A Child After 8 Years Of Marriage web

A Child After 8 Years Of Marriage

by with No Comment Church NewsTestimoniesTop Stories

Mr. Selasie Ahiabor-Agbakeh and his wife, Gloria, christined their first child on Sunday, November 19, 2023 after 8 years of marriage

The event took place at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Michel Camp to the glory of God.

The couple whose marriage was blessed in 2015 had to struggle with the issue of childlessness for a while.

“Sometimes I had to change jobs because of the humiliation I suffered. Other times we had to leave the compound house we rented before the two-year rent advance expired,” Mr. Ahiabor-Agbake said.

In some ways, their story is similar to that of Zachariah and Elizabeth because they did everything expected of a good Christian but still there was no child.

They spent money at fertility hospitals but to no avail.

However, as they prayed along their predicaments Mrs. Ahiabor-Agbakeh clearly heard the date 30th November one night in her sleep.

On that day, low and behold when they tested for pregnancy it turned out positive. Their joy knew no bounds.

“God did it this way so that the gynecologist will not take the glory,” Selasie said.

The Resident Minister, Pastor Lieutenant Franklin Kumi Lartey admonished the couple to take good care of the child and help her to grow in the Lord.

Report by PIWC-Michel Camp Media Team

Sawla Area Organises Post-Heads Meeting Retreat For Pastorate & Wives web

Sawla Area Organises “Post-Heads Meeting” Retreat For Pastorate & Wives

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

A residential retreat has been organized for all ministers and wives in the Sawla Area of The Church of Pentecost, with a call for them to embrace “Vision 2028” with the spirit of excellence to transform the world.

The two-day retreat, initiated by the Area Head, Pastor Frederick Obboh, was held to shed light on the new five-year strategic vision of the church, dubbed “Possessing the Nations (Phase 2)”. It also meant to share the rationale behind the 2024 theme of the Church and discuss other issues arising from the recently held Heads’ meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The event, themed “Pursuing the Vision with the Spirit of Excellence,” began on Wednesday, November 21, 2023, at Sawla English Assembly auditorium and saw all 27 ministers and wives in attendance.

In his address during the opening session, Pastor Obboh spoke on the topic “The Importance of Vision for a Leader,” with scripture reference from Acts 1:8.

The Area Head emphasised the need for leaders to have a vision, stating that it drives their agenda and passion, guiding them to avoid mistakes and achieve set objectives.

Pastor Obboh highlighted the church’s vision for the next five years, where the church, having been called out from the world and equipped, is now being unleashed into the world to be catalysts, and serve as “Salt and Light.”

He further explained that the church is being unleashed to serve as change agents to transform their world and influence their spheres with the principles of the kingdom of God.

According to him, the focus of Vision 2028, is to see the church lead great transformation and awakening in all spheres of human endeavour to make the kingdoms of the world the kingdom of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“This places a responsibility on every member to strive to proclaim the gospel using all available means everywhere, to minister and bring transformation,” he said.

Reading from Ecclesiastes 9:10, Pastor Obboh admonished ministers to strive and run with the vision, achieving results for the leadership, families, and ultimately, God who redeemed them to be agents of transformation.

The ministers and their wives were also taken through some issues of concern emerging from Vision 2028 for their attendance and compliance.

As part of the retreat, the ministers held a five-hour prayer marathon to intercede for the church, Vision 2028, and the Church leadership, among other concerns.

The second day of the retreat saw the Area Head’s wife, Mrs. Joana Mina Obboh, speak on the topic “Excelling as a Minister’s Wife.”

In her presentation, Mrs. Joana Obboh challenged the women to be ministers’ wives of prayer to support their spouses’ ministry.

“Become the pillar behind the power demonstrated in the ministry of your husband,” she urged.

Reading from Judges 4:1-9; 5:7, Mrs. Obboh underscored the importance of women as great supporters and partners to the success of the ministry of their husbands.

She called on ministers and wives to strive for excellence in every aspect of their ministry, emphasising the need for modesty, humility, pragmatism, prayer, and maintaining a great sense of decorum.

“The minister’s wife must be an example in everything to the women,” she noted.

The retreat brought fresh fire as the entire sessions were filled with Spirit-led discussions and spontaneity, sparking great enthusiasm in the hearts of all participants.

Report by Overseer Jones Dwomoh Amankwah

SPOTLIGHTING GIDEON NTUMY web

Spotlighting Gideon Ntumy – An Unleashed Praise Powerhouse In The Church Of Pentecost

by with No Comment ArticlesTop Stories

INTRODUCTION

The month of November is strategic on the calendar of activities in The Church of Pentecost. This is the month characterized by aggressive evangelism, conscious outreaches, deliberate soul winning, and intentional propagation of the gospel.

From local assemblies through to the national level, different activities are rolled out aimed at lifting Jesus up, drawing men to Himself, depopulating hell, and snatching many from the fire of damnation.

A prominent feature on the annual evangelistic calendar is what I describe as Pentecost Crusades – a massive mobilization of heralds of the gospel within a designated location who invade a targeted geographical area for a number of days to preach Christ and him crucified for the salvation of souls.

Most of these Pentecost crusades are characterized by the mobilization of enthusiastic patrons, dispensing and enjoyment of soul-inspiring music, and the ministration of the unadulterated word of God as well as the demonstration of God’s power.

Talking about music during these crusades, particularly those staged at the national level, one cannot help but admire one voice that is gradually cementing himself as an unleashed vocal power for most Pentecost crusades – MINISTER GIDEON NTUMY.

In this article, I attempt to reflect on the ministry of Gideon Ntumy, a member of the music team of the National Evangelism Ministry of The CoP.

My reflections are based on personal observations of Gideon from far and near and will touch on his vocal prowess, versatility, energy, stagecraft, and his anointing.

VOCAL PROWESS

The vocal ability of Gideon Ntumy is unique and walks in a class of its own. Unlike the very refined voices at opera theatres or the dazzling expressions at jazz events, Gideon’s husky voice is a perfect fit for a praise don within that sphere. His ability to hit low notes without flattening and transition into high pitches seamlessly is touching. His chest control and ability to take deep breaths to pick up vocal lines, considering the number of songs during such praise sessions and the pace of the rhythm of the songs, and yet still keep a progressive vocal range, is admirable. It is very rare to note that he has lost his voice. There seems to be an enduring strength that powers his vocal cords, no matter how intense he strains and the number of days he stands singing for long durations.

VERSATILITY

A careful observation of the ministry of Gideon Ntumy leads to the conclusion of a versatile minstrel. Gideon’s sense of adaptation and adoption to any kind of audience in any kind of environment is worthy of commendation. His ability to learn different praise medleys in diverse languages and skillfully articulate them while on the stage leaves his audience awed. Like an exceptional footballer, Gideon can play left and right on the praise pitch without missing chances, mistiming passes, or creating avoidable infringements.

UNPARALLELED ENERGY

Gideon is a perfect description of energy defined, explained, and unveiled. His very personality emits sweet energy. Even though he wears a calm disposition when encountered one on one, he looks different when on stage. Like a warrior dressed for battle, Gideon comes to the stage self-motivated, ready for praise combat and executes with such finesse and photo finish. His energy levels are like a professional athlete running a long marathon with no end in sight. In fact, for Gideon, the momentum levels increase as the praise sessions progress to the extent that time becomes the reason for a pause. Otherwise, he can go on and on with no end in sight.

STAGE CRAFT

One of the unique traits of every great praise leader is his or her stage craft. Stage craft, as I understand, refers to how the minister is able to interpret the ministration, make meaning to his or her audience, and connect with the subject matter of the performance. Gideon’s stage craft is phenomenal, a beautiful sight to behold, a magnetic attraction of one who clearly shows that he is into what he is doing. Gideon defines passion with flawless precision. A look at Gideon, and one wonders how he does the things he does on stage. From his swinging movements coupled with his skipping abilities to the tip-toeing steps from end to end interspersed with his intermittent jumps, Gideon shows that he is in control of the session, driving his audience along an unforgettable praise road show. Indeed, one cannot be bored when Gideon is on the stage.

HIS ANOINTING

An encounter with Gideon Ntumy does not elongate before coming to the realization that he has been anointed for this purpose. The Psalmist notes that God found his servant David and anointed him with his holy oil. The writing is clear on the wall that the ministry of praise has anointed and chosen vessels, and Gideon is surely one of them. For no one can do such things except God be with him. This is the anointing that springs out of this praise powerhouse – Gideon Ntumy. The anointing is expressed in how he effortlessly connects song after song, stresslessly weaves medley after medley, and colorfully echoes classical Pentecostal sounds amidst scintillating contemporary rhythms to awaken joy in the hearts of congregants. Indeed, one must be anointed for this level of grace and display as revealed in Gideon Ntumy.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this article is an attempt to spotlight the profound ministry of Gideon Ntumy as an unleashed praise powerhouse in The Church of Pentecost. In his writing to the Church in Corinth, Apostle Paul recognizes Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus as refreshers of his life and ministry (1 Cor. 16: 17-18). The ministry of Gideon Ntumy can also pass as a refreshing well worth every recognition to the Lord’s glory.

Written by Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (General Manager, PENT TV)

Jesus Christ Is The Only Savior Of The World web

Jesus Christ Is The Only Savior Of The World – Apostle Samuel Obuobi

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has emphasised that Jesus is the only one with the power and capacity to save humanity.

“When we declare Jesus as the Saviour, we mean He is the only one. There is no other!” Apostle Samuel Gyau proclaimed during a gospel message titled “Jesus Christ, The Only Saviour of the World,” shared at a Sunday Service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Downtown-Ofaakor, yesterday.

Drawing from foundational texts, John 4:39-43 and Acts 2:23-24, he asserted that, from the beginning, God revealed Jesus as the Saviour.

Quoting 1 Timothy 1:15, he emphasised that Jesus’ sole purpose for coming into the world was to bring redemption to humanity following the disobedience of the first humans.

“It is an undeniable and undebatable fact that Jesus came into this world with a purpose, and that is to save sinners,” he asserted, adding, “Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it but to bring salvation to men.”

Referring to various scripture references, including Luke 4, which gives an account of the testimony of the people of Samaria about Jesus, the General Secretary affirmed that Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world.

Apostle Obuobi explained that after the fall, humanity was plunged into sin and became enslaved by it. He noted that another consequence of the fall was death, both spiritual and physical, leading to humanity living in constant fear of death.

For these reasons, he further noted, the world needed a Saviour, and God provided it in His Son, Jesus Christ.

“Jesus is the only one who has the power and the capacity save mankind from sin,” he said.

He explained that one proof of this assertion is Jesus’ deity, asserting that “Jesus is God.”

Citing John 8:23, among other Bible verses, he asserted that Jesus was no ordinary man, but that He came from above to earth to serve God’s purpose.

The General Secretary further noted that Jesus, by virtue of His deity, is the only one who has the power to redeem humankind from sin, the slavery of sin, and death.

He stated that Jesus raised many from death to show His power over death, adding: “Jesus’ death and resurrection were proof to all that He had overcome death,” he further noted.

Another proof of Jesus’ status as the only Saviour of the world, Apostle Obuobi alluded to, was His virgin birth.

According to him, Jesus was not contaminated by the fallen state of mankind because He was conceived by God Himself through His Spirit.

“Jesus does not have any seed of sin in Him. Every man born of a woman has sinned except Jesus, who did not have a seed of man in Him,” he explained.

Apostle Obuobi said that Jesus, thus, shed His blood and died to pay for the wages of sin, which is death, so that humanity can be completely saved.

“We were candidates of hell, but Jesus stepped into the scene to take our place, to take the punishment from us. He delivered us from the shackles of sin and death, and also saved us from our sicknesses,” he said.

Concluding his message, Apostle Obuobi assured that Jesus still saves lives and that anyone who accepts Him as Lord and personal Saviour will be saved and completely redeemed from sin and death.

He also urged individuals who have accepted Jesus into their lives not to entertain any kind of sin, saying, “Jesus has saved us from sin, not in sin.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

Agona Swedru Area Organises Zonal Prayers web

Agona Swedru Area Organises Zonal Prayers

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Agona Swedru Area of The Church of Pentecost has organized a day’s prayer meeting for the Agona Swedru Zone of the Area at the Dwenho District Miracle Temple.

The prayer meeting, which commenced at 8:30 am, saw members and officers from 18 Districts out of the 26 Districts gathered for spiritual deepening until 3:00 pm yesterday.

The prayer meeting was on the theme: “If my People Pray and Seek my Face, I Will Hear” (1 Chronicles 7:14-15).

Addressing the gathering, the Area Head, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, said prayer brings down great treasures from God’s throne to the believer.

He, therefore, advised Christians to seek God’s face in constant prayers.

Apostle Mireku further noted that believers can find solace and solutions to the many ills and troubles of these end-times only in Jesus Christ, and that He can be vividly encountered in honest soul-searching prayers.

He urged Christians to avoid seeking only material blessings from God and yearn for spiritual things more.

“When the Spirit comes, material things become a bonus. Seek to go deep and draw from the depths of God’s treasure house,” he indicated.

Apostle Mireku pointed out that those who are God’s people must be known to have regular fellowship with Him.

“We are a holy family, God’s royal priesthood. We derive our very source from God, and if we fail to fellowship with Him, our roots will dry, and we cannot transform any sphere,” he observed.

He emphasised that the more time Christians spend with God, the more attractive to the watching world and cause many to willingly flood church gatherings to encounter the Light in them.

He posited that character transformation comes to the believer when they spend time in Scripture and with God in prayers.

He charged the gathering to robe on God in fervent prayer and be unleashed with great character and ministry to serve God and save the world.

He lamented that disobedience to the word of God hampers the Christian’s life and makes them of no significance in their society or spheres.

Apostle Mireku also revealed that good character through obedience and power for ministry through prayers are the two key equipment needed for every Christian to transform their individual worlds, stressing that God blesses those who are obedient to Him (Deuteronomy 28:1).

He cautioned against depending on personalities, amulets, and liquids other than God. He said none of those have any power to save or transform lives except the power of God.

The gathering went into an extensive period of prayers led intermittently by various district ministers for divine enduement with spiritual gifts, healings, intercession for the nation, the church and her leaders, Vision 2028, personal needs, galamsey menace, and Christmas convention among others.

It was a time of revival as voices were raised to encounter God in fervent prayers. Many visions and testimonies of healings were shared by the members after the prayers.

Prior to the sermon, the Area Secretary, Pastor George Osei-Asiedu, was asked to teach the congregation the 2024 main theme song and two others.

The prayer meeting attracted about 700 members. Present were the pastorate and wives from all the districts within the Swedru zone.

Report by Agona Swedru Media Team

Deputy Youth Director Adjudged 2023 ACU Star Ambassador web

Deputy Youth Director Adjudged 2023 ACU Star Ambassador

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Deputy Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Elder Prof Eric Appau Asante, who serves as director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, has been adjudged the Star Ambassador of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for 2023.

He received this recognition during the 6th ACU Ambassadors Summit held virtually on November 14, 2023, to celebrate the commendable efforts of ACU Ambassadors and facilitate the exchange of knowledge among universities across the Commonwealth.

Elder Prof. Appau Asante was honoured for his significant contributions to the collaboration between ACU and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Prof. Asante, who has served as an ambassador and lead of the partnership for the Enhanced and Blended Learning West Africa initiative at KNUST, has successfully steered the project to enhance the capacities of faculty members and support staff within the e-learning ecosystem.

The ACU, therefore, acknowledged Prof. Asante’s outstanding achievements and commitment to duty, naming him its Star Ambassador for 2023.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Prof. Asante affirmed his dedication to furthering the Vice Chancellor’s vision of making KNUST and the E-Learning Centre a centre of excellence in the subregion.

He took the opportunity to commend the visionary leadership and support of KNUST’s management, led by Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is a global network comprising over 500 member universities across 50 Commonwealth countries is dedicated to fostering international collaboration in higher education.

Currently, KNUST stands out as ACU’s top university in Ghana for engagement with its members, with Prof. Asante serving as the focal point for its largest community of staff and students from a member university in Ghana.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Embrace Vision 2028 web

Embrace Vision 2028 – Apostle Hagan Urges Youth

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, the Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, has called on the youth to embrace “Vision 2028,” urging them to play their part in ensuring its successful implementation.

Vision 2028, also referred to as “Possessing the Nations (Phase 2),” is the five-year strategic vision of the Church spanning 2023 to 2028, which aims at “unleashing the whole church to transform the world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.”

Speaking on the topic: “Rise Up To Your Role In Vision 2028 As A Young Person,” at the Oduman Central Assembly on Friday, November 24, 2023, Apostle Hagan highlighted six crucial aspects of Vision 2028, stressing that it serves as a collective call for all members to be unleashed into the world.

He emphasised that this call encompasses the entire church, including individuals and ministries, and is focused on the profound goal of transforming the world.

“Vision 2028 is not just about going out; it’s about going out with a purpose – to transform the world with the Gospel of Christ,” Apostle Hagan declared, adding: “We carry the message of repentance for sinners and the Kingdom principles that can dispel the darkness in the world.”

Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 2:9-10, the Youth Director reminded the youth of their identity as children of God, emphasising that they are not ordinary but bearers of God’s transformative Word.

“God’s work is done through you; His Word can be used to bring about change in the world,” he affirmed.

Quoting Acts 1:8, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan underscored the mandate of Christians to preach the good news, starting within their immediate circles.

He encouraged the youth to break down barriers and live by the principles of the kingdom of God, urging them to study the Word and always stand for truth and righteousness.

“You do not need to be a Bible scholar to do God’s work. Share the goodness of God, talk about His attributes and virtues, and let your light shine among men,” he charged.

Report by Youth Ministry Media.

Tema-Ashaiman Crusade Records 375 Souls In 72 Hours web

Tema-Ashaiman Crusade Records 375 Souls In 72 Hours

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

More than 100 individuals surrendered their lives to Christ last night on Day 3 of the Tema-Ashaiman for Christ gospel crusade, bringing the total to 375 souls won in the last three days.

The event, themed “Life that Satisfies,” officially commenced on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Nii Oninku Park (Tema Community 1) and is set to conclude with a free health screening and care exercise on Saturday, November 25.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, alongside the Tema and Ashaiman areas.

To the glory of God, the first day recorded 130 souls, with 120 individuals undergoing water baptism.

Day 2 also marked a soul harvest of 140, including 29 children, with 96 adults undergoing water baptism.

The third day of the event recorded an additional 105 souls, including 14 children, and witnessed 87 new converts undergoing water baptism.

It is noteworthy that during this period, 59 backslidden Christians have recommitted to the faith.

Additionally, there have been numerous testimonies of divine healing and deliverance.

The event continues with the last evening session tonight at 18:00 GMT.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Every Healthy Church Is imminent to growth web

Every Healthy Church Is Imminent To Growth – South Korea National Head Observes

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The South Korea National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Thompson Eduful, has indicated that the church is a living organism that should grow since every healthy church is imminent to growth. 

Pastor Thompson Eduful made this profound statement during his visit to Labone District in La Area on Sunday, 12th November, 2023.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 and Matthew 28: 20, he noted that growth comes from the Lord in every sense. It is, therefore, necessary for the church to grow spiritually, numerically, and financially, he said.

He indicated that the Spiritual maturity of members in the church is key, saying, “It does not necessarily depend on how long one has been in church but on their involvement in the day-to-day activities of the church.”

He added: “It is not just about knowing people in authority but Christ and His principles because He is the ultimate standard of growth. One becomes more like Christ by obeying, submitting, surrendering to His voice and doing His will as revealed in the scriptures.” 

Pastor Thompson Eduful hinted that qualitative Christianity and word application are crucial for knowledge of the word of God. He, however, mentioned that knowledge of the word of God does not produce any growth without application. 

Quoting 2 Peter 1: 5-8, he said good qualitative growth significantly influences all aspects of the church. 

“Anything you need for your new life in Christ has been given. Let’s return to the ancient path,” he stressed.

Regarding numerical growth, he noted that the church’s existence depends strongly on it and, for that matter, evangelism. 

“Even our children have to be evangelised. If not, they will only become churchgoers and not Christians and, with time, may find it convenient to leave the church,” he cautioned. 

Pastor Eduful stated that every evangelism drive must be approached as warfare with clear lessons and simple presentation. The message of life must bear a true testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Concluding his presentation and with scripture reference to Matthew 5: 16, he said, Christianity is not in the heart as made to believe but the light that shines for all to see the good works and believe. 

Report by Gina Akua Padi

FULFILLING GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE web

Fulfilling God’s Divine Purpose

by with No Comment ArticlesTop Stories

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Indeed, everyone is born with a purpose. As the Scripture says, there is a season and a time for everything. This implies that we cannot relent in fulfilling our divine purpose on earth because of the lifespan of man. A time is coming where your season will pass, and there will be no opportune time to fulfil your purpose. Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us to do everything with might, for there is no work, device, knowledge, or wisdom in the grave.

Life’s challenges may hinder us, but in the midst of chaos, let us be PURPOSE DRIVEN. Let’s be determined in mind, soul, and spirit that come what may, we shall accomplish the purpose of God concerning our lives.

There are a few characters in the Bible I would love to mention as case studies who fulfilled their ministry irrespective of the circumstances around them. I will then briefly share my own life story.

The first Bible character I will talk about is DAVID. I love how David fulfilled his purpose regardless of his treatment at home. David, born out of adultery, faced desertion and dislike from his parents and brothers. At a tender age, he was asked to care for the family flock, always left alone in the wilderness to tend the sheep. Despite these challenges, David never blamed God for all that happened around him; instead, he praised God. His attitude of worship and adoration attracted God’s favour, and God provided for David in and out of season. David’s wilderness experience, where crops miraculously grew to sustain him, showcased God’s divine purpose for his life, planned before his birth according to Jeremiah 1:5. David’s journey continued until he ascended the throne, fulfilling God’s ordained purpose for him, becoming a powerful king over Israel and “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:36, NIV).

The second is ESTHER, an orphan with a poor background who, through obedience to her uncle Mordecai, ascended the throne as Queen. Her purpose was to rescue the Jews from Haman, and she accomplished it brilliantly with the help of the Spirit of God.

The third is JOSEPH, sold into slavery by his own brothers due to hatred, yet he fulfilled the purpose of God concerning his life.

I would also like to discuss DINAH and TAMAR together as people who failed to fulfil their purpose and the cost it incurred. Starting with Dinah, in Genesis 34, she, a beautiful damsel among 11 brothers, faced a tragic incident at Shechem. Though her destiny could have continued, her brothers’ actions made her believe she could no longer fulfil her purpose. Many of us, like Dinah, feel we cannot make it due to mistakes, but abundant grace on the cross aids us in fulfilling our destiny. Rahab, a “professional prostitute,” fulfilled her purpose and became part of Jesus Christ’s genealogy.

Tamar, raped by her half-brother, nursed her pain until her death, remaining desolate in her brother Absalom’s house (2 Samuel 13:20, KJV). The message is clear: stop living in the past, for God has designated you for greatness.

Romans 8:28 reassures us that all things, both good and bad, work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. No matter the circumstance, know that you were birthed for a purpose, and until you fulfil it, do not give up. Let us come out from the place of excuses. Instead, use those experiences to better our lives, as David learned how to rule a nation by tending sheep, and Joseph learned how to be an administrator by being in charge of the affairs of the prison. This leaves us no room to deceive ourselves about the fact that we can’t fulfil our divine purpose.

MY STORY

On this note, I will share my own personal experience with you so we are all encouraged to fulfil our purpose. My name is Mawusi Etornam Adjo Priscilla, the third of four children of my parents.

The normal conception period for every pregnant woman is nine months, leading to delivery, right? But mine was different. Nine months passed, and there were no signs of my delivery. The nine months turned into a year, still nothing. Two years passed, and I was still in the womb. Before me, my mom had lost a son who died in the womb due to a similar experience, but his was after a year. My mom engaged in intensive prayers and fasting, but I remained in the womb. She travelled to Togo due to criticism and stigma, where she encountered God divinely. Upon her return, her mother-in-law, who happened to be my grandmother, through a fetish priestess, told her that she would die with that baby in her womb since she still wanted to deliver.

Months later, upon her return, she was invited by one Pastor Kofi, who had been converted from being an armed robber, to an all-night service. At the service, the entire church prayed vehemently for her, and she felt touched by God, somersaulting with the two years pregnancy. The pastor prophesied that she would give birth on Monday. Miraculously, she heard me move in the womb for the first time in a long time, and she knew this was it.

With faith, she packed her things and went to the hospital early on Monday at the Wogba Community Hospital. She was told that the fetish priestess who threatened her had lost her daughter during delivery. In the hospital ward, she saw an angel of the Lord appear to her, assuring her that the child is not dead, and she will deliver safely. In the shortest possible time, she was in labour, and I came out with a thread-like rope tied around me. This was cut, and I sat down, having long nails as a new-born baby, to the amazement of all in the labour ward. This was because I had grown in the womb, and the date of my delivery was November 26, 2002. The news spread rapidly that the woman who had been pregnant for two years had given birth. Many people gathered around to witness the miracle, including my mom’s mother-in-law, who refused to come inside because she was furious, saying: “So you refused to die with this baby.”

The complications of my birth affected my height and weight because my mom was not eating much, always fasting and praying. Among my siblings, I am the smallest, and my younger sister teases me as the “fasting baby.” I was often neglected and not welcomed to play with my classmates. In primary 5 during break time, while playing hide-and-seek, a classmate asked me to go and sit because I wasn’t beautiful, which deeply pained me. In JHS 1, my class teacher once commented on the size of my head, saying it could generate plenty of money if used for rituals. I’ve always been left alone and find it difficult to socialise, but God is helping me, and He has made me beautiful now. During vacation from the first term in SHS, the guy who despised me expressed amazement at my transformation and even asked me to be his girlfriend, but I turned down the proposal and rather shared the gospel of Jesus with him.

One thing I’m always happy about is that during those tender ages, I was really close to God. I had visions and dreams of Jesus and His angels speaking to me. When I communicated this to my siblings, they laughed at me, but I wasn’t discouraged. I was also baptised with the Holy Spirit at the age of 11 and communicated with Him as a person right before me, resulting in my nickname “Scilla HolySpirit.”

When I prayed to God and relied on Him to define my present and future, He turned my life around. He made me so beautiful that my elder exclaimed one day after I came back from the salon, “Wow, Adjo, you are not just looking beautiful, you are really beautiful.” I’ve had other females and males appreciate my beauty, and you know it’s one thing for a guy to appreciate your beauty and another for a female to.

GOD HAS SEEN ME THROUGH

God has endowed me with almost all the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:6-11. Additionally, He granted me physical recognition and favor among men, assigning me positions such as the Girl’s Prefect in my JHS, Protocol Prefect, and PENSA President in the SHS, Course Representative in my university program at Pentecost University (PU), an Assistant Prayer Secretary in PENSA-PU, and an Executive Committee Member for the SRC Chaplaincy in Pentecost University – the only university A+ in the world. All these positions were granted for His divine purpose to influence and impact lives, and I hold them in high esteem. I am forever grateful.

What’s more, the Almighty God, through His Holy Spirit, has given me a special ministry. In this ministry, I teach young ladies to become better versions of themselves spiritually, physically, psychologically, and emotionally, regardless of their past or societal expectations. Initially hesitant, I obeyed God’s calling when He spoke to me about it on January 1-3, 2021. He provided the foundation scripture, Jeremiah 31:22 (KJV), which emphasises that women have a purpose to fulfil. The “Women on Fire Ministries,” which began on January 11, 2021, on a conference call, has transformed lives. By God’s Grace, we now have a Facebook and WhatsApp page, and we pray for more grace to continue touching lives. I shepherd sons and daughters, some older than I am.

I didn’t know I could reach this age because I was suicidal at 13. Overwhelmed by loneliness, I attempted to take my own life by hanging a skipping rope in our room. Miraculously, God intervened through my mom’s apprentice, saving me from that dark moment. Today, I am here by the Grace of God and will be celebrating my 21st birthday on Sunday, November 26.

GOD CAN DO SAME FOR YOU

If God can use someone like me, who was once suicidal and small, to transform lives, then you are in a good position to fulfil your purpose, my dear. Regardless of your past, you can fulfil God’s purpose for your life.

All you need to do is plug into the source of your life, Jesus Christ, for He declared in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life. “We can turn to what God has said about our lives in His Word. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God” (Rick Warren, from his book, Purpose Driven Life).

To discover your purpose in life, you must turn to God’s Word, not the world’s wisdom. In Ephesians 1:11 (MSG Bible), the Bible states, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eyes on us, had designed us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone, including you.”

You are not an accident. God had you in mind long before you were born. Despite your past or current situation, there is a generation eagerly anticipating the impact you will make. If Christ had focused on the threats of the Pharisees or the sadness of His place of birth, He wouldn’t have fulfilled God’s divine purpose as the Saviour of the world. Bear in mind that you are a saviour wherever you find yourself now, enduring pain to be a ladder for others. Stop the pity-party, as you cannot undo the past, but you can change the future by rising up to your destiny, for God is not done with you.

Let’s be sure to be led by the Holy Spirit to fulfil God’s divine purpose because the devil also makes us fulfil his purpose by providing counterfeits. He almost thwarted the ladies’ ministry God had in mind for me when I started a club in JHS named Girl’s Talk, where we met to gossip and criticize. He also exposed me to a group of lesbians who nearly changed my destiny. However, God has been faithful, delivering me from all these and bringing me to fulfil His divine purpose.

I’m still on the path of fulfilling God’s divine purpose concerning my life. I may be small in nature, but that’s not my end. I have a purpose to fulfil because nations await my impact, just as they await yours. (Romans 8:19).

Remember that we are “A PEOPLE OF GOD UNLEASHED TO TRANSFORM OUR WORLD,” as the theme for 2024 admonishes.

God bless and help us all to fulfil His divine purpose in our own generation, just like David did, for our life is like grass (Acts 13:8, NIV; Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV; 1 Peter 1:24).

Written by Priscilla Mawusi (Pentecost University)