The 2018 Inter Tertiary Institutions of the Pentecost Students and Associates (ITI-PENSA) China National Conference has been held in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province, China from October 1-5, 2018.
The conference dubbed ‘Miseo Kosmos’ which was under the theme, “Remain in Christ and His Basic Message” (1 John 2:24-25), was hosted by Pastor Jonas Bekpene Beddim (The National Head of The Church of Pentecost for China and Hong Kong).
Other speakers were: Pastor Dr. Joseph I. T. Buertey (Guest Speaker), Pastor Kwame Sarfo (Host President), and the National Coordinator, Elder Moses A. Ameyaw. Present to grace the conference was Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Executive Council Member and Area Head for Asokwa) and his wife Georgina.
It was attended by 130 participants (all students) from across the length and breadth of China such as Shenyang, Hangzhou, Zhangjiakou, Hangzhou-Lizhou, Chengdu, Nanchang, Guangzhou, Zhangjiang, Zhengjiang and Wuhan.
Opening the conference with a sermon on the topic, “Effects of Postmodernity- The Gap Between the Old and New Folk,” Pastor Jonas Bekpene Beddim entreated the youth to be prepared to learn from the old folk and not consider their ways as being outmoded. He however called on the old folk to embrace the dynamism that the youth present, saying, “It takes the grace of God to integrate the old and new folk.”
Speaking on Day 2 of the conference on the topic, “Pursuing Academic Excellence” with scripture references from Genesis 1:1-4, Proverbs 3:19-21, 2 Kings 4:1-7, 2 Chronicles 2:13-14, Pastor Dr. Joseph I. T. Buertey, who is the Resident Minister of the Asokwa Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), established the difference between wisdom and knowledge and the need to have both as a Christian youth.
He encouraged participants to desire knowledge, but beyond knowledge acquire wisdom since it will take them far.
He stated: “Wisdom is received when you give reverence to God.” He shared lessons from 2 Kings 4:1-7 on how to obtain excellence- which included, ‘what do you have?’ ‘go and borrow vessels,’ ‘challenge yourself,’ ‘go into your room,’ ‘lock the room,’ ‘put the treasure in the vessel,’ and ‘set them aside.’
Pastor Buertey challenged the participants to do better in their academic and spiritual lives. He further urged the youth to go beyond money to attain a self-actualization.
The session ended with a group discussion which allowed participants to ask questions and express their views and understanding on the presentation.
Report by ‘Miseo Kosmos’ Conference Media Team
