Posts in category: Top Stories

In a world that constantly shifts its values and norms, the youth of today face an array of challenges and opportunities. As young people, we are bombarded with voices telling us who we should be and what we should do. Yet, amid this cacophony, there is one voice that stands above the rest—the voice of the Holy Spirit. Embracing this divine guidance is the key to living a powerful, purposeful life. As we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit, we can truly become an unleashed force for God’s Kingdom.

THE CALL TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

The call to be led by the Holy Spirit is not just for the elderly or the seasoned believer; it is a call for every believer, including the youth. In John 16:13, Jesus promises, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” This promise is as much for you as it is for anyone else. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our helper, and our counselor, and He is ready to lead us into a life of truth and purpose.

In Romans 8:14, Paul emphasises this call by saying, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” This verse underscores the importance of being continuously led by the Spirit. It’s not a one-time event but a daily, ongoing journey. As young people, we must make the conscious decision to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every aspect of our lives.

LIVING BEYOND RULES: EMBRACING GRACE

One of the greatest obstacles to being led by the Spirit is the tendency to rely on a set of rules or laws to define our righteousness. Many young Christians fall into the trap of legalism, believing that their worthiness is based on their ability to follow religious laws perfectly. However, the Bible teaches us that righteousness is achieved not through the law but through grace.

Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Grace is a gift from God that we cannot earn through our actions. It is freely given and can only be received through faith. When we embrace God’s grace, we are empowered to live a life free from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:14 affirms, “For sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under law but under grace.”

YIELDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Yielding to the Holy Spirit means surrendering our own efforts and trusting in His guidance. It’s about coming to the end of our own strength and saying, “Holy Spirit, take over. I cannot handle this situation, but You can.” This does not mean that we abandon our willpower, but rather we use our willpower to trust the Holy Spirit rather than relying on our own strength.

As young people, we often believe we can solve our problems on our own. Our independence and self-reliance can become barriers to truly yielding to the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is in our surrender that we find true strength and direction. By allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, we open ourselves to divine solutions that we could never conceive on our own.

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

Jesus beautifully illustrates our relationship with Him in John 15:1-5, where He compares Himself to the vine and us to the branches. He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” This passage highlights the importance of staying connected to Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Just as branches cannot bear fruit on their own, we cannot achieve true success or fulfillment without abiding in Him.

Pruning is also a crucial part of this process. Sometimes, the struggles and challenges we face are God’s way of pruning us, cutting away the dead parts so that we can bear even more fruit. Though the process may be painful, it is necessary for our growth and maturity. Trust in the Vinedresser, and yield to His pruning, knowing that it is for your ultimate good.

CHOOSING THE GUIDE OVER THE MAP

Imagine being given a choice between a detailed map and a personal guide to navigate an unknown territory. While the map provides information, it is the guide who knows the terrain intimately and can lead you safely. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is our Guide, and we must choose to follow Him over relying solely on our own understanding or a set of rules.

In life, we often find ourselves in situations where our knowledge is insufficient. It is in these moments that we must turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance. He knows the way, and He has a perfect plan for our lives. Trusting Him means letting go of our desire to control and allowing Him to lead us step by step.

THE BRIDE WHO TRUSTED HER GUIDE

The story of Abraham’s servant finding a bride for Isaac in Genesis 24 serves as a powerful analogy. The servant, guided by the Holy Spirit, found Rebekah, who trusted him to lead her to a future she had never seen. This story mirrors our journey as believers. We are the bride of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit to our eternal destination. We may not see the end, but we can trust our Guide.

Just as Rebekah accepted the servant’s gifts as a sign of her new identity, we too must accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts mark us as belonging to God and equip us for the journey ahead. Rejecting these gifts means missing out on the fullness of what God has for us.

CONCLUSION

As young people, we have the opportunity to be a powerful force for God’s Kingdom. By being led by the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of life with divine wisdom and strength. Let us choose to yield to the Spirit, embrace God’s grace, and stay connected to the vine. In doing so, we will bear much fruit and fulfill the incredible destiny God has for each of us.

Take some time today to thank God for His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to lead you, guide you, and empower you to live a life that glorifies Him. Together, we can be an unleashed youth, making a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God.

Written by Elder Martinson T. Yeboah (Den Haag District Youth Ministry Leader, CoP-Netherlands)

Every child needs a mature-minded person around him/her. This is because the kind of surroundings they have shows who they will become in the future.

With this, for a child to be developed, his/her stakeholders should have the capacity to work on their minds.

The reason is that a fool can’t nurture a child to be wise. Parenting is a matter of the garbage in – garbage out principle.

What is the state of your mind? Are you mature enough to live a parental life? Have you considered the impact on your child with your state of mind?

Truthfully, some children are cowards not because of their traits only but due to the kind of minds they have in their environment. Again, some children have become adults who lack the tenacity to make decisions for themselves because of how they were nurtured.

That’s why your mental health is important as a parent. Because of this, work on your thoughts, control how you worry about issues, and personally demonstrate some bold steps toward issues of life.

Sometimes, you may think it is right to shout at your children.

You may think it is the best way to be in charge as a parent by always being bossy in the midst of your children.

You may also think your children don’t have any special say in your decisions. With this, treating them anyhow is your best style of parenting.

The sad thing is, doing any of these and the like shows how unhealthy you are in mind as a parent.

One place where mental illness is dominating is in the world of parenting. The stress, pain, imbalance, depression, agony, and others are contributing factors.

To solve this, that’s why parenting is not and can’t be done in isolation. Don’t be blinded and think that you can be the only stakeholder in your parental life.

Seek professional coaching. Read parental books. Be highly concerned about your mental health as a parent.

Do these because your child(ren) need(s) your maturity as one of his/her basic needs for development.

Written by Elder Tonnie Baffoe (Agona Swedru Area – Schools Outreach Coordinator)

As I sat at the Home and Urban Missions (HUM) Equippers Training for the Ashaiman Sector held on March 23, 2024, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre, Atomic, and listened to one of the leaders share a testimony of how a deaconess in The Church of Pentecost had resolved to leave the church for a new church that had transformed her son, who was a drug addict, the reality of the HUM effect became more visible to me.

Unknown to this deaconess, the church she was prepared to join to transform her son from being a drug addict into a new person is the same church she attends – The Church of Pentecost. She never expected her miracle to come from her own church. Her shock was evident when she realised it was The Church of Pentecost involved in such evangelistic works.

This is the story of the Home and Urban Missions in gathering the “devils” left in the streets, with no one wanting to have anything to do with them, and making them “saints” for the master’s use.

In the church today, we have classified certain groups of people as not welcome for worship because we think they are the worst of sinners and their place is not the church. However, if they are the worst sinners indeed, then the church is truly their best place to be. Yet, we have neglected our duty to go after such ones with the gospel of truth and light, which is able to break the power that has held them captive and restore their souls.

As we try to answer the question of whether such ones are not part of the lost Jesus came to seek and save, The Church of Pentecost, in its “Possessing the Nations” agenda (Vision 2023), brought about the Home and Urban Missions (HUM) in 2019. The coming of HUM was the church’s resolve to cast its net wider than had been done in the past by going after the marginalised in society whom the gospel is often kept from. Aside from HUM, the church has a ministry for persons with disabilities. This simply tells us the church is not only after polished pearls but also the abandoned stones that need the process (love of Jesus) to become polished pearls in His sight.

The focus of HUM over these five years has been on taking the gospel to Unreached People Groups (UPGs). There are currently 19 Unreached People Groups in Ghana. According to the Joshua Project, an Unreached People Group means there is no indigenous community of believing Christians able to engage this people group with church planting. Aside from UPGs are the Unreached Unengaged People Groups (UUPGs), which means there is no church planting strategy, consistent with evangelical faith and practice, underway.

HUM seeks to purposely engage them with the gospel, win and disciple them using their specific languages and cultures. HUM’s mandate does not end with these two groups but also focuses on disillusioned persons in cities and towns, those trapped in slums, and the destitute (head porters – kayayie, drug addicts, prostitutes, the homeless, and street children).

I observed that one of the ministries of The Church of Pentecost very vigorous with training and capacity building is the Home and Urban Missions. Virtually no month passes by without a HUM training program. It is therefore not surprising the results the ministry has produced since its outdooring.

Statistics available show that from 2019 to 2023, 27,404 drug addicts have been won for Christ. Out of this number, close to 6,360 have been rehabilitated. I happened to have met one rehabilitated drug addict at one of the HUM training programs at Ofankor. I was astonished at the fluency with which he read the Akan Bible and his oratory when the Bible was closed.

Curious to find out if he was a believer before going into drugs, he responded in the negative. He was caught up in drugs very early in his youth and later graduated into criminal activities until a policeman led leaders of HUM into his ghetto one time where he surrendered his life to Christ after hearing the gospel preached to him. Everything about him changed from that moment onward. This gentleman, for the first time in almost ten years, had stopped breaking into people’s homes at night to steal. He has now become a church worker and a disciple that Home and Urban Missions is using to reach out to other drug addicts.

There are many HUM stories out there that we need to tell to show how God is transforming hardcore “devils” in our society into vessels of noble use, consecrated and useful to the master for any good work (2 Timothy 2:21). I believe the “Possessing the Nations” agenda first begins with reaching out to these destitute with the power of the gospel to transform them into salt and light in our society.

In the same period from 2019 to 2023, 2,502 commercial sex workers have abandoned their trade to follow Jesus by surrendering to Him. While figures for street dwellers stand at 7,321, that of northerners in the south won for Jesus reached over 35,201. The effort of reaching out to children has also been highly positive, with 14,130 children won through HUM and Bible Clubs introduced purposely to target them. One will not say this has been an easy sailing for the ministry.

Efforts of the ministry have come with many challenges, attacks, and temptations, but the Lord has proven strong at all times and comes through for the ministry in overcoming obstacles associated with their work. One initiative that has been of immense help to the ministry is constant dedication to prayer by the works of the Nation Possessors, whose mandate is to raise and bear the ministry up in prayers with regular long weeks and hours of marathon prayers.

The records from the fieldwork of the ministry make for interesting interpretation. Out of the total 84,852 souls won, 41,623 have been baptised in water; this represents nearly half of the souls won. A total of 42,406 souls have been retained in the church and are undergoing various discipleship training. This has led to the opening of 610 HUM churches comprising 286 assemblies and 324 ghetto churches and HUM cells.

While the ministry lauds itself with these achievements, one area, however, that is of great concern is the rehabilitation drive of the ministry. While the figure showing drug addicts and commercial sex workers rehabilitated is commendable, that number is far too low compared to the many souls won. Out of 29,906 souls won for both drug addicts and commercial sex workers, only 6,360 persons have been rehabilitated. It is here that the church must double its efforts to ensure the rehabilitation aspect of the HUM ministry is attended to. It would be great if the Vision 2028 agenda of the church to build a rehabilitation centre sees the light of day to help address the numerous cases encountered at the various levels of the ministry’s operation in dealing with drug addicts, commercial sex workers, street dwellers, and other marginalised groups.

Until then, when you have had a relation described as deviant and a social outcast but now purposeful for society’s progress, then you will appreciate the work of a ministry such as HUM.

Written by Elder Keith Eubulus Ackah

In today’s world, we are surrounded by devices and applications that can make us feel connected to something or someone. A social media platform, for instance, can connect you to your loved one who may be miles away. Our ultimate connection as Christians is to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Have you ever paused to reflect on what it means to be connected to Him?

Let us explore a simple analogy of a phone charger and a phone connected to an electrical socket. This can better help us understand what it means to be “plugged into” God. Just as a phone charger connects a device to a power source, our connection with God is what gives us the power to live out our faith in this world. When plugged into Him, we receive the nourishment we need to grow and thrive as believers. 

What happens when our phone is disconnected from its charger? Its battery is quickly drained and goes off. When we are not plugged into God, we become drained. We struggle to make sense of our circumstances. We can even be damaged by the world around us. 

The phone charger-power socket analogy

Our phones have become part of our lives as it facilitates communication and connection to our world. They have become a medium through which we can learn, work, and entertain ourselves. As useful as they are, they constantly need to be charged to perform all their functions.

Every phone comes with its specific charger. Failing to abide by its instructions can affect the charging system, hence, leading to slow charging or no charging at all. The Christian is empowered to do a lot through the help of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Like a phone, the sustenance of this power is through constant charging. The Pentecostal fire in us must be fanned aflame as described in Leviticus 6:8-13, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, and John 14:12.

A phone can be charged effectively with a good charger and a working socket. Ultimately, the socket must be put ON when the phone charger is inserted into it. Have you ever attempted charging your phone by plugging it in but forgetting to turn on the socket? Have you tried charging your phone by putting on the socket when the charger has not been inserted properly? In all these scenarios, the phone does not get charged.

To get a phone charged, it must be plugged in correctly. Applying the above analogy to our Christian life means it takes an intentional effort to remain connected to God. It should not be a passive attempt.

Have you ever experienced power outage just after noticing your phone’s battery was about to die? What if you had no power bank or any alternative power source? Remember the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The bridegroom arrived when some of the virgins had unfortunately run out of oil.

When we joke around with our relationship with God and death happens unexpectedly, what happens to our soul? How about rapture? According to 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, when the roll is called up yonder, what would be our story? We need enough oil to last our race on earth.

Some Christians have been disconnected from their God, but because they still exude some power, they do not know that they are dying spiritually. Staying plugged into God is a personal decision; an intentional one for that matter. It may even not be evident for all to see.

Using the wrong charger for a phone

You may end up damaging your phone when you continuously charge it with the wrong charger.

Some inappropriate ‘chargers’ some Christians use

• Solely relying on commentaries from men of God instead of feeding on God’s word.
• Following self-acclaimed men of God who interpret the Bible wrongly or teach false doctrines.
• Chasing after miracles and deliverance when we already have the biggest miracle of salvation.

How to stay plugged into God 

• Prayer

Just as a phone charger needs to be plugged into its power source, the believers need to pray to be connected to God. Prayer is our surest way to communicate with God and pour out our hearts and minds to Him. Make prayer a priority in your daily life and watch how your connection with God grows stronger. 

• Studying the Scriptures

The Bible is like the manual for our spiritual phone. In the Bible we find guidance, encouragement, and direction. When we read and study the scriptures regularly, we are reminded of God’s promises and His character. This helps us stay connected to Him. 

• Fellowship

Just as a phone charger needs to be plugged into the right outlet, fellowship with other believers is essential for our spiritual growth. When we connect with other Christians, we are encouraged, supported, and challenged to deepen our faith. 

• Worship

Worship is like the battery that keeps our spiritual phone charged. When we worship God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we are expressing our love and gratitude to Him. This helps us stay connected to Him. It reminds us of His presence in our lives. 

Conclusion

Being plugged into God is not just about connection, it is about being nourished and empowered by that connection. We need to regularly connect to God through prayer, the scriptures, fellowship, and worship.  

Take some time today and reflect on your connection with God. Are you feeling drained or disconnected? Which steps can you take to plug back in and stay connected? When we are plugged into God, we become unstoppable. We are empowered by His love and guidance to live out our faith in this world. 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us stay plugged into You through prayer, the scriptures, fellowship, and worship. May our connection with You be strong and nourishing. May it empower us to be Your ambassadors in this world. Amen. 

By Deaconess Sophia Kafui Teye (Danquah Worship Centre)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”- Romans 12:2

WHY IS CHANGE SO DIFFICULT?

In every ten people I have spoken to on the topic of change, nine out of them were not entirely happy with the experience of changing what they knew as a norm, a way of life. The Cambridge Dictionary helps me put ‘change’ in simple terms as a situation where someone stops doing one thing and starts doing another. Change is experienced on a large spectrum, from individual experiences like new jobs, organisational transitions (a new course of action), and religious changes (change of faith).

Particularly in working environments, organisational heads need to make constant changes to the organisational structure, policy, and even the practised culture. Herein lies the challenge: management rarely considers stakeholders’ level of understanding of the change being conducted. Some members assume primary stakeholders like staff will “get used to it” when the change is initiated. That rarely brings about the desired results, as there may be rebuttal or rejection of the required change. So, the question that begs an answer is: how can we manage change to get the desired outcome? How can we help people adapt to it successfully?

God is the master Change Manager, and according to His word in Proverbs 19:2a, “Desire without knowledge is not good—and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.”

Change management is the practice of applying a structured approach to help people prepare for and commit to change. As subordinates and even leaders go through change, it is imperative to manage change in a way that helps us to show how we care for and support people through a transition into the envisioned future state.

Chartered Management Consultant Dr. Ike Tandoh agrees with me that the A.G.A.P.E Change Model is the best approach to easing people through the change journey. The five phases of the model: Appreciate, Grow, Advocate, Perform, and Embody, help put a successful change adoption in focus. Hence the holistic approach: the heart, the mind, and the hands.

THE HEART

The twenty-sixth American president, Theodore Roosevelt, once said, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Empathise with your stakeholders, and let them know you care about them. Do well to understand their challenges and shortcomings so you can effectively help make the change easier. Oftentimes, rejection of change may come with underlying factors that influence the individual’s decision.

THE MIND

Inform and educate your stakeholders on the change. A change implemented without a defined vision is bound to fail. A change communication strategy can be tailored for each stakeholder so they can own the change in their own way. Retreats, seminars, staff durbars, and other events have proven to be effective courses of action for change communication.

THE HANDS

Action ploughs the path to success, thus aiding stakeholders to gather the needed arsenal for the needed change. Provide tools and skills to help individuals not only survive the mental change but also the physical change. If the change involves taking a new course of action in the company, train the existing staff with the requisite skills needed to meet the organisation’s set goals.

It is worthy of note that because change is a difficult thing to do, one thing to remember is to always celebrate the small wins! It helps motivate more actions and dedication to change.

Change management is important in easing the change process because it helps individuals go through the change process with purpose and understanding, equipping them to contribute to a better chance of success. When individuals are aware, they tend to build trust; thus, concerns about the process are addressed, and required feedback is given about the change. To your benefit, stakeholders even advocate for the proposed change, which ensures commitment to decisions made in the process. It is power-packed!

Remember, just as Luke exclaimed with faith in Chapter 1 verse 37 in the face of adversities, know that “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Let’s make change easier to do!

Written by Grace Buckman (News Anchor, Pent TV)