2023 Heads Meeting Opens web

2023 Heads Meeting Opens

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Monday, November 13, 2023, officially opened the 2023 November Heads’ Prayer Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region. 

The Heads Prayer Session is an annual meeting of all Apostles, Prophets, Area and National heads from the 151 nations worldwide to pray and fast for the church and discuss the church’s theme for the ensuing year.

Apostle Nyamekye, in his opening address, implored the participants to see themselves as representing constituencies, charging them to remember their obligations as ministers of God and fulfil them with great dedication to the glory of God.

He disclosed that the meeting will also unveil a new vision for the church – Vision 2028 – which is expected to elevate the church to a new level of growth as Vision 2023 draws to an end. 

The Chairman further used the medium to introduce delegates from sister churches in Togo and Benin: The Church of Pentecost in Togo and Faith Pentecostal Church in Benin. He explained that after years of animosity and mistrust, the two churches are now together in the spirit of unity to share fellowship to the glory of God.

The Chairman also acknowledged twelve heads and their wives who are expected to retire from active service in 2024.

They are: Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, Apostle Seth Kwaku Asomaning, Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh, Apostle Kenneth Baffoe Antwi, Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankrah-Badu, Apostle Ilboudo Antoine, Apostle Agyei-Gyamera Alex, Apostle Appiah Joseph Kwaku, Apostle Tabi Sam Agyeman and Apostle Augustus Martey Asemnor.

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Statistical Reporting Training Organised For Church Leaders web

Statistical Reporting Training Organised For Church Leaders

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The Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost has collaborated with the Statistics department at the Church’s Headquarters to provide training for the area pastorate, district secretaries, and presiding elders in statistical reporting.

The one-day seminar, held on November 9, 2023, drew 188 participants from the 24 districts in the Area.

The Church Statistician and lead facilitator for the event, Elder Daniel Tetteh, spoke on “Effective and Comprehensive Reporting,” emphasising the importance of “membership due diligence” in reporting.

He advised that, for thorough, accurate, and comprehensive reporting, the church leadership at the grassroots, namely the local assembly, should strictly adhere to using the church register, maintaining proper record-keeping practices, submitting monthly reports, and ensuring the ratification of all reports by the local and district presbyteries.

According to him, the records provided play a crucial role in the decision-making processes of the church leadership.

Drawing from years of experience, he lamented that reporting errors often result from inefficient record-keeping, disregard for the standard statistical reporting format, and failure to meet deadlines for the submission of periodic reports.

He stressed the importance of removing “ghost” names from the church membership figures to maintain accurate statistical records.

Elder Daniel Tetteh further encouraged the use of meticulous follow-up mechanisms, intensive pastoral care, and shepherding to address membership attrition, which he referred to as the “back-door syndrome.”

Report by the Agormanya Area Media Team

James McKeown Memorial Lectures Promotes web

James McKeown Memorial Lectures Promotes Dialogue Between Academics And Ecclesial Practitioners – Apostle Nyamekye

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has stressed the need to use the annual James McKeown Memorial Lectures (JMML) as a bridge to promote scientific and practical dialogue between academics and ecclesial practitioners of the Global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement.

In a keynote address read on his behalf by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, at the opening of the 2023 JMML organised by the Pentecost University at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Friday, November 10, 2023, Apostle Nyamekye was hopeful that the lectures would promote God’s Kingdom agenda and foster collaboration between academia and practising ministers and grassroots leaders within the churches around the globe.

He firmly believed that the event would allow participants to critically examine and reflect on the praxis and theories of their faith, thereby contributing to advancements in global understanding and appreciation of the Pentecostal movement.

Touching on the theme for the lectures, “Maximising the Impact of Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology and Mission in The Nations,” Apostle Nyamekye, who is the Chancellor of the university, noted that the theme sought to stimulate research and conversation among scholars and practitioners on the need to maximise the church’s missional impact to positively transform the nations of the world through the values and principles of the kingdom of God.

According to him, although Pentecostals have generally felt this need, its articulation among key stakeholders of the movement has been slow. 

“This conference attempts to engender such conversations in ways that can inform the future of the church’s visible missional impact in the nations, where all believers are released into their spheres of life as agents of transformation,” he said, adding, “For those in the academia, this call should be crucial to you as your primary duty is to transform all those who you train.”

Apostle Nyamekye indicated that per the church’s 5-year strategic vision, the church’s leadership pledged to support the Pentecost University to create an enabling learning and research environment as a training ground for pastors, lay leaders, and people studying in different fields. 

“As part of this vision, the church committed to supporting Pentecost University to organise at least one international conference annually. The conference will bring together local and international scholars and practitioners to discuss various aspects of the themes outlined in Vision 2023,” he said.

He said the initiative is expected to encourage scholarly activities and publications at the university and that the James McKeown Memorial Lectures is an example of this effort.

The Chairman eulogised the Founder, Pastor James McKeown, describing him as a “highly respected figure in Ghana and Africa, known for his contributions as a pioneer of Ghanaian Pentecostalism and as superintendent and chairman of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana.” 

“In honour of his legacy, these annual lectures are organised to promote scientific and practical dialogue between academics and ecclesial practitioners who work within the Global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement,” he added.

The Chairman of the University Council, Pastor Prof. William Otoo-Ellis, together with the Vice-Chancellor, Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, launched the Pentecost Researchers’ Forum (PRF), which aims to seek ways by which academic research in The Church of Pentecost can be integrated into the practical ministry of grassroots Christianity by promoting the mutually compatible nature of academic research and spirituality. 

Among the plenary speakers were Prof. Kirsteen Kim (Professor of Theology and World Christianity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, USA), Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu (President, Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon-Ghana), and Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anim (Ag. Pro Vice Chancellor & Director, PSTM – Pentecost University).

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Only Jesus Offers Eternal Life web

Only Jesus Offers Eternal Life – Pastor Nimako Asserts

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The National Secretary of the Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Adjei Nimako Darkwah, has emphasised the priceless nature of Jesus’s life and its accessibility to all who accept Him as their personal Saviour.

Pastor Darkwah reflected on God’s original intent for humanity, highlighting that God created humans to live eternally. Death, he said, was not a part of God’s design, saying, “God designed Adam and Eve to live forever.” 

He revealed this in a sermon titled “Jesus Christ, The Author of Life” during the recently held “Asankrangwa For Christ” crusade organised by the Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, 

Quoting Genesis 2, Pastor Darkwah recounted how God created a Paradise for humankind, the Garden of Eden, and placed two significant trees within it – the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. 

“God commanded humanity to eat all the fruits except the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, warning that eating from it would lead to death. However, human disobedience prevailed, resulting in their expulsion from Eden,” he noted.

Pastor Darkwah emphasised that Jesus, as the Author of life, is truly divine because all life originates from God, adding that only God possesses the power to give and create life and holds the authority to grant it. 

He explained that the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden symbolises eternal life.

The Evangelism Ministry Secretary delved into the existence of three distinct types of life. According to him, the first kind, often sought after by many, is centred on material wealth. However, it is transient and often leads individuals to compromise their values. 

The second life type involves personal accountability, where individuals must decide whether to accept Christ as their Saviour and not be swayed by their thoughts and emotions. 

The third and most crucial life is eternal life, a divine existence God Himself possesses, manifested through Jesus Christ.

Referring to John 1:4 to illustrate the essence of eternal life, Pastor Darkwah noted that true life is found in Jesus, saying that John 17:3 defined eternal life as knowing the Lord as one’s personal Saviour, granting the assurance of not facing spiritual death. 

He stressed that eternal life is a gift offered exclusively through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23).

He underscored the immense value of salvation, noting that material wealth cannot purchase the gift of eternal life. 

According to him, eternal life, although free, is immensely costly to God, as depicted in 1 Peter 2:21-25. 

“God’s love and sacrifice are profound, and the call to humanity is to respond to this divine love and accept the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ,” he added.

Pastor Nimako stressed that eternal life is a gift received through faith in Christ, not through works. 

“Salvation is attained by confessing with one’s mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in one’s heart that God raised Him from the dead, as highlighted in Romans 9:10,” he concluded. 

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Prayer Can Change Every Situation web

Prayer Can Change Every Situation – Pastor Awuah Fordjour

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The Crusades Coordinator of the Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Frank Awuah Fordjour, has advised Christians to pray since God, through prayers, can change their situations.

“As Christians, prayer should be our daily life. Make it a habit, and it will not be difficult for you to pray when the need arises. In times of joy or even in times of pain, always pray. Amazing things happen when we pray,” he said.

He made this assertion at the Mckeown Temple in Asankrangwa during the recently held “Asankrangrwa For Christ.”

Speaking on the topic, “Change Situations Through Prayer,” based on Psalm 65:2 and 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Pastor Fordjour explained that God is always ready to hear and answer the prayers of believers.

He said Christianity is not an event but a process involving troubles and weaknesses. However, he said, “God has given us a way out through His son Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between us and God.”

He defined prayer as a spiritual communication with God or an object of worship in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration or confession. He said that prayer is not only for emergencies, but it should be a way of life. 

Pastor Fordjour quoted Max Lucado, who said, “Our prayer may be awkward, but since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayer makes a difference.”

He urged believers to pray for God’s blessings in their lives, just as Jabez did in 1 Chronicles 4:10. He explained that Jabez’s name meant “pain,” but he did not let that name define him; he prayed to God, and God changed his situation around. 

Pastor Fordjour noted that names have spiritual implications and pathways and reflect one’s lifestyle.

He cited examples of names in the Bible with spiritual meanings, such as Daniel, Abraham, Sarah and Paul. He said that when God blesses his children, everything that flows through them will also be blessed. 

He referred to Genesis 12:2-3, where God promised Abraham to make him a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth. 

He said God’s blessing brings helpers because God uses people to bless believers. 

Pastor Fordjour said that the blessing of God is in sequence, and it increases as believers grow in faith and obedience. He quoted Psalm 71:21, which says, “You will increase my honour and comfort me once more.”

He encouraged Christians to rely on Jesus Christ, who has the power and ability to carry them through life. 

“Sometimes we feel left behind or abandoned by our friends and family, but Jesus will never leave or forsake us. We should not give up or be discouraged, but we should always pray and trust in God,” he advised.

He concluded by leading the congregation in a prayer of faith and declaration of God’s blessings over their lives. 

The service was attended by Apostle Dr Amos Jimmy Markin (Director, Evangelism Ministry), Apostle Daniel Dekpor (Asankrangwa Area Head), Apostle Francis Yaw Adu (Nsawam Area Head), Pastor Adjei Nimako Darkwah (Secretary, Evangelism Ministry), Pastor Charles K. Fosu (Asankrangrwa Area Secretary), Pastor Daniel Agabus Padi Tetteh (Wasa Mampong District), Pastor Prince Djumor (Winneba Area), Pastor Emmanuel Antwi (rtd) and Deaconess Eunice Obeng.

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35 Graduate From Tema Greenwich Meridian District Marriage School web

35 Graduate From Tema Greenwich Meridian District Marriage School

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The Tema Greenwich Meridian District (TGMD) Marriage School held a brief but impressive ceremony to recognise participants who had completed a two-month-long online pre-marital school programme at the Safo Memorial Temple on October 29, 2023. 

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the School, Elder Akwasi Boaten-Sekyerehene, recounted how the school has grown from a District Marriage Committee into a fully grown school. 

According to him, Apostle Abraham Swanzy, the then District Minister, mooted the idea of the Marriage School. It started as a face-to-face programme, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the physical sessions. The school’s leadership resorted to the online mode of delivery, which has now come to stay. Since then, the school has grown steadily to its present stage. 

He commended the school’s management, comprising the Rector (District Minister), the Dean, the Registrar, and Coordinators – Academic and Counselling. 

He encouraged members, especially the youth, to fully patronise the school because it has very qualified and experienced faculty with a rich curriculum. 

In their sessional report, the Course Prefect, Deacon Samuel Ofori and his assistant, Deaconess Christine Ofori, expressed profound gratitude to the students and the course facilitators for their immense sacrifice. He listed topics covered as Marriage and Family Life, Legal Matters in Marriage, Principles of Finance in Marriage, Understanding Temperaments and Divorce and its Consequences. 

He assured them that divorce would not be an option in their lives because Malachi 2:16a says, “For the Lord God of Israel says that HE hates divorce……” Moreover, he said, divorce destroys homes and brings separation and bitterness among the family.

The Registrar, Elder John Kwame Ansah, recounted how the school started by providing pre-marriage counselling to only church members. He explained that the scope of the school gradually broadened to cover non-members, with most denominations embracing the school. 

He pointed out that the current batch of students includes students from the Netherlands and China. 

He added that 53 students enrolled. However, 35 were able to go through the programme successfully. He further indicated that the course was entirely free to the participants since the district bears all expenses involved. 

The Registrar paid tribute to Apostle Abraham Swanzy, the originator of the Marriage School in TGMD, Pastor Dr Suleman De-Graft Issaka for embracing the school and lending his fullest support to it, Elder Akwasi Boateng-Sekyerehene for his dedicated service and all Faculty members for their immense sacrifice.

The Rector, Pastor Dr Suleman De-Graft Issaka, who doubles as the District Minister, in a brief message delivered on his behalf by the Presiding Elder of the Safo Memorial Temple, Elder Justice Cudjoe, congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of the programme. 

Certificates were presented to the graduates.

Report by TGMD Media Team

Cape Coast District Organises Officers Retreat web

Cape Coast District Organises Officers Retreat

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The Cape Coast District of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Kofi Aidoo, has organised a three-day Officers Retreat to equip them for the work of ministry. 

Held under the theme, “Reposition yourself as an officer in contemporary times,” the event occurred at the Adisadel Central Assembly from Wednesday, 1st to Friday, 3rd November 2023. 

Speaking on the first day of the retreat on the topic, “The officer and his knowledge of CoP ministry,” the wife of the Cape Coast Area Head of the church, Mrs Margaret Serwaa Antwi, stated the need for officers to love one another, particularly as leaders of the church. 

Using John 13:1, 1 Corinthians 1:3 and 2 Kings 12:7 as Bible references, Mrs Antwi reiterated the call for officers to have compassion for the members and be ready to suffer for them. 

Speaking on the second day on the topic, “Repositioning ourselves in our commitment as officers in the church” based on Colossians 3:25, Ruth 1:16, and 2 Samuel 11:6, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, asked officers to deem it a great honour for God to call them as leaders because it is a wealthy calling. 

Quoting from Genesis 24:5-7, Apostle Antwi highlighted four things that officers must be committed to. He entreated officers to be committed to God’s providence, God’s principle, God’s performance (Genesis 24:54-56 & 2 Corinthians 6:18), and God’s people because leadership is not a business. 

He stressed the need for leaders to be polite to the people (Act 20:27) while charging them to seek the best interest of all the church members.

Speaking on the last day of the retreat, Mrs Margaret Antwi (wife of the Area Head) spoke on the topic: “Mobilising the entire church to keep the fire burning.”

She called on leaders to pray in and out of season, saying that as leaders, they must be prayerful. Using 1 Peter 2:9, she said that a leader must never stop their devotions so that the fire of the Holy Spirit will continue to burn in them and set them ablaze. 

She appealed to officers to mobilise the members, lit the Pentecostal fire in them, and involved them in church activities. 

To keep the fire burning, Mrs Antwi urged leaders to stay with Jesus Christ throughout their life journey, be constant in their zeal for the Lord, and have their personal devotion every day. She also advised them not to dwell in the past things but to move in the glory of the Lord.

Report by Bernard Apprey. 

Girl Miraculously Healed Of Speech Impairment web

Girl Miraculously Healed Of Speech Impairment

by with No Comment Church NewsTestimoniesTop Stories

Vivian Amegah, a 19-year-old girl from Agadzi village in the Akenkansu District in the Akim Oda Area of The Church of Pentecost, who became mute under strange circumstances for a year, has been healed by the power of God.

Vivian Amegah experienced a psychotic episode soon after her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) mock examinations in November last year. Subsequently, she became utterly mute and could not write the BECE with her year group. She was taken to diviners and traditional healers and given a talisman, which was put around her neck.

The District Minister of Akenkansu, Probationary Overseer Dr Vicent Appiah, explained how the young lady had her healing:

“On the first day of meeting her, we prayed for her, and we saw how she struggled but could not open her mouth when we urged her to speak. The Holy Spirit also drew our attention to a thin brown thread around her neck, and when we inquired what it was for, her Auntie quickly said: “It is just a thread.” We then told her to remove it, but she hesitated, saying, “Grandma would be the best person to remove it when she comes home,” the District Minister said.

The District Minister continued that during a second visit on October 6, 2023, he gave her a Youth Bible and a reading torch and encouraged her to read Matthew 8 and 9 about the miracles of Jesus Christ.

Vivian Amegah narrated that on October 13, 2023, she suddenly spoke out some words of the Bible that she was reading in her mind. Out of shock, she stopped reading the Bible, and the speech also ended. She became mute again. On Sunday, October 15, 2023, she could not narrate this experience in church as she had only spoken transiently. The entire district persisted in prayer for her during the period.

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, as she got up and was preparing for church service, she suddenly spoke again, and this time, she remained vocal. She was the first person to report to church that day. As she gave the details of her testimony, all joined in to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the miracle. The District Minister prayed for her and, under the Holy Spirit’s direction, cut the thread (talisman) around her neck.

To the glory of God, Vivian Amegah can now talk without any impairment. She intends to go back to school. 

Report by Samuel Ofori

Downtown-Ofaakor Area Holds Officers School, Launches Aggressive Evangelism Month web

Downtown-Ofaakor Area Holds Officers School, Launches Aggressive Evangelism Month

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The Downtown-Ofaakor Area of The Church of Pentecost held its quarterly Officers School, a flagship programme attended by all ministers and their wives, as well as all the officers and potential officers in the Area, from October 30 to November 1, 2023, at the Area Office.

The Area Head, Apostle William Kojo Edzorhoho, delivered a message on the theme, “The Seed Planted Must Grow” based on Matthew 13:3-9, explaining that the survival and growth of the seeds sown by God depend on the type of soil they fall on. 

He urged officers to ensure that the evangelistic efforts in the church grow and bear fruits for the glory of God. He warned that some seeds may be bad and unproductive and advised the leaders to take time in preparing the soil of the hearts of the people so that the seed of the word may grow and be fruitful.

He further stated that the purpose of the fruit is to carry and protect the seed for dispersal. He said that the fruit of the Christian is the lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ. 

Apostle Ezorhoho encouraged the officers to live a good and righteous life that would attract others to the gospel and help with a wide dispersal of the seed.

He encouraged the officers to teach intentionally, pray for and build up the members, and trust the Lord to grow them. He also urged them to be watchful and faithful as they serve the Lord.

During the service, Apostle Kojo Edzorhoho launched the Aggressive Evangelism Month and the One-Member-One-Discipled Soul (1M1D) initiatives in the Area. 

He emphasised that soul-winning is the core mandate of The Church of Pentecost and that the church must be vibrant and effective in evangelism. 

He challenged the officers to use all the available resources and methods to win and turn many to Christ. He assured them they would receive the soul winner’s crown when the Lord Jesus returned to take them and the souls they had won to heaven.

He encouraged all officers to get on board and support the Aggressive Evangelism and the 1M1D initiatives and make disciples of all nations for the Lord.

Report by Overseer Stephen Danso

AGRIHOUSE, PEMEM, And PENTSOS Explore Possibilities Of Forging Partnership web

AGRIHOUSE, PEMEM, And PENTSOS Explore Possibilities Of Forging Partnership

by with No Comment Church NewsPEMEMTop Stories

AGRIHOUSE Foundation, an agribusiness non-governmental organisation, the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), and PENTSOS are in the early stages of exploring opportunities to promote the Ministry’s agribusiness agenda among its members.

The inaugural meeting to discuss this exciting collaboration occurred at the General Headquarters of The Church of Pentecost on Monday, November 6, 2023. Representing PEMEM were the National Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, his deputy, Elder Ebenezer Acheampong, and Elder Stephen Djabah, a member of PEMEM’s National Executive Committee. Elder Frank Adutwum represented the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS).

AGRIHOUSE team was led by its Founder and Executive Director, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, and Pamela Setor, the Impact and Promotions Executive. Among the attendees were Senator Ken Schilz from Nebraska, USA, and representatives from Heart Builders Real Estate, Eunice Taylor and Daniel Tetteh. Also present was Elder Benson Mensah, who is into piggery.

Alberta Akosa outlined AGRIHOUSE’s mission, which is to advance agribusiness through exhibitions, advocacy efforts, capacity-building programmes, community development initiatives, social impact programs, seminars, workshops, trade missions, and various innovative projects. She highlighted the organisation’s involvement in activities such as boot camps, pre-harvest programmes, one-house-one garden projects, and livestock programs, all aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector through education and training.

Senator Ken Schilz from Nebraska, on his part, emphasised the importance of marketing programs in ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their products while helping consumers better understand the processes involved in farming. He suggested that sharing personal farm stories through documentaries could foster a stronger connection between consumers and farmers, thereby ensuring that consumers appreciate the authenticity of the products they consume.

With PEMEM and PENTSOS agribusiness initiatives, the team expressed their interest in partnering with the church to bolster the agricultural sector.

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, Director of PEMEM and an Executive Council Member of the church, explained that about 60 percent of the church members depend on agricultural activities as their source of livelihood.

He, however, expressed concern about the problem of post-harvest losses affecting farmers in Ghana. Thus, the Ministry seeks to partner with any agribusiness organisation that will help to train church members who are into farming to overcome the challenges confronting them in the agribusiness sector.

The focus of PEMEM, according to him, is to train church members on best agribusiness practices to enhance their skills in the production, preservation, processing, and marketing of their farm produce.

Apostle Anane Denteh was optimistic that the Women’s and Youth ministries all have a stake in developing the skills of their members in agribusiness.

This potential partnership holds promise for the agricultural sector in Ghana and could pave the way for innovative solutions to the industry’s most pressing issues.

PENTECOST NEWS