The Church of Pentecost has paid a glowing tribute to the former International Missions Director (IMD) of the Church, Apostle B. K. Arthur, who was laid to rest on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
In a tribute read by the Hohoe Area Head and Executive Council Member, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng, at a memorial service held in honour of the former IMD at the Akosa School Park in Kumasi, the General Council of the Church described Apostle B. K. Arthur as a proud minister of The Church of Pentecost whose conduct brought a lot of prestige to the Church and glory to the Lord, whom he faithfully served till the end.
The Council also acknowledged Apostle Arthur’s 30 years of meritorious service to God and The Church of Pentecost during which he served at Wa, Bolgatanga, Winneba, Cote d’Ivoire, Suhum, Agormanya, Burkina Faso and Kumasi.
It also stated that Apostle Arthur (Rtd.) was an exceptional minister of God who always sought the general wellbeing of the flock under his care. He was selfless, humble, hardworking and Bible teacher par excellence.
In 1996, he was elected as the International Missions Director (IMD) which automatically made him a member of the Executive Council. During his tenure, the external branches of the Church increased from 27 nations in 1996 to 44 nations by the time he left office in 2001.
“Apostle Arthur has poured his life out for the benefit of many whom he encountered in this life. In fact, many ministers of the Church in the contemporary generation have been directly or indirectly impacted by his ministry. He would be fondly remembered as a mentor, role model, a great preacher and a passionate soul winner. Perhaps, he would be most remembered as the second IMD in the history of the Church and for introducing “Holy Ghost Convention” into The Church of Pentecost. It goes without saying that wherever the history of The Church of Pentecost would be read, Apostle Benjamin Arthur’s name is sure to be mentioned for his meritorious services to God through the Church,” the tribute further read.
The former Chairman of the Church, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), whose acquaintance with the late Apostle B. K. Arthur began in Wa in the 1970’s, recalled how instrumental he was to his Christian life when he was a young man.
In his emotional tribute to the departed minister, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah also recalled how their paths crossed on several occasions until Apostle Arthur took over from him as International Missions Director of the Church.
“Generally, I knew him as very humble, prayerful, a true worshipper, someone who preached interesting messages and cherished people’s gifts. He had very good interpersonal skills and the ability to tap the potentials of people,” his tribute read.
A host of patrons from within and outside the country thronged the Akosa School Park in their numbers to pay their final respects to the departed gallant soldier. Notable amongst them were the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi Addo, some Executive Council Members as well as Area and National Heads.
There were also some delegations from the external branches of the Church in Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, where Apostle Arthur served as a missionary.
Exhorting the mammoth gathering at the event with the Story of Lazarus in John 11, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo said that Jesus Christ is the best friend anyone could have or hope for because He is able to bring the dead back to life. According to him, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life because He was his friend. He, therefore, urged unbelievers to accept Christ into their lives so that He could also be their friend. He advised Christians who are already associated with Christ to endeavour to strengthen the bond they have with him by being obedient to His will and drawing closer to Him daily.
In his sermon, the IMD said that, although Apostle Arthur has passed on, he has the hope of resurrection because during his earthly years he did well to make Jesus Christ his friend and also lived his life having a close relationship with Him and serving His purpose.
Apostle Benjamin Kofi Arthur (Rtd.), 81, is survived by the wife, Mrs. Hannah Arthur, 5 children and several other adopted children.
PENTECOST NEWS
