Trust God In All Situations – Pastor Matthew Gbeku Admonishes Christians

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The Abuakwa District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Matthew Yao Gbeku, has admonished Christians, especially ministers to trust in God because he cares for them.

He said this in a short sermon he delivered on the final day of the 2022 Retirement Seminar held for ministers who have up to ten years to retire from active service of the church at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

According to him, Christians are supposed to trust in God in all situations.

Speaking on the topic, “Trust in the One who called you because He cares for you (1 Thessalonians 5:24), Pastor Gbeku identified five ways in which God cares for Christians.

He explained that as Christians, God is able to answer all their prayers and so they should believe in Him.

He added that God provides hidden things that believers do not even know that they need themselves, and also provides them with material things (Mathew 25:34), equips them spiritually, and also shows them constant love.

“So, in every day, trust in Him. Renew your trust in him. Trust that by all means and at all cost, God will provide for you,” he ended.

PENTECOST NEWS.

PENTSOS Trains Heads Of Institutions

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Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), the social ministry arm of The Church of Pentecost, has organised a two-day leadership and financial management workshop for heads of its institutions.

The event, the first of its kind, was attended by heads of the church’s educational and health institutions from all over the country. Currently, The Church of Pentecost has 10 health institutions and 105 educational institutions.

Addressing the participants at the opening of the programme at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, spoke on the topic: “Missions and Social Transformation” – Matthew 28:19-20; John 17:18.

Explaining why the church is involved in social transformation, the Chairman said that the church is sent out into the world as an agent of transformation.

According to him, before the church can enter into the world, it must package itself such that the world will be able to receive it, just as God packaged Jesus Christ and brought him into the world through a woman, other than that if Jesus had come into the world in his celestial form, it would not have been possible for the world to receive him.

Apostle Nyamekye indicated that one way that the church is entering the world is through missions and social transformation, where the gospel is packaged and shown to the world in love.

“All these social interventions that we are doing is to package Christ to the people so that they can come to him and be saved,” he said.

He added: “For us as a church, we have been sent on a mission to transform the world, hence building the prisons, schools, hospitals, police stations, and potable water.”

He also said that as part of the church’s Vision 2023, members are being equipped with kingdom values and principles to change their spheres for Christ. He, therefore, asked believers to let their light shine to dispel every darkness in society.

Apostle Nyamekye called on the church to be concerned with what goes on in society, saying, “If we do not enter the world to change it for the better, the world can never change.”

In a presentation on the topic, ”Integrity of a Leader,” the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, said that God has made Christians as the light and salt of the world to change the system and make it more godly.

He, however, wondered why Christians form about 72 percent of the Ghanaian population, and yet corruption, bribery, cronyism, nepotism, and wanton destruction of natural resources like water bodies and the land has become the order of the day.

Reading various scriptures of the Bible with Proverbs 10:9; Psalm 78:72 as his main texts, he noted that what the world needs is men and women of impeccable integrity.

“We need people of integrity in our institutions because corruption has become endemic in Ghana,” he said, adding, “If you are a person of integrity, you are fit for a purpose.”

Apostle Kumi-Larbi mentioned that integrity produces honour, truth and reliability as it deepens relationships and develops the confidence of others in a person.

A Trustee of the church, Elder Emmanuel Anane Boate, in a presentation on “Being a Leader in a Christian Organisation,” stated that the greatest problem of any organisation is lack of leadership since leadership has a great role in building institutions.

Explaining the concept of a Christian organisation, he said that it is an organisation whose statement of faith and values reflect the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, stressing that they exist to promote the agenda of Christ.

He disclosed that those who qualify to lead Christian organisations should be committed and trustworthy Christians.  

The PENTSOS Director, Elder Richard Amaning, thanked the leadership of the church for their continuous support of the activities of the organisation.

Some of the topics treated were ‘Workplace Professionalism and Delivery of Service in a Christian Institution’ by Elder Prof. Tweneboah Koduah; ‘Building the PENTSOS Ecosystem’ by Elder Richard Amaning (PENTSOS Director); ‘Strengthening Internal Controls’ by Elder Firang Boakye (Audit Manager, Head Office); ‘Discipline as a mark of Leader’ by Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (FAD), and ‘The Head as a Mediator’ by Apostle Philip Osei Korsah (Director of Counselling Ministry).

PENTECOST NEWS.

Your Children Are Your Greatest Treasure – Apostle Nyamekye Declares

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The Chairman of The Church Of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has stated that children are the greatest treasure during retirement. 

According to him, the believer’s greatest support is in God and their children, and not even the Church.

“We die but our legacy continues in our children. Your strength in your old age will be found in your children,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye made this assertion on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa during the 2022 Retirement Seminar for ministers who have up to ten years (2023-2032) to retire from active service of the church. 

The event, which started on Tuesday and will end on Friday, October 14, 2022, is under the theme: “Possessing the Nations: Serving the Saints” (Heb. 6:10). 

Speaking on the topic: “Forsake me not when my strength is spent” (Psalm 71), the Chairman noted that it is important to discuss old age and death so that people can factor it into their planning. 

“If death is inevitable, put it in your plans,” he said, adding, “If you plan to live long, it will affect the way you conduct yourself; the way you exercise and sleep. If you want to live long, you have to plan; you have to plan to die. Do not defer all these in the hands of God.”

The Chairman further noted that retirement age can be full of loneliness, and the solution to it is to make friends while in active service before retiring, saying, “Make friends, for they will be of great help to you in your old age.”

Pointing out the challenges of old age and retirement, Apostle Eric Nyamekye listed loss of physical strength – bodily or muscular power and vigour; mental power – firmness and courage; loss of power by reason or influence – authority, resources, and numbers.

“All of us grow with the fear of the unknown. It manifests itself very well in children, but it returns at old age; the fear of darkness, fear of noise, and the fear of falling,” he added.

Using Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2:12-36 as a case study, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost emphasised that children are indeed the greatest treasure here on earth and that parents need to be intentional in raising them so that they will not go astray. 

“The promise of God could be transgenerational, however, the role of children seen to the fulfilment of these promises cannot be overlooked,” he said, adding, “If God’s promise to Abraham has to come to pass, it depends on the children.” 

PENTECOST NEWS.

Minister of Education Commends Pentecost University

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The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has commended Pentecost University for its delivery of the Engineering for non-Science students’ programme. 

According to him, the University has shown that it is possible to give opportunities to every child who dreams to be an engineer to do so, irrespective of one’s social or academic background. 

The Minister made the remarks when he addressed stakeholders and delegates at the Ghana Education Week 2022 at the Accra International Conference Centre on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

In an interaction with Pentecost University students who are beneficiaries of the pre-engineering programme, the Honourable Minister congratulated them on their foundational training. He further charged them to work hard to justify the programme for continuity’. Dr. Adutwum said ” you have a chance to make your engineering dream come to reality, take advantage of it and make your family and Pentecost University proud, and also justify the pre-engineering concept.

When he visited the exhibition booth of the University, Dr. Adutwum commended the Management of Pentecost University for investing in 3D printing, robotics and other devices that enhance the learning of students.

Pentecost University was one of two Universities invited to exhibit at Ghana Education Week. The University’s International Digital Centre participated and showcased its robotic lab and other services.

PENTECOST NEWS

La Area Head Charges Church Leaders To Embrace Technology

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The La Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, has expressed the need for churches, especially leaders to get themselves educated, trained, and be abreast with the use of the internet.

According to him, in the current dispensation where the internet has become part and parcel of human daily lives, one cannot but embrace digitalisation in the church system to keep it vibrant.

Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Nuekpe said this in an interview with Pentecost News during the recently held La Area Lay Leaders School.

The four-day leadership training took place from October 4–7, 2022, at six zonal centres, namely La, Accra Newtown, Mamobi, Alajo, Merry Villas, and Labone.

Participants were taken through topics including The Church as an Equipping Centre, Mobilising the Squad, Digitalisation Concept of The Church of Pentecost, and Ministering to Teens.

The Area Head visited the various centres. Speaking at the Alajo zone, he commended the pastors, facilitators, and participants for availing themselves of a such great task. He urged participants to take the studies seriously and apply them in their various districts and local assemblies.

Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe noted that the selected topics for 2022 Lay  Leadership School were timely and on point.

“All the topics are worthwhile and within the Vision 2023, except that the lessons should have been treated earlier especially the digitalisation concept,” h said.

He urged leaders who could not participate in the exercise to avail themselves in subsequent ones, as this will help build the body of Christ.

Report by Gina Akua Padi.

Sound Mind Is Key To Good Retirement – Apostle Korsah Observes

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The Director of the Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Philip Osei Korsah, has noted that the best way to enjoy retirement is to have a sound mind.

He made this remark on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa during the ongoing 2022 Retirement Seminar for ministers who have up to ten years to retire from active service of the church.

The event, which started on Tuesday and will end on Friday, October 14, 2022, is under the theme: “Possessing the Nations: Serving the Saints” (Heb. 6:10).

According to Apostle Korsah, mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

“It influences cognition, perception, and behaviour. Economic situation can cause a mental imbalance,” he noted.

He revealed that mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life and create a balance between life’s activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

“Everyone says we have to get ready to retire financially. But what they don’t tell us is that we also have to get ready psychologically,” he pointed out.

He cited four phases of retirement that may happen in everyone’s life.

He mentioned the first phase of retirement as the vacation phase. In this phase, he said, “You wake up when you want, do what you want all day; there is no set routine. This represents our view of an ideal retirement since there is no more writing of reports, tithe closing, and the other hustles active ministry presents.”

The second phase, he revealed, is in three parts – the loss of the big five (which is loss of routines, loss of sense of identity, loss of relationships established during active service, and loss of a sense of purpose and power). The other part is coming face-to-face with the ‘Three Ds’: ‘divorce,’ depression and both physical and mental decline, and a disturbance in the equilibrium of relationships.

“Both men and women may struggle to adjust to the new situation,” he stated

He added: “Tension can also arise out of the increased need for joint decision-making. Whereas before retirement, the routine of work allowed for a relatively clear division of decision-making responsibilities, after retirement there may be many more decisions that need to be made together. Unless both of you are prepared to listen and be flexible, a shift in decision-making can be a source of conflict.”

Phase four, according to the Counselling Ministry Director, is the time to reinvent and rewire.

“Phase four involves answering some tough questions; what is the purpose here? What is my mission? How can I squeeze all the juice out of retirement?” he stressed.

However, to stay healthy mentally and have a happy retirement, Apostle Philip Osei Korsah noted that one needs to focus on his/her physical health, find activities that are meant to give a sense of accomplishment, and feel safe and secure.

“Seek support if you’ve been feeling sad, worried, stressed, angry, and numb or just ‘not yourself’ for two weeks or more, or if you would like extra support in managing your mental wellbeing, speak to your doctor. Sometimes just telling someone about how you are feeling is the first step towards feeling better,” he ended.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Christian Leaders To Petition Government Over Galamsey Menace

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The leadership of the Christian Ecumenical Bodies in Ghana is set to petition the government of Ghana on the devastating effect of illegal mining (Galamsey) on the nation.

This was contained in a press release issued on October 10, 2022 and signed on behalf of the various Christian leaders by Dr. Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG).

The petition to the presidency would be preceded by a press conference on Monday, October 17, 2022, to be jointly held by the Christian leaders at the Assemblies of God Church Head Office at Osu in Accra, to remind Ghanaians of their mandate to keep the environment and be responsible stewards of same (Genesis 2:15).

“It is our hope and prayer that Ghanaians will stand up against galamsey and preserve our environment from further destruction,” the statement read.

Galamsey has become a topical issue in Ghana in recent months following a resurgence in news reports on its continued negative impact on the environment, particularly the country’s water bodies.

Below is a copy of the statement:

PENTECOST NEWS.

Ho Area Women’s Ministry Commemorates International Day Of The Girl Child

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The Ho Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost joined the pupils of the Pentecost Preparatory School in Ho Fiave in the Volta Region and the rest of the world to observe this year’s International Day of the Girl Child.

The theme for the celebration of the Day, which was marked on October 10, was: “International Day of the Girl Child; Our Time Is Now.”

As part of the programme, Mrs Gifty Letsa (Head of Guidance and Counselling Unit of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Schools in Ho) and Deaconess Patricia Letsa (Tutor at Mawuko Girls Senior High School) spoke to the pupils on the need to remain disciplined and morally upright in this contemporary times.

Deaconess Fidelia Ametefe, Area Women’s Ministry Leader, admonished the pupils to stay away from immoral acts such as LGBTQI+ and remain chaste while they focus on their academic work. She further encouraged them to take their studies seriously to become responsible future leaders who would positively impact society.

The ministry in their expression of love and care for the girl child presented some items worth GHS 2,933.00. Some items donated to the pupils were 10 boxes of sanitary pads, packs of disposable shaving sticks, hand sanitizers, 50 exercise books, packs of deodorants, packs of paper napkins, packs of toilet rolls and other toiletries.

In attendance were Mrs Judith Viku (wife of Ho Dome District Pastor), Executives of the ministry, as well some members of the church in the Ho municipality. 

Other districts in the Area outside the Ho municipality also observed the Day through various activities.

Report by Fidelia Ametefe & Pastor Felix Brakatu.

Cyber Security Awareness: Staying Secure

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Globally, October is recognised as Cybersecurity awareness month. 2022 may have offered some respite from the previous year’s rush to enable a remote and hybrid world, but the increased use of personal devices also left security professionals with even more endpoints to manage and secure. As illustrated by breaches like the March 2022 attack on Shields Health Care Group that impacted two million people and the April ransomware attack that became a national emergency for the Costa Rican government, we all need to be cyber defenders to protect what matters.

The FBI describes the impact and losses from cybercrime as “staggering,” with over $4 billion in losses in 2020 alone. The 2020 Internet Crime Report includes information from 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019 Cybercrime is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. Perpetrators behind these crimes range from individuals looking for easy profit to hostile nation-states and terrorist organisations.

The first form of Cyber-attack took place in Genesis 27. This is the story of Jacob and Esau. When Jacob presents himself as Esau to Isaac, his blind dying father, to gain his birthright blessing- he basically performed what today we call an act of Identify Theft. 

With the prevalence of computerised business systems in stores, banks, and government offices, this increase in computer-related crime raises concerns for privacy and safety.

The Bible prophesied that “in the last days perilous times [times of stress] will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). It describes some of these stressors as men being “lovers of money,” unloving, slanderers, brutal, and treacherous (verses 2–4). Computer crimes cause much stress to the victims. Those who perpetrate such crimes while sitting safely behind a computer screen may not fully comprehend—or simply do not care about—the devastating impact on the lives of the recipients of their evil actions.

The growing prevalence of cybercrime is evidence of what happens when people without a godly worldview acquire certain technical skills. We need people with solid Christian ethics involved in these fields to use these potentially dangerous skills to pursue a higher calling, one in which they embody the exhortation in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I will offer 3 Tips for you to consider.

Tip #1: Use A Strong And Protective Password Manager

What is a password manager, you may be asking? Password managers are encrypted databases that typically use one complex password to safeguard all other passwords. They can then help generate complex passwords for each account without you having to memorise them all. According to Microsoft, more than 80 percent of breaches stem from weak or compromised login credentials, so it is more important than ever to use a strong, unique password for each account.

Tip #2: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere Possible

Even with the growing use of password managers, there is more that you can do to keep your accounts and information secure. Multifactor authentication adds an extra locked door of security to your account. It comes in many different forms, ranging from a code that arrives in an email or text message to a secure token tied to your account. However, Security.org states that 13 percent of account hacks were those using two or multifactor authentication. Building up your layers of security will close that gap.

Tip #3: Be Wary Of What You Click

In today’s world, there are more phishing attacks than ever before. One of the most common occurrences is receiving an email that looks as though it is from a reliable company or professional superior. It is more important than ever to hover your mouse pointer over links in an email and to check the sender’s email address. If anything looks suspicious, play it safe and get a trusted person’s opinion or delete it to be safe. Also, some email providers (Gmail and Outlook are two) have phishing and spam tags that automatically report the issue for investigation.

Everyone has a role to play in cybersecurity, and when we learn together, we are more secure together. 

Written by Elder Raymond Agyemang (Cyber Security Professional)

PIWC Kaneshie Holds Inter-Schools Quiz For 7 Public Schools

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The Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Pentecost International Worship Centre, Kaneshie has organised its maiden edition of an inter-school quiz for public basic schools in Kaneshie and its environs.

A total of seven out of the 10 schools that the PIWC-KN SOM visits every Wednesday to fellowship with students participated in the competition which was held on September 30, 2022.

The schools were Saleria 1 Basic School, New Abossey Okai Basic School, Mataheko 1 Basic School, Kaneshie West 1 Basic School, Odorkor 7 Basic School, Bubuashie Basic School, and Darkuman 1 Basic School.

It was a five-round competition that covered areas of Science, Mathematics, English Language, General Knowledge, and Bible Knowledge, with the quiz master being Elder Chris Boye-Doe, a teacher by profession.

After the fifth round, Darkuman 1 Basic School emerged winner with 35 points, followed by Kaneshie West 1 Basic School with 29 points, while New Abossey Okai Basic School came third with 27 points. A certificate of participation was given to each of the students that represented their respective schools.

Darkman 1 Basic School which emerged winners received a trophy, an i5 Dell Phantom computer, an all-in-one HP printer, and a cash prize of GHS 500.00. The first runners-up, Kaneshie West 1 Basic school, received an i3 Dell OptiPlex computer and a cash prize of GHS 300.00, while the second runners-up, New Abossey Okai Basic school received an i3 Dell OptiPlex computer.

This trophy will be kept by the winning school for a year and can only be retained if they win the competition three consecutive times.

In attendance were the Resident Minister of PIWC Kaneshie, Pastor Emmanuel Yirebi; the Deputy Women’s Director of The Church of Pentecost, Deaconess Vivian Amfo; PIWC Schools Outreach Ministry Leader, Elder George Boateng; the District Secretary, Elder Daniel Mantey, and the Presiding Elder, Elder Kwaku Asare.

The Municipal Director of Education for Ablekuma North, Mr Emmanuel Kungyi and other officials, and the Circuit Supervisor for the area, Madam Miriam, graced the event.

Pastor Yirebi commended the media team and the Teen Youth for their support in the organisation of the programme.

Teachers of the participating schools were very impressed with the holistic approach that the church has taken towards the students and encouraged more of such ministry endeavours.

Funding for the competition was supported by some individual members of the church and the Schools Outreach Ministry Team.

The maiden edition of the inter-schools quiz was an add-on to the usual Time with Examiners programme where the church prays for students and invites examiners to teach candidates how to answer examination questions.

Report by Rebecca Botch (PIWC Kaneshie Publications Team)