Posts in category: Moving With Gs

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has passionately urged national leaders and stakeholders to embrace and uphold integrity as a fundamental key ingredient for successful nation-building.

Speaking at the National Development Conference 2023, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, on Thursday, July 27, 2023, Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised that integrity is an essential aspect of righteousness, and without it, true success cannot be attained in any aspect of life.

Elaborating on the topic, “Integrity In Nation Building,” he highlighted that a leader’s moral vision encompasses understanding what truly matters, what holds value and worth, and what merits respect and attention.

Integrity, according to him, involves aligning one’s life with God’s standards and principles, adding that leaders of integrity inspire joy and contentment among their followers.

The General Secretary stressed that Ghana’s path to prosperity and happiness depends on leaders with unwavering integrity at every level.

He expressed concern about the nation’s reliance on external borrowing despite its abundant natural resources.

He, therefore, called for leaders who cannot be influenced by personal gain but rather dedicate public resources to serve the greater good.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged all stakeholders involved in nation-building to actively strive to rectify the shortcomings in the system.

Citing Proverbs 11:3 and Nehemiah 7:1-2, he highlighted Nehemiah’s success in rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem by appointing men of integrity.

He further emphasised that true national development requires the wise and honest management of resources, not just their abundance.

Addressing the issue of corruption, he described it as the misuse of public office or authority for personal gain, stressing that its prevalence hinders the desired development.

A leader of integrity, according to Apostle Kumi-Larbi, is fearless of scandals, confident in approaching God, possesses inner peace from a clean conscience, reflects personal salvation, upholds a valuable reputation, exercises wise judgment and discernment, and is shielded from divine judgment.

In conclusion, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi called upon all Ghanaians to embrace moral values through repentance, faith in Christ, and daily meditation on the Word of God.

He fervently hoped that more individuals would be counted among the virtuous, God-fearing leaders committed to serving the nation with integrity, skill, and a genuine heart.

PENTECOST NEWS

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has charged Ghanaians, particularly those in positions of authority, to be patriotic and contribute to national development and nation-building.

According to the General Secretary, until citizens love and cherish the nation, the country could not be set on the path of progress and prosperity.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi made this admonition on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at a service held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic. The service had in attendance the national leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had joined the Church to thank God for the first anniversary of their appointments.

Delivering a sermon on the topic “Patriotism,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that a patriotic citizen is one who loves, supports, and defends their fatherland, that is, their country of nativity or residence.

“A patriotic citizen is one who is willing to give all their resources for the benefit of the nation. Patriotic citizens stand as father-figures to defend the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the nation,” he said.

Drawing from the story of the centurion in Luke 7:1-10, Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that from the glowing testimony the Jewish elders gave about the centurion, it is evident that the man possessed some fine character traits that those in authority ought to emulate to make more impact through public service.

He emphasised that the centurion, though a man in a position of authority and power, displayed genuine care for his ailing servant.

The General Secretary observed that, in most cases, people with power, influence, and wealth pay little or no attention to their servants at their homes, offices, and others around them who assist them in carrying out their duties.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged Ghanaians to emulate the noteworthy character of the centurion by demonstrating empathy, sympathy, and humility towards others in their daily lives.

The General Secretary also pointed out that the centurion’s contribution to the development of the community by putting up a synagogue for the Jewish people.

He said that, likewise, public officials should use the resources at their disposal to address societal issues and promote the welfare of the vulnerable.

“Use the little resources you have to fix the problems of the society,” he urged.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi also charged people in authority to use their position to protect and help those under them and not for personal gains.

Highlighting the responsibilities of patriotic citizens, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed the need to respect and submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), avoid disrespectful behavior towards leaders (Numbers 12:1-15), intercede in prayer for the nation (Jeremiah 29:7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3), and contribute to national development through the payment of taxes (Romans 13:7).

He called upon the Christian community to prioritise praying for the welfare, progress, and development of the nation and to pray for leaders to make wise decisions for the nation’s benefit.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi also addressed unpatriotic behaviours such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, favouritism, and other forms of corruption, urging citizens to reject such practices and uphold integrity in all aspects of life.

Concluding his message, the General Secretary underscored the collective responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the nation’s development in order to create a Ghana that evokes pride in all Ghanaians.

PENTECOST NEWS

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has commissioned and dedicated the newly-constructed Kwahu Oda Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Nkawkaw Area of the Church.

The commissioning ceremony occurred on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Roman Catholic School Park in Kwahu Oda, Eastern Region, Ghana.

The impressive building, valued at GHS1,477,138.30, consists of three classrooms (Basic 7-9), a Headteacher’s office, a Teachers’ room, a Computer laboratory, an ICT Centre, a Library, a Kindergarten block, Washrooms and a drilled borehole facility.

This remarkable project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Kwahu Oda Development Committee, led by Elder Dr Emmanuel Kwame Obeng, a member of The Church of Pentecost, United States of America, and Founder/President of Rural Communities Development International Inc. (RCDII), along with his wife, Dr Agnes Obeng, and other dedicated community members from both local and international locations.

Notable contributors to the project include the Board of Trustees of Rural Communities International Development International Inc (RCDII), Mr Franklin Kwame Asante (Allclean Limited), Mr Emmanuel Kwaku Ayimadu, Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Suame Area Head, The Church of Pentecost), Nana Kojo Asiamah, Kofi Agyakwa, Charles Kwabena Asiama, Elder Abraham Asante-Obeng (Headmaster, Pentecost Preparatory School Ashiaman), Fred Otchere Jan, Ohenaba Appah-Dankyi, Kwaku Addo Benson, James Okyere, Cecilia Okyere, Lydia Ahenkorah, Ama Nkansah, Hannah Dansoah, Afua Peprah, Lydia Obeng Siaw, Kwasi Obeng, and Augustina Osei.

Additionally, Patrick Mensah, Ama Serwaa Baah, Rev. Dr Samuel & Mrs Ellen Asante, Adwoa Yeboah, Bishop Asiama Okyere, Lydia Gyemfa Okyere, Alex Omari Otchere, Vida Antwiwaa Okyere, Vero Konadu Okyere, William Siaw Otchere, Rosemary Effah, and Ante Abena Serwah contributed to the project.

During his speech, Dr Obeng shared his experience overcoming poverty as a barrier to his educational dreams.

Despite financial constraints, he encouraged parents to go the extra mile in supporting their children’s educational goals.

Addressing the students, he emphasised the importance of diligence in their studies and urged them to strive for excellence, saying, “Go the extra mile.”

Nana Amakye Appah II, the Kwahu Oda Chief, called on community members to continue selflessly supporting the town’s development through similar projects that improve the quality of life for all.

Honourable Joseph Frimpong, Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, expressed gratitude to Dr Obeng, RCDII, and all the project contributors on behalf of the government.

He reminded the audience that their destinies lay in their hands and encouraged the youth to embrace the challenge of studying diligently. He also urged parents to provide the necessary amenities for a conducive learning environment.

Honourable Lawyer Yaw Owusu Addo, the Municipal Chief Executive of Kwahu West, emphasised that national development requires its citizens’ collective support and involvement to benefit the entire community.

Mrs Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, Eastern Regional Director of Education, commended the Kwahu Oda Development Committee for their thoughtful financial and educational investment in the community. She urged teachers to adapt to new technological teaching methods to enhance student learning.

The Kwahu Oda Roman Catholic School, established in 1939, had faced neglect and dilapidation due to a lack of regular maintenance. This intervention became necessary after media reports highlighted its deteriorating condition.

The members of the Kwahu Oda Development Committee are Dr Emmanuel Kwame Obeng (Chairman), Mr Franklin Kwame Asante (Project Manager), Elder Abraham Asante Obeng (Secretary/Protocol Officer), Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Planning Committee Chairman/Executive Member), Mr Emmanuel Kwaku Anyimadu (Financial Chairman), and Nana Kodjo Asiamah (Executive Member).

The commissioning ceremony was well attended by chiefs, clergy, members of the educational directorate, teachers, students, and community members within and outside the Kwahu Municipality.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has emphasised the importance of mentoring in the local church and called upon elders of the Church to emulate the mentoring model of Jesus Christ.

With The Church of Pentecost experiencing significant growth in membership and expanding its presence to numerous nations, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed the need for intentional mentoring, particularly among the youth, who comprise over 70% of the church’s members.

According to him, effective mentoring would play a vital role in the church’s efforts to reposition the local church for a greater societal impact.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this when he gave a presentation on the topic “Mentoring In The Local Church” today at the second edition of the Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

In his presentation, the General Secretary defined a mentor as a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher who guides and advises a younger or less experienced person over an extended period, especially in professional or educational settings.

Referring to Ephesians 4:11-13, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that it is the responsibility of Church leaders to equip God’s people for His work and to build up the body of Christ until everyone reaches maturity.

He described the Church’s leadership philosophy as “Grow your own timber and use it,” emphasising that every new convert, regardless of gender, possesses the potential to become a leader.

“Our leadership development starts at the grassroots level,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated, adding that mentors are crucial in transferring knowledge and experiences, helping the next generation avoid repeating past mistakes and making better decisions.

Touching on Jesus’ mentoring model, he said that the religious leaders at the time marvelled at the boldness and impact of Peter and John despite their lack of formal training. He said the fact that Jesus Himself had mentored them accounted for the transformation of the disciples.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi further highlighted Jesus’ relational approach to mentoring, where there is close interaction between mentors and mentees.

He encouraged church leaders to create room and avenues for mentees to be in close proximity to their mentors, allowing for intimate relationships and open communication.

He stressed the significance of leaders demonstrating the qualities they wish to impart, leading through their own actions and experiences.

He said that Jesus’ teaching was not limited to theory but manifested in His own life, providing a tangible example for His disciples to follow.

Using various methods such as parables, questions, and correction, Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, love, forgiveness, and leadership.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi encouraged church leaders to adopt similar teaching strategies, engaging in dialogue and providing practical guidance to help mentees develop their God-given graces and talents.

The General Secretary explained that Christian mentoring is a process based on submission to Christ, characterised by mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment.

He highlighted the mentor’s role as a model and trusted listener, relying on the Holy Spirit for insight and transformation.

He also mentioned Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-4), Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-25), Barnabas and Paul, and Paul and Timothy, among others, as other biblical examples of how Christian mentoring can be effective and urged church leaders to prioritise mentoring within their congregations.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi identified the three phases of mentoring as the Parenthood Phase, where the mentor cares for and nurtures young Christians (mentees); the Pacesetting Phase, where the mentor models Christian maturity for the mentee to emulate; and the Partnering Phase, where the mentee becomes spiritually mature and is now viewed as a co-worker by the mentor.

The General Secretary was confident that if Christian mentoring is pursued intentionally at the local churches, many young members will become grounded in Christ, resulting in a more glorious Church in the future.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, has dedicated a double occupancy mission house to accommodate the Akotokyir District Minister and the Campus Minister of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).

The building was dedicated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, with support from the Area Head.

The dedication ceremony, which took place at the Kwaprow Assembly auditorium, brought together people from all walks of life, including ministers, officers, PENSA members/ alumni and church members.

Delivering a sermon on the topic “Repositioned After Pentecost for Maximum Impact,” with scripture references from Joshua 5:1-13, 2 Chronicles 5:14, and Ezekiel 11:14-25, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated that Christians must reposition themselves to be pruned by God in order to maintain the glory of God.

The General Secretary said that the forebears have worked hard to bring the Church this far and the present generation is currently enjoying the fruit of their labour.

He, therefore, urged the current generation to strategically and consciously reposition themselves to build a more glorious Church in the coming years for maximum impact in the nations.

He further stated that after encountering the Holy Spirit, one’s mind must be renewed by the word of God, which will affect the way they perceive things as they are being transformed into the image of Christ.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi added that any spirit-filled believer should have a renewed spirit where they are conscious in choosing their words carefully.

“After Pentecost, your thoughts must change, your hearts must be renewed, and finally, your words must have a positive impact,” he affirmed.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Kumi-Larbi commended Apostle Yaw Antwi, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Central Regional Coordinating Committee (CRCC) and Executive Council Member of the Church, for the great work done to ensure the successful completion of the project.

“Apostle Antwi has managed and used the grants very well to put up this edifice, which will house the PENSA-UCC Campus Pastor and the Akotokyir District Minister,” he said.

Each apartment of the double occupancy mission house comprises four bedrooms, one office, a study, a family hall, a visitor’s hall, a dining area, and a kitchen, among other facilities.

Elder Kwabena Owusu provided a brief history of the project, mentioning that the idea for the mission house was conceived when Pastor Mark Kofi Adom-Nyankey, the former District Minister of Hopedo in the Ho Area, generously donated his parcel of land in Kwaprow for the Akotokyir District mission house project.

Upon receiving this great news, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, together with the Area Executive Committee, who were also looking for a plot of land to construct a mission house for the PENSA UCC Campus Minister, came up with the idea of using the plot of land to build a duplex storey building to accommodate both ministers.

The dedication ceremony had in attendance the Cape Coast Area pastorate and their spouses, Elder Daniel Quainoo (Area Deacon), Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi (Wife of the Area Head), Deaconess Georgina Ashley (Area Women’s Ministry Leader), Nana Kwasi Mensah II (Chief of Kwaprow), and Farinyi Kweigya VII (Chief Fisherman of Moree).

Report by Pastor Frank Akonnor (PENSA-UCC Campus Minister)

The Church of Pentecost is collaborating with other Christian organisations to tackle Ghana’s environmental crisis at the maiden National Creation Care Conference currently ongoing at the Crystal Palm Hotel in Accra.

The three-day conference, which officially commenced today, Monday, May 22, aims to develop a national Christian framework, policy, and plan to safeguard the environment and address climate change-related issues.

The destruction of Ghana’s natural resources, including illegal mining, deforestation, and pollution, has reached an alarming level. Consequently, the conference seeks to mobilise the Christian community, representing a significant portion of the country’s population, to take action and become a positive force in addressing environmental challenges.

During his speech at the event, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to combat the nation’s environmental challenges.

He expressed excitement about the potential impact of the forum, stating, “As a denomination, we eagerly look forward to joining forces with all denominations to pursue an Environmental Care Campaign that will transform our nation, Ghana.”

He called on Christians to recognise their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation and highlighted the importance of caring for the environment and the consequences of neglecting this divine duty.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Eric Nyamekye, instituted the Environmental Care Campaign as part of the Church’s five-year strategic vision (Vision 2023) four years ago to address Ghana’s environmental challenges. Through clean-up drives, tree-planting initiatives, and recycling plastic waste, the Church has made significant progress in raising awareness and taking practical steps towards preserving Ghana’s environment. He, therefore, called for unity among denominations and institutions to maximise the impact of these efforts.

The General Secretary further noted that religious leaders have a vital role in this endeavour because they have a unique opportunity to regularly engage with their congregations and equip them as agents of transformation in all aspects of life.

Concluding his speech, Apostle Kumi-Larbi reiterated The Church of Pentecost’s commitment to environmental care. He further expressed hope that the conference would provide the impetus for the wider Christian community to implement sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner and greener Ghana.

The National Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign and Agormanya Area Head of the Church, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, also gave a presentation on the prevailing environmental challenges and their impact on lifeforms in Ghana at the conference.

His presentation shed light on critical issues affecting the country’s ecosystems and called for urgent action to address them. He also identified unsustainable agriculture practices, poor land use planning, water, land, and air pollution, inadequate waste management, and urban sprawl as critical environmental challenges facing the country with far-reaching consequences if left unaddressed.

The National Creation Care Conference, a first of its kind, provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise to develop a comprehensive Christian response to environmental challenges.

Participants from various organisations, including The Church of Pentecost, A Rocha Ghana, Akrofi Christaller Institute, Challenge Enterprises of Ghana, and World Vision Ghana, have gathered to come up with practical ways to mitigate Ghana’s ecological crises and promote sustainable practices.

Outcomes from the discussions and workshops at the conference would be used to develop a national Christian framework for environmental care to shape future initiatives and inspire collective action to protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost has called for collaborative efforts to enhance food security in Ghana, emphasising the importance of addressing the four dimensions of food security: physical availability, economic and physical access, food utilisation, and stability over time.

Speaking at the Ghana Food Security Conference being jointly organised by the Jospong Group of Companies, Asian African Consortium and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, acknowledged the challenges facing food security in Ghana, including undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, which persist across all life stages.

He also highlighted poverty, climate change, rapid urbanisation and population expansion, and poor infrastructure as significant threats to food security in the country.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi referred to the 1996 World Food Summit’s definition of food security, which emphasises the need for all people to have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. He stressed that all four dimensions of food security must be fulfilled simultaneously for food security objectives to be realised.

He commended the Jospong Group of Companies, led by Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw-Agyapong, for their mission to improve people’s lives and introduce the unique idea of public and private sector collaboration for food sufficiency.

According to him, The Church of Pentecost sees this as a significant and timely initiative to help Ghana achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”

The partnership between the Jospong Group and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was therefore timely, significant and crucial to addressing food security challenges, and expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts will lead to practical solutions and strategies to enhance food security in Ghana.

“By working together, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders can make significant strides towards achieving food security goals and ensuring a prosperous and fruitful nation,” he said.

The 2023 Ghana Food Security Conference continues with sessions and discussions focusing on innovative approaches, research findings, and policies that will contribute to Ghana’s sustainable development of food security.

The conference, being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, is under the theme: “Enhancing Food Security: The Role of Ghanaian Scientists.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost has lauded the Jospong Group of Companies and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for organising the maiden Ghana Food Security Conference.

The conference, being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, aims to address the issue of food security in Ghana and explore ways to enhance it through collaborating with Ghanaian scientists.

The event, themed “Enhancing Food Security: The Role of Ghanaian Scientists,” has brought together over 200 scientists, experts and stakeholders in and outside the country to discuss practical ways of improving Ghana’s food security situation.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, commended Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw-Agyapong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, for his commitment to improving the lives of people and introducing the unique idea of strengthening public and private sector collaboration for food sufficiency.

According to the General Secretary, The Church of Pentecost sees the conference as a significant and timely initiative to help Ghana achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”

He further noted that the objectives of the conference align with the Church’s five-year vision of “Possessing the Nations,” and therefore, assured Elder Dr. Siaw-Agyapong of the Church’s unwavering support in various ways to fulfil the food security vision.

“The Church of Pentecost believes that by equipping its members with the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God, we can actively contribute to the nation’s transformational development, just as Elder Siaw Agyepong and his wife, Mrs. Cynthian Agyepong (Chief Executive Officer of the Asian African Consortium), are doing in addressing food security challenges,” he said.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, lauded the partnership between the CSIR, known for its mandate to drive national development through scientific and technological research, and the Asian African Consortium (AAC) of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC).

The African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development reports that around 1.5 million Ghanaians experience food insecurity, with undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies persisting across all life stages.

The 2023 Ghana Food Security Conference is expected to provide a platform for Ghanaian scientists, experts and stakeholders to share knowledge, strategies, and innovative solutions to deal with this worrying trend.

The conference’s objective is that these steps would be implemented to produce enough food to feed Ghanaians and even explore opportunities for food exportation.

PENTECOST NEWS.