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Ready Hearts

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Ready Hearts

Their lives, a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace! 

(Steve Green)

From a young Nigerian missionary to Cape Verde Islands – a nation on a volcanic archipelago off the North west coast of Africa:

Being a missionary has been a great experience! I remember when I got to Morocco (on my way to Cape Verde), I just couldn’t help but sob like a baby, thinking of the unknown.

The mission field can be like an action movie!
One Wednesday I went out to call some church members for a church service. From no where, a police van appeared and we were rounded up like criminals.
They started searching us, almost stripping us naked.
I was in a state of complete shock and fear, all sorts of thoughts running through my head at top speed.
They kept saying something in Portuguese I couldn’t quite understand.
‘What if they are asking me a question I can’t answer to vindicate myself’ i thought to myself.
Apparently, there had been a robbery in that area and we had been rounded up as suspects!
Thankfully after a while of searching they let us go. Sweet relief!

But witnessing to my first convert (who is now a shepherd), Dorival Miguel was one of my greatest and most fulfilling experiences!
It was another beautiful Wednesday evening. After going to a church member’s house 3 times and not meeting him, I met Dorival sitting outside his porch in the dark doing nothing.
I walked past him to church, coming back the same route to get someone else. Dorival was still there. I said to myself, ‘if on my return, this guy is still here, I’ll preach to him’.
And there he was on my return! I approached him and asked in Portuguese ‘voce fala inglis’? (translated: ‘do you speak English’?) ‘Mais ou menos’ he responded meaning ‘more or less’.
What a relief this was for a very green Portuguese speaker.
So I shared the gospel with him and He gave his life to Christ! The feeling, inexplicable!
I invited him for a service that evening.
I asked Dorival to wait for me and I’d be back in 5 mins to pick him up.
He said something you’ll hardly hear in Cape Verde when you invite anyone to church.
He said ‘I’ll be here waiting for you’. On my return to pick him up, to my surprise he was there!

Today, through Dorival, 2 other people are in church, and he is now a translator of English to kriolo and Portuguese.
He travels 2 hours from home to church when he is on vacation from the university!

The fields are indeed white! Many hearts ready for the gospel. Just waiting for that one person to share with them.
Nothing compares to the joy of seeing a soul saved and established in the kingdom! Nothing! Not even the joy from the relief of release after an arrest.
If I came to Cape Verde so this one soul could come into the kingdom, it’s been worth every bit! Let’s keep preaching!!!

Glory Okokon

Missionary Work In Asia

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Missionary Work In Asia

From the outside, there is nothing to suggest that Christianity has developed at all in North Korea. But many missionaries risk their lives every day to spread the gospel in North Korea. Most of these missionaries ethnic Korean who have lived in China for generations.

Their lives are permanently at risk. In recent years, many missionaries have died under mysterious circumstances. Hundreds more, have been imprisoned in or expelled from China, which bans proselytizing by foreigners.

Some converts go back to North Korea to share what they have learnt, sometimes bringing Bibles with them; however no one can tell what happens to these people.

Officially, North Korea says it guarantees freedom of religion to its 24 million people. In reality, anyone involved in Bible distribution, secret prayer services or underground church networks are put in prison or executed.

Five government-sanctioned churches exist in Pyongyang, showpiece facilities open only for foreign visitors.

But for the work of these unknown missionaries the gospel would not spread in North Korea. As you pray for salvation in the world do not forget North Korea, especially the missionaries who risk their very lives to preach and convert one soul for Jesus.

He Knows How It Feels

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He Knows How It Feels

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. – Heb 4:15

It was about half a decade ago when a close friend travelled to the West in pursuit of higher education and better opportunities. The positive excitement I felt for them was tainted by a tinge of green envy (but that is a story for another day). Everything was going perfectly for them, or at least so I thought and I looked forward to my own exodus. Days turned into weeks, months and finally years and the story began to unfold.

Yaa, as we will call this friend of mine, seemed to be going through the blues and I could not quite understand what there was to be blue about living in the West, specifically the United States. Public transport worked, you got paid in much-coveted dollars, you travelled during vacations to all sorts of exotic places, you ate pizza, etc. How could that be depressing or not want God wanted for you? (Your best life now?) On most of the infrequent occasions we spoke, I could pick up exhaustion in her voice, a sense of bewilderment and a longing for home. Maybe her heart was elsewhere and Ghana was truly home.

Did all the “boggers” lie? Wasn’t the grass entirely green and the sun golden beyond the airspace of Accra, Ghana where my home was? In 2017, nearly a decade later, I made my own exodus to a different western country to pursue higher education and whatever opportunities that might bring. It was here that I began to grapple with the stark realities I lived vicariously nearly a decade ago through my friend. She wasn’t kidding and the stories that had been told were only half true. This isn’t a lament, so I urge you to read on. While I pondered these things I read something in the Bible and this experience put it in perspective for me.

It was on the cold wintry morning of  January 12th, 2017 as I read from Hebrews 4:12-16 that all this began to really sink in. In verse 15, quoted above, the Scripture says that we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness because he has been tempted in every way, just as we are but did not sin. It all started to make sense. I could empathize afresh with my friend and with every other person, known or unknown who had made this journey. Although ipso facto, it made real, practical sense to me.

So Jesus understands when an impure sight captures my attention and consequently my imagination? He understands that great physique and skimpy clothing can create a problem? He knows that telling that white lie or bragging is something that is easy to do? He knows when power, fame and money tug at my heart and I respond? The answer? A resounding yes!

While those thoughts did not blow my winter blues or new reality away, they gave me a new perspective. We can can come frankly to Jesus and tell Him about all those things that we are failing at (I know mine and you know yours). We can in fact have an open discussion with Him and He truly understands. There is no need to hide. And because He knows and understand, He can better help us. The thought was so comforting. He had walked this earth too!

But, for me, there is another side to the story and that is to be able to help others who might be on that same path. What have you walked through that Jesus has helped you through? You have empathy that others who have not walked your path cannot have. They have vicarious empathy but you have tangible, real, lived and experienced empathy. Just as Jesus empathizes with us, let Him work through you so that empathy brings hope, strength and ultimately His healing to others.

It’s a long road ahead of me through winter and some more seasons until I graduate but life for you and others (particularly younger) believers is longer than my studies. Let’s come boldly to Him remembering that He is not speaking from a place of “theory” but from a place of experience. He understands and can empower us and He can empower us to empathize with and be a channel of blessing to others.

Which experience are you wasting?

 

Article by Sidney Nii Sai Schandorf

Teenager Wins 7 Souls

William Wagner
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Teenager Wins 7 Souls

The Konongo Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Frederick K. Andoh, has presented a special award to Master Yaw Boateng, the 14-year-old boy from Amoa Assembly of Dampong District who won seven souls for Christ.

The teenager is on record to have won a total of seven adults into Christianity during the Church’s “Operation One Member One Discipled Soul” launched last year. After preaching the gospel to the seven, Yaw Boateng brought them to church for baptism.

During the 2018 Easter convention, Apostle Frederick Andoh prayed for Yaw and presented the parcel to him. The Area Head used the opportunity to encourage Christians to take soul-winning seriously to expand the Lord’s kingdom on earth.

Apostle Andoh challenged the members to win at least a soul before the first half of the year ends.

He indicated that the Lord is able to use every vessel that avails themselves to be used for His glory.

The District Minister, Overseer Yahaya Musa, revealed that Yaw Boateng was baptised exactly three months ago.

Meanwhile, the Dampong District has also honored the young boy for his exploits during the recently held district revival week dubbed “Filling Station.” The move was to motivate him and to encourage others to do more for the Lord.

Present at the service were Pastor Ebenezer Nketsia of Asankare District, Pastor J. B. Akomea of Juaso District, and their wives.

 

Report by Overseer Yahaya Musa, Dampong District

Accra Newtown Zone Climaxes Easter Convention With 87 Souls

William Wagner
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Accra Newtown Zone Climaxes Easter Convention With 87 Souls

The Accra Newtown Zone in La Area of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, April 1, 2018, crowned the 2018 Easter Convention in an enthusiastic, joyful and colourful atmosphere at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).

The convention which started on Wednesday evening and climaxed on Sunday morning, recorded a total attendance of 10,993, with 87 souls being won to the glory of the Lord. 51 persons were baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues.

The convention was on the theme, “Jesus Christ, Our Sacrificial Passover Lamb” taken from 1 Corinthians 5:7b.

The Zonal Chairman, Pastor Kenneth Arthur, who also doubles as the Nima District Minister, delivered the sermon on Sunday to climax the convention on title: “Sacrifice that is a Fragrant Offering to God.”

In attendance were the Deputy Director of the Women’s Ministry, Deaconess Margaret Osei, ministers in the Area and their wives, among others.

The Accra Newtown Zone consists of eight districts, namely Accra Newtown, Kokomlemle, Caprice Worship Centre, Adabraka, Merry Villas, Kanda, Nima and Nima Alaska.

 

Report By: La Area Reporters

Knowing The End From The Beginning – The Story Of The Greatest Sacrifice

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Knowing The End From The Beginning – The Story Of The Greatest Sacrifice

That point in an emotionally gripping suspense novel when you just flip the pages to read the end of the story because you simply can’t wait to know what happened at the end?

Or hitting the fast forward button so you can see the end of a movie.

Year after year, I’m tempted to do same with the story of the crucifixion.

When I read the account over again of how He was humiliated, stripped naked and beaten, tortured and crucified, I want to skip the scene to the more glorious end of His glorious resurrection!

If you have a graphic memory and empathetic heart, you probably have the same ‘problem’ that I do.
But I have learnt to stay with the gory details. There are invaluable lessons in those heartrending details. The depth of His unfathomable, undying, relentless and boundless love is revealed through the things He suffered for us.

At the same time, it’s nice to know the end if the story from the beginning! It was worth it at the end. All the pain and agony that our Saviour bore was worth it!

I’m so glad that death couldn’t hold Him! The grave couldn’t contain Him!

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV.

What a beautiful blend this story holds! It’s the greatest story ever told – the story of the greatest sacrifice!

60 Books A Year Makes One A Success Story

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60 Books A Year Makes One A Success Story

I hear the average CEO reads 60 books a year whereas the average person reads 4-5 books a year! Don’t take my word for it. Check it out! http://www.eightdaysaweekblog.com/5-best-books-2017/

Now, I like to think “I ain’t no average person”, and I bet you like to think of yourself in the same way.

So let’s be honest here and ask ourselves, how many books have we read this year. Or even better, have you even set yourself a target to read any books this year? Or it’s a matter of whatever happens to be hanging around when I’m bored gets read just to while away the time. If that’s the case, what does that make you? Less than average?

Oh no! The very thought makes me cringe. “I ain’t no average person!” I don’t want to be an average person. I want to be better than average. And while I’m at it, why don’t I get to be part of the success stories! If I can read, why don’t I?

I don’t know about you but I’m having a hard time dealing with this. I want to be successful at whatever I’m doing. And if reading an average of 60 books a year will get me there, then I better get cracking. Now won’t be a bad time to start?

And here’s another thing I heard, that one Bishop Dag Heward-Mills has recently launched an incredible pack of 60 books called the Makarios Library for pastors and church leaders. Now there’s a thought…. if you plan to be a successful church leader or pastor, that surely must be a Must Have Reading List. His books have been acclaimed world-wide by pastors and church leaders of all walks of life, genders and nationalities. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to check them out.
www.daghewardmillsbooks.org.
I wonder if he was aware of the statistics when he made that pack…

Don’t shoot me down, I’m just a concerned citizen.

Nana Akua Dede

Achimota Area Ministers’ Wives Win 22 Souls At Dome Market

William Wagner
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Achimota Area Ministers’ Wives Win 22 Souls At Dome Market

On Thursday, 8th March, 2018, wives of ministers in the Achimota Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by Mrs. Rebecca Assabil (wife of the Area Head), stormed the Dome Market in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency to reach out to the market women with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

They were joined by the Area Women’s Ministry leadership, led by Deaconess Agnes Akowuah. With them were Pastors Yaw Minkah and John Afawuah.

They carried placards, some of which read, “Are you prepared for the Rapture?” “Jesus loves you dearly,” “Jesus is coming soon; are you ready?” “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” “Repent! Jesus is coming soon,” and “No Jesus, No life,” among others.

They engaged the traders one-on-one with the gospel and also distributed gospel tracts to them and shoppers.

They later converged at one point in the market where Mrs. Agartha Afawuah of Kwabenya Point One District preached the gospel. Reading from John 3:16; Luke 16:19-21; Mark 11; John 14:1-7; Romans 3:23, she called on the traders to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour in order to be pardoned of their sins and receive eternal life.

In a short alter call, Pastor John Afawuah called on the traders to eschew the false doctrines that flood the market daily and cling unto Christ in all that they do.

Mrs. Rebecca Assabil commended the traders, mainly women for their hard work in supporting their homes. She also thanked them for the warm reception and accepting the gospel.

In all, a total of 22 persons gave their lives to Christ.

 

Report by: Pastor John Afawuah

Grace Assembly Church Building Dedicated

William Wagner
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Grace Assembly Church Building Dedicated

The New Tafo Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, on Sunday, March 18, 2018, dedicated the Grace Assembly new auditorium in the Yennyawoso District.

He was ably assisted by the District Minister, Pastor Andrew Adu-Amankwaah, and other ministers in the Area and their wives.

Also present were: Apostle Gideon Obeng-Darko Debrah (Kintampo Area Head), Pastor Daniel Kwadwo Essien (Retd), Pastor Michael Agyen Brefo (Merry Villas District Minister), Hon. Razak Awudu (Assemblyman, Yennyawoso Electoral Area), Elder Kwaku Owusu Ansah (Area Deacon), Deaconess Deborah Ntim (Area Women’s Leader), Representatives from other churches in the Moshie Zongo community, among others.

Apostle Osei Asante was very grateful to God for the successful completion of the beautiful edifice. He also commended the District Minister and the entire membership for using the grants judiciously and their commitment and contribution towards the project. He advised them to adopt a good maintenance culture in order to keep the building in good shape.

In a sermon on the topic, “My House Will Be Called House Of Prayer” based on Matthew 21:12-17, Pastor Fred Sarfo of Sepe-Buokrom District emphasized that church building is meant for prayer and not for selling anointing oil, water and other stuff.

He indicated that anything which does not bring people closer to God but draws their attention to personalities is merchandize, and such things, he said, should not be entertained in the house of God. He, therefore, charged church leaders to make every effort to eschew tendencies that would shift the attention of members from God to personalities.

The history of Grace Assembly could be traced back to April 17, 1994, when the then New Tafo District Minister, Pastor A.Y. Kumi (now retired), inaugurated the church with initial membership of 126, with Elder Francis Kofi Anyan as presiding elder.

Through the assistance of Apostle B. K. Arthur (Retd), the then Regional Head, a piece of land was purchased, where a temporal structure was erected for fellowship.

On Sunday, March 12, 2000, Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (Retd), the then New Tafo Area Head, cut the sod for the commencement of the project, assisted by Pastor I. K Amoako, the then New Tafo District Minister, whilst the foundation stone was laid on September 9, 2012 by Apostle Kwesi Ackah Baidoo (now retired), the former Area Head, assisted by Pastor Michael Agyen Brefo, the then Yennyawoso District Minister.

The building, which was financed by grants from the Headquarters and the Area as well as offerings from the local assembly, is valued at GH₵ 339,532.00

 

Report by: Emmanuel Nana Nsiah, New Tafo Area Reporter

Church Leaders Advised To Own And Promote Annual COP Themes

William Wagner
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Church Leaders Advised To Own And Promote Annual COP Themes

The Koforidua Area Head of The Church of Pentecost (COP), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has admonished Church leaders to own and promote the annual themes of the Church in order to make it effective.

Apostle Nyamekye, who is also an Executive Council Member of the Church, said this was during the Wa Area Ministers and Officers’ Retreat also known as “Apostolization” when he spoke on the topic: “The Leader And The Annual Theme”.

In his presentation, Apostle Nyamekye stated that Church leaders ought to understand the purpose of the theme so as to make it effective.

He said that it is the responsibility of every minister to ensure that his leaders are well trained and equipped with the mandate of teaching on the annual theme, which is embedded with enough lessons to last throughout the year.

Outlining the 5 steps in order to make the annual themes more effective, the Koforidua Area said ministers must first know the theme, the theme text, as well as the slogan and what it pertains.

Secondly, they must understand the aim and the purpose of the theme in order to teach it well. “They also need to understand what is involved in the theme, in the case of this year’s theme, it is the tenets of the Church,” he said.

The third thing they must do is to promote the theme by singing the accompanying theme songs, translating and packaging the songs to suit the indigenous people. They must also preach and teach on the theme throughout the year and encourage discussions on the theme during pastimes and cell meetings.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye said that the fourth thing ministers must do in order to make the theme more effective is to live it out. He stated that ministry is all about sacrifice and coming down to the level of the people by showing genuine concern for them. He advised them to help the people to assimilate the teachings by spending quality time with them. He advised them not to be too eager to leave their stations for “better” ones.

The Koforidua Area Head said that the fifth thing ministers must do in order to make the theme more effective is to evaluate the theme from time to time. This, according to him, would help them to measure the progress and impact of the theme on the members. This, he said, could be done by asking questions and organizing quizzes on the theme.

The Wa Area Ministers and Officers’ Retreat (Apostolization), which began on Monday, March 12, would be climaxed on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

 

Report By: Overseer Chris Ameyaw

 

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