Miss Precious Anane Wins Golden Jubilee Preacher Kid Competition

Miss Precious Anane from the Volta Region has won the 2022 version of the Preacher Kid competition organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost Headquarters.

Securing 85% of the total marks, Precious slightly beat Master Noble Asante Agyei from the Northern Region, who had 80.84%. Akua Frema Adu Gyamfi from the Ashanti Region garnered 78.75% to place 3rd, while Ama Nhyira Oppong, representing the Central Region, and Adwoa Sarpomaa Sarpong, from the Western Region, placed 4th and 5th after securing 76.42% and 73.83%, respectively.

Each of the contestants received boxes of Bibles from the Bible Society of Ghana, TV sets for their local assemblies, hampers of groceries and stationery, and a certificate of excellence.

The event, which was held on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa, saw a vast number of members of the Children’s Ministry thronged the auditorium to support the contestants from their various areas.

Addressing the contestants, congregants, and viewers of the competition, the Patron of the Children’s Ministry, Prophet David Kankam Beditor mentioned that the contest was a historic one since it coincided with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the ministry.

“It is very unique and the first of its kind,” he said, and urged the patrons to support the children, encourage them and give them morale, saying, “You will be inspired by their preaching and teachings.”

The Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, in an address delivered on his behalf by Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Bompata Area Head), expressed his gratitude to the Children’s Ministry leadership for the organisation of the competition and the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

“Starting as ‘a mustard seed’ in Asokwa, it is not a coincidence it happens to fall within the 50th Anniversary celebrations; it is a coincidence arranged in heaven,” the Chairman said.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, although Accra, the capital city of the country, is the administrative location of the church, Kumasi can be considered the heart of the church.

He noted that the Preacher Kid competition is a step in the right direction, saying, “It is good it has been given the prominence it deserves. I pray that the exercise will impact children and help to not only improve the delivery of God’s word but more importantly the reading and meditation of the Word.”

He ended by stating that “there can be no good preaching without the study of God’s Word.”

The contest saw Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Woode (Burma Camp Worship Centre), Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Director), and Mrs Gifty Otu-Appiah as judges.

In his closing remarks, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng congratulated all five contestants on outstanding performances.

“Thank God for giving us a competition and something to be proud about; separating the diamond from other precious stones,” he explained.

“The victor, Precious Anane, has successfully defended the title and won for the church. Through this radiant exercise, great talents have been unearthed. If the children can preach like this, then the future will be great for the church. My heart is at ease as I can assure you and all audience present that the church has an exciting future,” he added.

He remarked that If the competition was available to all, and four out of five of the finalist were girls, then girls and women, in general, have a big stage in the future in the church.

Contestants of the Preacher Kid competition came along with their parents and several members from their various areas within the church as well as friends and well-wishers.

As part of the event, an award certificate, as well as a cash prize, was handed to the winner of the just-ended Drawing Competition also spearheaded by the Children’s Ministry. The winner of the competition was Master Charles Pepprah from Offinso in the Ashanti Region. 

According to the Director of the Children’s Ministry, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Elis, the drawing competition had 24 submissions from children all over the country. A jury made up of lecturers from the Faculty of Arts in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was established to decide the winner of the competition. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor With Master Charles Pepprah

Prophet Kankam Beditor, on behalf of the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, presented the award certificate and an envelope to the winner.

Also present at the event were Apostle and Mrs Dzemekey (Area Head, Asokwa), Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah (Area Head, Ho), Apostle and Mrs Buertey (PIWC Asokwa),  Apostle John Budu Tawiah (Area Head, Kwadaso), Apostle Fred Tiakor (Area Head, Bekwai/Former Director, Children’s Ministry), Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku (Area Head, New Tafo), Apostle and Mrs Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah (Atonsu Area Head), among others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

274 Children Receive Holy Spirit Baptism

Two hundred and seventy-four participants of the four-day camp meeting organised by the Assin Foso Area Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost received Holy Spirit baptism, with the initial evidence of tongue-speaking.

The camp meeting, which took place at Assin Ngresi in Assin Darmang District, recorded an attendance of 926 children and 106 teachers drawn from the 17 districts in the area.

The event recorded great signs and wonders and also had 130 teens undergoing water baptism.

The meeting, which ended on a high note on Friday, August 26, 2022, was climaxed with the grand finale of the Area’s Anniversary Games and Quiz competitions – Both games and quiz competitions were won by the Foso Station District.

Some dignitaries who graced the four-day event include Pastors Kojo Anomah (Area Secretary), Joshua Aidoo (Area Executive Committee Member), George Osei Bonsu (Area Youth Ministry Leader), Ebenezer Obuade (Adiembra District Minister) and Elder Francis Mensah (Area Executive Committee Member).

Report by Assin Foso Area Media Team

Assin Foso Area Launches “Golden Jubilee” Week Celebration With Jesus March

Hundreds of children in the Assin Foso Area of The Church of Pentecost participated in a “Jesus March” through the principal streets of the Assin Foso Municipality on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

The event was part of activities organised by the Assin Foso Area to officially launch the Golden Jubilee anniversary week celebration of the Children’s Ministry.

The launch ceremony, which was held at the Foso Station Assembly church auditorium, brought together children, teachers and some ministers from the four districts in the Assin Foso Municipality. 

Launching the week celebration, Pastor Samuel Avornyo, the Area Children’s Ministry Leader, underscored God’s goodness towards the ministry and The Church of Pentecost over the past 50 years. 

Pastor Avornyo cited Apostle Norman Appiah Danquah (Walewale Area Head), Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director) and many others as examples of the high-profile people in the church who are products of the Children’s Ministry.

He, therefore, paid glowing tribute to the hard-working children’s workers, both present and past, for allowing themselves to be used as conduits for equipping the next generation of leaders for the church and the nation.

Present at the event were Pastors George Ackah Watson (Foso Station District Minister) and Enoch Amoah (Resident Minister, PIWC-Assin Foso) and other members of the Area Children’s Ministry Executive Committee.

Report by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (Area Reporter)

Ministries Staff Sharpen Skills

Workers of the five mainstream ministries of The Church of Pentecost have attended a day’s workshop meant to build their capacities to enhance their performance.

The event, which took place at the Headquarters of the church in Accra on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, was attended by accounts staff, drivers assigned to the ministries, executive assistants to the directors, domestic staff, and security staff.

Among the speakers were the Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh; the Director of Women’s Ministry, Mrs Philomina Mireku; the Director of the Evangelism Ministry, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, and the Human Resource Manager, Elder Samuel Addo Mantey.

In a keynote address, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, commended the directors of the five ministries for putting together the workshop which, he said, was a follow-up to the Management seminar held a few weeks ago.

According to the General Secretary, management realised that the staff of the organisation play a key role in the success of the church. Therefore, there was a need to build their capacities to effectively perform.

Reading from Colossians 3:23-25, Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged the staff to develop a positive mindset about their work. This, he said, will help them to work with passion to attract the blessings of God and the rewards on earth.

In a presentation on “Self-Development in the Workplace Towards Professionalism” with Job 8:7, 2 Timothy 2:15 as his anchor text, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh stressed the need for the workers to build their capacities, be abreast with the current trends in their areas of work, develop themselves professionally to produce results.

According to him, when workers pursue professional excellence, they will solve problems that erupt in their offices, come out with innovations, and by so doing improve the system as they play a lead role in the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of the church.

He indicated that self-development opens opportunities for one to the job market or job security, brings workers to the limelight, and gives them recognition, while professionalism opens new opportunities to workers, creates fulfillment and satisfaction, makes them diligent and efficient and increases their capacity, among other benefits.

The Women’s Director, Mrs Philomina Mireku, speaking on the topic: “Discipline as a Mark of a Christian Worker” based on Hebrews 12:1-11, Proverbs 3:11, noted that working in a Christian environment calls for high discipline.  

Touching on things that can help them stay focused and disciplined in their duties, Mrs Mireku asked the staff to clearly define their goals, be committed to their jobs, set boundaries and take care of themselves, avoid things that can lead them into temptation, and live by deadlines, among others.

According to her, a disciplined workforce yields better results, enhances the image of the organisation and also brings personal rewards to individuals.

PENTECOST NEWS.

46 Children In Kafaba District Receive Holy Spirit Baptism

A total of 46 children in Kafaba District in the Tamale Area of The Church of Pentecost received Holy Spirit baptism during a three-day camp meeting organised by the Children’s Ministry of the church.

The event, which took place from September 1 to 3, 2022, at Kafaba Central Assembly also saw 21 teenagers who have attained aged 13 and above being baptised by emersion.

Some of the activities embarked on include sporting activities, Bible quiz, clean-up exercise, fasting and prayer retreat, talent show (song ministrations, choreography, Bible text recitation, etc).

The programme was held under the leadership of the District Minister, Pastor Ebenezer Christopher Tetteh, with support from the District Children’s Ministry leader and his team.

Report by Pastor Ebenezer Christopher Tetteh.

Shiloh Assembly Children’s Ministry Embarks On Health Walk, Clean-Up Exercise

The Shiloh Assembly Children’s Ministry in the Mankessim District of The Church of Pentecost on Saturday, September 3, 2022, organised a health walk and clean-up exercise within its environs as part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Ministry Week-long celebration.

The health walk began from the Shiloh Assembly Auditorium at Ohwerefa, and ended at Baifikrom, after which the participants engaged in a clean-up exercise around the church building and the premises of the district mission house.

According to the District Minister, Pastor Benjamin Kufordjie, the purpose of the health walk was to help improve the health conditions of the children, while motivating them to develop the habit of exercising to stay healthy.

“The main idea behind the clean-up exercise is to fulfill the environmental care agenda of the church,” he noted.

Present were Children’s Ministry workers and children within the church.

This year’s Children’s Ministry Week which marks the ministry’s 50th Anniversary celebration, is being observed worldwide from Monday, September 5, 2022, to Sunday, September 11, 2022.

PENTECOST NEWS.

HUM Holds ‘Vulnerable Kids’ Camp Meeting

The Home and Urban Missions (HUM) in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, has organised a 3-day Camp Meeting for the vulnerable and marginalized children in the Abuakwa-North Municipal under the Effiduase Area of The Church of Pentecost

The event which took place from August 16 to 18, 2022 at the Bunso Cocoa College in the Eastern Region, had in attendance 119 street children drawn from Old Tafo-Akim, Kukurantumi, Ati, Maase, Anyinasin, Osiem, Ettokrom and Fisher Camp.

It was aimed at transforming the children morally and spiritually through the word of God, prayer and counseling.

Various ministrations by the speakers addressed deviant behaviours. The children were offered the opportunity to give their lives to Christ as 34 surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. During the prayer sessions, 12 of them received the Holy Spirit Baptism.

Present at the event were the National HUM Co-ordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo; the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, and the HUM Children’s Ministry Representative, Pastor Joshua Yirenkyi Smart.

Also in attendance were the Eastern Regional HUM Pastor, Gabriel Owusu Akyaw and his wife;  Pastor Samuel Acquaah (Effiduase Area HUM Co-ordinator); Overseer Isaac Komla Agbesi (Effiduase Area Children’s Leader); Pastor Prince Odoom (Old Tafo-Akim District Pastor), and Elder Joshua Appiah (Old Tafo-Akim District Children’s Leader).

It is worth noting that during the camp meeting, most of the participants who were struggling with the addiction to gambling, drug abuse, stealing, and promiscuity, were counselled by seasoned counselors.

The participants expressed their joy and gratitude to the church for the opportunity to join other children to fellowship and be transformed by the Word of God.

The HUM and Children’s Ministry Directorates further followed up and provided interventions to facilitate rescuing the vulnerable children from their current predicaments. These interventions include healthcare and education support for the children.

Report by Overseer Isaac K. Agbesi.

Children’s Ministry Organises Photo Exhibition & Christian Children Jamboree

The field of the Morning Star School last weekend hosted many children and children’s workers from the various areas of The Church of Pentecost who turned up in their numbers for the “Children’s Ministry Photo Exhibition and Christian Children Jamboree.”

The event, which was part of activities marking the ministry’s 50th anniversary, was graced by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, his wife, Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, and other dignitaries including Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Children’s Ministry Patron and Ashaiman Area Head), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Children’s Ministry Director), and Pastor Dr Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam (NEC, Children’s Ministry).

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS at the event, the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, said the event was the ministry’s way of telling its own story pictorially.

“We wanted to tell the story of the ministry in pictures, therefore when you visit the exhibition stands, pictures from the days of Pastor James McKeown all through to the current period; some of our leaders and outcomes from the activities would be seen,” the Children’s Director said, adding, “It is a very memorable moment; a time to learn, a time that is touching and a time that is for us to reflect on our work in the Lord’s vineyard.”

On the benefit to the children, Pastor Prof Otoo Ellis iterated that the photo exhibition would serve as a great moment for them to know the past, notwithstanding the impact made by other children to encourage them further. 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, reflecting on the ministry’s drawing competition, encouraged the children to keep using their talents in making an impact in society.

He further thanked the Children’s Ministry Workers (Sunday School Teachers) for their immense support to the growth of the children in Christ, stating, “Your love for children certainly means that you really love God.”

During the photo exhibition, participants were refreshed with the memories of historic events held by the Children’s Ministry. Among those displayed was Pastor Oduro Ampaw (former Children’s Ministry Executive Member), addressing Homecoming participants at the Pentecost Convention Centre on August 28, 2022; Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa Children’s Ministry gathering, and Mrs. Margaret Mills addressing delegates at the May 2009 Council Meetings at Pentecost University, Sowutuom.

Memories of the immediate past Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.) launching the Children’s Ministry syllabus and the former Deputy Children’s Ministry Director, Elder Ankamah-Lomotey taking the Children’s Ministry teachers through lessons.

Past directors of the Children’s Ministry who also had their portraits on display at the event were Apostle C.E. Appau Asante (General Leader, 1972 – 1983), Apostle Samuel K. Ansong (General Leader, 1983-1988), Apostle J.K. Essel (General Leader, 1988-1994), Pastor C. N. Kissiedu (Director, 1994 – 2004), Prophet B.A. Adobah (Director, 2004 – 2012), and Apostle Fred Tiakor (Director, 2012-2020).

As part of the numerous activities outlined, the children were treated to side attractions of face painting, bouncy castles, popcorn bazaar, poetry recitals, and many more.

Present were Mrs Adelaide Agyepong (Chief Executive Officer of Haven Crystals Travel & Tour), Mrs. Nana Abena Kwakye (Managing Director, Morning Star School Ltd.) and Ms. Nana Yaa Siriboe (Director of Administration, Morning Star School Ltd).

PENTECOST NEWS.

PIWC-Graceland Dedicates Mission House, Children’s Library

The Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost yesterday dedicated their newly-acquired Mission House located at Community 20, Accra and an ultra-modern children’s library located at the church premises at Nungua.

Both ceremonies were officiated by Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), with support from Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah- Agyeman (Teshie-Nungua Area Head), Prophet Fred Antwi of the Baatsona District, and the outgoing PIWC-Graceland Resident Minister, Pastor Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong.

“It is part of our Church’s vision to train and equip the children to be exemplary leaders. It has, therefore, pleased both God and the leadership of PIWC-Graceland to put up an ultra-modern library for the Children’s Ministry,” Apostle Nkrumah Agyeman said. 

He commended the PIWC Graceland leadership for also acquiring a permanent place of abode for their Resident Minister.

In a sermon on the topic “Placing Value On The Things Of God – The Ezra Approach,” 

the outgoing Baatsona District Minister, Prophet Fred Antwi, quoted various Bible texts from Ezra 7:6-10, 8:21-22, 3:11-13 and Ezra 6:16 and explained that Ezra placed value on the things of God by taking time to study the law. 

“And because He valued it, he practised it and taught it as well,” he said, adding, “Likewise, Christians need to devote time for the things of God and place great value on them.”

“The old men who had seen the first temple in Ezra 3:11-13, upon seeing the foundation of the new temple being laid, wept aloud because they saw the old temple to be of greater value and magnificence than the new,” he further explained.

“Christians should also place value on the church’s assets and practice proper maintenance culture because they belong to God and are of greater value,” he said.

He concluded that people who enter the churches must attest that value has been placed on the assets. “And as we do, God will bless us,” he stressed. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor, on his part, paid glowing tribute to the leadership of Teshie-Nungua Area and PIWC Graceland for the good work done. 

Prophet Beditor, who also serves as patron for the Children’s Ministry, commended them for taking the “Box Library” initiative to another level by putting up an ultra-modern library for the Children’s Ministry. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor dedicated the children’s library to God’s glory and later stressed that the library should be put to good use and be well maintained.

Pastor Ebenezer Agyapong, in a brief remark, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the church and the Area for their enormous support.

Report by Pastor Bernard T. Kofie

PIWC-Sakumono’s 6-Storey Children’s Auditorium In the Offing

The Teshie-Nungua Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyemang, has laid the foundation stone for the ongoing children’s block project of Pentecost International Worship Centre, Sakumono (PIWC-Sakumono).

The short ceremony was held on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at the premises of PIWC-Sakumono.

The six-storey building project, upon completion, would comprise auditoriums for various age groups and resource centres to help the smooth running of the ministry in the church.

Speaking on the topic, “Equipped to Stand firm,” Apostle Nkrumah-Agyemang stated that believers are bound to be tested in the Christian journey and must therefore stand firm in such trying moments.

“Assuredly as we live on this earth, we cannot escape from trials; we will be tested. However, we can only be victorious over trials when we are firmly rooted in the word of the Lord. Purpose in your heart not to sin against God,” he said.

Using Matthew 7:24-27 and Psalm 11:3 as scriptural references, the Area Head further noted that Christ is the only assurance of a firm foundation upon which believers should build. He, therefore, urged Christians to have faith in God and not to rely on men, who could fail or disappoint them.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Apostle Kwarteng said that the purpose of the project is to provide a befitting place of gathering for the children to worship. 

According to him, the children’s block would have adequate classrooms to accommodate children of all ages and teens.

He also revealed that the project would have a library, a recording studio, an infirmary, and a baptistery.

Apostle Kwarteng expressed gratitude to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost and the Teshie-Nungua Area for the immense support.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene