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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)

Listening to BBC radio on Thursday, 8th May 2025, I overheard a news headline amongst others, captioned, “Bill Gates said he wanted to die poor…” I initially thought I hadn’t heard that caption well, or it might be the usual sensational spin newscasters put on their news items to attract interest. Paying attention to the particular news item, I realised what the fifth richest person and once the wealthiest person in the world intends to do in the next two decades of his life isn’t far from the news line reported by the British Broadcasting House. I further checked what Mr. Bill Gates said the next morning, and this is what he actually said: “I will give away virtually all my wealth through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to cause the saving and improving of lives around the world.” He continued, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them. There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.” Wow!

For a moment, I thought I was seated in church, soaking in one of the thought-provoking sermons from some of my revered servants of God. Although the Bill Gates Foundation has done a lot for humanity across the globe, the phrase, “I don’t want to die rich,” easily strikes a chord with students of the Bible. Are riches evil? No, please, because even the Scripture says God gives people the power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Besides, countless rich people in Scripture and around our modern society have been and are still a blessing to the Kingdom business and the world. What would cause a man who has served humanity with a chunk of his resources to suddenly decide to write off virtually the remaining at the twilight of his life? Is there something he is seeing that others cannot see? Is he getting a deeper understanding of wealth that some of us have yet to comprehend? How clearly is one of the wealthiest people in our modern-day world viewing the plights of the poor or needy in society, some through no fault of their own? Why doesn’t he want to be tagged or associated with the rich after his death?

About earthly riches, Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). The end of the rich man in Jesus’ illustration about life after death is equally concerning and sends shivers down the spine of all who keep a lot that is supposed to be shared. I know and have heard of others who, on their sick bed, decided to give away treasures they never anticipated bequeathing for the benefit of the needy and organisations before breathing their last. Does age or grey hair have anything to do with this depth of appreciation of this temporary life? Is that why King Solomon, the wealthiest among all kings by Jesus’ standard, saw the vain things of this world in his latter days on earth? Some of his latter-year sayings were, “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

What of asking God to help us understand the vanities of this life a little earlier or in our youthful years? King David, Solomon’s father, once prayed, “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4). In that case, we can start the divine practice of putting smiles on the faces of many before it is too late—although it is better late than never. As a student of the Good Book, I have humbly picked the following lessons from Bill Gates’ last-minute but game-changing move, which I intend to share:

WE CAN TAKE NOTHING FROM THIS WORLD:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). Unfortunately, this Biblical admonition to all humans—that we can take nothing out of this world—only seems real when people are on their sick beds or about to die. I understood the above Scripture well when I attended the burial service of a renowned academic scholar. At the committal ceremony at the cemetery, when the coffin was being covered with earth, I asked why a copy of his numerous certificates was not placed in the coffin. It is impossible to take a penny or a dime with you to the next world. All material possessions and acquisitions are for the use of this temporary life and must not be for the benefit of their owners or family members alone. A deeper insight into this truth would possibly help the living to do even more than what Bill Gates has been doing and planning to escalate within the next few years of his life. Microsoft founder Bill Gates said he intends to give away 99% of his vast fortune over the next 20 years. Gates said he would accelerate his giving via his foundation, with plans to end its operations in 2045. None of our assets would be used appropriately after our exit, so it is better to supervise their judicious use by sharing with others, especially people in need, before it is too late. At 69 years of age this year, may the good Lord, the giver and preserver of human life, grant him the needed space, health, and life to live and supervise this divine assignment in the next 20 years.

THE CAUTION BY JESUS ABOUT PILING UP EARTHLY RICHES STILL RESOUNDS:

There is nothing wrong with the divine blessings of riches and wealth, mainly when used to benefit the Kingdom business and societal transformation. The challenge and tricky part of piling up riches and treasures lies in the motivation and use of such resources. If much of these resources are for personal aggrandisement and self-gratification, then the caution by Jesus would stare at you. One such caution is in Matthew 6:19–21. It reads, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Lord continued, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). Having spent about $100bn on health and developmental projects over the years, Bill Gates intends to spend an additional $200bn in the next two decades. By this time, he expects to be out of the league of the world’s wealthy people for his wish to be achieved.

WE DON’T NEED ALL WE CRAVE:

“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:8–10). It is an open secret that we don’t need all the material possessions we crave. Just look at your wardrobe or shoe rack, even if you cannot easily lay hold of your bank balances. Indeed, I read somewhere that most people leave at least 70% of their savings or entitlements for relatives and others to spend. This means just a third of our worth should be enough to cater for one’s needs and that of their dependents. The remaining two-thirds are expected to be channeled to the Kingdom business and to transform other lives.

THE JOY OF GIVING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIVES IS IMMEASURABLE:

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). I believe God put something in humankind at creation that brings them indescribable joy anytime others or society smile at their instance. Bill Gates said, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.” Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). If you haven’t started sharing your possessions with others, try now and you would be amazed at the extent of fulfilment and meaningfulness life would bring to you. Like Bill Gates, those already sharing must take it to the next level to attain perfection, as Jesus taught the rich young ruler. Wealth is meaningless until it is channeled to improve other people’s lives. Apostle Paul, therefore, instructed Timothy saying, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:19).

GOD GIVES US TO SHARE WITH OTHERS:

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). Did we hear that? Sharing with the poor is tantamount to lending to God, who essentially owns everything. What then are we waiting for? In Proverbs 31:20, the wife of noble character likes to share with others: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” How much must one attain or possess before sharing with others? “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11). Sharing the additional shirt with the one who doesn’t have one suggests God wants us to share as long as visible needs are unmet. Piling up treasures, goods, food items, or appliances until they are outdated or expired is alien to the Christian faith.

Then comes the million-dollar question:“Do we necessarily have to be admitted to the league or club of the rich before sharing our possessions with others?” Fortunately, no! Although an apparent classification designed by the world qualifies one as rich, Scripture doesn’t rely on such categorisation regarding sharing. Once there’s a spare or enough to share with others, we must do what is needed. So, members of the early church had no such oligarchs, yet they shared whatever each had, which enriched their fellowship. Indeed, some even went to the extent of selling or liquidating their properties to be able to meet the needs of others.

“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:21–22).

“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:45).

This practice of helping others or advancing the Kingdom’s business obviously wouldn’t be popular in a culture that prides itself on material possessions and acquisitions. However, God expects both the poor and the rich to share.

“Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on’” (Mark 12:41–44).

HUMANS ARE REMEMBERED FOR THEIR GOOD DEEDS AND NOT THEIR FINANCIAL WORTH:

Seldom would you hear the account balances or financial worth of people after they pass on. It is mainly their deeds that people remember them for—especially the good ones. The people we usually remember are those who made a lasting impact in our lives through an act of kindness or generosity. Apostle Paul, in his admonition to the resourceful, said:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17–18).

From the days of Abraham to King Solomon and our modern day, God will never stop raising rich and wealthy people. It is refreshing and thought-provoking to learn about what they do in their world, and what others like Mr. Bill Gates do with their God-given wealth. To live life to its fullest and logical conclusion—no matter the length of days God gives—one is expected to share all their possessions with the needy and be a blessing to their society. By this, we can be sure of the love of God in our hearts.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17).

May God show His love to Bill Gates and continue to bless him.

Written by Apostle James Orhin Agyin

The Wa Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost celebrated this year’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, by extending love and support to the inmates of the Wa Central Prison.

As part of the celebration, the women donated assorted essential items, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, gari, sugar, boxer shorts, and slippers, to help address some of the inmates’ pressing needs. 

The team received a warm welcome from the officers of the Ghana Prison Service, who expressed profound appreciation for the ministry’s continued support.

On behalf of the ministry, Deaconess Rita Milku, the Area Women’s Ministry Leader, presented the items, explaining that the donation was intended to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the inmates. She emphasised that, as mothers, they empathise with the struggles of those in custody and hope the gesture would bring them comfort. 

During a time of interaction, Mrs Dorcas Awuni, the Minister’s Wives Representative on the Area Women’s Ministry Executive Committee, delivered a powerful message of hope and encouragement, urging the inmates to trust in God’s unwavering love.

Quoting Isaiah 49:15, she reminded them that even if a mother were to forget her child, God would never forget them. She encouraged them to cultivate a personal relationship with God, likening it to the bond between a mother and her child; a connection built on love, care, and reassurance. She then invited them to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour, assuring them of His ever-present guidance and comfort. 

As the message resonated deeply, an altar call was made, leading to a transformational moment where nine inmates accepted Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. 

The inmates expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the spiritual encouragement and material support, sharing how the visit had uplifted their spirits. 

Among those present were Pastor Solomon Mensah (Minister in Charge of the Prison and Associate Ministry), alongside the Area Women’s Ministry Leader and her executives. Also in attendance were Mrs Rita Ampah (Wife of the Resident Minister of PIWC-Wa), Mrs Augustina Dadzie (Wife of the Blue Hill District Minister), and other district leaders. 

The Wa Area Women’s Ministry remains committed to spreading God’s love and compassion to those in need, ensuring that His message of hope reaches every corner of society. 

Report by Wa Area Media Team

Life rarely unfolds according to our plans. Dreams may shift, locations may change, and seasons may surprise us. Yet in the midst of life’s unpredictability, God calls us to something steady and powerful: to grow right where we are planted.

The phrase “GROW WHEREVER YOU ARE PLANTED” is not just a nice motivational quote it is a spiritual principle deeply rooted in Scripture. In Jeremiah 17:7–8, we read:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

This passage is a powerful reminder that our growth does not depend on perfect conditions. It depends on where our roots are on whom our trust is placed. When we stay rooted in God’s Word and presence, we can thrive even in unlikely soil.

YOUR PLACE HAS PURPOSE

You may be in a job that feels unfulfilling, a town you did not plan to live in, or a life stage that feels slow or stagnant. But your location both physically and spiritually is not a mistake. God does not plant you randomly. He plants with intention.

The Apostle Paul, writing to believers in the early church, often emphasised blooming in place. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, he said, “Each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” God can use any season, any place, any position to produce growth in us and through us.

BLOOM IN THE MUNDANE

Growth is not always flashy. Sometimes it looks like showing up with integrity at work, being kind to difficult people, staying faithful in prayer when no one sees, or serving your local church consistently. These quiet moments are like roots growing underground unseen but essential.

We do not need to wait for better circumstances to live purposefully. God is present here, and He can produce fruit from our lives when we yield to Him fully even in ordinary or difficult settings.

FLOURISHING DESPITE THE HEAT

Jeremiah’s imagery of the tree “not fearing when heat comes” is significant. Trials and hardships are not the enemy of growth, they are often the catalyst for it. When we lean into God in hard times, our roots grow deeper. Our dependence strengthens. Our witness becomes more authentic.

Heat will come. Droughts will arrive. But the one who stays planted in God will remain green alive, resilient, and fruitful.

EXTEND YOUR SHADE TO OTHERS

A tree that flourishes does not grow just for itself but it provides shade, shelter, and nourishment to others. When you grow where you are planted, your testimony becomes a refuge for those in need. Your faith can encourage, strengthen, and uplift those around you.

Growth is not merely for personal benefit; it becomes a means of blessing others. Your perseverance, kindness, and unwavering trust in God can serve as a source of strength for those walking through their own dry seasons.

CONCLUSION

Wherever you are today whether in a season of abundance or drought, trust that God can grow something beautiful through your life. Don’t despise your place of planting. Instead, water it with prayer, fertilise it with faith, and tend it with gratitude.

Because when you grow where you are planted, you become a testimony of God’s goodness, right in the soil where He has placed you.

Written by Elder Solomon Nii Ofoli Tackie (Oduman District, Anyaa-Ablekuma Area)