The Church of Pentecost Launches 2nd Agent Of Peace Campaign1

Church of Pentecost Launches ‘Agent Of Peace’ Campaign

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History was made over the weekends when The Church of Pentecost, a leading global Pentecostal church, launched its second edition of peace campaign dubbed ‘Agent of Peace’ at the Burma Camp in Accra.

The launch which was held under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It” – Psalm 34:17b, kick-started numerous interventions by The Church of Pentecost in all its branches across the country, numbering about 17,000. This year’s edition was inspired by the Vision 2023 agenda of the Church, which has as its overarching theme, ‘Possessing the Nations: Transforming every Sphere of Society with Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God.’

The glamorous event which had the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, as the special guest of honour, attracted the movers and shakers of the Christian community such as the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana and Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh; President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, heads of churches among others. The Deputy Ameer, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Alhajj Ahmad Suleman Anderson, was also present.

Also in attendance were the top echelons of the Police Administration, Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The political parties and their representatives were also present, including the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta; National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, traditional authorities, among others.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, was hopeful that the launch would contribute significantly to a peaceful electioneering process.

According to him, God has been gracious to Ghana as the country has over the years enjoyed peace, especially during elections. “Ghana is celebrated across the world as an oasis of peace in the West African sub-region and even in the whole of Africa. As a nation, we have experienced seven peaceful general elections, with numerous by-elections in the Fourth Republic.

“These great accomplishments did not come by chance but by contributions from various stakeholders, key among who are represented here today,” he stressed.

He noted that for the nation to continue to enjoy peace within her walls, the citizenry must arise, seek and pursue peace.

“The Church of Pentecost believes that the Church as the body of Christ has been called to belong to God and sent back into the world to serve God’s purpose. It is from such understanding that we have over the years shown unalloyed commitment to efforts by various governments towards development and nation-building.

“As we move to the 2020 General Elections, we are confident that the Lord will once again grant Ghana His abiding peace. This will however not come by chance. We need to work at it. We need to seek and pursue it.

“Together, we can continue to make Ghana a beacon of stability and democracy in Africa. We have done it before, and we can do it again,” he stated.

The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs. Jean Mensa, pledged her absolute commitment to peace and supervising over fair, free and transparent elections. “Today I stand before the Almighty God to pledge and present myself as an Agent of Peace in our nation Ghana and the rest of the world.

“As a representative of God, responsible for the conduct of free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections in Ghana, it is important that I and indeed the leadership of the Electoral Commission, signal peace in all our operations, activities and speech. As individuals at the helm of affairs, we have a duty to conduct ourselves in a manner that promotes peace and builds trust.

“We recognise that how we speak, what we say, and our posture will help promote peace or otherwise in our dear nation. It is vital that in all we do we build trust and confidence in our processes as this will go a long way to foster peace in our society,” she stated.

It would be recalled that The Church of Pentecost in the 2016 general elections launched the maiden ‘Agents of Peace’ campaign to impress on its members to be peace ambassadors.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Sunyani PIWC PEMEM - 1

Sunyani PIWC PEMEM Donates Musical Instrument, PA System To Liberia Central Church

by with No Comment Church NewsPEMEMTop Stories

The Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of Sunyani Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC – Sunyani), has donated a set of musical instruments and a public address (PA) system worth GH¢15,000.00 to the Church in Morovia, Liberia.

The items included a Keyboard with a stand, Bass Guitar, Bass Combo, Mixer Board, 2 pieces of Speakers, a set of Drums, 2 Cordless Microphones, and an Extention Board.

The PEMEM Director, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, led the PIWC-Sunyani Assistant PEMEM Leader, Elder Kwame Boakye, and Probationary Overseer Stephen Danso, to present the items to the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, at the Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, September 24, 2020.

Receiving the items, Apostle Gyesi-Addo, who was impressed with the donation, thanked the Resident Minister, Pastor Samuel Asare, the District PEMEM leadership, and the entire church for the kind gesture which, he said, will go a long way to support the church in Liberia.

Elder Kwame Boakye indicated that the donation formed part of the activities to climax the PEMEM weeklong national celebrations.

According to Elder Boakye, the District PEMEM Leader, Elder George Oppong Danquah,  visited the FD Walker Assembly of the Church at Clara Town Bushroad in Liberia whilst on official duty to the country. He said that Elder Danquah, who was touched by the plight of the assembly in their effort to acquire gadgets for evangelism, informed his district minister, Pastor Samuel Asare. He said that PEMEM gladly and generously accepted the responsibility to acquire the instruments and the other essential items for the Church in Liberia.

On behalf of his District Leader, Elder Boakye expressed the ministry’s profound gratitude to God for enabling them to be used to support missions. He was also grateful to the Sunyani Area Head, Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh, the Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Samuel Yador Beble, the Resident Minister, Pastor Samuel Asare, and all the men in the district who gave graciously to support this worthy cause.

Present at the presentation ceremony were the Personal Assistant to the IMD, Pastor Gideon Kofi Boadu-Yirenkyi, the Principal Executive Assistant to the IMD, Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode, and the National PEMEM Secretary, Elder Stephen Teye Djaba.

PENTECOST NEWS.

winneba

Winneba Area Donates PPE To Trauma And Specialist Hospital

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

The Winneba Area, through its social service wing, Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, located at Winneba in the Central Region.

The items donated include 15 boxes of Deva sanitisers, 1,750 pieces of nose masks, 20 gallons of liquid soap and 120 pieces of Flora tissue papers.

They were presented to the management of the hospital on behalf of the Area by Pastor Augustine Dorman Kantiampong (Area Executive Member), Pastor Enock Amoah (Area Secretary), Pastor Isaac Sunkwah (Area PENTSOS Coordinator) and Elder John Biney (Area Deacon).

Presenting the items, Pastor Dorman Kantiampong said the gesture is in line with the church’s commitment towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the Area is also hopeful that the items would help to protect the health workers from the virus as they risk their lives to provide medical assistance to patients.

Receiving the items, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr George Kwame Prah, commended the effort of The Church of Pentecost in the fight against COVID-19 and promised to use the items for the intended purpose.

Also present at the brief presentation ceremony were Mr Umar Nurudeen (Administrator), Mrs Mercy Andoh (Nurse Manager), Dr John M. Wireko (Clinical Coordinator) and Mr Samuel Ocran (Accountant).

After the presentation, Pastor Enock Amoah prayed for management, staff and patients of the hospital.

Report by Pastor Isaac Sunkwah, Winneba Area Reporter

PEMEM PWDs

Assakae District PEMEM Supports Persons With Disabilities

by with No Comment Church NewsMPWDs

The Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of the Assakae District in the Takoradi Area has donated some items to persons with disabilities (PWDs) within Assakae community in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality as part of activities marking the recently held 2020 National PEMEM Week Celebration.

The items were donated on behalf of the men in the district by the District Ministry Leader, Elder Samuel Afriyie Kumah, assisted by the District Minister, Pastor Ernest Perbi-Asare on Friday, September 18, 2020.

Elder Afriyie Kumah, in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, said that the donation was made to support the livelihoods of PWDs in the community so that they would be able to cope with the economic hardship brought on Ghanaians due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pastor Perbi-Asare charged members not to discriminate against PWDs in the church as well as in the community but rather show them love by emulating the love that Jesus Christ demonstrated to all humanity.

The District Leader for the Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs), Deacon Samuel Nkrumah took the opportunity to explain the church’s vision for the introduction of the MPWDs as captured in the 5-year strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost (Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations) and how the church ensuring the full inclusion of PWDs in the church and society.

The highly-excited PWDs who benefited from the kind gesture were grateful to God that the Assakae District had remembered them in this difficult time.

PENTECOST NEWS

police2

Abrem Agona District Commences Police Station Project

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The Cape Coast Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, cut sod for the commencement of the Agona Abrem Police Station project, an initiative of the Abrem Agona District of the church.

The facility, when completed, would have offices for Inspectors and the Criminal Investigative Department, as well as an Armoury, Exhibition room, a Secretariat, lobby, Male and Female cells, and washrooms.

Speaking at the ceremony, Apostle Antwi commended the district for the noble initiative and pledged the Area’s total support to complete the project.

He stated that The Church of Pentecost as part of its 5-year strategic vision dubbed: “Vision 2023,” is committed to ensuring community development and transformation. He cited a few projects undertaken by the Church in the country such as the construction of correctional facilities and police stations for the nation, to underscore the church’s commitment to the “Possessing the Nations” agenda.

The Area Head was also grateful to the traditional Chief of Abrem Agona, Nana Terkpo V, for donating the land for the project, as well as the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Samuel Atta Mills for donating 100 bags of cement to support the project.

Apostle Antwi, on behalf of the Cape Coast Area, donated 100 bags of cement towards the project.

He also called on members of the district and the entire community to contribute their quota towards the successful completion of the project and on time.

In his remarks, the Municipal Police Commander for K.E.E.A, Inspector Abraham Bansah was full of gratitude to the church for such a timely intervention as the police station in the Abrem Agona community was due to be closed down due to the dilapidated and poor state of the facility.

Nana Terkpo V also praised the church for coming to the support of the community by undertaking such a project for the community. He mentioned that the community has for the past years been struggling to provide a suitable facility to inhabit the police, and was therefore very elated when the District Minister, Pastor George Ofori, informed him of the church’s plan to build one for the community.

The NPP parliamentary candidate for the area, Dr Joe Acquah, who was also present at the event donated 30bags of cement and fully pledged his support towards the completion of the project.

The ceremony was attended by the Cape Coast Area pastorate, former Pastors of Abrem Agona District, Traditional Chiefs of Abrem Agona Traditional Area, the District Executive Committee and members of the Abrem Agona District of the church.

Report by Overseer Daniel Appiah

dansoman

Heaven Remains Our Ultimate Goal – Chairman Tells Church Leaders

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye has advised ministers and officers of the church not to only preoccupy themselves with discharging their responsibilities as church leaders but ensure that they do not drift away from the faith. 

According to him, Heaven remains the ultimate goal of every Christian, as a result, they ought to go about their duties as church leaders while consciously ensuring that their souls remain saved. 

Apostle Nyamekye gave this admonition during his meeting with Officers in the Dansoman Area on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at the PIWC-Dansoman church auditorium in Accra.

The Chairman read Hebrews 3:12-15, among other scriptures, to reecho the need for Christians, particularly church leaders, to regularly examine themselves to see if they are still in the faith. 

This, according to him, would enable them to hold fast to the gospel they have received, lest they drift away from the faith.

Apostle Nyamekye indicated that the “drifting process” is not instant, but gradual, hence, church leaders may seem to be going about their duties as usual, and yet, be oblivious of the fact they are slowly moving away from the faith.

He, therefore, urged them to be careful about the people they associate with, even in the church, so that they are not negatively influenced by them.

Apostle Nyamekye further noted that one key thing that could cause them to stumble is a disease of the heart known as bitterness. He described bitterness as the seeds of resentment lodging in the human heart.

Expounding on the topic: “Bitterness,” the Chairman explained that the human being is tripartite and complex in nature, in that “he is a spirit who has a soul and lives in a body.”

He added that what people usually see is the body; however, the spirit and soul of the human being is not invisible, and this is what the Bible usually refers to as the inner man (the soul or spirit) or the heart.

Apostle Nyamekye indicated that God is, therefore, interested in the state of the inner man or the heart because out of him flows all the issues of life.

He read Matthew 12:35, to reiterate that it is the inner man who dictates the actions of an individual that is why they must always be concerned about the state of the heart.

“A good man out of the good stored up in him will bring out good fruit and a bad man out of the evil stored up in him will bring up evil fruit, “he emphasized.

Explaining how bitterness gets into the heart, the Chairman said that no one consciously stores up evil in their heart, however, as they engage others and the things around them they unconsciously take in new things within. 

He, therefore, cautioned them to consciously guard the heart because evil can make its way into it and cause them to perpetrate evil. On the other hand, when they allow the goodness of the love of God into their hearts, they become the good people that God has destined them to be.

He also advised persons nursing bitter emotions, to rid themselves of such negative emotions because it could lead to far-reaching consequences.

“When one is filled with bitterness, he or she is like one infected with HIV or COVID-19. This is because once you contract it, it becomes a problem for yourself and it begins to destroy you. But it does not end there. You also become a carrier of the virus which makes it possible for you to transfer it to other persons,” he explained.

Apostle Nyamekye revealed that bitter people tend to keep mental records of the wrong done to them, have sharp and hurtful tongues and are very vengeful or unforgiving. He added that nursing bitterness could also lead to insomnia (inability to sleep) and other diseases such as ulcer and high blood pressure. He also added that bitterness dries up one’s anointing and causes them to lose their faith in God.

In overcoming bitterness, Apostle Eric Nyamekye stated some five (5) facts of life that every Christian must internalize. He noted that: “to avoid becoming bitter you must accept the fact that not everyone would like or love you, not everyone would understand you, disappointment is a fact of life, the world is not fair, and bad things happen to good people.” 

The Chairman concluded his message with an advice to Christians to desist from expressing their bitter emotions angrily. He said that expressing bitterness would not make them meet the standard of righteousness that God expects of them. He also advised them against repressing (suppressing) their bitter emotions, because people who do so tend to be hypocrites and live a life of duplicity. Instead, he urged them to always confess their bitter emotions to God, and if possible, to the offender for an amicable resolution.

The meeting with Officers is part of the Chairman’s three-day visit to the Dansoman Area. It is also the Chairman’s first visit to the Area since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March this year.

PENTECOST NEWS

African Universities Should Practice What They Teach - Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah 1

African Universities Should Practice What They Teach – Prof. Opoku Onyinah

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The immediate past Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd), has urged university administrators in Africa to integrate the things their universities teach in their own operations.

Apostle Prof. Onyinah made the call when he delivered the keynote address at the Second Session of the 2020 Management and Staff Prayer and Fasting Retreat of the University. He spoke on the theme, “Building a Christian University to Reflect God’s Glory.”

According to Apostle Prof Onyinah, the educational system in Africa has taught us to celebrate theory with little room for practice. This, he said, is also a troubling reality in the administration of most universities.

“Very often, when we talk about integrating theory into practice, people easily cite engineers and other professions as teaching theories, but our universities where we teach business and customer service are also victims,” Apostle Prof. Onyinah said.

He added that in most cases, universities only pay attention to teaching but unable to provide quality service to their students as they should. “For example, universities allow administrative weakness to fester, thereby affecting simple deliverables such as a request for transcripts,” Apostle Prof Onyinah added.

He attributed these poor services to weak administrative structures, organisational conflicts, poor staff motivation, among others, saying, “As institutions that teach people how to handle such bottlenecks, universities should be most efficient in dealing with them.”

He, therefore, urged African universities to invest heavily in all avenues such as technology, staff welfare and methodologies that will help them practice what they teach.

The Management and Staff Retreat is part of the corporate culture of Pentecost University. It is organised every year to pray, strategise and usher in the new academic year.

This year’s edition began on Tuesday, 22nd and ended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2020. It was held on the theme, “Reflecting God’s Glory in Our Work-Life.”

Report by Pentvas PR.

Pastor Anthony Kwarteng To Christian Men1

“Watch Your Doctrine Closely” – Pastor Anthony Kwarteng To Christian Men

by with No Comment Church NewsPEMEMTop Stories

The Resident Pastor for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Sakumono, Pastor Anthony Owusu Sekyere Kwarteng, has admonished Christian men to be mindful of the doctrines they expose themselves to.

“The doctrine you hear and believe in can shape you. If you do not keep the gate of the soul well, you will be prone to false doctrine,” he said

Pastor Kwarteng said this when he preached on Monday evening (September 14, 2020) as part of the National Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) Week celebrations dubbed, “Possessing the Nations as Effective Gatekeepers” – 2 Samuel 18:24-28, Isaiah 21:12-13, Mathew 13: 25-30.

The week-long celebration commenced from Monday, September 14, to Sunday, September 20, 2020.

Speaking on the first day of the celebration dubbed, “Time with the District Pastor,” Pastor Kwarteng stated that gatekeepers in the olden times were not only stationed at the gates but their duties went far beyond that. He again stated that gatekeeping was a form of service to people appointed to carry out that duty.

Pastor Kwarteng read from 1 Chronicles 26: 1-19, 2 Chronicles 8:14-15, John 18:16, among other scriptures, and explained that the critical accounts from the Bible indicated that all the gatekeepers were Levites who were strategically positioned at four main areas; those positioned at the City gates, those at the temple doors, those appointed to the entrance of the house of the priests and watchmen positioned by the walls.

According to him, the qualifications of a gatekeeper include being a Levite, a ministering priest, a trustworthy person, and a person with a servant’s heart.

Pastor Kwarteng indicated that in this current generation, a gatekeeper refers to or can be likened to someone playing four cardinal roles – one in charge of their individual lives, the nuclear family, watching at their workplaces and the church or community. “You should be able to do all and excel in all. You should be duly prepared with a heart fully committed to the Lord,” he added.

He enumerated the roles of gatekeepers as follows; providing security, keeping the city and temple secured; holding the keys to the temple gates (1 Chronicle 9:27), guarding the tents of meeting,  and watching what should enter and what should get out (1 Chronicle 9: 28-29) and appointing others and training them (1 Chronicle 9:19, 2 Timothy 2:2).

“When we are effective in our gatekeeping duties, the Lord will bless us and the devil will not be able to sow weeds among us,” he said.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.

BECE oldest candidate

Ghana’s Oldest BECE Graduate Is Member of The Church of Pentecost

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Madam Elizabeth Yamoah, 57, the oldest Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate for 2020, is a member of The Church of Pentecost in the Kuntanase District of the Agona Swedru Area. She was among over 500,000 registered candidates who sat for the just-ended examinations.

She enrolled at the Agona Odoben Presbyterian Basic ‘A’ Junior High School three years ago at age 54 intending to study to be able to read the Bible. 

There were tears of joy when she finally completed her Junior High School education as she was celebrated by her mates and teachers after her last paper.

In an interview with the press, she said she became a laughing stock among her peers and the talk of the town when she made up her mind to attend school.

“When I made up my mind to go to school people in my community mocked me. Some even said that I should leave education for the young ones, but I was determined to learn how to read and write, and that helped me through my education.”

Madam Elizabeth Yamoah indicated that she wants to further her education at the Senior High School with the dream of becoming a nurse.  According to the mother-of-four, her resilience to attend school despite her age must motivate others to do the same. 

She has since received a cash prize of GH¢1, 000.00 from the Swedru Teachers’ Co-operation Credit Union (STCCU). Elizabeth Yamoah, who happens to be a member of the STCCU, has also been appointed as Ambassador for the Union’s Youth Savings Account.

She has also received GH¢ 2000.00 from the Despite Media to use it to further her education.

The Breman Kuntanase District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor James Ekow Amoah, was of the view that her achievement will inspire both the young and old to work hard to achieve their dreams no matter the obstacles they may encounter.

Report by Pastor Felix Dela Klutse.

Apostle Dan Tackie

“If Our Base Is Weak, Our Influence Would Be Weak” – Apostle Dan Tackie

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The Wa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie, has admonished ministers and their wives in the church to always check their base which, he noted, is essential for influence in their ministry.

He made this statement during the Area Ministers and Wives’ intensive prayer session held on Tuesday, 15th September, 2020.

Speaking on the topic, “The Base of our Influence in Possessing the Nations,” Apostle Tackie defined ‘base’ as using something as the foundation, and also defined ‘influence’ as the power or ability to affect beliefs and actions.

Reading from Colossians 3:18-23, he intimated that the text reveals aspects of relationships which is the base through which influence could become a reality.

He charged ministers and their wives to use their Christian values and principles to influence their districts and localities for fruitfulness. “When we are in deep relationship and continuous fellowship with Christ, any job we have to do gives us an opportunity to reflect His presence in our lives,” he added.

Drawing insight from John 15:5, he stated that bearing much fruit is the focus of ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of the Church, and that the only way to remain in Christ is for the leaders to ensure deep relationship and continuous fellowship with Jesus. “Jesus reminds us that, ‘I am the Vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit for otherwise apart from me, you can do nothing,’” he expatiated.

Apostle Daniel Tackie further revealed that the Church in Laodicea was losing its influence, because of their lukewarm lifestyle, and the only way they could revive and restore themselves was to check their base, which is their relationship and continuous fellowship with Jesus Christ, as contained in Revelation 3:20. “Jesus passionately calls that, ‘Behold I stand at the door and continuously knock, if anyone hears my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me’, he explained. He established that this is a clear illustration of the kind of relationship that brings about believers’ influence on the nations.

He, therefore, admonished ministers and their wives to take their devotional life seriously and also ensure that their dispositions reflect their commitment to the service of God.

He concluded by reading Colossians 3:23 and challenged the participants to do God’s work with all their hearts, mind, and soul because they are in a relationship and continuous fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Stephen Kwabena Adade, District Minister of Vieri led them to pray for a deepening relationship with Christ and revival in the Church, while Pastor Emmanuel Pasteeco Arthur, Resident Minister of Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Wa led them to pray for the leadership of the Church, the Vision 2023, ministers and wives who were indisposed as well as officers and members of the Church. They also prayed for divine healing of the nations from COVID-19 pandemic and grace for enormous growth in the Wa Area. Prayers were also said for the peace and security of Ghana and the impending elections on December 7.

Report by Pastor Gordon Ansah