Pentecost Convention Centre Gets New Board

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A ten-member board chaired by Apostle Sylvester Arhin (Executive Council Member and Tamale Area Head) of The Church of Pentecost has been inaugurated to oversee the operations of the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), a multi-purpose Christian retreat and event centre, located at Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Other members of the board are Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance and Administration Director of the church), Pastor Prince Odoom (Centre Manager), and Pastor James Orhin Agyin (Projects Development & Estate Manager of the church).

The rest are Elder Robert Mensah (PIWC-Sunyani), Elder Augustine Sarpong (PIWC-Atomic), Lawyer Benjamin Ampoma-Boateng (PIWC-Kokomlemle), Deaconess Mary Ankomah Sarpong (Madina District) and Mrs Diana Frema Nyarko (Headquarters).

Inaugurating the board at the General Headquarters of the church at La, Accra on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, thanked members of the board for accepting to serve the church in that capacity.

According to the Chairman, though they were carefully chosen based on their expertise and experiences, they should see it as pure grace, having been selected out of the millions of members to contribute their quota to the growth of the church.

He noted that The Church of Pentecost is doing great largely due to the fervent prayers coupled with laid-down administrative structures.

He said that boards and committees are some of the structures that are helping the church to thrive.

Apostle Nyamekye charged the board to bring to bear their rich knowledge, expertise and experiences to take the PCC to another level.

He further urged them to ensure that the purpose of constructing the Convention Centre is kept in focus.

“The Pentecost Convention Centre was built for a purpose. The purpose is to make the place a retreat centre. Therefore, the ambiance at the place should look like a Christian retreat centre, and the presence of God should be felt there,” he said, adding, “This purpose must be jealously guarded.”

Reading from Ephesians 4:16, he entreated them to work in love and collaboration with other sectors of the church.

In response, the Board Chairman, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, gave thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the church. He promised to bring their God-given knowledge and expertise to bear to effectively run the Centre.

He also commended his predecessors for the good work done.

As part of the functions of the board, it is to develop policies that will help the Centre Manager to manage and run the facility in a sustainable manner; publicise the existence of the Centre to engender greater patronage, and make the place secure and user-friendly to patrons.

In attendance were Apostles Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi and Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, the General Secretary and the International Missions Director of the church, respectively.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Aflao Area Lauds Apostle Peter Dzemekey As He Leaves For Asokwa

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The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, August 28, 2022, held a colourful service at the Shekinah Temple in Aflao to officially farewell their Area Head, Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey, and his family, who have been transferred to the Asokwa Area in Kumasi. 

The farewell service was officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, who was present with his wife, Mrs Deborah Agyemang Bekoe.

Present to grace the occasion was the National Head of the church in Burkina Faso and Executive Council Member, Apostle Ousmane Patinde Zabre.

Others were Apostle Joseph Danzerl and his wife (Kete-Krachi Area Head), Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante and his wife (Nkwanta Area Head), Apostle Edina Komi Agbavitoh (retired) – former National Head of Togo, as well as a delegation of ministers from neighbouring Togo, led by their National Secretary.

Achievements

Having been transferred from Akim Oda Area to the Afloa Area in 2018, together with his wife, Mama Faith, Apostle Dzemekey is credited to have worked very hard with the help of the Holy Spirit to grow the membership of the church in the Aflao Area from 35,368 to 45,507, thus winning about 10,139 souls within four years; increased tithes and Missions Offering of the Area by about 100% and 95% respectively.

Through his instrumentality, the Area has opened 64 local assemblies and created four districts in the past four years.

During his tenure, the Area has also seen great infrastructural development in the areas of mission houses, church buildings, school projects, among others, as 18 church buildings and eight mission houses have been dedicated, two buses acquired for the Aflao Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), and also established a well-functioning credit union (PENCU) for the Area.

Sermon

Speaking at the service on the topic, “On Holy Ground” based on Exodus 3:1-5, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe stated that there are two things that can help believers to stand on holy ground – a place they can meet God. These, he said, are one’s location towards God and having a good motive in doing the work of God. 

He indicated that Moses saw the spectacular burning bush because he located himself at a good place as he moved his flock towards the far side close to the mountain of God, Mt. Horeb.

He added that Moses had a good motive while tendering the flock of his father-in-law, saying, “When your motive and location is good the Lord will open the heavens for you.”

Quoting from Luke chapter 5 and John chapter 21, the International Missions Director posited that unless one goes to the far side near God, one cannot access the glory of the Lord.

“If you want revival, change your location and position towards God and you will hear from Him,” he said.

He stressed that Moses qualified to stand on the holy ground because he had a good motive and strategically positioned himself.

The IMD added that standing on the holy ground calls for Christians to remove everything that destruct them from catching the attention of God. This, he said, was the reason why God instructed Moses to remove his sandals; the very sandals he wore and run away from Egypt, representing fear and sin.

Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe asked Apostle Dzemekey not to entertain any fear in his new station because the Lord has gone ahead of him.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Prophet Amaniampong Ends 41 Years’ Ministry In Glamour

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Like the prophet Samuel, who spent all his life serving in the house of God, so is Prophet James Osei Amaniampong, who, right from school, was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost, some 41 years ago.

His glamorous retirement service took place at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa in the Asokwa Area, Kumasi on Sunday, August 21, 2022. It was attended by people from all walks of life, including chiefs and queens in the Ashanti Region and beyond, loved ones, ministers and members of the church from Ghana and other countries.

Officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, the event was graced by the immediate past Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah; the immediate past IMD, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo; the National Head of the church in the USA, Apostle Michael Agyemang Amoako; the immediate past Women’s Ministry Director Mrs Grace Lucy Yeboah Asuama, and the Finance Board Chairman of the church, Elder Prof. Stephen Owusu Kwankye.

Others were the Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; the Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, among other government functionaries.

Sermon

In a short but powerful sermon, the IMD, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, spoke on the topic: “The Chosen Staff,” based on Numbers 17:8.

He explained that even though the call of God is there for all persons, a few ones are chosen by God for a specific task.

He posited that since God sees and knows beyond what human beings can see and know, He selects people He has deposited some unique grace to execute His work, saying, “God does not show favouritism, yet He has a choice.”

According to him, God intentionally selected Moses and his brother Aaron from the tribe of Levi, to lead the people of Israel.

He indicated that the elders of Israel grumbled among themselves due to the selection of Moses and his brother. Knowing this, God asked the elders of the land to bring 12 staffs from each of the 12 tribes of Israel to the Tent of Testimony and after daybreak, only the staff from the tribe of Levi, belonging to Aaron sprouted — budded, blossomed, and even bore fruits.

The IMD mentioned that unless one entres the Test of Testimony and meets God they can never see God and have a living testimony.

He gave four stages of life that people who meet God go through. According to him, they sprout and that no one can suppress them. They also bud, grow big and show signs of promise; blossom and finally bear fruits even in unfriendly seasons, just like the almond tree.

Profile

James Osei Amaniampong was born on April 8, 1957, as a twin at Mampong-Ashanti, to Madam Mary Afia Amaniampong and Nana Kwaku Duah Agyemang, the Gyaasehene of Ejura (both of blessed memory). He and his twin brother are the fourth of 11 siblings.

He attended Mampong Community Nursery School at Akyeremade and moved to the Mampong Presbyterian School for his basic education. As brilliant as he was, he gained admission to one of the most enviable schools at the time called St. Monica’s Infant Junior School. He later went to stay with his father at Yeji to continue his education at the Yeji Local Authority No.1 Primary School in class six.

He proceeded to the Tamale Technical Institute after which he continued at the Kumasi Polytechnic (now Kumasi Technical University) and read General Engineering with a specialisation in Ordinary Technicians Diploma (ODT) in Plant Maintenance and Work Services, in line with his ambition to enroll in the military after school.

However, he was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost just after he had completed the Kumasi Polytechnic in 1981.

He was ordained into the pastorate in 1986, and was ordained as a Prophet of the church in 1995. He served as District Pastor in Mampongteng (1981-1986), Old Tafo (1986-1989), Darkuman (1989-1991), Madina (1991-1995) and Takoradi (1995-1998). Additionally, he served as the National Head of the church in The Gambia (1998-2003) and as Area Head in Sunyani (2003-2008), Dansoman (2008-2011), Odorkor (2011-2013), Teshie-Nungua (2013-2018) and Asokwa (2018-2022).

Prophet James Osei Amaniampong has held many positions in the church, including an Executive Council Member (2011-2021), Board Chairman of Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh (2013-2022), and Greater Accra and Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Committee Chairman, from 2015-2018 and 2018-2021, respectively. He was also the Planning Committee Chairman for the first Global Ministers and Wives’ Conference and the Ministers and Wives’ Conference from 2012 to 2019.

Testimonies

“Prophet Amaniampong has given a good account of himself as a committed and dedicated servant of God. In fact, we can simply describe him as a purpose-driven minister who always sought the overall growth of the Kingdom of God and The Church of Pentecost, in particular,” the General Council of the church in a testimony stated.

The General Council further stated: “His organisational and administrative skills were excellent. These were put to the test when he was appointed as the Planning Committee Chairman for the first Global Ministers and Wives’ Conference and the Ministers and Wives’ Conferences from 2012 to 2019 – a responsibility he discharged with perfection.”

Asokwa Area Pastorate also described Prophet Amaniampong as a results-oriented leader, mentor, and team player, who always challenges ministers to pursue excellence.

The Area Women’s Ministry, on their part, applauded Mrs Georgina Birago Amaniampong, for her support of her husband’s successful ministry.

In their response, Prophet Amaniampong and his wife were full of gratitude to God and The Church of Pentecost for giving them the opportunity to serve the church. He also thanked various individuals whom God brought their way to support their ministry.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost-Canada Organises Retreat For Church Leaders

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A two-day leadership retreat (Apostolisation) has been organised for ministers, ministers’ wives and officers of The Church of Pentecost (COP) in Canada.

The event, which took place from July 29 to 30, 2022, in Edmonton, Alberta, had the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, and the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe as main speakers.

The retreat was hosted by the National Head of COP-Canada, Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi, and drew participants from Western Canada and across the nation, including the various Heads of the Church in Canada; namely Apostle Dr. James McKeown Quainoo, Apostle Daniel Nii Lomotey Engmann, Apostle Dr. Alex Agyei-Gyamera, Apostle Joseph Christian Fynn-Sackey and Pastor George Zephaniah Amon.

Speaking on the topic “My Father My Father” (2 Kings 2:11-12) at the Ministers and Wives session on Friday, July 29, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe reiterated the importance of fatherhood in “possessing the nations” agenda of the church. 

According to the IMD, fathers are a great help to their children and therefore encouraged ministers to play fatherly roles in the lives of the church members. 

Quoting from 1 Corinthians 4:15, the IMD said that the need for fathers in the church cannot be overemphasised as Paul was a father to many in the Corinthian church.

Apostle Agyemang-Bekoe further noted that fatherhood as a concept does not die, saying, “this is why when the dead body fell on the bones of Elisha, he resurrected.”

The IMD also spoke on what Heads expect from ministers and their spouses and vice versa.

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe spoke on “Keeping the Fire Burning” (Leviticus 6:9, 12-13) during the Saturday session of the retreat held for officers and ministers and wives.

Drawing from the Old Testament way of sacrifice with the altar and censer, the IMD explained the importance of maintaining the Holy Spirit fire in the church. 

He indicated that ministers and officers must be consumed on the altar for them to be burnt before they can go up (excel in service).

He said that it is the duty of the ministers and officers to remove all the ashes, which represents the weaknesses of the church, from the altar, explaining that “allowing the ashes to remain will impede the flames.”

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe also indicated that it behoves them to add more firewood (teaching on the Holy Spirit) so that fire on the altar would continue to blaze.

As the original fire came from the Lord, the IMD cautioned church leaders to be wary of strange and fake fires from questionable sources, notwithstanding the fact that the COP is part of the larger army of Jesus Christ (the Body of Christ).

Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe also explained the significance of the spices (myrrh, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense) used in the censer at the altar of fire. 

The IMD explained that the myrrh, which the wise man presented to Jesus Christ at birth, stands for preservation. 

He further noted that the purpose of onycha is for soothing and nourishment, while galbanum performs a dual purpose as a flavouring agent and wounds healer.

“Similarly, the frankincense served as a pain killer that makes a person younger,” he added.

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, in turn, reiterated the importance of keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in the church by encouraging ministers and officers to read and meditate on Leviticus 6 to 9.  

According to the General Secretary, when ministers are consecrated to go and minister, they need to be guided by the rules of conduct in order not to be like the sons of Aaron who offered strange fire and were cut off by the LORD. 

He emphasised the need for ministers and officers to be conversant with the Ministers’ Manual, Church Constitution, Rules of Conduct, and the Ministerial Welfare Practices to be able to work effectively and efficiently. 

Apostles Kumi-Larbi and Agyemang-Bekoe also discussed the key features that make The Church of Pentecost distinctive.

The General Secretary and the IMD also highlighted some aspects of the rules of conduct and key characteristics of The Church of Pentecost brand, respectively.

Report by Pastor Frederick Appah, Winnipeg District

Apostle & Mrs Quainoo Retire From Active Ministry After 23 Years

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A colourful retirement service was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for the Western Canada Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. James McKeown, and his wife, Emily, who have brought their 23-year ministerial service to a glorious end.  

The event was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, with support from Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako (RCC Coordinator, Americas) and Apostle Ransford Obeng-Gyamfi (National Head, COP-Canada). 

Also present were Apostle Daniel Engmann (North York Area Head), Apostle Dr. Alex Agyei-Gyamera (Scarborough Area Head), Apostle Joseph Fynn-Sackey (Alberta Area Head), Pastor George Amon (British Columbia Area Head), the pastorate and their wives in Canada and other officers of the church. 

Over 600 participants attended the ceremony, including Apostle A. K. Miah (Rtd.), a former National Head of Canada, Pastor David Dompreh (Rtd.), Pastor Nicholas Ameyaw (Rtd.), Hon. Kelly McCauley (MP Edmonton West), Hon. Jon Havelock (former Alberta Justice Minister), Major Felix Tachie (Senior Clinical Chaplain, Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre), and Nana John Ankamah (Chief of Drobo Area, Ghana). 

Many ministers from sister churches in the community and community leaders also graced the service.

The General Secretary, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, preached on the topic “See that You Fulfill the Ministry that You Have Received” (Colossians 4:7). 

In his sermon, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed that each Christian has received a gifting, talent, or grace from the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12).  

These giftings or graces, he further noted, comes from Christ and should be manifested towards the common good of the church and mankind, not their own benefit.

“If a person does not focus on what God has given them, they look at the peripherals – titles, fame, money, power, authority, thereby missing the mark,” he said.

According to the General Secretary, like Demas, some people are not able to finish their ministry well due to a lack of concentration on the work God has assigned to them, conflict with others, fighting leaders of the church, immorality, financial issues, bitterness, complacency, and burnouts resulting from discouragement (2 Timothy 4).

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged believers to concentrate on the call of God with unconditional obedience, and diligence, and wholeheartedly serve the Master (John 2:5). 

“Do not get distracted like Demas, but be like Paul, Timothy, Titus, Archippus, and others who completed their ministries,” he said while referring to John 2:5 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. 

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, however, noted that not all who start the race finish. 

To finish one’s ministry well, the General Secretary advised believers to concentrate on the grace or gift they have received from God, remain connected to the God who called them, not confer with flesh and blood (Galatians 1:15-18) and fight the good fight by putting on the full armour of God despite dangers (2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9).

He also advised them to get rid of any excess luggage (sin, worldliness, etc. Hebrews 12:1-3); and guard or hold on to the unadulterated faith until the Master says ‘well done”. 

The IMD presented a Certificate of Service plaque to the retiring minister on behalf of the General Council. 

In a testimony read on its behalf at the event, the General Council eulogised Apostle Dr. Quainoo “for raising leaders has been a key aspect of his ministry. One of his key preoccupations in each station where he has served has been to ensure that both presbyters and members are well equipped to take up leadership roles. His contribution toward strengthening the acumen of the leadership of the church is very noteworthy.”  

The retiring couple was also presented citations by the Western Canada Area Presbytery, Women’s Ministry, and Ghanaian-Canadian Ministers Fellowship of Toronto.

Apostle Dr. James McKeown Quainoo was called into full-time ministry in 1999 after serving as Field Assistant in Vancouver. He has since devoted himself to the service of God and The Church of Pentecost in Canada for the past 23 years.

He pioneered the planting of the church in Vancouver and performed scouting duties for the churches in Calgary and Edmonton. These churches have now been well-established and grown to become integral districts for British Columbia and Alberta areas, respectively. 

His ministry work took him and his family to districts in Hamilton, PIWC North York, Montreal, McKeown (North York), and currently Western Canada, where he served as a Probationary Overseer, District Pastor, Area Head and an Apostle. 

He also served on many boards and committees in the Church in Canada, including as National Executive Council Member (1997-2022), National Secretary (2001-2006), and National Trustees Board Member (2001- 2022).

Other appointments he received in the course of the ministry are National Youth & Children’s Ministry Pastor (2002- 2004), National Youth Leader (2004-2006), National Youth Ministry Patron (2006- 2022), PIWC restructuring Committee Chairman (2013-2014), Constitution Review Committee Chairman (2015-2022), among several others.

Together with his wife, Mrs. Emily Quainoo, they established the first young ladies’ wing in Canada called the “Radiant Ladies” (now Virtuous Ladies). 

Mrs. Emily Quainoo also served on the National Children’s Ministry Executive Committee from 2005 to 2015 as the Deputy National Leader. She helped to compile a Sunday School Teachers training manual as well as a manual for teaching children with Special Needs. 

Under her leadership, the Canadian version of the Women’s Ministry’s syllabus was written and published. She also organised numerous ladies’ prayer conferences in every district and Area she served.  

She is also described as very hospitable, prayerful, a worshipper, a singer, a gifted song writer and a published author.

As part of the service, Apostle Joseph Fynn Sackey and Pastor George Amon were inducted into office as Area Heads for Alberta Area and British Columbia Area, respectively.

Report by Richard Kofi Adjei (Pentmedia Canada)

Do Not Force Members To Accept Your Culture – Apostle Bekoe Tells Missionaries

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The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has admonished missionaries to eschew forcing their native countries’ cultures on the members of the nations they serve as missionaries.

According to Apostle Agyemang Bekoe, the only permissible are the policies and doctrines of the church, which are the main foundation of the church, saying, “Don’t force them to accept your culture, rather engage with theirs.”

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe said this on Monday, July 4, 2022, during the Orientation Course for Missionaries of The Church of Pentecost held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh. The orientation was being organised by the International Missions Directorate of the church.

Addressing the missionaries on the topic, “Missions That Defies Theories: A Case Study Of The COP,” the International Missions Director said that missionaries must learn to appreciate and embrace the indigenous culture of the resident nations, stressing that a good heart and mind must be developed towards this feat.

Reading from Hosea 2:14-15, Apostle Agyemang Bekoe stated that the people of Israel wandered in the desert and were punished when their hearts had strayed away from God. Nevertheless, he noted, the judgement of God became a symbol of new opportunity for them.

“God continually shows love amid judgement…there is reassurance, encouragement, and comfort,” he asserted.

He revealed that many emerging missionaries do not engage their missionary guides, and they fail to ask questions on their appointments for fear of being unnecessarily tagged as being too inquisitive.

Explaining the realities of being a missionary of The Church of Pentecost, he said that many begin the journey with complaints rather than the urge and the resolve to fix the challenges within their nations or areas of assignment.

“When your complaints exceed growth, you become a liability to the organisation,” he stated.

He urged the missionaries of the church to be agents of change, because they are being sent not to go and ‘party’ but to fix broken systems and structures, trigger growth, and to set things right.

He charged them to break grounds by breaking through genuine contacts while building solid administrative systems and structures.

Present at the orientation were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary of the church), and Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (Asamankese Area Head of the church).

PENTECOST NEWS

Atomic Hills District Donates To Afram Plains Area

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The Atomic Hills District in the Haatso Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated a Sonik Motor Bike, worth GHS 5,900.00 to the Afram Plains Area of the church.

The donation was made on Friday, July 1, 2022, at the General Headquarters in La, Accra.

Receiving the item on behalf of the Missions Office, the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, thanked the leadership of the Atomic Hills District of the church for the kind gesture.

He encouraged other districts and individuals to emulate the gesture to advance the work of God in the mission areas.

The Atomic Hills District Minister, Pastor John Viscount Arkoh, noted that the motorbike has been donated to support the work of missions in the Afram Plains Area.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Madina Area Of The Church Of Pentecost Ends Easter Convention In High Spirit

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The park in front of the Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL), near the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in Madina was overflowed with members of The Church of Pentecost from the Madina Zone of the Madina Area where they had gathered to climax this year’s Easter convention on Sunday.

The four-day convention which started on Thursday was climaxed on Sunday morning [April 17, 2022], where believers in high spirit turned out in their numbers, numbering over 5,000, as they danced and praised God for the victorious death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, who was present with his wife Deborah, the service was also graced by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asene/Manso/Akroso Constituency, Hon. George Kwame Aboagye.

Also present were Apostle Nene Ahorlu Ofoe Amegatcher (Rtd.), former Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), and the six ministers and their wives who constitute the Madina Zone, namely Pastor Patrick Kobina Bremansu (East Legon District), Pastor Enoch Odame (Egyir Paintsil Memorial Worship Centre), Pastor Nehemiah Adjartey (Madina District), Pastor Gideon Kofi Boadu Yirenkyi (Firestone Worship Centre), Pastor Joshua Yirenkyi-Smart Jnr. (Adjiringanor District) and Probationary Overseer Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu (Rhema Worship Centre), as well as the PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Madina Sector, Pastor Gabriel Nti.

Preaching the sermon on the topic, “The Spirit that Raised Jesus From the Dead” based on Romans 8:11, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe revealed that it was the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God) that raised Jesus from the dead, but not the angel who was seen in Jesus’ tomb.

He disclosed that before the coming of the angel to the tomb, the Holy Spirit had already lifted the “unliftable” from the dead.

According to him, the Holy Spirit, who is a spiritual being (a bodiless spirit with no human flesh) is both human and God, and exhibits himself in two ways – the breath of God and the wind from the Lord – as revealed in Exodus 14:21, Numbers 11:31, Acts 2:1-2; Ezekiel 37:4-5.

The International Missions Director disclosed that the Holy Spirit does not expire and is forever active to quicken the mortal bodies of believers and restore them to their original states.

He indicated that when believers are clothed with the Holy Spirit, he is able to transform and give them hope and turn things around in their lives.

Apostle Agemang Bekoe after the sermon led the congregation in prayers which saw an impartation of various spiritual giftings to the members.

This year’s Easter convention in the Madina Area was held at five zones. The other zones are the La-Nkwantanang zone made up of La-Nkwantanang, Ashalley Botwe, Estate Worship Centre and Adenta Housing Down districts; Dodowa zone made up of Dodowa, Doryumu, and Oyibi districts; Oyarifa zone comprising Oyarifa, Oyarifa Worship Centre, and Oyarifa Salem districts, and Amrahia zone consisting of Amrahia and Ashiyie districts.

PENTECOST NEWS. 

Guard Your Heart From The Enemy’s Attacks – IMD Alerts Christians jpg

Guard Your Heart From The Enemy’s Attacks – IMD Alerts Christians

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“The heart is a very delicate organ to human existence because it pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. When the heart dies the human being also dies.

“In the same way, spiritually your heart must be guarded and protected from the enemy. Any believer who does not protect his or her heart is prone to the enemy’s attacks.”

These were the words of Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, the International Missions Director of The Church of Pentecost, during a sermon he delivered at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Kaneshie on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

The IMD stated that the mind is the battleground, and once the believer gives in to the thoughts of the devil, he [Satan] will take hold of his heart. That is why believers need to guard their hearts, he stated. 

“You need to guard your heart. Start running away from sin because it is dangerous to fight the enemy in his own territory. If you fight him on his turf, you will lose the battle. When you go to the mountain of God and fight him there, you will win the battle,” he said.

Reading from Proverbs 4:23 (Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it), he stressed that the heart and the mind are connected, and that anytime the Bible talks about the heart, it is also referring to the mind.

“The heart is the mind, the mind is the heart, and the two are in the soul of man. The heart of man is the mind of man and the mind of man is his thoughts. The thoughts and the mind are encapsulated in the brain. The mind and the heart together form the soul of a man,” he disclosed.

Speaking on the topic, “The Breastplate of Righteousness,” the IMD chose his main scripture reading from Ephesians 6:14 (Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place).

According to him, the armours represent God’s strength that he gives to the Christian once he/she is saved, and that once the believer puts them on they exhibit God’s strength.

Explaining the text, he stated that there is a connection between righteousness and holiness, saying, “Holiness is encapsulated in righteousness; once you are holy, you are also a righteous person.”

He indicated that imputed righteousness which is God’s righteousness that he shares part with the saved, just like the other armours of God, must be put on by the believer.

“The decision to put it on lies with you. You can decide not to put it on, it is your own prerogative,” he said.

He added: “We have many believers who have actually placed their armours aside. There are also those who have the armours in place, but they do not know how to use them.

“We must be a church that is equipped, prepared and trained and able to use the full armour to face the enemy.”

Touching on what to do to guard the heart, he asked Christians to constantly make a deliberate effort to renew their minds (Romans 12:2).

“Society is suffering because we are not able to discipline our thoughts. Once we are not able to discipline our thoughts our conscience becomes dead. Once your conscience is dead your heart becomes evil and you cannot stop sinning. It would take the grace of God to live right,” he added.

Also present at the service were the wife of the IMD, Mrs. Deborah Agyemang Bekoe; the Resident Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Paa Sekyi Yirebi and his wife Priscilla, as well as Pastor Samuel Yankey of Anyinasuso District in the Tepa Area, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS. 

Go Mobilise The Squads To Repair The Gates Of The Church – IMD Tells Officers

Go Mobilise The Squads To Repair The Gates Of The Church – IMD Tells Officers

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With IMDTop Stories

The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has challenged officers of the church to mobilise their members to build every broken gate in the local church to make the place dynamic.

He indicated that when Nehemiah realised that the walls and gates of Jerusalem had broken down, he mobilised some like-minded groups to help him repair all the 12 damaged gates so as to restore the fortunes of the city.

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe was speaking at the just-ended Kaneshie Area 2022 Officers Retreat (Apostolisation) at the Kaneshie Central Auditorium.

Treating the topic, “Mobilising the Squads to Repair the Gates of the Church” (Nehemiah 3:1-32; 12:39), he stated that for the local church to become an equipping centre, where people could be trained, mentored, and unleased to make an impact in society, leaders have onerous responsibility to ensure that every member is given a role to play in the church.

The first gate, the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:1) was repaired by the High Priest and the priests. This gate, he said, represents the gate of sacrifice. He stated that before Jesus Christ was crucified, he had to pass through the Sheep Gate to Golgota.

In the church, the gate of sacrifice should be repaired by leaders so that people can render sacrificial services free of charge without demanding any financial reward.

The second gate was the Fish Gate (Nehemiah 3:3-5), which represents evangelism. He, however, said that when the Fish Gate was being repaired, the nobles of Tekoites did not put their shoulders to the work. Same thing is happening in the church today, he said, as ministers, officers and leaders do not involve themselves in personal evangelism, but usually send some particular group of people out while they stay indoors.

The third gate was the Jeshanah Gate or Old Gate (Nehemiah 3:6) which represents the old practices in the church. He was of the view that while the core values or practices of the church cannot be discarded in the 21st century, leaders should blend them with modern trends so that the church would stay relevant to society.

Talking about the fourth gate, the Valley Gate (Nehemiah 3:13), Apostle Bekoe said that it represents suffering. He stressed the need to repair this gate of suffering since Christianity is not always smooth but also involves persecutions. He asked believers to endure hardships and be partakers of Christ’s suffering since their rewards are assured.

Revealing the fifth gate which was the Dump/Refuse Gate (Nehemiah 3:14), he said it represents sin. He asked officers of the church to repair that gate by nibbing sin in the bud anytime it rears its ugly head in the church no matter the people involved so that there will be sanctity in the church.

Repairing the sixth gate, the Fountain Gate (Nehemiah 3:16) which represents the Holy Spirit, he said that unless the Sin Gate is repaired the Fountain Gate cannot have its way.

However, talking about the seventh gate, thus the Water Gate (Nehemiah 3:26) which represents the word of God, he said the squad realised that it was still intact. This confirms the scriptures that all things will pass away but the word of God is forever settled.

On repairing the eighth gate, the Horse Gate (Nehemiah 3:27) which represents the gate of spiritual warfare, he said it was a gate where soldiers going for war dressed with their armour. He asked leaders to encourage the members to pray themselves so that they can stand against the schemes of the devil.

The ninth gate, the East Gate (Nehemiah 3:29) was closed for the return of the Messiah. This, he explained, represents the second coming of Jesus Christ. “We need to constantly remind our members about the return of our Lord Jesus Christ since this earth is not our permanent place of abode,” he added.

On the tenth gate, thus the Inspection Gate (Nehemiah 3:31), he said it was where soldiers going for war were inspected, and when they were returning from war, roll call was conducted and those who misconducted themselves at war were then punished, while those who fought well were also honoured. According to him, a day is coming where every work and action of believers will be examined and rewards given.

The eleventh gate, the Ephraim Gate (Nehemiah 12:39), represents fruitfulness and double portion. He said the local church should be centre of fruitfulness.

On the last gate which was the Guard/Prison Gate (Nehemiah 12:39), representing judgment day, he charged Christians to do their work well so that they will not face the wrath of God.

PENTECOST NEWS.