Pentecost University Receives Bus For Pre-Engineering Programme

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Pentecost University has received a bus from the Ministry of Education of Ghana in respect of the Pre-Engineering programme initiated by the Government of Ghana in some tertiary institutions in the country.

The bus was handed over by the Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University, Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua at a brief ceremony in Accra High School yesterday.

In a short address, the Hon. Minister, Dr. Adutwum commended Pentecost University for responding and supporting the Pre-Engineering programme of his ministry. He added that the bus is part of government’s effort to support universities to open opportunities to non-science students to become engineers.

Prof Agyapong-Kodua, who received the bus on behalf of the Management of Pentecost University and spoke on behalf of the VCs of beneficiary Universities, thanked Dr. Adutwum and the Ministry of Education for the buses.

He further said the universities would continue to do their bit to shape the young ones for national development.

In attendance at the ceremony were the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (COP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi- Larbi, the Finance and Administrative Director at the CoP Headquarters, as well as key officers, management, staff and students of the University.

In February this year, the Ministry of Education selected Pentecost University as one of two universities to pilot the Pre-Engineering programme instituted by the Ministry. The flagship programme is for the University to offer a two-semester rigorous teaching that builds the foundation of non-science students to enroll in mainstream engineering programs at the Bachelor of Science level.

PENTECOST NEWS.

How The Church of Pentecost Is Helping To Save Our Planet

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Notwithstanding the core mandate of the Church of God, The Church of Pentecost believes that the owner of the earth is God, the Heavenly Father, and, therefore, they must preserve their Father’s property.

Amongst the numerous interventions put in place by the leadership of the Church to preserve the environment is the “Environmental Care Campaign” which emanated from the Church’s strategic vision, dubbed “Vision 2023.” This aspect of the vision primarily focuses on community clean-ups, education on the need to keep our environments clean, promulgation and implementation of bye-laws, tree planting and plastic waste management.

The Church of Pentecost, a holistic church that so much espouses the principles and values of the kingdom of God, in June 2022, collaborated with the Forestry Commission to plant 898,630 seedlings across the length and breadth of Ghana.   

This was coordinated by the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC) of the Church, headed by Apostle Samuel Gakpetor (Agormanya Area Head).

Through this exercise, various tree species such as Emere, Mahogany, Framo, Seddella, Otee, Acacia, Mangoes, Oranges, Ornamentals, and Hedges were planted at the area, district, and local levels of the church.

Further collaboration with Forestry Commission resulted in the Agormanya Area of the church planting 9704 Mahogany trees in Odumase Forest. Akim Oda Area also planted 244, 479 trees in Apoli, Asuboa, Achiase Agric, Akenkensu, Nsokote, Banka, Adwafo, and Nkwateng.

Takoradi, Bolga, Tumu and Suame Areas of the church also plant trees in the forest reserves in Sekyere Krobo Subiri, Navorongo, Naagodi, Sandama, Owabi, and Barekesse.

It is, therefore, refreshing to note that 849, 103 of the tree seedlings planted in June 2022 (representing 91.95%) survived and are doing well and are at various stages of growth.

It is also worth mentioning that the leadership of the Church spearheaded an exercise that saw 651,593trees planted across the nation. Out of the total seedlings planted, 532, 408 (representing 81.71%)survived and are doing very well. 

We give glory to God for what He continues to do in the world through The Church of Pentecost.

Written by Pastor Pasteeco Arthur.

Youth Ministry Appreciates Outgone Committee Members

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The Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has awarded all outgone youth workers and travelling secretaries of the Church in recognition of their meritorious service to the ministry and the Church.

The awardees, 21 in all, served in different committees of the ministry before their reassignment at this year’s Extraordinary Council Meetings of the church earlier in May.

The short award ceremony was held in July 2022, during the recently-held 2022 Mid-year Report Reading of the Youth Ministry at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa. 

According to the Youth Ministry Director, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, the event was organised to appreciate and laud the awardees for their selfless and dedicated service to God and the Church.

The outgone committee members also expressed profound gratitude to the Youth Ministry for such a thoughtful and kind gesture towards them.

They further encouraged the newly inducted committee members to work steadfastly, urging them to serve with all their might and strength for the effective work of God.

The ceremony was crowned with a get-together event, dubbed “Love Feast,” for all youth pastors and workers.

Report by Youth Directorate News Desk

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)