Posts in category: Top Stories

A Lecturer at the Pentecost School of Theology and Missions (PSTM), Apostle Johnny Lartey Peprah, has advised Christian couples to perceive marriage as a profound avenue for glorifying God.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Center (PIWC) Atomic, on the topic, “Marriage: The Whence, What and Why?”  Apostle Johny Peprah delved into the fundamental facets of marriage, drawing insights from biblical passages, including Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:20-25, and Proverbs 18:22.

He structured his sermon around three pivotal questions aimed at unraveling the essence of marriage. First, he explored the ‘whence’ of marriage, delving into the origin and manufacturer of this sacred institution, underscoring its divine roots as established by God.

Transitioning to the ‘what is marriage? Apostle Peprah defined marriage, according to God’s plan, as a lifelong blood covenant union between one biological male and one biological female. He stressed the absence of room for divorce in the original plan of God and underscored the significance of upholding purity and fidelity before, during and after the covenant of marriage.

The final question, ‘why marry?’ received meticulous attention from Apostle Peprah. He dispelled common misconceptions, asserting that marriage is not to be driven by libidinal desires, self-aggrandizement, security, psychological, financial, or political advantages. Instead, he affirmed that the primary purpose of marriage is to obtain favour from God.

According to him, marriage is from God, about God, and for God,  asserting that aligning with God’s manual and will, leads to divine approval and favour.

He urged Christians to perceive their spouse as God’s gift and treasure, cautioning against choosing an ungodly partner and spotlighting the enduring blessings derived from marrying to glorify God.

He advised prospective couples to intensify prayer and exercise vigilance when selecting a life partner to avoid the pitfalls prevalent in contemporary mate selection. He stressed the importance of maintaining purity and abstaining from pre-marital sexual activities, emphasizing that such practices attract the favour of God inherent in the sanctity of marriage.

Apostle Johny Peprah assured the audience that marrying to glorify God opens the door to both existential trans-generational terrestrial blessings as well as eschatological eternal celestial blessings.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Area Head, Apostle David Amankwaa, and his wife, Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa, accompanied by 31 ministers and wives, along with some Church officers, presented the items, GH¢ 20,985.00, to the facility on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The donated items included bags of Gari, local rice, maize, millet, groundnut, T. Roll, soap, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrush, bottled water, sachet water, drugs, beans, and a cash donation of GH¢ 1,000.00.

Apostle David Amankwaa informed the officer in charge of the prisons, DSP Oscar Piuyire, that Scripture admonishes Christians to remember those in prisons (Hebrews 13:3), and the five-year strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost mandates Church members to minister to all classes of people, including the marginalised and the destitute.

DSP Oscar Piuyire, in receiving the items, expressed profound gratitude to the Church for the kind gesture shown to them.

He assured the Church that the donations would be used for their intended purpose and would go a long way to alleviate the plight of the inmates.

A gospel message was preached by Pastor Evans Kwesi Bawomiah on the topic, “I Bring You Good News” during their visit.

Reading from Luke 2:8-11 and 1 John 4:14, he explained that Jesus has been born to us, and whoever believes in Him would be saved.

The good news is that there is hope for those who believe in Jesus because God loves them.

Concluding his message, he told the inmates that how they came to the prison is not news anymore, but how they leave.

He encouraged them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and be transformed so that they would leave the prisons transformed.

An altar call by Pastor Michael Peasah saw 49 inmates surrendering their lives to accept Christ, with all of them undergoing water baptism.

Eighteen of the inmates also rededicated their lives to God, while 10 received the Holy Spirit baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

A hot lunch was served to all 200 inmates present, and they received it with joy.

One inmate (name undisclosed) on behalf of his brothers expressed their appreciation to the Church for their support and prayer.

He also pleaded with the Church to continue to support them by providing drugs for the infirmary to meet their health needs.

The visit ended after Apostle David Amankwaa had prayed for the officers and the inmates.

Report by Pastor Frank Ofori Attah (Bolga Area Media Committee Chairman).

The Prisons Committee of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono, paid a visit to the Transformation Assembly of The Church of Pentecost at Nsawam Medium Security Prison on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

The 21-member church delegation that undertook the visit was made up of the Resident Minister, Pastor Solomon Kwasi Kyei, some officers, and members.

According to the Assistant Prison Coordinator for PIWC-Sakumono, Elder Samuel Nkansah-Sakyi, the visit was to fellowship with the inmates, especially with the festive season approaching.

“Christmas is a period of celebration, so we came to celebrate with the inmates and put smiles on their faces,” he said.

The church delegation also donated items worth about GHS 12,000.00 to the inmates.

Receiving the items, Assistant Director of Prisons (ADP) Nii Armah Ayittey thanked the church for the show of love and asked for more such gestures from civil society and other churches.

The Resident Minister for the facility, Pastor (ASP) Thomas Owusu Brefo, who was also present, revealed that there are about 3,468 inmates in the Nsawam Medium prison.

He also mentioned that there are other denominations in the prison, all supporting the reformation of the inmates.

He thanked the team for the show of love and encouraged other organisations and churches to also come and support the inmates.

The visit coincided with the send-off service in honor of the Presiding Elder of the Assembly, Elder Frank Addo Yeboah, who had been incarcerated for the past 20 years, but presided over the assembly for the last eight years.

It was a joyous and memorable occasion for him and his family, who came in their numbers to witness the programme. The service was officiated by the Nsawam Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Francis Yaw Adu.

Delivering a sermon at the event, Apostle Yaw Adu urged the inmates and all gathered to know their purpose on earth, to try and finish the work assigned to them by God as salt and light of the world.

“May we shine wherever we go and may we carry the image and glory of God everywhere we go,” Apostle Yaw Adu said.

He read from John 4:34; 18:37-38; 1 Peter 5:4 and Luke 2:9, among other scriptures, and admonished all present to give themselves to the work of God as well as not give up on doing good to fellow Christians.

The occasion was also served as an induction service for the new Presiding Elder of the Assembly and his assistant.

Apostle Yaw Adu charged the incoming Presiding Elder and his assistant to continue with the good work of their predecessor.

“Leadership is a spirit; exemplify love, grace, and faith and demonstrate a transformation that has taken place within you,” he said.

Reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; 3:1-17, he charged the newly elected leaders of the transformation assembly to be responsible, accommodating, and above all show gratitude to their fellow inmates.

An altar call by Pastor Solomon Kwasi Kyei during the service yielded 15 souls to the glory of God.

Also present at the event was Pastor Percy Opoku Ahwenee Danquah, the Tsopoli District Minister, and Chairman of the Tema Area Prisons Committee.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.

The Obuasi Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by Prophet David Kankam Beditor, organised an all-night prayer session on December 8, 2023, to intercede for the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi mine.

The AGA Obuasi mine, operational since 1897, has historically been a driving force behind Obuasi’s economic activities, providing substantial revenue and employment opportunities for the community. However, a recent closure and subsequent care and maintenance period led to a sharp downturn in the local economy, adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on the mine.

The mine, a cornerstone of the local economy, has faced challenges since its reopening, raising concerns about its viability and sustainability.

The prayer vigil, attended by over 7,000 members from 31 districts in the Obuasi Area, focused on seeking divine intervention for the company’s improved production, the well-being of its workers, and the overall prosperity of the Obuasi community. The event was under the theme, ‘Your Bitter Water Will Become Living Water,” inspired by Exodus 15:22.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the mining industry, including environmental impacts, fluctuating gold prices, and security concerns, the leadership of the area expressed hope that through their prayers, God would bestow wisdom, guidance, and protection upon AngloGold Ashanti.

Prayers offered during the service extended beyond the company’s performance, encompassing the safety of workers, equipment, and operations, as well as the peace, harmony, and preservation of the natural environment in the Obuasi community.

Participants in the service expressed confidence that God has heard their pleas and will grant favor to AngloGold Ashanti, fostering not only the prosperity of the company but also the well-being of the people in the region.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Nine individuals who received full scholarships and have completed their various undergraduate programmes at the Pentecost University have expressed gratitude to God and the La Area of The Church of Pentecost for the kind gesture.

Accompanied by their parents, the beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the church.

The La Area Head, Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, stated that one of the reasons for helping the beneficiaries is for them to be helpful to the church. 

Apostle Dr Nuekpe, an Executive Council Member of the church, charged the beneficiaries to remain in the church and help with the knowledge acquired. He prayed for lucrative jobs for them.

The beneficiaries studied various Bachelor of Science (BSc.) programmes in Information Technology, Human Resources, Nursing, Marketing, Midwifery and Accounting. 

They are Asare Kingsford (BSc. Information Technology), Andoh Belinda (BSc. Human Ressource), Andoh Linda (BSc. Human Resource), Ankrah Abigail N. A. (BSc. Nursing) and Atiglo Ruby Yaa (BSc. Marketing). 

The rest are Ayerko Nanor Abigail (BSc. Nursing), Bentil Addo Seth (BSc. Information Technology), Duncan Beatrice (BSc. Midwifery) and Parker James Amo (BSc. Accounting).

The scholarship covered all fees and hostel fees throughout their studies.

Report by Overseer Daniel Nana Sei Mensah.