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

Stress Is Inevitable In Life web

Stress Is Inevitable In Life – Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah Reveals

The Director of the Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah, has disclosed that stress is an inevitable part of life, emphasising that effective stress management allows individuals to pursue the divine agenda set by God.

He said this on Thursday when he delivered a paper at the ongoing 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Speaking on the topic, “Managing Life’s Issues; Issues of Marriage and Emotional Stress From a Biblical Perspective,” Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah explored the divine wisdom found in Scripture.

Beginning with Genesis 2, the Counselling Director emphasised the divine agenda for humankind, particularly in the institution of marriage.

He highlighted the transparency inherent in the relationship between the first man and woman, stressing the importance of openness and acceptance.

“If we aspire to overcome the challenges in modern marriages, we must adhere to the principle set by the Creator – transparency and acceptance,” he stated.

Drawing parallels between transparency and communication, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah mentioned that transparency fosters acceptance, leading to effective communication in marriage.

“By acknowledging and accepting each other’s weaknesses, couples pave the way for open communication and understanding,” he added.

Transitioning to the broader theme of emotional stress, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah acknowledged that stress is inevitable in life.

He delved into the physical, mental, and behavioural aspects of stress, shedding light on its various manifestations, from body aches to changes in eating habits and sexual difficulties.

He advised seeking wisdom from God’s word and saturating one’s life with Scripture to manage emotional stress effectively.

He emphasised the power of gratitude, encouraging individuals to express gratitude for life’s blessings and fostering a positive emotional shift.

Acknowledging the role of relationships, the Counselling Ministry Director urged individuals to avoid isolation and cultivate strong connections with friends and family for support during challenging times.

He emphasised the importance of physical health, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep in managing stress.

He also encouraged trusting God rather than circumstances, reminding believers that God sees and understands each situation.

In conclusion, Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah offered a comprehensive approach to managing life’s challenges, blending biblical principles with practical strategies.

PENTECOST NEWS

Love Never Fails web

Love Never Fails – Pastor James Agyin Assures

The Projects, Development and Estate Manager at The Church of Pentecost Headquarters, Pastor James Orhin Agyin, has advised Christians to try love when hope and faith fail to work in their favour.

He made this assertion on Friday during the 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Preaching on the topic, “Love, Your Surest Bet For The Years Ahead,” he referred to 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-8, where the apostle Paul describes love as the greatest of all virtues and contrasts it with faith and hope.

He revealed that God tried faith and hope with humanity but failed to produce the desired results.

According to him, God was disappointed and angry with the wickedness of the human race and almost gave up on them. However, he said, God then tried love, and the result was amazing.

He stressed that love was God’s last card for humanity, saying, “What faith and hope failed to achieve in 4000 years, love did within 33 years.”

Pastor Agyin disclosed that love was the ultimate expression of God’s grace and power. He encouraged the church to try love for the coming years and to see how it would work for them, stressing that love is the surest bet for the years ahead and that the church should embrace it as the ultimate virtue.

“Love never fails; what love cannot do does not exist,” he revealed.

He quoted Philippians 2:9, where the apostle Paul says that God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above every name because of his love and obedience.

“When God relied on love, he saved all,” he remarked.

He cautioned believers of the consequences of hatred, which can affect generations.

PENTECOST NEWS

Let’s Support Our Leaders web

Let’s Support Our Leaders – Pastor Emmanuel Appah Appeals

The Finance and Administration Director of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Pastor Emmanuel Appah, has issued a clarion call to the staff and management of the CoP Headquarters to unite in supporting leadership in pursuing the new strategic vision of the Church, Vision 2028.

Pastor Emmanuel Appah made this passionate call when he delivered a presentation titled “Supporting the Ministry” today at the ongoing CoP Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC).

Using Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, and Romans 12:8 as foundational texts, Pastor Appah emphasized the Greek meaning of the word ‘ministry’ as “diakonia,” signifying “service” or “to serve.”

He further noted that ministry, in the context of “Vision 2028, is defined as whatever one does to subject their sphere of influence to the principles and values of the kingdom of God.”

Drawing from biblical references in Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, and Romans 12:8, he highlighted the dual calling of believers – both specific and general. All ministers, according to Pastor Appah, are entrusted with a general calling to support leadership across various church departments, ministries, areas, and sectors.

Pastor Appah emphasised that supporting the ministry involves doing tasks beyond leaders’ capabilities, assisting with tasks leaders can do but should not, and partnering with leaders in shared responsibilities.

“This means relieving our leaders of their burdens, supporting them in their functions, and serving them with love,” he said. He likened supporters of ministry to fingers for the hands of leaders, stressing that a leader without supporters is akin to a hand without fingers.

Using King David’s warriors, he underscored the selflessness, commitment, and humility displayed in their service to the King.

According to him, David’s warriors suffered to give honor to their King, stood with King David to defend their land, and risked their lives for the King and the nation.

He further noted that David’s warriors saw him as a fellow brother, served him with humility and had respect for authority.

He urged both ministers and laity to emulate the exemplary service of David’s warriors and to also support the leadership to excel in their mandate.

Pastor Appah also outlined the characteristics of faithful supporters, emphasising the need for individual decisions to be faithful and trustworthy.

He stressed that the support ministry requires faithfulness, saying, “God will not force us to be faithful to His will and plan for our lives. We must decide to be faithful and trustworthy on our own and pray for the help of the Holy Spirit.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Women's Ministry Donates to Royal Seed Orphanage web

Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Women’s Ministry Donates to Royal Seed Orphanage

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has donated items worth GHȼ35,000.00 to support the Royal Seed Orphanage located at Ofaakor, Kasoa.

The donation was made on December 15, 2023, when the Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, his wife, Mrs. Comfort Ohemeng-Kwakye, and Deaconess Berlinda Asumadu (Area Women’s Ministry Leader) led a church delegation to the home.

The team was welcomed by the founder of the orphanage, Nana Awo Abena Ntorbea I, the Kontihene of Parkro, along with some caregivers and the children residing at the home.

Providing a brief historical account of the home, Nana Ntorbea mentioned that the Royal Seed Orphanage began as a foundation in 1996, with the registration process completed in 2002.

Recounting her own challenging early years, when she endured great hardship and ended up as a street child, Nana Ntorbea shared that during her painful ordeal, she pledged to start an orphanage to prevent other underprivileged children from suffering the same fate when she succeeded in life.

Nana Ntorbea mentioned feeding, payment of fees—especially for those in tertiary institutions—and logistical support for the children’s upkeep, as the major challenges facing the home.

Despite these challenges, she noted that divine providence consistently met their needs as individuals and organisations, inspired by God, supported the home.

An emotional scene unfolded when the delegation spotted an adorable toddler, one of the home’s children.

Deaconess Berlinda Asumadu empathised with the children and expressed gratitude to the Women’s Ministry leaders at the district and local levels for their contributions to alleviating the children’s plight.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye thanked Nana Ntorbea for her zeal and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable.

He emphasised the love of God, which he demonstrated by giving His son Jesus to the world, as mentioned in John 3:16, surpasses any other gift that a human being can offer.

Encouraging the children to cherish the love of Jesus despite their challenging circumstances, he advised them to take their spiritual lives seriously and adopt the “No Bible, No Breakfast” (NBNB) principle.

The Area Head ended by praying for the children and urging them to continue placing their faith in God in all circumstances.

The joy resulting from the benevolent act of the Women’s Ministry was evident on the faces of the children and their caregivers.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team.

Ponayili Assembly Church Building Dedicated web

Ponayili Assembly Church Building Dedicated

The church building for the Ponayili Assembly in the Gbungbaliga District of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The ceremony, officiated by the Yendi Area Head, Pastor James Magyam, was held on Tuesday, 12 December, at Ponayili.

Pastor James Magyam delivered a sermon titled: “Honouring God with Your Body, Which is the Temple of God,” with scripture references from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 1 Pet 1:18-19 at the event.

In his sermon, he mentioned that, as believers, they are the people of God bought at a price, yet they still live in a community with certain traditions and practices.

Accordingly, there are traditions that can be accommodated in their newfound faith in Christ and those that should be reformed by the Word of God, he added.

The people of Corinth, he explained, worshipped the goddess Aphrodite, which corrupted their way of life by making them promiscuous.

He noted that the same can be said of some communities of believers.

He stated that every Christian must acknowledge that they have been bought at a high price and, therefore, do not need to be involved in the corruption of societies but rather honour God in their bodies by living in obedience to His word.

He concluded by charging believers to consider themselves as agents who serve as an example to the community by living lifestyles worthy of the calling to which  they have been called.

In attendance were the chief of the community, Ubor Akcquah Timor, and his elders.

The Ponayili Assembly, which was started in 1996 with 14 adult members, was initially under the Lugni District but was later ceded to the Wulensi District due to proximity and ease of reach.

The assembly, consequently, became part of the newly-created Gbuungbaliga District in 2018.

The building project was started under the supervision of the outgoing District Minister, Pastor Jerry Ohene Acquah, and was later overseen by the new minister P/Overseer Eric Okyere, to its successful completion.

Report by Pastor Martin Ossom Boafo (Area Reporter).

Couple Welcomes First Child After 8 Years Of Marriage web

Couple Welcomes First Child After 8 Years Of Marriage

Deacon Solomon Nimako Frempong and his wife, Beatrice, both members of the Sunyani Central District of The Church of Pentecost, have joyfully welcomed their first child, marking the end of eight years of childlessness.

The couple was joined by relatives and well-wishers at the F.D. Walker Memorial Temple for the naming and dedication of their new bundle of joy.

Married in 2015, Deacon and Mrs Frempong have faced a prolonged struggle with the issue of childbirth.

During an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the couple revealed that they underwent various medical examinations, consulting gynaecologists and other specialists for seven years, but to no avail.

“We have immensely suffered during this period of childlessness, but our God is faithful!” exclaimed Deacon Solomon with joy.

He recounted instances where some parents denied him the simple pleasure of playing with their children, not even allowing him to hold their hands because of the couple’s barrenness.

Deacon Solomon described the societal pressure and stigmatisation as suicidal, emphasising the vital role their faith in God played in seeing them through their predicaments. He cited Isaiah 43:19 and Philippians as their source of inspiration.

Through the advice and counsel of Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh (Rtd), the then Sunyani Area Head, and the prayer support of members of the Sunyani Central District led by Pastor Dankyi Asante, they remained steadfast in the Lord, and are grateful that God has intervened and given them a baby boy, whom they have named Miracle Nyametease Nimako.

Preaching at the naming and dedication service, Pastor Stephen Dankyi Asante encouraged Christians not to give up.

According to him, God makes everything perfect in His own appointed time, emphasising the necessity of trusting God in all circumstances.

Report by Elder Collins Obeng Jnr. (Sunyani Central District).

Madina Area Acquires Modern Public Address System web

Madina Area Acquires Modern Public Address System

The Madina Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah, has dedicated a set of public address systems valued at GHS 245,350.00 to support its evangelistic outreaches.

The items include four pairs of line arrays (speakers), dual sub-speakers (2 pairs), amplifiers for arrays, bass speakers, monitors (2 each), a 32″ digital mixer and an audio link. 

The rest are XLR plugs (40 pieces), speak on (30 pieces), signal cable and amplifier rack, among others.

The equipment, which provides quality sound for the Area’s monthly prayer meetings, conventions, crusades and other outdoor events, is also expected to reduce the high cost of rentals.

“We spend a lot of money renting PA systems for our monthly prayer meetings, time with the Holy Ghost all night, and other activities,” Apostle M. S. Appiah disclosed, adding, “We believe as stewards of God’s money, acquiring our equipment will give us value for money and cut off the recurrent expenditure we have had to incur at every instance.”

He expressed his gratitude to the Area Executive Committee members and the presbytery for buying into the vision to acquire the equipment, which is a one-time cost and will serve the Area for a very long time.

In a related development, the Area has also inaugurated a 15-member Area Pentecost Endowment Fund (PENTEF) Committee to oversee the establishment of the Area’s skill training programme for the youth, the unemployed and the vulnerable in the Madina area and beyond. 

The members of the endowment fund are Elder James Dwamena Yamoah (Chairman), Deaconess Daisy Bosompem, Esq (Secretary), Madam Akosua Gyamfua, Deaconess Dr Mavis Bamudez and Deaconess Dr Augustina Naami.

Others are Elder Daniel Afari Boateng, Deaconess Grace Nkansah, Deaconess Philomina Agyei, Elder Emmanuel Badu, Elder Benjamin Akuffo, and Deaconess Beatrice Opoku. 

The rest are Elder Kwabena Agyemang, Pastor Patrick Anto (Area Secretary) and Elder Barnabas Miah (Area Deacon).

PENTEF Madina Area is expected to be launched in February 2024.

Report by Samuel Owusu Amofa

Yennyawoso District Choir Inaugurated web

Yennyawoso District Choir Inaugurated

The Yennyawoso District of The Church of Pentecost has officially inaugurated its newly formed choir at a colourful ceremony held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Central Assembly auditorium.

In his inaugural address, the District Minister, Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu, who officiated the ceremony, underscored the importance of choir in contemporary Christian service.

With copious scriptural references, he stated: “The God, whom David sang to glorify, is still the same, therefore, there is the need for us to also sing to His glory.”

Referencing a quote by Paul Billheimer, who once said: “Satan is allergic to praise. So, where there is massive, triumphant praise, Satan is paralyzed, bound and banished,” Pastor Adubofourh Asiedu highlighted the power of music, charging the choristers to embrace commitment, dedication and discipline to sustain the choir.

He also hinted of a “Mega Praise Festival” to be held in March next year.

Known as “Jewels of Praise” the choir treated the audience to various renditions of choral tunes, which kept the gathering on their feet. They stirred the auditorium with a wonderful display of song and dance, akin to a Zulu war dance.

The Onyx Choir of Ahenema Kokoben District of The Church of Pentecost, and Deaconess Rebecca Akoto, who graced the occasion also gave riveting performances to wow the congregants at the ceremony.

As part of the event, the patrons, patronesses and executives of the choir were introduced and prayed for.

Present at the event were Mrs. Joana Amoakowaah Adubofourh Asiedu (wife of the District Minister), District Executive Committee Members, Deaconess Bernice Apraku (District Women’s Ministry Leader), Presiding Elders, among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Let Your Work Announce Your Presence web

Let Your Work Announce Your Presence – Pastor Dr Dela Klutse Tells Christians

The Media Ministry Pastor of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse, has revealed that a critical way for Christians to transform their world is when their work announces their presence, just as Jesus’ life on earth announced His presence.

He said this Thursday during the 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

He based his message on 1 Peter 2:9, where the Apostle Peter describes the church as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. 

Pastor Dr Klutse explained that God has chosen believers, given them access to Him, made them His partners, called them to holiness, and set them apart for His glory.

He challenged the church to show forth the praises of God in the world by transforming it with their work and witness. He said that an agent of transformation stands out among the lot and attracts people to Christ.

The Media Ministry Pastor also reminded church workers that they will be remembered for two things: the problem they solved and the problem they created. He, therefore, urged them to be problem solvers and not problem creators.

He concluded by quoting Acts 1:8, where Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as the power source for the church to be His witnesses in the world. 

He said that the only way to receive this power is to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit and to depend on Him for guidance and strength.

PENTECOST NEWS