Posts in category: Top Stories

Elder Paul Antwi, a USA-based member of The Church of Pentecost, and his family have constructed a church building for the Woro No. 1 Assembly in the Chiana District of the Bolgatanga Area.

The rationale for this remarkable undertaking can be traced back to the passing of Mama Abaavi, a revered founding member of the Woro No. 1 Assembly, in early 2020.

During the funeral service of Mama Abaavi, Mrs. Philomena Naryertey (the Chiana DistrictMiniste’s Wife), captured a brief video excerpt of the service and shared it online. At that time, the Woro No. 1 Assembly worshipped in a dilapidated mud structure.

Elder Antwi, who was in the US, chanced upon the video on social media and was moved with compassion for the people.

Compelled by a strong love for God, Elder Antwi, together with his wife, Eunice Woode Antwi, and other family members, sacrificially constructed the church building at the total cost of GH¢ 209,500.00 for the Assembly.

The building was dedicated on Thursday, July 25, 2024, on behalf of the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, by Apostle John Budu Kobina Tawiah, Coordinator for the Northern Region Coordinating Committee and Area Head for Tamale. He was assisted by Apostle David Amankwaah, the Bolgatanga Area Head, and Apostle Norma Appiah-Danquah, the Walewale Area Head.

In his sermon, Apostle Tawiah emphasized that “the church is God’s medium to declare His wisdom to the world,” citing Ephesians 3:10.

He also reminded the congregation of the need to “keep their bodies holy as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit,” referencing 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Rosemond Amankwah, the Bolga Area Head’s wife, as well as Bolga ministers and their wives, officers, and members of the Chiana District.

Members of the Assembly could not hide their joy as they thanked God for answering their prayers and blessed the Antwi Family for availing themselves as a channel for God’s blessings.

Report by Bolga Media Team

After 26 years in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Frederick Kotey Broohm, and his wife, Mrs Felicia Broohm, retired from full-time pastoral ministry on Sunday, July 28, 2024,

The retirement service was fittingly described as a “Commemoration of God’s faithfulness” by the Abuakwa Area Head, Apostle John Appiah Aidoo, who officiated the service.

According to him, Pastor Frederick Kotey Broohm’s “ministerial journey was met with turbulent times, yet his love, sincerity, and zeal for the work of ministry never grew cold, and today we gather to show appreciation to God for a successful ending.”

Called into the ministry on 10th January 1988, Pastor Broohm pastored in the following Districts: Akim Manso – 1998-2004, Sefwi Boako – 2004-2009, Nsoatre – 2009-2013, Mpohor – 2013-2017, Coco Beach – 2017-2021, Toase – 2021-2024 (where he draws the curtains down on his active service).

Speaking on the topic, “The Faithfulness of the Lord has done it” Apostle Dr. Samuel Ofori (Rtd) acknowledged the faithfulness of God in the life of Pastor Broohm and his family.

Reading from Gen 32:10, Gen 28:13-15, Lam. 3:22, Deut. 8:15, Psalm 92:12-14, he recounted a biblical narrative concerning a man called Jacob, when he looked back and reflected what the Lord had done in his life then thanked the Lord.

He noted four (4) key things which the Lord promised: His protection, His provision, His Presence and His Promise.

He explained from the story of Jacob highlighting how he went through a lot of difficulties in his life.

“Jacob went through the valley of death, difficulties in the hands of his uncle (Laban), 14 years instead of the required 7 years to marry the woman he desired. In all the difficulties Jacob stayed connected to his God because he knew there was an everlasting inheritance for him,” he said.

He noted that as believers of Christ Jesus, they should have the assurance that come rain or shine, for as long as they are connected to God, they will enjoy and eternal inheritance in Him.

A General Council testimony about the retiring couple read at the event stated:

“Pastor Broohm, a general in the Lord’s army, has made a significant impact in ministry. Pastor Broohm’s journey is one of continuous growth and learning. He pursued excellence in ministerial education. Beyond titles and roles, Pastor Broohm’s legacy lies in the lives he touched and transformed. Mrs Felicia Broohm, his dear wife, who joined him in the latter part of the journey, has lived up to the expectations of the church. She is a diligent woman who effectively partnered with her husband to end his race on a glorious note,” 

The District Presbytery and the Women’s Ministry also took turns to eulogise the retiring couple and presented citations to them.

Among those present at the well-attended event were Apostle Fred Taikor (Asante Bekwai Area Head), some retired ministers, Abuakwa Area pastorate and their wives, Ministers, officers and members from former stations served.

Report by Pastor Jacob Ossom.

Pastor Kofi Okyire Appianing, a former Administrative Secretary to the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has been retired from active ministry after 23 years of meritorious service to God and humanity.

A colourful retirement service was held in his honour at the Akosombo Central Auditorium, his last district, on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

The service, officiated by Apostle Mike Etrue, an Executive Council Member and  Coordinator of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Committee of the church, was attended by Area Heads in the Eastern Region and other parts of the country, ministers and their wives and members of the church from far and near, as well as loved ones.

Pastor Appianing and his wife, Esther,  yielded to the call to serve in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 2001. The ministry took them to Nkenkaasu from 2001 to 2006 and  Suaman Dadieso from 2006 to 2009. From Dadieso, he was appointed as an Administrative Secretary to the General Secretary at Headquarters from 2009 to 2014, serving as the Resident Minister of Russia Worship Centre in the Dansoman Area. After ending his term at the Headquarters, he was posted to Madina District from 2014 to 2019 and later to the Akosombo District from 2019 to 2024.

Prior to his call into the full-time ministry, Pastor Appianing, who currently holds a PhD in Biblical Studies, was an English Language and Literature tutor at the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC, Legon).

Testimonies by various groups extolled the excellent work of Appianing and his wife. The General Council, which described him as ‘one of the finest ministers of the church,’ indicated that his relatively short period in active ministry has been impactful.

‘As Administrative Secretary, he assisted the General Secretary and the Top Management of the church with the day-to-day administration of the church through his wise counsel, administrative prowess, and excellent human relationship skills,’ the General Council stated.

Speaking at the retirement service on the topic, ‘Count your blessings, name them one by one,’ Apostle Mike Etrue, who is also the Koforidua Area Head of the church, called on believers to develop a deeper appreciation for the things God do in their lives.

Quoting from Psalm 103:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 31:14-15, he noted that humans are inclined to take things for granted, saying, ‘Whenever you take things for granted, you will never appreciate them.’

He explained that a call to counting one’s blessings serves as a reminder to fix one’s focus from life challenges and troubles to the goodness of God.

Apostle Etrue, therefore, entreated believers to enumerate and evaluate the things God has done and continue to do in their lives such as their salvation, education, protection, family life, and healings.

According to him, the effects of counting one’s blessings are that it helps to get a good picture of one’s life and also dispells life worries.

The Koforidua Area Head further disclosed that counting one’s blessings comes with so many benefits, some of which are shifting believers’ perspectives from what they lack to what they have, develop good mental health, stronger relationship with God and others, inner fulfilment, peace, joy and longevity.

He advised Pastor Appianing and his wife to count their blessings and be happy for how far God has brought them, saying, ‘Retirement is a blessing.’

PENTECOST NEWS

A retirement service was held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in honour of Pastor Emmanuel Kwesi and Mrs Mary Ake who have served The Church of Pentecost with commitment for 35 years.

Pastor Ake was called into active ministry in 1993 upon the recommendation of Apostle Emmanuel Achim Gyimah (retired) who was the District Pastor of Nankase.

His 35 years of ministry saw him and his wife serve in seven districts, which are Akim Otwereso, Akim Akroso, Hohoe, Banda, Sefwi Wiawso, Mpoase, concluding it at Merry Villas District.

The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, who delivered the sermon spoke on the topic, ‘I will give you rest.’

Referencing Exodus 33:14 the IMD assured Pastor Ake and his family that God will give them rest as the go on retirement.

Apostle Bekoe explained that rest has a varying interpretation which includes, being reenergized, to stop something (Sabbath), and to be in a fixed state.

He, however, emphasised that the kind of rest God offers involves causing the recipient to settle down. This, he explained, includes making the person calm, quiet but will not stop the person from acting.

The IMD revealed that what brings about this rest is the presence of God. God’s presence, he explained, is so heavy that nobody can undermine the carrier and it lands the person to the perfect destination.

Apostle Agemang Bekoe  encouraged the retiring family that the presence of God will be with them, give them rest and use them even in retirement.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Ashtown District Minister in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng, has brought his 28 years of service as a full-time minister of the Church to successful conclusion.

His retirement service, which took place on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Peter Agyapong Memorial Temple in Ashtown, was officiated by Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member, with assistance from Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, the New Tafo Area Head.

The colourful event saw a large turnout, including both active and retired ministers of the Church, traditional rulers, delegates from the previous stations he served, relatives, and loved ones, among others.

As part of the service, various testimonies applauding Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng and his wife, Mama Grace, for their outstanding ministry were read and citations were also presented to them, including certificate of service.

Delivering a sermon on the topic: “Handing Over the Baton; Who Is Your Next of Kin?” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised the significance of succession planning and mentoring in the Church to ensure continuity and growth.

The immediate past General Secretary of the Church defined baton change as passing on a responsibility or authority to another person to continue and encouraged Christians leaders to prepare for inevitable moment when they would no longer be available by training someone to take over their responsibilities.

“God has a purpose for everyone, but it requires people to mentor and guide them to fulfill their potential,” he pointed out.

Referencing passages from Ecclesiastes 2:14-26, Psalm 145:4-7, and 2 Timothy 2:2, the Ashaiman Area Head highlighted the role of God in providing wisdom to those who fear Him to effectively manage affairs for the next generation, saying, “God is a God of generations.”

He further advised the congregation to avoid being obsessed with materialism and self-indulgence, stating that such acts could hinder the ability to positively impact the lives of others.

Apostle A.N.Y Kumi-Larbi contrasted biblical leaders like Moses, Elijah, and Paul, who actively mentored others, with Joshua, who failed to groom a successor (Judges 2:8-10), highlighting the need of Christians leaders training individuals to succeed them when they eventually leave the scene.

While acknowledging the importance of training others, he noted that some people are untrainable, urging vigilance against “Gehazis” in the church.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi expressed his appreciation and admiration for Pastor Samuel Kwadwo Oteng, recognising the positive impact he had on his life during their time together at Koforidua Secondary Technical School (SECTECH), where Pastor Oteng was a senior to him.

Called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1996, Pastor S. K. Oteng served in various duty stations such as Juapong (1996-2006), Nakpanduri (2001-2004), Adugyama (2004-2010), Anyaa (2010-2015), Oda New Town (2015-2019), Gyinyase (2019-2021), and Ashtown (2021-2024).

He also held several leadership positions and served on various committees in the Church.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah, New Tafo Area