90 Souls Won For Christ During MPWDs Donation Exercise In Tamale web

90 Souls Won For Christ During MPWDs Donation Exercise In Tamale

A total of ninety (90) souls were won for Christ during a donation exercise organized by the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost within the Tamale Metropolis.

The donation exercise, held from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2024, saw participants from various areas of The Church of Pentecost within the Northern Region of Ghana, including Tamale, Yendi, Sawla, Walewale, Bawku, Bolga, Tumu, and Wa.

Throughout the exercise, 341 assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and white canes were distributed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Pastor Alexander Nyame, the Coordinator of MPWDs, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Church for their significant contributions and thanked the Area Head, Apostle J.B.K. Tawiah, for hosting the event.

Pastor Nyame also highlighted the successful collaboration with Joni & Friends, a non-governmental organization that helped secure the assistive devices.

He expressed optimism for future partnerships to continue supporting PWDs in the region.

PENTECOST NEWS

Pent5000 Launched, Aims To Feed Over 5000 Street Childrenss

Pent5000 Launched, Aims To Feed Over 5000 Street Children

The Home and Urban Mission (HUM) of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with other ministries of the church, has launched a project called ‘PENT5000,’ an initiative to feed over 5,000 street children.

The launch, which took place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the forecourt of the Universal Merchant Bank, near Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, had close to 1,000 children in attendance.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, who was present at the launch, announced the support of the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, to the project.

He explained that the purpose for the novel project is to show love to kids by the inspiration of Jesus Christ who is a friend of children.

The HUM National Coordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, revealed that the initiative, which is in fulfilment of the Great Commission, is not going to be a nine-day wonder. Rather, it is something that has come to stay and will be used as a mean to win souls for Christ. He expressed gratitude to the directors of all the ministries for offering their full support to the project.

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Deaconess Elizabeth Sackey, intimated her enormous joy and appreciated The Church of Pentecost for taking up such an initiative.

Sharing a testimony about how the training she received from her Sunday school days has played a significant role in shaping her to become the woman she is today, Hon. Sackey admonished the children to commit to God, take their Sunday school lessons seriously and apply it in their lives.  

She urged the Children’s Ministry and HUM teachers to pay particular attention to children, including following them to their homes and familiarizing themselves with their families. This, she indicated, was a strategy she used as a child worker in the church for many years and has groomed many children into becoming ministers of The Church of Pentecost, including the HUM Coordinator.

Deaconess Sackey called on HUM not to end the project at Agbogbloshie but extend it to other parts of the city. She promised to collaborate with the church to support the initiative spread to other areas.

Pastor Alex Fofie, who delivered a short word of exhortation on ‘The Unleashed Church Leading The Little Children To The Saviour’s Waiting Arms,’ explained that it is the desire of Jesus is that the church saves children from hunger because His arms are always opened to them.  

He mentioned that Christ does not want kids to be undermined and turned away from Him because they are not excluded from the Kingdom.

Another reason for which he indicated children must be saved is that they are the future leaders, saying, ‘We can never have our future generation without our current children.’

As part of the launch of the PENT5000 project, 252 children accepted Christ as their Lord and personal saviour and close to 2000 plates of food dished to street dwellers, mainly children.

In attendance was the Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante. Others were Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director), Deaconess Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director) & her deputy, Deaconess Vivian Amfo, Apostle Dr. Colonel B.G. Kumi-Woode (Chaplaincy Ministry) Mrs. Priscilla Yirebi (Youth Ministry NEC Member), and Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah (Director of the Counselling Ministry).

PENTECOST NEWS

MPWDs Donate Wheelchairs & Crutches to Tamale Central Prisons web

MPWDs Donates Wheelchairs, Crutches To Tamale Central Prisons

The Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Joni and Friends, a multinational non-governmental Christian organisation based in the United States of America (USA), has donated wheelchairs and crutches to inmates of the Tamale Prison in the Northern Region.

The items were donated on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the prison will have access to the wheelchairs and the crutches to aid their movements.

Receiving the items, the Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, DDP Thompson Otsyokpo, thanked the team for the generous donation. He revealed that the items will go a long way to help the PWDs in custody.

Present at the donation were Pastor Alexander Nyame (National Coordinator, MPWDs), Pastor (ASP) Elvis Kofi Danquah (Northern Regional Chaplain/Tamale Central Prison), Pastor Isaac Aboagye (Godokpe District Pastor), Torben (Joni and Friends) and others. PENTECOST NEWS

MPWD Collaborates With Joni And Friends To Provide Assistive Devices To PWDs In Tamale WEB

MPWD Collaborates With Joni And Friends To Provide Assistive Devices To PWDs In Tamale

The Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, in partnership with Joni and Friends, has launched an initiative to distribute free assistive devices to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Tamale metropolis.

The programme, which began on July 15, 2024, aims to enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for individuals facing physical challenges.

Led by the National Coordinator, Pastor Alexander Nyame, the MPWDs has embarked on a week-long working visit to Tamale with a mission to provide essential assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, and crutches, to those in need.

Before receiving the devices, the PWDs undergo a comprehensive process. First, they register and verify their information for accuracy. Next, they participate in an assessment to determine their specific needs. Once assessed, they are equipped with the appropriate devices. However, the journey does not end there as they also receive vital counselling, where many find solace and make decisions that extend beyond physical well-being.

Speaking exclusively to PENTECOST NEWS, Pastor Nyame emphasised that the initiative aligns with Vision 2028 mandate of The Church of Pentecost. The church seeks to transform society by embodying Kingdom values and principles.

According to him, PWDs are integral to the church’s transformational agenda. Pastor Nyame’s conviction was clear, saying, ‘Reaching out to people with disabilities is not merely a favour—it is a divine and legal imperative.’

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Joni and Friends, a US-based multinational non-governmental Christian organisation. The group seeks to envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and a rightful place within the body of Christ.

The joint efforts of the MPWDs and Joni and Friends will continue throughout the week, serving the Northern regions of Ghana. As wheelchairs roll, white canes guide, and crutches support, the message is clear: ‘Inclusion knows no bounds, and hope extends beyond physical limitations.’

PENTECOST NEWS

185 Persons With Disabilities Trained In Vocational Skills web

185 Persons With Disabilities Trained In Vocational Skills

The Northern Sector of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), led by Sector Coordinator Overseer Joshua Korku Semador, has provided training to 185 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in various vocational skills, including soap making, beverage production, and pastry baking.

The free training session took place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Bantama Central Assembly in the Bompata Area.

Addressing the participants, Overseer Joshua Korku Semador emphasised that the skills training aligns with the church’s “Vision 2028” and the objectives of the MPWDs.

“As part of the Sector’s vision, we intend to equip persons with disabilities with skills to improve their standard of living so they would not become burdens on their families and society,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of equipping persons with disabilities with vocational skills, enabling them to actively contribute to the church’s mission and vision.

In a brief exhortation, the Sector Coordinator referenced 1 Peter 2:9, a key theme text for the church’s 2024 theme.

He elaborated on the scripture’s significance, highlighting four key lessons: our origin, our purpose, our identity in God, and the tasks entrusted to us. Despite societal perceptions, he reminded participants that in the eyes of God, they are valued and specially chosen.

Participants were organised based on their interests and received training in various areas such as liquid soap making, shower gel production, beverage preparation (including sobolo and millet drink), as well as pastry baking (including chips, pies, and bread).

The enthusiasm displayed by participants was remarkable, and their testimonies of gratitude were heartfelt. Several participants expressed appreciation to the leadership and organisers of the program and encouraged fellow persons with disabilities to take the training seriously.

Also in attendance were members of the Sector Working Team, including Elder Dr. Joel Kyeremeh (Secretary), Elder Patrick Opoku Appiah (Bompata Area Coordinator & Sector Programmes Coordinator), Pastor Jacob Ossom (Abuakwa Area Coordinator & Sector Pastors’ Rep.), Deacon Edward Kwabena Effah Kontoh (Member), and various Area Coordinators from the Ashanti Region.

Others are Pastor Eric Oppong Asomah (Konongo Area Coordinator), Pastor George Owusu (Asokwa Area Coordinator), Pastor Emmanuel Akwaboah (New Tafo Area Coordinator), Pastor Richard Asare-Drah (Mampong Area Coordinator), and Pastor Daniel Konlan (Kwadaso Area Coordinator).

Reported by the MPWDs Media Team

Celebrating Inclusion My Transformative Encounter At The MPWDs Christmas Convention web

Celebrating Inclusion: My Transformative Encounter At The MPWDs Christmas Convention

Persons with various disabilities are often unfairly stigmatised. This is because some believe they are cursed or afflicted due to their parents’ sins, while others see them as outcasts or burdens on society, even considering them as somehow evil. Consequently, they often face neglect from their communities, families, and even religious institutions. Left to fend for themselves, they resort to begging for sustenance, lacking proper care and attention. However, my perspective shifted when The Church of Pentecost organised the first-ever Christmas Convention for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in December 2023. Held at the Pentecost Convention Centre and simultaneously at various centres nationwide, this event was held under the auspices of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs).

The Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) was birthed under the five-year strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost, “Vision 2023.” This ministry aims to establish a robust support system for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through effective evangelism and discipleship. Its goal is to create an inclusive environment that fosters their spiritual, emotional, and personal growth, thereby empowering them to positively impact not only the church but also their communities and nations.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS:

  • MINISTERS BECOMING ALL THINGS TO PWDS:

Mirroring the ministry of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul’s ethos outlined in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, ministers at the convention embraced individuals with disabilities without discrimination. Just as Paul became all things to all people to save some, ministers and caregivers adopted a similar approach, serving individuals with various disabilities as integral members of the Body of Christ. Their actions exemplified the ethos of inclusivity and compassion.

  • THE DISPLAY OF TALENTS AND GIFTS:

Despite the myriad challenges they face, individuals with disabilities showcased a remarkable array of innate and cultivated talents. From singing and leading worship to dancing and reading scripture, they demonstrated exceptional abilities. Their musical performances were flawless, their choreography precise, and their adherence to instructions commendable. Their participation enriched the program, underscoring their immense potential.

  • THE VIRTUES OF PATIENCE, LOVE, AND TOLERANCE:

Working with persons with disabilities necessitates exceptional patience and tolerance. Every aspect of their care, from assisting with daily activities to facilitating their participation in the program, demanded unwavering patience and understanding. Despite the challenges, love prevailed, as caregivers treated each individual with dignity and respect. Their approach reflected the love of Christ, emphasising acceptance and compassion over judgment and condemnation.

The experience of the MPWDs Christmas Convention left an indelible mark on my heart. Witnessing individuals with disabilities express joy and faith in praising their Creator was profoundly moving. Their example serves as a poignant reminder that serving God requires our wholehearted commitment, regardless of our circumstances. If those facing profound challenges can rejoice in their faith, then surely those blessed with physical abilities can do the same, and more.

I commend The Church of Pentecost’s leadership and the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities for their dedication to inclusivity and compassion. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds for a three-day convention, they fostered a sense of belonging and love. They introduced participants to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of unconditional love, and provided them with spiritual nourishment and affirmation. This initiative should inspire not only Christian organisations but also society at large to support individuals with disabilities, nurture their talents, and address their needs. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world, where individuals with disabilities are valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Written by Deaconess Sophia Mensah Boduwah (Akosombo District).

MPWDs Coordinators Undergo “Beyond Suffering” Training web

MPWDs Coordinators Undergo “Beyond Suffering” Training

The various Area Coordinators of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost are undergoing a two-day training programme aimed at equipping them to discharge their mandate of leading PWDs into the saving knowledge of Christ.

The session, dubbed “Beyond Suffering,” is being facilitated by Joni & Friends, an international organisation focused on ensuring full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the church and society, and is taking place at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The Chairman for the MPWDs National Committee of the Church, Apostle James Tetteh, is chairing the meeting with assistance from the National Coordinator, Pastor Alex Nyame.

The Joni & Friends team includes Mrs. Kimi Archer (Director of Internships), Dr Kevin O’Farrell (Director of Theological Education & Engagement), Pastor Joel Quansah (Country Coordinator, Ghana), Dr Ashley Mugisha (Beyond Suffering Africa Regional Coordinator), and Mr Ronald Mugisha (Beyond Suffering Instructor).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kevin O’Farrel said that Joni & Friends, as an organisation, Joni & Friends seeks to glorify God as they communicate the Gospel and mobilise the global church to evangelise, disciple, and serve people with a disability.

According to him, they present the gospel of Jesus Christ through programs they undertake worldwide by training, discipling, and mentoring people affected by disability to exercise their gifts of leadership and service in their churches and communities.

“We energise the church to move from a lack of awareness of people impacted by disability to including everyone in the fabric of worship, fellowship, and outreach,” he said.

Dr. Ashley Mugisha took the participants through the Beyond Suffering training. “Beyond Suffering” is a comprehensive course organised by Joni & Friends that gives an overview of the theological and practical underpinnings of PWDs.

The course, she said, will equip participants to think critically, compassionately, and clearly about the complex issues that impact people with disabilities and their families and to bring them to the love of Christ confidently.

The two-day training is expected to end on Friday, with each participant receiving a certificate for participation.

PENTECOST NEWS

Kaneshie Area Donates 2 Wheelchairs To MPWDs web

Kaneshie Area Donates 2 Wheelchairs To MPWDs

The Kaneshie Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, has donated two wheelchairs to the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs).

The donation was made today on the sidelines of the ongoing “Beyond Suffering” training workshop for MPWDs Area Coordinators of the Church at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The items were presented on behalf of the Kaneshie Area by Pastor Emmanuel Oppong Kyeremah (Kaneshie Area MPWDs Coordinator) and were received by the National MPWDs Coordinator, Pastor Alexander Nyame.

Pastor Alexander Nyame thanked the Area for the thoughtful gesture and revealed that the wheelchairs will be donated to the Agormanya and Sefwi Bekwai Areas to aid persons with mobility impairments.

PENTECOST NEWS.

God Demands That We Do Everything With A Good Heart – Pastor Christopher Martey web

God Demands That We Do Everything With A Good Heart – Pastor Christopher Martey

The Asofan District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Christopher Martey, has called on Christians to strive to do everything with a good heart, as that is God’s requirement for receiving His divine inheritance.

Pastor Christopher Martey made this call today during his exhortation at the opening session of the “Beyond Suffering” training with Joni & Friends for the Area Coordinators of the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Using Colossians 3:23 as his foundational text, the Achimota Area MPWDs Coordinator emphasised that God demands that every believer does everything with their heart.

He explained that God expects them to respond to His will and purposes with a good heart, which is why they must always endeavour to guard their hearts.

He cautioned that every action must be done with a good heart, stating, “As we serve God daily and, in our ministry, we must do so with all our heart so that we will also receive the inheritance He has given to us.”

Pastor Martey acknowledged that at times it may seem that God is distant from the Christian, but the truth is that God is omnipresent, seeing everything, and in His appointed time, He will reward them for their actions.

He observed that the nature of the MPWDs may be easily overlooked and prioritised over other concerns, but since God has called them to serve in this ministry, they should strive to fulfil their mandate.

“Inheritance is acquired over a period, so as we do God’s work, we will receive divine inheritance. If you work for man, you will receive the reward of a man, which is not eternal. However, if you do it for God, you will receive an eternal inheritance that will transcend generations,” he urged.

Pastor Martey further noted that the heart is a treasury, and individuals must be careful about what they allow into it.

He concluded by stating that the distinctive mark of one who will receive God’s divine inheritance is someone who loves God and loves to serve Him. These are the individuals who live to glorify God.

He also advised the Area Coordinators to submit to and respect the leadership of the Church and the ministry, as they are the vessels through whom God reveals His divine purpose.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Support Vision 2028 To Succeed – Pastor Alex Nyame Urges web

Support Vision 2028 To Succeed – Pastor Alex Nyame Urges

Pastor Alexander Nyame, the National Coordinator for the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), has urged church leaders at various levels to provide their utmost support in ensuring the successful realisation of the five-year strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost (Vision 2028).

He emphasised that engaging in “support ministry” requires leaders to assist the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the vision bearer, in pursuing the divine agenda of “Possessing the Nations” bestowed upon him.

This advice was shared during the opening session of the MPWDs Report Reading and Training Seminar for MPWDs Area Coordinators, which is currently ongoing at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic “Supporting Ministry,” with 1 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:16, and Exodus 17:8-13 as foundational texts, the MPWDs Coordinator explained that supporting another person is akin to bearing or sharing the weight of their responsibilities.

He clarified that providing support ministry involves sharing the burden of the individual assigned by God to a specific task.

To illustrate this point, he referred to the story in Exodus 17:8-13 involving Moses, Aaron, Hur, and Joshua. In this account, Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, was supported by Hur, Aaron, and Joshua during a war against the Amalekites.

During the battle, as Moses raised his hands, the Israelites were winning. However, as fatigue set in and Moses’ hands drooped, the Amalekites gained ground. Observing this, Hur, Aaron, and Joshua stepped in to support Moses by providing a rock for him to sit on and holding his hands high until the victory was secured.

Pastor Nyame explained that this story holds valuable lessons for those in support ministry, particularly those mandated to help vision bearers realise their divine assignments.

He stressed that members of the support ministry must acquire the necessary knowledge to discharge their duties effectively, display a sense of initiative similar to the trio who placed a stone for the fatigued Moses to sit on and held his hands high, and be willing to make significant sacrifices to ensure the realisation of the Vision.

Additionally, he advised them to understand their role in Vision 2028 and appreciate the significance of their contributions, especially as MPWDs Area Coordinators.

Pastor Nyame urged Area Coordinators to fulfil their roles effectively, contributing to Vision 2028, which aligns with the various objectives set by the Chairman.

Concluding his message, he reminded the participants of the potential impact they could have on individuals and the world at large through their commitment to the Disability ministry.

“Beloved, only God knows the number of people the devil has destroyed because you let your hands down. Only God knows people who are getting lost because you are not taking the Disability ministry, the MPWDs, seriously. Let’s wake up, get to the battlefield or the mountaintop to lift the rod or hold up the hands of those whose hands are to be up for us to win the war to the glory of God. Let’s remain loyal to God and our leaders and be loyal to the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities,” he charged.

PENTECOST NEWS.