Posts in category: Articles

“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)

Until recently, the campaign for the boy child had not received the global attention it deserves. However, growing efforts are now being made to extend genuine care and support to boys in need. Many within our communities feel that the boy child has long been forgotten, neglected, and underserved. This neglect may be a contributing factor to the many challenges facing families and society at large.

To address this imbalance in the gender equality agenda, May 16 has been designated as the World Day of the Boy Child. The goal is to focus on the holistic well-being of boys, ensuring they are empowered to reach their full potential and lead meaningful, responsible lives.

Background

In 2018, Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a prominent men’s rights advocate, championed the observance of the World Day of the Boy Child on May 16. This followed his earlier initiatives, including the establishment of International Men’s Day on November 19 (1999) and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men and Boys on January 31 (2022). His advocacy seeks to end violence against males, highlight their challenges, and give voice to those suffering in silence.

The Real Boy Child Issue

The early 2000s saw a strong global focus on empowering the girl child – ensuring she had access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. This campaign has yielded significant results, as seen in improved enrollment rates, educational achievements, employment opportunities, leadership roles, and social recognition for girls.

While we celebrate these gains, it has become evident that the boy child has been largely excluded from the gender equality conversation. The attention has disproportionately favoured girls, inadvertently creating the impression that boys are less important. This imbalance has sparked calls to recognise the equal importance of both genders in building a healthy, functional society.

It is time to shift our focus to the child – regardless of gender – and ensure that resources and support are equitably distributed. We must avoid creating a perception that the boy child is being weakened or left behind.

Dr. Teelucksingh has expressed concern over rising rates of self-harm, school dropouts, substance abuse, and involvement in criminal or extremist activities among boys. He attributes these issues to a society that has become “cold, uncaring, and fast-paced.” He calls for a vigorous campaign to empower boys and prevent them from becoming powerless or vulnerable. We cannot afford to stand by while boys turn to crime, alcoholism, or drugs as a means of escape.

Today, more than ever, boys are experiencing physical and emotional abuse in homes and schools. A 2022 study by the Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) on the prevention of violence against children and women revealed, surprisingly, that boys were more frequently maltreated by parents than girls.

The Man in Your Boy’s Life

As the saying goes, “Boys will be boys unless we train them to be men.” Every boy needs a positive male role model to guide him through life. Mentorship and fatherly influence are crucial in shaping a boy into a responsible man.

Rebekah Hargraves notes that many societal issues, such as gender identity confusion, substance abuse, and other behavioural challenges often stem from the absence of a father’s positive influence. She emphasises that a strong father-child relationship can prevent a child from going down a dark path.

Carlos Santiago, a family life coach, outlines key values that the man in a boy’s life should instill:

• Fear of God (Proverbs 9:10)
• Emotional control (Ephesians 4:26–27)
• Respect for authority (Romans 13:1)
• Personal responsibility (Galatians 6:5)
• Service to others (1 Peter 4:10)
• Honour for women (1 Peter 3:7)
• A mindset for spiritual and moral battle (Psalm 144:1)

Modeling the Boy Child in Church

Every child needs a man in their life; someone they can look up to as they grow. They need mentors and role models to guide them through life. Parents and family provide the best environment for a child’s development. A family anchored in the Christian principle of faith is expected to lead the way, serving as the bedrock for the sound moral upbringing of children. 

The family is the child’s first point of contact and the primary agent of socialisation. Therefore, it has a duty to instill the right moral values. The Bible instructs parents to teach their children (Deuteronomy 6:6–9) and commands children to obey and honour their parents (Ephesians 6:1–3). This is the blueprint for modeling a child in the Christian faith. It highlights the family as the foundational unit for evangelism and discipleship.

The church, as a spiritual family, also plays a vital role in the upbringing of children. It is responsible for supporting the development of the boy child, raising godly boys who will grow into godly men. The Children’s Ministry is the starting point for this mission. Every child needs a personal relationship with Jesus, and the Children’s Ministry provides a strong platform for discipleship. For this reason, it should be well-resourced and prioritised.

One commendable initiative by The Church of Pentecost in mentoring a generation ready to transform society is the introduction of intergenerational services. This intentional initiative allows children to become part of the larger church community. It creates opportunities for children not only to socialise with their peers but also to interact meaningfully with adults. These interactions allow adults to positively influence children and build lasting relationships with them.

Another impactful initiative is the “Time With Our Fathers” programme, where the Presiding Elder and his team visit the Children’s Ministry. This provides a valuable opportunity for elders to mentor the boy child, instilling values and ethics through guidance and support. The boy child needs direction, and mentorship is key.

PEMEM’s Service with Children is another laudable effort to empower boys in the church. The ministry should be more intentional about this initiative and develop actionable strategies that address the real needs of the boy child.

The Faithful Giants, the youth wing of the Men’s Ministry, also offer a powerful avenue for mentorship. As a bold, resilient, and relatable group, they understand the challenges young boys face, having recently navigated adolescence themselves. They can share their experiences, offer guidance, and help boys avoid common pitfalls. These young mentors can serve as relatable role models, especially for boys who may be hesitant to seek guidance from older adults. Having a successful young person as a mentor can inspire boys to excel in their studies, career paths, and personal lives.

Many boys struggle during the transition from childhood to adolescence. Having a young, relatable mentor can significantly support their social and spiritual development.

The church must also take urgent steps to support the education of the boy child by offering scholarships and encouraging retention at all levels. Empowering both boys and girls to access and stay in school is essential for building a just and equitable society.

According to Rebekah Hargraves, in her work on raising godly boys, the church must “emphasise the balance of love, mercy, grace, and compassion with strength, truth, virtue, and courage.” We must be passionate about transforming how boys are raised in society. This is key to building strong families, addressing social challenges, improving economic outcomes, and raising firm leaders for national development.

Men must take the lead and show greater support by paying closer attention to the needs of the boy child.

Written By Elder Keith Eubulus Ackah (National Coordinator – Faithful Giants)

On the morning of Monday, May 19, 2025, Ghanaians woke up to the haunting news: at least three lives had been lost following the torrential rains that battered Accra the day before. Among the dead was a four-year-old girl from Nanakrom — a child with dreams yet to be shaped, a life full of promise, now turned into a statistic.

Municipal Chief Executive for the Adentan Municipal Assembly, Ella Esiman Nongo, confirmed the fatalities to the media. “In Lakeside, we lost two people, including a four-year-old girl at Nanakrom, and a gentleman around New Legon,” she lamented.

This, unfortunately, is not new. We have seen it before. And we will see it again — unless something fundamentally changes. Ghana seems to be growing disturbingly comfortable with tragedy, perfecting the art of counting the dead instead of preventing the deaths.

THE PRICE OF NEGLIGENCE

Each year, the rains come. And with them, floods. Yet each year, drains remain choked with plastic waste, building permits are granted on watercourses, and unauthorised structures spring up like weeds after a storm. Then the headlines follow: lives lost, properties destroyed, promises made — and forgotten.

In June 2015, Ghana witnessed one of its darkest days when over 150 people perished in the twin disaster of floods and a gas explosion at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. That event shook the nation. There were tears, there were vigils, there were vows. But here we are again. A decade later, our tears have dried, and our vows have vanished.

A 2021 report by the Ghana Meteorological Agency warned that the intensity of rainfall events would increase due to climate change. The report called for stronger drainage systems and proper land use planning. But years on, gutters remain clogged, and regulations remain unenforced.

A SYSTEM OF SHARED GUILT

The problem is not just one of governmental failure. Citizens, too, are complicit. People build on waterways, dump refuse indiscriminately, and ignore warnings. “Indiscipline is killing this country,” environmental activist and architect Dr. Kojo Oppong said in an interview in 2022. “It’s not a lack of knowledge, it’s a lack of care. From the man in the street to the one in charge of the city, everyone seems to look the other way.”

Indeed, civic responsibility seems to have taken a back seat. When we ignore “no dumping” signs, when we bribe our way to secure permits for dangerous constructions, when we burn refuse instead of sorting waste — we help write the scripts of these tragedies.

EVERY LIFE MATTERS

A four-year-old girl. What was her name? What were her dreams? Was she excited about starting school? Did she love to dance, or sing, or draw? We may never know. She is now a footnote in a flood report. A reminder that we, as a nation, must do better.

Every life matters. Every Ghanaian lost to preventable causes is one too many. We cannot continue to reduce human lives to mere digits in damage assessments. We must feel the weight of every death — deeply and personally.

PREVENTING THE NEXT DEATH

Authorities must act. Not with words, but with will. The law must not only exist on paper — it must bite. Unauthorised structures on watercourses must be demolished. Waste management must be a national emergency. Town planning must cease to be a formality and become an uncompromising enforcement.

Citizens must also rise. We cannot continue to play the blame game. Discipline must begin at home — and in the gutter. “We cannot continue doing the same things and expect different results,” said Mr. John Allotey, former CEO of the Forestry Commission, at a sanitation forum in 2023. “We need a new mindset.”

Ghana must come to a point where one lost life becomes one too many. Where national grief translates into national action. Where government agencies are not just reactive, but proactive. Where citizens realise that a clean street, a cleared drain, and a demolished illegal structure are all ways to save lives.

Let the next flood not be followed by another obituary. Let us not wait to count the bodies before we begin to care. Let the memory of the four-year-old girl from Nanakrom — and many others like her — stir us into a national awakening.

Because truly, every life matters.

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

The life of a Christian can be compared to the life of a soldier. A soldier is prepared to stand, fight, and defend his nation. Similarly, Christians are a part of the armies of God, fighting day and night against the flesh, principalities, and the kingdom of the devil to populate and defend the kingdom of God. However, just as a soldier can fall or get injured at the war front despite adequate preparation—and regardless of rank, like a general, colonel, or lieutenant—so can a Christian fall, no matter their level of maturity.

In such a situation, the injured or fallen soldier is not to be left alone to bleed to death or be killed by the opponent. As seen at war fronts, all injured soldiers are always helped by fellow soldiers and brought back to base to receive their healing. Even those who die are carried back to base to receive a well-befitting burial. This is no different for Christians in the body of Christ. There are numerous similarities between the life of a Christian and that of a soldier that hold great lessons and can serve as a guide in supporting and encouraging Christians who have fallen. This write-up seeks to encourage the fallen Christian and the Church in helping fallen Christians to rise.

Perhaps the best accounts in the Bible to achieve the aim of this write-up are the stories of David, Samson, and Peter. David, the man after God’s heart, got hit with the bullet of adultery by sleeping with Bathsheba. In an attempt to quickly cover the injury inflicted by the bullet, he ended up killing another soldier in his own camp—Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba. In God’s wisdom, the first thing to help the wounded David was to rebuke him through the Prophet Nathan (2 Sam 11:1–27; 12:1–7).

Another militant, Samson, also fell when he revealed critical intelligence (the source of his strength) to an agent (Delilah) from the base of the enemy (Judg. 16). Let us not also forget Peter, who denied knowing Jesus Christ, his Commander and Captain of Israel’s host (Luke 22:54–62). These great men fell on the battlefield or in their journey with the Lord, but that did not end their walk. Realising that losing one battle does not mean the war has been lost, they acknowledged their sins, repented from them, and made peace with God. Other believers also encouraged and supported them to get back to God. Psalm 51 captures David’s prayer of repentance to God. Samson, after his fall, prayed to God to strengthen him to overcome his enemies and fulfil the purpose of his calling (Judg. 16:28–30).

As a Christian, do not give room for your weakness(es), but work to overcome them by partnering with God. We are not to walk in the path that will cause one to sin and compromise on Christian values. Open up to mature and trusted brethren who will help you with godly counsel and stand with you in prayer. It is said that he who welcomes rebukes and accepts correction is wise. Also, always remember: your fall may cause the faith of other believers to shake. Jesus Christ reinstated Peter (John 21:15–17), and he rose to be one of the great apostles of the faith. Do not let your fall be your end—the righteous may fall, but they will rise again (Prov. 24:16a).

As the body of Christ, we should not compromise our Christian values. Discipline is a core value and should not be taken lightly. However, as we practice these core values, let’s strengthen or put in place strategies that will help the fallen soldier (Christian) rise stronger. In Galatians 6:1–2, the Bible says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

The scripture above admonishes us to gently restore believers who have fallen. This requires patience, humility, empathy, and a willingness to bear each other’s burden. We must also watch ourselves, lest we also fall into temptation.

1 Corinthians 12:26–27 adds that believers are one body—the body of Christ. We are connected and interdependent. When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. When we help fallen Christians, we help the entire body. It is unchristian to be happy when a Christian falls. Stand with him or her in prayer and with words of encouragement.

As believers and one body in Christ, we can help fallen Christians by offering gentle correction and guidance (Proverbs 25:11), providing emotional support and encouragement (Hebrews 3:13), praying for and with the struggling believer (James 5:16), helping them reconnect with God’s Word and the church community, and encouraging accountability and transparency to a leader or shepherd in the church. We must also forgive them as God forgives us (Matthew 6:14–15).

In conclusion, the Christian journey mirrors that of a soldier, filled with challenges and the possibility of setbacks. Just as soldiers support each other in times of injury, we as the body of Christ are called to extend grace and help to those who stumble. The stories of David, Samson, and Peter illustrate that falls do not define us; rather, it’s our response of repentance and seeking support that matters most.

Let us foster a community of love, patience, and gentle correction, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone. By doing so, we can restore those who are hurting and encourage them to rise stronger in faith. Together, we can empower one another to stand firm in the fight for God’s kingdom, remembering that while the righteous may fall, they will rise again.

Written by Elder Enoch Gyamena Agyei (Andrews Asamoah Baah Memorial Temple, Buokrom Estate District)