The first virtual Global Ministers and Wives retreat of The Church of Pentecost took off on Monday, August 10, 2020, with the call for a great revival in the church despite the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening event, which was held via ZOOM, hosted over 1,500 ministers of the church including Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), and Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (International Missions Director).
Speaking during the session, the Chairman said that ministers and their wives have been called to partner with God to advance His kingdom on earth. “Ours is to make sure that the kingdoms of the earth become Kingdom of our God. Our job as ministers is to ensure that evil does not rule over righteousness,” he explained.
He, therefore, called on them to be always conscious of the fact that as Ministers of the Gospel they are in a constant battle with the enemy – the devil – whose primary goal is to thwart their efforts.
“We are in God’s army and as such, we need to put on the whole armour of Christ in spite of the times, because are expected to battle in season and out of season. As we put on the whole armour of God, we also need to have the consciousness that as Soldiers of the Cross, there is no good day; there is no bad day, there is no good year and there is no bad year. So, let us put on our strength and do battle for the Lord,” he charged.
He commended the ministers for the great work done during the first half of the year despite the obvious challenges they faced for the majority of the period. He, however, added that although the challenges persist, they should be prepared to do more, especially as the impact of the pandemic lessens.
“I want us through this prayer and fasting to take the lead. If we are witnessing a pandemic in our lifetime, then we must also see a revival in our lifetime; for no great revival of religion has taken place without a revival of Satan’s opposition.
“This reminds me of Isaiah 59:19 which says that ‘when the enemy comes in like a flood, then Lord will raise a standard against him.’ So, soldiers let us rise. The opposition is indeed tough. But it also means that when we arise the revival will be great,” he said.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye noted that the world is experiencing great trouble all around and this is causing many to despair.
“We cannot deny that our world is in trouble. We are facing financial challenges, and it is threatening our security; there is civil disorder, disturbance and conflict, political troubles, labour troubles, apparent difficulties and annoyance. We are frustrated by all the theories and conspiracies of this pandemic. There is worry and fear; we are distressed and agitated. Certainly, we have been put in a state of inconvenience. However, we need to climb over the wall of this pandemic and still build a glorious church. COVID-19 should not stop us!” he reiterated.
He said that prayer remains a potent solution to the current opposition that the church is facing in current times. “So, let us bring God into the situation and let us expect a revival in the world. But this revival should begin with the awakening of the church, and The Church of Pentecost must take the lead,” he added.
The Chairman advised ministers not to hide in fear when under threat, like Gideon (Judges 6), but stand up and be counted, by crying unto the Lord for grace to navigate the pandemic.
He also urged them to refrain from complaining but to solicit divine help to meet the demands of the current dispensation. “We need not be complaining but come out to confront the times in the company of the Almighty God,” he charged.
The Global Ministers and Wives Retreat dubbed “GMWR” is being held from Monday, August 10, to Friday, August 14, 2020.
PENTECOST NEWS