Sabbatical Approach To Daily Living

As part of the annual week-long activities for Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) – the men’s wing of our dear church, the Church of Pentecost, yesterday, I gave overview of a number of sub-topics, as I handled the topic, “The Faithful Man” in one of our local churches in Kenya.

By the grace of God, I gave overview of what it means to be faithful – “faith-full”; the need to accept your background and history and superimpose each domain with what Christ as a way to galvanizing a Christ-centered identity; handling generational curses by the way of Christ (Galatians 3:13-14); ten legacies to a faithful father can leave for his generations; and a concept I refer to as “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living”.

In this short article, I seek to discuss this concept of “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living”.

Sabbath is a divine principle established by the Lord. The essence of the Sabbath is not just the setting aside of a particular day to rest from work (sometimes whiles our minds wander with worries and anxieties).

Most importantly, Sabbath covers the whole idea of periodically pausing – taking a “SELAH” – to reflect on our lives in the light of the Lord, to rest the mind, and to rest the body. The ultimate Sabbath rest is to place faith in Christ and His Word (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:8-12).

We are even called upon to give our animals and farmlands periodic Sabbaths so they can have fallow period to renew and refresh. Even our vehicles need Sabbath – by taking them for servicing, renewing of oil etc. – to avoid breakdown and to optimize their performance.

It is within the spirit of Sabbath and in the background of the “Principle of Effective Learning” that I have coined a principle I refer to as “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” (SATDL). The application of this principle in my personal life over the years, especially since I entered full-time ministry 12 years ago, has been of great help to me.

According to the “Principle of Effective Learning”, for every input we make, we should take at least same amount of time we used in making the input to generate output. Output in this context is defined as the combination of reflecting on the input as well as implementing and sharing the insights gained from reflecting on the input.

What I have added to this principle to generate “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” is the aspect of restful meditation as the broader atmosphere for reflection, implementing and sharing of insight in inputs.

The core of “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” is the need to approach our daily activities in piecemeal – in installment – punctuated with restful reflection and meditation.

In simple terms, for a series of activities or “to dos” one has in a given period of time, he/she should put them into blocks of activities and create transitions between them.

That means, after diligently undertaking a bloc of activity, one should come into transition – a period to rest, meditate, and reflect on the block of activity done so far while taking notes on insights from the reflection for implementation and sharing (say through mentoring of others).

In fact, for the Christian, this is a period to generate prayer topics as we restfully think through our actions. So, for instance, if as a leader of a local church, you return from the field, you need to move into transition for a period before another field work.

It is not a wonder that, even in reading the Psalms, we are brought to periods in our reading called “SELAH” – to pause, reflect, pray, and generate insights.

From health perspective, “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” has benefit in decreasing stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, etc.), and increasing happiness hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins especially). This readjustment in levels of these hormones resulting from “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living”, translates into great boost in immune system, improvement of concentration & alertness and slowing of the rate of aging.

Let me conclude this article by giving some practical examples of “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living”:

  1. It is better to eat small amounts of food at intervals of say 3 hours during the day than to starve and sit by a huge amount of food in the evening or even at lunch time.
  2. It is better to give your spouse regular updates of how your day is going especially when the two of you are distance apart than to wait to come home late and force a “date” (chatting or debriefing time) which is a challenge because, often spouses are both tired from work.
  3. It is better to give an overview of many topics in a short space of time than to force to treat many topics in details within that time.
  4. It is better to give an “elevator pitch” (punchlines) to a seemingly distracted audience than to read a long speech to them.
  5. It is better, especially during Sunday church service, to pick a single concept and treat it into details with adequate supporting evidence, illustrations, application and prayer topics than to rush through a tall list of many concepts with superficial approach to explaining them.
  6. It is better to meditate on a single passage of scripture a day as part of daily devotional life than to rush through reading three or four chapters in superficial “tick the box” manner.
  7. It is better, as a student, to study a particular topic, then to pause and reflect on the topic, jot down your reflections, think through how the topic applies to daily living, illustrate with self-made pictures, diagrams, drawings etc., than to jump from one major topic to the next with a “chew-pour-pass” (rote learning) approach – that leads only to head knowledge without insights.
  8. It is better to keep a journal – notes of daily activities (inputs) and outcomes – than to wait for half-year or annual time of reporting to attempt recalling all you have been doing for the reporting period in view.

It is on this note that, I recommend for various institutions to incorporate “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” into their culture; workers can be given at least 30 minutes of – no talking, no gadgets – quite or siesta time, say an hour after lunch break. Many “8 to 5” workers are effectively productive for only few hours due to exhaustion.

This approach is even more important for students and children in schools; the 7am to 5pm marathon approach to teaching often encounters counter-productivity (diminishing returns) after lunch time and thus, siesta break become handy for restoring alertness and concentration. Alternatively, teachers should give children no home work so they can have adequate time to rest their body and brain over the night.

Let me sign off by restating that, clearly “Sabbatical Approach to Daily Living” is very helpful and makes the life of a person more impactful, excelling, productive and yet relaxed and restful.

Indeed, ‘For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence…’ (Isaiah 30:15). SELAH.

Written by Apostle S. K. Fianko-Larbi (Kenya National Head, The Church of Pentecost)

The Church’s Future Depends On Children’s Ministry Workers – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has entreated Children’s Ministry workers to be deliberate in training children in the church as foundation builders.

The Chairman said this on Friday, June 17, 2022, during the closing ceremony of the Foundation Builders’ Conference organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic, “Foundation Conference,” Apostle Nyamekye said that it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken homes. He called for more attention to be given to the Children’s Ministry to ensure a secured future for the church.

“The Children’s Ministry today will determine The Church of Pentecost tomorrow,” he said.

According to the Chairman, the foundation of the church brings the future in place and it is the target of the enemy, adding that “when you manage the Children’s Ministry, you are shaping our future.”

He advised the Children’s Ministry to engage in evangelistic activities to equip children of the church to win others to Christ.

“Make it evangelistic because we are talking about the future of the church,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye asked child workers to jealously guard the foundation because it will determine the future.

Reading from Psalm 78:5, the Chairman stressed that God commanded the leaders of Israel to teach the statutes to their children so the next generation would know the laws of God.

He further stated that being foundation builders should not just be a mantra or slogan, rather it should be a conviction and a determined purpose.

“When we project an effective Sunday School teacher, we talk about a praying teacher,” he noted.

He admonished them not to just teach the children, but to clothe the children with priestly garments and hand them over to the Lord.

He asserted that the foundation of the church is so important to God, saying, “The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ and He is a dependable rock.”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye advised Children’s Ministry teachers to show good examples for the children to follow, cautioning that children have vulnerable minds and, therefore, need to be protected.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Mampong Area Procures New Media Equipment 

The Mampong Area of The Church of Pentecost has purchased new equipment worth GHS 9,600.00 to boost its media efforts.

The items include a Canon EOS 6D camera, 50mm lens, E-6 battery, tripod stand, SD cards, V850 flash light, video light, light stand and camera bag.

The items were dedicated on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Mampong Akyeremade Central Assembly (MAAT) by the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Asare.

Apostle Samuel Kwabena said that the area is determined to advance the kingdom of God through the media hence the decision to resource the Area Media Ministry Committee to enable them function effectively.

He assured the committee of leadership’s unwavering support towards the goal of possessing the media space for Christ.

The Suame Area Head, Apostle John Obeng Kesse, who was also present at the service, advised the committee to take proper care of the items and ensure that they serve the intended purpose, which is to champion the cause of the Gospel.

Report by Mampong Area Media Team

Ministry Is Responsibility & Service – Apostle Obeng Kesse Tells Clergy

The Suame Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle John Obeng Kesse, has asserted that the full-time ministry is a divine call to a life of responsibility and service.

According to him, “the Bible categorically states that priesthood is not a position but a service, a call and a responsibility.”

The Suame Area Head said this on Friday, June 10, 2022, when he officiated the ordination service of Pastor Stephen Okorie Asante (Kona District) and Pastor Sylvester Avorgah (Kasei District) at Mampong Akyeremade Central Assembly (MAAT). He was assisted by the Mampong Area Head, Apostle Samuel Kwabena Asare. 

Speaking on the theme, “The Pastor,” Apostle Kesse explained that all pastors are called from amongst the people, ordained as ministers for the people and sent back to serve among the people before God.

Reading from Exodus 28:1-3, he said that when God chose Israel as His people, Moses took his brother Aaron with him to play the role of his spokesperson resulting in his appointment as a priest for the Israelites. 

Apostle Kesse said that priesthood is based on a call. This, according to him, was stressed by God in Numbers 17 when he appointed Aaron and the Levites to serve as priests and silence the people’s agitation of the Israelites.

He, therefore, reiterated that priesthood is not a matter of entitlement, but rather it is only the person called by the Most High God who can become a priest. 

“No one takes the priesthood honour and dignity upon himself unless he is called just as Aaron was,” he said.

Apostle Obeng Kesse noted that, since the call to ministry is divine, pastors have a great responsibility regarding their call. He, however, added that the church members must also play a supportive role in ensuring a successful ministry.

The Suame Area Head explained that, for the Israelites to be able to embrace this concept, God commanded them to make a priesthood garment for the priest. This, he said, was to remind the priest of his responsibilities to God and the people. 

“In the same way, the clerical, which is our priestly garment, is not an ordinary attire but a garment of responsibility,” he stressed. 

Apostle Kesse indicated that the specification, design and style of the priestly garment as prescribed by God in Exodus 28 spelt out the kind of responsibility to be borne by the priest. 

Outlining them, he said the priest is to serve and respect the people entrusted to his care. teach them the unadulterated word of God, and to intercede for them in prayer. The pastor is also to lead a holy life; live above reproach.

“It is the pastor’s responsibility to wake up receiving mana from heaven to feed the flock for them not to be malnourished,” he added.   

The Suame Area Head also indicated that the priesthood is a sacrificial ministry in which the individual presents his whole being to the service of God and the church.

“The clerical is a sign of a sacrificial rope tied around the pastor’s neck, making him available unto God and the church daily and at all times.,” he stressed. 

He also advised the members to support and take care of their ministers by providing for their physical needs so that they would be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Pastors Stephen Okorie Asante and Sylvester Avorgah were part of the ministers of the church who were called into the pastorate by the leadership of The Church of Pentecost during the Extraordinary council meetings in May 2022. 

In attendance were the Mampong Area pastorate and their wives, officers and members from the Kona and Kasei districts and some officers and members from the other districts within the Area.

Report by Mampong Area Media Team

The Church Of Pentecost Headquarters Employs Honest Taxi Driver

36-year-old Kwesi Ackon, the honest taxi driver who has been celebrated the world over for returning a huge amount of money he found in his taxi to its owner, has been employed by The Church of Pentecost General Headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

On his first day at work on Thursday, June 16, 2022, Ackon, who could not hide his joy over the job offer, expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to God and the leadership of the church, particularly the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, for the opportunity to work at the head office of the church.

According to him, working at the church’s headquarters would further build his Christian faith and values.

A letter of employment dated June 15, 2022, and signed by the Human Resource Manager, Elder Samuel Mantey Addo, stated: “The Church of Pentecost Headquarters hereby offers you employment as Driver Grade II…”

Kwesi Ackon also thanked many Ghanaians who donated various sums of money and items to him when the news about the issue broke out.

The news of Kwesi Ackon went viral a few weeks ago after he returned an amount of GHS 8,400.00 he found at the back of his car to the owner. He picked the trader, an old fishmonger, from the Mallam Atta Market in Accra to her residence at Teshie on Easter Saturday.

The old woman, who had no hope of retrieving the said money, wept profusely and invoked the blessings of God upon Kwesi Ackon when he voluntarily traced her at her residence on Easter Sunday to return the money to her.

This act by Kwesi Ackon which was captured on video went viral and subsequently caught the attention of the Vice President of the Republic, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who donated GHS 20,000.00 to him. Some organisations and individuals who were touched by the gesture have since donated several amounts to him, prominent among them was Rev. Lawrence Tetteh who donated a brand new Daewoo Matrix to him.

The icing on the cake is the employment offer given him by The Church of Pentecost Headquarters.

Kwesi Ackon is a member of The Church of Pentecost and fellowships at the Onyeametease Assembly in the Kokomlemle District in the La Area of the church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Your Actions As Father Will Affect The Next Generations – Tobinco Boss Asserts

Elder Dr. Samuel Nana Amo Tobbin, Executive Chairman of Tobinco Group of Companies, has charged men not to neglect their roles as heads of their families, because their actions and inactions will affect generations yet unborn.

He gave the advice in a sermon titled, “When Men Slept” on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Memorial Temple in Accra Newtown District of The Church of Pentecost during the La Area Zonal Joint Service of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) as part of the ministry’s week-long national celebrations.

Elder Dr. Amo Tobbin, La Area Executive Committee Member of the church, took his main scriptures from Matthew 13:24-25 and Genesis 2:20-22, and stated that because Adam went to sleep by neglecting his role as head of his family, the devil infiltrated into his family and cleverly deceived his wife Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This, he said, has brought negative consequences on the entire human race.

He, therefore, charged men not to be complacent and neglect their roles, but strive for excellence and safeguard the future of the generations after them.

Elder Dr. Samuel Nana Amo Tobbin admonished men to always come into the presence of God to receive deep and divine insight to enable them live up to expectations.

In attendance were Apostle ADP James Tetteh who sat in for the La Area Head, Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, the Area PEMEM Executive Committee Members, and some pastors and their wives, among others.

Report by Daniel Tetteh, La Area Reporter.

Do Not Sleep On The Job – Apostle Nsaful Tells Men

The Effiduase Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, has challenged men to wake up from their sleep and save society from collapsing.

According to him, the moral fibre of society is breaking down because a lot of men are reneging on their responsibilities as fathers and leaders, saying, “By nature men are always on duty but they are sleeping on the job.”

Apostle Nsaful said this at the opening session of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) week-long national celebration at the Ebenezer Assembly in Effiduase on Monday, June 13, 2022.

Speaking on the topic, “When Men Go to Sleep,” the Effiduase Area Head said that sleeping is a natural phenomenon, but too much sleep at the wrong time and place, makes one inactive, insensitive and unaware of what is happening around him, thereby making him vulnerable.

Quoting 1 Kings 2:2 and Matthew 13:24-25, Apostle Nsaful urged men to be strong and prove themselves equal to the task. He said that just as the devil sowed bad seeds among the good ones, so he is sowing seeds of discord in families when men go to sleep.

The Effiduase Area Head said that being a man stands for headship, leadership, boldness, protection, and breadwinner.

Touching on the challenges of men, Apostle Nsaful said that men play the priestly role in their families. As such, they must live exemplary life worth emulating by their children since their first church is the home.

He added that it is the responsibility of men to provide for the basic needs of their families.

“Providing for your family is your responsibility. If you are asleep, wake up,” he stressed.

He also said that men have a responsibility to interact with the society in which they live. He charged them to use their minds and reasoning to move forward in life and teach same to their family.

Apostle Nsaful praised women for supporting their husbands in sharing their responsibilities.

On what happens when men go to sleep, Apostle Nsaful said that men will become less productive, lose track of issues, and families become vulnerable and prone to attack.

He added: “Men who sleep lose focus, lose vision, lose authority, lose respect, lose control. They become a burden on the family, shifting their responsivities onto the women.”

Using some biblical characters to drive home his point, Apostle Nsaful said Abraham ‘slept’ while waiting for God’s promised child and ended up sleeping with his slave girl.

“When men sleep, they forget God’s promise and take matters into their own hands. The result is the problem we have with extremists,” he bemoaned.

“Jacob also slept, allowing his only daughter to go wayward and was raped. He had to flee with his family unprepared all because he slept as a parent,” he said, adding, “Do not sleep for the sake of your family, because the result is disastrous.”

Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful pointed out that men who sleep risk having their children being wayward. The worrying phenomenon, he said, has led to rising indiscipline in society, crimes, streetism, violence, school dropouts, and other social vices.

The occasion was used to inaugurate the Area’s Faithful Giants.

Report by Ezekiel Korletey.

Foundation Builders Conference Commences

This year’s ‘Foundation Builders Conference’ being organised by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) for Children’s Ministry workers and teachers has commenced at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The conference began on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, and is expected to end on Friday, June 17, 2022. About 465 participants comprising Children’s Ministry Pastors, leadership, teachers and workers, are participating in the training.

In his welcome address, Pastor Professor William Otoo Ellis, Director of the Children’s Ministry of the church, said that the conference is the first of a two-part series being organised by the ministry for the year.

Pastor Prof Otoo Ellis said the training session was designed for Children’s Ministry workers in the Southern and Central Zones of the church. He said the second to be organised would be in the Northern zone of the church.

According to him, the conference is aimed at creating an environment to effectively examine the vision implementation of the church in line with the ministry and to review and bring to better understanding some of the new initiatives introduced by the ministry.

He added that it will help participants to learn about some contemporary issues and their effects on the work of the ministry.

“We would share experiences of ministry workers in our various areas to encourage ourselves,” the Children’s Ministry Director said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Patron of the Children’s Ministry, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, who doubles as the Area Head of Ashaiman, called on children workers to learn from one another in pursuit of their duties.

“Open up and empty yourself; put aside whatever you know as you allow God to fill you with wisdom and knowledge,” he stated.

Reading from 1 Chronicles 29:1a, Prophet Beditor mentioned that David acknowledged the insufficiencies of his son Solomon in leading the Israelites and called on the leaders to teach him. He noted that when Solomon ascended the throne, he asked for wisdom to lead the people. This, he said, was the breakthrough of King Solomon.

Speakers for the conference are Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Acting Director of Religious Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director), Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Asokwa Area Head), Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh (Assin Fosu Area Head), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Director of Children’s Ministry), and Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director).

The rest are Pastor Dr Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam (National Executive Committee Member, Children’s Ministry), Pastor George Owusu (Agormanya Area Children’s Ministry Leader), Mr. Emmanuel Arthur (Chief Executive Officer, Ramsys Infotech Limited), and Mrs. Freda Koranteng (National Executive Committee (NEC) Member, Children’s Ministry).

PENTECOST NEWS

Pentecost Hospital Rated High By International Body

The Pentecost Hospital in Madina, Accra has been rated among the top four mission hospitals in Ghana by PharmAccess, an international agency that accredits health organisations for improving patient care.

The hospital, fully owned by The Church of Pentecost, achieved a SafeCare Level 4 certification for providing quality healthcare and upholding international best practices.

The other three mission hospitals which fall under the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) that achieved the SafeCare Level 4 certification are St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso, Holy Family Hospital in Techiman and St. Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta in the Oti Region.

With the SafeCare Level 4 certification, the Pentecost Hospital, Madina is one step ahead to become a world-class hospital.

PharmAccess Country Director, Dr. Maxwell Akwasi Antwi, and SafeCare Country Manager, Bonifacia Benefo Agyei, were at the Headquarters of The Church of Pentecost, La-Accra on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, to present the certificate to the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye. Present was the Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko; the Director of the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), Elder Richard Amaning; the Medical Director of the Pentecost Hospital, Madina, Pastor Dr. Edward Arko Koranteng, and the Health Co-ordinator for PENTSOS, Elder Kwame Frimpong.

Explaining the concept of the quality review assessment, Dr. Maxwell Akwasi Antwi said that the CHAG-SafeCare collaboration towards quality improvement among all CHAG healthcare facilities commenced in late 2019 and is making great strides among all facilities of the various denominations of CHAG.

According to him, the programme’s key objectives are to measure, rate, certify, improve, and benchmark all CHAG healthcare facilities.  

He revealed that so far, out of the 311 CHAG healthcare facilities assessed with the SafeCare international standards, four facilities have attained and have been awarded SafeCare Level 4 Certificates.

“The summarized interpretation or impact of the SafeCare Level 4 is that the healthcare facility is accustomed to operating according to standardized procedures and is monitoring the implementation of procedures and guidelines,” he said, adding, “This facility has a monitoring eye on high-risk procedures and activities and the quality of its services is less likely to fluctuate.”

He stated that globally, there are about 2000 health facilities on the quality improvement programme, with about 600 in Ghana, and that about 900 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other paramedics have been trained to do the peer review assessment.

“For the first time in Ghana, we have four health facilities that have made it to the SafeCare Level 4 standard. Level 5 means that the hospital is good as any other hospital in the world. So, to really move from level one through to level four, what it means is that Pentecost Hospital, Madina is a step away from a world-class hospital,” Dr Antwi said.

He was hopeful that with consistent improvement in quality healthcare delivery, Pentecost Hospital Madina could attain the ultimate goal of becoming the first world-class SafeCare hospital in Ghana.

Elated by this development, the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, commended the Medical Director of the Pentecost Hospital, Madina, Dr. Arko Koranteng, and his team of workers, the PENTSOS Director and all others who contributed in various ways to the success story of the hospital.

Apostle Nyamekye attested to the fact that there have been visible changes at the Pentecost Hospital, Madina in the area of infrastructural development and quality care delivery, saying, “I see the assessment as a genuine account of what is now happening at the hospital.”

He pledged the church’s resolve to provide access to quality healthcare delivery in Ghana to complement the government’s efforts in improving quality and accessible healthcare delivery to Ghanaians.

PENTECOST NEWS.

PIWC Sakumono Women’s Ministry Holds Cooking Event

The Women’s Ministry of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Sakumono, in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost, has organised a cooking event dubbed, “Food Bazaar.”

Six groups of the ministry in the district, namely Blessed Ladies, Precious Jewels, Vessels of Honour, Victorious Ladies, Virtuous Queens, and Women of Substance participated in the exercise.

The event, which took place at the forecourt of the church premises on Saturday, June 11, 2022, had the Resident Minister, Apostle Anthony Owusu Sekyere Kwarteng, and his wife Eunice in attendance. The Presiding Elder, Michael Ofosu Ampadu, was also present together with some officers of the church, as well as the Teshie-Nungua Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Sophia Nana Arthur.

The six groups prepared various dishes such as Kokonte with Werewere soup and Groundnut soup, Fufu with Goat Light soup and Ebunebunu soup, Ewokple and Bobi Taadi and Ademe soup. The rest of the dishes were Tuo Zaafi with Ayoyo soup; a sorted Ampesi with kontomire/gardeneggs abom among other dishes, Banku with palm nut soup and okro stew, as well as assorted rice dishes such as Waakye, Plain rice and Beetroot rice and Tumeric rice. The main dishes were also accompanied with various juices and drinks such as Asana drink, millet drink, fruit salad and smoothies.

The essence of the food bazaar, according to the District Women’s Leader, Deaconess Isabella Orhin, was to train youthful members, especially the Virtuous ladies to learn how to prepare various Ghanaian dishes.

“It is to equip ourselves with healthy homemade meals to enable us possess the nations. The vision must reside in a healthy body,” he said, adding, “It is not a competition, we are learning from each other.”

It was also an occasion to educate members on how the local dishes are prepared and to allow the various groups to interact among themselves, share ideas, network and build lasting friendships. There were lots of food to eat and drink.

The Resident Minister, Apostle Anthony O. S. Kwarteng, commended the various groups for their sacrifices in making the event a success.

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do” Ecclesiastes 9:7.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.