Mrs Georgina Manu, the wife of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Travelling Secretary for Mampong Sector, has called on Christians to unite for the cause of the Lord.
She made the call recently when preaching at Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development(AAMUSTED)–Asante Mampong Campus on the theme: “Unity is Strength” at the handover service of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).
She stressed the need for the newly called executives to come together and advance the cause of the work of the Lord.
She said marriage vows can unite people for one cause. She said blood is thicker than water; hence, it binds family members together. Therefore, the blood of Jesus has bonded all Christians together.
Mrs Manu charged Christians to put aside every form of language, class, and tribe when they come together because the blood of Jesus binds them together.
Using Acts 2:1-4 and Psalm 133: 1-4 as scripture references, she emphasised the need for Christians to eschew pride, status and class but rather work together for a common goal in preparing the saints for Heaven.
She said the disciples of Jesus united with one goal: waiting for the promised Holy Spirit; hence, God poured out the Holy Spirit unto them.
“The disciples had their breakthrough because they were together,” she pointed out.
She concluded her message by saying that Jesus Christ was humble to the extent that he washed his disciples’ feet, saying, “Loving one another is the key to unity.”
Report by Patrick Okyere Osei – AAMUSTED PENSA Secretary
The Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Doblo Gonno District in the Achimota Area of The Church of Pentecost has successfully repaired all broken doors and windows at the Methodist Government School within the Doblo Gonno community.
This initiative is aimed at bolstering safety and security on the school premises both during and after school hours.
The District SOM team, who holds fellowships with staff and students on Wednesday mornings, saw the need to address some key challenges faced by the school, including incidents of theft, and unauthorised activity such as smoking and defecation occurring at night in classrooms without doors.
The intervention has significantly improved the atmosphere at the school, particularly for the dedicated teachers and students of the school.
The school authorities have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Kwabena Darko-Mensah, the District Minister, the SOM Executive Committee led by Deaconess Comfort Achiaa Kobia, and the entire church for their timely and invaluable support.
The Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Ho has organised a preparation seminar for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in the church.
Speaking at the event, which took place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, in the church’s auditorium at Mawuli Estate in Ho, Mr Joseph Mawuena, a Chief Examiner and the Regional Vice-Chairman of the Scripture Union took the candidates through the ‘dos and don’ts’ before, during and after the examination.
Quoting 2 Timothy 1: 7 and Isaiah 47: 10, Mr Mawuena asked the candidates, numbering about 60, to be confident, bold and not afraid.
He advised them to desist from learning deep into the night and refrain from engaging in any substances or drugs in their efforts to study.
“Prepare yourselves psychologically, spiritually and physically. Go early and know your sitting place and have the search by invigilators,” he said, adding, “Search yourselves first and be sure of having no unwanted items.”
Mr Joseph Mawuena asked the candidates to “own the answer booklet by writing how your name is registered for the exams. Write your index number and the name of the paper.”
He further advised them to read the instructions carefully and be conversant with the rubrics, saying, “It is necessary to write your index number; know it off head. Subject yourself to the instructions and pass well. Read through the questions and make your selections. Answer your questions in the order you can easily tackle. A fresh question must be started on a fresh page.”
He asked the candidates to comport themselves and not be in a hurry to go out after they had finished answering the questions.
The Presiding Elder, Albert Abakah-Yawson, assured the candidates of the provisions of God in the examination.
The Resident Minister, Pastor David Francis Akayue, and Pastor Isaac Aboagye of Godokpe District took the candidates through a prayer session.
The church presented pens, pencils and other souvenirs to the candidates.
The Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Mamprobi District in the Dansoman Area of The Church of Pentecost met with the final-year students of Sempe 1 Junior High School at Mamprobi to pray with them and encourage them ahead of their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which commences on Monday.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, was part of the team’s routine visit to the school for weekly devotions.
Deacon Akuffo Owusu, the SOM Coordinator for the Mamprobi District, shared the word of God with the students and also encouraged them to go all out to make their school, guardians, and themselves proud.
He advised them to put in all their best effort in the exams as the hour is now, which would remain essential throughout their educational journey.
Again, he urged the students to remain calm like Jesus, drawing inspiration from John 2:1-10.
Sister Abigail Antwiwaa, one of the team members, led the BECE candidates in a time of intensive prayer for God’s grace to abound for them before, during, and after their exams.
The Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of A-Lang Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a special service for final-year students preparing to sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The event, which took place at the Doxa Auditorium on Sunday, July 30, 2023, aimed to prepare the students spiritually, psychologically, and physically for the examination.
The service was chaired by the Resident Minister, Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, who was also one of the speakers for the event. Other speakers were Mrs. Olivia Tsekpoe (Wife of the Resident Minister), Elder Kwame Owusu Ansah (a retired Educationist), and Deaconess Priscilla Koranchie (a teacher).
Using Proverbs 14:12 as a foundational text Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, who is also the Head of Department for the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PTSM) at the Pentecost University, encouraged the students to approach the exams with confidence.
He also advised them not to take any opportunity in life for granted and to see the exams as one of such opportunities they have been given.
He interspersed his presentation with his personal testimonies and life experiences to encourage the students to remain focused regardless of the challenges life throws at them.
The other speakers also touched on time management, rules and regulations for the examination, as well as the need for the students to trust and rely on Jesus in every endeavour.
After the presentations, the Resident Minister led the congregation to pray for the candidates.
All 45 candidates who took part in the service comprised members of A-Lang Worship Centre, students of St. Lutterodt Academy, and members of Santa Maria English Assembly.
To the glory of God, four of the students, including a Muslim, responded to the altar call to accept Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour.
The candidates were each presented with a mathematical set, a necessary tool for the examination.
In all, 65 people participated in the event, including Elder Isaac Danful (Assistant Odorkor Area Chaplaincy Ministry Leader and English Assembly Presiding Elder), Elder Eric Ogoe (District SOM Coordinator), Deaconess Esther Danful (Assistant District Evangelism Ministry Leader), Brother Gideon Okyere (English Assembly Youth Ministry Secretary).
The English Assembly and Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of Ekroful District in the Agona Swedru of The Church of Pentecost successfully held the third edition of the “Teens Conference” on Saturday, July 22, 2023, under the theme: “An Excellent Spirit” (Daniel 6:3).
Held in partnership with The Tonnie Institute – Africa, the event aimed at impacting the lives of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in Aboso, Benso, Ekroful, and Akropong communities as they prepared for their final exams.
Elder Tonnie Baffoe, the Presiding Elder of the English Assembly & Schools Outreach Ministry and the Ministry to Teens Coordinator of Ekroful District, addressed the students, encouraging them to stop viewing Mathematics as a difficult subject. Instead, he advised them to embrace and love the subject as it would remain essential throughout their educational journey.
Elder Baffoe, who also serves as the Team Lead of The Tonnie Institute – Africa, urged the students to be mindful of their lifestyles.
He stated that many adults are eager to help teens and youths but often feel discouraged due to perceptions of disobedience among the younger generation. To counter this, he encouraged the students to embrace the power of obedience, drawing inspiration from Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:1.
Mr. Felix Dare, a key member of the Institute and the Head of Administration of Transforming World – International, emphasised the importance of actively engaging with matters of faith to lead excellent lives in and beyond school.
The event achieved great success, with a total attendance of 335 participants. Most notably, 146 individuals gave their lives to Christ during the conference.
Elder Tonie expressed heartfelt gratitude to the District Minister, Pastor Edward Asamoah Antwi, and his wife for their unwavering support. He also extended his thanks to the officers and members of Ekroful District, the Gomoa Central Directorate, as well as the Area Schools Outreach Ministry and the Ministry To Teens of the Area, all of whom contributed significantly to the event’s success.
In line with the theme of The Church of Pentecost for this year, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) chapter of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) has organised the “Church Media Conference” to equip members on how to propagate the gospel across the various digital platforms.
The conference, which was initiated by the Editorial Department, was held on the Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Sasakawa Conference Room.
Speakers for the conference were Deacon Michael Gariba (Former PENSA-UCC Editor Librarian), Brother Joseph Attoh (Social Media Officer, The Church of Pentecost-Headquarters), Brother Blay Brako (Immediate-past Media Director, GHAMSU-UCC), Brother Silas Dadzie, Sister Emmanuella Kwafo and Brother Owusu.
The topics treated at the event included: The Media Person and Spirituality, The COP Media Ministry in View, Basics of Photography, Creation of Google Forms, Facebook Livestreaming with Mobile Phones and Live Projection in Church using Easy Worship.
Pastor Frank Akonnor, the PENSA-UCC Resident Campus Minister, who also took part in the event, admonished all participants to use the skills acquired to vigorously spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to take over the campuses and the world for Christ.
Also in attendance were Elder Maxwell Asare Tei, (President, PENSA-UCC), Brother Paul Owusu (Vice President), Brother Jephthah Darko (Editor Librarian) and Sister Bridget Asamoah (Deputy Editor Librarian)
In all, 75 people, including non-PENSA members, took part in the event .
The third edition of the “Uncommon Leadership Summit” (ULS) organised by the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Cape Coast Sector, took place from Friday, June 30, to Saturday, July 1, 2023.
The two-day residential event, held for the SCT, SCC, LCC, Working Team, and Patrons/Patronesses, was held under the theme “Repositioned to Lead for Maximum Impact on Campus” (Colossians 2:6-7; John 14:12) and took place at the Miracle Centre Auditorium of PENSA-Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU).
Held at the zonal levels – Cape Coast, Twifo Praso, and Dunkwa zones respectively – with over 180 participants, the summit aimed to reposition and ground PENSA leaders in Christ and empower them to make a maximum impact on their respective campuses.
The ULS began with a short video presentation on leadership, which encouraged PENSA leaders to avail themselves of leadership responsibilities, as they have been chosen by God to lead.
Pastor Joseph Zoot, the PENSA Traveling Secretary for the Mankesim Sector, spoke on the main theme of the summit.
In his presentation, he explained who a leader is and what it takes to be an uncommon leader.
Pastor Zoot mentioned that “to accomplish your goals as a leader, you should be enlightened in the word of God, believe in what God has deposited in you, and be firmly rooted and grounded in Christ.”
He also encouraged the participants to be leaders of influence who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
After sharing the spiritual and physical qualities of a leader with the participants, Pastor Zoot led the church in a session of intensive prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The programme continued the next day with a presentation from the convener of the Uncommon Leadership Summit, Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Traveling Secretary for the Sector, who spoke on “The COP Brand – the Core Values of the Church.”
Pastor Quayson stated that “what makes us unique and distinct as a church is our brand, which includes core values, tenets of the church, and rules of conduct.”
He explained that core values are the things the Church holds in high esteem, such as evangelism, discipleship, ministry excellence, prayer, leadership development, church culture, tithe and offering, consistent Bible teachings, etc.
Pastor Quayson urged the PENSA leaders to study the core values and rules of conduct of CoP, as they make the Church distinct from others. He also encouraged PENSA leaders to serve wholeheartedly and sacrificially in the church and help build the local assemblies for maximum impact.
Elder Evans Darko Addo, a member of the Working Team, spoke on the topic “What is expected from a Repositioned PENSA Leader.” He pointed out that a repositioned PENSA leader is expected to be loyal, above reproach, faithful in doing the work of God, and a soul winner.
The wife of the Traveling Secretary, Mrs. Esther Mansa Annan Quayson, continued with a talk on the topic “Is this Love” from 1 Samuel 13:1-23. She challenged the participants to pray effectively and seek godly counsel before entering into any relationship.
The summit ended with a prayer and impartation session led by Elder Bismark Afrifa Marfo, the Sector’s Financial Secretary, during which three participants received Holy Spirit baptism.
The 2023 edition of the Uncommon Leadership Summit was unique because some of the patrons/patronesses within the Cape Coast zone were invited to share their experiences and expectations.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Monica Zoot (Wife of Mankesim Travelling Secretary), Deaconess Rebecca Quarm (Patrons’ Representative on the Working Team) and other patrons.
The following institutions in the Cape Coast zone participated in the programme: Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training college (CCNMTC), Psychiatric Nursing and Midwifery Training College (PNMTC), Ola College of Education (OLACOE), Komenda College of Education (KOMENCOE).
Report by Agnes Odei (PENSA CCTU Assistant Secretary)
Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, the La Area Head of The Church of Pentecost and Executive Council Member-elect has called on church leaders to instill the value of excellence in the youth in all aspects of their work.
According to him, excellence entails standing out among others, being excellent, and striving to be the best in all endeavours.
Apostle Dr Nuekpe said this at the culmination of this year’s National Youth Week Celebration at the Rhema Assembly, Burma Camp.
During his presentation, Apostle Dr Nuekpe referred to 2 Peter 1:1-12, highlighting Apostle Peter’s teachings on living a life of excellence as believers and making a significant impact.
“Christians are called to exemplify excellence in reflecting God’s glory,” he stated.
He added: “Every youth and Christian should possess this quality; God has equipped you with attributes of excellence for greatness.”
He urged Christians to aspire to operate beyond the standard or societal norms.
Apostle Dr Nuekpe stressed the importance of continually improving oneself and seeking personal growth.
He encouraged the youth to pursue excellence, reminding them that there is always more to achieve, adding, “Upgrading your skills and abilities; you can reach your full potential in wisdom, knowledge, work, and spirituality.”
Apostle Dr Nuekpe further emphasised that excellence is observable and evident in the lives of individuals who possess it.
“Those who strive for excellence know their capabilities and consistently build on the gifts God has bestowed upon them,” he hinted.
Citing Proverbs 22:29, he highlighted that excellent people feel their presence wherever they go, stressing that the opinions of others do not sway them but remain focused on their goals as they refuse to succumb to mediocrity.
He urged individuals to identify their talents and gifts and work diligently to maintain their position of excellence.
The La Area Head stated that excellence is not merely a school subject but a quality of life, emphasising that Christian youth can live lives of excellence by setting themselves apart above reproach.
He said that Christianity goes beyond the mere profession of faith and regular church attendance, noting that their commitment to excellence determines the quality of one’s life.
Apostle Dr Nuekpe outlined that excellence is achieved through faith and qualities such as nobility, knowledge, hard work, diligence, and commitment.
Recalling biblical characters such as Joseph, Daniel, and his friends who excelled in their endeavours, he encouraged members to strive for excellence in the walk with God, work and daily lives.
He said that there would come a time when individuals can no longer perform as before, emphasising the importance of being active and pursuing excellence in the present.
The habit of taking notes at church has become prevalent. You often see young men and women pulling out their iPads, phones, notebooks, and pens as soon as the moderator announces, “It is time to listen to the word of God.” This practice is commendable since written messages serve as future references for the writer and those who come across them. It has resulted in many people accumulating valuable notes. However, the question arises: how are these insightful notes, taken week after week and sometimes on weekdays, being applied in our lives?
Nothing is more frustrating than observing people diligently taking notes during a sermon, only to do nothing with the information they have heard. Consequently, there is little distinction between many of us in church and our unbelieving neighbours.
In his book, James chapter 1:22-23, the Apostle James urges believers to not only be hearers of the Word but also doers of it. For someone who merely listens but fails to act, it is likened to looking in a mirror, seeing oneself, but then immediately forgetting one’s appearance upon leaving. Sadly, this has become a general pattern in our time. Most individuals prefer to record every revelation that falls from the preacher’s lips, but applying these teachings for personal transformation and impact becomes a challenge.
God purposely left believers on earth to be a light in the world. Our lives should serve as a proclamation of an impending kingdom. People should be able to observe us and recognise that there is something distinct about us. Our conduct in business should be different. Our marriages should testify to the love of Christ. How we raise our children should send a message to unbelievers that through Christ, children can be nurtured with moral values.
Christians cannot expect unbelievers to surrender to a Lord whose servants cannot even get along. As Apostle Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 3:2, “You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.” Our friends who have yet to believe, as well as others, are continually observing our lives. They want to witness changes that would inspire them to embrace our beliefs. The church must make God’s abundant wisdom known to those who are concerned. Thus, the responsibility rests on us to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere we go by living out what we hear and write.
The sermons we write down from the pulpit should always be reviewed, and the lessons learned should be put into practice.
Therefore, let us not merely be Note Takers, but let us become Word Practitioners.
