Salvation Is An Individual Affair – Apostle Dr. Jimmy Markin Asserts web

Salvation Is An Individual Affair – Apostle Dr. Jimmy Markin Asserts

The Evangelism Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, has said that the eternal life that God has promised can only be gained through one’s personal decision to accept Christ as Saviour.

Apostle Dr. Jimmy Markin made this assertion when he delivered a sermon on March 12, 2024, at the CEPS Park in Aflao.

In his sermon, the Evangelism Ministry Director said that securing eternal life is a matter of personal choice. It cannot be forced, coerced, or emotionally manipulated into being. It’s a decision that comes from within.

Speaking at the opening day of the “Aflao for Christ” crusade, Apostle Dr. Markin drew from Mark 10:17-22, highlighting the universal quest for understanding life after death and the path to eternal life.

He stressed that this quest, present in the hearts of unbelievers, needs to be settled once and for all.

Apostle Dr. Markin reminded the congregation of Jesus’s love for all men, even sinners, and clarified that merely doing good deeds does not qualify one for heaven.

He explained that every person is born in sin and thus spiritually dead, unable to inherit the spiritual world. However, God sent His son, Jesus, who died and resurrected for all mankind.

“Now, as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, Christ offers resurrection from the dead,” he added.

The Evangelism Director furthermore revealed that everyone who believes in Jesus receives the Spirit of God and inherits eternal life. This belief allows the individual to dwell in that Spirit.

“Eternal life is gained through personal decision. It is not by force, push, or emotions,” he asserted.

He urged the congregation to accept their sinful nature, believe in Jesus Christ as Lord over their lives, and acknowledge Him. In doing so, He will bring His Spirit into their spirit, leading to a spiritual rebirth.

Present at the crusade were Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo (Aflao Area Head), Elder Seth Peasah (El Bethel Prayer Centre), Deaconess Mrs. Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director), Mrs. Rebecca Aseyero (Wife of Suhum Area Head), Mrs. Rebecca Sey (Wife of Dansoman Area Head), and Deaconess Eunice Obeng (Evangelism Ministry NEC Member).

PENTECOST NEWS.

Deborah Akanyare Is Valedictorian For 8th UENR Congregation web

Deborah Akanyare Is Valedictorian For 8th UENR Congregation

Miss Deborah Akanyare, a member of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani (UENR) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), emerged as the Valedictorian for the 2023 Graduating Class of the University.

Deborah, who served in the Ushering and Protocol department of PENSA-UENR during her school days, graduated with a 3.94 GPA from the Nursing Department.

Her academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a positive impact in the field of healthcare.

In her final year at UENR, Deborah took on leadership roles that not only showcased her ability to handle challenges with poise and competence but also inspired her peers.

As the Nursing Departmental President, Electoral Commissioner for the University Nurses and Midwives Association of Ghana, and Secretary for the National Health Workers and Students’ Prayer Network, she demonstrated exceptional multitasking skills.

Her diverse range of responsibilities allowed Deborah to cultivate a love for taking on multiple tasks simultaneously, all while diligently working towards achieving set objectives. This quality, coupled with her resilient spirit, sets her apart as an individual who thrives in dynamic and demanding environments.

Beyond her academic and leadership endeavors, Deborah finds joy and fulfillment in reading, praying, watching movies, and enjoying good music.

Deborah is enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact in the caring profession and in the Kingdom of God according to God’s purpose for her life.

Her aspiration is to bring hope and support to individuals at their most vulnerable moments, demonstrating a dedication to the well-being of others.

Report by Nii Ayi Douglas

Jesus Christ Is The Restorer Of Broken Lives – Mrs. Rebecca Sey web

Jesus Christ Is The Restorer Of Broken Lives – Mrs. Rebecca Sey

The wife of the Dansoman Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs. Rebecca Sey, has declared that the purpose of the coming of Jesus into human history is to bring restoration to the sinner.

She made this assertion on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, during the “Aflao for Christ” Crusade held at CEPS Park, near the border between Togo and Ghana.

Speaking on the message titled: “Jesus, The Embodiment of Eternal Life (Colossians 1:15-16)”, Mrs Sey stressed that Jesus’ purpose in coming into human history was to restore what man lost at the beginning.

Referencing Genesis Chapter One, she explained that, in the beginning, God created man in his own image with veins, capillaries, tendons, and flesh.

The flesh, which was formed, was motionless until God breathed into the man formed from the dust of the ground. “This action by God made man a living being,” she added.

She furthermore noted that the life one has is as a result of the breath of God, adding, “Without the breath of God into man, he remains lifeless.”

Expounding her message, she emphasized that, just as God, Jesus Christ is the source of life.

“He is not only a creator of life but also the author of life. For by him, all things were created in heaven, on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, and authorities, including everything that has breath on this earth. Since Jesus is not only a custodian of life but the restorer of life, He is able to give life to any person who finds himself in a hopeless condition,” she stressed.

Mrs. Rebecca Sey stated that in the beginning, God created man and gave him all the blessings he needed for life.

According to her, as a loving Father, God declared unto man to ‘be fruitful and multiply’ and to have and take dominion. That is how humanity was supposed to be. However, she revealed that that is not as it is in our present reality, this is because of sin.

“Human beings lost all the blessings of fruitfulness, dominion, and taking over because man’s greatest enemy, who is the devil, has his manifesto. His manifesto was to steal, kill, and destroy. Because of the fall of man, our desperation caused us to entangle ourselves with demonic powers. This has, unfortunately, made man a slave to the devil and death. Sin brought God’s judgment on humanity in the Garden of Eden. The judgment was that man shall toil and suffer to live on the earth, including pains and suffering that leads to death,” she bemoaned.

“But Jesus came to restore and give abundant life to mankind. The Bible says that when the Son of man sets you free, you are free indeed. When you give your life to Jesus, the enemy will not have authority over you again. This is because Jesus gives the gift of life to those who believe in his name,” she stressed.

The wife of the Dansoman Area Head further revealed that, for the purpose of restoring mankind to God’s original plan, “Jesus came to pay the price for man’s emancipation from sin. The way that was bent and crooked because of sin, Jesus came with the good news that He is the way, the truth, and the life.”

She emphasised that Christ Jesus can change the story of the destitute and oppressed. All that the afflicted could do is to run and receive this gift of Christ which Jesus is ready to give to those who call upon him.

“Are you weary, broken-hearted, and rejected? Turn to Christ Jesus and he will save you,” she stated.

She concluded her gospel message by admonishing all manner of persons to turn to Christ for the gift of life that He freely gives.

Report by Aflao Area Media Team.

HUM Holds Leaders & Assistants Strategic Conference web

HUM Holds Leaders & Assistants Strategic Conference

The Home and Urban Missions (HUM) of The Church of Pentecost held a one-day Area HUM Leaders and Assistants Strategic Conference for the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Western North Regions coordinators on March 13, 2024.

The conference, at the A. T. Nartey Memorial Temple in Bantama, Kumasi, aimed to equip Area HUM Leaders and Assistants to appreciate the “HUM Strategic Plan 2028” and effectively implement its strategic goals and objectives at all levels.

The National HUM Coordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, was there in the company of Pastor Kwasi Bukari (HUM Pastor, Techiman Sector), Pastor Gabriel Owusu Akyaw (HUM Pastor, Kumasi Sector), Pastor Kwasi Atta Agyapong (HUM Research and Innovation Committee Leader), and Mrs. Patricia Owusu Akyaw (HUM Equipping Centre Committee Leader).

In all, 55 participants attended the conference.

Report by HUM Media

CoP-St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines Organises Maiden Bi-National Retreat web

CoP-St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines Organises Maiden Bi-National Apostolisation

The external branches of The Church of Pentecost in the island nations of St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, under the leadership of the National Head, Pastor Andrew Amankwaah, concluded their maiden Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation) for the two Caribbean Islands.

Held from March 13 to 17, 2024, under the theme “A People of God Unleashed to Transform their World,” the programme allowed members from both nations to participate virtually.

Evangelist Gabriel Addo-Asante, the Internal Missions Coordinator, and Pastor Joseph Tieku, the Finance Administrative Manager, both of The Church of Pentecost Canada Inc., were invited guests who spoke on the topics “Effective Evangelism” and “Sacrificial Giving and Tithing,” respectively.

Friday, March 15, was dedicated to praying for the spiritual, numerical, and financial growth of the Churches and their members.

As part of the ongoing aggressive evangelism project, Saturday, March 16, was devoted to personal and community evangelism.

Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi, the National Head of The Church of Pentecost Canada Inc., who was the guest of honour, shared fellowship with the brethren from St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the team of leaders in St. Lucia on Saturday morning at separate times.

The Apostolisation culminated on Sunday, March 17, 2024, where Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi preached on the topic “Unleashed to Increase,” referencing Genesis 1:1-22 and John 1:14.

During his ministration, Apostle Obeng Gyamfi encouraged the members as a newly established Church to build on the foundation, which is Christ Jesus, the manifested word of God who creates and brings increase.

At the end of the service on Sunday, March 17, 2024, two brothers and two sisters were ordained as Deacons and Deaconesses of the Church in St. Lucia, respectively.

The occasion was also used to officially inaugurate the Women’s Ministry, and a soul was won as well.

In his closing remarks, Apostle Ransford Obeng Gyamfi, who was the special guest of honor and the Chairperson for the service, was full of praise to God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with the Church of Pentecost.

He also commended the resident missionary Pastor Andrew Amankwaah and his family for their obedience to the call to missions and hard work in building the Churches on the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Apostle Gyamfi expressed his profound gratitude to the members of the Church, especially those who have gone out of their ways to support the work of ministry.

Report by Pastor Andrew Amankwaah (Vieux Fort, St. Lucia)

Mr. Stephen Yawson & Wife Donate 10 Tricycles To Tamale Area web

Mr. Stephen Yawson & Wife Donate 10 Tricycles To Tamale Area

Mr. Stephen Yawson and his wife, Anita, who are both members of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tarkwa, have donated ten tricycles, worth GH¢180,000.0, to the Tamale Area as part of their support towards the mission work in the Area.

The young couple expressed their hope that these tricycles would aid in the expansion of the mission work and bring more people to the church.

The tricycles were presented through Pastor Andrews Owusu to the Tamale Area Head and Northern RCC Chairman of the Church, Apostle John B.K. Tawiah.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Area, Apostle J.B.K. Tawiah thanked the Lord for His abundant grace and provision in making this donation a reality.

“We are extremely indebted to God for the life of Brother Stephen Yawson and his wife, Anita, whose unprecedented benevolence has made this day a historical one,” he said.

Apostle Tawiah further acknowledged the impact of this donation on expanding the mission work in the Tamale Area and beyond.

Present at the brief presentation ceremony were Mrs. Agartha Tawiah (Wife of the Area Head), the Area Secretary, the Area pastorate, the Area Deacon, and the Area Office staff.

Report by Tamale Media

Bawku Area Organises Fulani Convention web

Bawku Area Organises Fulani Convention

The Bawku Area of The Church of Pentecost organised its maiden Fulani Convention on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Zebilla Central Assembly auditorium, which brought together 222 Fulanis across the Area.

As part of the Area’s effort to reach out to all people with the gospel, the Bawku Area, through the Home and Urban Missions (HUM), is intentionally and strategically reaching out to the Unreached People Groups (UPGs) and the marginalised in society.

The event was graced by Pastor Emmanuel Owusu, the Walewale HUM Sector Coordinator, and Overseer Abubakar Diallo Sulemana, the Nkwanta HUM Sector Coordinator.

During the convention, the Area Head, Pastor Eric Gyacham, delivered an exhortation on the topic: “Jesus Came to Seek and to Save the Outcast.”

Drawing reference from Luke 19:1-10, he emphasised Jesus’ deliberate mission to reach out to marginalised groups in society, including children, sinners, women, strangers, and unreached people groups.

Pastor Eric Gyacham encouraged the participants to emulate Zacchaeus’ response to his encounter with Jesus by obeying His instructions, welcoming Him gladly, as well as repenting and confessing their sins.

Ending his exhortation with an altar call, 53 persons accepted Christ as their Lord and personal Savior. Subsequently, 14 Fulani converts were baptised in water and 11 others received Holy Spirit baptism.

The convention also featured discussions and intense prayer sessions that led to significant healings and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit among the attendees.

Also, the Area enrolled 19 people onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Report by Bawku Area Media Team

THE UN-BEQUEATH GENERATION web

The Un-Bequeath Generation: The Dry Bones At Work

“9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?… 13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.” – 2 Kings 2:9, 14-15

The Vision 2028 demands that young men, who are the wings to carry the vision, be trained by our fathers in the faith. In other words, there should be a transfer of mantle from the older generation to the younger generation. If any of them fail, the dry bones (retired ministers) will return to work.

Before God took Elijah, there was a generation that had to carry on the Baton of ministry to another generation in complete succession. But after the death of Elisha, there was no one to carry on the ministry because Elisha couldn’t transfer the mantle to anyone. The vessel that could have carried the greatest Mantle in four-folds became a leper due to greed. Elisha, having the double portion of anointing from his master, couldn’t train any young person to carry on the Baton, so that generation will have to suffer for this.

Comparatively, Vision 2028 necessitates ministers who will diligently train young men and women in the various ministries to be able to carry on the “mantle of transformation.” This is not just a suggestion but a crucial task. If ministers fail to train, they will be forced to come back to work even after they retire, as illustrated in the story of Elisha’s bones. This underscores the urgency and importance of training the next generation.

This message, in my opinion, doesn’t sound like even while he was dead, his bones still could work wonders. Had Elisha trained someone in his place, that prophet could have raised the young man who was raised by his bones. Though the anointing could still be in his dry bones, the living could raise the dead young man. Elisha’s dry bones will not work after death.

Ministers who refuse to train, impart, or transfer any mantle to the next generation will always be in active ministry, even after retirement. Moses trained Joshua, the son of Nun, his aide, to take on the Baton of leadership to the promised land. Jesus Christ called and unleashed many to continue the work of ministry with the backing of the Holy Spirit.

We can see many other examples from the New Testament. Apostle Paul trained Timothy and many other believers to continue the work of ministry. Apostle Paul, being able to say, “I’ve fought the good fight and finished the race”, means he has prepared many other believers who will take over from him even when he is no more.

LESSONS FOR THE YOUTH

We young men and women should also avail ourselves of training and being imparted by our fathers in the faith and submit to leadership. Had Gehazi obeyed and submitted to leadership, he would have carried the four-fold anointing of Elisha. Ministers should be patient enough in order to train the younger generation.

Written by Deacon Emmanuel Tanor (Japekrom District, Berekum Area)

Tepa & Beposo Districts Clean Tepa Township web

Tepa & Beposo Districts Clean Tepa Township

The Tepa and Beposo districts in the Tepa Area of The Church of Pentecost joined forces to clean up the Tepa township on Saturday, March 16, 2024, as part of this year’s Environmental Care Campaign.

The event saw members of the Church cleaning gutters, sweeping lorry parks, and tidying the streets, led by Pastors Stephen Larbi (Tepa District Minister) and Enoch Mensah (Beposo District).

The exercise was highly impactful and witnessed the participation of Dr. Adusei Atweneeaa Ampem II (Tepamanhene), Nana Koansah Sasraku (Old Tepa Adontenhene), members of the Tepa Traditional Council, and other notable individuals.

Report by Tepa Area Media Team

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Environmental Cleanliness Leads To National Development – Apostle David Amankwaa

The Bolgatanga Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle David Amankwaa, has said that Ghana will experience growth, development, and peace when citizenry engage in environmental cleanliness.

He said this during the launching of the Area’s 2024 Environmental Care Campaign at Namoo District in the Bolga Area on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

In a sermon titled “My Environment, My Responsibility,” with references from Psalm 24:1 and Genesis 2:15, Apostle David Amankwaa explained that the text above means that every human being has a responsibility to keep the environment clean.

“Christians and non-Christians must appreciate that the earth and everything within it are for the Lord and not for human beings. Human beings are only stewards and must take good care of it and to give account one day.”

Accordimg to him, human beings have been put in charge of the earth to watch over it, work it, dress it, protect and preserve it.

“We have the mandate to preserve the elements in the three worlds – the animals, the trees, the seas etc. God is not only concerned about human beings but everything in the three worlds,” he added.

Quoting from Genesis 8:1 the Bolga Area Head revealed that during the flood in the days of Noah, God did not only preserve human beings but also all living creatures of every kind.

Apostle Amankwaa identified five stakeholders – Chiefs, Citizens, Leaders of religious bodies, NMDCEs, and Parents and Guardians, and their responsibilities in ensuring a clean environment as follows:

After defining the constitutional definition of a Chief, he enumerated these as the responsibilities to be played by Chiefs among others – to mete out penal measures on persons who refuses to attend organised communal labour, to organise elders of communities to think about welfare of the community, organise community members for their views on how keep to keep the environment clean, and to ensures all faith-based bodies and other institutions part-take in environmental care.

On citizens, the Apostle said, they are to take active part in communal labor, to clean their immediate environment, and to ensure proper use of dustbins and waste disposal site.

Leaders of religious bodies were also admonished to sensitise their members on need for cleanliness, participate in tree planting exercise, raising intercession for communities and mete punitive measure to members who abuse the environment.

The NMDCEs were to organise meeting with all heads of institutions on the need of environmental cleanliness, and to task heads of schools to engage students once a month in clean up exercise to instill the habit.

Apostle Amankwaa concluded his sermon with the role of parents and guardians.

He admonished them to educate children on the need for clean environment, and being example to children by cleaning the environment.

The Overlord of Namoo Traditional Area, Naaba Saibu Alagtaaba Kubila Benkoom, expressed gratitude to The Church of Pentecost for selecting Namoo as the venue for launch ceremony of this year’s Environmental Care Campaign.

He encouraged citizens to embrace the initiatives of the Church and pledged to support efforts to make Namoo the cleanest community in the Upper East Region.

He then called on all not to sit back whenever they are called to engage in a proposed monthly communal cleanup exercise as failure to do so will result in a penal measure.

Additionally, the District Chief Executive for Bongo District, Hon. Rita Atanga also expressed gratitude for the church’s initiatives and called for partnership in addressing sanitation challenges, including the construction of sanitation facilities.

In attendance were Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa, wife of Bolga Area Head, all the 32 ministers and some ministers wives in the Bolga Area, representatives from Ghana Police service, Ghana Immigration Service, Zoomlion, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, and the Media among others.

Report by Bolga Media Area Team.