Bolga Area Pastorate Wins & Baptises 49 Navrongo Central Prison Inmates web

Bolga Area Pastorate Wins & Baptises 49 Navrongo Central Prison Inmates

The pastorate, their wives and other key officers of the Bolgatanga Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle David Amankwaa, have won and baptised 49 inmates at the Nsawam Central Prison in water.

Eighteen other inmates rededicated their lives to Jesus and ten of them received Holy Ghost baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues in the Navrongo Central Prisons on December 16, 2023.

In a programme, dubbed “Ministers and Wives Rally & Carols Service,” under the theme: “Remember those in Prison” (Hebrews 13:3a), a team of about 84 ministers and wives, ministries executives, and some Area office holders stormed the Navrongo prisons on Friday afternoon with the Gospel message of Christ.

The team with support from the 32 districts in the Area also treated the 191 inmates to a hot lunch and donated foodstuffs and provisions to the tune of GHS 20,985.00 to them.

According to the Area Head, Apostle David Amankwaa, the act was motivated by the Church’s Vision 2028, which seeks to unleash its ministers and members to transform their sphere of influence with Kingdom principles and values.

He said that Scripture admonishes Christians to visit those in prisons, and in doing that you have done it for the Lord.

The Officer-in-Charge, DSP Oscar Piuyire, expressed their profound gratitude to the Bolga Area for the kind gesture and usual support to the prisons.

In attendance were the Area Head’s wife, Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa, Area Executive Committee members, Pastor Evans Kwasi Bawomiah, who is also the Area Children ministry leader and Pastor Julius Aryee. 

The other Area Ministry Leaders were: Pastor Eric Asante (Youth Ministry), Overseer Dickson Denkyi (Evangelism Ministry), Overseer Tiajawan (HUM), and Deaconess Magdalene Amoak (Women’s Ministry).

Also present were Elder Wisdom Dogbetor(Area Deacon), Elder Joseph Apuseyine (Former Area Deacon), DSP Oscar Piuyire (Welfare and Business Development Officer-in-Charge of inmates, who deputised for the regional commander), Rev. ASP Joachim Bugre Yinimi (Prisons Chaplain and host of other ministers and wives).

Report by Pastor Frank Ofori Attah (Chairman, Area Media Team)

Pentecost University Holds 15th Congregation web

Pentecost University Holds 15th Congregation

Pentecost University has held its 15th graduation ceremony for all students of its faculties and schools.

This came off on Saturday, December 16, 2023, on the University’s main campus in Sowutuom.

In all, 1,153 students graduated with various degrees at masters, undergraduate, professional and certificate levels.

Speaking at the congregation, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University, Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kouda congratulated the fresh graduates on their new milestones.

He challenged them to use their new skills and qualifications acquired at Pentecost University to transform society.

The VC also used the opportunity to highlight notable achievements and the impact of the University in the community in the years 2023.

He mentioned two significant grants won, expansion to the Pentecost University, Agape Campus in University and support offered to the PU campuses in South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire.

He also mentioned that the University hosted the 2023 Global STEM and Computing Education Summit and consulted for the Global Forum on Digital Manufacturing held in South Africa and the African Union and the Ministry of Education sponsored Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology, COMSTADA 2023.

In a commitment to enhancing infrastructure, Pentecost University invested nearly GH₵‎3 million in 2023. Prof. Agyapong-Kodua shared that a significant portion of this investment, “GH₵‎ 2.61 million, went into the ongoing lecture block project, with the ground and first floors almost ready for use.”

Looking ahead to 2024, the Vice-Chancellor outlined the University’s plans to concentrate on infrastructure, collaborate with the municipality to address drainage issues on campus, and maintain a leadership position in spirit-inspired, research-driven education.

On his part, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost who doubles as the Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, commended the University for playing a pivotal role in the Vision 2023 and challenged it to do more in the new phase.

The Chairman described Pentecost University as a unique mission field and reiterated the commitment of the church to its growth and influence in the coming years.

Speaking further, Apostle Nyamekye said the The Church of Pentecost Chairman Education Foundation (COPCEF) will continue to be a resource pool to disadvantaged individuals to access quality tertiary education at Pentecost University.

He also said the Foundation will make strategic investments in improving the physical and digital infrastructure, as well as human resource capacity to make it more competitive globally.

In the distinguished guest speaker’s address, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, also commended PU for supporting various initiatives particularly geared towards STEM education in Ghana. He described Pentecost University as “emerging to the finest in the world” and challenged the graduates to think global.

On developments in the tertiary education space, the Honourable Minister said the government is keen on increasing the gross tertiary enrollment from the current 20% to 50% by the year 2023. He said this increase shall also translate to proportions of enrollment in STEM intensive disciplines. In so doing, Honourable Dr. Adtuwuom pledged the commitment of the government to support Pentecost University and other institutions to expand their capacity to enrol more students in the coming year.

The 2023 congregation was attended by scores of people from academia, the church and industry.

Report by Pentecost University Media Team

Apostle Johny Peprah Inspires Christian Couples to Embrace Marriage as a Divine Covenant (1) web

See Marriage As A Divine Covenant – Apostle Johny Peprah To Christian Couples

A Lecturer at the Pentecost School of Theology and Missions (PSTM), Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah, has advised Christian couples to perceive marriage as a profound avenue for glorifying God.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Center (PIWC) Atomic, on the topic, “Marriage: The Whence, What and Why?”  Apostle Johny Peprah delved into the fundamental facets of marriage, drawing insights from biblical passages, including Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:20-25, and Proverbs 18:22.

He structured his sermon around three pivotal questions aimed at unraveling the essence of marriage. First, he explored the ‘whence’ of marriage, delving into the origin and manufacturer of this sacred institution, underscoring its divine roots as established by God.

Transitioning to the ‘what is marriage? Apostle Peprah defined marriage, according to God’s plan, as a lifelong blood covenant union between one biological male and one biological female. He stressed the absence of room for divorce in the original plan of God and underscored the significance of upholding purity and fidelity before, during and after the covenant of marriage.

The final question, ‘why marry?’ received meticulous attention from Apostle Peprah. He dispelled common misconceptions, asserting that marriage is not to be driven by libidinal desires, self-aggrandizement, security, psychological, financial, or political advantages. Instead, he affirmed that the primary purpose of marriage is to obtain favour from God.

According to him, marriage is from God, about God, and for God,  asserting that aligning with God’s manual and will, leads to divine approval and favour.

He urged Christians to perceive their spouse as God’s gift and treasure, cautioning against choosing an ungodly partner and spotlighting the enduring blessings derived from marrying to glorify God.

He advised prospective couples to intensify prayer and exercise vigilance when selecting a life partner to avoid the pitfalls prevalent in contemporary mate selection. He stressed the importance of maintaining purity and abstaining from pre-marital sexual activities, emphasizing that such practices attract the favour of God inherent in the sanctity of marriage.

Apostle Johny Peprah assured the audience that marrying to glorify God opens the door to both existential trans-generational terrestrial blessings as well as eschatological eternal celestial blessings.

PENTECOST NEWS

Bolgatanga Area Donates Items Worth GH¢ 20,985.00 To Navrongo Central Prisons web

Bolgatanga Area Donates Items Worth GH¢ 20,985.00 To Navrongo Central Prisons

The Area Head, Apostle David Amankwaa, and his wife, Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa, accompanied by 31 ministers and wives, along with some Church officers, presented the items, GH¢ 20,985.00, to the facility on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The donated items included bags of Gari, local rice, maize, millet, groundnut, T. Roll, soap, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrush, bottled water, sachet water, drugs, beans, and a cash donation of GH¢ 1,000.00.

Apostle David Amankwaa informed the officer in charge of the prisons, DSP Oscar Piuyire, that Scripture admonishes Christians to remember those in prisons (Hebrews 13:3), and the five-year strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost mandates Church members to minister to all classes of people, including the marginalised and the destitute.

DSP Oscar Piuyire, in receiving the items, expressed profound gratitude to the Church for the kind gesture shown to them.

He assured the Church that the donations would be used for their intended purpose and would go a long way to alleviate the plight of the inmates.

A gospel message was preached by Pastor Evans Kwesi Bawomiah on the topic, “I Bring You Good News” during their visit.

Reading from Luke 2:8-11 and 1 John 4:14, he explained that Jesus has been born to us, and whoever believes in Him would be saved.

The good news is that there is hope for those who believe in Jesus because God loves them.

Concluding his message, he told the inmates that how they came to the prison is not news anymore, but how they leave.

He encouraged them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and be transformed so that they would leave the prisons transformed.

An altar call by Pastor Michael Peasah saw 49 inmates surrendering their lives to accept Christ, with all of them undergoing water baptism.

Eighteen of the inmates also rededicated their lives to God, while 10 received the Holy Spirit baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

A hot lunch was served to all 200 inmates present, and they received it with joy.

One inmate (name undisclosed) on behalf of his brothers expressed their appreciation to the Church for their support and prayer.

He also pleaded with the Church to continue to support them by providing drugs for the infirmary to meet their health needs.

The visit ended after Apostle David Amankwaa had prayed for the officers and the inmates.

Report by Pastor Frank Ofori Attah (Bolga Area Media Committee Chairman).

PIWC-Sakumono Delegation Visits Nsawam Prison Transformation Assembly web

PIWC-Sakumono Delegation Visits Nsawam Prison Transformation Assembly

The Prisons Committee of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono, paid a visit to the Transformation Assembly of The Church of Pentecost at Nsawam Medium Security Prison on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

The 21-member church delegation that undertook the visit was made up of the Resident Minister, Pastor Solomon Kwasi Kyei, some officers, and members.

According to the Assistant Prison Coordinator for PIWC-Sakumono, Elder Samuel Nkansah-Sakyi, the visit was to fellowship with the inmates, especially with the festive season approaching.

“Christmas is a period of celebration, so we came to celebrate with the inmates and put smiles on their faces,” he said.

The church delegation also donated items worth about GHS 12,000.00 to the inmates.

Receiving the items, Assistant Director of Prisons (ADP) Nii Armah Ayittey thanked the church for the show of love and asked for more such gestures from civil society and other churches.

The Resident Minister for the facility, Pastor (ASP) Thomas Owusu Brefo, who was also present, revealed that there are about 3,468 inmates in the Nsawam Medium prison.

He also mentioned that there are other denominations in the prison, all supporting the reformation of the inmates.

He thanked the team for the show of love and encouraged other organisations and churches to also come and support the inmates.

The visit coincided with the send-off service in honor of the Presiding Elder of the Assembly, Elder Frank Addo Yeboah, who had been incarcerated for the past 20 years, but presided over the assembly for the last eight years.

It was a joyous and memorable occasion for him and his family, who came in their numbers to witness the programme. The service was officiated by the Nsawam Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Francis Yaw Adu.

Delivering a sermon at the event, Apostle Yaw Adu urged the inmates and all gathered to know their purpose on earth, to try and finish the work assigned to them by God as salt and light of the world.

“May we shine wherever we go and may we carry the image and glory of God everywhere we go,” Apostle Yaw Adu said.

He read from John 4:34; 18:37-38; 1 Peter 5:4 and Luke 2:9, among other scriptures, and admonished all present to give themselves to the work of God as well as not give up on doing good to fellow Christians.

The occasion was also served as an induction service for the new Presiding Elder of the Assembly and his assistant.

Apostle Yaw Adu charged the incoming Presiding Elder and his assistant to continue with the good work of their predecessor.

“Leadership is a spirit; exemplify love, grace, and faith and demonstrate a transformation that has taken place within you,” he said.

Reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; 3:1-17, he charged the newly elected leaders of the transformation assembly to be responsible, accommodating, and above all show gratitude to their fellow inmates.

An altar call by Pastor Solomon Kwasi Kyei during the service yielded 15 souls to the glory of God.

Also present at the event was Pastor Percy Opoku Ahwenee Danquah, the Tsopoli District Minister, and Chairman of the Tema Area Prisons Committee.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.

Obuasi Area Holds Special Prayer Vigil For AngloGold Ashanti Amid Economic Concerns web

Obuasi Area Holds Special Prayer Vigil For AngloGold Ashanti Amid Economic Concerns

The Obuasi Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by Prophet David Kankam Beditor, organised an all-night prayer session on December 8, 2023, to intercede for the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi mine.

The AGA Obuasi mine, operational since 1897, has historically been a driving force behind Obuasi’s economic activities, providing substantial revenue and employment opportunities for the community. However, a recent closure and subsequent care and maintenance period led to a sharp downturn in the local economy, adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on the mine.

The mine, a cornerstone of the local economy, has faced challenges since its reopening, raising concerns about its viability and sustainability.

The prayer vigil, attended by over 7,000 members from 31 districts in the Obuasi Area, focused on seeking divine intervention for the company’s improved production, the well-being of its workers, and the overall prosperity of the Obuasi community. The event was under the theme, ‘Your Bitter Water Will Become Living Water,” inspired by Exodus 15:22.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the mining industry, including environmental impacts, fluctuating gold prices, and security concerns, the leadership of the area expressed hope that through their prayers, God would bestow wisdom, guidance, and protection upon AngloGold Ashanti.

Prayers offered during the service extended beyond the company’s performance, encompassing the safety of workers, equipment, and operations, as well as the peace, harmony, and preservation of the natural environment in the Obuasi community.

Participants in the service expressed confidence that God has heard their pleas and will grant favor to AngloGold Ashanti, fostering not only the prosperity of the company but also the well-being of the people in the region.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Be A Blessing Unto Others web

Be A Blessing Unto Others – Apostle Samuel Obuobi Advises Christians

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church Of Pentecost, has advised Christians to not only keep the blessing they have they have received from God to themselves, but more importantly, bless others as well.

This, according to him, is the only way they can make a proud impact on their generation.

Apostle Obuobi said this on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the Pentecost International Convention Centre (PIWC), Asokwa.

Speaking on the theme: “Maximum Impact”, he began by quoting Kevin Kruse, stating, “Life is about making an impact, not making an income.” He challenged the conventional notion that life is solely about financial success, emphasizing the significance of making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Drawing parallels with the life of Abraham, Apostle Obuobi highlighted God’s objective to bless the entire world through Abraham, as mentioned in Genesis 12:3. He stressed that blessings from God, whether in the form of gifts, knowledge, or talents, are meant not only for personal gain but also to benefit others.

Apostle Obuobi quoted an unknown author, affirming that “Success is not measured in the amount of dollars you make, but the ‘amount’ of lives you impact.” He urged the congregation to recognize that success goes beyond monetary wealth, focusing on the transformative impact individuals can have on the lives of others.

Emphasising the role of the Holy Spirit, Apostle Obuobi explained that believers are empowered to make a difference in the world.

“The agenda of the Holy Ghost is to help us make it to Heaven. Not only is He to help us make it to Heaven, but more so, help us come to a point to make an impact”, he stressed.

He underscored the divine purpose for Christians to impact their generation positively and encouraged them to use the gifts and talents bestowed upon them by God.

The sermon conveyed a call to action, urging believers to leave an indelible mark, bring transformation to their spheres of influence, and positively influence their generation.

The General Secretary reminded Christians of life’s brevity and the importance of making an impact during the time they are alive.

Citing the example of Jesus, who lived only 33 years but profoundly influenced the world, Apostle Obuobi stressed the need for sacrifice to make a lasting impact. He cited Philippians 2:6-8 as an example of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.

Concluding, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi challenged Christians to become “salt and light” in the world, emphasizing that the ability to make an impact is directly proportional to the sacrifices one is willing to make.

“Your ability to make an impact depends on the level of sacrifice you make”, he said.

PENTECOST NEWS

Akweteyman Worship Centre Children's Ministry Holds 2nd Edition Of Altar of Praise web

Akweteyman Worship Centre Children’s Ministry Holds 2nd Edition Of “Altar of Praise”

The Akweteyman Worship Centre Children’s Ministry of The  Church of Pentecost has organised the second edition of its annual praise and worship programme dubbed, Altar of Praise.”

The event, which was under the theme: “When Our Praise Goes Up, His Glory Comes Down” (2Chronicles 5:13-14), was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the church’s auditorium. The programme was chaired by the Achimota Area Head, Apostle Joseph Danzerl.

Exhorting the gathering on the event theme, Apotstle Joseph Danzerl said that praise is a key ingredient in living a joyful and content life.

He further noted that the act of praise and worship is a valuable way of instilling the spirit of Pentecostalism the children since it helps them to actively participate in services and inspire them to become part of the  larger family of faith.

Quoting from Matthew 21:16 Apostle Danzerl explained that praising the Lord Jesus with their children provide a beautiful opportunity for parents and guardians to model their faith to them and encourage them  to live a life which pleases God.

He added that the Lord values the innocent, sincerity, and pure heart of children, and therefore, parents and guardians should train them to also walk in the  ways  of God .

Concluding his message, the Achimota Area Head said: “Teaching children to praise The Lord is a precious gift to the church because such training strengthens their faith also  guide them to know God in His excellency.”

In all, 142 children took part in the service. The event also recorded an adult attendance of 76, to the glory of God.

Other distinguished personalities present were Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah (Resident Minister), Mrs Dorcas Danzerl (Wife of the Achimota Area Head), the gospel music duo, “D’AFRIFA Brothers,” and all District Executive Committee members of the Worship Centre.

Report by Elder Derek Owusu (Achimota Area)

Scholarship Beneficiaries In La Area Grateful To The Church Of Pentecost web

Scholarship Beneficiaries In La Area Grateful To The Church Of Pentecost

Nine individuals who received full scholarships and have completed their various undergraduate programmes at the Pentecost University have expressed gratitude to God and the La Area of The Church of Pentecost for the kind gesture.

Accompanied by their parents, the beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the church.

The La Area Head, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, stated that one of the reasons for helping the beneficiaries is for them to be helpful to the church. 

Apostle Dr Nuekpe, an Executive Council Member of the church, charged the beneficiaries to remain in the church and help with the knowledge acquired. He prayed for lucrative jobs for them.

The beneficiaries studied various Bachelor of Science (BSc.) programmes in Information Technology, Human Resources, Nursing, Marketing, Midwifery and Accounting. 

They are Asare Kingsford (BSc. Information Technology), Andoh Belinda (BSc. Human Ressource), Andoh Linda (BSc. Human Resource), Ankrah Abigail N. A. (BSc. Nursing) and Atiglo Ruby Yaa (BSc. Marketing). 

The rest are Ayerko Nanor Abigail (BSc. Nursing), Bentil Addo Seth (BSc. Information Technology), Duncan Beatrice (BSc. Midwifery) and Parker James Amo (BSc. Accounting).

The scholarship covered all fees and hostel fees throughout their studies.

Report by Overseer Daniel Nana Sei Mensah.

Christian Youth Charged To Sharpen Their Skills web

Christian Youth Charged To Sharpen Their Skills

The Director of The Church of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has admonished Christian youth to sharpen themselves and help one another to be relevant in society.

Apostle Anane Denteh said this on Sunday, December 10, 2023, during the climax of the Ladies and Gents’ Wing Week Celebration of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), University of Ghana, Legon.

Speaking on the topic, “Sharpening the Youth for Abundant Living,” with reference from Proverbs 27:17, Apostle Anane Denteh, an Executive Council Member, stressed the need to help one another in sharpening individual skills. 

According to him, it is natural that some old devices become blunt when used for a long time. Such devices are sometimes disposed of if they cannot perform the required task. Every one of us, he said, has sharp areas and blunt areas that need to be sharpened. 

He emphasised the need for Christians to allow themselves to be sharpened because everyone needs to be sharpened. 

He intimated that “sharpness” differs from “smartness” since a smart person does not always play by the rules, but a sharpened person does

To be a complete youth, Apostle Anane Denteh said some areas that are vital for their development include spiritual, physical, social and psychological development.

“Anything we do today is a rehearsal for what will come tomorrow. The Christian youth must be fully prepared for tomorrow since tomorrow is unknown,” he said. 

He, however, said that one cannot change the whole world, “but you have your sphere to influence.”

The PEMEM Director implored the youth to avoid laziness. Referencing Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 12:24, he said that a lazy person cannot succeed, but a diligent person will be successful. He further advised them to avoid dwelling on their past or vulnerabilities and move into the future, avoid addictions, bad habits and ideological thinking, which could be political, social or religious.

Present at the meeting were the Resident PENSA Campus Pastor and wife, Pastor Kwadwo Obeng and Mrs Eunice Obeng.

Report by Pastor Kwadwo Obeng