A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has stressed the need for Christians to extend their values beyond church auditoriums.
Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong made this call during the maiden edition of the Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoah Fetteh.
Speaking on the topic, ‘The School As A Mission Field And A Mission Agent,’ the former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana pointed out that Christian values are very vital to the wholistic development of people and the country at large.
He explained that the school is best place to instill such positive Christian values and principles since students spend more time in the school, and that teachers play a key role in developing the character and behaviour of students.
Throwing light on the important role teachers play in the school as a mission field, Rev. Dr Opuni Frimpong stated: The role of teachers extends far beyond traditional academic instruction. It should include the cultivation of ethical behaviour, personal development, mentoring, social transformation, accountability and good governance among the youth and society.’
Addressing the issue of exchange of values for academic successes in Ghanaian schools, Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong said: ‘Our society today is bedeviled with a myriad of social problems. Many have had cause to complain about the unruly behaviour of some youth including indiscipline, destructive behaviour, violence, extremism, corruption, etc.’
He added: ‘The emphasis today in society and educational system is on ability to pass all your examinations, high grades, achievements in science, technology, engineering, popularity in media, etc., but not on character.’
The Presbyterian minister suggested that to change this narrative there is a need for proprietors and heads of schools to implement discipleship training, regular church services, regular prayer and fasting meetings, baptisms, confirmation, communion, availability and distribution of Bibles, Hymn Books, tracts, Christian literature, devotional materials, learning and singing of hymns and counseling, amongst others, in their schools.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Pentecost University (PU), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, has called on teachers to strategically position themselves to play a key role in the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda to positively impact young children.
Ministering at the maiden edition of ‘Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools’ at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Monday, June 10, 2024, Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua explained that God has placed a responsibility on proprietors and teachers to be guardians of His will in their schools.
While delivering a message on the topic, ‘Christian School Leaders, Carved for the Occasion,’ the PU Vice-Chancellor explained that one does not need to be ordained as an Apostle, Pastor or Bishop, before they can perform the task of transforming their sphere with Kingdom values and principles.
He explained that in the mind of God there are many pastors, bishops, and apostles without clericals, which includes proprietors, heads of schools, teachers and all school staffs.
According to him, God’s ultimate agenda as captured in the Book of Revelations 11:15, is to reclaim the kingdoms of the world unto Himself.
Adding that, God plans to do this through His children, hence everything they do must be geared towards that agenda. He added that God’s way of reclaiming the kingdoms unto Himself is to take away all spheres of influence, highlighting that education is one of such greatest spheres of influence, and so proprietors and teachers have a very key role in the possessing the nations agenda since they are able to chart the lives of their students into the right path.
Another thing the Vice-Chancellor of the University A+ touched on is that there is a strong agenda and fight against the cause of God which includes the eradication of God and things of God from the schools.
However, he said, God is expecting that proprietors and school managers will make it a point to defend the name of God and restore all activities relating to the values and principles of the Kingdom of God to contribute to the moral upbringing of students.
Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua called on Christians in the field of education to note that God is looking for people who are knowledgeable and filled with the Holy Spirit to transform their world with His values and principles.
About 200 school proprietors, managers and teachers, drawn from various private schools in Ghana are meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region for the maiden Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools.
The 3-day conference, organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration the church’s Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM), under the theme: “Unleashing the Christian School Leader to Raise Godly Children,” began on Sunday and will end on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Welcoming the participants to the conference during the opening ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024, the Director of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost and former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, commended the participants for taking part in the all-important conference.
He urged them to drink from the deep brook of experience in nurturing children as the church develops a framework for bringing godliness back to Ghanaian school premises.
“As a ministry responsible for children in The Church of Pentecost, we continue to seek partnerships with various stakeholders in child development to achieve our corporate vision of raising godly children,” he said.
He added: “As a church and a ministry, we believe that our schools and more especially Christian private schools have been called by God to raise godly children.”
The former KNUST Vice Chancellor noted that in today’s world within which children are being raised is gradually becoming increasingly challenging as far as godliness and morality is concerned.
According to him, homes and family systems which hitherto were the first point of call for raising morally upright children is also gradually disintegrating.
“Unfavourable economic conditions coupled with humanity’s quest to build a godless society, continue to exert pressure on families and parents’ ability to raise godly children,” he bemoaned, adding, “The educational system which served as one of the most effective pivots, providing support and augmentation to the family system in terms of raising godly and morally upright children is also increasingly being compromised.”
The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, dedicated an ultra-modern church auditorium for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) branch of Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).
The dedication ceremony was attended by various distinguished personalities, notable among them were Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson (Vice Chancellor, KNUST), Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng (Registrar, KNUST), Rev. Dr. J. W. Acheampong (Protestant Chaplain, KNUST), Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Director, The CoP); Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Area Head, Obuasi), Apostle Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Director, The CoP); Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey (Area Head, Asokwa); Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (Area Head, Ashaiman), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Area Head, Kaneshie) and Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Area Head, Suame).
Others were Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku (Area head, New Tafo), Apostle Victor Asamoah (Area Head, Bompata), Apostle Prof. Joseph I. T. Buertey (Resident Minister, PIWC Asokwa/PENSA KNUST Patron), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Apostle Kingsley Addai (Resident Minister, PIWC Accra), Elder Prof. Eric Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Director) and Pastor Ebo Quaye (KNUST Campus Pastor).
Also present was the wife of the Chairman, Mrs Mary Nyamekye, traditional leaders, among others.
In a sermon titled, “Be Unleashed With Fragrance To Transform Your Spheres,” Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey, Asokwa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, encouraged believers to let their actions and presence bring positive change and memories to their environments.
Drawing an analogy between fragrance and its stress-relieving properties, Apostle Dzemekey explained how a pleasing aroma can evoke good memories and create a calming atmosphere.
He referenced John 12:1-11, highlighting the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. “Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with her costly perfume was a profound display of remorse and devotion. The fragrance filled the entire house, symbolizing how our actions can permeate and transform our surroundings,” he said.
Apostle Dzemekey urged the congregation to seize the moment and be proactive in their endeavours.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it. This is your time,” he emphasized, encouraging everyone to contribute meaningfully to their communities and personal projects.
He assured those who invested in the church building that their contributions are not in vain but investments in their future.
“Mary, once a sinner, used her precious perfume to honour Jesus, and in return, Jesus declared her sins forgiven,” Apostle Dzemekey explained.
He pointed out that Mary’s gesture was not just an act of generosity but a significant indication of her repentance and faith, which brought about her forgiveness.
Apostle Dzemekey called on believers to unleash their own “fragrance” – their unique gifts and good works – to transform their spheres of influence.
“Just as Mary’s perfume filled the house, let your positive influence and good deeds fill your surroundings, bringing transformation and the presence of Christ wherever you go,” he concluded.
BRIEF HISTORY OF PENSA KNUST AUDITORIUM
In the 1980’s PENSA-KNUST used to have its mid-week services, dubbed Miracle Movement, at the Independence Hall Chapel. Sunday services were held at the Africa Hall Chapel. In the early 1990’s, however, all the meetings were held at Africa Hall. Miracle Movement services were held at the Africa Hall Chapel while Sunday services were now held at the Africa Hall Dining Hall. As the group grew, however, these two meeting places could no longer accommodate the growing numbers. In the latter part of the 1990s, there started to be an overflow of crowds during special programmes and the normal Sunday morning and mid-week services. In 2004, PENSA-KNUST moved the venue of its midweek services to the Queens Hall dining hall which helped manage the group’s growing number.
THE IDEA OF A JOINT PROJECT
In 2004 when David Nyansah Hayfron (now Apostle Dr) was called into full-time ministry from KNUST-PENSA and stationed at the then Ayeduase Worship Centre, he mooted the idea for a joint building project between PENSA-KNUST and Ayeduase Worship Centre.
THE 5,500-SEATER CHURCH BUILDING
The magnificent edifice includes a 3500-capacity auditorium for PENSA-KNUST, 200-seater French and International Students Assembly Hall/Conference Room, Protocol/Information Students Executive Interacting Chamber, 20-seater Reading Room, LCC Conference Hall, Resident Campus Pastor’s Office, and an Exhibition Hall/Recording Studio for audio-visual works.
It also contains PENSA-KNUST Departments’ Common Hall/Utility Office; 1 Guest Room; Disability Ramp, 2000-capacity auditorium for Ayeduase Central Assembly, Ayeduase District Pastor’s Office; Conference Hall, Ayeduase District Clerk’s Office; A 500-capacity children’s auditorium at the basement, baptistery, and Sound Control/Media Room and Storage Areas, among others.
A delegation from The Church of Pentecost, led by Apostle John Kobina Budu Tawiah, the Northern Regional Coordinating Committee (NRCC) Coordinator, joined Yaa Naa Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, today to observe this year’s edition of the annual nationwide tree-planting exercise, dubbed “Green Ghana Day.”
The event, themed “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” took place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
In attendance were Pastor James K. Magyam, the Yendi Area Head, the entire pastorate of the Yendi Area, and the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Akwasi Konadu.
In his welcome address, Yaa Naa Abukari II praised The Church of Pentecost for their consistent support since the inception of the national tree-planting exercise.
Addressing the gathering, Apostle J.B.K. Tawiah emphasized that The Church of Pentecost is prioritizing this year’s exercise by planting 106,000 trees on 262 acres in the region. He urged chiefs and community leaders to actively participate in taking care of these seedlings.
He announced that since the inception of this national exercise, the church has led in planting 1.6 million trees with a success rate of over 87%.
The programme concluded with Yaa Naa, Apostle J.B.K. Tawiah, and Pastor James Magyam planting seedlings to commemorate the event.
Report by Pastor Martin Ossom Boafo (Yendi Area Reporter)
The Church of Pentecost has initiated a monthly medical clinic in St. Lucia to serve residents of the Eastern Caribbean island nation.
At the medical clinic, services such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye screenings, and professional counseling are offered free of charge to attendees who might otherwise not seek medical care due to financial constraints, old age, or other socioeconomic factors.
The Church of Pentecost in St. Lucia, which was inaugurated on September 17, 2023, includes two medical doctors and a team of health practitioners who have volunteered their time to serve the community.
Since its inception, the medical clinic has received a favorable response and high patronage from community members, who have expressed their gratitude to the Church for this intervention.
This initiative has provided the Church with the opportunity to get to know the community residents better and to serve them in line with the transformative power of the Gospel.
A Gospel station has been set up as part of the clinic, engaging patrons with the message of the Gospel. Some have surrendered their lives to Christ and joined the church.
In its quest to pursue holistic ministry, the leadership of the Church is seeking partners and sponsors to help provide more efficient services to the community.
“There is a need to support those who patronize our services with prescriptions and glasses, as many are unable to afford them on their own,” said Pastor Andrew Amankwaah, the National Head. “In the immediate future, we aim to provide mobile services to surrounding communities and villages, which will require a van and other medical logistics.”
Report by St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Media Team
“The Kohinta Healing and Revival Crusade,” organised by the Offinso Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the headship of Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, recorded 220 souls of which 101 underwent water baptism, leading to the opening of a new local assembly.
Held in the Akomadan Zone, the four-day crusade, which culminated in a powerful watch night service on Friday, May 31, 2024, witnessed profound spiritual and physical transformation as 110 individuals experienced miraculous healings, including recoveries from various ailments, hearing impairments, and vision issues.
In addition to this, 15 people received the Holy Spirit baptism and 65 lapsed Christians rededicated their lives to Christ.
Apostle Edzii Davidson highlighted the importance of zonal-level crusades due to the Area’s geographical expanse and expressed plans to hold similar events in the other zones to reach people with the Gospel.
He also stated that it is part of the Church’s vision to unleash the Word of God and miracles to the people outside the church.
The response from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with calls for similar events to be held every three months to continue spreading the Gospel and impacting lives.
The Women’s Ministry of the D. K. Berko English Assembly in the Bomso District of the Asokwa Area of The Church of Pentecost, has donated a phototherapy unit valued at GHC 12, 500.00 to the Children’s Unit at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital, Kumasi, to assist operations.
During the climax of the biannual National Women’s Ministry Week Celebration held recently, a delegation led by the District Women’s Leader, Deaconess Doris Assabil, made the presentation.
According to her, the gesture was part of the Church’s corporate responsibility to support communities within its area in pursuit of its transformational agenda. She emphasised that as women unleashed to transform every sphere of life, there was a need to address a key health challenge affecting children.
The machine will help treat newborn jaundice by exposing the baby’s skin to light, aiding the breakdown of bilirubin in their blood.
The Senior Midwifery Officer, Mrs. Rosemond Serwaah Nyarko, received the donation on behalf of the hospital management, expressing gratitude for the generous act that will help save lives.
The Prophet Martinson Kwadwo Yeboah (PMKY) Worship Centre in the Kasoa Area of The Church of Pentecost began its maiden Rehoboth Conference on Wednesday night, June 5, 2024, with a powerful ministration by Pastor Thomas Tete Asare, Windy Hill District Minister.
The annual prayer and music festival which is under the theme, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” – Luke 4:22, will end on Sunday, June 9, with a mega offering.
Hosted by the Resident Minister, Pastor Fred Amoakohene Sarpong, other speakers include Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head) and Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Awudi (Resident Minister of Diamond City Worship Centre), with song ministration by Ministers Emmanuel and Anita, among others.
Opening the conference on Wednesday night, Pastor T. T. Asare spoke on the topic, “Yes, he is the carpenter’s son but ordained from heaven.”
Explaining the reason why the Jews found it difficult to accept Jesus as the Messiah, Pastor Asare posited that the people despised Jesus due to his poor background – having been born in a manger (sharing a common place with sheep) and raised in a small town called Nazareth which had nothing good to boast of.
According to him, the Jewish people were expecting a great king and a warrior to be sent by God to rescue them from their oppressors, the Romans. However, Jesus came to the scene from a humbly background, beating the imaginations of the people.
He said that although the people despised Jesus, God ordained him and accredited him as the only saviour of the world.
Reading from John 1;29-35, 3:22-36, Pastor Asare disclosed that although Jesus started his ministry on the quiet, it was John the Baptist who brought him to public limelight, bearing testimonies about him.
“Everybody needs somebody for introduction. God has given everyone a destiny helper,” he said, adding, “Jesus had destiny helpers – Mary to conceive him, John to introduce him to the world, the disciples to carry on the job of ministry, and Judas Iscariot to betray him to be crucified for the salvation of the world.”
Using his touching personal life story to indicate the transformational power of God to change the fortunes of men, Pastor Asare stated that “being born into a poor family is not a mistake, but growing to be a poor man, is a mistake.”
He assured the congregation that no matter their backgrounds, God can change their stories and cause a great miracle in their lives.
Pastor T. T. Asare then led the congregation in a spirit-led prayer session to seek the power of God for their breakthrough.
The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, as part of the activities marking the university’s 60th Anniversary mission event.
The meeting, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, was attended by senior members of both the university and the church.
Introducing the Apostle Nyamekye and his delegation to the Vice Chancellor, the Chaplain of KNUST, Rev. Dr. Joseph William Acheampong, said that KNUST’s mission, which began in 1964, is a spiritual programme held every four years. This year’s event, themed “Formed, Deformed, Transformed,” features Apostle Nyamekye as the main missionary, a role for which he was graciously invited and accepted.
Rev. Dr. Acheampong highlighted that The Church of Pentecost has generously provided technical gadgets valued at over GHS 200,000.00 to support the event, underscoring the church’s commitment to spreading the gospel to the university community.
In his address, Apostle Nyamekye expressed gratitude to the university authorities for the invitation to be the main missionary, emphasising the privilege and blessing of speaking to young people who represent the future of the church and the nation.
He was hopeful that the event would lead to a significant spiritual impact on the students. He praised the university for the continuity of the mission crusade over the years.
“The human being is a complex entity, and it takes the Master (God) to mould and manage humans effectively. We must touch both the mind and the heart,” Apostle Nyamekye stated, reflecting on the holistic approach needed in ministry.
Apostle Nyamekye seized the opportunity to invite the Vice-Chancellor and her team to the dedication ceremony of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) church building on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akosua Dickson, on her part, expressed her appreciation for the Chairman’s visit and the church’s support.
She acknowledged the immense responsibility of overseeing the welfare of over 80,000 students and staff, stressing the importance of holistic development that includes not just professional skills but also character and attitude.
She asked for continued prayers for the university’s leadership and praised the new PENSA KNUST building, set to be dedicated on June 9, 2024, as a beautiful addition to the campus.
Present at the meeting were officials from both the university and the church. Notably among them were Elder Prof. Eric Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Director of The Church of Pentecost and Lecturer at the university), Kwesi Boateng (Registrar), Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye (KNUST Campus Pastor of The Church of Pentecost), Dr. Evelyn Mireku (Lecturer), Elder Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, Elder Christopher Addo and Theodore Oko (Director of Student Affairs)
The Church of Pentecost was also represented by Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director), Apostle Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Director), Rev. Prof. William Otu Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost and former Vice Chancellor of KNUST); Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Suame Area Head), Prophet Tetteh Doku (New Tafo Area Head), Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse (Director of Pent Media Centre) and Pastor Frank Awuah Fordjour (Crusades Coordinator, Evangelism Ministry).
