Coco Beach District Wins 131 Souls Through Beach Evangelism

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Coco Beach District in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost has won 131 souls through beach evangelism it organised in collaboration with the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Legon.

The aggressive evangelistic drive took place from July 29 to 31, 2022, at the Coco Beach enclave.

Prior to the exercise, the district held a three-day evangelism conference which was aimed at empowering the members with the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God for effective evangelism.

Other activities engaged in were street evangelism, house-to-house evangelism, one-on-one evangelism and ghetto evangelism.

Out of the 131 souls won for Christ, 22 were baptised in water with one person receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Notable among the various spectacular events that occurred was the conversion of a football team who were training at the beach.

Report by Fred Broohm.

Zebilla District Mission House Dedicated

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Bawku Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Gyambibi Boateng, has dedicated the newly built Zebilla District mission house.

The 5-bedroom apartment was dedicated on August 6, 2022.

The construction of the new mission house commenced in 2019 by the immediate past District Minister, Pastor George Tackie, due to the deteriorating nature of the old mission house, which was constructed in 2000.

Delivering a sermon at the service on the title, “Divine Call and Radiated Mission House,” the Bawku Area Secretary, Pastor Joel Essel Donkoh, who doubles as the Bawku District Minister, charged Christians to take their positions as servants and witnesses of God because of the divine call upon their lives.

Quoting from Acts 26:16-18, Ephesians 5:16, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Pastor Donkoh explained the benefits of a mission house, urging Christians to endeavour to visit mission houses to tap the blessings of it.

The old mission house has accommodated six ministers. They are Pastor Samuel Kofi Yanney, Pastor Owusu Boadi (late), Pastor Kwasi Afoakwah Duah, Pastor Thomas Appiah, Pastor Emmanuel Yarquah, and Pastor George Kwaku Tackie.

Present at the dedication service were the Bawku Area Pastorate and their wife, members of the Zebilla District, and well-wishers.

In a related development, Apostle Eric Gyambibi Boateng has laid the foundation stone of the English Assembly auditorium of Zebilla District.

Report by Bawku Area Media Team.

HUM Holds ‘Vulnerable Kids’ Camp Meeting

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsHUMTop Stories

The Home and Urban Missions (HUM) in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, has organised a 3-day Camp Meeting for the vulnerable and marginalized children in the Abuakwa-North Municipal under the Effiduase Area of The Church of Pentecost

The event which took place from August 16 to 18, 2022 at the Bunso Cocoa College in the Eastern Region, had in attendance 119 street children drawn from Old Tafo-Akim, Kukurantumi, Ati, Maase, Anyinasin, Osiem, Ettokrom and Fisher Camp.

It was aimed at transforming the children morally and spiritually through the word of God, prayer and counseling.

Various ministrations by the speakers addressed deviant behaviours. The children were offered the opportunity to give their lives to Christ as 34 surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. During the prayer sessions, 12 of them received the Holy Spirit Baptism.

Present at the event were the National HUM Co-ordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo; the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, and the HUM Children’s Ministry Representative, Pastor Joshua Yirenkyi Smart.

Also in attendance were the Eastern Regional HUM Pastor, Gabriel Owusu Akyaw and his wife;  Pastor Samuel Acquaah (Effiduase Area HUM Co-ordinator); Overseer Isaac Komla Agbesi (Effiduase Area Children’s Leader); Pastor Prince Odoom (Old Tafo-Akim District Pastor), and Elder Joshua Appiah (Old Tafo-Akim District Children’s Leader).

It is worth noting that during the camp meeting, most of the participants who were struggling with the addiction to gambling, drug abuse, stealing, and promiscuity, were counselled by seasoned counselors.

The participants expressed their joy and gratitude to the church for the opportunity to join other children to fellowship and be transformed by the Word of God.

The HUM and Children’s Ministry Directorates further followed up and provided interventions to facilitate rescuing the vulnerable children from their current predicaments. These interventions include healthcare and education support for the children.

Report by Overseer Isaac K. Agbesi.

Apostle Anthony Ekuban Donates GH ₵20,000 To Suhum Area

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

Members within the Suhum Area of The Church of Pentecost could not hide their joy as their immediate past Area Head, Apostle Anthony Eghan Kwesi Ekuban (retired), donated GH₵ 20,000.00 of his retirement benefits to support the work of God in the Area.

He donated the amount during a retirement service held in his honour on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at the L. A. Nyarko Memorial Sanctuary in Suhum.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Apostle Ekuban said that the presentation was done to help support the activities and projects of the Area and further encourage the members to serve God well. 

As a former Chairman of the Suhum Local Council of Churches, Apostle Ekuban (retired) used his position to unite the body of Christ in the municipality. Through his influence, the various ecumenical bodies have forged a stronger force to promote the Kingdom of God in Suhum and its environs.

The retired Suhum Area Head was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1986 and served in nine duty stations of the church. He began his ministerial journey at Nsawkaw (1986-1990); Nkrankwanta (1990-1992); Sunyani West (1992-1997), and New Tafo (1997-2000). He was called into missions in 2000 and served as a Missionary in Tanzania (2000-2007). Having been called into the office of Apostle, he was recalled home and sent to Wa as Area Head (2007-2011). He was  later posted to Goaso Area (2011-2014), Anyaa-Ablekuma (2014-2017), and Suhum Area (2017-2022).

The General Secretary applauded Apostle Anthony Kwesi Eghan Ekuban for serving meritoriously as a minister of the church, and for his kind gesture.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle James Nana Ofori Ends Active Service After 35 Years

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

After 35 years of serving The Church of Pentecost, Apostle James Nana Ofori, Mankessim Area Head, and his wife, Mrs. Ellen Mary Ofori, have ended their active service in the church.

The glorious retirement service which was held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at the Estate Central Auditorium in Mankessim, was officiated by the Co-ordinator of the Central Regional Co-ordinating Committee and Executive Council Member of the church, who doubles as the Cape Coast Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi. 

The event saw people from all walks of life in attendance to honour and appreciate God for the great work He has accomplished through his servant.

Delivering a sermon on the topic, “All Because of Him,” Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi entreated believers to always remember where they come from and how they have been saved by the grace of God, saying, “Some of us were not influential and were not born with silver spoon in our mouths”

Using Luke 19:28-35; 17:10; Mark 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 as scripture references, the Cape Coast Area Head said that like Barabbas, most ministers in the full-time ministry today were unqualified but God chose the foolish things of this world to glorify Himself and shame the wise.

“Ministers of the gospel must understand that all that we have been made of is because of the Master,” he stated while admonishing the clergy to eschew pride, exaggerations on matters and super-heroism.

Apostle Antwi, therefore, urged Christians to be humble while staying at the feet of Christ for greater glory, adding that “after all is done, know that you are a worthy servant for you did what was required of you.” 

Apostle James Nana Ofori was born on July 15, 1957, at Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region to Opanyin Kwadwo Appah and Madam Elizabeth Yaa Ofosuhemaa, both of blessed memory. He had both his elementary and secondary education at Obo- Kwahu and received his G.C.E. O’ Level in 1973. He also holds a certificate in Library and Archival Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Bachelor of Theology from Canada Christian College.

Before joining the full-time ministry of the church, he worked as a Librarian for nine years at the University of Science and Technology School of Mines and Technology (now University of Mines and Technology), Tarkwa from 1978 to 1987.

Throughout his 35 years of ministry, Apostle Nana Ofori served at seven stations commencing from Ankaase (1987-1992); Ashanti Mampong (1992-1995); Assin Manso (1995-2001); Ashaiman (2001-2007); Kwadaso (2007-2012); Sunyani (2012-2017) as District Pastor, and Mankessim Area as Area Head (2017-2022).

Notable among the various leadership positions he held was the Central Regional Treasurer of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), from 2018 to 2022, and GPCC Mankessim District Chairman, from 2018 to 2022.

Testimony by the General Council described Apostle Nana Ofori as a “dynamic man of God who operates in charismatic gifts, prayerful and grounds breaker in new and difficult terrains.”

Both the Mankessim Area Presbytery and the Pastorate described him as a great lover of music and a worshipper, evangelistic man and a motivational minister.

The Area Women’s Ministry also described Mrs Ellen Mary Ofori as a formidable, affable woman who always beams with smiles and a homemaker whose hospitality know no bounds.

Gracing the event were Osagyefo Amanfo Adu VI (Paramount Chief of Mankessim Traditional Area), Hon. K. K. Essuman (former MCE for Mfantseman), and Hon. Samuel Obodai (former Deputy Central Regional Minister).

Also present were Apostles Daniel Kwaning Mireku and wife (Agona Swedru Area), Frederick K. Andoh and wife (Assin Fosu Area), Jones Awuah Afrifa and wife (Dunkwa Area), David Nii Addo -Pappoe and wife (Twifo Praso Area), Samuel Appiah (National Head of Dubai).

Others were Pastor Obiri Yeboah and wife (France), and Mrs. Gifty Dansoa Appiah (wife of Winneba Area Head), Rev. Vincent Mensa (Assemblies of God and GPCC Central Regional Vice Chairman), Rev. Felix Awuah (Area Head, Apostolic Church and GPCC Secretary, Central Region), Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh (Rtd.), Apostle Robert Christian Ackon (Rtd.), and Area Deacons from Kintampo, Asante Mampong and Mankessim.

In his response, Apostle James Nana Ofori, on behalf of his family, expressed his utmost appreciation and thanks to God, the Church and the leadership of the Church for their continuous support throughout their 35 years in ministry.

Report by Pastor Joel Beddim.

Rise In Prayer To Turn Your Fortunes Around – Chairman Tells Christians

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has underscored the importance of prayer in the lives of believers as it has the potency to change situations and circumstances affecting their families and marital lives for the better.

“We bear needless pain all because we do not carry our issues before God; we crush under burdens and yokes because we do not teach on them. So, when we teach and pray, unpleasant situations will change for the better,” Apostle Nyamekye said in a live televised sermon on PENT TV during a Special Evening Service on Sunday, August 14, 2022, as part of his series on “Marriage & Family Life – An ‘Endangered’ Institution.”

Speaking on the topic: “Be Careful What You Call Impossible,” Chairman Nyamekye urged Christian couples to invest their full trust in God for the sustenance of their marriages as they engage in prayer. 

“Let us trust God for the sustenance of this institution of marriage between a biologically male and biologically female. When we rise in prayer, this thing called LGBTQI+ will fusile into thin air,” he said.

He further noted that with prayer, broken marriages and family altars will be restored; recalcitrant and wayward children will be brought back to God, and Christian homes will be churches and seminaries.

“When we lift a prayer unto God, parents will rise to their responsibilities and our marriages and family lives will be exemplary so that people will love what they see,” he added.

Reflecting on the lyrics in John Newton’s song, Apostle Nyamekye advised Christians not to despair when the situation in their marriages looks dire and impossible, but they must rather petition God through prayer. He defined prayer as “bringing God into the equation or introducing God into the matter.” He noted that reviving the institution of marriage and family life is highly possible in this perverse generation if only Christians will wrestle by prayer. 

“We can raise the best husbands, best wives, best children, best masters, best servants, best magistrates, best subjects and by so doing the gospel of Christ will not be blasphemed because we were created to do good works,” he said.

He, therefore, charged Christians to arise and put on their strength (Isaiah 52:1-3), stressing that, “When we put on our strength (pray), there will be nothing out there that can be called impossible.” 

To buttress his assertion, the Chairman cited an instance in Isaiah 38:1-5, when King Hezekiah, on his sickbed, prayed fervently to God and had his life prolonged by fifteen years after God Himself, through Prophet Isaiah, had told him to put his house in order because he was going to die and would not live.

“God cannot change His nature, but with prayer, He changes His mind,” he revealed.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye called on Christians, particularly married couples to rise in prayer for successful marriages and better family lives and stop being pessimistic.

“Be careful what you call impossible. All is not lost; it is not over yet. Raising family altars again is achievable; a consistent Christian life is achievable. Just lock up yourself in the room and cry unto God and relief will appear because God is still alive and not dead,” he assured.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Youth Director Commences 3-Day Visit To Abuakwa Area

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Youth Director of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, has begun a three-day visit to the Abuakwa Area of the church in the Ashanti Region.

The visit, which commenced on Monday, August 22, 2022, in the Abuakwa Zone, is expected to end on Wednesday, August 25, 2022.

Addressing members of the ministry in the Abuakwa Zone on the topic, “Our Victory Over Sin,” the Youth Director challenged young people to live a victorious life over sin.

Referring to 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, he stated that death may be powerful but its power originates from sin. He explained that the power of death is in sin, therefore, much fear should be given to sin instead of death, saying, “Sin is the origin of death. Therefore, if there were no sin, there wouldn’t have been death.”

Reading from Genesis 3:8, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan indicated that before sin entered the world, God used to visit man daily in the Garden of Eden. He, however, said that at the entrance of sin, the constant daily visitation and fellowship of God and man was compromised.

Pastor Ebenezer Hagan also stated that despite the power of sin, God has given humanity power over it through the death of Jesus Christ. He stated that Jesus Christ died to sin and ended every relation to it once and for all. “In his death, we have our victory over sin,” he said.

To overcome sin, the Youth Director noted that the Holy Spirit helps believers live a victorious life over sin. They must make a conscious effort and decide to allow Him to help them in that regard.

He stressed the need for Christian youths to do their best not to give any part of their body to sin nor allow sin to have full control of their body. He charged Christians to hide the word of God in their hearts so that they will not sin against God.

He made further scripture references from Psalm 119:1, Isaiah 59:1-2, Ephesians 5:1-3 and Romans 6:9-14.

The exposition from the Youth Director challenged the young people who left the meeting poised and charged to go and live a victorious life over sin.

Chairing the meeting on behalf of the Area Head was Pastor Francis Ato Ansah, the District Minister of Atwima Koforidua. In attendance were Mrs Priscilla Hagan, wife of the Youth Director as well as ministers and their wives in the Abuakwa Zone. From Abuakwa Zone, the Youth Director will proceed to Nyinahin Zone and crown the three-day visit at Kunsu Zone.

Report by Youth Ministry.

Education Minister Calls On The Church Of Pentecost Leadership

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanMoving With GsTop Stories

The Minister for Education, Honourable Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, today (August 23, 2022), paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the Church’s General Headquarters, in Accra.

According to the Minister of Education, the visit marks the beginning of his “listening tour” to dialogue with religious leaders in Ghana to find out their assessment of the various policies introduced by his ministry and how they could be improved to better serve the needs of the citizenry.

“Churches have mission schools that provide support and ensure the success of the educational system in Ghana. Many things are happening in the educational space, such as the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) High Schools built across the country, which I have the wonderful opportunity of briefing the Church about,” Hon. Dr. Adutwum stated.

He further stated that the Education Ministry is operationalising a major transformation in the sector to make it fit for its purpose, and in so doing, transform the fortunes of the country.

Hon. Adutwum added that his engagement with religious leaders also provides him with a unique opportunity to court the support of religious leaders, who are also key stakeholders in the sector, in his quest to transform the educational system.

He, therefore, thanked the leadership of the Church for the warm reception accorded him and also lauded the Church for its immense contribution to the transformation of Ghana and the world at large.

The Chairman, who described the initiative as “a step in the right direction,” commended the minister for acknowledging religious bodies as major key stakeholders in the educational sector, and making the necessary effort to engage with them.

He explained that human beings, as managers of the earth, need to be educated to understand and effectively and efficiently manage their environment.

He also praised him for the good work he is doing to champion education, which according to him, is very key to the development of any country.

“You are a good ambassador of The Church of Pentecost and we, as a Church, are very proud of you for attaining the level of a sector minister in the country,” he said.

He further encouraged the Minister to continue to introduce great and innovative ideas to transform the sector and to take advantage of the media to share with the citizenry the work he is doing in the educational space.

Present were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance & Administrative Director, COP), Apostle Vincent Anane-Denteh (Men’s Ministry Director), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director), Elder Richard Amaning (Pentecost Social Services, PENTSOS Director), and Mrs. Eunice Anima Pumpuni, (Institutional Development and Support Manager, PENTSOS).

PENTECOST NEWS.

Prophet James Amaniampong Donates GH¢ 280,000 To Support Church Projects

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

A prophet of The Church of Pentecost, Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (now retired), made a surprising public pronouncement during a colourful retirement service held in his honour at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa in Kumasi on Sunday, August 21, 2022.

Known for his magnanimity, Prophet Amaniampong donated a whopping amount of GH¢ 280,000.00, believed to be his retirement benefit to six districts of the church to support various church projects. 

The beneficiary churches were the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC)- Asokwa (GH¢ 100,000.00), Kaase Central Assembly (GH¢ 50,000.00), Konkori District (GH¢ 50,000.00), and Kurofofrom District (GH¢ 50,000.00), all in the Asokwa Area of the church in Kumasi.

The rest were Mampong Akyeremade District (GH¢ 20,000.00), and PIWC Bolgatanga (GH¢ 10,000.00).

The pronouncement was greeted with wide jubilation and a shout of praise to God, especially by members of some of the beneficiary districts who were present at the service.

Aside from this, he presented various gifts to some selected persons who supported him in various ways in the ministry.

Prophet James Osei Amaniampong and his wife, Mrs Georgina Birago Amaniampong, retired from active service after attaining the church’s statutory retirement age of 65. He served in the pastoral ministry for 41 years. Until his retirement, he served as the Area Head of the Asokwa Area.

He held many positions in the church, including an Executive Council Member, from 2011 to 2021, Board Chairman of Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh, from 2013 to 2022, and Co-ordinator for Greater Accra and Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Committees, from 2015 to 2018 and 2018 to 2021, respectively.

Called into the full-time pastoral ministry in 1981, he was ordained as a pastor in 1986, and later as a prophet in 1995.

He served as District Pastor in Mampongteng, from 1981 to 1986; Old Tafo, from 1986 to 1989; Darkuman, from 1989 to 1991; Madina, from 1991 to 1995, and Takoradi, from 1995 to 1998. Additionally, he served as the National Head of the church and Missionary in The Gambia, from 1998 to 2003, and as Area Head for Sunyani Area, from 2003 to 2008; Dansoman Area, from 2008 to 2011; Odorkor Area, from 2011 to 2013; Teshie-Nungua Area, from 2013 to 2018, and finally Asokwa Area, from 2018 to 2022.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Dr. Samuel Ofori Retires From Active Pastoral Service

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

A retirement service has been held to officially retire Apostle Dr. Samuel and Mrs Dorothy Ofori from active pastoral ministry.

The ceremony was held on Sunday, 21st August 2022 at the Pentecost University’s main campus at Sowutuom, Accra.

The service, which was officiated by Apostle Dr Dela Quampah, Ho Area Head and Executive Council Member, was graced by many distinguished personalities within and without The Church of Pentecost.

On their part, the Mount Olivet Assembly of the Darkuman District where Apostle Dr. Ofori served as a resident minister, acknowledged him for the beautiful fellowship that he and wife has had with them. They praised him for his active involvement in activities at the local assembly even though he was a lecturer at Pentecost University.

The Darkuman District Women’s Ministry also described Mrs Dorothy Ofori as a very wise counselor who uses her life experiences as examples to persons who seek advise and counselling from her. They further described her as a generous person who receives people with smiles and shares the little she has with others whiles being very appreciative of whatever she receives from others.

The Pentecost University Staff praised Apostle Dr. Ofori for being a unifier and an arbitrator who always deals wisely with issues that have the potential of disrupting the peace and stability of the church.

The Kaneshie Area Pastorate also acknowledged his selflessness and commitment which were displayed in his not hesitating to undertake any assignment given him by the Area Head.

Apostle Dr. Samuel Ofori spent 24 years in active ministry. He was called into the office of apostle in 2015.

He was stationed at Dodo-Amanfrom, Peki, Beposo-Dunkwa, Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Odorkor, New Mataheko Worship Centre and PIWC Downtown-Ofankor. He also worshipped with Kakraba Assembly of the Kasoa New Town District and the Mount Olivet Assembly of the Darkuman District in Kaneshie Area.

The Man of God has three books to his credit and about 10 articles published.

Before his calling into active service, Apostle Dr. Ofori was a teacher who had thought in Olode Grammar School in (Oyo State), Government Training College, Gashua (Borno State), Government Secondary School (Borno State) all in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also thought in Antoa Secondary School in the Ashanti Region, from 1990 to 1998.

Amongst the dignitaries present were Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali (Downtown-Ofaakor Area Head), Apostle Patrick Aseyoro (Odorkor Area Head), Apostle Wilberforce Kwame Nkrumah Agyeman (Teshie-Nungua Area Head), Apostle William Ohemeng Kwakye (Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Head), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance and Administrative Director of the church) and Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse (Media Ministry Pastor of the church).

The Pentecost University was represented by Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Annim (Pro-Vice Chancellor), Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe (Director of Graduate School), Pastor Nelson Adu (Chaplain), and other senior staff of the university.

Also present were chiefs and queen mothers, including Elder Nana Impraim VIII (Twafohene Of Ekumfi Traditional Council & Kaneshie Area Chieftaincy Committee Chairman), Nana Kwantwi Barimah (Adontenghene of Adansi Traditional Area), Daasebre Obiti Komfo Agyeman II, Otumfuo Osei Tutu Nyamekese, representing Asantehene, among others.

Fifty-six other ministers were in attendance.

Report by Heizel Joshua, Darkuman.