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

2nd Children’s Ministry 50th Anniversary Lecture Held In Kumasi

The second edition of the 50th Anniversary lecture of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has taken place at the James McKeown Temple, Asokwa, in Kumasi.

The event, which was held under the theme, “The Children’s Ministry: Successes, Challenges and the Way Forward”, took place on Sunday, July 17, 2022. It attracted members of the clergy, Children’s Ministry workers (teachers), and children from various parts of Greater Kumasi.

In an address, the Director of the Children’s Ministry, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, said that the event was divinely historic, saying that “it is with much delight to note that the Children’s Ministry from the perspective of history began in McKeown Temple, Asokwa, where we stand today.”

He further said that in 1972, the General Council of the church met in Kumasi, to decide upon the creation of the Children’s Ministry. He thanked all those who have been very instrumental to the successes of the ministry for the past fifty years.

In a remark, the chairperson of the event, Mrs. Bridgette Adjei-Kwarteng, wife of the Bompata Area Head, noted that a lot of people have passed through the ministry to be great personalities in the country and beyond.

The guest speaker, Mrs. Georgina Birago Amaniampong, wife of the Asokwa Area Head, presented a paper on the successes, challenges, and the way forward of the Children’s Ministry. According to her, the ministry is one of the most vibrant ministries in the church.

“Generally, children are the most important element of the family, church, and society. They form an integral part of our everyday life, and are considered in the future of the family and the church,” she noted.

Mrs. Amaniampong said that the rationale for creating the ministry was to lead children to Jesus Christ; teach them the unadulterated Word of God; prepare them to take up their position in the body of Christ, and encourage good citizenship in them.

“The message of salvation must reach succeeding generations where children can be saved,” she mentioned.

She admonished parents to be mindful of children, as they remain the target of the devil. She, therefore, urged parents to pay critical attention when children leave for church.

“As an army of God, if we equip our children with the whole armour of God, they can stand the test of time,” she stressed.

On the growth of the ministry, she said that the total membership of children in the church was 385,700 in 2004. It moved to 621,768 in 2012, 994,437 in 2020, and 1,050,153 as of the end of 2021.

Present at the event were Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Bompata Area Head, who doubles as the Co-ordinator of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Committee of the church), Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Suame Area Head), Mrs. Florence Otoo Ellis (wife of Children’s Ministry Director), and Pastor John Afawuah (Children’s Ministry Pastor).

Others were Prophet Benjamin Augustus Adobah Rtd. (Former Children’s Ministry Director), National Executive Committee Members of the Children’s Ministry, and many more.

About three weeks ago, the first Children’s Ministry 50th Anniversary lecture took place in Accra.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Children’s Ministry Holds 50th Anniversary Lecture

History was made when a crowd of participants, comprising of ministers and wives, Children’s Ministry workers, and children, assembled at the Burma Camp Worship Centre (BCWC) of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, June 26, 2022, for the Children’s Ministry 50th Anniversary Lecture.

The anniversary lecture, a programme supported by the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, was chaired by the wife of the Chairman of the church, Mrs. Mary Nyamekye. 

The special guest speaker was Mrs. Rose Kumi-Larbi, wife of the General Secretary.

The event was under the theme, “The Children’s Ministry: Successes, Challenges, And the Way Forward.”

According to the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, the anniversary lecture is the first in a series of two golden jubilee anniversary lectures held as the first activity after the launch of the anniversary of the Ministry.

“50 years in the life of an institution is a no mean feat in the ministry of the church,” he said.

He said that currently, the Children’s Ministry is one of the vibrant ministries of the church, adding, “even though in the beginning things were not formal, it has grown to be a well-organised ministry of the church.”

Delivering a presentation on the theme, Mrs. Rose Kumi-Larbi said that in the formative stages of the church, there were no formalized children’s ministry or services. She noted that it was common to find parents coming for Sunday morning and weekday evening services with their children.

“As the numerical strength of the church grew, new members joined with their children, and this intensified the need and calls for a separate children’s service,” Mrs. Kumi-Larbi revealed.

She explained that children responded quickly to the gospel, and in some cases, they facilitated the conversion of their parents. This, she noted increased the desire to introduce Christ to the children at such tender ages.

The wife of the General Secretary iterated that in the 70s, the late Mrs. Margaret Mills (wife of late Pastor David Mills, who was then the Principal of the church’s Bible Training School), started organising children’s services in their residence in Asokwa.

She reiterated that some Elders and Pastors got interested and involved in ministry to the children in their respective jurisdictions.

Mrs. Kumi-Larbi outlined that the Children’s Ministry has undergone several transitions, accompanied by changes in name and leadership from 1972 to date. 

The first leadership led the ministry till 1983; they were the late Apostle Appau Asante (General Leader), the late Mrs. Margaret Mills (Deputy General Leader), and the late Mrs. Esme Siriboe (Secretary), she stated.

She further stated that apart from producing champions, the Ministry has also blessed many families in the church and society, saying that, “it is therefore not surprising that we find products of the Ministry in various spheres of society and professions.”

She then urged parents to ensure that their children attend children’s service until they reach adolescence when they graduate to the Youth Ministry of the church.

Again, she charged Children’s Ministry workers to prepare diligently before their classes. She urged them to stay relevant by using modern technology in teaching the children.

In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Mary Nyamekye thanked the leadership of the ministry and the participants present.

“It is my prayer that this anniversary lecture will set the tone for a great 50th anniversary of the Children’s Ministry,” she mentioned.

Present were Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Patron, Children’s Ministry & Ashaiman Area Head), Apostle (Lt. Col.) Benjamin Kumi-Woode (Resident Minister, Burma Camp Worship Centre), Prophet Benjamin Adobah (Rtd) (Former Children’s Ministry Director), Mrs Deborah Agyemang Bekoe (wife of the International Missions Director) and Mrs Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director).

Others were wives of some Area Heads of the church, National and Area Executive Members of the Children’s and Women’s ministries, Children’s Ministry workers and children of the ministry.

The Children’s Ministry anniversary lecture is one of the activities outlined by the ministry to celebrate 50 years of raising and touching the lives of children in the church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Sunday School Child Wins Ministry Of Communication ICT Award

An 11-year-old Basic 5 Pupil of Prang R/C Primary School, Kumi Nkamageen Princess, who is a Children’s Ministry member of Prang District in the Atebubu Area of The Church of Pentecost, has won a Ministry of Communication and Digitization award.

The award was presented to her at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Centre for Excellence and MTN Ghana and GIFEC on April 20, 2022, at the Valley View University, Techiman Campus in the Bono East Region.

The event was organised to climax an ICT programme known as GIRLS-IN-ICT which is an intensive ICT training for girls in Scratch Programming, Cyber Security, and Fundamentals in Basic Computing.

The one-week programme involved programming language used in creating games, stories, graphics and animation as well as staying safe on the internet. The girls were selected from the various public schools across the region to be trained. At the end of the training, Kumi Nkamageen Princess emerged as the overall best student.

Presenting the award, the Minister for Communication and Digitization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, congratulated her for emerging the winner out of a hundred finalists from the 11 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Bono East Region.

Hon. Owusu-Ekuful promised that the Ministry would construct a well-furnished computer laboratory for her school and encouraged her to put up her best in the upcoming national event.

Present at the event were the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Akwasi Adu-Gyan, traditional authorities of the Techiman Traditional Area, the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region, officials of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Officer-in-charge of ICT/Statistics and Data at the GES, Mr. Kwame Aboagye, and the Girl-Child Co-ordinator, Madam Owusua Gladys, facilitators who assisted in the training of the girls, among others.

Report by Pastor Daniel Teye Narh, Atebubu.

The Church’s Future Depends On Children’s Ministry Workers – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has entreated Children’s Ministry workers to be deliberate in training children in the church as foundation builders.

The Chairman said this on Friday, June 17, 2022, during the closing ceremony of the Foundation Builders’ Conference organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic, “Foundation Conference,” Apostle Nyamekye said that it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken homes. He called for more attention to be given to the Children’s Ministry to ensure a secured future for the church.

“The Children’s Ministry today will determine The Church of Pentecost tomorrow,” he said.

According to the Chairman, the foundation of the church brings the future in place and it is the target of the enemy, adding that “when you manage the Children’s Ministry, you are shaping our future.”

He advised the Children’s Ministry to engage in evangelistic activities to equip children of the church to win others to Christ.

“Make it evangelistic because we are talking about the future of the church,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye asked child workers to jealously guard the foundation because it will determine the future.

Reading from Psalm 78:5, the Chairman stressed that God commanded the leaders of Israel to teach the statutes to their children so the next generation would know the laws of God.

He further stated that being foundation builders should not just be a mantra or slogan, rather it should be a conviction and a determined purpose.

“When we project an effective Sunday School teacher, we talk about a praying teacher,” he noted.

He admonished them not to just teach the children, but to clothe the children with priestly garments and hand them over to the Lord.

He asserted that the foundation of the church is so important to God, saying, “The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ and He is a dependable rock.”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye advised Children’s Ministry teachers to show good examples for the children to follow, cautioning that children have vulnerable minds and, therefore, need to be protected.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Foundation Builders Conference Commences

This year’s ‘Foundation Builders Conference’ being organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) for Children’s Ministry workers and teachers has commenced at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The conference began on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, and is expected to end on Friday, June 17, 2022. About 465 participants comprising Children’s Ministry Pastors, leadership, teachers and workers, are participating in the training.

In his welcome address, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, Director of the Children’s Ministry of the church, said that the conference is the first of a two-part series being organised by the ministry for the year.

Pastor Prof Otoo Ellis said the training session was designed for Children’s Ministry workers in the Southern and Central Zones of the church. He said the second to be organised would be in the Northern zone of the church.

According to him, the conference is aimed at creating an environment to effectively examine the vision implementation of the church in line with the ministry and to review and bring to better understanding some of the new initiatives introduced by the ministry.

He added that it will help participants to learn about some contemporary issues and their effects on the work of the ministry.

“We would share experiences of ministry workers in our various areas to encourage ourselves,” the Children’s Ministry Director said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Patron of the Children’s Ministry, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, who doubles as the Area Head of Ashaiman, called on children workers to learn from one another in pursuit of their duties.

“Open up and empty yourself; put aside whatever you know as you allow God to fill you with wisdom and knowledge,” he stated.

Reading from 1 Chronicles 29:1a, Prophet Beditor mentioned that David acknowledged the insufficiencies of his son Solomon in leading the Israelites and called on the leaders to teach him. He noted that when Solomon ascended the throne, he asked for wisdom to lead the people. This, he said, was the breakthrough of King Solomon.

Speakers for the conference are Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Acting Director of Religious Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director), Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh (Assin Fosu Area Head), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Director of Children’s Ministry), and Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director).

The rest are Pastor Dr Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam (National Executive Committee Member, Children’s Ministry), Pastor George Owusu (Agormanya Area Children’s Ministry Leader), Mr. Emmanuel Arthur (Chief Executive Officer, Ramsys Infotech Limited), and Mrs. Freda Koranteng (National Executive Committee (NEC) Member, Children’s Ministry).

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost Children’s Ministry Produces More Champions -Apostle Eric Nyamekye

The Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has to a large extent lived up to its goal of producing champions for the Church over the last 50 years.

The Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, made this assertion in a speech read on his behalf by the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, at the launch of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Children’s Ministry yesterday.

Highlighting the objectives of the ministry, Apostle Nyamekye said that the forebears of the Church had specific goals in mind in setting up the Children’s Ministry. These core objectives, he noted, include leading children to personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour (2 Timothy 3:15), teaching the children the unadulterated word of God and preparing them to take their place in the body of Christ in a responsible way.

“The ministry was also instituted to create in the minds of the children the need to live holy, honest and righteous lives as well as encourage the spirit of good citizenship in the children,” he further noted.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, since its inception in 1972, the ministry has forged ahead with an added drive of evangelism, bringing many children to the saving grace of our Lord and Saviour. 

“Apart from producing champions, the ministry has also blessed many families in the church and society. It is therefore not surprising that we find products of the ministry in various spheres of society and professions, to mention a few; the pastorate (both in The Church of Pentecost and other churches), the business sector, the built environment, health sector, educational sector, the security, legal and administrative fraternities etc,” he noted.

He, therefore, commended past General Leaders, patrons, directors and their teams for the hard work and sacrifice in making the ministry a full-fledge ministry.

He also lauded Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Current Patron), as well as Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Current Ministry Director) and his team for carefully and diligently building on the work of their predecessors.

Apostle Nyamekye was very grateful to God for His goodness towards The Church of Pentecost and the Children’s Ministry in particular over the last 50 years and urged the entire membership to join the ministry in marking its Golden Jubilee anniversary in spectacular fashion.

“Today is a very special and historic day in the annals of The Church of Pentecost and the Children’s Ministry. This is because the Children’s Ministry is 50 years old. It is thus, a moment to give glory to the Lord for His goodness and love for the Church and the ministry,” he said.

The Children’s Ministry was introduced in The Church of Pentecost in 1972. The ministry, which began with pockets of children in the homes of some individuals, now boasts a membership of over one million, approximately 8.5% of the total population of children in Ghana.

The Children’s Ministry, now a full-fledged ministry of the Church has turned 50 this year, and as a result, some special activities have been outlined to mark this historic milestone.

The golden jubilee celebration is being held under the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Goodness in Equipping Children to Possess the Nations” (Psalm 100:5, Proverbs 22:6) and would be climaxed in September during the annual Children’s Week celebration.

The historic event was officially launched on behalf of the Chairman by the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, yesterday.

A major highlight of the celebration is the “50 for 50” evangelistic initiative, where the Children’s Ministry of the various local assemblies of the Church have been tasked to win and maintain at least 50 souls for Christ by September.

The ministry has also introduced a drawing competition for children of 12 years and below as part of the celebration.

PENTECOST NEWS.

It’s Official: The Church of Pentecost Children’s Ministry Is 50 Years!

A special ceremony was held yesterday at the McKeown Temple, Ashaiman, to officially launch the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

The historic anniversary celebration was launched by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, with assistance from the patron of the ministry, Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director and Executive Council Member), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director) and other ministers of the Church.

The Children’s Ministry was initiated in The Church of Pentecost in 1972 by some illustrious women of the church including Mrs. Margaret Mills.

The Children Ministry has turned 50 this year, and to mark this momentous milestone, the leadership of the ministry has outlined some special activities to observe the anniversary celebration.

The golden jubilee celebration is being held under the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Goodness in Equipping Children to Possess the Nations” (Psalm 100:5, Proverbs 22:6) and would be climaxed in September during the annual Children’s Week celebration.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, in his address, said that the event is a special and historic day in the annals of The Church of Pentecost and the Children’s Ministry in particular.

“The Lord has been good to the Church and ministry. The ministry, which started in the homes of individuals is now a full-fledge ministry playing significant roles in the growth and activities of the Church,” he said.

The General Secretary also commended the ministry for staying true to the objectives for which it was instituted by the forebears, amongst which are to lead children to have personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and to teach children the unadulterated word of God.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi also paid a glowing tribute to past and present directors and leaders of the ministry as well as children’s workers for the great work done for the last 50 years.

He also urged adult members to take active part in the golden jubilee celebration to ensure its success, saying: “50 years of God’s goodness is worth celebrating!”

The General Secretary also urged parents and church leaders to prioritise the spiritual growth of the children and be keen on raising godly children.

In a brief speech at the event, Pastor Prof. Ellis expressed gratitude to God for the historic milestone chalked by the Children’s Ministry.                                   

He asserted that, the Lord, through the Children’s Ministry, has raised many great men and women of God who now serve as ambassadors of the ministry in the church and various spheres.

The Director stated that the ministry continues to pursue this mandate as it seeks to raise godly children who grow to become godly adults who would positively impact the Church and the nations.

Pastor Prof. Ellis further noted that, among other things, the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration would grant the ministry the opportunity to take stock of the work done in the last 50 years, learn from the failures, and strategise for a more glorious future.

“I am overjoyed because the Lord has made it possible for us to see and be a part of the golden jubilee anniversary of the ministry. It is, therefore, a time to celebrate, a time to sacrifice to the Lord, and we want to do it in style with the “50 for 50” evangelistic initiative,” he said.

Throwing more light on the “50 for 50” initiative, which is also the official slogan for the celebration, Prof. Ellis said that to mark 50 years of God’s goodness, the Children’s Ministry in every assembly of the Church is tasked to win and maintain a minimum of 50 children for Christ.

“This would serve as a thanksgiving offering to the Lord for His goodness,” he added.

He further noted that assemblies that are able to achieve the set target would be acknowledged for their efforts and would have their names inscribed on a plaque of honour for posterity to see their noble feat.

Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, in turn, walked the audience through the various activities outlined for the semi-centennial celebration.

The launch ceremony, which was interspersed with song ministrations, scripture recital and other activities, was well patronised by ministers, children and child workers of the Church.

Among the dignitaries present were Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Children’s Director) and other National Executive Committee (NEC) members of the ministry. Also in attendance was Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head), former Director of the Children’s Ministry, Prophet Benjamin Adobah (Rtd.), Apostle Johnson Agyemang Baduh (Rtd.).

PENTECOST NEWS.