Posts in category: Children’s Ministry

The Children’s Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, has indicated that people are very important to the achievement of one’s goals and aspirations in life.

During a word of exhortation on, ‘Achieving your goals – the need for people’ on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, during the maiden edition of the Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools, the former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) highlighted several things people need to help them achieve their goals in life.

This, he said, includes one’s ability, courage, attempting (efforts to achieve and complete something), earnestness, ambition and people. He noted that amongst all the requirements, the most important is people.

Pastor Prof. Ellis explained that people are valuable resources in wealth creation, achieving one’s goal and character building.

Touching on how people contribute to the achievement of a person’s goal, the Children’s Director used the sale of Joseph into slavery as captured in Genesis 37 to reveal that encounters with people teaches resilience, just like joseph learned from the merchants who bought him. 

Again, he said, just as Joseph learned management, leadership and a host of important characters when he was serving in Potiphar’s house, several encounters with people will equip one with such traits to achieve their goals.  

He, however, called on the participants to note that their relatives, close friends or staff can disappoint them just like Joseph’s brothers sold him out into slavery, but they should never give up because it is for a good course, saying, ‘Joseph needed to be sold by his siblings to achieve his dream. If he had not been sold, he would not have gotten to Pharaoh’s palace.’

Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis asked the participants to keep it in mind that if they decide to stand for God and defend His principles, they will face challenges.

PENTECOST NEWS

A former Rector of the Pentecost University, Apostle Prof. Peter Ohene Kyei and retired minister of The Church of Pentecost, has indicated that it is not too late to build the Christian culture in schools to build a morally upright society.

He said this on Monday, June 10, 2024, when speaking on the topic: ‘Creating a lasting Christian culture in schools – Reviving Christian Values and Principles,’ at the Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Apostle Prof. Kyei (Rtd.) explained that the church plays a pivotal role in the development of structures and curriculum that will contribute to the moral upbringing of students in schools.

He emphasised that the school is the second home for students, therefore, teachers play a major role in the formation of the moral character of children. He stressed the need for school proprietors, heads of schools and all other staff to pray, think and strategise to push the Christian culture into schools to impact the lives of children.

The former rector who has over 40 years’ experience in administration and higher education explained that if schools are fully equipped with the Christian Culture, it will transform students into responsible and morally upright adults, who will have positive impact on others, their workplaces, nations and everywhere they find themselves. This, he said, can lead to children converting their parents and other relatives who are unbelievers.

According to Apostle Prof. Ohene Kyei, there is a growing appetite for corruption in every facet of society, hence there is a need to carefully look at education and how it impacts children’s character.

He noted that a school is not categorised as a Christian school because it was built by a Christian or because of its name. Rather, it is the practices and activities which take place there that determine so.

The former lecturer therefore called on proprietors to set moral policies for their schools and work hard with teachers and others to execute them.  

He advised them to among other things organise prayer festivals, crusades and other Christian activities on campus to establish and maintain the Christian culture in schools and affect the moral lives of the students.

PENTECOST NEWS

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has stressed the need for Christians to extend their values beyond church auditoriums.

Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong made this call during the maiden edition of the Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoah Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic, ‘The School As A Mission Field And A Mission Agent,’ the former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana pointed out that Christian values are very vital to the wholistic development of people and the country at large.

He explained that the school is best place to instill such positive Christian values and principles since students spend more time in the school, and that teachers play a key role in developing the character and behaviour of students.

Throwing light on the important role teachers play in the school as a mission field, Rev. Dr Opuni Frimpong stated: The role of teachers extends far beyond traditional academic instruction. It should include the cultivation of ethical behaviour, personal development, mentoring, social transformation, accountability and good governance among the youth and society.’

Addressing the issue of exchange of values for academic successes in Ghanaian schools, Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong said: ‘Our society today is bedeviled with a myriad of social problems. Many have had cause to complain about the unruly behaviour of some youth including indiscipline, destructive behaviour, violence, extremism, corruption, etc.’

He added: ‘The emphasis today in society and educational system is on ability to pass all your examinations, high grades, achievements in science, technology, engineering, popularity in media, etc., but not on character.’

The Presbyterian minister suggested that to change this narrative there is a need for proprietors and heads of schools to implement discipleship training, regular church services, regular prayer and fasting meetings, baptisms, confirmation, communion, availability and distribution of Bibles, Hymn Books, tracts, Christian literature, devotional materials, learning and singing of hymns and counseling, amongst others, in their schools.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Vice-Chancellor of the Pentecost University (PU), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, has called on teachers to strategically position themselves to play a key role in the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda to positively impact young children.

Ministering at the maiden edition of ‘Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools’ at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Monday, June 10, 2024, Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua explained that God has placed a responsibility on proprietors and teachers to be guardians of His will in their schools.

While delivering a message on the topic, ‘Christian School Leaders, Carved for the Occasion,’ the PU Vice-Chancellor explained that one does not need to be ordained as an Apostle, Pastor or Bishop, before they can perform the task of transforming their sphere with Kingdom values and principles.

He explained that in the mind of God there are many pastors, bishops, and apostles without clericals, which includes proprietors, heads of schools, teachers and all school staffs.

According to him, God’s ultimate agenda as captured in the Book of Revelations 11:15, is to reclaim the kingdoms of the world unto Himself.

Adding that, God plans to do this through His children, hence everything they do must be geared towards that agenda. He added that God’s way of reclaiming the kingdoms unto Himself is to take away all spheres of influence, highlighting that education is one of such greatest spheres of influence, and so proprietors and teachers have a very key role in the possessing the nations agenda since they are able to chart the lives of their students into the right path.

Another thing the Vice-Chancellor of the University A+ touched on is that there is a strong agenda and fight against the cause of God which includes the eradication of God and things of God from the schools.

However, he said, God is expecting that proprietors and school managers will make it a point to defend the name of God and restore all activities relating to the values and principles of the Kingdom of God to contribute to the moral upbringing of students.

Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua called on Christians in the field of education to note that God is looking for people who are knowledgeable and filled with the Holy Spirit to transform their world with His values and principles.

PENTECOST NEWS

About 200 school proprietors, managers and teachers, drawn from various private schools in Ghana are meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region for the maiden Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools.

The 3-day conference, organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration the church’s Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM), under the theme: “Unleashing the Christian School Leader to Raise Godly Children,” began on Sunday and will end on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Welcoming the participants to the conference during the opening ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024, the Director of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost and former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, commended the participants for taking part in the all-important conference.

He urged them to drink from the deep brook of experience in nurturing children as the church develops a framework for bringing godliness back to Ghanaian school premises.

“As a ministry responsible for children in The Church of Pentecost, we continue to seek partnerships with various stakeholders in child development to achieve our corporate vision of raising godly children,” he said.

He added: “As a church and a ministry, we believe that our schools and more especially Christian private schools have been called by God to raise godly children.”

The former KNUST Vice Chancellor noted that in today’s world within which children are being raised is gradually becoming increasingly challenging as far as godliness and morality is concerned.

According to him, homes and family systems which hitherto were the first point of call for raising morally upright children is also gradually disintegrating.

“Unfavourable economic conditions coupled with humanity’s quest to build a godless society, continue to exert pressure on families and parents’ ability to raise godly children,” he bemoaned, adding, “The educational system which served as one of the most effective pivots, providing support and augmentation to the family system in terms of raising godly and morally upright children is also increasingly being compromised.”

PENTECOST NEWS

The Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost in the Kpetoe District of the Ho Area has organised a fasting and prayers dubbed, ‘Holy Ghost Encounter’ for all children in the district.

The event, which was under the theme, ‘Let the Children come to Me,’ took place on Saturday, April 28, 2024, at the Kpetoe Central Church auditorium.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Jesus Gave them Power’ with scriptures taken from John 14:26, Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, the District Minister for Kpetoe, Overseer Eric Sitsofe Akude, outlined the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. According to him, the Holy Spirit, who is the third person of the trinity, is a helper, a teacher, and a reminder, sent by Jesus to help all believers live victorious Christian lives.

Overseer Akude continued that with the help of the Holy Spirit, believers, including children can excel in every sphere of life, including their academic work. He encouraged the children to yield themselves to the workings of the Holy Spirit so that his power can be felt in the lives.

One hundred and fifty-nine (159) children were in attendance with ten (10) of them receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Also in attendance were Mrs Georgina Efua Akude (Wife of the District Minister), children ministry teachers and some parents.

Report by Kpotoe Media Team

The Akweteyman Worship Centre Children’s Ministry of The  Church of Pentecost has organised the second edition of its annual praise and worship programme dubbed, Altar of Praise.”

The event, which was under the theme: “When Our Praise Goes Up, His Glory Comes Down” (2Chronicles 5:13-14), was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the church’s auditorium. The programme was chaired by the Achimota Area Head, Apostle Joseph Danzerl.

Exhorting the gathering on the event theme, Apotstle Joseph Danzerl said that praise is a key ingredient in living a joyful and content life.

He further noted that the act of praise and worship is a valuable way of instilling the spirit of Pentecostalism the children since it helps them to actively participate in services and inspire them to become part of the  larger family of faith.

Quoting from Matthew 21:16 Apostle Danzerl explained that praising the Lord Jesus with their children provide a beautiful opportunity for parents and guardians to model their faith to them and encourage them  to live a life which pleases God.

He added that the Lord values the innocent, sincerity, and pure heart of children, and therefore, parents and guardians should train them to also walk in the  ways  of God .

Concluding his message, the Achimota Area Head said: “Teaching children to praise The Lord is a precious gift to the church because such training strengthens their faith also  guide them to know God in His excellency.”

In all, 142 children took part in the service. The event also recorded an adult attendance of 76, to the glory of God.

Other distinguished personalities present were Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah (Resident Minister), Mrs Dorcas Danzerl (Wife of the Achimota Area Head), the gospel music duo, “D’AFRIFA Brothers,” and all District Executive Committee members of the Worship Centre.

Report by Elder Derek Owusu (Achimota Area)

Whistler Barracks Worship Center in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, December 10, 2023, dedicated a newly-constructed Children’s Ministry auditorium.

The ceremony was officiated by the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, with support from Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman (Teshie Nungua Area Head), Apostle Dr. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Military Chaplains’ Coordinator), and Pastor Captain Collins Badu Agyapong (Resident Minister for Whistler Barracks Worship Centre).

Preaching on the topic “No More Manger for a Child,” Apostle Dr. Col. B.G. Kumi-Woode quoted Luke 2:7 and Ephesians 2:22 and explained that of all the places that Jesus could be born, no one pitied Mary – a pregnant woman to offer a better place for her delivery than a manger.

“The place of worship for the Children’s ministry is a type of manger that must bring much comfort to the children,” he explained further.

He added that the church is the only place where some children receive love and care, so it becomes worrying when they are neglected in their place of worship.

Apostle Kumi-Woode continued that at times when church buildings are constructed, the main focus becomes where the adults will worship while the Children’s auditoriums are neglected, and the children are left to worship under trees and tents.

He concluded that Christians should extend love to all, especially children, in this Christmas festive season.

The General Secretary dedicated the Children’s Auditorium and a newly constructed mission house to accommodate the Resident Minister and his family.

He commended the leadership of Teshie Nungua Area and Whistler Barracks Worship Centre for constructing the Children’s Ministry auditorium and a place of residence for the resident minister.

Pastor Capt. Agyapong was grateful to the leadership of the Church and the Area for their enormous support.

In attendance were Air Vice Marshal Appiah Agyekum (Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration – Ghana Armed Forces), Rev Commodore Paul Adjei-Djan (Director General of Religious Affairs – Ghana Armed Forces) and Mrs Korkor Obuobi (wife of the General Secretary). The Guest of Honour for the occasion was Vice Admiral Seth Amoama (Chief of Defence Staff – Ghana Armed Forces)

Report by Pastor Bernard T. Kofie

The National Directorate of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, led by Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, made a donation worth GH₵10,000.00 on Friday, November 24, 2023, to the Sogakope Area. The donation aims to address the needs of children affected by the spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

A team, headed by Pastor William Appiah Briten, the Ho Area Children’s Ministry Leader, presented the donations on behalf of the directorate and the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Coordinator, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah.

The donated items include bags of rice, beans, maize, soft drinks, cooking oil, biscuits, secondhand clothing, toilet rolls, and a cash donation of GH₵2,000.00.

Pastor William Appiah Briten, while presenting the items, emphasized that this gesture was in response to the crisis in Sogakope and its surroundings. Referring to Jesus’s words in Matthew 25, he expressed the directorate’s commitment to visit the children of the Sogakope Area in their time of need.

Pastor Godwin Coffie Adzahlie, the Sogakope Area Head, received the items on behalf of the children and expressed gratitude to the Directorate. He noted that the donated items would significantly alleviate the plight of the victims affected by the water spillage.

The delegation also included Overseers Eric Sitsofe Akude (Kpetoe District), Yayra Martey Agidi (Nyive District), and Mrs. Priscilla Adams (Ho Area Children’s Ministry Executive member). The Sogakope Area Secretary, Pastor Hawkson Amediku Asare, and Overseer Nana Badu Koomson of Gbalixorme District assisted the Area Head in receiving the items.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, led by the patron, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, along with several Area Children’s Ministry Leaders and their Assistants, made a cash donation of GH¢8,000.00 on Thursday, October 25, 2023 to the Sogakope Area Children’s Ministry Leader, Pastor Frederick Dzamesi, and his family.

The Dzamesi family is among the thousands who have been displaced due to the flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS, the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, noted that the decision to offer voluntary donations to the Area Leader was prompted by the negative impact of the spillage and the urgent need to support him and his family during this challenging time.

He also requested prayers from everyone, asking for God’s intervention in the situation.

Additionally, the Directorate is exploring other avenues to provide further assistance, especially to the children in that area.

Upon receiving the donation, which was facilitated through the Volta Regional Coordinating  Committee (VRCC) Coordinator, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, Pastor Frederick Dzamesi expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Directorate, Area Leaders, and their assistants for leading this noble initiative aimed at alleviating their difficulties during this time of need.

Report by Children’s Ministry Media Team.