Apostle & Mrs Quainoo Retire From Active Ministry After 23 Years

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsMoving With IMDTop Stories

A colourful retirement service was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for the Western Canada Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. James McKeown, and his wife, Emily, who have brought their 23-year ministerial service to a glorious end.  

The event was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, with support from Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako (RCC Coordinator, Americas) and Apostle Ransford Obeng-Gyamfi (National Head, COP-Canada). 

Also present were Apostle Daniel Engmann (North York Area Head), Apostle Dr. Alex Agyei-Gyamera (Scarborough Area Head), Apostle Joseph Fynn-Sackey (Alberta Area Head), Pastor George Amon (British Columbia Area Head), the pastorate and their wives in Canada and other officers of the church. 

Over 600 participants attended the ceremony, including Apostle A. K. Miah (Rtd.), a former National Head of Canada, Pastor David Dompreh (Rtd.), Pastor Nicholas Ameyaw (Rtd.), Hon. Kelly McCauley (MP Edmonton West), Hon. Jon Havelock (former Alberta Justice Minister), Major Felix Tachie (Senior Clinical Chaplain, Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre), and Nana John Ankamah (Chief of Drobo Area, Ghana). 

Many ministers from sister churches in the community and community leaders also graced the service.

The General Secretary, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, preached on the topic “See that You Fulfill the Ministry that You Have Received” (Colossians 4:7). 

In his sermon, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed that each Christian has received a gifting, talent, or grace from the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12).  

These giftings or graces, he further noted, comes from Christ and should be manifested towards the common good of the church and mankind, not their own benefit.

“If a person does not focus on what God has given them, they look at the peripherals – titles, fame, money, power, authority, thereby missing the mark,” he said.

According to the General Secretary, like Demas, some people are not able to finish their ministry well due to a lack of concentration on the work God has assigned to them, conflict with others, fighting leaders of the church, immorality, financial issues, bitterness, complacency, and burnouts resulting from discouragement (2 Timothy 4).

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged believers to concentrate on the call of God with unconditional obedience, and diligence, and wholeheartedly serve the Master (John 2:5). 

“Do not get distracted like Demas, but be like Paul, Timothy, Titus, Archippus, and others who completed their ministries,” he said while referring to John 2:5 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. 

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, however, noted that not all who start the race finish. 

To finish one’s ministry well, the General Secretary advised believers to concentrate on the grace or gift they have received from God, remain connected to the God who called them, not confer with flesh and blood (Galatians 1:15-18) and fight the good fight by putting on the full armour of God despite dangers (2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9).

He also advised them to get rid of any excess luggage (sin, worldliness, etc. Hebrews 12:1-3); and guard or hold on to the unadulterated faith until the Master says ‘well done”. 

The IMD presented a Certificate of Service plaque to the retiring minister on behalf of the General Council. 

In a testimony read on its behalf at the event, the General Council eulogised Apostle Dr. Quainoo “for raising leaders has been a key aspect of his ministry. One of his key preoccupations in each station where he has served has been to ensure that both presbyters and members are well equipped to take up leadership roles. His contribution toward strengthening the acumen of the leadership of the church is very noteworthy.”  

The retiring couple was also presented citations by the Western Canada Area Presbytery, Women’s Ministry, and Ghanaian-Canadian Ministers Fellowship of Toronto.

Apostle Dr. James McKeown Quainoo was called into full-time ministry in 1999 after serving as Field Assistant in Vancouver. He has since devoted himself to the service of God and The Church of Pentecost in Canada for the past 23 years.

He pioneered the planting of the church in Vancouver and performed scouting duties for the churches in Calgary and Edmonton. These churches have now been well-established and grown to become integral districts for British Columbia and Alberta areas, respectively. 

His ministry work took him and his family to districts in Hamilton, PIWC North York, Montreal, McKeown (North York), and currently Western Canada, where he served as a Probationary Overseer, District Pastor, Area Head and an Apostle. 

He also served on many boards and committees in the Church in Canada, including as National Executive Council Member (1997-2022), National Secretary (2001-2006), and National Trustees Board Member (2001- 2022).

Other appointments he received in the course of the ministry are National Youth & Children’s Ministry Pastor (2002- 2004), National Youth Leader (2004-2006), National Youth Ministry Patron (2006- 2022), PIWC restructuring Committee Chairman (2013-2014), Constitution Review Committee Chairman (2015-2022), among several others.

Together with his wife, Mrs. Emily Quainoo, they established the first young ladies’ wing in Canada called the “Radiant Ladies” (now Virtuous Ladies). 

Mrs. Emily Quainoo also served on the National Children’s Ministry Executive Committee from 2005 to 2015 as the Deputy National Leader. She helped to compile a Sunday School Teachers training manual as well as a manual for teaching children with Special Needs. 

Under her leadership, the Canadian version of the Women’s Ministry’s syllabus was written and published. She also organised numerous ladies’ prayer conferences in every district and Area she served.  

She is also described as very hospitable, prayerful, a worshipper, a singer, a gifted song writer and a published author.

As part of the service, Apostle Joseph Fynn Sackey and Pastor George Amon were inducted into office as Area Heads for Alberta Area and British Columbia Area, respectively.

Report by Richard Kofi Adjei (Pentmedia Canada)

The Church of Pentecost Chairman Pays Courtesy Call on GJA Executives

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, this afternoon paid a courtesy call on the newly inducted Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the visit was to wish the President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour and his executives well and also see how best the two institutions could collaborate in the future for a mutually beneficial outcome.

He said The Church of Pentecost, in its quest to contribute its quota to the development of the nation, has embarked on many social intervention initiatives such as the building of prison facilities to help reform the country’s deteriorating prisons system.

“We are not building prison facilities to get many people imprisoned as being speculated but to reform the prisons system because the prisons facilities being built by the church have classrooms, a football pitch, baptistery, modern washrooms, mechanized boreholes, offices, infirmary, workshops and other auxiliary facilities,” he stated, disclosing that, the biggest prisons facility built by the church would be commissioned on August 23, 2022, at Nsawam in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost further disclosed that the church is collaborating with other churches in Ghana to organise All Ministers Conference as a move to among other things share fellowship with one another.  He, therefore, encouraged all pastors in Ghana to register as soon as possible to enable them participate in the conference, which is slated for September 13-16, 2022, at Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa-Fetteh near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.

The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, on behalf of his executives, thanked the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and his team for the visit.  He commended the church for its contributions to the socio-economic development of the nation over the years

“The Church of Pentecost’s contributions to job creation, health sector, agribusiness, educational and other sectors of the economy could not be over-emphasized and we want to deepen our relationship with the Church,” he stated.

In addition to rebranding the GJA and its annual Awards, Mr. Dwumfour revealed that his administration plans to build capacity of journalists, and establish a fund, as well as scholarship programme to support journalists and urged The Church of Pentecost to partner with the Association in these areas.

In his response, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Nyamekye, assured the Association of the church’s support.

The Chairman was accompanied by Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Executive Council Member and Area Head of Ashaiman), Apostle Mike Etrue (Executive Council Member and Area Head of Kaneshie), Apostle David Tettey Tekper (Area Head, Achimota), Pastor Benedict Eghan (Personal Assistant to the Chairman) and Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse (Media Pastor of The Church of Pentecost).

PENTECOST NEWS.

Nkwanta Area Inaugurates Chieftaincy Ministry

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The Nkwanta Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante, has inaugurated the Chieftaincy Ministry to provide chaplaincy services to the chiefs, queens and royals in the Area. 

The ceremony, which took place on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the Nkwanta Central Assembly auditorium, was officiated by Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (National Coordinator, Chieftaincy Ministry), who is also the PEMEM Director and an Executive Council Member of the Church.

Speaking on the topic, “The Divine Order for Kings” (Proverb 16:10-15), Aps. Anane Denteh said, among other things, that God spoke to His people in times past through kings. 

He said that the bloodline of an individual is what qualifies them to be a royal; it is not conferred on an individual or through an election. 

He added that it is the Sovereign Lord who establishes Kingship and that His kingship is eternal (1 Timothy 1:17). 

He urged all royals gathered to their reign be rooted in the Lord, establish their thrones on righteousness, and always sing praises to God because it is a divine order (Psalm 47:6-7).

Apostle Anane Denteh encouraged the chiefs, the queens and the royals to note that God is compassionate and powerful, and He would not hurt or destroy them with His power but rather to protect them.

He also urged kings to use their power for development and not confusion. 

“God is just, so you must also be just and show fairness to people. God is honest and, therefore, you must also learn to be honest in your dealings with people,” he said.

Apostle Anane Denteh said that the five-year strategic vision of the Church (Vision 2023) gives critical attention to the chieftaincy institution and reiterated that the ministry would continue to provide chaplaincy services to the royals. 

Concluding his message with 1 Samuel 8:1-5, Apostle Anane Denteh said that the chieftaincy institution is highly honoured in society, hence, to maintain this, royals must uphold Kingdom values and principles.  

“Please do not rule anyhow, else your subjects will one day rise against you,” he advised.

After the sermon, the PEMEM Director proceeded to induct the Nkwanta Area Chieftaincy Ministry Committee members into office. 

The committee members are Elder Nana Abass Budu (Chairman, the Chief of Adele tribe), Elder Ubor Daniel Labasi (Secretary, Likpakpaani Abor), Elder James Nikpilinkina (Kpassa Mmrante Hene), Elder Amenyo Sampson Begyina II (Kyidom Hene, Nturobo Traditional Area), Deaconess Attabaso (Queen mother, Akyode tribe), Deaconess Ama Afrakoma (Queen mother’s Linguist, Akan’s Tribe), Pastor Michael Osei- Frempong (Area PEMEM Leader) and Overseer Maxwell Doku (Area Chieftaincy Coordinator) 

In his remarks, Elder Ubor Tassan Konja VI, a National Chieftaincy Ministry Executive Committee member and the Chief of Kpassa Traditional Area, commended the National and Area Leadership for their initiatives and encouraged all royals to surrender their lives to Christ.

The Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, Nana Abass Budu, expressed gratitude to God and the leadership of the Church for this vision. 

He assured the church that the committee would do well to discharge their outlined duties to the best of their abilities and competencies. He, therefore, pleaded for the support of the pastorate and the chiefs. 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by 65 chiefs, four paramount chiefs, 50 queen mothers, 60 linguists, six Muslims, other royals and church members.

Also present at the meeting were the area pastorate and their wives. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Nana Amoah Boafo (Paramount Chief of Akyoede tribe, Nwanta), Nana Kobla Agampawo II (Paramount Chief of Challa tribe in Kabiti), and Dasebere Oduro Gurani I (Paramount Chief of Dodo Traditional Area). 

The Kinachu dancers (Konkomba’s, Kpassa) Akyoede tribe (Nkwanta), and the Adele tribe from Nkwanta gave an outstanding cultural display at the event.

Report by Overseer Maxwell Doku (Area Chieftaincy Coordinator)

Mankessim Estate District Youth Organises Singles’ Retreat

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The English Assembly Youth Ministry in the Mankessim Estate District of The Church of Pentecost has organised a special retreat for singles and young couples in the Church.

The event, which took place at the Saltpond beach resort last Sunday, also served to meet the recreational needs of the youth as they engaged in various outdoor games.

Elder Spencer Essiam, the resource person for the event, advised the youth to continue to plan for the future.

He urged them to lead chaste and holy lives, especially as they prepare for marriage.

He also advised young couples to make a conscious effort to put up their place of residence within the first 16 years of their marriage.

“You may not have all the resources to build the dream house. So, it is only expedient first secure at least two bedrooms, then later plan towards the dream house,” he advised. 

The event was well patronised by the youth of the church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

“You Must Be Born Again” Gospel Crusade Ends On A High Note

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

It was a wonderful sight to behold when scores of students and staff of the University of Education, Winneba, assembled at the Josphus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Hall for the climax of the “You Must Be Born Again” Gospel Crusade last Sunday.

The three-day crusade was organised by the University’s Student Representative Council (SRC) Chaplaincy in collaboration with the Schools Outreach Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (COP).

The interdenominational crusade, which was held under the theme: “Jesus Died That I Might Live” (2 Corinthians 5:15), began from Thursday, August 5, 2022, at the Winneba Presby Park each night.

Delivering a sermon on the topic, “The Authority of the Name of Jesus,” the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said that the name Jesus refers to the embodiment of the Godhead, that is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Nyamekye explained that when Adam was created, God gave him the power to name all creation, saying, “He bequeathed man the authority to give names to His creation because He wanted him to have that authority. (Genesis 2:19)

The Chairman, therefore, pointed out that Adam named creation, and since then, humans give names to creation.

“We all want to be identified by a name, but a name is not just for identification; all that a person is, is vested in his name,” Apostle Nyamekye stated.

He, however, admonished the youth to carry themselves well in order not to destroy their names forever, adding, “When your name is destroyed while alive, then it is better dead than being alive. This is because your name stands in for you.”

Quoting the statement of Dr Charles Blair, the Chairman stated that: “The business of a man is determined by the cause he lives for and the price he is willing to pay to achieve it.”

He further cautioned the student to desist from allowing politics to make them insolent and disrespectful towards authority and management.

Speakers for the crusade were Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Chaplain, Ghana Armed Forces), Apostle Nana Yaw Agyei (Kade Area Head, COP), Apostle Samuel Otu Appiah (Winneba Area Head, COP), Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director, COP), and Pastor Richard Atobra (Resident PENSA Campus Pastor, UEW).

Among the university management present were Rev. Prof. Jonathan Armah (representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mawutor Avoke), Rev. Prof. Alexander Edwards (University Chaplain, UEW), and other management, faculty and staff members of the university.

Also present was the National Coordinator for the Schools Outreach Ministry of the church, Elder Desmond Addison.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Commissions Kaleo Weaving Centre

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

The Wa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie, on Thursday, August 4, 2022, commissioned a weaving centre for smock and kente making constructed by the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) at Kaleo, a community in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

The project falls under the Economic Empowerment Programme (EPP) of PENTSOS, which seeks to economically empower church members, especially the youth, to gain sustainable employment.

Apostle Tetteh Tackie, in his welcome address, indicated that the centre is in line with the transformation agenda of the Church, dubbed “Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations.” 

He thanked the Executive Council for the impactful vision. He also applauded the Kaleo District Minister of the Church, Pastor Sampson Agyei, and the Kaleo District Executive Committee for initiating the training programme to provide employable skills and reduce urban migration among the youth. 

The Domwine District Minister, Pastor Felix Opoku, in a short exhortation based on 1 Samuel 21:8-9, encouraged staff and trainees to make every effort to take good care of the centre.

In a brief remark, Elder Ing. Frank Adutwum, the Operations Coordinator of PENTSOS, said it is the vision of the leadership of the Church to provide income-generating ventures for her members, hence the construction of the centre. 

He noted that the centre comprises a training area, an office and a storeroom for the vocation. 

Elder Adutwum further indicated that three similar projects have been completed at Temaa in the Walewale (for sewing) Area and Daloagyili in the Tamale Area (for weaving, sewing and hairdressing) and Zebilla in the Bawku Area (for smock weaving).

“In all. 220 youth are being trained in these four centres,” he said.

The Kaleo Weaving Centre started in 2019 with four apprentices. The centre currently boasts 50 trainees, out of whom 13 have successfully graduated after passing their National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) exams. In addition to the centre, the Wa Area of the Church runs two smock-weaving centres at Wa and Wapani.

The commissioning of the centre was witnessed by a cross-section of the area pastorate and their wives, the Chairperson of Upper West Weaving Association, the Chairperson for the Kaleo Weaving Association, family members of graduands and members of the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

PIWC-Sakumono’s 6-Storey Children’s Auditorium In the Offing

by Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Teshie-Nungua Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyemang, has laid the foundation stone for the ongoing children’s block project of Pentecost International Worship Centre, Sakumono (PIWC-Sakumono).

The short ceremony was held on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at the premises of PIWC-Sakumono.

The six-storey building project, upon completion, would comprise auditoriums for various age groups and resource centres to help the smooth running of the ministry in the church.

Speaking on the topic, “Equipped to Stand firm,” Apostle Nkrumah-Agyemang stated that believers are bound to be tested in the Christian journey and must therefore stand firm in such trying moments.

“Assuredly as we live on this earth, we cannot escape from trials; we will be tested. However, we can only be victorious over trials when we are firmly rooted in the word of the Lord. Purpose in your heart not to sin against God,” he said.

Using Matthew 7:24-27 and Psalm 11:3 as scriptural references, the Area Head further noted that Christ is the only assurance of a firm foundation upon which believers should build. He, therefore, urged Christians to have faith in God and not to rely on men, who could fail or disappoint them.

Speaking in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Apostle Kwarteng said that the purpose of the project is to provide a befitting place of gathering for the children to worship. 

According to him, the children’s block would have adequate classrooms to accommodate children of all ages and teens.

He also revealed that the project would have a library, a recording studio, an infirmary, and a baptistery.

Apostle Kwarteng expressed gratitude to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost and the Teshie-Nungua Area for the immense support.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene

Church Musicians & Sound Technicians Undergo Training

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The National Music Committee (NMC) of The Church of Pentecost has organised a one-day seminar for singers, instrumentalists and sound engineers/technicians in the Assin Foso and Twifo Praso areas of the Church.

The event, which took place at the Foso Station Central Assembly auditorium on Saturday, August 6, 2022, is part of scheduled activities initiated by the NMC to build the capacity of musicians and sound technicians in the Church in the quest to “possess the nations” through music.

The main speakers at the event, Pastors Fred Amoakohene and Michael Norshie, addressed some pertinent issues on new trends in music and their impact on the contemporary Church. 

Through their presentations, it emerged that music is a divine gift from God that stimulates godliness and causes one to grow and increase in spiritual worship and praises, godly love and Christian devotion and living when properly used.

Present at the seminar were Apostle F. K. Andoh (Assin Foso Area Head), Pastor Bismark Frimpong (Assin Foso Area Music Committee Chairman), Pastor Kojo Anomah (Area Secretary) and a cross-section of the area pastorate.

Report by Pastor Samuel Avornyo

The Church of Pentecost Donates Laptops to University of Ghana

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The Church of Pentecost has set the pace by being the first institution to donate 30 pieces of laptops towards the University of Ghana’s ‘One Student, One Laptop Initiative’ at a short ceremony held at the Legon Campus, yesterday.

As part of its strategic vision to achieve world-class status, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG) is leading the university towards ‘creating a culture that promotes research, teaching and learning, administrative processes and extension activities driven by technology and anchored in humanism’ for the benefit of all stakeholders.

In this regard, various initiatives are underway to enhance stakeholder experience through digitalisation. 

The Vice-Chancellor in relation to this identified the following three-pronged technology-driven initiatives to enhance the experience of students, faculty, and staff:  Classroom Modernisation, One Student One Laptop (1S1L), and Hot-Spot Comfort Zones.

Briefing the church about the project, Professor Gordon Awandare, Chairman of the Implementation Committee, who doubles as the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, UG, indicated that the school seeks strategic partnerships from individuals and corporate bodies.

“We are reaching out to corporate bodies interested in participating in this, for the purpose of advertisement. Companies can adopt a classroom and modernize it,” the Pro VC said.

Professor Amfo lauded the church for the kind gesture and assured that the laptops would be fairly distributed to needy students who merit it.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, pledged the continuous support of the church towards the project as a move to assist students in their academic laurels.

The Chairman also used the opportunity to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on her appointment as the 1st Female Vice-Chancellor for the University of Ghana. He further encouraged her to trust in God in the discharge of her duties to achieve greater things in office.

Apostle Nyamekye then introduced the appointed Resident Campus Minister for the university, Pastor Kwadwo and Mrs. Eunice Obeng, to the management and urged the leadership of the university to support his pastoral activities on campus.

With dwindling governmental support due to competing national needs, Management of the University of Ghana seeks the support of benevolent donors from within and outside the University to finance the initiatives.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost Pays Courtesy Call On New Hohoe Paramount Chief

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A delegation of the Hohoe Area pastorate of The Church of Pentecost led by the Area Head, Apostle Moses Kwame Ahiakor, paid a courtesy call on the newly-installed paramount chief of the Hohoe Gbi Traditional Council, Torgbega Gabusu VII, yesterday.

The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the chief on his new mandate, officially introduce the area pastorate to him and his council of elders, and pledge the Church’s unwavering support for him.

The Church’s gesture was met with joy by the paramount chief, who was in the company of his elders. Torgbega Gabusu VII lauded the Church for the love and honour demonstrated towards the traditional leaders.

Apostle Moses Ahiakor prayed for Torgbega Gabusu VII and his paramountcy and asked for God’s wisdom and protection to enable him to rule in the fear of the Lord.  

The Church also presented packs of bottled water, cartons of canned drinks, and a cash donation to the chief.

Report by Pastor Alex Kojo Adjani- PENSA Upper Volta Sector