The children of 70-year-old Deaconess Agnes Gaisie have donated 10 executive chairs worth GH¢7,000.00 to Bisease Central Assembly in the Mankessim Area of The Church of Pentecost.
Mr. Abednego Gaisie, the eldest son, on behalf of the family, presented the chairs to the assembly in appreciation of the grace and mercies of God on their mother on her 70th Anniversary on Sunday, August 9, 2020.
“It has always been our intention to do something lasting for the Lord and The Church of Pentecost giving all that we have and still receive from God,” Mr. Gaisie stated.
Receiving the chairs, the Bisease District Minister of the Church, Pastor Isaac Kofi Tenkorang, thanked the family for their kind gesture. He prayed for the Lord’s continuous blessings upon them and encouraged the members to emulate the beautiful example.
The Kade Area of The Church of Pentecost, headed by Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko, has donated various items to the Missions Office of The Church of Pentecost.
The kind gesture was part of the Area’s contribution towards the propagation of the Good News in deprived communities in Ghana and abroad.
Items donated included 255 pieces of half-piece cloth and clothing to be distributed to the churches in Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, as well as the Wa, Yendi, Walewale, and Nkwanta Areas in Ghana.
The Area also presented a cheque for GH¢9,600.00 to support the activities of the Church in Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and The Gambia.
The Kade Area Missions Committee Chairman, Pastor Michael Agbadze, together with Pastor David Mensah of New Abirem District, presented the items on behalf of the Area Head at the Headquarters in Accra recently.
Receiving the donation, a Principal Executive Assistant at the Missions Office, Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode, on behalf of the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, thanked the Area Head and the members for the kind gesture and indicated that the donation will go to the right places.
Also present were the Principal Accounts Officer at the Missions Office, Mrs. Ruth G. Adjabeng, and Mr. Humphrey Lomotey Tanihu, Accounts Officer at the Missions Office.
The Sokode Etoe Assembly Community Based Church Building (CBCB) of Sokode Gbogame District in the Ho Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.
The building, which was constructed at the cost of GH₵ 117,356.03, was dedicated by the Ho Area Head, Apostle Moses Ahiakor. The project started in 2015.
Speaking at the service on the theme, “The Glorious Temple That God Dwells” with reference from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Acts 17:22-25, Pastor Daniel Ntebi Napare of Kpeve District, said that Christians, who represent the glorious temple, are carriers of God’s presence.
“Temples such as this are very important because God Himself instructed Moses to make a tent of meeting where He would physically dwell among His people,” he said, adding, “Yet, in our dispensation, this glorious temple is not only a physical building as we see today but our very self.”
Apostle Moses Ahiakor in his admonishment said, “The best way to show our gratitude to God and the Church for having given this beautiful building is not only by attending church but also by maintaining the structure.”
The Chief of Sokode, Dutor Japheth Amoaku, on his part, expressed his profound gratitude to The Church of Pentecost for putting up a beautiful edifice in the community.
He thanked the District Minister, Overseer Seth Amoako, for his hard work and further prayed that through the building and the activities of the Church, God will heal the land and bless the community.
Five church buildings in the Berekum Area of The Church of Pentecost, headed by Apostle Samuel Berko, have been completed and dedicated.
Three of the church buildings – Jerusalem, New Chiraa and Coffekrom assemblies, all in Kwakuanya District, were dedicated on June 18, 2020, while the other two, Jamera and Beulah assemblies in Sampa and Jinijini districts were dedicated on July 24 and August 14, respectively.
Four of the facilities were Community Based Church Buildings (CBCBs) buildings. The CBCB concept is aimed at providing decent places of worship for churches in deprived communities.
At the dedication service in Jinijini, the Area Youth Pastor and Resident Minister for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Berekum, Pastor Solomon Azagisiya preached on the topic, “A New Temple; the Delight of God” based on 1 Kings 6:12-13; 9:3; Acts 17:24.
He said that God was delighted to see King Solomon complete the temple in Jerusalem which was meant to be the Lord’s dwelling. During the dedication of the temple, he said, the glory of God filled the place which was an indication of His presence among His people.
Pastor Azagisiya further explained that the New Testament temple that God desires to dwell in is a repented soul and not merely buildings made with human hands. He, therefore, urged members of the church to live transformed lives to attract the presence of God.
He concluded the sermon by saying that, buildings are meant for human use, whilst a repented or regenerate soul is the dwelling place of God (John 14:23).
Dedicating the buildings, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Berko, admonished the members to make good use of the buildings by meeting regularly for church service, and also evangelise for people to come and fill the buildings to the glory of God.
In attendance were Ministers and their wives and some community leaders.
Report by Pastor Solomon Azagisiya, Berekum Area Reporter.
It was all joy at the Estate Assembly in the North Kaneshie District of The Church of Pentecost on Saturday, August 29, 2020, as Deacon Isaac Kofi Mensah, his wife, Mrs Lilian Mensah, and the entire church celebrated the birth of their newly born baby after ten years of marriage.
The couple who have been married for a decade without a child described their child as a miracle and a gift from God.
The christening and dedication ceremony for the baby was officiated by the District Minister, Pastor Evans Annaba Mensah, with support from the immediate-past District Minister, Pastor Franklin Agbovi Hushie (currently stationed at Ola District in Cape Coast Area), in whose tenure the baby was conceived.
In the brief but colourful and memorable event during which all COVID-19 safety protocols were adhered to, the District Welfare Chairman and a Children’s Ministry worker, Elder Michael Korletey admonished parents to train up their children in the fear of the Lord.
Reading from Proverbs 22:6, Elder Michael Korletey advised parents to be the first and ultimate role models to their children.
Thanking God for the gift of a child, the couple recounted the struggles and humiliation they had endured in the past ten years due to their inability to conceive.
“Although people kept saying things to my husband, he was resolute in his love for me and stood by me through it all. He never for once left me,” a teary Mrs Mensah said.
Mrs Lilian Mensah, also a Sunday School teacher at the Estate Assembly, expressed their appreciation to God for the wonderful gift of a child.
She thanked the ministers present, the District Presbytery, the North Kaneshie Estate Assembly Presiding Elder, Eric Okine, and the Local Presbytery for the support throughout the years.
An elated Deacon Mensah also added that “We thank God for what He has done for us. I want everyone gathered here today to believe that God is good, and He will come through for everyone at the right time. I am out of words to describe how grateful; we are to God.”
The baby was named Hepzibah Maame Afua Mensah and was dedicated to the glory of God.
Report by Jude Duncan and Gideon Fiifi Andoh, North Kaneshie District
The Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has donated to the SOS Children’s Villages in Tema in response to their call for aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The items donated include 102 boxes of soap, 51 pieces of Veronica buckets with stands, 51 dustbins, 51 handwashing bowls, 51 gallons of hand sanitisers, 51 packs of face masks, 51 boxes of hand gloves, 51 packs of Adepa Jumbo Tissue, 15 boxes of Samaritan’s Purse and an amount of GH¢10,000.00.
To support the spiritual growth of the children, the ministry also gave out 250 copies of Bibles and 900 copiesofDevotional Guide.
According to the Director, Apostle Fred Tiakor, the donation, which is an annual ritual of the ministry, was also meant to celebrate the thriving relationship between the ministry and the SOS organisation.
The items and amount of donation worth GH¢68,512.31, was received by a representative of SOS Villages Ghana.
Speaking at the brief ceremony held for the donation, National Director for SOS Ghana, Alexander Mark Kekula expressed heartfelt appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for her continued support over the years.
He said that since 2014 when the relationship between both parties was first established, the Children’s Ministry annually donates to all four branches of SOS Villages across Ghana to aid the welfare of children and help run their activities.
The church’s support is, however, not limited to financial aid but also extends to meet the spiritual needs of the children.
The ministry has also adopted houses in all the SOS Villages and periodically runs services at the premise for children in the house and for all who are willing to attend.
Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS in an interview after the event, Apostle Fred Tiakor said these initiatives undertaken by the ministry are inspired by the vision of the church to evangelise, mentor and groom children holistically. He also disclosed that the Church has plans of establishing a Local Assembly in the SOS villages to enhance fellowship.
The Director took the opportunity to visit the church’s adopted house at the SOS Children’s Village in Tema. He was accompanied by some of the Tema Area Children’s Ministry Executive Members.
The wife of the Teshie-Nungua Area Head of The Church o Pentecost, Mrs. Rachel Koduah, has urged believers to follow the narrow path to heaven as glorious brides of Christ.
Speaking at the climax of the weeklong National Women’s Ministry Week celebrations on Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Graceland, Nungua on the theme: “Woman! A Glorious Bride to Possess the Nations,” Mrs. Rachel Koduah explained that the church is not necessarily the physical structure but rather the individuals that inhabit it, with Christ Jesus as the head.
According to her, believers are the brides and Christ is the bridegroom.
Using Ephesians 1:3-5 as a reference, she stated that Christ as the bridegroom has bought believers at a price and it is therefore very important that they know their true position in Him.
“Knowledge of our true inheritance in Christ will shape us in the way we conduct ourselves and our lives,” she said, adding, “Christ is preparing us to be presented to the Lord on His second coming as holy, acceptable, and spotless.”
She said this will be possible if believers walk the narrow but righteous path which is most often characterized by discomfort, hardships, and setbacks. “However, this righteous path will ultimately bring us to a glorious end,” she said.
According to her, the broad-way which is the sinful way may be easy but the end thereof is destruction, and as such believers must endeavour to avoid it.
Mrs. Koduah assured the congregation that the Lord is not ignorant of their challenges and efforts to stand strong and that at the appointed time He will come through for them if they do not give up.
Quoting from Revelations 2:1-5, she admonished believers to repent of all waywardness and embrace righteousness which befits their status as brides of Christ.
She reminded Christians that they are the salt and light of the world, and losing this makes them empty vessels with little or no importance. She further advised believers to be obedient to Christ, the Bridegroom, and allow themselves to be washed anew by his Word!
Also speaking at a virtual meeting at PIWC Sakumono earlier in the week on the theme, “Portraying God’s Glory in Hospitality,” Mrs. Koduah read from Genesis 18: 18; 24:15-28, Hebrews 13:6, 1 Peter 4:9.
She indicated that Abraham’s sense of hospitality became a source of his blessings. She urged women to show hospitality from their hearts, without grumbling.
Speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2020, on the topic: “The Lord God Almighty Remembers,” the Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Cynthia Araba Siaw Agyepong quoted Malachi 3:5 among other Scriptures and encouraged believers to be steadfast in the faith, serving with all their might as Abraham did and saved his family and household including Lot from disaster.
She also made reference to Hannah and said after a long time of prayers for the fruit of the womb, the Lord remembered her and gave her a son. “Barrenness comes in many forms, it could be dryness in business like Peter on the sea of Galilea. Whatever has become barren will be moved in Jesus name,” she said, adding, “The God you have served effortlessly and tirelessly will surely remember and reward you for your handwork.”
A couple, Elder Robbert and Mrs. Evelyn Mensah, has donated Toyota Corolla to the Asonkore District of The Church of Pentecost.
The couple presented the keys and the documents to the vehicle to the Asonkore District Transport Committee at a brief ceremony held at the district mission house on January 27, 2020.
Elder Robbert Mensah, who fellowships with Tetelestai Assembly, said: “God has laid it on my heart to get a car for the district as I have never been comfortable anytime I saw the district minister trekking on foot, especially at dawn in darkness to attend church service.”
The District Minister, Overseer Emmanuel Ofori-Opare, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, said it has brought great relief to the district.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for the life of the couple and asked His blessings for them.
The vehicle has since been dedicated to the glory of God by the Obuasi Area Head, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko.
The Area Head, on his part, thanked the couple for obeying the voice of God and supporting the work of God with their resources. He prayed for the couple and admonished the district to take good care of the vehicle.
The Apeguso District of The Church of Pentecost in Agormanya Area on August 9, 2020, dedicated a mechanised borehole and an 8-seater water closet toilet facility at Mpakadan in the Eastern Region.
Both the water and the toilet facilities, worth GH¢ 11,340.00 and GH¢ 78,919.22 respectively, were funded by Compassion International Ghana.
The borehole, which is the only mechanised water facility in the community, has been strategically sited to address the burden of the residents trekking long distances in search of safe drinking water.
Similarly, the 8-seater toilet facility would also help to eradicate the open defecation menace in the community.
The Agormanya Area Head, Apostle James Gabriel Quardson, who dedicated the two projects, said that as part of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, the Church seeks to meet the social needs of the people in various communities.
He charged the community leaders and the church to take very good care of the facilities for posterity to also benefit from it.
The District Minister, Overseer Samuel Malack Arthur, expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Church for donating the land to site the projects. He was also thankful to the donors for their benevolence.
Some of the community members who were present commended The Church of Pentecost for the social intervention projects.
The mortal remains of the late Pastor Isaac Ofori Koranteng of the Dawhenya District in Tema Area of The Church of Pentecost were laid to rest on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Dawhenya.
The solemn event, which took place at the Dawhenya Town Park, was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi. Present to assist him were Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani (Tamale Area Head and Executive Council Member), Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Matthew Larbi Wettey (Tema Area Head), and other Apostles, Pastors, Retired Ministers, members of the Church and loved ones from all walks of life.
Pastor Koranteng, 62, whose sudden death occurred on July 24, 2020, survived by a wife, Mrs. Sophia Koranteng, and four children.
In a sermon, the Director of the Ghana Evangelism Committee, Apostle Abraham Swanzy, said the late Pastor Ofori Koranteng foresaw that his years on earth were numbered and therefore worked tirelessly for the Lord.
Quoting from Psalm 90:10-12, Apostle Swanzy advised all and sundry to gain a heart of wisdom by working on their souls through Jesus Christ, since it the soul that will be taken to the next world and not any material thing.
The General Secretary, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, in consoling the bereaved family, encouraged them to learn from how the late Pastor Koranteng led his life by serving the Lord with all their strength.
Born on September 14, 1958, at Asikasu, near Jumapo in the Eastern Region, to the late Elder David Asante Koranteng and Deaconess Gladys Mintaa Koranteng (Rtd), both from Abiriw Akuapem, Pastor Ofori Koranteng had his formative education at Asikasu Presbyterian Primary School, then to Suhyen Local Authority Middle School, and finally completed at Koforidua Presbyterian ‘B’ Middle School, where he passed the Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) examination with distinction.
He continued to the New Juaben Secondary Commercial School, where he had his Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Certificates (‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels) from 1973 to 1980. He had a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Canada Christian College in 2008 and a Master of Arts – Theology and Missions, Pentecostal Studies option, from the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture in 2011.
Before his call into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1999, he worked at the Ghana Commercial Bank for 18 years in the following branches: Ring Road Central, Accra; Nsawam, Aburi and Obuasi. He rose through the ranks and became the bank’s system administrator in charge of ICT.
He served in the full-time ministry for 21 years in the following stations: Nyankpala, North Legon (now Haatso District), New Dormaa, Oforikrom and Dawhenya. He was left with three years to retire from active service.
In her tribute, Mrs. Sophia Koranteng described her late husband as a generous man, hardworking and someone committed to his job. “He was my soul mate, my inspirer, and the steadfast rock that helped me through thick and thin,” she said, adding, “Isaac supported and loved us all. He was always there to help navigate through life’s challenges.”
His children, in their tribute, narrated how his sudden death has affected them and brought their world to a standstill. “We will miss his indescribable and unconditional love, his care and his phone calls and prayers. We know that we will meet again in heaven where there will be no more sorrow, no suffering, and no pain,” the stated.
The General Council of The Church of Pentecost, on their part, said Pastor Ofori Koranteng approached the work of God with passion and worked as a soldier under command who rested not until the work was done, and done well. “He was the Paul of our time who approached the work of ministry with zealousness and passion. Hence, evangelism and soul-winning became part and parcel of his ministry.
“He was a man with sharp spiritual giftings which demonstrated in his ministry. God used him as an instrument to bless many people, set the oppressed free, impact giftings and graces unto others, heal the sick and nurture the members to spiritual maturity,” it said.