Posts in category: Church News

The New Tafo District in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has held a retirement service in honour of eight gallant officers after years of meritorious service to God and the Church.

The service, which was held on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the M. K Yeboah Memorial Temple, Krofrom, was chaired by the Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, ably assisted by the District Minister, Pastor George Prah Amonoo.

The retirees, made up of 3 Elders, a Deacon and 4 Deaconesses were Elders Simon Amo Broni, who served for 41 years; Lawyer S. K Donkor, 19 years; Ben Korankye, 13 years as well as Deacon Joseph Kwaku Yeboah, 19 years. 

The rest were Deaconesses Cynthia Amo Broni, served for 41 years; Elizabeth Serwaa Bonsu, 38 years; Francisca Owusu Kesse and Georgina Antwi Boasiako also served for 31 and 30 years, respectively.

Prophet Tetteh Doku, in a sermon on the topic: “To Be Like Jesus to Impact the Nations” – (Ephesians 4:17-24; Galatians 2:20), exhorted the congregants on the need to live as transformed beings who no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts.

He enlightened that any individual, who believes in Christ Jesus, is crucified and the former life remains nailed to the cross and for that reason, the person becomes an example for others to follow, given that the former things are over and now imitates Christ and lives for Him.

Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku commended the retirees for their selfless services and encouraged them to keep living for Christ, especially in their retirement to help advance the Kingdom of God.

Citations were presented to the retirees as prayer was said for them by Apostle Isaac Kwasi Amoako (Rtd).

Present at the service were Mrs Victoria Tetteh Doku (wife of the Area Head), Mrs Agnes Amonoo (wife of the District Minister), Pastor Frederick Sarfo (Sepe-Buokrom District), District Executive Members, Area Women’s Ministry representatives and many others.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The mortal remains of Mrs. Grace Efua Mansa Darkwa Juddah, the late wife of the Odorkor Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, was laid to rest after a glorious service was held in her honour on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The eventful service was officiated by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, with support from the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, and some Executive Council Members of the Church, namely, Apostles Samuel Osei Asante, Isaac Nii Kotei Djani, Mike Etrue, Vincent Anane Denteh, and Prophet David Kankam Beditor.

Also in attendance were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah Rtd. (Immediate-past Chairman), Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary-Elect and Asamankese Area Head), Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head), Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe (Department Head of the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission at Pentecost University and Resident Minister for A-Lang Worship Centre), and a mammoth gathering of active and retired ministers, ministers’ wives, officers, members, relatives, and other sympathisers who had come from far and near to the Maranatha University College Park to pay their last respects to the departed minister’s wife.

It was indeed a glorious sight to behold as traditional rulers, clad in their regalia, showed up in great numbers to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Juddah.

Delivering a sermon titled “A Glorious Welcome” at the event, Apostle James Asare said that it does not matter how one leaves the earth, but what is certain is that every Christian will receive a glorious welcome in heaven.

With scripture reference to Luke 16:22, Apostle Asare revealed that there are only two destinations in eternity (life after death): a flight to heaven or hell.

He further noted that three facts remain: no matter one’s achievements, everyone will die; secondly, Jesus is the only way to heaven; and thirdly, one cannot miss heaven and miss hell.

“It does not matter where and how you depart; you are bound to arrive at these two destinations: heaven or hell,” he said.

According to him, what makes the arrival of believers in heaven a glorious one is that God knows when they are coming home, since He is the one who calls them home. This means that their arrival does not take Him by surprise, he said.

He also noted that the heavenly welcome is glorious because there is a massive preparation in place as Jesus promised that He is going to prepare a place for believers.

“Another reason why our welcome will be glorious is that the heavens become happy when the righteous return home from their earthly toils,” he added.

Concluding his sermon, the Kasoa Area Head said that it does not matter the physical condition in which Christians depart (whether fit or unfit) because they will receive a glorious body on their glorious return.

He, therefore, called on all who are yet to accept Christ to do so in order to experience this heavenly welcome.

He also encouraged the bereaved family and sympathisers to take solace from the fact that the late Mrs. Juddah is in a better place and is receiving a glorious welcome.

Survived by a husband and four children, Mrs. Grace Juddah and her husband, Apostle Isaac Tetteh Juddah, accepted the call to join the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 2001. They served in the following districts: Tanoso, Tamale, Pentecost International Worship Centre, and New Tafo (PIWC-New Tafo). After their service in these districts, they were called into missions and stationed in Zimbabwe for five years. In 2017, they were recalled from missions and stationed at Oyarifa.

During their time at Oyarifa District, they were appointed as Area Head and later transferred to the Sogakope Area in 2018. In 2022, they were reassigned to the Odorkor Area, where they served before Mrs. Juddah’s passing.

A tribute by the General Council of The Church of Pentecost, read by Apostle Nii Kotei Djani, described Mrs. Grace Juddah as “a devoted partner in the Lord’s vineyard.”

The tribute also acknowledged her remarkable contributions to God and the Church, stating that her passing was a blow to everyone who knew her.

“Despite facing adversity, she remained a resilient soldier of the Cross, serving God until her last breath,” it read.

The tribute provided comfort to the bereaved family, particularly the widower and the children, stating that she is now at peace in a better place, resting from her labours.

According to the General Council, Mrs. Juddah’s life left a legacy of faith that inspired many. Her exemplary life reflected the teachings of Christ, and she has left behind a legacy of faith and service that will continue to inspire future generations.

In moving tributes and choking on tears, her husband, referring to her as his “beloved queen,” and her children, recalled how her selflessness, determination, moral uprightness, humility, devotion, hospitality, and kindness, among other exemplary traits, brought stability to their home and significantly impacted their lives and ministry.

Mrs. Grace Juddah was born on April 7, 1972, to Opanin Thomas Kofi Darkwah and Obaapanin Selina Asantewaa, both from Begoro and now deceased.

She was the second of eight children. Mrs. Juddah, 51, was called to glory on Friday, March 24, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, after a prolonged illness caused by wrong medication resulting from a misdiagnosis.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh is set to host a two-day partnership workshop that will bring together over 200 experienced Ghanaian scientists to address food security challenges in the country.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana’s leading public scientific research institute, is organising the event in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI). The Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) and its subsidiary, the Asian African Consortium (AAC), are also partners for the event.

In a significant step towards bolstering food security efforts, the JGC/AAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CSIR. This collaboration will facilitate large-scale production of essential agricultural commodities such as rice, maize, soybean, tomato, onion, and jute across Ghana’s diverse agro-ecological zones. By increasing domestic production, the partnership seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports while creating job opportunities and improving nutrition.

The JGC/AAC and CSIR partnership also intends to establish training programs to provide technical support and advisory services and enhance research and development capacities.

Themed: “Enhancing Food Security: The Role of the Ghanaian Scientists,” the partnership workshop, which would kickstart this transformative venture, aims to accomplish several objectives, including the formation of inter-institutional technical teams specialising in various crops, such as rice, jute, maize, soybean, cowpea, tomato, and onion. These teams will work collaboratively on breeding, agronomic practices, mechanisation, innovation, and other key areas of operation.

Additionally, the workshop will develop the necessary frameworks and modalities for executing the program’s deliverables. This includes the creation of work plans and budgets for each technical team assigned to specific commodities.

The workshop would have in attendance 100 experts, including experienced scientists specialising in the listed crops of interest, soil scientists, plant breeders, agronomists, post-harvest scientists, crop protectionists, weed scientists, seed scientists, biotechnologists, animal feed scientists, agricultural engineers, irrigation agronomists, as well as experts in monitoring and evaluation, policy, and information technology.

The Ministry of Finance reports that Ghana’s annual import of essential food commodities, including rice, poultry, sugar, and tomatoes, has averaged around US$2 billion. Data from the ministry reveals that between 2017 and 2020, the country spent between US$845.9 million and US$2 billion solely on importing rice, poultry, tomatoes, and other items.

The JGC/AAC and CSIR’s collaborative efforts, thus, hold great promise for Ghana’s food security goals since the program will contribute significantly to reducing food imports, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply for the nation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Sierra Leone National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Morie Sanpha, has called on the youth to always develop the habit of gratitude towards God in all situations.

“The very essence of human life depends on the Creator, God. Therefore, we have every opportunity to express gratitude for the strength and the gift of life bestowed upon us,” he emphasised.

Apostle Sanpha made the call during his visit to Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) on Thanksgiving and Communion Sunday at Pentecost University in Accra on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

According to the National Head, thanksgiving is a form of prayer that can evoke supernatural interventions from God.

He explained the concept of thanksgiving using the acronym “AGGA,” which stands for Acknowledgement, Gratefulness, Gratitude, and Appreciation.

Drawing from biblical references such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17-24, John 11:38-41, Genesis 2:7, and James 1:17, he elucidated that as God is the source of life, He expects nothing less than appreciation, gratitude, and gratefulness from His creation.

Speaking on the theme, “The Power of Thanksgiving,” Apostle Sanpha stressed the need for Christians to always acknowledge God as the source of everything.

“The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear and appreciate Him,” he stated, adding, “The blessings of God are inexhaustible for those who demonstrate gratitude and gratefulness.”

He further indicated that when believers live with an appreciation towards God, He bestows special blessings upon them, as He is an infinite God who requires gratitude. He urged the students to refrain from covetousness and instead focus on appreciating God.

Expounding on the benefits of thanksgiving, Apostle Sanpha explained that it reveals the glory of God, thereby connecting Christians to Him as the ultimate source of life.

He emphasised that God’s glory encompasses His nature and beauty, stating, “We should not merely be believers, but students who give thanks to God, as it is through Him that we accomplish great things.”

Report by Knackpent Editorial, PENSA PU

Pentecost Press Limited (PPL), a subsidiary of The Church of Pentecost, honoured its hardworking employees and recent retirees at a colourful ceremony held in Accra.

Long-service awards were also given to those who have served the company for 20 and 30 years, respectively.

The event took place on Thursday, April 20, 2023, during the annual durbar of all staff at the Coconut Groove Regency Hotel, Accra. It was attended by the Board and Management of the Press.

In his address, the Board Chairman for PPL, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, congratulated the employees for a good business year in 2022.

“The Press is making excellent progress, and I want to thank God and the employees for that,” he said.

Apostle Dela Quampah also alluded to the Parable of the Rich Fool recorded in the book of Luke 12 and said that the man failed to acknowledge God and even the labourers who tilled his land and helped him with the harvest.

He credited himself with all the success. He said working for God is a challenging assignment, saying, “If God is your supervisor, it is a very challenging situation.”

He, therefore, called on all employees and management to coexist and work together as a family.

He also urged employees to communicate their issues to the Board through management at all times for redress.

“We will explain to you why we cannot honor certain demands if it is beyond us,” he said. Mrs. Comfort Keku received the overall Best Worker for 2022 award, while Mrs. Pearl Gawuga and Mrs. Gladys Tenor received the long-service awards for serving the company for 20 and 30 years, respectively.

Other employees were recognised for living exemplary lifestyles and for excelling in national writing competitions, among others.

The retirees included Elder John Menlah Arthur, a former Managing Director of the Press, who served for a total of 27 years; Elder Mark K. Eshun, who served for 25 years; Mr. Daniel Osei Adjei, who served the Press for 20 years; and Mr. Eric Odotei Sowah, who served the Press for 30 years. Elder Evans Osei Twum, who served the Press for about 30 years, and Mr. William Attivor, who served the Press for a period of 22 years, were also honoured.

“Throughout his tenure, Elder John Menlah Arthur proved to be an invaluable asset to the Press. He was known for his performance-driven innovation, astute business acumen, and sharp administrative skills,” the Press wrote about their former Managing Director.

The Press also lauded Mr. Eshun for his ability to empathise with colleagues during challenging times and further commended him for his optimistic outlook and popular dictum “Obeye yie” (Translated: It shall be well).

According to the Managing Director, Pastor Gideon Yirenkyi Amfo, this positive attitude helped employees navigate difficult times. In response, Elder John Menlah Arthur thanked the Press on behalf of all the retirees for the wonderful gesture.

“We are overwhelmed by your act of kindness and for remembering us even in retirement,” he said.

Report by PPL Media Team.

The Akuse District in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a matriculation ceremony for 80 participants of the Adult Literacy School.

Speaking at the event which took place on Sunday, April 30, 2023, the Akuse District Minister, Pastor Jacob Kwakye Frimpong, noted that the Adult Literacy School, an initiative under Vision 2023, seeks to provide literacy skills to the public and reduce illiteracy levels in the nation.

He said the ceremony aimed to welcome and orient participants on the course outlines, rules, and regulations.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Pastor Frimpong explained that the Adult Literacy School would give participants a chance to gain new skills and expand their knowledge.

He added that it would enable participants to reach their full potential by gaining confidence in their careers and workplaces, and further help them to read the Bible in multiple languages, interpret it accurately, and communicate more effectively.

The nine-month programme is in four major languages: English, Dangme, Twi, and Ewe, with Elder Stephen Adamnor (Twi Lecturer), Mr Modzifa Awucutse (English Language), Elder Edmund Lawer (Dangme), and Deaconess Celestine Boyo (Ewe), as facilitators.

The special guest and Headmaster of Akuse R/C Primary School, Mr Ayertey Amartey, commended The Church of Pentecost for the initiative and encouraged the participants to take the programme seriously.

Deaconess Georgina Amoni (Headmistress of Akuse R/C JHS) and Madam Lydia Kaletsi (Headmistress of Akuse Presby School) were in attendance.

Others were Mrs Cynthia Frimpong (wife of the Akuse District Minister), Elder Ezekiel Abban Teye (Agormanya Area Chaplaincy Assistant Coordinator), officers and members of the Church.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team

The Kuntunse District in the Nsawam Area of The Church of Pentecost has been declared the overall best-performing district of the Church for the previous year.

The announcement was made by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church, during the State-of-the-Church Address at the official opening of the 46th General Council Meetings of the Church.

Out of the 1,631 districts in Ghana under The Church of Pentecost, the Kuntunse District emerged as the top performer.

The second and third positions were taken by the Wassa Sampa District (Tarkwa Area) and Hwidiem District (Tepa Area), respectively.

The rankings were based on key operational indicators, including membership growth, net tithes paid, missions offering paid, and percentage changes in these metrics between 2020 and 2021.

Other indicators used for the ranking were adult souls won, outreach programs held, converts baptised in water and Holy Spirit, and many more.

The Wassa Afransie District in Bogoso Area, Kofi Badukrom District in Berekum District, Domeabra District in Downtown-Ofaakor Area, Uwumborgnan in Nkwanta Area, Akomadan and Abofour New Town districts, both in Offinso Area, and Nkwaeso District in Techiman Area placed 4th to 10th, respectively on the list.

The Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated Kuntunse District and other districts for their impressive performances and encouraged them to continue working hard to maintain or even improve their performances in the coming years.

PENTECOST NEWS.