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INTRODUCTION

KEY TEXT (ACTS 1:4-8, LUKE 24;49-50)

Last words are always important, especially from our dear ones. 

Having been with Jesus for three and half solid years, the disciples received many farewell sermons and messages from Him. In His last days on earth, Jesus discussed many important things with the disciples as a way of departure. The most important and crucial of Christ’s final messages was that they should not go anywhere but tarry and wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father before being unleashed into the world to transform it.

In other words, the Apostles were to wait in Jerusalem before the spirit of God was unleashed upon them and then to unleash them into the world.

The Holy Spirit has given us the power (Acts 1:8) and released us to go and make disciples of all nations.

EMPHASIS ON JESUS’ LAST WORDS 

Reading from the New Testament, five books in the gospels remind us of the last words of Christ. 

From the perspective of the Gospels, we see the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as Luke’s writings in the second account found in the first chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles. All these five books are seen as the final and the last words of Jesus.

Let’s examine Jesus’ last words from the books mentioned in all five areas.

From Mark’s point of view, we can appreciate that Jesus asked the Apostles to preach the gospel to all the world, and conversion will have a demonstrable impact. This is seen in the transforming of the world, found in the Lord’s last words of commission (Mark 16:15-20) as emphasized in ‘believe and be baptized,” and signs shall follow the believers.

Understanding from Matthew, the last words of Jesus tend to focus on discipleship. Here, Jesus told them to make disciples of “all nations” and to teach them all he had commanded. Jesus admonished them clearly to preach and teach the Word and also teach the new convert, thereby making the convert obedient to the values and principles of the Kingdom.

Conversely, in Luke’s gospel, the Apostles were expected to depend entirely upon Him until he returned. The last words in Luke’s gospel can be broken down into reliance, diligence, and expansion.

Consequently, in the book of Acts, Christ’s words are echoed to the Apostles after He revealed Himself to them. He admonished them to wait upon Him to empower them to be witnesses to Himself, to move from the city of Jerusalem and Samaria to the Gentiles, and then to possess the whole world through the gospel. 

In John’s gospel, the last words of Jesus centred on dedication, shepherding and love. Jesus asked Peter three times, “If you love me, then keep my sheep.”

We can summarize the last words of Jesus from Mark’s Gospel, highlighting Commission and Demonstration. Luke’s Gospel also touched on Relief and Reliance. In John’s Gospel, we find words of Care and Consecration; from Matthew, we see words of Command and Discipleship.

THE CHURCH HAS WAITED JUST AS THE APOSTLES TARRIED 

“‘And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.’ And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted His hands, and blessed them” Luke 24:49,50.

The New Testament Church waited and received the power. Many Christians today, especially Pentecostals, have received the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, laying on of hands, and personal experience in prayer and fasting. The residence of the Holy Spirit has brought many gifts and graces to believers. 

In the past five years, The Church of Pentecost has been teaching about equipping and nurturing the church members through prayers and intentional programmes, and it is time to enter the world. 

Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Ten days after His ascension to heaven, at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came, Acts 2:12–26. The disciples waited in meditation, fasting, and prayer. Waiting upon God brings divine strength and abilities to penetrate the world to make an impact and transform it.

OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES WHO WAITED 

• From the Old Testament, Noah waited for seven more days in the Ark before he sent a dove out. (Genesis 8-10). 
• Daniel also waited twenty-one days before he received an answer to his petition (Daniel 10:2). 
• Nehemiah waited for four solid months before God answered his prayer about Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:1) 
• Joseph waited two more years (Genesis 41:1) before the butler remembered him.
• Sarah also waited decades before having a child. God always expects us to wait on him for guidance and direction.

THE POWER THAT CAME UPON THEM UNLEASHED THEM INTO THE WORLD

Consider carefully the scripture, “…Daily in the temple, and every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).

The Apostles were poised to enter the world after the Holy Spirit came with power, gifts, and many graces. They were unleashed and released from the Upper Room to go and transform the whole world through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Many church members today must accept and believe that praying in tongues alone is not enough. They must enter the world, whether in the circular or any institution, where they find themselves transforming their spheres with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, thereby transforming their world for the Lord.

In the Book of Acts, the good news spread like fire that has caught flames in a bush during dry season commencing from Peter’s message converting 3000 people (Acts 2:41), having given another speech doubled the number to 5000 (Acts 4:4). 

After a short while, probably in a decade, the gospel message of Jesus Christ blew out from the environs of Jerusalem to the entire Mediterranean, including Rome. But it appears that spreading the gospel today to transform the world is in the low focus. Christians must be unleashed into the nations to remind the world about the good news of the Kingdom of God.

THE CONSEQUENTIAL SPREAD OF THE WORD AFTER THE UNLEASHING OF THE APOSTLE

The City of Jerusalem (Acts 1:1, 6:7)

• Jesus was taken up to heaven by God.
• Peter and John preached the Good News of the Kingdom.
• Jerusalem church established.

The Gospel then reaches Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (Acts 6:8 to 9:31)

• As stated in Acts 1:8, the gospel continues from Judea to Samaria.
• Persecution of Stephen the deacon or the evangelist.
• Deacon Philip also embarks on his ministry to evangelize.

Then, the church had rest throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. Going on and built up in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase” (Acts 9:31).

Peter preached in Antioch, Joppa, and Syria while a Church was established.

God, through Apostle Paul, spread the Gospel to Cyprus and regions and Galatia during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4).                    

• Meeting in Jerusalem.
• Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey in Cyprus, Pisidia, and Jerusalem (Acts 15:36).
• “So, the churches were established in the faith and increased in number daily” (Acts 16:5).

The Gospel then spread from Macedonia, Achaia through to Asia (Acts 16:6 to 19:20)

• Apostle Paul embarks on his journey from Syria to Macedonia.
• Lydia and the jailer who wanted to kill himself while Paul and Silas were in prison get converted and join the church in Philippi, hence the creation of the church in Philippi.
• Paul begins his third missionary journey (Acts 18:23), and Apollos also embarks on his missionary journey after he spent two years teaching in Ephesus.

The analysis above demonstrates powerfully how the Apostles were unleashed to bring the Gospel outside Jerusalem to all other parts of the world. Christians today must also endeavour to do the same. We must move out from the church auditorium and go to the schools, marketplaces, hospitals, ghettos, supermarkets, prisons, etc., to transform it for Christ through the power of the gospel.

CONCLUSION 

To conclude, we can see that the gospel of Luke is monumental in reminding the promise in Acts, telling the disciples to wait for the promise from the Father. It is a watershed moment in the life of the early church, which led to the birth of the missionaries, in other words, the Apostles, to deliver the gospel message to all the nations, starting from Judea to the uttermost part of the world (Matthew 28:18-20).

In the first seven chapters of the Book of Acts, we see the spread of the gospel after the disciples had waited and received the power of the Holy Ghost. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the healing of the lame beggar by Peter and John (5:42), the daily addition of souls to the church, and bringing the gospel to the Gentiles, Rome, the Mediterranean, and finally to Africa and Europe, and ultimately to the end of the world, came about through the unleashing of the Holy Spirit. 

Written by Overseer Emmanuel Owusu (Mpasaso District – Tepa Area)

INTRODUCTION

In the vibrant tapestry of human existence, youth stand as a thread woven with strength and potential. Within the Church of Pentecost, this thread takes the form of dedicated young people, encompassing both men and women, who are the beating heart of the youth ministry. Running with a vision, however, is not a mere stroll through a sunlit meadow; it’s a demanding yet exhilarating trek across uncharted terrain.

Embracing a vision transcends passive acknowledgement. It demands active participation and a relentless pursuit of its realisation. Dedication fuels this pursuit, courage guides its path, and a willingness to contribute meaningfully illuminates the way. When young people engage with a collective vision, they become catalysts, injecting vitality and fresh perspectives into the process. Their eager hands and boundless spirit shape the future, brick by brick.

VISION 2028

In the previous vision 2023, the church (young men) has been equipped with the word of God, kingdom value and principle of God and prayers (Eph. 6:10-20) verse 11 Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. In the past five years under Vision 2023, we were equipped with five strong themes which prepared us for Vision 2028; I agree with Prophet Joel in Joel 2:28-32.

(28 And it shall come to pass afterwards That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.)

In Joel 2:28b (I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;), God said that He will give us One part of Him to us to work for Him. He did not discriminate, but He said all, meaning everyone; there was no requirement to work for Him; all flesh shall receive His One part of Him (Spirit of God), and I strongly believe that we have received the Spirit of God in phase 1 vision (vision 2023)

UNDER VISION 2028

The whole church has been unleashed to transform their world. The slogan says, ‘ Possessing the Nations’; I am an agent of transformation, ‘Possessing the Nations’, Transforming my world.

WHERE CAN WE TRANSFORM? (MATT. 5:13-16)

(Matthew 5:13-16 [13] “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.)

Transforming the world is like changing or replacing something. Individual has a world where they belong to;

Social media is a special world without parental control, pastor, mentor, on its own were getting access to every information is freely. One can be in their comfortable room and enjoy a program in the USA or another continent. We have a lot of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube, and WhatsApp. These are a few that can be mentioned among the rest, and this media has its program it offers to its members (positively and negatively). As a young man who has been empowered and endured with sound doctrine, the word of God and the kingdom’s principles and values should use the media wisely. (Matt. 5:14a “You are the light of the world.)  The purpose of the Light is to give people access to see from darkness.

The young men must use the media (their world) to harvest souls for our Christ Jesus.  (Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.)  Daniel’s parent was not there with him at the king’s palace, but he proposed in his heart that we, young men, should follow Daniel’s principle, not follow a particular trend to destroy our future in the media effectively.

School is another world without parental control; the youth must leave a way that will please God. (Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.), we see Daniel in a king palace where he purposed not to defile himself with the king delicacies, how many of you could have been able to stand against this decision? There is a certain trend around campus where bad habits are being purchased with just free care (1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”). As young men of Christ, we should not join them but show them the Light (Jesus Christ).  However, our beautiful women in various tertiary institutions should be strong so that a lecturer will not prank them that if they do not let them have a way with them, they will fail them; we should study hard and pray that God will not disappoint them.  We should boldly stand and not fear, for it is written in (2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.)

We must belong to PENSA and participate in PENSA programs, especially Prayer sessions, study the word of God, do our quiet time, devotion and other religious activities, and excel academically. We should not leave the campus (our world) for them, but we must possess and transform the campus (our world) for Jesus Christ.

The workplace is another world where young men are unleashed from various tertiary institutions to show their talent to the world. Some people travel from home or even from outside their territories. Our parents are not staying with us. Apostle Paul advised (Philippians 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.), we have been equipped with the word of God from Sunday school through Youth ministry and PENSA at large. Whatever we have learned, we must put it into practice. We should sell Jesus Christ at our workplace to transform our workplace (our world); we must be early and write the correct time in the staff attendance book continuously.

We must not entertain any corruption in the workplace (our world), (Matt 5:13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.) We are the salt to the world and must be season in the work and protect the work. We must not play while work is there.

We must fear God as written in (Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.), the midwives feared God, any work entrusted into your hands fear God, and we must project God in our workplace (our world) and attend church and invite other.

Running with a vision requires an active commitment to its principles and goals. For young men, embracing this path involves courage, determination, and a willingness to lead by example. In the Bible, we find several examples of young men who ran with the vision and shaped history through their unwavering faith, leadership, and commitment to a higher purpose.

JOSEPH: A VISION OF RESILIENCE AND INTEGRITY

(“The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master” – Genesis 39:2 (ESV))

Flourishing under adversity, Joseph exemplified resilience, integrity, and unwavering faith. Despite facing betrayal and injustice, his commitment to his vision, as seen in his dreams, never wavered. His story inspires young men to persevere in their pursuits, maintaining their integrity even in adversity.

DAVID: A VISION OF STRENGTH AND COMPASSION

(“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV))

Young David’s unwavering courage, faith, and compassion led him to confront insurmountable challenges. His vision of slaying Goliath showcased his physical strength and exemplified his profound faith in a higher purpose. His story inspires young men to trust in their resilience, facing challenges with an unwavering belief in the vision they carry.

DANIEL: A VISION OF WISDOM AND PURPOSE

(“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” – Daniel 1:8 (ESV))

Daniel’s unwavering faith, wisdom, and refusal to compromise on his vision inspired an entire generation. His commitment to his beliefs brought him favour and influence in the courts of foreign kings, showcasing the impact of staying true to a vision. His story inspires young men to champion their beliefs, regardless of the circumstances.

Timothy: A Vision of Diligence and Leadership

(“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV))

As a young disciple, Timothy’s diligence, humility, and leadership qualities shaped his role in Paul’s ministry. His commitment to the vision he shared with Paul exemplifies the transformative impact young men can have when they actively pursue their calling with determination and humility.

CONCLUSION

These examples show the transformative impact of young men who ran with their visions, inspiring lasting change and embodying unwavering faith, resilience, wisdom, and leadership. As they navigated their journeys, they became beacons of hope and agents of positive transformation, inspiring future generations to run with an unwavering commitment to their visions.

(Luke 10:17- 20, (NKJV) 17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” 18. He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven 19 Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subjects to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.)

When we run with the vision, our name will be written in heaven, and our Lord will crown us; blessings will be abundant. Rise us and shine in your world. ‘Possessing the Nations’, I am an agent of transformation, ‘Possessing the Nations, Transforming my world.

Written by Elder Emmanuel Asiedu (English Assembly, Kwabeng District, Suhum Area)

The Avoeme District in the Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost on Monday, October 30, 2023, donated a boat valued at GH¢ 3,000.00 to the Viepe-Kpotame communities within the district.

The commissioning and presentation ceremony of the boat saw the presence of the Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Ophelia Agyen Brefo, Mrs. Hannah Aba Ewool Henanaopeh (Avoeme District Minister’s wife), and various leaders and members of Avoeme District.

Pastor Daniel Teye Gyan Henanaopeh, the Avoeme District Minister, emphasized the meticulous effort invested in constructing the boat to address the urgent transportation needs of the community. He highlighted the challenge posed by the rising water level at Viepe-Kpotame, hindering the commute of both locals and church members to nearby communities.

“As part of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost, it has always been the desire of the church to transform every sphere of our society with the values and principles of the kingdom of God. The construction of this boat is to complement the efforts of the government and contribute to the community transformation agenda of the church at large,” he stated.

Following the commissioning and dedication of the boat, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo commended the Avoeme District for this commendable act of generosity toward the community.

He urged the community leaders to ensure the boat’s proper maintenance for longevity and its intended purpose.

A committee, headed by Elder Paul Klutsey of Avoeme District, has been assigned to oversee the responsible usage and management of the boat on behalf of the community.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

The Axim Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Daniel Mireku Gyamera, organised a historic Mega Crusade, dubbed “The Saving Jesus Crusade.”

This three-day event, themed “No Jesus, No Life” (1 John 5:12), took place at Victoria Park, Axim, from November 8th to November 10th, 2023. The host districts—Nsein, Brawire, and Axim—collaborated with 24 other districts to organize the crusade, aimed at presenting Jesus Christ as the life-giver to a world in need.

During the opening service, Apostle Daniel Mireku Gyamera assured the people of Axim that Jesus was present and ready to save every perishing soul. He emphasised that salvation is a comprehensive package encompassing eternal life, miracles, prosperity, and revival for those who accept Jesus Christ.

Pastor Daniel Atuah, the Abura Ahanta District Minister, who also ministered at the crusade, highlighted that only Jesus can offer eternal life beyond the ordinary. Pastor Akwesi Amponsah, the Axim District Minister, emphasised that faith in Jesus is the key to salvation and miracles.

At the climax of the crusade, Pastor Isaac Tutu, the Area Evangelism Ministry Leader, emphatically stated that Jesus is the undeniable Saviour of the world, seated with a host of Angels, ready to welcome sinners, make them whole, and qualify them for eternal life.

The three-day event resulted in a remarkable harvest of 491 adult and 58 children souls. A pre-crusade house-to-house evangelism undertaken by the Axim Area Ministers and Wives yielded 201 souls, while the cinema van evangelism recorded 99 adult souls and 58 children souls. The “Go Ye” team and gospel nights also contributed 190 souls to the overall count. Following the crusade, 294 new converts were baptised in water, and 35 received the Holy Ghost baptism.

Despite challenges such as a two-hour heavy rainfall during the opening session and inconsistent power supply, the zeal and passion of the Axim Area persevered in their mission to save souls.

The crusade ended on a high note, featuring ministrations by renowned gospel artistes Jack Alolome and Stella Wuddah (Orakel Music), both proud Axim natives.

Report by Axim Area Media Team

The newly-built mission house of the Poano District in Ashanti Bekwai Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated.

The four-bedroom mission house, which cost GHS 434,110.80, has two master bedrooms, two common rooms, a mini-conference room, a living room, a study room, visitors wash room, a kitchen and a store room.

The dedication service, which was officiated by the Ashanti Bekwai Area Head, Apostle Fred Tiakor, and assisted by the District Minister, Pastor Samuel Amankwah Kyei, took place on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Poano near Anwiankwanta.

Pastor Joseph Kyei delivered a sermon titled, ‟Receiving Pastor for Pastor’s Reward,” reading from Matthew 10: 41 and Ephesians 4: 11-13, he charged Christians to wholeheartedly receive pastors because they are Christ’s gift to His church.

He noted that receiving a pastor involves providing him and his family a suitable accommodation (2 Kings 4:8-11), supporting him in his ministry (Judges 17:10), living in peace with the pastor (Romans 12: 18, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13), praying and interceding for him (Ephesians 6:19).

He mentioned that because pastors are carriers of divine blessing and favour, when Christians receive them, they receive blessings from the Lord (Numbers 6:24-26).

He prayed and encouraged Christians to receive pastors as their spiritual fathers and support them in ministry.

The programme had in attendance the area pastorate and their wives as well as members and officers in Poano District, among others.

Report by Pastor Frank Osei Tutu (Ashanti Bekwai Area Media Coordinator)

Christians have been admonished to make a deliberate effort to live their lives in a way that would attract the Lord’s favour in all their endeavours for societal impact.

Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu, the Yennyawoso District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, who administered this piece of advice during the District Presbytery meeting held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Central Assembly auditorium, further said that the current times require Christians to take the charge of being salt on earth and light of the world seriously as sins and wickedness have become the order of the day.

Exhorting the presbyters on the topic: “Live Like Noah In His Days,” inspired by Luke 17:26-27 and Genesis 6:4-8, the Yennyawoso District Minister explained that in the days of Noah, wickedness was prevalent to the extent that God even regretted for creating man. He, however, said that Noah lived a life, which culminated in finding favour with the Lord.

“Irrespective of what is happening in our dispensation, we must live our lives like Noah and find favour with the Lord,” he stressed.

On what Noah did to find favour with the Lord, Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu expounded that Noah managed to live a righteous life by resisting the negative influence around him and chose to walk with God.

He further mentioned that Noah made himself knowledgeable about God and the things around him, and reached out to the world around him with the word of God (2 Peter 2:5).

Pastor Adubofourh Asiedu, therefore, charged the presbyters to embrace and exemplify godliness, urging them to preach the word of God in season and out of season.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The Resident Minister for the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), New Tafo, Kumasi, Pastor Emmanuel Pasteeco Arthur, has advised Christians not to succumb to defeat as long as they remain in Christ Jesus for victory is rest assured for them.

Speaking at the recently-held Yennyawoso District Week, which was under the theme: “Arise! Reposition Yourself to Break Barriers for Maximum Impact,”at the Redemption Assembly auditorium, Pastor Pasteeco Arthur admitted that life is full of twists and turns, but Christ Jesus has surmounted it.

Exhorting the congregants on the topic: “Never Accept Defeat,” the PIWC-New Tafo Resident Minister shared life stories of some biblical personalities who were downtrodden, but eventually emerged victorious to back his message.

One of the notable figures he discussed was Jephthah who was chased out of their father’s house by his half-brothers for being illegitimate son as his mother was a prostitute (Judges 11:1ff). For this reason, he noted, Jephthah had no share of their father’s estate.

Pastor Pasteeco Arthur continued that Jephthah had to live together with strange people in a strange land due to his situation. He, however, said when the appointed time came the elders of Israel sent delegates to go and bring Jephthah who had become giant in his hideout.

“Jephthah came back home to his own people, this time not as a useless son of a prostitute, but as a leader, a giant and a captain, and led the people to victory over Ammonites,” he disclosed. 

Touching on the story of Peter who was imprisoned and was miraculously released after the church had prayed for him in Acts Chapter 12, Pastor Emmanuel Pasteeco Arthur underscored the everduring faithfulness of God towards His people. He, therefore, urged the congregants not to give in to defeat regardless of the situation they may through because God whom they serve will never fail or disappoint them.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

During his weekly online Sunday evening service at Pent TV studios on October 22, 2023, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, urged Christians to tap into the healing and transformative power of Jesus’ name to alleviate suffering and bring hope to the oppressed.

Speaking on the theme, “Jesus healed the woman with blood”  – Mark 5:21,  Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the need for believers mirroring the compassionate actions of Christ to rescue those ensnared by life’s challenges.

Drawing inspiration from the Scriptures, he changed Christians to immerse themselves in the teachings of Christ, gaining the ability to meet the pressing needs of their generation through the profound wisdom and healing power that Jesus offers. He reminded viewers that Jesus was sent to save, not to condemn.

Apostle Nyamekye referenced the story in Leviticus 15:25 and how a woman in Mark 5:21 sought healing by touching Jesus’s garments.

“This highlights the transformative power of faith and the importance of introducing Jesus to those in need, just as that woman found relief from her ailment,” he said.

Quoting Colossians 1:15ff, he indicated the mightiness of Jesus, encouraging Christians to invoke the name of Jesus to tackle the challenges of their time. He noted that Jesus possesses all knowledge, making everything possible through Him, and that burdens can be lifted by invoking His name.

The Chairman urged believers to introduce Jesus to others as the ultimate answer to today’s problems, stressing that Jesus is the only solution needed for any circumstance.

He further encouraged those burdened by various challenges to emulate the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 by having unwavering faith in Jesus, as He has the ability to lift those burdens.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that Jesus has the power to heal and liberate everyone, regardless of their circumstances, and called on people to place their burdens in His capable hands.

According to him, the name of Jesus has the power to cast out demons and liberate people from oppression, stressing that Jesus is not only alive but actively working to transform destinies and provide solutions to life’s challenges.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye concluded by encouraging Christians to have faith in Jesus, referencing the story of Jairus’ daughter in the book of Mark chapter 5, where Jesus brought her back to life. He expressed the belief that, by invoking the name of Jesus, Christians can bring life to situations that seem dead and hopeless.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Kwadaso Sector of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) has organized the 5th edition of its annual “Greater Works Conference.”

The event, which took place at Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School on Saturday, October 14, 2023, was held under the theme, “Grounded in God’s Presence for Maximum Impact.”

This year’s event drew over 3000 participants from 21 tertiary and pre-tertiary schools within the sector, covering the Kwadaso, Abuakwa, Ashanti Bekwai, and Obuasi areas of The Church of Pentecost.

The PENSA Travelling Secretary and convener of the event, Pastor Isaac Donkoh, in his welcome address, indicated that the “Greater Works Conference” is organized annually to equip students with godly values and principles of the Kingdom in order to build their faith in the Lord and also to stir up their passion to become models of excellence in all spheres on their campuses.

He intimated that young people like Joseph, David, and Daniel were grounded in God’s presence and were seen as people who were mature in faith, sensible with well-considered priorities.

“These young people were mentally and emotionally stable, admirable, realistic, and unpretentious, hence the great success they had in their generation,” he said.

He, therefore, urged students to abide under God’s presence so as to become vessels he can use to accomplish greater and mightier things in their generation.

Pastor Ebenezer Agyapong, the Kwadaso District Minister and a guest speaker for the event, passionately emphasized the need for the students to develop a personal relationship with God through personal devotion when he spoke on “Quiet Time.”

Quoting Mark 1:35 and Psalm 63:1-2, he opined that quiet time is a spiritual exercise involving prayer, reading, and meditation on the Word of God.

“Quiet time helps Christians to commune with God, renew their strength, and grow in grace,” he stressed.

He encouraged all participants to approach God with reverence, obedience, and a willingness to depend on Him.

Elder Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, a Lecturer and former Dean at the University of Mines and Technology, also shared his personal life experiences, struggles, and the hard work coupled with the grace of God which ushered him into the hall of excellence.

Addressing the topic, “Pursuing Academic Excellence: Determination and Hard Work,” Elder Kumi, who is also the Assistant Tarkwa Area Youth Ministry Leader, recounted how as a young man from a very poor home in Bantama, he defied all odds to serve as a latrine attendant in order to finance his education.

“You may not be an excellent student, but don’t give up. Be determined and work hard; the dynamics will soon change with Jesus in the equation,” he said.

He further advised students to know themselves, remain focused as they study assiduously, and imbibe in them the fear of the Lord on their journey to the top.

“This way,” he asserted, “God will unleash His will and purpose for the nations into you.”

Taking his turn, Pastor Samuel Asiamah, the Resident Minister for PIWC-Kwadaso and the Area Youth Pastor, also spoke on the topic, “Grounded in God’s Presence for Maximum Impact.”

Drawing inspiration from Exodus 33:14-16 and Psalm 127:1, he explained that God’s presence is an active participation of God in one’s affairs.

The manifest presence of God, according to him, is visible to those who receive it, distinguishing them from others.

He then outlined the conditions to obtain God’s presence to include setting one’s life apart for Jesus, purposing oneself to live for God, praying and fasting, reading the Word, and receiving baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Participants were taken through an intensive prayer session, which saw 221 of them receiving Holy Spirit baptism. Forty-three of them also surrendered their lives to Christ, while 229 others rededicated their lives to Jesus.

Participants who were under various forms of addiction were also prayed for and counseled.

Among the dignitaries present were Mrs. Doris Donkoh (Wife of the PENSA Traveling Secretary), PENSA Patrons, including Elder Cosmos Appiah, the Patron’s Representative on the Working Committee, and Deacon Courage Mensah (Sector Head for PENSA Kwadaso Sector).

Report by Innocent Madawu (PENSA-Kwadaso Sector Secretary)

A 5-day special outreach organised by the Home and Urban Missions (HUM) Ministers and their wives have won 697 souls for Christ.

The outreach, held in two administrative Areas of The Church of Pentecost in the Western  Region – Tarkwa and Asankrangwa, led to 189 water baptisms and 17 Holy Spirit baptisms.

Other ministers of the church and members of the Nation Possessors in the two Areas supported the event.

The outreach was aimed at reaching out to HUM-targeted groups such as Expatriates, African Migrants, Urban Poor and Marginalised such as street dwellers, drug addicts, sex workers, head potters, hawkers and Northerners living in the South as well as Unreached People Groups such as Mossi, Fulanis, Kotokoli, Zarma, Walla, Hausa, amongst others.

The activities took place in communities under Wassa Benso, Waasa Nkran, Wassa Huniso, Wassa Simpa, Wassa Dunkwa, Aboi Nkwanta, Asankrangwa, Asankrangwa Newtown, Samreboi, Aboi Fie and Nyamebekyere districts. The activities embarked on during the outreach included house-to-house evangelism, dawn broadcasting, market evangelism, ghetto and film evangelism. The team also used the opportunity to visit some ‘galamsey’ sites to proclaim the gospel to the miners, which included some Chinese.

At the end of the five-day outreach, a cell meeting was opened for commercial sex workers with 25 members, a Restoration Centre was opened at Asankrangwa, a HUM Dagaati Assembly was opened at Benso-Subriso in the Tarkwa Area, while a Kusasi Assembly is earmarked to be opened at Wassa Dunkwa in Asankrangwa Area, HUM Assembly at Oforikrom and HUM Cell at Benda Nsuoakyi in Aboifie District.

Others include opening a Restoration Centre and Children’s Club at Tigarikrom and HUM Cell at Tigari Zongo in Nyamebekyere District.

Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, the National HUM Coordinator, appreciated the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the Executive Council Members for their tremendous support of the ministry. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Area Heads of Tarkwa and Asankrangwa, Apostles Dr Daniel Okyere Walker and Daniel Dekpor, respectively, and the host pastors and their wives for accepting and supporting the team.

Report by Pastor Prince Augustine Ababio