The La Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, led by Deaconess Georgina Zekpa, has organised a three-day empowerment retreat for deaconesses and Women’s Ministry Leaders in the Area.
The event took place at the University of Ghana, Legon from 8th to 10th June 2022, on the theme: “Equipping Women as an Army to Possess the Nations.”
In a presentation with scripture reference to Ephesians 4:10-14, the La Area Head, Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, established that the reason for equipping an individual is for growth.
According to him, just as soldiers go through training to equip themselves for the task, so should Christians go through some form of training to equip them to carry out the Kingdom business.
Giving the various classifications of the Church, Apostle Amaniampong indicated that the church triumphant represents believers who have died in Christ. There is also the church militant which represents the current church, and the invisible church which represents unbelievers who would be saved someday.
He noted that there are fruits of the spirit which reveal the personality of Jesus Christ as well as the gifts of the Spirit which also reveal the power of Jesus Christ.
To help achieve the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda, Apostle Amaniampong asked believers to desire and live by the kingdom values, principles and discipline which, he said, are great weapons to overcome the forces of the enemy (2 Timothy 1: 15).
Mrs Esther Ayerakwa, the wife of Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (retired), speaking on the topic: “The Women’s Ministry Worker” based on Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4: 14-16; Deuteronomy 1: 6-8; Titus 2:3, charged Women’s Ministry leaders to break camp and advance in their sphere of service.
She advised them not to settle and be content with where they are and what they do, saying, “You should always look out for innovative ways to improve your leadership skills. No one is too old or too small to serve.”
She added that leadership is biblical. Therefore, it is not a post but a responsibility.
“Women’s Ministry leaders and deaconesses are supposed to serve with all diligence and patience,” she said, adding, “They are to be serviceable and not the other way round. Leaders are to be committed to their calling; they should see their calling or appointment as a privilege and divine calling because, among all the members, they were seen as able and fit for the calling.”
On her part, Deaconess Cynthia Siaw Agyapong from the Teshie-Nungua Area urged Women’s Ministry leaders to be submissive to their husbands and support them to succeed in their areas of operations.
The event was climaxed with an all-night service.
Some of the topics treated during the retreat included “Before I say I do,” “Humility to Support your Husband to Succeed,” “Drug Abuse,” and “My Success Story,” among others.
The speakers were Deaconess Dr Evelyn Boahene and Deaconess Mercy Araba Tobbin, among others.
Also in attendance were Mrs Mary Amaniampong (wife of La Area Head), a cross-session of pastors in the Area and wives, and Area Women’s Ministry Executives.
Report by Gina Akua Padi.