Pastor Samuel Oteng Bows Out Of Active Ministry web

Pastor Samuel Oteng Bows Out Of Active Ministry

The Ashtown District Minister in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng, has brought his 28 years of service as a full-time minister of the Church to successful conclusion.

His retirement service, which took place on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Peter Agyapong Memorial Temple in Ashtown, was officiated by Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member, with assistance from Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, the New Tafo Area Head.

The colourful event saw a large turnout, including both active and retired ministers of the Church, traditional rulers, delegates from the previous stations he served, relatives, and loved ones, among others.

As part of the service, various testimonies applauding Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng and his wife, Mama Grace, for their outstanding ministry were read and citations were also presented to them, including certificate of service.

Delivering a sermon on the topic: “Handing Over the Baton; Who Is Your Next of Kin?” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised the significance of succession planning and mentoring in the Church to ensure continuity and growth.

The immediate past General Secretary of the Church defined baton change as passing on a responsibility or authority to another person to continue and encouraged Christians leaders to prepare for inevitable moment when they would no longer be available by training someone to take over their responsibilities.

“God has a purpose for everyone, but it requires people to mentor and guide them to fulfill their potential,” he pointed out.

Referencing passages from Ecclesiastes 2:14-26, Psalm 145:4-7, and 2 Timothy 2:2, the Ashaiman Area Head highlighted the role of God in providing wisdom to those who fear Him to effectively manage affairs for the next generation, saying, “God is a God of generations.”

He further advised the congregation to avoid being obsessed with materialism and self-indulgence, stating that such acts could hinder the ability to positively impact the lives of others.

Apostle A.N.Y Kumi-Larbi contrasted biblical leaders like Moses, Elijah, and Paul, who actively mentored others, with Joshua, who failed to groom a successor (Judges 2:8-10), highlighting the need of Christians leaders training individuals to succeed them when they eventually leave the scene.

While acknowledging the importance of training others, he noted that some people are untrainable, urging vigilance against “Gehazis” in the church.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi expressed his appreciation and admiration for Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng, recognising the positive impact he had on his life during their time together at Koforidua Secondary Technical School (SECTECH), where Pastor Oteng was a senior to him.

Called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1996, Pastor S. K. Oteng served in various duty stations such as Juapong (1996-2006), Nakpanduri (2001-2004), Adugyama (2004-2010), Anyaa (2010-2015), Oda New Town (2015-2019), Gyinyase (2019-2021), and Ashtown (2021-2024).

He also held several leadership positions and served on various committees in the Church.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah, New Tafo Area

A TALENT IN TORKORNI DISTRICT web

National Youth Week Celebration Births A Talent In Torkorni District

During the climax of the National Youth Week celebration of The Church of Pentecost on July 28, 2024,  a great talent was birthed in Torkorni Central Assembly in the Hohoe Area.

A member of the church, Derrick Yeboah, an officer of the Ghana Police Service, showcased his talent by doing a pencil sketch of the District Minister of the church, Pastor Hope Lumor, while the pastor was preaching.

Derrick’s artistic talent is a great one that needs maximum attention. An unleashed talent is a weapon to win souls for Christ Jesus and to transform any sphere of influence

It is indeed refreshing to note that this year’s Youth Week celebration has had a great impact. It was indeed life transforming.

Torkorni District Media Team

Leaders Must Make Impact - Apostle Samuel Obuobi web

Leaders Must Make Impact – Apostle Samuel Obuobi

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has said that God calls people to leadership not just to lead but primarily to make an impact.

He said this when he expounded on the critical traits of an impact-making Christian leader during a sermon titled “The Impact-Making Christian Leader,” which he shared during the retirement service of the outgone Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis at PIWC-Kaneshie.

In his sermon, the General Secretary emphasised that the Church, as both an organism and an organisation, requires fervent and transformative leaders to make a significant impact.

He stated that leadership transcends mere positions or titles, embodying actions, examples, and the capacity to influence positively.

Apostle Obuobi stressed that God calls leaders to make a mark, bring transformation, and positively affect their followers, urging leaders to leave a good legacy.

Drawing from John 15:16, he noted that it is God who appoints leaders to bear fruit and make a lasting impact.

He highlighted humility, integrity, faithfulness, love, compassion, and sacrifice as essential traits of a Christian leader.

Humility, he explained, is a condition of the heart reflected in one’s attitude, speech, and decisions, and it signifies strength rather than weakness.

According to him, integrity, described as the supreme quality of leadership, involves doing the right thing even when no one is watching and maintaining a pure conscience before God and man.

He emphasised that faithfulness to God, the holy calling, and the institution is paramount, reminding that God calls for faithfulness, not necessarily success.

Apostle Obuobi also pointed out that true Christian leadership flows from a deep love for God and humanity, and that impactful leadership requires making sacrifices for the greater good.

He, therefore, urged leaders, particularly Christian leaders, to endeavour to imbibe these character traits so as to receive heavenly commendation at the end of their earthly ministry.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Chairman Pays Glowing Tribute to Pastor Prof. Ellis web

Chairman Pays Glowing Tribute to Pastor Prof. Ellis

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, paid a glowing tribute to Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, who has served as the Children’s Ministry Director for the past four years.

Before this role, Pastor Prof. Ellis served as the Deputy Director of the Children’s Ministry for a year.

During a celebratory retirement service held in honour of the Ellis family today at the PIWC-Kaneshie auditorium, Apostle Nyamekye commended Pastor Prof. Ellis for his exceptional contributions to the church, emphasising his pivotal role in the transformation of the Children’s Ministry.

“Four years ago, we thought that our Children’s Ministry needed repositioning because we depended too much on our partners,” Apostle Nyamekye stated.

“We thought that we should have a model of our own that we can call ours. When we thought of the person to do this, the Lord gave us Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis. And I can say that he has done just that.”

Under Pastor Prof. Ellis’s leadership, significant advancements were made, including introducing new initiatives such as the Jethro Initiative, Foundation Builders Conference, and Children’s Community Club, among others.

The outgone Director also singlehandedly constructed and donated a Children’s Resource Centre to the Churches. This centre serves as a training ground for Children’s workers and the children themselves.

Apostle Nyamekye highlighted that Pastor Prof. Ellis’s greatest contribution was his exemplary Christian lifestyle.

“But for me, his greatest contribution was that he walked among us, the pastors, and taught us Christianity with his life. I observed him from afar and up close, and he demonstrated true Christian character in his submissions during meetings,” he shared.

Before his commendable service within the church, Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis had already established a distinguished career in academia, notably serving as the Vice Chancellor of one of the largest universities in Ghana and Africa.

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Apostle Nyamekye noted, “He humbled himself when he joined the pastorate.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis Retires After 4 Years Of Impactful Service web

Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis Retires After 4 Years Of Impactful Service

Over the past four years, the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has experienced a remarkable transformation, largely credited to one man: the outgone Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis.

Answering the call to full-time ministry at the age of 60, just after retiring from active working life, was a significant sacrifice that the former Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was willing to make to God and the Church.

Initially serving as the Deputy Director of the Children’s Ministry and later as the Director, Professor Ellis provided visionary leadership, steering the ministry to new heights and building on the legacies of his predecessors. Achieving so much in just four years is nothing short of extraordinary.

It was, therefore, no surprise that the PIWC-Kaneshie auditorium today overflowed with relatives, ministers (both active and retired), members, and well-wishers who gathered to participate in the retirement service held in honour the man who had elevated one of the Church’s most beloved ministries.

The event, chaired by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, was a celebration from start to finish. The ministration, worship sessions, and prophetic messages all reflected the profound impact Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis had made.

In his tribute, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted Ellis’s significant contributions. “Four years ago, we recognised the need to reposition our Children’s Ministry. We needed a model we could call our own. When we sought the right person for this task, the Lord gave us Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis, and he has be able to accomplish this to the glory of God.”

“But for me,”  Apostle Nyamekye continued, “his greatest contribution was that he walked among us, the pastors, and taught us Christianity with his life. I observed him both from afar and up close, and he demonstrated true Christian character in his submissions during meetings,”

The sermon, titled “The Impact-Making Christian Leader,” delivered by the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, at the event was both timely and inspiring. It called on all Christian leaders to strive to make a lasting impact during their tenure.

Apostle Obuobi emphasised virtues such as humility, integrity, faithfulness, sacrifice, love, and compassion as essential traits for impactful leadership.

“And from all these parameters, we can confidently say Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis has made a significant impact in his generation and beyond,” he concluded.

Glowimg tributes from the Children’s Ministry and the General Council praised Pastor Prof. Ellis for the innovative programmes he introduced, including the Community Children’s Club (CCC), Jethro Initiative (JI), and Foundation Builders Conference (FBC).

The Women’s Ministry of PIWC-Kaneshie also honoured Dr. Florence Otoo Ellis, wife of the retiring Ministry Director, for her virtuous qualities and admirable teaching ability.

In an emotional speech, Pastor Prof. Otoo Ellis thanked God, the church leadership, his immediate family and all who supported him in diverse ways during his tenure of office.

The retirement service of Pastor Prof. William Otoo and Dr. Florence Ellis, was truly intergenerational, featuring ministrations from children—a fitting tribute to the Children’s Ministry Director.

Everyone who attended the event would attest that it was a unique and joyous occasion, filled with celebration and valuable life lessons.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Women’s Ministry Educates School Girls In Akosombo On Menstrual Hygiene

The Bethel Assembly Women’s Ministry, in collaboration with the New Combine District Women’s Ministry in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost, has organised a day’s health seminar for all Junior High School (JHS) and Primary Six girls at Korkono Basic School.

The event was facilitated by health personnel from the Akosombo District Health Service and officials from the National Health Insurance Authority in Asuogyaman District.

Leading the exercise was the wife of the district minister, Mrs Esther Kesse, who is a professional Counsellor, supported by the leadership of the local and the district Women’s Ministry. Deaconess Dorothy Nkansah, who is a health personnel, took the girls through the topic, ‘Appropriate Ways of Managing Yourself During Menstruation Period.’

Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the school authorities and all the teachers highly involved themselves in the whole seminar.

Specific areas the girls were taken through include how to dress well when they are in their menses, appropriate steps to follow when they feel pains during their menstrual periods, how to clean themselves during their menstrual period and the types of detergents to wash themselves during their menstrual period.

The girls appealed to the team treat the topic during PTA Meetings because some parents force their girl child to use strong and powerful detergents to clean themselves during their menses, which ends up affecting their health.

The team accepted this request and decided to collaborate with the school authorities to organise health education for all parents whose wards are in the school.

The Women’s Ministry used the occasion to present free sanitary pads to all the girls who participated in the seminar.

Members of the ministry took time to educate the girls the best ways to use sanitary pads for safety and expected results. It was very interactive talk as the girls asked questions bordering their minds.

The headmaster of the school appreciated The Church of Pentecost for the novelty. Thanking the leadership of the church for the gesture, he revealed that teenage pregnancy has been a major problem the school is currently facing. He bemoaned that more than half of the girls in the school become pregnant before they reach final year.

During an altar call, 12 girls gave their lives to Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour.

Report by Esther Kesse.

Web

African Discipleship Strategic Movement Pays Courtesy Call On Chairman

A delegation from the African Discipleship Strategic Movement paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

The delegation, comprising representatives and trainers from the West African block of the movement, was led by Dr. Ernie Frey, the Global Director for the Movement.

Also present were Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost; Apostle Samuel Gapketor, Chairman of the National Discipleship and Leadership Committee (NDLC); and a regional trainer for the African Discipleship.

The meeting focused on pressing issues regarding discipleship in churches and explored how the church can transform its spheres with deliberate discipleship efforts.

Dr. Ernie Frey inquired about the discipleship processes within The Church of Pentecost and the extent of leadership involvement.

In response, Apostle Nyamekye explained that the Church operates an administrative system centered on discipleship, with major efforts conducted at the grassroots level.

He highlighted the existence of a national discipleship team that trains individuals to spread the discipleship message and training at the local levels.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasized the Church’s robust reporting system, which provides feedback that helps the leadership gauge the impact of the discipleship policy and ensures excellence in its delivery.

Apostle Gapketor also noted the active involvement of the Church’s principal officers in leadership and discipleship training seminars and their enthusiastic support for the associated budgets.

When asked about balancing the ministerial and personal lives of ministers, Apostle Nyamekye acknowledged the existing gaps and emphasised the Church’s efforts to raise awareness and encourage ministers to address these issues.

He added that prayer is a key form of discipleship within The Church of Pentecost, praying for the maturity of its members, akin to the practices of Apostle Paul.

The delegation commended Apostle Nyamekye and the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for their exceptional efforts in building a globally recognized church.

PENTECOST NEWS

PENTSOS Commissions 3-Unit Classroom At Ampaha JHS web

PENTSOS Commissions 3-Unit Classroom At Ampaha JHS

The Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) commissioned a three-unit classroom block for the Pentecost Junior High School (JHS) at Ampaha in the Ashanti Bekwai Area on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

The project aims to address the infrastructure needs and provide a conducive learning environment for students, demonstrating The Church of Pentecost’s commitment to supporting education, compassion, and community development.

Ampaha JHS had faced significant infrastructure challenges, including overcrowding and inadequate classroom facilities, which hindered the delivery of quality education.

The church became aware of these needs through a working visit by the former PENTSOS Director, Elder Richard Amaning, in 2023. Recognizing the critical role education plays in empowering individuals and transforming societies, PENTSOS decided to support Ampaha Pentecost JHS by addressing their infrastructure needs.

The project involved constructing a three-unit classroom block, comprising a staff common room, headmaster’s office, a library, and three spacious classrooms. The project, spanning ten months, was carefully planned and executed to ensure timely completion, quality construction, and minimal disruption to the school’s operations.

The dedication and handover ceremony took place at the Ampaha Central Assembly auditorium and the school premises, respectively. It was attended by the Bekwai Area Head, Apostle Fred Tiakor, ministers and their wives in the area, Eld. Ing. Frank Nsuah Adutwum (Ag. PENTSOS Director), Nana Antwi Boasiako (Ampaha Paramount Chief) and 13 other sub-chiefs, Hon. Kofi Adu Amoateng (DCE, Bosome Freho), Mr. Solomon Owusu (District Director of Education), the Presiding Member of Bosome Freho District, assembly members, headteachers, teachers, students, church leaders, and members.

Pastor Emmanuel Okoh Lartey (Bekwai District Minister) delivered a sermon highlighting the essence of the church, based on John 1:11-12.

He explained that the concept of the church began with Adam and Eve, but they failed. God then chose the Israelites as His people, but they also disappointed Him. Finally, God extended His invitation to the entire world, offering everyone the opportunity to become His people through belief in His name (John 1:12).

He emphasised that the church is a community of believers called to worship, reflect God’s glory, and partner with Him to achieve His purposes (1 Peter 2:9-10).

The new three-unit classroom block will accommodate more students, reducing overcrowding and significantly enhancing the learning environment.

The spacious, well-lit, and ventilated space will foster academic excellence, improve student engagement, motivation, and overall academic performance.

The event concluded with a tour of the new facility, followed by a symbolic key handover from Apostle Fred Tiakor to the Ampaha Pentecost JHS Headmaster, marking the official transfer of ownership. A celebratory reception and closing prayer ended the memorable occasion.

Report by Mrs. Lois Amankwah Kyei

Deacon Charles Addae Honoured For Soul-Winning Efforts web

Deacon Charles Addae Honoured For Soul-Winning Efforts

The Tema Greenwich Meridian District in the Tema Area of The Church of Pentecost has honored Deacon Charles Addae of Safo Memorial Temple for being the 2nd National Best Soul Winner of The Church of Pentecost in 2023.

Deacon Charles Addae singlehandedly led 77 persons to accept Christ last year and ensured that 64 of the new converts were baptised in water.

He was honoured during the climax of the 2nd District Week, dubbed the “Gathering of the Unleashed,” on July 14, 2024, at Safo Memorial Temple, Tema. The theme for the program was “We Are A People Of God” with 1 Peter 2:9 and Philippians 3:20 as scriptural references.

Delivering the sermon on Sunday, July 14, 2024, on the topic “End Time Events,” the guest preacher, Pastor Emmanuel Kyei Boate, the Barekese District Minister, delved into the signs of the end times, including the rise in deception, the appearance of false messiahs, the prevalence of wars, famines, earthquakes, increasing crime rates, and believers growing cold toward the things of God.

He extensively quoted scriptures, including 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Timothy 1:10, emphasizing that people now prefer to hear pleasing messages, leading to the spread of various fables. He urged the congregation to guard against hollow teachings and false doctrines.

Concluding his sermon, he cited 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, and Daniel 9:27, explaining the Church’s anticipation of the rapture and the grave consequences of missing it.

The service also marked a significant transition for the C3 Assembly and Peniel (MPWDs) Assembly, which will be carved from Tema Greenwich Meridian District to become a Worship Centre in September.

During the event, some distinguished personalities were also honored by the Men’s Ministry (PEMEM). They were: Brother Samuel Grant: Most Promising Father for the year 2024 – Faithful Giants, Elder Frank Adu Gyamfi: Most Punctual and Consistent in PEMEM from 2013-2023, and Elder Akwasi Boaten-Sekyerehene: Most Influential and Committed Father for the year 2023.

Additionally, past District Ministry Executive Committee Members who have served in various capacities were recognised. They included former District Youth Leader, Elder Isaac Addae, and Assistant Youth Leader, Elder Humphrey Lomotey.

The service ended successfully with a powerful session of worship and adoration led by Pastor Emmanuel Kyei Boate, leaving the congregation spiritually enriched and uplifted.

The District Minister, Pastor Dr. Suleman De-Graft Issaka, commended the District for their support for Vision 2028. Present was his wife, Mrs. Esther Issaka, the District Executive Committee Members, and the District Mass Choir.

Report by TGMD Media Team

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