Posts in category: PEMEM

It is estimated that about 1.4 million people across the world are killed by road collisions annually, with an additional 50 million people sustaining various degrees of injury or disability.

In light of this alarming development, the Men’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (PEMEM) has launched a national safety campaign to address the increasing spate of preventable injuries and deaths at the home, workplace and road traffic usage.

The campaign, which is under the theme: “Your Safety Matters, Take Action Now!” with scripture reference from Proverbs 23:3, was officially launched today by the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, at a special ceremony held at the Sophia McKeown Temple (SMT) at La, Accra. Present at the event were the PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, his deputy; Elder Dr. Ebenezer Asamoah Nyarkoh, and other members of the PEMEM National Executive Committee.

Stakeholder agencies such as the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) were all represented at the launch ceremony.

Apostle Anane Denteh, in an address, said that safety is an essential resource for everyday life, needed by all individuals, communities and organisations to realise their aspirations. 

Citing provisional data compiled by the MTTD in 2021, the PEMEM Director revealed that the number of commuters killed in road traffic crashes for the first nine months of the year rose by 16.37% compared to the same period the previous year, which is an increase from 1,827 to 2126 in a relatively short period.

This, according to him, indicates the importance of road safety and the urgent need for awareness creation and education campaigns as has been initiated by PEMEM. 

He said that the campaign focuses on three aspects of safety – Domestic Safety, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Road Safety, and called on the Ghanaian citizenry, particularly church members, to support the campaign to ensure safer homes, workplaces and road usage.

The Commanding Officer of the MTTD at the Ghana Police Service in Accra, DCOP Martin Ayih, said his outfit is committed to ensuring that all the categories of road users – drivers, pedestrians, passengers, motor riders, etc are well protected. He said that most carnages on the road could have been avoided if road users adhered to road rules and regulations.

He took the opportunity to highlight some of the road traffic offences that lead to road accidents, such as overspeeding, jumping red lights, and drink driving, among others.

“It is never true that hard drugs or alcohol enhances one’s driving ability. Rather, they impair one’s vision and sense of judgment, and this mostly results in carnages on our roads,” he cautioned.

Mr Ayih also commended the Church for undertaking such a noble initiative and pledged the MTTD’s support to the campaign.

The Deputy Director for Planning and Monitoring at the NRSA, Mr Dan Wuaku, also lauded the Church for the initiative saying that, “This campaign further proves that road safety is truly a shared and collective responsibility.”

He said that the NRSA is embarking on a similar campaign aimed at causing an attitudinal and behavioural change among road users. The NRSA would, thus, partner with the Church towards the collective goal of ensuring the safety of Ghanaians, especially with the Christmas festivities fast approaching, he assured.

The Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, ACFO Timothy Afum, also educated participants on some fire-preventive measures and the need for individuals to conduct risk assessments at the home and workplace. He also lauded The Church of Pentecost for “taking the lead in addressing the safety needs of the citizenry.”

Mr. Kofi Essel (Chief Regulations Officer at the Food Industrial Support Services of the FDA) and Mr. Patrick Beseh (Deputy Director of Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate the MoFA) took turns to educate participants on the importance of food safety. They also assured the Church of their organisation’s support of the initiative.

Speaking in an interview after the event, Elder Ebenezer Asamoah Nyarkoh stressed that the socio-economic implication of these avoidable injuries and deaths to families, organisations and the nation are colossal and are a major drain on the country’s resources.

He, therefore, urged every Ghanaian to support the safety campaign and to see it as a wake-up call for them to start being safety conscious at home, workplace and on the road. 

PENTECOST NEWS

In her quest to bridge the gap between Christianity and the Chieftaincy institution, The Church of Pentecost (CoP) has inaugurated the Chieftaincy Ministry to provide chaplaincy services to chiefs, queens and royals in Ghana.

The historic event, which took place today in Accra, saw the inauguration of the 13-member National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ministry mandated to spearhead the Church’s vision of influencing “one of the most respected” institutions in the country with principles and values of the Kingdom of God and, in effect, bring all royals to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The committee is chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, and has HRM Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III (Omanhene of the Suma Traditional Area), Nana Kofi Abuna V (Chief of Essipong), Elder Nana Bonya Kofi VI (Chief of Baseke), Elder Ubor (Dr.) Tassan Konja VI (Chief of Kpassa), Nana Akwasi Amoh Kyeretwie I (Chief of Akyem Abirem), Nii Afotey Anokwafo IV (Chief of Nungua Awere Gonno) and Elder Ubor Augustine Nigarim Puyari (Konkomba Chief for Nalerigu) as its members.

Also serving on the committee are Deaconess Nana Kyerew Akenten II (Queen Mother of the Manpomteng Traditional Area), Deaconess Augustina Homiah (Queen Mother of Dunkwa Subinso Traditional Area), Elder Dr. Nana Kwadwo Gyasi (Pentecost Men’s Ministry National Executive Member), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Pentecost Men’s Ministry Director) and Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin G. Kumi-Woode (Chaplaincy Ministry Board Chairman).

Addressing the event, the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, noted that the chieftaincy institution, which he describes as ‘the soul of the nation,’ plays a significant role in the social fabric of the nation. 

“Our chieftaincy institution is a major cultural heritage we have as Ghanaians. It has over centuries successfully provided a scope for a well-coordinated leadership for our Ghanaian society, especially at the community level,” he stated.

He continued: “It is one of the most respected institutions in our communities. The culture, tradition and governance system of the community revolves around the chieftaincy institution and as a Church, we believe that our ability to influence this all-important institution will give us some inroads in our quest to bring transformation to our society.”

According to the Chairman, the vision to pay critical attention to the Chieftaincy institution was first initiated by the Church in 2014, under the leadership of the then Chairman, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, when it began organising annual conferences for royals as a means of enhancing relations between the palace and the Church.

“In building on this great feat, The CoP, under its five-year strategic vision of possessing the nations, dubbed Vision 2023, has created a ministry to the palaces to be known as the Chieftaincy Ministry and the newly-inaugurated National Executive Committee will spearhead this ministry at all levels of the Church. It is our prayer that through this ministry, all chiefs, queens and royals shall come to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” he said.

HRM Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese, in response, thanked God for the historic event and expressed gratitude to the Chairman, the Executive Council and the entire membership of the Church for the confidence reposed in them.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I pledge that we would discharge our outlined duties to the best of our abilities and competencies. However, we would humbly like to appeal to leadership and members to offer us their full support to enable us serve the Lord and the Church diligently,” he said.

Preaching on the topic: “When the King Seeks the Lord”, Apostle Julius Asante-Ayeh (rtd.) encouraged chiefs and queens to submit to the Lord to enable them prosper as traditional rulers. 

Quoting from 2 Chronicles 23:3-5 and 1 Samuel 10:1-9 as his key scriptural references, he said when kings submit their rulership to the Lord, He will grant them the needed wisdom to rule.

“More importantly, He would give you supernatural power and empower you to prosper as there is no power as potent as the power of the Holy Spirit,” he admonished.

He urged Christian royals to emulate King Uzziah, who prospered whenever he sought the Lord. He also urged them to avail themselves to Lord so that they would serve as the medium through which the Lord would possess the palaces.

In a passionate remark at the event, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong stated that the move has fulfilled a prophetic call made almost a century ago. 

According to the former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, the call for the Church to extend chaplaincy services to the palaces was made some 80 years ago by the then Okyenhene, Nana Ofori Atta I. However, the Church had failed to respond to the call until now.

“Although we have neglected it all these years, I am glad that today we have fulfilled this prophetic call in our generation, and through The Church of Pentecost, we can say that in our lifetime, we have seen with our eyes a ministry to the palace,” he said.

He also encouraged other churches to emulate this example of The Church of Pentecost and pledged his unflinching support to the committee in fulfilling its mandate.

Among other responsibilities, the National Chieftaincy Ministry Committee is charged to mobilise and educate all CoP royals to influence their sphere with the values and principles of the kingdom of God. 

The committee is also tasked to institute committees (working groups) at all levels of the Church to minister to the chieftaincy institution through a well-coordinated chaplaincy ministry, coordinate the organisation of the national royals’ conferences for chiefs, queens and royals, as well as encourage and guide members of the Church who are royals and feel called by God to enter chieftaincy.

PENTECOST NEWS 

The Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) in the Ho Area of The Church of Pentecost commemorated this year’s Father’s Day celebration in honour of the men and fatherly figures in the Area.

The well-patronised event was held at the PIWC-Ho church auditorium on Sunday, June 20, 2021. Members of the Women’s Ministry was present to celebrate the fathers with their gifts.

Also in attendance were the Ho Area Head and Executive Council member, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, and Pastor Philip Kwashie Ackumey, a National Executive Committee member of PEMEM, who was the guest speaker for the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Pastor Philip Ackumey said Fathers’ Day is observed all over the world to honour fathers and as such the church’s involvement in venerating the day further affirms that fatherhood is indeed worth celebrating. He took the opportunity to encourage fathers who may have neglected their responsibilities to assume their roles.

A panel discussion, moderated by Elder Daniel Anyormi, was set up to discuss the topic “The Father’s Legacy” as part of the event. The three-member panel comprised of Apostle Dr. Quampah, Pastor Philip Ackumey and Elder Seth Yaw Peasah of El Bethel Assembly.

From the discussions, it was explained that a legacy is any tangible and intangible asset that one could leave behind for their children. In other words, it is a preserved heritage reserved through a family line. 

They also explained that a responsible father is the one who stands on the ground in all situations and lives an exemplary life for the children to emulate. Also, a responsible father personally sees to the upbringing of the children.

A delegation of the Women’s Ministry, led by Mrs. Comfort Quampah (wife of the Ho Area Head and a National Executive Committee member of the Women’s Ministry), gave a solidarity message to the fathers on their special day.

“Fathers’ Day is a period for reflecting on contributions of our fathers – their hard work, and all that they do to keep the home running. You always go the extra mile to see to the upkeep of your children, the family of God, and others. On behalf of women all over the world and in Ho Area, we say Ayekoo!” she said.

The women also took the opportunity to make a humble plea to fathers that, “despite your busy schedule working very hard to satisfy the needs of the family, we plead for you to take some rest out of your busy schedule and to spend quality time with us and the family.” 

All the men present at the event were showered with special gifts. Also, a well-decorated cake was cut to climax the Father’s Day celebration amidst colourful cultural displays.

In his remarks, Apostle Dr. Quampah commended the Area PEMEM Executive Committee members for their zeal to move the ministry forward with innovative activities held across the various districts in the Area.

Report by Overseer Felix Brakatu

The Church of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) in the Ho Area has spearheaded a tree planting exercise at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) – Ho Campus.

The exercise, a collaboration with the Forestry Commission, saw the planting of 1,210 seedlings of varieties of trees such as Afram, Mahogany, Acacia, Birhania, Gmylina among others at the university. Meanwhile, 780 seedlings were distributed to the various districts in the Area on Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Speaking at the event, the Ho Area Head, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, said that the exercise is in response to The Church of Pentecost’s call on all members to green the environment as the adage goes “when the last tree dies, the last man dies.”

“We are the custodians of what our Father has created and as good stewards, ecological care should be our priority,” he said.

Apostle Dr. Quampah, who is an Executive Council Member, charged members of the church to rise to the task to redeem and reclaim the lost forest. 

Having enumerated the economic, health, and ecological benefits of trees, he enjoined members to carry on with the exercise at their various local assemblies, homes, communities, and farms to achieve the objectives of the project.

The Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Michael Arthur, on his part, explained that the exercise will not be a 9-day wonder, but a project the ministry has planned to carry through to see to the nurturing of all the trees to maturity.

The Area Secretary, Pastor Evans Ekow Ampah, outlined the week-by-week strategy adopted by the other ministries to further embark on the same exercise at various locations across the Area.

Seedlings totaling 1,990 were received from the Forestry Commission for the exercise. A total of 110 members were present at the exercise.

Report by Overseer Felix Brakatu.

The Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane-Denteh, has been elected onto the Executive Council of the church.

Apostle Anane-Denteh replaces the Asokwa Area Head, Prophet James Osei Amanaimpong, who retires from active service next year.

He was elected by a simple majority during an election conducted on the second day of the 45^th General Council Meeting being held via Zoom.

Of the three proposed candidates, Apostle Anane-Denteh emerged victorious after he polled 582 votes out of the 1,214 total votes casts, representing 47.94 per cent of the total votes cast. The other candidates garnered 325 and 305 votes, respectively.

BRIEF PROFILE OF APOSTLE ANANE DENTEH

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh obtained a City & Guilds certificate in Block Laying and Concreting from Tamale Polytechnic. He was a former missionary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in Ukraine and the Republic of Madagascar, respectively. While serving in Madagascar, he served as the Coordinator of the Southern African Regional Coordinating Council (SADC-RCC) of the Church. Apostle Anane Denteh holds a Certificate in Theological and Pastoral Studies from the Pentecost Bible College, Diploma in Freelance Journalism (Cleland Thom Journalism Training Services, Chichester, UK), Bachelor of Ministry – Christian Journalism, Arkansas, USA), Bachelor of Theology Honours degree from South African Theological Seminary (SATS), and Master of Theology from SATS. Apostle Anane Denteh has also undertaken several courses in publishing and magazine writing. He has authored eleven books to his credit, including several articles published in various magazines, online news portals, and journals. He is married to Martha Anane Denteh with whom he has four children.

PENTECOST NEWS

The La Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, on Thursday, April 8, 2021, launched the Area ‘Faithful Giants’ at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Memorial Assembly auditorium.

‘Faithful Giants,’ a concept of the Men’s and Youth Ministries, is aimed at equipping young adult males within the age bracket of 20 and 35 years to be well-grounded in Christ who would be faithful in all spheres of their lives by developing and arming them spiritually, physically, socially, and psychologically.

The vision which is being championed and powered by the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) is seeking to build astute and faithful young men of substance to possess the nations for Christ.

Delivering the solidarity message on behalf of the PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, the National PEMEM Secretary, Elder Stephen Djaba, said that the ministry in the next four years aims at sharpening men in the church to possess the nations.

He stressed the need for young men to be sharpened to be agents of transformation since “iron sharpens iron.”

The Area Head, Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, noted that the introduction of the ‘Faithful Giants’ concept is timely as it would help to sharpen young men wholistically as they prepare to take over the mantle of leadership.

On his part, the La Area Youth Pastor, Isaac Osei, reiterated the need to sharpen young adults wholistically since they are the potential substitutes to replace the already exhausted first team players when the right time is due.

The occasion was also used to inaugurate the Area Coordinators for the group. They were charged to coordinate efforts to realise the vision of the group.

In attendance were Pastor Clement Achim Gyimah (PEMEM National Executive Committee Member), Area PEMEM and some Youth Executive Committee Members, some ministers in the Area and their wives.

Report by Daniel Tetteh, La Area Reporter.

The Obuasi Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle William Boakye-Agyarko, has inaugurated the “Faithful Giants” wing of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM). The Faithful Giants comprises young men within the church who are below 35 years.

The inauguration service took place on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Bidie Central Assembly auditorium. It was under the theme: “Sharpening Young Men to Possess the Nations for Christ.”

In a brief exhortation based on Numbers 11:1-8, the Obuasi Area Head indicated that when the incessant complaints and groanings of the Israelites became too much for Moses to bear, the Lord instructed him to appoint 70 elders each from the 12 tribes of Israel so that He would put upon them a portion of his (Moses’) spirit. This, according to Apostle Agyarko, equipped the elders to be able to assist Moses in managing the affairs of the Israelites.

Apostle Agyarko noted that consequently, Moses’ burden became lighter since the elders now took upon themselves part of the responsibilities, adding that, likewise, the Faithful Giants wing has, therefore, been inaugurated to augment the work of PEMEM. 

Addressing the gathering, the Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Moses Nartey, revealed that the leadership of the ministry has initiated plans to mentor members of the Faithful Giants wing through various exercises including prayer meetings and periodic entrepreneurial workshops. He also said that the group would also undertake medical outreaches.

As part of the service, the newly-appointed Faithful Giants Area Coordinator, Secretary and Organiser, together with the various District Coordinators, were prayed for and commissioned by the Area Head to commence work in earnest. They were also tasked to bridge the gap between the Youth Ministry and PEMEM.   

To climax the historic event, patrons were each presented with “Faithful Giants” branded exercise books. Part of the books were also donated to the Abdulam Orphanage, Gromesah Primary School and Pentecost Preparatory School, Aboabo. In all, a total of 1,000 books were given out.

Report by Elder Eben McKeown Asare 

The Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of Sunyani Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC – Sunyani), has donated a set of musical instruments and a public address (PA) system worth GH¢15,000.00 to the Church in Morovia, Liberia.

The items included a Keyboard with a stand, Bass Guitar, Bass Combo, Mixer Board, 2 pieces of Speakers, a set of Drums, 2 Cordless Microphones, and an Extention Board.

The PEMEM Director, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, led the PIWC-Sunyani Assistant PEMEM Leader, Elder Kwame Boakye, and Probationary Overseer Stephen Danso, to present the items to the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, at the Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, September 24, 2020.

Receiving the items, Apostle Gyesi-Addo, who was impressed with the donation, thanked the Resident Minister, Pastor Samuel Asare, the District PEMEM leadership, and the entire church for the kind gesture which, he said, will go a long way to support the church in Liberia.

Elder Kwame Boakye indicated that the donation formed part of the activities to climax the PEMEM weeklong national celebrations.

According to Elder Boakye, the District PEMEM Leader, Elder George Oppong Danquah,  visited the FD Walker Assembly of the Church at Clara Town Bushroad in Liberia whilst on official duty to the country. He said that Elder Danquah, who was touched by the plight of the assembly in their effort to acquire gadgets for evangelism, informed his district minister, Pastor Samuel Asare. He said that PEMEM gladly and generously accepted the responsibility to acquire the instruments and the other essential items for the Church in Liberia.

On behalf of his District Leader, Elder Boakye expressed the ministry’s profound gratitude to God for enabling them to be used to support missions. He was also grateful to the Sunyani Area Head, Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh, the Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Samuel Yador Beble, the Resident Minister, Pastor Samuel Asare, and all the men in the district who gave graciously to support this worthy cause.

Present at the presentation ceremony were the Personal Assistant to the IMD, Pastor Gideon Kofi Boadu-Yirenkyi, the Principal Executive Assistant to the IMD, Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode, and the National PEMEM Secretary, Elder Stephen Teye Djaba.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Resident Pastor for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Sakumono, Pastor Anthony Owusu Sekyere Kwarteng, has admonished Christian men to be mindful of the doctrines they expose themselves to.

“The doctrine you hear and believe in can shape you. If you do not keep the gate of the soul well, you will be prone to false doctrine,” he said

Pastor Kwarteng said this when he preached on Monday evening (September 14, 2020) as part of the National Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) Week celebrations dubbed, “Possessing the Nations as Effective Gatekeepers” – 2 Samuel 18:24-28, Isaiah 21:12-13, Mathew 13: 25-30.

The week-long celebration commenced from Monday, September 14, to Sunday, September 20, 2020.

Speaking on the first day of the celebration dubbed, “Time with the District Pastor,” Pastor Kwarteng stated that gatekeepers in the olden times were not only stationed at the gates but their duties went far beyond that. He again stated that gatekeeping was a form of service to people appointed to carry out that duty.

Pastor Kwarteng read from 1 Chronicles 26: 1-19, 2 Chronicles 8:14-15, John 18:16, among other scriptures, and explained that the critical accounts from the Bible indicated that all the gatekeepers were Levites who were strategically positioned at four main areas; those positioned at the City gates, those at the temple doors, those appointed to the entrance of the house of the priests and watchmen positioned by the walls.

According to him, the qualifications of a gatekeeper include being a Levite, a ministering priest, a trustworthy person, and a person with a servant’s heart.

Pastor Kwarteng indicated that in this current generation, a gatekeeper refers to or can be likened to someone playing four cardinal roles – one in charge of their individual lives, the nuclear family, watching at their workplaces and the church or community. “You should be able to do all and excel in all. You should be duly prepared with a heart fully committed to the Lord,” he added.

He enumerated the roles of gatekeepers as follows; providing security, keeping the city and temple secured; holding the keys to the temple gates (1 Chronicle 9:27), guarding the tents of meeting,  and watching what should enter and what should get out (1 Chronicle 9: 28-29) and appointing others and training them (1 Chronicle 9:19, 2 Timothy 2:2).

“When we are effective in our gatekeeping duties, the Lord will bless us and the devil will not be able to sow weeds among us,” he said.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.

Obuasi Area PEMEM Constructs Bus Stop For Tutuka Community

The Obuasi Area Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of The Church of Pentecost has constructed a modern bus stop for the people of Tutuka, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

Handing over the facility which was done at the cost of GH¢ 3,500.00 to the community, the Obuasi Area Head of the Church, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko, said that the bus stop was provided in fulfilment of the church’s vision and social intervention programme.

Apostle Agyarko noted that the provision of the facility would help to stem the frequent pedestrian knockdowns in the community, especially among children since commuters will have a conducive waiting place before boarding vehicles.

He also advised the people to avoid writing on the facility to keep it in good shape for posterity.

Receiving the bus stop on behalf of Obuasi East District Assembly, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Faustina Amissah, expressed her deepest appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for coming to the aid of the community.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East, Hon. Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom, on his part, was full of joy for the project and thanked the church for extending support to the communities around.

Present at the ceremony were the Obuasi Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Moses Narteh and his executives, the Area pastorate, Mr. Emmanuel A. Ntoso (District Coordinating Director), Mr. Samuel Nti Kyeremeh (District Engineer), among others.

Report by Pastor Solomon Odame Abunyan.