THE ODYSSEY OF JOY AND THE MELANCHOLY OF THE 2ND DAY OF CHRISTMAS_s ofotsu ofoe

The Odyssey Of Joy And The Melancholy Of The Second Day Of Christmas

by with No Comment ArticlesTop Stories

Introduction:  Christmas Laughter

There is a certain excitement that swathes the world when Christmas approaches. Interestingly, this is despite the religious extractions of people. It seems it is a season that almost everyone identifies with. Merry-making of diverse forms become a common sight to behold. It is a season that is marked by the home-coming of family and friends. Somehow, cities and towns become more populous. An increase in vehicular traffic is no news. Trade in materials for food, fashion, and beautifications skyrockets. In our part of the world, the cacophony of the bleating of goats, mooing of cows, quacking of ducks, and clucking of hens identifies the season. Churches become full. It is right, then, to talk about the laughter of Christmas. It is a season of great mirth, love, and pleasure. It is with great expectation that Christmas is welcomed. The joy of its first day may be said to be deep-seated. Can we say the same for its second day? A certain melancholy characterises the second day of Christmas; the laughter fades, the noise of enjoyment dwindles and the ringing of Christmas bells gives way to the tolling of the same. The kind of joy that enters the soul of people in connection with the understanding one has of the purpose of the season impinges much on the resilience of the joy one experiences during the season.

The Pursuit of Joy

Humanity has a great desire to experience joy in this life. On the first consideration, it would seem, strikingly, that our life is in pursuit of joy. Though one’s life begins with a first cry, well, attended by smiley faces, and ends with a cry from loved ones amidst our silence, in between, we are optimistic about joy and go running after it. This joy we believe even transcends this life to the otherworldly. People seek this joy through diverse means.

Pleasure becomes the goal of some who hunt for joy. Hedonistic tendencies have become widespread. Living to please the desires of the flesh; gluttony, heavy drinking and all kinds of activities that are done to bring peace and tranquility do not suffice. People continually do these to attain joy but the end result is frustration. The result of this is not the joy that is well grounded, rather, it is a superficial feeling of joy that fades away rather swiftly.

The chase after the joy is witnessed further in the great effort people put in becoming successful. Acquiring wealth in various forms so one becomes comfortable in life has been a popular means used to achieving joy. The reality is that hardly does satisfaction comes with materialism. It is not surprising to see people deciding to get a particular material to become fulfilled. Upon landing such materials, fulfillment fails them, then, their attention is turned to something else. This approach does not guarantee joy.

Some seek this joy from divine sources. The gods have been regarded as the source of true joy. In primal religious thoughts and practices, various religious acts are employed towards getting joy. The gods dictate the way by which humans must live to enter into joy. Religious men strive hard to live a life that would assure them of joy. This living may be an ascetic lifestyle, a life of ritual offering to please the gods or a life that promises full allegiance to the object of worship.

The manner in which Christmas is received resonates with the various means by which people tend to pursue joy in life. Meanwhile, the joy the season is meant to give the world is a joy that must well up in souls, springing up into eternal life. Such joy does not fade away on the second day of Christmas. It matures based on the concrete understanding of what Christmas gives the world indeed.

Joy that springs

There is a joy that persists through diverse life experiences. This joy is not superficial. It has a special touch to it during Christmas as the world is reminded of the birth of the Saviour of the world. It stands the test of time. It is not the joy that comes with vivacity in the morning and lands us in tattered sorrow at night. When Christmas elapses, this joy stands tall, not to even talk of it dwindling on the second day of Christmas. This state of the heart of humanity is able to navigate through discomforting points in life as it always has in view a greater good.

Some who live in this state of mind may be accused of not facing the realities of life. Their resilience through the storms may be adjudicated as abnormal. The hope they live by strikes others with the most wonder. This joy is far from being replaced with melancholy; it wells up evermore. This joy comes into the human heart per our discovery of its ultimate source and coming into a genuine faith in this source. Indeed, there is a joy that comes from outside into the human. It is a divine gift that makes mere men share in the joy of God.

The Joy of God

Considering the level of joy that automatically engulfs the life of people at Christmas, it is an appropriate time to engage the issue of where lies our source of joy indeed. As it is, it is not farfetched to connect Christmas with joy. The announcement of the birth of Jesus was in fact connected to joy. An Angel of God broke the news to some shepherds keeping watching at night thus: “. . . Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10, NKJV). What follows was praise and merrymaking (Luke 2:13-14). The joy of the angelic host, undoubtedly, would not be a joy that would fade away on the second day. They have an understanding of what it means for the Saviour of the world to be born. Consequently, this joy would persists insofar as it repercussions remain.

This is a story of humanity’s search for joy and to a reach a place of utopia in life. Many approaches have been enacted in our bid to discover the fountain of joy and to swim in it eternally. Our journey in search of joy, sadly, has been punctuated with grave disappointments. We always swim in our tears back home to our old self of sorrow. Then an eventful occurrence ensued wherein it is announced to the world that the Saviour of the world is born. The birth announcement provokes us unto joy.

The joy that comes to the world at Christmas must not be detached from its substance. The Saviour who is born is the real cause of joy. Such an apprehension of the joy and laughter of Christmas would launch humanity under a fountain of joy that lingers on even on the second day of Christmas literally and metaphorically; all year round after Christmas stands as the second day of Christmas. This is the joy of God. This joy comes by our understanding of the indescribable fatherly love of God towards us, the momentous birth and heroic work of Christ in earning our salvation and walking in the Spirit.

Conclusion

We could say that our search of joy has been rewarding if the end of our journey finds us at the point where joy lasts evermore. Experimentation of the joy of God with the joy at Christmas is tenable. The joy at Christmas is almost spontaneous. It comes to the whole world. Howbeit, there is a certain melancholy of the second day of Christmas. Why should this be? This comes about when the joy that is experienced is just a superficial feeling. To discover the fountain of joy that wells up eternally, there must a genuine apprehension of the real source of joy and the substance of the Christmas season. The joy of God springs up evermore. This must be our utmost desire.

Writtten by By Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

Web Size - Copy (1) (1)-3

Christmas & Easter Are Most Special Events Of The Year – Apostle Kumi-Larbi

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has asserted that the celebration of Christmas and Easter are the two most important events in the calendar year for every Christian.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this today when he joined members of the Osu District at the Central Assembly church auditorium for this morning’s session of the ongoing Christmas Convention.

According to the Church’s chief scribe, both Christian festivals are essential because “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, whilst Easter, held in remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection for the sins of humanity, cemented our salvation.”

Buttressing his assertion, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that although Christmas and Easter are observed as public holidays globally, the festive seasons mean more to Christians than just a period for merry making.

“It is not the partying and Christmas trees that make Christmas special; it is, rather, because on this special occasion we remember “Immanuel;” when God came to dwell among His people,” he said.

He further noted that the Church is the most appropriate place to mark the birth of Christ, saying: “If celebrating the birth of Jesus is indeed the reason for the season, then it should be celebrated together with the birthday celebrant, Jesus, in His house and with His family, the Church.”

He, therefore, advised Christians not to follow blindly by making light of these special events but spend the period reflecting and acknowledging God’s goodness for giving Christ to the world as a gift.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi further indicated that, for Christians, the Christmas season does not just end after the holidays; instead, it is an opportunity to encounter and develop a more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, who dwells in and with us to the end of the age.

“After Christmas, the parties will be over, the shopping will cease, and the Christmas trees will be disposed, but God will still be with us; He will never leave us nor forsake us,” he assured.

In the month of December, The Church of Pentecost joins Christians across the globe to celebrate the birth of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and its implication for humanity.

As part of the celebrations, conventions are held at the various levels of the church. The Osu District, like many other branches of the Church, commenced this year’s Christmas convention on December 22, 2022.

The event, which is under the theme, “Jesus Christ; In Him Is Life and Light” (John 1:4), is being held in morning and evening sessions.

Other speakers for the convention are Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head), and Pastor Simon Antwi (Osu District Minister), among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Jesus Is The Only Source & Sustainer Of Life – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Asserts

Jesus Is The Only Source & Sustainer Of Life – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Asserts

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

“Life is more than merely saying we are living beings. It is more than simply breathing, the heart pumping or the brain running. It is beyond our intellect to explain all the processes that must take place for you and me to live. But Jesus knows what life is. And, even better, He is life; He started it; He created it; and He fashioned it. So, take Jesus away and there is no life.”

The above statement was contained in a sermon preached today by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, during the morning session of the Osu District Christmas Convention at the Central Assembly church auditorium, Accra.

Speaking on the topic: “Jesus Christ; The Giver of Life That Gives Light,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that Jesus is an embodiment of both life and light as highlighted by Apostle John in the various books of the Bible he authored (his Gospel account, three epistles: 1, 2, 3 John, and the book of Revelation).

In his sermon, the General Secretary indicated that Apostle John’s testimony of Jesus is worth believing because He was one of the few people who enjoyed a very close relationship with Christ during His time on earth. 

Not only was John one of Jesus’ inner circles, but he was also one of His earthly cousins, and thus, might have known Christ from childhood. Moreover, John was one of the three disciples (the others being Peter and James) who witnessed Jesus’ greatest moments of glory and His darkest trials because they were His closest friends, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained.

In his biblical accounts, the General Secretary pointed out with various scripture references that Apostle John presents Jesus as Life and light, as well as the eternal God. 

He explained that the breath of life that was used in God’s creation of mankind distinguished them from all other creatures. However, man lost this life, which he described as the “God-kind of life” (Zoe in Greek) after the fall.

He further indicated that, from the moment Adam and Eve sinned, humans lived in a fallen world. Every human being is, thus, born physically alive but dead in sin and spiritual darkness (separation from God).  

He, however, noted that the only way one can obtain the God-kind of life is to be born-again so that the abundant life and nature of God will be imparted into their spirit from God.

This, according to the General Secretary, also denotes that the Lord Jesus is not only the source and sustainer of physical life – the old, fallen, biological life inherited from Adam – but He is also the author and finisher of the new, spiritual, eternal life, which every believer receives by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

Throwing more light on the born-again experience, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated that after one accepts Christ as Lord and personal Saviour, God recreates the individual by replacing their old spirit with a brand new one, created in His own image and likeness so that they will become His direct offspring.

“This also means that Zoe is the essence of salvation,” he added.

Reading from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 2 Peter 1:4, he mentioned that the Zoe life of God brings life to the individual and makes them a divine and new specie.

He also mentioned that the God-kind of life enables one to have an intimate relationship with God (John 17:3), reflect Christ; the one true light (John 1:4, 1 John 5:11,12), partake of God’s divine nature by becoming His vessel of love and blessing on earth. (2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 5:5).

It also enables the believer to work in God’s divine power and authority (2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 3:20), sets them free from the devil, sin, and eternal damnation (John 5:24, Romans 8:2, 1 John 5:18) and empowers them to live life abundantly, free from oppression and sickness (John 10:10).

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged all who are yet to surrender their lives to Christ to do so in order to obtain the gift of eternal life.

“And if you already have the gift of eternal life, I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened so that you will know that you have the life and nature of God in you. I also pray that you will allow God’s divine nature and power within you to dominate you and flow through you to others,” he concluded.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry At National House Of Chiefs

Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry At National House Of Chiefs

by with No Comment Church NewsPEMEMTop Stories

History was made on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, when the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry interacted with members of the National House of Chiefs at their end-of-year sitting at Manhyia in Kumasi.

The meeting, which was to introduce the Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs, was part of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost to transform every sphere of society with the Kingdom values and principles, including the chieftaincy institution.

Some of the revered chiefs described the move by the Church as historic, being the first church to set up a ministry dedicated to chiefs and for appearing before the august House to share its vision with Nananom.

Addressing members of the House, the National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, thanked the President of the House and Nananom for the honour done the Church to interact with them.

He indicated that the Church has a vision of reaching the palaces with the gospel of Christ and to share godly fellowship among chiefs and royals through palace chaplaincies.

“We believe that introducing the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs during this important meeting will help to foster a cordial relationship between the church and the palace,” he said.

Apostle Anane Denteh, who is also an Executive Council member of the Church, explained that through the establishment of the ministry to the chieftaincy institution, the spiritual bond between the church and the palace would be strengthened for the good of all royals and the thought that chieftaincy is incompatible with the Christian faith will be effectively eroded.

This, he said, will result in a situation where a person’s Christian faith will no longer hinder him/her from ascending to the throne when their time is due.

“We consider the fact that there must always be a good and solid relationship between the church and the palace for the transformation of society as one of our mutual responsibilities. Thus, both the church and the palace are crucial for our national development and peacebuilding because we all lead the largest portion of our populace,” Apostle Denteh said.

According to him, as the church is seeking to effect transformation in society, it acknowledges the unequivocal leadership role the chieftaincy institution has successfully played over the centuries in Ghanaian society.

“The Church of Pentecost believes that our ability to influence and bring transformation to our society will be incomplete without, first, involvement with the chieftaincy institution in a healthy partnership, beginning with rendering a ministry to and through the chieftaincy institution.

“The National House of Chiefs is the highest body in Ghana that unites all traditional rulers, chiefs, and kings which indicates its significance to us as a church. Similarly, the church’s prophetic call and mandate have wide and deep impact on the various communities across the country and that shows that we have something in common to share,” he stressed.

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh ended his presentation by introducing the new academic programme in Chieftaincy Studies that Pentecost University will roll out in the 2023 academic year.

The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, thanked the Church delegation for coming to explain its vision to the House, saying, “Your presentation to Nananom has given us food for thought and I hope we will continue the dialogue.”

He commended the leadership of the Church for carefully selecting chiefs from various parts of the country to constitute the executives of the Chieftaincy Ministry.

The Vice President of the House, Naa Puowele Karbo III, Lawra Naa, was happy that the church has been a trailblazer in leading a collaboration between the palace and the church through the ministry of chieftaincy.

The Church’s delegation included Apostle Lt. Col. B.G. Kumi-Woode (Director, Airforce Chaplaincy, Ghana Armed Force and NEC Member of the Chieftaincy Ministry), Apostle Yaw Agyei-Kwarteng (Co-ordinator, Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council), Elder Pimampen Yaw Kagbrese V (Omanhene, Yeji Traditional Area/President of Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Chairman of the Chieftaincy Ministry, and Elder Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III (Omanhene, Suma Traditional Area and Secretary of the Chieftaincy Ministry).

Other NEC members present were Elder (Dr) Urbor Stephen Tassan Konjar VI(Chief, Kpasa Traditional Area), Elder Nana Akwasi Amoh Kyeretwie I (Chief, New Abirem Traditional Area), Nii Afotey Anokwafo II (Antwere Gonno Mantse, Nungua Traditional Area), Elder Ubor Augustine Nigarim Poyari (Konkomba Chief, Nariligu Traditional Area), Elder (Dr) Nana K. Gyasi (CEO, Nana Kwadwo Gyasi Co. Ltd.), Deaconess Nana Kofi Abuna V (Chief, Essipon) and Deaconess Nana Kyerew Akenten II (Queen Mother, Mamponteng).

PENTECOST NEWS

Websize_11zon (1)

Ashaiman Area Dedicates Double Occupancy Mission House

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

A double occupancy mission house for the Afienya Estate and Goshen districts, both in the Ashaiman Area of The Church of Pentecost, has been dedicated to the glory of God.
The building was dedicated by the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, on December 18, 2022.
The well-attended dedication ceremony, which took place at the Afienya Estate Central Assembly church auditorium, brought together persons from all works of life, including ministers, officers and church members.
Delivering a sermon on the topic, “Lessons from the Ant,” taken from Proverbs 6:6, Prophet David Kankam, who also heads the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee of The Church of Pentecost, advised believers to learn lessons in order to grow spiritually and also live fulfilling lives on earth.
The Ashaiman Area Head said that, like the ant, believers must strive to be neat (both physically and spiritually), support each other, protect their young ones and foster good relationships among themselves.
This, according to him, would allow the power of the Holy Spirit to grow and flow mightily through them.
“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and you need to keep it spiritually neat,” he said. He further advised the congregants to keep their physical environment neat because neatness is next to godliness,” he said.
Prophet Kankam also urged the congregants to take advantage and utilize every opportunity that the Lord presents to them.
“Ants gather food in their good season; good seasons are periods of opportunities which God gives us to make our lives meaningful,” he stressed.
He also urged believers to develop a philanthropic spirit by sharing their gifts, talents, resources and skills with others, and to support the advancement of the Kingdom.
Dedicating the building, the Ashaiman Area Head commended the leadership of both districts headed by Pastors Justice Twene Adane (Afienya Estate District) and Emmanuel Oppong (Goshen District) for great work done to ensure the successful completion of the project within in less than a year.
He also praised Pastor Augustus Akonu of Afienya District, Elder Dr. Elvis Otoo (Area Deacon), Elder Bernard Tetteh (Area Estate Committee Chairman), and Elder Michael Asamoah (Area Projects Officer) for their supervision, support and hard work. Other individuals who dedicated and supported the project in diverse ways were also prayed for and appreciated for their efforts towards the work.
Each apartment of the semi-detached storey building comprises four bedrooms, a study, a family hall, a visitors hall, a dining area and a kitchen, among other facilities.
Giving a brief history of the project at the event, Elder Dr. Elvis Otoo, said the vision to undertake the project was conceived when it was proposed that the Afienya Estate and Goshen districts be carved from the Afienya District and Michel Camp districts, respectively, to house the District Ministers.
Report by Pastor Twene Adane Justice (Afienya Estate District)

Achawso District Women’s Ministry Gives To Ashan Children’s Home

Achawso District Women’s Ministry Gives To Ashan Children’s Home

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The Women’s Ministry of the Achawso District in the Suame Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated food items worth GHC 10,000.00 to the Ashan Children’s Home at Offinso in the Ashanti Region. 

The benevolence, according to the District Minister, Pastor Isaac Koda Plange, was to appreciate God’s goodness towards the district in its five years of existence and to fulfil the Church’s Vision 2023 agenda of “Possessing the Nations.”

The items, including bags of rice, tubers of yam, bags of sugar, toiletries, cooking oil, among others, as well as an undisclosed cash amount, were presented to the Supervisor of the Home, Mr. William Asirifi Tenkorang, on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Pastor Isaac Koda, during the presentation, acknowledged the efforts of the workers in the Home and encouraged them to keep up with the good works because their efforts will never go unrewarded. 

Mr. Asirifi Tenkorang was thankful to The Church of Pentecost, especially the Achawso District, for the kind gesture. He assured that the items would serve the intended purpose.

He then appealed to all and sundry to extend support to the Home.

Deaconess Mercy Agyenim Boateng (District Women’s Leader) was part of the delegation that visited the Home. 

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Elder Dr Johnson Addo Retires From Active Service

Elder Dr Johnson Addo Retires From Active Service

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanMoving With GsTop Stories

It was beautiful and memorable to behold when Elder Dr Johnson Addo, a Trustee of The Church of Pentecost and Chief Executive Officer of Raphal Medical Centre, retired from active service as an officer of the church.

His retirement service was held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tema.

Present at the service were the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye; the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi; Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Greater Accra RCC Co-ordinator and Ashaiman Area Head),; Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry and Executive Council Member), Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head) and Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (immediate past International Missions Director and current Area Head for Haatso).

Also present were some trustees of the church, namely Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd), Elder Dr Lawyer Ken Aboah and Elder Emmanuel Anane Boate.

In a brief sermon on the topic, “Importance of Names,” Apostle Nyamekye said that people have to be identified by a name and it should be guarded jealously and protected.

“A name is not just for identification, all that a person is is vested in his name. Your name will always stand in for you and you and your name are one,” Apostle Nyamekye said.

He admonished Christians to desist from slandering people’s names since it destroys their reputations.

He charged believers to carry themselves well in pursuit of attaining a great name, because a good name is better than wealth.

Elder Dr Johnson Addo was transferred to PIWC Tema as the Presiding Elder in 1999, taking over from then Elder Daniel Sackey (now a pastor). He has been the longest-ever serving presiding elder in the history of the district, having served for 11 years, spanning the administration of three different District Pastors.

He was appointed a Trustee of the Church in 2018. He has been a key financier of the church, especially in the completion and dedication of the PIWC Tema Church Auditorium.

Elder Dr Addo is happily married to his wife, Mrs. Diana Adarkwah Addo, with whom they are blessed with three children and five grandchildren, respectively.

In a testimony, the district described him as a man who shows genuine love for all regardless of their age or status, emphasising, “He is versatile in his approach to issues and responsibilities; thinking critically about them to find amicable solutions and practicable strategies for achieving set goals.”

In his response, Elder Dr Johnson Addo and his family expressed their utmost gratitude to God, the leadership and the members for the opportunity to serve the church.

In attendance were, Apostle Daniel Noble Atsu (Rtd), Apostle Abraham Lincoln Angoh (Rtd), Apostle Emmanuel Barabu (Rtd), Apostle Emmanuel Asante (Rtd), Apostle Johnson Agyemang Badu (Rtd), Apostle Ahalivor (Rtd), Prophet Jonathan Ameyaw (Rtd), Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Rtd), and Justice Opoku Acheampong.

PENTECOST NEWS

Denkyira Dominase District Holds Mass Wedding

Denkyira Dominase District Holds Mass Wedding

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Dominase District in the Dunkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a mass wedding for 11 couples in the district.

The colourful ceremony took place on December 10, 2022, at the Dominase Central Assembly, with Pastor Alexander Kwabena Abrafi (Ayanfuri District), Pastor Peter Quayson (Diaso District/Area Secretary), and the host, Overseer Robert Fobi, as the officiating ministers.

The Area Secretary, Pastor Peter Quayson, who spoke on the topic: “The Gospel According to Marriage,” admonished the gathering to see marriage as a Gospel (Good News).

He advised Christian couples to let their marriages be a shining example to others since they are the ‘Bibles’ unbelievers read (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

According to the Dominase District Minister, Overseer Robert Fobi, the ceremony was a dream come true. He thanked God for a successful ceremony.

“All glory to Jesus, for His grace lavished on us. We also thank the Area Head, Apostle Jones Awuah Afrifa, and his wife, Mrs Juliana Afrifa for their guidance, direction and unfeigned love,” he said.

Report by Pastor Joe Tibiru.

Pastor Afawuah Launches Maiden Children’s Music Album

Pastor Afawuah Launches Maiden Children’s Music Album

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

Pastor John Afawuah, the Kumasi Sector Children’s Ministry Pastor of The Church of Pentecost, has launched a maiden children’s music album titled “Mmɔfra Ho Hia” (Translated: Children Are Important).

The 16-track album, which was unveiled on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the Santasi Bethel Assembly of the Church, contains Sunday School songs like “Abofra Ketewa,” “Mmofra Ho Hia,” “I am a Child.”

Pastors, leaders, teachers and members of the Children’s Ministry from the various Areas and Districts were present to grace the launch.

The album also featured the Echoes of Godly Children, the Kumasi Sector children’s choir.

Speaking at the event, Pastor John Afawuah revealed that the influence of secular music on children recently is outrageous, and its impact on their future is highly pernicious. 

According to the Children’s Pastor, he was inspired by God to invest in the young ones to impact their fellows with godly music, which is another approach to lead people to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.

“Trending songs across the various social media platforms negatively affect the spiritual growth and development of the young. That is why we have been inspired to put these songs together to build them in the fear of the Lord for the future of this country,” he said.

He added that “the voice of the Children’s Ministry behind the lyrics will help engage their fellow children and impact them positively for God and the country.”

He encouraged Christian parents to saturate their homes with Christian music before calling on the masses to embrace songs from the Echoes of Godly Children.

Some of the children who featured in the songs on the album appreciated the efforts put up by their leadership and the opportunity given them. They, therefore, encouraged their fellows not to be shy of their God-given talents but must use them at church to the glory of God.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

by with No Comment ArticlesTop Stories

There had not been any divine utterance or visits in roughly 400 years. It had been 400 years of no prophetic guidance. It had been about 400 years since the presence of the Lord lifted from the Temple according to the vision of Ezekiel. Israel had come under independent kings for about four centuries while the priests continued their dry worship in the Temple devoid of any divine intervention.

Oppression had increased. Leaders had become power drunk. Officials had joined hands with foreign governments and were exploiting their own country folks. However, the common citizen of the day secretly yearned in their hearts for the day the Lord would fulfil His vow to send them their Messiah and free them from their tribulations and afflictions.

Then the fullness of the Lord’s timing came. Angelic visits broke forth. Zachariah, an elderly priest, was the first to experience this. But because he had probably not seen such a scene since his long service in the Temple, he doubted the message of the angel which led to him being struck with dumbness. Afterwards, the shepherds, the wise men, Mary, and Joseph would all continue to see angels appear to them. In all these instances the Lord was preparing the grounds for the appearing of the Immanuel (Himself)—the One who was God with humanity.

While they were in Bethlehem to be enumerated according to the orders of Caesar Augustus, the time came for Mary to give birth to the Child she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Many individuals had arrived in Bethlehem because of the census. The hospitality industry was booming. Joseph had no place for his wife to birth her Divine Baby because there was not a room in the inn (guest house). Therefore, she had to deliver the most precious Child ever to have been born on earth in a Manger (feeding trough that belonged to animals).

As if that was not enough. When the news got to the ears of Herod, the president of the country then, he also could not find a ‘room’ to keep this Little Boy because he was told that Mary’s Son was Israel’s King. Once more, this Boy’s reign would be unassailable in contrast to Herod, which would end with his demise. Mary’s Son would will rule forever.

Filled with anger, envy and insecurity, Herod set out to eliminate the King of the Jews. He ordered that all male children from two years and below be killed (Matt. 2:16). For power, Herod would slaughter the children and bring tears to the eyes and sorrows to the hearts of the very people he was to care for as a leader. This makes the words of the psalmist very relevant. He queried, “why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?” But he answers himself saying, “the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed (Jesus Christ)” (Psalms 2:1-2).

But the mystery is that, the plan of God never fails. Whatever He purposes to do, He will do with many or with few, with the high or with the lowly, with the experienced or the inexperienced. He always makes room for Himself to fulfill His own plans. So you will realize that when He had no room in the inn, He found a room in the manger. Again, when He had no ‘room’ with Herod (Israel), He made a room for Himself in Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15).

Today, Jesus is still seeking a place to lay His head in our hearts. It is not as if He does not have a place to sleep! He is actually looking forward to blessing us with His presence in our lives. For it is in Him that we live, move, and have our being. He is the very fountain of life.

Therefore, as Paul puts it, we can hope for glory if we have Christ in us (Col. 1:27). If we can prepare Him room in our homes, in our work places, in our personal lives, in our marital lives, in our ministerial lives, in our worship, and in our social lives, we can hope to see His glory illuminate all these areas of our lives. For until today, Jesus is still standing behind the door, knocking and hoping to be given an entrance (Rev. 3:20) and seeking that we hand our lives wholly to Him to rule over.

However, keep in mind that if He cannot find a room with us, He will seek one elsewhere where He will be accepted. God has no favourites. He gives the right to become a child of God to anyone who believes in Him and accepts Him (John 1:12). But to those who make no room for Him, He says, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My words has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Therefore, today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Let every heart prepare Him room: Jesus is Lord! 

Written by P/Overseer Isaac Kwabena Tagoe (Nanton District, Tamale)