UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR CHILDREN – CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR TELLS PARENTS web

Unleash The Potential Of Your Children – Children’s Director Tells Parents

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Parents have been encouraged to do everything possible to ensure that their children’s potential is fully unleashed.

The Director of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Samuel Avornyo, made the call during a working visit to the Diamond City Worship Centre in the Kasoa Area on Thursday, September 5, 2024, as part of the 2024 McKeown’s Children’s Week Celebration.

Accompanied by his wife, Jemima, Pastor Avornyo exhorted the church on the topic, “Unleash the Potential of Your Child,” referencing scriptures from Luke 19:30-36 and Zechariah 9:9-10.

Using the story of the colt tied in a village, which Jesus instructed two of his disciples to untie because he had a need for it, Pastor Avornyo posited that every child has innate potential. He asserted that until these potentials are unleashed, they remain dormant and unfulfilled.

‘That tied colt, a young donkey (a child), had a prophetic mandate according to Zechariah 9:9-10 to carry the King of Kings into Jerusalem during the Triumphant Entry. However, instead of fulfilling this divine mandate, the colt was tied in a village. When the colt was untied, brought to Jesus, and he mounted it, women began to spread clothes on the ground for the colt to walk on,’ he explained, adding, ‘Children, like the colt, need to be unleashed because their dormant potentials are needed by the Lord.’

He further encouraged parents to avoid ‘tying down’ their children with negative utterances, stereotyping, and other harmful acts. Instead, he urged them to lead their children to Christ, as this is the surest way to ensure they grow to their fullest potential.

The night, designated for praises and worship dubbed, ‘Tehilla Night,’ brought together 310 participants, including officers, parents, and children.

Also in attendance were the Area Children’s Ministry Leader, Pastor Charles K. Appiah, some members of his team, and the Resident Minister of Diamond Worship Centre, Pastor Dr Emmanuel Awudi, and his wife.

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210 Officers Ordained In Downtown-Ofaakor Area web

210 Officers Ordained In Downtown-Ofaakor Area

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Two hundred and ten officers have been ordained in the Downtown-Ofaakor Area of The Church of Pentecost.

Among them were 50 elders, 70 deacons and 90 deaconesses. The ordination took place during the August session of the Officers School.

Apostle Dr Benjamin Ali (Rtd.), the immediate past Area Head, addressed the gathering on the theme, ‘Unleashed to do effective ministry.’

He indicated the tendency of some to seek titles and recognition at the expense of genuine ministry work.

He urged leaders to prioritise prayer to enhance their impact on the peopoe and emphasised the importance of unity among leaders for greater impact.

The current Area Head, Apostle William Kojo Edzorhoho, also spoke at the service. He encouraged the newly ordained officers to remain dedicated to prayer and to focus on building a strong church.

He reminded them to uphold the valuable practices of the church passed down to them.

The ceremony was attended by ministers and their wives, ministry leaders, with a total attendance of 715 officers from various districts in the area.

Report by Pastor Stephen Danso, Abamkrom District.

LIFE'S JOURNEY THE MORAL AND

Life’s Journey: The Moral And Theological Lessons From A Village Observation

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As a young village boy growing up, the rhythm of life was simple, yet profound. Every day, we journeyed to the farm, a path that wound through the familiar sights and sounds of our community. One thing I noticed during these daily trips was how often we encountered the same people on our way to the farm and then again on our way back home. This routine observation taught me a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life: how we treat people on our way “to the farm” often determines how we will part ways with them when we meet again on our journey “back home.”

Moral Lessons

  1. The Principle of Reciprocity

In life, the way we treat others often comes back to us in the same measure, even more. My village friends I met in the morning were the same I encountered in the evening, and our interactions were shaped by how we related earlier in the day. This mirrors the principle of reciprocity in human relationships. If we are kind, respectful, and considerate, we are likely to receive the same in return. On the other hand, if we are harsh or dismissive, we might face similar attitudes. Reciprocity is not just a social norm but also a moral expectation in many cultures. People generally feel an obligation to return favours or kindness, and failing to do so can be seen as socially or morally wrong. This expectation helps maintain balance and harmony within communities. Reciprocity can be seen in various forms in our everyday life. For example, in business, customer loyalty programmes are based on reciprocity, rewarding customers for their continued patronage. In personal relationships, acts of kindness and support are often reciprocated, strengthening bonds between individuals.

  1. The Importance of Consistency

Life is a journey with many encounters, and consistency in our character and behaviour is crucial. The consistency with which we interact with others helps build trust and reliability in our relationships. In the village, the way we greeted or conversed with people in the morning was a reflection of our character that set the tone for our evening interactions. In a broader sense, this consistency builds the fabric of our relationships, whether in family, community, or workplace settings.

  1. The Impact of First Impressions

First impressions often have a lasting impact. How we present ourselves and interact with others during initial encounters can shape the nature of future interactions. The villagers’ first greetings in the morning often influenced the mood and tone of the conversations we had on our way back. This highlights the importance of making a positive first impression, not just to create a favourable outcome but to establish a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

Theological Lessons

  1. Sowing and Reaping

The observation from the village reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Our actions, words, and attitudes are seeds that we plant in our daily interactions. The harvest we receive is directly related to what we have sown. If we sow seeds of kindness, love, and patience, we will reap the same. However, if we sow discord, anger, or bitterness, we should not be surprised when these negative elements return to us.

  1. The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule, found in Matthew 7:12, states, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” The village experience illustrates this rule in action. Treating others with respect and kindness on our journey to the farm often ensured that we were treated similarly on our way back. This rule is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, encouraging us to live in harmony with others by considering their feelings and perspectives.

  1. The Journey of Life and Eternal Perspective

The daily journey to and from the farm can be seen as a metaphor for the broader journey of life. We are all on a journey, moving from one stage to the next, meeting people along the way. How we treat others on this journey reflects our understanding of life’s purpose and our ultimate destination. Biblical teachings encourage us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our actions have consequences not just in this life, but in the life to come. The relationships we build and the way we treat others are part of our preparation for eternity.

Conclusion

The simple, everyday observations from my village life offer profound moral and theological lessons. How we interact with others on our life’s journey has a significant impact on the quality of our relationships and the fulfillment of our spiritual calling. By embracing the principles of reciprocity, consistency, and the Golden Rule, we can navigate our journey with grace and integrity, ensuring that when we meet people “on our way back,” we part ways with mutual respect and peace. These lessons remind us that life’s journey is not just about reaching a destination, but about how we walk the path and who we become along the way.

By Pastor Fred Amoakohene Sarpong (Lecturer, Pentecost University/Resident Minister, PMKY Worship Centre, Kasoa Area)

Edumfa District Holds Traders Prayer Night, Seminar web

Edumfa District Holds Traders Prayer Night, Seminar

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The Edumfa District in the Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost has held a night of prayer and seminar for all traders in the district.

The event, which took place recently at the Central church auditorium, under the theme: ‘The Value of Prayer and Excellence at the Marketplace’ (Daniel 6:3, 10-11), was attended by both members and non-members of The Church of Pentecost.

The District Minister, Pastor Robert Asamoah, spoke to the traders on the topic, ‘Excellence at the Marketplace.’

According to him, Christian traders carry the spirit of excellence which must reflect in the way they handle their customers, saying, ‘Treat customers as kings and queens.’

He asked Christian traders to be proactive, know the times in which the world is and do business as such.

‘For instance, in this present age of MoMo, do not be carry huge physical cash with you when going to buy from your suppliers,’ he advised.

He encouraged the traders to be diligent and hardworking, making financial savings and refrain from indiscriminate impulse buying. He further entreated them to ensure both personal and workplace hygiene.

Pastor Asamoah admonished the traders to be mindful of expiry dates on goods they buy so that they do not face the wrath of the law and incur loses that come by having such goods in stock.

Mrs Semenhyia Asamoah (Wife of the district minister) led the traders in an intensive prayer session for their businesses.

The All-Traders Prayer Night and Seminar which was a non-denominational gathering meant to equip and unleash traders to possess their world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Report by Edumfa District Media Team

16 Graduate From Pentecost Literacy School In Takoradi Area web

16 Graduate From Pentecost Literacy School In Takoradi Area

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Sixteen people, comprising 11 students and five facilitators, have graduated from the Pentecost Literacy School in the Takoradi Area.

The Pentecost Literacy Project (PLP), which The Church of Pentecost initiated in pursuance of Vision 2023, now Vision 2028, was to teach adults how to read and write in their native languages and to aid them to read the Bible.

After a two-week intensive training by the Literacy and Evangelism Ghana (LE-GH) for facilitators across the nation at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh in October and November 2021, the Takoradi Area participants (Pastor Ernest Perbi-Asare, Elders Stephen Coffie, Christopher Yaw Okyere, George Bondzie-Hanson and Deaconess Cecilia Aidoo), began a pilot phase in the Takoradi Area to test the feasibility of the project. Consequently, 20 volunteers (Mfantse – 10 and English – 10) were selected from the various districts in the Area and enrolled in November 2021.

Having undergone over two years training, 11 learners, who have successfully passed their final examinations, graduated during a special ceremony on August 9, 2024, at West Ridge Assembly in Tanokrom District.

The graduands were joined by five facilitators who also passed all the courses and met all the requirements for their training.

In his address, the Literacy and Evangelism Ghana (LE-GH) representative, Pastor R. M. Adrakpanya (retired) was thankful to God, the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the Executive Council for the timely vision to help people who cannot read or write in their local dialects.

He also commended the Area Head, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, and his team as well as the Takoradi Area Pentecost Literacy Project Coordinating team for the hard work and dedication in making the vision possible.

Pastor Eric Kweku Ansah who represented the Chairman of the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC), Apostle Dr Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, indicated that the Pentecost Literacy School will not only benefit the unschooled constituents but even the educated who are unable to read in their mother tongues.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Takoradi Area Head, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, the New Takoradi District Minister, Pastor Solomon Nii A. Djani, who doubles as an Area Executive member, admonished ministers as well as officers to embrace the PLS initiative and ensure its effective implementation in their districts and local assemblies.

On behalf of the graduating students and facilitators, Elder Stephen Coffie expressed gratitude to Apostle Joseph Kwame Assabil (retired) whose tenure the PLP pilot programme started in the Area and his successors, Apostles Semenya Yao Dogbe and Sylvester Arhin, for their unflinching support and commitment for a successful implementation of the project in Takoradi Area.

Other dignitaries at the graduation ceremony were Pastor Alex Kieninger Anum and his wife, Dora (Area Secretary), Pastor Ernest Perbi-Asare (Area Pentecost Literacy Project Coordinator), Pastor Stephen Mawunyo Akorsu (Area Discipleship and Leadership Development Coordinator), and other ministers and wives in the Area.

Report by Pastor Ernest Perbi-Asare.

COP-Germany Donates Medical Equipment To PENTSOS web

COP-Germany Donates Medical Equipment To PENTSOS

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The Church of Pentecost in Germany, under the leadership of Apostle Ato Aduah, has donated a variety of medical items to the church’s various health facilities in Ghana.

During a short ceremony at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the International Missions Director (IMD) of the church, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, handed over the items to the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) for the onward distribution to the health facilities.

The donated items included: 21 used Monitor Mp-70 units, four Modul box FMS4 units, 30 Parameter servers, five Kompak monitor PVM-2701 units, 60 Infusions pump Argus 417 units, among others.

Receiving the items, Overseer Benjamin Asare Yeboah, the Director of PENTSOS, expressed gratitude to the church in Germany for the gesture and promised it will be fairly distributed and put to good use.  

He also acknowledged the continuous support of the IMD to the activities of PENTSOS, especially in getting them support from outside Ghana.

Present at the short presentation ceremony were Pastor James Kusi Owusu (Personal Assistant to the IMD) and Elder Alexander Kwame Frimpong (Health Coordinator at PENTSOS), among others.

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Apostle Arhin Cautions Ministers Against The Snares Of Success web

Apostle Arhin Cautions Ministers Against The Snares Of Success

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The Takoradi Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, has cautioned ministers of the Gospel against the snares associated with success.  

Speaking at the maiden Prayer Retreat for Heads and Wives at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh on September 3, 2024, on the title, ‘The Snares of Success,’ Apostle Arhin indicated that while success is a common goal for everyone, it often comes with hidden dangers.

He referenced the biblical figure Gideon, who, despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, was elevated by God to lead the Israelites to victory against a formidable enemy with just 300 men. Following this triumph, Gideon was offered leadership by the Israelites, reflecting the human desire for authentic leadership.

According to Apostle Arhin, this is same in ministry because congregants expect a true man of God who will lead them closer to God.

He pointed out that Gideon’s initial humility was commendable as he redirected the people’s focus to God rather than seeking glory for himself.

However, he warned that success can lead to a loss of humility, as illustrated by Gideon’s later actions when he accepted gold ornaments from the people to create a priestly garment and an idol, leading the Israelites into idolatry.

Apostle Sylvester Arhin urged ministers to surround themselves with good advisors who can provide guidance and accountability, particularly when they find themselves in positions of authority.

He stressed that maintaining humility is crucial to avoid the traps that success can present, a lesson that remains relevant for today’s leaders in ministry.

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Maintain Your Spirituality – Apostle Dr Walker (Rtd.) Advises Heads web

Maintain Your Spirituality – Apostle Dr Walker (Rtd.) Advises Heads

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The immediate past Tarkwa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost and Executive Council member, Apostle Dr Daniel Okyere Walker (now retired), has underscored the need for maintaining one’s spirituality in ministry.

He said this during the maiden Heads and Wives’ Prayer Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Monday, September 2, 2024.

In a sermon titled, ‘The Carnality and the Spirituality of the Minister’, Apostle Dr Walker (Rtd.) indicated that the spiritual angle of ministry is that ministers are overseers of God’s mystery which is the people they are shepherding. Adding that they must make sure that the souls go to heaven.

The former Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University explained that spirituality in ministry also involves not only serving but giving off one’s life to let others live. He stressed that the spiritual minister must live above sin and bear the fruits of the Spirit.

Carnality, he said, means being controlled by the desires of the flesh, which includes the desire for wealth and material things.

Apostle Dr Walker (Rtd.) however cautioned ministers against carnality as they have the tendency of destroying their ministries.

He called on ministers to strive to cause a change in their societies, especially as role models for the young, saying, ‘We live in a world of corruption where we have to shine to illuminate in the dark world.’

Some of the causes of carnality, he disclosed, include submitting to the pressures of the world.

On how to live a spiritual life, he proposed living by the Spirit, a prayerful life, committing one’s life into the hands of God, and living by the word of God.

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GPCC President Advocates For Unity Among Churches web

GPCC President Advocates For Unity Among Churches

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The President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, who also serves as the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has called on the leadership of all churches in Ghana and worldwide to make deliberate efforts to unite.

He made this clarion call on Friday, August 30, 2024, during the All Ministers and Wives Conference (Western Regional session) held at the Assemblies of God, Word of Life Auditorium, Takoradi.

Apostle Nyamekye illustrated the positive impact of unity in the body of Christ. Whilst comparing the effects of divisiveness, he invited the President of The Apostolic Church Ghana, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, and the Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International, Apostle Samuel Frimpong, to join him on stage.

The GPCC President explained that the three churches – The Apostolic Church Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church International, and The Church of Pentecost – are all descendants of the Anim-McKeown church operations. However, the misunderstandings that led to the splits had greatly hurt the cause of the gospel.

He thanked God that after many years, they have settled their differences and decided to work in unity.

Chairman Nyamekye took the opportunity to call on churches worldwide to end all forms of rivalry and unite to properly pursue the mandate that God has given them. According to him, denominations are just strategic ways of reaching all kinds of people. Therefore, denominations should not divide the Church into factions because they are all one people in Christ Jesus.

Apostle Nyamekye also cautioned ministers against whipping up sentiments, especially religious sentiments, in the run-up to the 2024 general elections. He admonished prophets who receive revelations about the outcome of the impending elections to desist from publicly declaring them to prevent chaos.

Present at the service were Rev. Stephen Wengan (General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana) and Bishop Emmanuel Botwe (Christian Faith Church International), both National Executive Council Members of the GPCC.

Others included Apostle Immanuel Tettey (General Secretary of GPCC), Apostle Sylvester Arhin (Executive Council Member, The CoP), and Rev. Yaw Osei Dankwa (General Secretary, CACI), among others.

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Churches Must Transform Ghana Through Kingdom Values – Apostle Nyamekye web

Churches Must Transform Ghana Through Kingdom Values – Apostle Nyamekye

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Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has urged churches to leverage their authority as believers to bring positive change to Ghana.

He made this appeal during the Western Regional session of the All Ministers Conference held at the Assemblies of God Ghana, Word of Life Auditorium in Takoradi, on Friday, August 30, 2024.

The conference, organised by the GPCC, in collaboration with the Western Regional Coordinating Committee of The Church of Pentecost and the Takoradi Network of Councils and Churches, was on the theme: ‘The Church and the World.’

The event, which brought together church leaders from the Western Region, aimed to equip ministers with the necessary tools to be agents of transformation in their respective spheres of influence.

Speaking on the topic, ‘The Authority of the Christian Believer in Transforming the World; The Role of the Church Leader,’ Apostle Nyamekye noted that despite Ghana’s high religiosity, the country continues to struggle with issues like corruption, raising questions about the Church’s impact.

The GPCC President stressed the need for unity among church leaders, stating that they are ‘all one in God.’ He indicated that the Church, as God’s representative on earth, must prioritise transforming the world, just as Jesus Christ did by reconciling sworn enemies like the Gentiles and Jews.

Apostle Nyamekye challenged ministers of the Gospel to prepare adequately before preaching and to change their approach to ministry to effectively combat the devil’s tactics.

He stated: ‘It is insufficient to have church activities without Kingdom authority being witnessed in the community,’ and added that the church must ‘infect the world with the Kingdom Culture.’

He encouraged ministers, their spouses, and all Christians to see themselves as God’s envoys with the mandate to transform their world.

Apostle Nyamekye informed the attendees that the aim of the conference was not to teach ministers how to run their churches but to partner with them and add to what they already have.

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