Posts in category: Church News

The Meduma District of The Church of Pentecost in the New Tafo Area has organised a befitting retirement service for Pastor Emmanuel Gyan Mantey and his wife, Mrs. Janet Mantey, having served for 34 years in the active ministry of the Church.

The programme, which took place at the Meduma Central auditorium on Sunday, October 25, 2020, was officiated by the New Tafo Area Head, Apostle Samuel Antwi, assisted by the Bompata Area Head, Apostle Abraham Lincoln Angoh. It was attended by a host of pastors, family, and friends.

Pastor Mantey was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1986. He and his family arrived at the Meduma District from Tema New Town, having already served as a pastor at Aweregya/Pra River, Atwima Koforidua, Akuse, Koforidua West, and Suhum East districts.

As a former Technician at the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation (GBC), Pastor Mantey held various appointments throughout his 34-year ministry. This includes Minister’s Welfare Committee Chairman, Area Executive Committee Member, Area Estate Committee Chairman, Area Ministerial Committee Chairman, and the most dominant one, Area Music Committee Chairman.

Speaking at the service on the theme, “For your Partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now” based on Philippians 1: 3-11, Apostle Samuel Antwi revealed how Apostle Paul through his trials for the sake of the Gospel reminded the Church in Philippi to hold the Gospel in high esteem until the return of Jesus Christ.

According to him, though life is not easy, if believers are able to hold on to the faith till the end, they will receive a crown.

“Pastor Mantey and his wife right from day one accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and have partnered to spread the Gospel from one station to the other. Yet, regardless of the trials, they have held on to the end,” he said.

He charged Christians to retain their first love in Christ and be empowered to overcome every trial that besets them.

The Women’s Ministry and the District Executive Committee of the Meduma District led by Deaconess Juliet Asare and Elder Gabriel Kwasi Mensah respectively testified about the good works of Pastor Emmanuel Gyan and his wife and presented citations to them as a monument for the good job done.

Pastor Anthony Mensah read the testimony of the New Tafo Area Pastorate and Wives, while Apostle Abraham Lincoln Angoh read that of the General Council.

The Area Head, Apostle Samuel Antwi, on behalf of the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, presented a Certificate of Service to Pastor Mantey.

In response, Pastor Mantey and his family thanked God for His protection and love throughout their three decades of service. They also commended the past and current Chairman of the Church, the Area Heads he has worked under, Pastors, Officers, and members of the Church for their love and support.

Report by Dennis Owusu.

The Ekutuase District in the Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost has dedicated a 3-bedroom Mission House with en-suite facilities.

The dedication ceremony, which took place on Friday, October 30, 2020, at Ekutuase, was officiated by the Cape Coast Area Head and an Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi. 

Speaking on the theme, “A Glorious Church, God’s Instrument to Possess the Nations,” Pastor Boakye Anto stated: “Christ purchased us with His own blood and by that, He has made us vessels of honour that He will use to possess the nations for Himself.”

He added: “As Christians, we are the salt and light of the world, therefore, we need to demonstrate our worth in all spheres of lives so we can be good examples to the society in which we live in. This will help bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ, and also transform society for the best.”

He concluded his message by saying, “If we walk in the knowledge of this truth, we will indeed be able to possess the nations for Christ.”

In his remarks, Apostle S. Y. Antwi praised the Ekutuase District Minister, Overseer Gideon Atigya, and the entire members for the successful completion of the Mission House. He admonished the members to pursue peace in the upcoming elections.

He called on them to continue to observe all the Covid-19 protocols as outlined by the government and the Church.

The dedication ceremony was attended by the wife of the Area Head, Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi, the pastorate in Cape Coast Area, traditional leaders of Ekutuase, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

After twenty-one (21) years of serving in the active ministry in The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Andrew Cobbinah of Saltpond District finally retired on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Saltpond in the Mankessim Area. It was a dream come through, a moment of joy and celebration for the Cobbinahs and the entire church.

The service was officiated by Apostle Mike Etrue (Kaneshie Area Head/Executive Council Member), assisted by Apostle James Nana Ofori (Mankessim Area Head).

Called into the full-time ministry in 1999 in the Republic of Liberia, he served in six districts, namely Robert’s Port (Liberia), Kyeamekrom, Atebubu, Dunkwa, Kasoa (Galilea), and Saltpond. While in Liberia, he served in various capacities such as National Executive Member (Co-opted), National Ministerial Committee Member, National Witness Leader, and Building Committee Chairman. In Ghana, he served as Missions Committee Chairman (Mampong Area), Estate Committee Chairman (Dunkwa Area), and Pensions Committee Chairman in Kasoa and Mankessim Areas respectively.

Preaching at the service on the theme, “Our Life, Just By Grace” with references from  Ephesians 2:8, John 1:17, Romans 1:5 and 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, Apostle Mike Etrue intimated that the life God has given is just by grace.

He defined grace as “the unmerited favour of the almighty God towards us which brings us salvation and enables us to live a life pleasing unto Him.” Grace, he said, is a product of the finished work of Christ, which started from Gethsemane to Gabatha, through to Golgotha and finally to the ‘Grave’ from where He arose and ascended to heaven.  

“We have survived all the challenges of life so far, not because of the availability of human, material, or financial resources, but by the unmerited grace of God, through His Son Jesus Christ,” he stressed.

Apostle Mike Etrue finally stated without equivocation that, it is only the grace of God that can bring every believer to a glorious end.

Report by Pastor Stephen Arko Barnes.

The Nkawkaw Area of The Church of Pentecost in collaboration with the Nkawkaw Divisional Command of the Ghana Police Service and the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly has launched the ‘Agent of Peace’ campaign under the theme: “Seek Peace and Pursue it.”

The well-attended event, which took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, included a peace walk through the Kwahu West Municipality, a durbar, and a musical concert at the forecourt of the Nkawkaw Old Lorry Station.

In attendance was the Nkawkaw Area Head, Prophet Robert Kobina Dentu, and his wife, Mrs. Gladys Dentu, the Area Pastorate and their wives, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Yaw Owusu Addo and other staff of the Municipal Assembly, the Police Band from Accra, and Police Personnel from the Nkawkaw Divisional Command.

Also present were the leadership of Nkawkaw Muslim Community led by the Zongo Chief, Parliamentary candidates of the various political parties, representatives from the Kwahu Traditional Council, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) member churches, the Media and members of the Church.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Crime Officer, DSP Agyemang Badu, spoke on the instrumental role the Police in partnership with the citizenry play in the furtherance of peace and stability in the country. Citing cases and incidences of electoral violence and insurrections in other countries, he advised the gathering to seek and pursue peace for Ghana to continue to be a safe haven for all.

In his welcome address, Prophet Robert Dentu observed that “there is only one country called Ghana to which we belong and the world at large are witnesses to the fact that Ghana has distinguished herself as a beacon of hope for Africa concerning smooth and peaceful electoral processes.”

He added: “The peace of Ghana comes first and must be held paramount to any other agenda.”

Prophet R. K. Dentu commended the stakeholders for their readiness to work together with The Church of Pentecost to unite the nation towards maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

In his address, the MCE, Hon. Yaw Owusu Addo, applauded The Church of Pentecost for the peace initiatives and said that the responsibility to maintain peace is a call that transcends race or religion.

He explained that “many nations suffer political instability and war due to the negligence of some individuals who chose to be careless about their speeches and actions,” adding that “the purpose of this peace campaign is to challenge and educate ourselves to be agents of peace as the nation goes into the December polls.”

All political party leaders present took turns in presenting their goodwill messages and pledging their support for a peaceful election and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere before and after the elections.

The Police Band, among other seasoned artistes such as Nana Yaw Dwomfour and Stella Agyeiwaa, gave a powerful performance at the musical concert.

Report by Overseer Clement Kofi Amankwa, Nkawkaw Area Reporter.

The Obuasi Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched its “Agent of Peace” campaign aimed at raising awareness on the need for peace before, during, and after the upcoming presidential and parliamentary polls on December 7.

The launch which was chaired by the Obuasi Area Head, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko, took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at the Bidieso church auditorium.

The launch was followed by a peace walk through the streets of Obuasi and a musical concert to climax the event.

Report by Ebenezer McKeown Asare.

The District Minister of Mempeasem in Assin Foso Area of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Patrick Gyamfi Osei-Appiah, has retired from active full-time ministry after serving the church for 22 years. The retirement service was held at Foso Habitat Prayer Grounds on Sunday, October 24, 2020, was officiated by the Assin Foso Area Head and Executive Council Member, Apostle Sylvester Arhin.

Preaching the sermon on the theme, “Life’s Journey,” Apostle Sylvester Arhin read from Exodus 15:22-27 and explained that people see life differently and that their activities are controlled by how they see it. “Some people see it as war, competition, great expectation, and feasting or merry-making,” he pointed out.

Apostle Sylvester Arhin however explained that life is a journey which has a beginning and an end, full of ups and downs. He said that just as God gave good water to the Israelites to drink, He will provide for those who put their trust in Him.

Panegyrizing the retiring minister and his wife, the Area Head said: “Life’s journey is full of challenges, but God is faithful to all His promises to those who serve Him wholeheartedly.   Pastor Patrick Gyamfi and Mrs. Mary Osei-Appiah have gone through such challenges, but because they put their trust in God, He has brought them to the end of their active service successfully. Throughout their ministry, they have impacted many lives,” he said.

Apostle Arhin advised those in active service in all sectors to plan their lives very well because they will one day come to the crossroad of retirement.

Pastor Patrick Gyamfi and Mrs. Mary Osei-Appiah’s  22-year ministerial service started from Dambai through Agona Kwanyako and Goaso to Foso Mempeasem where they have finally laid down their tools.

A testimony read on behalf of the General Council of The Church of Pentecost described Pastor and Mrs. Osei-Appiah as hardworking workers who did not take the work of the ministry lightly, but worked with a sense of urgency just like a soldier who is ever ready to respond to the call to duty without any complaint.

“They were widely seen as revivalists who broke new grounds to promote the gospel wherever they were stationed despite the terrain of the district,” the testimony further read.

In their testimony, the Assin Foso Area Ministers and Wives described the retiring couple as people who discharged their duties faithfully with dedication and extreme devotion, whereas the Mempeasem District, where they served for the last five years in full-time ministry, described them as “spiritual bulldozers” and hardworking team players who were humble, neat, gentle, firm, wise and accommodating.

In response, Pastor Osei-Appiah, on behalf of his wife and family, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to God, the General Council, past and present Area Heads, the Pastorate, the entire Mempeasem District membership, and all who contributed in different ways to their fruitful ministry.

Report by Joseph Smiles Adu.

The Suhum Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched the ‘Agents of Peace’ campaign at the L. A. Nyarko Memorial Sanctuary under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue it.”

The launch which took place on Sunday, October 25, 2020, brought together several personalities including politicians, the clergy, chiefs, imams, representatives from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the Electoral Commission (EC) in the Suhum Municipality.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Apostle Anthony Eghan Kwesi Ekuban, the Area Head of Suhum, indicated that the campaign launch 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.”

Apostle Ekuban further indicated that politics is not a fight but a way of expressing opinions. He urged Ghanaians to be united in the upcoming elections, saying, “At the end of the elections, Ghana should be victorious.”

The Suhum Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mrs. Comfort Asabea, commended The Church of Pentecost for initiating the peace campaign ahead of the elections. She indicated that the interest of Ghana should be above partisanship and that there is the need to seek peace and pursue it before, during, and after the December 7 general elections.

“We need to eschew all forms of electoral violence. The fact that a person belongs to a different political party does not mean he/she is an enemy,” she stressed.

The Assistant Municipal EC Officer, Mrs. Gifty Nyamekye Manteaw, explained the various electoral processes and offenses. Some of the electoral offenses she mentioned are multiple voting, unnecessary interference, displaying political party paraphernalia during the day of election, and impersonation.

There were goodwill messages from the various political parties present pledging their support for a peaceful election.

Report by Samuel Danso

A couple, Mr. Isaac Kwame and Mrs. Alexandria Addo Antwi, has single-handedly constructed a magnificent church auditorium at a cost of GH¢ 2,500,000.00 for the Nchiraa Assembly in the Kintampo Area of The Church of Pentecost.

The 700-seater auditorium, with a children’s auditorium, is fitted with modern chairs, LED TV screens, a full set of electronic and musical equipment, offices, washrooms, and storerooms.

They also supplied all the security doors, POP ceilings, tiling, and installation of air conditioners for the construction of the district mission house.

Mr. Kwame Antwi, a native of Nchiraa, handed over the keys to the building to Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh, the Chairman of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC), during the dedication of the church building which took place on Friday, October 30, 2020.

According to him, the Lord laid it on his heart to construct the building for the assembly considering the sorry state of their former place of worship. Though it was difficult for him to build the auditorium, he was full of praise to God for granting him the resources and strength to put up the edifice within a year.

In a sermon on the topic, “Taking a step of faith,” Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh challenged all to demonstrate strong faith in God no matter the obstacles, impossibilities, and challenges that come their way. Using Hebrews 11:1-6 to explain his point, he mentioned that the Christian’s walk with God is based on faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God.

“Christianity loses its importance when it is not based on faith in God, for faith is the currency for purchasing things from heaven and also a legal document to claim title deeds from God,” he emphasised.

Explaining the different types of faith, he stated that there is natural faith given to all no matter one’s religious background; intellectual faith that is gained from the acquisition of knowledge; and the gift of faith that is solely given by God.

On behalf of the leadership of the Church, Apostle Andoh expressed great appreciation to the couple for their strong faith to put up the beautiful edifice for the Church at Nchiraa, and that their names will surely be recorded amongst the heroes of faith.

He concluded by admonishing all to take a bold step of faith and be motivated by the kind gesture of the couple to do more for the Lord.

He commended the Kintampo Area Head, Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah, and the District Minister of Subinso, Pastor Fredrick Doh-Bodzra, as well as the District Executive and Estate Committees for their selflessness, commitment, and the supervisory role they played in the construction of the edifice.

The Chief of Nchiraa, Nana Tabiri Yaw III, was full of appreciation to the couple and The Church of Pentecost for building the beautiful auditorium in the community. He disclosed that the magnificent auditorium would go a long way to draw many people to the saving power of Jesus Christ.

In attendance were Apostles Samuel Berko, William Edzorhoho, Pastors Daniel Frimpong Manso, Shadrack Ohene-Asah Otu, traditional leaders from the Nchiraa Traditional Council, among others.

Report by Overseer Prince Augustine Ababio.

The Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched its ‘Agent of Peace’ campaign aimed at raising awareness on the need to maintain peace before, during, and after the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana.

The event which took place on October 24, 2020, started with a float from Abura and Mfantsipim School, through the principal towns of Cape Coast.

Scores of members of the Church clad in branded caps and T-shirts including pastors and their wives marched through the principal streets preaching the message of peace before finally converging at Chapel Square for the launch of the event.

Chaired by the Oguaa Manhene, Osabarima Kwesi Attah ll, the event received collaboration from the Ghana Evangelism Committee, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) churches, and the Local Council of Churches in the Cape Coast Metropolis. There was a good representation of Muslim youth who participated fully in the float and the launch.

Speaking at the launch, the Cape Coast Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, admonished the people to pursue peace even as they go into the December elections.

According to him, “without peace, we cannot do anything as a nation and hence we must not allow tension and violence to destroy the peace the country has been enjoying as we go into the December polls.”

He indicated that, “an election is not a ‘do or die’ affair,” adding that, “all seeking political power must remember that leadership is for service and that should be our motive ahead of the 2020 elections.”

Apostle S. Y. Antwi urged Ghanaians, especially political parties, to carry the message of peace to all aspects of society.

The Deputy Central Regional Minister, Hon. Thomas Agyei Baffoe, thanked The Church of Pentecost for such an initiative and pleaded with her to carry out this all-important initiative across all the districts in the region.

He subsequently called on all, especially the youth to avoid violence and also charged them not to allow themselves to be used as a vehicle for violence by any political party or person ahead of the elections.

He pledged the Central Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to ensuring peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.

The Oguaa Manhene, Osabarima Kwesi Atta ll, charged residents of the municipality to reflect on the attitude of Christ and show love to all as they go to polls.

“Love is one of the key commandments Christ gave us and we must all pursue it. Where there is love for each other, violence will have no place in society. Hence we must not engage in fighting and violence but rather live as agents of peace in our homes, workplaces, schools, etc. before, during, and after the elections.”

The event was graced by personnel from the NCCE, Prisons Service, Police Service, Central Regional Peace Council, National Security, political parties representatives, Office of the Regional Chief Imam, and sister churches.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Suame Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched its Agent of Peace campaign in an effort to ensure peace in the run-up to the 2020 general election.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, was held at the Tetelestai Temple at Suame under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It,” based on Psalm 34:14.

The agent of peace campaign is a special initiative of the leadership of The Church of Pentecost to promote peace before, during, and after the elections. It aims at educating and challenging members of the Church and all well-meaning Ghanaians to be agents of peace in this year’s election.

In his opening address, the Suame Area Head, Apostle Michael Collins Asiedu, who chaired the occasion, said that the agent of peace campaign was a conscious effort by The Church of Pentecost to make the peace of God fill the hearts of all Ghanaians to help them desist from violence and promote peace as they go to the polls.

“This campaign is a clarion call by the Church to ensure that peace prevails before, during, and after the December 7 polls,” he reiterated.

He added: “We should stand for peace and bear in mind that an eye for an eye would make Ghana go blind and we must all remember that election is about ballots and not bullets.” 

The well-attended event, saw many stakeholders from within and around the Suame Municipality pledging their support for peace in the upcoming elections.

In a virtual presentation, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said: “Peace must be sought and pursued because peace is a foreign material to this fallen world.”

He added: “Let us be content with our one vote in this election because we all have one vote. So go out and cast your vote peacefully.”

Also speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive for Suame, Hon. Dr. John Bobie Boahen, stated: “We should cherish the peace we have and do all within our power to maintain it by guarding our tongue against speaking evil.”

Representatives from sister churches, traditional leaders (chiefs), and the political parties present took turns to pledge their commitment to a peaceful.

The event was climaxed with a float through the principal streets of the Suame Municipality, with the members carrying placards displaying peace messages.

More than 700 people attended the launch.

Report by Overseer Anthony Apedido (Suame Area Reporter).