The Sokode Etoe Assembly Community Based Church Building (CBCB) of Sokode Gbogame District in the Ho Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.
The building, which was constructed at the cost of GH₵ 117,356.03, was dedicated by the Ho Area Head, Apostle Moses Ahiakor. The project started in 2015.
Speaking at the service on the theme, “The Glorious Temple That God Dwells” with reference from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Acts 17:22-25, Pastor Daniel Ntebi Napare of Kpeve District, said that Christians, who represent the glorious temple, are carriers of God’s presence.
“Temples such as this are very important because God Himself instructed Moses to make a tent of meeting where He would physically dwell among His people,” he said, adding, “Yet, in our dispensation, this glorious temple is not only a physical building as we see today but our very self.”
Apostle Moses Ahiakor in his admonishment said, “The best way to show our gratitude to God and the Church for having given this beautiful building is not only by attending church but also by maintaining the structure.”
The Chief of Sokode, Dutor Japheth Amoaku, on his part, expressed his profound gratitude to The Church of Pentecost for putting up a beautiful edifice in the community.
He thanked the District Minister, Overseer Seth Amoako, for his hard work and further prayed that through the building and the activities of the Church, God will heal the land and bless the community.
Five church buildings in the Berekum Area of The Church of Pentecost, headed by Apostle Samuel Berko, have been completed and dedicated.
Three of the church buildings – Jerusalem, New Chiraa and Coffekrom assemblies, all in Kwakuanya District, were dedicated on June 18, 2020, while the other two, Jamera and Beulah assemblies in Sampa and Jinijini districts were dedicated on July 24 and August 14, respectively.
Four of the facilities were Community Based Church Buildings (CBCBs) buildings. The CBCB concept is aimed at providing decent places of worship for churches in deprived communities.
At the dedication service in Jinijini, the Area Youth Pastor and Resident Minister for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Berekum, Pastor Solomon Azagisiya preached on the topic, “A New Temple; the Delight of God” based on 1 Kings 6:12-13; 9:3; Acts 17:24.
He said that God was delighted to see King Solomon complete the temple in Jerusalem which was meant to be the Lord’s dwelling. During the dedication of the temple, he said, the glory of God filled the place which was an indication of His presence among His people.
Pastor Azagisiya further explained that the New Testament temple that God desires to dwell in is a repented soul and not merely buildings made with human hands. He, therefore, urged members of the church to live transformed lives to attract the presence of God.
He concluded the sermon by saying that, buildings are meant for human use, whilst a repented or regenerate soul is the dwelling place of God (John 14:23).
Dedicating the buildings, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Berko, admonished the members to make good use of the buildings by meeting regularly for church service, and also evangelise for people to come and fill the buildings to the glory of God.
In attendance were Ministers and their wives and some community leaders.
Report by Pastor Solomon Azagisiya, Berekum Area Reporter.
It was all joy at the Estate Assembly in the North Kaneshie District of The Church of Pentecost on Saturday, August 29, 2020, as Deacon Isaac Kofi Mensah, his wife, Mrs Lilian Mensah, and the entire church celebrated the birth of their newly born baby after ten years of marriage.
The couple who have been married for a decade without a child described their child as a miracle and a gift from God.
The christening and dedication ceremony for the baby was officiated by the District Minister, Pastor Evans Annaba Mensah, with support from the immediate-past District Minister, Pastor Franklin Agbovi Hushie (currently stationed at Ola District in Cape Coast Area), in whose tenure the baby was conceived.
In the brief but colourful and memorable event during which all COVID-19 safety protocols were adhered to, the District Welfare Chairman and a Children’s Ministry worker, Elder Michael Korletey admonished parents to train up their children in the fear of the Lord.
Reading from Proverbs 22:6, Elder Michael Korletey advised parents to be the first and ultimate role models to their children.
Thanking God for the gift of a child, the couple recounted the struggles and humiliation they had endured in the past ten years due to their inability to conceive.
“Although people kept saying things to my husband, he was resolute in his love for me and stood by me through it all. He never for once left me,” a teary Mrs Mensah said.
Mrs Lilian Mensah, also a Sunday School teacher at the Estate Assembly, expressed their appreciation to God for the wonderful gift of a child.
She thanked the ministers present, the District Presbytery, the North Kaneshie Estate Assembly Presiding Elder, Eric Okine, and the Local Presbytery for the support throughout the years.
An elated Deacon Mensah also added that “We thank God for what He has done for us. I want everyone gathered here today to believe that God is good, and He will come through for everyone at the right time. I am out of words to describe how grateful; we are to God.”
The baby was named Hepzibah Maame Afua Mensah and was dedicated to the glory of God.
Report by Jude Duncan and Gideon Fiifi Andoh, North Kaneshie District
The wife of the Teshie-Nungua Area Head of The Church o Pentecost, Mrs. Rachel Koduah, has urged believers to follow the narrow path to heaven as glorious brides of Christ.
Speaking at the climax of the weeklong National Women’s Ministry Week celebrations on Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Graceland, Nungua on the theme: “Woman! A Glorious Bride to Possess the Nations,” Mrs. Rachel Koduah explained that the church is not necessarily the physical structure but rather the individuals that inhabit it, with Christ Jesus as the head.
According to her, believers are the brides and Christ is the bridegroom.
Using Ephesians 1:3-5 as a reference, she stated that Christ as the bridegroom has bought believers at a price and it is therefore very important that they know their true position in Him.
“Knowledge of our true inheritance in Christ will shape us in the way we conduct ourselves and our lives,” she said, adding, “Christ is preparing us to be presented to the Lord on His second coming as holy, acceptable, and spotless.”
She said this will be possible if believers walk the narrow but righteous path which is most often characterized by discomfort, hardships, and setbacks. “However, this righteous path will ultimately bring us to a glorious end,” she said.
According to her, the broad-way which is the sinful way may be easy but the end thereof is destruction, and as such believers must endeavour to avoid it.
Mrs. Koduah assured the congregation that the Lord is not ignorant of their challenges and efforts to stand strong and that at the appointed time He will come through for them if they do not give up.
Quoting from Revelations 2:1-5, she admonished believers to repent of all waywardness and embrace righteousness which befits their status as brides of Christ.
She reminded Christians that they are the salt and light of the world, and losing this makes them empty vessels with little or no importance. She further advised believers to be obedient to Christ, the Bridegroom, and allow themselves to be washed anew by his Word!
Also speaking at a virtual meeting at PIWC Sakumono earlier in the week on the theme, “Portraying God’s Glory in Hospitality,” Mrs. Koduah read from Genesis 18: 18; 24:15-28, Hebrews 13:6, 1 Peter 4:9.
She indicated that Abraham’s sense of hospitality became a source of his blessings. She urged women to show hospitality from their hearts, without grumbling.
Speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2020, on the topic: “The Lord God Almighty Remembers,” the Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Cynthia Araba Siaw Agyepong quoted Malachi 3:5 among other Scriptures and encouraged believers to be steadfast in the faith, serving with all their might as Abraham did and saved his family and household including Lot from disaster.
She also made reference to Hannah and said after a long time of prayers for the fruit of the womb, the Lord remembered her and gave her a son. “Barrenness comes in many forms, it could be dryness in business like Peter on the sea of Galilea. Whatever has become barren will be moved in Jesus name,” she said, adding, “The God you have served effortlessly and tirelessly will surely remember and reward you for your handwork.”
A couple, Elder Robbert and Mrs. Evelyn Mensah, has donated Toyota Corolla to the Asonkore District of The Church of Pentecost.
The couple presented the keys and the documents to the vehicle to the Asonkore District Transport Committee at a brief ceremony held at the district mission house on January 27, 2020.
Elder Robbert Mensah, who fellowships with Tetelestai Assembly, said: “God has laid it on my heart to get a car for the district as I have never been comfortable anytime I saw the district minister trekking on foot, especially at dawn in darkness to attend church service.”
The District Minister, Overseer Emmanuel Ofori-Opare, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, said it has brought great relief to the district.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for the life of the couple and asked His blessings for them.
The vehicle has since been dedicated to the glory of God by the Obuasi Area Head, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko.
The Area Head, on his part, thanked the couple for obeying the voice of God and supporting the work of God with their resources. He prayed for the couple and admonished the district to take good care of the vehicle.
The mortal remains of the late Pastor Isaac Ofori Koranteng of the Dawhenya District in Tema Area of The Church of Pentecost were laid to rest on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Dawhenya.
The solemn event, which took place at the Dawhenya Town Park, was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi. Present to assist him were Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani (Tamale Area Head and Executive Council Member), Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Matthew Larbi Wettey (Tema Area Head), and other Apostles, Pastors, Retired Ministers, members of the Church and loved ones from all walks of life.
Pastor Koranteng, 62, whose sudden death occurred on July 24, 2020, survived by a wife, Mrs. Sophia Koranteng, and four children.
In a sermon, the Director of the Ghana Evangelism Committee, Apostle Abraham Swanzy, said the late Pastor Ofori Koranteng foresaw that his years on earth were numbered and therefore worked tirelessly for the Lord.
Quoting from Psalm 90:10-12, Apostle Swanzy advised all and sundry to gain a heart of wisdom by working on their souls through Jesus Christ, since it the soul that will be taken to the next world and not any material thing.
The General Secretary, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, in consoling the bereaved family, encouraged them to learn from how the late Pastor Koranteng led his life by serving the Lord with all their strength.
Born on September 14, 1958, at Asikasu, near Jumapo in the Eastern Region, to the late Elder David Asante Koranteng and Deaconess Gladys Mintaa Koranteng (Rtd), both from Abiriw Akuapem, Pastor Ofori Koranteng had his formative education at Asikasu Presbyterian Primary School, then to Suhyen Local Authority Middle School, and finally completed at Koforidua Presbyterian ‘B’ Middle School, where he passed the Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) examination with distinction.
He continued to the New Juaben Secondary Commercial School, where he had his Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Certificates (‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels) from 1973 to 1980. He had a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Canada Christian College in 2008 and a Master of Arts – Theology and Missions, Pentecostal Studies option, from the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture in 2011.
Before his call into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1999, he worked at the Ghana Commercial Bank for 18 years in the following branches: Ring Road Central, Accra; Nsawam, Aburi and Obuasi. He rose through the ranks and became the bank’s system administrator in charge of ICT.
He served in the full-time ministry for 21 years in the following stations: Nyankpala, North Legon (now Haatso District), New Dormaa, Oforikrom and Dawhenya. He was left with three years to retire from active service.
In her tribute, Mrs. Sophia Koranteng described her late husband as a generous man, hardworking and someone committed to his job. “He was my soul mate, my inspirer, and the steadfast rock that helped me through thick and thin,” she said, adding, “Isaac supported and loved us all. He was always there to help navigate through life’s challenges.”
His children, in their tribute, narrated how his sudden death has affected them and brought their world to a standstill. “We will miss his indescribable and unconditional love, his care and his phone calls and prayers. We know that we will meet again in heaven where there will be no more sorrow, no suffering, and no pain,” the stated.
The General Council of The Church of Pentecost, on their part, said Pastor Ofori Koranteng approached the work of God with passion and worked as a soldier under command who rested not until the work was done, and done well. “He was the Paul of our time who approached the work of ministry with zealousness and passion. Hence, evangelism and soul-winning became part and parcel of his ministry.
“He was a man with sharp spiritual giftings which demonstrated in his ministry. God used him as an instrument to bless many people, set the oppressed free, impact giftings and graces unto others, heal the sick and nurture the members to spiritual maturity,” it said.
The Kintampo Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has honoured three reviewed Executive Committee Members for their selfless, hardworking and dedicated services to the ministry for the past four years.
The three were Deaconesses Esther Nyamekye, Florence Amoakoa Adjei and Patience Anyorgbor, who served as Assistant leader, Secretary and Executive Committee Member, respectively.
The event which took place on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at the Kintampo Newtown Central Assembly, was also used to induct the incoming leaders into office. The newly appointed executive members were Deaconesses Mary Amankwah, Rebecca Tanor and Vida Enninful, who will be serving as Assistant leader, Secretary and Executive Committee Member respectively.
In a sermon on the topic, “Women helping to build a Glorious Church,” the Area Head, Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah, mentioned that the Church that Jesus is building in Matthew 16:18 cannot be built without women, since women play a very key and significant role in the Church.
He added that one of Jesus’ purposes of coming to the earth was to build a glorious Church. To achieve this, he said, Jesus devoted much time and worked with women throughout his ministry on earth.
Using Luke 8:1-3; 24:1-3, 9-11 as Scripture references, he outlined some of the contributions of some women in the Bible to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Notably amongst them were Mary Magdalene, Joana and Susanna. These women, he said, supported and provided for the early Church out of their own means and resources.
He mentioned that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit first occurred in the house of the mother of John Mark, while the 1st Century church also began in the home of a woman.
Apostle Debrah indicated that the history of The Church of Pentecost cannot be complete without mentioning the outstanding contributions of some women in the early formation of the Church who stood firmly behind the men.
According to him, in the Kintampo Area, for instance, some women in the Church serve as Presiding Officers in some local assemblies and are excelling on their duties. This, he said, shows how women are so important in building a glorious church.
He admonished women to help build a glorious church by giving their resources to support the work of the ministry and intercede in prayers for the growth of the Church just as Dorcas, Mary Magdalene, and others did.
The Area Head concluded his sermon by advising all married women to glorify God through their marriages. They are to be true examples in their marriages for others to emulate.
In attendance were Mrs. Mabel Debrah (wife of the Area Head), Deaconess Theresa Kwapong (Area Women’s Ministry Leader), Ministers and their wives as well as members and leaders of the Women’s Ministry.
Report by Overseer Prince Augustine Ababio, Area Reporter.
Obuasi Area PEMEM Constructs Bus Stop For Tutuka Community
The Obuasi Area Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of The Church of Pentecost has constructed a modern bus stop for the people of Tutuka, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
Handing over the facility which was done at the cost of GH¢ 3,500.00 to the community, the Obuasi Area Head of the Church, Apostle William Boakye Agyarko, said that the bus stop was provided in fulfilment of the church’s vision and social intervention programme.
Apostle Agyarko noted that the provision of the facility would help to stem the frequent pedestrian knockdowns in the community, especially among children since commuters will have a conducive waiting place before boarding vehicles.
He also advised the people to avoid writing on the facility to keep it in good shape for posterity.
Receiving the bus stop on behalf of Obuasi East District Assembly, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Faustina Amissah, expressed her deepest appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for coming to the aid of the community.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East, Hon. Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom, on his part, was full of joy for the project and thanked the church for extending support to the communities around.
Present at the ceremony were the Obuasi Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Moses Narteh and his executives, the Area pastorate, Mr. Emmanuel A. Ntoso (District Coordinating Director), Mr. Samuel Nti Kyeremeh (District Engineer), among others.
The Assin Foso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost and Executive Council Member-elect, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, has called on Christians to make every effort to overcome the voice of intimidation to be victorious and excel in life. He said this in a sermon he preached on Assin Foso-based Nkwa 88.1 FM on Sunday, August 9, 2020.
Reading from 1 Samuel 17:1-9, he explained that although the Philistines were defeated by the Israelites in a previous battle, they made a bold comeback to revenge. Unfortunately, the Israelites could not find their feet in the second battle due to the intimidating words from only one person – Goliath.
He said that Satan, like the Philistines, never gives up although he has been defeated by Jesus Christ so many years ago. He, therefore, advised Christians to continue to trust God for the victory given them through the vicarious death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.
According to Apostle Arhin, people hear many voices in their daily lives. However, most of the voices come from the devil with the intention to cause people to do things that are contrary to the ways of God. Those who find it difficult to overcome the voice of intimidation become so desperate and frustrated that some of them even end up committing suicide, he said.
“When people want to intimidate you, they make you feel inferior to what God says you are. They negatively address you just to make you confuse in life. Although the Israelites were the people of God, Goliath gave them a wrong identity just to humiliate them. Instead of calling them the people of God, he called them the servants of Saul, and that alone caused fear and panic among the Israelites for 40 days. Thank God at long last, David came to the battlefield to rescue the Israelites from the hands of Goliath and the Philistines,” he said.
Apostle Sylvester Arhin ended the sermon by calling on believers to remain faithful to God and believe in what God says they are, since that alone is enough for them to be victorious. He also appealed to those who have not given their lives to Jesus Christ to do so to enable them to share in His victory over the devil on the cross.
The Director of the Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, has cautioned Christians not to neglect the great salvation that they have received from the Lord Jesus Christ.
“It was purchased not with money but by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Apostle Dr. Markin said, adding, “We should never underestimate the sacrifice He made, but share with others.”
Apostle Dr. Markin said this when he preached during the second service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC)- Sakumono, on Sunday, August 9, 2020.
Reading from Hebrews 2:3, Luke 2:11, John 3:17, Romans 6:23, among other Scriptures, he told Christians that the salvation that they have received is authentic and that it does not depend on man’s capability, but rest solely on the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The name Jesus is authentic and powerful. He is the ancient of days, and He has not changed. He still remains the Saviour even in turbulent times,” he said.
According to Apostle Dr. Markin, the greatest canker the world is facing now is the sin of all dimensions and forms. He, however, encouraged Christians to be steadfast in their faith, saying, “God has reserved salvation for you irrespective of the magnitude of the perceived sin you have committed. Do not be despaired or give up on yourself, for liberation has come to His children and that He has His children factored in His salvation plan.”
During the first service, Elder Felix Adu, the Financial Committee Secretary for the district, ministered on the theme, “Fortifying your faith in the Lord.” He indicated that for Christians, fortifying themselves in the Lord is a must in their quest to walk with the Lord in their Christian journey.
According to Elder Adu, Christians ought to fortify themselves in the Lord to overcome the enemy and preserve their faith in the face of trials and challenges (James 5: 11), honour God in the midst of unbelievers (Daniel 3:17; 28-29). It will also help believers to mount a higher ground in the face of trials (Genesis 39: 8-10) and to solely trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, just as Abraham did (Hebrews 11:17-18).
He urged Christians to bear the mark of the Lord Jesus in whatever they do (Galatians 6: 14-17) to transform the world.
“Christians should be outstanding in all their endeavours,” he said, adding, “As Christians, if we have any boast to make, we should boast in the blood of the Lord, for by so doing no amount of destruction from the enemy’s camp can break us; we will still stand strong if we fortify ourselves in the Lord.”
The Resident Minister, Pastor Anthony Owusu Sekyere Kwarteng, was grateful to the Evangelism Director for visiting the district.