It's Time For Young People To Transform The World - Elder Samuel Boahen web

It’s Time For Young People To Transform The World – Elder Samuel Boahen

The PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahen, has stressed the urgent need for young people to step up as world transformers and change agents in society.

According to him, Christian youth have reached a pivotal moment where their energy, ideals, and potential are required to shape communities and nations.

Elder Boahen made this declaration in his opening address at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference, dubbed the “Transformers Conference.” The conference aims to spiritually equip young people to maximise their global impact.

Addressing the participants, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator said young people needed to avail themselves for a divine encounter, stressing that: “to transform others, you must be transformed.”

“Young people cannot ignite transformation in their schools, workplaces, churches, and governments unless they have been changed from within. That is why spaces like the PENSA conference that facilitate dynamic personal reflection and transformative spiritual experiences are so critical,” he stated.

He explained that when young hearts and minds encounter the life-giving message of the Gospel, they gain new perspective and direction to channel their energies, adding, “With the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, the youth can rise as “transformers for good” in their spheres of influence.

He, however, revealed that the world has already seen the beginning of youth-led movements tackling society’s most pressing issues, from climate change to racial reconciliation to mental health awareness. 

He revealed that God is unleashing a generation of young change-makers who will redeem and restore the broken aspects of society.

“As the Church, we must do our part to spiritually invest in young people, nurture their leadership gifts, and make space for them to lead. There are Esthers, Josephs, Ruths, Marys, and Timothys among us who will courageously take up the mantle to transform systems and structures by living out Kingdom values,” he said.

Ending his address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator noted that it is time for radical obedience, sacrificial living, and bold faith from young people to see revival and renewal spread in our communities and nation.

“The future belongs to those transformers who, captivated by a transcendent vision, are willing to pay the cost to see their world changed. By God’s grace, may the youth arise from gatherings like PENSA Ghana glow with holy fire and hope,” he concluded.

PENSA-Ghana Conference, an annual conference championed by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, is one of the biggest youth conferences in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Many youths who participated in previous editions have testified to life-changing encounters with God. Participants of the conferences are taken through rigorous spiritual exercises, among other activities that address their holistic development; as a result, they always leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a calling to go out and make positive change. 

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

Church Members Are Key Stakeholders Of Vision 2028 - Apostle Ebenezer Hagan web

Church Members Are Key Stakeholders Of Vision 2028 – Apostle Ebenezer Hagan

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has indicated that members of the Church are key stakeholders of the second phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda (Vision 2028).

Apostle Hagan said this today during his sermon on Day 2 of the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, one of the three centres of the conference.

In his sermon, he explained that Vision 2028, which aims to unleash the Whole Church to transform their world with the values and principles of the kingdom of God, enjoins Church leaders to create a church environment where each member understands their role as the Salt and Light of the World by serving as catalysts for positive change in society.

Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 2, he stressed the need for a paradigm shift in order to change the mindset of church members to rise to their divine mandate.

The Youth Director further underscored the importance of countering societal norms that may act as influencing operating systems.

He, therefore, urged members, especially the youth, to align with the word of God to avoid deception, stating, “These systems work by way of one’s mind, and it is only prayer and God’s word that can change the mind (thoughts) of the people.”

Apostle Hagan noted that to build a proactive church, there is a need for members to be taught and equipped to be acutely aware of their role as agents of transformation in the present generation and beyond.

He further noted that every member of the Church acts as a bridge between the world and Vision 2028, adding: “One doesn’t need to be a scholar to become a witness and disciple of Christ Jesus; every member is required to undertake this divine task.”

Concluding his sermon, Apostle Hagan issued a rallying call to the youth of the Church to embrace Vision 2028 and avail themselves as active agents of change as they work collectively towards the realisation of the Church’s strategic vision.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

The Enormous Power In The Church Must Be Unleashed – Apostle Samuel Obuobi web

The Enormous Power In The Church Must Be Unleashed – Apostle Samuel Obuobi

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, has said that the church of God is blessed with enormous power that is not meant for the church alone but for the transformation of the world.

 According to him, this tremendous power received through the coming of the Holy Spirit must be consciously unleashed since it is never intended to remain in the church auditoriums.

Apostle Samuel Obuobi said this yesterday during the opening session of the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference, dubbed the “Transformers Conference 2024,” at the PENSA-KNUST centre.

Speaking on the main theme of the conference, “Young People Unleashed to Transform their World,” the General Secretary explained that the Church has entered into the second phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, dubbed Vision 2028.

He explained that the main difference between the previous vision and this new one is the fact that while Vision 2023 prioritised equipping the Church, the current one is more focused on unleashing the whole church to transform the world with Kingdom principles and values.

Quoting the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, he explained that “to unleash is to cause the tremendous power locked up in the fortress of the church to be released for the transformation of society.”

Citing Acts, he said that the coming of the promised Holy Spirit has made the church a “container of tremendous power,” describing this power as immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing. He added that this power is meant to help transform the world and take territories for the Lord.

Apostle Obuobi stated that every believer is not an ordinary person because they possess this tremendous power of God. He, however, stressed that the primary purpose of this power is to transform the world and not just to be exercised in church auditoriums.

The General Secretary, however, stressed that one can only transform their world because no single individual can transform the world.

“Everyone has his or her world. This is what is known as one’s sphere of influence. So, as you influence your sphere and I also mine, we ultimately transform the world,” he explained.

Apostle Obuobi explained that one’s sphere of influence includes one’s family or home, workplace, friends, school, etc.

He further noted that the only tool that can be used to undertake this societal transformation venture is the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, such as love for all, integrity, and righteous living.

The General Secretary concluded his message by stressing that one of the characteristics of an unleashed Christian is the accreditation of signs, wonders, and miracles.

He explained that when Jesus came down to earth, He was given this divine accreditation through which he went about doing good and healing the sick of their infirmities (Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38).

He further noted that when Jesus unleashed his 72 disciples into the world, He accredited them with signs and wonders (Luke 10:17-18).

Apostle Obuobi enphasised that his divine accreditation has also been given to contemporary believers since Jesus has assured them in Mark 16:17-18 that in His name, they would do exploits.

He, therefore, urged believers to consciously go out and appropriate this incomparably great power that is contained in them in order to change corrupt systems and ungodly lifestyles, and to confront the ills of the world.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Transformers Conference 2024 Opens In Grand Style web

Transformers Conference 2024 Opens In Grand Style

The highly anticipated PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 kicked off its opening session with a powerful message of empowerment and transformation for young people across the country and beyond by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi.

The PENSA Ghana Conference is an annual national mega-gathering of all youth in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana and beyond.

This year’s edition, dubbed the Transformers Conference, began yesterday, January 2, 2023, and is expected to end on Friday, January 5, 2023, under the theme, “Young People Unleashed to Transform their World” (1 Peter 2:9; Acts 1:8).

The Transformers Conference has drawn a large number of youth in the Church eager to participate from three different centres: the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, KNUST in Kumasi, and UDS in Tamale.

In his opening address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahene, warmly welcomed the participants, ministers and distinguished guests.

Highlighting the significance of a PENSA Ghana Conference and its relevance in today’s context, he emphasised the importance of the Transformers Conference in achieving the vision of the second phase of the Possessing the Nations Agenda.

“There is a time when the youth need to arise and answer numerous questions. It is a time when the youth need to arise and make their presence felt. The time is now,” exclaimed Elder Boahene.

He further registered his sincerest appreciation to the Chairman of the Church and the leaders for their massive support and guidance in achieving this remarkable feat.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to seek a personal encounter with the Lord. Draw strength and virtue, and share fellowship with participants drawn at the 3 locations in the country. Build a professional network. Leave this conference holistically empowered,” he advised.

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, revealed that the conference is at the heart of the Chairman and the leaders of the church.

“The leadership took 50% of the actual registration fees,” he revealed.

He extended appreciation to the Area Heads, District Pastors and Youth leaders for taking the initiative to support the youth.

The conference means a lot to the Lord, who is the owner of the church, and also to the Chairman, who is the vision-bearer. It is also happening when the church of Pentecost has decided to prioritise the ministry of young people. We intend to reach everyone for Jesus”, he noted.

As part of the initiatives for the Youth Ministry’s Vision 2028, “Grounded in Christ, Reaching Everyone and Taking Everywhere for Christ”, the Apostle Hagan noted that the Professional Guilds will be launched to train young people to win their various fields of profession and take them for Christ.

He then gave a Clarion call to every youth to rise to the task and be challenged to take everywhere for God. He finally acknowledged participants joining from Nigeria, Togo, and other countries.

The former Youth Patron, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, also the Area Head for Kaneshie, gave his opening remarks.

In his address, he made a profound statement that “For the youth to transform their world, they must be transformed first, hence, the need for the Transformers Conference.

“It is a conference for people who are transformers – a people ready for a change. You are to change society. It is possible. As young people, we are being unleashed to transform our world, and that is the burden on our hearts. If you can go out and transform others, you will be transformed. Take a decision. Be transformed”, he stressed.

The main speaker for the day, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, delivered an insightful exposition on the theme.

Drawing references from the theme scriptures, he spoke about the critical role of Christians in the Great Commission, calling for active engagement and commitment.

He emphasised that the Church is a container of the power of God, which is immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing; as such, the world must experience that power.

The opening session also featured uplifting ministrations from the PENSA Ghana Choir, adding a vibrant dimension to the event.

The PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for a transformative journey for young Pentecostals.

With a lineup of influential speakers, engaging sessions, and spiritual activities, the conference is poised to significantly impact the lives of many young people, empowering them to transform their world.

Report by Pensa Ghana Secretariat Team.

Nazareth Assembly Youth Ministry Celebrates Boxing Day With Mamprobi Police Cell Inmates web

Nazareth Assembly Youth Ministry Celebrates Boxing Day With Mamprobi Police Cell Inmates

The Youth Ministry of the Nazareth Assembly in the Chemunaa District of The Church of Pentecost marked this year’s Boxing Day with the inmates at the Mamprobi Police Station in Accra.

Elder Emmanuel Bortsie, the Nazareth Assembly Youth Ministry Leader, along with Deacons Daniel Affum, his assistant, and Emmanuel Adu-Poku, the Assistant Evangelism Ministry Leader of the Assembly, led the Youth Ministry delegation to the police station.

The purpose of the visit was to share God’s love with the inmates and the police officers at the station, which is in fulfillment of Jesus’ command in Matthew 25:36-40.

Exhorting the inmates and officials present at the event, Deacon Emmanuel Adu Poku emphasised that the greatest gift is demonstrating love towards one another.

Deacon Poku highlighted the profound love of God in giving us His only begotten Son.

Expounding further, he referenced Romans 5:8, stating: “We were once in a state of despair and deprivation, but God sent His Son into the world so that through Him, our condition and status could be transformed.”

He further stated that God is ever-present to rescue humanity from any situation.

Drawing inspiration from Apostle Peter’s story in the Bible, he mentioned how Peter, too, faced challenges but was delivered through the church’s prayers.

Highlighting the contrasting intentions of the devil and Christ, he noted” “While the devil seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, Christ came to seek and save the lost. By surrendering your lives to God through His Son, you can embrace eternal life.”

Concluding the message, he reminded everyone of the true essence of Boxing Day: a time not for physical altercations but for expressing love and compassion.

An altar call by Elder Emmanuel Bortsie saw six inmates surrendering their lives to Christ.

As part of the visit  the team donated toilet rolls, gallons of liquid soap, bottled water, soft drinks, sachets of water and packaged food to the Station Commander in charge. 

The Mamprobi Police District Commander, Chief Yeeboah, received the relief items on behalf of the inmates and commended the church for their show of love. He also encouraged them to continue this act of benevolence.

 Report by Lawrence Nana Kwame Asiamah

PENSA-Ghana Donates Musical Instruments To Akropong School For Rhe Blind web

PENSA-Ghana Donates Musical Instruments To Akropong School For The Blind

The leadership of Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Ghana, led by its Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahen, on December 2, 2023, donated musical instruments to the Akropong School for the Blind.

Elder Samuel Boahen presented the items, which included a brand new high-performance Yamaha keyboard, a keyboard combo, and a set of microphones, to the School authorities on behalf of the team.

According to him, the purpose of the visit was to fraternise with the PENSA group on campus and to provide them with free training in handicrafts.

The PENSA-Ghana Coordinator also remarked that this action was taken in their quest to fulfill the holistic mandate of PENSA Ghana and the Youth ministry’s vision of holistic empowerment of all persons.

He emphasised that not only will these instruments help boost their worship sessions, thus helping engender spiritual deepening, but it will also help nurture the abundance of inherent musical talents PWDs are known for.

“As we seek to harness their spiritual development for the salvation of their souls, we complement it with the needed skills to economically empower them even outside the domain of white-collar jobs,” he said.

The chairperson for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Committee of PENSA-Ghana, Deaconess Mabel Akutey, took participants through the training in bead making, hair fascinator, bridal fan, and key holder using ubiquitous everyday items.

It was such a beautiful scene seeing the excitement on the faces of participants, with strong determination and eagerness to learn these skills.

The authorities of the school, as well as the students, filled with joy, expressed their gratitude to the PENSA Ghana leadership for donating musical instruments and also providing free practical training to their students.

The students reaffirmed their belief that the training would go a long way to help them generate a source of livelihood for themselves.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media Team

Christian Youth Charged To Sharpen Their Skills web

Christian Youth Charged To Sharpen Their Skills

The Director of The Church of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has admonished Christian youth to sharpen themselves and help one another to be relevant in society.

Apostle Anane Denteh said this on Sunday, December 10, 2023, during the climax of the Ladies and Gents’ Wing Week Celebration of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), University of Ghana, Legon.

Speaking on the topic, “Sharpening the Youth for Abundant Living,” with reference from Proverbs 27:17, Apostle Anane Denteh, an Executive Council Member, stressed the need to help one another in sharpening individual skills. 

According to him, it is natural that some old devices become blunt when used for a long time. Such devices are sometimes disposed of if they cannot perform the required task. Every one of us, he said, has sharp areas and blunt areas that need to be sharpened. 

He emphasised the need for Christians to allow themselves to be sharpened because everyone needs to be sharpened. 

He intimated that “sharpness” differs from “smartness” since a smart person does not always play by the rules, but a sharpened person does

To be a complete youth, Apostle Anane Denteh said some areas that are vital for their development include spiritual, physical, social and psychological development.

“Anything we do today is a rehearsal for what will come tomorrow. The Christian youth must be fully prepared for tomorrow since tomorrow is unknown,” he said. 

He, however, said that one cannot change the whole world, “but you have your sphere to influence.”

The PEMEM Director implored the youth to avoid laziness. Referencing Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 12:24, he said that a lazy person cannot succeed, but a diligent person will be successful. He further advised them to avoid dwelling on their past or vulnerabilities and move into the future, avoid addictions, bad habits and ideological thinking, which could be political, social or religious.

Present at the meeting were the Resident PENSA Campus Pastor and wife, Pastor Kwadwo Obeng and Mrs Eunice Obeng.

Report by Pastor Kwadwo Obeng

2023 National Youth Quiz Ends With Wa, Agormanya, Goaso & Ho Areas Claiming The Ultimate web

2023 National Youth Quiz Ends With Wa, Agormanya, Goaso & Ho Areas Claiming The Ultimate

In a nerve-racking, five-hour series of contests at the PIWC-Asokwa auditorium, 16 Areas, seeded into three contesting groups, had their last dance in determining who comes on top in the various contests with their accompanying categories.

The Junior Category of the Bible Bee Contest saw Goaso, Agormanya, Achimota and Kwadaso areas, unleashing the verses of scriptures they had committed to memory.

The 1st and 2nd Semi-Final encounters saw Goaso and Kwadaso Areas, sailing through to the Grand Finale with Agormanya gaining a late ticket after the winning the playoff over Achimota.

Surprisingly, an overwhelming display of courage and determination saw the defending champions amass 144.25 points in the 3rd round known as the ‘home stretch’ to set the win it and become the 1st Area to win and successfully defend their trophy in the Junior Category-Bible Bee Contest.

Kwadaso and Goaso areas followed suit in 2nd and 3rd place with 302 points and 289.85 points respectively.

The Senior Category of the Bible Bee Contest on the other hand saw Ho Area gliding past Kwadaso and Tarkwa in the Grand Finale to lift the trophy.

The Ho Area led by Andrews Helegbe couldn’t make it to the Grand Finale of the 2022 edition held last year. Unperturbed by the defeat, he prepared-in-wait and kept knocking at the door of opportunity sailed through this time round, accumulating 421.5 points to lift the trophy.

Tarkwa Area emerged 1st runner-up earning 399 points while Kwadaso Area finished 3rd with 380.25 points.

The Junior Category of the Questions and Answers Contest on the other hand saw Goaso Area etching their names in the quiz hall of fame for the first time after seeing off Dansoman and Suame Areas with a whooping 35.5 points, maintaining a 12.5 point-gap advantage over Dansoman Area who bounced back from an initial defeat and play-off amassing 23 points.

Suame Area saw the tide turned against them as they came behind Dansoman Area with 21.5 points, whom they defeated in the Semis.

The last contest that saw a charged euphoria and effervescent cheers and applause, was the Senior Category – Questions and Answers Contest with Wa, Kaneshie and Bompata Areas battling for glory. Kaneshie and Bompata Areas entered the contest as favourites to win the ultimate with Wa Area coming through the back door as underdogs.

Nevertheless, they left no stone unturned, capitalising upon every bonus question that went abegging. In all three rounds, before the Problem of the Day Round, Wa laid behind Kaneshie in 2nd place with 37 points, only a 1.5 gap separating them.

It was soon to be discovered that the Problem of the Day was going to be the decider of the fates of these three contesting.

The outcome of the Problem of the Day Round saw Wa Area overtaking Kaneshie Area in 1st place with 41.5 points. Kaneshie who could only earn a point from the last round couldn’t help but fall to 2nd place with Bompata Area coming third.

That was indeed a record-making feat achieved in the history of the quiz. The first ever northern side to lift a trophy in the history of the National Youth Quiz Competition since its inception.

Report by NYQC Editorial Team

PIWC-Dunkwa Youth Ministry Donates To Obuasi Prison

PIWC-Dunkwa Youth Ministry Donates To Obuasi Prison

The Youth Ministry of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in the Dunkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated various items to inmates at the Obuasi Local Prison.

The donated items, comprising rice, soap, toothpaste, brushes, sachet water, shaving sticks, and assorted drinks, were presented on Friday, December 1, 2023. This benevolent act is part of the Church’s outreach initiative, aimed at sharing the gospel message and providing support to the inmates.

Led by the Resident Minister, Pastor Barnabas Kwabena Nortsu, the church delegation engaged with the inmates and prayed with them. Pastor Nortsu took the opportunity to encourage them with the word of God.

Expressing gratitude for the generous donation, the prison commander, Superintendent Esther Ako-Nunoo, deemed the visit timely.

She acknowledged the positive impact such visits have on the welfare and morale of the inmates, and, therefore, called for more of such visits in the future.

Report by Elder Simon Awuku (PIWC-Dunkwa Youth Ministry Leader)

Allow God's Word To Grow In You web

Allow God’s Word To Grow In You – Apostle Ebenezer Hagan Charges Youth

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has charged young people to make a conscious effort to study the Word of God and keep it in their hearts.

Apostle Hagan made this statement on Saturday, December 2, 2023, when he addressed quiz contestants, supporters, and youth workers during the grand finale of this year’s National Youth Quiz Competition (NYQC) at PIWC-Asokwa.

In a brief exhortation, the Youth Director emphasised the need for young people to always feed on the Word of God for greater exploits.

He explained that the rationale behind the quiz competition is to help young people get closer to their Bibles.

“It’s likely that you may have read over a passage of scripture several times. That’s why we begin the competition at the local level to encourage many young people to begin reading the books we publish each year. For me, the joy I have is that, to be at this level means one may have read a passage of scripture as many times as one deems necessary, and that’s how God’s word gets to us,” he remarked.

Directing his attention to the contestants drawn from 16 areas of the Church, Apostle Hagan shared his experiences while serving as an Area Youth Leader in Tamale and as a District Pastor in Nyankpala years ago.

He revealed that preparing his candidates for the quiz at that time allowed him to read and meditate on some of Paul’s letters, particularly the one he wrote to the Philippians since that was what his candidates were studying at that time.

He reminisced on how Apostle Paul’s view on the fact that the gospel being preached out of goodwill as well as for selfish interest in some for the sake of their stomachs was a joy to him and ushered him into a broader sense of understanding God’s word.

“Though his joy was that the gospel was being preached, juxtaposing it to the life and ministry of his son Timothy brought greater joy to him, and this is seen in how Apostle Paul commended Timothy’s resolute to preach the gospel out of goodwill,” he said.

He further stated that: “Timothy had proved himself to Apostle Paul as a son who stayed true to the faith. As a son serves a Father, so has Timothy been with him, having the interest of Christ at heart.”

“This portion of scripture he stumbled on while training his candidates for the quiz has made inroads into my life and ministry and most of my sermons too,” he explained.

Apostle Hagan opined that the journey of competing in the quiz ensures that the word of God sticks in the individual for the rest of their lives, adding that: “With the word of God in you, it activates your ability to hear God when He speaks to you and through you. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through scriptures. At times, the scriptures will play through your mind, and the Spirit of God may speak to you at that time.”

He further revealed that to contest in the Youth Quiz brings a lot of good, and the bigger reward is the nourishing grace that God brings one through the constant study of the scriptures.

The Youth Director recounted how he met a Muslim who boasted about being able to finish reading Gideon’s International New Testament Bible, saying: “The focus is not really to finish reading it, but it’s how the word of God gets into you.”

He further stated that the ultimate objective of leadership is to see the scriptures being recited by the contestants come alive.

“We want to see the life in it. That you’re having intimacy with God through His word and not just being in a hurry to finish reciting it to accrue high marks because it’s a contest. We want you to see the life in God’s word and enjoy yourself as you recite it,” he urged.

He further noted that it is a good thing to read God’s word repeatedly, as it aids retention and has a transforming effect on the individual.

“The word of God can be likened to a seed. Allow it to grow. Don’t just recite it,” he stressed.

Report by NYQC Editorial Team