Posts in category: Church News

Ghana’s gospel diva, Piesie Esther, delivered a spectacular ministration on Wednesday night [August 21, 2024], at the ongoing Greater Accra Unleashed Crusade, igniting the Black Star Square with divine power.

In what could only be described as electrifying, the 2023 Best Gospel Artiste began her ministration with popular Pentecost songs, immediately drawing the congregation into a powerful worship experience. She then transitioned into her award-winning hit, ‘Awurade Mo,’ elevating the atmosphere from great to truly extraordinary.

Her rendition of Pentecostal evangelistic songs captivated the audience, creating a spiritual connection that was both profound and uplifting. The crowd wasn’t just listening – they were immersed in a powerful moment of divine encounter.

Piesie Esther’s performance was more than just a musical presentation; it was a ministry in itself. Her voice, filled with anointing, left an indelible impact, turning a night of worship into a heavenly experience that will be cherished by all who witnessed it.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana, was set ablaze as The Church of Pentecost’s Greater Accra Unleashed Crusade kicked off in grand style on Tuesday evening, August 20, 2024. By 5:00 PM, the atmosphere was already electrified with waves of people streaming into the iconic venue from all corners of the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.

The air was thick with anticipation as the Voice of Pentecost and other anointed song ministers led the crowd in powerful, spirit-filled song ministrations. The charged atmosphere left no doubt that the power of God was moving mightily in the square.

One of the night’s most stirring moments came when Pastor Hayford N. Yatimbo shared his deeply personal testimony of conversion. His story, filled with the grace and power of God, resonated deeply with the crowd, elevating collective faith and inspiring hope.

As buses continued to arrive, bringing more worshippers to partake in the powerful crusade, it became clear that the fire of revival had truly been ignited at Independence Square.

The Unleashed Crusade which will end on Friday is more than just an event; it is a divine encounter, drawing thousands into the transformative power of the gospel.

PENTECOST NEWS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has prayed for peace in the Middle East, calling on divine intervention as Pastor Emmanuel Asante of The Church of Pentecost embarks on missions in Israel.

The mayor said this during the farewell service for Pastor Asante and his family on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at The Church of Pentecost in Brooklyn, USA.

Mayor Adams, who boldly professed his faith in Jesus, described Christ as the Prince of Peace. He attributed his position as mayor to the grace of God and the unwavering support of the African community in New York.

Mayor Adams expressed deep admiration for the members of The Church of Pentecost, particularly praising the church’s discipline, hard work, and significant contributions to the Brooklyn community over the past two decades.

He highlighted the unity and cooperation he has received from the church and commended the impact it has had on the local community.

To honour Pastor Asante and his family, Mayor Adams presented them with a citation and extended his best wishes for their continued ministry in Israel.

The officiating minister, Apostle Frank Asirifi, led a prayer for Mayor Adams and the city of New York, asking for God’s guidance and blessings upon the mayor’s leadership.

In his sermon, Apostle Asirifi urged Christians to always be prepared for God’s call, using the story of the donkey from Luke 19: 28-38 as an illustration.

He disclosed that one’s location cannot hinder God’s plans for them. He, therefore, urged Christians to be ready and willing vessels for God’s use at all times.

Apostle Asirifi also highlighted the privileges that come with being used by God. This includes association and accessibility, while warning against the dangers of exploiting these privileges.

Drawing from his own experiences as a missionary in Guyana, he assured the Asante family that the same God who guided him would also lead them to fulfil their divine mandate in Israel, the Promised Land.

Pastor Emmanuel Asante and his family, after four years of dedicated service at the Brooklyn District, have been transferred to Israel as the national head.

The church members expressed deep gratitude to God for bringing the Asante family to them during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They testified to Pastor Asante’s dedication, particularly in providing food to members during the lockdown and praying for the sick.

His leadership was especially impactful in revitalising the youth ministry, a legacy clearly evident during the farewell service.

The event, filled with spontaneous praise and worship, became a revival as members celebrated the tremendous work God had accomplished through Pastor Asante and his family.

Report by Pastor Isaac Annor

The Cape Coast Area Head of The Church of Pentecost and Board Chairman of Pent media Centre, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, has retired from active ministry.

A retirement service officiated by Apostle Eric Naymekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, was held on Sunday, August 18, 20224, at the New Examination Centre of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), to climax his many years of service.

Apostle Antwi has served The Church of Pentecost diligently for 30 years, playing several roles and functions, including Executive Council member the Coordinator of the Central Regional Coordinating Committee, and other boards and committees.

During his tenure as Pent Media Board Chairman, Apostle Antwi led Pent TV to acquire a free-to-air license. Through his effort, the church also acquired the license to operate Pent Radio Kumasi.

Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi accepted the call into the full-time pastoral ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1994. He began the ministry in Nsoatre where they laboured for the Lord from 1994 to 1999. From there, they were called into missions in Zimbabwe from 1999 to 2005. They were recalled home and stationed at Tema West from 2005 to 2007, and later to the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa, from 2007 to 2009.

Due to his dedication to duty, he was seconded to the National Secretariat of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) where he served as its General Secretary from 2009 to 2017, assisting in the day-to-day administration of the ecumenical body.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye who chaired the retirement service described Apostle Antwi as a very good friend and a dedicated servant of God who is always willing to offer himself for the conduct of any additional duties regardless of the inconvenience involved.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, the Tema Area Head and former Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of The Church of Pentecost, together with his wife, Mrs Rosina Ankra-Badu, were on Sunday, August 18, 2024, retired from active service of the church.

Their retirement service was held at the Safo Memorial Temple in Tema Community 5.

Speaking at the service on the topic, ‘Managing Transition; Changeover Period,’ the immediate past General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, stated that timing is important in life’s journey.

He drew attention to significant lessons from the scriptures, stating, ‘Transition is a shift from one place, while changeover is the result of transformation.’

The Ashaiman Area Head pointed to the stories of King David, Solomon, Moses, and Joshua as some cases of leadership transitions in the Bible.

Drawing lessons between leadership transitions and relay races, the former General Secretary compared the precision required in a baton changeover during the Olympics to the careful passing of responsibilities in life.

‘As a team, making an improper baton pass, false starting, or improper overtaking results in disqualification,’ he noted, adding that “in a relay race, individuals do not win; you win as a team. However, individual mistakes result in the whole team being disqualified.’

‘When you are given a duty, finish hard. But have it at the back of your mind that you have your own track to run. Finish well, and when the time is due, you will be rewarded,’ he ended.

PROFILE  

Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu was born on Friday, December 18, 1959, to the late Pastor William Ofei Badu of Akwapim Mampong (a minister of The Church of Pentecost) and Mrs Grace Ofei Badu, of Abura Dunkwa. He was named after his grandfather, the late Rev George Ankra-Badu, a former Synod Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

CALL INTO FULL-TIME MINISTRY

He accepted the call into the full-time ministry in 2001 and was posted to Jumapo, in the Eastern Region. In 2003, he was ordained a Pastor. He was called into the office of an Apostle in the year 2013, while serving as a missionary in Kenya. In 2016 he was appointed Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), where he served for four years. He has served as an Area Head in two Areas  – Winneba and Tema.

TESTIMONY

In a testimony read by the The General Council of The Church of Pentecost, the Council revealed that Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu made significant contributions to The Church of Pentecost during his 24-year ministry.

“His journey included serving in various roles, from ITI-PENSA Travelling Secretary to Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry. Notably, he expanded the church’s presence in Kenya by establishing 12 new districts and 86 assemblies,” it read.

Continuing, the testimony noted that the former PEMEM Director introduced notable initiatives like the Bible Reading Marathon and ‘Men on their Knees’ Prayer Festival.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Agona Swedru Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, concluded his 38 years of dedicated service in the full-time ministry of the church on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

His retirement service, held at the Area Revival Centre in Nkubem, Swedru, was officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe. The event was attended by people from all walks of life, including active and retired ministers of the church, members, traditional rulers, and politicians. Notable attendees included the immediate past Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), and Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (Executive Council Member/La Area Head).

Sermon

Delivering the sermon on the topic, ‘The Ministry of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire,’ based on Exodus 13:21-22, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe related how God protected and preserved the people of Israel during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, drawing parallels to present-day ministry.

He explained that God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud during the day and by fire at night, symbolising God’s presence among His people. This dual theophany, he said, represents the manifestation of God. Further referencing Numbers 9:15-18, he noted that the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were the same.

Apostle Bekoe indicated that like the pillars of cloud and fire which provided guidance and light, ministry should be directed towards offering direction and illumination to humanity. He added that ministry involves both encampment (staying) and embarkment (going), likening it to a military service. He stressed that ministry is about obeying God’s commands, urging believers to follow the Master in obedience, saying, ‘If you cannot follow, you cannot lead.’

He encouraged Christians to make an impact in their respective spheres by providing direction and light to those around them, as ministry encompasses all aspects of a believer’s life.

Profile of Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku

Born on June 21, 1959, Apostle Mireku began his education at Begoro Presbyterian Primary School ‘A’ in 1965 and continued at Begoro Presbyterian Boys Middle School, completing in 1975. He furthered his studies at Begoro Secondary Commercial, where he read Accounting and Economics, earning his ‘O’ and ‘A’ level certificates, respectively. He worked with the Ghana Education Service, serving as headteacher at Ahumahumaso L/A Middle School and later at Akroa Darko L/A Primary School. Six years later, in 1986, he was called into the full-time ministry at Begoro. He studied at the then Pentecost Bible College, now Pentecost University, whiles in ministry.

Apostle Mireku served in various districts, namely Daboase (1986-1991), Asankare (1991-1996), Tepa (1996-2002), Bompata (2002-2008), and Merry Villas in Accra (2008-2013). As an area head, he served at Essam-Debiso Area (2013-2019) and Agona Swedru Area (2019-2024).

He held several positions, including Estate Chairman, Goaso Area (1997-2002), Executive Committee Member, Goaso Area and Asokwa Areas (1997-2002) and (2005-2008), respectively. He was also elected as an Area Executive Committee Member at La Area (2010-2013). In para-church organisations, he served as the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) Ashanti Regional Technical Committee Chairman (2005-2008), Deputy GPCC Zonal Chairman at Essam-Debiso (2015-2018), Chairman of Local Council of Churches at Essam-Debiso (2015-2018), and Ghana Evangelism Committee Chairman for Agona Swedru (2019-2024), among others.

Testimonies

The immediate past Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), congratulated Apostle Mireku and his wife, Mama Elizabeth, for their diligent service. He praised Apostle Mireku as a calm and excellent pastor to work with. He recalled that Apostle Mireku, then a young pastor, was the first minister of The Church of Pentecost to be appointed into government as an Assembly Member at Daboase by the Rawlings regime in the late 1980s.

The General Council extolled his passion for soul-winning and discipleship, his ability to mentor, and his ease in connecting with everyone. They described him as a man of the Word whose teachings and sermons inspire and soothe the soul, saying, ‘His prayer life has been the secret of his ministerial success and has helped many to break through in life.’

PENTECOST NEWS

The 3000-seater E.K. Kyei auditorium overflowed with ministers, their spouses, officers, relatives, and well-wishers as they gathered to honour the outgone Tarkwa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker, and his family. After 31 years of dedicated ministerial service, Apostle Dr. Walker gracefully ended his active service in a grand retirement ceremony.

The overwhelming turnout was a testament to the impact of a man who served in various capacities, touching countless lives both within and beyond Ghana. Over the last three decades, his ministry spanned multiple roles, including membership on the Executive Council of The Church of Pentecost and serving as a Rector and first Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University.

In a remarkable display of respect and admiration, traditional rulers of the Apemtu Traditional Council graced the occasion in their full regalia to honour the man they praised for his humility, selflessness, and unwavering service.

The service was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Samuel Obuobi, who lauded Apostle Dr. Walker for his extraordinary service to God through the Church. He described him as one of the finest gentlemen the Church has ever produced.

In a sermon titled “An Unworthy Servant,” based on Luke 17:10, Apostle Obuobi emphasised that the call to Christian leadership is a call to servanthood.

He noted that while many leaders lord themselves over their followers, Christian leaders are called to serve, with Jesus Christ being the ultimate example of a servant leader.

He reminded the congregation that true servanthood means serving without expecting rewards or commendation, and viewing service as a response to God’s grace and love.

He, however, assured that God, who is just, will reward everyone for their labour of love.

“As a Christian leader, you are a servant, and as a servant, all that is expected of you is to serve your Lord wholeheartedly in humility and obedience. Leave the rest to Him. For God knows what to do,” Apostle Obuobi emphasised.

Apostle Obuobi assured Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker and Mrs. Irene Odi Walker of God’s immeasurable reward for their dedicated service in His vineyard.

The couple’s journey in full-time ministry began in 1993 at Kojokrom, where they served for a year. They were then transferred to Shama (1994-1995), brought back to Kojokrom (1995-1999), and later served at Ebenezer Worship Centre, Anyaa in Accra (2000-2003).

Their other postings included Mount Olives Worship Centre, Santa Maria, Accra (2003-2005), New Fadama Worship Centre, Accra (2010-2013), Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Kaneshie (2013-2016), Associate Minister at PIWC, Kokomlemle (2016-2020), and Tarkwa as Area Head (2020-2024). Between 2005 and 2010, they also served in Telford, UK, as student missionaries.

Alongside his pastoral duties, Apostle Dr. Walker was a distinguished academic, teaching at Pentecost University and holding various leadership positions, eventually rising to the office of Rector.

As the first Vice-Chancellor of the University, he played a pivotal role in securing a Presidential Charter, establishing the institution as a fully-fledged university. His tireless efforts and leadership have earned him the reputation as one of the most decorated Rectors/Vice-Chancellors of the University.

Among the national awards bestowed upon him are the Most Outstanding CEO of Private Universities (2019) by the UMB Ghana Tertiary Awards, and the Best CEO of Private Universities (2019) by the Ghana Industry CEO Awards, Business Executive category.

In 2021, he was also honoured with ‘The Baron’ by the Business Executive Excellence Awards for his exceptional contributions to the business sector of the Ghanaian economy and the Church.

During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Walker was elected to the Executive Council, serving from 2018 to 2023 with grace. He also served as the Coordinator for the Western and Western North Coordinating Committee from 2020 to 2023.

Additionally, he has served on several boards and committees within the Church and is currently the Chairman of the National Literature Committee.

A testimony read by Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah on behalf of the General Council of the Church described him as an “illustrious son of The Church of Pentecost,” highlighting his integrity, genuine kindness, modesty, selflessness, and diligence throughout his 31-year service.

The tribute also recognised Mrs. Irene Odi Walker for her exceptional role as a supportive partner throughout their ministerial journey.

The General Secretary then presented a certificate plaque and the official retired minister’s license to Apostle Dr. Walker.

During the service, the staff and management of Pentecost University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, acknowledged Apostle Walker’s contributions to the University and presented a citation to him. The Women’s Ministry, Area Presbytery, and Pastorate of the Tarkwa Area also took turns to eulogise the couple, presenting citations as well.

A notable highlight of the event was when the retired ministers present welcomed the couple into their “family,” leading them in a processional dance during the service.

The event was indeed a glorious experience, featuring powerful song ministrations and prophetic messages. The protocol team was efficient, the media team was well-organized, and the mass choir was angelic both in appearance and in ministration.

Overwhelmed with joy and surrounded by his surviving siblings, and relatives from Ghana and abroad, Apostle Daniel Walker remarked, “Today, I have seen that I am truly loved by many.”

He also magnanimously acknowledged the various individuals (both deceased and alive) who have played key roles in his life and ministry.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Director of Pent Media Centre, Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse, has indicated the Centre’s preparedness to provide unprecedented media coverage for the upcoming ‘Greater Accra Unleashed Crusade.’

As The Church of Pentecost gears up for its highly anticipated ‘Greater Accra Unleashed Crusade,’ scheduled to take place from August 20-24, 2024, at the Black Stars/Independence Square in the national capital, Pastor Dr Klutse said that to ensure maximum reach and impact, the Pent Media Centre, the media arm of the church, comprising Pent TV, Pent Radio-Kumasi, Pentecost Fire Magazine, and the social media handles of the church, has outlined a comprehensive strategy for the event.

According to the Media Director, the media campaign for the crusade is divided into three phases: before, during, and after.

‘The current focus is on creating awareness through a robust media campaign involving television, radio, and social media platforms,’ he revealed.

He indicated that Pent Media Centre is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to publicize the life-changing crusade. This, he said, includes some executives from the Evangelism Ministry being actively engaged in radio and TV discussions while the social media platforms are abuzz with crusade-related content.

According to him, Pent Media Centre is producing a variety of promotional materials, including adverts in Twi, Ga, and English, as well as short videos featuring directors of all other ministries of the church to generate excitement and encourage people from all walks of life to attend the crusade.

The Director assured those who would be unable to attend in person not to worry as the media centre is ready to provide a full coverage of the event. This comprehensive coverage involves Pent TV doing over 16 cameras maned by well-trained professionals for production. Viewers can expect to join the crusade live on Pent TV, Pent Radio-Kumasi, and online updates.

Pastor Dr Klutse also mentioned that a dedicated media village will be set up on-site to handle potential weather challenges and a team of experts on site to timely address any technical issue.

Touching on the goal to reach as many people as possible within Ghana and around the world, Pastor Dr Klutse stated: ‘We want to make Jesus famous again.’

The Church of Pentecost is expecting a massive turnout for the ‘Greater Accra Unleashed Crusade’ and is confident that Pent Media Centre’s efforts will contribute significantly to its success.

PENTECOST NEWS