A special ceremony was held yesterday at the McKeown Temple, Ashaiman, to officially launch the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.
The historic anniversary celebration was launched by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, with assistance from the patron of the ministry, Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director and Executive Council Member), Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis (Children’s Ministry Director) and other ministers of the Church.
The Children’s Ministry was initiated in The Church of Pentecost in 1972 by some illustrious women of the church including Mrs. Margaret Mills.
The Children Ministry has turned 50 this year, and to mark this momentous milestone, the leadership of the ministry has outlined some special activities to observe the anniversary celebration.
The golden jubilee celebration is being held under the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Goodness in Equipping Children to Possess the Nations” (Psalm 100:5, Proverbs 22:6) and would be climaxed in September during the annual Children’s Week celebration.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi, in his address, said that the event is a special and historic day in the annals of The Church of Pentecost and the Children’s Ministry in particular.
“The Lord has been good to the Church and ministry. The ministry, which started in the homes of individuals is now a full-fledge ministry playing significant roles in the growth and activities of the Church,” he said.
The General Secretary also commended the ministry for staying true to the objectives for which it was instituted by the forebears, amongst which are to lead children to have personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and to teach children the unadulterated word of God.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi also paid a glowing tribute to past and present directors and leaders of the ministry as well as children’s workers for the great work done for the last 50 years.
He also urged adult members to take active part in the golden jubilee celebration to ensure its success, saying: “50 years of God’s goodness is worth celebrating!”
The General Secretary also urged parents and church leaders to prioritise the spiritual growth of the children and be keen on raising godly children.
In a brief speech at the event, Pastor Prof. Ellis expressed gratitude to God for the historic milestone chalked by the Children’s Ministry.
He asserted that, the Lord, through the Children’s Ministry, has raised many great men and women of God who now serve as ambassadors of the ministry in the church and various spheres.
The Director stated that the ministry continues to pursue this mandate as it seeks to raise godly children who grow to become godly adults who would positively impact the Church and the nations.
Pastor Prof. Ellis further noted that, among other things, the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration would grant the ministry the opportunity to take stock of the work done in the last 50 years, learn from the failures, and strategise for a more glorious future.
“I am overjoyed because the Lord has made it possible for us to see and be a part of the golden jubilee anniversary of the ministry. It is, therefore, a time to celebrate, a time to sacrifice to the Lord, and we want to do it in style with the “50 for 50” evangelistic initiative,” he said.
Throwing more light on the “50 for 50” initiative, which is also the official slogan for the celebration, Prof. Ellis said that to mark 50 years of God’s goodness, the Children’s Ministry in every assembly of the Church is tasked to win and maintain a minimum of 50 children for Christ.
“This would serve as a thanksgiving offering to the Lord for His goodness,” he added.
He further noted that assemblies that are able to achieve the set target would be acknowledged for their efforts and would have their names inscribed on a plaque of honour for posterity to see their noble feat.
Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, in turn, walked the audience through the various activities outlined for the semi-centennial celebration.
The launch ceremony, which was interspersed with song ministrations, scripture recital and other activities, was well patronised by ministers, children and child workers of the Church.
Among the dignitaries present were Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Children’s Director) and other National Executive Committee (NEC) members of the ministry. Also in attendance was Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head), former Director of the Children’s Ministry, Prophet Benjamin Adobah (Rtd.), Apostle Johnson Agyemang Baduh (Rtd.).
PENTECOST NEWS.