The National head’s Christmas message

The Unlikely Choice

Introduction

Surprise! Human beings are excited about surprises, especially when it is a pleasant one. It is one reason the Father Christmas tradition is still active and relevant in many cultures, because he is believed to have been going about and giving out gifts that take us by surprise. It is my prayer that God will visit you with a pleasant surprise this Christmas and in the New Year! May divine selection affect someone this Christmas, and may his or her position, title, residence, car, attitude, family situation etc change miraculously! We will soon discover that the Christmas narrative (Nativity story) is full of unlikely choices.
Occasionally you receive gifts you hardly expected or donations that you think you didn’t deserve. And this makes you the unlikely choice or the unexpected recipient. It could also come in the form of an appointment, a promotion, a business deal, a marriage proposal, or a child birth that you think you were not qualified for. Human beings observe certain protocols when giving gifts or selecting people for certain offers, appointments and positions. They might consider your family background to find out if you are a Mandela or a Sisulu. Your level of education could be a factor, as you don’t stand a chance to be selected over a professor. Your financial capacity could be a catalyst for selection; the richer you are, the better your chances. Beauty pageants look for the most beautiful, in boxing the referee selects the stronger of the two combatants, judges in track athletics pick the fastest, and the best performer is always located in competitions to carry the much-coveted prize.
Thankfully God’s standards are different because, “His ways are not our ways” (Isa 55:8). God’s criterion for selection is grace or underserved favour. God will rather qualify those disqualified by human standards. According to the Preacher, “the race is not to the swift, and the battle is not for the strong …” (Eccle 9:11). With God, the less qualified you are, the better are your chances of winning the contest. Paul states categorically, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:26-27).
The Christmas story is full of unlikely choices. Ultimately God’s gift to humanity in Christ Jesus is the most amazing surprise anyone can imagine. No wonder His birth occurred among people, at a place, and in circumstances that were rather unexpected. In deed there were many unlikely choices connected to the birth of Christ, the following are just a few:
– The choice of Mary as mother of God
– The choice of Bethlehem as the place for the most famous birth
– The choice of a manger for the site of birth Christ’s birth
– The choice of the shepherds as the first audience to the news of His birth.
Let’s now consider them individually.

By Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah

Christmas Message – Jesus, the Source of Salvation for All People

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: Luke 2: 30 – 31″

Introduction

This presentation deals with Jesus, who is the source of salvation for all people. Jesus has become our salvation. He is our strength and our song. The presentation will touch on the meaning of salvation. It will focus on the African perspective of salvation, how the Old Testament and the New Testament viewed salvation. Finally, I will touch on how Jesus’ contemporaries saw him and how he is seen in our contemporary world would be highlighted.

 

Definitions

  1. Source

“Source” is defined as a place or a person where something can be obtained. In other words it is the origin of something.

 

  1. Salvation

Literally, “salvation” means preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin or loss.

Theologically, “salvation” means deliverance from sin and its consequences. The process of being saved, the state of having been saved (from hell).

 

The Hebrew word for salvation is yasa which means deliverance.

The Greek word is soteria which means deliverance and preservation from danger.

 

  1. African view of Salvation (“usindiso” in Xhosa)

Africans believe that salvation is:

  1. An ideal condition for human well-being and ultimate self fulfilment.
  2. Protection from evil forces of destruction.
  3. Freedom from evil forces
  4. It deals with preservation of cosmic, social order and harmony
  5. It deals with the restoration of a broken life.

Due to all the above, there is a need for equilibrium and harmony and these come through sacrifice and rituals of animals. In Xhosa culture, part of the animal’s skin is put in the neck and the wrist of the person who has obtained salvation. This is for identification purpose. But now, it is not animal blood which can save mankind but the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross. We are identified as children of God (Rom 8:14-17).

By Rev Eric Amoah Bampo

Kempton Park Youth Outreach

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13: 16

On the 24th November 2018, the Youth and Evangelism ministries of Kempton Park District walked the streets of Kempton Park sharing Christ’s basic message as well as food for those in need. 

“It was a great experience. We met a lot of people who are in our age group and it was really sad. However we managed to let them understand how much Jesus loves them. They were so happy to receive the food. We also fed some guys who approached us and told us how hungry they were. These guys actually visited us at church on Sunday, they were very grateful.  The presence of God was with us and everything went well” stated Jeraldine Dube, Local youth leader. 

Below are the images taken from the outreach.

David’s Dance – PIWC Kempton Park

I was glad  when they said unto me , Come! let us go to the house of the Lord. Davids Dance is back, and this year we’re taking it a notch higher Featuring Phatheka Booi ,various artists and perfomances from different churches..The Church of Pentecost Kempton Park District, 59 Kempton Road is the place to be on the 12th of October 2018, at 6;30 in the evening.Entrance is  absolutely Free!!!.

Theme: Praise Your Way Out

Scripture: Acts 16:25

 

 

Ngonyama Yakwa Judah International Conference 2018 – Mthatha District

Ngonyama Yakwa Judah International Conference 2018, started explosively in Mthatha District on Monday 1st October 2018 at Mthatha Central… Graced by Aps MC Asiedu, Aps CN Sikrweqe, Pastors Benard, Eric and the host Pst DM Zuze.. The attendance is excellent and progressively so every day.. The spiritual atmosphere is electrifying as the presence and manifestations of God’s glory is overwhelming… The Ngonyama Praise Team not to be left, are melodiously ushering the congregation into the realm of God’s presence.. To God be the glory…. Shalom.

The Church of Pentecost Elects New Chairman

The Church of Pentecost has elected Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye as new Chairman to succeed Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, who officially retires in August this year.

The election took place on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) during the 43rd General Council Meeting of the Church.Apostle Eric Nyamekye, 53, was nominated by the Executive Council, led by the outgoing Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah.

He secured a total of 147 Yes votes as against four (4) Nos, out of the 151 total valid votes cast, obtaining  97.5% of the total valid votes cast by the Electoral College, comprising Members of the Executive Council, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, all Area Heads in Ghana and National Heads who are apostles, prophets or evangelists. There was no abstention.

The overwhelming endorsement of his candidature by the Electoral College therefore qualified him to be presented to the General Council for their affirmation.

At the General Council election which was the final lap, he polled a total of 994 votes out of the 1,009 total votes cast, representing 98.5%. The No votes were 14 with, one (1) abstention.

The massive votes he garnered was more than the 2/3 majority votes prescribe by the Constitution of the Church which states that, “The candidate so elected at the Electoral College shall be presented to the General Council for approval by two-thirds (2/3) majority votes of the members present and voting.”

The General Council is made up of all Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and ordained Pastors of the Church, Area Executive Committee members, National .Heads, National Deacons, National Secretaries, Trustees, Chairmen of Boards and Committees, and Ministry Directors, National Executive Committee Members of Ministries/National ITI PENSA Coordinating Committee, Area Women’s Ministry Leaders in Ghana, Specialists, and Retired Ministers.

The outgoing Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, on behalf of the General Council of the Church, congratulated Apostle Nyamekye on his election to the highest office of the Church.

In his response, the Apostle Eric Nyamekye, gave glory to God for granting him the opportunity to serve in the highest office of the Church. He also thanked the outgoing Chairman, immediate past Chairman and the General Council for reposing the confidence in him to lead the Church.

PROFILE OF APOSTLE ERIC NYAMEKYE

Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye was born on October 21, 1965 to Mr. Stephen Antiedu Nyamekye (late) and Agnes Owusu in Asokore-Ashanti.

He completed Tema Secondary School in 1983 and proceeded to Nyankpala Agric College in the Northern Region, where he obtained a certificate in General Agriculture in 1986. He also holds a diploma in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Commercial Management, U.K., a post graduate Diploma in Applied Theology from the University of Manchester, U.K., and a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon. He is currently a PhD student at the Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Apostle Nyamekye worked with Technology Consultancy Center, KNUST, for three (3) years before he was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1991 and stationed at Daboase in the Western Region between 1991 and 1995. He was later transferred to Agona Nsaba in the Central Region (1995- 1999), where he was ordained as a Pastor in 1996.

Between 1999 and 2005, he was sent on missions to the Republic of South Africa. He was recalled home in 2005 and stationed at East Legon, where he served as a District Pastor till 2008. He also became the Resident Minister of Atomic branch of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) from 2008 to 2011. He was later called into the Office of Apostle and transferred to Tamale as Area Head from 2011 to 2015.

Currently, Apostle Eric Nyamekye has been the Area Head of Koforidua Area since 2015. He was elected into the Executive Council of The Church of Pentecost in 2013 and has since been a Member of the Council.

He has also served and continues to serve on several Boards and Committees of the Church. Among them are:  Chairman, Media Ministry Committee (2015 to date), Patron, Youth Ministry (2011- 2016), Area Secretary, Madina (2009-2011), Area Children’s Leader, Madina (2005-2008), National Secretary for the Republic of South Africa (2000-2005), Member of National Executive Committee, and Youth Committee (1996-1999).

Apostle Eric Nyamekye is married to Mary and together are blessed with six children: Samuel, Stephen, Lucien, Maame Boatemaa, Papa Kyere and Awura Abena

Source: COPHQ

Appreciation and Induction service of Pastor James Alfred Quaicoe and Pastor Alexander Boakye-Yiadom

Sunday April 15, 2018 was a special day where we witnessed an impressive joint appreciation and induction service held at Pentecost International Worship Centre, Kempton Park, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The appreciation was in honour of Pastor James Alfred Quaicoe, Kempton Park District Pastor, who has served the Church meritoriously as National Secretary for eight years, and also as Finance and Administration Manager for three years. The Executive Council, the Pastorate, Ministry leaders, and the entire members of Kempton Park and Johannesburg Districts gathered at Kempton Park to celebrate and appreciate the wonderful and remarkable work of God achieved through His servant.

The same occasion marked the induction of Pastor Alexander Yiadom-Boakye of Johannesburg district as the new National Secretary. The same congregation joyously and with much expectation welcomed Pastor Alexander Yiadom-Boakye as the National Secretary.

Another dimension of the service was the commissioning of three Executive Council members, who had completed their various terms of office, and were re-elected to serve for another term. They were Pastors: Cameron Sikrweqe, David M. Zuze, and James Alfred Quaicoe.

The service was chaired by the Evangelism Director of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin who preached the sermon of the day. In his sermon, he challenged the congregation to rise up to the occasion and make the word heard to impact and bring the lost souls back to the kingdom of God.

And he also prayed for the incoming Secretary and the Executive members who were commissioned.

One of the highlights of the programme was the reception given to Mrs Susan Cudjoe, who took the opportunity to thank the Church in SA for standing by her and the family during the death and burial of Aps J. W. D. Cudjoe on Monday, September 25th and Saturday, October 28th, 2017 respectively, and who was a missionary and National Head in SA.

The National Head, Aps Dr Dela Quampah inducted the new Secretary into office, and also appreciated the outgoing one for a job well done.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked the executive council, the Pastorate and the entire membership of the church for this privilege to serve. He acknowledged his responsibilities as an incoming National Secretary, and assured that, he is ready to serve in that Capacity.

In his response, Ps James A. Quaicoe thanked God for making his term, a successful one and expressed his appreciation to the family for being with him through it all. He also thanked the Executive Council, the entire pastorate, and the congregation for the love and support during his term of service.

It was a great and successful service all in all.

The Johannesburg and Kempton Park praise teams were spectacular in performance and charged the whole service with glorious songs.

Photos 

Pentecost Theological Institute Maiden Graduation Programme

The successful graduation ceremony was held at PIWC Kempton Park, Johannesburg, on the 23rd of February 23, 2018.

The program commenced with an Opening prayer and dedication of service by Pastor Hermy Darmons. There were songs of praise as the people danced to glorify the Lord for a graceful occasion .

An address for the occasion was made by the principal of the Pentecost Theological Institute: Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah.  The student’s representative address was done by Pastor Alexander Yiadom-Boakye. There was awarding of Diplomas presented by the Principal of the Pentecost Theological Seminary:Apostle. Dr. E. Anim and also presented the best Student award which went to Pastor Isaac Kofi Mensah.  Special thanks was made Deaconess Barbara Benhura and closing prayer by Elder Daniel Baafi followed by a recession as the graduands together with the Principals of the PTI and PTS marched out of the premises. 

We thank God for such a graceful occasion and for the lives of the graduates who worked diligently to sail through their studies.

 

2017 Farewell Services

The following is the list of farewells in 2017 in the Church of Pentecost South Africa

Pastor Cameron Sikrweqe moves from Cape Town to East London

Pastor Samuel Oduro moves from Butterworth to Capetown

Pastor Eric Bampo moves from East London to Butterworth

These services will take place on the 26th November, 2017 in their various districts.