Uphold The Core Values Of The Church – General Secretary Advises Missionaries web

Uphold The Core Values Of The Church Of Pentecost – General Secretary Advises Missionaries

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The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has charged newly called missionaries to uphold the core values and practices of The Church of Pentecost which represents it’s uniqueness. 

Speaking on the topic, ‘The Church of Pentecost Brand,’ at the 2024 Missions Orientation at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Apostle Obuobi explained the concept of branding within the church, highlighted how the church’s distinct identity has been carefully crafted and maintained over the years.

According to him, branding which is vital for organisations and businesses is an asset which must be guarded, saying, ‘When your brand is destroyed, your company is destroyed because it is the brand that gives a competitive edge over others in the same industry.’

He stressed that a brand encompasses both tangible and intangible elements. Tangible aspects include the product, service, symbol, or logo, while intangible aspects shape people’s perceptions, appreciation, acceptance, and respect for the organisation.

‘Brands go beyond identification; they represent what the company or the individual stands for,’ he added.

The General Secretary highlighted that churches, as corporate bodies, also have brands. He indicated that a church’s brand shows its core values and mandates, stressing that ‘it shapes people’s perceptions about the church and what we do.’

According to him, The Church of Pentecost (CoP) brand stands out due to several key factors: Divine Covenant, Tenets of the Church, Rules of Conduct, Core Values, and Practices and Policies.

‘One of the first things new members should encounter in the church is the emphasis on the Holy Spirit baptism. To continue with The CoP brand, we must maintain our absolute reliance on the Holy Ghost,’ he said.

He also revealed that The Church of Pentecost has been known over the years as ‘The Church of Prayer.’

He stated: ‘Our forebears instituted ‘Friday Prayers,’ focusing on the infilling of the Holy Ghost and the expansion of the Kingdom of God. The average CoP member is introduced to prayer and fasting from the outset.’

Preaching and adhering to the unadulterated Word of God has always been part of The CoP brand, he pointed out.

‘Our services centre on the Four-Square Gospel – Jesus the Healer, Jesus the Saviour, Jesus the Baptiser of the Holy Ghost, and Jesus the Soon Coming King. We should use our pulpit to talk about Jesus and no one else,’ he added

Apostle Obuobi revealed that holiness and righteousness are integral to The CoP brand, saying, ‘We do not only believe in holiness but uphold it. Sin is dealt with appropriately whenever it is exposed.’

He also noted that The CoP is known for its discipline and that maximum respect is given to superiors irrespective of their age.

‘It is our responsibility to carry on with the brand of The CoP. Hold on to the uniqueness of the Church. Our core values and practices mark us out from the others,’ he concluded.

PENTECOST NEWS

Be Sold Out To God – Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng Charges Missionaries web

Be Sold Out To God – Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng Charges Missionaries

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The Kwadaso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng, has advised Christian missionaries to have a heart of absolute service to God.

According to him, this should be the heart of every missionary – somebody who is sold out completely to God. 

He made this known on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, during the opening session of the 2024 Missions Orientation currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh.

Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng, an Executive Council Member of the church, stressed on the essence of a missionary’s heart, contrasting between the physical and spiritual importance of the heart.

‘The heart is the blood-pumping machine, one of the vital organs of the body,’ he said, referencing Ephesians 3:17 to highlight the heart as the seat of God and the human spirit.

He urged Christians to guard it diligently as it is the engine of both spiritual and social life.

He described the heart of a missionary as the core makeup, inclinations, drives, priorities, and passions that define them, saying, ‘The composition of your heart should be the totality of your person.’

He referenced Acts 21:10-14 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5 to illustrate how Apostle Paul was forewarned about the dangers in his missionary trip to Jerusalem, yet his unwavering commitment to God remained.

‘Paul was a man sold out for God; that is how every Christian worker and minister of the Gospel should be. Love God, have passion for souls, love the church above everything and even above your life,’ he stressed.

He quoted the words of David Livingstone, a pioneer Christian missionary, ‘I am determined never to stop until I have come to the end and achieved my purpose. I am prepared to go anywhere provided it goes forward and promote the gospel. If you have men who will only come if they know that there is a good road then I don’t want them, I want men who will come even if there is no road at all.’

According to him, a missionary should be the foremost witness of Christ, as highlighted in Acts 1:8, and must be ready to defend or die for Christ and the Gospel, as seen in Romans 8:35.

‘Without a genuine love for God, service to Him becomes a task,’ Apostle Kwarteng noted, referencing John 21:15-19, adding that love is the lubricant that oils the heart and makes any operation for God easy.

He explained that zeal, encompassing fervent passion and earnestness, is crucial for success on the mission field.

A missionary, according to him, must know God personally and understand the people he works with. He must possess a sacrificial heart, placing God’s interests above all else, including family.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Estate Assembly Launches “Free Sanitary Pad Project” web

Estate Assembly Launches “Free Sanitary Pad Project”

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The Estate Assembly in the Adiebeba District of the Asokwa Area of The Church of Pentecost, has initiated a project called the “Free Sanitary Pad Project” aiming to empower girls and women with knowledge and skills to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively and sustainably.

The programme also provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in dialogues and find possible solutions to the menstrual hygiene challenges within the community, to ensure that girls stay focused on their education.

Research indicates that the high cost of hygiene products and the challenges in managing periods are significant factors that contribute to girls missing school. The increasing poverty levels in various communities in the country also lead to teenage pregnancy as young girls become dependent on boys.

Under the theme, “Pad A Girl” the project underscores the importance of providing sanitary pad and educating girls about puberty to improve school attendance.

Hundreds of packs and boxes of sanitary pad were distributed for free to students, members, and non-members of The Church of Pentecost, along with education on proper use to prevent infection.

The District Minister, Pastor Kwaku Affum, revealed that the project is part of the Church’s transformational agenda.

Receiving the items, Mrs. Joyce Osei Manu, the District Women’s Ministry Leader, expressed gratitude for the kind gesture of The Church of Pentecost in empowering girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively.

Nana Yaw Mensah Joel, the visionary behind the project, urged churches and NGOs to support the initiative and help safeguard the girl child and future generations.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

God’s Presence Brings Greatness - Pastor Takyi Asante web

God’s Presence Brings Greatness – Pastor Takyi Asante

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The Lesotho National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Bernard Takyi Asante, has affirmed the significance of God’s presence in bringing about greatness in people’s lives.

He shared this insight on Friday, July 5, 2024, during a 3-day prayer meeting dubbed, “Divine Encounter” organised by the New Tafo Area of the Church. The event, themed: “Unleashed For Greater Works,” took place at the Area Revival Centre in Sepe-Buokrom.

During his discourse on the topic: “The Lord Shall Appear To His People For Greater Works,” Pastor Takyi Asante emphasised that God’s presence among His people designates them as His own, drawing inspiration from Malachi 3:1. He underscored the greatness and power of God, saying, “This is the God in our midst.”

Pastor Takyi Asante cited biblical figures like Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and Isaac (Genesis 26:2-3), whose encounter with God resulted in their greatness to illustrate his message.

He stated, “When God appears to a person, they become great,” emphasising that such individuals become unstoppable and untouchable.

The clergyman defined greater work as any effort that positively impacts generations and highlighted God’s will for His people to become great and influential in society. He, therefore, urged the congregation to allow God to prepare them for the manifestation of His greatness in their lives, stating, “God desires greater works.”

Referencing Hosea 6:2-3, Pastor Bernard Takyi Asante stressed the importance of God’s presence being made known to His faithful adherents, likening it to rain and spring shower, symbolizing hope, freshness, and newness in their lives.

He assured the congregation, “God will suddenly appear to you when things seem dire and impossible.”

Following the sermon, he engaged the congregation in a powerful prayer session.

Key figures present at the service included Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, and his wife, Mama Victoria (New Tafo Area Head), the Area pastorate and their wives, Mrs. Priscilla Takyi Asante, among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

PENSA International Donates To Support Church In The Gambia web

PENSA International Donates To Support Church In The Gambia

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The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) International has donated items to aid the discipleship efforts of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in The Gambia.

The items, which include two motorcycles, a pair of microphones, two rechargeable speakers, and 50 plastic chairs, were donated to the two newly opened churches, the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) and PENSA-The Gambia, to facilitate their activities.

The donation was received by the National Head, Apostle Victor Mendy, on behalf of the church.

It is expected that these items will aid and enhance effective follow-up and discipleship of souls won in the villages during the activities of PENSA International in June this year.

The donation also aims to enhance the evangelism activities of PENSA-The Gambia and the Church at large.

Apostle Victor Mendy, on behalf of the Church, expressed sincere appreciation to PENSA International for coming to their aid.

As part of its activities for the year, PENSA International embarked on a missions outreach in June to consolidate PENSA in The Gambia and open new churches in the West African country.

Despite being an Islamic-dominated nation, the activities of PENSA International yielded 240 souls, to the glory of the Lord.

Report by PENSA International Media Team.

Pension Board Organises Orientation Seminar For Retiring Ministers1 web

Pension Board Organises Orientation Seminar For Retiring Ministers

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Full-time ministers of The Church of Pentecost who are set to retire from active ministry this year are attending a two-day orientation seminar at the Pentecost Pensions House in Gbawe, Accra.

The event, organised by the Pension Board of the Church, was officially opened today by the Chairman of the Pension Board, Apostle John Appiah Aidoo. It is being held under the theme: “A People of God Unleashed to Transform their World.”

Present at the event are other members of the Pension Board, including Apostle David Amankwaa (Bolgatanga Area Head).

In his welcome address, Apostle Aidoo noted that it is essential to orient people to prepare them for a new phase of life. For this reason, the Board, in consultation with the leadership of the Church, is organisng this event for the first time.

He said that the seminar aims to adequately prepare the ministers for retirement.

Speaking on the topic “Retirement Education,” Mrs. Mabel Darko said that as one transitions from active work life to retirement, they consciously or unconsciously go through different stages.

She noted these stages as the mindset stage and the arrival stage, and she guided participants through the mental and physical preparations required for moving into their retirement.

The Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Pastor Emmanuel Appah, and the Odorkor Area Deacon, Elder Ben Donkor, also addressed the participants on “Financial Considerations in Planning for Retirement” and the Ministers and Widows Mutual Healthcare Welfare Fund (MIMUHELF), respectively.

Other speakers who will be speaking at the event include Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary, The Church of Pentecost) and Elder Emmanuel Boate (Church Trustee), among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Exit WhatsApp Platforms When You Leave - Mrs. Mabel Darko Tells Ministers2 web

Exit WhatsApp Platforms When You Leave – Mrs. Mabel Darko Tells Ministers

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Mrs. Mabel Darko, wife of the former Finance Administration Director (FAD) of The Church of Pentecost, has advised ministers and their wives, particularly retiring ministers, to exit the WhatsApp platforms of their respective areas and districts when they are reassigned or leave active service.

Mrs. Darko, a retired minister’s wife, gave this advice during a two-day orientation seminar at the Pentecost Pensions House in Gbawe, Accra for ministers of the Church set to retire from active service this year.

In her presentation on the topic “Retirement Education,” Mrs. Darko emphasised that as individuals transition from active life to retirement, they go through different stages that can significantly impact their retirement experience. She stressed the importance of these stages and how they could either enhance or hinder a fulfilling retirement.

One of the key points she raised was the need for retiring ministers to avoid acting like “GHOST” after leaving active service by advising them to resist the temptation to interfere with the work at their previous stations.

“No one wants a GHOST,” she stressed.

Mrs Darko further explained that GHOST is an acronym for:Going back to the old station frequently, Hearing what is going on, Opposing changes, Spying on them and Talking negatively

She, therefore, urged them to politely exit WhatsApp platforms after their retirement, rather than waiting to be removed.

Mrs. Darko also advised retiring ministers to avoid conflicts with their successors and to accept the realities of their new roles as retirees.

She, however, encouraged them to remain positive and find ways to stay significant during their retirement.

PENTECOST NEWS.

God Will Go With You web

God Will Go With You – Apostle Massaboi Zuwu Assures Missionaries

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The Liberia National Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Massaboi Zuwu, has admonished ministers who are going on missions to be assured that the presence of God will go with them on their missions’ journey.

Apostle Massaboi made this admonishment on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, when delivering a word of exhortation at the opening session of the 2024 Orientation for newly called missionaries and ministerial students completing their formation at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic, ‘A Man Chosen by God,’ he indicated that God does not send until he calls. He indicated that before God sends someone, He chooses the person and calls the person.

He explained that the fact that God choses someone does not mean He is limited in choices, saying, ‘God had choices but decided to choose you to serve. His call is not based on qualifications but it is based on His grace and the availability of the man He calls.’

According to him, there is a general call to salvation and a specific call into missionary. He indicated that the mission of God is not of man but of God as captured in John 15:16.

Apostle Zuwu revealed to the missionaries that God has called them to go into mission to bear fruits.

Using the example of how Moses told God he did not have the ability to properly speak when he was called to go and ask Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery, Apostle Massaboi indicated that anytime God calls a man, His grace equips them for the call. This grace, he explained, empowers them to work.

Apostle admonished missionaries to understand that they have been sent by God as an answer to the cries of the people and that God’s presence which emboldens, empowers and puts man in charge, will go with them anywhere they find themselves and provide solutions to the people’s quest for seeing the light.

He also revealed that the man chosen by God for missions must be fruitful.

This annual mission orientation is organised by the International Missions Office of The Church of Pentecost to give ministers who have been called into the missions an idea of what they will encounter in the field and how to go about things for the effective execution of their duties.

PENTECOST NEWS

2024 Missions Orientation Begins web

2024 Missions Orientation Begins

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The Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh is hosting the 2024 edition of orientation for newly called missionaries and ministerial students of The Church of Pentecost.

The event began today, July 9, 2024, and is expected to end on Friday, July 12, 2024 with a commissioning service for the newly called ministers who have completed their ministerial formation.

Speaking at the opening session of the programme, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, noted that as missionaries, it is good to be oriented to know the dos and don’ts of the ministry.

‘It is important that you get titbits on what to do and how to conduct yourself. We know the Holy Spirit is there, but you need a bit of training,’ he said.

He added that it is good to come together so as to hear from experienced missionaries who have been on the field before in order not to make mistakes which can be easily avoided.

Speakers for the conference include Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), Apostle Emmanuel Agyeman Bekoe (IMD), Apostle Dr Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anim (Acting Pro Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Apostle Yaw Adjei Kwarteng (Kwadaso Area Head), Apostle Daniel Sey (Dansoman Area Head), Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo (Coordinator, Home and Urban Mission), Apostle Dr. Edward Arko Koranteng (Director, Pentecost Hospital – Madina), Apostle Dr Ben Debrah (National Head, Sweden), Apostle Dr Samuel Ofori (Rtd).

Other speakers are Pastor Alexander Nyame (Coordinator, Ministry to Person with Disability), Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse (Director, Pent Media Centre), Pastor Paul Odai Laryea (Head of IT Department, Headquarters), Pastor George Prah Amonoo, Mrs Rebecca Sey, Elder Dr Christopher Ampadu, Mrs. Grace Dodoo, Elder Seth Yaw Peasah and Mrs Ruth Adjabeng Keelson.

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GOD IS THE EMBODIMENT OF EXCELLENCE web

God Is The Embodiment Of Excellence

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Excellence, as a concept, transcends mere achievement or success; it is the pinnacle of human potential and virtue. The Bible provides a profound narrative of excellence through its depiction of God and the lives of His faithful servants. By examining the stories of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth, we see a divine pattern that calls us to pursue excellence in all aspects of our lives.

GOD: THE PARAGON OF EXCELLENCE

From the creation of the universe to His intricate plans for humanity, God exemplifies excellence. The Bible begins with a depiction of God’s creative prowess, stating, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31, NIV). This declaration sets a precedent for excellence, indicating that everything God undertakes is marked by quality, purpose, and perfection.

In the Psalms, David reflects on God’s works, proclaiming, “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness” (Psalm 111:7-8, NIV). God’s excellence is not just in His actions but also in His character. His faithfulness, justice, and righteousness serve as the ultimate standard for humanity.

THE CALL TO HUMAN EXCELLENCE

God’s embodiment of excellence serves as an invitation for humans to strive towards the same. The lives of biblical figures such as Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth provide vivid illustrations of this pursuit.

DANIEL: EXCELLENCE IN INTEGRITY AND WISDOM

Daniel’s life is a testament to the pursuit of excellence through unwavering integrity and wisdom. Despite being in exile in Babylon, Daniel distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities. “Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (Daniel 6:3, NIV).

Daniel’s commitment to prayer and adherence to God’s laws, even in the face of persecution, highlights his integrity. His wisdom and excellence were recognized by the Babylonian kings, leading to his rise in a foreign land. Daniel’s story demonstrates that excellence involves not only skill and intelligence but also moral integrity and faithfulness to God.

JOSEPH: EXCELLENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY

Joseph’s journey from slavery to rulership in Egypt underscores the power of excellence amid adversity. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph’s life was fraught with challenges. However, his unwavering faith in God and his consistent demonstration of excellence in his duties led to his rise. “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master” (Genesis 39:2, NIV).

Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and his exceptional administrative skills eventually earned him a position of great power. His story reveals that excellence involves resilience, perseverance, and steadfast trust in God’s plan.

RUTH: EXCELLENCE IN LOYALTY AND DEVOTION

Ruth’s story is one of devotion and loyalty, both to her family and to God. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, uttering the famous words, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16, NIV).

Ruth’s excellence is seen in her hard work and loyalty, as she gleaned in the fields to support Naomi. Her character and dedication eventually led to her marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s life illustrates that excellence is found in steadfast devotion, humility, and love.

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TODAY

The lives of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth provide powerful examples of how excellence can manifest in various forms—wisdom, integrity, resilience, loyalty, and devotion. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate these qualities in our own lives. The Apostle Paul urges believers to strive for excellence, saying, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

In every endeavour, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, we are to pursue excellence as a reflection of God’s nature. This pursuit is not about achieving perfection but about honouring God through our efforts and character. By doing so, we not only fulfil our potential but also serve as a testament to God’s greatness.

In conclusion, God is the ultimate embodiment of excellence, and His example calls us to strive for the highest standards in all aspects of our lives. Through the stories of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth, we see that this pursuit is marked by integrity, wisdom, resilience, and devotion. As we seek to honour God through excellence, we become living testimonies of His glory and grace.

Written by Elder Dr. Bismark Owusu-Sekyere Adu (Senior Lecturer and Head of Institute of Leadership and Governance, Pentecost University)