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The newly-created Assin Basofi Ningo District in the Assin Foso Area of The Church of Pentecost was inaugurated on August 22, 2023.

The colourful event, which was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh, also saw the dedication of the district’s newly constructed Mission House and the Central Assembly church building.

In a brief sermon on the topic, “Making the Church a Spiritual Home for Maximum Impact: The Role of Its Members” at the event, Apostle Frederick Andoh advised Christians who feel called to serve in the Lord’s vineyard not to be only enthused with the privileges attached to the ministerial calling, but must also be prepared to carry out the assigned responsibilities as well.

Quoting from Acts 2:42-47, Judges 17:6-13 and Romans 12:1-21, Apostle Andoh reiterated the need for each member to carry out their assigned responsibilities as members of God’s household as we seek to enjoy all privileges as family members.

Using the responsibilities given to the rest of the eleven tribes of Israel by God towards the Levites as a case study, the Apostle noted from Judges 17 that Micah consecrated a wandering Levite to serve as priest to idols he had set up because the people had reneged on their responsibilities.

To ensure the church’s rapid growth, Apostle Andoh encouraged all to adopt the principles of the early church in Jerusalem, which are devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.

“As a member of the church, you should not just be part of the numbers, but your membership must count in how you offer services with your gifts and resources to God, the church, ministers of the gospel and one another,” he concluded.

Basofi Ningo District, which was carved out of Assin Nyankomasi District, started as a local assembly with six members on February 10, 1952, after an open-air rally during the era of the then-District Minister of Assin Foso District, Overseer Denkyi.

The proposal for the creation of the district was approved by Councillors during the 46^th General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost held in May this year.

Inaugurating the district, Apostle Andoh explained that The Church of Pentecost operates with the principle of “multiplication by division.” Whenever a new District is created, growth and expansion are envisaged.

He, therefore, encouraged the members to appreciate the enormity of the responsibility entrusted to them and work assiduously towards the growth of the kingdom of God.

As part of the event, ten officers made up of an Elder, four Deacons and five Deaconesses were ordained and commissioned into their respective offices.

A cross-section of the pastorate, their wives in the area, and officers, among others, were in attendance.

Report by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (Assin Foso Area Reporter)

The newly constructed Kotoso District Mission House of The Church of Pentecost was officially dedicated by Prophet Foster Aniakwaa, the Nkawkaw Area Head, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

The dedication ceremony, held at the Nazareth Assembly church auditorium, drew members of the district who could not hide their joy at the successful completion of the building, a project that spanned six months.

Speaking on the theme, “Expanding Your Divine and Physical Territory for Maximum Impact,” with scriptural references from 2 Kings 6:1-7 and Luke 5:1-9, Prophet Forster Aniakwaa advised believers not to relent but to seek growth and expansion in whatever has been entrusted into our care.

He encouraged believers not to be complacent but to actively pursue growth and expansion in their entrusted responsibilities.

He highlighted that the first Mission House in the Bible was the Garden of Eden, where God placed man. Unfortunately, due to the temptations of the flesh, the eyes, and pride, it was lost.

He further urged church leaders, especially ministers, to have a broad and ambitious perspective on ministry, focusing on multifaceted growth.

Prophet Aniakwaa emphasised that despite the challenges inherent in life and ministry, these challenges should not be viewed as dead-ends but rather as opportunities for progress and elevation. “Expansion should be the focus of every leader,” he stressed.

Constructed at a total cost of GHS 385,300.00, the four-bedroom Kotoso District Mission House has an office, hall, kitchen, store room, dining area and a garage.

Present at the event were the area pastorate and their wives, as well as Elder Isaac Agyapong (DCE Kwahu East), Elder D02 Ebenezer Sackitey (District Fire Commander, Kwahu East), Elder L.F. Bright Dankwah, some invited guests, officers and church members.

Report by Nkawkaw Area Media Team

The Moral Vision Implementation Committee of the National Development Conference (NADEC 2023) presented its report to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, in Accra, yesterday.

The team was led by Elder Dr Eric Oduro Osae (Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, who doubled as the Secretary of the Committee). Other members of the committee present were Dr Regina Ohene-Darko Adutwum (Former Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission), Deaconess Mercy Larbi (Deputy Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Justice), Rev. Dr Emmanuel Ansah, and Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse (Media Ministry Pastor).

Also present at the meeting were the outgoing and incoming General Secretaries of the church, Apostles Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi and Samuel Gyau Obuobi, respectively, and PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who doubled as the Chairman of the NADEC Planning Committee.

In his remarks, Dr Oduro Osae noted that the report captured key issues emerging out of the conference and also provided some guidance to leadership in organising future conferences.

Thanking the Chairman for selecting them to serve the church in that capacity, Dr Osae assured leadership of their availability to put their expertise to bear whenever they are called upon.

The National Moral Vision Implementation Committee chaired by His Lordship Elder Justice Kyei Baffour, an Appeal Court Judge, was tasked to, among other things, organise a stakeholder engagement and training workshops for discussion groups; be in charge of the planning and execution of the group discussion component of the conference as well as the compilation of the output of group discussions into a moral vision document to be submitted to the leadership of the church; be in charge of the implementation of the pre-and post-conference public education plan using the developed national moral vision document; develop policy briefs on the national moral vision and its impact on societal transformation.

In his response, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on behalf of the members of the church, thanked members of the committee for a yeoman job done.

The Chairman indicated plans to push the report to the length that will bring the needed result, stressing that all major stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that Ghana gets a moral vision document that will guide the national development and governance.

Apostle Nyamekye pointed out that there was a growing need for a national moral vision, and the church was required to play a critical role in ensuring it.

The inaugural National Development Conference, which took place from July 26 to 27, 2023, under the theme, “Moral Vision and National Development,” aimed to underscore the importance of establishing standard moral principles within a Moral Vision agenda, to guide the country’s progress.

The conference brought together over 2,000 stakeholders from across the country. The various sectors represented were national and local government units, religious and traditional leaders, policy analysts, academia, business and artisans, and the media. 

Notable dignitaries present included the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia; former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama; the Speaker of Parliament, Right Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo; Members of Parliament; Ministers of State, the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, among others.

At the end of the two-day conference, an official communique was issued, which outlined conclusions drawn from the conference and recommendations for the way forward. Some of the highlights of the Communique are:

1. Integration of socially approved and accepted values and norms in the form of an agreed National Moral Code.
2. Set up a multi-sectoral team facilitated by Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to actualise the proposed National Moral Vision.
3. Religious bodies to give prominence to moral teachings and principles in their teachings.
4. All levels of leadership to be re-oriented on a national transformation agenda premised on high moral values.
5. Comprehensive national moral re-orientation programme, especially for the youth.
6. Patriotism must be at the heart of public discourse and curricula.
7. Vigorous national integrity campaign to sharpen the moral consciousness of Ghanaians.
8. Prepare future leaders to appreciate the relevance of moral values in national development.
9. Incorporation of a clear media accountability framework in the proposed National Moral Vision Plan.
10. Issues of moral vision and national development must take centre stage in the manifestos of all political parties.
11. Mechanisms to create a hostile environment for all forms of corruption; and
12. Establishment of an independent National Moral and Integrity Council (NMIC) to champion the development and implementation of an agreed national moral code that would push the Moral Vision agenda.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area, led by Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, organised a one-day seminar on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, for ministers, district clerks, and volunteers involved in the administrative functions of the district offices within the Area.

The primary objective of the seminar was to ensure that District ministers are well-informed about the responsibilities of the District Clerks and the expectations placed upon them. Central to this initiative was the intention to enhance the efficiency of the clerks in carrying out their duties through relevant and current training.

In his opening address, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye highlighted the biblical imperative of equipping workers for Kingdom service, citing Ecclesiastes 10:10 and Proverbs 27:17.

He stressed the essential nature of continuous training, mentoring, instilling godly values, and providing on-the-job supervision to ensure fruitful outcomes.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasised that neglecting ongoing training and guidance could result in detrimental consequences, leading to improper conduct such as financial misconduct, misappropriation of church funds, and violations of financial policies. Hence the need to organise such training events.

Deaconess Rianon Seesi, the Executive Secretary to the Odorkor Area Head, conducted a session on Basic Record Keeping, File Creation and Maintenance Procedures, Computer File Organization, and Proper Document Storage. Her presentation focused on the importance of meticulous record-keeping and offered practical guidance on efficient filing methods.

Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, the Anyaa District Minister, and the Area Secretary, elaborated on the role and qualities of a District clerk. He also enlightened clerks about what the Pastors, Presiding Elders, the District Executive Committee, and the General Church expect of them, and the ethical standards integral to their responsibilities.

The final part of the seminar was the presentation from the IT Department of The Church of Pentecost Headquarters, represented by IT Manager Pastor Paul Odai Laryea and Miss Mary Awah. They provided insights into the Pentecost Enterprise Resources Planning (PentERP) system. Their presentation covered the utilisation of PentERP for generating invoices, tithe closing, and handling financial transactions within the church.

In his closing remarks, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye expressed gratitude to the facilitators for their exceptional expertise and the quality of their presentations.

He urged ministers to support clerks in their roles and ensure timely remuneration to enhance their job satisfaction. He also encouraged the clerks to exhibit diligence and dedication, as this could serve as a springboard to bigger opportunities in the future.

He also hinted that the training programme would be held periodically to monitor progress, address challenges, and strategize for more effective discharge of duties.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

A jubilant atmosphere brimmed with joy and celebration as the Ashaiman Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, and his family were honoured in a send-off service on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The event took place at the James McKeown Temple in the Ashaiman Estate District.

The service, officiated by the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and assisted by Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head), drew a congregation comprising Area Heads from the Greater Accra Region, church ministers, retired ministers, respected traditional leaders, as well as friends and individuals from all walks of life.

Prophet Beditor, an outgoing Executive Council Member and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee Coordinator, has been transferred to the Obuasi Area. Taking his place is Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the outgoing General Secretary of the church.

Prophet Kankam Beditor took the helm as Ashaiman Area Head in September 2019, succeeding Apostle Patrick Kingsley Ennin, who retired from active ministry the same year.

Multiple groups, including the Area Women’s Ministry, Area Presbytery, and the Pastorate, shared heartwarming testimonies, underscoring the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Prophet Kankam and his wife, Margaret. They said these contributions have significantly elevated the Ashaiman Area’s stature.

Testimonies resonated with the couple’s exceptional interpersonal skills, genuine Christian lifestyle, unwavering respect for all individuals regardless of their status, remarkable prayer life, love for children, integrity, punctuality, and active participation in social activities involving members, officers, and ministers of the Area.

Prophet Beditor was also lauded for his courageous approach to challenging issues and his steadfast adherence to the church’s policies.

Various groups, including the Ashaiman Zone of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), the Ashaiman Traditional Council, the Area Women’s Ministry, and the Area Presbytery, offered citations to honour Prophet Beditor’s exceptional ministry and achievements.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, praised Prophet Kankam for his exceptional leadership in the Ashaiman Area during the past four years, which had led to peace and holistic growth in the Area. The Chairman commended Prophet Beditor for embodying the teachings he imparts, making the testimony of his exemplary character effortless.

Apostle Nyamekye also acknowledged Prophet Beditor’s significant efforts in facilitating a seamless transition for his successor.

During his sermon, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member, urged believers to apply the talents bestowed upon them by God for the advancement of the church. Quoting from Ephesians 4:7-16, he highlighted that upon accepting Christ, believers are endowed with spiritual gifts and abilities by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their divine purpose.

Apostle Asante emphasised that every believer is vital in the church, provided they align themselves with their strengths and God-given graces.

In their response, Prophet Kankam Beditor and his wife expressed gratitude towards God, the church leadership, and the various individuals and groups that supported them throughout their ministry journey in Ashaiman. They encapsulated their appreciation with a reading from John 16:7-8, emphasising the necessity for them to make way for their successor, who will elevate the Ashaiman Area to a higher level through God’s divine power.

PENTECOST NEWS

The newly constructed Bejewahum District Mission House in the Achimota Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The foundation stones for Bejewahum Central and Grace Assembly church auditoriums were laid as part of the event.

The ceremonies, which took place on July 23, 2023, at Atomic Down and Mile 7, respectively, were officiated by Apostle David Tettey Tekper (now retired), the immediate past Achimota Area Head. The District Minister, Pastor Gideon Effirim Sunkwa, and some ministers in the Area were present to assist him.

Speaking on the topic, “The Right Use of the Temple,” Apostle Tekper admonished Christians to come to the house of God with expectation and to ensure that everything done there glorifies God.

Referring to Exodus 25:1-3, 8-9, Ecclesiastes 5:1 and Matthew 21:12-15, Apostle Tepker highlighted the proper use of God’s temple and admonished Christians to respect and abide by God’s principles when they go to the temple of God (church) because the presence of God dwells there. 

He reiterated that the temple of God is where believers meet to pray and exhibit God’s power at work.

On his part, the District Minister, Pastor Sunkwa, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Apostle Tekper and former Area Heads for their immense support in ensuring the completion of the project. 

He also thanked former Achimota District Minister Pastor Jones Awuah Afrifa (now Apostle retired), through whom Bejewahum District was created, and the current and former ministers for Achimota, Kwabenya Point One and Dome New Town districts for their massive support.

Report by Albert Afrifa Antwi Snr & Jnr (Bejewahum District).Bejewahum Mission House Dedicated, Foundation Stones Laid For 2 Church Buildings 

A send-off service was held today in honour of the General Secretary-Elect of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, and his family at Akroso in the Asamankese Area of the Church as he prepares to officially assume the high office of the Church, come Saturday, September 2, 2023.

The joyous event was officiated by Apostle Mike Etrue, an Executive Council Member and the Coordinator for the Eastern Regional Coordinating Committee (ERCC) of the Church. The service, held at the Samuel Richard Asomaning Memorial Temple, brought together a host of dignitaries from various walks of life, including active and retired ministers of the Church, state officials, traditional authorities, relatives, friends, well-wishers, and members of the Church within and outside the Asamankese Area.

Preaching on the topic “Called to Service” with John 9:1-5 as his main biblical reference, Apostle Mike Etrue, who also serves as the Koforidua Area Head, emphasised that God sends, calls, and appoints individuals to fulfill specific assignments.

He, however, highlighted that the execution of these assignments should glorify God, as the purpose of every task is to give glory to Him, rather than serve personal interests.

He encouraged Church leaders, especially ministers, to serve with the intention of bringing glory to God.

“It is my prayer that as you (Apostle Samuel Obuobi) go to the Headquarters to serve as General Secretary, you will work hard to glorify God,” he said.

The Koforidua Area Head further noted that people called to serve God’s purpose must work hard within the opportunity and time in accordance with the will of God.

He, therefore, urged Christians, particularly Church leaders, to work diligently, saying: “Every opportunity God gives us in His vineyard comes with a time limit. This is your time, so please do not be lazy, work hard.”

Touching on “Calling,” Apostle Etrue advised believers to accept that it is God who qualifies and calls men according to His eternal purpose

“No man can promote himself to God for honour. It is God who honours people,” he stated.

He quoted 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 and reminded Church leaders that it is the Lord who chooses, calls, and honours them, while urging them to diligently carry out their entrusted responsibilities.

“Therefore, be humble and do the work entrusted to you and to do it diligently,” he added.

Expounding on “Service,” Apostle Etrue said that a call to service is a call to meet a particular need so as to fulfil God’s purpose concerning His purpose.

He highlighted virtues such as faithfulness, obedience, love, and fruitfulness as key qualities that should characterise the service of every Christian leader.

During the service, the Asamankese Area presbytery, the Area Women’s Ministry and the Area pastorate shared heartfelt testimonials about the outgoing Area Head and his wife, Juliana. They acknowledged their significant contributions to the Church’s growth in the Area over the past two years and presented them with citations to acknowledge their commendable service.

In a brief remark, Nana Kwabena Ofori II, Chief of Akroso; expressed his delight that such a momentous event had taken place in Akroso, a town of great significance in the history of The Church of Pentecost.

He praised Apostle Samuel Obuobi for his outstanding work as Asamankese Area Head and extended well wishes to him and his family as he embarks on his new mandate.

In response, the Obuobi family expressed gratitude to God for seeing them through the turbulent period they endured when they first arrived in the Asamankese Area. He also thanked the leadership of The Church of Pentecost and the entire Asamankese Area for their support throughout their two-year stay in the Area.

Subsequently, Apostle Etrue, along with the other apostles present, led the congregation in praying for God’s grace upon Apostle Obuobi and his family as they embark on their journey to serve as the Chief Scribe of The Church of Pentecost at the Church’s Headquarters for the next five years.

Notable figures at the event included Nana Martey Wayo, Chief of Osenho; and Barima Baffour Opoku Agyemang II, Chief of Dokrochiwa. The Asamankese Area pastorate and their spouses, as well as representatives from the Asamankese chapter of the Ghana Pentecostal Charismatic Council (GPCC) and Local Council of Churches (LCC) of Akroso and Asamankese, were also in attendance.

PENTECOST NEWS.