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With heartfelt conviction and biblical grounding, Apostle Dr. Paul Danso, Head of Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (HQ), has urged ministers and their spouses to intentionally strengthen their marriage and family bonds as they prepare for retirement.

Speaking on the topic “Strengthening Marriage and Family Bond During Retirement” at the ongoing Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Danso drew his message from Genesis 2:18–25, reminding participants that “family life is part of God’s ultimate plan; since it comes from God, it must be seen as sacred and treated as such.”

He noted that the aim of marriage is companionship and procreation, adding that retirement offers the perfect opportunity to nurture both nuclear and extended family relationships. “Retirement gives you time – use that time to cultivate family life and enrich your emotional life with your family,” he encouraged.

Outlining practical ways to foster marriage and family bonds, Apostle Danso stressed the importance of open communication to avoid ambiguity and assumptions. “We must learn to enjoy our differences as couples,” he said, noting that a happy home is a deliberate creation.

He advised couples to share the same room to build intimacy, set shared goals, express appreciation regularly, and manage conflicts amicably without involving third parties unless necessary. He further urged couples to be intentional about intimacy, nurture friendship, and practice active listening to truly understand one another.

“Look your spouse in the face to understand their intentions. Avoid keeping scores and prioritise quality time with your family,” he advised.

Apostle Danso also encouraged couples to share family stories and traditions, especially with children and grandchildren, and to engage in activities that bridge generational gaps. He urged the use of technology to maintain close ties with family members abroad and to address conflicts constructively.

Highlighting the importance of strengthening marriage and family bonds, he said doing so brings emotional stability, reduces loneliness, and promotes better mental health. “People with strong social connections tend to live longer and enjoy better physical health,” he remarked.

He added that united families are better positioned to share responsibilities, caregiving duties, and financial burdens.

In closing, Apostle Dr. Danso reminded ministers that a strong family foundation in retirement is both a spiritual responsibility and a source of lasting joy, saying, “When love, understanding, and unity flourish at home, retirement becomes not a withdrawal, but a new season of peace and fulfilment.”PENT NEWS

With deep insight and pastoral warmth, Apostle Korsah, Area Head for Nkawkaw, challenged ministers to see retirement not as an end but as a new beginning of purpose and peace, as he addressed participants at the ongoing Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035. The seminar, being held from 14th to 16th October 2025 at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, continued on 15th October with his thought-provoking presentation on the theme “Mental Health Preparation for Retirement.”

Apostle Korsah emphasised the crucial role of psychological wellbeing in ensuring a smooth and fulfilling transition into retirement. He explained that the goal of every retiree should be to maintain both emotional and life satisfaction after active service. Citing Ecclesiastes 3:1, he noted that “retirement has its purpose and importance,” reminding ministers that good mental health is vital in all phases of life.

Apostle Korsah defined mental health as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, stressing that “we cannot maintain balanced mental wellbeing without the God factor because, the Word of God is a great therapy for mental health.” He observed that retirement often brings about psychological changes such as loss of memory, routine, and identity, particularly among individuals whose sense of worth is tied to their office or ministry role. “At retirement, you may feel deserted in your own space because, as they say, out of sight is out of mind,” he stated.

He also noted that feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety about relevance are common during retirement. “In active ministry, you are surrounded by people, but at retirement, you may find yourself all alone. Reduce your dependence on position now so that you can adjust better later,” he advised.

Apostle Korsah identified several factors affecting mental health in retirement, including financial preparedness, physical health, and social connection. He cautioned that while strength naturally diminishes with age, maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends can help one cope emotionally. “Develop a sense of purpose through faith; exercise your spirit through reading and prayer,” he encouraged, adding that retirees should utilise their wealth of experience to mentor others.

To prepare mentally for retirement, Apostle Korsah recommended cultivating a positive outlook on life, practising gratitude and optimism, setting personal goals, volunteering, building social ties, and maintaining a daily routine. “See retirement as a transition from one stage to another, not an end,” he urged. He further encouraged retirees to live within their means, engage in mental activities such as reading and writing, and seek professional counselling when needed.

In conclusion, Apostle Korsah reminded ministers that retirement is not withdrawal but a redirection of purpose. “It’s a transition, not a termination,” he reiterated, urging all to embrace the next phase of life with faith, gratitude, and a renewed sense of mission.

PENT NEWS

The second day of the Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035, currently taking place at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, from 13th to 16th October 2025, began with a spirited devotion led by Apostle M. S. Appiah, Madina Area Head.

Drawing his message from Proverbs 4:23–27, Galatians 1:4, and the theme “Be Focused to Reach Your Goal,”Apostle Appiah admonished participants to view their divine call as a sacred privilege rather than a position earned through education or human effort. “See your call as a great privilege, not a position attained by educational qualification, but purely divine,” he said. Referring to the example of Jesus, he reminded the gathering that “we did not choose ourselves, but God called us,” stressing that “grace will carry us through.”

He cautioned ministers to avoid distractions and remain resolute in their commitment to the call of God. “God chose you because of your availability, not your qualifications,” he noted. “The success is up to Him; the obedience is up to us. When He called us, He already had in mind that we would succeed, provided we are faithful and available.” Apostle Appiah encouraged the ministers not to be swayed by temporary challenges, declaring, “Don’t look at circumstantial evidence to the contrary, just press on. God will surprise you.”

Using the perseverance of Christ as an example, Apostle Appiah urged ministers to endure opposition and hardship. “Heaven was looking upon Jesus to see if He would come out victorious, and yes, He did. He looked at the glory before Him and endured the cross,” he said. “Something great lies ahead of us. We must focus our eyes on Jesus. Like Him, we must be poised to say one day, ‘It is finished.’” Recalling personal experiences during a transfer to Onitsha, Nigeria, as Area Head in 1997, he testified, “The opposition was great, but the Spirit of God whispered into my ears, ‘I have called you, not man.’ Don’t look at people; don’t listen to people. It is God’s plan. God never fails nor disappoints.”

Apostle Appiah further encouraged the ministers to concentrate on past victories and future goals rather than current challenges. “Spend your energy on moving forward. It is well with your soul,” he assured. Citing Philippians 2:8–10, he reminded them that “Jesus was humiliated on the cross, therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name, that at the mention of Jesus, every knee should bow to the glory of God.”

Concluding his exhortation, Apostle Appiah advised ministers to avoid the pitfalls that could lead to demotion, dismissal, or excommunication. “King Solomon admonished us to guard our hearts, keep corrupt thoughts far from our lips, let our eyes look straight ahead, and make level paths for our feet so we may land safely,” he said. “The raven that fed Elijah is still alive and will visit you at the right time; only believe.” He encouraged all present to remain faithful to their calling, adding, “Remember what God told you when He called you – through prophecies and personal reflections – because He is faithful and true. Remain focused.”

PENT NEWS

The Seminar for Ministers and their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035 which is being held from 14th to 16^th October 2025 at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, continued today, 15^th October 2025 with an insightful presentation by Pastor Prof. Joseph Osafo, Professor of Clinical Psychology at University of Ghana – Legon, and Resident Pastor of East Legon Worship Centre.

Speaking on the topic “Coping with Ageing Gracefully: Embracing the Changes of Body and Mind,” Prof. Osafo began by challenging common clichés such as “Age is just a number,” and “You are only as old as you feel.” He noted, “These sayings are partly true, but not entirely accurate. The reality is that ageing is a natural process. Frailty and mortality are inevitable, and physical exercise alone cannot overcome all the challenges of ageing. Some resilience is needed.”

Citing research, he explained that the ageing process begins around the age of 25. “As we age, we move from being independent to becoming dependent on others for self-help skills, facing crises such as sickness, and eventually death,” he said. He identified visible signs of ageing – wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dryness – as some natural results of cellular deterioration caused by stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes.

Prof. Osafo also highlighted the global trend of an ageing population, noting that by 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and above will double those below 25. “The adult population in Ghana will triple within the next 21 years,” he added. This, he said, would increase the burden on caregivers, reduce the dependency ratio, and heighten the risk of elder abuse and neglect.

Addressing the key elements of progressive ageing, he distinguished between ‘normalageing’ – not influenced by sickness – and ‘pathological ageing’, which is accelerated by conditions such as hypertension and cancer. “As we age, stamina reduces, daily activities become difficult, and physical balance weakens. Be cautious especially with staircases,” he advised. He further noted that sensory and cognitive declines, including vision loss, hearing impairment, and memory deterioration, are common in later years.

He encouraged ministers to remain mentally active to slow down psychological decline. “Ageing is a transition, so especially for pastors, constant mental engagement is vital. That’s why teachers and lecturers rarely suffer severe brain diseases; they keep exercising their minds,” he explained. “Engage in mind-stimulating games like oware and dame to keep your brains active.”

Discussing the phases of retirement, Prof. Osafo outlined the pre-retirement phase, honeymoon phase, detachment phase, reorientation phase, stability phase, and termination phase (death). He cautioned, “Manage yourself well so you don’t break down. Retirement affects identity and decision power. People naturally shift to where power is, so add new skills to keep your brain alive.”

He also addressed the psychological and emotional effects of retirement, emphasizing that feelings of emptiness, loss of relevance, and thoughts of death are common but manageable. “Retirement may disrupt your biography, but it is not the end,” he encouraged. He urged participants to prepare financially, plan for their bills, manage their health, and engage in activities such as gardening, and walking.

“Be positive,” he said. “Unforgiveness, worry, anxiety, and stress can block blood flow to the brain. Let your mind stay joyful and grateful.” He further advised reducing red meat consumption, drinking more water, eating more fruits, managing chronic conditions, and taking prescribed medications faithfully.

Prof. Osafo revealed that construction is underway for the first Geriatric Centre for the Aged in Africa, located at the University of Ghana, Legon, to cater to the unique needs of the elderly with qualified medical practitioners.

Concluding his session, he reminded the ministers of God’s sustaining grace in old age. Quoting 2 Corinthians 4:16, he said, “Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.” He further referenced Isaiah 46:4, affirming that “God will still carry you in your old age,” and Psalm 71:18, adding that “God will not forsake you.” He encouraged, “Even in old age, you shall flourish and bear fruit as Psalm 92:12–14 declares. Remain strong and purposeful in the Lord.”

PENT NEWS

As part of The Church of Pentecost’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda, the Other Sheep Ministry (TOSM) of the church organised a series of outreach events in the Wa, Walewale, and Kasoa Areas, resulting in the salvation of 99 souls.

The outreaches were held separately between 17th and 19th September 2025. Forty-three souls were won in the Wa Metropolis, twenty-nine in Walewale, and twenty-seven in Kasoa.

Apostle Bernard Azizu Mohammed Abogorago (Wa Area Head), Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah (Walewale Area Head), and Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head) all participated in the programme within their respective jurisdictions, offering strong support to both the training and outreach activities. They reminded participants of the urgent need to engage in aggressive evangelism, describing it as the heartbeat of the church.

The training seminar and outreach team comprised Evangelist Abraham Addae Agyemang (National Coordinator of TOSM), Pastor Daniel Gyekye (National Executive Committee Secretary of TOSM), Pastor Dr De-Graft Suleiman Issaka, and Pastor Luke Sei Nemen, both members of the NEC.

Following Spirit-filled presentations, participants were divided into four groups and deployed to various locations to put into practice what they had been taught.

Report by Pastor Luke Sei Nemen, Media Team Leader, TOSM