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The immediate past International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost and current Area Head for Haatso, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, has been celebrated for accomplishing his calling and ending it in splendour.

Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo and his wife, Mama Elizabeth, officially retired from the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at a glamorous service held in his honour at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC)-Atomic, Accra, after 32 years of fruitful ministry.

The mammoth service was officiated by the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

Present to assist the Chairman were the Madina Area Head, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah; some Members of the Executive Council, including Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Bompata Area Head), Apostle Ousmane Patinde Zabre (Burkina Faso National Head), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director), Apostle Mike Etrue (Koforidua Area Head), Apostle Sylvester Arhin (Tamale Area Head), the General Secretary-elect, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, and Executive Council Member-elect, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe.

Others were the former Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd); former General Secretaries of the church – Apostles Rigwell Ato Addison, Albert Amoah and Dr Alfred Koduah, all now retired; the General Secretary of GPCC, Apostle Immanuel Tettey, National Heads from various nations across the world; traditional leaders, among others.

Profile

Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo was born in Accra on December 26, 1958, to Mr Ferdinand Gyesi-Addo (now of blessed memory) and Madam Grace Afful. His parents hailed from Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region.

He started basic education at Nyakrom Methodist Primary School in 1964 and completed in 1973 and, after that, continued at the Sackey-Adoo Secretarial Institute, Accra, in 1974.

Through self-tuition and part-time courses in various institutions in Ghana and abroad, he obtained the following certificates: Diploma with distinction in Bilingual Secretaryship (Agence d’Or, Accra), French Diploma in Business Management (French Chamber of Commerce/Alliance Française), Certificate in French (Advanced), Certificates in Records Management; Office Management and Administration (from Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), Accra), among other certificates.

He also holds a degree in Theology from Pentecost University. Born and bred in the Methodist Church, where he was once a chorister, he became a member of The Church of Pentecost, Darkuman Assembly, when he joined his father in Accra in March 1974 and baptised by immersion in May 1975.

He was employed in April 1975 as a typist with the British India Insurance Company (which later became Zenith Assurance Company) in Accra, rising through the ranks to become the company’s Administrative Secretary until he resigned in 1985.

He then joined the Bank for Housing and Construction (BHC) Headquarters in Accra, where he served as the Administrative Secretary to two World Bank consultants newly seconded to Ghana.

After a brief but exciting spell with the bank, he resigned in 1986 and joined the giant American Pharmaceutical Company – then known as Sterling Products Ghana Limited. He resigned in July 1991 due to his call into the full-time ministry.

He joined the full-time ministry in 1991, and he was posted to the Headquarters as the first Administrative Secretary and Personal Assistant to the first IMD, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, and served concurrently at Twereboa Assembly in the Odorkor District as the first Resident Minister from 1991-1994.

He served in the following stations:

Agona Nsaba (1994-1995), Senegal – Missionary and National Head (1995-1998), Togo and Niger: Missions Office Assignments (1998-1999), Switzerland – Missionary and National Head (1999-2002), PIWC, Tema (2002-2003), Tema South, now Greenwich Meridian District (2003-2007), Gabon – Missionary and National Head (2007–2011), International Missions Director (2011-2021), and Haatso as Area Head (2021-2023).

Testimonies

The Haatso Area Presbytery, in their testimony, said that Apostle Gyesi-Addo exudes love and humility with a consistent work ethic and believes in all-inclusiveness and broad consultation.

The Area Women’s Ministry described Mrs Elizabeth Gyesi-Addo ass bold, generous, someone who loves people, and always wants to share whatever she has with others.

The Area Pastorate, on their part, said Apostle Gyesi-Addo demonstrated wisdom, confidence, a peaceful heart and a remarkable ability to advance the work of God in the Area.

The General Council also noted that Apostle Gyesi-Addo exemplified a spirit of humility, love, and steadfastness in the Lord’s service.

Describing him as a missionary par excellence, the General Council stated: “Apostle Gyesi-Addo is among the awesome missionaries of our time whom the Lord has raised to serve His purpose in his generation.”

It added: “His dedication and impact have been profound, leaving an indelible mark on the growth and expansion of God’s Kingdom throughout Ghana and other nations.”

Sermon

The PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, preaching the sermon on the topic, “A Mission Accomplished Soldier Deserves Well Done” based on Matthew 25:14-30, among other scriptures, stated: “Today, we are celebrating another remarkable soldier of the cross. Like the Apostle Paul, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo has also fought the good fight, run the race, and is still keeping the faith.”

He called on believers to keep working to accomplish the mission which God has called them into and remain faithful to Him in order to accomplish their task.

Response

Apostle Gyesi-Addo and his wife were full of joy to God and the leadership of the church for helping them to accomplish their mission.

PENTECOST NEWS

With cheerful smiles and hands lifted towards the sky, Apostle David Tettey Tekper, the Achimota Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, and his wife Matilda gave glory to God as they gracefully bowed out of active ministerial service.

A retirement service took place today at the Achimota Central Assembly auditorium to honour the gallant soldiers of the Cross, who have steadfastly served God and The Church of Pentecost for 37 years in full-time ministry.

Chaired by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the event welcomed a host of dignitaries including Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Executive Council Member and Kaneshie Area Head), Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani (Techiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director and Executive Council Member-elect), Apostle Dr. Philip Osei-Korsah (Counseling Ministry Director), Apostle Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director) and Apostle Patrick Aseyoro (Suhum Area Head).

Apostles James Tetteh, Abraham Swanzy, Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, Samuel Gakpetor, John Obeng Kesse, Emmanuel Kojo Aidoo, and others were also present.

The service was marked by joyous scenes, with congregants joining the couple in jubilant praises. The General Secretary, as usual, led the way with his iconic handclapping.

The sermon, fittingly titled “Finishing the Race Set Before You By God” and delivered by Apostle S. O. Asante, resonated powerfully with the retirement service of a man who has faithfully run the race of ministry for nearly four decades.

In his sermon, based on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Apostle Asante explained that, at the twilight of his ministry, Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to strive to also finish his race.

Referring to Numbers 8:23-26, he stressed that there is a time of rest from labor for everyone, further noting that, in addition to the statutory retirement age that brings an end to one’s labour, old age, sickness, and death could also bring an end to one’s service.

“Therefore, if there is anything we can do for God, we need to do it now and work at it well with all our strength,” he stressed.

Quoting Acts 13:36, Apostle Asante reminded Christians that God is not just interested in them finishing their race, but that they fulfill the purpose He has for their life.

The Christian life, he underscored, is a race set before the believer by God, adding that God desires for His children to live as true Christians without compromise.

“Since you have chosen to be a Christian, then be a Christian. So make sure you become the Christian God wants you to become and bring glory to Him,” he said.

Apostle Asante congratulated the retiring couple for ending their service (race) gloriously and urged the Church to emulate them by serving God’s purpose until the end.

“As a Christian, know that God has set a race before you, and He expects you to finish well,” he concluded.

Apostle David Tekper left his role as an Assistant Superintendent of Education in 1986 to heed the call into full-time ministry with The Church of Pentecost. His ministerial journey began in the Obawale District and took him through nine other stations, including Accra New Town District, Agona Swedru Area as Area Head, Kete Krachi Area, Hohoe Area, Cape Coast Area, and finally, Achimota Area. He also served as a missionary of the Church in Lesotho and as a missionary attaché in the USA.

Among other roles and appointments, Apostle Tekper also served as Secretary to the Pension Board from 1996 to 1999 and was an Executive Council Member of the Church from 2015 to 2020.

As part of the event, the Achimota Area presbytery, the Area pastorate, and the Women’s Ministry gave glowing testimonies about their outgoing Area Head and his wife, praising their attributes and contributions to the Area’s growth in the past five years.

They also presented the couple with citations acknowledging their meritorious service in the Achimota Area and The Church of Pentecost.

The General Council of The Church of Pentecost also eulogized the retiring couple for their exemplary service to God and unwavering loyalty to the Church.

The testimony, read on behalf of the Council by Apostle Nii Kotei Djani, described Apostle Tekper as a team player who relates well to his fellow ministers within and outside the Church.

“Our senior brother is a versatile leader skilled in developing other leaders, especially young people. He has an eye for identifying potential in the youth, many of whose skills he has helped develop,” it further read.

The Council also commended Mrs. Matilda Tekper for serving as a strong pillar behind her husband’s ministry and extended well wishes to the retiring couple.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi presented a Certificate of Service and a Retired Ministers’ License to Apostle Tekper on behalf of the Church.

In response, Apostle Tekper expressed heartfelt gratitude to all, particularly past and present leaders of the Church and their relatives, who in diverse ways supported them in their ministerial journey, after which the General Secretary, together with the apostles present, led the gathering in praying for the couple as they formally proceed on retirement.

The well-attended event also had in attendance Mrs Mary Nyamekye (Wife of the Chairman), Mrs. Rose Dansoa Kumi-Larbi (Wife of the General Secretary), Mrs. Grace Opoku Onyinah (Wife of the immediate-past Chairman), Mrs. Korkor Obuobi (Wife of the General Secretary-Elect),  the pastorate, their spouses, officers, and members of the Achimota Area, alongside scores of retired ministers, relatives, and well-wishers.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The mortal remains of Mrs Florence Odi Walker, who was part of the formative years of The Church of Pentecost, have been interred after an impressive funeral service held in her honour at the Forecourt of the State House, Accra, on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Mrs Odi Walker, who died at aged 101, was the wife of Apostle Fred Diabene Walker, a one-time Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, who was one of the pillars of the church who supported the Founder of the church, Rev. James McKeown, to pioneer the church.

She is survived by six children, one of whom is Apostle Dr Daniel Walker, an Executive Council Member of the church, 29 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all playing key roles in the church and society.

The funeral service was officiated by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, assisted by the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the La Area Head, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, and members of the Executive Council, as well as heads of the church, retired ministers and serving ministers.

Also gracing the occasion were the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (former Chairman of the church), chiefs, relations, and friends from all walks of life.

Consoling the family, Apostle Nyamekye, on behalf of The Church of Pentecost, prayed to God to encourage them. He also thanked them for their contributions to the church. 

Biography

Mrs Florence Adjoa Odi Walker was born on June 19, 1922, to Osikani Kwabena Larbi of Adukrom-Akuapem Akweside Clan and Maame Lydia Adjoa Okyerebea, also of Adukrom-Akuapem. She was born into the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. In 1940 when she was 18 years old, she was confirmed into the Presbyterian Church at Adukrom. 

She had her primary education at Adukrom Presbyterian School and completed Middle School at the Presbyterian Girls School, Agogo, in Ashanti. After school, she relocated to Koforidua to learn dressmaking and worked as a qualified seamstress at Koforidua for a few years. A colleague seamstress, the daughter of the Methodist Church minister at Adukrom, introduced her to The Church of Pentecost, then known as the Ghana Apostolic Church. She was baptised in 1945 by Pastor Anaman (now of blessed memory).

She got married in 1948 to the late Pastor Frederick Diabene Walker at Koforidua. Pastor James McKeown (Founder of the church) officiated the marriage. 

She and her husband established several branches of the church on the Akuapem Ridge. In 1949, they were transferred to Obo-Kwahu. After three years of service, they were transferred to Kumasi in 1952. In 1956, Mama Florence and her husband were transferred to Kadjebi and served for five years till 1961, when they were transferred to Akim Oda. Their next duty station was Sekondi-Takoradi, where her husband was a Regional Head from 1966 to 1969. From 1969, the Walkers served at Sunyani as regional head in the then Brong-Ahafo Region until 1973, when they were transferred to Kumasi as the Ashanti Regional.

In 1976, she joined her husband to begin mission work in Liberia. They spent six years nurturing the church in Liberia until 1982 when they were recalled and posted to Cape Coast. They ended their ministry in Koforidua, where they served from 1984 to 1988 and retired from active service. Mama Florence lost her husband, Apostle Fred D. Walker, in October 1988, soon after retirement. She served the church in various ways at the Dzorwulu Assembly in Accra, where they settled after retirement.

Tributes

The children in their tributes described their mother as a wonderful mother whose immense care and tremendous support were unparallel, saying, “Indeed, words cannot describe the kind of mother she was to each of us. She brought us up in the fear of God and instilled discipline in us.”

In its tribute, the General Council of The Church of Pentecost said Mrs Florence Odi Walker was a blessing to the church and Ghana, indicating that her transition to the eternal realm is indeed cherished in the eyes of the Lord, for she lived and fulfilled her purpose as a faithful servant in her generation.

“As a woman of unshakeable faith, Mrs Walker embodied the roles of a prophetess, evangelist, teacher, and intercessor for the saints. Her life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to God and humanity,” it said.

It added: “Mrs Florence Odi Walker and her late husband, Apostle Fred Diabene Walker, played pivotal roles as pioneers within The Church of Pentecost. They stood side by side with the church’s Founder, Rev. James McKeown, during its formative years when it was known as the Gold Coast Apostolic Church.”

Sermon

Preaching the sermon at the service, Apostle Michael Collins Asiedu (Rtd.), a former Evangelism Ministry Director of the church, spoke on the topic, “Look to the rock and the quarry; remember your leaders” based on Isaiah 51:1-2; Hebrews 13:7-9.

He described Mrs Walker as a great woman because she made a maximum impact globally, raising great men and women across the world. 

He called on the church to remember and follow her legacy and godly values, saying, “the Walkers have left us a heritage, and we have a corporate responsibility to protect it.”

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Sylvester Arhin, the Tamale Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, charged officers of the Church to be representatives of Christ and His Church wherever they go.

He made this statement at an ordination service held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the Tishegu Central Assembly of the Church, during which 67 new officers were ordained. The event also marked the culmination of the 2023 Tamale Zone Lay Leadership School.

Addressing the officers in attendance, Apostle Sylvester Arhin emphasized the profound significance of the officers’ role as representatives of Christ and His Church both within the church walls and in society.

He exhorted them to manifest this representation in their everyday lives, underscoring the importance of sincerity not only in personal and social interactions but also in their spiritual calling.

Apostle Arhin advised church officers to live with integrity, defend the Faith, and continue to seek knowledge and immerse themselves in God’s word.

He also urged them to assume the role of spiritual leaders within the Local Church, fostering unity and coherence among members to ensure the smooth pursuit of Christ’s mission through the Church for maximum impact in the world.

Also present were Pastor Bernard Aziz Mohammed Abogorago (Area Secretary), the pastorate of the Tamale Zone, Area Executive Committee members, officers, and members of the Church.

Report by Isaac Kwabena Tagoe (Tamale Area Reporter)

The Bawku Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Eric Gyacham, has dedicated the mission houses for the soon-to-be-inaugurated Apondabogo and Bansi districts.

The projects, which were fully funded by the Church’s headquarters and supported by the Area as well as the respective districts, was dedicated on Friday, August 11, 2023,

Present at the dedication ceremony were Mrs. Victoria Gyacham (Wife of the Area Head), Pastor Joel Essel Donkoh (Bawku Area Secretary), ministers and their wives, as well as chiefs and elders of the Apondabogo community.

Preaching on the topic: “Noble Vessels Making Maximum Impact in the Local Church” with reference to 2 Timothy 2:20-22, Pastor Eric Gyacham stressed that there are different personalities by age, race, social status, finance, and gifts in the body of Christ. However, God is only concerned about people who will make themselves available for His divine purpose.

He therefore urged the congregants to position themselves as noble vessels worthy and pleasing to fulfill the Master’s use for His glory.

The Bansi and Apondabogo districts have been created from Bazua and Binaba districts, respectively, and are now set for inauguration.

Report by Bawku Area Media Committee

Christians must set up to reposition themselves to possess the nations for Christ Jesus since they have the mandate to disciple all nations, Pastor George Prah Amonoo, the New Tafo District Minister and New Tafo Area Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has charged.

He gave the charge on Sunday, August 13, 2023, during the farewell service held in honour of the outgone District Minister of the Yennyawoso District, Pastor Charles Oduro, and his family at the Redemption Assembly auditorium.

Addressing the congregants, Pastor Prah Amonoo, who officiated the service, in his sermon titled: “Stepping Up to Reposition Yourself to Possess the Nations,” explained that just like Joshua was charged to step up and be courageous to take the Israelites to the Promised Land, Christians have also been called purposely to proclaim the praise of Christ Jesus to the world and bring people to His marvellous light.

Reading from Joshua 1:1-9 and 1 Peter 2:9, the clergyman highlighted that all nations belong to God, and that Christians have special responsibility to capture every territory for Christ Jesus.

“There is a lot of despondency and despair all around us. So, it is our duty as Christians to bring those in that condition to the saving knowledge of Christ by being the shining light of the world,” he stated.

According to him, “possessing the nations means affecting people’s life with our godly character and righteous living.” 

He further enlightened that until Christ comes the “Possessing the nations” agenda of the Church continues unabated, urging the congregants to be good ambassadors of Christ and occupy till He comes.

Pastor George Prah Amonoo revealed that Joshua was able to deliver on his mandate because he relied on God’s promises (Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Corinthians 11:19; Heb 10:23), fed on God’s word (Joshua 1:7-8; Jeremiah 23:29; John 6:63; Isaiah 55:11), and was confident of God’s abiding presence (Joshua 1:6).

He, therefore, encouraged Pastor Oduro not to be dismayed as he takes up another challenge because the Lord, who has been with him all these years in his ministerial expedition is still with him wherever he goes and will mightily use him to do exploits at his new station.

Pastor Charles Oduro leaves for Kasoa Galilea in the Downtown-Ofaakor Area of the Church after five years of sterling ministry in the Yennyawoso District.

Present at the service were Pastor Joseph & Mrs. Joyce Ankomako (Mile 3 District), Mrs. Agnes Prah Amonoo, Pastor Robert Odame (Rtd), among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

A Level-400 Communication Studies student of Pentecost University (PU), Mrs Victoria Adotei, has been enstooled as Queen Mother for the Gomoa Aboraa community near Apam in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, under the stool name Nana Ama Ankowaa II. 

The coronation ceremony, which took place on Saturday, August 8, 2023, at Gomoa Abora, was part of the activities marking the 2023 ‘Ahobaa Kese’ (path clearing) festival and sod-cutting for a community centre project.

Nana Ankowaa II, 46, is a weekend student at the university and works at the Ghana Airport Company Limited.

In his address, Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah, Registrar of the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PSTM), who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, charged the new queen mother to consistently recognise and trust God as the source of her authority to make her reign impactful.

“With the values PU (University A+) has imbibed in you, we expect your integrity, charisma and conduct to be godly to promote godliness in the community while serving as a role model to the young women,” he said.

He added: “PU is proud and glad to celebrate your coronation with you.”

Apostle Peprah used the opportunity to invite the traditional leaders of the Gomoa traditional area to enrol in the University’s tailor-made Certificate in Chieftaincy Course to enable them to acquire knowledge in contemporary governance, especially at a time when the chieftaincy institution was in a conundrum. 

Amidst pomp, pageantry and the display of culture resonating through the lens of custom, tradition and modernity, Nana Ankowaa swore her oath of allegiance with a pledge to ensure the town’s development.

Also in attendance were Pastor Kofi Boateng (Winneba Area Chieftaincy Ministry Coordinator of The of Pentecost), Overseer Daniel Adams (Aboraa District Minister), Mrs Miriam Annan (Head of Communication Studies Department, PU), Mrs Margeret Dowuona-Hammond (Lecturer, PU), Mr Sammy Amofa (Lecturer, PU) and some students from the communication studies department. 

The PSMT Registrar, on behalf of the University, donated GHS 1,000.00 to support the construction of a community centre. 

Report by Sammy Amofa