badu wood

Apostle Ekow Badu Wood Bows Out of Active Service

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The active ministerial journey of Apostle Ekow Badu Wood, and his wife, Joanna, came to a glorious end on Sunday, August 15, 2021, during a special event held in recognition of their meritorious service in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost for 26 years.

The colourful event, which was attended by scores of people comprising active and retired ministers of the church, relatives and friends, as well as members of the Kasoa Area, where the couple served in the final stages of their ministry, was officiated by the outgoing International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi Addo. He was supported by some members of the Executive Council; namely, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Cape Coast Area Head), Apostle Mike Etrue (Kaneshie Area Head) and Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah (Ho Area Head).

The glorious service lived up to expectation as a befitting send-off for an illustrious minister who served the church in different capacities at different stations in and outside Ghana for over two decades.

Apostle Ekow Badu Wood was called into the full-time ministry of the church in 1995 and served at Kafue District (from 1995 to 1997) and Kitwe District (from 1997 to 1999), both in Zambia. He returned to Ghana in 1999 to serve at the Haatso District for two years. In 2001, Apostle Wood was appointed the General Secretary of the then Ghana Pentecostal Council (GPC) – a role he selflessly discharged for eight years. 

After his service at GPC, now GPCC, he was recalled to missions to serve as National Head and Resident Missionary for the church in Burkina Faso. After serving for four years in the West-African country, he was reassigned to Ghana to head the Kwadaso Area (from 2013 to 2015), Asokwa Area (from 2015 to 2018) and, finally, the Kasoa Area.

It is also worth acknowledging that even before the call into pastoral ministry, then Elder Ekow Badu Wood was very instrumental in the establishment of the church in Zambia.

Preaching on the topic “Amen and Halleluiah” with Revelation 19:1,3-6, 2 Corinthians 1:20, and Revelation 7:10-11 as scripture references, Apostle Gyesi-Addo explained that “Amen” is a word of Hebraic origin which means “certainty or truth,” and is primarily used as an expression of affirmation during prayer or religious discourse.

“Halleluiah,” on the other hand, he explained is translated in English as “Praise Him the Lord,” which is expressed with deep emotions of thanksgiving and gratitude.

He noted that Salvation was the first thing that elicited the shout of Halleluiah by the angelic hosts in Revelation 19:1 because it is very important to God. He alluded to the statement of Jesus Christ in Luke 15:7 and 10 to buttress this assertion.

He further noted that anytime one endures the hustle and bustle of ministry life to a successful end, it is a great cause for them to shout Halleluiah, asserting that “the end of a matter is better than the beginning.”

He, therefore, urged the retiring couple to be grateful to God for His faithfulness throughout their ministerial service, saying “This is the best time for Apostle and Mrs Badu Wood to shout Halleluiah!”

Apostle Gyesi-Addo ended his sermon by reading Isaiah 46:4 to assure the couple of God’s abiding presence and protection as they begin a new chapter of their lives.

A testimony written by the General Council in honour of the retiring couple and read by the Odorkor Area Head, Apostle Patrick Aseyoro, at the event stated: “Apostle Ekow Badu Wood spent many eventful years in ministry; however, he would be most remembered for his service as an Executive Council member of the church for a two-term period of 10 years (2008-2018) and also as a two-term General Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) from 2001 to 2009. He was a team player and someone who would always give his rich contributions by bringing the other side of the argument.”

“Apostle Badu Wood has certainly paid his dues as a hardworking minister of the Gospel and deserves the plaudits he is receiving today. However, as we eulogise him for the great work done, we must not forget to acknowledge the phenomenal role his prayerful wife, Mrs Joanna Wood, plays in his ministry. Her unflagging support for her husband’s ministry is remarkable. Indeed, many would-be and young couples have benefited immensely from her rich counseling experience. She has also helped to restore many strained marital relationships to the glory of God,” the testimony further read.

As part of the service, a Certificate of Service plaque was presented to Apostle Ekow Badu Wood by Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo on behalf of The Church of Pentecost as a testimonial of his service as a minister of the church. The IMD also led ministers and the congregants to pray for the couple.

The Women’s Ministry, Area Presbytery and the Kasoa Area pastorate also took turns to eulogise Apostle and Mrs Wood and present citations to them.

In response, the retired couple, flanked by their children, expressed gratitude to God for seeing them through a successful ministerial journey. They also thanked all who have supported them in diverse ways during their ministerial life.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Send Us Another Giant: The Revolutionary Ministry Of Apostle Alfred Koduah In The Church Of Pentecost

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  • By Elder Dr. S. Ofotsu Ofoe

Opening

After 37 years of active full-time pastoral ministry in The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Alfred Koduah draws down the curtains on his active ministry this weekend, August 15, 2021. He has affected the beliefs and practices of the CoP in significant ways. His giant physique is in agreement with his gigantic undertakings within the CoP. The pastoral interest, theological undertakings and administrative practicality of Apostle Koduah have arguably extended the frontiers of the CoP in postmodern ministry in the 21st century. For a church to hold the view that it is essential for Christianity to break camp towards making the world its parish and engaging various unexploited spaces within society, the work of the Apostle stands tall as a case of reference in enabling a forceful Christian presence and impression the world over. This article is designed to briefly engage with aspects of his ministry that shaped the doctrinal stance of the CoP, demonstrates its missiological strength of today, and shows the brunt of the Pentecostal movement in Ghana.

Reminiscing the CoP of 1984

Apostle Alfred Koduah came into the full-time ministry in 1984, two years after Pastor James McKeown retired from his chairmanship of the CoP after serving for 44 years, and the first African chairman, Apostle Fred Stephen Safo took office as Chairman of the CoP. By this period, the administrative structure of the church had achieved some stability. With the establishment of the Executive Council two decades short of 1984 to supplement the already institutionalised General Council, the various leadership wrangling of the earlier years have significantly subsided. The CoP was then poised to grow and advance its ministry. Within this period the CoP became Ghana’s largest Pentecostal church. A later study done by the Ghana Evangelism Committee in 1989 confirmed this. By 1984, the membership of the church in Ghana stood at 10,350 with 2,339 assemblies. The six other nations the CoP was then operating in had a total membership of 10,420 with 248 assemblies, according to the Statistics Department at the General Headquarters of the CoP.

Those who have entered the full-time ministry around that time would have been fully aware of the great expectation required of them in the context of happenings within that time. Good enough, the Pentecost Bible College which was started in 1972 but closed down a year later, was re-opened in 1982. This gives persons like Apostle Koduah the opportunity to earn a certificate in Pastoral Studies. His ministerial formation was undoubtedly shaped and aided by his studies at the Pentecost Bible College.

In the year he was called into the full-time ministry, the College was moved from New Abossey Okai to Madina, both in Accra. In that year, this college was renamed Church of Pentecost Bible Centre, and its new block at Madina was dedicated on June 3, 1984. Apostle Koduah was called from Asante Bekwai and stationed at Adukrom-Akuapim. Some of the brothers who were called in that same year include M. K. Ntumy called from Yendi, Narh Affum called from Asuom, M. O. Andoh called from Cape Coast, E. Achim Gyimah called from Okyinso, Samuel Antwi called from Kumasi, T. K. Owusu Bore called from Twifo Heman and E. K. Appiah called from Obuasi. In all, 21 brothers from Ghana were called into the full-time ministry in 1984. The Lord used them to accomplish a lot to his glory. Apostle Alfred Koduah shines through.

The CoP into the 21st Century

Apostle Alfred Koduah has distinguished himself as a specialist in exposing emerging trends in society and their impact on Christianity. He has researched this thoroughly. He is still studying this particular subject. He has given lectures and published adequately on emerging trends. The CoP has benefited greatly from this. Regarding the erstwhile conservation nature of the CoP generally, Apostle Koduah has challenged the CoP to break camp and advanced in order to remain relevant in a world that is changing very rapidly. If the CoP is seen as keeping pace with today’s world, he is one of the main architects of that.

In this vein, he has affected various ‘untouchable’ structures and thought of the CoP. For instance, he influenced the modification of the religious practice of head covering by the women of the CoP; and the tradition of segregating men and women in the seating arrangement at church meetings. He has raised a number of other issues in his paper, “The Church of Pentecost in a Postmodern Society” presented during the McKeown Memorial Lectures to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the CoP in September, 2003. These issues have shaped the thought and practice of the CoP today. The issues include but are not limited to attachment of baptisteries to certain chapels; putting up chapel complexes to cater for meetings of children, youth and adult church meetings; institutionalization of the ministry to the deaf and dumb; introduction of youth pastor concept, among others.

Regarding the head covering tradition, Apostle Koduah made a call in 2003 thus, “Considering the sensitive and controversial nature of women’s head covering in the Church today, I humbly call for a theological debate on the issue in the Church to arrive at a firm position on it in this postmodern world.” This practice has been part of the umbilical cord of the CoP. Going into a postmodern world, it has become quite apparent that such a practice is outmoded and needs a review. It was his study and subsequent presentation on the issue of head covering that influenced the “2010 Communique” of the CoP leading to the review of the practice. It seems he has been concerned about the practice long before he was tasked to give a lecture on it on January 19, 2010 at the Head’s Prayer Meeting of the CoP. For his Master’s thesis presented to the Regents Theological College in UK (Master’s degree awarded by the University of Manchester), he discussed the topic, “The Significant Religious Practices in The Church of Pentecost and their Implications for the Future.” In this thesis, he touched on the issue of head covering. Perhaps, this was what caused leadership of the CoP to give him the responsibility of researching the issue further. The practice of head covering for religious reasons has been explored further in his book, The Woman’s Head-Covering in Church published in 2010.

The CoP has been alerted on emerging philosophies and how they are shaping the Christian belief today through the work of Apostle Koduah. The CoP has thus become concerned about such ideologies. The subject is being taught at the School of Theology, Missions and Leadership of the Pentecost University to incoming pastors. He has been an adjunct lecturer in this regard. The lay leaders of the CoP have also been receiving training on the subject. By this, the theology of mission of the CoP has been positively impacted by Apostle Alfred Koduah. Today, the CoP has been able to develop workable missional paradigms to do its ministry in this century.

Catalyst of the Youth Ministry

To have a ministry of the CoP that would cater for the special needs and intentional discipleship of young people has not been given much attention during its formative years. However, young people were arguably regarded as essential part of the Christian ministry. This is evident in the call of some very young people into the pastoral ministry. For instance, the following were called at an early age in various periods of the church: Joseph Egyir-Paintsil, 21 years in 1949; Martison Kwadwo Yeboah, 26 years in 1950; Thomas Nyarko, 25 years in 1952; Fred Stephen Safo, 24 years in 1956; Michael Kwabena Arnan, 22 years in 1959; Opoku Onyinah, 22 years in 1976; among others.

Over the years, some efforts have been made to group the young people in the CoP together. The initial purpose was mainly in pursuance of its evangelism core value. On various campuses, students within the CoP were gathered steadily. This culminated in the formation of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) in 1980. PENSA was merged with the then Witness Movement into Pentecost Youth and Evangelism Movement (PENTYEM) 1991. The need of having a full-fledged group for the young people prevailed. This led to the formation of the now Youth Ministry in 1996.

Apostle Alfred Koduah has breathed fire into the Youth Ministry of the CoP. In his book, Teenage Ministry: A Neglected Mission Field published in 1997, a year after the Youth Ministry was instituted, draws attention to the great benefit churches can draw from paying particular attention to young people. He realised that teenagers have been ignored in the structures and models of churches. His recommendations have shaped the Youth Ministry of the CoP in no small way. The huge generational gap that existed between the old and young of the CoP was significantly addressed. He has taught widely on how to communicate with young people. He would often tell young people; “Do not think I am old when it comes to the use of your terms; I know them.” The immediate past Youth Director of the CoP, Apostle David Nyansah Hayfron, in presenting a paper titled, “Effective Handling of Teenage Ministry in The Church of Pentecost – The Role of the Youth Worker” during the historic Global Ministers and Wives Conference of the CoP in January 2017, placed his presentation in the backdrop of this important work of Apostle Koduah. I think it was the realisation Apostle Hayfron made regarding the influence of Apostle Alfred Koduah on the Youth Ministry that necessitated the perceptive he took, as seen in the early part of his paper.

Essentially, I would suggest that it was his great concern for youth ministry that caused Apostle Koduah to suggest the adoption of the youth pastor concept back in September 2003 in his McKeown Memorial Lectures paper.  Let me state that he made a suggestion for children pastors as well. Over a decade later, this concept has been adopted in the CoP. He saw the relevance of this and I believed he pursued it further. The CoP per its demography remains a church of the young. For example, in the State of the Church Address by its Chairman during the 15th Extraordinary Council Meeting in May 2017, 71% of 2,367,253 of its membership in Ghana alone was young people up to 35 years of age. Special attention must continue to be offered to the ministry to young people. It is a missional and a rewarding venture indeed.

Indefatigable Teacher and Scholar

Apostle Alfred Koduah’s ministry in the CoP has set a great benchmark worthy of emulation by future generations. He is diligent when it comes to studying, research, writing and teaching. Though he came to the full-time pastoral ministry with just a certificate in Agricultural Science, he worked hard to study up to the doctoral level, earning a PhD in Theology from the South African Theological Seminary. He has written a number of books and presented several papers. It may seem that in recent times of the CoP, when it comes to the controversial and impressing issues within the church, he is the one who is given the assignment to research such problems.  He has written and published a number of books. Some of these books include: If a Man Dies, Will He Live Again?, Christianity in Ghana Today, Who is Disturbing the Nation?; The Christian in a Sex-Craze World; The Pastor’s Health (co-author); Who is Disturbing the Church?; This Thing Called Salvation; Preparing for the Ultimate Journey: The Need to Develop New Attitude towards Death; Impacting Generations: The Need to Avoid the Generational Gab Syndrome in the Church; Managing the Decline of Christianity in the Western World: Lessons for Churches in the Developing World; The Ugly Face of Poverty; Unlocking the Psalms; Ten Socio-Economic, Political and Religious Dangers Confronting Contemporary Christianity; and Fifteen Ecclesiastical Dangers Confronting Contemporary Christianity. Some of his presented papers include “Managing the Generational Gap Syndrome,” “Head Covering,” “The Disciple of Christ as a Steward,” “An Example of Christ’s Leadership,” “The Role of Directive Prophecy in the Selection of Ecclesiastical Leadership: The Church of Pentecost’s Experience,” “Drawing a Balance Between Pentecostal Spirituality and Formal Theological Training,” “Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council: Celebrating Fifty Years of Pentecostal Influence,” and “God’s Amazing Financial Provision for the Church of Pentecost.”

His research works which he packages for the consumption by both scholars and lay church leaders have made groundbreaking realisations and provoked a number of changes within the CoP. He has played a key role in the shaping of the Prophetic in the CoP. “The Role of Directive Prophecy in the Selection of Ecclesiastical Leadership,” for instance, led to the modification of aspects of the Constitution of the CoP. This paper revealed the historical antecedents and the development of the prophetic office, with a special interest in how directive prophecies have led to the election of key leaders in the CoP. It pointed out the flaws and gave very helpful recommendations. Articles 12.3 (i), 13.3 (i) and 14.3 (h) of the Constitution in use at the time were amended. They initially read, “Where there is a directive prophecy on a candidate, it shall be judged on its own merit by the Electoral College. The candidate so accepted by the Electoral College shall be presented to the General Council to be voted upon.” To touch on only 12.3 (i), it was amended to read as follows: “All ‘directive prophecies’ and ‘revelations’ concerning candidates for consideration for the position of Chairman shall be communicated verbally or in writing to the Executive Council through the Chairman of the church”; “(j) The Executive Council regulating its own proceedings shall present a candidate to be voted upon by the Electoral College. The candidate so accepted by the Electoral College shall be presented to the General Council to be voted upon.” This among others demonstrates that he has affected the CoP so very fundamentally. Such influence was not limited to the CoP but spilled over to other Christian groups including the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and the Bible Society of Ghana LBG, which he served as its vice president. In his book, Christianity in Ghana Today, published in 2004, he took note of the “Pentecostalisation of Christianity in Ghana”. This realisation shows the growing Pentecostal influence in Ghana. A paper he later presented to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebration of the GPCC acknowledged further this Pentecostal influence in Ghana. 

His style of teaching brings home the subjects he taught. He has skillfully exposed the various topics to the delight of many. His online Weekly Bible School has brought to light subjects that could be regarded as theological hard nuts to the general church populace. He adequately and painstakingly dealt with several topics including “Hamartiology (The Study of Sin),” “Biblical Perspective on Vindictive Prayer” and very extended ones such “Unlocking the Psalms,” “Understanding the Old Testament” and “Understanding the New Testament.” He has taught on various topical issues in everyday life that has prepared many for the practical life and godliness.

Leadership Ardour and Administrative Dexterity

Having served as the chief scribe of the CoP from 2003-2013, the administrative fortunes have been nothing but brighter. Apostle M. K. Ntumy, one of the two chairmen he worked with as general secretary of the CoP, described him as “a man of ideas.” Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah has also eulogised his gigantic undertakings as the general secretary of the CoP. He points to the ultramodern Pentecost Convention Centre as a project in which Apostle Alfred Koduah played a key role in the establishment. In fact, the Apostle was the one who led a team to the UK and Nigeria to study various convention centres and advised the CoP adequately on its quest to put up one. He [Prof. Onyinah] personally informed me back in 2018, carrying a demeanour of great satisfaction, during a conversation that “he [Apostle Alfred Koduah] is very hardworking.” This cannot be further from the truth. The way he carries himself about testifies to that.

Apostle Koduah is credited with the digitization of the entire administrative organism at the General Headquarters. The infrastructure development which the church witnessed between 2003 and 2013 can in part be attributed to the Accelerated Infrastructure Development Fund which he moved for establishment when he was the general secretary of the CoP.

He believes in leadership development and has personally championed this at various levels. The leadership competence and pastoral affection of Apostle Koduah have been acknowledged. His ministerial ardour was in full force when he served as a missionary of the CoP in Zambia from 1994 to 1998. It is reported that he shaped significantly the doctrinal stance of the CoP in Zambia. Whilst in Zambia, two Elders, Ekow Badu Wood (now Apostle) and Nelson M. Lukwesa were called to the full-time ministry.

Conclusion

Apostle Alfred Koduah can be appropriately described as a reformer having fronted a number of groundbreaking ventures in the CoP significantly. He has been described as a skillful leader who knows how to handle controversial issues. His pastoral warmth is palpable. He is such an ardent Bible teacher and a great lover of the youth. The doctrinal stance, theology of mission, administrative system, and ministerial ethos of the CoP have been positively shaped by the ministry of this great Apostle of Christ. As he closes the chapter on his active full-time ministry, may the torch he has lit burn its way into every facet of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Pastor Samuel Nsiah Retires From Full-Time Ministry

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It was a joyful moment as family and friends, church members, and ministers of The Church of Pentecost from far and near congregated at Oyarifa District Central assembly in Madina Area to witness the retirement service of Pastor Samuel Nsiah and his wife Janet, as they retired from the full-time ministry of the church after serving for 31 years. 

The retirement service, which took place on Sunday, July 25, 2021, was officiated by the Madina Area Head of the church, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah. 

Pastor Samuel Nsiah was born on January 10, 1956, to the late Opanyin Kofi Nsiah of Offinso Adukro and Madam Abena Sefaa of Offinso Dentin. 

He completed elementary education in 1962 and proceeded to Dwamena Akenten Secondary School at Offinso from 1972 to 1977 where he obtained the GCE Ordinary Level Certificate. He was trained as a Veterinary Laboratory Technician at Pong-Tamale Veterinary College, from 1977-1980. 

With determination to learn and impact generations, he attended Canadian Christian College and University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology in 2004 and Master of Arts degree in Religions in 2007, respectively. 

He worked with Accra Veterinary Laboratory from 1981-1988 and later transferred to Koforidua to establish Veterinary Laboratory to serve the Eastern Region. 

He was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1990 and served in the following duty stations: Ampaha District (1990-1995), Suhum District (1995-2001), Bremang District, Kumasi (2001-2007), Tema South, now Greenwich District (2007-2008), Zambia as Missionary and National Head (2008-2015), Santa Maria, Accra (2015-2018) and Oyarifa District (2018-2021). 

Various testimonies read in his honour described him as a great man of God with a remarkable spirit of humility, honesty, good interpersonal relationship, and communication skills. 

He was further eulogized as a very intelligent, hardworking, fearless, plain-speaking, principled, and transformational leader. 

In a sermon titled, “The God of Active Ministry Is The God of Retirement” with scripture references from Psalm 37:23-26; 71:7-11, and Isaiah 46:3-4, Apostle M. S. Appiah, urged retired ministers to be fearless of anything because God would continue to be faithful to sustain, monitor, protect and take good care of their lives in their old age. 

He explained that good structures have been put in by the leadership of the church to take care of them. 

He, therefore, assured retired ministers and all and sundry to see God as consistent who never change like shifting shadows (Malachi 3:6 and James 1:17); God as immortal who never die to leave us alone (1 Timothy 1:17); God who promises to heal all our diseases (Exodus 15:20-27), and fight our battles (1 Samuel 17:38-47). 

Apostle Appiah further said that God watches over His people constantly in all circumstances as they go through various stages of life and face trials (Genesis 16:1-6; 21:1-21), and be their shepherd (Psalm 23) and also give them peace of mind since He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-9). “God promises to be our strong tower to secure our lives (Proverbs 18:10) by serving as consuming fire (Exodus 24:14) to protect, direct and shine our paths (Deuteronomy 4:23-24), so there is no need to fear at all,” he added. 

Apostle Martin Seth Appiah urged Christians, especially retired ministers to continue in their services to God and church, saying, “You are being retired from active ministry and not being retired from serving the Lord God Almighty.” 

In attendance were Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (Haatso Area Head/International Missions Director-Elect), Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Anim (Director, School of Theology, Mission and Leadership of the Pentecost University), Apostle Isaac Tetteh Judah (Sogakope Area Head and former Oyarifa District Pastor), Apostle David Nyansah Hayfron (Immediate past Youth Director and Missionary to Tanzania), Apostle Daniel Owusu Achiaw (Konongo Area Head), Apostle Patrick Aseyero and wife (Odorkor Area Head), Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (Resident Minister, PIWC Atomic), Apostle Williams Ohemeng- Kwakye (Sawla Area Head) and Apostle Eric Gyambidi Boateng (Bawku Area Head).  

The rest were Pastor Charles Boadi and wife (Missionary to Swaziland), Mrs. Rose Kumi-Larbi (Wife of General Secretary), Professor Ofori Dankwa (USA), Elder Professor Owusu Kwankye (Finance Board Chairman) and Deaconess Inutu Mbangweta (Zambia), among others. 

Retired ministers present include Apostle Albert Amoah (former General Secretary), Apostle Anthony Kwabla Ahalivor (Immediate past Madina Area Head), Apostle Barabu (former Madina Area Head), Apostle Matthew Wettey Larbi (Former Tema Area Head), among others. 

Report by Joshua Asamoah Darko.  

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Pentecost Press Gets New Board Members

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Three new members have joined the board of the Pentecost Press Limited. They are Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, the Area Head for Ho who now chairs the board; Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse, the incoming Media Ministry Pastor of the church, and Deaconess Isabella Orhin, a Communications and Human Resource professional.

They replace Apostle Ekow Badu Wood, outgoing Board Chairman; Pastor Isaac Annor, outgoing Publications Manager of the church, and Mrs. Mabel Darko.

Speaking at a brief ceremony on August 11, 2021, at the Conference Room of the Pentecost Press, the outgoing Board Chairman, Apostle Ekow Badu Wood, urged the new board chairman and his team to strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

“The Press must operate with profit, longevity and expansion in mind,” he said, adding, “Leadership expects us to enter into publishing on a large scale and increase clientele base with the vision to become a model in publishing in the sub-region.”

Apostle Badu Wood noted that the Pentecost Press is a strategic partner in the Chairman’s vision of “Possessing the Nations” and cannot afford to let the Chairman down.

“We have a great vision but it is not beyond our horizon looking at the resources that we have including our spiritual resources. I will, therefore, exhort you to think against the forces of gravity,” Apostle Badu Wood said.

He also encouraged the new members to get on board and get the work done. “You were selected from the over three million members of The Church of Pentecost; it is by grace that your names were mentioned,” he stated.

Apostle Badu Wood also quoted various scriptures including Ecclesiastics 7:10, James 3:17, Exodus 16:1-2, Haggai 2:18-19 and urged the board to look forward to their task, “Every day is a new day and presents a new opportunity. Let us not be dissatisfied with the present; the old can never be better than the new. We can learn from the experiences of the old but we should never wish that the old would come back,” he explained.

The incoming Board Chairman, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, was grateful to the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the Executive Council for the honour done him and his team to be selected to serve on the board. He said that the new board will live up to expectations by ensuring that ideas expressed in the boardroom impact the organisation positively.

Other Board members include Elder Bernard Bosumprah Esq., Pastor Gideon Amfo, Managing Director, Pentecost Press; Elder Benjamin Anaman, a chartered accountant, and Elder Kwame Antwi, a Management Consultant.

The Pentecost Press is the oldest business entity of The Church of Pentecost. It started in a garage at the Headquarters of the church with two staff and a few equipment. It was incorporated in 1983 and has now become the state-of-the-art printing business offering services to the church and beyond.

Report by Isabella Gyau Orhin.       

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Apostle Obeng Andoh Dedicates Duayaw Nkwanta M/A Pentecost School Block

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The Sunyani Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh, on July 26, 2021, dedicated a newly constructed school block fully funded by the church at the Duayaw Nkwanta M/A Pentecost School. The facility was constructed at the cost of GH¢53,102.00.

The school, which was established by the church in 1989, was handed over to the Ghana Education Service on 27th September 1994. Consequently, it had its name changed from Pentecost Preparatory School to M/A Pentecost Primary School. It started with eight pupils but currently, it has a student population of 360, made up of primary and junior high school departments.

A temporal wooden structure that served as the KG block became weak and not conducive for teaching and learning. Through the instrumentality of Apostle Obeng Andoh, the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) came in to support the project.

During the school’s 25th Anniversary celebration, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Ernest Kwarteng, donated five packets of roofing sheets to support the project.

In a brief address at the commissioning ceremony, the Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Veronica Adu Saforo, commended the church for contributing to the development of the nation.

“The Church of Pentecost over the years has contributed to almost every facet of human endeavour which includes the drilling of boreholes, construction of modern prison settlement camps, construction of hospital blocks and school buildings which Duayaw Nkwanta is witnessing one today.

“Indeed, your church is a development partner in bridging the infrastructural deficit of our country,” she said.

According to her, the facility is important because it would go a long way to enhance teaching and learning in the school and boost enrolment and attendance.

Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh also used the occasion to lay the foundation stone for the CMB Church building, also at Duayaw Nkwanta.

In attendance were Mrs. Juliet Obeng Andoh (wife of the Area Head), Pastor Mawuena Akoto (Duayaw Nkwanta District Minister), the Area Pastorate as well as the staff and pupils of the school.

Report by Pastor Joseph Awotwe.

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Pastor Maxwell Adjah Ayertey Retires Gloriously

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Pastor Maxwell Adjah Ayertey and his wife Lydia on Sunday, July 25, 2021, brought their 22 years of active ministry in The Church of Pentecost to an end. 

The service, which took place at Brenuakyim Bethel Assembly in Tarkwa, was officiated by the Tarkwa Area Head of the church, Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker, assisted by Apostle Robert K. Andoh, Area Head for Essem-Debiso. 

It was attended by the chiefs and elders of the Apinto Traditional Area, as well as Tarkwa Pastorate, representatives from the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), and members of the church from far and near. 

Speaking on the sermon titled, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” Apostle Dr Walker, who is also the Regional Coordinator for the Western Region and former Vice-Chancellor of the Pentecost University, congratulated Pastor Adjah Ayertey and his wife for their faithful and selfless services to the church.  

Inferring from the parable of the bags of gold that Jesus gave in Matthew 25:14–21, Apostle Dr. Walker outlined that the master gave his own gifts to his own people, not because the owner of the gifts is partial but because he is aware of their abilities. With this, he explained that every individual has a gift but in a different quantum. He added that the gifts are both spiritual and physical.   

“Whatever you have, being your profession, natural abilities or spiritual gifts is a gift of God. Therefore, you have a special responsibility to use your gift to benefit the church and society,” he stated, thereby encouraging the members to use their gifts profitably irrespective of the quantum. 

Concluding his sermon, Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker indicated that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ would be a time of reward and recommendation. He quizzed: “Will your reward be ‘a well done, good and faithful servant’ or otherwise?” Adding: “Well done recommendation comes with more gifts from the master which includes rulership over many things, and the right to the master’s rest.”  

Presenting a short testimony in honour of Pastor Maxwell Adjah Ayertey by the representatives from Apinto Traditional Council, the chiefs described him as a nobleman who has helped to maintain peace in the traditional council. They applauded him for helping to infuse Christian prayer in all gatherings of the traditional council.   

Pastor Adjah Ayertey was described in various testimonies read in his honour as an epitome of hard work, a man in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit and prayer.  

Pastor Maxwell Adjah Ayertey was born on March 13, 1956, at Kpongunor, a village near Old Ningo in the Greater Accra Region. He was called into the full-time ministry of the church in 1999. The stations that he served included Bawku, Assin Praso, Nima in Accra and Brenuakyem in Tarkwa.  

Before his retirement, he served as Area Executive Committee Member, Area Ministerial Committee Member and Area PEMEM Leader.   

Report by Charles Edzie-Frimpong, Tarkwa. 

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Two Pastors, Others Narrowly Escape Death

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On Monday, August 9, 2021, two pastors of the Asamankese Area of The Church of Pentecost miraculously escaped death from a gang of armed robbers. Pastors Eliezer Yaw Arkoh-Larbi and Victor Asante Ayim together with two others (an elder and a deaconess) were on their way back from Ekoso to Asamankese at about 9:15 pm after a meeting at Asamankese when the incident happened.

According to the victims, they had gone to alight the elder who is the Assistant Area Youth Leader at Ekoso after the meeting. On their way back to Asamankese, a desperate-looking young man appeared from the bush and signaled them to stop. But out of fear, Pastor Arkoh-Larbi, who was driving the vehicle, ignored it and drove on. About 150 metres away, they spotted a seeming accident scene, where a cargo truck had stopped in the middle of the road with a taxi and motorbikes on its sides. Pastor Arkoh-Larbi became suspicious and decided to slow down in order not to get closer to the scene.

In the process, they spotted a flashlight moving in their direction but it quickly went off. Unknowingly, one of the robbers had spotted them and had walked through the bush to their vehicle. He was wielding a gun suspected to be an AK47. He instructed them to move towards the scene. Suddenly, other young men also with guns moved to their vehicle and asked them to lie on the floor. The robbers took the money on them and ransacked the vehicle.

One of them pulled Pastor Arkoh-Larbi and the elder in an attempt to shoot them. Suddenly, a vehicle appeared on the scene and instead of shooting at the pastor and the elder, the robbers turned their attention to the oncoming vehicle and started firing indiscriminately at it. However, the driver managed to drive back to Asamankese. Sensing that the police could be called to come to the scene, the robbers fled the scene into the bush when another vehicle also got there, thinking that it was the police. Pastor Arkoh-Larbi and his team then left the scene unhurt to Asamankese.

Indeed, it was the doing of the Lord and we bless God for their lives.

Report by PENTNET, Asamankese.

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Pastor Yaw Owusu Agyei Retires Honourably From Full-Time Ministry

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Pastor Yaw Owusu Agyei, Komenda District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, and his wife, Comfort have been retired from the full-time ministry of the Church, having served for 24 years.

The Cape Coast Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, who is an Executive Council Member, and also doubles as the Coordinator of the Central Regional Coordinating Committee of the Church, officiated the mammoth retirement service which took place at Komenda Central Assembly on Sunday, July 25, 2021.

The District Presbytery testified about Pastor Owusu Agyei describing him as a “servant preacher, teacher, and evangelist.” The District Women’s Ministry, on their part, admired his wife, Mrs Comfort Owusu Agyei for her enormous support to her husband’s ministry, while the Cape Coast Area Pastorate described him as a mature family man, responsible father, and husband, saying, “His children are God-fearing and noble, no wonder two of his daughters are Pastor’s wives.”

The General Council of the Church extolled Pastor Owusu Agyei’s enthusiasm in serving God and humanity in stations such as Nsawora, Kwawu (Enchi), Ayeribi, Kibi, Kyekyewere, and Komenda. The General Council, therefore, eulogized his selflessness, diligence, dexterity, distinction, decorum, respect for authority, strict adherence to church policies, and humility. 

Speaking at the service, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi spoke on the topic, “When It Is All Said And Done,” taken from Luke 17:7-10. He visualized the minister in ministry as a servant on duty and urged ministers and Christian leaders to epitomize servanthood and selflessness in everything they do. He further admonished ministers and Christian leaders to see their divine calling as a call to be on duty to serve – serving as “unprofitable servants so that when all is said and done, we will say we have only done that which was our duty to do.”

Apostle Antwi further stated: “The purpose of our calling is not a privilege to lord over people but to be on duty to serve as bond slaves.” He also reiterated that bond slaves have no privileges but they serve to please their masters.

He concluded by saying, “Jesus Christ is our Master, and we are His slaves. He came to serve to be an example for us and has ordered us to do same to the flock He has purchased with His own blood.” 

Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, on behalf of the Chairman of The Church Of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the General Council of the Church, presented the Retirees Membership card and the Certificate of Service to Pastor Yaw and Mrs Comfort Owusu Agyei to the admiration of the whole congregation.

Report by Komenda District Media Team.

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“Let Your Benjamin Go” – How A Stolen Car Was Retrieved After Acting On The Word Of God

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This testimony is meant to glorify God and to strengthen the faith of believers. It narrates how 64-year-old retiree, Elder Charles Owusu Koduah, who worships with Tanoso Bethel Assembly in the Kwadaso Area of The Church of Pentecost, received a miracle after obeying the word of God.

“Let Your Benjamin Go,” is the title of a message delivered by Pastor Fred Appiah Baah, the Kwadaso Agric District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, 30th May 2021. The sermon was aimed at making believers understand that when one sacrifices something precious to God, God would replenish it.

Genesis 42:36-38 and Genesis 43:1-14, the main texts used for the sermon, talk about Jacob who refused to let his sons take his beloved son, Benjamin away to Egypt.

Pastor Fred Appiah Baah emphasized that “since it is not easy to let go whatever is precious to someone, the greater sacrifice one makes brings greater reward to him.” He further emphasized that “when one gives what was originally decided to give, it is not worthy to be described as a ‘benjamin’ but when one gives beyond what was originally planned, then his/her offering becomes a ‘benjamin.’”

Elder Owusu Koduah was inspired and motivated by the sermon and borrowed money from someone to add up to what he had originally decided to offer and brought it to the Lord. He ended up going home with nothing on him after the service.

Elder Owusu Koduah had bought a Nissan Urvan which was worth GH¢ 17,000.00 from his pension benefit in 2018. The vehicle was stolen a few months after it was purchased and since then it has been an issue of a back and forth with the police. But after acting on the word of God with faith on the said day, he mysteriously got hold of the person who stole the vehicle about two years ago.

The most exciting and interesting thing about this miracle is that the person is ready to refund the money or the car that was stolen. Halleluyah!

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Orientation Held For Newly-Called Missionaries

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The 2021 orientation course for newly-called missionaries and ministers transferred to external and internal missions came to a successful end on Friday, July 23, 2021, with a call on ministers to emulate the example of Jesus Christ and Abraham in their mission work. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, stated that Jesus Christ, our perfect example left His Father’s throne and glory, came to earth to die for the sins of mankind so that all men might have salvation. 

Quoting from Philippians 2:5-8, the Chairman advised the ministers and their wives to quickly adapt to their new surroundings and get closer to the indigenes so as to minister to them. This, according to him, is the only way they would make a great impact in the mission field. 

He encouraged them to avoid the pressure to impress but to do their possible best to “walk in the pages of scripture so that the scriptures come alive in their respective stations.” 

Referencing Genesis 12:1-4, Apostle Nyamekye indicated that Abraham was obedient to the call of God to leave his home, although he did not know the exact place he was to go, and the entire world has been saved through that single act of obedience and trust in God. 

He also entreated missionaries to place value on all persons since everyone they meet is a potential sheep in need of a shepherd. 

The 2021 Missions Orientation, which started on Monday, July 19, was held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh was the last being held under the auspices of the outgoing International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo. The Chairman commended the IMD for the great work he had done throughout his tenure. 

Participants of the five-day course were taken through topics such as “Ethnographic research, the biblical perspective of missions,” “The Missionary and his Health,” “The Missionary as an agent of transformation,” “Youth Ministry Work,” “Ministry to Persons with Disabilities,” “Home and Urban Missions,” and “Cross-Cultural Church Planting.” Others were “Accountability and Reporting,” “Interpersonal Relationships,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Understanding People Groups of the North,” and the “Personal Spiritual Growth of the Missionary.” 

Apostle Daniel and Mrs Dora Owusu Akyaw as well as Apostle Kojo Sey, who were former missionaries, also shared their rich experiences in missions with participants.

The resource persons for this year’s orientation programme included the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi Addo, Apostles Joseph Assabil, Patrick Aseyoro, Dr Emmanuel Anim, Martin Seth Appiah, David Nyansah Hayfron, Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, Pastors Ebenezer Hagan, John Prah Amonoo, and Overseers Dr Perez Sepenu and Alexander Nyame. 

The rest were Elder Dr Chris Ampadu, Mrs Victoria Kumi-Woode, and Mrs Ruth Adjabeng Keelson. 

In a closing remark, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo commended the past and present staff of the International Missions Directorate at the church’s Headquarters, led by his Personal Assistant (PA), Pastor Gideon Boadu-Yirenkyi, for their support during his decade-long service as IMD. 

PENTECOST NEWS