Apostle Asante Ends Service In Koforidua Area After 4 Years

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The Koforidua Area of The Church of Pentecost has held a farewell service in honour of Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, the outgoing Area Head and an Executive Council Member of the church, and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Osei Asante, after 4 years.

The glorious service which was held yesterday at the Central Tabernacle in Koforidua, was officiated by the General Secretary of the church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi.

Many well-wishers, royals, government officials, ministers in various para-church organisations, ministers of the church, and members attended to demonstrate their love for the out-going Area and his family.

Delivering a sermon on the topic, “But As For You Man Of God,” Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi admonished men of God to avoid being entangled in vices of the world because of the name upon them.

“There are certain things we must flee from; some vices we ought to flee from and pursue virtue, and determine to avoid certain people and characters if we want to maintain our standards as men of God,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated.

Reading from Hebrews 11:24-27, the General Secretary said that Moses was the only one referred to as a ‘Man of God’ in the Torah (5 Books of Moses) because he refused the false identity, chose to be mistreated with God’s people, placed value on certain things and considered the reproach of Christ, urging Christians to have priorities in knowing the things to refuse and those to choose.

The out-going Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Committee Chairman was welcomed in the Area on September 23, 2022, after taking over from the now Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

Apostle Samuel Osei Asante is described as a man of integrity, who demonstrated a lot of humility in his relationship with people during his stay in Koforidua. He showed skill, maturity and sensitivity in dealing with others, especially in difficult situations.

Through the four-year leadership style of Apostle Asante, he was seen to be a man of the Word. He showed much passion and purposefulness in the completion of any task he apportioned to do in the Area. He was also a team player, who fostered good relationships with all his minsters and their families.

During his tenure as Area Head, he personally contributed immensely to the construction of the new ultra-modern Area Mission House and other district projects. Among such projects are the New Juaben, Kwamoso, Akropong, Mile 14 and Okorase district mission houses and church buildings.

The Koforidua Area Women’s Ministry described Mrs Elizabeth Osei Asante as a woman of prayer. Her teachings in God’s word demonstrates how deeply rooted she is in the Word of God. These qualities were seen in her assistance in the introduction of the bi-monthly Area (Zonal) prayers into the Women’s Ministry.

“Her regular visits and teachings to the Ministry at all levels encouraged most of the women to attend meetings. Her smiles and hospitality drew many people, especially the women, to her,” it stated.

The Aburi Amankralo, Elder Nana Otopah Boateng III, on behalf of the traditional leaders enstooled Apostle Asante as the “Nkosuohene” of The Church of Pentecost for his dedicated service towards the church and the chiefs.

Apostle Samuel and Mrs. Elizabeth Osei Asante, are leaving the Koforidua Area in the Eastern Region to the Kaneshie Area in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

In his response, Apostle Asante expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the church for their thoughtfulness and support throughout his four-year stay in Koforidua. He further donated GHS¢20,000 to the Koforidua Area, to support their activities and projects.

Gracing the occasion were Nana Ampem Darkoa (Dabanhene Abiriw), Nana Ansa Sasraku (Aburi Akwamu Gyaasehene), Nene Tei Korle (Koforidua Korle Nkwanta Odikuro), Manya Nene Nyomo (Divisional Queenmother Somanya), Nana Kwarfo Asante (Adanse Abuasuhene), and Elder Nana Odei Asiedu (Larteh Krontihene).

Also present were Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Cape Coast Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Francis Yaw Adu (Nsawam Area Head), Apostle Seth Kwaku Asomaning (Akim Oda Area Head), Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (Asamankese Area Head), Apostle Samuel Nana Yaw Agyei (Kade Area Head), Mrs Brigetta Adjei Kwarteng (wife of Bompata Area Head), and Mrs Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director)

PENTECOST NEWS

Aflao Area Lauds Apostle Peter Dzemekey As He Leaves For Asokwa

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The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, August 28, 2022, held a colourful service at the Shekinah Temple in Aflao to officially farewell their Area Head, Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey, and his family, who have been transferred to the Asokwa Area in Kumasi. 

The farewell service was officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, who was present with his wife, Mrs Deborah Agyemang Bekoe.

Present to grace the occasion was the National Head of the church in Burkina Faso and Executive Council Member, Apostle Ousmane Patinde Zabre.

Others were Apostle Joseph Danzerl and his wife (Kete-Krachi Area Head), Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante and his wife (Nkwanta Area Head), Apostle Edina Komi Agbavitoh (retired) – former National Head of Togo, as well as a delegation of ministers from neighbouring Togo, led by their National Secretary.

Achievements

Having been transferred from Akim Oda Area to the Afloa Area in 2018, together with his wife, Mama Faith, Apostle Dzemekey is credited to have worked very hard with the help of the Holy Spirit to grow the membership of the church in the Aflao Area from 35,368 to 45,507, thus winning about 10,139 souls within four years; increased tithes and Missions Offering of the Area by about 100% and 95% respectively.

Through his instrumentality, the Area has opened 64 local assemblies and created four districts in the past four years.

During his tenure, the Area has also seen great infrastructural development in the areas of mission houses, church buildings, school projects, among others, as 18 church buildings and eight mission houses have been dedicated, two buses acquired for the Aflao Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), and also established a well-functioning credit union (PENCU) for the Area.

Sermon

Speaking at the service on the topic, “On Holy Ground” based on Exodus 3:1-5, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe stated that there are two things that can help believers to stand on holy ground – a place they can meet God. These, he said, are one’s location towards God and having a good motive in doing the work of God. 

He indicated that Moses saw the spectacular burning bush because he located himself at a good place as he moved his flock towards the far side close to the mountain of God, Mt. Horeb.

He added that Moses had a good motive while tendering the flock of his father-in-law, saying, “When your motive and location is good the Lord will open the heavens for you.”

Quoting from Luke chapter 5 and John chapter 21, the International Missions Director posited that unless one goes to the far side near God, one cannot access the glory of the Lord.

“If you want revival, change your location and position towards God and you will hear from Him,” he said.

He stressed that Moses qualified to stand on the holy ground because he had a good motive and strategically positioned himself.

The IMD added that standing on the holy ground calls for Christians to remove everything that destruct them from catching the attention of God. This, he said, was the reason why God instructed Moses to remove his sandals; the very sandals he wore and run away from Egypt, representing fear and sin.

Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe asked Apostle Dzemekey not to entertain any fear in his new station because the Lord has gone ahead of him.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The True Value Of Our Work Is With The Lord – Chairman Tells Church Leaders

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has stated that the true value of Christian service can only be determined by the Lord.

This, according to the Chairman, is because the success of ministry work is based on how much of God’s Life (living water) flows through an individual to bless humanity.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye said this today during a farewell service held in honour of the outgone Kaneshie Area Head, Apostle Mike Etrue, and his family at the Kaneshie Central Assembly church auditorium.

Preaching on the topic: “The True Value Of Our Work Is With The Lord” with Matthew 19:27-30 as his anchor text, Apostle Nyamekye said that like Peter, most Christians, particularly Church leaders, are sometimes skeptical about the reward they stand to gain from their Christian service to the Lord.

The Chairman, therefore, assured believers that the Lord rewards every work that is done for Him. 

Quoting John 7:37-38, he explained that God has deposited in every believer a river of living water, which is the life of God; this living water is the solution to the world’s problems.

“This living water is quickened by the Holy Spirit to well up within us and flow from within us to be a blessing to humanity,” he said.

According to the Chairman, the most important thing God expects of the believer is to be the channel through whom His living water would flow to bless others.

“When we come to faith in Jesus, it is not what we gain that matters to God but what He pours through us that really counts. This is the true measure of the ministry and Christian life, and it is what the Lord rewards,” he said.

He emphasised that, unlike the people of the world who measure the success of ministry and Christian service by one’s fame, riches etc., God does not judge by what is seen by the eyes but by righteousness.

He, therefore, urged Christians, especially Church leaders, to always focus on becoming a fountain through which the life of Jesus can flow as rivers of living water to bless others.

“So, let us stop complaining and rather focus on how God’s Life (living water) can flow through us,” he advised

He also urged ministers to manage their expectations of the material benefits and praise they receive from human beings for their service since the true value of their work is only seen by God.

“While the disciples saw the breaking of the alabaster jar as a waste, Jesus saw it as valuable. Also, while the widow’s mite was seen as little, the Lord singled it out as the most valuable. So, it is the Lord who knows the true value of our service, and not humans,” he explained.

To earn the Master’s reward in their Christian service, the Chairman advised believers to stay connected to Jesus, the source of the living water, so that the rivers of living water will constantly flow through them to bless others.

He also advised them to have a positive attitude towards the work of God and to do every work with all their heart as working for the Lord and not for human masters (Colossians 3:23-24).

PENTECOST NEWS.

Kaneshie Area Bids Farewell To Apostle Mike Etrue & Family

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A farewell service was held today in honour of the outgone Kaneshie Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Mike Etrue, and his family in recognition of their outstanding service in the last five years that has immensely transformed the Kaneshie Area.

The event, which took place at the Kaneshie Central Assembly church auditorium, was officiated by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

The joyous service drew a multitude of people made up of ministers (both active and retired), traditional rulers, relatives and friends of the minister, as well as officers and members of the Kaneshie Area.

Typical of farewell and retirement services of the Church, the Area Presbytery, Area Pastorate, and the Area Women’s Ministry, took turns to testify about Apostle Etrue and his wife, Ernestina, and present citation plaques to them.

A testimony read by Pastor Emmanuel Yirebi, on behalf of the area pastorate, described him as a man of integrity, and praised him for his extraordinary work ethic, leadership and administrative abilities.

“Apostle Etrue has admirable work ethic. He is time conscious, extremely hardworking and puts in long hours to ensure the work runs smoothly and progressively,” the testimony read.

A portion of the area presbytery’s testimony also read: “Apostle Etrue proved to be an astute and indefatigable minister of the church who combined dedication, tenacity and professionalism in all his undertakings. The area’s finances have seen an outstanding growth under his leadership. We saw genuine financial discipline and quest for creating reserves to take care of the future.” 

The womenfolk also praised Mrs. Ernestina Etrue for her calm disposition, pieces of advice, prayer life, generosity and great hospitality.

Apostle Etrue, an Executive Council Member of the Church, and his family, are heading to Koforidua as Area Head.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Pentecost University Receives Top International Award

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Pentecost University (PU) has received an “Africa International Award of Merit” for its innovation in education, digitisation projects, research initiatives, social and community impact, student job opportunities on campus, work exposure, among others.

The awarding body, the West Africa International Press Ltd, acknowledged PU for their impact on both students and staff.  Part of the statement added that Pentecost University’s strive in leading the creation of a research and problem-solving model of education in Africa is commendable.

The ceremony was participated by top notch universities in Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries. There were also top-level government officials and representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission among others.  Apart from that, there were also representatives from renowned businesses who support tertiary education in their respective countries.

The award ceremony was preceded by a dialogue on the future of private universities in Africa, in which Pentecost University was called upon to share its success story.

The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University, Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Anim who received the award on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, expressed gratitude to God for the achievement. Dr. Anim also dedicated it to the staff, students and the entire PU community. He added that “receiving an award at the International level is humbling and a testament of PU’s impact beyond Ghana.” Another recipient was Prof. Joshua Olamede who received the award on behalf of Bowen University, Nigeria.

The International Award of Merit received on Wednesday, August 24 2022 is the latest of prestigious ones that Pentecost University has received in recent years. The University has previously received awards on outstanding performance in health and allied sciences, communication studies, IT, engineering and sports.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Pastor Enstooled “Nkosohene” Of Abrem Agona

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The outgone Abrem Agona District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor George Ofori, has been enstooled as the Development Chief (Nkosohene) of Abrem Agona by Nana Tekpor V, the Chief of Abrem Agona and acting Paramount Chief of the Abrem Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana.

The historic event took place on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the church auditorium of the Abrem Agona Central Assembly during a farewell service held in honour of the minister and his family.

Pastor George Ofori, who is on transfer to Madagascar as National Head, is the first minister of the Church to be enstooled as a Development Chief. His stool name is “Pastor Nana Ofori I.”

Stating the rationale behind this historic enstoolment, Nana Tekpor V said that the Abrem traditional area has witnessed tremendous development since the minister’s arrival.

According to him, Pastor Ofori was very instrumental in the Church’s construction of an ultra-modern Police Station for the people of Abrem and its environs.

“The Abrem Police Station is one of a kind and has been adopted by the Ghana Police Service as a model for putting up Police Stations in the country,” he said.

The Abrem Agona Chief further noted that Pastor Ofori also led the Abrem Agona people to mobilise resources to commence a six-apartment quarters for the police personnel – a project that is currently at the window level.

Among other extraordinary feats, Pastor George Ofori led the elders and the people of Abrem Agona to review their “Aye” festival to make it more development-focused.

“The ‘Aye’ festival, which hitherto promoted idolatry, has been transformed and renamed ‘Love Festival,” he said.

Taking its biblical basis from John 3:16, the Love Festival now focuses on uniting the Abrem Agona people towards development and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ towards each other. The festival is also climaxed with an interdenominational Church service involving the entire community folk.

“God has indeed used Pastor George Ofori and the Local Council of Churches in Abrem Agona to strengthen the relationship between the community and the Church. So, I can boldly say that God, through The Church of Pentecost has possessed the entire community,” he said.

Ending his message, Nana Tekpor V expressed missed feelings about the departure of “Pastor Nana Ofori I”, whom he referred to as his trusted advisor, but was confident that the Lord was going to use him to do exploits in Madagascar.

Pastor Nana Ofori I, now a member of the royal family of Abrem Agona, was presented a portion of land (100x100ft) by the Traditional Council to affirm his royal status.

The Cape Coast Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, who officiated the service, led the chiefs and the congregation to thank God for the great things He has done through the minister.

He also led them to pray for divine protection for the Abrem people and the development of the traditional area.

In attendance at the ceremony were Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi (Wife of the Area Head), clergymen, the queen mother of Abrem Agona, chiefs and family heads in Abrem Traditional Area, assembly members and education officers from KEEA, among others.

Report by Ebenezer Ayivi Okoampah (Cape Coast Area Media Pastor)

Shiloh Assembly Organises Maiden “Vacation Bible School” For Children

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The Shiloh Assembly in the Mankessim District of The Church of Pentecost has organised a weeklong “Vacation Bible School” for children.

The event, which is a first of its kind, took place from August 22 to 26, 2022 at the church auditorium of the Assembly. It was aimed at engaging the children through prayer and the study of the word of God during their school vacation period.

As part of the school curriculum, the children were taken through various activities, including learning songs, colouring, arts, and spiritual exercises such as Bible reading and intensive prayer sessions.

The District Minister, Pastor Benjamin Kufordjie, visited the school and encouraged the children to continue to have faith in God. He also advised them to be God-fearing by obeying the commandments of God in order to receive divine blessings. 

Elder James Botwe, a member of the Mankessim Area Children’s Ministry Executive Committee, also paid a visit to the school. He advised the participants to be good children and always put on the whole armour of God.

At the end of the school, it was observed that most participants had developed a strong interest in the things of God and had become very conscious of the fact that they are God’s children.

They also learned that they must always put on the whole armour of God to withstand the schemes of the enemy (Satan).

Some parents who visited the school expressed joy and appreciation to the leadership of the Church for the great initiative.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church Of Pentecost Lauds Jospong Group, Government For Damongo Recycling & Compost Plant Project

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The issue of environmental cleanliness has been of grave concern for most African governments in contemporary times due to the high level of use of rubber products (poly-ethene bags, sachet water rubbers and bottles) which are non-degradable materials and harm the environment and human life in general.

This, among other reasons, is why The Church of Pentecost introduced the “Environmental Care Campaign” as one of the focal areas of its five-year strategic vision, dubbed “Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations,” to help deal with the increasing environmental challenges in the country.

The campaign, first launched in 2019, is carried out annually in partnership with Zoomlion Ghana Company, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, as well as the government of Ghana, with an objective to make Ghana one of the cleanest countries in Africa.

The fight against environmental degradation received a boost on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, when the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, commissioned an integrated recycling and compost plant at Damongo in the Savannah Region of Ghana.

The facility was constructed by the Jospong Group, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, to treat and recycle waste generated in the region into secondary products, like compost and other fertilisers, for agricultural use.

The President, in his address at the colourful commissioning ceremony, commended Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyapong, the Chairman of Jospong Group and an Elder of The Church of Pentecost, for his forthrightness, dexterity, and competence in delivering the project on time, describing him ‘as the greatest businessman man and visionary of our time.”

Delivering the keynote address, Elder Dr. Siaw Agyapong emphasised that great leaders see ahead of time and proffer solutions before the challenge arises. 

He noted that in addition to dealing with waste in the country, the plant would help ease the burden of the state in providing fertiliser to support farming.

The Coordinator for the Northern Regional Coodinating Committee of the Church, Apostle Sylvest Arhin, who led a Church delegation to the event, thanked God for the intervention and also prayed that more of such projects would be undertaken to improve sanitation and help alleviate poverty from the land through the creation of employment. 

He further prayed for Elder Agyapong, the President and the country to enjoy continued peace within which development can be envisioned.

Apostle Sylvester Arhin, also an Executive Council Member of the Church, was accompanied by Apostle Nii Tackie (Wa Area Head), Pastor David Amankwaa (Sawla Area Head) and some ministers from the Tamale Area.

Also present at the August ceremony were some ministers of state, namely, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril (Savanna Regional Minister) and Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor (Member of Parliament for Damongo and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources).

The Buipe Wura and Vice President of the Savanna Regional House of Chiefs, Jinapor II, who represented the Yagbon Wura, and 32 paramount chiefs from Gonjaland also graced the occasion. 

Report by Sawla Media Team

Prophet Appiah Retires From Active Ministerial Service After 29 Years

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Prophet Ebenezer Kofi Appiah, the outgone Area Head of the Dansoman Area of The Church of Pentecost, and his wife, Janet, have bowed out of active service after 29 years of meritorious service in the full-time ministry.

A glorious retirement service was held in honour of the minister and his family last Sunday at the Mamprobi Central Assembly church auditorium in Accra. 

The event was officiated by Apostle Mike Etrue (Executive Council Member and outgoing Kaneshie Area Head) with support from Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Executive Council Member and Pentecost Men’s Ministry Director) and Apostle Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director).

Taking scriptural references from Genesis 37:9-11, Proverbs 4:18 and Psalm 105:19, Apostle Jimmy Markin preached on the topic “The Path To Your Destined Place” at the event.

In his sermon, the Evangelism Director stated that the Lord has a plan for everyone, hence believers should have no fear of the future.

“The Lord is the one who elects and leads the people He has called. For this reason, we should not be afraid of what the future holds; for great is the goodness and favour of God to all,” he said.

He further indicated that God has a well-thought-out plan for His children but He never reveals them because of the afflictions to be encountered as one embarks on the Christian journey.

According to the Evangelism Director, the tests include the test of one’s service and sacrifice; wisdom, and how one manages greatness.

He, therefore, advised Christians to be determined to pass whatever test they are given at all costs, adding that “Favour always attracts enemies so we should not be distracted by them.”

Throwing more light on grace, mercy and favour, he explained that “Grace is an extended mercy and not unmerited favour, and that God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Favour, on the other hand, comes not by chance.”

Apostle Jimmy Markin ended his sermon with a word of encouragement to believers to solely depend on the sovereign God for provision and providence. 

Present at the retirement service were Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director), and Deaconess Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director). Also in attendance were the immediate-past General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (Rtd.), other relatives and friends of the retiring minister, as well as members of the Dansoman Area. 

Report by Lawrence Asiamah and Lawrenda Ami.

Coco Beach District Wins 131 Souls Through Beach Evangelism

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The Coco Beach District in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost has won 131 souls through beach evangelism it organised in collaboration with the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Legon.

The aggressive evangelistic drive took place from July 29 to 31, 2022, at the Coco Beach enclave.

Prior to the exercise, the district held a three-day evangelism conference which was aimed at empowering the members with the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God for effective evangelism.

Other activities engaged in were street evangelism, house-to-house evangelism, one-on-one evangelism and ghetto evangelism.

Out of the 131 souls won for Christ, 22 were baptised in water with one person receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Notable among the various spectacular events that occurred was the conversion of a football team who were training at the beach.

Report by Fred Broohm.