Mrs. Mabel Darko, wife of the Twereboa District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, has advised ministers’ wives to strive to live within their means even in the face of societal pressures.
Mrs. Darko gave this advice on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at the Greater-Accra Region Ministers Wives prayer meeting held at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Memorial Temple in Accra.
Drawing inspiration from Matthew 6:25-34, Mrs. Darko highlighted the need for ministers wives to align their lifestyles with their financial capabilities.
“We must cut our coats according to our material. In other words, our lifestyles must align with our financial realities,” she emphasised.
She further advised them not to place unnecessary pressure on their husbands’ finances through extravagant spending or unsustainable practices.
She said that when they embrace lifestyles that aligns with their financial means, they would achieve financial stability and foster healthier relationships within their families.
Mrs. Darko highlighted several factors that commonly put pressure on women’s finances such as pressure from family, social function commitments and unnecessary comparisons with others, among others.
“The tendency to compare oneself with others can drive unnecessary and often unaffordable spending,” she cautioned and rather urged them to be content with what God had blessed them.
To help ministers wives manage their finances effectively and find contentment within their means, Mrs. Darko provided practical guidance such as budgeting, encourage open and honest communication:with their spouses about financial matters, prioritising needs over wants, and engaging in financial literacy programmes or seeking professional advice in order to make sound financial choices.
Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, the wife of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has said that Christian women possess a unique capacity to nurture spiritual growth and serve as role models within the local church and the community.
Mrs Nyamekye gave this charge to Christian women on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, when she participated in the recently-held weekly prayer meeting of the Kasoa Area Women’s Ministry at the Mountain View Worship Centre, Tuba.
Referencing Titus 2:3-5, she encouraged older women to teach younger women and to lead by example in matters of faith, love, purity, and homemaking.
Mrs. Nyamekye also stated that prayer holds immense power in the life of the church, hence like Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-11) Christian women can fervently intercede for the needs of the congregation, the leaders, and the community.
“Women can lead prayer groups, organise prayer events, and encourage others to deepen their prayer lives,” she said, adding that by exemplifying a life of prayer, they can inspire other women to embrace the transformative power of intercession.
Mrs Nyamekye also emphasised the importance of hospitality and its significant avenue for Christian women to create an environment of warmth, love, and acceptance within the church community.
Referring to Romans 12:13, she said women help strengthen the church’s hospitality by facilitating gatherings, welcoming newcomers, and ensuring that everyone feels included and cared for.
“The efforts made in creating a hospitable atmosphere can foster meaningful connections and facilitate the growth of the church family, ” she said.
The wife of the Chairman further encouraged Christian women to possess valuable insights and gifts that can contribute to the teaching and discipleship ministries within the local church.
She cited Priscilla in Acts 18:26, who, alongside her husband Aquila, rightly divided the word of God and helped in expounding the way of the Lord to Apollos.
“Likewise, women can actively participate in Bible studies, Sunday School classes, or Women’s Ministry groups, where they can share their knowledge and passion for God’s word,” she said
Touching on the impact of Christian women on the community, Mrs. Nyamekye said they can actively engage in serving the community by demonstrating Christ’s love through compassionate actions.
She explained that since Christians are enjoined by Scriptures to do good to all (Galatians 6:10), Christian women must also reach out to their communities through outreach programmes, support charitable initiatives, and encourage others to participate in acts of service.
“By embodying Christ’s love in practical ways, Christian women can inspire others to impact their local communities as well,” she said.
Mrs. Nyamekye ended her message by challenging women to rise to the occasion and make an impactful difference within the local church by embracing their roles as spiritual nurturers, prayer warriors, hospitable hosts, teachers, and servants, they can positively influence those around them.
The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has emphasized the importance of missionaries embracing a Christ-centered lifestyle that aligns with the values and principles of The Church of Pentecost, regardless of their location.
According to the General Secretary, “Over the years, The Church of Pentecost has built a Christ-centered brand with our core values, culture, and rules of conduct handed down to us as a legacy from our forebears, which we must preserve and pass on to the next generation.”
He made this call when addressing the newly-called missionaries to the internal and external mission areas of the Church yesterday at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
Delivering a paper on “Deepening The COP Brand,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised that “for the past 80 years, our forebears, being careful in observing the instructions in the covenant, the tenets, core values, church culture, and rules of conduct of the church, have given the CoP a unique and enviable brand which ought to be guarded jealously.
He encouraged all ministers and members of the church to brand themselves with the values and principles of Christ. He said that, like every other church, The Church of Pentecost has its own culture and foundational beliefs at the heart of its theology, governing system, and practical expression of Christian life and ministry.
“As a church, we love and cherish these practices so dearly. Everyone who comes into our fold must know and diligently apply themselves to these,” he stated.
He reiterated the need to reposition the church in this generation as a clarion call to deepen the brand as a church.
“We want to make The COP brand stronger and more intense to bring clarity to it and cause our members to become more interested in the church. These are virtues and values that must be jealously guarded and bequeathed from one generation to the other,” he added.
He urged the missionaries to carry a distinctive character of Christ, which has contributed to building a strong church through selfless service, sound biblical teaching, good leadership and succession, evangelism and discipleship, sacrificial giving, fellowship, and discipline.
“It thus behooves this generation to know, uphold, and jealously guard these time-tested Pentecostal distinctive attributes as we seek to reposition the local church for maximum impact,” he stressed.
The General Secretary concluded by saying that although the church began with people who were not so educated, yet, the Holy Ghost inspired them to create a brand that has made the church unique, distinguished, and respected in the world.
The third edition of the “Uncommon Leadership Summit” (ULS) organised by the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Cape Coast Sector, took place from Friday, June 30, to Saturday, July 1, 2023.
The two-day residential event, held for the SCT, SCC, LCC, Working Team, and Patrons/Patronesses, was held under the theme “Repositioned to Lead for Maximum Impact on Campus” (Colossians 2:6-7; John 14:12) and took place at the Miracle Centre Auditorium of PENSA-Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU).
Held at the zonal levels – Cape Coast, Twifo Praso, and Dunkwa zones respectively – with over 180 participants, the summit aimed to reposition and ground PENSA leaders in Christ and empower them to make a maximum impact on their respective campuses.
The ULS began with a short video presentation on leadership, which encouraged PENSA leaders to avail themselves of leadership responsibilities, as they have been chosen by God to lead.
Pastor Joseph Zoot, the PENSA Traveling Secretary for the Mankesim Sector, spoke on the main theme of the summit.
In his presentation, he explained who a leader is and what it takes to be an uncommon leader.
Pastor Zoot mentioned that “to accomplish your goals as a leader, you should be enlightened in the word of God, believe in what God has deposited in you, and be firmly rooted and grounded in Christ.”
He also encouraged the participants to be leaders of influence who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
After sharing the spiritual and physical qualities of a leader with the participants, Pastor Zoot led the church in a session of intensive prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The programme continued the next day with a presentation from the convener of the Uncommon Leadership Summit, Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Traveling Secretary for the Sector, who spoke on “The COP Brand – the Core Values of the Church.”
Pastor Quayson stated that “what makes us unique and distinct as a church is our brand, which includes core values, tenets of the church, and rules of conduct.”
He explained that core values are the things the Church holds in high esteem, such as evangelism, discipleship, ministry excellence, prayer, leadership development, church culture, tithe and offering, consistent Bible teachings, etc.
Pastor Quayson urged the PENSA leaders to study the core values and rules of conduct of CoP, as they make the Church distinct from others. He also encouraged PENSA leaders to serve wholeheartedly and sacrificially in the church and help build the local assemblies for maximum impact.
Elder Evans Darko Addo, a member of the Working Team, spoke on the topic “What is expected from a Repositioned PENSA Leader.” He pointed out that a repositioned PENSA leader is expected to be loyal, above reproach, faithful in doing the work of God, and a soul winner.
The wife of the Traveling Secretary, Mrs. Esther Mansa Annan Quayson, continued with a talk on the topic “Is this Love” from 1 Samuel 13:1-23. She challenged the participants to pray effectively and seek godly counsel before entering into any relationship.
The summit ended with a prayer and impartation session led by Elder Bismark Afrifa Marfo, the Sector’s Financial Secretary, during which three participants received Holy Spirit baptism.
The 2023 edition of the Uncommon Leadership Summit was unique because some of the patrons/patronesses within the Cape Coast zone were invited to share their experiences and expectations.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Monica Zoot (Wife of Mankesim Travelling Secretary), Deaconess Rebecca Quarm (Patrons’ Representative on the Working Team) and other patrons.
The following institutions in the Cape Coast zone participated in the programme: Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training college (CCNMTC), Psychiatric Nursing and Midwifery Training College (PNMTC), Ola College of Education (OLACOE), Komenda College of Education (KOMENCOE).
Report by Agnes Odei (PENSA CCTU Assistant Secretary)
One hundred and twenty-nine ministerial students of the 2022/2023 batch of the Pentecost School of Theology and Missions (PSTM) at Pentecost University were commissioned into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost.
The commissioning service, which was held yesterday at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, was officiated by the Chancellor of Pentecost University and Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
The ministerial students comprised 114 Ghanaians and 15 from The Church of Pentecost’s external branches, including Nigeria, Liberia, Angola, Libya, India, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea and Thailand.
Apostle Nyamekye highlighted the challenges young men and their wives face when responding to God’s call to serve in remote places.
He encouraged the newly commissioned ministers to continuously expand their knowledge and skills to become versatile in their calling.
To enhance the spiritual experience of the commissioned ministers, Apostle Nyamekye urged Area Heads to provide guidance and nurture them, emphasising the importance of sharing experiences and supporting their positive development.
The Chairman called on the church community to uplift the young ministers in prayer, ensuring their ministry success and ability to make a difference as co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard.
Addressing the ministers, Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the significance of being authentic Christians who demonstrate Christ in their daily lives.
He urged them to extend their influence beyond congregations and impact various spheres of society with the Kingdom of God’s values, principles, and lifestyle.
The Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, reminded the ministers to keep Jesus as their focal point and rely on the Holy Spirit for their ministry.
He stressed that their dependency on the Holy Spirit would determine His work in and through them.
Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali, the Downtown-Ofaakor Area Head, encouraged the ministers to trust in God for their needs in ministry, highlighting the support and collaboration required for maximum impact.
Some members of the Executive Council attended the commissioning ceremony, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary, The COP); Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director); Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Central Regional RCC Co-ordinator & Cape Coast Area Head); Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Greater Accra RCC Co-ordinator & Ashaiman Area Head); Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head), Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary-Elect & Asamankese Area Head), Area Heads, and Directors of Ministries.
Also present were faculty members and staff of Pentecost University, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anim (Pro-VC and Director of PSTM); Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah (Assistant Registrar, PSTM); Aps. Dr Christian Tsekpoe (Director, Post Graduate Studies and Research Directorate); Ps. Francis Broni (Chaplain, PSTM); Mr Foster Kobina Amoani (Registrar, Pentecost University); Mr Michael W. K. Gyimah (Chief Information Officer), Mr Abraham Nyebar (Ag. Chief Finance Officer), and HODs.
In a passionate plea to children’s workers, Apostle Semenya Yao Dogbe, the Takoradi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has emphasised the urgent need to “arrest children for Christ” before they fall victim to a life of crime.
Delivering a presentation titled “How the Children Ministry is Run in the Takoradi Area” at the ongoing 2023 Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’23) of the Children’s Ministry, Apostle Dogbe highlighted the critical importance of instilling moral and spiritual values in children during their formative years.
Drawing inspiration from Luke 18:16-18, where Jesus calls for children to come to Him, Apostle Dogbe stressed the need to catch children at a young age for Christ, ensuring their transplantation into the House of God and securing the future sustenance and growth of the church.
Quoting Psalm 92:13-14, he emphasised the promise that those transplanted into the Lord’s own house will flourish, remaining fruitful and vibrant even in old age.
Apostle Dogbe acknowledged the challenging world in which children live today, characterised by occultism, violence, disregard for authority, high rates of drug abuse, negative influences from social media, and various forms of sexualism.
He expressed concern over the dangerous trend of some children being trained for terrorism instead of being equipped to spread the gospel. He questioned whose responsibility it is to save these children for Christ before they become victims of crime themselves.
Aligning with the Church’s vision for 2023, “Possessing the Nations,” the Takoradi Area has placed a strong focus on the children’s ministry.
According to him, the leadership, workers, and members have been diligently nurturing and equipping children with the principles and values of the Kingdom, fostering their growth in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and humanity.
Citing Mark 9:36-37, where Jesus welcomes and values children, Apostle Dogbe emphasised that children have a share in His kingdom.
Apostle Dogbe said that. Children make up 27.91% of the total church membership of the Takoradi Area, emphasising that with these impressive statistics, Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry can potentially become a missions field for The Church of Pentecost in the future.
He outlined some activities the ministry undertook in addition to Sunday morning classes, such as intergenerational services, Jethro initiative classes, community clubs, and teachers’ training sessions.
He said the ministry has also implemented flagship projects of the Children’s Ministry, including the Box Library and One-Child-One-Bible.
He also stated that the Children’s Ministry collaborates with the Home and Urban Ministry (HUM), Ministry to People with Disability (MPWDS), and the School Outreach Ministry to reach out to children and orphanages, visit hospital children’s wards, and connect with basic schools.
“Additionally, the Takoradi Area generously donated 214 half pieces of clothing, valued at GHC 26,040.00, to minister’s wives in eight internal missions areas in Ghana.
“Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry donated 214 half pieces of cloth to ministers’ wives in eight areas of internal missions of Ghana valued at GHC 26,040.00. The presentation took place at PCC during the November Head’s meeting in 2022,” he said.
The second edition of the Foundation Builders’ Conference is currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, under the theme: “Rekindling the Zeal of the Children’s Worker for Maximum Impact.” The four-day conference, which began on Tuesday, July 5, 2023, had over 1000 children’s workers in attendance nationwide.
Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, the wife of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has asserted that God purposefully created women to be suitable and compatible partners for men.
Mrs. Nyamekye said this while exhorting women in the Kasoa Area of the Church on the topic: “A Virtuous Woman: An Excellent Partner to the Man.”
Using Genesis 2:18-23 as scriptural references, she explored the biblical perspective of a virtuous woman.
She explained that the term “Virtuous” encompasses various qualities that make a woman an excellent companion.
Mrs. Nyamekye noted that a virtuous woman displays integrity, kindness, and wisdom, possesses moral excellence, and acts according to godly principles.
“By exemplifying these qualities, she becomes a trustworthy and supportive partner to her husband,” she said.
She, however, stressed that being a suitable helper does not mean being inferior or subordinate but as a partner who complements and assists the man.
According to her, this supportive role that virtuous women play involves offering support, encouragement, and sharing the responsibilities of life’s challenges and endeavours.
Mrs. Nyamekye further noted that a virtuous woman positively impacts her family and community because her actions and attitudes shape the atmosphere of her home, nurturing love, respect, and unity within the family.
“She extends her positive influence beyond her immediate family, impacting her community through acts of kindness, charity, and service,” she added.
Concluding her message, Mrs. Nyamekye said that every virtuous woman is a priceless treasure and must always conduct themselves as such.
She, therefore, encouraged women to cultivate these virtues in order to enhance their relationship with their husbands whilst contributing to their personal growth and fulfilment.
The Presiding Elder of Mount Olives Worship Centre and Area Executive Committee Member of the Odorkor Area, Elder Ing. Felix Atrsim, has said that every individual has inherent greatness that ought to be harnessed for maximum impact.
Elder Atsrim, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FeDems Company Limited, said this when he gave an inspiring presentation at the Foundation Builders Conference currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
Speaking on the topic “Maximising Your Potential for Exponential Growth,” he highlighted the significance of recognising and harnessing one’s God-given abilities.
In his sermon, Elder Felix Atsrim noted the importance of reading the Bible and praying daily as the key to achieving exponential growth.
He emphasised that the Bible serves as a manual for guiding believers in their journey toward success. By reconnecting with their source, which is the Word of God, individuals can function more effectively in their endeavours.
The Presiding Elder drew attention to the abundant wisdom contained within the Bible. Citing passages such as 3 John 2, he explained that prosperity is a divine intention for humanity and encompasses all aspects of life. By aligning their wealth and resources with God’s purpose, believers can experience the ease of entering into heavenly realms, as highlighted in Matthew 16:24-26.
Quoting the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-30, he emphasised that when God blesses believers, their wealth becomes a source of awe and respect in the world.
In addition to spiritual maturity, he urged the congregation to aspire for financial prosperity and influence, saying that God desires believers to be influential in shaping society and positively impacting others.
“When God blesses an individual, it becomes His responsibility to sustain that blessing,” he added.
The Presiding Elder defined potential as the latent qualities and abilities within each person that have the potential to lead to future success.
Referring to Genesis 1:28, he reminded the audience that God’s initial act was to bless humankind. Through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, believers inherit this blessing and tap into the vast potential God has placed within them.
Highlighting the importance of faith, Elder Felix Atsrim emphasized that being linked to God is solely through faith. To unlock exponential growth, he encouraged the congregation to apply faith in all aspects of their lives.
He noted that the Bible is not just a physical textbook but a spiritual guidebook, urging the audience to cultivate a teachable spirit and diligently pursue their endeavors, as highlighted in Proverbs 12:24.
The Presiding Elder further encouraged the congregation to prioritize eternal matters and seek wisdom through prayer. He emphasized the significance of developing a heart of service and helping others, as it is through blessing others that one’s own potential can be further expanded.
Elder Felix Atsrim, ended his presentation by urging believers to recognise the deposit of greatness within them and embrace God’s plan for their growth.
Mrs. Gifty Otu-Appiah, the wife of the Winneba Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has called on Church leaders and Children’s Ministry workers to endeavour to make the church the safest place for children.
According to her, the local church bears a significant responsibility in safeguarding children not only within the church premises but also wherever dangers may arise.
Mrs. Appiah gave this advice yesterday when she delivered a presentation at the Foundation Builders Conference 2023, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh.
Addressing the participants on the topic of “Ensuring Child Safety in/By the Local Church,” Mrs. Otu-Appiah defined child safety as the measures and practices put in place to protect children from harm, injury, abuse, or danger.
She emphasized that child safety encompasses various aspects of a child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, and psychological security.
She further explained that child safety measures involve creating a secure environment that promotes healthy development and protects children from potential risks or threats.
Mrs. Otu-Appiah also noted the importance of identifying potential hazards, implementing preventive measures, and educating both children and caregivers about safety practices.
She highlighted the need for identifying signs of potential harm, responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse, providing support and services to protect children, and holding accountable those who have harmed them.
Mrs. Otu-Appiah emphasized that the primary goal of child protection is to ensure that all children are safe and free from harm, including physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
To promote child safety, Mrs. Otu-Appiah advocated that the local church should empower Children’s Ministry workers, establish systems that limit access to children for potential abusers, as well as educate and empower children to participate in their own safety and prevention efforts.
She also stressed the importance of educating parents, guardians, and the community on child abuse prevention and the need to intervene if harm occurs.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Mrs. Otu-Appiah emphasized that God calls the church to be advocates for children and therefore called upon all members of the local church to uphold the biblical mandate of child safety.
She further outlined practical ways in which the local church can ensure child safety. These measures included implementing screening and background checks, developing comprehensive child protection policies, providing training and education for all child workers, ensuring proper supervision and accountability in all activities, securing facilities, maintaining check-in and check-out procedures, and maintaining open communication with parents and caregivers.
She also emphasized the importance of responding to all safety concerns, developing and practicing emergency preparedness plans, and regularly reviewing and updating safety measures.
Mrs. Otu-Appiah ended her presentation by charging church leaders and Children’s Ministry workers to make child safety a top priority, creating an environment that honours children’s God-given dignity and eliminates the chance for abuse and harm.
The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has encouraged both internal and external missionaries to open the gates of the church to all individuals, irrespective of their appearance or background.
According to the Chairman, for a missionary to be a good minister, he must have value for the human being, whatever the shade and looks.
He said this on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, during the 2023 Missions Orientation held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), organised by the International Missions Directorate of the Church.
Under the theme “The Determination To Serve And The Delight of Sacrifice,” Apostle Nyamekye drew inspiration from John 15:13-16 to emphasise the importance of serving with determination and sacrificing for the cause of spreading the Gospel.
He said that the chief motivating factor in Paul’s ministry and in every ministry is the love for the Lord, noting, “You can never manage Jesus’ sheep if you do not love Jesus, for it is not about money. The delight in sacrifice is to lay down your life for your friend Jesus.”
The President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) highlighted that there are still problem people and people with problems, like the beggar at the beautiful gate, who expect to receive something from the church.
“We need not fail them without looking at merit or justice but just be a channel of God’s grace to mankind,” he added.
Reflecting on the nature of ministry, he added that ministry is the distribution of God’s grace to others, saying, “All of us are the deposits of God’s resources to reach out to other nations, thus being the channel of His resources to man.”
He urged the minister to be determined to serve with the assurance that God will supply to them in their respective communities, stations and nations.
He also encouraged them to be good distributors, stay with the source, who is God and relax to make the impact that God needs them to make in the lives of the people entrusted into their hands.
