The mortal remains of Mrs Victoria Ama Baawah Paintsil, the wife of the first General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil (of blessed memory) was today, November 18, 2023, laid to rest after a memorial and burial service held in her honour at the Sychar Prayer Grounds, Ogbojo – Madina, Accra.
The service which was officiated by Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), and assisted by Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary), Apostle
Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), and Apostle Martin Seth Appiah (Madina Area Head), was well attended by many ministers in active service, retired ministers, officers of the church, family members, friends and loved ones.
Mrs Victoria Paintsil, 93, was called to glory on 23rd August, 2023 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. She is survived by her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
SERMON
Delivering the sermon at the memorial service, the Tema Area Head of the church, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankrah-Badu, highlighted the importance of remaining steadfast in the Christian journey.
Basing his sermon on Acts 1:10-11, Apostle Ankra-Badu recounted the cautionary tale of Mr. William Miller, an American Baptist Minister, whose followers became fixated on predicting the exact date of Christ’s return, only to be left waiting.
Highlighting the absence of a specific date for Christ’s return, Apostle Ankra-Badu emphasized Jesus’ admonishment for believers to persevere in holiness, as stated in Matthew 24:35-36.
He outlined four essential actions for believers as they wait on the second coming of Christ.
He noted that purifying one’s spirit and body was a crucial aspect of preparation for the second coming.
This purification, according to Apostle Ankra-Badu, extends beyond individual benefit to the sanctification of the entire Church.
He added that believers are to be vigilant and watchful in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ, adding, “The promise of a crown of righteousness was presented as a reward for those who patiently await Christ’s return.”
Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu reminded the community of believers that waiting for Christ’s return requires a combination of hard work, self-purification, vigilance, and worship.
He advised believers to actively engage themselves in God’s work (Luke 19:13).
“Believers are to diligently carry out the work entrusted to them by Jesus, using their talents, time, and treasures responsibly,” he said, adding, “The exemplary life of Mama Vic served as a motivating example.”
TRIBUTES
The children described their mother as a “strong shelter, a towering pillar and a comfort” in their lives. They said that she demonstrated to them how to overcome the challenges that life.
Her ‘Home Church’ the Egyir Paintsil Memorial Worship Centre, described her as evangelistic in nature, even in her old age.
“She was a warehouse of hymns, such that she would sing all the stanzas without reference from any hymn book,” they disclosed.
The General Council described her life as a “testament to contentment, godliness, discipline, selflessness and hard work.”
The tribute acknowledged her role in the life of the First General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, the late Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil. It noted that she worked together with her husband continuously for twenty-nine years as the General Secretary of the Church.
It read: “Mrs. Victoria Paintsil has paid her dues being the wife of a founding member of this great church, standing by her husband through thick and thin, contributing significantly to the establishment and growth of churches, ensuring they stood firm on their faith in Jesus Christ.”
“The General Council of The Church of Pentecost honours this versatile woman who sacrificed selflessly for the church and humanity. She indeed lived a well-deserving and fulfilling life,” it said.
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Victoria Vivian Ama Baawah Akosah Paintsil was born at Otumi in the Eastern Region on 28th March, 1930 to Opanyin Kwame Akosah of Otumi and Madam Afia Tawiah Pokuwaa of Akyawkrom in the Ashanti Region. Both of them are now deceased.
She started her primary education at Otumi Presby School and completed her middle school education in 1948 in Kumasi. She furthered her education in secretaryship at Pitman’s Commercial School in Cape Coast from 1948 to 1951.
After her secretarial course in 1951, she was employed at the Chief Commissioner’s Office as a Stenographer Secretary in Kumasi, where she met her husband, Apostle Paintsil.
After the sudden home-call of her husband on 22nd March 1981, she settled with her children at Madina. She greatly encouraged herself in the Lord, and worked hard to cater for herself and the children.
Present at the service were Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Ministry Director); Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director); Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head); Apostle Isaac Nii Kortei Djani; Apostle Mike Etrue (Koforidua Area Head); Apostle Dela Quampah (Ho Area); Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Kwadaso Area Head), Apostle A. N. Y Kumi Larbi (Ashaiman Area Head), all Executive Council Members.
Others were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah (rtd), former Chairman, among others.
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