The Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Hon. Dr Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, has called on Christians to recognise and honour the lay leaders within their churches who diligently work out their salvation and contribute selflessly to the growth of the church.
Drawing a parallel between church officers and the fig tree, Dr Paitoo noted that although these leaders often serve without financial compensation, their sacrifices are vital to the spiritual development of the congregation.
‘Church officers are like fig trees planted by God to nurture believers toward spiritual maturity and ultimately lead them to heaven,’ he said, adding, ‘Identify the fig trees and honour them, and it shall be well with your soul.’
Fig trees (Ficus carica) are known for their usefulness, providing fruit, shade, and cultural symbolism. Dr. Paitoo used this metaphor to highlight the indispensable role of lay leaders in the church.
The MP, who also serves as an Elder in The Church of Pentecost, delivered this message during a sermon on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Prophet M. K. Yeboah (PMKY) Worship Centre in the Kasoa Area.
Preaching on the theme, ‘Sacrifice Your Best to the Lord in the Honour Due Him,’ with 2 Chronicles 24:23–24 as the anchor scripture, he recounted how God brought a plague upon Israel after King David conducted a census to measure the strength of his army. It was only through sacrificial offerings that God’s wrath was appeased and peace restored.
Dr Paitoo urged Christians to embrace the principle of sacrificial giving and to remember those whom God has placed in the church to guide their spiritual journey. He supported his message with scriptures from Romans 13:7 and 1 Timothy 5:17, which emphasise giving honour to whom honour is due.
Also present at the service were Overseer Benjamin Annor, a minister of the church in Hong Kong, and his wife, Dr Mrs Victoria Annor, and the wife of the PMKY Resident Minister, Mrs Stephanie Amoakohene Sarpong.
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