Evangelism Team Baptises 20 New Converts Despite Python Scare

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

In a spine-chilling incident, members of the Evangelism Ministry Advance Team of The Church of Pentecost came across a giant python on their way to baptise some new converts who had surrendered their lives to Christ during a film outreach held at Anhwiaso yesterday (October 16, 2022).

The python, about 6 feet long and weighing about 15 kg, was lying in the Nkonkon river, where they were going to have the water baptism.

The team took no notice of the reptile since the area was totally dark. However, when one team member flashed a torch light, the python came out of the water and laid ashore.

The sight of the animal scared them and caused them to step back for cover. After regaining their composure, they grabbed some sticks and slew the snake.

Undeterred by the incident, the team went on to baptise the converts in another river opposite the one where they had slain the python.

Out of the 22 souls won during the outreach, the team baptised 20; the remaining two were ready to undergo the religious ritual but took to their heels at the sight of the python and thus had their session postponed to a later date.

The film evangelism outreach was part of some preliminary activities organised by the Evangelism Ministry ahead of the “Sefwi-Nkwanta for Christ” crusade set to take place from October 18 to 19, 2022.

The event, which is being jointly organised by the Evangelism Ministry Directorate and the Nkwanta District of the Church at the Tanoso community park, is under the theme: In Him Is Life (John 1:4).

PENTECOST NEWS.

End Galamsey Now! – Religious Leaders Cry Out

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Leaders of the various religious bodies in Ghana have called on the Government to, as a matter of urgency, ban the activities of all small-scale mining (whether licensed or illegal) in the country.

This, according to them, is to forestall the future of Ghana and end the devastation that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is causing the nation, coupled with the associated negative health and socio-economic effects on the country. 

“We call for the immediate ban of all small-scale mining. We have taken notice that many groups or companies hide behind a legal license to wreak havoc on the environment. To that end, we call for an immediate ban on all forms of small-scale mining, whether licensed or not, until a workable and satisfactory road map has been established to ensure responsible mining in our country,” they stated.

They added: “This is the time to put Ghana first beyond political party affiliations and personal gains in order to secure a better future for our children; this is the whole basis of sustainable development. The adverse impacts of galamsey are seriously  undermining our collective national  efforts to achieve  our sustainable development goals.”

The clarion call was made during a joint press conference held in Accra on Monday, October 17, 2022, by the religious leaders in Ghana, including the Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Office of the National Chief Imam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana and the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches.

Present were theMost Rev. Philip Naameh (President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference), Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso (President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council), Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo (Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana), Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman of The Church of Pentecost), Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama (National President of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International), and Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu (the Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam), among other top religious leaders in the country.

Lamenting on the devasting effects that galamsey has caused and continues to cause Ghana, the religious leaders issued an eight-point communique stating their solution to solving the menace, saying, we seek to draw the attention of Ghanaians to the following:

1. We are calling for a week of fasting and prayers to pray for change of hearts and for God’s mercy upon our nation for the destruction we have caused the environment.

2. We call for the IMMEDIATE BAN of all small-scale mining. We have taken notice that many groups or companies hide behind a legal license to wreak havoc to the environment. To that end, we call for an immediate ban on all forms of small-scale mining, whether licensed or not, until a workable and satisfactory road map has been established to ensure responsible mining in our country.

3. We call for an immediate national stakeholder’s dialogue under the auspices of religious leaders (while the ban is in place) to dialogue with all political parties, mining technocrats, the media, traditional leaders and all stakeholders to commit to a non­ partisan National Strategy to sustainably deal with this national canker before we sink as a nation.

4. We call on government to swiftly arrest and, prosecute all those involved in galamsey activities in Ghana without fear or favour, to serve as a deterrent to others. Those who desire to be rich at the expense of the future of our country should face the full rigors of the law.

5. With immediate effect, we call on religious leaders to wear red armbands to show our deep concern for the destruction of our environment through galamsey.

6. We call for the arrest and immediate prosecution of any chief who permits galamsey activities within his jurisdiction for any reason.

7. We give an ULTIMATUM to MMDCEs in the country to ensure that water bodies that have been polluted because of illegal mining activities within their sphere of governance are clean by June 30, 2023. The Religious Leaders in the country are ready to mobilise our legal team to go to court on this matter and have MMDCEs who have allowed such menace in their jurisdiction to be removed from office.

8. We have realised that galamsey is preventing the youth from going to school. We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to immediately report any child of school-going age who is involved in galamsey activities in their communities to the appropriate authorities and also to their respective religious leaders.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Church Leaders Tour Galamsey Sites

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanMoving With GsTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, yesterday joined a delegation of church leaders in Ghana on a fact-finding tour to some illegal mining (Galamsey) sites in the country.

The tour was meant to observe at firsthand the level of devastation perpetrated by the galamsey operators.

Among the church delegation was Bishop Dr Paul Boafo (Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana and immediate-past Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana), and Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso (President, GPCC).

The others were Rev. Cyril Fayose (General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana), Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary, The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Eric Kingsley Darko (Vice President, Council for Independent Churches) and Apostle Samuel Antwi (Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost and Former GPCC General Secretary).

The delegation also included ministers from The Church of Pentecost, Apostolic Church- Ghana and the Deeper Life Bible Church.

“The Beauty of Nature”

As part of the tour, the team made a quick stop at Boadua to pay a courtesy call on Osabarima Oware Asare Pronko III, the Chief of Apinamang, one of the towns in the Eastern Region of Ghana adversely affected by the activities of illegal mining.

Nana Asare Pronko, a passionate environmentalist, and his elders received the team at his eco-tourism resort and wildlife reserve, which he had deliberately (albeit ironical) named “The Beauty of Nature.”

The chief admitted that illegal mining is prevalent in his community and lamented about how the non-scientific approach of the miners is destroying vegetation and waterbodies.

“They do not even fill the mining pits after they are done, and this makes it difficult to reclaim the land for productive use. I have done everything but to no avail. I am now helpless!” he said.

The chief commended the religious leaders for undertaking a good initiative to help in the fight against galamsey and advised them not to allow anyone to discourage or intimidate them. He also pledged his support towards fighting the environmental menace.

“Why should we allow this (illegal mining) to go on? If other chiefs are part of it then not me – I refuse to be part of this!” he said.

Nana Pronko also gave the team a tour around his ecotourism park and touted his personal efforts in preserving the environment for posterity.

Apinamang Galamsey Site

At Apinamang, the delegation visited an active illegal mining site where they were met with abandoned pits, muddy water (polluted) and destroyed cocoa farm lands. The sorry state of the land and sheer level of devastation ignited deep emotions from the team who soon began to sing patriotic songs.

Addressing the press, Bishop Dr. Paul Boafo reminded Christians in Ghana about the duty they have to take care of God’s creation and ensure that people living on the earth prosper.

He called on all stakeholders (chiefs, government, church, institution etc.) to come on board in order to seek a non-partisan and lasting solution to the galamsey endemic.

“This is a collective fight, and all Ghanaians should come on board and let’s fight galamsey. We need to adopt a non-partisan approach in dealing with this problem, just as we did with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rev. Paul Frimpong, on his part, called on all responsible governmental agencies to rise and act in order to save the dire situation.

“My heart is burning. This is an absolute disaster and disgrace to the country. We must not entertain any political party that supports galamsey,” he said.

Father Dieudonne Davor, who represented the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, at the tour, said that the alarming rate of the destruction calls for an urgent action, and therefore, reiterated that government must not relent in its effort to clamp down on the activities of illegal miners.

Dr. George Manful, an environmentalist, retired diplomat and Environmental advisor to the Assemblies of God Church, expressed disbelief at the unimaginable proportions of destruction caused by the activities of illegal miners, describing it as “environmental rape.”

“I have followed the issue of galamsey for quite a long time. Formerly, the perpetuators used to mine with pickaxes, now they are using excavators! This tells how much the practice has escalated,” he said.

“A Complex Problem”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye bemoaned the lack of political will in the fight against the galamsey threat.

“We have all the environmental laws on paper, what we lack is the will to enforce them. Leaders must lead, they must enforce laws otherwise human beings, by their nature, will always go way ward,” he stated.

He said that the complex nature of the issue calls for a multifaceted approach in coming up with an effective intervention to address illegal mining in the country.

He, however, stated that “Galamsey is a human problem so human beings can solve it. We should not leave to the politicians; all stakeholders must come together to fix it.

Mother of five loses her land

The delegation ended their tour at the house of 45-year-old Joyce Worwonyo. Joyce, a member of the Miremire Assembly of the Apinamang District of The Church of Pentecost is a victim of galamsey operation.

The mother of five is being ejected from her house after the landowner sold it to galamseyers.

According to her, the miners, who have warned her severally to evacuate the land, have destroyed her cocoa farm in just four months after beginning their operations. The activities of the miners had left a huge pit close to her house, thus endangering the lives of her relatives.

Petitioning the President

In a letter issued last Monday by Dr. Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), the Christian ecumenical bodies expressed their intent to petition the government to swiftly intervene to end the destruction of all the country’s forest reserves and water bodies by the activities of illegal mining.

Ahead of the petitioning, the Christian leaders would address a press conference 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).

The Galamsey Menace

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.

The Ghana Water Company Limited has said that continuous destruction of water bodies through illegal mining is increasing the cost of water due to the rising cost of aluminum sulphate used for the treatment.

PENTECOST NEWS

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

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

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

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

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.