Posts in category: Church News

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost under the leadership of Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, officially launched The Church of Pentecost Chairman’s Education Foundation (CoPCEF).

The event, held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, was attended by the Area pastorate and delegates from Pentecost University, including Vice Chancellor Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua.

COPCEF is an education-support fund instituted at Pentecost University by the Church’s Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, to assist needy but brilliant students.

In addition to providing internal scholarships, the foundation also supports Pentecost University’s infrastructure and staff development, contributing to the University’s ambition of becoming the university of choice in Africa and the world.

The launch ceremony aimed to raise awareness about COPCEF and encourage members of the Church to support the foundation.

In his welcome address, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye commended the Church’s efforts to provide educational support to deserving students, even with limited resources, through various scholarship avenues such as COPCEF.

He highlighted that the foundation, which is a substantial scholarship fund managed by Pentecost University, is available to all brilliant but needy students at the University.

Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye also took the opportunity to outline the various educational scholarships offered by the Church.

Firstly, he mentioned the Pentecost Educational Scholarship Scheme (PESS), which is funded by the Church’s Headquarters. This scholarship is awarded annually to brilliant but needy members of The Church of Pentecost, with one student per area selected, depending on the availability of funds. Nationwide, over seventy (70) students are selected each year.

Another scholarship opportunity available to Church members is the Pentecost University (PU) Scholarship. Each area is required to contribute a percentage of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to sponsor bright but financially disadvantaged students to attend Pentecost University. The number of students sponsored per area depends on the IGF generated by that area.

It is noteworthy that the financial strength of a particular area determines the number of students selected for each academic year.

In addition to these scholarships, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye mentioned that districts, local assemblies, and individual church members also provide scholarships or financial support to deserving students within their respective areas, depending on the availability of funds at each level of the church structure.

Apart from these avenues, the Area Head mentioned that there are also benevolent individuals who support the education of needy church members.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye highlighted the significant progress achieved in the past four years since the inception of these educational interventions.

He expressed his delight in the church’s commitment to educational support.

“During the recent 46th session of the General Council Meeting held at Pentecost Convention Centre in Fetteh, the Chairman disclosed the success of the church’s educational support initiative,” he stated.

He added that “In 2022, the various districts, areas, and ministries in Ghana, along with the Headquarters, spent GHȼ10,686,084.76 to sponsor the educational pursuits of church members at various levels. This included GHȼ863,443.64 spent under the Headquarters’ sponsored Pentecost Education Scholarship Scheme (PESS) for tertiary students outside Pentecost University.”

Focusing on the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasized that despite the numerous financial challenges faced by the area, it continues to support the educational pursuits of its members.

Currently, the area provides full scholarships to 21 students, with eight of them being enrolled just this year.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

Wavesonic Studios, a fast-rising music production studio in Ghana, recently organised its first live recording event, “Pentecostal Tunes (Old School Edition),” providing an opportunity for enthusiasts of the Pentecostal music genre to relive old tunes.

The event occurred on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Prop-Haven Ghana in Spintex, attracting participants from various Christian denominations.

Attendees were treated to captivating performances by renowned gospel music artists, including Kweku Teye, Ruth Adjei, Bra Kwaku, Emmanuel Arthur, Ako Karl, and the TNS Choir.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Mr Johnson Asare, the Chief Executive Officer of Wavesonic Studios and the visionary behind Pentecostal Tunes, shared that the primary purpose of the concert was to bless lives and evoke nostalgic memories of Pentecostal tunes, uniting everyone in the mission to spread the Gospel and impact nations for Christ.

“A few years ago, I strongly desired to promote the Gospel. As a sound engineer, I pondered what I could contribute to possessing the nation for Christ. Through consultations with friends, the idea of a concert emerged, and today, we have made it a reality,” Mr Asare explained.

Mr Asare, also a sound engineer at Mount Olives Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area of The Church of Pentecost, revealed that he initially experienced apprehension due to the financial commitments associated with the event, contemplating whether to suspend it. However, he noted that with the support and encouragement of others, he overcame the fear and pressed forward.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr Asare extended his appreciation to key partners and the public for participating in the event, encouraging them to continue investing in future projects.

Johnson Asare, a multi-award-winning sound engineer, aspires to significantly contribute to the music production industry in Ghana and beyond. He has collaborated with top brands and has produced high-quality sound in Ghanaian music.

The first video of Pentecostal Tunes, featuring Braa Kwaku in a captivating poetry recital titled “Tieoo Tie,” is now available on YouTube: Wavesonic Music. Additionally, the second video featuring Kweku Teye, titled “Ogya Medley” would be premiered on Sunday, June 4, 2023.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Koforidua Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Mike Etrue, has urged Christians, especially Church leaders, to make it a priority to always hear and obey God’s voice in their Christian ministry.

Apostle Etrue said this when he delivered a sermon on the topic, “Hearing the Lord Speak in Your Ministry,” during an ordination service organised by the Effiduase Area at the Begoro District Central Assembly auditorium last Thursday.

Using Ephesians 4:11-12, Genesis 3:8, Jeremiah 33:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, 1 Corinthians 14:1, Matthew 5:6, and Psalm 107:9, as scripture references, the Koforidua Area Head said that God still speaks, and often uses the people He has placed in one’s  life to communicate with them.

He explained that both “Logos” and “Rhema” are the Word of God, but the former refers to God’s Word objectively recorded in the Bible, while the latter is the word of God spoken to us on specific occasions.

“The voice of God ought to be known, understood, and obeyed,” he emphasised.

He added that those who disobey the voice of God will be led astray, but obedience to the voice of God brings peace, blessings, fruitfulness, and prosperity.

Apostle Mike Etrue, therefore, advised Church leaders to lead their flocks in obedience to the will of God.

He reiterated that the ascension gifts – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher – are leadership offices of the Church, given by the ascended Christ to lead and perfect the saints, hence, they are not mere positions or automatic rewards.

Apodtle Etrue also stated that ministers must be impartial in caring for the flock entrusted to them.

“As a minister, you must have a love for people’s souls and a longing to lead them to a personal relationship with Christ, contributing to their spiritual growth and development,” he said.

The Koforidua Area Head again stated that a faithful pastor knows they must passionately pursue Christ, adding: “A holy minister is an awe-inspiring weapon in the hand of God and a gift to the Church.”

He urged the Church members to cherish, appreciate, and support God’s gift of ministers to the Church, so they can benefit from the divine blessings contained within them.

He mentioned that the value of a gift is not measured by the purpose the gift serves, as a result, every pastor must strive to fulfill the purpose they have been called to serve.

“Your relevance as a minister is dependent on the benefits the people receive from you. In fact, this may be the most important thing we ever learn about God—that He yearns for a relationship with us and to commune with us,” he said.

Apostle Etrue also noted that God speaks to His children through the glory of His creation, His Holy Spirit, His word, and through dreams, visions, and the human conscience.

“In fact, He sometimes speaks to us through our spouses, the elderly, our children, as well as events and circumstances to speak with us,” he explained.

According to him, the reason why God longs to speak to His children, among other things, is to give them divine wisdom to help people navigate challenges and situations.

“God uses so many methods to speak to you. Sometimes to turn us from wrongdoing and keep us from pride, to preserve our lives from perishing by the sword,” he said.

The Koforidua Area Head, therefore, urged believers, particularly ministers, to reposition themselves to always receive from the Lord.

“As we wait upon the Lord, we are to grow in knowledge of Him and His commands for us. And we are to be diligent in seeking Him and applying His law to our lives,” he advised.

Concluding his message, Apostle Mike Etrue said that ministers can hear the Lord speak in their ministry by desiring to hear His voice (1 Corinthians 14:1, Matthew 5:6, Psalm 107:9), and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

He further noted that when ministers are able to hear God’s instructions and act on them, they will become fruitful in ministry and also manifest the power of God.

Report by Elder Enoch Obeng Asare (Effiduase Area)

The Effiduase Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised an ordination service for three ministers in the Area who have been called into the pastorate of the Church.

The trio, Pastor Benjamin Kwasi Frimpong (Ehiamankyene District), Pastor Isaac Komla Agbesi (Bosuso District), and Pastor Collins Nyaaba Abayase (Dorminase District), were called into the pastorate during the 46th Session of the General Council Meetings in 2023 held recently at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The ordination service, which took place at the Begoro District Central Assembly auditorium on Thursday, June 1, 2023, was officiated by Apostle Mike Kwame Etrue (Executive Council Member/ERCC Coordinator/Koforidua Area Head), assisted by Pastor Stephen Okyere Acheampong (Effiduase Area Head).

The occasion was also graced by Pastor Francis Adawu Gameli (Effiduase Area Secretary), Pastor Prince Odoom (PCC Manager), Pastor Sampson K. Boakye (Suhum Sector Travelling Secretary), and a host of ministers in the Effiduase Area.

Speaking at the service on the topic, “Hearing the Lord Speak in Your Ministry,” with scripture references from Ephesians 4:11-12, Genesis 3:8, Jeremiah 33:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, 1 Corinthians 14:1, Matthew 5:6, and Psalm 107:9, Apostle Mike Etrue urged Christians, especially ministers and elders, to make it a priority to hear God speak in their ministry.

He, however, cautioned that those who disobey the voice of God will be led astray, but obedience to the voice of God brings peace, blessings, fruitfulness, and prosperity.

Apostle Mike Etrue, therefore, advised Church leaders to lead their flocks in obedience to the will of God.

He reiterated that the ascension gifts – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher – are leadership offices of the Church, given by the ascended Christ to lead and perfect the saints.

He urged the Church members to cherish, appreciate, and support God’s gift of ministers to the Church, so they can benefit from the divine blessings contained within them.

Apostle Etrue noted that God speaks to His children through the glory of His creation, His Holy Spirit, His word, and through dreams, visions, and the human conscience.

“In fact, He sometimes speaks to us through our spouses, the elderly, our children, as well as events and circumstances to speak with us,” he explained.

According to him, the reason why God longs to speak to His children, among other things, is to give them divine wisdom to help people navigate challenges and situations.

“God uses so many methods to speak to you. Sometimes to turn us from wrongdoing and keep us from pride, to preserve our lives from perishing by the sword,” he said.

The Koforidua Area Head, therefore, urged believers, particularly ministers, to reposition themselves to always receive from the Lord.

Concluding his message, Apostle Etrue said that ministers can hear the Lord speak in their ministry by desiring to hear His voice (1 Corinthians 14:1, Matthew 5:6, Psalm 107:9), and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

The ordination service also had in attendance some Chiefs and traditional leaders.Members of the Church in the Area also turned up in large numbers to witness this historic event.

Report by Elder Enoch Obeng Asare (Effiduase Area)

The Suame Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle John Obeng Kesse, has dedicated the mission house for the Maakro District to the glory of God. The six-bedroom manse, which boasts impressive facilities such as a conference room, basement and a hall for the Women’s Ministry practical activities, was dedicated on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Obeng Kesse, who was assisted by the District Minister, Pastor Bright Asare Junior, appreciated the immense support by the Headquarters, the Area, and the District towards the completion of the project.

In a sermon at the event, Pastor Alex Asare of Bohyen District read from Colossians 3:22-25 and spoke on the topic, “Repositioning the Local Church To Do Good Works For Maximum Impact in the Nations.”

He enlightened the congregants on the role for being a leader; a serving mandate, which comes with dedication and commitment to the cause. He also noted that being occupied with the work of God demands sacrifices, and such produces results to benefit the Church.

Pastor Alex Asare, therefore, applauded the tireless efforts of the Maakro District in putting up such a magnificent edifice.

The Maakro District was carved out of the Suame and Tarkwa Districts in 2015.

Since then, the ministers and their families have been residing in a rented apartment with series of efforts made during the time of the first District Minister, Pastor Isaac Obeng Akese, to get a plot of land to begin the construction of a mission house, but to no avail.

With continued prayers and determination, a land was acquired after which a sod-cutting and foundation stone laying ceremonies were performed in 2020 by the then Area Head, Apostle Michael Collins Asiedu (Rtd).

Present at the service were Mrs Eunice Owireduaa Kesse (wife of the Area Head), Apostle Nana Ofori (Rtd), the Area pastorate and their wives, Nana K. Gyasi, some Area Executive Members, Area Women’s Ministry Leader, and the District Executive Members.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

The Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, dedicated the Senchi Assembly church building in the Akrade District.

He was assisted by the Akrade District Minister, Pastor Joseph Kwadwo Tawiah and a cross-section of the Area pastorate.

The dedication service also had in attendance ministers’ wives, Area and District Executive Committee members, traditional leaders, church members, among others.

Apostle Samuel K. Gakpetor delivered an exhortation at the event on the theme: “The Place of Speaking in Tongues in the Church,” drawing from 1 Corinthians 14:1-4.

In his sermon, the Agormanya Area Head urged the congregation to continue speaking in tongues, emphasising that it is the initial external evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and a fundamental pillar of Pentecostalism.

Apostle Gakpetor further stressed the importance of maintaining the passion for speaking in tongues and not letting it grow cold.

Addressing the heresies surrounding speaking in tongues, Apostle Gakpetor stated that believers should persist in speaking in tongues as it signifies their baptism in the Holy Spirit and enables direct communication with God (1 Cor 14:4), while also providing personal edification.

Apostle Gakpetor, however, cautioned that when praying, believers should not only pray in tongues but also engage their understanding and seek the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Deaconess Leticia Koranteng, in presenting a brief history of the project, mentioned that construction of the edifice began on February 13, 2005, when the then District Minister of Akosombo, Pastor Osei-Wusu Nimako (late), expressed the intention to establish a new district in Akrade.

The local presbytery, led by Elder Emmanuel Ayi Ayikwei, along with the members, wholeheartedly supported the construction of the building till its completion.

On behalf of the Church, Deaconess Leticia Koranteng expressed gratitude to all past Area Heads of Agormanya, former ministers of the Akrade District, presiding elders, and building committee members who contributed to the project from its inception to completion.

Pastor Joseph K. Tawiah was particularly commended for overseeing the successful completion of the church building.

Special recognition was also given to Nana Gyan Oduro Dapaah II, Adontenhene of Senchi, and Nana Abrewa Mirekua II, Queenmother of Dasaase.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team

The Sunyani Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle James Gabriel Quardson, dedicated the new Dormaa Central Assembly church building on May 28, 2023, to the glory of God.

The dedication ceremony was attended by the Sunyani Area pastorate and their wives, former ministers of the district, retired ministers, Area and District Executive Committee members, Area Women’s Ministry Executive Committee members, Traditional leaders, Assembly members, and church members, among others.

During the ceremony, Pastor Peter Garbah delivered a sermon on the theme “A Glorious Temple” from 1 Kings 8:1-13, urging Christians to seek God’s glory as a means of obtaining a Glorious Church.

He emphasised that God desires a worthy place to reside, built by people with clean hands and a clean heart, as stated in 1 Chronicles 28:3-7.

“So, we must keep a pure heart to accommodate God’s glory,” he added.

Pastor Garbah also highlighted the importance of allowing the word of God to manifest in the lives of believers for His glory to manifest in the Church.

Elder Paul Adjei Bediako, the Presiding Elder of the Central Assembly and a District Executive Committee Member, provided a brief history of the project.

He mentioned that the assembly was established in 1984. He, however, noted that the idea to construct the Church building was mooted by a group of members who approached the then District Minister, Pastor Osei Kwadwo, to express the crucial need for a permanent place of worship for the Assembly. Consequently, the then Sunyani Area Head, Prophet James Osei Amaniampong, approved the construction of a new church building and supported the project with an amount of GHS 7,000.00 in 2004.

Under the leadership of the then District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Yaw Adjei, the project progressed rapidly, and the foundation stone was laid on Sunday, May 6, 2006, by Prophet James Osei Amaniampong.

He acknowledged all past ministers of the New Dormaa District for overseeing the project from the beginning until its completion.

The current District Minister, Pastor Michael Osei-Appau, was commended for continuing the work started by his predecessors and successfully supervising its completion.

The Church also expressed appreciation to the founding leaders of the Assembly for their significant contributions to the project and the overall growth of the Church.

Report by New Dormaa District Media Team