Posts in category: Top Stories

A linguist and interpreter trainer, Dr Cyril Mawuli Honu-Mensah, has reminded church interpreters that interpreting in the church carries both linguistic and spiritual responsibilities.

Speaking on the topic, “Interpreting Techniques in the Church Setting,” Dr Honu-Mensah explained that sign language interpretation in church is not merely a linguistic task but a sacred duty.

“Interpreting in church has both linguistic and spiritual connotations; it has an extra responsibility to it,” he said, adding, “As a sign language interpreter, you are conveying a divine message, and so the context should be preserved. You don’t just interpret in church; you are giving a spiritual message to the deaf. If the vessel is unclean, the message will be corrupted too.”

He emphasised the importance of accuracy and faithfulness in interpretation, noting that interpreters must ensure that the message they deliver remains true to the speaker’s intent.

“The content must be accurate from the source; it must be close or exact to the speaker. If you dilute the message, theological inaccuracy occurs,” he warned.

Dr Honu-Mensah also highlighted the need for interpreters to stay emotionally and culturally connected to the deaf community, adding, “The interpreter can diffuse a message to the deaf consumer by not being emotionally in tune and accurate. You must operate within the cultural context of the deaf consumer, which is church-specific.”

He further noted that effective interpreting requires a balance of ethics, linguistic skill, and theological understanding.

“Ethics also come into play in the interpreter’s mind. All these processes go on at the same time, and you still have to maintain your theological acuity as a church interpreter,” he explained.

Outlining practical techniques for church interpreting, Dr Honu-Mensah mentioned “explanatory pausing” – the practice of briefly pausing to clarify complex theological or metaphorical concepts. He explained that every new term must be explained after pausing. Most interpreters skip valuable insights because they don’t apply explanatory pausing, he observed.

He also discussed “simultaneous interpreting,” which involves real-time translation and is particularly effective when interpreters are familiar with a preacher’s speaking pattern.

Dr Honu-Mensah further elaborated on role-space management, which involves using movement, facial expression, and eye gaze to make interpretation more vivid, especially in plays or dramatic church presentations. He encouraged interpreters to use expansion techniques by adding visual imagery for clarity and team interpreting, where two interpreters alternate during services for accuracy and stamina. He also cited the Gish Model, Colonomos Model, and Non-Manual Markers as some essential theoretical frameworks for effective church interpretation.

Touching on the role of interpreters, Dr Honu-Mensah described them as “conduits and interventionists” who must prepare spiritually and remain in tune with the Holy Spirit. He also addressed the ongoing debate between service and professionalism, asking whether interpreting should be viewed as paid professional work or a voluntary act of service to God. “That understanding greatly influences one’s attitude and demeanor toward work,” he said.

Concluding his presentation, Dr Honu-Mensah reminded participants that the ministry of interpreting is a divine calling that requires commitment and sacrifice.

“This ministry is a call; get a heart and be ready to sacrifice on many levels, because your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain,” he encouraged.

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The Medical Director of Pentecost Hospital, Madina, Apostle Dr Edward Arko Koranteng, emphasised the importance of Christians taking their physical wellbeing seriously, noting that good health is essential for effective ministry.

According to him, “the human body is dust, and at some point, it will weaken – but the spirit does not; it only grows from glory to glory.”

He, therefore, encouraged ministers to maintain a strong spiritual life, noting that “if you are able to keep a robust spiritual body, your physical body will also thrive.”

Addressing the physical realities of ageing drawing from Genesis 27:1 at a seminar organised for ministers and wives due for retirement by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre on Thursday, Apostle Dr Koranteng highlighted several areas of concern, including weakened heart and veins, stiff joints leading to arthritis, and reduced ability to manage sugar and carbohydrates, which can result in diabetes.

He also mentioned conditions such as osteoporosis due to calcium loss, respiratory challenges like asthma, and cognitive disorders that slow brain function.

“Irrespective of your anointing, if you don’t take care of these things, they will worry you in old age,” he cautioned, stressing that these issues affect the majority of people as they age.

He further drew attention to digestive complications, including ulcers, constipation, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), as well as the growing prevalence of cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Apostle Dr Koranteng also warned about infections caused by weakened immunity and balance issues that increase the risk of slips and falls.

“We must be careful how we design our bathrooms as we age,” he advised, emphasising preventive living and environmental safety.

Encouraging discipline and faith, he urged participants to take prescribed medications faithfully and to live balanced lives marked by rest and self-care.

“Sleep is important,” he said. “At a certain point, we must shift from staying up late, even for spiritual exercises, and retrain ourselves to sleep at least seven to nine hours.”

In conclusion, Apostle Dr Koranteng advised ministers to gracefully manage the transition into retirement by adjusting their expectations, saying, “As you approach retirement, learn to decouple from the privileges of active ministry. Handle every change graciously, and rest in the knowledge that God remains faithful.”

PENT NEWS

A senior official at Ecobank EDC, Mr Bosman Ampadu, has emphasised the importance of sound financial preparation for retirement, stating that life is a journey with responsibilities at every stage.

Quoting Proverbs 20:29, he illustrated the phases of life: “At age 25, you are earning; at 35, you are earning to provide for your retirement; and at 60, you stop living at work and start working at living.”

Speaking at the 2025 Seminar for Ministers and Wives who will retire by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Mr Ampadu urged ministers to reflect deeply on the question: “How can I live my retirement?”

Drawing on statistics, he revealed that 99% of pensioners receive below GHS 5,000, stressing that without deliberate planning, retirement could become financially burdensome due to mounting bills and medical costs.

Mr Ampadu encouraged the participants to take charge of their pension planning early, saying, “Your SSNIT pension alone cannot sustain you.”

He advised participants to build income-generating assets, avoid hasty spending of lump sums, and invest prudently in money market and fixed-income instruments.

“Pension money is licked, not swallowed,” he cautioned, emphasising the importance of consistent savings, wise spending, and diversified investments.

He concluded presentation with practical wisdom for an enjoyable retirement: “Live within your means, maintain a modest home, drive a manageable car, and avoid capital-intensive ventures.

He indicated that a fruitful retirement requires discipline, foresight, and faith, saying, “Plan early, invest wisely, and let your retirement years be peaceful and fulfilling.”

PENT NEWS

The Obuasi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, has urged ministers and their wives to plan wisely for the future and avoid the dangers of financial mismanagement in their post-ministry years.

Speaking on the theme, “Keep Out of Debt in Your Retirement,” based on the story of the widow of the prophet in 2 Kings 4:1–7, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, during an exhortation at the 2025 seminar for ministers and their wives who will retire by 2035, Prophet Beditor underscored the dangers of leaving behind debts.

“No matter what happens, do not leave debts when you retire,” he warned. He urged ministers to live within their means, plan wisely, and avoid over-reliance on family support, emphasising that “a debt-free life brings dignity and peace in old age.”

Turning to ministers’ wives, he encouraged them to be industrious and resourceful, warning that those who continually borrow risk losing the goodwill of others.

Prophet Beditor further advised against embarking on huge projects close to retirement, noting that incomplete ventures often lead to avoidable debts and distress. He also cautioned against paying school fees during retirement, stressing that such financial responsibilities can become burdensome when one’s regular income ceases.

Reflecting on the widow’s response to her financial crisis, he reminded participants that God often uses what people already possess to bring about miracles.

“The widow went to God for help, and God used what she had. Sometimes, God does not perform miracles from nowhere – He blesses what is already in your hands,” he said.

He, therefore, encouraged ministers to build healthy relationships with church members and others while in active service, as goodwill cultivated during ministry could become a source of support in later years.

Prophet Beditor also highlighted the widow’s obedience, faith, and industrious spirit, which led to her miraculous provision. He urged ministers to cultivate similar virtues – faith in prayer, discipline, and hard work – even behind closed doors, saying, “Pray in secret, and God will reward you openly. Use your little oil profitably; your gifts and skills can become a source of blessing in retirement.”

Concluding his message, Prophet David Kankam Beditor admonished ministers to be faithful in their stewardship and depend on God’s wisdom for sustenance.

“Ask God for wisdom to flourish in retirement,” he declared. “Just as the widow’s oil never ran out, may your resources multiply, and may your retirement years be marked by peace, abundance, and divine favour.”

PENT NEWS

A retired minister of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle E. K. Barabu (Retd.), has encouraged ministers of the Church who are due to retire within the next ten years to regard retirement not as an ending, but as a transition into a new chapter of ministry.

Speaking on the theme, “Redefining Ministry in Retirement,” Apostle Barabu (Retd.) cautioned against the common misconception that retirement signifies the cessation of all ministerial work. He emphasised that true ministry never ends but rather evolves. Quoting Acts 20:24 and 2 Timothy 4:7, he reminded the gathering that “Apostle Paul spoke of finishing the race, not stopping the ministry.”

“How can I continue serving when I no longer have a district or an area?” he asked rhetorically, while encouraging ministers to remain spiritually active.

“Do not be passive; be renewed for new purpose. Your ordination, gifting, and call do not expire just because you leave full-time service. Once a minister, always a minister,” he affirmed, referencing Romans 11:29.

He urged participants to take stock of their gifts, passions, and strengths as they prepare for this new phase, emphasising that ministry is broader than any office one holds. He called on ministers to seek divine direction through prayer, especially when making major post-retirement decisions.

“Be willing to let go of past visions that are no longer appropriate and embrace new opportunities God will open to you,” he added.

Outlining possible avenues for continued service, Apostle Barabu (Retd.) suggested mentoring, coaching, discipling, teaching, writing, and intercession as meaningful ways to remain impactful. He encouraged ministers to read the Bible deeply for personal edification and to share God’s word with others.

Acknowledging the challenges that may come with the transition, he reminded retirees that “God will guide you even in your old age,” citing Isaiah 46:4. He further encouraged them to maintain their spiritual vitality, quoting Philippians 1:6 – “God still has a course for you to run, even in retirement.”

Apostle Barabu (Retd.) urged ministers to set healthy boundaries, guard their rest and peace, and trust God for provision in their later years, saying, “Continue your service, though its form has changed, for God’s calling is irrevocable. The task is not over until you hear so.”

PENT NEWS

A private legal practitioner, Kwaku Agyei GyamfiEsq. has called on ministers of the Gospel to safeguard their families and estates by doing a while alive.

Giving a thought-provoking presentation on the topic, “Willing Process and Procedure and Intestate Succession Law” at a seminar organised for ministers of The Church of Pentecost who are expected to retire by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Lawyer Agyei Gyamfi, who is a legal counsel of The Church of Pentecost, asked: “Will you leave your assets to someone or leave them to chance?”

Drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 2:18–19, Galatians 3:16, and 1 Timothy 5:8, he stated: “Do you want certainty or uncertainty after your death? After you are called to glory, will the events that follow be glorious?”

Explaining the Intestacy Law, Elder Agyei Gyamfi noted that the world recognises a will as “a respectable document because it expresses the final intentions of a person, and the law respects it.” He cautioned that failure to make a will leaves one’s estate at the mercy of the law, which “decides who gets what, when, and how.” He further explained that without a will, letters of administration determine the order of inheritance, which may prove difficult for a surviving spouse to pursue due to complex legal procedures.

“When a customary successor steps into your estate, there is trouble,” he warned. “Make a will and decide who looks after your affairs.”

Citing the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDCL 111), he highlighted that under this law, a spouse and children automatically receive part of the deceased’s estate, with the remainder distributed as residue according to legal percentages.

“Until PNDC Law 111 came, customarily, a man could not inherit his wife, but under the law, a man can inherit a woman’s property. It is not good to die intestate – please make a will,” he advised.

Elder Agyei Gyamfi emphasised that a will only takes effect after death – humorously putting it, “The will only becomes perpendicular when you become horizontal.” He encouraged participants to revise their wills periodically, noting that the process often reveals “the true character of beneficiaries.”

He also explained the role of executors and trustees in managing and distributing estates. “An executor is someone you personally appoint to handle your property and distribute it as stated in your will. Be careful who you choose as executor,” he cautioned. A trustee, he added, “is a person or institution legally appointed to hold and manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries according to the terms of a will or trust.”

Concluding his presentation, Elder Agyei GyamfiEsq.reminded participants that even with a will, “the Constitution guarantees that a spouse shall not be deprived of a portion of the estate.”

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