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Apostle Kumi-Larbi Bows Out As General Secretary Amidst Loud Applause

Great leaders walk off the stage when the applause is loudest, and this was the case for Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who formally brought his service as the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost to an end on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

An induction and farewell service was held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, Accra, to appreciate him and his family in recognition of his ten years of meritorious service to the Church and country.

The President of the Apostolic Church of Ghana, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, showered praises on Apostle Kumi-Larbi when he exhorted congregants at the event. “Apostle Kumi-Larbi, you are a great man in this nation and beyond. You are a book that all should read. You are a professor in the act of leading from behind. You are an oil wheel that achieves great results in silence,” he said.

During the service, the Women’s Ministry and the General Council of The Church of Pentecost also gave glowing testimonies about Apostle Kumi-Larbi and his wife, Rose, touting their significant contributions to the Church and the Body of Christ.

In his response, Apostle Kumi-Larbi thanked God for the sustaining grace for the last ten years. He expressed gratitude to the immediate-past Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), who nominated him ten years ago for the high office, and the current Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, for the trust reposed in him to nominate him for a second term.

He was also grateful to his predecessors for their support. He was equally thankful to former President John Dramani Mahama and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for always opening their doors to him and the Church.

He also appreciated all who contributed in diverse ways to make his tenure successful, including his wife, Mrs. Rose Dansoa Kumi-Larbi, children, and other relatives.

The event also saw the induction of the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, to commence his second term; the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, as well as the four Executive Council Members, namely Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, and Apostle Banimpo Lare.

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Apostle Obuobi Takes Over As General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecost web

Apostle Obuobi Takes Over As General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecost

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi has officially been inducted as the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost today [September 2, 2023], succeeding Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who meritoriously served in the role for ten years.

The immediate-past Asamankese Area Head was elected to the high office during the 46th General Council meetings of the Church, which took place in May this year, attaining an overwhelming endorsement from the Councillors present.

His assumption of office makes him the seventh General Secretary in the history of The Church of Pentecost, following in the gallant footsteps of Apostles Joseph Egyir Painstil (of blessed memory), Apostle Daniel K. Arnan (of blessed memory), Apostle Rigwel Ato Addison (Rtd.), Apostle Albert Amoah (Rtd.), Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (Rtd.) and Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi.

Notable among them were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost; Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, International Missions Director; Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, President of the Apostolic Church of Ghana; and Elder Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Education Minister, and his deputy, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.

The event also saw the induction of the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, to commence his second term, as well as the induction of the four recently-elected Executive Council Members, namely Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, and Apostle Banimpo Lare.

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan and Elder Ebenezer Acheampong were introduced as Youth Ministry Director and Deputy Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), respectively, at the event.

BRIEF PROFILE OF APOSTLE SAMUEL GYAU OBUOBI

Apostle Samuel Obuobi is a Chartered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Administration, a Master’s in Organisational Leadership and Governance, and a Bachelor’s in Commerce.

Apostle Obuobi was called into full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 2004, starting as a Resident Minister at Emmanuel Worship Centre in Dansoman Area while simultaneously serving as a lecturer at Pentecost University.

He was later transferred to Prophet M. K. Yeboah Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area and subsequently assigned as Resident Minister at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa, and later at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, Accra. 

Before he was elected General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, he served as the Area Head of the Church in Asamankese.

He is married to Mrs. Juliana Korkor Obuobi, and they are blessed with three children.

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Apostle Nyamekye Begins 2nd Term web

Apostle Nyamekye Begins 2nd Term 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye has been inducted into office as Chairman of The Church of Pentecost for a second term.

Apostle Nyamekye was given the nod to lead the Church for another five-year term during the 46th General Council meetings held in May this year.

The induction ceremony, which took place at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Atomic, Accra, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, was attended by several prominent clergymen, Heads of Churches in and outside Ghana, as well as state officials and traditional leaders, among others.

Notable among them were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah Rtd. (Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh (President, Apostolic Church of Ghana), and Elder Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education and his deputy, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.

The event also witnessed the induction of the four newly-elected Executive Council Members: Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, and Apostle Banimpo Lare.

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan and Elder Ebenezer Acheampong were introduced as the Youth Ministry Director and Deputy Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the historic event.

In his maiden address, Apostle Nyamekye, on behalf of all the inductees, thanked God for offering them the opportunity to serve the Church in their respective offices.

He also solicited the support of the entire church community to enable them to discharge their roles effectively.

The Chairman noted that in the last five years, the Church pursued the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, which aimed at influencing every sphere of society with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

The pursuit of the five-strategic vision of the Church, dubbed Vision 2023, saw The Church of Pentecost achieving significant success and contributing significantly to societal transformation, he said.

He added that during the period, the Church recorded a 29% growth in overall membership and a 50% increase in the number of new nations reached.

Touching on Vision 2028, the Chairman said that in the coming years, the Church will pursue what he described as “Phase 2 of the Possessing the Nations agenda.”

“While Vision 2023 focused on equipping our members, Vision 2028 will focus on unleashing these equipped members into the world as agents of transformation,” stressing: “We need to make God popular again.”

The Chairman revealed that the ultimate goal of Vision 2028 is to fulfil the Great Commission by reaching individuals from all walks of life and elevating the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in every sphere of society.

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“I Admire Your Selflessness” – Chairman Showers Praise On Apostle Kumi-Larbi

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost has expressed his admiration for the outgoing General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, describing him as a selfless man.

“Over the years, the Lord has blessed The Church of Pentecost with selfless leaders, and our brother and friend, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, is one of them,” he said during a brief presentation and appreciation ceremony held yesterday for the outgoing General Secretary and his family at the Church’s Headquarters.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi leaves the Headquarters after a decade-long service as the Chief Scribe of the Church.

Apostle Nyamekye, having worked with him, first as an Executive Council Member and as Chairman for the last five years, noted that one key trait of the outgoing General Secretary was his selfless nature.

He said that one of the banes of humanity is the ability to deal with and control the self.

He mentioned that the pride of life, lust of the flesh, and the desire for material possessions, all stem from the failure to manage one’s “self.”

He emphasised that keeping one’s self in check is not easy, which is why many people struggle to lead selfless lives.

Apostle Nyamekye, however, pointed to Daniel as one man who excelled .

He said that despite being a foreigner and a slave, Daniel served four Kings of Babylon because of his ability to control the “self.”

He then read Daniel 5:4-17, Daniel 2:29, and Daniel 6:4 to highlight various instances of how Daniel demonstrated extraordinary selfless behaviour.

“After being the only one to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel could have taken pride in that, but he was careful not to put himself above the other wise men,” he said, adding “he was able to keep the self in check.”

The Chairman likened the General Secretary to Daniel and urged all Christians to strive to emulate them, stressing that: “The world is in dire need of selfless men an women.”

“The spirit of the Holy God in Daniel and Apostle Kumi-Larbi is the same One in us. Therefore, if they were able to do this, then we also can do the same,” he added.

He also urged the outgoing General Secretary to steadfastly maintain the admirable quality of selflessness he consistently displayed during his tenure as General Secretary and to continue exemplifying it in Ashaiman, where he will now serve as Area Head.

In response, Apostle Kumi-Larbi expressed gratitude to God for His sustaining grace; the immediate-past Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.) for nominating him for the high office and the current Chairman for nominating him to serve a second term.

He also thanked the ministry directors,as well as management and staff of the Headquarters for their support throughout his tenure.

He was also grateful to all who contributed in diverse ways to make his tenure successful.

PENTECOST NEWS.

HUM Coordinator Participates In “Christ For All” Missions Outreach web

HUM Coordinator Participates In “Christ For All” Missions Outreach

Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, the National Coordinator for Home and Urban Missions (HUM), took part in the “Christ for All” mission outreach in the Kintampo and Duayaw Nkwanta areas of The Church of Pentecost.

The mission outreach, an initiative of HUM, began with a training retreat from August 7 to 9, 2023, at the Techiman Dwomor Central Assembly church auditorium for HUM leaders and volunteers in the Techiman Sector. The main event, however, was held from August 21 to 22, during which the team embarked on various forms of evangelism exercises within the Kunsu community.

Addressing the outreach team at the Kunsu Central Assembly on Monday evening, Apostle Emmanuel Kwafo Agyei underscored the significance of mother tongue and urged all to cherish and value their native language. He advised them to make a conscious effort to train their children in their mother tongue.

The HUM Coordinator further entreated all to make soul-winning a priority and not to see it as the duty of a select group of people.

He also emphasized the need to engage the unreached groups with the sole aim of winning them for Christ.

“We shouldn’t think the Fulanis do not deserve salvation; they can be won for Christ if we become intentional about it,” adding: “By the grace of God, The Church of Pentecost has ordained a Fulani Minister.”

The Kintampo Area Head, Apostle Francis Agyemang Badu, was grateful to the team for the visit and assured them of contributing his massive support as far as HUM activities are concerned.

The Kunsu District Minister, Overseer Emmanuel Apaah Aggrey, also expressed his profound appreciation for the visit and assured the National Coordinator of their immense support for the HUM activities in the Area.

He then took him and his team to a community named “Miawani,” where the gospel was being shared by some members of the “Christ for All Nations” outreach team. Apostle Kwafo and his team also used the opportunity to share the gospel with some individuals in the Kunsu community, where he personally led two gentlemen to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.

After the meeting, Apostle Agyei Kwafo headed to the Duayaw Nkwanta Area, where he joined the “Christ for All” Missions Outreach team.

During his visit to these Areas, he was accompanied by Pastor Kwasi Bukari (HUM Pastor, Techiman Sector), Pastor Philip Osei Agyemang (Kintampo Area HUM Coordinator), and Pastor Augustine Odehyieba Ababio (Jema Nkwanta).

Report by HUM Media Team

PMKY Worship Centre Inaugurated web

PMKY Worship Centre Inaugurated

The Kasoa Area of The Church of Pentecost has inaugurated the Prophet M. K. Yeboah (PMKY) Worship Centre to the glory of God.

The colourful inaugural ceremony, held recently, was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle James Kwabena Asare.

The event also coincided with the welcome service for the resident minister, Pastor Fred Amoakohene Sarpong, who also serves as a lecturer at Pentecost University, and his family.

The worship centre was established during the 46th General Council meetings this year after it was carved out from the Opeikuma District.

In a brief sermon on the topic, “Supporting your Pastor to Succeed,” Apostle James Asare urged church members to go the extra mile to support their leaders, especially their pastors, in achieving God’s agenda for His church.

Reading from Exodus 17:8-14 and Hebrews 5:1-5, Apostle Asare said, just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses to win the battle, supporting one’s pastor to succeed is a win for all.

Apostle Asare also urged the leadership and members of the Worship Centre to assist their pastor, bearing in mind that he is also a human being and not an “angel.”

After the sermon, Apostle Asare proceeded to inaugurate the Worship Centre and prayed for its leadership.

In attendance were the Kasoa Area Pastorate and their wives, Apostle M. O. Andoh (Rtd.), Pastor Samuel Nsiah (Rtd.), officers, and many others.

Report by Pastor Daniel K. Bentum (Kasoa Area Media Pastor)

Newly-Created Kushea District Gets Manse web

Newly-Created Kushea District Gets Manse

The Mission House for the newly-created Kushea District of The Church of Pentecost was dedicated by the Assin Foso Area Head, Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh, on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

The dedication ceremony which also coincided with the inaugural service of the New District held at the Kushea Assembly church auditorium, brought together members of the district who could not hide their joy at the successful completion of the building and the inauguration of the District.

Speaking on the theme, “The Growth Pattern of the Church: The Church of Pentecost in Perspective,” with scriptural references from Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:4 – 8 and Titus 1:5, Apostle Andoh encouraged all to be worthy stewards who will take care of and build upon the gains of the fathers and the church.

He noted that it is in God’s plan to win the whole world unto Himself. After the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, the responsibility of reconciling the world back to Himself was entrusted into the hands of the church.

“God has made us stewards of the heavens and the earth and expects us to carry on from where Jesus left off. One unfortunate thing that could happen is for an individual to entrust their legacies and estates into the hands of bad and lazy people,” he noted.

He asserted that for the Church to effectively carry on their mandate, the Holy Spirit was given to the church by the Lord. This, he said together with the obedience of the fathers to make a move for the Lord by carrying the gospel to various territories and cultures notwithstanding the threats they faced, was the secret to the growth of the early church.

In a brief history of the District, it was noted that the idea of creating the Kushea District from Assin Praso District had been on the drawing board since October 2019. He noted that the creation of the new District which started as an Assembly in 1968 was necessitated by the expansion of the Assin Praso District and the sparse nature of the area.

The Mission House, which was constructed at a total cost of GH¢308,240.00, has three bedrooms, hall, prayer room, kitchen, store room, dining area, and an office.

Eleven officers made up of two Elders, four Deacons and five Deaconesses were ordained to serve in various offices in the church.

Present at the event were the area pastorate and their wives and members of the church as well as chiefs and elders of the Kushea community.

Report by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (Area Reporter)

Anyaa District Retires 8 Officers From Active Service web

Anyaa District Retires 8 Officers From Active Service

The Anyaa District in the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost organised a colourful retirement service in honour of eight officers in the district who had served God and the Church meritoriously for many years.

The Area Head of Anyaa-Ablekuma, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, assisted by the Anyaa District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, officiated the service on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Quoting from Psalm 37:23-25, the Area Head preached on the topic: “God’s Promises for the Righteous.” He recounted God’s numerous promises for the righteous. However, he emphasized three cardinal promises: that the righteous will not be forgotten or forsaken, the righteous shall flourish, and their children will not go begging.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye further encouraged congregants not to fear their past or their future, since God is the Lord of all past, present, and future. He quoted from Isaiah 49:14-16, Psalm 92:11-15, and Hebrews 13:5-6 to emphasize the fact that God does not forget His own, let alone forsake them.

Concluding the sermon, he encouraged Christians to have confidence in the Lord and put their trust in Him because God cares. He admonished the retiring officers not to see their retirement as an opportunity to forgo their Christian virtues, but they should endeavor to hold on to their faith until their last breath.

The Anyaa District minister read a brief profile of each of the retirees. The names and years of service as officers were as follows: Deaconess Mary Boahemaa Amanfo, Anyaa Central Assembly (41 years of service), Elder Michael Agyam, Berea Assembly (37 years of service), Elder Francis Ayertey, Bethel Assembly (36 years of service), Deaconess Lydia Dwomfour, N.I.C. Assembly (32 years of service), Elder Daniel Kwame Afedzi Hayford, Nsumfa (28 years of service), Deaconess Elizabeth Acquah, Bethel Assembly (19 years of service), Elder Stephen Adjei Boatey, Marantha Assembly (15 years of service) and Deaconess Gladys Ayertey, Bethel Assembly (8 years of service).

They served in various capacities of the church with diverse responsibilities; some held both district and local responsibilities. Certificates of service and citations were given to the retirees as appreciation for their various services rendered to the Lord and the church.

The retired officers were thrilled and thanked the leadership of the district and the area for the honour done them. They also pledged their commitment to the church and to continue to serve even in retirement.

Other ministers who graced the occasion were Apostle Daniel K. Noble-Atsu (Rtd.), Pastor Emmanuel Gyan Mantey (Rtd.), Pastor Stephen Viku (District Pastor, Nsakina Newtown), and Pastor Seth Osei Ohene-Benchie (District Pastor, Ablekuma Newtown).

To the glory of God, 410 persons were in attendance.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

Apostle Addo-Pappoe Leaves Twifo Praso For Tepa web

Apostle Addo-Pappoe Leaves Twifo Praso For Tepa

It was all joy at the Asikafo Assembly church auditorium in the Twifo Praso District of The Church of Pentecost as the pastorate, their wives, and members in the Twifo Praso Area converged to officially bid farewell to their outgoing Area Head, Apostle David Nii Addo-Pappoe, and his family.

The service, held on August 27, 2023, was officiated by Apostle Fredrick Kweku Andoh, Assin Foso Area Head, and assisted by Pastor Isaac Kofi Anane, the Mankessim Area Head. The well-attended event had in attendance Chiefs and queen mothers from Wassa Akyeampim District, as well as delegates from Techiman Area, Assin Foso Area, Greater Accra, Sege District, and other districts of the Church.

Apostle David Nii Addo-Pappoe assumed leadership of the newly-created Area in 2020, following its creation from the Assin Foso Area.

During the service, the Area Presbytery, Women’s Ministry, Pastorate, and royal figures from Wassa Akyempim District shared glowing testimonies about Apostle Addo-Pappoe’s remarkable achievements during his three-year tenure.

Apostle Frederick Kwaku Andoh delivered a sermon titled “Why Transfer?”  at the event. Reading from Isaiah 42:1-10 and Acts, Apostle Andoh highlighted the biblical precedent for transfers, citing examples such as Abraham and Philip from the Old and New Testaments.

He emphasised that transfers serve a purpose and that God provides security for those He calls. He also stressed that their calling is a form of transfer, resulting in responsibilities that should be embraced wholeheartedly.

In response, Apostle David Nii Addo-Pappoe and his family expressed profound gratitude to God, the Church’s leadership, the Area Presbytery, the Pastorate, and various individuals and groups who supported them throughout their time in Twifo Praso.

Report by Twifo Praso Area Media Team

God Himself Will Connect The Dots – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Assures Christians web

God Himself Will Connect The Dots – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Assures Christians

The outgoing General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has admonished Christians never to give up but to strive to be better each year, for God Himself will come through for them.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this on Thursday, August 31, 2023, during his last official engagement with the Staff and Management of the church’s Headquarters at La, Accra.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi takes a new role as Area Head for Ashaiman after serving as the chief scribe of the church and head of administration at the headquarters for the past ten years.

Speaking on the topic, “Divine Protocol – God’s Mercy, Grace and Favour,” the outgoing General Secretary noted that Christians have been privileged with divine protocol, which comes about after Christ has come into their lives.

He emphasised that God, in His divine wisdom, orchestrates events and connections in remarkable ways for those who trust in Him.

He noted that divine protocol emerges through a personal relationship with Christ, adding, “Divine protocol operates beyond the confines of worldly norms, as God follows His own distinct path in guiding His believers.”

Basing his sermon on scripture references from Psalm 37:23-26; 2 Samuel 9:1-13, 16:1-4, 19:24-30, and 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Apostle Kumi-Larbi shared lessons from the stories of David and Saul. He emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships, respecting new leaders, and acknowledging the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that mercy involves God’s compassion, kindness, and forgiveness for shortcomings, while grace empowers believers to embody virtuous qualities. 

He encouraged believers to seek God’s abundant grace and mercy, assuring them that these attributes transcend past mistakes and negative actions.

Referencing John 10:10, he reassured Christians that God’s protection shields them from harm, and they should embrace each new year with a sense of renewal and progression. 

He cited Hebrews 4:16, emphasising that approaching God’s throne of grace with confidence leads to receiving mercy and grace during times of need.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged believers not to underestimate life’s challenges but to entrust everything to God, especially in times of need. 

He emphasised that divine protocol encompasses God’s grace, favour, and mercy, and it aligns individuals with their unique paths.

Summing up his message, Apostle Kumi-Larbi shared profound insights learned from life’s journey:

1. God may use challenges and adversity for His higher purpose, even when it seems like life’s progression is delayed.

2. God’s responses to prayers are rooted in His sovereign will, reflecting His profound concern for His children’s growth.

3. The Christian journey involves navigating difficulties, but relying on God’s ways produces a beautiful result.

Apostle Dr. Philip Osei-Korsah, Director of the Counselling Ministry of the Church, extended gratitude to the outgoing General Secretary on behalf of the Staff and Management. 

“We want to celebrate the goodness of God in your life. We say a big thank you to God. You have served the Headquarters and the Church for the past ten years, and the grace has been sufficient,” he said.

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1999 and has since served as District Minister for Kojokrom, Awoshie and Michel Camp districts. He was appointed an Area Head in 2011 and was responsible for the Asamankese Area. 

He was called into the Office of Apostle in 2013 and elected General Secretary in 2013.  

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