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The Church of Pentecost Honours 11 Missionaries

An appreciation service was held yesterday in honour of 11 ministers of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) who have ended their Mission duty.

They are: Apostle Konon Rogatien (CoP-Benin), who served at Burundi for four years; Pastor Thomas Anane served at Equatorial Guinea for seven years; Pastor Eric Somuah (CoP-Ghana) served in Tanzania for four years; Pastor Houenou Goudja of CoP-Benin served at Mali for five years; Pastor Peter Eshun (CoP-Ghana) served at Lesotho for seven years; Pastor Koassi Kouakou Yeboua (CoP-Cote D’Ivoire) spent six years in the Central African Republic and Apostle Abraham Arthur (CoP-Ghana) took oversight responsibility of the churches in Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and Hungary for five years.

The following also ended their missionary service last year: Apostle Daniel Owusu-Akyaw (CoP-Ghana) served at Zambia for five years and later at Cameroun for seven years; Apostle Daniel Ato Eduah (CoP-Germany) also served at the Czech Republic for five years; Apostle Edmund Appiah (CoP-UK) spent seven years in Finland, whilst Apostle Agyemang Tabi of CoP-Italy served at Austria for five years.

The ministers were each given a plaque of honour and a cash token in appreciation of their meritorious service to God and the Church.

In response, Apostle Tabi, on behalf of the recipients, expressed gratitude to God and the leadership of the Church for the opportunity given them to serve the Lord and the Church as well as the honour done them at the event.

Dubbed the ‘Appreciation Summit,’ the event is held annually by the International Missions Office to honour the selfless and dedicated service of missionaries of the church in the face of prevailing challenges on the mission field. The event was, however, suspended in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic and its related restrictions.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Missions Office Organises Seminar For National Heads

The International Missions Office has organised a training programme for national heads in the external branches of The Church of Pentecost on the back of the recently-held November Heads’ Meeting.

The event, which is in fulfilment of the Church’s Vision 2023, was held yesterday at the Pentecost Pension House, Gbawe, under the theme: “A Missionary Revived To Possess The Nations” (Ephesians 5:27; Ephesians 3:10).

The main facilitators for the event were the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, and the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe.

Other facilitators were the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) Director and Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, and the Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu Nyarko.

In his closing address, Apostle Eric Nyamekye advised participants to endeavour to apply all that they had received at the event.

He urged them to emulate Apostle Paul’s unreserved determination to serve the Lord and to commit themselves to the work of God even at the peril of their lives.

“It is a choice to serve the Lord. So, go all out for Christ!” the Chairman charged.

He also encouraged the missionaries to keep working wholeheartedly for the Lord and trust Him to cater to their needs.

In his presentation, Apostle Kumi-Larbi advised the participants to familiarise themselves with the policies of the Church and strive to uphold them. He noted that as National Heads they must act as role models to officers and members of the Church in adhering to the financial policies of the Church.

According to Apostle Agyemang Bekoe, the seminar was organised for capacity-building purposes and to provide missionaries an avenue to engage the leadership of the Church on issues that are peculiar to their respective nations. 

Some of the topics handled at the event were “Knowing & Implementing Church Policies,” “Financial Issues of Concern,” “New Mission Trends,” and “Missions Perspective Document.”

PENTECOST NEWS

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Spiritual Gifts A Game-Changer In Christian Evangelism – IMD

The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has stressed the importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the propagation of the gospel in contemporary times.

According to him, the nine charismatic gifts – Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirit, Prophecy, Speaking in different kinds of tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Faith, Working of miracles and Gifts of healing – are a ‘game-changer’ in the Church’s effort to evangelise the world and ‘possess’ nations.

The IMD said this last Friday when he joined participants of the Ashaiman/Tema Zone for the final day of the Evangelism Conference (EVACON).

Speaking on the topic ‘Spiritual Gifts’ based on 1 Corinthians 12, Apostle Bekoe mentioned that there are three main models in Christian evangelism. He said the first is the ‘Jesus-Samaritan Woman’ model (John 4), where the evangelist proclaims the gospel on a person-to-person basis, otherwise known as Personal Evangelism or Witnessing. The second, he noted, is the ‘Day of Pentecost’ model (Acts 2:1-42), where the evangelist proclaims the gospel to a crowd, also known as Mass Evangelism.

He further revealed that the ‘Spiritual Gifts’ model, which is the third approach, is where believers demonstrate the supernatural ability of God to unbelievers, making it easier for them to believe in the existence of the Almighty God and the testimony of His son, Jesus Christ.

Apostle Bekoe, therefore, urged Christians to constantly seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church to augment their personal and mass evangelism efforts.

Inasmuch as Christians desire spiritual or charismatic gifts, the IMD also urged them to equally yearn to bear the Fruit of the Spirit (Character) since the latter helps to put the former in check.

He said: “There is a reason why the spiritual gifts and the Fruit of the Spirit are both nine in number. It is because every spiritual gift (Charisma) has a corresponding fruit (Christ-like character) to protect it from possible abuse.”

“So you cannot only possess the Charisma and not the Character. They must go together. Having one without the other is like a bird with one wing. But with both (Charisma and Character), the Church would fly and soar high!” he added.

This year’s Evangelism Conference (EVACON), which was themed “A Revived Church in an Aggressive Evangelism and Informed Intercession” (Ezekiel 37:1-10), took place from October 27 to 30, 2021 at various centres nationwide.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Paterson District Supports Internal Missions With Donation Worth GH¢3,000.00

The Paterson District in the New Jersey Region of The Church of Pentecost in the United States of America has donated two pairs of speakers and microphones towards internal missions.

The items, worth GH¢3,000.00, were presented to two churches, namely, the Saga Assembly of Kabitie District in the Nkwanta Area and the Godokpe District in the Ho Area.

In a signed statement copied to PENTECOST NEWS, the Paterson District Minister, Pastor Samuel Morgan, noted that the donation to the Saga Assembly was inspired by a video documentary produced by the International Missions Office during this year’s McKeown Missions’ Week celebration – an annual event aimed at highlighting the work of all missionaries of the church and promoting the church’s missions enterprise.

The donation to Godokpe District, on the other hand, he added, is meant to promote the church’s evangelistic activities.

Pastor Morgan is hopeful that the donation would go a long way to inspire the beneficiary churches and others in the mission areas to do more for the advancement of the Kingdom business.

The items were presented to the Missions Directorate today by Pastor Felix Anti (Administrative Secretary to the General Secretary) on behalf of Paterson District for onward distribution to the churches.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Passion For Missions Group Donates To Pentecost, Agogo Hospitals

Passion for Missions, a mission-minded group based at Deptford, London in the United Kingdom, has donated two fetal monitor machines and 30 pieces of ultrasound baby heart rate monitors to the Pentecost Hospital in Madina, Accra and Agogo Hospital in the Ashanti Region. 

The Birmingham District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Wiseborn Agyare, formed the group while he was pastoring the church in Deptford to support the missions work of the church through personal contributions from members of the group. 

Pastor Agyare explained that, during one of his visits to Ghana in 2019, the Nursing Administrator of Agogo Hospital, where he was trained as a nurse, requested Ultrasound Dopler machines to help the midwives monitor the wellbeing of babies in their mothers’ wombs. He then decided to add Pentecost Hospital to the request, knowing the usefulness of the machines to the work of midwives and mothers. 

He said when he returned to the UK, he discussed the request with the group, which they willingly agreed to help by acquiring the items at the cost of £3,000.00. 

The medical supplies were sent through the International Missions Office for presentation to the two hospitals.  

Presenting the items to the Pentecost Hospital, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, entreated staff of the hospital to use the items to inure to the benefit of patients who patronise the facility in line with the possessing the nations’ agenda of the church. 

Receiving the items, the Medical Director of the hospital, Pastor Dr. Edward Arko Koranteng, thanked the donor for coming to the aid of the facility. He promised to use them for the intended purposes to enhance healthcare delivery in the hospital. 

PENTECOST NEWS. 

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CoP-Canada Gets New National Head

Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi has assumed office as the new National Head of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in Canada. He takes over from Apostle Dr Emmanuel Owusu as the seventh national head of the church.

He was inducted into office by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at a special service held at the McKeown Worship Centre in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The event also saw the glorious retirement of the immediate-past National Head, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anthony Owusu, and his family from the full-time ministry of the church after 26 years.

Apostle Obeng Gyamfi was called into the full-time ministry in 1998 in Germany, having served as a Field Assistant in Frankfurt from 1995 to 1997.  

He has since pastored at Wiesbaden District, Frankfurt (1997-1998), Dusseldorf District, Germany (1998-1999), PIWC-North York (2000-2002), Calgary District (2002-2006), Ottawa District (2006-2010), Peel District (2010-2016), and Montreal District (2016-2021). 

Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi is married to Mrs. Irene Obeng-Gyamfi, and they are blessed with four children, namely, Ransford Gyamfi Jnr., Israel Terry Gyamfi, Jeffrey Gyamfi, and Elgin Gyamfi.

Report by PENTMEDIA Canada

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Apostle Dr. Owusu Retires After 26 Years In Full-Time Ministry

A historic service was held last Sunday [September 26, 2021] at the McKeown Worship Centre in Toronto, Canada in honour of Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anthony and Mrs Patience Owusu, who bowed out of active ministry after 26 years.

The service, which was officiated by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, also had in attendance Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Bompata Area Head and Executive Council Member), Prophet James O. Amaniampong (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle Patrick Aseyoro (Odorkor Area Head) and Apostle Michael Osei (France National Head). 

A delegation from the USA, consisting of Apostle John Appiah, Apostle Samuel Arthur, Apostle Andy Donkor, Apostle Stephen Amponsah, Apostle Dr. Portuphy, Pastor Joseph Gyamfi, Pastor Joseph Antwi, among others, and led by Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako (National Head for CoP-USA and Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Chairman for the Americas) also graced the event.

Speaking on the topic: “The Jewish Root of Christianity: Some Lessons for our Time,” Apostle Nyamekye stated that God chose Israel strategically to reveal Himself to the other nations of the world. (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 9:18-19; Exodus19:3:-6; Deuteronomy 4:-8; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Psalms 78:6). 

According to him, Israel had a covenant with God, and as part of the covenant, they were to be holy people, a kingdom of priests, and a treasured possession unto the Lord. They were also instructed by God to teach this to their children so they would not forget Him, he added.

Apostle Nyamekye stated that, even when the Jews had dispersed on the face of the earth, they were expected to hold on to the word of God and remain holy. With this in mind, as they interacted with other cultures such as the Babylonian and Greco-Roman cultures, the Jews, he noted, ensured that they influenced and possessed the other cultures, thereby spreading their religion to other nations.

Comparing the church (now the Israel of God) to the nation of Israel, Apostle Nyamekye said God’s agenda for the world is to ensure that “none should be lost.” (Galatians 3:8; 3:16; 6:15).

Just like the Jews, he advised the Church in Canada to explore ways by which they could influence the Canadian people through their culture in order to draw them to the Lord. 

“Our churches should be equipping centres where righteous men and women are raised to influence the society with Kingdom values and principles. Let us live exemplary lifestyles based on the principles and values of the Kingdom of God like the Jews did,” he said.

He also advised that only people who are adaptive to various situations should be called to serve in leadership positions in the church.

The Chairman urged parents to endeavour to teach their children the word of God and be an example of authentic Christianity.He also urged church members to avail themselves to be used by the Lord to possess their communities for Christ.

Testimony by the General Council in honour of the retired minister read by Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng hailed Apostle Dr. Owusu as an embodiment of humility, hard work, service and discipline. It also described him as one who accomplishes assignments efficiently and effectively.

The Council also praised Mrs. Patience Owusu for being the strong pillar in the life and ministry of her husband, whilst acknowledging her selflessness, love, hard work, compassion, and dedication to God and the advancement of His Kingdom. 

The National Council of CoP-Canada further testified that Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu made a difference in the lives of so many people as a preacher, teacher, prayer warrior, an affable father, counsellor, and an effective administrator, who helped to maximise the church’s financial resources and ensure a smooth financial administration.

To climax the event, Apostle Eric Nyamekye presented a ‘certificate of service’ plaque to the retired minister in acknowledgement of his meritorious service to God and The Church of Pentecost for over two decades.

Among those in attendance were Mrs. Mary Nyamekye (wife of the Chairman), Apostle Ackah-Baidoo (rtd.), a former National Head of Canada, and his wife, as well as Mrs. Mary Miah and Mrs. Faustina Bediako (both wives of former Canada National Heads). Some community leaders, including ministers from other churches, the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario led by Mr. Emmanuel Duodo, and royals, attended the event.

Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu was called into the full-time ministry in 1995 and served at Toronto (1995-1999), Vancouver (1999-2003), France (2003-2009), USA (2009-2016), and Canada (2016-2021). He previously served as an Acting National Head for Canada between 2013 and 2014 and also served as an Executive Council Member and the RCC Chairman for the Americas from 2015 to 2020.

Report by PENTMEDIA Canada.

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Orientation Held For Newly-Called Missionaries

The 2021 orientation course for newly-called missionaries and ministers transferred to external and internal missions came to a successful end on Friday, July 23, 2021, with a call on ministers to emulate the example of Jesus Christ and Abraham in their mission work. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, stated that Jesus Christ, our perfect example left His Father’s throne and glory, came to earth to die for the sins of mankind so that all men might have salvation. 

Quoting from Philippians 2:5-8, the Chairman advised the ministers and their wives to quickly adapt to their new surroundings and get closer to the indigenes so as to minister to them. This, according to him, is the only way they would make a great impact in the mission field. 

He encouraged them to avoid the pressure to impress but to do their possible best to “walk in the pages of scripture so that the scriptures come alive in their respective stations.” 

Referencing Genesis 12:1-4, Apostle Nyamekye indicated that Abraham was obedient to the call of God to leave his home, although he did not know the exact place he was to go, and the entire world has been saved through that single act of obedience and trust in God. 

He also entreated missionaries to place value on all persons since everyone they meet is a potential sheep in need of a shepherd. 

The 2021 Missions Orientation, which started on Monday, July 19, was held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh was the last being held under the auspices of the outgoing International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo. The Chairman commended the IMD for the great work he had done throughout his tenure. 

Participants of the five-day course were taken through topics such as “Ethnographic research, the biblical perspective of missions,” “The Missionary and his Health,” “The Missionary as an agent of transformation,” “Youth Ministry Work,” “Ministry to Persons with Disabilities,” “Home and Urban Missions,” and “Cross-Cultural Church Planting.” Others were “Accountability and Reporting,” “Interpersonal Relationships,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Understanding People Groups of the North,” and the “Personal Spiritual Growth of the Missionary.” 

Apostle Daniel and Mrs Dora Owusu Akyaw as well as Apostle Kojo Sey, who were former missionaries, also shared their rich experiences in missions with participants.

The resource persons for this year’s orientation programme included the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi Addo, Apostles Joseph Assabil, Patrick Aseyoro, Dr Emmanuel Anim, Martin Seth Appiah, David Nyansah Hayfron, Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, Pastors Ebenezer Hagan, John Prah Amonoo, and Overseers Dr Perez Sepenu and Alexander Nyame. 

The rest were Elder Dr Chris Ampadu, Mrs Victoria Kumi-Woode, and Mrs Ruth Adjabeng Keelson. 

In a closing remark, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo commended the past and present staff of the International Missions Directorate at the church’s Headquarters, led by his Personal Assistant (PA), Pastor Gideon Boadu-Yirenkyi, for their support during his decade-long service as IMD. 

PENTECOST NEWS

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Kete-Krachi Area Commissions Boat To Evangelise Overbank Communities

The Kete-Krachi Area, headed by Apostle Joseph Danzerl, has commissioned a 70-seater boat to evangelise overbank communities within the Area including Grubi, Lakeside, Akaniem and Ayetsekope, all within the Oti Region of Ghana.

The facility, worth GH¢ 60,000.00, was largely funded by grants from the International Missions Directorate of the church.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Apostle Danzerl was full of praise and gratitude to God and the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, for making it possible for the Area to get this vital tool to enable them to spread the gospel message on the islands and overbank communities. 

He called on all stakeholders to ensure that the boat is managed judiciously to prolong its lifespan.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Kenin (Krachikrom District)

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Sunyani Area Gives To 3 Nations, Internal Missions

The Sunyani Area of The Church of Pentecost, headed by Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh, has donated 377 pieces of wax prints to the churches in Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and the Seychelles Island as well as some Internal Missions areas in Ghana. In addition to the wax prints, the Area presented an amount of GHS 4,750.00 for the purchase of a motorbike for the church in Rwanda.

Out of the 377 pieces of wax prints, Internal Missions areas (Ghana) received 77 pieces, while Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and the Seychelles Island received 100 pieces each.

The items were presented to the International Missions Directorate at the General Headquarters in Accra recently by the Sunyani Area Missions Committee Chairman, Pastor Theodore Akpalolo, on behalf of the Area Head, Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh.

Receiving the items on behalf of the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, the Personal Assistant to the IMD, Pastor Gideon Kofi Boadu-Yirenkyi, thanked the Sunyani Area for the donation.

PENTECOST NEWS.