Posts in category: Youth Ministry

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

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)

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

The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) in Cape Coast Sector organised the second edition of the “Kodesh Pre-tertiary Conference” on Saturday, November 18, 2023, for pre-tertiary schools in the Cape Coast zone.

The event, held at the Adisadel Church auditorium, was under the theme: “Sexual Purity” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Travelling Secretary for Cape Coast Sector, emphasised that the gathering aimed to ground students in Christ and empower them to resist sexual immorality on their campuses.

Referring to 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, he stressed that living a sanctified life aligns with God’s will, as He calls us to pursue holiness, not impurity.

Mrs. Esther Asare Yeboah, wife of the Dominance District Minister and a Pharmacist, delivered the first presentation on “Establishing a Perfect Balance as a Young Christian.”

Encouraging participants to balance their academic and spiritual lives, Mrs. Asare Yeboah identified challenges such as procrastination, bad company, social media, lack of godly mentors, excessive sleep, laziness, and poor time prioritisation.

She challenged students to strive for a balanced life, outlining key attitudes like goal-setting, time management, proper prioritisation, avoiding procrastination, and maintaining discipline.

The second presentation, led by Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Acheaw, Administrator for the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, focused on “The LGBTQ+ Agenda.”

Drawing from Leviticus 18:23 and related scriptures, he clarified the hidden aspects of the LGBTQ+ movement, cautioning against their goal of universal acceptance.

Mr. Owusu Acheaw highlighted negative consequences associated with LGBTQ+ practices, including high rates of suicide, homicide, depression from rejection, child defilement, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Pastor Frank Akonnor, Resident PENSA Campus Minister for the University of Cape Coast (UCC), conducted the Holy Ghost baptism session, resulting in 30 participants receiving the Holy Spirit, with an additional 22 students giving their lives to Christ.

The programme, attended by 426 participants, included members of the working team, patrons, the incoming PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Issah Iwembeh, and Overseer Benjamin Yeboah Asare.

Report by the PENSA Cape Coast Sector Media Team.

The Deputy Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Elder Prof Eric Appau Asante, who serves as director of the KNUST E-Learning Centre, has been adjudged the Star Ambassador of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for 2023.

He received this recognition during the 6th ACU Ambassadors Summit held virtually on November 14, 2023, to celebrate the commendable efforts of ACU Ambassadors and facilitate the exchange of knowledge among universities across the Commonwealth.

Elder Prof. Appau Asante was honoured for his significant contributions to the collaboration between ACU and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Prof. Asante, who has served as an ambassador and lead of the partnership for the Enhanced and Blended Learning West Africa initiative at KNUST, has successfully steered the project to enhance the capacities of faculty members and support staff within the e-learning ecosystem.

The ACU, therefore, acknowledged Prof. Asante’s outstanding achievements and commitment to duty, naming him its Star Ambassador for 2023.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Prof. Asante affirmed his dedication to furthering the Vice Chancellor’s vision of making KNUST and the E-Learning Centre a centre of excellence in the subregion.

He took the opportunity to commend the visionary leadership and support of KNUST’s management, led by Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is a global network comprising over 500 member universities across 50 Commonwealth countries is dedicated to fostering international collaboration in higher education.

Currently, KNUST stands out as ACU’s top university in Ghana for engagement with its members, with Prof. Asante serving as the focal point for its largest community of staff and students from a member university in Ghana.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, the Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, has called on the youth to embrace “Vision 2028,” urging them to play their part in ensuring its successful implementation.

Vision 2028, also referred to as “Possessing the Nations (Phase 2),” is the five-year strategic vision of the Church spanning 2023 to 2028, which aims at “unleashing the whole church to transform the world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.”

Speaking on the topic: “Rise Up To Your Role In Vision 2028 As A Young Person,” at the Oduman Central Assembly on Friday, November 24, 2023, Apostle Hagan highlighted six crucial aspects of Vision 2028, stressing that it serves as a collective call for all members to be unleashed into the world.

He emphasised that this call encompasses the entire church, including individuals and ministries, and is focused on the profound goal of transforming the world.

“Vision 2028 is not just about going out; it’s about going out with a purpose – to transform the world with the Gospel of Christ,” Apostle Hagan declared, adding: “We carry the message of repentance for sinners and the Kingdom principles that can dispel the darkness in the world.”

Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 2:9-10, the Youth Director reminded the youth of their identity as children of God, emphasising that they are not ordinary but bearers of God’s transformative Word.

“God’s work is done through you; His Word can be used to bring about change in the world,” he affirmed.

Quoting Acts 1:8, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan underscored the mandate of Christians to preach the good news, starting within their immediate circles.

He encouraged the youth to break down barriers and live by the principles of the kingdom of God, urging them to study the Word and always stand for truth and righteousness.

“You do not need to be a Bible scholar to do God’s work. Share the goodness of God, talk about His attributes and virtues, and let your light shine among men,” he charged.

Report by Youth Ministry Media.

The Jema Nkwanta District in the Kintampo Area of The Church of Pentecost organised a day’s Youth Empowerment Summit on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Central Assembly church auditorium

The event, spearheaded by the District Youth Ministry, aimed at equipping and inspiring the next generation of leaders, igniting their passion for change in attitude and personal growth.

The Youth Empowerment Summit was a resounding success and brought together a diverse group of young individuals from 13 local Assemblies in the district, creating a dynamic atmosphere of fellowship and shared learning.

With the theme “Equipped and Repositioned for Maximum Impact,” the summit focused on developing personal devotional life, living as examples in a sex craze world, and becoming impact makers in the society.

The event began with an engaging keynote speech by the District  Minister, Pastor Prince Augustine Ababio, who mentioned that the programme has been running for the past four years.

He challenged the youth to ensure that whatever they learn from the summit should not end there but must be lived out in order to cause the expected impact in society. The address set the tone for the summit, urging attendees to step outside their comfort zones and embrace their potential as catalysts for positive change in and around their communities.

The first speaker, Overseer Ernest Hansen Larbi, the Area Youth Ministry Leader, speaking on the theme of the event, encouraged all and sundry to set a godly standard for themselves as people who are true reflections of Christ. He advised them to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, which has the ability to help them to live rightly as Christians.

Overseer Daniel Koranteng Kwagyiri, the Anyima District Minister, in turn, emphasised the need for personal devotional life.

He mentioned that the youth must ensure they develop an intimate relationship with Christ through consistent bible studies and prayer life.

He cautioned them not to allow social media take all their time to the neglect of constant communion with Christ.

He entreated them to seek for a place devoid of noise anytime they want to have a personal devotion, just like Jesus, who went to a secluded place (Mark 1:35).

The District Youth Ministry Leader, Elder Godfred Apeawin, gave the third presentation and entreated all and sundry to be salt and light in the world.

Speaking on the topic “The Youth in a Sex-Craze World,” he highlighted on how the world has been saturated with sexuality in all areas of life. This, he said, has increased pornography, fornication and other sexual behaviours amongst the youth. He drew the attention of the youth to the need to live above reproach, saying: “It is possible not to defile yourself as a Christian Youth amidst all the sexual pressures from all corners.”

Pastor Prince Augustine Ababio, in the final presentation on the topic “Dating and Courting Rightly” advised all and sundry to flee from any form of sexual engagements in the name of dating and courtship.

He explained that, sex was mainly created for the married, and for that reason, people must not be lured into believing that it can be done outside of marriage.

He cautioned that sex outside of marriage is a sin that is tantamount to punishment. He entreated all to be aware of the negative and ungodly signs in relationships and flee from them in order not to jeopardise their future.

He urged all school-going youth, especially the teenagers, to focus more on their books and not on entering into a relationship since the future glory can never be compared to the present.

The participants left the summit equipped and empowered, ready to tackle challenges head-on and make a difference in their communities.

Report by Jema Nkwanta Media Team

The Cape Coast Sector of the Pentecost Students and Associate (PENSA) organized a one-day program on Saturday, October 28, 2023, for the young women in the sector, dubbed “Yepleh Ladies Conference 2023.”

The maiden event, held under the theme, “Repositioned to Manifest the Glory of God for Maximum Impact” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20), took place at PENSA-Cape Coast Technical University’s Miracle Centre auditorium.

In his opening remarks, Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson, the PENSA Travelling Secretary for Cape Coast Sector, explained that “Yapheh” is a Hebrew word that means “beautiful,” hence the conference was organised to reposition beautiful ladies to manifest the glory of God and make a maximum impact on their respective campuses.

Mrs. Akosua Oforiwaa Osei Appau, the wife of the Resident Minister of PIWC-Cape Coast, gave the first presentation on the topic “Repositioning the Virtuous Ladies to Achieve their Goals for Maximum Impact.”

Using Proverbs 16:3 and Proverbs 3:5-6 as scripture references, Mrs. Osei Appau advised young ladies to stay focused to achieve their life goals.

“Do not let anything prevent you from achieving your goals or vision but just commit your ways or path unto the Lord, and He will guide and direct you,” she said.

She, therefore, implored the ladies to prayerfully develop a mission and vision statement for themselves and strive to achieve them with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Mrs. Everlyn Sackey, a Senior Nurse at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, spoke on the topic, “A Christian Lady and Health,” with Mark 12:13, Ruth 3:3, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 as her foundational texts.

She pointed out that as Christian ladies, their bodies are the temples of God, and therefore, they must be kept holy and clean always.

She further noted that the abuse of contraceptives can affect one’s health, adding that “Body enhancement comes with great effects which can destroy the body.”

Concluding her presentation, Mrs. Sackey stressed that a healthy body, soul, and mind are needed in the service of God.

The wife of the Travelling Secretary, Mrs. Esther Mansa Annan Quayson, delivered a presentation on the topic: “What Should I Do As a Woman Before I Walk Through The Aisle,” with Bible references from Genesis 2:21-25 and Ruth 3:11.

She challenged the participants to pray effectively and seek godly counsel before entering into any relationship or marriage.

She also emphasised that to have a healthy relationship, one must seek information and have personal preparation before marriage.

The conference ended with a prayer and impartation session led by Pastor Blessing Joseph Quayson.

Present at the event were Pastor Frank Akonnor (Resident PENSA Campus Pastor, University of Cape Coast), his wife, Mrs. Eunice Akonnor, and Deaconess Rebecca Darkwah.

Participants of the event were drawn from Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College (CCNMTC), Ankaful Psychiatric Nursing Training College (PNTC), Ola College of Education (OLACOE), Dunkwa Nursing and Midwifery Training Center (DNMTC), and Twifo Praso Nursing and Midwifery Training College (TPNMTC).

Report by Justina Mensah (PENSA-CCTU Secretary)

The wife of the Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs. Priscilla Hagan, offered valuable advice to young people, encouraging them to avoid greediness and be content with their lives.

She gave this advice during the final session of the 2023 Shekinah Pre-Tertiary & Ministry-To-Teens (M2T) Conference on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Dansoman, which was one of the satellite centers for the conference organized by the Youth Ministry.

Speaking on the topic, “Trending Issues in Schools – Lesbianism,” with Luke 12:15 as her foundational text, Mrs. Hagan explained that lesbianism is a form of a homosexual relationship where a woman is physically and sexually attracted to another woman.

She emphasised that our bodies are God’s temple, fashioned to glorify His name and not to engage in impure acts like this (1 Corinthians 3:16-27).

Mrs. Hagan encouraged the young ladies to deepen their roots in Christ by studying the Word of God, as this would help them stand against issues like lesbianism and other temptations they might face.

She highlighted that being a teenager is a stage in one’s life, and the challenges they encounter are temporary and will pass.

She advised the youth to focus on their lives and not compare themselves to others, understanding their backgrounds and dedicating themselves to academics for a better future.

She stressed that teenage crushes are typical but should not be encouraged.

Mrs Hagan also admonished the youth to be patient with their appearance and content with their lives, reminding them that God is with them throughout their earthly journey.

The event drew young people from the 15 districts in the Dansoman Area, recording a total attendance of 270 and 31 Holy Ghost baptisms.

Notable attendees at the event included Pastors Ebenezer Amartey Ahuakese (Dansoman Area Youth Leader) and Augustus Anim Osea (Dansoman Area Children’s Ministry Leader).

Also in attendance were Elder Stephen Atimbire (Assistant Area Youth Leader), Elder Dr. Chris Quist (PIWC, Dansoman), Mr. Ebenezer Hagan (Dansoman Area M2T Coordinator), Deaconess Eva Ayivi (Dansoman Area Assistant M2T Coordinator), the Area and District Youth Ministry & M2T leaders, as well as the Dansoman Area Media & Publicity Team.

Report by Lawrence Nana Kwame Asiamah.