10 Gallant Officers Retire From Active Service

10 Gallant Officers Retire From Active Service

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The Osu District in La Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a retirement service on Sunday, November 27, 2022, for ten officers at the Osu Central Assembly church auditorium.

The retired officers are Elder Felix Kwame Ferkah, who served for 30 years; Elder Daniel Tuah Agyare, 28 years; Deacon David Boahene, 16years; Deaconess Mary Boakye, 24 years; Deaconess Victoria Nana Ansaa Majdoub, 20 years; Deaconess Margaret Ferkah, 36 years; Deaconess Rosina Abrokwah, 20 years; Deaconess Lydia Oppong, 22 years; Deaconess Mary Yaa Appiah Agyeiwaa, 30 years; and Deaconness Comfort Darko, 20 years.

Speaking on the theme; “Serving God with A Clear Conscience to Possess the Nations”, the La Area Head, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, noted that once anyone is called into a leadership or ministry position, they are supposed to serve well with a clear mind and heart in order to receive its associated reward. 

“If any leader is able to serve God as they should, they are honoured because not all leaders are able to finish well, some drop on the way due to life compromises,” he added. 

Apostle Dieudonne charged members to serve God with a clear mind and heart to contribute meaningfully to the “possessing the nations” agenda, and also to receive blessings from God, adding: “There are biblical examples of the end of both good and bad servants in the Bible.”

With scripture reference to 1 Timothy 1:3-6; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Matthew 25:1-24, he cited Apostle Paul as a true reflection of a good leader and servant of God who served with a clear conscience towards God and a man who all Christians should emulate.

Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe emphasised the account of the three servants and their master who entrusted them with talents according to their ability. The first two servants worked and gained extra, but the third servant was wise in his own eyes and so could not make any profit due to unclear conscience and impure heart. 

He indicated that leaders must be conscious of serving God in faithfulness and truth. 

“Cherish whatever God has entrusted into your hands in the church, serve with a clear conscience and a good heart for God to give you initiative on how to excel in what you do because we are rewarded according to our faithfulness and not according to our gifts, titles or positions,” he said.

Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe admonished members to continue in the good works and service to God even in the face of opposition and attack to receive a handsome reward from God.

Report by Gina Akua Padi

Where Is Your Light Amidst This Dark World – Apostle Nyamekye Questions

Where Is Your Light In This Dark World? – Apostle Nyamekye To Christians

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christians to live up to their divine role as light of the world to dispel the increasing darkness (evil) in the world.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, in the Old Testament, God used the Israelites to reflect the light, which is His glory, to the world. He, however, noted that the order changed when Jesus Christ came and instructed believers to be agents of change and the light to the world.

“Jesus told his believers to go into the nations to possess every sphere; with us in the world, we become the light of the world,” he stated.

He said this on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at the Akim Oda Central Auditorium, during his working tour in the Akim Oda Area.

Explaining the rationale of the 2023 theme, the Chairman said that the local church is expected to be a vibrant centre for equipping members to possess the nations, urging, “take care of your Presiding Elders and Presbytery who are your leaders at the local level.”

He mentioned that ordained officers (leaders) assist ministers in running affairs of the church and building up the members at the local assembly, especially since the minister cannot be there at all times.

“Everyone has his duty in this work of the Lord and whatever you do, remember it is for the Lord. Do not grumble or complain unnecessarily,” Apostle Nyamekye noted.

On environmental protection and awareness, he urged Christians to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility for keeping the environment clean. He admonished members to avoid indulging in illegal mining and indiscriminate loitering.

The Chairman iterated that the local church must be a hub of hospitality for the family and members. He further encouraged sacrificial giving and paying of tithes truthfully among members.

Emphasising the need to raise family altars, he charged Christians to include every member in family devotions and spiritual activities. This, he mentioned, will help to strengthen the local church as was in the case of the Puritans.

“We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, therefore, let us all join to worship God together,” he added.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Ministers & Wives In Old Tafo Area Embark On Street Evangelism

Ministers & Wives In Old Tafo Area Embark On Street Evangelism

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The ministers and wives in the Old Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by the Area Head, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, have embarked on an aggressive street evangelism campaign aimed at preaching the Gospel to save the perishing.

The exercise, which was held in Mamponteng and Atimatim Districts on Sunday and Monday evenings respectively, yielded 8 souls to the glory of God, despite the disruption by the heavy downpour.

Joined by officers and members on Sunday evening, a float accompanied by a brass band was held along Mamponteng main road as placards were displayed bearing inscriptions like, “Jesus Died For You”, “You Need Jesus Today”, Jesus Can Save You”, Trust Jesus” and many others. Hundreds of Gospel tracts and Bibles were also distributed to the passers-by.

The Atimatim District Minister, Pastor Manasseh Mintah, preached on the topic: “In Him is Life,” taken from John 1:14. He defined the significance of life and asserted that everlasting life is only found in Jesus Christ, hence the need for everyone on earth to recognise that Jesus is the Son of God and accept Him as Lord.

Monday evening witnessed the same procession at the Atimatim Junction off the Tafo Mampong road. Pastor Tetteh Martey of Ankaase District also spoke on the topic: “Whoever Believes in the Name of Jesus Shall Escape God’s Wrath,” based on John 3:36. He expounded how God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for salvation and will not spare anyone who disregards and puts into contempt the name and works of Jesus.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS, the Area Head, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, appreciated the efforts of the ministers and their spouses throughout the programme in spite of the rain. He revealed that as part of The Church of Pentecost’s aggressive evangelism month, the focus of the Area is to solidify the “One Member; One Discipled Soul” initiative and bring the lost to Christ.

“We have done personal evangelism, house-to-house evangelism, rallies, and street evangelism. So, this is to crown the entire activity. In fact, the outcome has been very encouraging and we are thanking the Lord for that,” he said.

“This is not going to be a nine-day wonder, but as time goes on, ministers and wives in the Old Tafo Area will consistently embark on this to win more souls to the Kingdom of Heaven,” he added.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

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Youth Ministry’s Business And Enterpreneurship Chamber Holds Training

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A total of 1,045 members of the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost have been equipped with modern skills to enable them thrive in the world of business during the 2022 edition of the “Business and Entrepreneurship Chamber Summit.”

This year’s edition of the training programme was under the theme, “Pursuing excellence as a young entrepreneur” and was held at various zonal centres across the country. The event sought to equip participants with employable skills, and also help them create jobs and reach for self-reliance.

Among others, the training focused on business financing, effective time management, and handling business challenges, which were facilitated by already-made business magnates within the church.
The trainees were also made to see the business field as a mission field where Christ must be proclaimed, and the values and principles of the kingdom of God must permeate.

Participants were urged to be fearless in entering into the business sphere, and conducting themselves in a manner that is professional, transparent and befitting of a Christian who is the salt and light of the world, as professed in Matthew 5:13-16.

At the end of the training summit, all participants were fully equipped to pursue excellence in business, and to possess their spheres for Christ.

Report by Youth Ministry Media Team

Maranatha Assembly Church Building Dedicated

Maranatha Assembly Church Building Dedicated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team

Central Regional Retired Ministers &Wives Association Chapter Inaugurated

Central Regional Retired Ministers &Wives Association Inaugurated

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

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

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

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

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

Report by Pastor Okoampah Kwesi Ebenezer Ayivi

Cry Ubuntu

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

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Opening

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

God Revealed in Africa’s Philosophy of Communion

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

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

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

The Fall Asunder

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

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

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

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

Conclusion: Sankofa

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

Written by Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

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Couple Donates Accident & Emergency Block To Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report by Elder Cosmos Nana Bennie.

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse Rtd. Goes Home

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse Rtd. Goes Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor Paul Elisha Kesse is survived by two children.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

PIWC-Graceland Organises “RMU Campus Crusade”

PIWC-Graceland Organises “RMU Campus Crusade”

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report by PIWC-Graceland Media Team