Posts in category: Articles

In many cities across Ghana, most auditoriums of The Church of Pentecost host two church services each Sunday. The first service is usually in English, while the second is Twi (local language). This practice has led to a significant increase in attendance and overall growth. However, it has also raised sanitation concerns, specifically the cleanliness of the church auditorium after each service.

Typically, the responsibility of cleaning the auditorium and church premises falls on the shoulders of deacons, deaconesses, caretakers, and a handful of dedicated members. 

My first day at Rose Hill Assembly in the UK was eye-opening, which inspired me to write this article. Immediately after the service at Rose Hill Assembly, all members come together to arrange the chairs and other items meticulously. They use their cleaning equipment to tidy up the auditorium within 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring it is properly set for the next activities.

Recently, The Church of Pentecost has introduced an annual environmental care campaign in which every member and assembly collaborates with stakeholders to clean their communities. In light of this, it is only fitting that the church auditorium is clean right after service. This raises a pertinent question in Ghana, where many big assemblies run two services back to back – how can the auditoriums be cleaned before the commencement of the second service, not to mention the washrooms?

This issue has often been overlooked or neglected, especially when the first service runs late, leaving no time for preparations before the next service. It is essential to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:26, “Clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and the outside will also be clean.” 

Cleaning our auditorium after the service is crucial to prevent embarrassing situations, especially during emergency meetings, where presiding elders and Women’s Ministry leaders are often held accountable.

As the adage goes, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It is my heartfelt desire that all members will take inspiration from the example set by Rose Hill Assembly to ensure our auditorium remains clean and a fitting place for the glory of God.

Article by Elder John Boateng Asante (Photographer)

Rose Hill Assembly, Croydon District, UK

In many cities across Ghana, most auditoriums of The Church of Pentecost host two church services each day. The first service is usually in English, while the second is Twi (local language). This practice has led to a significant increase in attendance and overall growth. However, it has also raised sanitation concerns, specifically the cleanliness of the church auditorium after each service.

Typically, the responsibility of cleaning the auditorium and church premises falls on the shoulders of deacons, deaconesses, caretakers, and a handful of dedicated members. 

My first day at Rose Hill Assembly in the UK was eye-opening, which inspired me to write this article. Immediately after the service at Rose Hill Assembly, all members come together to arrange the chairs and other items meticulously. They use their cleaning equipment to tidy up the auditorium within 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring it is properly set for the next activities.

Recently, The Church of Pentecost has introduced an annual environmental care campaign in which every member and assembly collaborates with stakeholders to clean their communities. In light of this, it is only fitting that the church auditorium is clean right after service. This raises a pertinent question in Ghana, where many big assemblies run two services back to back – how can the auditoriums be cleaned before the commencement of the second service, not to mention the washrooms?

This issue has often been overlooked or neglected, especially when the first service runs late, leaving no time for preparations before the next service. It is essential to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:26, “Clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and the outside will also be clean.” 

Cleaning our auditorium after the service is crucial to prevent embarrassing situations, especially during emergency meetings, where presiding elders and Women’s Ministry leaders are often held accountable.

As the adage goes, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It is my heartfelt desire that all members will take inspiration from the example set by Rose Hill Assembly to ensure our auditorium remains clean and a fitting place for the glory of God.

Article by Elder John Boateng Asante (Photographer)

Rose Hill Assembly, Croydon District, UK

Happy smiles, beautiful feet, adorably dressed little angels march in, bustling with energy and joy, eager to hear what the Sunday school teacher has for them today. “Will we learn a new song? Will we sing some action songs? Oh, I know! Who was Jesus’s father?” Several questions pique their curiosity. Their thoughts are, however, interrupted with the popular slogan, ‘Jesus!’ and they, in unison, respond gleefully, ‘friend of children!’

Christian parents have adapted to the culture of dressing their kids up as early as possible for Sunday school. This culture may be due to a myriad of reasons, among which will be to relieve mothers and afford them the space to complete their chores before attending service. The question that weighs on every mind is, ‘Is that really the purpose of Sunday school? Is it to act as a mere stress relief for parents?’

The Children’s Ministry, like every other ministry, recognizes the importance of the faction of the church that has been placed in its charge. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the game” (Psalm 127:3-5, ESV).

This scripture brings out the weight of parenting and the responsibilities that have to be fulfilled. Children are a gift from God, His very heritage. Parenting may be defined within the context of bringing up and raising to maturity through care and education. It is not limited to birthing children. Parenting is the extent to which efforts are put into intentionally raising holistically groomed young ones who can be independent, and in our case as Christians, young ones who can stand in worship before God and be intercessors for their generation. It is a noble yet herculean task to assume the role of being a parent – it is a whole ministry.

Ministry is doing what God wants us to do. It is fulfilling our divine mandate in whichever sphere of our lives we find ourselves in, including our role as parents. The Children’s Ministry is not left out of this parenting ministry. Sunday School teachers are second parents to these little ones. The ministry’s efforts are geared towards complementing that of parents in bringing up the young in the love of the Lord and grounding them in sound doctrine.

It is often said that children are the future, but brethren, they are both the present and future. Children are the future manifestations of present-day deliberate efforts. They will reflect all that was spent on them in the Sunday School days and how grounded they are in the near future, all things being equal. How do we match up to expectations? “And you must commit yourself wholeheartedly to these commands that I’m giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9, NLT).

Repeat and talk about them: Children are a part of the Christian community – the very center of it. As the future of the church, it is imperative that they are socialized in the ways of the church through constant teaching. We are to diligently impress the beliefs and doctrines of the church upon them. “Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is grown, he will not depart from it,” says the Holy Bible. Our kids are not supposed to be alien to the foundational beliefs of the church. Teach, oh Sunday School teacher, teach! Dear parent, do not neglect the teaching of the word. Have biblical conversations with your children!

Tie them to yourself: The words we repeat to our kids should be seen in our lives daily. They should be translated into actions. Children are the best imitators of behavior. Bind the biblical principles to your very being and imbibe the church’s culture such that we will be literal living books to our younger ones.

Write them on your doorposts: Children are visual learners. They are able to better assimilate that which they see daily like “the doorpost and gate”. The children and all who enter the gate must know that as for this house, we serve the Lord.

Children thrive in welcoming environments. Jesus, our perfect example of a lover of children voiced “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Dear Sunday school teacher, do not hinder the children. You are a parent to these ones. Teach them with all diligence, rebuke them in love, and gather them into a warm embrace.

Inclusion is key. All praise to God for the Intergenerational Service initiative. In the church, we learn through observation which the Intergenerational Service affords. The children are able to merge what they are told about the church’s culture with what they observe.

The importance of the children’s ministry cannot be overemphasized! I reminisce my younger days when I would be sent to Sunday school neatly dressed. It was all joyous, especially when the snacks came. The childhood innocence of waiting upon snacks even as the teacher tirelessly tried to catch our attention with action songs and beautiful Bible stories disappeared as I grew. I then fully came to appreciate the efforts of the Children’s Ministry as a training ground for grooming young ones who will stand for God in such a perverse world.

Parenting as a ministry is helping children love and live for Jesus. God cares about how children are raised and nurtured. Parents, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Teachers and leaders of the children’s ministry should, therefore, make conscious efforts to help these young ones build a positive self-image and nurture them in the holy fear of God. This will help them to accept God’s promises and experience His benefits personally.

Parents, love to send your little ones to Sunday school. The children’s ministry workers are ever ready to guide these young ones to a saving faith in Christ. Children’s Ministry workers, Ayekoo!

Written by Deacon John Anaman Essiam (Agona Ahanta District, Takoradi Area)

Have you ever wondered if parenting has a heart? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Parenting has its core, its essence, and its operational center. This vital aspect of parenting is understanding.

Parenting, the art of nurturing a child to fulfill their destined potential, becomes a more achievable and rewarding journey when we grasp its true essence – understanding.

To truly understand someone is to practice love in its most practical form. Many parents are adept at loving their children, but they struggle to put that love into practice. While loving your child is a crucial aspect of parenting, the pinnacle of fulfillment comes when you truly understand your child.

Understanding your child empowers you to nurture their dreams and unlock their hidden potentials. It helps you identify the resources needed for their successful future.

It’s essential to recognise that parenting doesn’t begin with love or providing for basic needs. Some parents shower their children with material comforts but remain absent from their lives. Giving birth is one thing; being a parent is another.

Have you ever wondered why there’s a rise in deviant behavior and a decline in peace? Mahatma Gandhi once said, “To reach real peace in the world, we will have to begin with the children.” The world suffers when children lack attention, especially when they aren’t understood.

Understanding your children is the key to successful parenting. Who is your child to you? What is their temperament? What are their likes and dislikes? These questions must have clear answers in your mind.

Did you know that some children don’t respond well to rebuke? For them, rebuke stifles their development. Instead, correction should be approached differently, as rebuke or insult rarely serves as a suitable corrective tool.

So, how can you understand your child?

1. Observe: Spend time with your child, observe their behavior, reactions, and interactions. This will reveal much about their personality.

2. Be Your Child’s Best Friend: Make your child feel secure, loved, and wanted. Encourage them to open up to you.

3. Spend Quality Time Together: Engage in activities like playing games, cooking, or cleaning together. Quality time strengthens your bond.

4. Praise Wisely: Praise your child for their accomplishments, but avoid overpraising, which can lead to arrogance.

5. Listen: Actively listen to your child to deepen your connection and understanding.

By following these steps and consulting a higher source, such as God, you can unlock the ability to truly understand your children. Remember, as a parent, you represent God to your family, and applying these truths in your home can lead to transformation.

Written by Tonnie Baffoe (Ekroful District, Agona Swedru District)

In a world characterised by its swift pace and constant distractions, it can be all too easy to lose sight of the core essence of the Gospel: compassion for the lost. As followers of Christ, we are beckoned to mirror His example. Jesus, whose earthly ministry radiated unwavering love and boundless compassion for those spiritually adrift, stands as our ultimate guide. In the pages that follow, we delve into the profound and transformative potential of cultivating a compassionate heart towards those who are lost.

This transformation, we discover, doesn’t just reshape our approach to evangelism, but it also reflects the profound and enduring power of the Good News. Compassion forms the very foundation of Jesus’ life and teachings. His interactions with society’s outcasts, the downtrodden, and those who had strayed were marked not only by empathy but by an ardent concern for their spiritual well-being.

The accounts of Jesus engaging with the Samaritan woman, encountering Zacchaeus, and warmly welcoming back the prodigal son beautifully illustrate a Savior whose heart overflowed with inexhaustible love. Through His compassionate actions, we unearth the genuine essence of evangelism – an act of love that seeks to mend and transform lives in ways that words alone cannot achieve.

When we embrace a compassionate approach, we redefine the very fabric of our evangelistic endeavours. No longer fueled solely by a sense of obligation, our outreach efforts become infused with genuine care and concern for the souls of others. Evangelism, once a task, transforms into an opportunity to forge deeper connections, enabling us to share the hope that has irrevocably changed our own lives.

Compassion infuses our outreach with a depth that goes beyond verbal communication; it metamorphoses into a lifeline of love extended to those who yearn for its healing touch. The journey to cultivating a compassionate heart begins with deliberate steps, deeply rooted in our relationship with God. The habit of immersing ourselves in His Word through consistent and prayerful Bible study opens our hearts to His divine concern for the lost.

Through Scripture, we catch a glimpse of God’s heart – a heart that beats with unwavering love for each individual. Furthermore, prayer becomes the bridge that connects us to His perspective, aligning our desires with His own and igniting within us an unwavering passion for souls. Indeed, prayer takes on a central role in the cultivation of compassion. In the intimate moments of communion with our Creator, our hearts are gradually molded into vessels of empathy and love.

As we fervently pray for those who are lost, our petitions are enveloped in the very compassion that propelled Jesus into transformative action. Through prayer, we learn to embrace the brokenness of the world and present it before a God who is both attentive and responsive. In these moments, we glimpse the contours of God’s own heart, pulsating with compassion for His creation.

Nurturing a heart of compassion for the lost isn’t a mere endpoint; it’s an ongoing and transformative journey. It’s a metamorphosis that infuses our approach to evangelism with unparalleled zeal, shifting it from an obligatory task to a fervent passion.

As we step into the footprints of our compassionate Savior, each interaction with others takes on new meaning – an opportunity to extend the love that was first extended to us. Through our evangelism, may our words be accompanied not just by eloquence, but by the boundless love we have been privileged to experience. In doing so, we become living embodiments of Christ’s compassion, offering a Good News that possesses the unshakable power to transform lives radically. In closing, let this exploration of compassion inspire and embolden us all.

May we view evangelism as a genuine act of love and not just a normal church activity, and may the love of Christ that resides within us shine brightly, illuminating the lives of those we touch with the radiance of His unending and transformative compassion.

Written by Elder Amos Atanga (Firestone Worship Centre, The Church of Pentecost)

Enthusiasm in Christian fellowship is all about nurturing an eager and passionate attitude towards our faith and engaging with fellow believers. It’s about feeling excited to come together, worship, and share the love of Christ with one another. When we approach fellowship with enthusiasm, it creates an atmosphere of joy and excitement, fostering deeper connections and inspiring others in their own faith journey. It’s about genuinely being enthusiastic about our relationship with God and allowing that enthusiasm to shine through in our interactions with fellow believers. So, let’s wholeheartedly embrace enthusiasm in Christian fellowship and let our passion for God’s love and grace be contagious!

The outgoing General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, is one who is known for his zeal and passion for the work of ministry. He is indeed a shining example of how a Christian can display an eager and passionate attitude towards the things of God.

Here are some reasons why enthusiasm is crucial in Christian fellowship, supported by relevant scriptures:

• Building Strong Connections: Enthusiasm helps fortify our bonds with fellow believers and deepens our sense of community. (Romans 12:10)
• Inspiring Worship: Approaching worship with enthusiasm glorifies God and invites others to join in praising Him. (Psalm 100:1-2)
• Sharing the Good News: Enthusiasm in Christian fellowship encourages us to share the message of salvation and serve as ambassadors for Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Encouragement and Support: Enthusiastic fellowship uplifts and supports one another, providing comfort and encouragement in times of need. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Growing in Faith: Through enthusiastic fellowship, we can learn from one another, share insights, and grow in our understanding of God’s Word. (Proverbs 27:17)

Remember, enthusiasm in Christian fellowship reflects our love for God and our desire to engage with others in a spirit of joy and unity. Let’s continue to cultivate enthusiasm in our fellowship and inspire others to do the same!

Written by Deacon Silas Aboagye (Somanya, Okornya District, Agormanya Area)

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21a).

Even though systems of this world and its inhabitants have their unique methods of selecting or replacing their leaders, God is keenly interested in whoever leads, even jurisdictions and areas that can easily be classified as unbelievers. It is so because everything happening everywhere across the globe affects His called and the larger program of the second coming of Christ. In Jeremiah 27:6, God referred to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, as His servant even though he was used as a disciplining rod against Israel, His children. He again called Cyrus, King of Persia, as His anointed one in Isaiah 45:1 because He used him to reinstate them after their days in exile. If God intercepted the affairs of the rulers in the Gentile world then owing to the fortunes of Israel, then the Israel of God (i.e. Christians) must rest assured that He will be interested in whoever leads even the minutest group or sects in His vineyard business.

Unfortunately, there are times when the body of Christ witnesses needless bickering, strife and unhealthy struggle for power to lead God’s people. Due to what human manipulations and connections have achieved for some regarding appointments or promotions, many tend to lose sight of the fact that if God really wants you to occupy a position, nothing can stop it. Therefore, believers must ask themselves whether they are sure God had chosen them to occupy the seat they are so aspiring for. We will take a few God-appointed as Leaders and some substitutions He effected and glean lessons from them as Believers.

ELI TO SAMUEL

Eli was serving as High Priest at Shiloh with the support of his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were also Priests. Unfortunately, these two sons of Eli started appropriating for themselves the best portion of sacrifices besides having sexual relations with the Temple’s serving women (1 Samuel 2:12-36). When they failed to repent of their wrongdoing, God decided to remove the Priesthood from Eli’s household and replace him with another person. The nod or Eli’s replacement fell on Elkanah’s household and specifically through a woman who was barren at the time. That woman was Hannah. Even at Elkanah’s house, God did not choose his offspring with Peninnah but opted for the humanly impossible option of Hannah’s non-existent child at the time. So, even under the same roof, God cannot be stampeded to accept anyone as His chosen leader for His use. He reserves the right and can engineer into existence even when what He wants is not readily available. According to 1 Samuel 1:7, Hannah’s faithfulness and commitment to God through the Temple worship was unwavering, although her need for a child was yet to be met. Could it be that her consistency at the worship at Shiloh for years was all in preparations for the grounds for her soon-coming son to hear and obey God’s voice? Penninah’s mockery of Hannah’s childlessness also urged her to rely entirely on God for her own child. The breakdown of law and order in Eli’s household, together with the level of truancy by his children, continued whilst Eli watched on helplessly. Humanly speaking, Samuel hadn’t even been conceived, let alone joined the queue of those likely to succeed Eli when he is called to glory.

God finally visited Hannah with a male child in the person of Samuel, whom she also dedicated to the service of God. Eli blessed young Samuel and, under his mentorship, taught and raised him to hear God’s voice and respond to Him appropriately (1 Samuel 3:9-10). Would Eli have blessed Hannah’s womb if he knew her seed would take over from him and, by extension, deny his household their Priestly legacy? Would he also have selflessly raised Samuel the way he did if he knew the latter’s steady growth in the Lord meant the loss of the leadership mantle from his household? If God could cause a person to bless and raise another to take over from him to the detriment of his own home, then believers must relax and leave all the processes that lead to appointing leaders and their substitution to Him. In one of Israel’s battles, Hophni and Phinehas died together. Eli also fell and died at the breaking of the news about the capture of the Ark and the death of his sons. At this time, God had started reaping the benefits of the investments He had made in Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21). 1 Samuel 3:19 reads, ” The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” After Eli’s death, Samuel took over the ruins of the leadership of Israel (1 Samuel 7:1-17). Samuel, therefore, had no hand in the happenings against Eli’s household and their painful defeats in their battle against the Philistines that led to his elevation as a Prophet. The “Samuels” of today must focus their energies on maintaining a steady growth in God and living the business and politics of who takes over from whom to God. He knows what to do at all times.

SAMUEL TO SAUL

When Samuel was old, and the Israelites began to look for his successor beyond his two sons who loved bribes, they agitated for a human king as all other nations did (1 Samuel 8:5). In all their agitation, Saul had no idea that the mantle was going to fall on him as the first human king of Israel in their promised land. Samuel was displeased with Israel’s request for a king. However, after he prayed about it, God calmed his nerves and directed him on what to do (1 Samuel 8:6). When leaders spend time and pray about their successors, God hears and intervenes, no matter the level of hatred that precedes the eventual choice.

Although it was not God’s will for Israel to be ruled by human kings, he selected and supervised the selection of King Saul, but not without warning them of the consequences of living under human kingship (1 Samuel 8:11-17). Saul’s height and personality depicted and illustrated what humans usually consider in the selection of leaders (1 Samuel 9:2; 16:7). Saul needed to meet Samuel to be anointed, so God displaced some donkeys belonging to Kish, Saul’s father.

Saul and one of his father’s servants searched all the most probable areas, but the donkeys were nowhere to be found (1 Samuel 9:4-5). This obviously would not be a pleasant experience for the household of Kish, but God was up to something more than the mind could ever imagine. Similarly, some may have to temporarily endure painful ordeals to meet their “Samuels” to take over their God-ordained leadership mantles.

Saul, in his desperation and concern for his father, suggested to the servant that they return home. The servant, however, brought an idea to look for a respectable seer in the town he had heard of who could help them. On their way to look for Samuel, who happened to be the said seer, a group of young women directed them to him. After Saul met Samuel, his father’s missing donkeys were found, and he was equally anointed as Israel’s first king. Kish’s servant and the young women were, therefore, consequential in the plan of God for Saul to meet Samuel (1 Samuel 9).

Therefore, God knows how to use circumstances, the lowly in society, such as servants and women who were usually relegated to the background in those days, to bring his purposes to pass. This is all the more reason why we must respect and love all those God brings along our path. You might not know the slave girl the Lord had directed to usher you to your predecessor or God-given office.

Samuel said to all the people at Saul’s coronation, “Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And the Israelites shouted, “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24). In all these, God did not expect Samuel to be bitter in any way for not choosing Joel, one of his sons, to be the king. The same God who rejected Eli’s sons for him was the very God who picked Saul ahead of Joel. When choosing people to lead at any given time, he insists that he is the greatest stakeholder, so he must be allowed to do whatever pleases him.

SAUL TO DAVID

Just after his glorious investiture as Israel’s first human king, God decided to take the kingship from Saul’s household and replace him with someone after his own heart due to disobedience. He offered a burnt offering contrary to spiritual protocols and failed to carry out orders from God in the battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-11). God, therefore, announced his rejection and substitution through Samuel. David had not even been born at this time because Saul was around 30 years old. Saul was around 42 years old when David was probably born (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Therefore, David, his successor, could not have had any hand in his rejection by God. This happened totally by surprise (1 Samuel 15:26-27). Although God announced his rejection in the early days of his reign, he ruled for 42 years before God brought on board his successor. God knows how to change his people and determines the right time to do so, even when they appear to have failed woefully.

In one of Israel’s military campaigns, Jonathan was rescued by the men of Israel from being killed by his father, Saul, in 1 Samuel 14:43-45. God orchestrated all that because Jonathan’s life was consequential to the smooth handing over of power to David as king. Mysteriously, Jonathan, who was slated to succeed his father as king, loved David beyond human comprehension and against his own chances of ascending the throne in the event of his father’s demise. Therefore, God can preserve some people’s lives until his purposes concerning those he has chosen to lead his people are fulfilled. God can also put the special love of others in the hearts of some influential people for his chosen leaders. It is God who supposedly makes “rivals” or competitors love each other as though nothing is at stake (1 Samuel 19:1).

God instructed Samuel to visit the house of Jesse and anoint the one he had chosen as Saul’s successor. Jesse lined up his children, starting with the eldest, for God to choose from. David appeared forgotten because he was in the bush tending the household’s flock at the time. After all the seven sons had assembled before Samuel, he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (1 Samuel 16:11-12). Although David was the youngest and the most unlikely, looking at the distance between him from the bush to the horn of oil, God caused time to wait for him. No human being or manipulation can cover a chosen vessel of God and keep them beyond his reach. If he wants a person, he speaks to events, times, and seasons to wait for them until they arrive. When David finally appeared, God told Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” (1 Samuel 16:13). God knows the one, so let us relax whenever we wait on God to choose from possible contenders.

A champion of Gath named Goliath suddenly arose and began to terrorize Israel. They could not offer him a suitable reply for forty days until David stormed the battlefield. David’s father sent him on an errand to seek his brothers’ welfare on the battlefield and supply them with food (1 Samuel 17:17). He did not expect David to bother himself with Israel’s invasion by the Philistines led by Goliath in the Valley of Elah. David’s eldest brother Eliab picked up an unnecessary quarrel with him, which could have silenced and discouraged him from going back to his shell. David, however, would not entertain such discouraging remarks. The “Davids” must focus on giving their best by ignoring such disparaging remarks and attacks from the senior brother “Eliabs” (1 Samuel 17:29). Saul began to be tortured by evil spirits, which could only be handled and managed by David’s skill of playing the harp. These were all God’s orchestration to bring David to the limelight and for Saul’s managers to know his usefulness and ensure a smooth transition process (1 Samuel 16:23; 17:11; 17:26). Similarly, Joseph was also sent by Jacob, his father, to seek his brothers’ welfare in Dothan when he ended up being sold by them to Egypt to become the prime minister of Egypt. Running errands for our parents and staying obedient and loyal to people in authority are ways God uses to unearth his plans for our lives.

The adverse effects of nepotism, cronyism, and family-and-friends syndrome are real in any governance system or leadership structure. However, those machinations cannot thwart God’s purposes for those he has selected to lead. If not, how come all of Saul’s biological children came to David’s side and helped him escape all the deadly traps their father set for him (1 Samuel 19:1; 11-17; 20:31)? If God has selected you for an assignment, do not fret when you see the tendencies of family and friends at play. God knows how to handle that as well. Then comes the risky management of dealing with the threats on one’s life from those who see themselves as contenders or competitors. At one point, when David thought he was by all means going to be killed by Saul, he said, “I am only a step away from death” (1 Samuel 20:3). Was Saul going to succeed in killing David, the chosen king after God’s own heart? David wept bitterly in 1 Samuel 20:41 and at one point even feigned madness all because of how close he encountered death because of Saul (1 Samuel 21:13; 23:14). If God selects and appoints, he also secures and preserves, so let us trust in him.

VASHTI TO ESTHER

Vashti was the queen of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes, who ruled over 120 provinces stretching from India to Cush. In one of the celebrations at his royal palace, the king sent for his wife Vashti to come up on stage and display her beauty to the nobles and people gathered. Mysteriously, the queen refused to come (Esther 1:12). This infuriated the king and ultimately ended in her removal as queen. A mechanism was quickly put in place to select a new queen for the king, and in the end, Esther the Jew won the contest and became the wife and queen in replacement of Vashti. Pundits would never have given Esther any dog’s chance to compete since she was not only a non-citizen of the land, she was one of the exiles who was also an orphan raised by her male cousin Mordecai. Her good looks were therefore offered by God for the assignment God had for her.

Concerning Esther’s beauty, Esther 2:7 reads, “This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” Meanwhile, concerning Vashti’s beauty, the Bible says, “… For she was lovely to look at.” (Esther 1:11). That was a titanic clash between “lovely figure” and “lovely to look at.” However, when God found Esther’s position as a queen to be consequential in curbing the wicked plans of Haman against his children, he supervised Vashti’s replacement with Esther.

GOD WORKS THROUGH MEN

Some believe in working through men to annex certain positions of authority and influence. Such people fail to acknowledge that God is the greatest stakeholder in his vineyard business and would therefore not have a disinterested posturing regarding who becomes what. Absalom lost sight of this fact and planned an overthrow of David, his father, with the help of influential minds like Ahitophel. God wouldn’t have any of that, and in the end, Absalom met his untimely death (2 Samuel 15). God does not condone rebellion as a route of ascending to leadership positions. He had already prepared Solomon to be David’s successor instead of Absalom.

God enforced the judgment on Eli’s household when he wanted Samuel, selected and supervised Israel’s misguided choice of a human king, Saul, even against his will for them. He rejected and substituted Saul with David when he disobeyed him and caused the destoolment of Queen Vashti of Persia to make way for Esther, the orphan. For Absalom, who tried maneuvering his way out to the political office, the least said about him, the better. Instead of being carried away by what could be best described as human-centered aspirations or ill-advised ambitions, let us relax and focus on our callings because if God wants you there, he knows what to do.

On this note, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Apostle Eric Nyamekye on his re-election as the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost. Daddy, may the Lord God, who knew and chose you even before birth, continue to be your help, guide, and shield. o Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi, I say a big “Ayekooooo!” to you for the successful completion of your mandate as the General Secretary of our dear church. Congratulations to you once again, Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, on your election as the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost. God will surely see you through. I would also like to congratulate Apostle Dr. Jimmy Markin and all the newly elected Executive Council members for being selected by God to continue the great work our fathers of the church started.

Written by Pastor James Agyin

Amidst the awe-inspiring miracles, signs, and wonders that characterised the recently-held “Greater-Kumasi for Christ” Crusade, a resounding melody rose above the congregation—a melody that not only soothed souls but also carried the power to heal. This melodious gift came from none other than the spiritually-charged “Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir.”

Curious minds may wonder: How did this remarkable choir come into existence?

During the four-day crusade, I had the privilege to engage with Pastor Godfred Ebo Dadzi of the Atonsu District and Pastor Isaac Baah Yeboah of the Asokwa District, the leaders of this yet-to-be-famed choir that held participants captive within the expansive Heroes Park at the forecourt of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

They revealed to me the fascinating tale of the choir’s formation, its directors, and their far-reaching vision for the years ahead.

Formed in preparation for this monumental event, the Choir took shape a few months prior to the crusade in August. The group comprises choirs from the branches of the Church in Asokwa, New Tafo, Suame, Kotei, Abuakwa, Kwadaso, Bompata, and Atonsu—all nestled within the Ashanti Region.

The Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir stands as a harmonious embodiment of unity and spiritual fervor, much like the “Voice of Pentecost” (VoP), the official choir of The Church of Pentecost.

Under the dedicated guidance of Elder Emmanuel Amofa, the Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir regularly convened to fine-tune their harmonies. Leading rehearsals and vocal training sessions were the steadfast Managing Director Gideon Kofi Gyimah (PIWC Asokwa), Inspector Daniel Oti Sarpong (PIWC New Tafo), and Sarah Akua Addo (PIWC Suame).

Their efforts paid off as the relatively-young Choir exceeded all expectations with powerful ministrations throughout the event.

The Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir proved beyond every reasonable doubt that songs are powerful weapons that believers must effectively employ in the work of ministry. They also proved that hard work indeed pays and that excellence is possible.

This should serve as great motivation for church leaders, chorus leaders, and choirs at the various levels of the church to see singing as a ministry and reposition our choirs for maximum impact.

We must also be prepared to make the right investments (time, passion, and resources), bearing in mind that songs can also be used to lead souls to Christ and enhance the church’s worship life.

It is worth noting that several remarkable choral groups within the Church have been making great strides. Noteworthy among them are “The New Song” (TNS) choir of PIWC-Odorkor, the captivating “Altar of Praise” (ALTOP) choir of PIWC-Downtown Ofaakor, “The Rising Glory” choir of PIWC-Asokwa,  “The Evangels” choir of Achimota District, the melodious “Celestial Voices” of PIWC-Tesano, the vibrant “Grace” choir of PIWC-Graceland, and the soul-stirring “Throne of Praise” (ToP) choir of A-Lang Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area. These emerging groups are among several others taking the singing ministry to new heights.

It was, therefore, refreshing to hear the leaders of the Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir say that their vision extends beyond the immediate event, expressing their desire to participate in more programmes in order to nurture their growth and amplify their spiritual resonance.

As the melodies from the Greater-Kumasi Mass Choir continue to reverberate, it is our prayer that their profound impact on hearts and souls during the recently-held crusade will echo through the ages.

Written by Joseph Attoh (Pent Media Centre)