The Newtown District of The Church of Pentecost in the Kintampo Area has retired ten (10) officers of the church. The glorious retirement service took place recently at the Grace Boahen Memorial Temple, Kintampo.
Delivering his opening address, the Area Secretary, Pastor Peter Akabere, on behalf of the Area Head, Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah, said the constitution of the Church allows ministers and officers to retire at the age of 65. “Such people are retired or made to rest from active service and not to permanently retire them from the Lord,” he emphasized.
Pastor Akabere commended the retiring officers for their selflessness, dedication and commitment to service.
The Kintampo Newtown District Minister, Pastor Akwasi Amponsah, was full of joy for the lives of the retiring officers. He outlined how they have contributed in diverse ways to the growth of the district.
In his sermon, Pastor Yaw Adusei of Jema District spoke on the topic, “Loyalty.” He admonished all and sundry to remain loyal to their callings as well as any responsibility assigned to them. He entreated all not to be discouraged by the inactions and reactions of people, but to remain loyal and focused in all their endeavours.
Using Ruth 1:6-19 as his main text, Pastor Adusei encouraged all to emulate Ruth who never gave up despite her mother-in-law’s attempt of preventing her to follow her.
He said that the act of loyalty and resilience showed by Ruth paid off greatly for her, saying that it pays to be loyal in the midst of difficulties and challenges.
The retired officers are Elder John Kwasi Donkor who served for 42 years; Elder Kweku Effa (30 years) and Elder Samuel Owusu (23 years).
The rest are Deaconesses Emma Anobel (37 years), Georgina Amponsah (35 years), Elizabeth Donkor (32 years), Margaret Agyare (26 years), Ruth Oteng (26 years), Mary Nyarko (25 years), and Comfort Opoku (17 years).
In attendance were relatives and friends of the retiring officers as well as some officers and members of Sawaba and Newtown districts.
Report by Overseer Prince Augustine Ababio, Kintampo Area Reporter.