Kpadjai District Organises Gospel Crusade & Medical Outreach

Kpadjai District Organises Gospel Crusade & Medical Outreach

The Kpadjai District of The Church of Pentecost, in partnership with the Jesus Rescue Team, organised a four-day gospel crusade and medical outreach in Kpadjai and its surrounding towns.

The event, which was sponsored by Eternal Footprint and Sustainable Medical Missions, took place from March 15 to 19, 2023.

The primary aim of the programme was to present the gospel to the people of Kpadjai and provide medical assistance to meet their health needs.

The four-day activities included a durbar of chiefs and people of Kpadjai community, medical screening and medication, schools outreach, and a gospel crusade at Kpadjai Kokombaline.

The medical outreach provided screening and medication to about 1,500 people in communities such as Kpadjai, Kodome, Kikyei, Alhassan Akura, and Adakope, at a cost of GHS12,000.00.

During the house-to-house visitation exercise, Kwame Mafren, who had been bedridden and unable to walk for about four months, received instant healing and was able to walk again after prayers were offered by the team.

In addition, the team, led by Rev. Michael Davis, the founder of the Jesus Rescue Team, and Commodore Samuel Walker of the Ghana Navy, also donated four student mattresses worth GHS1,000 to the Kpadjai CHPS compound.

The event was a success, with many souls being led to Christ, and a home cell has been established

Report by Pastor Isaac Asante Ayeh (Kpadjai District).

270 Children Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting

270 Children Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting

Two hundred and seventy children in the Tamale Area of The Church of Pentecost experienced Holy Spirit baptism during a non-residential camp meeting organised by the Area’s Children’s Ministry for children in the area.

The event, which took place on Saturday, April 1, 2023, was organised at both zonal and district levels including the Tamale Zone, which was chaired by the Tamale Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Sylvester Arhin.

The main aim of the camp meeting, according to the Area Children’s Ministry Leader, Overseer Andrews Owusu, was to reposition the children in the power of the Holy Ghost for maximum impact. 

During his sermon on Matthew 8:1-4, Apostle Arhin said that Jesus is able to make every child whole and to empower them to become successful farmers, artisans, lawyers, medical doctors, teachers, politicians, and ministers of God, in future.

He further emphasised the importance of following Jesus and making Him the centre of their lives. He reassured the children that, despite their young age, God can use them to bring glory to His name.

In his exhortation, Overseer Andrews Owusu also convinced the children of the need to receive the Holy Ghost baptism and all other spiritual gifts.

Reading from Daniel 2:1-19 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, he ignited the children’s desire for the power of the Holy Spirit and led them in a time of intensive prayer.

The event recorded a remarkable attendance of close to 1000 participants, including the Area pastorate, their wives, and children’s workers.

Some parents, who participated in the event with their wards, expressed gratitude to the Church leadership for organsing such an impactful programme.

Report by Tamale Area Media Team.

God Is A Technologist

 God Is A Technologist

Technology has developed in ways that were previously deemed unthinkable. To mention just a few of the revolutionary technological developments of our time, we have self-driving cars, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and virtual reality. However, technology is not a novel idea and has existed since the dawn of time. The first technologist was God, the creator of the world, and His work in the Bible gives us important insights into the potential of technology in our lives today.

We learn how God created the world from nothing in the book of Genesis 1:3. This was an amazing technological achievement that is still beyond our comprehension today. God is a technologist, and He created the universe we live in using His knowledge and comprehension of the laws of physics and chemistry.

God is the first technologist in the world. He is the first person to invent the tablet. He called Moses and gave him a tablet on Mount Sinai in Exodus 34. Then, it was upgraded by man due to the knowledge given to man by God. So, man upgraded the stone tablet to an electronic tablet like Samsung Tabs, iPads, etc. God is also the first person who invented the projector. When Belshazzar misused the Holy things of the Lord in the temple, the finger of God was seen being written on the wall. Man upgraded this invention to an electronic projector (Daniel 5).

God’s ability to use technology is also demonstrated in the building of the Ark. Noah’s family and a variety of animals were to be transported aboard the Ark, a sizable wooden ship, during the great deluge that God foresaw as a means of purging the world of its sin. The Ark was built according to God’s directions, and it was an engineering marvel built to withstand the flood’s raging waters. This was a pioneering instance of utilizing technology to surmount the limitations of nature (Genesis 6:13-22).

Another illustration of God’s technological impact is the Tower of Babel. The tower was a magnificent building endeavor that was intended to soar to the skies. The endeavor was hampered, though, when God intervened and made the workers speak in various tongues. This tale demonstrates the dual nature of technology and the necessity of using it carefully and in accordance with God’s will (Genesis 11:8).

Today, we are surrounded by evidence of God’s technological impact. Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, from the medical discoveries that resulted in the creation of vaccines and life-saving therapies to the developments in communication technology that have allowed us to communicate with people around the globe. We can use technology to share the gospel, communicate with other Christians, and learn more about the Bible.

RESPONSE OF TODAY’S YOUTH TO TECHNOLOGY

It is very sad that many youths today misuse technology by engaging in fraudulent activities. Particularly, young men use smartphones and computers for cybercrimes like “Sakawa” (also known as game boys), which involves stealing credit card information to shop on the internet. Additionally, they misuse technology by gambling, which has become easily accessible on various online platforms on smartphones and computers, such as Superbet, Mybet, Betika, 1xBet, Betway, 22Bet, Sportsbet, PremireBet, MELbet, and SportBet.

Furthermore, young people abuse technology by watching pornography on their smartphones and computers. Some young women and adults also use technology for prostitution and illegal dating sites, which destroys their future prospects.

EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY

I strongly urge ministers of the Gospel to embrace the modern technology available today. Technology is not inherently evil; it depends on the user and the purpose. Although technology itself cannot take us to heaven, it can facilitate our work quickly and easily. Therefore, we must evangelize and reach out to all people, particularly those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Ministers should, therefore, encourage their church members and families to enter the STEM field. If Christians do not invade these fields, secular individuals will design and invent technologies that do not align with God’s will, such as sex toys, missiles, flying bombs, warships, and planes.

RESPONDING TO TECHNOLOGY IN A GODLY MANNER

The following are some ways by which we could leverage on the great potential of technology for our benefit as Christians and to champion the cause of the Kingdom:

  1. Sharing the gospel on social media (Mark 16:15)

It is sad to note that many young people misuse technology. However, social media can be an effective means of sharing the good news of God’s love with others. Today’s youth can inspire and uplift others by sharing Bible verses, motivational sayings, and moving stories on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, they can connect with other believers and forge relationships with people who share similar values and beliefs.

  • Accessing Bible studies resources and sermons online (2 Timothy 3:16)

Thanks to the internet, we now have access to a wealth of knowledge on almost any subject. With the help of technology, young people can strengthen their faith and deepen their understanding of the Bible. Online sermons, Bible studies, and devotionals can provide valuable insights into the Scriptures and help young people apply biblical principles to their daily lives.

  • Using Apps to Increase One’s Devotional Life (Psalm 119:105)

Numerous apps are available to help young people develop a stronger sense of personal devotion and a closer relationship with God. Bible apps like YouVersion offer features like daily devotionals, reading plans, and audio Bibles, which can keep young people connected to God’s word. Similarly, prayer apps like PrayerMate can assist young people in maintaining their spiritual focus and developing a regular prayer practice.

  • Producing uplifting material (Psalm 150:6)

Young people can use their creativity and technological skills to produce uplifting material that spreads the love and word of God. They can use music, videos, or other forms of digital media to express their faith and motivate others to do the same.

  • Engaging in Virtual Ministry (Galatians 6:2)

Virtual ministry has become popular recently, and it can be a wonderful way for young people to serve the Lord from the comfort of their homes. Through online organizations like prayer hotlines, chat rooms, and counseling services, young people can share their faith and support others who may be suffering.

CONCLUSION

Technology can be a powerful tool for young people to serve the Lord and spread the good news of God’s love. By using social media, online resources, apps, and other digital media, they can interact with God and each other in new and creative ways. Let us use technology to advance God’s kingdom on earth by exploring its possibilities while keeping God’s will and purpose at the forefront of our minds.

Written by P/Overseer Solomon Boadi

Lonto District Goes Sightseeing At Tamale Airport

Lonto District Goes Sightseeing At Tamale Airport

The Lonto District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Kaba Aniadaga, took some members of his district on a sightseeing tour of Tamale Airport on March 18, 2023.

During the visit, an aviation official guided them through the airport, including the runway, and provided a brief explanation of their duties at the airport, as well as the landing and takeoff process of a flight.

The members were thrilled by the experience since it was the first time for most of them.

Afterward, the group visited the Tamale Area office, where they were warmly received by the Area Head, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, and the Area Secretary, Pastor Bernard Aziz Mohammed Abogorago.

The Area Head encouraged the group to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and to make a strong commitment not to turn away from their salvation.

Pastor Abogorago also showed the group around the area office and explained the main duties of the staff.

At the end of the visit, Pastor Kaba Aniadaga expressed gratitude to the Area Head for the warm reception and assured him that they would heed his words of encouragement.

Report by Tamale Area Media Team.

His Throne For Our Thorns.web

His Throne For Our Thorns

Easter is one of the central tenets of the Christian faith. This Christian festival is a spiritual feast commemorating the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world.

“..Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again ‘ ” – Luke 24:6-7

From my biblical studies and meditation on this year’s Easter Celebration, I caught a rhema which I titled ‘His Throne for Our Thorns’. As it pleases the Lord, I desire to share this rhema of the suffering of Christ as He hung on the Cross with the Crown of Thorns on His head at Calvary with the body of Christ… May the Lord grant us grace.

In the Garden of Eden, one of the first signs of the curse brought upon mankind as a result of Sin was the presence of “thorns and thistles” to represent the slavery, captivity, painful burden, toil, guilt and suffering ‘married’ to Man’s labor from then on (Genesis 3:18). In other parts of the Bible, “thorns” and “thistles” are used to represent the path of those who choose sin over the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:5).

On the morning of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head, openly mocking and ridiculing Jesus as the “King of the Jews” – Matthew 27:29

The crown of thorns is unarguably one of the most iconic images of Christ’s crucifixion. Perhaps more so than any other form of physical suffering He endured; the crown Jesus bore signified Christ’s ultimate humility in trading His heavenly authority for the lowliest estate of man: a place of burdensome slavery, suffering, guilt and shame.

The soldiers knew not that, their crude and cruel crown of thorns, meant to mock Jesus, actually pointed to the curse and penalty of sin that Jesus Christ wore in our place. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:22).

Jesus Christ exchanged His throne for our thorns and now we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that we may proclaim the excellences of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light -1 Peter 2:9 (Paraphrased).

Now, we boldly boast in Christ that, we are royals, we reign and share with Christ His authority on earth because, He exchanged His throne which represents His glory, sovereignty, kingship, royalty and authority for our Thorns which represents our sin, curse, slavery, painful burden and guilt, enabling us to walk in perpetual dominion over sin and its grave consequences. We cry Abba Father and walk in oneness with Him fully assured that we are reconciled and restored to our previous state of unhindered fellowship, or at least for as many who believe and call on his name and walk with him.

In conclusion, we have no Thorns in our side for we are sitting on the Throne of Grace, Glory and Power. On this note, I want to urge all Christians around the globe that Easter is not just a holiday nor is it about paragliding, hiking, carnivals and street jams but it is about valuing the Love that God has shown through His Son Jesus Christ, extending this same Love to others; helping them to know Him and the power of His resurrection.

‘That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead’. – Philippians 3:10-11.

I agree with Sir George Bennard in his song OLD RUGGED CROSS; let us cherish and cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.

Written by Deacon Jonathan Avornyo (Krachikrom District, Kete-Krachi Area)

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Apostle Nyamekye Inducted GPCC President

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has been inducted into office as the new President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC).

He takes over from Reverend Prof. Paul Yaw Frimpong-Manso, who is the immediate past General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana. Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, the President of The Apostolic Church, Ghana, was also inducted into office as the Second Vice President of GPCC.

A colourful induction service, which was held on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Kokomlemle, in Accra, brought together heads of churches and para-church organisations, the clergy, government officials, and members of various churches in Ghana.

Apostle Nyamekye, before his election into the high office, served as the Second Vice President of the Council.

Sermon

Delivering the sermon on the topic, “Unity In The Spirit,” using Ephesians 4:1-7 as his main scripture, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the GPCC, said that for the church to be able to accomplish its task, it must manifest unity.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, through the bond of peace,” he stated, urging, “Practice mutual submission if you want to preserve the unity in the Spirit. Leaders should not only bring people who will speak in their favour, but also people that can speak the truth in love, not anger.”

New President’s Response

In his response, the newly inducted GPCC President said: “Together with my Executives, we will be committed to pushing further the very objective GPCC seeks to achieve – promote good relationship, encourage effective networking among member churches and other church organisations, promote fellowship that will activate revivals, and maintain high standard Christian doctrines.”

He added: “In our advocacy, we don’t intend to react to every happening around, rather adopting research-based advocacy, the Council shall seek to influence not only national policies that will affect us in the nation but also in our way of life.”

In the same event, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, the out-gone President of the Council, was farewelled.

Gracing the occasion, which was Chaired by Right Reverend Dr Gordon Kisseih (First Vice President of GPCC and Presiding Bishop of Life International Churches), were Hon. Elizabeth Sackey (Major of Accra), Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee (Executive Director, Salt & Light Ministries), Apostle Jude Hammer (Former Director, Scripture Union), Very Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jnr (General Secretary, Bible Society of Ghana), Heads of Ecumenical bodies, Heads of Churches, National Executive Members of GPCC, among others.

Profile

Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, the 6th Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, was called into the full-time ministry in 1991. He has since served in many stations including South Africa where he was a missionary.

He is also an Advisory Committee member of the Pentecostal World Fellowship and a Global Cabinet member of Empowered 21.

He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Commercial Management-UK, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Theology from the University of Manchester, UK and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon.

He is currently pursuing his PhD at the South African Theological Seminary.

Brief history of GPCC

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) is the largest ecumenical body of churches in the country. It was established in 1969 by the four main Pentecostal churches: The Assemblies of God, the Christ Apostolic Church, The Apostolic Church-Ghana, and The Church of Pentecost.

It was established to pursue the unity of the body of Christ, to propagate the gospel and to meet the spiritual and socio-economic needs of its members and Ghanaians in general.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Every Part Of Church Service Is Important- Apostle Kumi-Larbi Tells Christians

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), has emphasised that every aspect of the Church’s liturgy is important and, therefore, Christians should always arrive early for Church service and actively participate until the end.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi gave this advice today when he fellowshiped with members of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic. Continuing his serialised sermon on the topic “Deepening The CoP Brand,” the General Secretary expressed his concern that some Christians have made it a habit to skip parts of Church service by either arriving late or leaving early.

He cautioned against this practice, stating that people who do so are unaware of the spiritual implications of their actions.

“Just like at the pool of Bethesda, we do not know the exact time at which the angel of God will appear to stir up the water. So, arrive in good time before the start of service and take part in every activity until the benediction is pronounced,” he advised.

Expounding on the Rules of Conduct for CoP members, Apostle Kumi-Larbi said that The Church of Pentecost is a Christ-centered brand built with core values, culture, and rules of conduct bequeathed to the Church as a legacy from its forebears.

He explained that rules of conduct is a set of rules outlining the norms or standards, responsibilities, or proper practices of the members who form the Church.

According to the General Secretary, the Church’s rules of conduct are guidelines inspired by God and taught to the members through God’s ordained leadership for the equipping of the saints.

One of these rules, he noted, enjoins members to be in their seat in good time before the commencement of service and participate fully in every aspect of the service.

He noted that the rules of conduct are time-tested landmarks and a key aspect of the CoP brand and, therefore, urged every member of the Church to endeavour to know, uphold, and jealously guard them.

Some other rules of conduct for CoP members mentioned by Apostle Kumi-Larbi in his presentation are setting aside a period daily for personal quiet time in prayer and meditation on the Word (Matthew 6:6; Ephesians 18-20), and adequately preparing one’s self through prayer and meditation before coming to the house of God (Hebrews:15-16).

PENTECOST NEWS.

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2nd “Let The Bible Speak” Conference Held

The second annual “Let The Bible Speak” Conference was organised by the Cape Coast Sector of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Adisadel auditorium.

The event, themed “Repositioned and Grounded in the Tenets of The Church of Pentecost for Maximum Impact on Campus” (Colossians 2:6-7), was attended by over 1,300 PENSA members from the various tertiary and pre-tertiary institutions in the sector.

The main speaker for the conference, Apostle Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, spoke on the topic “The Bible: The Word of God.”

He stressed that the Church believed in the divine inspiration and authority of the holy scriptures.

He noted that the Bible was infallible in its declaration, final in its authority, all-sufficient in its provision, and comprehensive in its sufficiency.

Apostle Kumi-Woode further explained that “although God had spoken His word through His prophets, He now speaks to us in the language of a Son, according to Hebrews 1:2. Jesus Christ expressed everything about God to us when He walked the earth, and God has preserved this record in the Bible for us.”

He also touched on the external and internal evidence of the Bible as the unique word of God. He explained that the harmony and unity in the Bible reveal the evidence of the Bible as the Word of God.

Apostle Kumi-Woode, therefore, urged Christian youth to respond to the word of God by faith and to always obey what it says.

He also emphasised the importance of reading, studying, meditating on, and memorising the Bible.

The conference also featured other speakers such as Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson (PENSA Traveling Secretary for Cape Coast Sector) and Pastor George Tackie (Moree District Minister), who spoke on the topics “Ordinances of Water Baptism and Lord’s Supper” and “Tithes and Offerings,” respectively. At the end of the event, 200 souls were won, 100 others rededicated their lives to Christ, and ten members received Holy Spirit baptism.

Report by PENSA-Cape Coast Sector Editorial Team.

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Chairman Participates In Speaker’s Breakfast Prayer Meeting

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President-elect of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, was among the eminent clergy who took part in the 2nd Breakfast Prayer Meeting of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

The event was held at the Speaker’s Lounge at Parliament House on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, General Overseer of RoyalHouse Chapel; Archbishop Charles Agyinasare of Perez Chapel International; Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh (an International Evangelist), and representatives of the clergy from other denominations were among dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Accompanying the Chairman to the meeting were Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Area Head for Kaneshie and Executive Council member of the Church) and Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry and Executive Council member of the Church).

In his remark, the Speaker of Parliament called on the people of Ghana to remain united in building the nation.

According to him, the resources that the nation is endowed with make it very special that resonate with the global stage.

Appreciating the presence of the eminent clergy, the Speaker noted that politicians alone cannot build this nation, so all persons should get on board, particularly the spiritual leaders of the land. Rt.

Honourable Bagbin acknowledged the fact that political leadership is an arduous task, therefore, there is the need to always bear them up in prayers and support them to succeed.

“We need both political leaders and spiritual leaders because the word of God is more powerful than anything,” he said. He added: “I believe that if only Ghanaians will change their ways, the sky will not be the limit. And if only parliamentarians will change their ways, we won’t approve laws that will indebt us.”

The Speaker called on parliamentarians to eliminate fear and be forthright with the truth and take bold decisions that will help the populace rather than a few individuals.

He was so happy to hear that Pope Francis has decreed that no Reverend Father of the Roman Catholic Church should bless LGBTQI marriages.

He seized the opportunity to charge the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to expedite action on the working of the bill and submit it to him to be laid on the floor of Parliament.

“Please, Committee members that are working on the bill, I need the report. Let the report flow, so that we can pass the law,” he declared, adding, “We may not do it the Uganda way, but will pass the law within the framework of the constitution of Ghana.

Speaker Bagbin further stressed: “What are we afraid of, if God is with us who can be against? The issue of dictating to us should not be tolerated, that someone else should come and tell us what we should do. We have enough, so if we all decide that we are going to avoid waste, we can take care of ourselves.”

He added that the voice of the people is the voice of God and as long as democracy is governance of the people, Parliament will fulfil the mandate entrusted to them by the people.

Praying for the Executive arm of the government, Apostle Eric Nyamekye quoted a scriptural passage from 1 Kings 3:6-15 where Solomon asked for wisdom from God.

He said that God is pleased with the good governance of His people so when Solomon asked for wisdom God readily gave him and blessed him with wealth. Some of the clergy present took turns to pray for peace, security, divine wisdom, and prosperity for the various sectors of the nation.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Suame Area Supports Afram Plains Area

The Suame Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by Apostle John Obeng Kesse, has donated assorted items to the Afram Plains Area to support internal missions activities in the area.

The items comprised two motorbikes, 40 half-piece clothes, two sacks of used clothes, and two rechargeable speakers.

Receiving the items, the Area Head of Afram Plains, Apostle Victor K. Asamoah, expressed his gratitude to the Suame Area for the generous gesture.

He assured the donors that the items would be used to promote missions work in the Afram Plains Area.

A special tribute was paid to Elder Dr. Nana K. Gyasi, the Chief Executive Officer of Nana K Gyasi Company Limited, for donating a motorcycle and an amount of GHS10,000 to support the exercise.

Among those present at the short presentation ceremony which took place on March 21, 2023, were Mrs. Eunice Owiredua Kesse (wife of Suame Area Head), Pastor Isaac Justice Kofi Ackom (Amanfrom District Minister & Suame Area Missions Chairman), Pastor Peter Mensah Yanney (Suame District Minister), and Elder Samuel Antwi (Suame Area Deacon).

Report by Suame Area Media Team