Women's Director, Deputy Visit Ho Area web

Women’s Director, Deputy Visit Ho Area

The Director of the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Deaconess Philomina Mireku, and her deputy, Deaconess Vivian Amfo, paid a working visit to the Ho Area of the church from October 9-11, 2023. Their arrival was met with a warm and grand reception organised by the Anum-Asikuma Zone of the Area at Anum-Asikuma Central Assembly Auditorium on Monday, October 9, 2023. 

In her opening address, the Women’s Ministry Director reminded all women that the vision of the ministry was to contribute substantially to the Church’s Vision 2023 by equipping all women and ladies within the church to exemplify Christ-like character, engage in evangelism, and provide dedicated service. 

Stressing the importance of repositioning the ministry, she stated the need to assess past efforts to bring people to Christ. She underscored the urgency of repositioning, characterising it as a wake-up call. Deaconess Mireku asserted that achieving favourable outcomes would necessitate a complete departure from outdated methods and processes. She thus emphasised the importance of character development as a critical aspect to focus on to realise Vision 2028.

Later on Tuesday, the director and her deputy met with all ministers’ wives, deaconesses, wives of officers, district and local Women’s Ministry executives. She emphasised the importance of collaboration in moving the ministry and the church forward. 

She also met with all the women in the districts within the Ho Municipality in the evening. Delivering the sermon with reference to Romans 12:18, Deaconess Philomina Mireku asserted that Christian women were expected to positively influence their communities, starting with their own homes, local markets, and social circles. She, however, lamented that sometimes, the behaviour of one woman towards another could lead to people backsliding in their faith. She, therefore, called on women to embody a Christ-like character, believing that such a transformation would encourage the return of backsliders and bring new life to many marriages.

The Ho Area Head and Executive Council Member of the church, Apostle Dr Dela Quampah, expressed his excitement and appreciation to the leadership of the Women’s Ministry for the historic visit.

On the last day of their visit, the team met with all the women in the Kpetoe Zone, which comprises Kpetoe, Ziope, Akpokope and Adaklu Waya districts, at Kpetoe Central Chapel. 

Speaking at the event, Deaconess Vivian Amfo, the Deputy Director, encouraged the women to be steadfast in prayer and be exemplary mothers, wives, and daughters just like the “Proverbs 31 Woman.”

She encouraged the young ladies to eschew laziness and immoral behaviour to achieve the purpose of God for their lives. She also encouraged parents and the church to invest in the development of the girlchild by paying attention to their personal devotions, conduct, dressing and commitment to church activities.

The Women’s Ministry Director and her deputy were accompanied by Mrs Comfort Quampah, the wife of the Ho Area Head and National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the Women’s Ministry; Deaconess Fidelia Ametefe (Area Leader) and the entire Area Executive Committee members, throughout their visitations to the various zones in the area. The Ho Area pastorate was also present to grace the occasions, which was a delight to the National Director.  

The visit of Deaconess Philomina Mireku and Deaconess Vivian Amfo to the Ho Area of The Church of Pentecost was a significant event that stirred the hearts of all in attendance, inspiring a renewed commitment to reposition the local church and empower Christian women to make a lasting impact on the nation.

HO AREA NEWS DESK

Be Strong And Do Exploits web

Be Strong And Do Exploits – Apostle Obuobi Charges Christian Youth

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has encouraged believers to be strong and do exploits for God. 

He said this on Saturday, October 21, 2023, during the final session of the 2023 Shekinah Pre-Tertiary & Ministry-To-Teens Conference organised by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

He based his sermon on Daniel 11:32, which states that those who know their God shall be strong and do great things.

He explained that “exploits” means achievements, accomplishments, or attainments. He said that God has created humanity to do exploits and to have a glorious end, regardless of their humble beginnings (Job 8:7). 

The General Secretary urged the youth not to let anyone despise them because of their age or background but to strive to realise their potential in God.

He emphasised that the condition for being strong and doing exploits is to know God personally and experientially, not just by hearsay or information. 

He said that knowing God is the source of eternal life (John 17:3) and the key to overcoming the challenges and enemies of life.

Apostle Obuobi challenged the youth to move from the level of knowing about God to the level of knowing God intimately and passionately. He said that as they do so, they will experience the power and presence of God in their lives and manifest His glory to the world.

The 2023 Shekinah Pre-Tertiary & Ministry-To-Teens Conference began on Friday, October 20, and ended on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at various designated satellite centres nationwide. The conference aimed to empower and equip teenagers in The Church of Pentecost to stand for God and positively impact their generation. 

The conference featured various activities such as Bible studies, seminars, workshops, and more. The keynote addresses were transmitted virtually from the command centre in Koforidua to all the satellite centres.

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Prayer Is Our Heritage – General Secretary Reminds Christians

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has asserted that prayer remains the heritage of Christians.

He has, therefore, called on believers to keep to prayer as it has immense implications.

He noted that prayer should be an integral part of the daily routines of Christians until their last breath.

Apostle Gyau Obuobi made this known on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the climax of the Osu District’s one-week fasting and prayer event held at the Osu Central Auditorium from October 16 to 22, 2023.

The event, which was on the theme, “The Local Church Called To Prayer, For Maximum Impact” (Acts 12:5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17), brought together church members eager to embrace the transformative power of prayer.

The General Secretary highlighted the significance of prayer, touching on several key points.

He drew a parallel between prayer and heritage, likening prayer to something passed down from generation to generation, saying, “In The Church of Pentecost, prayer is not just a tradition but a precious heritage.”

Apostle Obuobi urged the church to guard it and pass it on to future generations, much like Naboth, who refused to relinquish his inheritance.

He noted that in The Church of Pentecost, prayer is a defining feature that sets the church apart, adding, “Prayer is a core element of Pentecostalism, ingrained in our services and lifestyle. Apostolic believers learn the art of prayer and cannot be separated from it, for it is an integral part of Pentecostalism.”

The General Secretary passionately emphasised that prayer acts as a catalyst for revival. He cited the example of the Wesley Brothers, known for their fervent prayer life.

He emphasised that prayer is not optional for Christians but an absolute necessity since it is essential to the Christian disciple’s life. He encouraged the congregation to spend much time praying, reminding them there is no substitute for it.

He referenced Matthew 21:12-13 and Isaiah 56:7, underlining God’s expectation for the church to be a “House of Prayer.”

He disclosed that miracles, signs, and wonders followed when the first church prayed. This principle, he mentioned, remains unchanged, and by continuing in prayer, the church can anticipate remarkable miracles and divine interventions.

Apostle Obuobi concluded by sharing insights into the outcomes of prayer.

He quoted Bill Hybels, stating that prayer is the key to unlocking God’s consistent and prevailing power in one’s life.

“Through prayer, individuals and the church can tap into the divine power,” he admonished.

Apostle Obuobi noted that in prayer, God speaks and directs.

“Prayer is not merely presenting requests to God; it is a channel through which miracles and opportunities are granted,” he declared.

Among those present were Mrs Korkor Obuobi, the wife of the General Secretary, and Pastor Gabriel Owusu and his wife, Priscilla (Osu District Minister).

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Seek God’s Will For Your Lives – Pastor David Arthur Urges Young Christians

The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Travelling Secretary for the Upper East Sector, Pastor David Arthur, has urged young Christians to run away from sin and seek God’s will for their lives.

Speaking on Saturday at the second day of the ongoing Shekinah Pre-Tertiary & Ministry To Teens Conference 2023 organised by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost on the topic: “Our Victory Over Occultism, Homosexuality and Addictions,” he noted that God created man in His own image and crowned him with glory and honour.

He, however, said that the devil, who was jealous of God’s creation, introduced sin to destroy it. Drawing inspiration from 1 John 5:18 and 2 Corinthians 2:13-14, he urged young people to run away from sin and seek God’s will for their lives.

Pastor Arthur explained that sin created a vacuum in man’s heart that could only be filled by God.

He said that the things that the world offers as pleasure and power are actually traps that lead to bondage and destruction.

The Travelling Secretary said that Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of the world and break its power over humanity.

He said that through faith in Christ, believers are born again of an incorruptible seed, which is the word of God.

He stressed that as children of God, they have the nature of God in them.

“We can overcome sin by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Live holy and victorious lives for the glory of God,” he concluded.

This year’s Shekinah Pre-Tertiary & Ministry To Teens Conference is the third edition and was held at over 500 satellite centres across the nation with the Command Centre in Koforidua in the Easter Region of Ghana. The conference ended yesterday, with a presentation from the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi.

PENTECOST NEWS

2023 ‘SHEKINAH CONFERENCE’ UNDERWAY NATIONWIDE web

2023 ‘Shekinah Conference’ Underway Nationwide

The third edition of the Shekinah Pre-tertiary and Ministry-to-teens Conference has officially begun at various designated satellite centres nationwide.

The conference, which is under the theme: “Teens Repositioned For Exploits And Maximum Impact,” is being held at over 500 satellite centres across the nation from October 20 to 21, 2023.

The conference aims to empower and equip teenagers in The Church of Pentecost to stand for God and make a positive impact in their generation.

The conference features various activities such as Bible studies, seminars, workshops, and more.

The keynote addresses are transmitted virtually from the command centre to all the satellite centres.

In his opening address, the Coordinator for the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Ghana, Elder Samuel Boahen, expressed his gratitude to God for making the conference possible despite the challenges posed by the ongoing changes in the Ghanaian academic calendar.

He also acknowledged the Youth Ministry and its Director, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, for their significant1the support and guidance in putting the conference together.

He urged all the participants to make the most of the programmes and learn from the seasoned speakers and facilitators who have been invited to share their insights and experiences.

“It remains my prayer that we all shall leave the conference fully empowered and rejuvenated, serving the Lord diligently to the glory of God,” he said.

The Youth Director, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, in his remarks, expressed his joy over the successful launch of the conference.

He said that this year’s conference has undergone a great transformation as it marks the third edition of the annual event.

He explained that the conference has gotten a new identity as pre-tertiary and ministry to teens, which reflects the renewed commitment of The Church of Pentecost to teenagers.

Apostle Hagan noted that teenage years are the years of formation, as well as the most impressionable days in a person’s life.

He said that this is the time when young people can make the greatest changes to their course of life.

He, however, cautioned that this is the time when they are most vulnerable to the attacks and temptations of the devil.

He, therefore, stressed the need for young people to be repositioned for exploits and make the needed impact, as indicated by the theme of the conference.

The Youth Director cited people in the Bible such as Joseph, David, Daniel, and Esther who stood for God and did great things for His kingdom at their young age, saying, “No teenager who will be joining us will leave the same.”

The first sermon of the conference was delivered by Pastor Ebenezer Agyapong (Kwadaso Sector Travelling Secretary), who spoke on the main scripture for the conference, Daniel 11:29-32.

He explained that Daniel prophesied about a time when a wicked king would reign over Israel and introduce strange things into the country.

He said that in spite of his oppression, some people would rise up and resist him because they knew God.

He likened this situation to the current state of affairs in the world, where there are many evil influences and practices that seek to corrupt and destroy young people.

Pastor Agyapong challenged young people to be like those who knew God and did exploits in their generation. He encouraged them to be grounded and established in Christ, as stated in Colossians 2:6.

He also referred to 1 Samuel 17, where God used a young man named David to bring an end to the Philistine oppression of Israel. He said that God can use young people today to bring an end to any form of oppression or injustice in their society if they are willing and obedient.

The conference continues with more sessions and activities until Saturday, October 21, 2023…

Present at the launch were Pastor Musah Yahaya (PIWC Koforidua Resident Minister), Pastor Emmanuel and Mrs. Serwah Kissi (PENSEC Koforidua Chaplain), Elder Prof. Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Director), Elder Ebenezer Ankamah (Ministry-to-teen NEC Member), PENSA Ghana Coordinating Team, and PENSA Travelling Secretaries from various sectors across the country.

PENTECOST NEWS

Torkorni District Inaugurates French Assembly web

Torkorni District Inaugurates French Assembly

The Torkorni District in the Hohoe Area of The Church of Pentecost has officially inaugurated its French Assembly, bringing a new sense of community and spiritual connection to the town’s French-speaking residents.

The vision for the French assembly was initiated by the District Minister, Pastor Hope Kofi Lumor, who was recently transferred to the Hohoe Area. 

He realised the need to embrace the local population’s diverse linguistic backgrounds and reach out to those who speak French.

Pastor Lumor was inspired by the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Pastor Francis Kofi Mensah, who started a French class for some church members.

He and his team decided to build on the foundation and embarked on a mission to connect with the French-speaking community. They went door-to-door, sharing the gospel and inviting people to join the church. They also organised a two-day French rally, which attracted many people from different backgrounds and denominations. The rally was successful, as about 12 persons gave their lives to Christ.

Pastor Lumor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our church’s mission is to spread the love of Christ to all peoples and languages, including French. Thus, we embarked on this journey to reach out to the French-speaking community, and today, we celebrate the birth of the French Assembly.”

He thanked God for His grace and guidance throughout the process. He also thanked his team and the church members for their support and prayers, encouraging the new converts to remain faithful and grow in their relationship with God.

Report by Don Simon

Apostle Nyamekye Charges Ministers To Win Cities For Christ web

Apostle Nyamekye Charges Ministers To Win Cities For Christ

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has challenged Ministers of the Gospel to focus on winning the cities for Christ, since urban centres are the hub of influence and culture.

He made this call when he delivered a sermon at the annual prayer meeting of ministers and wives of The Church of Pentecost in the Greater Accra Region held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Some retired ministers of the church and other Executive Council members also graced the event.

Speaking on the topic, “Winning The City,” Apostle Nyamekye explained that most of the cities mentioned in the Bible, such as Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth, were strategic places for Paul’s missionary work. 

He said that Paul understood that reaching the cities with the gospel would have a ripple effect on the surrounding communities.

The Chairman quoted some scholars who have observed that the world has become one immense city and that he who wins the city wins the world. 

He noted that the trend of urbanisation is likely to continue and that the church needs to adapt to the changing landscape and be serious about fulfilling the Great Commission in the cities.

“When you are transferred from the rural side to the urban side, change your mindset; tune your mind from the rural value setting to the urban value setting,” he advised.

Apostle Nyamekye noted that cities are characterised by diversity, sophistication, anonymity, and sinfulness. He indicated that ministers who work in the cities must be able to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of city dwellers without compromising their faith. 

He also cautioned them to be aware of the challenges and temptations that come with urban ministry.

“Be diverse, especially in the use of language in many areas in the cities. Let there be interpretations in other languages when you have joint services. Conscious efforts should be made for people to lead church services in the vernacular,” he stated.

He discussed the challenges that rural-urban migration poses to countries like Ghana, where limited employment opportunities, inadequate access to education and healthcare, resource constraints, and lower living standards often push people to seek better prospects in urban areas.

“Statistics reveal that a substantial percentage of the membership of The Church of Pentecost resides in urban centres. In the Greater Accra Region, where the church has a significant presence, the congregation raised 47.4% of the total tithes in 2022,” he said, adding, “These numbers highlighted the necessity for the church to adjust its ministry approaches to cater to the unique needs of urban congregations.” 

Apostle Nyamekye urged ministers to focus on helping the weak in the city, emphasising that ministry in urban areas should not be self-centred or driven by personal ambition. 

Given the fast-paced urban lifestyle, he reminded them that ministry in the city demands attention to one’s spiritual life.

The Chairman called for the church to embrace change, diversity, and quality in its urban ministry efforts while encouraging leaders to adapt to the dynamic nature of city life, manage conflicts, and foster harmony within diverse urban communities.

He concluded his message by saying that “city churches need leaders who think as city people,” underscoring the need for a shift in mindset to effectively address the unique challenges and opportunities that urban ministry presents.

As part of the programme, newly transferred ministers and their wives to the region were introduced to the gathering.

PENTECOST NEWS 

Break Camp And Advance – General Secretary Urges Christians web

Break Camp And Advance – GeneralSecretary Urges Christians

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has emphasised the need for Christians to break camp and advance in their spiritual journey. 

Speaking at the Messianic Conference 2023 at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Kokomlemle, Accra, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Apostle Obuobi drew some lessons from Deuteronomy 1:8 and guided the congregation through a compelling discourse on embracing progress in their faith.

Reflecting on the historical context of the Israelites as the Church in the Wilderness, Apostle Obuobi emphasised that the wilderness was merely a transitional phase, not their final destination. He urged Christians to draw parallels with the New Testament church, which sometimes becomes stagnant in its spiritual growth.

Stagnation, he said, is detrimental, likening it to a stagnant river breeding stench or a person developing bedsores from prolonged inactivity. 

The General Secretary emphasised that stagnation within the church results in the decline of gifts, ministries, vision, and purpose. He urged Christians to break free from the shackles of complacency, comfortability, and familiarity to avoid hindering their growth.

Apostle Obuobi charged Christians to strive for excellence and multiplication rather than settling for mediocrity, highlighting the imperative of breaking camp and advancing. 

He pointed out that God’s promise of a better destination and inheritance should motivate believers to move forward in their spiritual journey. Quoting Revelations 3:1 and Deuteronomy 1:6, he stressed the importance of recognising the season to break free from stagnation and advance in faith.

The General Secretary drew valuable lessons from the Israelites’ journey, underlining the significance of breaking free from comfort, familiarity, and complacency. 

He concluded his sermon by calling on Christians to cultivate a hunger for growth, prayer, Bible study, and preaching God’s word, echoing the timeless wisdom found in Philippians 3:13-14.

PENTECOST NEWS

Corporate Prayer is a Powerful Force - Apostle Joseph Danzerl Declares wev

Corporate Prayer is a Powerful Force – Apostle Joseph Danzerl Declares

The Achimota Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Joseph Danzerl, has urged Christians to pray together as a powerful force that produces great and tangible results in the church and in their lives.

He was speaking at the Achimota District weeklong program dubbed “Prayer Conference” on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Achimota Central Auditorium, under the theme “When the Church Prays”.

He drew lessons from Acts 12:1–7, where King Herod arrested and killed James, and then imprisoned Peter, intending to execute him as well. He said that these persecutions were motivated by the Jews who saw Christianity as a threat to their religion.

He, however, noted that the church did not scatter in fear or give up in despair, but gathered in prayer for Peter’s deliverance.

Apostle Danzerl explained that prayer was their only weapon and their source of hope.

“As they prayed fervently, God sent an angel to rescue Peter from the prison”, he revealed.

He emphasized that when God shows up in response to the prayers of His people, nothing can stand in His way.

The Achimota Area Head mentioned that the soldiers, chains, and iron gates that held Peter captive were rendered useless by the presence of the angel.

He encouraged Christians not to underestimate the power of corporate prayer, but to pray together for their needs and challenges.

He assured them that God will make a way where there seems to be no way, and that no weapon formed against them will prosper.

Apostle Danzerl explained that amidst these threats, the church did not scatter in fear but gathered in prayer, and instead of succumbing to hopelessness, they turned to The Source of Hope for help, adding “whatever is holding you back will be rendered useless when God shows up.”

He encouraged them not to give up on themselves.

“God wants to do something new in your life. It may appear that things are not going well, but they will turn out well in the name of Jesus Christ”, he encouraged.

He concluded by saying that just as the iron gates could not withstand the presence of the angel, so when the church prays, strongholds are pulled down.

The meeting was also attended by Mrs. Dorcas Danzerl, the wife of the Achimota Area Head, The Achimota District Minister and his wife, Pastor Gabriel and Mrs. Joyce Siaw, the District Executive Members, and other presbytery.

Report by Blessed Amonoo (Achimota District Media)

Consult The Holy Spirit Who Lives In You In Times Of Trouble - Christians Told web

Consult The Holy Spirit Who Lives In You In Times Of Trouble – Christians Told

The Yennyawoso District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu, has admonished Christians, especially members of the Church against seeking help and power from ungodly sources in times of distress.

Instead, he urged them to always inquire of the Holy Spirit who makes His home in them during difficult moments.

“In The Church of Pentecost, we don’t do consultation, neither do we do divination. Therefore, when you have a problem, you have to inquire of the Holy Spirit who lives in you and He will surely tell you what to do,” he stressed.

Speaking to the congregants during the climax of the District Week Celebration, which was held under the theme: “Arise! Reposition Yourself To Break Barriers For Maximum Impact,” on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Redemption Assembly auditorium, Pastor Adubofourh Asiedu noted that seeking power and help from any source other than God is idolatry, which is detestable and abomination to God.

He clarified that it is not entirely wrong for one to share their problems with their district pastor for an advice or a prayer support, but not to have anything to do with divination, sorcery, mediums or anyone who consults the dead.

According to him, practitioners of these have Satan and demons as the source of their information, and God does not reveal His will to them.

Narrating the story of King Saul who had banned all mediums and those who consult with the spirits of the dead from Israel, but in desperation he turned to one for counsel (1 Samuel 28:4-8), the clergyman urged the congregants not to go back to their former lives after they have believed and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. 

“As Christians, we are being watched and read everyday by people, therefore, we must live a life worthy of our calling in order to compel non Christians to come to faith in Christ Jesus,” he advised.

In his sermon on the topic: “What Barriers Do In Life,” the Yennyawoso District Minister explained that barriers bring fear, which in turn leads people to consult mediums and spiritism just as in the case of King Saul. 

He further mentioned that barriers bring limitations in progress in life, stigmatization, and limitations of potential, urging the congregants to spare no effort to break every barrier in their lives, be it physical or spiritual. He, thus, prescribed fasting and prayer, the word of God, the name of Jesus, righteous and holy living, faith, and the fear of the Lord as weapons to be employed by Christians in their quest break barriers.

Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu called on Christians not to toy with their Christian life, but to be fervent in prayer as they engage in battle with enemies who are not flesh and blood.

He also advised the youth to pri​or​i​tize education to acquire marketable skills and qualifications, and not to embroil themselves in immoral acts like sakawa, among others.

Present at the service was Mrs. Joana Amoakowaah Adubofourh Asiedu (wife of the District Minister).

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah