25 Students Graduate From Pentecost Weaving Centre web

25 Students Graduate From Pentecost Weaving Centre

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

A graduation ceremony was organised on Friday, 5 January 2024, for 25 students of the Pentecost Weaving Centre who have completed their training at the Pentecost Weaving Centre in the Bawku Area of The Church of Pentecost.

The centre, founded in 2021 through the support of Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), was established to purposely provide free self-employable vocational skills to help curb the rampant rural-urban migration among the youths in the Area due to unfavourable economic conditions.

The Pentecost Weaving Centre runs in three centres in the Area: Zebilla, Bawku (Now at Bazua) and Garu, with about 200 students currently under training.

The initiative has since gained recognition and acceptance by all stakeholders. Through this effort, 57 students graduated last year, most of whom are well-established in their own firms.

Speaking at the ceremony today, Pastor Eric Gyacham, the Bawku Area Head, admonished the congregation on “My Work, My Worship to Transform my World”.

With references to John 5:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, he exposed the church to unfreeze the wrong perception humanity, especially Africans, have about work as a burden, slavery and a curse.

He addressed the church with three reasons why God wants humanity to work. This, he said, includes the fact that God created humankind for work. (Ephesians 2:10), to be financially independent to support the Kingdom work and family, and to access His blessings.

Concluding his message, he charged the church to do their works and businesses “the God-way and not through the corrupt-way.”

Pastor Gyacham also advised Christians to be faithful in their work and mindful of their relationships with others, especially in speech.

The students could not hide their joy and gratitude to the Lord and the Church for the opportunity given them.

Report by Bawku Area Media

Asante Mampong Area Women’s Ministry Donates Items Worth GHS 18,000 To Ejura Camp Prison web

Asante Mampong Area Women’s Ministry Donates Items Worth GHS 18,000 To Ejura Camp Prison

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The Women’s Ministry of the Asante Mampong Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a feast for the inmates of Ejura Camp Prisons in the Ashanti Region in pursuit of the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda and to fulfil the scriptural mandate of remembering those in prison.

The event, which took place on Sunday, December 17, 2023, also saw the ministry donate items worth GHS 18,000 to improve the living conditions of the inmates and create a sense of hope for them this yuletide. The items donated included bags of rice, gallons of oil, slippers, packs of toothpaste and brushes, washing powders, soaps, and many others.

With three District Leaders each from the 22 districts in the Area, the delegation led by the wife of the Area Head, Mrs Beatrice Asare, worshipped with the inmates on Sunday morning at the Prison Chapel.

Deaconess Ellen Sarfo, the Area Women’s Ministry Executive Member, exhorted the inmates on the need to keep their hopes alive in Christ Jesus, irrespective of their situation. She admonished them to abide in the word of God, highlighting the need to be obedient to their authorities until their time is due.

During the altar call, eight inmates surrendered their lives to Christ Jesus.

On her part, Mrs Beatrice Asare, commended the ministry leaders for the love demonstrated to the inmates this yuletide. With the overwhelming number of youth serving prison sentence at the Camp, Mrs Asare advised Ghanaian youth to be cautious of their lives to avoid being put into custody.

The Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Esther Osei Owusu, told PENTECOST NEWS that the gesture is part of the Women’s Ministry efforts to fulfil the Church’s Vision 2023 of “Possessing the Nations” as well as planting hope in the hearts of the forsaken that Jesus loves them.

Superintendent Takyi Agyei Kofi, the in-charge of Ejura Prisons, on behalf of the Director General and the Regional Prisons Command, thanked The Church of Pentecost, especially the Asante Mampong Area, for the kind gesture. He relayed some challenges facing the facility and called for aid from corporate bodies, other churches, and philanthropists.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

Effect Change In Your World – General Secretary Tells Christians web

Effect Change In Your World – General Secretary Tells Christians

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has advised Christians to go out into ‘their world’ to effect the change needed in order to transform the world.

Highlighting the shift from Vision 2023 to Vision 2028, Apostle Samuel Obuobi explained that the previous vision (Vision 2023) focused on equipping the church for transformation, whereas Vision 2028 emphasises unleashing everyone to go out and effect change. The theme for 2024, “A People of God, Unleashed to Transform Their World,” is anchored in Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 2:9.

“Dubbed ‘Possessing the Nations Phase 2,’” the theme is a continuation of the previous year, which is aimed at unleashing the entire church to transform the world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God,” he said.

The General Secretary said this on Sunday, January 7, 2024, when he fellowshipped with the English Assembly of the Bubuashie District of The Church of Pentecost in Accra.

Speaking on the topic: “Overview of theme 2024”, Apostle Obuobi broke down the theme into three components: a people of God, the unleashing agenda, and the transformation of the world. He stressed the significance of being intentional about releasing the tremendous power within the church for societal transformation.

Quoting Ephesians 1:19, he elaborated on the immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing power within the church. Apostle Obuobi encouraged believers to carry this power outside the church, stating, “Having a ministry outside the church does not mean starting your own church, but go out with the power you carry and affect the society.”

Addressing the purpose of unleashing, he stressed the transformation of “their world,” highlighting the individual’s sphere of influence. “Your world is your sphere of influence. This includes your family, workplace, and school. We are being unleashed to bring changes into the world,” he declared.

Apostle Obuobi urged believers to be salt and light in their spheres of influence, referencing Matthew 5:13-16.

“We can transform our world by being salt and light. If you really want to transform your world by the power in you, then you must be salt and light of the world. It is not enough to come to church and sing and dance. They are all good, but we must be salt and light. Once you step into the corrupt world, there must be light. If you go into the dark world and there is no light, then you are not transforming your society. God is not a secret to be kept. Let us carry Him into the world,” he added.

He emphasised the need for intentional reflection of the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God to bring about positive change in society.

“The value of love, integrity, righteousness, accountability can bring changes into the Kingdom of the world,” he ended.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Maintain Godly Companionship – Chairman Advises Youth web

Maintain Godly Companionship – Chairman Advises Youth

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council  (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised Christian youth to find and maintain godly companionship which will help them in their journey of life.

He said this when he delivered a sermon at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference on January 5, 2024 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh.

Speaking to the topic: “Amnon Had A Friend”, he explored the consequences of misguided affections, particularly focusing on the story of Amnon and the subtle influence of his friend.

Apostle Nyamekye contrasted the destructive nature of lust with the sacrificial essence of love, pointing out the tragic impact of Amnon’s actions on his sister and the resulting discord among siblings.

“Lust is senseless and careless, while love subordinates feelings to value,” he stressed.

Quoting Proverbs 18:24, Apostle Nyamekye addressed the dual existence of “Jonadabs” (negative influences) and “Jonathans” (positive influences) in life.

He said that, “Jonadabs (bad friends) will take you out of the church, pull you out of your home, ruin your career, and be a destruction to you.”

He cautioned the youth to be people who fear God, walk with wisdom, and very diligent.

The sermon further explored the principles of choosing friends wisely, with biblical guidance from Psalm 119:63, Proverbs 13:20, and Proverbs 12:24.

Apostle Nyamekye encouraged, “The basic principle to apply when looking for a friend is to be a friend to all who fear the Lord.”

Throughout the sermon, the importance of being a friend of God was underscored, with references to 2 Chronicles 20:7, Exodus 33:11, and Jonah 2:8.

Apostle Nyamekye stressed, “God is looking for a certain person, a person of a good heart.”

In his closing remarks, Apostle Nyamekye commended the youth as the strength and future of the church.

“What makes you a strong Christian is when you cultivate a habit of praying yourself”, he encouraged.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Websizee-2

Prioritise Thanksgiving – Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah Advises

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, the Ho Area Head and an Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, has encourage Christian youth to prioritise thanksgiving above any everything else.

He said this during the recently-held Transformers Conference, organised by the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Ghana, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

The event was held place at three centers nationwide; the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) – Gomoa Fetteh, the Pentecost Students’ and Associates (PENSA) – KNUST branch auditorium – Kumasi and the University for Development Studies (UDS) Campus – Tamale.

Speaking to the topic: “Living by the Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God”, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah urged the youth to prioritise gratitude, emphasising the importance of letting their thanksgiving list exceed their shopping list with God.

Highlighting the cultural significance of gratitude, Apostle Dr. Quampah remarked, “Gratitude is sometimes overlooked in certain cultures, but it should be highly practiced by all.

We ought to appreciate God for His goodness and also express gratitude for the basic acts of kindness from people. In summary, gratitude should be fundamental.”

Quoting from 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, he stressed that gratitude has the power to improve one’s attitude and is a key to opening doors in one’s life.

He added, “Whatever we appreciate should be valued; it brings about a winsome attitude that is essential for personal growth.”

The Ho Area Head drew attention to the significance of appreciating family, stating, “Appreciate family and stop demonising families because gratitude brings a lot of social recognition.”

Referencing a message from Luke 17:11-19, he reminded the youth that Jesus condemns ingratitude, reinforcing the idea that being thankful is an acknowledgment of someone adding value to one’s life.

Concluding his presentation, Apostle Dr. Quampah encouraged the youth to embrace gratitude as a fundamental principle which will foster positive attitudes.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

Newly Launched Eco Impact Network To Promote Environmental Consciousness Among Young People web

Newly Launched “Eco Impact Network” To Promote Environmental Consciousness Among Young People

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Eco-Impact Network, a non-governmental organisation inspired by The Church of Pentecost’s Vision 2028 and Environmental Care Campaign, was officially launched today [Friday, January 5, 2024] at a short ceremony in Accra.

The colourful event was chaired by Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko (Rtd.), former Finance and Administration Director of the Church and currently the Financial Controller for the National Cathedral project.

The event was also graced by representatives of partner organisations and agencies, namely the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC), the committee in charge of implementing the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and the Environmental Health Department of Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), as well as collaborative ministries such as Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development (MLGRD) and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR).

In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Eco Impact Network, Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah (a Deaconess of the Church who fellowships with the Greda Estate District in the Teshie-Nungua Area), stated that her organisation is committed to positively influencing the younger generation through environmental consciousness and sustainable living practices for a healthier planet.

According to her, Eco Impact Network is poised to create a healthy society for all by educating and instilling a profound understanding of the environment and its crucial role in sustaining life on earth in the younger generation.

“We recognise the vital role that education plays in shaping the future. Therefore, our focus extends to schools, particularly the basic schools in the Krowor Municipality and other deprived areas in the Greater Accra Region and beyond,” the Executive Director said.

She added: “It is imperative for everyone, young and old, to grasp the significance of protecting our environment, and we are determined to be the catalysts for this awareness.”

In her speech, Mrs Lilian Adu-Kumi of the Environmental Protection Agency said that industrialisation had brought many economic benefits to humanity but has also taken a toll on the environment, leading to severe pollution and exploitation of natural resources, causing long-term damage.

She noted that the mission of Eco Impact Network aligns well with the EPA’s mission for Ghana and pledged her outfit’s support to the NGO’s cause.

“Young people are important stakeholders in addressing environmental issues because the future is theirs, and equipping them with environmental knowledge will place them in a better position to appreciate environmental discourses and be passionate about contributing to protecting our environment,” she said.

The representative of the Environmental Health Department of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Younge, commended Eco Impact Network for fervently committing to initiating a comprehensive health education campaign focused on hygiene within schools, communities, and industries.

“We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration and explore ways in which TMA and other government agencies can synergise efforts toward this noble cause,” he said.

Pastor Eric Ansah, representing the National Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, said that the creation of the Eco Impact Network aligns perfectly with Vision 2028 of the Church, encouraging members to make a meaningful impact outside of the Church.

He commended Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah, the Executive Director, for undertaking such a worthy initiative and assured her of the Church’s support in ensuring that their collaborative efforts yield results for a healthier planet.

Pastor Dr Nicholas Darko, in his remarks, expressed his delight that environmental issues are receiving the needed attention as he shared some damning statistics with the audience.

He noted that the inception of the Network is divine and the beginning of something bigger that will significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment.

He then joined the various dignitaries present to officially launch the network.

Also present at the event were Pastor Charles Amponsah Baah (Greda Estate District), Pastor Emmanuel Marfo (CERSI, Pentecost University), Pastor William Amponsah Asiamah (Kwabenya Old Town District), Mr Edward Ofori-Yeboah (Spouse of the Eco-Impact Network Executive Director), Mrs Mabel Darko (Wife of the Chairperson), as well as some relatives and well-wishers.

PENTECOST NEWS.

2024 Theme Is The Foundation For The Church's Transformative Agenda web

2024 Theme Is The Foundation For The Church’s Transformative Agenda – Pastor Eghan Reveals

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Pastor Benedict Eghan, the Resident Minister for the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tesano, and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has revealed that the theme for this year serves as the foundation for the second phase of the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda.

Speaking on “The Rationale for the 2024 Theme”, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Pastor Eghan emphasised that this year’s theme is spirit-led, guiding The Church of Pentecost on the trajectory of God’s intentions and providing a focused framework for assessing growth.

Elaborating on the current phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, Pastor Eghan stressed that the 2024 theme, “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World (1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8),” is critical to mobilising and unleashing the church for the transformation of their world in the coming years.

“The Lord has equipped us for five years; we are ready to transform the world with godly principles. Nothing will restrain us. The enemy cannot stop the church. We are arising and shining forth,” he declared with conviction.

In a call to action, Pastor Benedict urged all young people to rise and exert influence in their campuses, workplaces, and every sphere of life.

Highlighting on the Church’s unleashing mandate, he called for Christians to make their presence felt on earth, echoing the mission to possess all nations for Christ.

To reach and transform the youth, the Personal Assistant to the Chairman specifically encouraged Pentecost students to invigorate PENSA (Pentecost Students and Associates) on their campuses.

The 2024 Transformers Conference, which saw over 10,000 young participants across three centers (PCC, KNUST, and UDS), attested to the readiness and equipped nature of the youth, signaling a wind of transformation set to impact nations globally.

Report by PENSA Ghana Secretariat Team

Make Evangelism Your Lifestyle – Pastor Isaac Donkor Tells Christians web

Make Evangelism Your Lifestyle – Pastor Isaac Donkor Tells Christians

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Pastor Isaac Donkor, the PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Kwadaso Sector, has urged Christians, especially  the Christian youth, to make evangelism their lifestyle.

He made this call during a presentation at the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference (Transformers Conference) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, one of the three centres for this year’s annual youth conference.

In his presentation, Pastor Isaac Donkor mentioned that the concept of evangelism takes its root from the greatest commission highlighted by the four Gospels and also affirmed in Acts 1:8. He stated emphatically that the Great Commission is not a suggestion nor a negotiation but a command.

He remarked how our forebears evangelised wholeheartedly, and not even persecution could stop them because they upheld one of the core values of the church: evangelism, being a prime purpose.

He further elaborated on the need to make evangelism a lifestyle, pointing to the fact that people are dying, and the unanswered question of how many are saved is of great concern.

Pastor Donkor reiterated that it is therefore the will of God that all be saved, with reference to 1 Peter 3:9.

He posited that the heartbeat of God is world evangelisation as such we must be compelled with love to evangelise to all.

In the course of his presentation, Pastor Isaac Donkor stressed that we all have a moral responsibility to evangelize and reach out to the lost – by so doing, we reconcile the lost to God.

“As we evangelise, the crown of soul winners is made available unto us,” he added.

As he approached the conclusion of his presentation, he listed vital ways of making evangelism a lifestyle. These include travailing in prayer for the lost, developing passion and zeal for personal devotion, delighting in joining evangelism trips, and most importantly, attaching scriptures or gospel messages to our posts on social media to proclaim Jesus to our world.

He made a profound quote by John Knox; “Give me Scotland or I die.”

He urged Christians to also have this same desire and rise with boldness proclaiming similar chant, “Give me my Campus or I die.”

Pastor Isaac Donkor ended with a prayer for the youth to passionately and vigorously evangelise to win the lost.

Report by PENSA Ghana Secretariat Team

Evangelism Thrives On Effective Follow-Up & Discipleship - Apostle Samuel Gakpetor web

Evangelism Thrives On Effective Follow-Up & Discipleship – Apostle Samuel Gakpetor

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Agormanya Area Head and National Coordinator for the Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (DLDC) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, has said that effective follow-up and discipleship are the legs on which evangelism thrives.

Apostle Samuel Gakpetor made this assertion yesterday during a presentation at 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference (Transformers Conference) at the PENSA-KNUST centre, one of the three centres for this year’s conference.

The DLDC Coordinator, in his presentation, enlightened participants on the need to effectively follow up and disciple others, especially new converts, to be grounded in Christ.

Apostle Gakpetor likened preaching the gospel to fishing, emphasising the necessity of diligently working on souls until they can confidently claim them.

He passionately stressed the importance of follow-up and discipleship for various reasons including the vulnerability of new Christians, ensuring spiritual multiplication, and preventing the hardening of new believers who lack proper guidance.

He also noted that discipleship is key in equipping believers to bear fruits with buds, that is, manifesting in character, good works, and an evangelistic lifestyle.

Apostle Gakpetor also stressed on the needs of new converts such as being loved, being nourished by the word of God, prayer, as well as protection against the devil and their previous worldly associations.

Reading from Acts 9:1-22, he cited Ananias as an evangelistic prototype, who demonstrated the eight essential actions of a disciple-making Christian during his encounterwith Saul.

According to him, Ananias prayed to God about Saul, visited him, accepted him as a brother, tended to his spiritual and physical needs, ensured that Saul underwent water baptism, laid hands on him, introduced him to the fellowship of saints, and equipped him for ministry.

Drawing inspiration from the Ananias and Saul example; he admonished the church to pay attention to follow-up and discipleship so that their evangelism efforts are not in vain.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Chairman Urges Youth To Cultivate A Joshua Generation Mentality For National Transformation web

Chairman Urges Youth To Cultivate A “Joshua Generation Mentality” For National Transformation

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christian youth to cultivate the “can do” mentality of the Joshua generation in order to transform the nations.

He made this address on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference which is being held at the Pentecost Students’ and Associates (PENSA) – KNUST branch auditorium.

Basing his sermon on Joshua 1, he began by reminding Christians of life’s temporal nature, urging them to make their existence a period of fruitful labour.

With the mind being the main factor in his presentation, Apostle Nyamekye noted that “Great leadership doesn’t guarantee great achievement alone. The mindset of those who walk with you is crucial in determining success.”

 He acknowledged the transformative power of the mind, asserting that societal change must commence with a profound shift in mentality.

“Transformation begins in the mind. We cannot possess or transform nations or our world when we have a certain kind of mentality. If you want to transform society, it must begin with your mind,” he explained.

Encouraging believers to cultivate a clear understanding of their identity, the nature of their God, and His purpose, Apostle Nyamekye remarked,

“Understanding brings conviction. When you are convicted, it seems like you have been apprehended; you then become a prisoner for God.”

Drawing a poignant comparison between the Joshua and Moses generations that emerged from Egypt, he highlighted the pivotal role of mindset in their journeys. “Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit. They wholeheartedly depended on God. They had a pioneering spirit. They took God at His word despite their circumstances,” he explained.

Quoting Psalm 78, Apostle Nyamekye passionately declared, “This generation, the Moses’ generation is dead. God is demanding a new generation, the Joshua generation.”

He underscored the importance of aligning one’s thoughts with God’s word, referencing Deuteronomy 9:1-3, where Moses tells the Joshua generation that they are going to Canaan to take over the land.

Addressing the need for courage in taking over nations, Apostle Nyamekye emphatically stated,

“For us to take over the nations, courage will rise with danger.”

He stressed the necessity of making God renowned in the land of Ghana, saying, “We need to make God famous in the land of Ghana.”

The Chairman concluded by connecting the “Possessing the Nations” agenda and unleashing mandate with a “Joshua Mentality Generation” stressing their courage, boldness, a willingness to tread unfamiliar territories, and advancing the Kingdom of God to all nations.

“When we talk about the youth, we are talking about the strength, future, and challenge of the church. But we will manage the challenge and take the future for the Church,” he added.

PENTECOST NEWS.