Posts in category: Top Stories

I was employed as a Photographer and Darkroom Technician in 1993 at Pentecost Press, then at La, the Head Office of The Church of Pentecost.

I was in charge of the darkroom, doing lithography works and photography. In 1998, I was privileged to attend the General Council Meeting for the first time at the Central Tabernacle in Koforidua. Former President Flt. J. J. Rawlings attended the opening ceremony held at the EREDEC Hotel, and after that, the meeting commenced at the Central Tabernacle. 

It was not easy for me to move around to take photos since media and social media coverage was not as common as it is today. Everything was ‘spiritual’ and serious business.

Then came the election of the Chairman and other Executive Council Members. It was in this election that Apostle Ntumy was elected as the Chairman of the Church. I was asked to prepare a venue for group photographs for Prophet M. K. Yeboah’s outgoing and Apostle M. K. Ntumy’s incoming executives. I remember with the help of Pastor Steve Nyakotey Quao (now retired), we suggested the EREDEC compound for the photo shoot. It was not a digital camera to check the images. It was 135 film I used and later sent to the photo lab for development and printing. Thank God, everything came out nicely for both executives. 

This experience began my photo journey with Chairman Ntumy. I became the Church’s official photographer for major events like induction services, council meetings, and other church programmes during his tenure of office.

Early Morning Call By Mrs Martha Ntumy

Mrs Martha Ntumy called me one morning to take some photographs after they had finished their term as Chairman of the Church and were preparing for Germany. When I got there, Mrs Ntumy said, “Daddy is tired and resting,” so I waited a while as she organised and had the photos taken.”

In about an hour, Mama Martha returned and told me that Apostle Dr Ntumy was getting ready for the photo shoot, as we call it today. My little knowledge of photography and diplomacy paved the way for me to put smiles on their faces and take photos. Lo and behold, one of those photographs is now the most used or circulated photo of Apostle Dr Ntumy within The Church of Pentecost and beyond. 

Mama Martha, a strong woman with a big heart, supported Apostle Dr Ntumy in finishing the work of the Lord in grand style. Ayekoo Apostlewaa.

Indeed, Apostle Dr Ntumy has served his Maker, the Lord Jesus Christ, and as one of our songs, No. 77 says: 

“Go, labour on, spend, and be spent, 

Thy joy to do the Father’s will; 

It is the way the Master went, 

Should not the servant tread it still?

Ayekoo, Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy. You have done well, Papa. 

May he have a peaceful rest in the Lord. 

By John Boateng Asante

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” ACTS 1:8

Every person in the great fabric of our Christian faith is endowed with a significant ability: the capacity to be a catalyst for the gospel’s proclamation. It’s simple to think of Christian outreach as the responsibility of a select group of people adorned in clergy robes standing at pulpits. But the core of our work is based on the conviction that every man and woman is at the bottom, the gospel’s wheel, with the power to shift the wheels of illumination and transformation from Jerusalem (our inner circles) in all Judaea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (our outer circles). Acts 1:8

In this piece, we will discover ourselves not as spectators but as active participants in the grand narrative of spreading the gospel in the symphony of faith, where every note adds to the melody of the spiritual transformation of the world. This article aims to shed light on the crucial part that each individual in the body of Christ plays in this divine orchestration: the power vested in ordinary people to become extraordinary bearers of the gospel of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Our study proceeds in three stages:

1. THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL: We explore the fundamental idea that every individual can be a catalyst for change in the church, focusing on the role of the divine chariot in actively proclaiming the gospel, drawing inspiration from 2 Peter 2:21.

• SPREADING THE WORD: In the second stage, we will learn about the importance of messengers, the transformative power of sharing the word, and inspiring stories of faith-inspiring individuals.

• TAKING INITIATIVE:  As we approach the final stage of our journey, it is crucial to consider the concrete actions resulting from faith and initiative, not just receiving the word but also actively participating in sharing the gospel in our neighbourhoods and workplaces.

Come explore faith in action with us as we study how the call to take initiative, the strength of the person, and the skill of sharing the word come together to form a harmonic chorus of divine revelation.

THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL

“No prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God”.-  2 Peter 1:21 (Good News Translation)

The writings of Romans 10:14-15 and 2 Peter 1:21 were composed within the framework of early Christian society. Christianity was a minority religion at the time and had a difficult time being widely accepted and disseminating its doctrines. The scriptures highlight the significance of using human messengers to go beyond these barriers and share the gospel with people who have not heard of or accepted Jesus Christ. It emphasises the importance of human ambassadors in the spread of Christ’s teachings, as they are the ones who bring the word of God to those who have not yet heard or believed. By doing so, these messengers play a crucial role in facilitating faith and fostering the growth of the church and the beauty of their feet.

One potential counterargument to the idea that humans play a central role in spreading the gospel is the belief in divine intervention. Some may contend that human efforts are subordinate to God’s purpose and that it is ultimately His responsibility to see that the gospel is heard by those who need to hear it. The quotations offered, however, imply that people are active players in the message’s transmission rather than only passive listeners. People play their part in the divine plan when they actively proclaim and share the good news. Consequently, human engagement is still crucial even when supernatural intervention is involved.

People are encouraged to get involved in their religious groups by realising the value of personal interaction in sharing the gospel. This knowledge inspires Christians to communicate their faith, interact with people proactively, and participate in outreach initiatives. It also highlights the idea that everyone can contribute to the gospel’s dissemination regardless of one’s standing or function within the religious hierarchy. As a result, the religious community as a whole may be strengthened, and believers may feel more unified and accountable to one another.

SPREADING THE WORD

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. –  Mark 16:15-16

Many people have served as lights in the history books, guiding successive generations down the gospel’s road. These dedicated individuals, who range from the unwavering early Christian apostles to the relentless missionaries of today, have not only shared the good news but also embodied its transformative impact. Their steadfast dedication has created a lasting legacy by establishing churches, encouraging conversions, and promoting the broadening of the Christian religion.

Consider the apostolic zeal of Paul and Peter, whose names resonate through the hallways of time. These pioneers braved fresh territories and faced hardships head-on, never giving up on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to various regions and communities. The New Testament details their arduous travels, providing a moving account of the crucial role that human messengers played in the early phases and successful spread of Christianity.

Furthermore, the impact of people like Mother Teresa, who served the impoverished with unmatched compassion or contemporary missionaries who toil ceaselessly in remote parts of the world beyond the pages of scripture further emphasises the gospel’s enduring power. As we read through these stories, we see how interpersonal interactions and connections have a cascading impact, a phenomenon crucial to a person’s choice to adopt a faith. Research confirms that the authentic sharing of faith through personal testimony and the warmth of human connection play a major role in the gospel’s reception. When a soul meets another, these private times are when the seeds of faith find rich soil and grow into long-lasting spiritual journeys.

TAKING INITIATIVE

“How then will they call on him whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10; 14 -15 9English Standard Version)

Now that we are at the point of inspiration and action, there is a strong urgency to take the initiative. Being just receivers of the gospel is insufficient; we are called to actively participate in its dissemination. Here are some practical pointers and ideas for people to start this life-changing process of enlightening others in their communities or areas of influence:

1. Embrace authenticity by living out your faith daily, as genuine belief radiates sincerity and can serve as a powerful testimony.
2. Lead by example by demonstrating the transformative power of faith through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, demonstrating the principles you uphold.
3. Talk to loved ones about your beliefs in a courteous and open manner. This will provide a safe environment for discussion and spiritual exchange, boosting understanding and spiritual development.
4. Utilize social media to share uplifting messages, personal reflections, or relevant scripture passages, reaching a global audience through online platforms.
5. Support missionary work by contributing financially or logistically, even if you cannot personally embark on missions. This can greatly aid those actively spreading the gospel.
6. Volunteer for missions work and outreach initiatives. This allows you to personally witness how the gospel is preached and received outside the walls of the church.

The first step in spreading the word is making the commitment to be a lighthouse in your community, adding to the story of faith that unites people there and creating a lasting legacy that echoes the call to share good news across all boundaries.

CONCLUSION

Our journey through “Man; The Wheel of the Gospel” has unveiled a profound truth that every man and woman is, at their core, the gospel’s wheel endowed with the power to shape the narrative of spiritual enlightenment. We explored the significance of the individual in three stages:

The Power of the Individual: Inspired by 2 Peter 2:21, we learned that human messengers, driven by the Holy Spirit, are integral to transmitting the divine message. It’s a call not just to hear but to actively participate in the proclamation of the gospel.

Spreading the Word: From apostolic zeal to modern missionaries, we witnessed the transformative impact of individuals who not only shared the good news but lived it. Their stories underscored the enduring power of personal interactions in the spread of faith.

Taking Initiative: The final stage brought us to the present, where we are called to take concrete actions. Embracing authenticity, initiating conversations, leveraging social media, and supporting missionary work are among the practical steps for individuals to actively engage in spreading the word.

As we conclude, the tapestry of faith is woven with the threads of human stories, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic of spiritual transformation. The journey does not end; it extends beyond the pages of this article, inviting each reader to be a modern torchbearer, continuing the legacy of those who have paved the way before us. The gospel is not confined to pulpits but resonates in the hearts and actions of every believer, echoing the timeless command: “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15-16). It is an ever-expanding symphony, and each individual is a crucial note, harmonising the chorus of divine revelation.

REACH OUT, TAKE OVER, AND BE THE WHEEL OF THE GOSPEL.

Written by Deacon Blessing Agyei.

In this dark world where right is wrong and wrong is right, Vision 2028 stands as John the Baptist with a trumpet sounding from the desert to the city and echoing the mandate: “Possess the Nations! Transform your world!” which is the Great Commission Jesus charged us His children. The Spirit of Shamgar, as exemplified in Judges 3:31, becomes a light, illustrating the unwavering support system and showing the boldness of faith required to keep the heart of the Vision 2028 agenda.

UNDERSTANDING VISION 2028: “POSSESSING THE NATIONS”

At the core of Vision 2028 lies the task of possessing the nations for the Kingdom of God. It’s a call to be agents of transformation, vessels through which the values and principles of the Kingdom are shown and demonstrated in society. This vision is not a passive observance; it’s a dynamic and potent participation in God’s transformative agenda.

THE SPIRIT OF SHAMGAR IN VISION 2028

In Judges 3:31, Shamgar emerges as an unsung hero, using an oxgoad to defeat six hundred Philistines and saving Israel. Even though he is an unsung hero, His spirit and character are the very essence required to keep the Vision 2028 agenda at heart.

LESSON 1: BOLD FAITH IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES

The Spirit of Shamgar teaches us to embrace the boldness of faith. Possessing the nations and being an agent of transformation in a world with challenges demands a faith that goes beyond imagination. It’s about trusting God’s power even when faced with seemingly impossible odds. There will be people who will speak against the vision. An example is the Ejura Prison facility that was built under the Possessing the Nations agenda phase one (1) through the leadership of our dear chairman Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye and the Executive Members. Quite a number spoke against it, but at the end of the day, the souls (inmates) are repenting and giving themselves to Christ through the help of the Holy Spirit and CoP chaplains in the prison facility. By doing this, the church fulfilled one scripture in the bible when Jesus asked these questions: Matthew 25:35-40 KJV; for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

LESSON 2: UTILISING UNCONVENTIONAL MEANS FOR TRANSFORMATION

Shamgar’s choice of an oxgoad, an unconventional tool, echoes the need for creative and unconventional means in the pursuit of Vision 2028. To be an agent of transformation may require us to step outside traditional boundaries, utilising unique gifts and strategies that align with the Spirit’s guidance. By the special grace of God, like Shamgar, who had an oxgoad, we as the church now have many tools to our advantage. An example of one of the tools is The CoP E-Church. The purpose of this tool is to enable the church to have a digital space fully for online church service, which will purely be a missiological church established with the primary focus of reaching a targeted online audience who do not know the Lord Christ. It will seek to primarily win such people for Christ and to disciple them within a CoP church community that operates entirely online. (Reference from Vision 2028, page 52, 3.2.13.1 The CoP E-Church/Digital Church/Online (Church Assembly)

LESSON 3: INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION

The Spirit of Shamgar underscores the impact of individual responsibility in corporate transformation. Each believer, as an agent of transformation, contributes to the collective effort of possessing the nations. It’s a reminder that personal dedication ripples into communal change.

LESSON 4: FEARLESS COMMITMENT TO KINGDOM VALUES

Shamgar’s fearless commitment to combating the Philistines symbolises the unwavering dedication needed in keeping the Vision 2028 agenda at heart. Being an agent of transformation entails a fearless commitment to Kingdom values — love, justice, compassion, and righteousness — values that transcend cultural and societal norms.

LESSON 5: A CALL TO PERSONAL AND COMMUNAL IMPACT

The Spirit of Shamgar resonates with the call for both personal and communal impact. Keeping the Vision 2028 agenda at heart involves recognising that our actions, no matter how seemingly small, contribute to the broader narrative of possessing the nations for the Kingdom. It’s a call to be intentional in our daily lives, impacting those around us.

CONCLUSTION

In conclusion, the Spirit of Shamgar becomes a guiding force in our journey toward Vision 2028. As we declare, “Possessing the Nations! I am an Agent of Transformation!” may the audacious faith, unconventional strategies, and unwavering support exemplified by Shamgar be our inspiration on this transformative pilgrimage. God bless you.

Written by P/Overseer Solomon Boadi

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Galatians 6:1-7

In the intricate roller of life, our actions and inactions are the seeds we sow—a concept deeply rooted in the biblical principle outlined in Galatians 6:7. God, a multiplier by nature, does not merely add but multiplies the seeds we plant in the fertile soil of our existence. Proverbs 22:8 reinforces the eternal truth that our actions bear fruit, and the nature of these seeds determines the harvest we reap.

Fortunately, God, in His infinite wisdom, has granted us the agency to choose the seeds we sow. Referencing Galatians 5:22-23, these seeds include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—yielding a bountiful and sweet harvest. Conversely, the seeds of the works of the flesh—hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy—lead to a harvest of turmoil and spiritual barrenness.

These seeds manifest in our daily lives through actions and decisions. In families, sowing seeds of love, understanding, investment, proper planning, and faithfulness enrich our relationships. In workplaces, seeds of hard work, honesty, integrity, and fairness contribute to a thriving professional environment. As students, good seeds involve hard work, adherence to school rules, dedication to studies, and worshiping Christ. In the church, seeds can be planted through winning souls and keeping souls, prayer, caring for the needy within and without, and righteousness. Guided by our divine identity as children of God, these seeds fall on fertile grounds, yielding positive results.

The seeds we sow shape our future, as articulated in 2 Corinthians 9:6. Sowing sparingly reaps sparingly, while sowing generously yields a generous harvest. Our actions extend beyond the immediate, leaving a lasting impact on our destiny and fostering communal well-being.

As we embark on the journey of possessing our nations, unleashed as people of God, let us strive to sow good seeds this year. The impact of these seeds will ripple through our lives, communities, churches, and nations. An impacted life becomes a catalyst for possessing other lives, communities, and nations.

In the divine dance of sowing and reaping, let our actions echo the wisdom of planting seeds of love, kindness, and righteousness. As we navigate the path of possessing our nations, may our seeds be the conduits of positive change, transforming the world and fulfilling the vision set forth by our forbearers.

Written by Elder Daniel Kwarteh Mintah (School Outreach Ministry Coordinator, Konongo Area)

Jesus gave an ultimate mandate to Christians: to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to obey everything He has commanded, for He is with us to the end of the age (emphasis mine) – Matthew 28:19–20. These were the last but important words of Jesus to His disciples before reuniting with the Father in heaven.

From the above command, it is clear that discipleship is the essence of this great commission, encompassing all spheres of influence – business, family, economy, schools, etc. According to 2 Peter 3:9, the Lord is not willing to lose a soul but desires them to come to a place of repentance. This is supported by Jesus’ statement in Luke 19:10 that He came to seek and save the lost. For this reason, He issued the great commission, which has now become our responsibility and mandate to tell the world about Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

The successful execution of this mandate and commission is anchored on the power released by the Holy Spirit when He comes upon you. As the word of God says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8. It is on the basis of this power from on high that you are being unleashed to witness to the world, transform it, and possess it to the glory of God. The coming of the promised Holy Spirit has made you an unlimited, immeasurable, and surpassing powerhouse, which when unleashed, will positively transform the world.

With the unleashed mandate and the tremendous power locked up in us, we are being admonished in this day, time, and era to willingly embrace the unleashed mandate to save our generation and transform the world.

The Bible gives an account of a Prophet named Jonah, who initially refused to embrace his God-given mandate. The Bible records that Jonah, a prophet of God with the power of God at work in him, was reluctant to embrace his unleashed mandate to save the people of Nineveh. It reads, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me. But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish…” – Jonah 1:1–3.

This is the case for many of us. We pride ourselves as Christians but turn to run from our core mandate of going into the world to proclaim Christ and save the very people we claim to love from condemnation. With a lot of excuses, we run away from the task, leaving the battlefield unattended, with no empathy for the millions of precious lives perishing and heading to eternal damnation. Will we continue to stay unconcerned? Will we be quiet about the truth and see people perish because they do not know Christ? Will the systems of economies get better if you fail to possess them with the values and principles of the kingdom of God?

The answer is NO!

We are being unleashed into the ends of the world. That is our field of operation, but unfortunately, we limit the word WORLD to earth. Earth refers to the physical dirt, animals, trees, soil, stones, and others. With WORLD, we are referring to all SYSTEMS like schools, politics, religion, media, entertainment, business, family, etc., and not necessarily physical planets. The Greek word for the world is kosmos, meaning systems or order. So, Jesus came to save the systems and orders in place and not physical planets. This is the more reason why, after His death and resurrection, He commissioned us to lead the systems (world) as light of life and arrow-heads. Humanity is built around systems that determine the rise and fall of mankind. These systems are supposed to be taken over by kingdom-minded people or people of heavenly light to bring order and champion the agenda of God on earth and not run away from it or limit ourselves to the boundaries of the church.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul asked a simple but very important question: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

Arise, you sleeping soldier, heed the unleashing agenda, move into your sphere of influence, and ultimately transform your world. Let each one transform his or her world; together we transform the world. The great city of Nineveh, with about a hundred and twenty thousand (120,000) inhabitants, received mercy from the Lord after the Prophet had embraced his mandate and caused the people to repent accordingly.

Jonah 3:6 – “When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust.”

Jonah 3:10 – “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”

In Conclusion, know that the light is to the world, to everyone under the influence of darkness. Now that we are representatives of Jesus and as long as we are here in this world, we are the light of the world, just as Jesus stated in John 9:5, we are to embrace the unleashed mandate willingly and joyfully. For on that strength, we can move in faith, into the world, to save our generation from the darkness of eternal condemnation and, by extension, transform the systems (education, family, politics, business, religion, media, entertainment, etc.), demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5.

God bless you as you avail yourself of this godly agenda of being unleashed. AMEN

Written by Elder Owusu Sampah (Odikoman District)

Psalm 42:1-3 reads, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, ‘Where is your God?'” (RSV)

Beloved, before anything can move in life, there’s a force that pushes it to transcend its environs. We have been commissioned by our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, to go and possess all our spheres of influence and life. Everyone desires to win souls for Christ Jesus. We go to Church and hear revival messages preached everywhere, yet transformation has become the question of the day.

The psalmist says, “As the deer pants for water, so longs my soul for thee.” Before there can be a transformation, the church needs to go back to the place of hunger and thirst for God. The deer pants for water and will go every mile to get the water to quench its thirst. We should be thirsty and hungry enough for the transformation of the world. Without hunger and thirst for transformation, there will be no unleashing.

Moses, who was old enough, could climb Mount Sinai, which is about 2,285 meters (7,497 ft), because he was thirsty and hungry for God and wanted all the Israelites to be transformed. The moment Moses returned to the people of Israel, they all saw the unleashing power of God that transformed their world in the wilderness.

According to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5, he taught the disciples, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst.” Without hunger and thirst, one cannot be satisfied. The fuel for the unleashing agenda is the thirst and hunger for God. “The best gift God can give a man to survive is hunger and thirst for Him.”

THE FUELS FOR THE UNLEASHING AGENDA

1. FASTING AND PRAYERS: Fasting and prayers are tools for unleashing because they calm down the desires of the flesh and help the innermost man to commune with God. Through that, the people of God are empowered for the task ahead. Therefore, make fasting and prayers your priority.

• READING AND MEDITATING ON THE WORD OF GOD: This is a force that helps the individual to hear from God and through which God speaks to them. One who is unleashed carries a message from the one who unleashes, and in our context, God. This can be achieved through personal devotional life. Like the Bereans, they were noble because they constantly searched the scriptures to see if what the Apostles taught was true. Make your personal devotion count.

• CONSTANT FELLOWSHIP: Many believers find it difficult to fellowship with brethren these days. Let us make every effort to constantly meet with brethren to impart ourselves with the gifts of each other. Be mindful that the Bible admonishes us not to neglect the fellowship of the saints. Make the house of God your home, for it is the equipping centre for the unleashing agenda.

• AGGRESSIVE EVANGELISM: Evangelism is the heartbeat of God, and therefore, God expects every believer to do their utmost to win lost souls, snatch souls, and nurture them for Christ.

Written by Deacon Emmanuel Tanor (Japerkrom District, Berekum Area)