The Untold Story Of The Outgoing General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecostdd

The Untold Story Of The Outgoing General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecost

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Whoever thought that a street boy, perched in a tailoring kiosk in Suhum Amponsah Market with his well-known drunkard father, and whose mother was the daughter of a chief fetish priest, could be saved and have the opportunity to be schooled and become a Minister of the Gospel? Isn’t it sheer grace? Who is this person? How did he come out of obscurity and attain prominence? Indeed, with God, all things are possible. The man in perspective is the indefatigable Apostle Ing. Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the outgoing General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, who has served the Church, God, and the country in that capacity for the past ten years.

Apostle Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi is not ashamed of his ugly and hopeless past, from which only the mighty hand of God could snatch him and give him an expected end. No wonder this man is so passionate about evangelism and soul-winning. Whenever he mounts the stage to preach, he narrates where God took him from and where he is now. His testimony is so touching that it leaves most of his listeners weeping and eager to hear more.

Through him, his drunkard father, and his idol-worshipping mother, came to the saving knowledge of Christ. Today, he can pride himself on building a formidable and well-respected Christian family.

46th General Council Meeting Elections

In the next few days, The Church of Pentecost will elect a new General Secretary to replace Apostle Kumi-Larbi at the upcoming 46th Session of the General Council Meetings. This meeting will take place from May 3rd to May 5th, 2023, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region. The event will have His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Special Guest of Honour.

This piece does not attempt to speculate in any way about who will become the next General Secretary of the largest Pentecostal/Charismatic Church in Ghana. Rather, it seeks to eulogize the achievements of the hardworking outgoing General Secretary and his life experiences. Additionally, it will highlight the position of the General Secretary, which is regarded as the second-highest position within The Church of Pentecost.

How it all began

In 2013, when the “gentle giant,” Apostle Dr Alfred Koduah ended his second five-year tenure as the General Secretary of the Church, the then Chairman of the Church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, noticed a young Apostle named Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who was in charge of the Asamankese Area of the Church at the time.

Looking back over the past ten years, the general consensus among the Church populace is that Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah could not have chosen a better person, as Apostle Kumi-Larbi has exceeded all expectations.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi served under Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah for five years and has worked with the current Chairman and newly elected President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, for the past five years. With tenacity, enthusiasm, and zeal, Apostle Kumi-Larbi has carried out the implementation of the Church’s Vision 2023 of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda.

Chairman Eric Nyamekye sometimes wonders whether the General Secretary even sleeps since he is always on the move to ensure the realisation of the vision. In one of the events organised by the Church in November last year, Apostle Nyamekye virtually wept when he introduced Apostle Kumi-Larbi and indicated that he [Kumi-Larbi] would be attending the annual conference for the last time in his official capacity as the General Secretary of the Church.

Election of the General Secretary

The Church of Pentecost is touted for its excellent governance structure, which has enabled the Church to endure the test of time and emerge as a prominent, thriving global Church.

Chapter 3 of the Church’s Constitution outlines the Administration of the Church, which specifies the various administrative structures and how the Principal Officers (Chairman, General Secretary, and International Missions Director) and other key officers are selected.

Article 14 of the Constitution sets out the qualifications for the General Secretary as a mature Minister of the Church with a good standard of education. The General Secretary’s duties include: managing the Church’s correspondence, being accountable to the Chairman for the Head Office Administration,  serving as an ex-officio member of all Boards and Committees, holding the official seal of the Church and reporting to the General Council on the Headquarters Administration’s performance.

The Church of Pentecost’s method of selecting its key officers has upheld the Church’s sanctity, unity, and rapid and sustainable growth. The Church does not have elections or contests for higher positions or offices. Instead, suitable persons are chosen to occupy leadership positions in the Church through a ‘calling’ (nomination), subsequently affirmed through a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ voting system. This selection method eliminates lobbying and campaigning, which typically results in factionalism and disunity as has been the case in some churches. In Acts Chapter 1:12-26, Peter and the other Apostles prayed before selecting Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Similarly, in The Church of Pentecost, people are called/nominated to occupy higher positions upon careful consideration and reflection through prayers.

The process for selecting the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost involves several steps as outlined in Article 14 (3) of the Church’s Constitution. The process begins with the 15-Member Executive Council, led by the Chairman of the Church [after prayerful consideration], presenting a candidate from the list of eligible candidates to the Electoral College for open discussion and secret ballot. The Electoral College is made up of Members of the Executive Council, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, National Heads, and Area Heads. The Electoral College will then conduct a secret ballot election, supervised by an Electoral Commission appointed by the Executive Council, with the candidate elected by a simple majority. Finally, the candidate elected by the Electoral College will be presented to the General Council, the highest decision-making body of the Church, for approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting.

The elected General Secretary, like the two other Principal Officers of the Church, will serve for a term of five years and may be re-elected for a second term only, i.e., he cannot be elected to hold office for more than two terms.

During this two-term tenure, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi has done an excellent job handling the Church’s affairs. Due to his front-line involvement in pursuing specific national agendas, he is well-respected among Ghana’s ecumenical bodies.

The personality of Apostle Kumi-Larbi

Apostle Kumi-Larbi is a man known for his high level of integrity and is highly esteemed by both ministerial and non-ministerial staff at the Church’s Headquarters. He has a humble disposition, respects everyone, promotes team spirit, exhibits level-headedness, maintains good human relationships, demonstrates ingenuity, and takes work seriously. Anyone who has interacted with him will forever remember these qualities. He adopts an open-door administration, listens attentively, and addresses all issues brought to his attention promptly. Apostle Kumi-Larbi is not interested in using his position to lord over others, knowing that power can corrupt. His prayer has always been to occupy the Office as a Christian and to leave as a Christian without blemish. Fortunately, his prayer has been answered, and he is leaving the Office with clean hands.

Profile of Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi was born on 24th December 1964 at Asamankese in the Eastern Region to Mr Samuel Opare Kumi and Madam Florence Akosua Odi, both from Abiriw-Akuapim and of blessed memory.

As an engineer by training, he started schooling at Suhum Presbyterian School and obtained his Middle School Leaving Certificate in 1979. He then continued his education at Koforidua Secondary Technical School. He passed the GCE ‘O’ level examination in 1984 and proceeded to the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC, Legon) for his GCE’ A’-Level certificate in 1986.

During his pre-university National Service, he taught for one year at the Suhum Presbyterian JHS (from 1986-1987).

He subsequently gained admission at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and graduated with a BSc. (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering in 1991. During his post-university National Service, he taught at Takoradi Polytechnic, now Takoradi Technical University, from 1991-1992.

In 1995, he was awarded an OSW Scholarship to pursue an MSc degree in Infrastructure Planning at the University of Stuttgart in Germany. He completed the program in 1997. Additionally, he has finished the School of Theological Education by Extension (STEE) program at Pentecost University and has been awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. He is currently a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers (MGhIE).

Work Experience

He worked with Twum Boafo and Partners, a Consulting Engineering firm in Ghana (1992 to 2000), during which he engaged in Structural, Civil Engineering and Road Design and Construction Works. His experience in road works includes pavement and geometric designs, hydrological studies and the design of drainage structures. He was also involved in the design and supervision of some significant projects in the country, including serving as a Resident Engineer for the Rehabilitation and Completion of the Accra and Kumasi sports stadiums for the CAF-Under 20 Youth Soccer Tournament (1998-2000), Design and Resident Engineer responsible for the construction of the SSNIT flats at Tema Community 5 and Ho (1992-1995), Assistant Design Engineer involved in the Feasibility Studies for the Reconstruction of Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange-Mamfe road (1994-1995); he was involved in the structural design and detailing for a warehouse and offices for VRA at Aboadze Thermal Plant site office, Takoradi (1999) and a Consulting Engineer for The Church of Pentecost projects (1993 to date).

Call into full-time Ministry

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1999 and has since served as District Minister for Kojokrom, Awoshie and Michel Camp districts. He was appointed an Area Head in 2011 and was responsible for the Asamankese Area. He was called into the Office of Apostle in 2013 and elected as the General Secretary in 2013.

Marriage

He is married to Mrs. Rose Ama Dansoa, and they have been blessed with four sons.

Interest

Apostle is very passionate about evangelism, discipleship and selfless leadership with integrity.

By Fred Tettey Alarti-Amoako

About the Author:

The Author is a Senior Editor at The Church of Pentecost General Headquarters & a Communication Expert.

Akosombo Women’s Ministry Organises Cooking Competition

Akosombo Women’s Ministry Organises Cooking Competition

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Akosombo District Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has organised a cooking competition of local Ghanaian foods.

The event, which took place on Saturday, April 22, 2023, was participated by women from all nine assemblies in the district.

The deliciously prepared dishes include Dzenkple with pepper and anchovies by Ankyease local assembly; ewoedeme woevi (one-man-thousand) stew and kokonte by Kpedzi assembly; cocoyam fufu with groundnut soup by Television assembly; ewokple with ademe-detsi by Afabeng assembly; cocoyam pottage by Asukwao assembly; akple with woevi stew by Abume assembly; aprapransa and yakayake by Mangoase assembly; kokonte with pepper sauce by Emmanuel assembly and tuo-zaafi by Central assembly.

At the end of the contest, the Television assembly emerged winner, followed by the Central assembly and then the Mangoase assembly.

For their prizes, each assembly received a plastic bowl for participating in the competition.

Local drinks like asaana, sobolo, ginger and millet drink were served.

The three-member panel of judges were shelves from Volta Hotel, Royal Senchi Hotel and the CEO of Say Joy Restaurants.

Report by Felicity Asante Wiafe, Akosombo

Ashanti-Bekwai Area Inaugurates Deaf Assembly web

Ashanti-Bekwai Area Inaugurates Deaf Assembly

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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

Build Strong Relationship web

Build Strong Relationships – Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye Advises Church Leaders

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The Anyaa Ablekuma Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, has advised ministers and their wives to build good relationships to make maximum impact in ministry.

He gave this advice during the opening session of the 2023 Ministers and Officers Retreat (Apostolisation) of the Hohoe Area at the Kpoeta Central Assembly auditorium.

According to him, relational ministry does not exist on its own but involves mutual trust, and it must be done intentionally.

He encouraged all the participants to build healthy relationships with fellow ministers, their spouses, children, extended family, communities, officers, and members.

He further taught the participants how to build relationships by building contacts, connecting with people, and caring for the members through which they may know their problems and ‘challenge them’ to come out of their predicaments.

“No man is an island to himself. God Himself built a relationship with man by drawing man near. Hence, there is a need to relate to help win and build the people up for Christ,” he said.

He explained that relationships expose one’s own inner attitude, test one’s character, help develop one’s capacity for interpersonal relationships, and teach them how to handle people.

“God related well with man, and even when humanity sinned, God still made provision for man. He walked with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, among others,” he added.

He said that God is a loving father who opens up to His creation. He mentioned David as an epitome of the shepherd-sheep relationship, citing his testimony to King Saul about his relationship with his flock.

However, he emphasized that Jesus is the ultimate model for the shepherding ministry.

“The poor, the marginalised, the sick, and even sinners related well to Jesus. He is the epicenter of our relationships. We have been called to lay down our lives for the flock,” Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye noted.

He enjoined all the participants to build sustainable relationships through communication, trust, respect, and forgiveness.

He also advised them to consider the tone and choice of words when communicating and to maintain confidentiality by not breaking the trust reposed in them by others.

He further encouraged the Church leaders to build a strong trust with mutual respect for all, including their spouses, members, colleagues, and leaders.

Touching on forgiveness, Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye entreated Christians to learn to “forgive and forget” by overlooking offenses, pardoning offenders, and waiving the faults of others.

“It is not easy to forgive, but it is worth doing as the Lord God Himself forgave us. If the church would be very vibrant, then know that forgiveness is therapeutic, and that Jesus Christ, the author and the finisher of our faith, has left a model relational ministry and has set the path for us to follow suit. Indeed, effective relational ministry leads to transformation,” he said.

Report by Ben Baidoo.

Yennyawoso District Donates To Missions web

Yennyawoso District Donates To Missions

by with No Comment Church NewsMissionsTop Stories

The Yennyawoso District in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated items worth GHC 35,300.00 to support the missions enterprise of the Church.

The items, which included a pair of mid-speakers, a power mixer (12-channels), a cordless microphone, a brand new Apsonic motorbike, 300 pieces of wax print, a bale of clothing, footwear, 20 handbags, and many others, were presented on Friday, April 21, 2023, on behalf of the District Minister, Pastor Charles Oduro, by the District Missions Committee Chairman, Elder Philip Kwaku Boateng, at a short presentation ceremony held at the forecourt of the Central Assembly auditorium.

According to him, the donation corroborates the Vision 2023 agenda of the Church, which aims at possessing the nations for Christ. Pastor Charles Oduro, who doubles as the Area Missions Committee Chairman also received the items on behalf of the Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku.

He expressed profound gratitude to the donors for the kind gesture and wished them God’s blessings.

He was hopeful that the gesture displayed by the Yennyawoso District will go a long way to help reach out to the unreached with the Gospel.

He further assured that all the items would be delivered to the appropriate quarters to serve the intended purpose.

Present at the short presentation ceremony were Elders Anthony Anane (District Finance Chairman), David Kwaku Boahen and Thomas Obiri Yeboah (District Missions Committee Members).

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Pay Special Attention WEB

“Pay Special Attention to the Children’s Ministry” – Pastor Oko Barnor To Church Leaders

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Pastor James Oko Barnor, the Uganda National Head of The Church of Pentecost, has advised church leaders to prioritise the children’s ministry in order to secure the future of the church.

He emphasised that the children’s ministry is a crucial aspect of building a long-lasting church, and therefore, should not be taken lightly.

Pastor Barnor shared this during a visit to Assin Foso to promote the work of missions. The visit coincided with the National Executive Committee of the Children’s Ministry’s visit to the area.

In a passionate appeal to Christians, Pastor Barnor stated that one of the early Church’s downfalls, which led to its collapse in Europe, was the lack of attention to evangelistic activities and the children and youth membership of the church.

“The children are the future of the church. If the church is to survive the test of time, then more attention should be given to the activities of the children in all spheres of their training,” he stressed.

Pastor Barnor used the opportunity to share some of the wonderful things God is doing through their mission work.

He also shared some of the challenges they face and expressed the need for support in prayers, emotions, and finances.

Present at the event were Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh (Assin Foso Area Head), Mrs. Francisca Oko Barnor (Wife of Uganda National Head), the area pastorate ministers and their wives, as well as officers and children’s workers.

Report by CM Media.

Atomic Hills District Donates Motorcycle To Kawie District web

Atomic Hills District Donates Motorcycle To Kawie District

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The Atomic Hills District in the Haatso Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated a brand-new Sonlink motorcycle worth GHS 8,900.00 to the Kawie District in the Sawla Area of the Church.

A short donation ceremony occurred on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Church’s General Headquarters at La in Accra.

Presenting the motorbike, the Atomic Hills District Minister, Pastor John Viscount Arkoh, expressed his belief that it would significantly contribute to the growth of the Church’s mission work in the Kawie District. 

The Personal Assistant to the International Missions Director, Pastor Gideon Kofi Boadu-Yirenkyi, received the motorbike on behalf of the Church and expressed his gratitude to the donors for the generous donation.

Assisting Pastor Boadu-Yirenkyi was the Senior Administrative Manager to the International Missions Director, Mrs Victoria Kumi-Woode, and the Human Resource Manager at the Headquarters, Elder Samuel Mantey Addo.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Children’s Ministry Organises “Back To Your Village” Food Bazaar

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The Children’s Ministry of the Darkuman English Assembly in Kaneshie, an area of The Church of Pentecost, organised a food bazaar called “Back to Your Village” Food Bazaar to encourage children to embrace local dishes.

The event, which featured various local cuisines, drinks, snacks, and food produce, took place on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the forecourt of Darkuman English Assembly.

During the opening address, the District Women’s Ministry Secretary, Deaconess Sarfoah Ameyaw Ofori-Yeboah, called on parents to encourage the daily consumption of locally-made dishes at home and school for children.

She also urged children to continue to patronise made-in-Ghana products, which she believed would increase productivity, revenue, and put food on the table of Ghanaian farmers.

Elder Samuel Oware-Darko, the Local Secretary, echoed the calls of Deaconess Ofori-Yeboah, emphasizing that every food available carried lots of protein and other necessary nutrients that aid in growth and nourishment by eating locally-made dishes, children are also supporting local farmers.

The Local Children’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Sheila A Williams, passionately appealed to parents and guardians to stop patronising fast food, pizza, and other saturated food or food from roadside vendors for their children.

Instead, she urged them to schedule a weekly plan and cook healthy local food to nourish their wards and aid their growth and development.

The event coincided with the Jethro Initiative (J I) meeting for the month of March, which was dubbed “Patriotism Day.”

Jethro Initiative is an extracurricular program of the Children’s Ministry aimed at strengthening the activities of the Sunday School, building the foundation of the children in Christ and His Word, and entrenching the need to walk in faith.

Report by Darkuman English Assembly Media Team.

Behiind the scenes

Behind The Scenes

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If you notice anything that is working, it only means there’s something right going on behind the scenes.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is regarded as the fastest man on the planet. The Jamaican first held the 100m world record in 2008 at the Reebok Grand Prix in the Icahn Stadium in New York.

According to Olympics.com, Usain currently holds the world records for men’s 100m, 200m sprints and was part of the 4x100m world record-holding Jamaican quartet that included Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake.

When asked in an interview about his training routine, Usain revealed that he trained consistently for six days in a week, eleven months in a year. And he normally had both morning and afternoon training sessions. He added that “It’s a lot of work.”

Most often than not, the hard work that goes on behind the scenes is hardly noticed as people are mostly excited with what is outwardly displayed. Consequently, most people miss out on the fact that it is what happens behind the scenes that produces what is seen.

People who do not understand this principle chase after success without appreciating the price of diligence that has to be paid behind the scenes. Someone once said, “The only place success comes before work is a dictionary.” In the real world, it is the other way round.

Jesus taught us this by example. We learn that He spent the first thirty years of His life in obscurity. At least, we are given a peep into what went into this period in Scripture.

“When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom…After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:42,46)

Among other things, Jesus was behind the scenes familiarizing Himself with all the customs and practices of the Jews. He was also drinking deep from the fountain of knowledge. Of course, from the perspective of His divinity He didn’t have to study. But on the human level, His life is to serve as an example for us to emulate.

We also learn that Jesus had the daily habit of isolating Himself to wait upon God before starting His day.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

Every great life is like an iceberg. The visible success is a small portion of the bigger mass of productive habits hidden beneath the surface. It is what goes on behind the scenes that will determine what surfaces.

“…Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)

Get it right behind the scenes and the outward display of your success will take care of itself.

Written by P/Overseer Kwesi Baidoo (0207079250)

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CACI-Chairman Pays Courtesy Call On Apostle Eric Nyamekye

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The newly elected Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), Apostle Samuel Amponsah-Frimpong, paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, today at the Church’s General Headquarters in Accra.

The visit, according to Apostle Amponsah-Frimpong, was to thank Apostle Nyamekye for honouring the invitation to preach at his induction service, congratulate him on his elevation to the presidency of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), and wish him well in his new mandate.

The CACI delegation was received by a four-member team of The Church of Pentecost, including Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, and the Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko.

In his speech, Apostle Amponsah was full of praise for the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for the great work in advancing the Kingdom business in Ghana and beyond.

He said that although both church organisations have a chequered past, it was time to build bridges and forge ahead for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He explained that the Christ Apostolic Church, The Apostolic Church, and The Church of Pentecost all emerged from the ministry work of Pastor McKeown and Apostle Anim and are cut from the same cloth.

He said that the prophetic message received by early members that the Church would grow to become a big ocean had been fulfilled as all three churches have gone on to become great Pentecostal churches in their own right.

“I, therefore, see this as a divine move of God because today when you put the population of all three churches together, you can see that we have indeed become a mighty ocean,” he said.

He explained that it is now time for the Body of Christ to come together and make more inroads for the Lord. He said that both Christian organisations have a lot in common in their emphasis on holiness, soul-winning, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

“We share in Apostle Nyamekye’s passion for Christians to dominate the earth. This is the mandate we have been given as Christians to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, and in so doing, we will be filling the earth with the culture of heaven.

“The Church of Pentecost and the Christ Apostolic church must stand together always because the things that bind us together are more than our differences,” he said.

He indicated that his leadership is willing to collaborate with other church organisations, particularly The Church of Pentecost, and expressed that they are looking forward to honouring the invitation the CoP has extended to CACI to participate in its upcoming General Council meeting next month.

According to him, the meeting would serve as an opportunity to learn from The Church of Pentecost.

“As a member of the Ghana Pentecostal Charismatic Council (GPCC), we are well aware of the awesome contribution of The Church of Pentecost to the Body of Christ. The Church of Pentecost is a gem in Pentecostalism, and we accept it!” he said.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on his part, thanked the delegation for the august visit. He also congratulated the new chairman and his executive on their election to serve the CACI at the highest level.

“The work of an Executive Council Member is very important, and that is why it is not by appointment but by election so that the people themselves would select who they prefer to serve them,” he said.

He urged them to do their best to live up to the confidence the church has reposed in them by always seeking the collective interest of the church over individual interests.

He advised them to pay attention to their policies and structures in order to build a strong church.

“You should not hesitate to amend their constitution and review their policies and practices to better serve the needs of the people. Otherwise, you would have an archaic constitution that does not serve the people’s needs,” he urged.

Apostle Nyamekye also advised them to always have in mind that they building a church – a community of holy people who walk in love and advance towards heaven – and not a mere social club.

“This means that for us, the most important thing is to ensure that the Holy Spirit does not desert our camp,” he added.

The Chairman welcomed the idea of both Christian organisations to forge closer ties and work together to build on the viable seed sown by their forebears.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi also took the opportunity to invite the CACI to the second edition of the All Ministers’ Conference (AMC2023), slated for September this year.

The visit concluded with an official group photograph of the leadership of both Christian organisations.

The CACI delegation also included Apostle Dr. Addai-Kusi (General Secretary), Rev. Stephen Acheampong (Field Director), Apostle George Peter Derry (Missions Director), Apostle Prosper Agbaglor (Evangelism Director), and Rev. Asumadu Kyeremeh (Director of Christian Education).

PENTECOST NEWS.