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

Duayaw Nkwanta District Holds One-Day Forum for Pragyia Drivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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.

Couple Blessed With Child After 11 Years Of Marriage web

Couple Blessed With Child After 11 Years Of Marriage

Mr Domo-Erinuu and his wife, Esther, have been blessed with a child after 11 years of marriage, a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the Lord.

The couple, who worship at New Senchem Assembly in Wassa Senchem District in Twifo Praso Area of The Church of Pentecost, got married in 2014, with the expectation of starting a family immediately. However, after several years of waiting without any signs of having a child, they underwent various fertility tests, but all efforts proved futile.

Despite the challenges, the couple remained hopeful, and their faith was rewarded with a bouncing baby girl, after 11 years of marriage.

The joy of this miracles was celebrated at a christening ceremony of the baby girl on April 14, 2024, where the District Minister, Overseer Albert Kojo Quaicoe, spoke on the importance of raising children in the fear of God.

Overseer Quaicoe, using the Bible text from Genesis 18:18-19, emphasised the need for parents to ensure their children grow up with the principles and values of God, so they can become responsible members of the church and society.

He also cautioned that the waywardness of children can lead to the discontinuation of God’s blessings in a family as seen in the cases of Eli, the high priest and Samuel, the prophet in the Bible. He, therefore, advised parents to be deliberate in grooming their children to be upright, obedient and God-fearing.

The ceremony was attended by the wife of the district minister, Mrs Dorcas Quaiko, and other dignitaries.

The couple’s story serves as an inspiration to those who may be going through similar challenges, reminding them that with faith and perseverance, even the most seemingly impossible dreams can come true.

Report by Joseph Smiles Adu.

The Church Must Rule the World - Apostle Eric Nyamekye web

The Church Must Rule The World – Apostle Eric Nyamekye

As criticism and cynicism against the Church become rife in some circles, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has underscored the need for Christians to ensure that the Church remains strong in contemporary times.

Speaking at the Antwerp Zone to members of The Church of Pentecost in Belgium, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, focusing on the first of three sub-topics, “Building to be Strong,” referenced Matthew 16:18-19 and said, “We need to build the Church to be strong so that not even the gates of Hades can withstand the forward march of the Church. The Church is not a weak entity; it is something so powerful.

“When you see a Church playing weak, it’s all because of a generation that is only churching. But the Church must rule the world so that heaven will partner with the Church and cause what we say to come to pass,” he stressed.

The Chairman described the Church as a community of holy people walking in love and advancing into the world with the gospel of salvation. These are not perfect people, but holy people because God is in them, walking in love so that the whole world will know God through them.

“The Church must be powerful enough to answer questions—the difficult questions. It should be able to meet needs and solve problems.

“The Church should be a real Mount (Obadiah 1:17), able to receive sinners and, with the power of God, transform sinners into saints,” he said.

As an equipping centre, Apostle Nyamekye said God must be in the Church, as His presence is crucial to the Church.

“The Church must not be an ordinary ministry; God must be in our midst. When we meet, we must be able to smell the presence of God. If we want to experience His presence, we must carry His presence into the Church. The lifestyle of members of the Church must change for the watching world to know that God is in His Church.”

He continued, “The Church we are seeking to build is made up of those called out to be part of the community called the Church so that they would be able to transform their world.

“God calls us out and calls us together for a purpose: to become a community of His own people. But it is not enough for the community to meet; they have to advance into the world with the gospel of salvation,” he concluded.

Report by David Tagoe