The Suame Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle John Obeng Kesse, has charged believers to appropriate the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to have the desired impact in their lives.
He was speaking on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at the climax of the Suame District’s Christmas convention which was held at Tetelestai Assembly, under the theme: “Behold, I Bring You Good News of Great Joy” – Luke 2:10.
Apostle Kesse who spoke on the topic, “A Message of Great Joy,” based on Luke 2:8-12, mentioned that the birth of Christ is of great joy to all nations, saying, “Christ was born for all generations and to save humanity from perpetual sin which resulted from the fall of man.”
He added that Christ was born born to deliver humanity from generational curses. The Suame Area Head further mentioned that Christmas is for both Christians and non-Christians because of the Godly nature of Jesus Christ, while referring to the prophecies made before Jesus’ birth in Micah 2, Isaiah 7:14, Daniel 2:24-29.
Apostle Kesse asserted that God, in His own accord, decided to visit humanity and take away the burden of sin and free man from the bondage of sin. He said that when the appointed time came, Jesus came to fulfill His mission on earth (Galatians 4:4).
Referring to Matthew 1:21, he mentioned that the mystery of the birth of Jesus was witnessed, saying, “It was at this point that the angelic host revealed themselves to the shepherds to announce the good news on earth about Jesus’ birth.”
He added: “Jesus came as a Saviour to all, revealed the mystery of godliness through His incarnation (1 Timothy 3:6) and for humanity to have access to God through Him.”
In attendance was the wife of the Area Head, Mrs. Eunice Owureduwaa Kesse; the District Minister, Pastor Peter Mensah Yanney and the wife and the National Executive Committee (NEC) Member of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Elder Dr Nana Kwadwo Gyasi and his wife. MThe climax of the convention was attended by 1,230 adults and 127 children.
The Kenya National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Seth Fianko-Larbi, has said that the gospel message of Jesus Christ has power to transform the life of any individual who embraces it.
Apostle Fianko-Larbi said this during the climax of the 2022 Christmas Convention of The Church of Pentecost held within the Maasai community in Kenya from December 21 to 24, 2022.
In his sermon, which he titled “The Gospel Has the Power to Change,” Apostle Fianko-Larbi underscored the need for Christians, particularly members of the Church, to constantly read and preach the word of God in their bid to positively impact their spheres and communities.
According to the Kenya National Head, the agenda to influence every sphere of society with Kingdom values and principles, which the Church refers to as “Possessing the Nations,” can only be realised when church members commit themselves to prayer, preaching the gospel message of Christ, and imitating Jesus daily.
“You cannot make maximum impact with the gospel in the lives of others without walking like Jesus yourself,” he said. Apostle Fianko-Larbi also took the opportunity to reiterate the 2023 theme of the Church, “Repositioning the local church for maximum impact in the nations.”
He also explained to congregation the rationale for the 2023 theme and called on them to prepare their minds and heart towards its effective implementation in the coming year.
The event, which recorded over 400 participants, also featured music ministrations from the various choirs within the church in the Najile Area.
Among those present were the Najile Area Head, Pastor Simon Kishanto Nakulto, cross-section of the Najile Area pastorate, officers and officials of Pent Media Centre, namely; Mrs. Gina Asante, Daniel Kwabena Mantey, Albert Opoku Gyawu and Isaac Atta Opoku.
The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has challenged believers to strive to receive the favour of God to make the right impact.
He indicated that believers who are highly favoured by God break every barrier of impossibility and do exploits. Apostle Agyemang Bekoe said this in a sermon he delivered on Christmas Day [Sunday, December 25, 2022] during the climax of the La-Nkwantanang District 2022 Christmas Convention at the Praise Temple, Ogbojo in the Madina Area of the Church.
Speaking on the topic, “Highly Favoured” (Luke 1:28) based on the encounter between angel Gabriel and the virgin Mary, the IMD said the difference between grace and favour is that grace is stationary while favour is like kinetic energy which sets grace in motion, saying, “Favour is grace in motion.”
Explaining the divine interaction between the angel and virgin Mary, Apostle Agyemang Bekoe noted that Mary was chosen because God highly favoured her and made her the carrier of the Saviour of the world. He described Mary’s visitation by the angel as “gracious visitation.”
The IMD pointed out that highly favoured persons are identified by certain signs. He revealed that they are fearless because the Lord God Almighty is with them, creative, productive and fruitful.
He added that highly favoured believers have reputation, take dominion over everything in their lives, accepted by all because of the aura of nobility around them and also carry the unction of God with overshadowing power over their lives.
Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe prayed that just like the virgin Mary, believers will be highly favoured in the ensuing year so that they will impact their world.
Present at the service was the wife of the IMD, Mrs Debora Agyemang Bekoe. Also present were some retired ministers of the Church, namely Apostle Ekow Badu Wood and his wife, Prophet Benjamin Augustus Adobah and his wife, and Pastor Emmanuel Amon.
Others present were the Madina Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Dr Gifty Nyante, the host minister, Pastor Joseph Boachie Agyemang and his wife, and the Assembly Member for Ogbojo Electoral Area, Hon. Gladys Osei Addo (a member of the Church).
This year’s La-Nkwantanang District Christmas Convention which was under the theme, “For Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given” – Isaiah 9:6, took place from Wednesday, 21st to Sunday, 25th December 2022.
The evening sessions were held at the Ogbojo Market while the morning sessions took place at the Praise Temple, Ogbojo.
The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has asserted that the celebration of Christmas and Easter are the two most important events in the calendar year for every Christian.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this today when he joined members of the Osu District at the Central Assembly church auditorium for this morning’s session of the ongoing Christmas Convention.
According to the Church’s chief scribe, both Christian festivals are essential because “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, whilst Easter, held in remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection for the sins of humanity, cemented our salvation.”
Buttressing his assertion, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that although Christmas and Easter are observed as public holidays globally, the festive seasons mean more to Christians than just a period for merry making.
“It is not the partying and Christmas trees that make Christmas special; it is, rather, because on this special occasion we remember “Immanuel;” when God came to dwell among His people,” he said.
He further noted that the Church is the most appropriate place to mark the birth of Christ, saying: “If celebrating the birth of Jesus is indeed the reason for the season, then it should be celebrated together with the birthday celebrant, Jesus, in His house and with His family, the Church.”
He, therefore, advised Christians not to follow blindly by making light of these special events but spend the period reflecting and acknowledging God’s goodness for giving Christ to the world as a gift.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi further indicated that, for Christians, the Christmas season does not just end after the holidays; instead, it is an opportunity to encounter and develop a more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, who dwells in and with us to the end of the age.
“After Christmas, the parties will be over, the shopping will cease, and the Christmas trees will be disposed, but God will still be with us; He will never leave us nor forsake us,” he assured.
In the month of December, The Church of Pentecost joins Christians across the globe to celebrate the birth of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and its implication for humanity.
As part of the celebrations, conventions are held at the various levels of the church. The Osu District, like many other branches of the Church, commenced this year’s Christmas convention on December 22, 2022.
The event, which is under the theme, “Jesus Christ; In Him Is Life and Light” (John 1:4), is being held in morning and evening sessions.
Other speakers for the convention are Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head), and Pastor Simon Antwi (Osu District Minister), among others.
“Life is more than merely saying we are living beings. It is more than simply breathing, the heart pumping or the brain running. It is beyond our intellect to explain all the processes that must take place for you and me to live. But Jesus knows what life is. And, even better, He is life; He started it; He created it; and He fashioned it. So, take Jesus away and there is no life.”
The above statement was contained in a sermon preached today by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, during the morning session of the Osu District Christmas Convention at the Central Assembly church auditorium, Accra.
Speaking on the topic: “Jesus Christ; The Giver of Life That Gives Light,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that Jesus is an embodiment of both life and light as highlighted by Apostle John in the various books of the Bible he authored (his Gospel account, three epistles: 1, 2, 3 John, and the book of Revelation).
In his sermon, the General Secretary indicated that Apostle John’s testimony of Jesus is worth believing because He was one of the few people who enjoyed a very close relationship with Christ during His time on earth.
Not only was John one of Jesus’ inner circles, but he was also one of His earthly cousins, and thus, might have known Christ from childhood. Moreover, John was one of the three disciples (the others being Peter and James) who witnessed Jesus’ greatest moments of glory and His darkest trials because they were His closest friends, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained.
In his biblical accounts, the General Secretary pointed out with various scripture references that Apostle John presents Jesus as Life and light, as well as the eternal God.
He explained that the breath of life that was used in God’s creation of mankind distinguished them from all other creatures. However, man lost this life, which he described as the “God-kind of life” (Zoe in Greek) after the fall.
He further indicated that, from the moment Adam and Eve sinned, humans lived in a fallen world. Every human being is, thus, born physically alive but dead in sin and spiritual darkness (separation from God).
He, however, noted that the only way one can obtain the God-kind of life is to be born-again so that the abundant life and nature of God will be imparted into their spirit from God.
This, according to the General Secretary, also denotes that the Lord Jesus is not only the source and sustainer of physical life – the old, fallen, biological life inherited from Adam – but He is also the author and finisher of the new, spiritual, eternal life, which every believer receives by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
Throwing more light on the born-again experience, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated that after one accepts Christ as Lord and personal Saviour, God recreates the individual by replacing their old spirit with a brand new one, created in His own image and likeness so that they will become His direct offspring.
“This also means that Zoe is the essence of salvation,” he added.
Reading from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 2 Peter 1:4, he mentioned that the Zoe life of God brings life to the individual and makes them a divine and new specie.
He also mentioned that the God-kind of life enables one to have an intimate relationship with God (John 17:3), reflect Christ; the one true light (John 1:4, 1 John 5:11,12), partake of God’s divine nature by becoming His vessel of love and blessing on earth. (2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 5:5).
It also enables the believer to work in God’s divine power and authority (2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 3:20), sets them free from the devil, sin, and eternal damnation (John 5:24, Romans 8:2, 1 John 5:18) and empowers them to live life abundantly, free from oppression and sickness (John 10:10).
Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged all who are yet to surrender their lives to Christ to do so in order to obtain the gift of eternal life.
“And if you already have the gift of eternal life, I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened so that you will know that you have the life and nature of God in you. I also pray that you will allow God’s divine nature and power within you to dominate you and flow through you to others,” he concluded.
History was made on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, when the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry interacted with members of the National House of Chiefs at their end-of-year sitting at Manhyia in Kumasi.
The meeting, which was to introduce the Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs, was part of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost to transform every sphere of society with the Kingdom values and principles, including the chieftaincy institution.
Some of the revered chiefs described the move by the Church as historic, being the first church to set up a ministry dedicated to chiefs and for appearing before the august House to share its vision with Nananom.
Addressing members of the House, the National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, thanked the President of the House and Nananom for the honour done the Church to interact with them.
He indicated that the Church has a vision of reaching the palaces with the gospel of Christ and to share godly fellowship among chiefs and royals through palace chaplaincies.
“We believe that introducing the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs during this important meeting will help to foster a cordial relationship between the church and the palace,” he said.
Apostle Anane Denteh, who is also an Executive Council member of the Church, explained that through the establishment of the ministry to the chieftaincy institution, the spiritual bond between the church and the palace would be strengthened for the good of all royals and the thought that chieftaincy is incompatible with the Christian faith will be effectively eroded.
This, he said, will result in a situation where a person’s Christian faith will no longer hinder him/her from ascending to the throne when their time is due.
“We consider the fact that there must always be a good and solid relationship between the church and the palace for the transformation of society as one of our mutual responsibilities. Thus, both the church and the palace are crucial for our national development and peacebuilding because we all lead the largest portion of our populace,” Apostle Denteh said.
According to him, as the church is seeking to effect transformation in society, it acknowledges the unequivocal leadership role the chieftaincy institution has successfully played over the centuries in Ghanaian society.
“The Church of Pentecost believes that our ability to influence and bring transformation to our society will be incomplete without, first, involvement with the chieftaincy institution in a healthy partnership, beginning with rendering a ministry to and through the chieftaincy institution.
“The National House of Chiefs is the highest body in Ghana that unites all traditional rulers, chiefs, and kings which indicates its significance to us as a church. Similarly, the church’s prophetic call and mandate have wide and deep impact on the various communities across the country and that shows that we have something in common to share,” he stressed.
Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh ended his presentation by introducing the new academic programme in Chieftaincy Studies that Pentecost University will roll out in the 2023 academic year.
The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, thanked the Church delegation for coming to explain its vision to the House, saying, “Your presentation to Nananom has given us food for thought and I hope we will continue the dialogue.”
He commended the leadership of the Church for carefully selecting chiefs from various parts of the country to constitute the executives of the Chieftaincy Ministry.
The Vice President of the House, Naa Puowele Karbo III, Lawra Naa, was happy that the church has been a trailblazer in leading a collaboration between the palace and the church through the ministry of chieftaincy.
The Church’s delegation included Apostle Lt. Col. B.G. Kumi-Woode (Director, Airforce Chaplaincy, Ghana Armed Force and NEC Member of the Chieftaincy Ministry), Apostle Yaw Agyei-Kwarteng (Co-ordinator, Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council), Elder Pimampen Yaw Kagbrese V (Omanhene, Yeji Traditional Area/President of Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Chairman of the Chieftaincy Ministry, and Elder Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III (Omanhene, Suma Traditional Area and Secretary of the Chieftaincy Ministry).
Other NEC members present were Elder (Dr) Urbor Stephen Tassan Konjar VI(Chief, Kpasa Traditional Area), Elder Nana Akwasi Amoh Kyeretwie I (Chief, New Abirem Traditional Area), Nii Afotey Anokwafo II (Antwere Gonno Mantse, Nungua Traditional Area), Elder Ubor Augustine Nigarim Poyari (Konkomba Chief, Nariligu Traditional Area), Elder (Dr) Nana K. Gyasi (CEO, Nana Kwadwo Gyasi Co. Ltd.), Deaconess Nana Kofi Abuna V (Chief, Essipon) and Deaconess Nana Kyerew Akenten II (Queen Mother, Mamponteng).
A double occupancy mission house for the Afienya Estate and Goshen districts, both in the Ashaiman Area of The Church of Pentecost, has been dedicated to the glory of God. The building was dedicated by the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, on December 18, 2022. The well-attended dedication ceremony, which took place at the Afienya Estate Central Assembly church auditorium, brought together persons from all works of life, including ministers, officers and church members. Delivering a sermon on the topic, “Lessons from the Ant,” taken from Proverbs 6:6, Prophet David Kankam, who also heads the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee of The Church of Pentecost, advised believers to learn lessons in order to grow spiritually and also live fulfilling lives on earth. The Ashaiman Area Head said that, like the ant, believers must strive to be neat (both physically and spiritually), support each other, protect their young ones and foster good relationships among themselves. This, according to him, would allow the power of the Holy Spirit to grow and flow mightily through them. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and you need to keep it spiritually neat,” he said. He further advised the congregants to keep their physical environment neat because neatness is next to godliness,” he said. Prophet Kankam also urged the congregants to take advantage and utilize every opportunity that the Lord presents to them. “Ants gather food in their good season; good seasons are periods of opportunities which God gives us to make our lives meaningful,” he stressed. He also urged believers to develop a philanthropic spirit by sharing their gifts, talents, resources and skills with others, and to support the advancement of the Kingdom. Dedicating the building, the Ashaiman Area Head commended the leadership of both districts headed by Pastors Justice Twene Adane (Afienya Estate District) and Emmanuel Oppong (Goshen District) for great work done to ensure the successful completion of the project within in less than a year. He also praised Pastor Augustus Akonu of Afienya District, Elder Dr. Elvis Otoo (Area Deacon), Elder Bernard Tetteh (Area Estate Committee Chairman), and Elder Michael Asamoah (Area Projects Officer) for their supervision, support and hard work. Other individuals who dedicated and supported the project in diverse ways were also prayed for and appreciated for their efforts towards the work. Each apartment of the semi-detached storey building comprises four bedrooms, a study, a family hall, a visitors hall, a dining area and a kitchen, among other facilities. Giving a brief history of the project at the event, Elder Dr. Elvis Otoo, said the vision to undertake the project was conceived when it was proposed that the Afienya Estate and Goshen districts be carved from the Afienya District and Michel Camp districts, respectively, to house the District Ministers. Report by Pastor Twene Adane Justice (Afienya Estate District)
The Women’s Ministry of the Achawso District in the Suame Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated food items worth GHC 10,000.00 to the Ashan Children’s Home at Offinso in the Ashanti Region.
The benevolence, according to the District Minister, Pastor Isaac Koda Plange, was to appreciate God’s goodness towards the district in its five years of existence and to fulfil the Church’s Vision 2023 agenda of “Possessing the Nations.”
The items, including bags of rice, tubers of yam, bags of sugar, toiletries, cooking oil, among others, as well as an undisclosed cash amount, were presented to the Supervisor of the Home, Mr. William Asirifi Tenkorang, on Friday, December 16, 2022.
Pastor Isaac Koda, during the presentation, acknowledged the efforts of the workers in the Home and encouraged them to keep up with the good works because their efforts will never go unrewarded.
Mr. Asirifi Tenkorang was thankful to The Church of Pentecost, especially the Achawso District, for the kind gesture. He assured that the items would serve the intended purpose.
He then appealed to all and sundry to extend support to the Home.
Deaconess Mercy Agyenim Boateng (District Women’s Leader) was part of the delegation that visited the Home.
It was beautiful and memorable to behold when Elder Dr Johnson Addo, a Trustee of The Church of Pentecost and Chief Executive Officer of Raphal Medical Centre, retired from active service as an officer of the church.
His retirement service was held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tema.
Present at the service were the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye; the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi; Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Greater Accra RCC Co-ordinator and Ashaiman Area Head),; Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry and Executive Council Member), Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head) and Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (immediate past International Missions Director and current Area Head for Haatso).
Also present were some trustees of the church, namely Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd), Elder Dr Lawyer Ken Aboah and Elder Emmanuel Anane Boate.
In a brief sermon on the topic, “Importance of Names,” Apostle Nyamekye said that people have to be identified by a name and it should be guarded jealously and protected.
“A name is not just for identification, all that a person is is vested in his name. Your name will always stand in for you and you and your name are one,” Apostle Nyamekye said.
He admonished Christians to desist from slandering people’s names since it destroys their reputations.
He charged believers to carry themselves well in pursuit of attaining a great name, because a good name is better than wealth.
Elder Dr Johnson Addo was transferred to PIWC Tema as the Presiding Elder in 1999, taking over from then Elder Daniel Sackey (now a pastor). He has been the longest-ever serving presiding elder in the history of the district, having served for 11 years, spanning the administration of three different District Pastors.
He was appointed a Trustee of the Church in 2018. He has been a key financier of the church, especially in the completion and dedication of the PIWC Tema Church Auditorium.
Elder Dr Addo is happily married to his wife, Mrs. Diana Adarkwah Addo, with whom they are blessed with three children and five grandchildren, respectively.
In a testimony, the district described him as a man who shows genuine love for all regardless of their age or status, emphasising, “He is versatile in his approach to issues and responsibilities; thinking critically about them to find amicable solutions and practicable strategies for achieving set goals.”
In his response, Elder Dr Johnson Addo and his family expressed their utmost gratitude to God, the leadership and the members for the opportunity to serve the church.
In attendance were, Apostle Daniel Noble Atsu (Rtd), Apostle Abraham Lincoln Angoh (Rtd), Apostle Emmanuel Barabu (Rtd), Apostle Emmanuel Asante (Rtd), Apostle Johnson Agyemang Badu (Rtd), Apostle Ahalivor (Rtd), Prophet Jonathan Ameyaw (Rtd), Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Rtd), and Justice Opoku Acheampong.
The Dominase District in the Dunkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a mass wedding for 11 couples in the district.
The colourful ceremony took place on December 10, 2022, at the Dominase Central Assembly, with Pastor Alexander Kwabena Abrafi (Ayanfuri District), Pastor Peter Quayson (Diaso District/Area Secretary), and the host, Overseer Robert Fobi, as the officiating ministers.
The Area Secretary, Pastor Peter Quayson, who spoke on the topic: “The Gospel According to Marriage,” admonished the gathering to see marriage as a Gospel (Good News).
He advised Christian couples to let their marriages be a shining example to others since they are the ‘Bibles’ unbelievers read (2 Cor. 3:2-3).
According to the Dominase District Minister, Overseer Robert Fobi, the ceremony was a dream come true. He thanked God for a successful ceremony.
“All glory to Jesus, for His grace lavished on us. We also thank the Area Head, Apostle Jones Awuah Afrifa, and his wife, Mrs Juliana Afrifa for their guidance, direction and unfeigned love,” he said.
