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Sawaba District Provides Accommodation For 70-Year-Old Muslim Convert

In a display of compassion, the Sawaba District in the Kintampo Area of The Church of Pentecost has constructed a single-room apartment for a 70-year-old Muslim convert, Madam Fulera Alhassan, who had been abandoned by her family and living in a deplorable state at Suamire, a small community in the Kintampo Municipality of the Bono East Region.

Madam Fulera’s journey to her newfound faith began in 2022 when she embraced Christianity during the “All Ministries Rally” organised by the Sawaba District of The Church of Pentecost. The event marked a significant turning point in her life as she chose to follow Christ’s path.

However, the sorry condition in which Madam Fulera lived became a concern for the church members. Led by the District Minister, Pastor Solomon Anarfo, with support from dedicated individuals, the church embarked on a mission to provide her with a safe and comfortable living space.

The result of their efforts is a beautifully decorated single room that has been generously donated to Madam Alhassan.

The gesture showcases the church’s commitment to its ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda and exemplifies the spirit of love and inclusion in its community.

Today, Madam Fulera Alhassan enjoys the comfort of her new living space and has become a vibrant member of The Church of Pentecost, reinforcing the message of faith, love, and unity within the congregation.

Report by Sawaba District Media Team.

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Watford City Church Hosts “Ascend 2023”

The annual fasting and prayer programme of the Watford City Church of The Church of Pentecost in the United Kingdom, dubbed “Ascend,” took place at the Oakwood Outdoor Centre in Wokingham.

ASCEND is a time of spiritual deepening and awakening, where members wait on the Lord and seek His strength to be unleashed into the world.

This year’s edition, held from August 25 to 28, 2023, was themed “I Am the One” (Acts 10:21) and featured various speakers, including Pastor Godfred Boadi (PIWC-Southampton), Overseer Gerald Gyane (PIWC Salem Resident Minister), Elder Daniel Agyemang Bofah (Presiding Elder, Watford City Church), Elder Michael Chintoh, Deacon Hubert, Sister Tina Ayiku, and Sister Joan Boadi.

Some of the topics covered during the event included “The Posture of the One,” “the Price of the One,” and “The Transformation.”

The programme welcomed over 50 participants of diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds who eagerly sought God’s grace to fulfill their mission. Some also participated virtually.

The event featured seasoned musicians such as Deaconess Lukala Munalula, Minister Jacy Mai, Minister Godley Abel, Debbie Adesiyan, Deaconess Leona Agyemang, and other musicians who filled the atmosphere with worship.

On Saturday afternoon, a special baptism service saw three brothers and a sister undergoing water baptism, including Brother Gellian, a Portuguese national popularly known as “Kwame Grills.”

In the evening, participants enjoyed a special bonfire night in anticipation of the official closing the following day.

During the closing session, Overseer Gerald Gyane encouraged participants to be fruitful and contribute to making the world a better place, asking, “How will you taste when the world takes a bite of you?”

This year’s event was unprecedented as it featured continuous nights of prayer, days of fasting, Holy Ghost empowerment, water baptism, fellowship, games, and other entertaining activities.

Report by Elder Emmanuel Akuffo

Asankrangwa Newtown Central Church Building Dedicated web

Asankrangwa Newtown Central Church Building Dedicated

The Asankrangwa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Daniel Kweku Dekpor, has dedicated the Newtown Central Assembly church building in Asankrangwa.

The dedication service, which took place on September 24, 2023, was attended by the Asankrangwa Area pastorate, traditional leaders, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Amenfi West Municipality, and politicians, among others.

Delivering the sermon on the theme, “Burn yourself out and bring light to your generation” based on John 5:31-35, Apostle Dekpor urged Christians to burn themselves out by striving hard to produce light for generations.

Using John the Baptist as a case study, he said John was zealous for God, burnt out, and brought light to others.

He stated that John offered himself to be burned in preparation for the Saviour’s (Jesus Christ) arrival.

He stressed that if we want a future that is great and mega and conducive for living, then we must burn out to produce great light because John burned out for others to enjoy the light.

He continued that one must exhibit fearless character to burn out to produce light, citing John the Baptist’s sermon in Luke 3:3-15, adding that we must be content with what we have to make light for generations as Christians.

Apostle Dekpor admonished believers to be faithful and trustworthy in all their dealings to make light for generations.

He further indicated that ‘burn out’ Christians are consumed by pointing people to Christ Jesus.

He, therefore, charged leaders to burn out to make light for generations, saying that only when they burn out would they be of value to society.

He emphasised that the candle stick is of no value when it remains the same, “but when you light it, it dispels darkness and produces light, though it burns out, and that is what we ought to do as leaders for a better Ghana and The Church of Pentecost.”

He added: “Our toil must be centred on the right outcome and impact for tomorrow.”

Elder Jones Amoako Boafo, the Presiding Elder of the Central Assembly and District Secretary, read a brief history of the project.

He mentioned that the assembly was established in January 1997. However, he noted that the idea to construct the Church building was characterised by the challenges they encountered when fellowshipping in a classroom.

One day, when the church went for service, the school’s headmaster locked all the classrooms and would no longer allow the church to fellowship there. He continued that by God’s grace, the church acquired the current place and subsequently started building a place of worship.

Under the leadership of their former District Minister, Pastor Henry Kwabena Sarfo, the project progressed rapidly, and the foundation stone was laid on July 22, 2016, by Prophet Benjamin Augustus Adobah, now retired, who was the then Area Head.

He acknowledged all past ministers of the Asankrangwa Newtown District for overseeing the project from the beginning until its completion.

He further indicated that the ultramodern project cost the church GHC 1,123,048.00.

The MCE for Amenfi West Municipality, Hon. Lord Nana Tandoh, and the New Patriotic Party parliamentary aspirant for the area, Hon. Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa, were impressed about the building and commended the church greatly by making its corporate responsibilities a priority.

They added that what the church is doing has ignited their appetite to join The Church of Pentecost.

Hon. Afrifa promised to give the church a projector to suit their magnificent edifice.

The District Minister, Pastor Raymond Kwabla Zottor, was commended for continuing the work started by his predecessors and successfully supervising its completion.

The church also expressed appreciation to the founding leaders of the Assembly for their significant contributions to the project and the overall growth of the church.

Report by Jones Boafo Amoako.

Akim Ofoase District Organises Marriage Retreat For Officers & Their Spouses web

Akim Ofoase District Organises Marriage Retreat For Officers & Their Spouses

The Akim Ofoase District in the Akim Oda Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a day retreat for officers and their spouses on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Akim Ofoase Central Assembly church auditorium.

The event was the first of its kind in the district, as an invitation was extended to officers’ spouses who are not members of The Church of Pentecost.

The theme for the retreat was “The Church Leader’s Marriage” with scripture references from Genesis 2:18-25, Hebrews 13, and Matthew 19:5-6.

In his welcome address, the District Minister, Pastor Francis Kofi Gyimah, mentioned that as the church leader represents the image of the church wherever he or she goes, it, therefore, requires that the spouse of the church leader complements the ministry of the church leader.

Hence, if the marriage and family life of the church leader are jeopardised, his or her ministry as a church leader becomes questionable to the general public. In view of this, there is a supporting role of the church leader’s spouse for excellent ministry.

He also shared lessons from the Puritans’ view of marriage and how they appreciated marriage as a calling and seminary.

Pastor John Nimfah, a retired minister of the church and the main speaker for the event, shared practical marriage life experiences coupled with in-depth communication in marriage teachings.

Pastor Nimfah stated emphatically that “calling into church leadership is divine; hence one called into such an office should not trivialise the opportunity and disgrace the image of the church and God with their marriage life.”

Any Christian marriage with unsolved problems means that both couples do not understand their salvation and lack effective communication in their marriage, he stressed.

He further noted that the church leader’s marriage is a mirror for the members to emulate.

Sharing practical experience with his personal marriage life, he stated that in spite of the challenges he had as a pastor and as a husband, which were inevitable as humans, he appreciated whoever his wife was until her demise because he considered his marriage a calling from God and was determined to fulfill his ministry.

He, therefore, challenged church leaders who might be experiencing marital challenges to focus on God, their calling, and work on their marriage until death does them apart instead of resorting to divorce, which is a disgrace to the body of Christ.

“I believe God shall reward faithful marriage couples because I dreamt that I was receiving a citation in honour for my marriage,” he said.

Participants, especially those whose spouses were not members of the church, were allowed to ask questions on the presentation, and their concerns were adquately addressed.

Pastor Eric Kojo Darko, the Nkwateng District Minister, led the house in intensive prayer sessions.

In attendance were also singles and widows who are ordained officers of the church.

Due to the overall success of the marriage retreat, the District leadership has resolved to organise the event annually.

Report by Akim Ofoase District Media Team.

SPEAK WITH DECORUM web

Speak With Decorum – Mrs Mary Nyamekye To Christian Women

The wife of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs Mary Nyamekye, has called on Christian women to be decorous in all their endeavours in their quest to possess their spheres for Christ.

Mrs Nyamekye said this when she visited the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of the Church  on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

Delivering a message on the topic; “The Christian woman and her tongue,” Mrs Nyamekye emphasised the importance of the tongue to the human body, highlighting its roles in tasting, speaking, and chewing.

She, however, underscored the potential dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, stating that it could bring pain and destruction to both individuals and society.

Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:26, Mrs Nyamekye urged all women to exercise caution and thoughtfulness in their speech, emphasising the need for decorum and respect.

She encouraged women to emulate the qualities of a virtuous woman as described in the Bible and advised them to communicate with grace, especially within their families and communities, to foster peace and unity.

Mrs Nyamekye stressed that as Christian women, it is essential to spread the word of God through their words, ensuring that they bring life and glory to God.

She referenced Colossians 4:6, urging everyone to let their speech be gracious and seasoned with salt, demonstrating a Christ-like demeanour in their interactions.

She further reminded all gathered of their duty to support ministry leaders in their respective districts and encouraged active involvement and assistance in fulfilling their roles within the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS

Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Organises Ministers & Wives’ Retreat web

Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Organises Ministers & Wives’ Retreat

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost organised a one-day retreat for ministers and their wives in the Area on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

The programme, themed “Repositioning Our Pastoral Ministry for Maximum Impact,” was designed for the Area’s pastorate and their wives to seek the Lord through fasting and prayer.

Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, the Area Head, explained that the event also aimed to strengthen fellowship among the pastorate, reorient them regarding the work of the ministry, and provide guidance to newly-transferred ministers in the Area.

Speaking on the main theme of the event, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasised the need for every minister to “reposition” themselves to be more productive in ministry. He used terms such as ‘revamp,’ ‘rebrand,’ ‘transfigure,’ ‘renovate,’ and ‘redesign’ to further explain the term “reposition.”

During his sermon, the Area Head stressed that it is crucial not to dwell solely on past achievements but to explore innovative ways of making ministries more relevant and fruitful in the current era.

He reminded ministers of their responsibilities, which include caring for God’s people, equipping, training, and mentoring them for service, utilizing their gifts (1 Pet 4:10), demonstrating God’s healing power, and reconciling people with God.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye encouraged ministers to be faithful, honest, trustworthy, and reliable individuals, equipped with accurate knowledge and skilled hands to lead the God’s people.

He also stressed the importance of compassion, empathy, and prayer in the work of ministry.

Other speakers included Apostle Daniel K. Noble-Atsu (Rtd.), Apostle A.E.K. Ekuban (Rtd.), and Pastor Emmanuel Sackitey Teye (Area Secretary).

The event was attended by all 18 ministers in the Area and their respective wives.

Also, Mrs. Comfort Ohemeng-Kwakye (Wife of the Area Head) and Mrs. Jennifer Ekuban (Wife of Apostle Ekuban) were in attendance.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team.

Christian Missionary Activities In Ghana web

Christian Missionary Activities In Ghana – History & Contributions To Development

Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he foretold that the gospel would leave the frontiers of Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. In fulfillment, Philip went down to Samaria and shared the gospel (Acts 8:1-23) where many people were freed from the deception of Simon the Sorcerer, whom they wrongly perceived as the great power of God. Over the years, spreading the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth has been made possible by the selfless service of missionaries.

In Ghana, many accounts have been given regarding the history of Christian missionary activities. However, the majority of literature link the presence of the first Christian missionaries to the arrival of the Portuguese in the year 1471. Although the Roman Catholic Chaplains of the Portuguese traders and armed forces were to serve as missionaries to the local people in Elmina, their concentration was much on trade and chaplaincy. As a result, the era of missions in the 15th century did not record significant conversion of the local populace.

Later, in the 19th century, Basel/Presbyterian and Wesleyan/Methodist missionaries achieved much success in laying the foundation for the spread of the gospel in Ghana. The Basel mission sent four missionaries, Karl Salbach, Gottlieb Holzwath, Johannes Henke, and Gottlieb Schmidt between the ages of 24 to 27 to the Gold Coast in 1828. Three of them died within eight months while the last, Johannes Henke, died within three years of their arrival. Unfazed by these casualties, they sent three missionaries, one of whom was a medical doctor. Unfortunately, two of them, including the medical doctor, died within three months, depicting a poorer chance of survival than the former. The survivor, Andrea Riis, moved to the hilly outskirt of Akropong, where, together with missionaries he recruited from the West Indies, launched a successful mission. Significantly, the activities of these forerunners from the Catholic, Basel, and Wesleyan missions paved the way for the mission enterprise in the twentieth century.

Thus, in 1937, an Irish missionary, James McKeown, was sent by the Apostolic Church, Bradford, UK to the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) to help a group of believers of the Apostolic Faith in Asamankese, led by one Reverend Peter Anim. After years of hard work filled with schisms, sacrifices, and divine interventions, he founded the Church of Pentecost on August 1, 1962. He is described as a simple man who quickly adapted to living conditions in Ghana. His insistence on building a self-financing, self-propagating, and self-governing church made him build solid structures for the nascent church, which is now found in 151 nations of the world. James McKeown taught the church to be self-reliant without sourcing funds from overseas. He also trained and mentored young people, many of whom became Pastors of the church. On October 1, 1982, James McKeown handed over to the first Chairman of Ghanaian descent, Apostle Fred Stephen Sarfo, and died seven years later on May 4, 1989.

Sowing the seeds of the gospel came with many challenges, casualties, and hostilities. Mainly, tropical diseases like Malaria claimed the lives of many missionaries, thereby slowing down progress of work. As stated earlier, the Basel missionaries experienced major casualties, losing seven missionaries within a few years. Also, but for the timely intervention of a district commissioner, Reverend James McKeown, who took ill six months after his arrival, would have lost his life due to the no-medication doctrine of the Anim-led church.

Furthermore, preaching against practices such as polygamy and human sacrifice brought sharp disputes between the missionaries and some chiefs. In addition, policies like building Christian communities (Salems) were misconstrued as efforts to undermine the authority of parents and traditional rulers. In Ghana, Salem communities were built in places like Akropong, Osu, Abokobi, Peki, Kyebi, Abetifi, Nsaba, and Anum. Under the Salem policy, converts were required to move out of their homes to settle in communities on the outskirts where they were closely monitored by the missionaries. Due to the separation, they did not partake in activities like festivals, wars, and rites of passage sanctioned by the traditional authorities. As a result, some of the local folks resorted to making life uncomfortable for the missionaries, whom they thought had used religion to foment the breaking of ranks by the local populace.

With regards to movement, poor transportation networks hindered their forays into the inland regions. Some had to trek long distances on foot with the assistance of porters and guides. Sadly, some of the porters and aides became disloyal along the line, bringing much loss to the missionaries. Against this backdrop, many of the missionaries restricted their work to the coastal regions, leaving much of the inland regions and northern part of the country unattended.

Despite these challenges, the Christian missionaries did not confine their work only to spreading the gospel. They built schools, cared for the sick, trained artisans, and introduced the local folks to modern methods of farming and new crops like cashew, black pepper, cotton, mango, and ginger. Another significant contribution of the Christian missionaries was the development of literature in the local languages, which facilitated the translation of the Bible into some of the local languages. Specifically, Rev. Johannes Zimmermann in 1858, wrote a grammar of the Ga language, while Rev. J. G. Christaller in 1874 produced a Twi Grammar and Dictionary. The Roman Catholics, who were the first to work among the Fantes, initiated similar works in Fanti and Nzema, while the Evangelical Presbyterian missionaries were the first to develop literature in Ewe.

To the glory of God, the seed sown through the toil, tears, financial sacrifices, and the deployment of human resources amidst the peril of death has borne much fruit.

Currently, Christians constitute 71.3% of the population of Ghana according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The mustard seed has grown to become a ‘towering’ tree with branches serving as a place of refuge for many nations. Commendably, the Church of Pentecost, which started in Ghana, has entered into 151 nations of the world through missions. Aside from bringing salvation to many through the gospel, activities of missionaries have contributed significantly to education, health care delivery, agriculture, and civilization. In view of this, everyone must contribute to keep the torch of missions handed to us burning. Surely, the fire of missions must not die in our generation. Support missions by praying for missionaries, giving in support of missions, and spreading the gospel everywhere. Long live the Great Commission, Long Live the Christian Enterprise, Long Live Missions in the Church of Pentecost.

Written by Pastor Joseph Owusu-Boateng (Traveling Secretary – PENSA-Sunyani Sector)

Jesus Makes The Unclean Clean - Apostle Tony Mensah web

Jesus Makes The Unclean Clean – Apostle Tony Mensah

Apostle Anthony Kwesi Mensah, the Resident Minister for the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, has emphasised that Jesus Christ is still preoccupied with cleansing sinners from their sins and making the sick whole.

Speaking at the ‘Special Evening Service With the Chairman’ on PENT TV on Sunday, October 8, 2023, Apostle Kwesi Mensah made a passionate call on individuals who find themselves in any unfortunate condition to come to Jesus for deliverance.

Drawing from the story of the leper who was healed by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 8:1-3, the PIWC-Atomic Resident Minister stressed that Jesus Christ is willing and ever ready to help anyone who comes to Him regardless of their conditions. 

“It was out of place for Jesus to touch a leper because once you touch a leper you become unclean, but He came to make the unclean clean, and the only way He could do that was to touch the unclean,” he pointed out, adding, “Even if you are unclean or sick tonight or you have sinned this evening, Jesus will touch you and heal you.”

Apostle Anthony Kwesi Mensah explained that the leper doubted the willingness of Jesus, but he was fully sure of His (Jesus’) ability when it comes to healing. He, therefore, assured the viewers and the listeners of Jesus’ willingness to attend to their needs.

“Anytime we go through a situation, He reveals Himself in that situation. He allows the sickness to come, but when we call upon Him, He reveals Himself to deal with the situation,” he concluded.

After the exhortation, he ushered the viewers and the listeners into a period of prayer.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

ESCHATOLOGY - A CALL TO PREPARATION FOR CHRISTIANS web

Eschatology: A Call To Preparation For Christians

Eschatology is the study of the end time according to Christian belief. Christians are encouraged to prepare by living a life of faith, love, and obedience to God. In Matthew 24:42, Jesus said, “Therefore, keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” It is important to stay alert and ready for His return. Let us explore how we can actively engage in this preparation.

One needs to focus on prayer, study the Word, and live a life of righteousness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, it says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” This means that being spiritually awake and alert makes a true Christian conscious of Christ’s return.

Staying connected to a community of believers is vital. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but to encourage one another—all the more as you see the Day approaching. Always remember that being part of a Christian community helps us to stay strong and encourages us to persevere in our faith in Christ Jesus.

Actively serving others and sharing the good news of Jesus also help Christians stay grounded concerning the second coming of Christ. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Fellow Christians, by spreading the message of salvation, we can help others prepare for Christ’s return while staying vigilant ourselves.

Maintaining a fervent prayer life is very essential in preparing for the end time. We always seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength through prayer. This is one way we can stay spiritually vigilant, watchful of the signs of the end time, and remain connected to the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, I encourage Christians to study eschatology, stay active, live a life of faith, love, and obedience, pray, study the Word, be part of a supportive community, and actively share the Gospel. By doing so, we will be prepared for the second coming of Christ and keep others on their journey of faith.

Written by Deacon Silas Aboagye (Okornya District, Agormanya Area)

Barekese District Women’s Ministry Donates To Methodist JHS Students web

Barekese District Women’s Ministry Donates To Methodist JHS Students

The Barekese District Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has presented sanitary towels, exercise books, and pens to over 350 students at Barekese Methodist Junior High School in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child.

Speaking at the brief presentation ceremony with Philippians 4:13 as her scripture reference, Mrs. Grace Kyei Boate, wife of the District Minister, encouraged the young girls to believe that they can do all things and become all things through Christ.

She, therefore, urged them to strive to be the best in their societies.

Mrs. Boate also advised the students to turn to God to discover their life’s purpose and strive to always do the right thing.

Receiving the items on behalf of the students, the Headmistress of the school was full of praise to God for the surprise visit by the Women’s Ministry.

She thanked the Church on behalf of the students and called for more of such support.

The event had in attendance the leadership and some members of the District Women’s Ministry.

Report by Barekese District Media Team.