Mpasaso District Wins 35 Souls, 15  Undergo Water Baptism web

Mpasaso District Wins 35 Souls, 15  Undergo Water Baptism

The Mpasaso District of The Church of Pentecost has kicked off the November Aggressive Month with great enthusiasm, recording 35 souls and baptising 15 new converts in water.

This significant achievement occurred in the Ofirikrom community during the climax of the Ofirikrom Assembly’s annual offering event.

Under the guidance of District Minister Overseer Emmanuel Owusu and Elder Carlos Coffie (Presiding Elder), the church initiated an evangelism campaign, dubbed “One Member, One Discipled Soul, coupled with intensive follow-up activities, resulting in this feat.

Overseer Owusu is confident that this year’s observance of the Aggressive Evangelism Month will result in a substantial harvest, surpassing the outcomes of previous years.

The “One Member, One Discipled Soul” concept, conceptualised by the Evangelism Ministry as part of the church’s five-year strategic vision, designates November each year for Aggressive Evangelism.

Report by Mpasaso District Media Team

Mrs Victoria Painstil Laid To Rest web

Mrs Victoria Paintsil Laid To Rest

The mortal remains of Mrs Victoria Ama Baawah Paintsil, the wife of the first General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil (of blessed memory) was today, November 18, 2023, laid to rest after a memorial and burial service held in her honour at the Sychar Prayer Grounds, Ogbojo – Madina, Accra.

The service which was officiated by Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), and assisted by Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary), Apostle

Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), and Apostle Martin Seth Appiah (Madina Area Head), was well attended by many ministers in active service, retired ministers, officers of the church, family members, friends and loved ones.

Mrs Victoria Paintsil, 93, was called to glory on 23rd August, 2023 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. She is survived by her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

SERMON

Delivering the sermon at the memorial service, the Tema Area Head of the church, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankrah-Badu, highlighted the importance of remaining steadfast in the Christian journey.

Basing his sermon on Acts 1:10-11, Apostle Ankra-Badu recounted the cautionary tale of Mr. William Miller, an American Baptist Minister, whose followers became fixated on predicting the exact date of Christ’s return, only to be left waiting.

Highlighting the absence of a specific date for Christ’s return, Apostle Ankra-Badu emphasized Jesus’ admonishment for believers to persevere in holiness, as stated in Matthew 24:35-36.

He outlined four essential actions for believers as they wait on the second coming of Christ.

He noted that purifying one’s spirit and body was a crucial aspect of preparation for the second coming.

This purification, according to Apostle Ankra-Badu, extends beyond individual benefit to the sanctification of the entire Church.

He added that believers are to be vigilant and watchful in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ, adding, “The promise of a crown of righteousness was presented as a reward for those who patiently await Christ’s return.”

Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu reminded the community of believers that waiting for Christ’s return requires a combination of hard work, self-purification, vigilance, and worship.

He advised believers to actively engage themselves in God’s work (Luke 19:13).

“Believers are to diligently carry out the work entrusted to them by Jesus, using their talents, time, and treasures responsibly,” he said, adding, “The exemplary life of Mama Vic served as a motivating example.”

TRIBUTES

The children described their mother as a “strong shelter, a towering pillar and a comfort” in their lives. They said that she demonstrated to them how to overcome the challenges that life.

Her ‘Home Church’ the Egyir Paintsil Memorial Worship Centre, described her as evangelistic in nature, even in her old age.

“She was a warehouse of hymns, such that she would sing all the stanzas without reference from any hymn book,” they disclosed.

The General Council described her life as a “testament to contentment, godliness, discipline, selflessness and hard work.”

The tribute acknowledged her role in the life of the First General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, the late Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil. It noted that she worked together with her husband continuously for twenty-nine years as the General Secretary of the Church.

It read: “Mrs. Victoria Paintsil has paid her dues being the wife of a founding member of this great church, standing by her husband through thick and thin, contributing significantly to the establishment and growth of churches, ensuring they stood firm on their faith in Jesus Christ.”

“The General Council of The Church of Pentecost honours this versatile woman who sacrificed selflessly for the church and humanity. She indeed lived a well-deserving and fulfilling life,” it said.

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Victoria Vivian Ama Baawah Akosah Paintsil was born at Otumi in the Eastern Region on 28th March, 1930 to Opanyin Kwame Akosah of Otumi and Madam Afia Tawiah Pokuwaa of Akyawkrom in the Ashanti Region. Both of them are now deceased. 

She started her primary education at Otumi Presby School and completed her middle school education in 1948 in Kumasi. She furthered her education in secretaryship at Pitman’s Commercial School in Cape Coast from 1948 to 1951.

After her secretarial course in 1951, she was employed at the Chief Commissioner’s Office as a Stenographer Secretary in Kumasi, where she met her husband, Apostle Paintsil.

After the sudden home-call of her husband on 22nd March 1981, she settled with her children at Madina. She greatly encouraged herself in the Lord, and worked hard to cater for herself and the children.

Present at the service were Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director); Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director); Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head); Apostle Isaac Nii Kortei Djani; Apostle Mike Etrue (Koforidua Area Head); Apostle Dela Quampah (Ho Area); Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Kwadaso Area Head), Apostle A. N. Y Kumi Larbi (Ashaiman Area Head), all Executive Council Members.

Others were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (rtd), former Chairman, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Chieftaincy Ministry Takes Part In Atsukope & Agbevekope Chiefs Enstoolment Ceremony web

Chieftaincy Ministry Takes Part In Atsukope & Agbevekope Chiefs Enstoolment Ceremony

The Aflao Area Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost played a significant role in the grand outdooring and installation ceremony of Torgbi Amedegbe II (Chief of Atsukofe), Torgbi Agbeve II (Chief of Agbevekope), Mama Tsulia II, and Agotaduawo.

The glamourous event took place at Agbevekope, near Agbozume, on Friday, October 27, 2023.

The occasion, attended by diverse individuals, marked the official installation of the newly appointed chiefs, with the Aflao Area Chieftaincy Ministry Coordinator, Pastor Alfred Agbetsiafa, and his team adding to the festive atmosphere.

The celebration featured vibrant drumming, singing, and a captivating display of culture and pageantry.

Togbi Adama IV, the Fiaga of Some Traditional Area and the main speaker for the event, charged the newly installed chiefs to dedicate themselves to the development of their respective traditional areas.

He emphasised the transformative role of leadership, stating, “The purpose of leadership is to inspire and foster development. With a formidable force and cohesiveness, we can bring development to our respective communities.”

Pastor Alfred Agbetsiafa, the Aflao Area Chieftaincy Ministry Coordinator, administered the oath of allegiance to the newly installed chiefs.

He urged them to lead with integrity, unity, and diligence, addressing the current need for faithful leaders committed to serving the masses rather than personal interests.

“I am hopeful that you would prove to be one of the best traditional leaders of your time,” he added, encouraging them to apply godly principles in justice administration and leadership.

In response, the newly installed chiefs pledged their allegiance to their respective stools and expressed their commitment to serving their people with benevolence.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

Avoeme District Donates Boat To Viepe-Kpotame Communities web

Avoeme District Donates Boat To Viepe-Kpotame Communities

The Avoeme District in the Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost on Monday, October 30, 2023, donated a boat valued at GH¢ 3,000.00 to the Viepe-Kpotame communities within the district.

The commissioning and presentation ceremony of the boat saw the presence of the Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Ophelia Agyen Brefo, Mrs. Hannah Aba Ewool Henanaopeh (Avoeme District Minister’s wife), and various leaders and members of Avoeme District.

Pastor Daniel Teye Gyan Henanaopeh, the Avoeme District Minister, emphasized the meticulous effort invested in constructing the boat to address the urgent transportation needs of the community. He highlighted the challenge posed by the rising water level at Viepe-Kpotame, hindering the commute of both locals and church members to nearby communities.

“As part of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost, it has always been the desire of the church to transform every sphere of our society with the values and principles of the kingdom of God. The construction of this boat is to complement the efforts of the government and contribute to the community transformation agenda of the church at large,” he stated.

Following the commissioning and dedication of the boat, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo commended the Avoeme District for this commendable act of generosity toward the community.

He urged the community leaders to ensure the boat’s proper maintenance for longevity and its intended purpose.

A committee, headed by Elder Paul Klutsey of Avoeme District, has been assigned to oversee the responsible usage and management of the boat on behalf of the community.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

Christians Urged To Translate Religiosity Into Spirituality web

Christians Urged To Translate Religiosity Into Spirituality

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christians to practically translate their acts of religiosity into spirituality by demonstrating their changed life wherever they find themselves.

He made this call on the last day of a week-long meeting of Heads and Ministry Directors of The Church of Pentecost to unveil the five-year vision of the church dubbed: “Possessing the Nations” (Phase 2). The prayer meeting also saw the launch of the 2024 church theme: “A People Unleashed to Transform their World.”

Apostle Nyamekye explained the distinction between religiosity and spirituality, emphasising that religiosity involves external customs, rituals, and traditions, while spirituality entails the demonstration of the values and principles of Christ, such as godliness and morality.

He urged Christians to intentionally journey from religiosity to morality if they want to impact society as Daniel did. 

He cited Daniel’s actions in refusing to eat food from the king’s table and resisting the ‘no prayer edict’ as acts of religiosity. He said Daniel’s trustworthiness and blamelessness made him stand out (Daniel 6:4–5).

“All the visions and prayers will not count if Christ cannot be formed in us,” Apostle Nyamekye iterated, adding that “mere religiosity does not transform a nation, but a transformed life does. It proves the power of God to change lives.”

Apostle Nyamekye lamented the prevalence of wrong things happening despite activism in many religions worldwide and proposed that Christians exhibit a life of pure morals to reverse this trend. 

He referred to 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10, highlighting three evidences of a truly repentant person: a transformed life, a commitment to serve, and a heart yearning for the return of Jesus Christ.

Expounding on the characteristics of an unleashed church, the Chairman stressed that as churches grow, their ministries must grow broader. 

He encouraged every member to prepare to be unleashed into a form of ministry, stating that “the mark of a great church is not about the seating capacity but her sending capacity as well.”

Apostle Nyamekye stressed: “You cannot save an individual and forget the society in which they live. Both must be evangelised.”

He highlighted the need for the church to focus on both saving souls and providing social services. 

He emphasised that the church must actively participate in transforming society and engage in issues of the state to have a meaningful impact. 

Drawing inspiration from Daniel 5:11f, he urged Christians to work towards occupying places of influence so as to effect concrete changes at the workplace and in society.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Aflao Area Organises 2nd Edition Of Rehoboth Fasting & Prayers web

Aflao Area Organises 2nd Edition Of Rehoboth Fasting & Prayers

The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by the Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, has successfully organised the second edition of its 40-day fasting and prayer event, dubbed Rehoboth.

This year’s edition, themed “Repositioning the Local Church for Greatness” (Genesis 26:12, 22), took place from Wednesday, October 4, to Sunday, November 12, 2023. The program commenced on Tuesday, October 3, starting at the local assembly level, progressing through ministries and districts, and concluding at the Area level.

Throughout the 40-day period, various topics were covered, including “Re-Digging Our Wells of Spirituality,” “Holy Spirit Empowerment,” “Sacrificial Giving and Tithing,” “Marriage & Family Life,” “Covenant Renewal” (Assurance of Salvation), and “Enough Room to Prosper.”

In his closing message shared on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Aflao PIWC-English auditorium during the climax of this event, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo explained Rehoboth as a place of abundance, prosperity, greatness, and enlargement. He added that Rehoboth is the place where destinies are transformed, and grace and favor abound.

“As we have entered Rehoboth, we are to note that it is the place where man receives God’s divine revelation and visitation. Constant fellowship with God and true worship are the means by which one can experience this divine visitation,” he stated.

He encouraged Christians to learn from Isaac’s experience, emphasizing that the patriarch forgave his enemies and reconciled with them even though he was unjustly treated in the land of the Philistines. “Even though Isaac’s enemies troubled him, he was determined to maintain hard work and commitment to his vision, which brought him success,” he stated, stressing, “We must, therefore, speak positively to our situations with the assurance that God is with us to bless.”

He admonished the congregants to pray for God’s grace to locate them wherever they are to enjoy His favour continually.

The Area was blessed to have seasoned men of God and Spirit-filled speakers such as Apostles Johnny Peprah (Assistant Registrar, STML, Pentecost University) and Anthony Ahalivor (Rtd.) among others gracing the programs.

Members in the Area were ushered into a season of refreshing, with many sharing countless testimonies about God’s blessings and deliverance in their lives throughout the fasting and prayer period.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

Christians Must Model Christ To The World - Apostle Col. Dr Kumi-Woode web

Christians Must Model Christ To The World – Apostle Dr. Col. Kumi-Woode

Apostle Dr. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, the Board Chairman of the Chaplaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, has emphasised that every Christian has a mandate to model Christ-likeness in their personal, public, and professional lives. 

Exhibiting a Christlike lifestyle, according to him, is what would challenge the hearts of the unbelieving world and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ, thereby leading to the transformation of the world.

Apostle Dr. Col. Kumi-Woode, who is the Director of Religious Affairs, Ghana Armed Airforces Headquarters, conveyed this message on Friday during his presentation on the topic: “Implications of the Church Unleashed for the Chaplaincy and Workers’ Guilds in the Church” at the Heads’ fasting and prayer meeting held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region.

Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 60:1, Matthew 5: 13-16, and 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Apostle Dr. Col. Kumi-Woode underscored the divine mission of the Church as a collective body, called to Christ, moulded into Christ-likeness, and destined to be sent out as disciples, anticipating the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

He noted that the Chaplaincy Ministry and the Workers Guilds have a significant role to play in fulfilling the Church’s mandate of discipling nations for Christ.

Touching on the significance of the Chaplaincy Ministry as a marketplace ministry, he explained that the local church must be a place where members are trained and unleashed to offer pastoral, prophetic, and priestly ministry to draw people to Christ. 

“When this is done effectively, the church would have truly unleashed its members to be the salt and light of the world. The church will then be a city on the hill and the highest of the mountains, and the nations will flow to it,” he said.

He, therefore, encouraged church leaders to explore creative ways to send out equipped members for ministry in various organisations and institutions. 

Focusing on the Pentecost Workers Guild, he stressed the importance of fellowship, networking, and equipping to impact and transform various spheres with Kingdom values by forming various workers guilds in the local churches. These Guilds, he said, would serve as ethical compasses that would foster positive change in the workplace.

Apostle Dr. Col. Kumi-Woode further noted that the various professionals (workers) and chaplains would take up mentoring roles by providing godly counsel and insightful experiences with the younger generation. 

“In so doing, they will raise the next generation of professionals and young believers, enabling them to reach their full potential in career progression, societal impact, and their walk with God,” he added.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost Sends More Support To Flood Victims web

The Church of Pentecost Sends More Support To Flood Victims

The Flood Disaster Relief Committee of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Women’s Ministry, has donated assorted relief items to areas along the Volta lake affected by the recent flood caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

The beneficiary areas are the Sogakope, Agormanya, Atebubu, Kete-Krachi, and Afram Plains Areas of the church.

The National Coordinator of the Committee, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, together with other members of the committee, including Deaconess Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director) and Pastor Emmanuel Appah (Finance and Administration Director of the church) presented the items to the Area Heads of the beneficiary areas at the sideline of the ongoing Heads’ Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre on Thursday for onward distribution to the affected persons.

The items worth several thousands of cedis comprised of toiletries, bags of rice, gari, gallons of cooking oil, and mosquito nets, among others, were donated from all Area Women’s Ministries across the country. Each area received a truckload of relief items.

It is worth mentioning that The Church of Pentecost on October 23, 2023, presented huge relief items worth several thousands of Ghana cedis to support flood victims at Mepe and Battor and adjoining communities in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam, when a church delegation led by the church’s Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, visited the affected areas.

The truckload of items included several bags of rice, gari, sachet water, sugar, mattresses, blankets, cooking oil, soaps, toilet rolls, mosquito nets, beverages, sanitary pads, and many more.

During the visit, it was revealed that 23 church buildings of The Church of Pentecost were submerged in water in the Volta Region due to the controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam. Additionally, various church facilities, including mission houses, notably in Mepe—one of the hardest-hit communities—have been engulfed by the floodwaters.

In the Sogakope Area, approximately ten assemblies in certain districts find themselves cut off from members’ accessibility. The impact of the floods is particularly severe in seven administrative districts within the Sogakope Area of the church.

These affected districts include Mepe District, where the church incurred the loss of six church buildings, including the official residence of the District Minister. Other impacted districts encompass Battor District (six church buildings submerged), Kpotame District (one church building submerged), Dedukope District (three church buildings submerged), Adutor (two church buildings submerged), Adidome (two church buildings submerged), and Tefle (three church buildings submerged).

The floods also displaced over 4,000 church members, with approximately 1,195 children among them, who have lost their homes, farmlands, and sources of livelihood due to this unfortunate incident.

PENTECOST NEWS.

God's Ultimate Goal For Christians Is To Be Like Jesus web

God’s Ultimate Goal For Christians Is To Be Like Jesus – Apostle Obuobi Asserts

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has asserted that God’s ultimate goal for humanity is to become like Jesus Christ, his Son, to transform their spheres in this crooked world.

Apostle Obuobi noted that Christ-like believers are the only people who can transform their spheres of influence with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom. 

This, he said, places a huge responsibility on the church to raise people who exude the virtues of Christ-likeness as part of its commitment to possess the nations for Christ. 

The General Secretary said this in a presentation on Thursday titled, “Raising Christ-Like Believers To Transform Their Spheres,” at the Heads Prayer Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

He pointed out that, as disciples of Christ, it is expected of them to reflect Jesus’ life and ministry in the world because they have the responsibility to model his life and nature in their spheres of influence, having been loved and chosen by God to reflect his image on earth – 1 John 3:2, Romans 8:29.

Citing 2 Corinthians 2:18 and Galatians 4:19, Apostle Obuobi explained that Christlikeness is for a person to be transformed into Christ’s image and have Christ fully formed in them. He also described Christlikeness as the transformation of a person into the image of Christ and the complete formation of Christ within them.

Touching on the kind of life Jesus led on earth, the General Secretary indicated that as believers assume Christ-like character in this perverse world, they must closely examine and comprehend how Jesus lived during his time on earth, saying, “This is because this is the kind of life we are supposed to demonstrate on earth.”

Just as Jesus lived a godly life and demonstrated power throughout his earthly life, he implored believers to be blameless in all their endeavours and be prayerful to receive more power to do greater works.

Apostle Samuel Obuobu identified love for others, humility, showing forgiveness, the ability to sacrifice, and spreading the good news as some of the characteristics that Christ-like believers ought to cultivate.  

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost Donates To Oduman Polyclinic web

The Church of Pentecost Donates To Oduman Polyclinic

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost donated medical equipment valued at GHS 20,900.00 to the Oduman Polyclinic near Ablekuma in the Greater Accra region on November 9, 2023.

The Area Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) Coordinating Committee, operating under the guidance of the Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, identified specific needs within the facility during a visit. Subsequently, steps were taken to address some of the expressed needs to the best of their ability.

Addressing the leadership of the facility, the Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasised that this gesture is a manifestation of the Church’s commitment to the “possessing the nations” agenda.

He expressed hope that the donated items would be utilised effectively to enhance healthcare delivery in the facility.

The medical equipment presented to the facility includes a patient’s monitor, a washing machine (14kg capacity), a baby’s cot, a stretcher, and a bed screen.

Mr. Ernest Osei, on behalf of the leadership of the facility, received the items and extended heartfelt appreciation to the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area for demonstrating great concern for the facility. However, he expressed a request for further assistance, suggesting that the Church consider aiding in the establishment of an emergency centre to attend to urgent cases.

Present at the brief ceremony were Pastors Frank Awuah Fordjour (Area Executive Committee Member), Andrews Eshun (Area Executive Committee Member), Solomon Azagisiya (Area PENTSOS Coordinator), and other ministers within the Area.

Report by Pastor Solomon Azagisiya (Area PENTSOS Coordinator)