PENSA-Pakistan Inaugurated web

PENSA-Pakistan Inaugurated

by with No Comment Church NewsPENSA InternationalTop Stories

History was made on Saturday, May 25, 2024, when the Pakistan branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) was officially inaugurated. The event also saw the induction of the national youth executives into their respective offices.

The inauguration marked the climax of a four-day seminar organised by PENSA International, attended by notable figures including Apostle Dr. Jamil Nasir (National Head, Pakistan), Apostle Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Director), Overseer Kofi Owusu Boakye (PENSA International Coordinator), Pastor Samuel Asare, Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye, Pastor Gordon Ansah, Overseer Emmanuel Koduah, Overseer Isaac Brobbey Boadu, Elder Alfred Yamoah, Elder Dr. Samson Ali, along with all pastors in Pakistan, the Global Coordinating Team of PENSA International, and many others.

The seminar commenced on Monday with the theme “Be Strong and Courageous; Leaders of the Possessors of Nations,” based on Joshua 1:6. The Youth Director, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, opened the session with a talk titled “Leading with Courage in the Midst of Fear.” He emphasised the need for courage in challenging situations, illustrating his point with the story of Joshua leading the Israelites to the promised land despite opposition. He encouraged PENSA leaders to be strong and guide the group towards its God-ordained destiny. Apostle Hagan’s presentation set a positive tone for the entire program.

On the second day, Overseer Isaac Brobbey Boadu, Head of PENSA Establishment, presented on the history, aims, and objectives of PENSA. He continued his presentation on the third day, discussing the leadership structure, the qualities of a leader, and the various departments within PENSA.

Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye, Campus Pastor for KNUST and Ghana representative for PENSA International, led the fourth session. He spoke on “How to Make PENSA Services Attractive on Your Campuses,” using scriptural references from Psalm 127:3-5, Hebrews 10:24-25, and 1 Corinthians 9:22. He emphasised understanding the audience’s age group, cultural background, and religious context as crucial to attracting members to PENSA in Pakistan.

Overseer Emmanuel Koduah spoke on the fourth day about “Taking Over the Campuses with the Gospel,” with references from Acts 10:2-3. He highlighted the importance of evangelism on campuses, effective strategies for evangelism, and follow-up discipleship.

The establishment and inauguration of PENSA-Pakistan on May 25, 2024, were celebrated with great joy. The event was blessed by the presence of distinguished guests, including Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, Apostle Dr. Jamil Nasir, and Rev. Kofi Owusu Boakye. Rev. Boakye ministered on “A People of Covenant Unleashed,” with scriptural references from 1 Peter 2:9 and Jeremiah 1:5, encouraging the church to walk as covenanted people equipped to possess the nations.

At the climax of the event, Apostle Dr. Jamil Nasir inducted the national youth executives, followed by Apostle Ebenezer Hagan who inaugurated PENSA Pakistan and inducted the PENSA National Coordinating Team. The inauguration and induction brought immense joy to the participants, who celebrated with clapping and praise. The leadership hopes that this seed planted in Pakistan will grow into a mighty oak.

Closing the event, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan and Apostle Dr. Jamil Nasir expressed their profound gratitude to God, the church’s chairman, the general secretary, the International Missions Director, the executive council, and all who contributed to the church’s growth in Pakistan. They acknowledged that to God be all the glory for the great things He has done.

One of PENSA International’s mandates is to establish PENSA chapters in nations where The Church of Pentecost is present but lacks a student fellowship, and to provide training sessions to equip them to possess the nations for God. In this spirit, the leadership of PENSA International, in collaboration with the Church of Pentecost Pakistan, mobilised and trained young men and women to fulfill this mission through PENSA activities.

Report by PENSA International Media Team

The Church Of Pentecost Women’s Ministry Shows Love To Muslims web

The Church Of Pentecost Women’s Ministry Shows Love To Muslims

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The Akosombo New Combine District Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost presented hampers containing assorted soft drinks to all Imams in the Akosombo municipality during the celebration of this year’s Eid-Ul-Fitr.

All nine Imams in charge of the various mosques in the municipality, including the Chief Imam of Akosombo, Alhaji Is Ma, who is also the Deputy Chief Imam for Asuogyaman District, benefited from the gesture.

During the presentation, the wife of the district minister, Mrs Esther Kesse, who led the team, gave a short Gospel message based on ‘Jesus Christ as the true Messiah.’

She said that Quran Chapter 3 verse 45 presents Jesus Christ as The Messiah, who was honoured in this world and the next world to come, whilst the Bible in Mark 14:61-62 declares Jesus Christ as the Messiah, making Christ the Messiah accepted by both Christian and Muslim religions.

According to her, it is only Jesus Christ who has been accredited by God to save humanity from the dark world to God’s kingdom of light, and that if someone is looking for a saviour then Jesus is the right source.

Mrs Esther Kesse advised the gathering to think about how they can join hands to embark on strategic societal impactful projects in the area. She noted that projects like entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and educational programmes can be jointly organised to positively impact society.

In response, the Chief Imam of Akosombo, Alhaji Is Ma, thanked The Church of Pentecost, New Combine District for the wonderful love shown to the Imams.

He observed that the strong relationship that has been established between The Church of Pentecost and Muslims in Akosombo will surely impact positively.

‘For a women’s fellowship of a church to show us this kindness is first in history in Akosombo since 1974,’ he said.

Alhaji Is Ma assured the church that they are ever ready to partner with the church to undertake projects that are geared towards the development of the community.

The imams also commended the church for the weekly Gospel messages they share on the local information centres every Tuesday and Wednesday. They encouraged Muslims in the community to continue to follow and listen to the sermons to guard their lives.

Report by Esther Kesse.

Duayaw Nkwanta District Holds One-Day Forum for Pragyia Drivers web

Duayaw Nkwanta District Holds One-Day Forum for Pragyia Drivers

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Duayaw Nkwanta District in the Duayaw Nkwanta Area of The Church of Pentecost organised a One-Day Forum for the Tricycle transport industry, specifically the “Pragyia” Drivers Association, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The event aimed to promote safety on the roads of Tano North Municipality, particularly in Duayaw Nkwanta and its environs.

The church collaborated with the Ghana Police Service, the Duayaw Nkwanta Division, and the Driver’s Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to support the budding tricycle industry in navigating the transport sector. Other stakeholders present included Donewell Insurance Company, the Revenue Department of the Tano North Municipal Assembly, and Fidelity Bank.

Pastor Emmanuel Osei-Akosah, the Duayaw Nkwanta District Minister, welcomed the stakeholders to the forum. He explained the rationale behind organising such an event, emphasising that the church’s vision to possess nations fueled the passion to create a platform for stakeholders to engage with drivers and ensure the safety of passengers in the municipality.

In his opening remarks, the Divisional Police Commander of Duayaw Nkwanta, ACP John Kus, described the emerging Pragyia business as a “necessary evil” due to the lack of legislation on the commercial use of tricycles, despite their significant contribution to the socio-economic activities of the municipality. He addressed issues such as the registration of tricycles, speeding, overloading, and improper parking. ACP John Kus stressed the need for tricycle owners to avoid engaging underage and unlicensed drivers.

Mr. Isaac Nyarko of DVLA Sunyani encouraged prospective buyers to ensure all taxes required by law are paid before purchasing tricycles. He noted that tricycles are registered as private vehicles, not commercial, due to the absence of relevant legislation. Mr. Nyarko reminded drivers to abide by the rule not to transport passengers beyond certain distances, highlighting that tricycles are registered to carry three people—two passengers and the driver.

Representing Donewell Insurance, Mr. Patrick Donkor advised drivers to obtain licenses before registering their vehicles for insurance. He outlined various insurance packages available for tricycles and reiterated that they are registered as private vehicles.

During the question-and-answer session, drivers raised several concerns, including the lack of designated stations or spaces for passengers to board. A total of 102 members of the Pragyia Drivers Association participated in the forum. Pastor Emmanuel Osei-Akosah led fervent prayers for the drivers, and 25 drivers made decisions for Jesus Christ, including some rededications.

As part of the programme, the Eye Unit of St. John’s of God Hospital conducted free eye screenings for the drivers. Some drivers were referred for further treatment at the hospital. The event concluded with refreshments for all participants.

Report by Duayaw Nkwanta District Media Team

New Tafo Area Head Holds Strategic Meeting With Church Leaders On Church Growth web

New Tafo Area Head Holds Strategic Meeting With Church Leaders On Church Growth

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The New Tafo Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, has organised a key meeting with church leaders in the Area to deliberate on strategies and plans for advancing the church’s growth.

The meeting, held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Ebenezer Assembly, F-Line, in the Buokrom Estate District, was attended by Presiding Elders, District Secretaries, and District Finance Chairmen.

Addressing the participants, Prophet Tetteh Doku read Exodus 18:13-23 and discussed the operational statistics of The Church of Pentecost, as outlined in the 2023 State-of-the Church Address (SOCA) recently delivered by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

He charged all attendees, especially Presiding Elders, to ensure that their local assemblies each win at least three souls every month for Christ. He stressed the role of Presiding Elders as the representatives of the local churches and urged them to view their calling as a great privilege and honour.

The New Tafo Area Head provided guidance on activities necessary for spiritual and physical growth of the Church, such as soul-winning, Holy Spirit baptism, organising watch night services, fasting and prayers, and holding monthly presbytery meetings to assess the progress of the church.

He also encouraged the participants to warmly welcome new converts, new members, visitors, and to diligently address welfare concerns of members in their effort to close the back door of the Church.

Prophet Tetteh Doku further advised elders of the Church to dress formally, particularly on Communion Sundays.

Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions related to the church growth, with some receiving clarifications on the challenges they face in their leadership roles.

Present at the meeting were Elder Dr. Stephen Sarfo Kantanka (Area Deacon), Elder Akwasi Acheampong (Area Accountant), Elder Samuel Nana Karikari (Area Executive Committee Member), among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Miraculous Healing web

Miraculous Healing: Deacon Matey Shares His Story

by with No Comment Church NewsTestimoniesTop Stories

Members of the Gethsemane Assembly, Otsenkorang District in the Agona Swedru Area of The Church of Pentecost, recently witnessed an extraordinary testimony of God’s healing power, involving Deacon Daniel Matey, who had his miraculous healing experience during one of the Communion services.

The incident and struggle

Deacon Matey had been suffering from a debilitating condition for the past ten years following a fatal accident he had which maimed his left hand and waist area. This condition became known to the entire church and the community. Despite numerous medical interventions and prayers, the healing seemed distant.

The moment of healing

One memorable communion service, after the District Minister, Overseer Solomon Boadi, had delivered the sermon and led the congregation in the Lord’s Supper, an incredible event unfolded.

Deacon Matey recounted his experience: ‘After the sermon my pastor preached and led us to take the Lord’s Supper, just after I took in the bread and wine, I felt a very sharp electrifying shock in my whole body. It felt like a doctor touched my body and started putting the bones back. My body and both shoulders started shaking, and within seconds, the sharp pain in both my shoulders just vanished.

‘To the glory of God, my whole body was restored that very day. Now I can work, and I can lift up my hands to the glory of God.’

This miraculous event did not go unnoticed, as the entire church and the community members, who were aware of Deacon Matey’s long-term struggle, witnessed his instant healing.

His testimony has strengthened the faith of many and stands as a powerful reminder of God’s miraculous healing power and His presence in the lives of His people.

Deacon Daniel Matey’s testimony is a testament to the power of faith and the sacraments. His healing, after ten years of suffering, serves as an inspiration and encouragement to all.

We give all glory to God for this miraculous healing and for continuously manifesting His power and love in the church. Let us continue to trust in God’s promises and His ability to heal and restore. May this testimony remind us that with God, nothing is impossible.

Report by Otsenkorang District Media Team.

Elder Emmanuel Ansah Retires After 39 Years Of Active Service web

Elder Emmanuel Ansah Retires After 39 Years Of Active Service

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Elder Emmanuel Ansah, an officer of the Asutsuare District in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, officially brought his active work in the church to an end after 39 years of meritorious service at the local, District, and Area levels.

Addressing the congregation at the retirement service held in his honour at Asutsuare Central Auditorium, the Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Samuel Gapketor, admonished Christians, especially officers of the church to diligently serve God and His church, since a time would come when they would not get such an opportunity again.

‘As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent us. Night is coming, when no one can work,’ he quoted.

Drawing inspiration from John 9:4 with emphasis on ‘Night is coming,’ he explained that ‘night’ in this context may be a period when one cannot get an opportunity to serve in a capacity as a minister, officer, presiding elder, ministry leader or executive committee member.

He explained that the phrase, ‘night is coming’ used by Jesus may be interpreted as a period of age where one cannot be permitted by law to work.

“In The Church of Pentecost, the retirement age for ministers and officers is 65, whilst presiding elders have two years to serve and they are reviewed or considered for another term,’ he said, adding, ‘We must, therefore, serve well and make a meaningful impact to God’s glory while we have the opportunity.’

He noted that transfers, reviews, deaths, and deteriorating health conditions, among others, may be factors (nights) that could prevent one from serving at a particular office and time.

He, therefore, admonished Christian leaders to make good use of the opportunity they have now to serve by doing it well and to God’s glory.

In a testimony that was read by the District Secretary, Elder Ezekiel Abban Teye, in honour of Elder Emmanuel Ansah, it was revealed that he was a hardworking, faithful, and obedient leader who was always willing to serve wherever his services were needed.

It stated: ‘Elder Emmanuel Ansah is a gallant soldier of The Church of Pentecost, a man of wisdom, knowledge, and a strong prayer life. A philanthropist who gives willingly to support all church activities.’

It is on record that Elder Emmanuel Ansah served as a presiding elder for 27 years.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team.

10 Officers Retire In Nyakrom District web

10 Officers Retire In Nyakrom District

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Ten gallant officers of The Church of Pentecost in Nyakrom District of the Agona Swedru Area have been retired from active service after attaining the church’s statutory retiring age of 65.

A memorable retirement service was organised on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Glorious Assembly in Nyakrom District, in honour of the officers by the District Minister, Pastor William Ofosu Asiamah, and members of his executive committee, with the support of the Area Head, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, and other ministers in the Area.

The retirees were Elder Robert Adjei, who served as an officer from 1988 to 2024, and Deacon Ebenezer Asare (2009-2024).

Others were Deaconesses Cecilia Duodu (1976-2024), Mary Arkoh (2007-2024), Margaret Selby (1985-2024), Leticia Baisie (1999-2024), Grace Annan (1963-2024), Mercy Appiah (1990-2024), Grace Arkoh and Emelia Acquah, who also served for several years.

Pastor Edward Asamoah Antwi of Ekroful District, who spoke at the service on the topic, ‘Be Faithful unto Death,’ stated that church officers’ work and labour ends when they die. According to him, one must work to the end even after retirement.

He, therefore, charged officers of the church to remain faithful to death no matter the situation.

He advised retirees to position themselves well in retirement, saying, ‘Many retire to become coaches and others, critics. Which one will you be?’

Teaching them how to make retirement period impactful, Pastor Antwi entreated retirees to pray for the church, seek reconciliation, be inspiration for the youth, agents of peace and coaches from behind.

He also advised them to take things easy and continue to work on their salvation.

Report by Agona Swedru Area Media Team

COP Elder Installed Paramount Chief web

COP Elder Installed Paramount Chief

by with No Comment ChieftaincyChurch NewsTop Stories

Elder Dr Abraham Okrah of the Adenta District of The Church of Pentecost has been installed the Omanhene (Paramount Chief) of the Debibi Traditional Area in the Bono Region.

Under the stool name Obrempong Osabarima Amoako Gago II, a thanksgiving service has been held to climax activities marking his coronation.

The well-attended service, which was officiated by the Haatso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko, took place on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Delivering the sermon at the service, Apostle Boakye Agyarko spoke on the theme “Justice.” His main text was taken from l Samuel 8:1-19.

He said the main reason why God granted the people of Israel their request for a kjng through Prophet Samuel was that the people were unhappy with the way the two sons of Samuel appointed as judges over Israel were perverting justice for their selfish gains and interests.

He emphasised that the cardinal function of a chief is to administer justice.  He said justice, when well served, brings peace and harmony, fairness and togetherness, unity, love and belongingness. 

He, however, stressed that when justice is denied, conflicts, strives and all sorts of disturbances occur, saying, “The absence of justice hinders the development of the affected area or community.”

Apostle Boakye Agyarko, therefore, admonished all traditional rulers in the Church and those in places of authority at workplaces to always pray for wisdom and insight as requested by King Solomon to be fair and transparent to all manner of persons when their issues come before them for adjudication.

Apostle Boakye Agyarko then led the congregation to pray for Elder Dr. Obrempong Osabarima Amoako Gago ll.

Present at the thanksgiving service were Chiefs and Queen mothers in the Area, Pastor Paul Adzebill who is the Area Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Oppong Donkor Adenta District Pastor, Pastor William Amponsah Asiamah who is the Area Coordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and some members of the Area committee.

Report by Godwin Gborglah (Area Chieftaincy Committee Secretary)

Possessing The Nations Agenda Not For The Aged - Chairman web

“Possessing The Nations” Agenda Not For The Aged – Chairman

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has asserted that the success of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda hinges on the church’s vibrant youth, with the adult membership providing guidance to ensure its success.

He, therefore, charged ministers and other church leaders at all levels to engage the youth meaningfully by loving and involving them in all church activities.

His exhortation, inspired by Joshua 13:1, is founded on the belief that it is the youth who possess the energy needed to take territories for the Lord.

Speaking on a three-divisional topic with “Building the Church of God” as its broad theme at a meeting with the Antwerp Zone of the Church in Belgium, Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that today’s youth must be assigned roles in the church’s operations because they represent the strength and greatest hope of tomorrow’s church.

While focusing on the first sub-topic, “Build the Church to Last,” Apostle Eric Nyamekye emphatically stated that building a lasting church requires intentional involvement of the youth at all levels of leadership. He noted, “The youth are the strength and greatest hope of tomorrow’s church.”

Consequently, he urged church leadership at all levels to nurture, love, and involve the youth in church programs to better position them to take over from today’s generation. He referenced a statement by E. Pinto: “The society that hates its youth has no future.”

“Let’s love them; make adjustments in our programs for them; involve them in the choir, choreography, recitations, and reading of the scriptures; let’s support them and adjust our programs sometimes to help them,” he said.

Referring to Judges 2:10, Apostle Nyamekye reminded the congregants of Israel’s failure to prepare their youth to take over from Joshua’s generation and its repercussions on the nation. He warned that the church could face a similar grim reality if today’s leadership fails to prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

“If we fail to do so, they will go through the back door. Let’s create interest in them and encourage them because we need to build the church to last,” he remarked.

The call to involve the youth in all activities of the church does not mean compromising the church’s treasured beliefs and core values. Quoting 1 Corinthians 3:9-14, he cautioned, “When we are building, let’s be mindful about how we are building and the quality of materials we use, knowing that fire will test it one day.”

“Let’s be mindful of the quality and integrity of the materials we use to build. We must remember that the churches we are building are not for self, but for God’s glory,” he stated.

“We need to know that leadership is not a marathon, but like a relay race, which has to be gauged and run to win; it is not a marathon. Leadership is about tomorrow.

“Human beings expire; we come into the world in phases, and we will go in phases. So, anytime we are building a church, we must be mindful of the materials we use and recognize the limits of what we can achieve in our generation,” he said.

Explaining why today’s church leadership must be futuristic in their operations, Apostle Nyamekye stated, “No generation possibly finishes the work because every day sinners are born onto this planet. Every generation comes with its own challenges, and it takes the people of the same generation to deal with the challenges of their generation.”

Referencing Deuteronomy 6 and Psalms 78, Apostle Nyamekye urged the congregation to ensure a proper handover to the next generation. “Let’s enjoy our local church, but let’s build a church that will last,” he added.

Beyond the church, he urged, “Pay attention to your family; they are your greatest asset. If you want your name to outlive you, bring your children to God. Let’s change our minds concerning the young people,” he concluded.

Report by David Tagoe, Antwerp

Twifo Bimpong-Egya District Holds ‘Super Duper Prayer Festival 2024’ web

Twifo Bimpong-Egya District Holds ‘Super Duper Prayer Festival 2024’

by with No Comment Church NewsTheme_2023

The Twifo Bimpong-Egya District in Twifo Praso Area of The Church of Pentecost has held a massive fasting and prayer conference dubbed, ‘Super Duper Prayerfest 2024.”

The programme which took place from 16-21 April 2024 at Twifo Bimpong-Egya Central church auditorium on the theme, “Unleashed with Great Mantle of Anointing” (2 Kings 2:1-15), was under the leadership of the District Minister, Pastor Abraham Gyabaah.

To the glory of God, a total of 24 souls were won for Christ, 58 receiving the Holy Spirit baptism, and 23 testifying of receiving their healings.

Some of the main speakers were the wife of the district minister, Mrs Evelyn Gyabaah, Elder Philip Annan and Elder Samuel Edusei. Deaconesses Barbara Abban and Elizabeth Lorlonyo with many other singers, rocked the prayerfest with powerful song ministrations.  

Addressing the congregation to climax the programme on Sunday, April 21, 2024, the Twifo Praso Area Head, Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko, based his sermon on the topic, ‘Unleashed to Excel in the Grace of Giving’ (2 Cor. 8:1-8).

Apostle Otu-Nyarko mentioned three pillars that help in the expansion of the gospel: the preaching pillar, the praying pillar, and the paying pillar. According to him, members of the church can help transform their world by preaching the good news, praying for the expansion of God’s kingdom, and giving bountifully to support the work of God.

‘As a child of God, you should, first of all, give your body to Him as a living sacrifice, and after that, you should learn to pay your tithes faithfully and give generously to support the work of  God,’ he stressed.

Present at the programme included Mrs Doris Otu-Nyarko (wife of the Area Head), Elder (Hon.) David T. D. Vondee (Member of Parliament for Twifo Atti Morkwa), and Elder (Togbe) Ringo Gottah (Chief of Bimpong-Egya), among others.

Report by Joseph Smiles Adu.