2023 Retirement Seminar Underway web

2023 Retirement Seminar Underway

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The 2023 Retirement Seminar, an annual event for retired ministers and their wives, widows, and widowers within The Church of Pentecost, has commenced at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Organised by the Pension Board of The Church of Pentecost, the seminar began on Tuesday. It will end on Thursday, August 10, 2023, focusing on the theme, “Repositioning the Local Church: The Role of the Retired Minister,” based on 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and Psalm 92:12-14.

The speakers for the seminar include Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), Apostle John Appiah Aidoo (Chairman, Pension Board), Apostle Dr Philip Osei Korsah (Director, Counselling Ministry), Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd) – Trustee & Former General Secretary of the church, Apostle Dr Alfred Koduah (Rtd) – former General Secretary, and Apostle Prof. Peter Ohene-Kyei (Rtd) – former Rector of Pentecost University.

Others are Elder Lawyer Kwaku Agyei Gyamfi (Member of the Pension Board & Legal Advisor to the church), Elder Kofi Owusu (Dietician), Elder Paul Kofi Mante (MD, Ecobank EDC), and Elder Dr Kwabena Boamah (MD, Stanbic Investment Management).

The speakers will cover a wide range of topics, including the Ministers’ Welfare Fund Policy, Willing Process and Procedure, Interstate Succession Law, Emotional Health in Retirement (including aspects like Empty Nest Syndrome and Loneliness), Ageing and Associated Health Concerns, Diet and Exercise in Old Age, Staying Socially Connected During Retirement, Continuing Ministry in Retirement, Investment Insights, and Sharing Life Experiences in Retirement/Thriving in Retirement.

In his welcome address, Apostle John Appiah Aidoo, the Chairman of the Pension Board, highlighted the performance of the 2022 Pentecost Ministers’ Welfare Fund.

“As of December 2022, the total number of retirees and spouses in the church stood at 278, with an additional 141 widows,” he said.

He noted that 26 ministers and their wives were added to the list after retiring this year. He stressed that the fund supports 49 ministers’ children under the scheme.

Highlighting the significance of the seminar’s theme, Apostle Aidoo emphasised the crucial role retired ministers and their partners play as pioneers and spiritual guards within the church.

The Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, urged the participants to seek the Lord’s presence for their health and happiness, acknowledging that old age is a blessing that comes with its unique challenges, including loneliness.

“Old age is a blessing, but all things being equal, ageing also means closer to the grave; it means loneliness for most people,” he stated, adding, “The utmost desire and hope is for health and happiness.”

He prayed that their spirits would be strong in the Lord, their souls filled with fortune and their bodies be strong.

The seminar is attended by about 500 participants and virtually for remote participation.

PENTECOST NEWS

Waiting Room The Hindsight Of Patience & Trust web

Waiting Room: The Hindsight Of Patience & Trust

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Many times, we find ourselves pondering when the “heavenly secretary” will swing open the door and announce that the Master is ready to attend to us, inviting us to enter. But until that moment arrives, we can only sit and wait.

A “waiting room” is a designated space where individuals await their turn to be attended to. Its primary purpose is to provide clients with a convenient and comfortable place to relax while anticipating their moment. Similarly, the waiting room of the Lord illustrates the profound patience required to rely on God’s timetable and divine plan for our lives.

The scriptures furnish us with numerous passages meant to instruct and guide those who find themselves in the waiting room of life. These passages serve as reminders of the virtues of patience, trust, and faith in the face of life’s delays. The story of Abram stands as a narrative example of patiently enduring the wait for the fulfilment of God’s promises. Despite his advanced age and Sarah’s infertility, Abraham unwaveringly trusted in God’s faithfulness. After the passage of time, he finally became the father of Isaac, affirming the word of God in Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (NIV).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).  This scripture from Proverbs serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of entrusting ourselves to God’s wisdom and guidance. It advises us to relinquish our limited understanding and wholeheartedly rely on God, trusting that our paths are being directed according to His perfect timing.

Attempting to predict when the waiting will conclude can lead to substantial disappointment, as the waiting room of the Lord defies prediction. It may yield results soon or perhaps later. “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25 (NIV). This verse from Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans underscores the significance of patience while dwelling in the waiting room of the Lord. It encourages us to persevere in our waiting, even when the manifestation of God’s promises remains elusive because we maintain hope and belief in His eventual fulfillment of His plans in His own time.

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. These devices require charging before they can be used, and during the charging process, we wait patiently, assured that the phone will eventually be fully charged. Some individuals might opt to use their devices while they are charging, which prolongs the charging time (reflecting impatience in the waiting room). In contrast, others choose to wait patiently until the battery reaches its full capacity before utilising it. The waiting room of the Lord is not an easy space to inhabit, yet it holds rewards for those who endure the wait with patience. It doesn’t weaken us; rather, it empowers the weak and bestows strength upon the weary. “But they who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).

The Waiting Room of the Lord enjoins us, as children of God, to cultivate patience, trust, and faith. The scriptures mentioned above serve as reminders of the eventual glory that awaits us after our sojourn in the waiting room of the Lord. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” – Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV).

May this piece serve as a wellspring of inspiration and encouragement to those who, like you, await patiently in the waiting room, steadfastly believing in and trusting the unfolding plans of God in His perfect timing.

Written by Elizabeth Asamoah (Anum District, Ho Area)

Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre Gets New Mission House web

Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre Gets New Mission House

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The newly-constructed Mission House of the Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost was dedicated on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

The service was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah- Agyeman, with assistance from the outgoing Resident Minister for Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre, Overseer Emmanuel Marfo.

Apostle Nkrumah-Agyeman commended the leadership of Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre for putting up the beautiful edifice to serve as a permanent place of residence for their Resident Minister.

Preaching on the topic “Repositioned to Stand Firm,” Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah- Agyeman quoted various Bible texts including Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Kings 2:19-22 and Psalm 11:3 and explained that the builders in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7:24-27 put up both buildings under similar circumstances and were faced with the same storm. However, it was the one whose foundation was on the rock that could withstand the raging storm.

He said that Christians are not immune to challenges and troubles of life because God has not promised a problem free Christianity.

He continued that the rain in the passage represents a short succession of trials while the flood represents a prolonged season of trials that becomes overwhelming.

He reiterated that all these trials come as a test, to test the faith of believers in Jesus Christ.

“It is only when Christians are deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and in His word, that they will be able to overcome every trial that comes their way,” he said adding, “As Christians, Jesus is our anchor and we must be firmly grounded in Him by abiding in His word because Jesus Christ is our sure foundation.”

Christians, according to him, should remain steadfast in the Lord when trials and tribulations come because the God of all grace will Himself restore them and make them strong, firm and steadfast, quoting from 1 Peter 5:10.

Apostle Nkrumah-Agyeman commended Elder Alfred Quainoo, a building contractor from the Tebibianor District of the Teshie-Nungua Area, who in short time was able to put up the ultra-modern Mission house.

Pastor Marfo expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Worship Centre, to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost and the Area for their invaluable support.

Report by Pastor Bernard T. Kofie

PENCO-La Area Declares 10% Dividend, Launches Kiddie Savings Account web

PENCO-La Area Declares 10% Dividend, Launches Kiddie Savings Account

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

The President of Pentecost Co-operative Mutual Support and Social Services Society Limited (PENCO) of the La Area of The Church of Pentecost, Elder Prof. Raymond Dziwornu, has said that the Society continues to play a significant role in providing affordable financial products to improve the lives of its customers, after declaring a dividend of 10% on shareholders’ share value.

Elder Prof. Dziwornu revealed that the Society made a surplus of GHS 179,642.18 for the year 2022 and had a total asset of GHS 5,367,655.87 with a total membership of 5,102 as of December 31, 2022, representing about 7.23% increase over 2021 membership. He said the Society projects to increase its total assets to GHS6,000,000 and increase customer deposits by 15%.

Elder Prof. Dziwornu disclosed this at the Sixth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PENCO-La Area held on Sunday, July 16, July 16, 2023, at Dr Thomas Wyatt Temple.

As part of the AGM, the Society launched an innovative product for children dubbed “Kiddie Savings Account.” Elder Prof. Dziwornu hinted that the new product is a medium to encourage children to save and instil savings habits in them, saying, “Children have the potential to save.” 

The President indicated that the account is available to children between the ages of one and eighteen. However, parents will hold the account in trust for their children until they turn 18. He urged parents to take advantage of the new initiative and open accounts for their children to help build their children’s savings habits.

Elder Prof. Dziwornu announced that PENCO-La Area will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, and various activities have been earmarked for the celebration.

The meeting was also used to confirm the appointment of two board members to the offices of Vice President and Secretary, respectively. Her Ladyship Deaconess Barbara Tetteh Charway assumed the office of Vice President, while Elder Eric Padi Nyabey took the office of Secretary to the Board.

The Directors’ report, which Deaconess Dr Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe read, indicated that “the Society, against all odds, made some substantial financial gains on which premises the board of directors propose to declare a dividend of 10% on shareholders’ share value. In all, a total of GHS 44,847.40 is to be paid as dividend to shareholders.” 

Elder Martin Obodai Atter officially declared the 10% dividend and was approved by members.

In a fraternal statement, the La Area Head, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, encouraged the Society to keep up the good works for a better tomorrow. 

Awards were presented to some hardworking customers and the best-performing Local Assembly.

In his closing remarks, the President expressed the Board’s appreciation to the management, Loans and Supervisory Committee Members, Local Representatives and all shareholders and customers for their immense support for the Society’s activities. 

In attendance were officials from the Department of Co-operatives, La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) and PENCO APEX.

Report by Gina Akua Padi.

Downtown-Ofaakor Area Gets New Area Office web

Downtown-Ofaakor Area Gets New Area Office

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Downtown Ofaakor Area Office Complex of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated by Prophet Kamkam Beditor, Ashaiman Area Head and Co-ordinator of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee of the church, and assisted by Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali, Downtown-Ofaakor Area Head.

The dedication service took place on August 2, 2023. Among the ministers present to grace the occasion were Apostle James Kwabena Asare (Kasoa Area Head) and Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member) and their wives, as well as the architect and designer of the building, Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye, who is currently PENSA-KNUST Campus Pastor.

In his opening remarks, the Area Head, Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali, explained the need to mobilise funds to construct a permanent Area Office to address the issues of limited office space and the high cost of rent.

Delivering the sermon on the topic, “Be a Worthy Steward for Maximum Impact,” Prophet Kankam Beditor, an Executive Council Member, said that every servant is a steward who must demonstrate obedience, trustworthiness, serviceability, knowledge of and honour for his master. He admonished believers to guard what has been entrusted to their care so they can be trustworthy. 

Prophet Beditor was very impressed and appreciative of the Downtown-Ofaakor Area Head and his team for rendering a good account of funds used for the project and producing excellent work in such a short time. 

According to the Area Deacon, Elder Victor Israel Koufie, the project cost GH¢941,580.63 through the Area’s internally generated funds.

The office complex has seven offices with eight washrooms, two reception rooms, a conference room, a restroom, two kitchenettes, a waiting room, and a store room, revealed the Area Estate Committee Chairman, Pastor Isaac Kwasi Gyadu, who conducted the guests round the facility.

Carved out of the Kasoa Area with 14 districts, the Downtown-Ofaakor Area was inaugurated on September 3, 2018, with Apostle Samuel Otu Appiah as the first Area Head. It operated from the rented Patmos Island apartment in Akweley. In September 2019, when Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali took over, he initiated plans to build a new office complex. 

Apostle Dr Ali, on June 8, 2021, cut the sod for the commencement of the project with the support of the former Area Deacon, Elder Felix Nyarko, and the Area Executive Committee. He laid the foundation stone on July 23, 2022, with the completion of the ground floor. To the glory of God, the entire project has been completed.

Report by Overseer Stephen Danso.

REPOSITIONING SOUND ENGINEERING IN OUR CHURCHES web

Repositioning Sound Engineering In Our Churches

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The discourse on sound engineering in many of the local assemblies of The Church of Pentecost has been an age-old one. As a young man who grew up in the Church and has, for most parts of my life, been involved in holding the microphone to recite a lengthy Bible chapter during Children’s Ministry week celebrations until my young adult years, in which I was involved as a chorus leader, worship leader, choir director till being ordained as an officer and subsequent call into full-time ministry, I have seen the various transitions that the church has gone through when it comes to sound engineering matters. However, with the clarion call for the repositioning of the local church for maximum impact, I feel led to stimulate the discussion on this matter to draw deeper engagements on the way forward.

Let me, at this juncture, pause to indicate here that I am not writing from the perspective of a technical sound engineer, but I am only doing so as a lay end user who once in a while finds myself in uncomfortable situations due to bad sound engineering in some of the churches I visit to execute ministerial duties. In fact, the situation can get so bad that one descends the lectern with an aching sore throat and a hoarse voice that leaves one using many days of orthodox and unorthodox methods to treat, including lozenges, honey, and ginger therapies.

It is in the light of the foregoing that I respectfully would like to offer some suggestions for consideration in our bid to improve the situation:

  1. Sound Engineering should be part of the conversation at the outset of our building projects. The implication here is that the blueprint and architectural layout should factor sound into the project right from the outset, so it is not considered an afterthought.
  • The Terms of Reference of the Monitoring and Evaluation Teams at the Areas and National levels should be expanded to include the auditing of sound for quality, efficiency, and functionality to bring checks and balances. It is worth mentioning that sound volumes at certain decibels are unhealthy for the ears, and end users who are made to scream while using the microphones are at health risks of vocal infections.
  • With the establishment of the Centre of Music and Worship at Pentecost University, rebates could be given in the form of scholarships for each big assembly to train at least one sound engineer to manage the sound in the local assemblies.
  • Procurement and acquisition of sound equipment and technical gadgets should be separated from the building and estate committee or fundraising committee. They may act as advisors, but the task should be handled by an ad-hoc committee under the supervision of the presiding elder/district minister. The ad-hoc committee so set up should be made up of experts who understand the language of sound engineering.
  • Structures should be put in place for the routine maintenance and replacement of this equipment. With the rising cost of such equipment and the number of fundraising campaigns that enable such procurements, it becomes heartbreaking when such equipment has a short lifespan due to manhandling, improper use, and low-quality purchases.
  • Short videos offering titbits for sound management, microphone handling techniques, and other technical complexities could be packaged and shared on TV and on our social media handles.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this article is to stimulate the call for attention to be given to our sound architecture in our churches. Even though some gains have been made in this area over the years, it is strongly believed that the bar can be raised to smoothen the edges, bearing in mind that excellence is one of God’s hallmarks we ought to pursue, sustain, and maintain. It is my thinking that as we seek to internalise our understanding of repositioning, we ought to say also that repositioning means better sound for maximum impact.

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

Assin Foso Area Holds Seminar & Medical Screening For Children’s Workers web

Assin Foso Area Holds Seminar & Medical Screening For Children’s Workers

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Assin Foso Area Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, held a day’s seminar and medical screening for Children’s Ministry workers in the Area.

The seminar, which took place at the Foso Station Central Assembly auditorium and was attended by 75 teachers, afforded the attendees the opportunity to reflect on their work for the past year and to plan for the rest of the year.

A new project dubbed ‘Love Box’, which is in line with the ‘Showing Love’ initiative by the Children’s Ministry Directorate, was also launched. This project aims to encourage children across the Area to gather and package various gifts, including clothing, footwear, stationery, and confectionaries, to be donated to some underprivileged children in selected communities on 26th December 2023.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the Area Leader, Pastor Samuel Avornyo, noted that the project has a three-pronged purpose: to show love to underprivileged children, evangelise to win souls, and also develop the spirit of giving in the children.

As part of the event, 65 teachers were screened for various ailments. They were advised to maintain healthy lifestyles as the spirit dwells in a healthy body.

Report by CM Media.

No Weapon Formed Against Christians Shall Succeed web

No Weapon Formed Against Christians Shall Succeed – Pastor Oni Kwarteng

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The Bonwire District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Titus Oni Kwarteng, has encouraged Christians not to live in fear of what the enemy will do because victory is guaranteed so long as they remain in Christ Jesus.

Speaking on the topic: “No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prevail,” during the New Tafo Area monthly prayer meeting held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Sepe-Buokrom Revival Centre, Pastor Oni Kwarteng supported his sermon with scriptures from Isaiah 54:16-17; Psalm 34:19; 2 Corinthians 1:10 and Romans 8:31.

He explained that though the devil may pelt Christians with all kinds of missiles, the Lord will  surely deliver them from all because Christians are the chosen people and inheritance of God. 

He defined weapon as any element, which has the tendency to destroy. According to him, since the destroyer was created by God Himself, God has an absolute control over him and for that matter, his schemes against Christians will not materialise.

Sharing a testimony of a Christian woman who was tried severally to be eliminated by some fetish priests but failed, Pastor Oni Kwarteng stressed that “if God is for us no one will be able to stand against us.” He, therefore, urged the congregants to continually invest their full trust in God and have a firm belief in Him.

The Bonwire District Minister, however, advised the congregants to guard themselves against doubt and unbelief (Ephesians 6:11; James 1:6-8), fear and anxiety, and sin as such are weapons the devil employs against Christians.

Touching on how God brings deliverance to His people, Pastor Titus Oni Kwarteng explained that God, through the word of His promises (2 Peter 1:4); the power of the Holy Spirit; angels, and the blood of Jesus, delivers Christians from the machinations of the devil.

After the sermon, the Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, ushered the congregants into a period of prayer.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

New Tafo Area Embarks On Street Evangelism web

New Tafo Area Embarks On Street Evangelism

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has taken the Gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ to the principal streets of Sofo Abodwese, a suburb of Kumasi, as part of its soul-winning efforts to save the lost for Christ.

The two-hour event, which took place on Sunday, August 6, 2023, saw excellent patronage as the Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, together with the Area pastorate and their spouses, participated. 

It was spearheaded by the Area Evangelism Ministry, led by Pastor Joseph Ankomako, who doubles as the Mile 3 District Minister.

Some of the activities which were undertaken during the event, included placards display, one-on-one evangelism, and Gospel tracts distribution.

Some of the participants also loudly proclaimed the gospel message with the help of a Public Address System and megaphone.

The event, which is a monthly feature is held on every Lord’s Supper Sunday, with the maiden edition occurred on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the Buokrom Estate.

Eighty-eight souls have been won so far for Christ Jesus.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Mamprobi District Fellowships With Sempe 1 JHS BECE Candidates WEB

Mamprobi District Fellowships With Sempe 1 JHS BECE Candidates

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Mamprobi District in the Dansoman Area of The Church of Pentecost met with the final-year students of Sempe 1 Junior High School at Mamprobi to pray with them and encourage them ahead of their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which commences on Monday.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, was part of the team’s routine visit to the school for weekly devotions.

Deacon Akuffo Owusu, the SOM Coordinator for the Mamprobi District, shared the word of God with the students and also encouraged them to go all out to make their school, guardians, and themselves proud.

He advised them to put in all their best effort in the exams as the hour is now, which would remain essential throughout their educational journey.

Again, he urged the students to remain calm like Jesus, drawing inspiration from John 2:1-10.

Sister Abigail Antwiwaa, one of the team members, led the BECE candidates in a time of intensive prayer for God’s grace to abound for them before, during, and after their exams.

Report by Mamprobi District Media Team.