Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

Elder Harrison Ankomah Sarpong and Esther Akomah Acheampong are joint winners of the coveted The Church of Pentecost Chairman’s Best Worker Award for 2022.

The duo was conferred with the prestigious award at the closing ceremony of The Church of Pentecost Headquarters 2022 Management & Staff Retreat on Friday, December 16, 2022, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The event coincided with the retirement service of nine staff of the Headquarters. Other staff who have served the organisation for some years received long service awards.

Elder Harrison Ankomah Sarpong

Elder Harrison Ankomah Sarpong, currently the Audit Assurance Manager at the Audit, Monitoring and Evaluation (AME) Department at the Headquarters, joined the organisation 21 years ago (2001).

Speaking to Pentecost News after receiving the award, Elder Sarpong thanked God for the honour, saying, “I feel very great because this is the greatest award every staff will expect.”

According to him, though he has worked very had over the years, he least expected it now being in a managerial position, since the award usually goes to staff below the rank of manager. He, therefore, urged his colleague staff to work hard and God will honour them at the right time.

He believed his award is an encouragement to both staff in managerial positions and lower ranks.

Esther Akomah Acheampong

Esther Akomah Acheampong, an Accounts Officer at the Goaso Area Office in the Ahafo Region, was employed by the organisation six years ago. She described the award as a doing of the Lord since she did not expect it.

“This award is going to encourage me to continue to work diligently by putting up my best for the Church, society and country,” she said.

She had this advice for her colleagues: “They should be diligent in their duties and abide by the rules and policies of the church, and above all honour their leaders and God.”

PENTECOST NEWS

Pentecost University (PU) held its 14th graduation ceremony on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.

History was made at the event as the first batch of the Elders’ Training program of the university, sponsored by The Church of Pentecost, passed out with certificates in Theology and Pastoral Studies.

Offering fraternal greetings, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Methodist University Ghana, Very Reverend Professor John David Ekem commended the university for its continued support and called for more collaborations between Christian institutions.

“I believe the time has come for Christian private universities to join resources together in a united front. When this is done, the fortunes of this nation will be turned over,” he said.

In his address, the Chancellor of Pentecost University and Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated the University Council, management, and staff of the university for the steady progress made over the last few years.

He stated: “Education forms the bedrock of nations development and gradually the world is reckoning that the value-based education is the way to go.

Despite the increase in access to education, and the resultant knowledge explosion in the 21st century, the living condition of the vast majority of our society, especially in Africa continues to deteriorate and the society continues to be a challenge.”

Apostle Nyamekye stressed that the emergence of Christian universities in our country brings hope as we continue to work positively in the training of ethical leaders for our society.

He, therefore, noted that it is gratifying that the Pentecost University is very much alive to its core mandate and values made to the recognition of a session of our society.

He iterated that the Church will continue to support the university to expand to be able to accommodate more students from the Free SHS program as an effort to produce graduates with ethical leadership qualities.

The Chancellor further stated that the Church would continue to support the university through The Church of Pentecost Chairman Educational Fund (COPCEF), established to provide scholarships to brilliant but needy students at PU as well as infrastructural development at the university.

He urged the graduates to be ambassadors of the institution, saying, “Let’s us go out to reflect on the institution’s motto of Transformation and service.”

Delivering the state-of-the-University address, the Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University revealed that the university aligned itself with the Ministry of Education’s drive to increase in STEM Education, and invested in the establishment of the International Digital Centre to pioneer research and teaching in industrial applications of artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and smart manufacturing concepts, which according to him are all components of the much-needed industry 4.0 initiative.

Reflecting on the numerous support the Church has given individuals for further studies, and the unwavering pivot it sells for Pentecost University, he expressed his gratitude to the Chairman, Executive Council, all Heads and individuals who are committed to the University, saying, “You are not only improving the spiritual lives of people, you are impacting and transforming a whole society, nation and the world at large.

To the graduates, Apostle Professor Kodua admonished: “This world will test you on your integrity and skills. Do not fail but make us proud and let all know that you were trained at the Pentecost University. Our country does not need more graduates, there are more out there. Don’t just go and add to the numbers. We need graduates with integrity and high skills in solving problems. This is the University A+ agenda, hold the torch high.”

Graduating with a grade point average of 3.95, the Valedictorian and Overall Best Graduating Student, Master Rigwell Addisson Asiedu from the Communications Studies department recalled his days of sleepless nights while studying buttressed with frequent sicknesses. Yet, with determination, he fought through the odds.

“We had no idea of what the future held for us, for we came with various potentials and the university shaped us. We succeeded over the oars; however, the actual success hides behind the walls of the university. Excel in your fields and never settle for mediocrity because this is the end of the journey and the beginning of another,” he said.

Students ranging from the various faculties of Business Administration, Health & Allied Sciences, Science & Computing and Pentecost School of Theology & Missions received ensuing degrees from Masters, Bachelors and Diplomas and Certificates.

Other individuals who excelled in the various departments were also awarded with sponsorships from benevolent organisations and individuals respectively.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has said that blessing is fundamental to Christians, saying, “All of us have been blessed, what is needed is a change of mindset to appropriate it.”
Apostle Nyamekye made this statement on Friday, December 16, 2022, during the Closing Ceremony of the Head Office Management & Staff Retreat held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
Delivering a sermon on the topic, “Priestly Blessings” based on Numbers 6:22, Apostle Nyamekye said that God blessed the Israelites because His name was upon them.
“Blessing is God’s idea for His people, right from creation. When man sinned against God, He cursed the serpent but did not curse man,” he added.
Quoting from Galatians 3:13, he stated: “Christ redeemed us so that the blessing given to Abraham might come upon us.”
According to Apostle Nyamekye, God is the source of blessing, and as Lord, He has authority, control, and power over all things, both seen and unseen, and every name, stressing that “God is the owner of the earth that is why He is Lord over all.”
Apostle Nyamekye noted that God’s blessings involve long life, good health, prosperity (fertility), peace, and His presence.
He disclosed that with the first priestly blessing, ‘The Lord bless you and keep you’ Christians receive the protection of God, and are guarded and delivered from the evils of life, wicked spirits, wicked people, and wicked places in life.
On the second priestly blessing which is ‘The Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you,’ he pointed out that Christians receive favour from above without working for it.
He further mentioned that the third priestly blessing which is “The Lord lifts His countenance upon you and give you peace,” makes a believer be noticed, and receive peace and protection of God.
“We need to respond to the priestly blessing by shouting ‘Amen.’ You need a blessing mentality to achieve this through shouting, ‘Amen.’ Live in full obedience to the Lord who has the power to bless,” he stressed.
The closing ceremony coincided with the retirement of nine staff who have served the organisation in various capacities for several years.
PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised Christian leaders to be loyal to God and the Church.

The Chairman said this in a homily he delivered when he met elders in the La and Teshie Nungua areas of the Church at the PIWC-Kokomlemle Dome, last Tuesday.

In his exhortation, Apostle Nyamekye commended the elders of The Church of Pentecost, who are unpaid officers, for their selfless and sacrificial service that has greatly contributed to the sustenance and growth of the Church.

With Acts 14:21-23; Titus 1:5 and Acts 20:17 as scriptural references, Apostle Nyamekye further highlighted the importance of elders in the New Testament Church.

The Chairman drew inspiration from David’s story in 1Chronicles 11:9-11 to stress the need for ministers and elders to work closely together for maximum impact.

According to the Chairman, King David’s greatness and success could be attributed to two things; God’s presence with him and the support from his (David’s) mighty men and the people of Israel gave him.

Apostle Nyamekye also indicated that David was a man who knew how to build and maintain strong supportive teams.

He opined that “great leaders do not succeed alone, rather they succeed because they have people who support them.”

“No leader is greater than his support team; for as the leader is, so is his support team,” he added.

Apostle Nyamekye also pointed out that every member of the church possesses some graces, gifts and talents (Romans 12:6-8), for this reason, no member of the body of Christ should be taken for granted.

These graces, gifts and talents, which are both natural and spiritual, he futher noted, must be harnessed for the common good of all (1Corinthians 12:7), and not for personal interests or self-aggrandisement.

“Since every individual in the Church has a certain level of grace, gifts and talents, Church leaders must learn to respect all and see every member as part of the support team,” he advised.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that all elders are coworkers in the house of God and have been called to a position of trust.

He, therefore, charged ministers and officers to discharge their duties with utmost loyalty because “loyalty is the hallmark of every supporting leader.”

Using Joab and Abishai as a case study to further butress his point, the Chairman explained that although Joab and Abishai were brothers and part of King David’s warriors, the former was disloyal to David while the latter was loyal to the king.

Joab’s disloyalty was seen in how he killed two army commanders of David without his knowledge. He (Joab) again proved disloyal when he killed the King’s son, Absalom, after the king had explicitly asked him not to.

Abishai, on the other hand, risked his life for King David, he saved the King when Ishbi-Benod wanted to kill him, and obeyed David’s orders even when they went against his personal wishes.

The Chairman advised Church leaders to cultivate Abishai’s exemplary loyalty trait while asserting that loyalty is one of the paramount virtues needed in Christian leadership.

He explained that being loyal to God and the Church requires faithfulness, sacrifice, commitment, going the extra mile, effective leadership, defending the church and interceding for the church  in prayer.

Apostle Nyamekye also admonished ministers and officers to refrain from maligning the Church and her leadership since it also an act of disloyalty.

In attendance were Apostle Alexander N.Y. Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Lawrence Otu Nyarko (Finance and Administration Director, CoP Headquarters), Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Apostle D.K. Nuekpe (La Area Head), Apostle Nkrumah Agyemang (Teshie Nungua Area Head) and Apostle Lt. Col. B.G. Kumi-Woode (Chaplain, Ghana Armed Forces) together with their spouses.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, met with about 349 retired ministers and wives of the Church in the Greater-Accra Region at the Santa Maria Central Assembly church auditorium, Accra, yesterday.

The purpose of the meeting, among other reasons, was to share fellowship with the gallant soldiers of the cross and offer them some words of encouragement.

Also present at the meeting were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Executive Council Member and Kaneshie Area Head), and Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Executive Council Member and Ashaiman Area Head), as well as some Area Heads and Ministry Directors of the Church.

Exhorting the gathering, Apostle Nyamekye encouraged the retirees to give thanks to God always despite the physical distress they may be facing such as sicknesses and the passing of loved ones.

Using Psalm 34:1-3 as a scriptural reference, the Chairman said that it is easier to bless the Lord in good times, but it requires more effort and faith to do that in times of difficulty.

“Do not be perturbed by life’s whirls and issues, only know that a better life is before you,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye also pointed out that the soul is the center of a person’s emotions, adding that what one hears, sees, touches, or feels determines the mood of the soul and causes the individual to react in a particular way.

“The soul is not always in a happy mood so extolling the Lord all the days of your life is not always easy, it is actually a sacrifice unto the Lord,” he explained.

The Chairman, therefore, advised the retired ministers to ignore any negative talk and rather focus on the goodness of God by always keeping in mind what the Lord has done for them.

“What leads people to thank the Lord is reflecting on what you see and hear. Think about the goodness of God and let His thanksgiving be on your lips always,” he said.

The exhortation was followed with an intensive prayer session led by the General Secretary.

Prophet David Kankam Beditor, who also heads the Greater-Accra Regional Coordinating Committee of the Church, made a cash donation to the National Association of Retired Ministers and Wives on behalf of all 13 administrative areas of the Church in the region.

In response, Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd.), the Chairman of the association, expressed utmost gratitude to the leadership of the Church for their contributions towards the welfare of the retirees.

Among the participants were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Immediate-past Chairman of the Church) and Apostle Samuel K. Ansong (Former Executive Council Member and Area Head).

The retired ministers of the Church in Greater-Accra have been grouped into zones, namely, Ashaiman/Tema, Madina/Haatso, Achimota/ Suhum/Nsawam, Kaneshie, Odorkor/Anyaa-Ablekuma, Kasoa and Teshie Nungua. PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged ministers’ wives to dedicate much time to train and teach their children to be grounded in Christ.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the greatest treasure to ministers are their children, whom he describes as are a heritage, adding that, it is through them that their generations would be blessed.

The Chairman said this on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the Dr. Wyatt Memorial Temple, Accra Newtown during the 6^th Edition of the Greater Accra Ministers’ Wives Prayer Meeting.

The theme for the meeting was, “Equipping The Church As An Army To Possess The Nations,” – Hebrews 13:20-21 & Ephesians 4:11-12; 6:10-11.

Speaking on the topic, “Children, Our Greatest Treasure,” using Psalms 127:3-5; 37:26, Apostle Eric Nyamekye said that God hopes in parents to raise godly men and women from the heritage He has graciously given them.

“In the long run, the grace of God plays a role in raising godly children, but parents should do their part and God will honour it,” he stated, adding that their divine providence could be linked to how they raise them for the Lord.

He noted that the promise of God could be trans-generational. However, he posited that the role of children in seeing to the fulfillment of these promises cannot be overlooked.

Reading Genesis 18:18-19, he explained that Eli’s priestly line was cut short because of the behaviour of his children, admonishing, “Let us rethink about our children, they are our reward given to us by God.”

He further urged parents to know that the priceless gifts they can give humanity is a child or children they raise to serve God and the state in righteousness.

“Raising children is work but raising godly children could be harder, yet it is worth all the effort,” Apostle Nyamekye iterated.

Reflecting on retirement, he mentioned that in life, we climb and descend. He outlined that when descending during that period in their retirement, a support stick is supplied by children.

“Raise your children in the fear of God. Sow in tears into their lives and in due course, you will reap,” he emphasized, saying, “the children may not necessarily be a biological child. It could be a member or adopted child whom you must take care of.”

The wife of the Chairman, Mrs Mary Nyamekye, led the participants through an intensive session of intercessory prayers, delivering the sick, those in bondage and those waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb.

After, the ministers’ wives were taken through a skills training and practical session on Floral Arrangement, facilitated by Deaconess Eleanor Doku, a Floral & Decoration expert.

The gathering brought together wives of Executive Council Members, Area Heads, Apostles, Directors and district ministers within the Greater Accra Region.

Present were Mrs Deborah Agyemang Bekoe (wife of the International Missions Director), Mrs Elizabeth Osei Asante (wife of Kaneshie Area Head), and Mrs. Martha Anane Denteh (wife of the PEMEM Director).

PENTECOST NEWS

Officials from the Ghana Prisons Service led by the Director General of Prisons, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

The meeting was held at the Church’s General Headquarters at Labadi, in Accra.

The visit, according to Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, was to express their extreme appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for its numerous contributions to the Service, and to explore opportunities for more collaborations.

He commended the Church for taking the initiative to build prison camps in order to lessen the challenge of overcrowding in the facilities.

Among the Ghana Prisons Service delegation were Dr. Francis Omane-Addo (Director of Technical), Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Director of Services), Mr. Hanson Adu-Awuku (Director of Agriculture), ADP Canon Selwyn S. Adama Okai (Chaplain General), and CSP Vitalis A-Iyeh (Chief Public Relations officer).

Mr. Egyir, on behalf of the Prisons Service, presented a plaque to the Chairman in recognition of the tremendous contribution made to the Service.

In response, Apostle Nyamekye expressed fulfilment in positive impact the project has made in the lives of the prisoners. 

“We are happy that you received our donation. What is now needed is effective management of the facilities to realise the vision of decongesting prison facilities across the nation,” he said.

He disclosed that an orientation programme is being held by the Prisons Committee of the Church at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh, for prison inmates who have had their fines redeemed by the Church in order to reconnect them with their families before their reintegration into society.

He stated that there are two other Prison Reformation Centres under construction at Damongo and Obuasi; both are near completion. 

The construction of prison reformation centres by The Church of Pentecost is part of the Church’s five-year strategic vision, dubbed: “Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations” aimed at transforming every sphere of society with values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Present were Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director) and Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member).

PENTECOST NEWS.

The newly-elected General Superintendent of Assemblies of God (AG), Ghana, Rev. Dr. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, called on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, yesterday at the Church’s General Headquarters at Labadi, Accra.

Accompanying the General Superintendent were some members of the AG-Ghana Executive Presbytery Officers. 

They are Rev. Dr. Godwin Tito Agyei, Assistant General Superintendent; Rev. Dr. Ernest Birikorang, General Secretary; Rev. Dr. Simon Abu Baba, General Treasurer; Rev. Obed Anderson Asiedu, Eastern Regional B Superintendent; and Rev. Michael O. Ayesu, Greater Accra West Regional Superintendent.

According to Rev. Dr. Wengam, the visit was to formally introduce the newly-elected leadership of the church who were to be inducted in February next year to Apostle Nyamekye and to discuss further areas of collaboration between both churches and ways of building the spiritual lives of members.

Highlighting his vision for the Assemblies of God, dubbed ‘Transformation Agenda,’ he called on Apostle Nyamekye for a strategic partnership and possible collaboration in areas of church planting, ideas sharing, and many others.

“In this vision and agenda, we can’t do it alone; we think partnering with The Church of Pentecost (CoP) has been very beneficial. We hope to deepen that relationship with CoP,” he stated.

He commended the Chairman for the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost, affirming his support for the impact being made in the society by the church, saying, “we would partner with you to possess the nations.”

Encouraging the AG leadership, Apostle Nyamekye charged them to work together and warned against denominationalism existing between churches, which, according to him, is not the best approach to enhancing the kingdom of God.

“Christ has made us one; denominations are not the best even though it has their advantages. In the end, we should see ourselves as people of the Kingdom of God,” he said.

He further charged the Assemblies of God leadership to continue building team spirit within the leaders and the church, saying, “You can only achieve greater heights with unity.”

On the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda, he outlined that the church is the centre where all the spheres of work in society come to study the principles of God to make an impact.

“I am praying that all churches will rise to this understanding so that we can take the nations for Christ,” he said.

He urged the leadership to focus on developing strategies and models to build the capacity of the clergy and the members of Assemblies of God, Ghana.

Present were Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director, COP), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head & Executive Council Member, COP), and Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head, COP).

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has admonished elders of the church to continue to be loyal to the church.

“As supporting leaders, your loyalty is to God and the church,” Apostle Nyamekye said.

The Chairman said this during his engagement with elders of the church in the Odorkor and Anyaa-Ablekuma Areas at the Odorkor Central Auditorium on Monday, December 5, 2022.

Speaking on the topic, “Supportive Leadership,” Apostle Nyamekye said that apart from pastors, all supportive leaders (Elders, Deaconesses and Deacons) are co-workers of the Lord’s vineyard which is the church.

“We as supporting leaders have been given a trust which we need to effectively execute at our level,” he stated.

According to him, one thing that is needed by a supportive leader is loyalty, despite the challenges that are bound to be experienced.

“A loyal person will not withdraw from you no matter the circumstances in which he or she finds himself,” he stressed.

Using 1 Chronicles 11:9-10, he explained that David became very powerful because the Almighty God was with him. However, he noted that despite God being with David, he had strong support from people who made him great.

He said that David knew how to build a support team to execute the task assigned to him because he was a man of skill, good attitude and character.

“Great leaders do not succeed alone, behind them is a support team. The task of possessing the nations is an uphill task and it cannot be achieved alone. We all need the help of each other in this ministry,” he noted.

The Chairman emphasized that as loyal supporting leaders, elders are to grow and develop what has been entrusted to their care, saying, “Loyalty alone is not enough, elders must be skillful, have a good attitude and be of good character with prayer and the ministry of the Word being constant.”

He cautioned elders not to use the pulpit to project themselves.

PENTECOST NEWS

The leadership of L’Eglise de Pentecoste du Togo, a parallel church of The Church of Pentecost in Togo, has paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

The delegation met with the Chairman on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Church’s General Headquarters at Labadi, in Accra.

Among their delegation were Apostle Samuel D. Lawson (President, L’Eglise de Pentecoste du Togo), Apostle Daniel K. Dogbovi (General Secretary), Apostle Cyprien K. Bruce (Executive Council Member), and Pastor Gregoire A. Amoeni (Executive Council Member).

According to the President of the Togolese Pentecostal denomination, Apostle Lawson, the visit was to render sincere appreciation to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for its immense help in guiding them through elections and induction of their leaders.

“Your action demonstrates how much you are with us and supporting us always,” he stated.

He further noted that the call was to reemphasise the collaboration between both churches. 

In his response, Apostle Eric Nyamekye said that there was the need for both denominations to forge towards building stronger churches in the future.

“We must forge ahead together. Let us come together and have an agreement for future generations to have a common understanding,” Apostle Nyamekye said.

He expressed his support to the new leadership and encouraged them to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in taking decisions. This, he said, would help in building a stronger church for God.

To the President, the Chairman urged him to be strong and courageous, saying, “Once you have been made the leader, you have to be firm to do the work. Do it with the group since you can’t do it alone, and they will be your strength.”

He added: “Anytime God chooses a leader; He chooses because of what the leader can do and places His will within the leader. Know that we are building a church, not an association. The church has an enemy behind fighting against it every time. Focus on the work and not the privileges of leadership.”

Apostle Nyamekye charged them to strife for peace among the members as they build a spiritual church.

Present were Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Executive Council Member and Kaneshie Area Head), Apostle Lare Banimpo (National Head, The Church of Pentecost International, Togo), Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Nuerkper (La Area Head), and Apostle Cephas Akpagana (The Church of Pentecost International, Togo)

PENTECOST NEWS.