Children’s Ministry Organises Photo Exhibition & Christian Children Jamboree

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The field of the Morning Star School last weekend hosted many children and children’s workers from the various areas of The Church of Pentecost who turned up in their numbers for the “Children’s Ministry Photo Exhibition and Christian Children Jamboree.”

The event, which was part of activities marking the ministry’s 50th anniversary, was graced by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, his wife, Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, and other dignitaries including Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Children’s Ministry Patron and Ashaiman Area Head), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Children’s Ministry Director), and Pastor Dr Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam (NEC, Children’s Ministry).

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS at the event, the Children’s Ministry Director, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, said the event was the ministry’s way of telling its own story pictorially.

“We wanted to tell the story of the ministry in pictures, therefore when you visit the exhibition stands, pictures from the days of Pastor James McKeown all through to the current period; some of our leaders and outcomes from the activities would be seen,” the Children’s Director said, adding, “It is a very memorable moment; a time to learn, a time that is touching and a time that is for us to reflect on our work in the Lord’s vineyard.”

On the benefit to the children, Pastor Prof Otoo Ellis iterated that the photo exhibition would serve as a great moment for them to know the past, notwithstanding the impact made by other children to encourage them further. 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, reflecting on the ministry’s drawing competition, encouraged the children to keep using their talents in making an impact in society.

He further thanked the Children’s Ministry Workers (Sunday School Teachers) for their immense support to the growth of the children in Christ, stating, “Your love for children certainly means that you really love God.”

During the photo exhibition, participants were refreshed with the memories of historic events held by the Children’s Ministry. Among those displayed was Pastor Oduro Ampaw (former Children’s Ministry Executive Member), addressing Homecoming participants at the Pentecost Convention Centre on August 28, 2022; Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa Children’s Ministry gathering, and Mrs. Margaret Mills addressing delegates at the May 2009 Council Meetings at Pentecost University, Sowutuom.

Memories of the immediate past Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.) launching the Children’s Ministry syllabus and the former Deputy Children’s Ministry Director, Elder Ankamah-Lomotey taking the Children’s Ministry teachers through lessons.

Past directors of the Children’s Ministry who also had their portraits on display at the event were Apostle C.E. Appau Asante (General Leader, 1972 – 1983), Apostle Samuel K. Ansong (General Leader, 1983-1988), Apostle J.K. Essel (General Leader, 1988-1994), Pastor C. N. Kissiedu (Director, 1994 – 2004), Prophet B.A. Adobah (Director, 2004 – 2012), and Apostle Fred Tiakor (Director, 2012-2020).

As part of the numerous activities outlined, the children were treated to side attractions of face painting, bouncy castles, popcorn bazaar, poetry recitals, and many more.

Present were Mrs Adelaide Agyepong (Chief Executive Officer of Haven Crystals Travel & Tour), Mrs. Nana Abena Kwakye (Managing Director, Morning Star School Ltd.) and Ms. Nana Yaa Siriboe (Director of Administration, Morning Star School Ltd).

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Constructs Bus Stop Shelter At Korle-Bu

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The Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) of the Dansoman Area of The Church of Pentecost has constructed and dedicated an ultra-modern bus stop shelter with ancillary works at Korle-Bu to serve clients and visitors of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the residents of Korle Gonno.

The facility, constructed in collaboration with James McKeown Worship Centre (JMWC), is situated in front of the ATM farms at the main bus stop.

The commissioning and dedication of the facility was held on Friday, August 12, 2022, by the Dansoman Area Head, Prophet Ebenezer Kofi Appiah.

He indicated that the project was in line with the five-year strategic vision of the Church, dubbed “Vision 2023; Possessing the Nations.” 

Speaking at the event on the topic “Faith with Works” based on James 2:14-17, Prophet Ebenezer Appiah advised Christians to demonstrate their faith in Christ through their works (actions). 

He indicated that though they are saved by faith in Christ, faith must be accompanied by works.

He also urged community members to adopt a good maintenance culture to keep the facility in good condition at all times.

Espousing on the features of the bus stop shelter, which is considered a first of its kind in Ghana, the Resident Minister of the James McKeown Worship Center, Pastor Dr Perez Sepenu, indicated that the facility has a 220V Power Receptacle, LED Power Lighting System, USB Charging Port, Electronic Advertising Boards, 440W Solar Panel, and an adjoining Gospel Tract sharing post. 

The church also constructed concrete slabs to cover the gutters in front of the bus stop. The Contractor for the project was Messers. ModPro MMC, one of the fastest and most innovative Companies in Ghana specialises in tackling office and workspace deficiency.

Also present were the Dansoman Area pastorate and their wives, Mrs. Janet Appiah (Wife of the Area Head), Mr Alfred Oko Vanderpuiye (MP for the Ablekuma South Constituency), Nii Tackie Owuowu IV (Chief of Korle Gonno) and his sub-chiefs, Nii Korle Bu Akwashong I (Chief of Korle Bu Sempe,) and his sub-chiefs.

Others present were the representative of the CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu Divisional Police Commander, Assemblyman for Korle Bu Electoral Area, Assemblyman for Korle Gonno Electoral Area, and members of JMWC.

Report by JMWC Media

Prisons Directorate Calls On The Church of Pentecost Leadership

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A three-member delegation from the Ghana Prisons Service yesterday paid a courtesy call on the leadership of The Church of Pentecost at the Church’s Headquarters at La in Accra.

The team, led by Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, were received by Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary, The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance and Administration Director, The Church of Pentecost-Headquarters), and Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director of the Church), on behalf of the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

The purpose of the visit, according to Mr. Isaac Egyir, was to express his outfit’s appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for its continued support to the Prisons Service, especially in the area of infrastructural development, and to explore future collaborative efforts.

The visit was also to finalise details on the official commissioning and handing over of a correctional facility constructed by the Church. The project is part of efforts to assist the government in solving the challenge of overcrowding in Ghanaian prisons.

Mr Egyir also revealed that the Service has introduced an outreach and community engagement initiative, dubbed the “Stay Out of Trouble” campaign, targeted at schools and churches. The initiative, among other things, seeks to educate the citizenry, particularly children and youth, on crimes and its consequences.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, on his part, thanked the delegation for the visit and assured the team of the Church’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of prison inmates to make them responsible, productive and law-abiding members of society.

The Director-General was accompanied by Elder Dr. Francis Omane-Addo (Director of Prison Welfare and Human Resource) and Rev. Canon S. S. Adoma-Okine (Chaplain General of Ghana Prisons Service).

PENTECOST NEWS.

“I Feel No Pain Again In My Heart!” – Lady Receives Instant Healing

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Mrs Martha Obodei, a grocery shop owner at Azizanya, has been miraculously healed of a chronic heart disease.

Martha, 33, said that, for ten years, she constantly experienced shortness of breath and fatigue even when she trekked a short distance. 

After trying various medications with no results, Martha began to visit churches seeking divine intervention.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, The Church of Pentecost inaugurated a new local assembly in her community after an evangelism outreach organised by the Evangelism Ministry in partnership with the Tema Area of the Church, dubbed the “Ada for Christ” crusade. As part of the outreach, an intense prayer session was held for the new converts later in the evening.

Martha, who had her shop nearby, was called upon to supply the new converts with drinks after the service. She slowly made her way to the church premises and sat on a chair, waiting for the prayer session to end so that she could serve them the drinks.

Soon afterwards, she narrated, the pastor leading the prayer session walked to her and prayed for her. After the prayer, Martha suddenly realised that she no longer felt any pain in her heart. 

“So, I immediately ran to the house and back; it was at this point that I became convinced that I am healed,” she said.

Mrs Obodei shared this testimony during the first Sunday service of the newly-opened Azizanya Assembly.

To God be the Glory!

PENTECOST NEWS.

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