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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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Accra Newtown District in the La Area of The Church of Pentecost has successfully retired 19 officers from active service.

The service, which took place at the Dr Thomas Wyatt Temple on Sunday, September 17, 2023, brought together various personalities, including the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye and his wife Mary, the La Area Head, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Nuepke and his wife Juanita, and the Evangelism Director, Apostle Dr Amos Jimmy Markin and his wife.

Others were Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, Cape Coast Area Head; Apostle John Obeng Kesse, Suame Area Head; Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd.) – former General Secretary of the Church; Apostle David Tettey Tekper (Rtd.), Apostle Moses Ayitey (Rtd), and Pastor Kusi Donkor of the Voice of Pentecost, among others.

In a presentation, Apostle Eric Nyamekye noted that retirement is a moment of joy, victory, and inner fulfilment of one’s work.

He said the event was a mixed feeling of the good work done by the retirees and a reflection on how to get a replacement of their kind.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye said that when a person serves well and retires, it is a sign that their service is well acknowledged by God and man and must be rewarded accordingly.

“Life’s journey and departure are always in a set of groups. The church has continually enjoyed these officers’ benevolence and selfless services,” he noted.

With scriptural reference to Jeremiah 45: 1- 5, he noted that after King Jehoiakim had learnt about Jeremiah’s prophesy, which Baruch had written, he sought for them; Baruch began to think of his life and the trouble he had put himself into. But God reassured him of His divine protection through a prophecy.

According to him, Moses was scared to return to Egypt because he feared losing his life when Pharaoh found him. After God permitted the devil to destroy Job’s possessions, the devil again sought permission to torment and kill him, for he knew that life is so precious to men and, as such, would do anything for their lives. Satan did everything possible to destroy and frustrate Job, but God preserved Job’s life.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye indicated that it is blessed to have one’s life intact till one retires because the Christian journey and leadership are full of casualties. He, therefore, urged the retirees to be grateful to God for their lives.

Report by Gina Akua Padi

The Bolgatanga Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle David Amankwaa, and his wife, Mrs Rosemond Amankwaa, have organised a three-day Fasting and Prayer Residential Retreat for the 33 ministers and wives in the Area.

The event, which took place at the PIWC-Bolga from Wednesday, 4th to Friday, 6th October 2023, was on the theme: “Repositioned to Focus on Jesus.”

Speaking at the retreat with references to Hebrews 1:1-3 and Mark 9: 1-8, Apostle Amankwaa shared with the pastorate the superiority of Jesus to prophets and angels. He said that Jesus is exalted above all personalities and beings in the heavens, on earth and under the earth; hence, the need to focus on Him and yearn to know Him better. 

Apostle Amankwaa shared the Executive Summary of the Area’s five-year vision (Vision 2028) with the ministers and their wives. The vision has the theme: “Knowing Jesus, Possessing the Nations.” He stated that knowing Jesus brings eternal life, transformed life, integrity, grace to overcome challenges and power to possess nations, among others.

Discussing the vision document, the ministers and their wives made relevant inputs through group meetings and plenary sessions.

The Spirit-filled atmosphere stimulated revelations, instantaneous worship, intense prayer sessions and prophecies. 

As part of the retreat, the Area Head assigned Pastor Evans Bawomia (Bongo District Minister) to do an extensive presentation on the effective ways of ministering in the Bolga Area, touching on the cultures, practices, members’ expectations, strengths in ministering in Bolga Area, the potential weaknesses, opportunities and threats. 

Pastor Michael Agbadze also made a presentation on teamwork, the key to ministry effectiveness and efficiency, while Pastors Michael Peasah and Yaw Sarpong Aguyire also handled the following: Water baptism, Child Dedication and the Lord’s Supper. The Area Accountant, the Area Deacon and the Executive Assistant also made some relevant presentations.

Apostle Amankwaa shared insightful Pastoralia and wholeheartedly blessed all the participants and ended the retreat on Friday afternoon with a communion service. 

During an inspection of the Area Office and Pentecost Clinic project sites, Pastor Aguyire proclaimed the gospel to three drug addicts who accepted Christ, with two of them instantly being baptised in water.

Report by Harriet Asante