Posts in category: MPWDs

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

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.

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.

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.

The Offinso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, with the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) Assembly in the Offinso Obuasi District of the Church on Communion Sunday.

According to Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, the purpose of his visit was to fellowship with the members and to officially share with them the new vision direction of the Church for the next five years, dubbed “Possessing the Nations (Phase II).”

Before administering the Lord’s Supper, the Offinso Area Head, Apostle Edzii Davidson, gave the congregants an exposition on the 2024 theme of the church: “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World.”

Reading from 1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8, Daniel 5:3, and Genesis 37:37, the Area Head drove home the fact that God has intentionally positioned everyone wherever they find themselves for the sole purpose of bringing transformation to those spheres.

This, he expressed, can only be done after one has been unleashed. He mentioned names like Abraham, who, until he was unleashed, was only restricted to the four walls of his father’s home. But when unleashed, he transformed his world by feeding hundreds of people as an embodiment of God’s blessing. Other examples of people who transformed their world he mentioned were Joseph and Daniel.

Bringing his message to a close, Apostle Edzii Davidson outlined the various topics to be treated in the year and charged the brethren to avail themselves as God’s tools for transformation in their worlds of life.

As part of their visit, which took place on February 4, 2024, Apostle Samuel and Mrs. Winifred Edzii Davidson, on behalf of their family and the Offinso Area, presented two crutches, one wheelchair, assorted food items worth GH¢ 6250.00, and a cash donation of GH¢ 1000.00 to the Assembly.

Elder Sylvester Twum Barima, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Physically Challenged Action Foundation Center, received the items on their behalf and expressed their profound gratitude to the Area Head and the Offinso area for their visit.

Also present at the ceremony were Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District Minister), as well as the Offinso Area Women’s Ministry Leader and her assistant.

Report by Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District)

The maiden edition of the Christmas Convention of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) has been successfully held in the Ashanti and Western North regions.

The three-day programme began on Thursday, December 7, and ended on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Chairing the opening session was Apostle Yaw Agyei Kwarteng, the Kwadaso Area Head, who doubles as the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Committee (ARCC) Coordinator and an Executive Council Member of the Church.

In his sermon, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng highlighted the importance of Christmas and the need to celebrate it to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He said the birth of Jesus is good news that reveals God to man. “Christmas reveals a God who resides in man,” he hinted.

The glorious event brought participants from 18 Areas in the Kumasi zone, numbering about 350.

All the Area Coordinators from these 18 Areas, and the Kwadaso Area pastorate and their wives were present at the event.

The glory and presence of God were highly felt as persons with disabilities praised and worshipped the Lord in splendor, demonstrating active involvement in all activities of the programme.

The Northern bloc of the MPWDs Christmas Convention was held at Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Kumasi, under the theme, “Jesus Christ; Our Hope for Maximum Impact.”

Report by MPWDs Northern Bloc Media Team.

The Northern sector of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost has kicked off its three-day Christmas convention at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre in Tamale under the auspices of the Tamale Area.

The ongoing convention, taking place nationwide, is under the theme, “Jesus Christ; The Hope that Brings Maximum Impact to All.”

Apostle John Budu Tawiah, the Northern Regional Coordinating Committee (NRCC) Coordinator and the Tamale Area Head of the Church, officially opened the convention yesterday. He spoke on the topic, “In Christ, We Have Hope,” using Hebrews 6:13-19 as his foundational text.

Apostle Budu Tawiah mentioned that every word that God has spoken can be relied upon because the one who has spoken cannot lie.

Explaining the text, he emphasised that for every word or promise to be sure, the one who gives it must vow with someone of greater authority, and since there is no greater authority than God, He swore by Himself.

“This should give every Christian hope because the one who has promised is the one to whom all authority and power belong. Whatever He has promised in His word will come to pass,” he said.

He quoted Hebrews 11:1,7 to assure believers that though there might not be a physical substance to rely on, faith must be built on the person of Christ through whom the promises have been made.

Concluding his message, the Tamale Area Head encouraged believers to exercise their faith in expectation of the fulfillment of the promises of God, notwithstanding the challenges.

In all, 150 participants were in attendance, drawn from all eight areas of the Church in the Northern Regions.

Also in attendance were sign language interpreters from the Bolga Area to assist persons with hearing impairments.

Report by Pastor Martin Ossom Boafo

Pastor Reuben Awuni, the Coordinator for the Deaf Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, has advised Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to put their total trust in Jesus Christ, who is able to give salvation and not only on material things which will fade away.

He delivered this message on the second day of the 2023 Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) Christmas Convention, which is being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa-Fetthe, Kasoa, on the theme “Jesus Christ, Our Hope For Maximum Impact”.

Pastor Awuni, who is deaf himself, spoke from 1 Timothy 1:1 and shared his testimony of how the MPWDs has been a great blessing to him and other people with disabilities.

He said that the Vision 2028 from the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, which aims to equip and empower the MPWDs to be self-reliant and productive, has given them hope and dignity.

He also acknowledged the support they receive from the government, but stressed that their ultimate hope is in Christ, who died for their sins and saved their souls.

He said that being deaf is not a problem, as they can do everything that others can do, except hear.

Pastor Awuni said that the only thing that can make them worry in this life is being hopeless. He urged Christians to always look forward to their salvation, which is the most important thing in life.

He also explained that there are three types of hope that Christians have: the living hope, the blessed hope, and the glorious hope.

He said that the living hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Peter 1:3.

He said that this hope gives them the motivation to share the gospel with others, especially those who are also disabled.

He cited the example of Paul, who did not lose hope even when he was arrested and persecuted, but continued to preach the word of God.

The MPWDs Sector Coordinator said that the blessed hope is the expectation of the second coming of Christ, as stated in Titus 2:13.

He said that this hope gives persons with disabilities the assurance that one day they will be healed of their disabilities and transformed into the likeness of Christ.

He said that this hope also gives them the courage to live holy and godly lives, as they wait for the Lord’s return.

“The glorious hope is the inheritance of the saints in heaven, as stated in Colossians 1:27. This hope gives us the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding, as we know that we have a place prepared for us in the Father’s house”, he revealed.

He said that this hope also gives them the strength to endure trials and tribulations, as they know that they have a crown of glory awaiting them.

He concluded by encouraging the congregation to hold on to these three types of hope, and to live for Christ, who is their hope for maximum impact.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Pastor Alexander Nyame, the National Coordinator for the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) at The Church of Pentecost, encourages Christians, particularly PWDs, to maintain hope in the Lord even during challenging and trying times.

During the opening session of the MPWDs Christmas Convention at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, yesterday, Pastor Alex Nyame emphasised the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ amid difficulties, stating that relying solely on human beings often leads to disappointment.

Expounding the convention’s central theme, “Jesus Christ; Our Hope For Maximum Impact,” Pastor Alex Nyame asserted that Jesus Christ is the ultimate hope for the world, having come to earth with the specific purpose of offering hope to the hopeless.

He reassured believers of Jesus’ faithfulness and the promise of a prosperous future both on earth and in the afterlife.

He advised the not to lose hope but persevere through suffering and disability by maintaining faith in God.

“During your moments of suffering or in the face of disability, do not succumb or lose faith in God; God is going to glorify Himself with your situation,” he emphasised.

Pastor Nyame, therefore, advised PWDs against placing trust in relatives or friends, as they may not always fulfill their promises.

Instead, he urged attendees to place their faith in God, trusting Him to deliver them from challenging circumstances.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Kpikpira District in the Bawku Area of The Church of Pentecost convened its maiden MPWDs Convention on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

This august assembly, under the leadership of Overseer Joseph Akuffo, stood as a living embodiment of the Church’s Vision 2023, dedicated to the transforming every sphere of society with the values of the kingdom of God.

Held under the theme “Jesus Saves,” the convention welcomed 375 attendees, among them were 92 individuals facing various degrees of impairments, from visual impairment to hearing, speech, and mental impairments.

Pastor Atta Adomako Gyamfi, the Garu District Minister delivered the exhortation on behalf of Pastor Eric Gyacham, the Bawku Area Head.

Pastor Atta Adomako’s words struck a deep chord with the audience as he underscored that Christ’s mission transcends all physical limitations, offering salvation to every soul.

He reminded all present of the boundless love of God, manifest in the gift of life and epitomised  in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

To the glory of God  35 persons received Christ during the event among whom 10 were baptised in water.

Also, several others were miraculously healed. Prominent among them was Mary Koka, a 58 years old woman at Kpikpira Assembly who had been blind eye since 2016, but had her sight restored by the grace of God.

Ten steel wheelchairs, collectively valued at GHS 15,000.00, which were donated by a philanthropist from Accra, were generously donated to individuals in need to aid their movement.

Overseer Joseph Akuffo, the District minister, expressed deep gratitude to God and Pastor Eric Gyacham, the Bawku Area Head, for their unwavering support in orchestrating this lifetransforming convention.

He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the MPWDs Northern Sector, under the leadership of Overseer Joshua Korku Semador, for their invaluable support and encouragement.

Report by Kpipka District Media Team