Posts in category: Top Stories

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.

The newly constructed Peniel Assembly church building in Wiamoase District in the Mampong Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The Area Head, Prophet Foster Kwasi Aniakwaa, dedicated the edifice on September 11, 2020, assisted by the District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Ezoun, and the Area pastorate and their wives.

Ministering the word of God at the service on the topic, “Possessing the Nations Through our Good Work and Character” Pastor Ezoun noted that one major way through which believers can possess the nations is their good works and character.

Reading from Acts 9:36-10:8, he used Dorcas and Cornelius as examples of people who exhibited good works. He said that they also exemplified good character for others to emulate. He stated that Dorcas’ life was characterised by good works as she was remembered even after her death. He stated that because of her good works, the people had to send for Peter who prayed to God to restore Dorcas to life.

Touching on the life of Cornelius, Pastor Emmanuel Ezoun said that even though he [Cornelius] was not a convert to Christianity, his good works were remembered by the Lord. “The Lord rewarded him with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

He indicated that the good works of Christians can draw many unbelievers to Christ. He encouraged the church members to be examples of good works in their marriages, homes, workplaces, and wherever they find themselves.

The Area Head, Prophet Aniakwaa, on his part, advised the church to develop a good maintenance culture since their ability to maintain the edifice will keep its beauty for posterity.

Present at the service was Pastor Isaac Anane Babae of Ahenema Kokoben District, who was a former District Minister of Wiamoase District, some Assembly Members in Wiamoase, among others.

Report by Pastor Stephen Safo Nsiah.

The Madina Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah, has admonished Christians to value the exceptional uniqueness of the glorious Church which, he said, can never be compared to any earthly institution.

“The joy in Christianity and uniqueness of the Church which makes it different from other earthly established institutions is that the owner, the head, the builder, the organiser, and the discoverer is Jesus Christ who was sent by the Father and helped by the Holy Spirit (Triune God) to build a holistic spiritual church aimed at redeeming man from the depraved world,” he said.

Apostle M. S. Appiah said this on Sunday, October 4, 2020, when he fellowshipped with the Ebenezer Royal Temple Assembly in Madina District.

Speaking on the topic, “Characteristics of a Glorious Church” (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 5:25-27), he said that the Church which is headed by Jesus Christ is spiritual with physical components but not solely driven by men, saying, “The establishment of the church was spearheaded by a collective and holistic decision from the Triune God.”

He urged church leaders to teach members to comprehend the revelations, mysteries, policies, and activities of the spiritual and glorious church to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

He asked church leaders to be compassionate, loving, one who forgives, among others, urging Christians to see themselves as no mere persons. “Value your uniqueness, position, and credentials in Christ Jesus and the characteristics of the Church so that you do not look down upon yourselves and do things anyhow,” he added.

Touching on the two-fold reasons for the establishment of the Church, he said that the Church was spiritually established so that the “depraved man” would be rescued from the depraved world and the anger of God (Romans 3:23-26). He added that when this depraved world is destroyed, the Church would be exempted and enjoy gloriously in heaven (John 14:1-3).

“It would be uneasy for anyone to die or lay down his life to rescue others especially sinners but it became so necessary for Christ Jesus to redeem man from depravity which made Him go through undeserved suffering, pains, humiliation, treatments and disgraceful death so that everybody would not only be part of this spiritual Church but also to open the door of eternal salvation to anyone who accepts Him as Lord and personal Saviour.

“Those who accept Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour and determine to die in Christ irrespective of the tests, temptations and trials that may come their ways automatically become part of the heavenly Church and they will gloriously enjoy eternal life with Christ,” he stated.

Reading from Ephesians 2:8 and John 3:16, Apostle Appiah said: “Apart from divine grace, there is nothing one can do to be part of this glorious church. Regardless of any background, the grace of Jesus Christ has closed the gap and brought homogenous relationship thus making all of us as the same or equal as one people in the sight of God. Forget about what you do not have and never allow yourselves to be downgraded or never allow anyone to look down on you. Just fix your eyes on Christ and trust that His grace is more capable of redeeming and sustaining your life even in hard times of rejection, marginalisation, criticisms and false accusations.”

Apostle Appiah admonished Christians to understand that those who become members of the glorious Church must devote themselves to the teachings of the Apostles and be vigilant so that they are not deceived by baseless demonic doctrines which has nothing to do with eternal salvation (Colossians 2:16-23, 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, Matthew 7:15).

He also cautioned the church members especially the youth not to take advantage of their challenges to indulge in immoral lifestyles. “The dangerous aspect in Christianity is when someone accepts Christ and still remains in sin,” he asserted.

Touching on the essence of the Lord’s Supper (Communion), with scripture reference from Matthew 26:27-29, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah, urged Christians to develop exceptional interest to participate in it without allowing anything to hinder them. “Breaking of bread is a symbolic spiritual exercise that strengthens our relationship and fellowship with Christ Jesus. Until we dine with Christ here, we would never get the opportunity to dine with Him in heaven,” he said.

On the characteristics of a glorious Church, he said that it involves strong fellowship (Hebrews 10:25), breaking of bread (Matthew 26:27-29), prayer and holiness (1 Peter 1:13-16), heavenly-mindedness and evangelistic spirit (Matthews 28:19, Jude 22-23), and paying attention and listening to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3:7-8, Romans 8:14-16).

Report by Joshua Asamoah Darko, Madina.

A total of 146 persons have been ordained as officers of The Church of Pentecost in the Ashanti Mampong Area.  

The ordination service, which took place during the Area quarterly prayers dubbed ‘Destiny Defined Encounter,’ was officiated by the Area Head, Prophet Foster Kwasi Aniakwaa.

Speaking on the topic, “Building a Glorious Church Through an Approved Workman” (1 Timothy 3:1-12; John 15:5-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-16), Prophet Aniakwaa stated that it is the responsibility of leadership to train new leaders to take over from them when they leave the scene.

According to him, when leaders take the responsibility of training others, it helps prepare the leaders themselves, teach and guard the true biblical faith since members are well equipped to reflect the image of Christ.

Prophet Aniakwaa asked the ordained officers to bear fruit and also identify their strengths and abilities, polish them, and use them effectively for the progress of the church. “Leaders are branches who derive their strength from the vine who is the Lord Jesus Christ. A leader cannot have a life outside Christ. It is when they have received from the Lord that they can go out and bear fruit,” he stated.

Report by Pastor Stephen Safo Nsiah.