Posts in category: Top Stories

Churches worldwide are not lacking preachers. The message about Christ Jesus is in abundance in our auditoriums and streets. There is a high intensity of prayer; prayer commandos, prophetic, and deliverance ministers abound in almost every Christian nation of the world. However, the shortage and the demand are the startling lack of the basic foundation task of being a disciple and making one a disciple.

Inspired by Apostle Eric Nyamekye’s messages on the church being unleashed into the world to transform their spheres, and reflecting over my seven years’ experience as a Missionary, I am convinced that there is a need for believers to distinguish between being a church member and becoming a disciple, as well as understanding the relationship between the empowerment of the Spirit and the mission of the church to be unleashed into the world.

The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost when there were people from different nations, languages, colours, and races gathered in Jerusalem. Through the empowerment of the Spirit, over three thousand of them believed in the Lord Jesus Christ after Peter’s sermon. These people witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit that enables individuals to speak in languages and tongues they had never learned.

They saw the power of the Spirit that convicted them to believe in Christ and experienced the good tidings of the gospel in their hearts. Through the empowerment of the Spirit, they were unleashed into their nations, towns, and cities, preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God intentionally sent the Holy Spirit on the occasion when people from all spheres of life were gathered so that the people would believe the gospel and be unleashed with the power of the Spirit into their spheres to transform it.

It is evident from the scriptures that God unleashed diverse people on the day of Pentecost. Some were uneducated; others were educated; some were business people; others were influential and the like.

The Spirit of Pentecost is both an Empowering Spirit and a Missionary Spirit, so He unleashed the people into the nations. Those who scattered were not only apostles, prophets, and teachers, but there were laymen too who did not even have any personal encounters with Christ during his time.

The work of spreading the gospel and saving the nations of the world demands two things:

• the outpouring of the power of the Spirit,
• And a large number of believers (disciples) of different backgrounds, races, languages, color, Profession, etc., unleashed (scattered) into the world.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost makes God’s intention clear that the saving of nations and transforming society demand people of different backgrounds not restrained to a particular place but scattered abroad. Teachers, farmers, politicians, drivers, fashion designers, governors, security officers, bankers, doctors, nurses, publishers, and all others are needed on the field.

The church may intentionally send a missionary into a nation or an institution, but the Holy Spirit is always unleashing a large number of believers who have become disciples of Christ into offices, schools, towns, cities, and nations as missionaries. These are missionaries not of denominations or rank but missionaries of a common mandate.

The unleashing field, the missions front, always needs and accepts a variety of talents, gifts, and people. If discipleship that is confined to the walls of buildings demands gifted leaders, then the work of transforming the nations demands the greatest of all gifts.

There is no appropriate way of transforming society if we do not accept that the Spirit uses everything that one possesses to accomplish the work.

In the church at Antioch, there were Paul, Barnabas, these two who appear to be great leaders and pillars of the church and three others Simeon, called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen whose names only appeared here in the Bible. But the Holy Spirit said, ‘separate for me Paul and Barnabas’. Why did the Spirit choose the seemingly pillars of the church and not the others less known? It could be that if it was a matter of choice, Paul and Barnabas might not be considered first.

At the beginning of the church, the Spirit scattered both the clergy and the layman; but in Antioch, the Spirit chose Paul and Barnabas who were influential in the church. In the same way, the Spirit is calling on the educated, the influential, the lawyers, the judgers, the prominent in society, and other classes of people to be unleashed into the nations as missionaries not of qualification but of a divine calling for transformation. The Spirit that unleashes not only empower the weak to be strong to do the work of missions but also sharpens the talents, skills, knowledge, and wisdom of men of influence to use them to transform their spheres.

Consider, brethren, the work of transforming a society clouded with corruption, ignorance, superstition, pride, etc. Does it require a few hands, skills, knowledge, and intelligence? If the power of the Spirit, talents, and skills are needed anywhere in the kingdom of God, then the people unleashed to transform society need them more.

Until the church and all believers accept that the Spirit of Pentecost is an empowering and missionary Spirit, many will remain dormant even when they are scattered abroad. The work of transforming a society that ‘sees every behaviour as accepted’ is enormous and demands many hands, more hands, and many more hands. A vision bearer, a few leaders or ministers cannot meet the full demands of the work.

Every believer must come on board. There cannot be passive involvement. Giving offerings alone is not enough; to a large extent, a personal commitment to enlistment of prayer and going into the field is required.

Written by Pastor Charles Boadi (Ashaley Botwe District Minister & Former Missionary to Eswatini)

Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy is a father who has given a true and perfect definition of a real adoption of someone’s child as his own. For so many years, he and his wife, Mama Martha, adopted me as their child. 

Exactly 26 years ago, he came to Konongo Area during a tour when Apostle Ntumy was elected as Chairman of the church, with Apostle Obeng Atuah as the first Area Head. I was only 16 years of age by then; he was so impressed to see a young girl giving a prophecy of everything he had prepared to speak on, even the words in the Bible quotation he was coming to use. When he took the platform, he publicly asked, “What is the name of the girl who gave the prophecy? And continued: “There is no need for me to speak again because the prophecy through that young girl has stated almost everything I was about to say even the words in my Bible quotation.” He further said: “The leadership of the Area and the District should take good care of this girl because she is a gift and a property to The Church of Pentecost.” 

Apostle Ntumy ordered my Mom and Dad, who were church officers, to bring me to him after service. When they took me to him, he told my parents: “From henceforth, she is NOTa daughter to you alone but our daughter too. She will now be called “Esther Ntumy Lartey, ” not “Esther Lartey.” Knowing the genuine heart from which Apostle Ntumy spoke, my dad wholeheartedly accepted what he said, and right in his presence, my dad started calling me Esther Ntumy Lartey. When my dad died, Apostle Ntumy came to the funeral not in his official suit as the Chairman but in traditional clothes as a family member to support the funeral. He came to stand behind me, my Mom and my siblings as our father to help us bury our Dad. 

My father, Apostle Ntumy, and Mama Martha took charge of my school fees from when I was 16 years old at Konongo Odumasi Secondary School until I completed my third Master’s programme. Father, even on his sick bed, still paid my school fees, though we could have by then paid it ourselves, but for a reason known to him alone, Apostle Ntumy still decided to support me while he was on his sick bed. What a mysterious father! 

For about 26 years that I have been his adopted daughter, there was not even a single moment his action or act reminded me of the fact that biologically, I am not his child. I have now realised the motive for which God touched his heart to do that. The motive is for me to be well-established in Christ through his advice and nurture. I am saying this because, in my Christian life, I can confidently say that l am very well rooted and deeply established in Christ, so much so that nothing, not even death, can separate me from the love of God. I give credit to my father, Apostle Ntumy, who always looked at me from a very positive perspective and made me feel that I am not a package of bad goods after all; a father who cautiously watered the good things in me and removed the weeds in me with care. When I married Martin Berko Kesse, a Pastor in The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ntumy invited my husband when he was called into the full-time ministry and these were his words to him: “Martin, in this ministry, your success is my success, and your downfall is my downfall.” He continued, “Martin, be a genuine minister of God and be accountable to God as a minister even in your secret place.” My husband always ponders over these challenging words to him, and these words always serve as internal checks to his ministry. Martin himself confesses this to me from time to time. Hmmm! Can someone explain the mystery behind this unique fatherly love that Apostle Dr M. K. Ntumy and his family have shown me and my family?  

Apostle Ntumy is a father who has given me a true and excellent definition of how to righteously live with an adopted child. The legacy he left has positioned his biological children to treat me like their own sister, and they are doing this excellently well. Joana Ntumy, his last born and only daughter, after her wedding in Accra, spent her honeymoon with her husband right in my house at Akosombo New Combine. She could have afforded a 5-star hotel to spend her honeymoon but decided to lodge in the mission house to be with her adopted sister. This was possible because of the legacy our dad, Apostle Ntumy, has left.  

Two months to the completion of my first degree at the University of Cape Coast in 2008, when her term of Chairmanship ended, he invited me and threw a very big challenge to me. These were his words: “Akosua, I could see you have a very strong passion for learning. You are still young. If you wish to further your education and do your master’s programme, I will advise you do it straight away after your first degree without working. For now we will be able to pay your school fees, but I do NOT know what will happen next in the years to come.” Sensing the revelation behind his speech, I answered, “Dad, please, if I get the opportunity, I will further my education straight away.” He encouraged me to apply to any of the public universities, and by the grace of God, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology admitted me to study a Master of Business Administration, Supply Chain Option. So, per his advice and encouragement, I completed my first degree in June 2008 and started my master’s in the same year, August 2008. He paid my admission, accommodation, and feeding for the first year before he left for Germany.

A day before his surgery in Germany, he called all his children one by one, including me and asked us to remember him in prayers. He told me, “My daughter, after the operation, it will take about two months before you would hear from me. That is why I have paid your feeding, accommodation and fees to cover the whole year.” He encouraged me to keep up with my faith, stay in Christ and own all my gratitude to God. Unfortunately, his surgery took a different dimension and I couldn’t hear from him again for over one good year because of his health condition. His sons Ebenezer and Joe gave me updates on his condition. They sounded humanly hopeless by then, witnessing his condition. They never thought he could live for another fifteen years. 

Not hearing from him for over a year, life became very difficult because I was not working when I started the master’s programme so that I couldn’t pay my school fees after the first year. I decided to defer the course to search for a job and mobilise some money to continue the programme. Father taught me that any money that does not come from my own toil or support that does not come from a genuine source should be considered unclean. That was the principle I decided to apply when I became handicapped during that period.

I had a foreign call on my way to submit the letter to defer my course at the KNUST. Who could this be? Of course, once in a while, I used to have a call from Ebenezer and Joe from France for an update on his condition. But Praise God! When I picked up the call, it was my Father, Apostle Ntumy. I was surprised, short of words, and remained silent on the phone for a while. His voice was very clear and loud. His first question was, “Daughter, how is your master’s programme? Are you still on the programme, or have you quit? I answered, “Please, I have not quit yet, but I am on my way to submit a letter to defer the programme so I can work and mobilise money.” His response was, “No! Don’t quit what you have started. How much is the new fee?” When I told him the amount, he said, “You will hear from us, but don’t submit the letter you are sending.” After the call, I stood where I had reached for over an hour, pondering over this call and even the timing of the call. 

The following day, I had a call from Mama Martha, directing me to take money from a place where Daddy had sent me money through a Western Union transfer. Even on his sick bed, he did not allow me to defer my studies on the excuse that he was not well. Another footprint Apostle Ntumy left for me to follow is never to base my life on excuses. 

I know I am not the only person my father adopted. He has been good to all of them, but I decided to stick to my personal experience with him as an adopted child in this particular write-up so I can account for every word I have used here and answer any questions arising from it. Every word I have used in this write-up is carefully selected, and God knows it is true. 

Father, when my biological father died, I felt it much because I was very close and attached to him. But because Apostle Ntumy was there for me, the situation, though hard, was still manageable. But now that he [Apostle Ntumy] is also gone, who do I have to stand in his position? Will I ever have a father who will always figure out what to do to add value to his child and make sure she becomes relevant? But, I take consolation from the fact that I am now more rooted and established in Christ through his counsel and nurture. 

In 2012, when I met my husband, Martin Berko Kesse, the unique role Apostle Ntumy played as a father in the marriage ceremony could never be different from what he would have done for his biological daughter, though he was then battling with his health in Germany. He allowed me to marry just as the Chairman’s daughter. Though he was not in 

Ghana and was in a critical phase of his surgery, he called Apostle Osei Bonsu, the then Ejisu-Konongo Area Head (now retired), to stand in for him as a father and give my hand in marriage during my engagement ceremony. He made my engagement ceremony so glorious even in his absence. Ooh! What a father have I lost?So precious than everything money can buy. 

During my wedding ceremony, he called Apostle Dr S. K. Baidoo (now deceased), the International Missions Director at his time and many others to represent him at the ceremony. I remember Apostle Albert Amoah, the first General Secretary during his term as Chairman, travelled from Cape Coast to Kumasi Asokwa to preach during an Adopted Child’s wedding. This is very interesting! Eiii Dad, If my memory serves me right, I could remember other prominent ministers in the church like Apostle Osei Bonsu, Apostle F. E . Antwi, Apostle Emmanuel Asante, Apostle R. C. Ackon, Apostle Moses Ayitey, Apostle Appiah, and many others I can’t even mention came to my wedding in Kumasi. 

In ministry, Apostle Ntumy did not deny us his fatherhood responsibility. He visited us at our first station at Nsakina. At our second station at Goi in Ada, he again visited us with Mama Martha. Ooh, what manner of Apostle is this? An Apostle who could draw people so low, like me, closer to him and nurture them. 

Father, I am now in my third station, Akosombo New Combine District and this is the only district I have been in where he was NOT able to visit me in his wheelchair. 

Will I ever have a foster father like him again? Who will be so convinced, pleased and determined to nurture, advise and develop me for who I am, just like he did? 

In ministry, once in a while, Daddy would call my husband and, as he affectionately called him, ‘M’ase Sofo,’ how is the ministry?” Is there anything you think you need my advice or expertise to handle in your District?” Awww, Father, who will call us and ask if his expertise or advice is needed? Who will give us rich and deep advice in ministry? Who will love us for who we are and nurture the Giftings in us like he did?

Father, some great men of God died, but their dark secrets unfolded after their death. But for my Father, Apostle Ntumy, I am boldly here to reveal his Shining Secrets, which are the good things he did for the world to know that we still have Genuine Men of God in our days. This is what makes his departure very Different and Unique. 

Dad, my precious readers are sending me many private messages advising me to develop a book from this story. Some have even suggested some topics to be considered in the book. I have decided to take that one up and develop this precious book after his burial because I could see by doing so, I may be impacted by his writing skills.

I thank my father, Apostle Ntumy, for drawing me closer to him. Thank you for deciding to mentor me. I thank him for educating me and nurturing the giftings in me. I thank him for not making me lonely and, above all, for dedicating himself to establishing me in Christ. Daddy, you do all. 

MAY HIS GOOD WORKS FOLLOW HIM. REST IN PERFECT PEACE!

By Mrs Esther Ntumy Lartey Kesse

Go, labour on while it is day,

The world’s dark night is hast’ning on;

Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away;

It is not thus that souls are won

Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice!

For toil comes rest, for exile home;

Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom’s voice,

The midnight peal, “Behold, I come!”

─Horatius Bonar

INTRODUCTION

The community of those who belong to the Lord is a charismatic one. The history of salvation is inundated with a plethora of instances where the power of God is tangibly felt among his people associated with the miraculous. It may seem from one angle that if the Spirit has come to abide with us most convincingly, we do not need leaders to oversee the affairs of the Church. After all, the Spirit has come forever to abide, we may reason. Albeit, a cursory appraisal of events that unfold in the history of the Church demonstrates ipso facto that we need leaders. As we should be aware, the Spirit has also bestowed human gifts to the Church to steer the Church to drink deeper in the river of God. One such leader with whom the Lord has graced the Church was Apostle Michael Kwabena Ntumy of Osramani in Ghana. He is with the Church triumphant at present. Meanwhile, his life, ministry, and work speak volumes even as he soared into heaven. He came to lead a Pentecostal church with a global influence. The philosophy and practices that define Pentecostalism, especially as practised in Africa, must be brought into conversation with M. K. Ntumy. The former can draw vital lessons from the latter in shaping Pentecostalism so that the movement would be rid of any scandalous marks. The cry concerning the Pentecostal movement has gone abroad. There have been the good and the ugly in terms of theology and practice. We must desire a Pentecostal community that shines and shines into a brighter day whilst occupying and positively transforming the various spaces in the larger society. This short essay will set out to demonstrate this connection between Pentecostalism and the life of Ntumy.

IN PRAISE OF PENTECOSTALISM

It is now an undeniable fact that Pentecostalism has carved a niche for itself as a “Third church” distinct from Catholicism and Evangelicalism, even though it is an offshoot of the latter movement. It has inherited some key ideas from evangelicalism, and one is right to assert that Pentecostal theology draws much from that of the evangelicals. While keeping some of the evangelical emphases, including but not limited to staunch belief in salvation through faith and the central role of Scripture in doctrine formulation, Pentecostalism is distinct in terms of the weight it places on the activities of the Holy Spirit. It draws attention to the pneumatic phenomena accompanied by operations in the gift of the Holy Spirit, healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, among others.

There have been various renewal movements in different parts of the world at the turn of the 20^th century. Although the American Azusa Street revival has been the most popular occurrence in the tracing of the original epicentre of the Pentecostal movement, the movement of the Spirit was indeed around the world, even prior to Azusa and indeed after Azusa.

The various strands of the Pentecostal movement have been facilitated by local revivals around the world. In its various forms, Pentecostalism includes the African Initiated Churches (AICs), Classical Pentecostalism, the Charismatic or Neo-Pentecostal churches, and the new prophetic churches. It must be indicated, however, that it is difficult to put Pentecostalism in the box. Within academia especially, the similarity in the doctrine and practices has brought the various renewal movements under the umbrella of Pentecostalism.

The Pentecostal movement testifies that the community of God’s people has always been charismatic, in which the Spirit operates in ecstatic ways among the people. By this, Pentecostalism has revived an old characteristic of how God works among people. This places Pentecostalism within the mission of God. How the various revivals happened demonstrates that the ebbing of the Spirit cannot be thwarted whatsoever. Also, the Pentecostal emphasis on the spreading of the Gospel, healing, the miraculous, and provision of relief in various forms to people who share in the vision of the Lord Jesus Christ in which he makes reference to the Spirit upon him and how that plays out in touching the world (Luke 4:18-21). Furthermore, the happenings within Pentecostalism place it as a movement that is in a continuum with the world of the New Testament. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, whether Luke wrote to discuss a charismatic theology or primarily as a chronicle of the happenings within the early Church, events within the early are strikingly similar to those of Pentecostalism. Contemporary Pentecostal churches are not alien to the Universal Church since the Day of Pentecost.

Some other features that characterise the Pentecostal movement, including frowning on racial discrimination, breaking down social stratification of society, preaching the eminence of the Parousia, and having an ecumenical instinct, among others, are leading to positive changes in various facts of society. Today, one cannot deny the contribution of the Pentecostal-type of Christianity to socio-economic development. Pentecostalism must be looked upon more in this respect. In Africa especially, this movement is fast-spreading and leading to the growth of Christianity on the continent. When people thought the Christian faith would struggle when others were of the view that “God is dead,” then came Pentecostalism to change the narrative. This age of Pentecostalism can rightly be described as a time of refreshing.

Considering how Pentecostal spirituality is enabling the rise of many self-supporting changes in Africa and how it is causing the emergence and spread of African-led churches outside Africa, especially in the West, it would play a vital role in the religious transformation of the Euro-American West. It is not far-fetched to agree with the Psalmist that “This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eye” (Psalm 118:23, KJV).

IS THAT NOT THE VOICE OF CRYING?

Sadly, the misuse of the Spirit in Pentecostalism has, arguably, posed critical challenges to the Church and society. Disturbing theologies and practices have found a field day. Some people, in the name of an encounter with the Spirit, have upset the faith of many. Owing to the emphasis placed on the workings of the Holy Spirit, which is often associated with spontaneity, irrationality, disorganisation, ecstasy, and seen as one who cannot be controlled, some aspects of Pentecostal spirituality and theology have landed the Church in some chaos.  This, from where I stand, seems to be a pneumatological crisis. In this regard, people’s concept of the nature and activities of the Holy Spirit is mistaken and translates into praxis.

Many Pentecostal churches are being established every day. Most of these churches are not branches of already existing and perhaps recognised ones. This poses a challenge to the ecumenical effort even though Pentecostalism is supposed to be ecumenical in orientation. Many of the people who establish these churches do that for diverse reasons. A key reason, regrettably, is for them to make ends meet. Consequently, the teachings and practices of these Pentecostal leaders are inspired by tricks and deceptions. They claim to have the ability to do away with all kinds of suffering in the lives of their followers. Doctrines are coined to advance these practices. People who do not receive healing after prayers are often branded as sinful and faithless. The infirm, therefore, becomes all the more burdened. This line of teaching and practice is not limited to those who establish churches for ulterior motives alone. Those who may have been genuinely called to the pastoral ministry, so-called, but fail to adequately learn and be trained, join this disturbing way of leading Christian churches.

The gravitation towards irrationality within the Pentecostal faith has caused numerous setbacks in diverse forms. The sick are discouraged from seeking medical care; those who long to excel are limited to prayer and certain rituals; Christians are maltreated in the name of deliverance; people who utilise rational ways to earn their safety are branded as faithless; when one falls into diverse problems and difficulties the person may be branded as guilty of some wrongdoing; and almost every happening is associated with the activities of demons. The human factor, misfortunes, and God’s chosen way of preparing his people are swept under the carpet.

Consequently, the uproar against these unfortunate occurrences in Christianity enabled by contemporary Pentecostalism has been loud and clear. The joy that must accompany the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit has turned into a lamentation even concerning the great move of God in contemporary times. Some people think to themselves that maybe the fire of Pentecost that has been set ablaze is a strange fire so that amidst the light that this fire exults, darkness looms. Others are of the view that even Satan can cause fire to fall from heaven. Indeed, many people wonder what the future of Christianity will be like in the wake of Pentecostalism. Apostle Ntumy, a lover of God and a Pentecostal leader who had a colossal impact on Christianity in and outside Ghana shows by his life and ministry that Pentecostalism must not be mistaken for what it is not.

REMINISCING THE LIFE OF M. K. NTUMY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PENTECOSTALISM

The life and ministry of Apostle Ntumy have been characterised by many twists and turns that demonstrate that the Lord God has led him every step of the way toward what he has purposed for him. In reflecting briefly on his life, special attention will be paid to his call to the pastoral ministry, his afflictions, and his healing experiences.

After accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Saviour at the tender age of 13, his love for the Lord bloomed. He has been contributing his part to promoting the Kingdom of God even as a young Christian. He has served in very high offices in the Church of Pentecost (CoP) even before his going into the pastoral ministry to the extent of being one of the two elders to represent his region at the General Council (the highest policy-making body of the CoP) Meetings of the CoP for two consecutive years as an Elder. With time, as he would narrate it, the leaders perceived the call of God upon his life. He had a personal conviction concerning this as well. The Lord was using him mightily in the area of evangelism. He had a great love for mission work, which eventually saw him serving in several mission areas. He excelled in the miraculous as well. Despite this, it never crossed his mind to even attempt to establish an independent church. Around the time he came into the pastoral ministry in 1984, independent Pentecostal/Charismatic churches were emerging in Ghana in leaps and bounds. He could have followed suit. Today, as indicated earlier, this phenomenon has skyrocketed. In many instances, the motives behind the establishment of these churches that are emerging every day are not genuinely the best. It is a major reason for the many scandalous actions in today’s Pentecostalism. Instead of taking a step that may pose a challenge to Christian ecumenism in Ghana, he has been one of the Christian leaders who have promoted Christian unity in Ghana considerably.

Divine healing is a heart of Pentecostalism. As a Pentecostal leader, Apostle Ntumy has preached healing considerably. He has experienced the same. As a young Christian, he was healed of diabetes. His account of how that happened demonstrates a divine touch of God. Despite his staunch Pentecostal spirituality, a cursory look at his life shows that he was very particular about his health, seeking healthcare from medical doctors when he became unwell. This manner of life did not undermine his spirituality, neither did it indicate that he was a man with a feeble faith. Indeed, if the Bible is being written today, he would be part of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. Pentecostal concept of health and healing as is being held by some Pentecostals, as revealed above, stands the chance of making Pentecostalism a bane of professional medical care. When people are branded as faithless or guilty of certain sins for not receiving their divine healing, this would even hurt their Christian faith as well. Whilst God can heal all sicknesses, sometimes he chooses not to. In this regard, he supplies the grace for people to go through pain and discomfort. If Pentecostals fail to recognise this, they will take very disturbing steps, as we see today, to attain healing. Many will be deceived in this respect in the name of deliverance from the evil of sickness. The experiences of Apostle Ntumy, a Pentecostal of no mean stature, calls on Pentecostals to place their spirituality of healing under the sovereign will of God to address the many scandals that the prophetic-healing ministry has been overwhelmed with.

Concerning suffering, Apostle M. K. Ntumy has set a high standard for Pentecostals to follow. If the Christian does not appreciate how God deals with his people but chooses to follow preachers who claim to have the ability to drive out all kinds of suffering from the life of people by the “power of the Holy Spirit,” they will continue to be led astray. A Pentecostal leader of the calibre of the Apostle has been through a lot of suffering and challenges, but he stood on his feet until the Lord called him into glory. Naturally, the accolade “Christian General” befits him. He has said, “The strength of your character is tested in the school of afflictions and hard knocks.” This servant of God, before and during his full-time pastoral ministry and after retirement, has been through sicknesses, wars, accidents, vilification, and paralysis. Even in paralysis, he continued to labour for the Lord as if to suggest to us in the words of Horatius Bonar that “The world’s dark night is hast’ning on; speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away . . . Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice!” Are Pentecostals willing to stand tall in their faith to shape the beliefs and practices of Pentecostalism, especially on the continent of Africa?

Whilst I draw this fleeting breathe,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for

Let me hide myself in Thee

─Augustus Toplady

Written by Elder Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

“Let the trumpet of war be sounded, let the men of war arise with their shield (faith) and the sword of the spirit (word of God), and the breastplate of righteousness in its place; surely the Lord will give us the victory.”

”The Vision 2028 agenda” calls for people who will be able to stand alone in this “battle of transformation,” people who will dare to challenge the force of satanic influence, common sense, and evolution ideologies and be willing to break through every stronghold to possess and transform it. According to (2 Samuel 23:8-12),

“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite, chief of the Three [heroes], known also as Adino the Eznite; he wielded his spear and went against 800 men, who were slain at one time. Next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines assembled there for battle, and the men of Israel had departed. [Eleazar] arose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword. The Lord wrought a great deliverance and victory that day; the men returned after him only to take the spoil. Next to [Eleazar] was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered at Lehi on a piece of ground full of lentils, and the [Israelites] fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground and defended it and slew the Philistines, and the Lord wrought a great victory.” (Amplified Bible).

These mighty warriors of David were able to stand up against any force that tried to possess their land. The most interesting part is that each stood alone and won. The leader should be willing to think ahead so that in the future, he or she may stand alone in this warfare. The soldiers they went with surrendered and fled, leaving them alone, but the Lord wrought a great victory on that day. King David became thirsty and was panting for water from the well of Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23:15-16),

“[15] And David said longingly, Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate! [16] And the three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem by the gate and brought it to David. But he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord.”

THE CHURCH AND MISSIONARIES

The mighty men of David broke through the garrison of the Philistines and brought water to King David. How can they break through the garrison and draw the water from the well without an attack from the enemy? One way these men can draw water from the well is, one of them has to go inside the well (missionary) and fetch the water, one has to hold the rope the missionary tied around the waist to help bring him out (the financial or material support to missionaries and missions), and one has to watch and defend against the attacks and fight against the arrows of the enemy (the Church). If anyone fails to do so, one may be in danger.

MORAL LESSONS

1. Be ready and willing to do all your part so that the word of God may reach everywhere.
2. As a leader, always be prepared to stand alone. Leaders who always trust their subordinates always fail and blame others, but leaders who are always on guard and willing to stand alone stand for the truth.
3. God rewards leaders with victory for standing alone even when their subordinates retreat.
4. No matter the attack on you, there is a warrior in you who is the Holy Spirit and a fire of God incubated in you; unleash it and know that you can overcome all the challenges on your path.
5. Be a kingdom financier, support missions with your money and prayers. The three mighty men were an illustration of the work of missions. You may have been blessed financially and can give abundantly; please don’t wait for the Church to beg you before you support missions. If that happens, you’re rejecting your role.

“The Vision 2028 demands every member of The Church of Pentecost and the body of Christ to unleash that mighty warrior in them to transform their world. Unleash that prayer warrior spirit in you, Bible reading habit, fasting habit in you to transform your world.”

Let the trumpet of war be sounded in your heart, embrace yourself as a mighty warrior; we are going to possess and transform every creature in our society. No retreat, no surrender.

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