Posts in category: Church News

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

Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, the Agona Swedru Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has dedicated a newly built mission house for the Swedru Wawase District of Agona to the glory of God.

Present at the service were the pastorate of the area and their wives, including Mrs. Elizabeth Mireku, the wife of the Area Head.

Pastor E.K. Appiah (who initiated the project), Pastor Peter Sackey (the current District Pastor), and some officers within the area also graced the occasion.

The mission house project started in April 2021 after the creation of the District from the Swedru Mahodwe District. It took two years and four months to bring the project to completion.

Speaking at the dedication service, Pastor Patrick Bremansu of Mahodwe District admonished the church to be wholly committed to God in all their endeavors.

Referring to 1 Corinthians 6:13, he implored that just as buildings and other properties are dedicated to God, “our very personalities must also be dedicated to the service of God at all times.”

He explained that the body is not meant for sexual immorality or other forms of perverse lifestyles, but for service to God without any restrictions.

He observed that God inhabits the believer’s body as His temple and desires that the body be used to His glory, similar to the mission house.

He encouraged everyone to consider their bodies and lives as spiritual buildings dedicated to God, with a special mission of expanding spheres for the Kingdom.

The mission house comprises four bedrooms, a dining area, a hall, a kitchen, and an attached security post.

The total cost of the project was GH₵ 399,295.50. Out of this amount, the Church’s headquarters supported the project with GH₵ 272,000.00, the District contributed GH₵ 93,000.00, and other individuals provided support amounting to GH₵ 9,600.00.

Report by Swedru Area Media Team

A farewell service has been organised in honour of the outgoing Finance and Administration Director (FAD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko, as he leaves for the Twifo Praso Area of the church as Area Head.

A colourful service occurred on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the D. K. Arnan Worship Centre in the Teshie-Nungua Area, where Apostle Otu-Nyarko serves as the Resident Minister. It was attended by ministers of the church, relations, and friends from across the country. 

Among the personalities present were Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member, who stood in for the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry and Executive Council Member), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua (Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University), and Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head).

Others were Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison – retired (former General Secretary of the church), Elder Prof. Stephen Owusu Kwankye (Finance Board Chairman), Mrs Philomina Mireku (Director of Women’s Ministry), Elder Dr Owusu Sekyere (Board Chairman of PENTSOS), Head Office Management and Staff, among others.

Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko and his family were welcomed to Daniel Kwabena Arnan Worship Centre on November 29, 2020. He was the second resident minister of the Worship Centre, transferred from Kade Area to the Headquarters as Finance and Administration Director of the church.

Testimonies 

Various groups shared their testimonies about the outgoing Finance and Administration Director. 

The Head Office described him as a “great innovator” who brought innovation to the financial management and system of the church, saying, “He was instrumental in the introduction of Office 365 and the PENT-ERP projects.”

According to the Headquarters, the outgoing FAD played an immense role in introducing online and digital banking, coupled with his enforcement of the church’s cashless policy. 

“Apostle Otu-Nyarko also played a critical role in the major review of the church’s financial policies and introduction of the Area Deacons’ manual. He facilitated numerous training programmes organised by leadership for ministers, management, and staff of the church,” it added. 

The Teshie-Nungua Area Pastorate also described Apostle Otu-Nyarko as “a real gentle giant, full of zeal for the work of God and with great teaching and apostolic gifting.” 

The District Presbytery said Apostle Otu-Nyarko is a great man of God who carries God’s presence and power, describing him as “a teacher, a prophet, and an evangelist.”

The Women’s Ministry, on their part, extolled Mrs Doris Otu-Nyarko, his wife, for her guidance and support of the ministry’s activities. 

“Her calls, prayers, motherly concern, and advice to members are usually out of her deep sense of discernment and always timely,” they said, adding, “She always wears a smile that welcomes all who approach her.” 

Sermon 

Preaching the sermon on the topic, “Repositioned for a Big Catch” based on Luke 5:4-6, the Teshie-Nungua Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyeman, said Jesus directed Peter and his friends to reposition their canoe to have a better reach of them. According to him, when the fishermen obeyed Jesus and repositioned their canoe for him to address them, Jesus turned their situation of no catch into a bumper catch.

Apostle Nkrumah Agyeman defined ‘Reposition’ as making godly adjustments in one’s thought life, spiritual life and lifestyle, thus making the necessary changes that will necessitate God’s blessing upon one’s life. 

Taking some lessons from the scripture, the Area Head said Peter obeyed Jesus despite his initial doubts. He entreated Christians to be willing to do whatever the Lord says, no matter the cost, because, without Jesus, there is nothing they can accomplish, saying, “Our success or our failures rests entirely on where Jesus stands in the picture. It is based on where you put him (Christ) in your situation. We cannot do it with our strength.”

He said after Jesus turned the fishermen’s dejection into triumph and their sorrows into success. 

“God is interested in saving us and helping us in our daily activities. Let us be attached to Jesus because he is interested in every detail of our lives, and he is ever ready to come to our rescue,” he stated.

He added: “If your today is insignificant, a bigger tomorrow awaits you. Bigger things await you as you obey Jesus Christ and have faith in him because God wants us to see, know, and experience his supernatural provisions in our lives.”

Response 

In his response, Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko expressed his thanks and appreciation to God for taking him through, as well as to the Chairman and the leadership of the church for locating him and his family and bringing them to the Head Office and in the appropriate time, sending them back to the field to engage in active ministry. 

PENTECOST NEWS

The Ghana Flag Worship Centre in the Downtown-Ofaakor Area of The Church of Pentecost, organised a retirement service for 10 officers in the district.

The retirees—Elders Nicholas Kwesi Dusor, Theophilus Asamoah, Kweku Asare, Isaac Cobbina Akligbe, James Akowuah, Deacons Emmanuel Eshun Oppong, as well as Deaconesses Mary Ocran, Mary Antwi, Elizabeth Kyerewaa, and Joyce Asamoah—served God and The Church of Pentecost meritoriously for 16 to 40 years.

The colourful event, chaired by the Resident Minister, Pastor Prince Odoom, attracted both active and retired ministers, including Apostle Samuel Antwi (Rtd.), Pastor Andrews Owusu (Downtown District Minister and Area Secretary), Pastor Daniel Okyere (Missionary to Mali), Pastor Samuel Nsiah (Rtd.), and many others.

Speaking on the theme: “God Bless You” with scripture references from Numbers 8:6-19 and Numbers 6:22-27 at the event, Pastor Prince Odoom explained humanity’s need for God’s blessing, what elicits the divine blessing, and the components of God’s blessing.

He ended his message by pronouncing the blessings contained in Numbers 6:25-27 upon the retirees.

As part of the service, the retired officers were each presented with a Certificate of Service, a citation, and an undisclosed cash amount as a token of appreciation from the Church and individuals for their commendable service.

They were then prayed for by the officiating ministers. Elder Nicholas Akwesi Dusor, speaking on behalf of the retirees, thanked God and the entire Church for the honor bestowed upon them.

They also pledged to continue offering their support to the Church, especially by sharing their deep knowledge with the young officers to advance God’s Kingdom on earth.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS after the event, the Resident Minister, Pastor Prince Odoom, said the rationale for the retirement service was to appreciate the great contributions made by the gallant officers in the service of God and to officially relieve them from active service due to old age.

Report by Daniel Ampomah (Little Daniel)

A 150-seater church auditorium at Kambuldo in the Gbungbaliga District of the Yendi Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

An anonymous couple residing in Accra, identified as ‘Friends of the Gbunbaliga District,’ generously provided GHS 77,080.00 to construct the church building.

The building has two 20-seater children’s meeting rooms and is accessible for wheelchair users. It also has an office and three washrooms. 

The couple, handing over the facility to the church, said the gesture fulfilled a promise they made to God to build a house for Him before they started their own. They were, therefore, happy to keep their promise. 

The Yendi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Kojo Aidoo, thanked the couple for their love for God’s work. 

The District Minister, Pastor Jerry Ohene Acquah, on his part, thanked the good Samaritan and asked for God’s blessings upon their household. 

Pastor Ohene Acquah used the opportunity to thank members who sacrificed their labour for the construction of the building. He appealed to the larger church populace to continue to support God’s work, especially in internal mission areas.

Mr Yunumba Bilalu, a community member, donated the land for the building. The sod was cut for the commencement of the project on 6th March 2020, while work began on the same day, taking three years to complete. 

With the dedication and handing over, church members will no longer worship under trees, and rains will not disrupt church services. 

Aside from church activities, the facility would serve as a community centre for people in the catchment area.

Report by Peggy Ama Donkor 

Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison, a former General Secretary and a retired minister of The Church of Pentecost, has advised ministers and wives on retirement not to let their spiritual gifts lie dormant but to continue exercising their spiritual gifts.

Apostle Addison gave this advice today when he gave a presentation on the topic: “How to Thrive in Retirement” at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Millennium City, near Kasoa in the Central Region.

Sharing insights into retirement life, Apostle Addison urged his fellow retired ministers and wives to continue engaging in spiritual disciplines such as morning devotion, reading the Bible, and undertaking special prayer retreats.

He emphasised that retirement does not signify an end to one’s relationship with God; thus, it’s important to maintain an active spiritual life even in retirement.

“In retirement, we are more in the presence of God than in active service,” he stated, adding: “When we do that, the presence of God will always be with you, His spirit will be with you, and all the spiritual benefits are with you. This way, the Lord attends to your prayers.”

Apostle Addison also advised them to be actively involved in the Church’s affairs and to take a keen interest in its growth.

He further noted that being engaged in the Church not only yields spiritual benefits but also physical ones.

He also encouraged them to join retired ministers’ associations within the Church and actively participate in their meetings.

“Remaining idle in retirement will accelerate the ageing process,” he cautioned.

PENTECOST NEWS.