Posts in category: Top Stories

The Central Assembly church building of the Gbingbani District in the Walewale Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God. The project was completed at a cost of GH¢ 73,459.00, with funding from the Headquarters, the Area, and individual donations.

The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday,  21^st October, 2020, was officiated by the Walewale Area Head, Apostle Francis Yaw Adu, assisted by the Gbingbani District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Kenin.

Speaking on the theme, “A Glorious House of God to Possess the Nation,” taken from Genesis 28:16-22, Pastor Daniel Tetteh of Jimbale District said that the Christian’s body is God’s temple and the Holy Spirit dwells in them.

He admonished Christians to always walk in the consciousness that God is in them. This, according to him, will help them shun anything that has the potential of defiling their bodies which is God’s temple.

Present at the ceremony were ministers and their wives in the Walewale Area, members and officers from the Gbingbani District, and the Regent of the Gbankpurugu Traditional Area, Gbongdana Bedima Jatong.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Kenin.

Four years after renovation works began on the Kaneshie Central Assembly auditorium, church members in the Kaneshie Area of The Church of Pentecost and community leaders gathered on Friday, October 23, 2020, to witness and celebrate the dedication of the remodelled ultra-modern facility.

The multipurpose 5000-sitting capacity complex, which also houses the English Assembly and the Children’s Ministry, was dedicated by the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, with support from the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, and some Executive Council Members.

More than one thousand members of the Area – including some past and present Area Heads and ministers – graced the service, which was also streamed live online via Facebook to a worldwide audience.

Exhorting the gathering at the event, the Chairman emphasised the need for the glory of God in the church to be jealously guarded. 

He read from Haggai 2:3-9, 1 Chronicles 22:19 and 2 Chronicles 7, among other Scriptures, to explain that the glory of God is a non-negotiable element of the Church without which the Church becomes a mere organisation like any other.

Quoting from 1 Chronicles 22:19, he said that in the Old Testament, the two things that were required to always be in the temple of God were the Ark of Covenant (signifying the presence of God) and the sacred articles belonging to God. In the New Testament, however, he further explained, the two things that must always be present in the Church is the presence of God (the Holy Spirit) and believers, whom the Bible describes as “a holy priesthood and a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).

He added that as priests, believers are responsible for carrying the presence of God to the temple as was in the case of the Old Testament when the Ark of Covenant was brought to the temple by the Levitical priests.

“As Christians, we are the carriers of the presence of God because He dwells in us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to bring Him to church. This means that believers have now taken the place of the sacred articles belonging to God in the temple. 

“There are no more sacred articles in the temple, but people cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. So, in the New Testament what is essential in the church building are the presence of God and the believer,” he intimated.

Outlining some of the distinctive marks of the glory of God in the church, the Chairman said that “when the glory of God is present in the church, we will feel and see it.” 

According to the Chairman, when the glory of God is present in the church, worship and offering become spontaneous and congregants always leave the church auditorium for their homes with joyful hearts and gladness because they have encountered God.

He advised that for the glory of God to remain in the church, believers must turn from their wicked ways and continually seek the face of God in all things. On the other hand, if they fail to heed to the commands of the Lord, He would forsake them and make the church an object of scorn and ridicule among the nations (2 Chronicles 7:20-12).

Apostle Nyamekye, therefore, urged the members, particularly church leaders, not to entertain any form of sin in the church, but to confront it with the urgency it deserves. 

“We must not be persons who look the other way when sin is being perpetrated in the church, just to save our skin, but to be persons who are committed to jealously guarding the glory of God in the church, that there may be glory in the church from generation to generations,” he advised.

The Kaneshie Central Assembly church building holds an enviable place in the history of the church as the venue where the name “The Church of Pentecost” was first declared in 1962. Over the years, the building has been renovated to accommodate its teeming membership, and to give it a facelift befitting of an Area seat (a venue for Area meetings). 

The remodelling project was, thus, initiated in 2006 by the then District Minister, Pastor Isaac Ekow Eshun (now Apostle and Asamankese Area Head), in consultation with the then Area Head, Apostle Emmanuel Achim Gyimah (now retired) and the then Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (now retired). After taking over as Kaneshie Area Head and District Minister, respectively, Apostle Mike Etrue and Pastor Adjei-Nimako Darkwa saw to the successful completion of the ultra-modern edifice.

The project was funded with grants received from the church’s Headquarters and the Kaneshie Area, as well as contributions from members and some benevolent individuals. Elder William Oppong Bio, and his wife, Anna, were, however, singled out for special praise for bearing about 20% of the total cost of the project.

Some of the dignitaries who were present at the historic occasion were Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Executive Council Member and Asokwa Area Head), Prophet David K. Beditor (Executive Council Member and Ashaiman Area Head), Apostle Daniel Okyere Walker (Executive Council Member and PU Vice-Chancellor) and Apostle Dr Dela Quampah (Executive Council Member and PIWC-Odorkor).

Also, in attendance were Mrs Mary Nyamekye (Wife of the Chairman) and some retired ministers including Apostle Samuel K Ansong, Apostle Jonathan Ameyaw, Apostle J. S Gyimah, Apostle Moses Ladejo, Apostle Noble Atsu, Apostle Peter Ayerakwa, and Apostle Emmanuel Achim Gyimah

Prophet E. K. Appiah (Dansoman Area Head) and Apostle Isaac Ekow Eshun, both past district ministers of Kaneshie, also graced the event with their presence.

Together with his entourage, the Chief of Kaneshie, Nii Ayitey Kaneshie I, was also present at the event and assisted the Chairman in cutting the ceremonial tape during the dedication.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Zabrama District in the Kintampo Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a mass wedding for 19 couples. The event took place on Friday, October 9, 2020, at the Central Assembly auditorium.

Speaking at the occasion, the Kintampo Area Head, Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah, admonished married couples to learn how to manage their differences no matter the challenges that confront them in their marriages.

He spoke on the topic, “Building a Glorious Church through Good Marriages,” taking his main texts from Genesis 2:18-25, Matthew 19:3-10, and Ecclesiastics 4:9-12.

Apostle Debrah stressed that marriage was instituted by God and not man, hence the need to marry according to the principles of God and not by the culture and traditions. “If you are a Christian you need to choose the word of God over customs,” he emphasized.

He added that everyone has his or her weaknesses and, therefore, spouses must make a conscious effort to love one another unconditionally. He advised wives to support their husbands, physically and spiritually. Husbands, on the other hand, must love their wives and take good care of them.

The Zabrama District Minister, Pastor Clement Ampako, explained that the district decided to organise the mass wedding to regularise the marriages of the members.

In attendance also were some chiefs of the Zabrama traditional council led by the Queen Mother, Nana Kwaagya. Also present were ministers in the Area.

Report by Overseer Prince Augustine Ababio.

The Ho Area of The Church of Pentecost has taken its turn in launching the ‘Agent of Peace’ campaign to implore Ghanaians to uphold peace in the upcoming elections.

The event, which took place on October 9, 2020, at the Central Auditorium of Ho Fiave, was chaired by the Area Head, Apostle Moses Kwame Ahiakor. The programme dubbed “Seek Peace and Pursue It” saw massive attendance by sister churches, civil society organisations, and Government institutions.

Speaking at the launch, Apostle Ahiakor called on Ghanaians to unite and seek peace now. “We have only one Ghana entrusted to our hands by the Almighty to keep. Should we become distrusted servants, chaos, disaster, and anarchy would become the order of the day,” he said.

He advised politicians and their followers to always smoke the ‘peace pipe’ in their attempt to settle their differences to sustain the peace of the nation ahead of the elections.

Apostle Ahiakor advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used to foment troubles, but rather be the engine that propels peace.

He also entreated the media to reflect solemnly on their reportage and ensure that they are devoid of sensationalism, bias, and false information which tends to fuel violence.

Having watched a peace campaign documentary, the stakeholders took turns to pledge their support to maintain the peaceful atmosphere the nation was enjoying.

They commended The Church of Pentecost for championing the call for peace. State institutions such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Prisons Service, and the Police Service itemized the diverse ways by which The Church of Pentecost has supported them in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Prosper K. Pi-Bansah, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, expressed his profound gratitude to the Church for spearheading the peace agenda and called on all political parties to put Ghana first in all deliberations. “We should be mindful of what we say, our actions, inactions, and other political innuendos which may derail us of our quest for peace,” he said.

The Area Coordinator for the programme, Pastor Cephas Akakpo, called on Ghanaians to seek peace and pursue it diligently.

The Church led a route march through the streets of Ho to climax the programme.

Also present were the Ho Area pastorate, the Chief Imam and his entourage, the media, Voice Ghana, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council sister churches, Ghana Revenue Authority, Lands Commission, among others.

Report by Overseer Felix Brakatu, Ho.

The Techiman Area of The Church of Pentecost, on September 28, 2020, launched the ‘Agents of Peace’ campaign at the Dwomor Central assembly under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It” (Psalm 34:14).

The launch of the peace campaign was in line with the vision of the Church to drum home the need for its members and Ghanaians, in general, to pursue peace before, during and after the December 7 elections.

In his opening address, the Techiman Area Head, Apostle Julius Franklin Asante-Ayeh, stated: “We have seen many nations suffer political instability that has thrown their development into the reverse gear. In that case, the church too suffers.

“Elections should not be left at the doorstep of the Electoral Commission and political parties alone, but civil society organisations and the church must be seen as influencing the process. It’s in the light of this that the nationwide campaign by The Church of Pentecost for its members to be agents of peace in their communities was initiated.”

He added: “As Christians, we are enjoined to be peacemakers. The purpose of the campaign is to challenge and educate Christians to be agents of peace as the nation prepares for elections 2020. Peace is an essential commodity in nation-building. Therefore, we must all support this course.”

Apostle Asante-Ayeh called on the Christian community and political players in the country to refrain from insults, abusive language, needless arguments, and derogatory comments.

He charged the participants to carry the peace message to their various destinations, saying, “This is just launching; we must send the message out there. Every district in the Area will do its peace march to propagate this message of peace,” he said.

The Deputy Bono East Regional Minister, Honourable Martin Oti Gyrako, on his part, advised Ghanaians to be mindful of their speeches to promote peace in the country. “War has rendered many homeless and made others refugees. If it [war] occurs in Ghana where will we go?” he quizzed.

“Our fathers have laid a good foundation for us; we are not those to destroy it,” he said. On behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council, he pledged their commitment to ensuring peace in the region and advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence since the future belongs to them. “Even if I tell you to go and fight for me, tell me to go myself,” he stated. 

The Deputy Regional Minister commended the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for the great initiative and pleaded with the Church to continue to pray for a peaceful election.

The Electoral Officer for the Techiman South Municipality, Mr. Sampson Ofori,  said: “Peace is the responsibility of all citizens but not politicians alone. So it’s laudable that The Church of Pentecost is championing this campaign.”

He outlined some of the don’ts in electioneering process as follows: tearing down posters, using others logo/symbols, intimidation, announcing one’s vote or making it open, vote-buying, personal attacks, etc.

There were goodwill messages from various stakeholders pledging their support for a peaceful election in the region.

Also present were Honourable John Kofi Donyina (MCE, Techiman South), Mr. Sampson Ofori, Nananom, Peace Council Representative, the clergy and members of the Church.

Report by Pastor Peter Amuzu-Avorde, Techiman Area.

The Sawla Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched the 2020 ‘Agent of Peace’ Campaign to promote peace in the run-up to the upcoming general elections.

The ceremony dubbed “Seek and Pursue Peace,” assembled distinguished personalities within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba political district and beyond at the Changbalyiri Central Auditorium of the Church on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

Amongst the dignitaries present were the Member of Parliamentary for the area, Hon. Andrew Chiwietey Dari; the Parliamentary candidates for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Seidu Nuhu Banasco. There were representatives from the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education (NCC), Ghana Police Service, Sawla Wura (Chief of Sawla), Local Council of Churches, Muslim Community, Gonjaland Youth Association as well as the Media (Yagbon and Inkiligi FM).

The Sawla Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, in his address, commended the stakeholders for their readiness to work together with The Church of Pentecost to unite the nation towards maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

“Ghana can be equated to an oasis of peace on the African continent and across the globe. This is a great achievement that did not come by chance but by persistent efforts from all stakeholders,” he said, adding, “The Church, therefore, intends through this engagement, to create awareness as well as charge all and sundry to seek and pursue the peace of Ghana in all their endeavours before, during and after the election, particularly in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.”

His Worship Prince Andrew Cudjoe of the Bole District Magistrate Court, who was the Special Guest of Honour, spoke against the act of inciting the youth to cause pandemonium in election periods by some political figures who usually hide behind the scenes.

He advised the youth to desist from being used by wicked men as instruments for riot and vandalism. “Peace is priceless, hence not the responsibility of one man but all citizens. We must all make it our personal responsibility to seek and pursue peace,” he added.

There were peace messages from the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Police Commander, District Electoral Officer, Chairman of Local Council of Churches, Chairman of District NCCE, Chief Imam, and the various political figures.

The launch was preceded by a massive float through the Sawla township, led by Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye with placards conveying peace messages.

Report by Sawla Area Media Team.

Management and Staff of The Church of Pentecost General Headquarters at La, Accra last Friday [October 16, 2020] had the opportunity to share farewell fellowship with reviewed directors who were on their way out of the Head Office after serving for various periods at the place.

The reviewed directors are: Apostle Fred Tiakor (Director, Children’s Ministry), Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Director, Pentecost Men’s Ministry – PEMEM), Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko (Finance and Administration Director – FAD), and Mrs. Grace Lucy Yeboah-Asuama (Director, Women’s Ministry).

The FAD, Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko, served in his position for 27 years; the outgone Children’s and Women’s Directors, Apostle Fred Tiakor and Mrs. Grace Lucy Yeboah-Asuama also served for 10 years respectively, while the PEMEM Director, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, served for four years.

They were grateful to God for the opportunity to serve at the Head Office and seeing them through their periods of service. They also expressed their profound appreciation to the leadership of the Church for the confidence reposed in them and appointing them to serve in their respective positions. They were grateful to the staff for the quality relationship and the support they have enjoyed from them over the period.

Mrs. Grace Lucy Yeboah-Asuama (Women’s Ministry Director, 2012-2020)

In her validatory message, she quoted 2 Corinthians 8:21, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man,” and advised the staff to aspire to be honourable not only in the sight of God but before all persons by exhibiting integrity in all their dealings. She entreated them to ensure that their lifestyles exhibit the Kingdom’s values and principles.

Also referring to Matthew 25: 14-28, she stated that since the Headquarters is a Christian organisation, it belongs to God, therefore, the staff should see themselves as stewards. As stewards, she said, they should not import some of the bad practices in the Civil Service such as poor attitude towards work, etc. to the Headquarters.

“Whatever we do now we should never forget that there is eternity. Therefore, let’s leave a good mark wherever you go,” she stressed.

Apostle Fred Tiakor (Children’s Director, 2012-2020)

Reading from Revelation 3:11, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown,” he advised the staff to cherish the grace of God and the opportunity to work at the Head Office.

“Some people think that those of us working at the Head Office are next to God. That is why people pay money to come for excursions here. Therefore, hold on fast what you have,” he said.

According to Apostle Tiakor, what helps Christians to preserve their great heritage is by constant devotion. He, therefore, advised the staff to intensify their personal devotional lives.

Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (PEMEM Director, 2016-2020)

He advised the staff not to shun away from sacrifice, since sacrifice is key in reaching one’s potentials.

Reading from Mark 10:17-22 [Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man], he said that the young man had the enthusiasm to follow Christ but was not ready to sacrifice what Christ commanded him to give out, saying, “Enthusiasm is not an indication of commitment; you need sacrifice.”

Apostle Ankra-Badu stated that working at the Headquarters is like following Jesus Christ, and the first thing one needs is the spirit of sacrifice.

“As a Head Office worker, know why this Church exists and the vision of the Church and the role you can play to help fulfill that vision.

“Your sacrifice must be quality – quality as measured by God. Do it not because you want to be paid, but doing it unto God. Know that the successes today are the sacrifice someone made yesterday,” he emphasised.

Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko (Finance and Administration Director – FAD, 2001-2020)

He shared some lessons he had learned at the Office. He said that they are good values that guided him in his work and worth emulating as workers.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Bunbon District of The Church of Pentecost in the Yendi Area has donated assorted medical supplies worth GH¢ 3,000.00 to the Bunbon Health Centre.

The presentation of the items, which took place on 3^rd October 2020, was led by the Yendi Area Head, Pastor Emmanuel Kojo Aidoo, and the Bunbon District Minister, Overseer James McKeown Safo.

In a short exhortation taken from Matthew 14:16, Pastor Emmanuel Aidoo said that the gesture by the church was in line with the church’s vision of possessing the nations.

He indicated that just as Jesus Christ was moved to feed the multitude when they were hungry, the church was also moved to give the items to the health centre. He prayed that the items would be put to good use for the benefit of the facility and the community as a whole.

On his part, the Chief of Bunbon, Overlord Robert Dawuni Wumbei, described the gesture as a miracle. He was full of praise to The Church of Pentecost since that was not the first time the church was helping the community, citing the environmental cleanliness campaign.

The Officer-in-charge of the health centre, Mr. Michael Kojo Kumah, praised the church for taking a special interest in the health facility and promised to put the items to good use.

The items were provided courtesy Mrs. Grace Owusu Aboagye (CEO of Refresh-Rx Foundation), Dr. Eric Tetteh (Gynaecologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), and Elder Emmanuel Arko Baffoe (Presiding Elder of Greenwich Meridian English Assembly).

Report by Overseer James McKeown Safo, Bunbon District.