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Trusting God Through Grief And Loss

Barely two months into 2026, many families have already been confronted with painful loss. For believers living abroad, especially students far from home, such moments carry a unique weight. Grief is experienced from a distance—through phone calls received with trembling hearts and messages opened with quiet fear. The news is often sudden and heartbreaking: a loved one has passed on, a promising life cut short, a family left in mourning.

For students, sorrow does not pause academic schedules. Lectures continue, assignments remain due, and examinations proceed as planned. Many find themselves carrying textbooks in their hands and grief in their hearts. The inability to return home, to sit with family, or to mourn physically with loved ones deepens the sense of isolation. Yet, even in these difficult circumstances, faith remains an anchor.

The words of Scripture take on renewed meaning in seasons of loss. Psalm 23:4 reminds believers that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are not alone. The valley is not evidence of God’s absence but a path where His presence becomes more real. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 4:8, the Apostle Paul affirms that though we are hard pressed, we are not crushed. Grief may press heavily, but it does not have the final word.

Christian hope rests in the finished work of Christ. As taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, believers grieve, but not without hope. Death is painful, yet it is not ultimate. The resurrection assures us that separation is temporary for those in Christ.

In times like these, faith may feel fragile, but it remains steadfast when anchored in God’s unchanging character. Even in the valley, the Shepherd walks beside His own.

Written By Hulda Sakyi (E-church, USA)

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The Church is An Evangelistic Movement

The Church of Jesus Christ was never intended to be a passive institution or a mere religious gathering. From its inception, the Church has existed as a living and advancing movement, commissioned by God to proclaim salvation to the world. Evangelism is therefore not an optional activity of the Church; it is its very essence.

At the heart of the Church’s mission is a singular message: Jesus Christ died for the world to be saved.

 The Great Commission: The Church’s Mandate

The evangelistic nature of the Church is firmly rooted in Christ’s command. Before His ascension, Jesus charged His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of all nations, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15). This commission defines the Church’s identity.

The Church does not exist merely to gather for worship, but to go forth as witnesses. It is called not only to celebrate salvation, but to proclaim it.

 Pentecost and the Birth of the Movement

The global evangelistic movement of the Church began on the Day of Pentecost. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles proclaimed the risen Christ with boldness, resulting in about three thousand souls being added in a single day (Acts 2:41). This moment marked the birth of a Spirit-empowered Church, advancing through proclamation rather than preservation.

 Apostolic Passion for the Gospel

The early apostles were driven by an unquenchable zeal for evangelism. Peter, once fearful and broken, became a bold preacher of repentance and salvation in Christ. Even when commanded to stop preaching, the apostles declared their allegiance to God above all else (Acts 5:29).

Similarly, Paul’s dramatic encounter with Christ transformed him from a persecutor into a tireless missionary. Despite hardship, imprisonment, and persecution, he remained unashamed of the Gospel, recognising it as the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). His life demonstrated that the Church advances not by comfort, but by conviction.

 The Message We Proclaim

At the centre of the Church’s evangelistic mission is the cross of Christ. The Gospel proclaims God’s love revealed through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Salvation is not earned by human effort, but received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

This message does not merely inform; it transforms. Through the Gospel, sins are forgiven, lives are renewed, and peace with God is restored.

 The Church Today: Continuing the Mission

The evangelistic mandate did not end with the early Church. Every generation of believers is called to continue this mission. As ambassadors of Christ, the Church represents the Kingdom of God in a broken world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

A Church that ceases to evangelise ceases to fulfil its divine purpose. The urgency of the Gospel must therefore remain central to the life and witness of the Church.

 Conclusion

The Church is, and always has been, an evangelistic movement. From Pentecost to the present day, it advances through the faithful proclamation of one enduring truth: Jesus Christ died for the world to be saved.

This message remains the hope of humanity and the reason the Church exists. May every believer embrace this sacred calling and boldly proclaim the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

By Ps. Prince Duvorn Daniels-Hortsoe, COP Buduburam Top District, Kasoa Area

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Shaping School Culture Through Godly Entertainment Leadership

Entertainment has become one of the most powerful forces shaping the identity, morals and aspirations of young people. Within Senior High Schools, music, drama, cultural programmes and digital media are not merely recreational activities; they function as formative platforms that influence attitudes, language, fashion and values. For the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda, this reality presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

When Christian teachers withdraw from active involvement in school entertainment, a vacuum is created. That space is often filled with content that promotes materialism, sensuality, rebellion and misplaced ambition. Students naturally celebrate what they repeatedly see and hear. Over time, unchecked entertainment can desensitise moral sensitivity and redefine success as fame and popularity without character.

Scripture affirms that creativity and the arts are not secular inventions but divine endowments. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David’s music ministered relief and spiritual impact. In Exodus 31:1–5, Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God for artistic excellence. These examples demonstrate that God intentionally uses creativity to advance His purposes.

Christian teachers, therefore, must view school entertainment as a strategic mission field. By providing guidance, setting standards and mentoring student creatives, they can help ensure that programmes reflect modesty, discipline and purpose. Prevention through godly influence is far more effective than attempting correction after destructive patterns are formed.

If the Church is to shape national destiny, it must influence culture at its formative stages. Senior High Schools are training grounds for future leaders. When entertainment platforms are stewarded with biblical values, they become instruments for discipleship, moral formation and societal transformation. The stage, like the pulpit, must serve the purposes of Christ.

Written By Overseer Emmanuel Kwabla Kpodo (Schools Outreach Ministry Coordinator, Axim Area) 

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Rethinking Marriage Ring Removal At Burial Services

A recent burial service brought to light a troubling request: the family of the deceased demanded that the widow remove her marriage rings to be placed in the coffin, claiming the act would “cancel the marriage covenant.”

The incident raises important concerns about the intersection of tradition, faith, and the emotional wellbeing of grieving spouses.

Across cultures, marriage is marked by visible symbols. Among Akans, specific forms of dress distinguish married women from unmarried ones, and in Islamic practice, widows observe a prescribed mourning period before certain symbols are set aside. These customs demonstrate that marriage is not abruptly dissolved at burial but transitions through recognised rites over time.

Marriage rings, though now common in Ghanaian Christian weddings, trace their origins to ancient civilizations where they symbolised eternity and enduring love. Over the years, they have been integrated into both cultural and church practices as visible tokens of covenant commitment.

Scripture teaches in Romans 7:2 that marriage is dissolved by death. However, in many Ghanaian traditions, widowhood involves structured rites before a surviving spouse is formally released. These processes are intended to manage grief and provide social support, not to impose sudden emotional detachment.

For the Church, particularly The Church of Pentecost, such developments call for pastoral sensitivity and doctrinal clarity. Demanding rings at burial services may deepen trauma and symbolically enforce an abrupt separation during a vulnerable moment.

Widows and widowers deserve compassion and dignity. Symbols of marriage should not become instruments of additional grief, but reminders of a covenant honoured in life and respectfully concluded in time.

Written by Pastor Fredrick Asante-Lartey – Bawdie District, Bogoso Area

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Jeroboam’s Sin: A Tragic Response To God’s Goodness

The goodness of God is a central theme of Scripture. Psalm 31:19 (NKJV) declares, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You.” From creation through successive generations, God has consistently demonstrated His benevolence, mercy, and faithfulness toward humanity. His goodness is inherent in His nature and not derived from any external source, as affirmed by Jesus in Mark 10:18.

Throughout biblical history, God’s goodness has lifted the humble and shown mercy to the undeserving. Yet, human response has not always reflected gratitude. The Israelites grumbled in the wilderness despite divine provision. Nine healed lepers failed to return and give thanks. The unforgiving servant, though pardoned, withheld mercy from another. These examples reveal how easily divine kindness can be met with ingratitude.

A striking illustration is found in the life of Jeroboam, recorded in 1 Kings. Raised from obscurity and made king over ten tribes of Israel through divine prophecy, Jeroboam was the beneficiary of extraordinary grace. However, out of fear that the people might return to the house of David, he instituted alternative worship practices, including the making of golden calves and appointing unauthorized priests. These actions became known as “the sins of Jeroboam” and set a destructive precedent for generations.

According to 2 Kings 17:23–24, the persistence of these sins eventually led to Israel’s exile. Jeroboam’s story stands as a sober reminder that divine favour demands faithful obedience. As believers, our response to God’s goodness must be wholehearted devotion and steadfast commitment to His will.

Written by Elder Haison Kwesi Mensah – Sankor District, Winneba Area

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Confronting Epicureanism For Societal Transformation

The rise of diverse philosophies and human-centred ideologies in today’s world continues to shape relationships, governance, and moral standards. While some of these ideas promote coexistence and human dignity, others subtly encourage self-indulgence without regard for eternal consequences. Increasingly, many pursue wealth, pleasure, and personal fulfilment at the expense of faith and godly principles.

Scripture offers a timely caution. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV), 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.” This warning is particularly relevant in an age where success is often measured by material acquisition rather than spiritual depth.

In Acts of the Apostles 17:18, Paul encountered Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens. The Epicureans believed that life’s ultimate goal was pleasure and that there was no afterlife or divine judgment. This philosophy promoted self-sufficiency, the avoidance of pain, and the pursuit of personal comfort as life’s highest ideals.

Regrettably, similar thinking persists today. Among some young people, there is a growing belief that life is solely about enjoyment and material gain, with little thought given to eternity. Such perspectives, when left unchallenged, weaken moral restraint and erode faith in God’s sovereign authority.

For the Church, this presents both a challenge and a mission opportunity. As we seek to possess the nations and transform society with the values of the Kingdom of God, we must intentionally disciple the next generation with sound biblical teaching. The message of Christ affirms that life does not end at death and that every individual is accountable to God.

Societal transformation begins when hearts are aligned with divine truth. By confronting modern expressions of Epicureanism with the gospel, the Church can raise believers who pursue righteousness above pleasure and eternal reward above temporary gain.

Written by Elder Emmmanuel Tanor, Atuna Distrtict – Dormaa Ahenkro Area

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Christian Love For A Dying Planet

Defining the “Dying World” in an Environmental Context

When we look through the lens of ecology, a “dying world” is not a metaphor—it is a measurable biological reality. It refers to the progressive degradation of Earth’s life-support systems, where the biological diversity and geological stability required to sustain life are failing.

In this context, a dying world is characterized by:

Ecological Bankruptcy: We are spending “natural capital” (forests, clean water, minerals) faster than the Earth can replenish them.

The Silent Spring: The loss of biodiversity, or what I call the “erasure of God’s handwriting,” as species go extinct at rates 1,000 times higher than natural levels.

Systemic Fever: Global warming is not just “weather,” it is a planetary instability that leads to the displacement of the “least of these”—the poor and marginalized who suffer most from our consumption.

Sharing the Love of Christ with a Groaning Creation

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:22 that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” If the world is groaning, our response as Christians should be one of active compassion.

1. Stewardship as Worship

We share Christ’s love by proving we value what He created. When we protect a watershed or plant a tree, we are telling the Creator, “I love what You have made.” It is an act of “creation care” that mirrors the way Christ cares for our souls.

2. Justice for the Vulnerable

The “dying world” hits the impoverished first. Sharing the love of Christ means fighting for environmental justice. When we advocate for clean air in low-income neighborhoods or sustainable farming in drought-stricken regions, we are literally being the hands and feet of Jesus to those “thirsty” and “hungry.”

3. Radical Hope in a Disposable Culture

Our world lives by a “use and throw away” philosophy—applying to both plastic bottles and people. Sharing Christ’s love means living out a theology of restoration. We do not just discard; we mend. We do not just consume; we conserve. This counter-cultural lifestyle points people toward a Saviour who makes all things new.

The Call to Action

We cannot claim to love the Artist while we tear apart His masterpiece. To share the love of Christ with a dying world is to be a preservative—the “salt of the earth”—quite literally. We are called to be a people who bring healing to the land and hope to the spirit.

Saving the dying world in Environmental context:

1. The Reality: Diagnosis of a “Dying World”

We describe the world as “dying” because the vital organs of our planet, the oceans, the forests, and the atmosphere, are in critical condition.

2. Spiritual and Ethical Connection

We will use the “Head-Heart-Hands” framework.

  • The Head: the facts are that “We have lost 50% of the world’s coral reefs.”
  • The Heart: Connecting it to Christ’s love, we are not just “saving the planet” for the sake of rocks and trees; we are caring for God’s neighbourhood. Stewardship is the highest form of respect for the Creator.
  • The Hands: The “Restoration Plan” below.

3. The Restoration Plan: How We Save It

Saving a “dying” world requires Resuscitation (immediate protection) and Regeneration (long-term healing).

A. The Resuscitation (Stop the Bleeding)

Decarbonize: Rapidly shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. In 2026, this is no longer a “future goal” but an immediate survival necessity.

Zero-Waste Circularity: Moving away from a “disposable” culture. If God does not throw us away when we are broken, why do we treat His world as disposable?

Policy Advocacy: Using our voices to demand clean air and water standards.

B. The Regeneration (Healing the Land)

  • Ecosystem Restoration: Supporting “Generation Restoration,” the global movement to rewild forests, peatlands, and mangroves.
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Shifting how we grow food so that it heals the soil instead of stripping it.

4. Media “Soundbites”

  • “We are not just inhabitants of Earth; we are its gardeners.”
  • “The environment is where we all meet; it is the one thing all of us share.”
  • “To love the Creator is to protect the Creation.”

5. Practical Call to Action

Audit Your Consumption: Switch to “Cold Water Wash” and air-dry clothes to cut carbon instantly.

Speak Up: Text or email your local representative about a specific environmental bill.

Restore Locally: Join a local “Creation Care” group or tree-planting initiative.

By Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah (Executive Director, Eco Impact Network)

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The Complexity of Love in Our Contemporary World

Love is one of humanity’s most discussed yet misunderstood realities. Despite centuries of reflection, it remains complex, often misdefined, and sometimes reduced to mere feelings or physical attraction.

One challenge lies in language itself. English uses a single word—love—to describe affection for people, hobbies, possessions, and experiences. This limitation blurs distinctions between different kinds of love. As the 17th-century French moralist François de La Rochefoucauld once wrote, “True love is like a ghost, which everybody talks about and few have seen.”

The Western Redefinition of Love

In contemporary Western culture, love is often equated with warm feelings, attraction, or sexual intimacy. Movies, music, and television reinforce the idea that romantic passion equals true love. Yet, sexual intimacy can exist without love. Misunderstanding love in this way has real consequences: marital disputes, emotional trauma, and broken homes are increasingly common. Cultural myths about love significantly shape behavior and expectations in relationships today.

The Greek Understanding of Love

Ancient Greek culture offered a richer view, distinguishing four types of love:

Phileo – brotherly or friendship love

Storge – familial love between parents and children

Eros – romantic or sexual love

Agape – divine, unconditional love

Modern society often emphasizes Eros, with millions equating sexual desire with true love. While intimacy can be warm and meaningful, by itself it is not love—it lacks the depth and permanence that define true love.

Among the Greek terms, Agape stands highest. Agape is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. Unlike Eros, which depends on attraction, or Phileo, which thrives on mutual connection, Agape persists regardless of circumstances. In Christian teaching, Agape is divine love. John 3:16 presents God as the ultimate source of this unconditional love, which gives without expecting anything in return and seeks the good of others even at personal cost.

Why This Matters Today

Misunderstandings about love have tangible effects. For example, during Valentine’s celebrations in Ghana, the annual shortage of condoms reflects how love is often viewed primarily through sexual desire rather than care, responsibility, or selflessness. True love extends beyond emotion or physical passion—it shapes actions, choices, and how we treat others.

To rediscover love in its fullest sense, we must look beyond feelings and attraction. True love is Agape—selfless, enduring, and unconditional. By seeking this source of love, we learn not just to feel love, but to live it.

Written by Deacon Daniel Amponsah, Moree District

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Love Is Red: Rediscovering The Meaning Of Valentine’s Day

Every February, shades of red dominate the atmosphere. Roses fill the streets, hearts decorate storefronts, and social media glows with romantic expressions. Valentine’s Day, as widely celebrated, is painted in red — a colour symbolising romance, passion, and emotional connection. For many, it is a season of gifts, dates, and public affection. Yet beyond the chocolates and candles lies a deeper question: What truly is love?

Modern Valentine’s celebrations are largely shaped by culture and commerce. Love is often presented as attraction, intense emotion, and grand gestures. While such expressions are not inherently wrong, they can reduce love to something to be displayed or consumed. In this atmosphere, some feel pressured, overlooked, or burdened by unmet expectations. The red we see becomes not only a symbol of romance, but also of comparison and emotional strain.

Scripture, however, presents a richer understanding. The Bible declares that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This truth shifts our focus from fleeting feelings to faithful commitment. Biblical love is sacrificial, patient, and rooted in truth. It is not merely about how we feel, but how we choose to act for the good of others.

For the believer, red carries deeper meaning. It points beyond roses to the cross of Jesus Christ, where love was fully revealed. The red of love is the blood He shed for humanity — an act of mercy and redemption. This is the greatest expression of love: unconditional, steadfast, and self-giving.

Viewed through this lens, Valentine’s Day becomes an opportunity for reflection. Couples are reminded that love is service and faithfulness. Singles are assured that their worth is secure in Christ. Ultimately, love is not seasonal or superficial. It is a daily calling — to love sincerely, sacrificially, and in the light of the cross.

Written by Deacon Obed Danso, Gbetsile District- Ashaiman Area

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The Prophetic And Prophetism: A Call To Be Vigilant

The prophetic ministry carries the sacred responsibility of communicating God’s heart clearly to the Body of Christ in every generation through accurate, Spirit-led utterances. However, in recent times, this noble calling has been clouded by excesses and misrepresentations, making it imperative for prophetism to be re-examined and re-aligned with the authority of Scripture.

Biblically, prophecy is a divine and inspirational message from God, given to encourage, strengthen, and comfort His people (1 Corinthians 14:3). From the Old Testament to the New Testament Church, God raised prophets as His mouthpieces to convey messages of repentance, warning, direction, and hope. While individuals like Abraham and Moses operated in prophetic grace, the formal prophetic office was firmly established in the days of Samuel, at a time when the word of the Lord was rare in Israel (1 Samuel 3:1, 20). From then, God spoke through prophets in diverse ways, as affirmed in Hebrews 1:1 and Amos 3:7.

The prophetic ministry has always been significant in God’s redemptive plan. Yet Scripture also makes it clear that the purpose of every ministry gift, including that of the prophet, is to equip the saints and build up the Body of Christ toward maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13). Any prophetic ministry that deviates from this Christ-centred purpose raises serious concern.

Central to genuine prophecy is the work of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy does not originate from human will but from men and women who speak as they are carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Throughout Scripture, the Spirit inspired prophetic utterances through diverse means – speech, song, prayer, and revelation – always to glorify God and edify His people.

Sadly, the rise of false prophets in our time has led many astray. Jesus Himself warned against such deception (Matthew 7:15; 24:11). Scripture provides a clear test: if a prophecy does not come to pass, it is not from the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:22). Believers are therefore admonished to be vigilant, grounded in God’s Word, which itself is prophetic, and firmly anchored in Christ, the greatest Prophet of all (John 4:19).

May God grant the Church discernment in these end times to uphold true prophetism and reject all forms of deception.

Written by Elder David Gyamfi, PIWC West Hills