Posts in category: Church News

The Nkenkaasu District in the Offinso Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised its first mass wedding for six couples, including Elder Joseph Adom Frimpong, the 2024 Offinso North Best Farmer.

Held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, the event attracted a large crowd, inspiring many attendees to bless their marriages.

Pastor Roderick Kyere-Djan, the District Minister, shared that many people in the district had not registered their marriages for various trivial reasons.

“We realised that members were not motivated to bless their marriages. To address this, we provided intensive teachings on marriage and family life as enshrined in the Vision 2028 document. After the sessions, we invited interested members to participate, allocating most of our budget to this initiative and emphasising simplicity to show that blessing a marriage is not difficult,” he explained, adding, “This intentional focus drew the attention of many members, leading to increased participation.”

As a result, several couples who had previously hesitated to bless their marriages found renewed interest upon realising that it was not as complicated as they had thought. Six couples took the first step, and the enthusiasm for marriage blessings grew stronger after witnessing the beauty and simplicity of the ceremony.

Motivated by the success of this inaugural event, Pastor Kyere-Djan expressed gratitude to God and plans to organise similar mass weddings every six months to benefit more church members.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the District Pastor’s Wife, the District Executive Committee Members, Officers, representatives of the District Chief Imam, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, and many others.

Report by Offinso Area Media Team

A poignant memorial service was held today, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Jubilee Park in Koforidua, to honor the life and legacy of the late Pastor Fred Tete Obuobi, a retired minister of The Church of Pentecost and father of the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi. The event, very well-attended, was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of a life dedicated to God’s service and the growth of the Church.

The service was chaired by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost in the presence of numerous ministers, both active and retired, who gathered to pay their respects. Tributes were read by family members and the Church, each speaking to the profound impact the late Pastor Obuobi had on their lives, as well as the ministry.

Pastor Fred Tete Obuobi, affectionately known as “Paa Kwabena,” was born on July 27, 1927, in Adukrom Akuapim. After answering the call to full-time ministry in 1962, he served in various capacities across the country, including in Asiakwa, Adeiso, Shama, Prestea, Asante Effiduasi, Asante Mampong, Saltpond, Aburi, and Akuapim Akropong. Pastor Obuobi’s contributions to the Church were immeasurable, from his tireless evangelistic efforts to his dedication to training and nurturing future leaders. He retired from active ministry in 1994, but continued to be involved in the Church’s activities, even after retirement.

As a humble man who lived out the values of hard work, contentment, and service, Pastor Obuobi left a lasting mark on both the Church and his family. His life was a testament to his deep faith and his belief in living a simple, godly life. He passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at the age of 97, after a brief period of preparing his family for his departure.

The emotional service featured tributes from Pastor Obuobi’s widow, Mrs. Gladys Obuobi, and their children. In a moving tribute, Mrs. Obuobi reflected on their 66 years of marriage, speaking of her husband’s unwavering love, dedication, and support. She fondly remembered their shared devotion to God, and how they faced life’s challenges together, always with faith and love. She expressed deep gratitude for the many years they had spent together, and thanked God for blessing her with such a faithful husband.

The tribute from the Obuobi children, read by Apostle Samuel Obuobi, was equally heartfelt. They spoke of the legacy of love, discipline, and faith their father left them. His teachings, which emphasized the importance of prayer, integrity, devotion to the word of God and contentment, continue to guide them. The family highlighted his role as both a spiritual leader and a devoted father who took a personal interest in each of their lives, guiding them with wisdom and compassion.

The General Council of The Church of Pentecost also paid tribute to Pastor Obuobi’s lifetime of service. In a tribute delivered by Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, the International Missions Director (IMD), the Council acknowledged Pastor Obuobi’s role in the growth of the Church, especially during difficult times when the Church faced challenges. His loyalty, passion for evangelism, and commitment to his calling were described as pillars that supported the ministry in Ghana and beyond.

During the service, Apostle Dr. Daniel Walker (Rtd.) delivered a powerful sermon titled “Where is your house?” using John 1:1-3 as the foundational text. The sermon emphasized the transient nature of earthly life and the believer’s hope in an eternal home with Christ. This resonated deeply with those in attendance, as it mirrored Pastor Obuobi’s own journey of faith and his readiness to meet his Maker after a life well-lived.

Pastor Obuobi’s life was one of simplicity and contentment. He did not seek riches or material gain, but instead found joy in serving others, both within his family and in the ministry. His humility and dedication to his calling set a powerful example for all who knew him.

As the service came to a close, the words from the General Council’s tribute echoed in the hearts of the attendees: “Heaven is rejoicing because a faithful servant of the Lord has been called home.” Pastor Fred Tete Obuobi’s legacy lives on through his family, his ministry, and the many lives he touched over the years.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

PENT NEWS.

The National Secretary of The Church of Pentecost in the USA, Apostle Johnny Ansah, has called on all Christians to serve God with all their possessions and gifts.

Drawing inspiration from 1 Chronicles 29:12-14, Apostle Ansah highlighted the example of King David, who, despite being restrained by God from building the temple himself, remained passionate about praising and serving God through his son Solomon.

Apostle Ansah emphasized that everything Christians possess is a blessing from God and that they are merely caretakers and custodians of these blessings.

He reminded the congregation that God is the owner of everything, and their role is to manage these resources faithfully and prudently. This perspective is crucial for understanding stewardship and the responsibility that comes with it.

He underscored that service to God is an act of deep devotion and obedience, which involves using spiritual gifts, talents, skills, homes, time, money, and intellect to further God’s kingdom. This service is not just about helping others but is rooted in profound love for God and commitment to His will. Apostle Ansah called on believers to mobilize and freely give every gift they have, similar to the vision for kingdom growth seen in initiatives like “Vision 2020.”

Apostle Ansah also cautioned against becoming pompous or self-aggrandized due to the possessions and gifts one has. Instead, he urged believers to remain humble and recognize that these blessings come from God and are meant to be used for His service. This humility is essential for maintaining a correct attitude toward possessions and ensuring they do not control us.

He highlighted the rewards of sacrificial service to God, mentioning that serving Him leads to spiritual growth and maturity, divine protection, prosperity, and ultimately, an eternal reward. Despite the challenges that may come with serving the Lord, Apostle Ansah noted that selflessness and sacrifice are at the core of true devotion.

PENT NEWS.

The Koforidua Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Mike Etrue, has emphasised the importance of waiting upon God through fasting and prayer as a crucial discipline for Christians across all generations.

Speaking on Thursday, November 15, 2024, at the 2024 Heads and Wives Meeting held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, the Executive Council Member of the Church highlighted that this ancient practice, grounded in biblical teachings, offers a profound way to deepen one’s relationship with God and empower individuals for ministry.

He noted that waiting upon God is not a new concept; it has been a cornerstone of Christian spirituality since the early days of the Church. He pointed out that Jesus Himself frequently secluded Himself to wait on God, illustrating the importance of this practice in His own life.

Apostle Etrue mentioned that the early leaders of The Church of Pentecost were particularly committed to this discipline, incorporating daily, weekly, monthly, and annual practices of waiting on God into their lives. This dedication enabled them to encounter Jesus and experience His power in tangible ways.

He explained that fasting is a vital component of waiting upon God, involving more than just abstaining from food; it also entails focusing on the spiritual and suppressing fleshly desires.

“When paired with prayer, fasting releases God’s supernatural power and helps believers realign their priorities, placing their spiritual lives above physical needs. This practice aids in breaking bad habits, overcoming sin, and receiving direction from the Holy Spirit,” he added.

The Koforidua Area Head stated that waiting on God through fasting and prayer allows leaders and believers to reflect, learn from their mistakes, and seek God’s guidance. He emphasised that it minimizes distractions, replenishes one’s spiritual reservoir, and empowers individuals for ministry. He cited Daniel’s remarkable prayer life as an example of the power of this discipline, which enabled him to receive visions and guidance from God even in challenging times.

To ensure the continuation of this vital practice, he urged church leaders to model and teach it to the next generation. This, he said, could be achieved by organising regular waiting sessions to help members learn and participate.

However, he cautioned that contemporary challenges, such as busy schedules, technological distractions, and complacency, must be addressed.

Regarding the rewards of waiting, Apostle Mike Etrue revealed that by prioritising this spiritual discipline, Christians can experience the profound spiritual delights and empowerment that come from waiting on God, ensuring that this essential practice thrives in future generations.

PENT NEWS

Apostle Dr. Benjamin Debrah, the Sweden National Head of The Church of Pentecost, has encouraged Christians to stay connected to the world around them to glorify Christ in the public sphere.

During his address on the topic “Living Your Faith in the Public Sphere” on Day 3 of the 2024 Heads’ Fasting and Prayer Meeting being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) near Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Debrah emphasised that every Christian is a citizen of heaven, chosen by God, and has the authority of Christ to represent Him in every aspect of life.

He urged Christians to bridge the gap between Sunday worship and daily life, highlighting that there should be no distinction between how Christians live on Sundays and throughout the week.

“Most of a Christian’s time is spent in the workplace, so opportunities for others to encounter Christ often arise in these settings,” he stated, encouraging Christian leaders to disciple individuals to become influencers in the public sphere.

“When people come to know Jesus Christ, we must intentionally guide them to shape their worldview according to biblical values,” he affirmed. He pointed out that Jesus engaged with the world during His time on earth and made a difference through His actions. He, therefore, urged Christians to allow the presence of Christ within them to manifest in the public arena.

“Do not disconnect from the world around you. Be available and visible when people need help; this may open doors for you to impact their lives. Christians should consistently engage with society and value those involved in public service,” he emphasised.

Apostle Debrah explained that the public sphere encompasses all areas outside of one’s private life, including family interactions, politics, public service, and business.

“Your faith in Jesus Christ should guide how you work and live; as ambassadors of Christ, you cannot separate yourselves from these responsibilities. Timeliness, integrity, and quality should define our work ethic. Let your faith dictate your words and actions,” he advised.

He encouraged Christians to develop deep roots in Christ, cultivating a mindset that fears and desires to please God, which provides the boldness to represent Him well. He outlined spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, waiting, and meditation on the Word of God as essential for building a strong Christian character.

“Studying the Word and living by it is crucial. It is not enough to simply profess your faith; if your actions do not reflect Christ, then your testimony is compromised,” Dr. Debrah stated.

He stressed the importance of respecting everyone, noting that being sensitive and courteous to individuals from various backgrounds makes them more receptive to the message of Christ.

He expressed concern about how some Christians conduct themselves during public events like funerals, birthday parties, and weddings.

“If an event is under your control, bring your godly influence to it. Playing music that is not godly at significant occasions undermines your testimony and increases the Church’s workload in evangelism,” he cautioned.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of excellence in the workplace, stating that it draws attention and creates influence. He suggested using skills and intellect to showcase the testimony of a worthy life in Christ.

He noted that a heart filled with sincere love and compassion for others, combined with godly wisdom and a willingness to engage, are powerful tools for sharing the gospel in various settings.

“Make the most of every opportunity and share your testimonies. Our influence as Christians must be palpable to impact the public sphere,” Apostle Debrah reinforced.

PENT NEWS

The immediate past General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Kumi-Larbi, has emphasized the urgent need to revitalize worship and fellowship within the local church.

He made this statement while speaking on Day 3 (morning session) of the 2024 Heads and Wives Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre.

Drawing from Psalm 122:1, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32, and Ephesians 2:9, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, who spoke on “Revitalizing Worship and Fellowship in the Local Assembly,” outlined a comprehensive approach to restoring the vibrancy and purpose of church life.

The former chief scribe stressed that every church, regardless of its current state, needs revitalization to maintain its health and missional energy.

According to him, this process involves positioning the local assemblies of the church as equipping centers where members are thoroughly prepared to impact others.

He revealed that worship, as a lifestyle of daily service to God, should not be confined to a physical temple but should occur wherever believers gather.

Highlighting the importance of fellowship, he mentioned that it builds friendships, unity, and contributes to building God’s Kingdom on Earth.

To achieve this revitalization, Apostle Kumi-Larbi advocated for several key strategies.

He emphasized the importance of mentoring and raising leaders at the local level, ensuring that church leaders are intentional and strategic in their approach.

Regular church attendance and active participation in outreach events are also vital, as they help members become more invested in the church’s health and future.

He also highlighted the value of small groups in fostering deeper fellowship and generosity among church members. By embracing change, rediscovering the mission of the church, and remaining patient throughout every step of the journey, churches can experience transformative renewal.

PENT NEWS