Posts in category: Church News

The Sierra Leone National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Morie Sanpha, has called on the youth to always develop the habit of gratitude towards God in all situations.

“The very essence of human life depends on the Creator, God. Therefore, we have every opportunity to express gratitude for the strength and the gift of life bestowed upon us,” he emphasised.

Apostle Sanpha made the call during his visit to Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) on Thanksgiving and Communion Sunday at Pentecost University in Accra on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

According to the National Head, thanksgiving is a form of prayer that can evoke supernatural interventions from God.

He explained the concept of thanksgiving using the acronym “AGGA,” which stands for Acknowledgement, Gratefulness, Gratitude, and Appreciation.

Drawing from biblical references such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17-24, John 11:38-41, Genesis 2:7, and James 1:17, he elucidated that as God is the source of life, He expects nothing less than appreciation, gratitude, and gratefulness from His creation.

Speaking on the theme, “The Power of Thanksgiving,” Apostle Sanpha stressed the need for Christians to always acknowledge God as the source of everything.

“The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear and appreciate Him,” he stated, adding, “The blessings of God are inexhaustible for those who demonstrate gratitude and gratefulness.”

He further indicated that when believers live with an appreciation towards God, He bestows special blessings upon them, as He is an infinite God who requires gratitude. He urged the students to refrain from covetousness and instead focus on appreciating God.

Expounding on the benefits of thanksgiving, Apostle Sanpha explained that it reveals the glory of God, thereby connecting Christians to Him as the ultimate source of life.

He emphasised that God’s glory encompasses His nature and beauty, stating, “We should not merely be believers, but students who give thanks to God, as it is through Him that we accomplish great things.”

Report by Knackpent Editorial, PENSA PU

Pentecost Press Limited (PPL), a subsidiary of The Church of Pentecost, honoured its hardworking employees and recent retirees at a colourful ceremony held in Accra.

Long-service awards were also given to those who have served the company for 20 and 30 years, respectively.

The event took place on Thursday, April 20, 2023, during the annual durbar of all staff at the Coconut Groove Regency Hotel, Accra. It was attended by the Board and Management of the Press.

In his address, the Board Chairman for PPL, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, congratulated the employees for a good business year in 2022.

“The Press is making excellent progress, and I want to thank God and the employees for that,” he said.

Apostle Dela Quampah also alluded to the Parable of the Rich Fool recorded in the book of Luke 12 and said that the man failed to acknowledge God and even the labourers who tilled his land and helped him with the harvest.

He credited himself with all the success. He said working for God is a challenging assignment, saying, “If God is your supervisor, it is a very challenging situation.”

He, therefore, called on all employees and management to coexist and work together as a family.

He also urged employees to communicate their issues to the Board through management at all times for redress.

“We will explain to you why we cannot honor certain demands if it is beyond us,” he said. Mrs. Comfort Keku received the overall Best Worker for 2022 award, while Mrs. Pearl Gawuga and Mrs. Gladys Tenor received the long-service awards for serving the company for 20 and 30 years, respectively.

Other employees were recognised for living exemplary lifestyles and for excelling in national writing competitions, among others.

The retirees included Elder John Menlah Arthur, a former Managing Director of the Press, who served for a total of 27 years; Elder Mark K. Eshun, who served for 25 years; Mr. Daniel Osei Adjei, who served the Press for 20 years; and Mr. Eric Odotei Sowah, who served the Press for 30 years. Elder Evans Osei Twum, who served the Press for about 30 years, and Mr. William Attivor, who served the Press for a period of 22 years, were also honoured.

“Throughout his tenure, Elder John Menlah Arthur proved to be an invaluable asset to the Press. He was known for his performance-driven innovation, astute business acumen, and sharp administrative skills,” the Press wrote about their former Managing Director.

The Press also lauded Mr. Eshun for his ability to empathise with colleagues during challenging times and further commended him for his optimistic outlook and popular dictum “Obeye yie” (Translated: It shall be well).

According to the Managing Director, Pastor Gideon Yirenkyi Amfo, this positive attitude helped employees navigate difficult times. In response, Elder John Menlah Arthur thanked the Press on behalf of all the retirees for the wonderful gesture.

“We are overwhelmed by your act of kindness and for remembering us even in retirement,” he said.

Report by PPL Media Team.

The Akuse District in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a matriculation ceremony for 80 participants of the Adult Literacy School.

Speaking at the event which took place on Sunday, April 30, 2023, the Akuse District Minister, Pastor Jacob Kwakye Frimpong, noted that the Adult Literacy School, an initiative under Vision 2023, seeks to provide literacy skills to the public and reduce illiteracy levels in the nation.

He said the ceremony aimed to welcome and orient participants on the course outlines, rules, and regulations.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Pastor Frimpong explained that the Adult Literacy School would give participants a chance to gain new skills and expand their knowledge.

He added that it would enable participants to reach their full potential by gaining confidence in their careers and workplaces, and further help them to read the Bible in multiple languages, interpret it accurately, and communicate more effectively.

The nine-month programme is in four major languages: English, Dangme, Twi, and Ewe, with Elder Stephen Adamnor (Twi Lecturer), Mr Modzifa Awucutse (English Language), Elder Edmund Lawer (Dangme), and Deaconess Celestine Boyo (Ewe), as facilitators.

The special guest and Headmaster of Akuse R/C Primary School, Mr Ayertey Amartey, commended The Church of Pentecost for the initiative and encouraged the participants to take the programme seriously.

Deaconess Georgina Amoni (Headmistress of Akuse R/C JHS) and Madam Lydia Kaletsi (Headmistress of Akuse Presby School) were in attendance.

Others were Mrs Cynthia Frimpong (wife of the Akuse District Minister), Elder Ezekiel Abban Teye (Agormanya Area Chaplaincy Assistant Coordinator), officers and members of the Church.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team

The Kuntunse District in the Nsawam Area of The Church of Pentecost has been declared the overall best-performing district of the Church for the previous year.

The announcement was made by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church, during the State-of-the-Church Address at the official opening of the 46th General Council Meetings of the Church.

Out of the 1,631 districts in Ghana under The Church of Pentecost, the Kuntunse District emerged as the top performer.

The second and third positions were taken by the Wassa Sampa District (Tarkwa Area) and Hwidiem District (Tepa Area), respectively.

The rankings were based on key operational indicators, including membership growth, net tithes paid, missions offering paid, and percentage changes in these metrics between 2020 and 2021.

Other indicators used for the ranking were adult souls won, outreach programs held, converts baptised in water and Holy Spirit, and many more.

The Wassa Afransie District in Bogoso Area, Kofi Badukrom District in Berekum District, Domeabra District in Downtown-Ofaakor Area, Uwumborgnan in Nkwanta Area, Akomadan and Abofour New Town districts, both in Offinso Area, and Nkwaeso District in Techiman Area placed 4th to 10th, respectively on the list.

The Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated Kuntunse District and other districts for their impressive performances and encouraged them to continue working hard to maintain or even improve their performances in the coming years.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Berekum Area of The Church of Pentecost emerged as the top-performing administrative area of the Church in 2022.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church, announced this at the 46th General Council Meetings of the Church held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, held from May 3-5, 2023.

The Offinso and Obuasi Areas followed closely behind Berekum, retaining their impressive rankings from 2021. The Asankragwa, Dunkwa, Nkwanta, Kete-Krachi, Suame, Nkawkaw, and Yendi areas comprised the top ten.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye congratulated the areas for their outstanding performances and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in the future.

The administrative areas, 76 in all, were ranked based on their performance in 17 Key Operational Performance Indicators (KOPI), including the number of outreach programmes held, adult souls won, Gospel Sunday morning souls won, Home and Urban Mission (HUM) souls won, Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) souls won, assemblies opened, and total adult souls converted and baptised in water and in the Holy Spirit.

Other KOPIs included average attendance at Bible studies, members attending home cell meetings, net tithes performance in quantum, missions offering performance in quantum, percentage of actual tithes over budget, percentage of actual Missions Offering over budget, and the percentage of change in membership between 2021 and 2022.

The Church of Pentecost commends these areas for their exceptional performance and looks forward to their continued success.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Ghana, the Most Rev. Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, has described The Church of Pentecost as a testimony of what God can do, following the strides the Church has made over the years as a global church in terms of soul winning, church planting, among others.

“My experience of The Church of Pentecost is that the Church is a testimony of what God can do; breaking barriers when people say, ’No,’ God says, ‘Yes,’ because with God, all things are possible and I believe that is your testimony,” he said.

He encouraged the Church to maximize its efforts in advancing the Kingdom business.

“I want to encourage you to keep it up and to reposition yourself to take cognizance of it.”

Rev. Dr Cyril Kobina said this while delivering fraternal greetings on behalf of the Anglican Church of Ghana at the opening ceremony of the 46th Session of the General Council Meetings at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) at Gomoa Fetteh on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

He expressed delight in the successes The Church of Pentecost keeps chalking, which according to him, is highly commendable and worthy of emulation.

“We are learning lessons from you – lessons of taking church planting seriously; lessons of taking evangelism seriously; and lessons of not being complacent,” he noted.

The Most Rev. Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith also called on all churches to unite and be the voice for the voiceless.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost has elected four new members of the Executive Council at the 46th Session of the General Council Meetings to replace some members of the Council whose terms have elapsed.

The new entrants are Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (outgoing General Secretary), Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director), Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head), and Apostle Lare Banimpo (National Head, Togo), who is representing the Francophone bloc.

The four replace Apostle Dr Daniel Walker (Tarkwa Area Head), Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Cape Coast Area Head), Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head), and Apostle Ousmane Patinde Zabre (Burkina Faso National Head and representative from the Francophone bloc). They have served on the Council for several years.

The elections were held during the climax of the 46th Session of the General Council Meeting on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The 15-member Executive Council, led by the Chairman of the Church, the Executive Council is responsible to the General Council. It implements policies and decisions of the General Council. It is also responsible for callings, upgradings, appointments, revocations, dismissals, impeachments, transfers and retirement of Ministers and national office holders of the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Rev. Steve Ball, the Regional Leader of South West Midland and Southern Wales of the Elim Pentecostal Church, UK, a sister church of The Church of Pentecost, has called on Christians to continue sharing the message of the Gospel with others.

He stressed that the message is shared from one person to another, and if Christians stop sharing it, they deny others the saving grace of Christ.

Speaking at the 46th Session of the General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana, Rev. Ball emphasized the need for the church to mobilize its forces to spread the good news of the Gospel.

He highlighted the formula for achieving maximum impact, which he described as High Potency plus Close Proximity plus Clear Communication.

Using Matthew 28:16-20 as his key text, Rev. Ball urged the church to continue its acts of great kindness, which should be the conduct of individuals and the corporate church.

He encouraged them to work until their enemies cannot deny their good works. He also reminded the church that it was birthed in persecution and continues to live in an era of great persecution. He advised them to live by faith and not be discouraged or afraid of persecution.

Rev. Ball also mentioned that in 2022, 316 million Christians experienced a high level of persecution and discrimination, with a thousand more Christians killed for professing their belief in Jesus than the previous year.

Despite this, he urged the councillors to leave the meeting knowing that Christ is with them to prevail. He encouraged them not to deny their faith and to keep going, reminding them that the blood of the saints waters the growth of the Gospel.

PENTECOST NEWS

Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy, together with 36 other ministers of the Church, is set to retire from active ministerial service by September 2023 after serving the Lord and the Church in various capacities.

In his State-of-the-Church Address delivered at the opening session of the 46th General Council Meetings underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoah Fetteh near Kasoa, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church, observed that the ministers had attained the statutory retiring age of 65 years.

“After years of serving the Lord and His Church, some of our ministers will retire from active service this year. It is my singular honour to present them to Council as follows,” Apostle Nyamekye said while congratulating and thanking them for their service to the Church.

The whole 5000-seater Joseph Egyir Paintsil auditorium of the PCC went agog with Special Guest of Honour, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Councilors, Heads of Churches in Ghana, and other guests rising and amidst shout of joy and gratitude to God at the mention of name Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy, who served the Church for 39 years and in the highest capacity as Chairman at the age of 40, between 1998 and 2008. 

Demonstrating brotherly love, respect and unity in the body of Christ, almost all the people in the auditorium stood and applauded in honour of the revered former Chairman.

The other 36 ministers include Apostles David Tettey Tekper (Achimota Area Head, 37 years), Dr Ben Ali (Downtown Ofaakor Area Head, 33 years), Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (Haatso Area Head and Immediate Past International Missions Director, 32 years), Jones Awuah Afrifa (Dunkwa Area Head, 30 years) and Moses Kwame Ahiakor (Hohoe Area Head, 29 years).

He also called out Pastors Samuel Kwaku Amankonah (Two Streams District- Koforidua Area, 37 years), Matthew K. Yeboah (Kanda District in La Area, 37 years), Daniel Owusu Appiah (Ashaley Botwe District in Madina Area, 37 years), Ebenezer Kwaku Appiah (New Aplaku District in Kasoa Area, 36 years), Alex K. Kyere (Dome New Town in Haatso Area, 30 years), Emmanuel K. Ofori (Nyankyereniase in Kwadaso Area, 30 years), Benjamin Wettey Quaye (Trade Fair District in La Area, 30 years) and Nii Abeo Tetteh (Ayeduase District in Asokwa, 30 years).

Apostle Nyamekye also mentioned Pastors Evans Nketsiah Egyir (Ahenbronoso District in Berekum Area, 29 years), Daniel Onwona-Darteh (Kojokrom District in Sekondi Area, 29 years), Joseph Ackah (Darkuman Nyamekye in Kaneshie Area, 27 years), Isaac Justice Kofi Ackom (Amanfrom District in Suame Area, 27 years) and Dan Nyampong Asihene (Redemption Valley District in Tema Area, 27 years).

The others are Pastors Henry Ako- Nai (Pantang District in Haatso Area, 26 years), Joseph Mensah Krampah (Abuakwa-Ampemhase, 26 years), Stephen Nyarkotey Quao (Born Again Worship Centre in Achimota Area, 26 years), Stephen Kwasi Ayikoe (Atwima Techiman District in Kwadaso Area, 24 years), Kofi Antwi Boasiako (Santasi District in Kwadaso Area, 23 years), Opuni Boateng (New Awoshie District in Odorkor Area, 23 years), Charles Incoom (Low Coast District in Sefwi Bekwai Area, 23 years) and Dr. Nicholas Darko (Twereboa District in Dansoman Area, 22 years).

From the external branches, the Chairman listed Apôtre Kobina Atta of La Côte D’Ivoire (40 years), Martin-Luther Awuku (France, 29 years), S. Y. Asare (Nigeria, 26 years), Peter Owusu (France, 26 years), N’guetta Amon (Côte D’Ivoire, 24 years), and Kohonou Etienne (Benin, 23 years).

The rest are Francis Kwaku Agyei (Italy, 23 years), Mensah Boamah (Germany, 18 years), Stanislas Barinzigo (Burundi, 10 years) and Benedict Pancras Okumu (Kenya, 9 years).

“Dear retiring ministers, I pray that the Lord God Almighty, before whom you have walked and served, will bless and grant you a restful retirement when the time is due,” he implored.

PENTECOST NEWS