Pentecost University (PU) has ended a three-day retreat for management and staff of the university.
The event, which took place on the university’s main campus in Sowutuom, Accra, is the first to be held this year.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University, Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, who delivered the welcome address, said the main reason for retreat was for the staff body to show gratitude to God and rededicate themselves to the cause of making PU the university of choice in the year 2023.
The VC commended them for their commitment in 2022 and urged them to do more this year.
On his part, the Head of Ministerial Formation at the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission, Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, said PU has become a solid brand that ought to be cherished.
Dr. Tsekpoe, whose presentation was on the “PU Brand,” further pointed out the tangible and intangible aspects of the brand that make it stand.
He attributed the brand resoluteness to factors such as good governance, determined staff, symbols that people want to associate with, and the goodwill of The Church of Pentecost.
“The PU brand commands respect in many places, which can be linked directly to the leadership, reputation of staff, strong publicity, among others,” he said.
Apostle Dr. Tsekpoe, therefore, challenged the staff to cherish the university’s brand and work hard to enhance it.
The Management and Staff Retreat is an important event on the Pentecost University calendar aimed at reinvigorating PU staff for maximum impact through intensive prayer session and workshops as well as strategising towards the realisation of PU’s “University A+” agenda.
Mr Kwabena Mantey, a co-host and anchor of Asembi Morning Show on Pent TV, a Christian television station fully owned by The Church of Pentecost, has been crowned the ‘Media Personality of the Year’ at the 3rd Edition of the Face of Ghana Youth Awards, held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
The morning show host in December last year bagged the ‘Best Christian Television Presenter’ award at the Praise Achievements Awards and the ‘Best Male Newscaster’ at the Jupiter Journalist Awards 2022.
In an interview, Mr Mantey expressed his extreme appreciation to his family and the management of Pent TV, saying, “I am happy and grateful to God for beginning this year with this special award.
He added that winning such an award and leveraging the effect it has on the youth, helps endorse his works.
According to the organizers, the awards formed part of the company’s interventions to extend credibility and support to hardworking individuals, students and groups.
“Hardworking youths who are making meaningful impacts on Ghana’s economic growth will be supported,” they said.
The Face of Ghana Youth Awards, an initiative of Glint Africa to recognize, reward, and celebrate hardworking youth in various spheres of work in Ghana.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost worldwide, has been elected President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC).
The respected clergyman was elected to the high office on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the 2023 Conference of Heads of Churches and Organisations underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.
Apostle Nyamekye replaces Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, who has ended his tenure as the President of the biggest ecumenical body in Ghana.
At the same event, Bishop Dr Gordon Kisseih of the Miracle Life Gospel Church was elected the 1st Vice President, while the President of the Apostolic Church – Ghana, Apostle Dr Aaron Ami-Narh, was elected the 2nd Vice President of the ecumenical body.
The Apostle Nyamekye-led new national executives will be sworn into office at a later date.
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) is a faith-based organisation and the umbrella body of over 250 Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian church denominations and para-church organisations in Ghana. It was established in 1969 but registered and recognised as a legal entity in 1971 to pursue the unity of the body of Christ, to propagate the gospel and to meet the spiritual and socio-economic needs of its members and Ghanaians in general.
The Home and Urban Missions of The Church of Pentecost has donated school uniforms and stationery worth GHC 4,000 to deprived pupils of the Adumasa Amangoase D/A Primary School in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.
The items were presented to the pupils on behalf of the ministry by Pastor Thomas Ayamboya, the Kumasi Sector Home and Urban Missions (HUM) Pastor of the Church, during a short ceremony on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
According to Pastor Ayamboya, the gesture was undertaken to promote cohesion among learners, improve study ethics, and encourage parents to enroll their wards in school despite the economic challenges.
Following the establishment of a local assembly at Amangoase through the ministry of HUM, Pastor Ayamboya revealed that it was discovered that most children were not schooling as a result of parent’s inability to cater for their children.
He asserted that the HUM Coordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, was engaged on how the Church could help provide the basic needs for the children.
Pastor Ayamboya defined the moment as a fulfilment of the existence of the Home and Urban Mission, observing delight from the faces of the children and their parents.
“After we have discovered that most of the children are not schooling, especially from the new assembly, we decided to come to their aid.
“By the grace of God, we have spoken at length to other people, including our National Coordinator, to help provide the basic necessities for the children. We have distributed the items to all the children, and the parents are giving glory to God for what He has done and continues to do,” he said.
The beneficiaries, numbering 25, received school uniforms, exercise books, slates, pens, pencils, etc.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Ampofo Gilbert Addison, commended The Church of Pentecost for the support, which he described as first of a kind in the community. He remarked that the establishment of the local assembly has resulted in the enrolment of more children of school-going age.
He further called on the Church to assist them in making the school environment conducive for better teaching and learning.
“The teachers are doing their best to build the children for better future, yet lack of classrooms, especially the JHS Block, is affecting better teaching and learning. We are pleading with The Church of Pentecost to lend a helping hand to the community to empower our students,” he said.
Parents of the pupils thanked God and expressed delight for the honour done them.
A deaconess of The Church of Pentecost, Mercy Twenewaa, has donated a set of musical instruments worth GH¢69,350.00 to the North Asuakwaa Assembly in the New Dormaa District of the Sunyani Area of the Church.
Presenting the set of instruments to the church, Deaconess Twenewaa disclosed that she had a dream and conviction that her name was boldly written on a set of instruments that were being used for a crusade.
This, she noted, contributed to the generous gesture to advance the kingdom of God.
Receiving the items, the New Dormaa District Minister of the Church, Pastor Michael Osei Appau, expressed his sincere gratitude to Deaconess Twenewaa for her thoughtfulness and urgent response to the dream she had. He stated that the items will be very beneficial to the church.
The “2023 National Bible Reading,” a week-long initiative of The Church of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), in collaboration with the Ghana Bible Society and Local Council of Churches, was officially launched on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Sophia McKeown Temple (SMT), near the Church’s General Headquarters, La, in Accra.
The event, was chaired by the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe. He was assisted by the PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who doubles as an Executive Council Member of the Church.
This year’s “Bible Reading Week” is under the theme, “God’s Unchanging Word, Hope for all,” with Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25 as key scriptures.
The National Bible Reading exercise is scheduled to take place at the studios of Pent TV from Monday (February 7) to Friday (February 10).
Delivering the welcome address at the event, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh explained that the rationale behind the Bible Reading Marathon is to encourage the public reading of scriptures, stressing that everything about our lives revolves around the Word of God. which is completely reliable and accurate.
The PEMEM Director noted that the increasing spate of social and spiritual challenges in the world seem to scare godly people and cause them to doubt whether there is a place for Kingdom values and principles in the emerging world.
He, however, assured that “there is hope for us because God’s Word is infallible, unchanging, and faithful for anyone who depends on Him.”
“The Bible does not need to be recast, modernized or amended to compromise its standards in the face of societal challenges. God’s Word, rather needs to be understood, believed and practised in all spheres of our lives,” he added.
Apostle Anane Denteh is optimistic that as the Bible is read aloud in public, it would inspire the reading of God’s Word in homes and society, urging, “It is our earnest desire to expose our community to the powerful words of the Creator with an open heart of understanding.”
He commended the Heads of churches and the Chairman of the Bible Society of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Torto, for the support towards the programme and called on Church leaders to intentionally promote both public and private reading of the Bible among their members.
In a keynote address, the incoming General Secretary of Ghana Bible Society, Very Rev. Dr. Kwasi Addo Jnr, expressed that it is always a delight when people gather to read the scriptures, saying, “with the word of God dwelling in our hearts, we are guided.”
He said that in a world where everything appears uncertain and systems are crumpling, the Word of God is the only unchanging thing that can be relied on.
“Contemporary Christians are hooked on to the English versions of the Bible, and survey shows that many lack reading in the mother language. We want to encourage reading the Bible in our mother tongue,” he stated.
He further noted that reading the Bible in the native languages brings out the cultural interpretation that would help to make reading better and take away the strangeness in culture to bear. He, therefore, encouraged Christians to make Bible reading a habit and not only an annual event.
“Indeed, we go to church, carry the Bible, but the light of the Word appears not to guide us as a people. We are still dominated by corruption, deceit and lies. As a people of the Word, let’s allow the light of God’s Word to guide us as a country and transform our lives as a people,” he appealed to the Christian community.
Among those who read the scriptures were, Nii Afotey Anokwafo II (Antweregono Mantse, Teshie), Eld. Nana Ampim (Chief of Ekumfi Eyisem & Twafohene of Ekumfi), Nana Adjoah Tanah II (Bogoso Queen mother), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama (Chief of Defence Staff), Hon. Moses Anim (MP Trobu Constituency & Deputy Minister for Fisheries), Hon. Elizabeth Sackey (Accra Mayor); and Dr. Francis Omane-Addo (Representative for Director of Prisons).
Others were Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare (Director General, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission); Rev. DOII I. K. Erzoah Amihere (Rep. for Chief Fire Officer of Ghana National Fire Service); Rev. Andrew Jackson T. Odjawo (Presbyterian Church of Ghana; Director for Ecumerical and social Relations); Rev. ADO II Samuel Mireku Addo (Chaplain, National Headquarters, GNFS); Rev. Derek E. Koomson (The General Director Scripture Union).
Also in attendance were Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head); Apostle Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode (Chaplain, Ghana Armed Forces & Resident Minister, Burma Camp Worship Centre); Elder Dr. Nana K. Gyasi (CEO Nana K. Gyasi Company Limited); Elder Dr. Nana Amo Tobin (CEO. Tobinco Group of Companies & Chief of Apinto Traditional Area), Elder Dr. Ebenezer Asamoah Nyarko (Deputy Director, PEMEM), and PEMEM National Executive Committee Members.
The “Bible Reading Marathon” initiative was initiated six years ago during the tenure of Apostle Emmanuel Ankra Badu (now Tema Area Head) as PEMEM Director. To commemorate this significant milestone, some churches with television broadcast channels have also offered to join Pent TV in transmitting the programme live to the church and general public.
A-Lang Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a special get-together event for widows, widowers and members aged 60 years and above in the Church.
The historic event, which was graced by the Odorkor Area Head, Apostle Isaac Tetteh Judah, took place at the church premises on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
In his opening remarks at the event, the Resident Minister, Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, said the Pensions Committee of the Church first mooted the idea of organising an end-of-year party for aged members in 2021, but the event was suspended due to financial constraints. He was, therefore, grateful to God that the vision has now materialised.
Apostle Dr. Tsekpoe praised Deaconess Georgina Gyasi and Mr. Fred Selby for singlehandedly funding the event.
Exhorting the gathering with Proverbs 16:31 and Isaiah 46:4, the Resident Minister advised participants to be joyful in old age and to count themselves blessed to have attained this age because it is a blessing from God.
Apostle Dr. Tsekpoe also assured them of God’s protection and providence and encouraged them to remain resolute in the faith.
“It is our prayer that through this event, the Lord would grant you long life with good health, and also bless your children and descendants,” he said.
Apostle Tetteh Judah, in a brief remark, commended the leadership of the Church, the sponsors and organisers of the event for the great work done and for fulfilling scripture (James 1:27) by caring for widows and widowers in the Church.
The participants, over 50 in number, were treated to live music by the Classical Revival Band of the Ghana Armed Forces and assorted food and drinks.
They also participated in various activities such as dancing and “Pick and Act,” among others.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Olivia Tsekpoe (Wife of the Resident Minister) and Deaconess Owu Ankrah (Odorkor Area Women’s Ministry Secretary), and the District Executive Committee members, among others.
The Akorabo District in the Suhum Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised its maiden Royals Conference to equip traditional rulers to rule with godly values and principles to possess the nations.
The conference which was held recently was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, among other royals in Akorabo and its environs.
Speaking at the event on the topic, “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you and you will turn into another man” – 1 Samuel 10:1-7, Overseer Maxwell Ataamoah, the Akorabo District Minister, indicated that God instituted kingship. He, therefore, admonished royals to reflect the virtues of Christ to bring changes in their communities.
In his submission, Elder Nana Odame, Dwantoahene of Pano-Kyebi, who also doubles as the Chairman of Suhum Area Chieftaincy Ministry, encouraged royals to rule with the fear of God to transform their communities.
Nana Odame admonished the royals to always seek God’s wisdom and direction in their reign as Solomon did.
The Chief of Jato, Nana Barfour Teitey Adjewi, on behalf of the royals expressed his gratitude to The Church of Pentecost for organising the conference.
The Mankessim District of The Church of Pentecost has organised a retirement service for 16 officers in the Edumadze Assembly of the district who have diligently and wholeheartedly served God and the Church for many years.
The gallant soldiers are Elder Anthony Kyidom, Elder James Nyarkoh, Elder James Baidoo, Elder Herbert King Owoo, Elder Joseph Kofi Paintsil and Elder Anthony Quainoo.
The others are Deacon Grace Gordon, Deacon Daniel Azanu, Deaconess Paulina Tawiah, Deaconess Juliana Amoako, Deaconess Elizabeth Acquah, Deaconess Beatrice Krampah, Deaconess Mary Appiah, Deaconess Rebecca Amonoo, Deaconess Elizabeth Donkoh, and Deaconess Dora Bentsil-Enchill.
The glorious service, which was held on January 20, 2023, was chaired by the Mankessim Area Head, Pastor Isaac Annan, and also had in attendance Pastor Benjamin Kufordjie (Mankessim District Minister), Pastor S.B Paintsil (Rtd.), members of the Area Executive Committee, and a cross-section of the area pastorate.
In his remarks at the event, Pastor Isaac Kofi Annan advised the retirees to continue to serve Lord even in retirement, stressing that being on retirement does not necessarily mean ending one’s service to the Lord.
As part of the service, the retirees were presented gifts, citations and an undisclosed cash amount in recognition of their commendable service to God and the district in particular.
Among those present to witness the service were Elder Emmanuel Essiam (Presiding Elder, Shiloh Assembly), relatives of the retirees as well as officers and members of the district.
Forty-six inmates of the recently-commissioned Nsawam Camp Prison have surrendered their lives to Christ.
The multifaceted camp prison, which was constructed by The Church of Pentecost and handed over to the Ghana Prisons Service, received the first batch of 50 inmates on January 8, 2023.
To the glory of God, 18 of the inmates accepted Jesus as their Lord and personal Saviour during the first church service organised at the camp on Sunday, January 15, 2023, and were baptised in water.
Twenty-eight others rededicated their lives to Christ. An intensive prayer session during the service saw some inmates renouncing their old way of life, fetishes and plans of exacting revenge on some targeted persons upon release.
The Nsawam Camp Prison is one of two correctional facilities constructed by The Church of Pentecost for the Prisons Service to support the efforts of government in reforming prisoners.
In the facility is a chapel, which focuses on refining prisoners with the word of God. The church building also serves as a classroom where prisoners receive formal education.
The facility also has a workshop where the prisoners are trained in skills acquisition so that they would be able to work to support themselves and become responsible members of society when reintegrated.
