Maranatha Assembly Church Building Dedicated

Maranatha Assembly Church Building Dedicated

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The Maranatha Assembly church building of the Anyaa District in the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost was dedicated by the Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, last Sunday. He was assisted by the Anyaa District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey. 

The beautiful edifice, which cost GHȼ574,629.97, was financed through contributions from the Church’s Head Office and Area, the District, the local assembly, and two benevolent individuals.

The Maranatha Assembly was opened on October 13, 2002 during the tenure of then Overseer Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, (now Apostle and General Secretary of the Church) as district minister. The assembly, which started with a membership of 17, currently boasts an overall membership of 523 members, made up of 106 men, 223 women and 194 children. 

Delivering a sermon titled “My House Shall be Called the House of Prayer” based on Matthew 21:13-14, Apostle A. E. K. Ekuban (Rtd.), the pioneer Head of the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area., explained that a temple of God must also serve its purpose. 

According to him, Jesus expects every church leader to make the place of worship a house of prayer. 

Apostle Ekuban noted how the early church engaged in fervent prayer and charged the leadership of the Assembly to ensure that prayer never ceases in the house of God. 

The retired minister further noted that the apostles of the early church were saturated in prayer, sustained by prayer and also moved in power. 

Concluding his message, Apostle Ekuban stated that making the temple a house of prayer is very beneficial to the Church as it drives away evil, and brings about divine healing, deliverance, and an abundance of grace and blessing.

“There are also sporadic testimonies in a praying church,” he added.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye, the current Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Head, in his remarks, expressed his joy at the completion and dedication of the church building project, which began some 11 years ago. 

He, therefore, commended the leadership of the district for ensuring its successful completion despite the global economic challenges. He also singled out Elder Gabriel Amoako, the Presiding Elder of the Assembly, for his selfless service and generous support towards the work.

Reflecting on what the Lord has done for the Church, the entire congregation danced their hearts out to the glory of God.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

Central Regional Retired Ministers &Wives Association Chapter Inaugurated

Central Regional Retired Ministers &Wives Association Inaugurated

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The Central Regional chapter of the Retired Ministers and Wives/Ministers’ Widows Association (RMWMWA) of The Church of Pentecost was inaugurated last Tuesday at the Adisadel Assembly church auditorium, Cape Coast.

The inaugural service was chaired by the Cape Coast Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, who is also an Executive Council Member and the Chairman of the Central Regional Coordinating Committee. Apostle Antwi was assisted by Heads of the administrative areas of the Church in the region. 

Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (retired), a former General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost and the RMWMWA National Chairman, on behalf of the National Executive Committee, inducted the leadership of the new chapter into office to signify its official inauguration.

Also present were Pastor Arko Aboagyem (Cape Coast Area Pensions Committee Chairman), Elder Daniel Quainoo (Area Deacon), the Cape Coast Area pastorate and their spouses, as well as, delegates from all the areas of the Church in the region.

The RMWMWA is an association of retired ministers, wives and widows who have served meritoriously in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost. The association works closely with the Pensions Board to cater to the welfare needs of its members.

Report by Pastor Okoampah Kwesi Ebenezer Ayivi

Cry Ubuntu

Cry Ubuntu: Dancing To The Drums Of Our Communion Amidst Economic Hiccups

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Opening

Not only is Africa celebrated or is she unsung for being the cradle of civilisation; her children scattered the world over are positively flexing their muscles to push ahead the frontiers of modern civilisation. One would have thought that after the countries of Africa regained their political independence, they would indeed wake up from the nightmare of slavery and colonisation. If one creates and opens a window of life and observes Africa from a distance, it is not a laughter of joy out of the abundance of economic well-being one would hear, neither would one smile at the mastery with which the people manage their own affairs. The good life of the populace has been hijacked. Africa would be seen struggling to even enjoy the natural resources that are under her belly. Watching the Africans at this stage of life would reveal many who are struggling to even make ends meet. Children of school-going age would be seen engaged in hard labour to help their parents involved in menial jobs so food could be served on the table. Young men and women would have no proper means of employment. The many who by the sweat of their brow are pushing in life do not have the suitable economic conditions to thrive. Meanwhile, self-centeredness and corruption have become the bane of her governance. Africa, in the words of Chinua Achebe, is “no longer at ease.”  The pain of Africa is grave. On the rise are conceptions of life and attitudes that are not African. They are antithetical to Africa’s philosophy of life. These have become her woes. The African must rise from slumber lest he or she sells her sense of community. The sacrifice of this Africa’s interconnectedness in life underlies, significantly, her economic struggle.

God Revealed in Africa’s Philosophy of Communion

Upon entrance into a typical African society, one thing is almost always striking. The experience would be like meeting one man in a place of many people; the people are this connected. Our common humanity is almost like a rhythm one must shake his body to. They move like one man, thinking the same and striving towards a common destiny. If you are struggling to appreciate how the one God exists in three persons, you could look upon the Africans and be informed.

God has revealed himself to humanity in an awesome manner. It is through a loving covenantal relationship with humanity that a knowledge of God comes us. We got to know of his love that transcends all understanding. A glimpse of his glorious nature is shown to us. The attributes that mark him as unique become apparent in his walk with people throughout the generations. His omnipotence contrasts sharply with our frailty. The omniscient God and ancient of days was there before us and he lives on whilst we pass away like the grass that flourishes in the morning and withers before the sunsets. God’s omnipresence exposes our limitations with respect to space and time. Yet, that he is a triune person perplexes our minds most extensively; it is a mystery above our apprehension. No wonder this nature of God has suffered a plethora of heretic formulations. Nevertheless, we can look around to draw inspiration towards an iota of comprehension of his awesome being. After all, he has left footprints in the ecosystem. This may be religio-cultural or socio-political contexts.

The oneness of the Trinity finds pointers in Africa’s way of living as one big family. Indeed, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in essence. They work towards one eternal purpose. Africa’s concept of community that is lived out in everyday life reveals this nature of God. It is a way of life that must not be downplayed. Divinity agrees with this viewpoint of life. It provokes a support system that enables the survival of one another. Community is the superpower of Africans. This must not be allowed to fall apart.

The Fall Asunder

The impact of the conceptual West on Africa has been enormous. It is not only the slave trade and colonisation that championed the alteration in Africa’s worldview of life. Verily, these had an enormous impact. The effects are still being felt today. The influx of cultures into cultures has garnered a strong departure if not repulsion of one’s cultural heritage. Globalization is dictating the pace of cultural dynamism. The social media craze and the desire to idolise non-African ideas of life has done Africa in, even to the point of sacrificing our sense of communion. African can do better!

The extended family system has come under attack. Community life has been compromised. Living together as brothers and sisters per the African spirit is in tatters. We have become accustomed to coiling into the shells of self-centredness. It is no more the music of Ubuntu (“humanity towards others”) that is heard, but the dirge of individualism. The implication of this on the socio-economic life of the people is enormous.

Our sense of humanity is a fine support system that preserves life in times of difficulty. Ubuntu has the potency to uplift the fallen; strengthen the weakling, wipe the tears of the sorrowful; and provide the path to the lost. These benefits we have considerably denied one another in the face of the present global economic upheavals.

The reality on the ground is that instead of responding humanly to the discomforting economic situation we find ourselves in, we have become inclined more toward “survival of the fittest.” We don’t need this concept as a people. Such a disposition does not lead to survival but rather destruction. Many are willing to milk others off their economic lot in their bit to survive within a cold economy. Multiplication of prices of goods and services is on the go in an unprecedented manner. This is inhumanity towards one another. It is evil. Sadly, we have burgeoned the economic hardship. By these practices, we have sold our identity and have become something else.

Conclusion: Sankofa

Meanwhile, we also believe in stopping, reflecting, redirecting our paths, and bringing about a time of refreshing. We are of the view that if one makes a mistake and seeks to correct his or her ways, it must be encouraged. This is seen in our adages (orality) and symbolism that define our primal imagination as a people. This is the point at which each one of us must take time to discover our role in the breakdown of our common humanity. There must necessarily be a turnaround. Do not cheat your neighbour for your own survival. What really keeps us alive is the survival of our brothers and sisters; the people we live together with in our society. Amidst this economic difficulty, let us find strength in one another; supporting one another to weather the storm. May the melody of our common humanity not faint away through the chasm that selfishness has wedged between socio-economic struggle and humanity. We must do well not to forfeit our understanding of life, the concept of community that very excellently reveals even divinity. Let us get the Ubuntu and walk in that spirit. Wisdom is not in an avalanche of words. I rest my case.

Written by Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

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Couple Donates Accident & Emergency Block To Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital

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Mr. Ramus and Mrs. Elizabeth Nyame Kwofie, both members of the Wiawso Central Assembly of The Church of Pentecost, have singlehandedly constructed an ultramodern Accident and Emergency Block for the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital in the Western North Region of Ghana.

The facility, constructed at a total cost of GHS 1.4 million, was formally handed over to the hospital during a special ceremony held on November 17, 2022.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS in an interview, Mr Kwofie, the Chief Executive Officer of Raycof Group of Companies and the Queen Elizabeth Hotel at Sefwi Wiawso, said the Lord laid on his heart to put up the facility after a visit to the hospital.

The hospital did not have an Accident and Emergency Unit, as a result, they had used a veranda for a makeshift unit. The unit had only four beds so many patients had to settle for a place on the floor for treatment.

According to him, he was deeply moved by the sorry sight of patients lying on the floor with drips and decided to put up a suitable facility to deal with the challenge.

Mr. Kwofie said he met with hospital officials and declared his intention to put up the facility. The elated officials gave him a proposed building plan and the estimated budget for the project. 

Mr. Kwofie admitted that he was intimidated by the amount involved, but he took confidence in the fact that it was the Lord who had commissioned him to do it.

“So, I told my wife about it, and we prayed for the Lord to grant us the needed resources to complete the project. And to the glory of God, we were able to do it within a year,” he said.

The newly-commissioned block is able to accommodate 40 patients at a time, and the couple is hopeful that it would aid the operations of the hospital and enable them to serve patients better.

Report by Elder Cosmos Nana Bennie.

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse Rtd. Goes Home

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse Rtd. Goes Home

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The mortal remains of the late Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse (rtd), was interred on Saturday, November 26, 2022, after a burial and memorial service was held in his honour at Abirem Methodist School Park, Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.

The solemn service, which was officiated by the New Tafo Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, with assistance from the Area pastorate, was attended by a host of active and retired ministers of the Church.

In a sermon on the topic: “When we die, we will rise again,” based on John 11:25-26, Apostle John Budu Kobina Tawiah, (Kwadaso Area Head), emphatically acknowledged that death is not the end of life for there is a lively hope to be enjoyed by believers after the earthly transition.

The Kwadaso Area Head revealed mysteries surrounding the next life for the faithful in Christ Jesus and called on all who have not come to know the Son of God to decide before they live to regret on the day of reckoning.

The late Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse (rtd), 74, was called into the full-time Ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1986. He served in six duty stations including Ampaha District (1986-1990), Sepe-Buokrom District (1990-1993), Kasapin District (1993-1999), Agona Swedru District, now Chapel Square (1999-2004), Sefwi Asanwinso District (2004-2009), and Takoradi Kwesimintsim District (2009-2013).

The service, among other things, presented an opportunity for the wife, Mrs. Mary Asieduwaa Kesse, the children, and the General Council to offer glowing tributes about the deceased minister.

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse is survived by two children.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

PIWC-Graceland Organises “RMU Campus Crusade”

PIWC-Graceland Organises “RMU Campus Crusade”

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Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) organised a two-day evangelism crusade on the campus of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as part of activities to mark the “November Aggressive Evangelism Month” being observed in The Church of Pentecost nationwide.

The event, which was held from November 18 to 19, 2022, had Pastor Felix Okyere Anti (Resident Minister) and Pastor Gabriel Nti (PENSA Travelling Secretary, Madina Sector) as the main speakers.

The crusade also featured song ministrations by Kobby Mante and Elder Shadrach Yeboah, Grace Choir (Resident choir of PIWC-Graceland) and PENSA-RMU Harmonics. 

At the end of the event, a total of 10 souls were won, with four receiving water baptism on the RMU campus, while 21 others rededicated their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In a related development, a street evangelism exercise embarked upon by the entire presbytery and members of PIWC-Graceland last Sunday, after church service, yielded 20 souls to the glory of God.

Led by the leadership of the Church, the congregation marched through principal inner roads within the community proclaiming the gospel message of Christ to the residents and other bystanders.

Report by PIWC-Graceland Media Team

“Festival Of Worship, Word & Wonders” Records 116 Souls

“Festival Of Worship, Word & Wonders” Records 116 Souls

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A total of 116 souls, comprising 74 adults and 42 children, were recorded during the maiden edition of the ‘Festival of Worship, Word and Wonders’ event organised by the Nsakina New Town District of The Church of Pentecost.

The weeklong event, which took place from November 7 to 13, 2022, at the Nsakina Methodist Park, also recorded many miracles to the glory of God.

The programme, held under the theme, “The God of Great Wonders” (Psalm 77:13-15), brought together seasoned gospel artistes such as Deaconess Piesie Esther, Deacon Sammy Baah, and Jake Alolome. 

The event also featured Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Director, Evangelism Ministry), Pastor Manasseh Mintah (Atimatim District, New Tafo Area), Elder Kwesi Delali, and Elder Prince Mark (CEO, PrinceMark Group of Companies) as main speakers.

The crowds of over 1000 that gathered for the event were particularly moved by the various instant healings that took place at the event, including that of Erica Bosompemaa of Salem Assembly in Nsakina New Town District, who for several months could not bend her right arm because of severe pain in the elbow, but was instantly healed at the event. 

Elizabeth Wonyo of New Life Assembly in Mallam suffered from waist and leg pains as a result of a vehicular accident she was involved in. She, thus, had difficulty walking and squatting, but after prayers, she could do all that with much ease and gladness.

For two years, Sarah Ocran of Nsakina Central Assembly had difficulty standing due to a bone fracture. This was, however, remedied supernaturally after prayer. She could now stand and walk briskly around with much ease and no pain.

Also, Paulina Awuduwaa of Salem Assembly in Nsakina New Town District complained of experiencing stroke-like symptoms such as having a burning sensation within her body, stiffness in the arms and legs and general body weakness. After the prayer session, she felt the touch of the Lord and was relieved of all those experiences. She went home free from the burning sensation, stiffness and body weakness.

Victoria Koranteng, also of Salem Assembly, suffered severe pain in an ear, which made hearing quite hard. She testified of the absence of the pain in the ear after the prayer.

At the climax of the programme, Pastor Samuel Acheampong, the host minister, thanked God for His leading, which, according to him, was the main contributory factor to the successful event. He also acknowledged the roles played by the various planning teams put in place. 

The Anyaa Ablekuma Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, who joined congregants for the event climax with his wife, Mrs Comfort Ohemeng-Kwakye, encouraged the members to continue to have faith in God and rely on Him in all their endeavours. 

He led the congregation in a time of intercession for the peace and economic stability of the nations of the world, particularly, Ghana.

Report by Nsakina New Town District

The Church of Pentecost Hosts Bible League’s ‘Project Philip Training’

The Church of Pentecost Hosts Bible League’s ‘Project Philip Training’

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The Nsakina New Town District in the Anyaa Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost has hosted a one-day workshop on effective soul-winning and disciple-making strategies organised by Bible League Ghana.

The Bible League Ghana is a Christian non-denominational organisation that partners with local churches, mission groups and other Christian organisations to fulfil the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. They do this by organising training workshops in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, as well as, providing Bibles and Bible study materials to churches and Christian groups.

The workshop, dubbed ‘The Project Philip Training’, was held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Emmanuel Assembly church building. The event recorded 175 participants – 145 of them came from the Nsakina New Town District; the others joined from other denominations, namely; Assemblies of God – Reigners Chapel, True Believers Pentecostal Ministry, Methodist Church of Ghana, and Heavens Sheep-Gate Chapel, all in Nsakina. 

The lessons, which were facilitated by the Country Director of Bible League Ghana, Rev. Dr. Ahmed Quarshie, and their Training Coordinator, Evangelist Daniel Obuba, focused on practical ways to engage others in personal witnessing, the presentation of the Gospel message, and the use of small groups in disciple-making. 

In attendance were six of the international leaders of the organisation, in the persons of Rob Bullock (USA), Jared Martins (USA), Chester Cameron (USA), Kelly Gracia (USA), Henk Van Der Voort (the Netherlands) and Wijbe Sijens (the Netherlands). Head Pastors of some of the participating churches also attended the workshop. They were Rev. Emmanuel Addae (Assemblies of God) and Rev. Edward Anane (True Believers).

Report by Nsakina New Town District

COURTSHIP – THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

Courtship – The Christian Perspective

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The word courtship lends itself to many interpretations based on culture, religious affiliation and sometimes denomination. Despite the varied connotations, one thing stands out for Christians. Courtship for Christians describes the period wherein a would-be couple gets to know each other prior to marriage. The purpose of the relationship is well-defined and made known to family and sometimes the church. Though courtship is not explicitly mentioned in the scriptures, sound doctrine regarding chastity, sexual purity, and the right way of contracting marriage provide direction as to how it should be conducted. 

Thus, flowing from the principles of sound doctrine, courtship begins after parents, guardians or church leaders are made aware of the intention to enter into marriage. However, parties are not expected to live as married couples or commit themselves in any intimate way. On the other hand, the ‘worldly’ view of courtship seems to encourage cohabitation, intimate relationships with no direction towards marriage, and sometimes jumping into relationships for fun. Thus, to distinguish between dating and courtship, John Piper, a renowned theologian and Christian author, posits that courtship ordinarily begins when a single man conducts his relationship with a single woman under the authority of her guardians, or church after they have been made aware of his intention to marry her. Conversely, in dating, the man or the woman initiates a ‘more than friends’ relationship with the other and then conducts that relationship outside any oversight or authority. 

Some factors make courtship needful. Most importantly, marriage contraction takes time. Thus, the time lag between the declaration of intent to guardians and the blessing of the marriage is the courtship period. During this period, certain relevant pieces of information about the person’s background, medical history, and profession are confirmed by both parties as well as their parents or guardians. Sadly, there are many instances where people have been deceived by outward appearances and statements of would-be husbands or wives. Out of trust, such persons did not care to even find out where they lived, confirm their professions, meet their family and, in some instances, ask more questions about previous marriages and children if there were any. In such cases, the consequences have not been too pleasant. 

Also, the period of courtship allows both parties to avail themselves for counselling prior to the marriage. Premarital counselling basically prepares and equips both parties by helping them identify and discuss important issues. These include temperaments, long-term goals, finances, expectations, roles, intimacy, sex, and career goals. Counsellors draw attention to important details one is likely to gloss over due to either ignorance or youth exuberance, thereby shaping one’s perspectives on marriage. Premarital counselling may span between three to six months, depending on the denomination or church of both parties. 

It is important to state that, aside from the advantages, this period comes with its temptations. Thus, both parties need to exercise discipline and be discretional in their decision-making. No-go areas include intimacy, holding joint bank accounts, sleeping over during weekends, making huge investments or acquiring landed properties together and cohabiting, among others. Since courtship is not synonymous with marriage, one must be careful and walk circumspectly. 

Written by Mrs. Nana Adwoa Owusu-Boateng (PENSA, Sunyani Sector)

Elder Amoah & Family Build Awaso Central Assembly Church Auditorium

Elder Amoah & Family Build Awaso Central Assembly Church Auditorium

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Elder Prince and Mrs. Margret Amoah of Santasi District of The Church of Pentecost have put up a 350 seating-capacity church auditorium for Awaso Central Assembly in the Sefwi Bekwai area of the Church.

The local assembly, which was created in 1965, used to worship in a building that had developed some structural defects.

According to Elder Prince Amoah, who grew up in Awaso, the Lord laid it upon his heart to put up a church building in the Sefwi Bekwai Area, and in consultation with the Area Executive Committee decided for the said building to be put up in the Awaso District. 

Subsequently, a sod was cut on March 10, 2022, for the commencement of the project. The building project was completed eight months later.

The Amoah family also donated seven executive chairs, 358 chairs and a set of musical instruments to the local assembly – all amounting to GH¢ 764,694.00.

Apostle Yaw Agyei-Kwarteng, an Executive Council Member and Bompata Area Head of the Church, dedicated the building on behalf of the Chairman of the Church on November 22, 2022.

He expressed much gratitude to the Amoah family and admonished all Christians to honour the Lord with their substance. 

Also present at the ceremony were the Sefwi Bekwai Area Head, Apostle E. K. Osei Ofosu, the Sefwi Bekwai area pastorate and their wives, as well as some ministers from Bompata and Kwadaso areas. 

Report by Pastor Austin K. Fuachie (Bayerebon District)