of these tests from the world come in the following forms:

1. False Teachings and Online Confusion

1 Timothy 4:1 says: “Some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”

From TikTok sermons to so-called “new revelations” that contradict Scripture, personalised ideologies, philosophies and other forms of online content are influencing many people, especially the youth.

This is not to suggest that everything on social media is false or that there are no genuine sermons and helpful Christian teachings online. There are many sincere and valuable voices. However, there are also self-proclaimed advisers, ideologues and teachers who seek to undermine the authority of Scripture and present Jesus Christ as irrelevant to contemporary life.

What people continually watch and listen to can influence what they eventually believe. When the heart is constantly exposed to teachings that diminish the place of God and His Word, interest in the things of God and participation in church can gradually decline.

We must therefore be discerning about the teachings and sermons we consume.

2. The Love of the World

When the pursuit of money, fame, relationships, comfort and the so-called “soft life” becomes more important than obedience to God, our spiritual priorities can easily be misplaced.

In today’s world, many people focus on the money and material benefits they can gain without considering what it may cost them to obtain them. Some are willing to compromise their values and even abandon their faith in pursuit of wealth, influence and power.

When morality is pushed aside in the pursuit of material success, the heart can gradually become detached from God and the truth revealed in Scripture.

3. Offence and Hurt

Matthew 24:10 says: “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”

Some people leave the Church because of disappointment with leaders, fellow believers or unanswered prayers. Others become offended when their expectations are not met or when they feel neglected, discriminated against or unfairly treated.

Taking offence at church leaders or fellow believers has become a significant challenge in the contemporary Church. People can also become deeply hurt when they feel that God is distant from them, particularly during seasons of suffering, loss or unanswered prayer.

When such pain is not properly addressed, disappointment can gradually become resentment, and resentment can eventually lead to spiritual withdrawal.

4. Pressure to Compromise

In school, at the workplace and among friends, standing firmly for biblical truth can sometimes be costly. Without strong spiritual roots, some people may choose to remain silent, compromise their convictions or eventually walk away from the faith.

Life constantly tests our faith, morality and integrity. If we are not careful, repeated compromise can gradually weaken our commitment to Christ.

As one respected man of God once said, “We are not to defend the gospel but to demonstrate the gospel.” Our lives must therefore reflect the faith we profess. Persistent compromise can create a pathway towards spiritual decline and, eventually, apostasy.

How Do We Respond as a Church Family?

Apostasy should not be treated merely as a “youth problem.” It is a responsibility that belongs to the entire Church family.

Teach the Word with Clarity and Love

Our young people need sound doctrine, not motivation alone. We must teach them how to study and understand the Bible for themselves and feed them with the truth—the unadulterated Word of God.

Church leaders, ministry leaders and disciples must intentionally love members and help them develop a genuine relationship with Christ. People need both truth and grace.

Build Real Community

The Church must create safe and healthy spaces where young people can ask difficult questions without fear of being condemned or ridiculed. They need to know that they are seen, heard and loved.

We need to build Spirit-filled and wisdom-filled communities where people can grow in their faith while honestly engaging with the challenges they face.

Today, almost everyone can conduct research on virtually any subject. This makes it even more important for the Church to intentionally study the questions young people are asking and develop godly strategies to engage them meaningfully.

Mentorship and Discipleship

Parents, pastors, leaders and mentors must live what they preach. Hypocrisy can push people away from the faith.

Young people, especially, need godly mentors and mature Christian friends who will walk with them, listen to them, answer their questions and guide them in their relationship with Christ.

They must also be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in the life and activities of the Church. When young people feel that they belong and that their contributions matter, they are more likely to develop a deeper sense of commitment to the Church community.

Conclusion

Apostasy reminds us that faith is not merely a one-time decision but a daily walk with Christ. The Christian life is a race that must be run faithfully to the end.

Be rooted, not shaken.

The world will continue to offer new versions of truth. But for the Christian, Jesus Christ remains the anchor of the soul.

Colossians 2:6–7 says: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith…”

Dear young people, do not “unfollow” Jesus because life has become difficult. When you have questions, seek answers. When you are hurting, talk to someone. When your faith is challenged, go back to the Word of God.

And to the Church, let us become the kind of family that helps one another remain rooted in Christ and prevents one another from drifting away.

Let us run this race together, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Written by Elder Theophilus Quenor Okobeng, (Suhum District, Suhum Area)

For generations, humanity has lived under the shadow of a question that began in Eden: What went wrong?

Since Adam stretched out his hand in disobedience, the human story has been marked by a painful catalogue of realities—sin, suffering, disease, conflict and death. We have built, discovered, invented and advanced. Yet beneath all our progress lies an uncomfortable truth: something is still broken.

We have conquered distances but not hatred. We have extended lifespans but not conquered death. We have filled the world with information but have not necessarily filled the human heart with wisdom. We have learned to control nature in remarkable ways, yet we still struggle to control ourselves.

So the question remains: Is there a man who is perfect in character, perfect in nature, perfect in love and perfect in all his ways?

Yes.

There is.

His name is Jesus Christ.

In the midst of humanity’s brokenness, Jesus stands as God’s answer to the deepest need of man. His life reveals the perfect picture of what humanity was created to be. He did not merely teach a better way to live; He lived it. He did not merely preach love; He embodied it. He did not merely speak of life beyond the grave; He walked out of one.

At the appointed time, Heaven stepped into human history. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and, according to the eternal purpose of God, Jesus Christ was born. The Creator entered His creation. The eternal stepped into time. The One who gives life came into a world dying from sin.

And the story of humanity was never the same again.

THE LIMITATIONS OF MAN

From the fall of the first Adam, humanity has continually encountered realities that remind us of our limitations.

Consider disease.

Humanity has made extraordinary progress in medicine and healthcare. Diseases that once meant almost certain death can now be treated or managed. Hospitals have become more sophisticated, medical research continues to advance, and new treatments have transformed millions of lives.

And for that, we should be grateful.

But disease still whispers a humbling truth: man is fragile.

In 2024, malaria claimed an estimated 610,000 lives globally, with Africa accounting for the overwhelming majority of those deaths. Tuberculosis claimed about 1.23 million lives, while hundreds of thousands more died from HIV-related causes.

Behind every statistic is a story—a mother, a father, a child, a friend, a life that mattered.

Our progress is real, but so is our limitation. Human knowledge can prolong life. It can improve life. It can save lives. But it cannot make man immortal.

We can treat disease, but we cannot promise that every sick person will recover. We can delay death, but we cannot abolish it.

Man can fight disease, but man cannot ultimately conquer mortality.

This is the limitation of man.

Then came Jesus Christ.

The Man who entered the reality of death and emerged victorious. The grave received Him, but could not keep Him. Death confronted Him, but could not defeat Him. The stone sealed the tomb, but could not seal His destiny.

He rose.

And in His resurrection, Christ demonstrated that what humanity could never overcome by its own strength had already been conquered in Him.

Adam introduced death; Christ introduced life. The first man brought humanity under the shadow of sin; the second Adam brought humanity the hope of redemption.

WHEN SURVIVAL BECOMES THE RHYTHM

But the limitations of humanity are not seen only in disease and death. They are also revealed in the way we sometimes treat one another.

Scripture calls us to love our neighbours, carry one another’s burdens and value human life. Yet in a world increasingly shaped by economic hardship, social tension, political instability and conflict, survival can easily become the dominant rhythm of human existence.

Protect yourself. Provide for yourself. Fight for yourself. Look after your own.

And slowly, without noticing, the question changes. Instead of asking, “How can I help?” we begin asking, “What is in it for me?”

Violence, murder, hatred and xenophobia continue to destroy lives and divide communities.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that about 458,000 people were victims of intentional homicide globally in 2021. But numbers alone cannot tell the whole story. Every number had a name, and every name belonged to someone. Every death left an empty chair, a grieving family or a wounded community.

Xenophobic violence presents another painful picture. In South Africa, for example, Xenowatch has documented more than 1,300 incidents of xenophobic discrimination since 1994, with hundreds of deaths associated with such incidents.

These are not merely statistics. They are reminders of what happens when fear replaces compassion, when hatred overcomes love and when we begin to measure the worth of another human being by where they come from, what they possess or whether they belong to us.

Jesus presents another way.

He calls us beyond a life centred only on ourselves. He teaches us to love our neighbours, care for the vulnerable, welcome the rejected, forgive the offender, lift the fallen and see value in people whom society has learned to overlook.

Perhaps, then, the question should not always be, “How do I survive?”

Perhaps we must also ask, “Whose life can I help preserve?”

Jesus showed us what that looks like.

He did not live for Himself. He gave Himself for others. He touched the untouchable, welcomed the rejected, showed mercy to sinners, stopped for the forgotten and wept with the grieving. Ultimately, He stretched out His hands on a cross for people who could never repay Him.

What kind of Man does that?

The perfect Man.

In Jesus, we do not merely see an instruction to love. We see love wearing human skin.

THE MAN WHO CHANGED THE MEANING OF GREATNESS

The world often measures greatness by power. Jesus measured it by service.

The world celebrates those who rise above others. Jesus taught that the greatest must become a servant. The world asks, “How many people serve you?” Jesus asks, “How many people have you served?”

This is one of the great paradoxes of Christ. He was Lord, yet He served. He was King, yet He humbled Himself. He was rich, yet He became poor for our sake. He had power, yet He chose sacrifice. He could have demanded a crown, yet He accepted a cross.

And perhaps this is where humanity encounters its deepest need.

We do not merely need better systems; we need better hearts.

We do not merely need technological advancement; we need moral transformation.

We do not merely need longer lives; we need lives worth living.

And that transformation begins with Christ.

THE WAY FORWARD

The problems confronting humanity cannot be addressed only by changing the world around us. Something must also change within us.

Man must acknowledge his need for Jesus Christ.

We need Him to heal our brokenness, fill the emptiness within the human soul and restore what sin has distorted. We need to recognise Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life and allow His character to reshape ours.

Following Jesus is therefore more than identifying with a religion. It is allowing Christ to influence the way we think, speak, lead, serve, forgive and relate to others. It is becoming increasingly like Him.

And when Christ transforms an individual, that transformation should not remain hidden inside a church building.

It must walk into the world.

We become better neighbours because we learn to love; better citizens because we learn responsibility; better parents because we learn sacrifice; better husbands and wives because we learn faithfulness; better leaders because we learn service; and better sons and daughters because we learn honour.

We become better shepherds because we learn compassion and, ultimately, better representatives of God because we learn to see others through the eyes of Christ.

AND THEN CAME JESUS

Humanity has searched for perfection.

We have built monuments to greatness, written books about morality, developed philosophies about the meaning of life, searched the heavens for answers and looked within ourselves for meaning.

Yet humanity continues to encounter the boundaries of its own strength.

Disease reminds us that we are fragile. Death reminds us that we are temporary. Violence reminds us that we are broken. Selfishness reminds us that we need transformation.

And then came Jesus.

He entered our broken world without becoming broken by it. He lived among sinners without becoming sinful. He encountered hatred without becoming hateful. He possessed power without abusing it. He experienced suffering without abandoning love. He faced death without surrendering to it.

And when His earthly journey appeared to end at a borrowed tomb, Heaven had one final word:

“He is not here; He has risen.”

The Man who lived perfectly, loved completely, served sacrificially and conquered death is more than another figure in history. He is the perfect Man, the hope of humanity, the giver of life and the answer to our brokenness.

That Man is Jesus Christ.

The Man Jesus.

Written by Edna Garimah (Abesim District)

Many biblical principles reveal the pathways and requirements for receiving or inheriting eternal life. However, one statement made by Jesus stands out: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

As we celebrate the National Children Ministry Celebration, it is my heartfelt and passionate prayer that God will transform our hearts and give us the humility, faith and simplicity that characterise children.

The Question of Greatness

The statement in Matthew 18 forms part of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. The disciples had approached Him with a question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1).

In response, Jesus called a little child and placed the child among them. He then said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Jesus was therefore not simply answering a question about who would be greatest. He was addressing the very attitude required of anyone who desires to enter God’s kingdom.

The Lord was not teaching His followers to become childish or intellectually immature. Rather, He was calling them to embrace qualities that children can exemplify—humility, teachability, trust and a willingness to depend on others.

The Character of a Child

Children are generally teachable, receptive and willing to learn. They can be corrected and guided, and they often approach life with a sense of trust and dependence.

Jesus therefore teaches us that those who desire greatness in the kingdom must first humble themselves.

We must be willing to learn, unlearn and relearn. We must not become stiff-necked or resistant to correction. We must allow the Word of God to shape our attitudes, decisions and conduct.

The kingdom of God requires a heart that is willing to submit to God.

Jesus said, “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).

True greatness in God’s kingdom is therefore not measured by status, position, wealth or influence. It begins with humility before God and others.

Receiving the Little Ones

Jesus went further to say, “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).

This statement reminds us of our responsibility towards children and, indeed, towards all those who place their trust in Christ. We are called to receive, nurture, guide and protect them.

The Church must therefore create an environment where children can encounter Christ, ask questions, learn the Scriptures and grow in their faith.

Jesus also issued a strong warning against causing any of these little ones who believe in Him to stumble (Matthew 18:6). The warning is particularly significant for those entrusted with the responsibility of teaching and nurturing others in the faith.

We must be careful not to misrepresent Scripture or lead people into error through false teaching. Those who teach the Word must handle it faithfully and ensure that their lives do not contradict the message they proclaim.

Rather than becoming stumbling blocks, we must become guides who lead others towards Christ.

Three Lessons from Children

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18 highlights important qualities that Christians, and especially those involved in Children Ministry, must embrace.

1. Humility

We must learn to live in humility. Scripture encourages us to value others above ourselves and not to be consumed by the desire for recognition or superiority.

True greatness in the kingdom of God begins when we recognise our dependence on Him and treat others with honour and respect.

We must also teach our children the value of humility, helping them to understand that greatness is not about being above others but about serving God and humanity.

2. Tolerance and Patience

We must be patient with children and create room for them to learn. Children will ask questions, make mistakes and sometimes test our patience. Nevertheless, we must lovingly guide them.

We must not hinder children from coming to Christ. Instead, we must nurture them in the Word, answer their questions and provide an environment in which their faith can grow.

As we build them up, we must prepare them to become responsible Christians who can make a positive impact in society.

3. Childlike Faith

Believing like a child does not mean believing without wisdom or understanding. Rather, it points to a sincere and trusting dependence on God.

Childlike faith recognises God’s faithfulness and confidently trusts His Word and promises.

We are called to depend on God rather than relying solely on our own strength, wisdom or achievements. Such faith requires humility because it acknowledges that God knows what is best for us.

The Kingdom Belongs to Such as These

Jesus reinforced this teaching on several occasions. In Mark 10:14–15, when His disciples attempted to prevent children from coming to Him, Jesus said:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

He added that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

Luke 18:17 records the same teaching, emphasising the importance of receiving God’s kingdom with the humility and trust demonstrated by children.

The message is therefore clear: entry into God’s kingdom requires transformation of the heart.

Jesus calls us to lay aside pride, self-importance and self-reliance and embrace humility, trust and dependence on God.

As we celebrate the National Children Ministry Celebration, may we not only celebrate our children but also learn from them.

May God give us hearts that are humble enough to learn, patient enough to nurture others and trusting enough to depend completely on Him.

May we become like little children—not in immaturity, but in humility, faith, teachability and complete dependence on God.

And may our children grow to know Christ, love His Word and become vessels through whom God will transform society.

Written by Pastor E. Owusu (Mpasaso District -Tepa Area)

Lessons from the Just-Ended Pentecost Youth Mission

Luke 15:4 – “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”

There are moments when God sends us into the field to preach to others, only for the field to preach back to us. The just-ended Pentecost Youth Missions in the Twifo Kyebi District was one such moment. We went out with the Gospel on our lips, expecting to encounter people who needed to hear about Jesus, but the mission brought us face to face with a painful reality: many of the souls we encountered were people who had once walked with Christ but had fallen away.

This should not leave us satisfied with the numbers recorded or the activities completed. It should leave us praying. It should drive the Church back to the altar with a question that cannot be answered casually: What is happening to the people we once gathered?

A soul does not usually wake up one morning and decide to abandon God completely. There is often a journey behind the departure. The fire begins to diminish. Prayer becomes a burden. The Word loses its sweetness. Fellowship becomes optional. An offence is preserved instead of forgiven. A wound is hidden instead of healed. A compromise is entertained instead of resisted.

Slowly, the heart moves before the feet ever leave the Church. Hebrews 2:1 therefore gives a solemn warning: “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” They slip — that is the language of Scripture. Sometimes there is no dramatic departure. There is simply a gradual drifting away.

And this is where the Church must look within. The inner court of the Church should be an abode of God’s presence and a covering for His people. David’s desire was, “that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4). God’s house ought to be a place where a believer finds spiritual nourishment, fellowship, correction, encouragement and strength to continue the journey.

But if those who once dwelt among us are now scattered, we must prayerfully examine the environment we have created. Have our inner courts become places where people are strengthened, or places where wounds are multiplied? Have we made room for the struggling believer to seek help? Do our leaders and workers notice when someone begins to withdraw? Do we pursue those who disappear, or do we simply replace them and continue with the programme?

Ezekiel 34:4 presents a serious warning to shepherds: “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost.” This Scripture places before the Church a ministry that cannot be neglected: strengthen, heal, bind, bring back and seek.

The backslider is not a statistic. The backslider is a soul. He or she has a name, a history, a family, a calling and a destiny. Behind the person who has stopped attending church may be a wound nobody noticed. Behind the person who no longer prays may be a battle nobody knew about. Behind the person who has returned to the world may be a heart waiting for somebody to come looking.

God’s attitude towards the backslider is beautifully captured in Hosea 14:4: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely.” If God says, “I will heal,” then the Church must not merely ask why the person fell; we must also ask how we can help them rise.

The story of the prodigal son makes this even clearer. When he returned, his father did not stand at the gate rehearsing his failures. He ran towards him (Luke 15:20). Restoration was the father’s response to repentance. The Church must possess that same heart. Our inner courts must be places where the returning prodigal can encounter holiness without hypocrisy, correction without cruelty, and grace without compromise.

The mission has therefore exposed a gap that demands intentional action. Evangelism must not end when a person responds to an altar call. The work continues through follow-up, discipleship, fellowship, prayer, visitation and spiritual mentorship. Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). We cannot be passionate about bringing people into the Church while being careless about keeping them in the faith.

Our local churches must become places where people are known beyond their attendance numbers. Leaders must develop the spiritual sensitivity to recognise those who are drifting. Workers must learn to reach beyond programmes and into people’s lives. Members must be willing to call, visit, pray and stand with those who are struggling.

The Pentecost Youth Missions has reminded us that the harvest is not only the stranger we meet on the street. Sometimes, the harvest is the brother who once sat beside us, the sister who once served with us, or the young person who once burned for God but has quietly disappeared.

The mission may have ended, but another mission has become urgent: to recover the harvest within the harvest.

May our inner courts become an abode and covering for the lost, the weak, the wounded and the backslider, rather than a danger zone that pushes them further away.

Let us not only count those who have come. Let us go after those who have gone.

Written by Christian Entsie Adams (PIWC Dunkwa-On-Offin)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” — Luke 19:10 (NLT)

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” — Luke 15:4 (NLT)

One of the most compelling pictures Jesus gives us of the heart of God is that of a shepherd who discovers that one sheep is missing. Ninety-nine remain, yet the shepherd does not dismiss the loss as statistically insignificant. One is missing, and that one matters. So he goes in search of it.

For the contemporary Pentecostal church, this parable deserves renewed attention. We rightly devote considerable prayer, energy, finances, and organisation to evangelism. We hold crusades, plant assemblies, conduct community outreaches, preach through digital platforms, and invite people to make decisions for Christ. This passion must continue. The Great Commission remains our mandate until Christ returns (Matthew 28:18–20).

However, alongside the crucial work of reaching those who have never responded to the gospel stands another urgent mission field: those who once responded, joined our fellowships, worshipped in our assemblies, entered the waters of baptism, attended our Bible studies, or even served in ministry, but are no longer among us.

Could it be that while we are searching far and wide for new converts, thousands of previous converts are quietly slipping away? The time has come not only to count those who come through our doors but to actively look for those who have gone missing.

 EVERY MISSING SHEEP HAS A STORY

The shepherd in Luke 15 knew that one sheep was missing because he knew his flock. That simple observation carries profound implications for pastoral ministry. People do not disappear from congregations merely as numbers; every missing person has a name, a family, a history, and a story.

Some leave because they relocate. Others gradually become spiritually cold. Some encounter severe financial difficulties, marital breakdown, bereavement, illness, or other life crises. Some struggle with sin and withdraw because of guilt and shame.

Young people may wrestle with deep questions about faith that they feel unsafe discussing openly. Others may have experienced disappointment, misunderstanding, or spiritual abuse within the church.

Still others made genuine decisions for Christ but were never adequately integrated into the fellowship or intentionally discipled.

Research across Christian literature highlights this ongoing tension. In You Lost Me, David Kinnaman and Aly Hawkins (2011) explore why many young believers disengage from church life.

Thom and Sam Rainer (2008), in Essential Church?, likewise examine church dropout rates among younger generations. While socio-cultural studies cannot replace Scripture, they prompt vital reflective questions for our local assemblies:

We should not only ask, “Why did they leave?”

We must urgently ask, “Did we notice when they left?”

The Good Shepherd always notices the missing sheep.

 FROM CONVERTS TO DISCIPLES

Pentecostals have historically carried a fire for evangelism, and this heritage must be preserved. But our spiritual responsibility does not end when someone steps forward during an altar call.

Jesus did not command us merely to obtain decisions; He commanded us to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

In The Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert Coleman (1963) highlights a foundational pattern in Jesus’ ministry: while Christ preached to the multitudes, He invested deeply and intentionally in individuals.

Evangelistic proclamation was always coupled with deep relationships, grounding instruction, and preparation for mission. Dallas Willard makes a complementary argument in The Great Omission (2006), challenging the church to recover discipleship as central to the Great Commission.

This raises a crucial question about how we measure evangelistic fruitfulness.

Suppose a local crusade records 500 decisions for Christ. We rejoice—heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). But where are those 500 individuals after six months? Where are they after one year? Have they been baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit? Are they receiving systematic biblical instruction? Have they been integrated into a local assembly? Are mature believers walking alongside them?

Conversion opens the door to discipleship; it does not mark the end of our responsibility.

 LET US GO BACK AND VISIT

There is a remarkable statement in Acts 15:36 that serves as a powerful guiding principle for recovering disconnected converts. After extensive missionary journeys, Paul said to Barnabas:

“Let us now go back and visit our brothers and sisters in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” (Acts 15:36, NKJV)

Paul was concerned not only with where the seed had been sown but with what had happened to the soil and the plant. Let us go back. There is profound pastoral wisdom in those four words.

Perhaps we need to go back to our evangelistic reports, our baptismal registers, our youth ministry attendance sheets, and our movement registers.

We must go back to families we have not seen in months, to the young adult who gradually stopped coming, to the brother who retreated after a difficult season, and to the sister who once served zealously but is now nowhere to be found.

And then, we must ask Paul’s simple pastoral question: “How are they doing?”

 OUR RECORDS COULD BECOME MISSION FIELDS

Every local assembly should periodically undertake an intentional “Search and Restore” initiative. Within our Pentecostal setup, our Home Cell system and specialised ministries (PEMEM, Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Children’s Ministry) provide the ideal framework for this work.

A cell leader’s attendance roll should never be treated as a mere administrative chore; it is a spiritual radar. When a member absents himself or herself for three consecutive cell meetings, the radar should ping. Before a name is quietly dropped from a local assembly’s register, there ought to be a documented trail of intentional, loving pursuit.

Take the records from previous years and cross-reference historic conversions and baptisms with current active participation. The objective is not to manipulate statistics or condemn those who have stepped away but to identify precious souls who require a loving touch.

Many of these missing believers live only a few streets from our meeting places. Their phone numbers remain in church directories, a deacon knows their workplace, or a cell leader still connects with them on social media. Yet nobody has intentionally gone looking.

Jesus presents a radical approach: the shepherd does not stand at the fold announcing, “The door is open if you wish to return.” He goes searching. There is a world of difference between being willing to receive people back and actively pursuing them.

 SEARCH WITH LOVE, NOT CONDEMNATION

How we approach those who have drifted is critical. A person who has been absent for months or years often anticipates judgment. Opening a conversation with, “Why haven’t you been coming to church?” immediately erects emotional barriers.

Our primary posture must be one of listening and love. A phone call or home visit should simply communicate: “We missed you. How are you and your family doing? We wanted to see you, listen to you, and pray with you.”

Galatians 6:1 instructs us to restore a brother or sister “gently.” Restoration is a ministry of care, not an interrogation.

 BALANCING PURITY AND PURSUIT

Pentecostal ecclesiology rightly emphasises church discipline, holiness, and moral accountability. However, we must ensure that our commitment to purity does not morph into cold exclusion. When a convert stumbles into sin, the impulse of the Good Shepherd is not immediate ostracisation but gentle restoration (Galatians 6:1). Discipline itself must be redemptive. If our administrative processes are quick to discipline or drop backslidden believers but slow to shepherd them toward repentance, we prioritise institutional reputation over pastoral care.

Some conversations may require deep humility from leadership. A returning member may express genuine hurt caused by a fellow believer or a leader. A healthy church must be humble enough to listen, acknowledge failures where appropriate, seek reconciliation, and grant healing. We must be far more interested in restoring people than in defending our institutional image.

 The R.E.A.C.H. Strategy for Local Assemblies

Recovering disconnected converts cannot rest on the district pastor alone; it must become the shared vision of the entire congregation. To operationalise this vision, local assemblies can implement the “R.E.A.C.H. Framework”.

[R]ecords Audit → [E]mpathetic Contact → [A]ddress Root Causes → [C]ovenant Integration → [H]olistic Discipleship

R — Records Audit: Regularly audit baptismal, convert, and cell group registers to identify individuals who have drifted over the last 1–3 years.

E — Empathetic Contact: Deploy trained cell leaders and mature officers for non-confrontational, caring check-ins focused on active listening rather than attendance tracking.

A — Address Root Causes: Offer tailored restoration pathways—whether through conflict resolution, hardship relief, or discreet counselling for moral and personal struggles.

C — Covenant Integration: Reintroduce returning members into home cells or affinity groups where genuine social, spiritual, and relational bonding occurs.

H — Holistic Discipleship: Pair restored believers with intentional mentors to anchor them in Scripture, prayer, spiritual gifts, and Spirit-led ministry.

While digital platforms and communication tools help us track and coordinate follow-up, technology cannot replace personal relationships. A mass text message will never substitute for a brother or sister noticing your absence and walking into your living room to check on you.

 RECOVERY CAN PRODUCE MULTIPLICATION

Searching for missing sheep is not a distraction from spiritual growth; it is a catalyst for dynamic, sustainable expansion.

1. Restoration Strengthens the Individual: Returning to a healthy Christian community restores access to corporate worship, biblical instruction, mutual accountability, and spiritual protection (Hebrews 10:24–25).

2. Restoration Transforms Families: When a parent, spouse, or young person is revived in faith, the spiritual impact ripples throughout the entire home.

3. Restored Believers Become Powerful Witnesses: A believer who can testify, “I drifted, but God sought me, healed me, and restored me,” possesses a uniquely persuasive witness for reaching others who are lost.

4. Recovery Exposes Systemic Weaknesses: Analysing why converts drift reveals gaps in our assimilation, youth transitions, and newcomer integration, allowing us to build stronger systems for the future.

In this sense, the lost sheep teaches us how to better shepherd the ninety-nine.

BEYOND ATTENDANCE TO BELONGING

Restoration must mean far more than filling empty seats on a Sunday morning. A person can sit in a sanctuary every week and remain profoundly isolated.

Acts 2:42 describes the early church as devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Their faith was defined by deep belonging, shared life, and mutual commitment.

Our goal is not merely to return people to church services but to restore them to intimate fellowship with Christ and His body, rooted in the Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and actively engaged in the mission of God.

 EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

The Scriptures do not condemn counting; the book of Acts carefully tracks numerical growth (Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4). The danger arises when we count people without caring for the people we count.

Behind every evangelistic statistic stands an immortal soul with a name, a story, a family, and daily battles. Therefore, our quarterly reports must expand beyond asking, “How many were saved?” We must ask:

How many are being discipled in home cells?

How many have been baptized and grounded in local assemblies?

How many are actively walking with the Lord today?

And where are the ones who went missing?

When Jesus reinstated Peter in John 21:16, He instructed him: “Take care of my sheep.” Evangelism and pastoral care are not competing mandates; they are two sides of the same Great Commission. We seek those outside the fold, disciple those who enter, and pursue those who wander.

 UNTIL WE FIND THEM

There is a vast harvest waiting within reach of our local assemblies. Their names are in old cell registers. Their photographs are in baptismal albums. They once sang in our choirs, prayed at our altars, attended our youth camps, and shared in our fellowship.

Today, they are missing. What would happen if our assemblies decided that these precious individuals were worth going after?

Let us continue to organise massive crusades. Let us plant vibrant assemblies, send missionaries, and leverage digital spaces to proclaim Christ where He is not yet known. But as we go searching for those who have never heard, let us also go looking for those who came, sat among us, and quietly drifted away.

Let attendance registers become prayer lists.

Let church databases become primary mission fields.

Let leaders become searching shepherds.

Let members become pursuing brothers and sisters.

Jesus concludes His parable by revealing the shepherd’s response when the missing sheep is recovered: “And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders” (Luke 15:5). There is no anger, resentment, or lecture in that picture. There is only boundless joy.

May this become the testimony of our churches: we preached to the lost, we welcomed the convert, we discipled the believer—and when some wandered, we loved them enough to search for them “until we found them.”

 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

1. Bonhoeffer, D. (1954). Life Together. Harper & Row.

2. Coleman, R. E. (1963). The Master Plan of Evangelism. Revell.

3. Hull, B. (2006). The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ. NavPress.

4. Kinnaman, D., & Hawkins, A. (2011). You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church… and Rethinking Faith. Baker Books.

5. Menzies, W. W., & Menzies, R. P. (2000). Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience. Zondervan.

6. Putman, J., Harrington, B., & Coleman, R. E. (2013). DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Zondervan.

7. Rainer, T. S., & Rainer, S. S. III. (2008). Essential Church? Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts. B&H Publishing Group.

8. Stetzer, E., & Rainer, T. S. (2010). Transformational Church: Creating a New Scorecard for Congregations. B&H Publishing Group.

9. Willard, D. (2006). The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship. HarperSanFrancisco.

Written By Apostle Samuel Berko (AREA HEAD, AMRAHIA)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy…” — Acts 20:24

God’s work in every generation requires men and women who are willing to answer His call. When God wanted Israel delivered, He raised Moses. When Israel needed prophetic direction, He raised Samuel.

When a generation needed courage, He raised David. When the Gentile world needed the Gospel, God raised Paul and Barnabas.

The emphasis is never that these people were indispensable. Rather, God graciously chooses human vessels through whom He accomplishes His purposes.

Today, as we reflect on the ministry and missionary leadership of Apostle Raymond Odei and Mrs Martha Odei, National Head, Dubai, and RMC, MENA Region, the purpose of this piece is not to exalt a man above Christ. It is to recognise what God can accomplish through a servant who makes himself available.

I personally want to thank God for the life and ministry of Apostle Raymond and Mama Martha Odei. Since their arrival in the UAE as National Head and RMC in the MENA Region, they have been a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement to us.

Aps. Ray’s fatherly guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout his leadership in the Region.

Our RMC’s knowledge, intelligence, professionalism, patience, and remarkable ability to handle even the most complex issues with grace and wisdom are truly worthy of emulation.

One quality that stands out is his genuine appreciation for every effort, no matter how small. His words of encouragement have always motivated us to keep pressing on in the work of the Lord.

Although their time in the region was relatively short, the impact of their leadership and ministry has been profound and enduring. He has left behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and servant leadership that will continue to inspire many for years to come.

As they continue their ministry in Germany, it is our heartfelt prayer that the Lord will continually order their steps, enlarge their territory, and grant them even greater success in every assignment entrusted to them. Apostle Ray, I am confident that the Lord is not done with them yet; the best is still ahead.

Written By: Peter Darlinting Kwaku Abdullah (Resident Missionary, Lebanon)

There are sermons one hears and soon forget. Then there are those rare messages whose illustrations linger long after the service has ended, becoming a lens through which one sees both Scripture and life. One such moment came during the PENSA Ghana Gospel and Power Conference earlier this year.

Teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Gabriel Nti, affectionately known as “Prof. Nti” for his passion for Scripture and theology, used a simple yet profound illustration: dynamite and dynamo.

Dynamite, he explained, speaks of explosive power that breaks barriers and overcomes resistance. A dynamo, by contrast, generates sustained power, providing the strength to keep the work going long after the initial spark. The Holy Spirit, therefore, not only empowers believers for breakthrough but also enables them to build, establish, and faithfully sustain the purposes of God.

Months later, that illustration still resonates with me, not only because it beautifully captures the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but also because it captures the ministry of Pastor Gabriel and Mrs. Grace Odoom Nti.

For five remarkable years, the Madina Sector experienced both dimensions of that power. There was the dynamite that broke barriers, revived dormant fellowships, planted new ones, mobilised students for missions, and brought thousands to Christ. And there was the dynamo that quietly built what would endure—discipling believers, raising leaders, mentoring students, fostering academic excellence, strengthening institutions, and laying foundations that will continue to bear fruit.

The Birth Of A Sector

In 2021, as the influence of PENSA continued to spread across Greater Accra, it became increasingly evident that the existing structure could no longer adequately cater to the growing number of tertiary and pre-tertiary institutions in Madina and its surrounding communities.

Thus, the Madina Sector was carved out to cater to seven distinct geographical areas: Madina, Teshie-Nungua, Haatso, Amrahia, Tema, Ashaiman, and Sakumono.

On 22 August 2021, Pastor Gabriel Nti and his family were officially welcomed at Mount Zion Assembly in a service officiated by Apostle Martin Seth Appiah. That occasion marked the beginning of what would become one of the most impactful chapters in the history of the young Sector.

The Dynamite: Breaking New Ground

If the opening years of the Madina Sector were about laying foundations, the years that followed were marked by an unmistakable sense of movement. There was an urgency that permeated the Sector—a conviction that the Gospel must travel farther, discipleship must run deeper, and no campus, community, or soul should remain beyond the reach of Christ. This was the dynamite at work.

Pastor Gabriel Nti consistently taught that the Church exists not merely to survive but to advance the Kingdom of God. Under his leadership, evangelism and missions became central to the life of the Madina Sector.

Students embraced the Great Commission as a personal calling, leaving the comfort of campus to share the Gospel in rural and urban communities. Pastor Gabriel led by example, serving alongside them in preaching, prayer, counselling, and the baptism of new believers.

The impact of this vision was remarkable. Over five years, about 5,933 people gave their lives to Christ, 1,851 were baptised in water, and 3,217 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Beyond these numbers were thousands of lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

His leadership also strengthened and expanded the ministry’s reach. New PENSA fellowships were established at Entrance University, KLINTAPS, Dodowa Technical Institute, and Frafraha Senior High School, while dormant fellowships such as Ghanata Senior High School and Sege Technical Institute were revived.

At the same time, he encouraged PENSA groups to become a blessing to their schools through practical acts of service and community volunteerism, ensuring that the Gospel was not only preached but also demonstrated through compassion and generosity.

The Dynamo: Building That Which Will Endure

If the dynamite of the Holy Spirit breaks barriers, the dynamo ensures that what has been won is not lost. While revival may begin with extraordinary moments, it is sustained through quiet, consistent discipleship. Pastor Gabriel Nti understood this well.

Beyond evangelistic campaigns and church growth, he devoted himself to building people.

Prof. Nti inspired students to become serious students of Scripture, teaching that spiritual maturity is nurtured through the inseparable disciplines of God’s Word and prayer. Under his leadership, the Madina Sector became known not only for missionary zeal but also for discipleship, holiness, and spiritual formation.

He also believed strongly that one could excel both spiritually and academically. To him, faith and scholarship were never in competition; rather, they complemented each other. This conviction shaped the culture of the Sector, inspiring students to pursue academic excellence and contributing to the emergence of three valedictorians during his tenure.

I was one of the many students who benefited from this mindset. He took a genuine interest in my academic journey, constantly encouraging me to aim higher and helping me see that academic excellence is a powerful way to influence the world for God’s Kingdom.

Pastor Gabriel also understood that enduring ministries are built by raising leaders, not personalities. Over five years, the Sector ordained 85 officers—20 Elders, 35 Deacons, and 30 Deaconesses—a privilege I was honoured to be part of. It was a clear reflection of his intentional commitment to mentorship and leadership development.

Beyond building structures, he nurtured a culture where love was genuine, unity was treasured, excellence was expected, and fellowship flourished. This was beautifully expressed through the establishment of the PENSA Madina Sector Dinner and Awards Night, which remains one of the most anticipated events on the Sector’s calendar. The event has created lasting opportunities for students to connect, appreciate one another, and celebrate together.

That is the quiet work of the dynamo. It rarely commands attention, yet it provides the steady power that keeps God’s work moving long after the excitement of revival has faded.

Looking back, Pastor Gabriel’s greatest legacy in the Sector is not only the 5,933 souls won, 1,851 water baptisms, 3,217 Holy Spirit baptisms, or even the leaders he raised. It is a generation of believers equipped to pray fervently, study Scripture faithfully, lead humbly, serve sacrificially, and love Christ wholeheartedly.

The Woman Beside The Vision

Every enduring ministry has both visible and unseen strengths. While Pastor Gabriel Nti led through preaching and vision, Mrs. Grace Odoom Nti quietly ministered through compassion, prayer, counsel, and hospitality.

Together, they demonstrated that God’s Kingdom is advanced not only through powerful preaching but also through faithful acts of love.

Affectionately known as “Mummy Grace,” she became far more than the wife of the Sector pastor. Through her warmth and availability, the Mission House became a home where students found a listening ear, wise counsel, heartfelt prayer, and often a warm meal.

She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Her ministry was rooted in a sincere walk with God. Whether leading in worship, interceding for students, mentoring young women, or encouraging those carrying heavy burdens, she consistently pointed people to Christ.

Much of her impact was never recorded in reports or measured by numbers, yet it was evident in the many lives she quietly strengthened and restored.

Mrs. Grace also modelled Christian womanhood with humility, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God, becoming an example to many young women in the Sector. She was not merely a supportive partner standing behind the ministry; she was an active labourer within it.

Alongside Pastor Gabriel, she helped cultivate a loving, Christ-centred family whose influence will continue long after their tenure. Together, they embodied the quiet strength that sustained the work of God.

A Legacy That Endures

Every pastoral assignment has an appointed beginning and an appointed end, but faithful ministry never truly ends. It lives on in the lives it has transformed.

As Pastor Gabriel and Mrs. Grace Nti conclude their season in the Madina Sector, they leave behind far more than programmes, positions, or impressive statistics. They leave behind a generation shaped by a love for God’s Word, a commitment to prayer, a passion for missions, servant leadership, academic excellence, and the joy of belonging to a family of faith.

Under their stewardship, new fellowships were planted, dormant ones revived, leaders were raised, and thousands came to faith in Christ.

These are the monuments that matter. Buildings may age, leadership may change, and records may one day be surpassed, but transformed lives will continue to bear fruit for generations.

Somewhere, a missionary will remember where the burden for souls first began. A leader will recall the mentorship that gave them courage to serve. A graduate will remember that excellence is an act of worship. And many will remember a Mission House where they encountered not only warm hospitality but also the love of Christ.

Perhaps this best captures their years of ministry: the Madina Sector experienced both the dynamite and the dynamo—the dynamite that broke barriers, expanded the Kingdom, and ignited hearts for Christ; and the dynamo that quietly sustained the work through discipleship, leadership development, prayer, and a Christ-centred culture that will outlive any one pastoral assignment.

By the grace of God, the holy current that flowed through the lives of Pastor Gabriel and Mrs. Grace Nti will continue to illuminate the path of the Madina Sector for generations to come.

Written by Ernest Ofori Baah

Introduction

Lifestyle is the interests, opinions, behaviors and behavioral orientations of an individual, group or culture. The term was introduced by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in his 1929 book, ‘The Case of Miss R.’, with the meaning of ”a person’s basic character as established early in childhood”.

The lifestyle of a particular person or group of people is the living conditions, behavior, and habits that are typical of them or are chosen by them. They enjoyed an income and lifestyle that many people would envy.

A Christian’s lifestyle is characterized by spiritual growth, moral integrity, and service to others. It also involves sharing their faith, leading by example, and building resilience.

A Christian grows spiritually by reading the Bible daily, learning to pray, relying on the Holy Spirit, and attending church regularly. Moral integrity is developed by living a life of sacrifice, following God’s will, and developing Christian character traits like courage, honesty, and humility. Service to others includes community service, evangelism, and being a beacon of hope and agent of change in their community.

Christians are urged to reflect Christ’s teachings in their daily lives and demonstrate virtues such as honesty, kindness, and integrity. By doing so, we become living testaments of our faith, influencing our peers and communities through our actions and choices.

A Christian lifestyle means living a life of sacrifice, constantly growing and offering your life back to God, trusting in His plan for your life and following His will. A good Christian is trying to live a lifestyle that will ultimately allow them entry to heaven.

A Christian lifestyle is a way of life that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves living in accordance with God’s word, and striving to be more like Jesus.

Guidelines for a Christian Lifestyle

1. Prayer: pray to God for guidance and rely on the Holy Spirit

2. Bible study: Read the Bible daily

3. Church attendance: attend church regularly

4. Love: let love be the guiding principle of your life

5. Obedience: Be obedient to God

6. Witnessing: Share your faith with others

7. Sacrifice: Live a life of sacrifice and offer your life back to God

8. Trust: Trust in God’s plan for your life

9. Growth: Constantly grow and develop your character

How Christian Lifestyle Differs From a Non-Christian Lifestyle

1. Christians view and react to life experiences through the lens of Christ

2. Christians use their resources to help those in need

3. Christians resolve conflicts through prayer and forgiveness

4. Christians use trials and obstacles as opportunities to grow in patience and hope

What Does The Bible Say About Christian Lifestyle?

Paul explains it this way in Romans 12: Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 

Conclusion

A Christian lifestyle means living a life of sacrifice, constantly growing and offering your life back to God, trusting in His plan for your life and following His will. A good Christian is trying to live a lifestyle that will ultimately allow them entry to heaven.

A Christian lifestyle is a way of life that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves living in accordance with God’s word, and striving to be more like Jesus.

 To live a good life as a Christian among other faiths, you must Seek God, not sin, Fear God, not men, Love God, not the world, Believe God, not the deceiver, Obey God, not your appetites, Serve God, not self, and Worship God, not comfort.

Scripture references: Exodus 18:20; Matthew 6:33; Exodus 18:21; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 2:15; Isaiah 43:10; John 6:69; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 11:13-14; Joshua 24:14; Deuteronomy 29:18.

Written by Elder Fredrick Chaba (Fielmoa District-Tumu Area)

The June rains and floods were truly a heart-wrenching sight. People watched helplessly as floodwaters surged into their homes, roads vanished beneath the deluge, possessions were destroyed, and lives were lost. It was a painful reminder of how indiscipline can have severe consequences. As people reflected on the disaster, one question emerged: What allows a house to remain standing when the rains refuse to stop?

The June 2026 floods did not create weak foundations; rather, they revealed them. Similarly, the challenges and storms of life expose the character that has been built over time. Many houses today are designed for aesthetics rather than protection. With elegant tiles, modern furniture, and pop ceilings, some neglect what truly matters: proper drainage, soil condition, and elevation. Spiritually, we often make the same mistake, focusing on our portfolios, charisma, titles, and reputations while neglecting the essentials of prayer, obedience, character, and holiness.

A valuable lesson the June rains taught us is that a house can be visually appealing yet vulnerable. In the same way, a Christian may appear spiritual while lacking a solid foundation to withstand life’s storms. Jesus Himself illustrated this in Matthew 7:24–27, where two builders faced the same rain, floods, and winds, but one remained unscathed. The distinction lay not in the intensity of the storm but in the strength of the foundation. The wise builder constructed his house on the rock, while the foolish builder built on sand. This brings to mind the familiar hymn: “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” — Edward Mote, RH 378.

Some spiritual foundations that can help us stand firm during life’s storms include:

OBEDIENCE: In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus teaches that the wise person is not just the one who hears His words but also the one who puts them into practice. Knowing God’s Word is important, but living by it is what truly provides a solid foundation.

CHRIST HIMSELF: As stated in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Every lasting Christian life must be built on Him.

CHARACTER: Qualities such as integrity, humility, faithfulness, and holiness help us remain steadfast under pressure. Character is built over time and is revealed during life’s challenges.

Just as neglected drainage systems, poor construction practices, and ignored regulations can exacerbate flooding, so too can neglected spiritual disciplines weaken our lives. Small compromises may seem harmless today, but over time, they can undermine the strength of our foundation. As Galatians 6:7 states, “For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Similarly, society faces the consequences of overlooked foundations and every small issue that is ignored.

This June, the rain reminds us that foundations matter even before the rains or floods arrive. The strongest houses are not the ones that shine and attract attention during sunny days, but those that remain standing after the floods have come and the storms have passed. God calls us to build our Christian or spiritual lives in the same way, not merely for attraction, but for endurance.

Written by Phoebe Yaa Agyeiwaa Darkwah (Osu District English Assembly)