Posts in category: Youth Ministry

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has advised Christian youth to have a heart fully committed to Jesus, where He [Jesus] holds the highest place in one’s life.

According to him, a person with such devotion is always ready to follow whatever Jesus asks of them.

He said this at the East Legon Worship Centre on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 during the second day of the weeklong National Youth Ministry Week Celebration.

Delivering a message titled “Sharing in the Passion of Christ”, Apostle Hagan highlighted the dedication of past leaders like Pastor James McKeown and Apostle F. S. Safo.

He recounted how Pastor McKeown, while in Asamankese, played a significant role in spreading the message of Christ.

“To draw the attention of the townspeople to the saving grace of Jesus, he and his wife, Mrs. Sophia McKeown, used instruments to attract crowds.

During one of his evangelistic efforts, a statement he made, “Joseph, Where Art Thou!”, caught the attention of a young, inebriated teacher named Joseph. This encounter led to Joseph’s transformation and eventual rise to become the first General Secretary of The Church Of Pentecost, Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil”, he revealed.

Continuing his message, Apostle Hagan spoke about Jesus’ dedication to preaching the Gospel and winning souls for the Kingdom of God. Despite being tired at times, Jesus never relented in His mission. He even borrowed boats from fishermen to preach to the people.

Referencing John 4, he shared how Jesus prioritized His mission over physical needs, saying, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”

The Youth Director also addressed the modern-day challenges many young people face in balancing their spiritual and professional lives.

He noted that some use their jobs as excuses for not fully engaging in church activities or soul-winning.

He stressed that true love for Christ is not complete until we care deeply for lost souls and make soul-winning a priority in our lives.

He further stated, “Your love is not complete yet until you weep over people who are lost. Your love is not complete yet until what passes through Jesus passes through you. Your love is not complete yet until you take care of what matters to Jesus.”

Apostle Hagan highlighted that lifestyle evangelism—living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings—speaks more powerfully to others than words alone.

He therefore urged believers to make soul-winning a lifestyle, stating that Heaven celebrates over every soul that repents, as reflected in Luke 15:7 and 10.

To support the church’s efforts in soul-winning, Apostle Hagan introduced the Reachout Strategy of the Youth Ministry, consisting of four steps:

1. Target a soul and pray for them.

2. Preach to the souls. Once you are praying for them, go out and preach the Word—Acts 8:26-39, John 4:28-29,39, and John 1:40-42.

3. Follow up with them – Matthew 23:15.

4. Discipleship. Disciple the soul and bring them to church, connecting them with a dedicated, Spirit-filled member who can mentor them.

“This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that new believers are nurtured and integrated into the church community, fulfilling the Great Commission and sharing in the passion of Christ”, he noted.

Report by Youth Ministry Media Team

The Director of the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, joined the Odorkor Area yesterday [July 22, 2024], officially launch this year’s highly anticipated National Youth Week Ministry Celebration.

The event, which took place at the Sampson Okyere Memorial Temple, drew a mammoth gathering of over 3,000 participants.

Expounding on the main theme for the weeklong celebration, “Unleashed to Reach Out for Maximum Impact,” Apostle Ebenezer Hagan explained that “being unleashed means letting go of the past with energy, moving on with purpose, unstoppable, unrestrained, and breaking free from everything that holds you back.”

He emphasised that the theme is a call to the youth to be dedicated in their walk with God and to be prepared to go all out for Him.

The event was earmarked for spiritual empowerment, and thus, focused on the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

It was attended by the Area Head, Apostle Isaac Tetteh-Judah, the Area Ministry Leader, Pastor John Ofei Badu, and other pastors and their wives from the Area.

The celebration will continue throughout the week at the various district and local levels, and would be climaxed on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Report by Grace Danful

The Director of the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has urged Christian youth to make it their lifelong desire to wait on the Lord for the infilling of the Holy Spirit for greater exploits.

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan said this yesterday when he joined the Odorkor Area to officially Kickstart this year’s National Youth Ministry Week Celebration.

Speaking on the topic “Empowerment From On High,” using Luke 24:47-49, Acts 1:6-8, Acts 2:1, and Ezekiel 47 as scripture references, he emphasised the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, especially the Christian youth.

He explained that when Jesus was leaving the earth, He instructed His disciples to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so they could be filled with power from on high.

“Waiting on the Lord is the key to receiving this promise of the Holy Spirit,” Apostle Hagan stressed.

He admonished the youth to constantly and consciously pray and deeply desire the Holy Spirit, saying, “Always wait and stay in His presence and yearn for the Holy Ghost.”

According to him, the Holy Spirit can be received through fasting and prayers, continuously being in God’s presence, and being focused and determined.

“God always has a moment for everyone to change their life, and as youth, we need to be serious, expectant, and always ready,” he said.

He further elaborated, “When the day of Pentecost came, the disciples were eagerly waiting and praying for it with all seriousness. When it came, it sounded like the blowing of a violent wind from heaven and filled the whole house.”

Apostle Hagan urged Christians, particularly church leaders, to make every service “a day of Pentecost” where the move of the Spirit can be deeply felt.

“Our services will depend on how well we prepare and how serious we are when we come into God’s presence,” he noted.

He highlighted that being filled with the Holy Spirit means God has taken total control of a person’s life, guiding them to do His will rather than their own, adding: “The Holy Spirit is available to anyone who desires Him,” he said.

“A Christian who is full of the Holy Ghost has authority and power at their workplace and wherever they find themselves,” he stated, urging the youth to make it a habit of seeking the infilling of the Holy Spirit daily.

“You will be amazed at the transformation in your life and those around you,” he assured.

He also advised them to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues and to pray in tongues frequently to edify themselves in the spirit.

“The more you speak in tongues, the more you will be full of power,” he emphasised.

Apostle Hagan also encouraged the youth to yearn for spiritual gifts.

“As Christian youth, you should always desire and pray constantly for the Holy Spirit. Always pray like Daniel, do your devotions, and you will be full of the Holy Ghost and the power that comes with it,” he concluded.

Report by Grace Danful

The University of Ghana – Legon branch of the Pentecost Students And Associates’ (PENSA) Evangelism Department, also known as the Hope Committee, on Saturday, July 6, 2024, organised an outreach and donation exercise to support the Trinity Academy Children’s Home.

The outreach had three primary objectives: to share the gospel with the orphans and their caregivers, to provide immediate support and encouragement to the children, and to raise awareness within the congregation about the challenges faced by orphaned children and the importance of community support.

Prior to the event, a donation drive was conducted within the PENSA Legon congregation.

Members generously contributed various items, including water, provisions, toiletries, and monetary donations. These contributions were meticulously collected and organised for delivery to the Trinity Academy Children’s Home.

On the day of the outreach, a team of volunteers from PENSA-Legon visited the orphanage.

They were warmly welcomed by the staff and children. The visit included interactive activities such as preaching the gospel to the children, introducing them to Jesus Christ, and baptising them in the Holy Spirit.

During the visit, the team donated a wide range of essential items, including money, bags of water, rice, sugar, cartons of milk, Milo, sardines, oil, toiletries, and more.

A heartwarming outcome of the visit was that twenty-two children accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and seven children were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The children at Trinity Academy expressed profound gratitude and joy for the donations and interactions, which fostered a sense of hope and belonging.

Report by PENSA Legon Media

The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Cape Coast Sector organised a residential retreat dubbed the “Uncommon Leadership Summit” for various leadership groups and working committee members in the Cape Coast zone. The event took place from Friday, June 14th to Sunday, June 16th, 2024, at the PENSA CCTU Auditorium.

The three-day leadership retreat was held under the guidance of Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Traveling Secretary.

The PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Issah N. Jeln, opened the summit on Friday evening. He presented on the theme, “Unleashed to Lead with Excellence to Transform Your Campus.”

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Daniel 6:1-4, and Acts 1:8, he encouraged participants to lead with love, integrity, loyalty, and diligence.

Elder Bismark Afrifa Marfo, a working committee member, addressed the topic, “Leadership Integrity: Managing Church Finance” on Day 2 of the event.  

Using 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 as his scripture reference, he emphasized the importance of being morally upright, trustworthy, honest, and faithful in managing church finances.

Elder Evans Darko Addo, another working committee member, spoke about the PENSA Discipleship Program (PDP) and the “Reach Out and Take Over” mandate focused on campus evangelism.

He encouraged participants to utilize the PDP system to win more souls for Christ on their respective campuses, urging leaders to ensure that every PENSA member becomes a soul winner.

Deaconess Lucy Araba Asiedu, a member of the National Coordinating Team (NCT), explained the concept and importance of the PENSA Professional Guild (PPG).

She noted that membership in the PPG on campuses aids evangelism, creates networks and connections, and provides more job opportunities, especially after graduation.

Pastor Patrick Ayertey, the Oguaa Abura District Pastor, presented on the “Core Values of the Church of Pentecost.”

He outlined the core values, including evangelism, discipleship, character, prayer, faithfulness, and integrity. He emphasized the importance of being a prayerful leader with integrity.

The Saturday session concluded with a prayer and impartation session led by Pastor Frank Akonnor, the Resident PENSA Campus Pastor at UCC.

The summit culminated with a presentation by Mrs. Esther Mansa Annan Quayson, the wife of the PENSA Traveling Secretary on Sunday morning.

She spoke on the topic, “The Unleashed Leader and Relationships,” drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, and Proverbs 6:27-29.

She advised leaders to be physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and mentally prepared before entering into any pre-marital relationship.

The participating institutions included Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College (CCNMTC), Psychiatric Nursing Training College (PNTC), OLA College of Education (OLACOE), Komenda College of Education (KOMENCOE), and Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU).

Report by Justina Mensah, PENSA CCTU Secretary

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, dedicated an ultra-modern church auditorium for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) branch of Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).

The dedication ceremony was attended by various distinguished personalities, notable among them were Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson (Vice Chancellor, KNUST), Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng (Registrar, KNUST), Rev. Dr. J. W. Acheampong (Protestant Chaplain, KNUST), Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Director, The CoP); Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Area Head, Obuasi), Apostle Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Director, The CoP); Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey (Area Head, Asokwa); Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (Area Head, Ashaiman), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Area Head, Kaneshie) and Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Area Head, Suame).

Others were Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku (Area head, New Tafo), Apostle Victor Asamoah (Area Head, Bompata), Apostle Prof. Joseph I. T. Buertey (Resident Minister, PIWC Asokwa/PENSA KNUST Patron), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Apostle Kingsley Addai (Resident Minister, PIWC Accra), Elder Prof. Eric Appau Asante (Deputy Youth Director) and Pastor Ebo Quaye (KNUST Campus Pastor).

Also present was the wife of the Chairman, Mrs Mary Nyamekye, traditional leaders, among others.

In a sermon titled, “Be Unleashed With Fragrance To Transform Your Spheres,” Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey, Asokwa Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, encouraged believers to let their actions and presence bring positive change and memories to their environments.

Drawing an analogy between fragrance and its stress-relieving properties, Apostle Dzemekey explained how a pleasing aroma can evoke good memories and create a calming atmosphere.

He referenced John 12:1-11, highlighting the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. “Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with her costly perfume was a profound display of remorse and devotion. The fragrance filled the entire house, symbolizing how our actions can permeate and transform our surroundings,” he said.

Apostle Dzemekey urged the congregation to seize the moment and be proactive in their endeavours.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it. This is your time,” he emphasized, encouraging everyone to contribute meaningfully to their communities and personal projects.

He assured those who invested in the church building that their contributions are not in vain but investments in their future.

“Mary, once a sinner, used her precious perfume to honour Jesus, and in return, Jesus declared her sins forgiven,” Apostle Dzemekey explained.

He pointed out that Mary’s gesture was not just an act of generosity but a significant indication of her repentance and faith, which brought about her forgiveness.

Apostle Dzemekey called on believers to unleash their own “fragrance” – their unique gifts and good works – to transform their spheres of influence.

“Just as Mary’s perfume filled the house, let your positive influence and good deeds fill your surroundings, bringing transformation and the presence of Christ wherever you go,” he concluded.

BRIEF HISTORY OF PENSA KNUST AUDITORIUM

In the 1980’s PENSA-KNUST used to have its mid-week services, dubbed Miracle Movement, at the Independence Hall Chapel. Sunday services were held at the Africa Hall Chapel. In the early 1990’s, however, all the meetings were held at Africa Hall. Miracle Movement services were held at the Africa Hall Chapel while Sunday services were now held at the Africa Hall Dining Hall. As the group grew, however, these two meeting places could no longer accommodate the growing numbers. In the latter part of the 1990s, there started to be an overflow of crowds during special programmes and the normal Sunday morning and mid-week services. In 2004, PENSA-KNUST moved the venue of its midweek services to the Queens Hall dining hall which helped manage the group’s growing number.

THE IDEA OF A JOINT PROJECT

In 2004 when David Nyansah Hayfron (now Apostle Dr) was called into full-time ministry from KNUST-PENSA and stationed at the then Ayeduase Worship Centre, he mooted the idea for a joint building project between PENSA-KNUST and Ayeduase Worship Centre.

THE 5,500-SEATER CHURCH BUILDING

The magnificent edifice includes a 3500-capacity auditorium for PENSA-KNUST, 200-seater French and International Students Assembly Hall/Conference Room, Protocol/Information Students Executive Interacting Chamber, 20-seater Reading Room, LCC Conference Hall, Resident Campus Pastor’s Office, and an Exhibition Hall/Recording Studio for audio-visual works.

It also contains PENSA-KNUST Departments’ Common Hall/Utility Office; 1 Guest Room; Disability Ramp, 2000-capacity auditorium for Ayeduase Central Assembly, Ayeduase District Pastor’s Office; Conference Hall, Ayeduase District Clerk’s Office; A 500-capacity children’s auditorium at the basement, baptistery, and Sound Control/Media Room and Storage Areas, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Six hundred and twenty-two souls, including 122 children, were won during the evangelism outreach, dubbed “Body and Soul,” organised by the Cape Coast Sector of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).

The event also saw 268 persons baptised in water by immersion, 200 individuals receive the Holy Spirit baptism, and 194 believers rededicate their lives to Christ.

The outreach was held under the leadership of Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Traveling Secretary. It took place from Tuesday, May 7th to Sunday, May 12th, 2024, at Moree District in the Cape Coast Area, under the theme, “Jesus Christ, the Only Saviour of the World” (Acts 4:12).

A three-day retreat was organised from May 4th to 6th, 2024, to prepare and equip members through prayers and teaching sessions. The participants left campus for Moree District on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, energised by the Holy Spirit to preach and win souls for Christ. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by the District Minister, Pastor George Kweku Tackie, and his executives.

The District Pastor encouraged the students not to be afraid because the Lord was with them and would use them to perform miracles and win souls for Christ. The participants, divided into their respective zones, engaged in various activities such as fasting and prayers, morning devotion, dawn broadcasting, house-to-house evangelism, school visitations, evening services with the local assemblies, and rallies.

God manifested Himself mightily during these activities. A 19-year-old boy suffering from severe head pain that had affected his brain was miraculously healed. A woman named Aunty Akua, who had been suffering from a stroke for three months, received instant healing after intensive prayer and was able to walk. Additionally, a man who had been bedridden and unable to walk for three years was miraculously healed after intensive prayer and walked without any assistance, to the glory of God.

On Sunday, May 12th, 2024, during the closing session, the PENSA Traveling Secretary, on behalf of the students, expressed gratitude to the District Pastor and his wife, the district executives, and the entire membership for their hospitality and support during the outreach.

In total, 70 students participated in the evangelism outreach.

Report by PENSA Cape Coast Sector Media Team

The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) – Kwadaso Sector reported 1,101 souls at its annual Sector Missions outreach. This was disclosed by the PENSA Travelling Secretary, Ps. Isaac Donkoh, during the closing session of the 4th edition of its Sector Missions outreach at Bedieso Central Assembly in Obuasi Area on May 5, 2024.

He mentioned that the Sector, aligning with the Church’s strategic vision, mobilized 118 student missionaries from PENSA AAMUSTED (formerly UEW-K), KNUST Obuasi Campus, and Akrokerri College of Education to engage in aggressive evangelism within six Districts: Apagya, Kyekyewere, Numereso, Tweapease, Fenanso, and Hia in the Obuasi Area of The Church of Pentecost.

The team camped at Dadwen Assembly in Kyekyewere District for a three-day fasting and prayer retreat from Monday, April 29th, to Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, under the theme: “Unleashed to Do the Work of an Evangelist” – 2 Timothy 2:15.

After the retreat session, the student missionaries were dispatched into the various districts for aggressive evangelistic activities, including personal evangelism, dawn broadcasting, rallies, and cinema evangelism from Wednesday, May 1st, to Sunday, May 5th, 2024.

Their dedicated efforts resulted in a total of 1,101 souls won for Christ, including children. Additionally, 160 people rededicated their lives to Jesus, 226 adult converts were baptized in water, and 76 received the Holy Spirit baptism.

The Travelling Secretary attributed the success of the outreach to the commitment, passion, and unflinching love the student missionaries exhibited for lost souls.

At the closing ceremony on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, at Bedieso Central, the Obuasi Area Head, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, expressed his utmost gratitude to the student missionaries for their tireless efforts and dedication.

“I commend you for availing yourselves to be unleashed by God for this great harvest of souls and contribution to the growth and expansion of the Kingdom of God,” he indicated.

Also in attendance were Pastor Samuel Osei Mensah (Area Secretary), Pastor Vincent Ephraim Amegah (Bedieso), and Pastors: Francis Wugban (Tweapease District), Francis Dankwah (Numereso District), Gabriel Nsowah (Fenanso District), Manasseh Agbodeka (Kyekyewere District), Collins Baah (Apagya District), and Joshua Oppong (Hia District) who acknowledged the significant impact of the outreach in their respective Districts.
Report by Elder Ballack Sarfo