CHILDREN'S MINISTRY WEEK WEB

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

by with No Comment ArticlesChildren's MinistryTop Stories

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)

MAINTAIN POSITIVE PARENTING CONFIDENCE web

Maintain Positive Parenting Confidence

by with No Comment ArticlesChildren's MinistryTop Stories

Parenting comes with its fair share of challenges, and as our children grow, we encounter behaviors that can be unsettling. However, it is crucial to continue nurturing them with positive words.

How do you respond to your children’s behavior now as a parent? The same affirmations that once soothed them as babies still hold the power to influence their behavior as they grow.

Are you tempted to speak curses over your child due to their behavior? The answer should be a resounding “No!” Instead, hold fast to the positive affirmations you bestowed upon them in their infancy.

Reject negative language when it comes to your child. Pray for them, impart the wisdom of the Word of God, and build a strong connection with them.

It’s essential to recognize that raising a child is akin to prayer—you can’t simply utter words haphazardly. Be mindful of your words as a parent, just as you would be in prayer. Exercise care and attention in your confessions when nurturing your child.

Understand the significance of your actions and words towards your child. Measure the impact of your affirmations because they are, in essence, your prayers for your children.

By consistently doing this, your child will be less inclined to seek guidance from peers. Their trust in you, as a parent, will flourish because of the strong sense of belonging you’ve fostered.

In conclusion, mishandled words by parents can jeopardize a child’s future. As a parent, you must maintain your affirmations with love. This will also assist you in managing your own emotions.

Ephesians 6:4 advises, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” while Colossians 3:21 echoes, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

As we celebrate our children in various communities, let us, as parents, uplift our children through unwavering positive affirmations. Encourage them as they navigate the path of making their own decisions. Remember, your prayers should mirror how you speak to your children—always with love and guidance.

Written by Elder Tonnie Baffoe (Ekroful District, Agona Swedru Area)

The Local Church Is As Strong As Its Children's Ministry web

The Local Church Is As Strong As Its Children’s Ministry – Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis.

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Director of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, has reiterated the need to pay utmost attention to the Children’s Ministry at all levels of the church.

Speaking at the launch of the 2023 National Children’s Week on Pent TV under the theme “Building the Foundations of the Local Church for Maximum Impact,” with scriptural reference from Psalm 11:3, the Director stressed the importance of foundations in every building.

He noted that the strength and future of every building depend greatly on the foundation and how it is laid.

“Every Local Church is as strong as its Children’s Ministry. The beauty of every Local Church is a reflection of its Children’s Ministry. If the Children’s Ministry of the church is the present and, most especially, the future of the church, then more attention should be paid to the church,” he asserted.

Professor Otoo Ellis used the opportunity to call for all hands on deck as the church and the ministry seek to build a solid foundation for the Local Church to make a maximum impact.

The McKweon Children’s Week Celebration is an annual programme held by The Church of Pentecost to bless God for His provision and protection for all children and also to showcase the good things God is doing through children.

This year’s celebration promises to be wonderful as the ministry partners with various ministries and other stakeholders of the church in exploring ways of building a solid foundation for the church to have a maximum impact in the nations.

Report by CM Media.

Every Child Is Precious In The Sight Of God – Mrs. Mabel Kyei web

Every Child Is Precious In The Sight Of God – Mrs. Mabel Kyei

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

Mrs. Mabel Darkwaah Kyei, the wife of the Resident Minister of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono, has stated that regardless of the conditions that one is born with, he or she is still a precious child in the sight of God.

“You are still precious in the sight of your Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ, regardless of your physical challenges and infirmities in which you were born.” Mrs. Mabel Kyei said this when the Women’s Ministry of PIWC-Sakumono paid a visit to the Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf at Adjei Kojo near Ashiaman on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

The visit was part of the Ministries Week’s intervention outlined by the Resident Minister, Pastor Solomon Kyei, for the five traditional ministries to pair with the new specialised ministries in evangelism. As a result, the Women’s Ministry partnered with the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) to carry out this outreach on the Worship Day of the School.

The Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf is the first deaf school to be established in Ghana by the founder, Dr. Seth Lawrence Tetteh – Ocloo in 1966 and currently under the management of the Government of Ghana.

In an exhortation on the topic “Coming to the Lord” from Mathew 8:1- 4, Mark 1:40-45, and Luke 1:12-15, Mrs. Kyei averred that, “Jesus is always willing to embrace His children with open arms regardless of their conditions and challenges.

Narrating the story from the Bible passages, Mrs. Mabel Kyei explained that the man with leprosy might have been prevented or prohibited from the public space as required by the customs and traditions of his people at the time.

He, therefore, might have been hiding from the public eye until he caught the eye of Jesus, leading to his healing.

“The man with leprosy was willing to be healed and so made every attempt to come to Jesus. And because Jesus has in stock goodies and gifts for each and everyone that comes to Him, He provided just what the man needed”, Mrs. Kyei emphasised.

She, therefore, admonished the physically challenged school children that, “When the call is made to you to come to Jesus, just respond positively, and depending on the condition and challenges you come to him with, he has the perfect gifts to match up.”

She encouraged the pupils in the school and the teachers to have confidence in themselves irrespectively of societal restrictions and approach Jesus for whatever they need.

She then added, “Because the man was willing to be healed, and he defiled the odd to catch the eye of Jesus, Jesus healed him through and through, his confidence was boosted, he was no longer afraid, and no longer a shy person and burdened person to society.”

Mrs. Kyei admonished the pupils to come and follow the Lord Jesus since there are a lot of good things that come from following the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Ministries also donated items worth Ten Thousand Cedis (GHS 10,000.00).  The School Choir ministered two songs – “Amazing Grace” and “My Soul Rejoice and Praise the Lord” in appreciation of the kind gesture by the Women’s Ministry in collaboration with the Ministries to Persons with Disabilities.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene

Assin Foso Area Holds Seminar & Medical Screening For Children’s Workers web

Assin Foso Area Holds Seminar & Medical Screening For Children’s Workers

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Assin Foso Area Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, held a day’s seminar and medical screening for Children’s Ministry workers in the Area.

The seminar, which took place at the Foso Station Central Assembly auditorium and was attended by 75 teachers, afforded the attendees the opportunity to reflect on their work for the past year and to plan for the rest of the year.

A new project dubbed ‘Love Box’, which is in line with the ‘Showing Love’ initiative by the Children’s Ministry Directorate, was also launched. This project aims to encourage children across the Area to gather and package various gifts, including clothing, footwear, stationery, and confectionaries, to be donated to some underprivileged children in selected communities on 26th December 2023.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the Area Leader, Pastor Samuel Avornyo, noted that the project has a three-pronged purpose: to show love to underprivileged children, evangelise to win souls, and also develop the spirit of giving in the children.

As part of the event, 65 teachers were screened for various ailments. They were advised to maintain healthy lifestyles as the spirit dwells in a healthy body.

Report by CM Media.

DEA Children's Ministry Organises Time With Mentors web

DEA Children’s Ministry Organises “Time With Mentors”

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Children’s Ministry of Darkuman English Assembly (DEA) in the Kaneshie Area of The Church of Pentecost held its maiden edition of Career Day, dubbed “Time with Mentors.”

Held under the theme “Discovering My Purpose,” the event aimed to educate and inspire children to make the right career choices, leading to a fulfilling life in the future.

The event occurred at the Children’s Auditorium of the Church on Sunday, June 2023, and had various professionals and role models from different career backgrounds fellowshipped with the children, inspiring them to aspire to greatness.

The Keynote Speaker for the event was Lawyer Isaac Fante-Boateng, the head of legal and Company Secretary at StarLife Assurance Limited. He encouraged the children to be assertive and seize opportunities as they grow, believing that God created everyone to solve a problem and that success depends on discovering and solving that problem – finding and accomplishing one’s purpose.

Elder Timothy Bentum, a Project Manager / Quantity Surveyor and one of the mentors for the event, emphasised that discovering one’s life purpose is a journey that requires guidance and direction.

He stressed the importance of a closer walk with God to uncover what truly matters, bringing a sense of fulfilment that surpasses all things.

The event also had professionals from various fields, including medicine, engineering, banking and finance, agriculture, media, legal, military & police service, research scientists, telecommunications, and port and harbours authority.

Deaconess Sheila Williams, the Children’s Ministry Leader of the Assembly, encouraged the children to take their spiritual lives seriously as it is crucial in fulfilling their life’s purpose.

She emphasised that their walk with God is a sure way to ascertain their purpose and how to accomplish it.

She also gave a presentation on “Self-Motivation,” “Believing in Yourself,” and the importance of learning and adapting to technology in every career.

A significant highlight of the event was the refreshing sight of the children and the Children’s Ministry Workers wearing the official outfits of various professions.

Report by DEA Media Team

Mentor The Children Under Your Care – General Secretary Tells Children’s Ministry Workers web

Mentor The Children Under Your Care – General Secretary Tells Children’s Ministry Workers

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has advised Children’s Ministry workers to mentor the children under their care in order to effectively shape the spiritual foundation of the next generation.

Speaking on the topic: “Mentoring the Next Generation: The Role of Children Workers” at the just-ended Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’2023), Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged the Children’s Ministry workers not to give up, bearing in mind that they significantly contribute to the lives of the young ones they teach.

“There’s nothing good that can be achieved without a good foundation. Yet, foundation builders are less celebrated, but those who stand on it enjoy the glory. You might not know what you are doing for the young ones you teach, but do not give up,” he encouraged.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-13, Apostle Kumi-Larbi highlighted the essential work of child workers in impacting children’s lives, saying that The Church of Pentecost would never lack leaders due to the dedicated efforts of the children’s workers who serve as the foundation builders.

“By building a solid spiritual foundation for the children of the Church, you play a vital role in ensuring continuous growth and leadership development within the Church,” he said.

The General Secretary noted that mentors, as wise and trusted counsellors or teachers, offer invaluable guidance and support to less experienced individuals over an extended period.

He further noted that mentors are crucial in equipping and shaping the next generation, providing them with the necessary skills and navigating the challenges of the professional world.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi cited biblical examples of mentorship, such as the relationship between Eli and Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus and His disciples, as inspiration for effective mentoring.

He highlighted the importance of relational mentorship, stating that Jesus was always present and interacted with His disciples daily, and, therefore, urged the foundation builders to conduct themselves in a manner that resonates with their mentees.

“Before you can impact somebody, the person needs to follow you,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi remarked, referencing Matthew 16:24.

The General Secretary said mentors should lead by example, demonstrating a genuine interest in their mentees’ growth and learning.

He explained that mentoring involves helping mentees identify, develop, and utilise their God-given talents.

He also stressed the importance of nurturing and supporting the young ones, setting an exemplary standard for them to follow, and ultimately enabling them to become mentors themselves.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi’s presentation also touched on the “Barnabas Model,” citing the relationship between Barnabas and Paul as a powerful example of mentorship.

He also highlighted how Barnabas sponsored and supported Paul’s acceptance into the apostolic community, ultimately transforming him from a persecuted member to a devoted minister of Christ.

He encouraged foundation builders to stand by young men and defend them, actively shaping and releasing them into the church’s service.

“Mentoring the next generation requires us to come to their level, groom them, defend them and unleash them,” he said.

He also advised the children’s workers to foster an environment of mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment, where mentors and mentees learn from each other.

The General Secretary concluded his presentation by discussing the faces of mentoring, which include parenthood, pace-setting, and partnering.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said that mentors not only give back but also enhance their own leadership skills and gain new perspectives. He, therefore, encouraged Children’s Ministry workers to live a life of significance by sharing their time and expertise with their mentees, enabling them to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Souls Of Children With Disabilities Are Precious To God – Pastor Nyame web

The Souls Of Children With Disabilities Are Precious To God – Pastor Nyame

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsMPWDsTop Stories

The Coordinator of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Alexander Nyame, has urged Children’s Workers to strive to integrate children with Disabilities (CWDs) into the Children’s Ministry because they are also precious to God.The MPWDs National Coordinator made this passionate appeal when he addressed participants of the Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’23) yesterday at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.Quoting from Psalm 127:3, Pastor Nyame reminded Children’s workers that children are a gift from God, a reward bestowed upon humanity. “This gift is not limited to those without disabilities, for a child with a disability will grow into an adult with a disability. Each soul, irrespective of any physical or mental challenges, holds immeasurable worth in the eyes of God,” he said.Pastor Nyame also referred to Genesis 1:26-27 to buttress the point that God intends no person to be left behind. He explained that the spiritual nature of all souls, including those with disabilities, remains unaltered and unaffected by physical limitations, as mentioned in Revelation 20:11-12 and 1 John 3:2.Highlighting the various types of disabilities, Pastor Nyame noted that not all children with disabilities are born with their impairments. He further explained the different types of disabilities children face, including deafness, visual impairment, developmental delays, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, albinism, and neurological impairments such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He observed that CWDs encounter daily barriers in the form of social, attitudinal, physical, architectural, and information or communication challenges, and the church can alleviate these challenges by ensuring their full inclusion into the church.To address the inclusion of CWDs into the Children’s Ministry, Pastor Nyame proposed several strategies, such as making meeting venues for Children’s Ministry classes accessible to all children and ensuring equal participation. He also advocated for the proactive preparation of children in the ministry to accept and welcome CWDs, promoting a change in attitudes towards CWDs and fostering inclusivity.The MPWDs Coordinator further stressed the importance of planning lessons with children with disabilities in mind, tailoring activities and materials to accommodate their unique needs. He also encouraged the integration of CWDs into all Children’s Ministry activities, including Bible study, prayer, and initiatives like the Jethro Initiative and OCOB initiative. “We must also extend invitations to children with disabilities outside the church, ensuring that no child is left excluded,” he said.Pastor Nyame also underscored the need for adequate support for children with impairments and suggested that parents of children with disabilities be included in the team of teachers at the Children’s Ministry, saying: “By doing so, the church can create an environment where children with disabilities truly belong.”Pastor Nyame ended his presentation by reiterating that children with disabilities are individuals with souls who require equal opportunities for the salvation of their souls. He, therefore, urged children’s workers to allow the Holy Spirit to instil in them a special love for children with disabilities within them, as every soul counts.PENTECOST NEWS.

‘Arrest’ Children For Christ Before The Police Arrest Them For Crime – Children's Workers Told web

‘Arrest’ Children For Christ Before The Police Arrest Them For Crime – Children’s Workers Told

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

In a passionate plea to children’s workers, Apostle Semenya Yao Dogbe, the Takoradi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has emphasised the urgent need to “arrest children for Christ” before they fall victim to a life of crime.

Delivering a presentation titled “How the Children Ministry is Run in the Takoradi Area” at the ongoing 2023 Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’23) of the Children’s Ministry, Apostle Dogbe highlighted the critical importance of instilling moral and spiritual values in children during their formative years.

Drawing inspiration from Luke 18:16-18, where Jesus calls for children to come to Him, Apostle Dogbe stressed the need to catch children at a young age for Christ, ensuring their transplantation into the House of God and securing the future sustenance and growth of the church.

Quoting Psalm 92:13-14, he emphasised the promise that those transplanted into the Lord’s own house will flourish, remaining fruitful and vibrant even in old age.

Apostle Dogbe acknowledged the challenging world in which children live today, characterised by occultism, violence, disregard for authority, high rates of drug abuse, negative influences from social media, and various forms of sexualism.

He expressed concern over the dangerous trend of some children being trained for terrorism instead of being equipped to spread the gospel. He questioned whose responsibility it is to save these children for Christ before they become victims of crime themselves.

Aligning with the Church’s vision for 2023, “Possessing the Nations,” the Takoradi Area has placed a strong focus on the children’s ministry.

According to him, the leadership, workers, and members have been diligently nurturing and equipping children with the principles and values of the Kingdom, fostering their growth in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and humanity.

Citing Mark 9:36-37, where Jesus welcomes and values children, Apostle Dogbe emphasised that children have a share in His kingdom.

Apostle Dogbe said that. Children make up 27.91% of the total church membership of the Takoradi Area, emphasising that with these impressive statistics, Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry can potentially become a missions field for The Church of Pentecost in the future.

He outlined some activities the ministry undertook in addition to Sunday morning classes, such as intergenerational services, Jethro initiative classes, community clubs, and teachers’ training sessions.

He said the ministry has also implemented flagship projects of the Children’s Ministry, including the Box Library and One-Child-One-Bible.

He also stated that the Children’s Ministry collaborates with the Home and Urban Ministry (HUM), Ministry to People with Disability (MPWDS), and the School Outreach Ministry to reach out to children and orphanages, visit hospital children’s wards, and connect with basic schools.

“Additionally, the Takoradi Area generously donated 214 half pieces of clothing, valued at GHC 26,040.00, to minister’s wives in eight internal missions areas in Ghana.

“Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry donated 214 half pieces of cloth to ministers’ wives in eight areas of internal missions of Ghana valued at GHC 26,040.00. The presentation took place at PCC during the November Head’s meeting in 2022,” he said.

The second edition of the Foundation Builders’ Conference is currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, under the theme: “Rekindling the Zeal of the Children’s Worker for Maximum Impact.” The four-day conference, which began on Tuesday, July 5, 2023, had over 1000 children’s workers in attendance nationwide.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Women Are Suitable Partners For Men – Mr.s Nyamekye Asserts web

Women Are Suitable Partners For Men – Mr.s Nyamekye Asserts

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, the wife of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has asserted that God purposefully created women to be suitable and compatible partners for men.

Mrs. Nyamekye said this while exhorting women in the Kasoa Area of the Church on the topic: “A Virtuous Woman: An Excellent Partner to the Man.”

Using Genesis 2:18-23 as scriptural references, she explored the biblical perspective of a virtuous woman.

She explained that the term “Virtuous” encompasses various qualities that make a woman an excellent companion.

Mrs. Nyamekye noted that a virtuous woman displays integrity, kindness, and wisdom, possesses moral excellence, and acts according to godly principles.

“By exemplifying these qualities, she becomes a trustworthy and supportive partner to her husband,” she said.

She, however, stressed that being a suitable helper does not mean being inferior or subordinate but as a partner who complements and assists the man.

According to her, this supportive role that virtuous women play involves offering support, encouragement, and sharing the responsibilities of life’s challenges and endeavours.

Mrs. Nyamekye further noted that a virtuous woman positively impacts her family and community because her actions and attitudes shape the atmosphere of her home, nurturing love, respect, and unity within the family.

“She extends her positive influence beyond her immediate family, impacting her community through acts of kindness, charity, and service,” she added.

Concluding her message, Mrs. Nyamekye said that every virtuous woman is a priceless treasure and must always conduct themselves as such.

She, therefore, encouraged women to cultivate these virtues in order to enhance their relationship with their husbands whilst contributing to their personal growth and fulfilment.

PENTECOST NEWS