Frederick Mensah Wins WEB

Frederick Mensah Wins 2023 Preacher Kid Contest

In a heartening display of youthful devotion and faith, Master Frederick Acheampong Mensah from the Bompata Area emerged victorious in this year’s Preacher Kid Contest, organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost. 

Frederick secured the top spot with an impressive score of 90.33%, outshining fellow contestants.

The contest was held on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre in Atomic, Accra, with over 2,000 children from various Areas of the Church to cheer up the contestants. 

In his welcome address, Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Patron of the Children’s Ministry and Area Head for Obuasi) said the Preacher Kid competition, which started in 2018, goes beyond merely raising children filled with the Word of God but also aims to equip them with the ability to rightly divide the Word of Truth, as emphasised in 2 Timothy 2:15. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated trainers who tirelessly nurture the contestants, preparing them to make an indelible mark on the world. 

“The Preacher Kid is more than just a contest; it’s a vital building block for the church, fostering the growth of godly children destined for maximum impact,” he stressed. 

He also acknowledged the impressive lineage of previous winners and expressed hope for the emergence of genuine preachers who will deliver the unadulterated word of God to sanctify the nation.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, acknowledged the significance of the Children’s Ministry in the church and its responsibilities. 

The Chairman stressed the importance of focusing on the next generation recognising the inherent limits of human existence. 

“As generations evolve, they bring their unique challenges, which can only be effectively addressed by individuals from the same generation,” he said.

Apostle Nyamekye urged parents to impart the word of God to their children, emphasising the need to bridge generational gaps to prevent a time when a generation might not know God. 

He commended the Preacher Kid concept, which directs children toward the Bible. 

Drawing inspiration from 1 Samuel 3:1, he encouraged all to believe in the contestants’ abilities since the Lord can use them to bring about positive change. 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye concluded with a call to work collectively toward a better future for The Church Of Pentecost.

The competition featured distinguished judges, including Apostle Colonel B. G. Kumi-Woode (Director of Worship Affairs in the Ghana Armed Forces), Apostle Tony Mensah (Resident Minister at PIWC-Atomic), and Mrs Gifty Dansoah Otu-Appiah (wife of Goaso Area Head). 

Her Worship Susan Nyarkotey, a deaconess of the church, expertly managed the timekeeping.

Five talented contestants showcased their prowess by delivering powerful sermons on the theme: “Repositioning the Local Church For Maximum Impact in the Nations” during the first round. 

In the second round, they shifted their focus to “Repositioning the Children For Maximum Impact in the Local Church.”

Master Frederick Acheampong Mensah’s exceptional performance earned him the 1st position with a commanding score of 90.33%. 

Master Jesse Quashie Kwansah from Takoradi Area secured the 2nd position with 83.83%. 

Miss Nhyira Asare Duah, representing the Teshie-Nungua Area, claimed the 3rd position with 76.67%. 

Master Kwadwo Akyede Kese Debrah from the Tamale Area took the 4th position with 75.70%, while Master Wakefield Attafoe Serebour, representing the Kete-Krachie Area, clinched the 5th position with 72.83%.

The General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, expressed his excitement after witnessing the children passionately proclaim God’s word with strength and conviction. 

He noted that the competition signals a promising future for The Church of Pentecost, with potential future ministers and ministers’ wives among the ranks. 

Apostle Obuobi encouraged child workers to redouble their efforts to nurture young talents, emphasising the importance of investing time and commitment in the Children’s Ministry.

The Children’s Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, extended his gratitude for the journey thus far, thanking God for His grace. 

He encouraged all attendees to take a moment to thank parents, guardians, and especially child workers for their unwavering dedication and support.

In attendance were Apostle Dr Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director and Executive Council Member), Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman (Teshie-Nungua Area Head), Apostle Boakye Agyarko (Haatso Area Head), Apostle Joseph Danzel (Achimota Area Head), and Apostle Kingsley Addai (Resident Minister, PIWC Kokomlemle). 

Others present included Pastor Emmanuel Appah (Finance and Administration Director, Headquarters), Pastor Felix Okyere Anti (Administrative Assistant to the General Secretary), Pastor Alexander Nyame (National Coordinator of the Ministry to Persons With Disabilities), Pastor Kwadwo Obeng (Campus Pastor, University of Ghana – Legon), Elder Ebenezer Acheampong (PEMEM Deputy Director), National Executive Committee (NEC) Members of the Children’s Ministry, Area Ministry Leaders, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Adwumakase Kese District Holds Maiden Graduation Ceremony For 56 Teens web

Adwumakase Kese District Holds Maiden Graduation Ceremony For 56 Teens

Fifty-six teens of the Children’s Ministry of Adwumakase Kesse District in the Old Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost were ushered into the Youth Ministry at a special graduation ceremony held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, with each graduand receiving a certificate of honour and a Bible.

The colourful ceremony, which was part of the just-ended National Children’s Ministry week celebration on the theme: “Building the Foundation of the Local Church For Maximum Impact,” was graced by Very Rev. Thomas Donkor Bagyina, Methodist Priest, Adwumakase Kesse.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the District Minister, Pastor Simon Kwarteng, noted that the graduation marks the end of the chapter for the graduands in the Children’s Ministry and opens another chapter for them in the Youth Ministry.

He was impressed with how the event was organised, acknowledging the efforts of the District Children’s Ministry Leadership and all the children workers in the district for making this year’s celebration a remarkable one for a district which is just one year old.

Mrs Lydia Kwarteng, the wife of the District Minister, also advised the graduands to hold fast onto the teachings by their teachers to avoid being swayed by false and erroneous teachings.  

The District Children’s Ministry Assistant Leader, Madam Veronica Osei Bediako, on behalf of the district leadership, pledged their allegiance to continue being active stakeholders of the ministry for godly development of the children for a better tomorrow.

National Children’s Ministry week celebration gives children an opportunity to showcase their talents in Bible and poetry recitals, singing, word ministration, dancing, and some cadet drills.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

Atechem District Children's Ministry Donates To Dunkwa-On-Offin Hospital Children's Ward web

Atechem District Children’s Ministry Donates To Dunkwa-On-Offin Hospital Children’s Ward

The Atechem District Children’s Ministry in the Dunkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost visited the Children’s ward of the Municipal Government Hospital in Dunkwa-On-Offin.

The visit, which took place on Monday, September 11, 2023, was part of the activities to climax the celebration of the 2023 National Children’s Ministry Week.

The church delegation was made up of Pastor Edward Kwabena Fosu (Atechem District Minister), Deaconess Mercy A. Boateng (District Leader), two elders, five teachers, and 25 children.

According to the leadership of the ministry, the rationale for the visit was to show the children how to demonstrate God’s love to others.

The team also donated assorted items valued at GHS 3,800.00 to patients at the ward.

The items comprised pieces of bedsheets, ten pieces of plastic chairs, ten bottles of Madar zone, 12 packs of toilet roll, three gallons of liquid soap, a gallon of floor cleaner, ten packs of soft drinks, 11 packs of bottled water, five packs of baby diapers, and five packs of powdered detergent (Omo).

The items were received on behalf of the patients by the Hospital Administrator, Mr. Philip Kwaku Brew Esq.

Present at the short presentation ceremony were Mr. Stephen Tetteh (Deputy Hospital Administrator), Ms. Florence Darko (Nurse Manager), and other nurses.

Ms. Florence Darko expressed profound appreciation to the Church for the kind and timely gesture.

She also pledged that the items will be put to good use.

The team then spent time with the sick children and prayed for them.

Report by Atechem District Media Team.

Diamond City Worship Centre Graduates 26 Teens To Youth Ministry web

Diamond City Worship Centre Graduates 26 Teens To Youth Ministry

Diamond City Worship Centre in the Kasoa Area of The Church of Pentecost climaxed this year’s National Children’s Ministry Week celebration for 26 teens who have successfully graduated from the Children’s Ministry to the Youth Ministry.

Their initiation rites for the transitioning process included water baptism, learning the tenets of the Church of Pentecost, and a special Holy Ghost baptism session.

In a sermon themed: “Building the Foundation of the Local Church for Maximum Impact,” Miss Akosua Nhyira Frimpong drew inspiration from Psalm 11:3 and encouraged believers to pray as one of the ways of building a solid foundation.

Her sermon shed light on the essential elements of preserving a righteous foundation.

She also emphasised that prayer and the study of Scripture should be constant and unceasing practices for every believer, forming the bedrock of their faith journey.

The Resident Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Awudi, in a brief remark, congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to be active members of the Youth Ministry to enable them to build on the foundations they have already laid through the Children’s Ministry.

Five parents, who accompanied their wards to the ceremony, gave their lives to Christ during the service.

Report by Deacon Gideon Siaw Asare.

594 Children In Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting web

594 Children In Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting

A day’s camp meeting for children, organised by the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area as part of the recently-held National Children’s Ministry Week Celebration, witnessed a massive outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as 594 children received Holy Spirit baptism.

The event, jointly organised by the Area Executive Committee led by the Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, and the Area Children’s Ministry led by Pastor Nana Kwame Damoa, was held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Pentecost Prayer Centre, Ablekuma-Agape. It recorded an attendance of 2000 children.

Pastor Thomas Ayamboya of Fanmilk District, one of the speakers for the event, took the children and teachers through Child Evangelism (Matthew 19:14-15).

He expounded on the need to evangelize the child, how both adults and children can do child evangelism, and where to find the children to evangelize.

A major highlight of the program was the great manifestation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and deliverance sessions led by Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, who also serves as the Anyaa District Minister and the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Secretary.

To the glory of God, 594 children received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

The teachers were not left out in this gratifying impartation service, as the children’s workers were prayed for and received various kinds of spiritual gifts.

Gracing the event was Pastor Peter Agyei, the Greater Accra Children’s Pastor of The Church of Pentecost, who delivered the closing remarks.

He encouraged the children’s workers to continue their good work since their labor will be rewarded by God himself.

In all, 2,190 persons, comprising 2,010 children and 180 children’s workers attended the event.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

Asutsuare District Children’s Ministry Embarks On Excursion To Shai Hills Resource Reserve web

Asutsuare District Children’s Ministry Embarks On Excursion To Shai Hills Resource Reserve

The Children’s Ministry of the Asutsuare District in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost visited the Shai Hills Resource Reserve last Saturday as part of the activities for the recently-held National Children’s Ministry Week Celebration.

This year’s weeklong celebration was held under the theme: “Building the Foundations of the Local Church for Maximum Impact,” taken from Psalm 11:3.

The focus of the celebration was to intentionally train the younger generation, strengthen, and deepen their faith in the Lord in order to impact them as future leaders.

In line with the theme for the celebration, the leadership of the Church took the children out to appreciate the natural resources that are part of God’s handiwork and to inculcate in them the need to preserve and care for God’s creation.

The Shai Hills reserve is a fenced area, about 48 km2, and is made up largely of savanna-covered plains. A mosaic of forest covers the five separate hills in the reserve, while grassland and low dry forests are found in intervening canyons. Currently, 31 mammals, 13 reptiles, and 175 bird species have been identified in the reserve.

Addressing the over 100 children who took part in the excursion, Elder Joseph Nyarko, the District Children’s Ministry Leader, urged all to serve and worship God alone, since He alone has the power to save and preserve mankind and grant eternal life.

He cautioned that man is not supposed to worship the “created things” but use them for the benefit of humanity.

The Forest Guard took the team to the hills, caves, Baobab trees, museum, the animal farm, and the home of baboons and monkeys, where the children had the opportunity to ask various questions.

He also briefed them on the history and the aesthetic and economic values of the reserve.

The children, who expressed joy and enthusiasm in the day’s trip, remarked that they had enjoyed the trip and had been educated on a lot of issues relevant to their academic and social life.

The team also included the Asutsuare District Secretary, Elder Ezekiel Abban Teye, the District Youth Ministry Leader, Elder Foster Blankson, the School Outreach Ministry (SOM) Coordinator, Elder Richard Anim, Deaconess Gifty Kumah, an Executive Committee Member of the Children Ministry, and ten Children Ministry Workers.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team.

9-Year-Old Sunday School Girl Sews Dress In 15 Minutes web

9-Year-Old Sunday School Girl Sews Dress In 15 Minutes

Bridget Klove, a nine-year-old Sunday School girl in Avoeme District in the Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost, wowed members of her church with her amazing sewing skills during a talent and exhibition event organized by the Children’s Ministry at Viepe Assembly as part of the just-ended National Children’s Ministry Week Celebration.

The gifted girl, who fellowships with Amedenta Assembly, sewed the dress in the record time of 15 minutes.

The event, dubbed “Talent Night,” was organised to encourage the Sunday School children in the district to showcase their talents and gifts.

Participants were completely shocked by the skills and dexterity of Bridget.

Bridget’s mother, who herself is a seamstress, exclaimed that she was always at a loss as to how her daughter could sew dresses since she had not undergone any professional training.

She added that some of the dresses her daughter wears to church are sewn by her daughter without any assistance. She, therefore, sees her daughter’s ability as a gift from God.

Pastor Daniel Teye Gyan Henanaopeh, the Avoeme District Minister, used the occasion to encourage parents to help their children explore their talents since the Lord has gifted them with unlimited capabilities.

Other children also seized the occasion to showcase their talents and abilities to the excitement of participants.

In attendance were Mrs. Hannah Henanaopeh (Wife of the district minister), Avoeme District Children’s Ministry Workers, and teeming members of the Church.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

Manso Adubia District Children’s Ministry Visits Orphanage web

Manso Adubia District Children’s Ministry Visits Orphanage

The Children’s Ministry of the Manso Adubia District in the Ashanti-Bekwai Area of The Church of Pentecost visited the Heart Smiles Children’s Home in Manso Akropong.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, September 7, 2023, is part of the activities marking this year’s National Children’s Ministry Week Celebration.

Being held under the theme: “Building the Foundations of the Local Church for Maximum Impact,” this year’s weeklong celebration seeks to strengthen and deepen the faith of the future leaders of the church.

In line with the theme for the celebration, the leadership of the Church took the children to the orphanage to show them how to demonstrate God’s love to others, especially the poor, through charitable giving, which is a noteworthy value and principle of the Christian faith.

The church delegation, led by the Manso Adubia District Minister, Manso Akropong, Pastor Frank Osei Tutu, and Pastor Jerome Nyanzu Cudjoe, also included 15 children and four teachers.

The team spent time with the inmates of the orphanage, encouraging them with Christian songs, dance, and play. Afterward, Pastor Frank Osei Tutu exhorted them with the word of God.

The team donated 15 packs of fresh fruit and soft drinks, five packs of bottled water, ten bags of sachet water, two bags of rice, cooking oil, five crates of eggs, a bowl of candy, and five packs of toilet roll to the home, all to the tune of GHS 2,495.00.

Report by Manso Adubia District Media Team.

TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO web

Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go: Guidance For Meaningful Parenting

INTRODUCTION:

Parenting is both a challenging and rewarding journey. There is an ancient biblical proverb that states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). In this article, we will explore the meaning of this proverb and how we can apply it to parenting, providing children with solid guidance in their physical, emotional, and spiritual development.

1. Understanding Each Child:

In parenting, it is essential to understand that each child is unique and has individual needs. The biblical proverb urges us to “train up a child in the way he should go.” This means that parents should recognize the talents, interests, and special characteristics of each child and adapt their educational approach accordingly. By deeply understanding our children, we can provide personalized parenting and align it with their unique development and potential.

2. Modeling Appropriate Behavior:

Children learn through observation and imitation, so it is crucial for parents and caregivers to model appropriate behavior. If we want to guide our children in the right direction, we must be an example of the values and virtues we wish to instill in them. This involves practicing patience, kindness, respect, and honesty in our own lives. By living according to these principles, we demonstrate to our children how to behave and how to face life’s challenges.

3. Teaching Solid Principles and Values:

Educating our children should go beyond academic knowledge. It is also vital to teach them solid principles and values that will serve as a foundation for making ethical decisions in life. This involves imparting teachings such as love for others, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and humility. The Bible offers valuable guidance in terms of principles and values, and we can draw from its teachings to convey these messages to our children.

4. Effective Communication:

To educate our children effectively, establishing open and honest communication is crucial. We should encourage an environment where our children feel safe and comfortable expressing their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. Actively listening to our children, showing understanding, and providing guidance in challenging situations will help them develop healthy communication skills, strengthen trust, and foster a close parent-child relationship.

5. Fostering Autonomy and Decision-Making:

While it is important to guide our children, it is also essential to allow them to develop autonomy and learn to make informed decisions. As they grow, we should offer them opportunities to learn from their own mistakes and experiences. This will help them develop problem-solving skills, make responsible decisions, and take accountability for their actions. In doing so, we are preparing them to face life’s challenges independently and consciously.

CONCLUSION:

Parenting is a unique and meaningful journey. By training our children in the way they should go, we provide them with a solid foundation for their physical, emotional, and spiritual development. By understanding each child, modeling appropriate behavior, teaching solid principles and values, fostering effective communication, and promoting autonomy, we are preparing our children to become confident, loving, and ethical individuals.

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

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY WEEK WEB

Children’s Ministry Week: A Reminder On The Dynamics Of God’s Plan For A Person

Do not be deceived; we have a free will choice to accept or reject God’s plan for our lives. God did not create anyone with the purpose to become evil. For instance, people become armed robbers, prostitutes, drunkards, drug addicts, adulterers, gossips, etc., because of the choices of their guardians (when they were kids) and/or their own choices when they became adults.

During the period of practicing these evils, such people are automatically living outside God’s Perfect Plan for their lives (as stated in Jer 29:11). During this time of disobedience, God, in His infinite mercies, can allow them to go through harrowing events aimed at bringing them back to the Original Plan A, as He did with the Israelites many times.

If the person persists and resists all of God’s rescue operations, the devil can kill him/her (John 10:9-10); thus, one can die before their time (Eccl 7:17). Many people do evil, and when they suffer, they come to blame God (Please read PROVERBS 19:3; it’s crucial).

So please, the notion that everything that happens in the life of a person is from God is not only false but demonic; that is a doctrinal attempt by the devil to make people irresponsible and fatalistic in their choices. Que sera sera (what will be will be) is satanic theology.

Way forward: to guard the destiny of a child, the following are imperative: parents must dedicate the child to God after birth; daily pray for the child (declare God’s promises into the life of the child and nullify any satanic agenda for the child); teach the child the Word of God as they are growing; discipline them sternly but lovingly if they persist in ungodly choices; and always take them with you to church at least every Sunday.

As an adult, the first step towards realizing God’s Original Plan for your life is to place your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; after that, you must get baptized in water and be filled with the Holy Spirit; be active in a Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Spirit-led local church; maintain godly friends and discard ungodly ones (remain open but not intimate towards them so as to reach them with the gospel in the course of time; read Psalm 1:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:22-26).

Furthermore, a key way to guard God’s Plan for your life is fervent prayer; pray all kinds of prayers without ceasing; prayer is the only way we talk with the Holy Spirit of Jesus living in us and with us to guide us through life; prayer is a 24/7 activity. With these in place, you will walk in the Spirit and thus fulfill all God’s purposes for your life and die on the exact date God ordained for you.

That death may be a peaceful one or a harrowing one does not matter to the Lord because there is hope of resurrection. All these said, the only God-ordained challenge for us to go through as we are led by the Holy Spirit at all times is PERSECUTION as well as periods of WAITING for the fulfillment of God’s Promises for our lives at the appointed milestone times.

Persecution is the multiplicity of challenges we go through at the hands of people (used by the devil knowingly or unknowingly) just because we defy ungodly principles and systems to follow Jesus through and through. Even in such moments of trial, the Lord is with us in the fire. We come out better with more faith, more patience, more maturity, and more joy after going through the furnace of persecution (trials).

Every child is born innocent, and if they grow into adulthood, none of them will die innocent as they came into the world. They will either die saved or unsaved, wise or foolish, righteous or wicked, free or enslaved. Now is the time, while they are still children, to instill Christ in them because 2 Timothy 3:15-17 is true.

Among other things, this week (Children’s Ministry Week) is a remembrance of the Birth of Reverend James McKeown (Founder of the CoP) and a reminder that at least there are 7 legacies parents can build into the Sovereign Foundation of their children: (1) Desire for the Bible; (2) Love for Christ; (3) Desire & Ability to Pray; (4) Good Childhood Memory; (5) Investment Account; (6) Education; (7) Talent Development.

Written by Apostle S. K. Fianko-Larbi (National Head, CoP Kenya)