Posts in category: Articles

Fasting and prayer, in this context, can be likened to a lion kept in its den without food or water. The moment it is unleashed, it devours every edible creature that crosses its path.

According to Acts 13:2–3: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (unleashed them).”

After Saul and Barnabas were unleashed, they began to take over their world and transform it because they had received the power of the Holy Spirit through fasting and prayer.

We live in a world where many Christians feel timid about sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—just as the apostles were once afraid to speak in His name. But when the disciples gathered in the powerhouse through fasting and prayer and were unleashed on the Day of Pentecost, wonders were wrought through them. Even Peter, who had earlier denied Jesus before a maidservant, began to speak boldly in the name of Jesus Christ.

The apostles began to transform their generation because they had been unleashed with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Through fasting, prayer, and deep intimacy with the Scriptures, the fathers of old could even discern the language of birds and inanimate objects.

Beloved, what empowered the apostles to trample on scorpions, lions, and snakes—and to shut the gates of hell—was fasting and prayer. Let us return to the powerhouse for the strength to be unleashed, so we may transform our spheres and fulfill our callings. For it is through fasting and prayer that your calling is sharpened.

Written by Elder Emmanuel Tanor (Dormaa Area – Nsesereso District)

As we celebrate Pentecost and reflect on the significance of the Holy Spirit, it becomes clear that the Spirit’s power continues to shape and guide the modern church, influencing believers in many ways. The following aspects highlight the ongoing relevance of the Holy Spirit in today’s context.

Empowerment for Ministry

The empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of Pentecostal theology. In the contemporary church, this empowerment translates into vibrant ministries that reach out to various needs—spiritual, physical, and emotional. Churches are increasingly recognizing the diverse gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts to individuals, encouraging lay participation and equipping all members for service. Such empowerment not only strengthens the church internally but also enables believers to make a significant impact in their communities through outreach, advocacy, and service initiatives.

Guidance and Wisdom

In a rapidly changing world, the Spirit serves as an invaluable guide. Many church leaders are now turning to prayer and seeking the Spirit’s counsel when facing organizational challenges or moral dilemmas. This reliance on the Spirit helps cultivate a culture of discernment within the church, where decisions are made with a focus on justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). The awareness of the Holy Spirit’s guidance encourages an environment where innovative solutions to modern issues like social justice, mental health, and community engagement are rooted in biblical principles.

Unity and Community

The Holy Spirit fosters unity among believers, encouraging the church to overcome divisions based on race, socio-economic status, and differing theological perspectives. The need for a unified body of Christ is ever-present in a fragmented world. As congregations actively seek the Spirit’s leading, they can embrace inclusivity, bear witness to God’s love, and exemplify the reconciliation that Jesus offers. The Spirit reminds us that our differences can become strengths, enabling the church to reflect the diverse beauty of God’s creation.

Empowerment for Personal Transformation

The Holy Spirit’s work in personal transformation remains vital for individual believers. The process of sanctification—growing closer to Christ’s likeness through the Spirit’s work—encourages believers to confront personal barriers to spiritual growth. With issues such as anxiety and loneliness on the rise, the Spirit provides comfort, peace, and a sense of purpose. Personal testimonies of changed lives can inspire others, demonstrating the Spirit’s transformative power and offering hope in times of struggle.

Witness and Evangelism

In an age where many perceive a growing secularism, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to engage in effective evangelism, transforming their relationships with others into opportunities to manifest God’s love. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing personal testimony, or participating in community service, believers are encouraged to be vessels of God’s grace. The Spirit’s work fosters authentic relationships, helping to break down barriers and create environments where conversations about faith can flourish.

4Conclusion

As we reflect during Pentecost, let us not only remember the historical event of the Spirit’s outpouring but also anticipate and seek the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives and the church today. The Holy Spirit remains a vital force for empowerment, guidance, unity, transformation, and evangelism. As we collectively pursue a deeper relationship with the Spirit, we can revive our mission and witness, bringing the love of Christ into every corner of our lives. May this Pentecost ignite within us a fresh desire for the Spirit’s presence and power, fostering a church that is active, loving, and transformative in the world.

Written by Elder Gideon Annan (Downtown District)

On May 26, 2025, Ghanaians woke up to the shocking revelation of a long-running scandal at the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The news, delivered directly by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, detailed a calculated, multi-year fraud operation that involved the diversion of funds meant for visa and passport processing into private accounts. While the government’s swift and bold response has been largely commended, the situation underscores a deeper national concern — a crisis of values that no longer affects only local governance, but our global reputation as well.

The findings came from a special audit team commissioned by Hon. Ablakwa months earlier to investigate allegations of corruption at the embassy. The audit revealed that Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited staff member employed in the embassy’s IT department since August 2017, had created an unauthorised link on the embassy’s official website. This link diverted unsuspecting visa and passport applicants to his private business, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where he charged illegal fees ranging from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. These charges were not sanctioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Parliament, in violation of Ghana’s Fees and Charges Act, 2009 (Act 793). Disturbingly, this scheme had gone undetected for at least five years, with all proceeds funneled into private accounts without any oversight or remittance to the state.

In a detailed public statement, the Minister outlined an array of emergency measures: Mr. Kwarteng was summarily dismissed; all locally recruited staff at the embassy were suspended; all Foreign Affairs Ministry staff stationed at the mission were recalled; the embassy’s IT department was dissolved; and the mission itself was temporarily shut down to facilitate a full systems overhaul. Moreover, the Auditor-General was invited to conduct a forensic examination of all embassy transactions, and the matter has been referred to the Attorney-General for prosecution and possible recovery of stolen funds. These are not small steps — they are the kind of decisive actions many Ghanaians have long demanded in the face of mounting corruption cases.

But this scandal is about more than a dishonest employee or a failed oversight mechanism. It is, at its core, a symptom of a national moral deficit — a troubling reality in which technical skills and academic accomplishments are prioritised over character, integrity, and civic responsibility. In contemporary Ghanaian society, many families invest heavily in the academic success of their children, enrolling them in the best local and international institutions. Yet, in many cases, little attention is paid to shaping the moral fiber of these future leaders. We risk producing highly educated individuals who are also highly capable of complex fraud, skilled not in building society, but in bypassing its safeguards for personal gain.

As renowned investor Warren Buffett once advised, “Look for three things in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother.” Integrity is not merely a virtue — it is a foundation. Without it, intelligence and energy become tools of exploitation rather than service.

The problem is not limited to the educational system. As a nation, we have increasingly become fascinated with wealth and status, often turning a blind eye to the ethical questions surrounding how such wealth is acquired. In Ghana today, success is measured more by appearance than by principle. Public figures are celebrated not for their service or values, but for their possessions. According to the Ghana Integrity Initiative, Ghana loses about 2% of its GDP annually to corruption — a figure that could transform public infrastructure and basic services if redirected into the national purse (GII, 2023).

To his credit, President John Mahama recently launched the first-ever official Code of Conduct for political appointees, setting clear expectations for ethical behaviour in public office. This initiative has been welcomed as a long-overdue step toward institutional accountability. But as laudable as it is, it remains limited in scope. Corruption, after all, is not confined to political appointees. It is a national issue that permeates every stratum of Ghanaian society — from public service to private business, from the streets to the diplomatic corridors of foreign missions. If Ghana is to effectively combat this endemic problem, then a code of conduct must not only govern those in high office, but be embraced as a national value system by all citizens.

In 2023, The Church of Pentecost hosted a landmark conference on moral vision dubbed the National Development Conference (NADEC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh. The event brought together members of the executive, legislature, judiciary, traditional leaders, and civil society to reflect on the urgent need for ethical reformation in Ghana. It was a moment of national introspection. In an extraordinary move, the Speaker of Parliament adjourned a sitting to allow Members of Parliament to attend. The event was not merely ceremonial. In his address, the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, emphasised that no matter how visionary a leader may be, they will always be thwarted by a morally undisciplined populace. President Mahama, who was also present, pledged to support the initiative. Today, his government’s enforcement of the appointees’ code of conduct stands as a sign of that commitment.

But more must be done. The Moral Vision agenda must be advanced from the level of institutional declarations to national policy. This includes integrating moral and civic education at all levels of the academic curriculum, enforcing civic training for public servants and corporate actors, establishing an independent National Ethics Commission, and funding media campaigns that promote integrity and public accountability. We must build a national consciousness that sees corruption not as cleverness, but as a betrayal of the collective good. Only then can we expect institutions to reflect the values we claim to uphold.

The temporary closure of the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington D.C. may seem like an isolated diplomatic event, but its implications are far-reaching. It reminds us that no institution is safe when citizens lack discipline. It highlights that education, when detached from ethics, only produces more sophisticated wrongdoers. And it warns that without a strong moral compass, even our best systems will fail.

Ghana must seize this moment not just for damage control, but for deep reform. The Washington scandal must spark more than condemnation. It must spark a crusade — one that sees morality not as a private virtue, but as a public necessity. Only then can Ghana truly rise to the greatness it promises.

Written by Prince Kojo Asare (Head of News, Pent Media Centre)

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;  it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. – Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

The recent triumphs of Tottenham FC, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Bologna FC are more than just sporting victories. They are powerful reminders of what happens when perseverance meets divine timing. For years, these teams endured ridicule, near-misses, and heartbreaks, only to finally taste the joy of victory. Their stories mirror the biblical principle that endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

THE WAIT IS NOT IN VAIN

Tottenham fans waited 17 years for a trophy, while Crystal Palace supporters endured 120 years of professional football without a major title. Similarly, the Bible is filled with stories of waiting: Abraham and Sarah waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3), Joseph endured betrayal and prison before rising to power (Genesis 41:39-41), and the Israelites wandered 40 years before entering the Promised Land. God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are worth the wait. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

TEARS OF JOY REPLACE TEARS OF SORROW 

The emotional scenes at Estadio de San Mamés and Wembley fans weeping, players overcome with joy reflect the Psalmist’s declaration: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Just as God turned the mourning of the Israelites into dancing (Psalm 30:11), He can transform our seasons of disappointment into moments of triumph. 

BREAKING THE “SPURSY” MENTALITY

Tottenham’s victory shattered their ‘Spursy’ label just as Christ shatters the lies most believers believe about themselves. In Him, we are ‘new creations’ (2 Corinthians 5:17), defined not by past failures but by His victory. Philippians 3:13-14 urges us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead,” pressing on toward God’s calling. The label “Spursy” no longer fits just as the labels “unworthy” or “failure” do not define us in God’s eyes (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

CELEBRATING THE UNLIKELY VICTORS

Crystal Palace and Bologna’s triumphs remind us that God often uses the underdogs to display His glory. David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17), and Gideon’s small army triumphed over the Midianites (Judges 7). When the odds seem stacked against you, remember: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

THE SWEETNESS OF LONG-AWAITED VICTORY 

Newcastle’s 70-year drought ending parallels the joy of the Prodigal Son’s return (Luke 15:24) what was lost is now found, what was delayed is now fulfilled. Revelation 21:4 promises a day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes,” and our earthly struggles will pale in comparison to eternal victory. 

YOUR TROPHY IS COMING

If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. Just as these teams held onto hope, we too can trust that God is working behind the scenes. Galatians 6:9 encourages 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.”  Your breakthrough, your “trophy,” is on the way. Keep the faith your full-time whistle of victory is coming! 

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Written by Elder James McKeown Anane (PENSA KNUST Bible Study Coordinator)

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION

The world we live in is broken — filled with wounded people, complex situations, and strained relationships. Daily, we are confronted with the reality that living peaceably with everyone is not easy. Some people seem almost impossible to deal with; some situations appear designed to drain our strength.

Yet, as believers — especially as members of The Church of Pentecost, called to possess the nations as agents of transformation — we are mandated by God to shine as peacemakers in the midst of this darkness.

Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with all, if it is possible, as much as depends on us. It acknowledges that peace is sometimes difficult — but it charges us to do our part faithfully. As we embrace the 2025 vision of being unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, this demand becomes even more urgent. Our calling is not just to survive difficult people and situations, but to transform them through our Spirit-led responses and actions.

WHY DO DIFFICULT PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS EXIST?

Difficult people and situations exist because of the brokenness of humanity and the diversity of temperaments. No two people are the same. Drawing from Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah’s work Are Two Persons the Same?: How to Overcome Your Weaknesses in Temperament, we understand that people are wired differently — each with strengths and weaknesses that can either complement or clash with others.

Personality differences, past wounds, spiritual immaturity, and even satanic influences can contribute to human difficulty. Sometimes, a person’s actions are not rooted in malice but in unresolved personal struggles. Recognising this reality helps us approach others with greater patience and humility.

Moreover, difficult situations arise because we live in a fallen world where sin has corrupted human relationships. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for spiritual growth and for showcasing the transformative power of Christ.

LIVING OUT PENTECOSTAL ETHICS IN A DIFFICULT WORLD

As Pentecostals, our ethics are shaped by our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Spirit-empowered living demands that we embody values such as love, patience, humility, and forgiveness — not only when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Our ethics must not only be preached but practiced, particularly in the heat of conflict.

When faced with difficult people, we lean on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), allowing divine love, joy, peace, and self-control to guide our responses and actions. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), correcting when necessary, but always with grace and redemption in mind (2 Timothy 2:24–26). Forgiveness must flow freely from us — not because it is deserved, but because it reflects the abundant mercy we have received in Christ (Matthew 18:21–22).

Guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) becomes crucial; we must avoid allowing offense, bitterness, or resentment to take root. Every difficult encounter is an opportunity for the Spirit to deepen His work within us, refining our character and making us true agents of transformation.

HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS WITH SPIRIT-LED WISDOM

Before reacting to any situation, the Pentecostal believer must pray, seeking divine wisdom (James 1:5). Prayer aligns our emotions with God’s purposes, enabling us to respond rather than react. James 1:19–20 further instructs us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger — essential principles when navigating volatile circumstances.

Maintaining integrity under pressure is a non-negotiable part of living a life worthy of our calling. Like Daniel, who stood firm in a hostile environment, we too must remain faithful to God’s standards, even when it costs us personally. Integrity is a testimony louder than any sermon.

FULFILLING ROMANS 12:18: OUR CALLING AS AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION

Romans 12:18 reminds us that peace will not always be achievable, but striving for peace is always our responsibility. As agents of transformation, we model a new way of living — one that is not dictated by the actions of others, but by the Spirit of God within us.

Our peaceful living becomes a testimony, proving that the gospel is not a mere theory but a reality that changes hearts and communities. By refusing to retaliate (Romans 12:19), we entrust justice to God, freeing ourselves from the burden of vengeance and allowing His righteousness to prevail.

CONCLUSION: A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALLING

Beloved, difficult people and situations are part of the world we are sent to transform. They are not interruptions to our calling; they are the very field of our ministry. In this season, as we are unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, may we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to handle challenges with love, wisdom, and unwavering integrity.

Let us rise as true Pentecostals — Spirit-filled, ethically grounded, and transformational — living out Romans 12:18 and bringing the peace of Christ to a restless world.

May our lives glorify God, possess the nations, and leave a legacy of transformation wherever we go.

Amen.

Written by Elder Emmanuel Keku, USA

The church, as the body of Christ, has been divinely mandated to advance God’s Kingdom by making disciples of all nations and equipping them for spiritual growth. It serves as a gateway, drawing the lost into God’s redemptive plan through the proclamation of the Gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Yet, while many enter through the ‘front door’ of salvation, some silently slip away, a phenomenon often termed “exiting through the back door.” Whether new converts, long-time attendees, or believers struggling in their faith, their unnoticed departure weakens the church’s witness and hinders its mission.

Jesus, in Matthew 18:12-14, exemplifies the heart of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep. This illustrates the responsibility of church leaders to shepherd their congregations and actively pursue those who wander, ensuring no one is neglected. Unfortunately, in some local churches, membership rolls far exceed regular attendance, with little effort to reclaim those who have stopped fellowshipping. A church that allows its ‘back door’ to remain open cannot grow effectively or positively impact God’s Kingdom. This presentation highlights key reasons churches lose members through the ‘back door’ and offers practical strategies for retention.

Reasons for the Silent Exodus

1. Unmet Expectations

Many individuals, especially new converts, join the church with hopes of receiving not only spiritual nourishment but also practical support during difficult times. When the church fails to demonstrate compassion and offer tangible assistance, members may feel abandoned and see no reason to stay. The early church in Acts 2:44-45 modelled a spirit of communal care, ensuring no one lacked. A church that neglects the physical needs of its members risks discouragement and disillusionment, causing people to withdraw.

2. Unwelcoming Environment

First-time visitors and new converts are less likely to remain in a church where they encounter a cold or cliquish atmosphere, lacking genuine fellowship. Additionally, believers endowed with spiritual gifts and talents may seek fulfillment elsewhere if they are not given opportunities to serve. 1 Corinthians 12:7 teaches that every believer is gifted for the common good, and churches that fail to harness these gifts limit their potential for growth and engagement.

3. Unresolved Conflicts and Perceived Injustice

Disputes within the congregation or between members and church leadership, if poorly handled, can breed resentment and division. Scripture calls for wisdom that is peaceable and impartial (James 3:17), but unresolved grievances may push individuals away. Favouritism and unequal treatment also contribute to alienation, making members feel undervalued. Churches must reflect Galatians 3:28, which affirms unity in Christ without discrimination.

4. Spiritual Warfare and Worldly Temptations

Trials, persecutions, and the allure of worldly pleasures can cause some believers to fall away. In Matthew 13:20-22, Jesus warns that afflictions and the deceitfulness of riches can lead people astray. Without firm discipleship, prayer support, and accountability, members may drift away. Additionally, weak biblical foundations make believers susceptible to false teachings (Ephesians 4:14), leading to doctrinal instability.

Strategies for Strengthening Member Retention

1. Establishing a Strong Welfare System

Churches must intentionally care for members’ physical and emotional needs, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways. A nurturing, family-like church inspires commitment and loyalty.

2. Encouraging the Use of Spiritual Gifts

Each believer has received a spiritual gift (Romans 12:6-8) that should be nurtured and deployed within the church. Leaders must identify and cultivate these gifts, ensuring active participation. When individuals feel valued, they are less likely to seek fulfillment elsewhere.

3. Implementing an Effective Follow-Up System

A dedicated team should track attendance and reach out to absent members via phone calls, messages, or personal visits. These gestures demonstrate concern and can rekindle a believer’s connection to the body of Christ.

4. Cultivating a Warm and Inclusive Environment

Churches must prioritise hospitality through mentorship programmes, small groups, and active engagement, helping newcomers feel at home in the church family.

5. Strengthening Discipleship and Biblical Teaching

Structured teachings, Bible studies, new converts’ classes, and home cell groups provide foundational growth that prevents deception and apostasy (2 Timothy 2:2). Mature believers are less likely to stray.

6. Prioritising Corporate and Intercessory Prayer

Spiritual battles often underpin a believer’s departure, making fervent prayer indispensable (James 5:16). A church steeped in prayer provides spiritual covering, sustaining members through trials.

Conclusion

For the church to fulfill its divine commission, it must not only win souls but also nurture and retain them. Closing the ‘back door’ requires intentional love, discipleship, and vigilant shepherding. By addressing the root causes of member attrition and implementing effective retention strategies, the church can thrive as a spiritual family where no one is lost. Leaders must emulate the Good Shepherd, who seeks the lost and rejoices over their return. Through faithful stewardship, the church will grow stronger, advancing God’s Kingdom on earth.

Written by Elder Richmond Judah Ayitey Ayee (National Evangelism Leader, CoP-China)

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous principles of Christian living. One of the most profound is the call for mankind to please God. From Genesis—where God commands man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16)—to Revelation, where we are urged to “take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3), the necessity of pleasing God is evident. This truth is further reinforced by the many instances in Scripture where God condemns evil and punishes the wicked. Two striking examples are the destruction of the earth by the flood in Noah’s time (Genesis 7:11–12) and the fiery judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).

In keeping with the tradition of annual themes, The Church of Pentecost (COP) has, by the grace of God and through its leadership, adopted the 2025 theme: “Unleashed to Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling.” This theme serves as a reminder—not only to members of COP but to people worldwide—that we must strive to please God in all we do. The Apostle Paul expressed this desire clearly: “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

THE GRACE TO PLEASE GOD

We must recognise that our ability to please God does not come from our own strength but from His grace. In Titus 2:11–12, the Apostle Paul states: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” This emphasises that a child of God cannot please Him by mere willpower—it requires the sustaining and enabling grace of God. Therefore, we must daily immerse ourselves in this grace through prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures.

A STRONG RESOLVE TO PLEASE GOD

Pleasing God also requires a firm determination. Daniel, though exiled in a foreign land, was tempted to compromise his faith through the culture and food of Babylon. However, “Daniel resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). This decision was not easy, but by trusting in God’s grace, he stood firm. Likewise, we must resolve today to stand for God, no matter the cost.

PUTTING TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH

Moreover, we must actively combat what I call the “products of our earthly nature.” Colossians 3:5 instructs: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” It is important to note that this message was directed not at unbelievers, but at Christians—indicating that even after salvation, believers can still struggle with sin. However, the responsibility to “put to death” these sinful tendencies is ours. Through watchfulness, fasting, and consistent prayer, we can overcome them.

LIVING A LIFE WORTHY OF OUR CALLING

God calls us to live in a manner befitting our transformation from darkness into His marvelous light (Ephesians 4:1). Titus 2:12 further emphasises that we must be self-controlled, upright, and godly in this present age. Our actions and choices must align with the life of holiness that God expects from us.

As we journey through life, let us remember that we are mere strangers and sojourners on this earth, preparing for the glorious return of our Lord. Resolving to please God in all we do will ultimately help us secure a place in His eternal kingdom.

A CALL TO SALVATION

If you have not yet given your life to Christ, I encourage you to do so today. Repent of your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. This is the first step to pleasing God. If you are ready, pray this simple prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to live a life that pleases You. Amen.”

May the grace of God abound in us all.

Written by Isaac Nana Opoku (Probationary Overseer)

Ghana is bleeding—not just from economic strain, corruption, or inefficiency, but from something more subtle, more corrosive: indiscipline. We have lost countless lives, livelihoods, and public resources not just due to misfortune, but due to a systemic tolerance for lawlessness. It is time to flip the script. It is time we profit from indiscipline—not by tolerating it, but by holding it accountable.

We must begin to enforce our laws with urgency and boldness. As things stand, our streets are overrun, public spaces disrespected, and authority figures silenced—not by reason, but by fear of political backlash. Too often, governments buckle under the weight of electoral blackmail, as citizens threaten to vote them out for simply doing the right thing.

But is this truly the will of the people? I beg to differ.

Most Ghanaians crave order. Most Ghanaians yearn for structure. We have seen it. We felt it in the wave of public support for the immediate past IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. He is arguably the most admired Inspector General of Police in Ghana’s recent history—not because he was perfect, but because he stood for something: discipline. He enforced the laws with firmness and fairness, and the people loved him for it. His popularity cut across political lines, and his sudden removal was met with deep disappointment. That reaction alone tells a story: Ghanaians are not enemies of discipline—they are hungry for it.

Yet in the streets of Accra, we see a different story unfolding. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has been embarking on a decongestion exercise—moving traders off pedestrian walkways in an attempt to restore order. But what do we hear in return? “We have nowhere to go.” “We voted you into power.” Emotional appeals that weaponise poverty and twist public sympathy, not to seek solutions, but to escape responsibility. This is not right. This is not how nations rise.

In Singapore, a nation once riddled with the same challenges we face today, order was enforced through discipline. The late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew famously said, “If you want to be a leader, you must be prepared to have your principles tested, even if it means being unpopular.” Today, Singapore stands as one of the cleanest, most efficient nations in the world—not by magic, but by enforcing rules, even when it hurt.

In Rwanda, a country once torn apart by genocide, discipline is now the hallmark of its governance. Citizens don’t litter. Public officials are held accountable. Markets are clean. Order reigns. And the people—yes, the people—have embraced it.

So why not Ghana?

We must start charging people for indiscipline, just as it is done in any serious nation. Fines, citations, penalties—these are not acts of wickedness; they are tools of national growth. We should be building systems that don’t just tolerate compliance but profit from it—not in terms of revenue alone, but in terms of dignity, safety, and progress.

As Nigerian author Chinua Achebe once lamented, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” The same can be said of Ghana today. But leadership is not just in government; it is in the attitude of every Ghanaian. The moment we stop excusing indiscipline and start demanding better, Ghana will change.

Let’s not be afraid to do what is right for fear of losing elections. In fact, not doing what is right may be the fastest way to lose both elections and credibility.

We can no longer afford to let lawlessness masquerade as compassion. We can no longer allow discipline to be mistaken for cruelty. Ghana must work again. And that work begins with a collective decision to embrace order, to enforce our laws, and to build a nation that values its rules.

Fellow Ghanaians, enough with the electoral blackmail—it is time for a change. If we will not allow those in authority to exercise the power we have entrusted to them, then what is the point of giving it in the first place?

Written by Prince Kojo Asare (Head of News, Pent Media Centre)

Treasures are not only minerals; God has molded men as treasures of the earth. In Paul’s epistle to the church in Corinth, he made a clear statement: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Treasures are valuable assets that bring a lot of benefits to the individual in possession. They raise an individual’s standard of living, making him a person of value and essence.

Imagine a rich man gifts you his precious gold and diamonds. How are you going to feel? I am sure you will be overly excited and enthused about owning such precious minerals. That is to say, if one is wealthy, he can meet almost all of his wants and needs. I have never seen a rich man who cannot afford his or her basic needs, provided he has the purchasing power to do so.

As Christians born of the Spirit, God, according to His rich knowledge and wisdom, has endowed in every man upon the surface of this earth His divine treasure for the purpose of maturing the saints, perfecting the saints, and the edification of the body of Christ.

In Matthew 25:14–15: “Again, the kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last, dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.” Interestingly, we all cannot have the same proportion of treasures in life, but regardless of the amount of treasure that is in our custody, we have to appreciate it and use it accordingly, since God knows best what our capabilities could hold.

This does not merely imply that one is more important than the other. God has only made us in many parts into one body. We are all an important treasure for His service. If one part is to suffer, all other parts will suffer too, and if one part is honoured, the other parts will also be glad. We only find ourselves differentiating in our abilities, which defines our uniqueness in the kingdom of God (the body of Christ). 1 Corinthians 12:4: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord; there are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

Practically, imagine you have three children: one is an adult, the second is a child, and the third is a neonate (a newborn baby). Note that all of these are your children, and so you place importance on them all. You are supposed to get one to learn to drive a car. Who are you going to teach? I am very sure you will call on your adult child. Why? Because he has the ability to learn the skill maturationally, unlike the child and the neonate. As the Scripture says, “He gave according to our ability.” There is no way you can give more than you have. Deuteronomy 16:17: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.”

Metaphorically, a treasure is like a seed. If a seed is given to you and you decide to keep it to yourself without making use of it, it remains only a seed. On the other hand, if one decides to plant the seed in the soil, it germinates to become a plant, then grows further to become a tree, and finally bears fruit. One seed can eventually make a forest. It is the same with possessing a treasure: the treasure finds its power of multiplication in its usage.

For example, if you have an amount worth GHS 2,000.00 and you don’t invest it—either by buying shares, treasury bills, etc.—and decide to keep the amount to yourself, you will have the same amount without anything profitably made in many years to come. Proverbs 28:8: “Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.” His kingdom business promises to expand your treasure at the end.

Who is ready for this investment? Don’t be like the last servant who hid his treasure in the ground, profiting nothing at the end. At last, when the master came, he was punished and cast into the lake of fire. When the other servants who received such a treasure did nothing else but invested it profitably, the king honored them.

God only gave gifts to the church; as to how you might use the gift depends on you. But the only thing we should know is that it is to give honor and glory to Him. Otherwise, you might also end up disastrously by wasting the treasure or the seed of God, which is His gift. Let us remember the clarion call of God to do His work, for which He has endowed us with profitable treasures in our unique abilities inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, we are the divine treasure of God manifested on earth and called to possess the nations regardless!

Written by Deacon Humphrey Danso Bamfo (Asofan English Assembly, Asofan District)