Sunyani, Asante Bekwa Areas Win 2022 National Youth Quiz

Sunyani, Asante Bekwai Areas Win 2022 National Youth Quiz

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Sunyani and Asante Bekwai Areas of The Church of Pentecost have won this year’s edition of the annual National Youth Quiz Junior and Senior categories respectively organised by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

Sunyani Area won the Junior category with 38 points, ahead of Effiduase and Cape Coast Areas which earned 29 and 29 points respectively.

In the Senior category, Asante Bekwai Area grabbed 40 points to be crowned victors whereas Assin Foso Area and Sunyani Areas garnered 33 and 23 points respectively to win the second and third positions.

This year’s event was held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre, Atomic in Accra.

In his welcome address, Elder Prof. Eric Appau-Asante, the Deputy National Youth Director of The Church of Pentecost, said the Youth Ministry has a vision of grounding young members and unleashing them to possess the nation which is tied to the vision of the church.

“Every young man has the law of the Lord as his delight which is the word of God. That is why there is the need for the youth quiz. They are going to rattle the word of God to show that something on the inside is working on the outside,” he explained.

Apostle Emmanuel Gyasi-Addo, the immediat-past IMD who is the current Area Head for Haatso said the National Youth Quiz is a strategic intervention to ground young people in God’s word and to also deal with heresies of the time

The quiz comprised three rounds based on Church history and current affairs; New Testament books; Bible study and Home Cell manual of the Church; Doctrines of The Church of Pentecost; Vision 2023; Youth Ministry Syllabus and Daily Devotion; Riddles and the Problem of the Day.

Question and Answers (Junior Category)

In the first round of the contest, Cape Coast and Sunyani areas, being represented by Masters Daniel Aidoo, Gideon Dadson and Robert O. Andoh Jnr. and Snr. respectfully, held on to each other with 9 points whereas Effiduase Area, gladly represented by Isaac A. Twumasi and Samuel A. Twumasi marked the two areas closely with 8.5 points.

In the second round, Cape Coast and Sunyani areas still held on to each other’s neck with 14 points while Effiduase Area again came third with 4.5 points.

In the final round, the Effiduase Area topped with 13 points whereas Cape Coast and Sunyani Areas followed closely with 12 and 11 points respectively.

The problem of the day, which was the final round of the contest, had each Area listing 10 core values of The Church of Pentecost. Sunyani was able to grasp 4 out of the 10 points with Effiduase and Cape  Coast Areas gaining 2 and 1 points respectively.

At the end of the Junior category contest, Sunyani Area was crowned victors with 38 points, Effiduase Area came second with 29 points, and Cape Coast Area third with 28 points.

Question and Answers (Senior Category)

The Asante Bekwai Area led the Senior category with 16 points in the first round, while Assin Foso Area pulled their wits by gaining 11 points, with the Sunyani Area earning just three points.

Led by Alexander Opoku and Emmanuel Agyapong, the Asante Bekwai team trailed last in the second round by earning just three points below Sunyani Area, represented by Douglas Nii Ayi Armah and Portia Amoah, and the Assin Foso Area, which was represented by Benjamin Anokye and Bright Kusi Yeboah, which had 10 and eight points respectively.

At the end of the third round, Asante Bekwai Area proved their intellectual prowess by garnering 17 points, with Sunyani Area earning nine points, while the Assin Foso Area obtained eight points.

In the final session of the Senior contest, which is the Problem of the Day, Sunyani Area had only one point, Assin Foso Area had six points and the Asante Bekwa secured four points.

At the end of the Senior contest, Asante Bekwai grabbed 40 points to win the category. Assin Foso followed closely with 33 points, while Sunyani Area had 23 points to close the contest.

Bible Bee

In the Bible Bee category, contestants recited the whole Book of Hebrews within 15 minutes.

In the Senior category, Susan Dapaah of Haatso Area won by gaining 210 points while Isaac Saae, also of Wa area grabbed 206 points to win the second position. Justice Mankata (Agona Swedru Area), on the other hand, secured 194 points for the third position.

Battling it out in the Junior category, Ruth Manu (New Tafo Area) gained 154 points by reciting the six chapters of the Book of Ephesians, whereas Evelyn Nyankotey (Agormanya Area) and Vivian Lamptey (Kaneshie Area) both had 156.5 points, leaving the category with no clear winner. Breaking the tie, Evelyn Nyankotey of Agormanya Area had extra 110 points to be crowned the winner, while Vivian Lamptey of Kaneshie Area had 98 extra points for the second position. 

In his closing remarks, the Patron of the Youth Ministry, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, acknowledged the excellent work done by the leadership of the Youth Ministry. He thanked participants and coaches who made themselves available to be used by the Lord.

He, however, encouraged the youth to be actively involved in future competitions. Apostle Asante called on the various ministries in the church to emulate the Youth Ministry’s contest.

PENTECOST NEWS

Make The Local Church Centre Of Growth – Apostle Nyamekye To Ministers

Make The Local Church Centre Of Growth – Apostle Nyamekye To Ministers

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called on the leadership and members of the Church to make conscious efforts in positioning the local church as the pivot of growth for maximum impact in the nations.

According to him, the existence of a local church whose members are loved, nurtured, and rooted in the word of God, and in Christ would be the highest joy and greatest opportunity in building up and consolidating new members who join the church.

Launching the Church’s theme for 2023 at the ongoing 2022 Heads’ Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Nyamekye stated that The Church of Pentecost remains very committed to the Vision 2023 agenda of ‘Possessing the Nations,’ adding that equipping and building up of the local church and family unit in godliness and faithfulness will project a steadfast and strong church.

The 2023 theme: “Repositioning the Local Church for Maximum Impact in the Nations,” has 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and Colossians 2:5-7 as the anchor scripture verses.

The Chairman disclosed that the Church will continue to adopt the military strategy of building morale and equipping the local church with a healthy church life in order to position it as a formidable army for God.

“We foresee that when the local church is repositioned, its confidence is built, the members can be equipped and unleashed – sent out as channels to make the desired impact,” he explained.

The 2023 theme has the following as thematic topics to be treated: Stoking the Fire of the Holy Spirit, Living in the fear of God in the local church, The Local Church as a Family and The Local Church Upholding the values of Godliness. The rest are Sacrificial Giving and Tithing, Repositioning the Local Church for Evangelism, Christian Visitations in the Local Church, Raising Family Altars to strengthen the Local Church – Lessons from the Puritans and Encouraging Personal Devotion and Small Groups Prayer meetings to strengthen the local church.

There were fraternal greetings from the past Chairmen of the Church, Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy and Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah.

Apostle Nyamekye used the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate seven heads of the church who were attending the Heads’ Meeting in their official capacities for the last time.

Former Chairman of the Church, Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, is one of the seven ministers of the Church who are due for retirement next year.

The others are Apostle David Tettey Tekper, Apostle Dr. Benjamin Ali, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, Apotre Kobbina Atta, Apostle Jones Awuah Afrifa, Apostle Moses Kwame Ahiakor.

The Chairman led participants in applauding them for their praiseworthy services to God and the church with a standing ovation.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church Of Pentecost Unveils 2023 Theme

The Church Of Pentecost Unveils 2023 Theme

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“Repositioning the Local Church for Maximum Impact in the Nations” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 & Colossians 2:6-7, is the theme of The Church of Pentecost worldwide for the ensuing year 2023.

The theme was unveiled by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the official opening of the 2022 Heads’ Meetings on Wednesday, November 16, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.

According to the Chairman, next year’s theme seeks to place a great deal of emphasis on the local church and reposition her as a formidable army unit to ensure the successful mission of the Church in possessing the nations for Christ. 

“We foresee that when the local church is well positioned, it can be launched to make a difference in a hopeless world. Our local churches must be strengthened to equip and send out her members, and the members must go and take the nations for Christ as envisioned in Vision 2023,” the Chairman stressed.

To achieve the desired set goals under the 2023 theme, Apostle Nyamekye said that a pattern of teaching will be adopted, guided by some selected topics to help reposition the local church for maximum impact in possessing the nations.

The eight thematic topics are: Stoking the fire of the Holy Spirit, living in the fear of God in the local church; The local church as a family; The local church upholding the value of godliness; Sacrificial giving and tithing; The local church in evangelism; Visitation in the local church; Raising family altars to strengthen the local church: Lessons from the Puritans, and Encouraging personal devotions and small group prayer meetings to strengthen the local church.

Apostle Nyamekye disclosed that the leadership of the Church has dedicated the first three months of the Bible study sessions in 2023 to studying the rules of conduct and core values of the church, as a means of strengthening the local church and deepening The Church of Pentecost brand.

“We shall be intentional in grounding our members in the Lord. We shall build their confidence in the gospel of Christ which is the power of God that saves and unleash them into the world to be channels through whom God’s grace will flow to bless humanity.

“We intend by this theme to make the local assembly ready to combat every thought, argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” he stated.

This year’s theme of the church is: “Equipping the Church as an Army to Possess the Nations.” As a continuation of the 2022 theme, the Chairman stressed the need to reposition the local church to achieve the desired goal, saying, “This is because to maintain unit cohesion and will to fight to possess the nations, there is the need to reposition the tactical unit (local church) to keep the fighting strength up.”

He indicated that the local church will then be more vibrant, a serious threat to the enemy and afford the Church greater success in possessing the nations, since the strength of the Church lies with the local church where real practical ministry and congregational life exist.

He stated: “As a denomination, our greatest resource is our members, and it is in their strength we find strength. It is the efforts at the local church level (tactical unit level) that culminates in the overall success of the Church as an army.

“To this end, Vision 2023 deems the local church as crucial towards the achievement of its goals and objectives.  The local church is therefore expected to be a vibrant centre for equipping members to possess the nations.”

PENTECOST NEWS

Former Radio Pastor Goes Home

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Tears flowed freely as relatives and sympathisers filed past the mortal remains of Pastor Edison Nii-Lamptey (Rtd.) at a memorial service held in honour of the former Radio Pastor of The Church of Pentecost today.

Pastor Edison Nii-Lamptey, 73, served in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost for 24 years, during which he served as the Church’s minister in charge of Radio and Television for six years (2000-2006).

The memorial service, which took place at the Nsakina L/A JHS park, gave bereaved families, the clergy, and members of the Mount Zion Assembly in the Nsakina District, where he fellowshipped until his passing, the opportunity to pay their last respects to the departed minister.

The service was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, with support from ministers of the Church, including Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye (Anyaa Ablekuma Area), Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Ghana Armed Forces Chaplain / Burma Camp Worship Centre), Apostle Samuel Gakpetor (Agormanya Area), Apostle James Asare (Kasoa Area), Apostle Dr. Ben Ali (Downtown Ofaakor Area), Apostle Daniel Sey (Dansoman Area), Prophet Foster Aniakwaa (Nkawkaw Area), Apostle Kwaku Frimpong Boadu (United Kingdom), Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Quardson (Atonsu Area), Apostle David Nii Addo-Pappoe (Twifo Praso Area).

Also present were Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse (Media Ministry Pastor), Elder Prof. Eric Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Ministry Director), the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area pastorate and some retired ministers.

A tribute read on behalf of the General Council by Apostle Lt. Col. B. G. Kumi-Woode, described the late minister as an ardent Bible teacher, passionate gospel preacher and a jealous upholder of the Pentecostal heritage. 

“Perhaps, Pastor Lamptey’s contribution to The Church of Pentecost became more apparent when he was appointed the Radio Pastor of the Church in 2000, a role he discharged dutifully for six years. He significantly built on the work of his forebears by adding to the Church’s ever-growing list of radio and television platforms. This contributed massively to the Church’s efforts in winning souls and discipling many for Christ at the time,” the tribute further read.

The children, in a glowing tribute to their father, recounted how he ensured that they grew up in the fear of the Lord through strict spiritual disciplines such as daily devotion, occasional fasting, family prayers and the study of the word of God.

“He instilled in us godly values and principles of hard work, respect for all and service to God,” the tribute read.

Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey of Anyaa District encouraged mourners at the event with a brief sermonette based on Acts 26:22-29, which he titled: “What Do You Know?”

He said that Saul (Paul) was very learned and prided himself in his knowledge until His encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. He said that, like Paul, many people have gained knowledge in the world, but this knowledge is only useful in this life and have no benefit beyond this earth. 

He said that when Paul encountered Christ, he realised that there was a light he had no knowledge of; eventually he had to humble himself and accept Jesus.

Pastor Sackitey further stated that, fortunate for Pastor Nii-Lamptey, who was also very learned and obtained several certificates and qualifications while on earth, he also gained knowledge of Christ and has, therefore, overcome death. 

“He has overcome death because he believed in the man Jesus who has overcome death,” he said.

The Anyaa District Minister called on all who are yet to receive Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour, not to pride themselves in the knowledge they may have gained in this world but rather surrender to Christ in order to overcome death and access eternal life.

PROFILE OF PASTOR NII-LAMPTEY (RTD.)

Born on August 9, 1949 into a staunch Apostolic home, Edison Lamptey demonstrated great intellectual and athletic ability throughout his educational life. This earned him great admiration from his lecturers and colleagues.

He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Canada Christian College (CCC) and the School of Graduate Theological Studies, and earned a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in the study of Religions from the University of Ghana (UG) School of Research and Graduate Studies. 

His quest to broaden his knowledge led him to undertake a series of correspondent courses, including Advertising and Public Relations, at Cambridge International College (CIC) England UK, Radio and Television Presentation at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and specializing in Radio and Television Broadcast. He also trained in Religious Broadcasting at International Communication Training Institute (ICTI) UK, (Ghana Campus) and became a member of the Institute.

Again, he undertook Advance Diploma in Business English sections 1-7 at Business Training Limited, Manchester, England, UK and specialised in business communication. Additionally, Edison took a post-graduate Certificate and an Advanced Diploma in Christian Counselling, specialising in Nouthetice and Theophostic Ministry at International Theological Seminary (ITS) Bradenton, Florida, USA (Ghana Campus), among several other professional courses.

Before his call into the full-time ministry of The Church Pentecost, Pastor Lamptey was a lecturer at The Fountain Gate Bible College in Accra and the West Coast Bible College also in Accra. He was a Dean for both Colleges.

In his 24-year pastoral ministry in The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Lamptey served in six stations, namely Anyinam (1990-1994), Taifa (1994-2000), Headquarters (2000-2006), Winneba (2006-2010), temporarily at Asesewa (2010-2022), and finally at Kade (2011-2014), where he retired from active service.

It is also worthy of note that Pastor Edison’s contribution and loyalty to the Church did not end at retirement. As a retired minister, he continued to teach and motivate the members for service and served as a role model and counsellor to the younger generation.  

Pastor Edison Nii-Lamptey is survived by six children, one of whom is Pastor Godwin Ako-Addo, the Alajo District Minister of the Church and the immediate-past National Secretary of the Youth Ministry.

Indeed, a great man of God has gone home to be with his Maker after serving the purpose of God in his generation. 

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Sefwi Afere District Organises Inter-Schools Quiz, Reading & Spelling Bee Competition

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The Sefwi Afere District in the Sefwi Juaboso Area of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and the Bodi District, has organised an Inter-Schools Quiz, Reading and Spelling Bee competition for 21 Schools.

The competition consisted of 13 primary and eight Junior High Schools within the administrative area of the church.

At the end of the competition, the Awudome D/A Primary School was crowned overall winners, with Afere D/A School Primary B and Oxford Educational Complex placing second and third, respectively.

All participating schools and contestants were presented with certificates. The best-placed three schools received trophies, medals and certificates in recognition of their commendable feat.

On his part, the District Director of Education of Bodi, Mr. Felix Neetegeh Faatah, expressed gratitude to the Church and the District Minister, Pastor Daniel T. Gyan Henanaopeh, for the timely intervention and called on other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to come on board to make it more impactful.

Pastor Daniel T. Gyan Henanaopeh called on parents, teachers and other stakeholders to see to the proper training of the children entrusted into their care because they are the future leaders.

Report by Sefwi Afere District Media Team

New Tafo Area Holds Financial Seminar For Church Leaders

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The New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a financial seminar for all church leaders within the Area to educate them on the financial policies of the church.

The seminar, which took place on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Ebenezer Assembly in the Buokrom Estate District, was attended by District Ministers, District Financial Chairmen, Presiding Elders and Local Financial Secretaries.

Addressing the participants, the Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, using 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 as a Bible Reference, called on the leaders to be faithful and transparent in all transactions as expected of them as stewards of God, charging, “Commit yourselves to the work of God and put in much effort to ensure the growth of the Church, especially the New Tafo Area.”

He entreated the District Ministers, especially those who were transferred recently into the Area to ensure to be signatories to the bank accounts of the various local assemblies within their districts.

The New Tafo Area Head also encouraged the participants to learn to do good to others since it carries great blessings.

The Area Accountant, Elder Akwasi Acheampong, took the participants through the new financial policies of The Church of Pentecost and urged them to diligently apply the policies to effectively handle the day-to-day financial duties of the church. 

On his part, the Area Deacon, Elder Dr. Stephen Sarfo Kantanka, revealed the constitution of the tithes of the church as directed by the policies. 

He, therefore, urged the Presiding Elders to educate their members on the need to pay tithes and its attendant benefits and blessings.

Participants then took turns to ask questions relevant to the financial growth of the church with some getting clarifications to thought-provoking issues encountered in their leadership.

As part of the seminar, the aggressive evangelism for the month of November was also launched with a charge to win souls for Christ Jesus.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The Place of Prayer During Global Economic Crisis

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At the time world and the global economy seem to be recovering gradually from the ravaging effects of COVID-19 since the year 2020, then came the Russia-Ukraine war to worsen the plight of people. Out of the 634 million cases of COVID-19 reported, 6.61 million lives were lost. According to the BBC, the US has estimated a total of 200,000 military casualties on all sides, thus 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in Ukraine. The devastating effects of both COVID -9 and the tussle between Russia and Ukraine have wretched the glories of the global economy and made life unbearable for individuals. Many workers are being laid off, salaries and arrears are not being paid with little hope given to the beneficiaries, businesses are folding up and nations are also feeling the heat.  In the wake of desperation and global crisis, leadership in all angles of life comes under sharp criticism and pressure to make critical decisions to bring interventions that will restore both macro and micro economic factors to stabilize the economy. In October 2022, Liz Truss, UK’s Prime Minister, after being in office for just 44 days, had to resign following a failed tax-cutting budget that rocked financial markets leading to a revolt within her own Conservative Party.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana in March 2020, the president, H. E, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made a viral statement while addressing the nation saying “We know how to bring the economy back but we don’t know how to bring back life.” Indeed, the economic landscape of Ghana is not new to crises like this. In 1983-84, Ghana saw one of the worst economic crises that almost wasted the land. Over the past three months, the inflation rate in Ghana is not only galloping and reduced the value of money but also increased the cost of living and hardship. In these moments of helplessness, the Executive Council of The Church of Pentecost under the leadership of Apostle Eric Nyamekye declared a three-day fasting and prayer exercise to intercede for the nation Ghana and for the global economy to be restored. Days after, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, also declared a three-day fasting and prayer for the nation.  

The heated argument and debate in the nation thereafter was, what has prayer got to do with the restoration of the economy and alleviating people from poverty and hardship? While many people applaud the efforts and decisions of the Christian body, others see it as a wasted effort instead of going straight to the leadership of the nation and advising them on what to do. In this article, I will walk you through some global crises that occurred in the Bible and God’s intervention when men prayed.  

GLOBAL CRISIS IN THE BIBLE AND GOD’S INTERVENTIONS 

The global economic crisis is common to all generations right from creation. In the Old Testament, there were several cases that affected the economy and the livelihood of people in the Bible. During the time of Abraham (Gen. 12:10), there was a severe famine to the extent that Abraham had to leave his country and move to the land of the Philistines for greener pastures.  Isaac had to dwell in the land of Gerar (Gen. 26) during the time of economic crisis. The effect of these two famines and the search for daily bread nearly caused both Abraham and Isaac to lose their marriages until God intervened.  

Genesis 41-45 recorded the most remarkable of all the famines in the Bible that crushed the economy of the world, and all people had to travel to Egypt to buy grain. This famine lasted for 7 years, and it took the godly intervention of Joseph to save the world. Another severe one as a result of political unrest happened when King Ben-hadad of Aram besieged Samaria and prices of goods shot up astronomically to the extent that a donkey’s head was sold at eighty shekels and five shekels for a bowl of grains. Worst of all, people began eating the flesh of their children when they were left with no option (2 Kings 6:24-28). During the days of Elisha, God called for 7 years period of famine (2 Kings 8:1) to hit the land. In the New Testament, Prophet Agabus prophesied and predicted a famine in Acts 11:28.  

Throughout all those times of crises, it took the divine intervention of God through His people to bring the economy back to life. Today, our current generation is not different from the days of old, they suffered from the global economic crisis.  

THE PLACE OF PRAYER DURING THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS   

The power of prayer in times of crisis cannot be underestimated. When we remain quiet and unconcerned, thinking it is the responsibility of the government and politicians, then we are delaying our own breakthrough and economic liberation. When Christians keep quiet, the destruction of the land will befall all of us. Someone needs to stand in the gap, intercede and call on the LORD for restoration. A shut mouth is a shut destiny.  

Throughout the Bible, the early prophets and the apostles responded to crises by praying and seeking the face of the LORD for directions. They did not leave the problems to the kings to solve. It was a corporate affair. When the voice of Christians is heard in times of crisis, the voice of God too will be heard to bring deliverance to people.  

FIVE THINGS THAT RELEASE DIVINE ENCOUNTER IN ECONOMIC CRISIS 

  1. Divine revelation and direction:  

When people are perishing for a lack of knowledge, ideas, and wisdom that bring solutions do not come by sitting down unconcerned and just blaming people. In James 1:5, the Bible says that “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. Any time policies are failings, they are an indication that the earlier knowledge and wisdom can no longer solve the problems of today. We need a fresh ideas and wisdom from above.  

During the days of Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, they sought the face of the LORD, and this resulted in divine revelations and directions that saved the economy. God rules in the affairs and the destiny of men and the nations are in His hands.  

  • Readiness of people to stand in the gap and intercede 

The power of prayer in times of crisis cannot be underestimated. When we remain quiet and unconcerned, thinking it is the responsibility of the government and politicians, then we are delaying our own breakthrough and economic liberation. In Ezekiel 22:30, the LORD said “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one”. When Christians keep quiet, the destruction of the land will befall all of us. In Ezra 8:23, Ezra testified about what corporate prayer did for the nation, saying, “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer”.  

  • A speaking covenant

In the case of Isaac, the LORD appeared to him to deliver him from the global crises because of the covenant the LORD has with his father Abraham (Gen. 26:2-5). You are a covenant child of God, sealed with the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In the new covenant with God, we have the right to approach the throne of grace and lay our petition before the LORD.  

  • An unwavering faith

Economic crises and troubles in life reveal 3 types of people: those who sit down unconcerned, the critics who think nothing will work and criticize people, and those who pray and take action. The latter are those who have unwavering faith and are ready to hold on to the promises of God. When all hope is lost, we need the people of faith to put their faith to work and call on God.  

  • Corporate efforts

It takes just one person to conceive an idea but it takes the corporate efforts of people to bring it to realization. Governance of every state requires the corporate efforts of people. When Ezra was talking about the success of prayer that led to the deliverance and provisions of the LORD, he said: “So WE fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer”. He did not pray alone but said “We did it”. Nehemiah couldn’t have rebuilt the broken walls of Jerusalem all by himself. It took the corporate efforts of people. Do not shy away from your spiritual responsibility to both yourself and the nation.  

THE WAY FORWARD 

Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker, and a Christian writer once said, “Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to fault-finding”. In these times of global crisis, discernment is to respond to the clarion call of prayer to intercede for the nation for restoration. It is never about fault-finding about political parties on who did that and what went wrong. The many attempts of people and write-ups on social media to boycott the prayer can be seen as an attack to discourage maximum participation to release a divine intervention in the affairs of men.  

Remember, G. V. Wigram once said “No one can get above circumstances unless he knows that he has the ear of God. The power of intercession is a great thing to the servant of God.”

Let us stand in the gap! 

Let us call onto our God! 

For He is ready to hear and answer us.  

Written by Overseer Ernest K. Akorli (Kpasenkpe District)

Jesus Is The Liberator Of All – Apostle Kumi-Larbi

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The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has said that Jesus is the only liberator of all humankind because He alone possesses the power to set people free from captivity.

The General Secretary made this assertion on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Methodist School Park, Gonnor-Teshie, during the Super-Duper Prayer and Healing crusade of the Teshie Nungua Area.

According to Apostle Kumi-Larbi, there is no other name, thing, preacher, king or believer who can redeem humanity from oppressive systems and ideas except Jesus, stressing that “His name, person, blood, and righteousness have the power to save.”

“Our fellowship with God is restored through Christ alone because in Him, we have been made righteous and sinless in God’s eyes as Adam and Eve were before they sinned,” he further noted.

Speaking on the theme, “Jesus Christ; The Liberator and Saviour of the Oppressed,” using Acts 10:38 as the scriptural reference, the General Secretary reiterated that in all situations, it is only Jesus who has the power to save and set humanity free.

Touching on the creation and fall of man in Genesis 1 and 3, he said that God created people out of love for the purpose of sharing love. He noted that when God created the first humans (Adam and Eve), he charged them to care for each other and the world so that, in so doing, they would experience His goodness and reflect His image.

He, however, noted that when Adam and Eve rebelled against God, the perfect communion and fellowship between them broke, resulting in them hiding from God ever since.

“When man sinned, he was driven away from the Garden of Eden, the presence of God and hence lost everything God provided for him,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi said, charging, “Jesus has come to reconnect us to God for total restoration.”

Using his life’s testimony as an illustration, he added: “I came to believe by faith that God’s redemption plan conquers Satan’s entrenched wickedness that seeks refuge in our souls. God’s forgiveness of sin overcomes Satan’s contempt for God’s redeeming love, and His forgiveness cleanses us and restores the relationship He longs to have with us.” 

Concluding, Apostle Kumi-Larbi admonished all who are yet to accept Jesus as their Lord and personal Saviour to believe the Gospel of Christ, which is Jesus Himself, and consequently surrender their lives to Him.

Other speakers of the Super-Duper Prayer and Healing Crusade are Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman (Teshie-Nungua Area Head), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance Administration Director, CoP Headquarters), Pastor Seth Kwaku Ansah (Nampansa District), Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (Bethel Worship Centre), Elder Seth Yaw Peasah (El-Bethel Prayer Centre, Ho), with song ministration from Elder Dr. Kwasi Mireku.

PENTECOST NEWS.

9,752 Ministry To Teens Stakeholders Undergo Training

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Youth Ministry has ended its nationwide training and orientation programme for Ministry to Teens (M2T) stakeholders in line with the M2T’s rolled-out strategy.

The main objective of the training was to equip all Ministry to Teens (M2T) stakeholders to be effective in their ministry approach towards the teenagers of the Church.

The scheduled training commenced on September 3, 2022, with a nationwide “Train-the-Trainer” training model for all M2T stakeholders, including area youth pastors and wives, area youth ministry leaders, travelling secretaries, area youth ministry executive members, M2T coordinators, M2T teachers, and some selected district youth executive members across the country. 

Amongst those who facilitated the nationwide training sessions were Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director), Elder Prof. Eric Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Ministry Director), Deaconess Mrs. Comfort Worna Adade (M2T National Coordinator) and Elder Ebenezer Ankomah (M2T National Deputy Coordinator). 

The presentations were delivered in four main subject areas: “Understanding the Ministry to Teens Concept, Nature and Needs of Teenagers and How-to Minster to them, Holding an Effective Teens Class and Understanding the Role of the Ministry to Teens Leader and Stakeholder Involvement.”

The nationwide virtual programme was immediately followed by a face-to-face grassroots leadership training held in two different sectors, the Southern and Northern Sectors, on September 24 and October 29, 2022, respectively.

The Southern sector, made up of nine regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Western North, Brong Ahafo, Ahafo, Bono East, Eastern and Central regions), ended their training with a total of 6,244 participants being trained by 735 facilitators in 222 zonal centres across the sector. The Northern Sector, on the other hand, comprising seven regions (Northern, North East, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions), also ended their training with a total of 2,477 participants being trained by 296 facilitators in 88 Zonal centres across the sector.

In all, 9,752 M2T stakeholders were trained in important subject areas relevant to effective ministering to teenagers. 

The training and orientation programmes were very successful throughout the country. There were massive participation, great coordination and quality delivery sessions throughout the centres. 

In his closing address, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan thanked all facilitators and participants for their selfless commitment and dedication to duty during the training. He added that it is the hope and prayer of leadership that all stakeholders going forward would support the Ministry to Teens (M2T) concept to make it a great success. 

Report by Elder Ebenezer Ankomah (M2T National Deputy Coordinator)

Prestea-Himan District Organises Free Medical Screening For PWDs, The Aged

by with No Comment Church NewsMPWDsTop Stories

The Prestea-Himan District in the Bogoso Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a free medical health screening exercise for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the aged within Prestea and its environs.

The event, which was initiated by the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) committee of the district, took place on November 2, 2022, at the Krutown-Nsuekyir community ground.

The 20-member medical from the Prestea Government Hospital, led by the Nurse Manager and Hospital Administrator, Mrs. Florence Agbeko, screened the patrons for various health conditions such as Hepatitis B, Typhoid, HIV/AIDs, Ear, Eye, Teeth, Mental Health and Malaria. They also administered medicines and vaccines at the event. 

In all, a total of 188 persons, including those with leprosy as well as visual, auditory and speech impairments, patronised the event.

Some PWDs and aged persons were enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), whilst others had their expired NHIS cards renewed.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the District Minister, Pastor A. T. Nartey, said that PWDs must receive equal access to better healthcare and life in Christ like everyone else.

“Disability is not inability. Every soul God has created matters, so we should show love to every person no matter his or her status because our God is a God for every person,” he said.

He further stated that physical disability is not by choice and could, therefore, happen to anyone else. He, therefore, made a passionate appeal to members of society to do more to empower and seek the welfare of PWDs rather than presenting them with “handouts.”

“Instead of feeling sorry for them and giving them foodstuff and used clothes, let us help them access better medical care, quality education and grant them business opportunities so that they can also be independent,” he said.

Mrs. Florence Agbeko, on her part, thanked the Church for undertaking such a wonderful initiative. She also advised parents against hiding relatives who are suffering from physical disabilities.

Some PWDs also commended the Church for the event and called for more such exercises in the future.

Present at the event were Elder William Gyetuah (District Secretary), Elder Francis Archer, (MPWDs District Secretary), Deacon Mark Cudjoe (MPWDs District Organizer), Deaconess Doris Amoo (District Women’s Leader), as well as some officers and members of the Church. 

Report by Elder Francis Archer