Huniso District Mission House Dedicated

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The Tarkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, dedicated the Huniso District Mission House to the glory of God.

The Huniso District was proposed to be created in September 2021 and received the approval of the General Council at this year’s Extraordinary Council meetings. The district is to be carved out of New Atuabo District. 

This glorious dedication was officiated by Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker (Tarkwa Area Head and Executive Council Member) with assistance from Pastor Isaac Kofi Annan (New Atuabo District Minister).

The Mission House is a four-bedroom apartment comprising a Pastor’s study room, central hall, storerooms, a mechanised borehole, and two water reservoirs. 

The sod-cutting for the project was performed by Apostle Dr. Walker in January this year and has been completed eight months later.

The project, which cost GHS 427,477.00, was funded through a GHC 200,000.00 grant from the Church’s Headquarters, as well as financial contributions from the Area and District.

Some benevolent persons, namely Elder Dr. Nana Amo Tobin, Elder Dr. Peter Samson, and Elder Professor Michael Affam of PIWC-Tarkwa,were also acknowledged for their donations to the project: 

Preaching on the topic: “Transformed to Transform Society” with Matthew 16:13-17 as his main Bible reference, the Resident Minister for Tarkwa Worship Centre, Pastor Benjamin Ken Kobla Vuvor, said that, The Church of Pentecost, through the “possessing the nations” agenda (Vision 2023) is seeking to raise Christians who are well equipped to transform their spheres of life. 

According to Pastor Vuvor, Peter was not the first person to introduce Jesus as the “Son of God,” however, Jesus blessed him because of the place (Caesarea Philippi) where he made the proclamation.

Providing a background to the story, Pastor Vuvor noted that the Caesarea Philippi region was known for idol worship. “So, for Peter to see Jesus as the Son of God, in such an evil setting, was worth acknowledging,” he said.

He further noted that, although the Caesarea was full of idol worship, Jesus Christ transformed the region during the six days He spent there with his disciples to the extent that Peter, James and John were unwilling to leave and return to Jerusalem (Matthew 17:4).

Pastor Vuvor, therefore, challenged Christians to position themselves to hear from the Lord even in this dispensation of evil and chaos and to strive to transform their spheres with Kingdom values and principles.

In attendance were Mrs Irene Odi Walker (Wife of the Tarkwa Area Head), the entire Tarkwa Area pastorate and members of the New Atuabo District.

Report by Tarkwa Media Team

Women’s Ministry Director Visits Nkwanta Area

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The Women’s Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs. Philomena Mireku, her deputy, Mrs. Vivian Ofosua Amfo, and Mrs. Comfort Quampah (a National Executive Committee member of the Women’s Ministry) have embarked on a three-day working visit to Nkwanta Area of the Church. 

They were received on arrival by the Area Head, Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante, and his wife, Margaret, at Kpassa on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Also present to welcome them were a cross-section of the Area pastorate and the Area Executive Committee Members of the Women’s Ministry, headed by Deaconess Rebecca Binlinla.

As part of the visit, the team paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Stephen Konja Tassan VI, who is an Elder of the church and a National Executive Committee Member of the Chieftaincy Ministry. 

To officially commence their working visit, Mrs. Philomena Mireku and her team fellowshipped with the Women’s Ministry in the Kpassa Zone on Wednesday evening. She shared with the women the strategic vision of the Women’s Ministry and urged them to work hard to ensure that it becomes a reality.

She also advised them to endeavour to always live at peace with everyone. 

The team also met with the women in the Nkwanta Zone, made up of seven districts, on the following day. The meeting recorded a massive attendance from all the districts. 

The women delegation also visited the St. Joseph Hospital at Nkwanta, where they made a cash donation of GH¢ 1,700.00 in support of a male patient in the Intensive Care Unit who was one of the victims of a gas explosion at Kpassa.

The women were accompanied by Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante and some ministers in the Area, including Pastor Ernest Wisdom Worlanyo of PIWC-Nkwanta, who led the team to pray for the patient.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the patient, the hospital staff led by the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Gokah, expressed their utmost appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for the kind gesture, saying: “The Church of Pentecost is the first to have made such a donation towards the treatment of the patient.”

Report by Pastor Albert Adu-Gyamfi 

The Cursed Fig Tree

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One day, while Jesus and His disciples were entering Jerusalem, he saw a fig tree which had grown leaves. Expecting to find some figs on it, He went closer only to be disappointed to find no fruits on the tree. Jesus cursed the fig tree.

‘The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.’ (Mark 11:12-14)

The story of the cursed fig tree can be found in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-25. In both passages, the event took place just around the time Jesus rid the temple in Jerusalem of the traders.

There have been several theological discussions as to the symbolism of this event. Many scholars have suggested that the cursing of the fig tree connotes God’s judgement against Israel in general and the temple in particular which was at the center of national spirituality. Indeed, in both Hosea 9:10 and Jeremiah 24, the fig tree is used prophetically as a symbol for Israel.

I like to however take a rather more practical look at the event. Fig trees generally grow leaves in late spring after their long dormant period during the winter, and begin to produce figs in early summer. Once the fig tree actually shows leaves, it is ready to begin the process of producing figs.

Simply put, if it is not yet the season for figs, the fig tree which is not ready to start producing figs must not grow leaves. By growing leaves when it wasn’t in season, it was promising something it could not deliver, thereby deceiving everyone who approaches it. Jesus did not take this kindly.

No matter who or what the fig tree stands for symbolically, the key lesson of this passage is about the danger of deception. To deceive is to mislead people to believe in a falsehood. Hypocrisy, pretense, and depicting a different nature in public from what we are in private, are all forms of deception.

Portraying something we are not, promising something we cannot deliver, or leading people on a path of deception with our actions or inactions is a grave vice that attracts the wrath of God.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), a celebrated French moralist of the seventeenth century once said, “Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue.” Fake morality is simply decorated corruption.

“There are three things in the world that deserve no mercy,” said Frederick William Robertson, a nineteenth century English clergyman. According to him, those three things are hypocrisy, fraud, and tyranny.

In our world today, deception has become the new normal. Married couples lying to each other, politicians deceiving the populace for political advantage, workers pretending to be at post, accountants massaging figures, and employers pretending to be making no profits are all the unfortunate consequences of our fallen world.

As we are being equipped as an army to possess the nations, we must strive to put on the belt of truth always. Let us eschew all forms of hypocrisy and deception, and worship God in spirit and in truth. Let us indeed become the shining light in our world and the salt that preserves the society.

In all our activities and relationships, we must always endeavor to be truthful and, thereby, avoid the fate of the cursed fig tree.

Written by P/Ovr. Joel Kwesi Baidoo (0207079250)

The Church of Pentecost Trains Heads of Departments, Sector Heads & Managers

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The various Heads of Departments, Sector Heads and Managers of institutions of The Church of Pentecost have undergone a two-day training programme at the Pentecost Pensions House, located at Gbawe in Accra.

The training programme was organised to build the capacity of management to discharge their duties as supervisors and ensure higher staff productivity.

About 60 participants took part in the event, which was held from August 9 to 10, 2022,

Speaking on the topic, “Effective Leadership,” a lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Kwasi Dartey-Baah, said that leadership is the ability to decide what is to be done and then get others interested in doing same.

He noted that the type of leadership offered to the followers (staff) would determine how far they go as leaders, adding, “In today’s world of rapid change, leadership is most crucial to the success of any organisation, either for profit or for non-profit.”

According to Professor Dartey-Baah, there are three key elements of leadership that every leader display to his followers in the line of duty. 

The Leadership and Organisational Development lecturer explained that leadership is an ability to influence; this involves working with other people and progressing towards some form of goal in an organisation.

“Effective leaders minister without threat or intimidation. He does not try to be someone else and does not try to force others to become what God has not made them to be,” he stated, while advising the management to be intentional in building their staff in leadership. 

Prof. Dartey-Baah further urged leaders to motivate, delegate, make good team decisions, communicate effectively, and manage the talents of staff in effectively leading the followers.

Other resource persons were Elder Emmanuel Anane Boate (Trustee, The Church of Pentecost), Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah (Head of Department, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, UGBS), and Prof. Justice Nyigmah Bawole (Dean, University of Ghana Business School), and Apostle Lawrence Otu Nyarko (Finance & Administrative Director, COP). 

Also present were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Vincent Anane-Denteh (Executive Council Member and Men’s Ministry Director), and Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Chaplain, Ghana Armed Forces).

Participants left the retreat empowered with the requisite knowledge and strategies to lead their respective departments and institutions to achieve the vision and mission of the church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Mission Houses Are An Extension Of The Church – Mrs. Kumi-Larbi

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The wife of the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs. Rose Dansoa Kumi-Larbi, says mission house is the extension of the Church, hence its occupants must live exemplary lives for others to emulate.

“Occupants of mission houses must live by the principles of God and practice what they preach,” she admonished, cautioning that, it is dangerous to preach the word and not practicing it.

Mrs. Kumi-Larbi made the remarks today, Thursday, August 11, 2022, during the fourth edition of the Greater Accra Ministers’ Wives Prayer Meeting, which was held at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Temple in Accra.

She spoke on the topic: “Equipping the Household: The Home as an Equipping Centre and Maintaining the Mission House.”

Citing Genesis 2:15, she emphasised the necessity for pastors’ wives to take the same level of care for the mission houses they live in as they do for their own homes and treasured belongings.

“Check the air conditioning filters, the windows, fans, roofs, and, most importantly, all the restrooms on a regular basis,” she said.

She continued: “It is important to maintain our mission houses to reduce risk and increase home safety. Proper and regular maintenance makes the mission house neat and fresh. In so doing it earns respect.”

Mrs. Kumi-Larbi further stated that mission houses serve as a sign of hope in the community and, as such, must become houses of prayer. She advised pastors and their spouses to refrain from using derogatory language about leadership in the presence of their children in the mission houses since it can affect their love for the Church.

The prayer meeting, which was also graced by Mrs. Mary Nyamekye (Wife of the Chairman of the Church) and Mrs. Deborah Agyemang Bekoe (Wife of the International Missions Director) was attended by about 350 ministers’ wives, both active and retired.

As part of the meeting, Mrs Mary Amaniampong (Wife of the La Area Head) taught participants how to prepare the Burkina Drink, a Ghanaian drink or beverage made of ground millet and pasteurized milk.

PENTECOST NEWS.

PIWC-Graceland Dedicates Mission House, Children’s Library

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The Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost yesterday dedicated their newly-acquired Mission House located at Community 20, Accra and an ultra-modern children’s library located at the church premises at Nungua.

Both ceremonies were officiated by Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), with support from Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah- Agyeman (Teshie-Nungua Area Head), Prophet Fred Antwi of the Baatsona District, and the outgoing PIWC-Graceland Resident Minister, Pastor Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong.

“It is part of our Church’s vision to train and equip the children to be exemplary leaders. It has, therefore, pleased both God and the leadership of PIWC-Graceland to put up an ultra-modern library for the Children’s Ministry,” Apostle Nkrumah Agyeman said. 

He commended the PIWC Graceland leadership for also acquiring a permanent place of abode for their Resident Minister.

In a sermon on the topic “Placing Value On The Things Of God – The Ezra Approach,” 

the outgoing Baatsona District Minister, Prophet Fred Antwi, quoted various Bible texts from Ezra 7:6-10, 8:21-22, 3:11-13 and Ezra 6:16 and explained that Ezra placed value on the things of God by taking time to study the law. 

“And because He valued it, he practised it and taught it as well,” he said, adding, “Likewise, Christians need to devote time for the things of God and place great value on them.”

“The old men who had seen the first temple in Ezra 3:11-13, upon seeing the foundation of the new temple being laid, wept aloud because they saw the old temple to be of greater value and magnificence than the new,” he further explained.

“Christians should also place value on the church’s assets and practice proper maintenance culture because they belong to God and are of greater value,” he said.

He concluded that people who enter the churches must attest that value has been placed on the assets. “And as we do, God will bless us,” he stressed. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor, on his part, paid glowing tribute to the leadership of Teshie-Nungua Area and PIWC Graceland for the good work done. 

Prophet Beditor, who also serves as patron for the Children’s Ministry, commended them for taking the “Box Library” initiative to another level by putting up an ultra-modern library for the Children’s Ministry. 

Prophet Kankam Beditor dedicated the children’s library to God’s glory and later stressed that the library should be put to good use and be well maintained.

Pastor Ebenezer Agyapong, in a brief remark, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the church and the Area for their enormous support.

Report by Pastor Bernard T. Kofie

Makango District Holds Mass Wedding For 16 Couples

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History was made on Thursday, July 28, 2022, when over 700 people gathered in the Central Assembly church auditorium of the Makango District in the Atebubu Area of The Church of Pentecost to witness the celebration and blessing of 16 marriages.

This glorious event was chaired and officiated by the Atebubu Area Head, Apostle Isaac Amatey Anim, with assistance from the Makango District Minister, Pastor James Fosu Appiah.

Speaking at the event, Apostle Isaac Amatey Anim said that mass weddings are highly encouraged in The Church of Pentecost because it is in line with the Church’s “possessing the nations” agenda (Vision 2023). 

He said that the exercise enables couples (especially cohabiting couples) to formalise their union and seek the blessings of God at a relatively cheaper cost.

Reading from Proverbs 18:22, Apostle Anim emphasised that marriage is one of the good things God gave humanity, and this is why “He who finds a wife obtains favour from the Lord.” 

He advised the couples to live with each other in mutual love and respect and take proper care of their families by setting up family altars and possessing their homes.  

He further encouraged those yet to solemnise their union in the right way as approved by the Church to emulate this good example.

The “newly-wed” couples are Elder Samuel Osabutey and Deaconess Esther Adzorke, Elder Williams Frempong and Deaconess Mary Apadey, Elder George Dogbatse and Deaconess Mary Walakatey, Elder Abraham Ablordeppey and Deaconess Charity Ahorsu, Elder Jacob Bosoka and Deaconess Faustina Mensah, Elder Paul Agbeko Adzi and Deaconess Patience Dusi, and Elder Joseph Nuertey and Deaconess Grace Tokoli. 

Others are Deacon Alfred Agordo and Mrs. Dora Ametepe, Deacon Samuel Azuma and Mrs. Esther Goku, Mr. Gershon Afedo and Deaconess Rebecca Kudroha, Mr. Francis Doughan and Deaconess Eva Essel, Mr. Robert Amawugah and Mrs. Gladys Sakiti, Mr. Eric Azadavor and Mrs. Victoria Avusu, Mr. Paul Dagadu and Mrs. Comfort Kwofie, Mr. Joseph Kwame Mensah and Mrs. Emelia Alevi and Mr. John Arhin and Mrs. Priscilla Entsie.

Present at the occasion were Pastor Ernest Arthur (Yeji Nsuano District Minister) and his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Arthur, Overseer Isaac Masford (Avorkope District Minister), and his wife, Mrs. Linda Afful, and Mrs. Terry Gyamfi (Wife of the Kojo Boffour District Minister)

Report by Pastor Daniel Teye Narh (Atebubu Area Media Pastor)

Sawla Area Head & Wife Fete Widows & Widowers

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More than 220 widows and widowers of the Sawla Area of The Church of Pentecost participated in a “Love Feast” fully funded by the Sawla Area Head, Pastor David Amankwaa, and his wife, Rosemond, last Saturday,

The event, which took place at the ABB Jirbaline auditorium, Sawla, drew participants from the Sawla and Bole zones comprising nine districts, namely Sawla, Nyange, Sindaa, Kakease, Nakwabi, Changbalyiri, Bole, Bole Customs and Mandari.

In his welcome address at the event, Pastor David Amankwaa expressed gratitude to God for making the “Love Feast” a reality and for the huge turnout.

According to the Area Head, the Lord laid it on his heart to organise a feast for the widows and widowers in the Area in order to share fellowship with them. Pastor Amankwaa further stated that the programme would be replicated in the Tinga and Jinavore Zones of the Church to extend love and fellowship with 700 widows in the Area by the end of the year.

Exhorting the gathering with Matthew 25:35-40, Pastor Amankwaa emphasised the need to care for the aged, widows and widowers in the church and society.  

He also advised Christians to anticipate the second coming of Jesus Christ and be always prepared to meet their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Empathising with the participants, the Sawla Area Head said that widowhood is fraught with various challenges such as loneliness, lack of companionship, lack of care from relatives, and most importantly, the absence of children to comfort one in difficult times. He, however, assured them that the Lord is always present with them in all times and seasons.  

He also encouraged them to continue to trust in the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to keep them going. 

“Being a widow or widower is not a curse, but a part of life. So, do not give up, rather, rely on God to supply all your needs,” he said.

Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa assured the widows and widowers of God’s providence only if they continued to depend on Him even in their present situation.  

As part of the event, some of the participants, including Mrs. Mary Danah, wife of the late Pastor John Danah, shared their experiences in widowhood. 

All participants were treated to sumptuous meals and drinks served by the Area Head, his wife, and the Women’s Ministry.  

All ministers and wives within the Bole and Sawla zones attended the event.

Report by Sawla Area Media Team

Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Inaugurates Chieftaincy Ministry

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The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost, headed by Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, has inaugurated the Chieftaincy Ministry, which aims at “possessing the palaces” for Christ.

The momentous event took place at Ablekuma Central Assembly auditorium on Sunday, August 7, 2022, with the gathering of over 200 persons made up of kings, queens, family heads, the pastorate in the Area and their wives and some other royals.

The event was also graced by the National Coordinator for Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, and the National Coordinator for the Chaplaincy Ministry, Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode.

In his welcome address, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye said that royals are also co-heirs of God’s kingdom (Revelation 21:23-27), hence the need to bridge the gap between the church and chieftaincy institution.

He also noted that the Church has, therefore, introduced this ministry to ensure that royals come into the saving knowledge of Christ, who is the only way into the kingdom of God.

Apostle Ohemang Kwakye further noted that the ministry would not only focus on evangelising the palaces but also handle or mediate chieftaincy issues that may arise.

Exhorting the gathering on the topic, “Godly Leadership Brings Liberty to the People,” with Judges 5:1-2 as a Bible reference, Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode explained that the Israelites were under the oppression of a powerful Canaanite king, Jabin, known for possessing great weaponry and was having strong military force led by an experienced army commander – Sisera. 

Apostle Kumi-Woode contrasted that with the powerless and less efficient Israelite army, saying: “Notwithstanding the stark reality, a godly woman by name Deborah inspired a war against Jabin, and the army commander of Israel insisted that Deborah accompanies him.”

He further stated that when leaders employ the hand of God, the dynamism of things they battle with changes because, when there is a fall of war, all human tactics change.

Ending his sermon, Apostle Kumi-Woode advised the royals to employ “the hand of God” because the task of leadership requires physical and spiritual strength, and faith in God releases courage for that. 

He said that the name of Jesus carries power to influence people positively, and this would come in handy since their mandate requires mobilising and influencing people.

“Inspiration to lead comes from the Holy Spirit, so you will need the Spirit of God to help you excel in your leadership,’ he said.

After a time of intense prayer and praise, Apostle Anane-Denteh proceeded to inaugurate the Chieftaincy Ministry Committee of the Area, comprising Nana Obeng Akrofi I (Krontihene of Kwahu Jejeti – Chairman), Pastor Ayim Smart (Ablekuma District Minister – Coordinator), Nana Appiah VI (Kyidomhene, Enyan Nkodwo) and Nana Afia Bempomah II (Denkyira Abakomahemaa)

The others are Nana Omari Sasu (Odikro – Akwasiso, Kwahu Osubeng), Opanyin James Nana Kwesi Essuman (Abusuapanyin – Asumakoma Kokokyire Awudua, Tarkwa – Member) and Elder Nicholas Foli-Mensah.

The committee is tasked to reach out to chiefs and royals within the Area and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Among other things, it is also required to mobilise all royals in the Church for effective ministry to royals, coordinate royal conferences, organise training programmes and retreats for royals and report on the activities of the chieftaincy ministry during the Church’s reporting periods.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey (Area Media Committee Chairman)

The Church Of Pentecost Gets New Mono-Ethnic Officers

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The Effiduase Area of The Church of Pentecost has ordained 71 new officers, including two deacons and two deaconesses from the Birifor-Dagaare Mono-Ethnic Assembly in the Old Tafo Akim District created through the ministry of the Home and Urban Missions

The officers are Daniel Bal-Buara Suuresongyie (Deacon), Moses K. Asare (Deacon), Portia Deme Tuyin Ampelebe (Deaconess) and Lucy A. Bal-Buara (Deaconess).

The historic moment took place on Friday, August 5, 2022, during the Area’s monthly prayers, dubbed “Divine Encounter” at Ebenezer Assembly in Effiduase District. 

The service, which was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, was his last service with the Area as he proceeds on transfer to Old Tafo Area in Kumasi.

Other dignitaries present included Mrs. Mary Yeboah Nsaful (wife of the Area Head), the entire area pastorate and their wives, and Apostle Fenning Obiri-Yeboah (Rtd.), former National Head of the Church in Nigeria, among others.

In his opening remarks, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful stated that the vision for opening the Birifor Assembly is to build an assembly that is culturally relevant to meet the spiritual, physical, social and psychological needs of the indigenous Birifor-Dagaare population within the catchment area. 

This, he said, is in line with the overarching vision of The Church of Pentecost, dubbed “Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations,” which birthed HUM. The HUM, among other things, has the mandate to evangelise and reach out to people groups who are yet to be reached or engaged with the gospel message of Christ as far as the evangelistic strategies and drive of the Church are concerned.

Speaking on the theme “God Bless You” with scripture reference from Numbers 6:25-27 as his parting message with the Area, Apostle Nsaful advised Christians to be steadfast and always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord because their labour in the Lord is not in vain. 

He charged the newly ordained officers to always stand in the gap for the Lord and be faithful to the charge they have pledged to as unpaid officers of the Church.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the outgoing Effiduase Area Secretary, Pastor Prince Odoom, who is the immediate-past Area HUM Coordinator, described the news as “refreshing” and revealed that the Birifor HUM Assembly, which started in 2021 with a total membership of 25 members, now boast a membership of 105 including children.

PENTECOST NEWS.