The English Assembly in the La District of The Church of Pentecost visited inmates of the La Police Cell.
The Church delegation, led by Elder George Aboagye, the Presiding Elder, along with Elder Maxwell Chidi and Elder Francis Semanyhia, undertook the visit on December 31, 2023.
Elder George Aboagye stated that the purpose was to share the love of Christ with the inmates.
To the glory of God, five inmates gave their lives to Christ during the visit.
PENTECOST NEWS.
Judas Iscariot is frequently referenced in Christian messages, offering a wealth of lessons for both believers and those yet to embrace Christ as Lord. In this reflection, I present a key message derived from studying Judas Iscariot’s life: “A disciple but a thief.”
Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 apostles of Christ, was a devoted follower who intimately knew the Lord and His teachings. Despite this profound exposure to the Christian faith, a revealing character trait emerges in John 12:4-6, contradicting the depth of his association with Jesus. The passage states, “But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as the keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”
This narrative raises essential questions: Was Judas born again? Did he genuinely believe in the Lord? Did the teachings of Jesus hold no significance for him? The evident truth is that, despite being a disciple of Christ, Judas harboured a weakness that he neglected to address, allowing it to lead to his downfall eventually.
The theme of The Church of Pentecost for 2024, “A People of God Unleashed to Transform their World,” emphasises the call for members and Christians to influence their spheres with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God. This transformation is only achievable when individuals undergo their internal metamorphosis. Sadly, Judas Iscariot failed in this regard.
I humbly urge Christians worldwide, especially members of the Church of Pentecost, to introspectively identify weaknesses and consciously seek mercy and grace from the Lord to address them. Only through personal transformation can we become agents of change capable of transforming the world for God.
Be a true disciple indeed!
Written by Elder Isaac Nana Opoku (Libya Quarters District, Haatso Area)
The desire to preserve moments of life and nature has preoccupied humanity for a very long time. In Ancient Egypt, the hub of civilisation in the medieval world, they took to inscriptions and artwork on walls and tablets as memorials of moments that they could not just let evaporate from memory and sight. Photographers, in later decades, came in handy to preserve the true forms and in recent times have added colour and dimensions that bring the framed moment to life with captivating breath. The role of photography in society cannot be overemphasised. Today, photography is an integral part of Christian ministry. Photographers in the church have thus become ministers who serve through the lenses and clicks. The function of a photographer in the church is not an exception to the long-standing rule that photography is essential to recording and maintaining memories. We explore the importance and duties of a photographer in the context of the church in this essay.
The special responsibility of capturing the soul and spirit of religious rituals, festivals, and gatherings falls on church photographers. They are not just there to capture events; they are essential in communicating the feelings, faith, and spiritual closeness that are felt inside the church. Taking pictures of religious rituals and services is one of a church photographer’s main duties. Photographs capture special moments such as weddings and christenings, as well as worship sessions and neighbourhood get-togethers. Church photographers use this ministry to preserve for the congregation to revisit and treasure these moments for years to come because of the way they capture the pleasure, reverence, and dedication that pervade these gatherings through their lens.
A church photographer is also essential to the process of telling the story of the church community visually. They take spontaneous pictures of members who are not posing for the cameras while the congregation is praying, socialising, and performing deeds of service. These pictures promote a sense of connection and belonging among the church’s members by showcasing the diversity, unity, and vitality of the institution.
A church photographer’s duties extend beyond only documenting events to include upholding the purity and privacy of the religious setting. When recording delicate rituals or private moments, they must use tact and consideration. To make sure that the pictures reflect the community’s spiritual ideals and beliefs, this calls for a thorough understanding of the church’s practices, policies, and conventions.
In addition, a church photographer frequently works in tandem with volunteers, staff, and clergy to effectively convey the church’s vision and mission through photography. They take pictures that showcase the church’s worship sessions, outreach programmes, and community service projects. These pictures are effective instruments for spreading the church’s message, drawing in new members, and building community among the members.
In an era of digital media and social sharing, a church photographer may also be responsible for managing the church’s online presence. They curate and share photographs that reflect the church’s values, engage with the congregation, and reach out to the wider community. These images can inspire, inform, and invite others to experience the love, faith, and fellowship found within the church.
Some have questioned the spirituality of a church photographer who goes about in the thick of spiritual activity such as moments of adoration (worship), prayer or sermon delivery, and would just be clicking and flashing away. As much as this may be a genuine concern, church photographers can be very spiritual, connected to the service and in tune just like the average worshiper or the preacher. It takes the heart of dedication and the desire to connect with God, even through the lenses. Photographers at work in the church have received inspiration from songs, visions, words of prophecy or even fallen under the anointing. Photographers pray along whilst using their creative senses to capture moments. Church photographers can be as Christian as the pulpit. It is all a matter of the individual and their heart as it pertains to all church members.
In conclusion, the role of a photographer in the church is multifaceted and essential. They are entrusted with capturing the spiritual essence, preserving memories, and visually communicating the mission of the church. Through their lens, they make the connections to heaven and visitations of heaven a ‘wow moment’ that is never lost. Every church should have a church photographer, resourced and their ministry valued. They are the pictorial historians of the church. We are telling our story today for posterity to learn from our walk with God and consider our faith.
Written by Enoch Evangy Agyei
The Bethel Worship Centre in the Canberra Capital District of The Church of Pentecost in Australia has successfully orchestrated an engaging evangelistic outreach programme dubbed “Youth Hangouts.”
The “Youth Hangouts,” held on December 27, 2023, became a hub for community bonding, featuring a variety of sports activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, scenic walks, and more.
The event aligned seamlessly with the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, serving as a platform for mass evangelism to children and parents who are not affiliated with the Church but frequently enjoy local parks. Through participation in these sports, a growing curiosity about the church emerged among the participants.
The event saw the presence of Elder Joseph Essuman, the Presiding Elder, Deacon Michael Benson, the Capital Teens Ministry Leader, and Nelson Dablorme, the District PEMEM Leader, along with other community members.
Report by PENTMEDIA Canberra
Thursday, January 10, 2023, was a joyous moment for the members of the Ebukrom District in the Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost as they witnessed the dedication of their Central Assembly auditorium.
The building was dedicated by the Cape Coast Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, who doubles as the Coordinator of the Central Regional Coordinating Committee (CRCC).
Giving a brief history of the building at the dedication ceremony, Elder Raymond Awortwe, the Ebukrom District Secretary, said a team, comprising ten males and five females, arrived in Ebukrom from Kaneshie No.1 Assembly under the leadership of Deacon Anthony E.K. Ekuban (now Apostle and retired).
After evangelising for two weeks, 15 souls were won and baptised in water to begin the church in 1983. The increase in membership in 2014 birthed the creation of Ebukrom District. They first fellowshiped in a primary school classroom, moved to a mud house, and now have a dedicated auditorium with a 600-seat capacity.
Pastor Joseph Amesinu, the then District Minister, with the help of the leaders of the Assembly, acquired four plots of land in 2016, after which sod was cut by Apostle David Tekper (now Retired), the then Cape Coast Area Head. When Apostle Samuel Y. Antwi assumed office as Area Head, he continued to support the district with varied grants and support till completion.
Delivering a sermon on the topic: “Offer Yourself as a Living Stone in Building the Temple of God’ at the ceremony with 1 Peter 2: 4-5 as the anchor text, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi encouraged the members to know they are children of God once they come to Christ.
He mentioned that Jesus has broken the wall of hostility; therefore, the church must see itself as a member of Christ’s household.
‘It doesn’t matter your tribe or where you come from; there must not be any division among us,’ he said.
The Cape Coast Area Head further stated that the Spirit of God does not live in temples but in humans; hence, whenever Christians meet in the temple, God becomes present among them.
Using the scenarios of rocks and blocks, he mentioned that stones appear in different patterns, while concrete blocks have the same shape or pattern.
He explained that humankind is different, but the most important thing is for Christians to offer themselves to God to be built into a spiritual church while demonstrating the fruit of love.
According to him, in building a strong church, there must be a sense of holiness and oneness in marriage and every area of one’s life, quoting from 2 Timothy 1:2.
He admonished the members to show good behaviours in their spheres and take up positions of influence in the communities, citing 1 Peter 2:15.
Apostle Antwi concluded his message from Matthew 5:14-16, encouraging the members to let their light shine for all to see.
In a brief remark, Pastor John Aturi Inusah, the Ebukrom District Minister, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Church, the Area Head, Apostles Mike Etrue, David Tekper (Rtd.), and the entire membership for their diverse contributions in grants and kind towards the construction and completion of the church building.
In attendance were Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi (Wife of the Cape Coast Area Head), the Cape Coast Area pastorate and their wives, Abusuapanyin Paul K. Sam of Ebukrom, Okyeame Kwabena Adu, Nana Obaatan Okumanyin (Chief of Brofoyedu), Pastor Prince Opoku (The Apostolic Church-Ghana, Ebukrom), and Pastor Samuel Mekpe (African Faith Church, Ebukrom).
Report by Cape Coast Area Media Ministry
A graduation ceremony was organised on Friday, 5 January 2024, for 25 students of the Pentecost Weaving Centre who have completed their training at the Pentecost Weaving Centre in the Bawku Area of The Church of Pentecost.
The centre, founded in 2021 through the support of Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), was established to purposely provide free self-employable vocational skills to help curb the rampant rural-urban migration among the youths in the Area due to unfavourable economic conditions.
The Pentecost Weaving Centre runs in three centres in the Area: Zebilla, Bawku (Now at Bazua) and Garu, with about 200 students currently under training.
The initiative has since gained recognition and acceptance by all stakeholders. Through this effort, 57 students graduated last year, most of whom are well-established in their own firms.
Speaking at the ceremony today, Pastor Eric Gyacham, the Bawku Area Head, admonished the congregation on “My Work, My Worship to Transform my World”.
With references to John 5:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, he exposed the church to unfreeze the wrong perception humanity, especially Africans, have about work as a burden, slavery and a curse.
He addressed the church with three reasons why God wants humanity to work. This, he said, includes the fact that God created humankind for work. (Ephesians 2:10), to be financially independent to support the Kingdom work and family, and to access His blessings.
Concluding his message, he charged the church to do their works and businesses “the God-way and not through the corrupt-way.”
Pastor Gyacham also advised Christians to be faithful in their work and mindful of their relationships with others, especially in speech.
The students could not hide their joy and gratitude to the Lord and the Church for the opportunity given them.
Report by Bawku Area Media
The Women’s Ministry of the Asante Mampong Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a feast for the inmates of Ejura Camp Prisons in the Ashanti Region in pursuit of the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda and to fulfil the scriptural mandate of remembering those in prison.
The event, which took place on Sunday, December 17, 2023, also saw the ministry donate items worth GHS 18,000 to improve the living conditions of the inmates and create a sense of hope for them this yuletide. The items donated included bags of rice, gallons of oil, slippers, packs of toothpaste and brushes, washing powders, soaps, and many others.
With three District Leaders each from the 22 districts in the Area, the delegation led by the wife of the Area Head, Mrs Beatrice Asare, worshipped with the inmates on Sunday morning at the Prison Chapel.
Deaconess Ellen Sarfo, the Area Women’s Ministry Executive Member, exhorted the inmates on the need to keep their hopes alive in Christ Jesus, irrespective of their situation. She admonished them to abide in the word of God, highlighting the need to be obedient to their authorities until their time is due.
During the altar call, eight inmates surrendered their lives to Christ Jesus.
On her part, Mrs Beatrice Asare, commended the ministry leaders for the love demonstrated to the inmates this yuletide. With the overwhelming number of youth serving prison sentence at the Camp, Mrs Asare advised Ghanaian youth to be cautious of their lives to avoid being put into custody.
The Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Esther Osei Owusu, told PENTECOST NEWS that the gesture is part of the Women’s Ministry efforts to fulfil the Church’s Vision 2023 of “Possessing the Nations” as well as planting hope in the hearts of the forsaken that Jesus loves them.
Superintendent Takyi Agyei Kofi, the in-charge of Ejura Prisons, on behalf of the Director General and the Regional Prisons Command, thanked The Church of Pentecost, especially the Asante Mampong Area, for the kind gesture. He relayed some challenges facing the facility and called for aid from corporate bodies, other churches, and philanthropists.
Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu
Several years ago, I endured the devastating loss of my young brother, an experience that profoundly impacted both my academic and social life. The perplexing question lingered: why would God allow a cute and innocent two-year-old to succumb to an eye defect? Where is God in our tears, in the midst of our pain and afflictions?
Many have grappled theologically with the concept of a benevolent God permitting suffering in the world. The notion of a God who seemingly remains indifferent as people endure physical pain and emotional trauma or face the wreckage of their lives due to natural disasters is, at best, a paradox, if not a contradiction.
Arguments arise— if God is omnipotent, He could eliminate evil, pain, and suffering. If He is unable, He is not all-powerful. Yet, if God can but chooses not to eradicate evil, He is not all-loving. So, if we assert that God is both all-powerful and all-loving, the perplexing question persists: why is there pain and suffering? Theological circles refer to this dilemma as the problem of evil, assuming that there should be perfection devoid of suffering and evil in a world where an all-loving, all-powerful God exists.
Having grappled with this paradox, I’ve realised that providing a radical answer rarely brings comfort to the one in pain, much like Job’s friends. For sceptics, an emotional or practical response may seem superficial. Consequently, I propose addressing the problem of evil through two main approaches: intellectual and practical responses.
Suffering or evil can be categorised into two types: moral and natural evils. Moral evil arises from harm inflicted by fellow humans, such as murder, war, and rape, while natural evils manifest as disasters like floods, tornadoes, and genetic disorders.
Deductively, pain and suffering may result from our actions. God endowed humans with free will to make sound decisions guided by reason and conscience. However, sin impaired our judgment. To eliminate moral evil, God would need to revoke free will, resulting in a world where humanity is hardwired to follow His will. Yet, moral evil often stems from our freedom of choice and “honest” mistakes. The problem of evil, therefore, is often a problem of “our” evil.
God does not cause evil; He is not wicked. The Psalmist affirms the righteousness of the LORD in all His ways (Psalms 145:17). But why does God permit natural evil—earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, and tsunamis that claim lives?
To answer this, we must look back to the beginning. God created humans in His image for eternal enjoyment, but humanity turned away. In the aftermath, God sometimes permits evil for us to grasp the good awaiting those who embrace Christ. Suffering may be a small piece of God’s larger puzzle. Contrary to common belief, the goal of life is not a pain-free existence but the knowledge of God leading to eternal life (John 17:3).
The practical aspect of the problem of suffering focuses on the person experiencing pain. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a disability from birth, or emotional trauma, take heart—Jesus understands your pain. Innocent human suffering can deepen one’s dependency and trust in God, either for the sufferer or those around them. My brother’s death redirected my academic path, revealing God’s plan through his demise.
A case in point is Apostle Michael Kwabena Ntumy, former chairman of The Church of Pentecost, who endured afflictions, including confinement to an electric wheelchair. Despite this, he continued to serve the church until his retirement in 2023, embodying the understanding that life’s purpose is not happiness. Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey.
Whether God’s purpose is fulfilled through our suffering hinges on our response. Do we react with anger and bitterness or turn to Him in faith for strength, as Apostle Ntumy did?
“When we are hurt, we may feel lonely, but Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5, Ps 42:8). God is with us 24/7. Always! The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit (Ps. 34:18). Our present troubles are minor and fleeting; let us fix our gaze on the eternal (2 Cor. 4:17-18). May God comfort all those in tears. Amen.”
Written by Deacon Paul Owusu (Secretary, PENSA-UCC)
The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has advised Christians to go out into ‘their world’ to effect the change needed in order to transform the world.
Highlighting the shift from Vision 2023 to Vision 2028, Apostle Samuel Obuobi explained that the previous vision (Vision 2023) focused on equipping the church for transformation, whereas Vision 2028 emphasises unleashing everyone to go out and effect change. The theme for 2024, “A People of God, Unleashed to Transform Their World,” is anchored in Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 2:9.
“Dubbed ‘Possessing the Nations Phase 2,’” the theme is a continuation of the previous year, which is aimed at unleashing the entire church to transform the world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God,” he said.
The General Secretary said this on Sunday, January 7, 2024, when he fellowshipped with the English Assembly of the Bubuashie District of The Church of Pentecost in Accra.
Speaking on the topic: “Overview of theme 2024”, Apostle Obuobi broke down the theme into three components: a people of God, the unleashing agenda, and the transformation of the world. He stressed the significance of being intentional about releasing the tremendous power within the church for societal transformation.
Quoting Ephesians 1:19, he elaborated on the immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing power within the church. Apostle Obuobi encouraged believers to carry this power outside the church, stating, “Having a ministry outside the church does not mean starting your own church, but go out with the power you carry and affect the society.”
Addressing the purpose of unleashing, he stressed the transformation of “their world,” highlighting the individual’s sphere of influence. “Your world is your sphere of influence. This includes your family, workplace, and school. We are being unleashed to bring changes into the world,” he declared.
Apostle Obuobi urged believers to be salt and light in their spheres of influence, referencing Matthew 5:13-16.
“We can transform our world by being salt and light. If you really want to transform your world by the power in you, then you must be salt and light of the world. It is not enough to come to church and sing and dance. They are all good, but we must be salt and light. Once you step into the corrupt world, there must be light. If you go into the dark world and there is no light, then you are not transforming your society. God is not a secret to be kept. Let us carry Him into the world,” he added.
He emphasised the need for intentional reflection of the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God to bring about positive change in society.
“The value of love, integrity, righteousness, accountability can bring changes into the Kingdom of the world,” he ended.
PENTECOST NEWS.
In the contemporary world, one cannot deny the pervasive influence of media in our lives. Regrettably, some leaders within our church remain hesitant to invest in leveraging media platforms. In the pursuit of spreading the Gospel, it is crucial to reflect upon the admonitions found in Mark 16:15 (“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creations,” NIV) and Acts 1:8 (“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to all the ends of the world,” NIV).
The physical limitations of reaching every corner of the globe by traditional means necessitate a more expansive approach, and this is where the significance of media becomes apparent. While house-to-house evangelism is undoubtedly a vital aspect of our mission, it should not constitute the entirety of our efforts. To truly extend the church beyond its physical confines, investments in media outreach are imperative.
It is disheartening to observe that some churches prioritise various facets while neglecting the potential of media. Within our congregations, there exists a pool of media-inclined youth eager to contribute, but their talents often go untapped due to the lack of attention to this crucial aspect of ministry. Failing to address this gap may inadvertently lead these individuals astray, as the devil adeptly exploits media for his purposes.
The remedy lies in a strategic and intentional investment in the media landscape of the church. If individuals can effectively disseminate doctrines from the comfort of their homes, the body of Christ should harness this same medium to win souls for Christ. While acknowledging the commendable efforts of church leaders, there is a pressing need to elevate the priority given to media outreach, ensuring it permeates every aspect of the church for the greater glory of God.
It is my sincere plea that the church and its leaders recognize the transformative power of media and take bold steps to make it a central focus of their mission. By doing so, we can counteract negative influences and use these channels to amplify the message of salvation, reaching every corner of the world for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Written by Emmanuel Atsu Djissenou
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