Posts in category: MPWDs

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

The Ministry to Persons With Disability (MPWDs), a specialised ministry of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Covenant Family Care Mission and Joni & Friends, has donated over 200 assistive devices to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in seven areas of the church in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions of Ghana.

The presentation ceremony, which took place at PIWC-Sunyani from Monday, 21st to Friday, 25th August 2023, benefited both Church members and non-members from the Sunyani, Brekum, Techiman, Atebubu, Kintampo, and Duayaw Nkwanta Areas.

The devices included 105 wheelchairs, 24 Arm Clutches, 20 Walking Sticks, 14 Walkers, and 45 White Canes. Each beneficiary also received a Bible and a book by Joni Eareckson Tada. Persons with visual impairment also received Audio Bibles.

The Counseling Ministry of the Sunyani Area, led by Pastor Dennis Sasu, provided counseling to the beneficiaries and their aids, resulting in 62 souls being won for Christ.

The beneficiaries were full of joy, and expressed their gratitude to God and the Church for such interventions.

In attendance were Apostle James Gabriel Quardson (Sunyani Area Head), Pastor Alexander Nyame (National Coordinator for MPWDs), Pastor Samuel Kwaku Asare (PIWC, Sunyani), Pastor Mark Owusu Ansah (Fiapre District), and coordinators from the respective Areas.

Report by Overseer Collins Owusu Pinamang (MPWDs Coordinator for Sunyani)

The Offinso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, on Sunday, July 23, 2023, held a special church service with members of the Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWD) assembly at the Physically Challenged Action Foundation Special School at Offinso Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to mark his birthday.

Apostle Davidson, together wife his wife, Mrs Winnifred Edzii Davidson, decided to put smiles on the faces of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as he presented asserted products such as bags of rice, milo, Indomie, mackerel, toiletries among others, in addition to a cash donation of GHC 2,000.00, totalling about GHS 6,250.00 to the facility. 

Addressing the inmates, Apostle Davidson quoted from 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and spoke on the topic, “Repositioned for a maximum impactful life.” He encouraged them to live an impactful life, saying, “A life of impact is leaving one’s footprint on the sands of time and eternity,” adding, “We need to leave an indelible footprint that cannot be erased.” 

He emphasised that when one lives an impactful life, even the forces of hell and time cannot forget it. 

Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson ordained Sylvester Barimah Antwi, the facility’s founder, as an elder of the church during the event. 

The Area Head praised Elder Antwi for his excellent work, dedication, passion, and love for humanity, especially people with disabilities. He encouraged him to continue his good works and live an impactful life, leaving an indelible footprint for posterity to emulate.

Responding to the honour done him, Elder Barimah Antwi expressed his sincerest gratitude to the church’s leadership, especially Apostle Edzii Davidson, for endorsing his calling and ordaining him as an officer of the church. 

“I appreciate the honour done me and pray for unction to function,” he said.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS, Apostle Edzii Davidson appealed to the public to support Elder Antwi and his foundation to continue assisting people with disabilities. 

“The best way to know about the relevance of the physically challenged school like Physically Challenged Action Foundation is to ask yourself, what will this community miss if this foundation is no longer here?” he quizzed.

With a Bible reference to Psalm 41:1-3, he was optimistic that anyone who supports the needy, the poor, and the physically challenged would indeed receive the blessings of God.

Present at the event were Pastor George Kyeremateng (Offinso Area Secretary), Pastor Anthony Apedido (Offinso Obuasi District) and Overseer Alex Nana Owusu Nkrumah (Boamang District).

Others were Rev. Gideon Apenin from Assemblies of God, Elder Stephen Nyankyera (Presiding Elder of the MPWD Assembly), Elder Ampofo of Bibiani Prayer Centre, Mrs Beatrice Apedido (wife of Pastor Anthony Apedido), Mrs Dorothy Asante Gyamfi (Offinso Area Women’s Ministry Leader) and her assistant, Mrs Florence Nketia Amoah.

Report by Offinso Area Media Team.

The Dawhenya District in the Tema Area of The Church of Pentecost has generously donated assorted items worth GH¢ 4,000.00 to 11 children living with various forms of disabilities in the district.

The project, dubbed “A Smile On A Face,” was initiated by the District Minister, Pastor Jonas Beddim, in collaboration with the District Children’s Ministry, with the aim of expressing God’s love to these vulnerable members of society.

Pastor Jonas Beddim, in a brief speech, encouraged parents of these children not to lose heart due to their conditions, assuring them that God has great plans for their lives.

The donated items included two wheelchairs, a clutch, provisions, and toiletries.

The parents of the children expressed heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Jonas Beddim, the Children’s Ministry leadership, and all donors for their kind gesture.

Report by Elder Bernard Kobbina Asiedu (Tema Area Assistant CM Leader)

The Adabraka District of The Church of Pentecost, led by the District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Osei Agyapong, extended support to 22 homeless persons with disabilities at Okaishie, the Central Business District of the national capital, Accra.

Over the years, the Adabraka District has consistently reached out to these often marginalised individuals through its Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs). Through this initiative, the Church has dedicated officers who actively mobilise and minister to the specific needs of people with disabilities (PWDs).

During the visit, Pastor Emmanuel Osei Agyapong uplifted the spirits of the homeless individuals with a message titled “The Lord Needs You,” drawing inspiration from Luke 19:28-31.

He said that just as the Lord had a need for the tied colt, which no one had ever ridden, the Lord loves and has a need for the PWDs hence they should consider themselves God’s beloved and chosen.

He further encouraged them to live righteous lives, highlighting the example of Lazarus, who was attended to by angels when he died.

The members were filled with excitement when Pastor Osei Agyapong challenged them to prepare to share their own testimonies during his next visit. He assured them that provisions had been made to include them in joint District prayers and activities.

Pastor Osei Agyapong also invited interested members to inform the leadership if they wished to learn a trade, as the necessary assistance would be provided.

“Do not lose hope. You are valuable to God. He needs you,” he emphasised, providing words of encouragement to the group.

The members expressed their joy as they were feted and given new clothes.

Alhassan Siedu, who has mobility impairments, shared his gratitude, stating, “Not every church pays attention to us. Some even assume we are seeking handouts when we approach them for magazines. So I am extremely grateful and satisfied that The Church of Pentecost is there for us.”

Comfort Anane, another individual with mobility impairments, appreciated the Church’s intervention. However, she raised a question about the city authorities’ actions, questioning why they prohibit them from selling their handmade artifacts while allowing them to beg on the streets. “They prevent us from selling our goods by the streets, but they turn a blind eye when we resort to begging. Why is that? None of us wants to beg. The city authorities should take this into consideration,” she urged.

For John Quayson, hearing the Word of God ministered to him right where he lives brought immense happiness. “I thank God for today’s message. It has brought transformation to my life,” he shared.

Elder Benjamin Bamfo Ennin, the District Secretary, led three individuals to accept Christ as their Lord and personal Savior. These individuals will soon undergo water baptism, an important step in their spiritual journey, facilitated by the District Pastor, who took the time to fellowship with them.

Report by Elder Caleb Kudah

The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated five wheelchairs, amounting to GH¢7,500.00, to persons living with disabilities.

In a colourful ceremony held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the PIWC/French Auditorium, the Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, stated that this gesture is part of the Church’s plan to bring smiles to the faces of numerous members who are living with disabilities.

Sharing a brief exhortation based on Ephesians 3:7-10, Apostle Agyen Brefo stated, “The purpose of the Great Commission is to disciple all nations. This includes persons living with disabilities.”

He stressed that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are created by God for good works and have roles to play in the Great Commission.

He encouraged PWDs not to let their conditions hinder them from spreading the fragrance of the gospel..

“Sometimes, some persons living with disabilities feel that they are not gifted enough to preach the word. Others also think that they are laypersons, incapable of spreading the love of Christ to the lost. But they have forgotten that God, through his Holy Spirit, has gifted every person, including persons living with disabilities. The Holy Spirit is God’s enabling power that can equip all kinds of Christians for good works,” he stated.

The Church’s National Coordinator for the MPWDs, Pastor Alexander Nyame, who was the guest speaker at the event, exhorted participants to offer a safe support system to these vulnerable groups within the church.

Speaking on the topic “Understanding Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs),” Pastor Nyame stressed that disability is not inability. Although persons living with disabilities are the largest minority group, they are all part of God’s perfect plan. “God created every human being with good intentions in mind. This good intention is not only for those who can talk, hear, or see. God foreknew us ahead of time for His own good purpose in Christ Jesus,” he emphasised. “These good purposes,” he explained, “are the good works that God expects every Christian, including persons living with disabilities, to walk in according to Ephesians 2:10.” He, therefore, encouraged the Church to provide skills training for interested persons with disabilities, as well as assistive devices to aid in their daily lives. He commended the Aflao Area for this great gesture in supporting persons living with disabilities. Present at the ceremony were Pastor Elias Atsu Kumashie (Aflao Area MPWDs Coordinator), Area and District MPWD Coordinators, church members, and the Aflao Area pastorate. Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

The Ashanti-Bekwai Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Fred Tiakor, on Friday, April 21, 2023, inaugurated a new Deaf Assembly to complement the work of the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) in the Area.

The inaugural service coincided with the MPWDs Get-together ceremony organised by the Area for members and non-members of the Church living with various forms of disability.

Apostle Tiakor spoke on the theme “Though I Am Mephibosheth, I Am Highly Favoured,” with reference to 2 Samuel 9:7-8, 13.

He explained that Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. After the death of King Saul and his father, Jonathan, Mephibosheth was taken to a town called Lo debar and placed under the care of Ziba because he had a limb disability and could not walk.

Apostle Tiakor further narrated that when David ascended the throne after King Saul, he graciously invited Mephibosheth to Jerusalem and requested that he eat at the King’s table forever.

Apostle Tiakor iterated that, even though Mephibosheth was lame, he was highly favoured by King David.

He also noted that God has a special favour for persons with disabilities (PWDs) just as David had for Mephibosheth.

He, therefore, urged Christians to demonstrate God’s love and kindness to PWDs wherever they come into contact with them.

With support from the Area MPWDs Coordinator, Overseer Silas Ewudzi, Apostle Tiakor inaugurated the Deaf Ministry, which currently has 15 members.

The assembly will hold its services on the first Sunday of every month at the Bekwai English Assembly auditorium and has Mrs. Angela Amankwah of Afoako District as Chaplain.

The MPWDs Get-together programme recorded 243 participants in all. To the glory of God, 56 souls were won for Christ at the event.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Mr. Daniel Agyekum (President, Ghana Federation of Persons with Disabilities), Mr. Isaac Ofori Dwamena (Secretary, Ghana Blind Union), Mr. Adubofour Abdulai (Chairman, Ghana Society of Physically Disabled and Chairman, Bekwai Municipality Social welfare Workers) as well as the Ashanti Bekwai Area pastorate and wives.

Report by Ashanti-Bekwai Area Media Team