2020-State-Of-The-Church-Address

STATE-OF-THE-CHURCH ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN, APOSTLE ERIC NYAMEKYE, AT THE OPENING SERVICE OF THE 45TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM VIDEO CONFERENCING, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021

1. SALUTATION

The General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi,

The International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo,

Other Members of the Executive Council,

Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, our immediate-past Chairman,

Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy, our former Chairman,

Reverend Chris Cartwright, General Superintendent, Elim Pentecostal Churches,

Reverend David Campbell, Member, National Leadership Team, Elim Pentecostal Churches,

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, National and Area Heads,

Ministry Directors and Ministry Executive Committees,

Ministers of the Church,

Trustees of our dear Church,

Chairmen of Committees and Boards,

Elders’ Representatives,

Women’s Representatives,

Retired Ministers here present,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 2. WELCOME

It has been the will of God that for the second time running, we hold the General Council meetings virtually. This has been necessitated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still with us today.

On behalf of the Executive Council, I warmly welcome you all to the opening service of the 45th session of the General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost.

3. APPRECIATION

I take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to God for His loving kindness towards His Church. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, He continues to prove Himself faithful. May His name be praised, now and forevermore.

My appreciation also goes to the Executive Council members for their sustained commitment to the Church, especially in these difficult times. I would like to personally appreciate Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary, for his relentless support and dedication to the administration of the Church.

Let me, at this point, pay a glowing tribute to Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, who brings his tenure of office as the International Missions Director to an end in August this year. Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, together with his wife, Elizabeth, have meritoriously and faithfully served this Church for 10 fruitful years as the International Missions Director. On behalf of the Executive Council and the entire Church, I say ayekoo to you, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo! Well done!! May the Lord continue to be with you as you take up your new role as an Area Head.

I also express my appreciation to all Area and National Heads, Missionaries, Directors of Ministries, all other Ministers, Trustees, Chairmen and members of Boards and Committees for their sacrifices and love towards the work of the Lord. I pray that God will continue to bless you out of His glorious riches.

The Management and Staff at the Headquarters and the various administrative Areas of the church are also highly appreciated for their hard work and commitment to duty.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye The officers of the church as well as the entire membership have been very resilient in their support, even during this pandemic. May the Lord of the church bless them and continue to be with them in all their endeavours.

Dearly beloved, God has been very gracious in raising individuals in the Church who continue to provide massive support to the work of the ministry in various ways and forms. While many availed themselves to fast and pray incessantly for the Church, there were many others who also supported financially; some put up church buildings, bought parcels of land, or donated vehicles and evangelism equipment to the Church.

In the main report, there is detailed information on individuals, Districts, Areas and Nations who supported some sectors of the Church.

For the purpose of this address, I would like to acknowledge a few of them:

● Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong (Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies) of Teshie Nungua Area; Elder Dr. Nana Samuel Amo Tobbin (Executive Chairman, Tobinco Group of Companies) of La Area; Elder Prince Amoah of Kwadaso Area, Elder Nana K. Gyasi of Suame Area, Elder Samuel Fredua Agyemang of Teshie Nungua Area, Deaconess Mrs. Eunice Asuma-Hinneh of Teshie-Nungua Area and Elder Patrick Danso of Kaneshie Area continued to support the Church in the payment of tithes and making other financial commitments, including the putting up of church buildings and mission houses and purchasing of vehicles. ● A businessman, Mr. Isaac Kwame Antwi and his wife, Alexandria, who are not members of the Church, single-handedly put up and fully furnished a 700-seater auditorium for the Nchiraa Central Assembly in the Kintampo Area. They also supported the construction and furnishing of the District Mission House. These amounted to a total of 2.5 million Ghana Cedis.

● A businessman, Mr. Stephen Agyarko who is a member of Wenchifie Assembly in Wenchi District, Sunyani, also single-handedly put up a church building for Ahwene Local Assembly in Chiraa District at a total cost of GHS149,529.50. ● Elder Eric Addai, the Presiding Elder of Mamprobi Central Assembly (Dansoman Area), sold two of his petrol tankers for GHS300,000.00 and donated the entire amount to support the Mamprobi Central church building project.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye ● Mrs. Adjoa Konadu of Kumasi donated a total amount of GHS250,000.00 to support the construction of the Kokofu central church building in Ashanti Bekwai Area. ● Mr. Yaw Amponsah Marfo and his family donated GHS200,000.00 to the Sepe Central Assembly in Buokrom District, New Tafo Area, for the purchase of chairs and evangelical gadgets. They also donated other items and cash worth GHS25,000.00 to support widows and the aged in the District. ● Deaconess Joana Yeboah donated GHS143,735 and 40 exotic chairs worth GHS8,800 to the A-Lang Worship Centre, Odorkor Area, in support of their church building project. ● Prophet James Osei Amaniampong of Asokwa Area and his wife, Georgina, committed their three months’ salary (April to June) to provide one hot meal to feed 1,500 members and non-members within selected communities in Asokwa Area during the lockdown period. ● Brother Jerry Nyamekye of PIWC-Atomic fed 1,000 needy persons living within the Dome Parakuo community in Accra continuously for two weeks during the lockdown. ● Mr. Emmanuel and Mrs. Esther Sackey donated a white Mercedes Benz ML 350 valued at $20,000.00, an HP Desktop Computer, an HP Laserjet Pro 400 Printer and two beds to the Church in Zimbabwe to be used for the work of God. ● Apostle Augustus Martey Asemnor and the Washington Region of USA, purchased a seven-seater Toyota ISIS for Montego Bay District in Jamaica. ● Elder Samuel and Deaconess Abena Pobee of Tanzania donated an eight-seater passenger Toyota vehicle to PIWC (Tanzania) to be used for evangelistic activities at the universities and other catchment areas. ● Elder Moses Nii Otoo Ankrah of Dansoman Area gave a cash donation of US$11,000 as support to the Church in Uganda. ● Bro. David Stanly, brother of Aps. James Raj donated US$7,000.00 to India as support to the Church. ● PIWC-Graceland made donations to some Nations, Areas, Districts and Assemblies, amounting to GH¢2,267,563.00.

On behalf of the Executive Council and the entire Church, I express my profound appreciation to all these benefactors.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye

4. STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS

This State of the Church Address provides a report of our stewardship for the year 2020. It includes highlights of our achievements under the various intervention areas of the Church’s Vision 2023 agenda of “Possessing the Nations”, as well as all major developments that took place in the reporting year.

4.1 General Overview

Despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 witnessed appreciable number of activities at all levels of the Church, in pursuit of the Vision 2023 agenda.

The Church, within the period, opened 746 new Assemblies worldwide and created 124 Districts. A total of 195,636 souls were won with 99,120, representing 50.7%, baptised in water. The Church’s overall membership grew by 4.3%.

To the glory of God, the Church, during the period, also recorded healings, deliverances from satanic oppression and several miracles, giving the indication that God was and is at work in His Church.

4.2 Headquarters Administration

As at December 2020, there were 402 non-ministerial staff on the official payroll of the Church. This number was made up of 226 employees at the Area offices and 176 at the Head Office. All departments within the administrative setup at the Church’s Headquarters performed creditably well in the period under review, even though, they operated under strict restrictions.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye Twelve workers at the Headquarters were retired during the reporting year. These were as follows:

S/N Name of Officer Yrs. Served

1 Rebecca Kissiedu 37

2 Selina Osei-Owusu 35

3 Arnold Henox Doh 31

4 John K. Anderson 28

5 Emmanuel Parker 25

6 Isaac Owusu Yeboah 22

7 Thomas Oppong Nyame 22

8 Edward Y. Atakora 21

9 Noah Yao Adonu 17

10 Stephen Yeboah 16

11 John Sumani Nyonaah 13

12 Samuel Baffour Awuah 13

They served for periods ranging from 13 to 37 years. We thank them for their services to the Church and wish them well in their retirement.

4.3 Worldwide Membership Growth

As at December 2020, The Church of Pentecost operated in 109 nations (including Ghana), with a total membership of 3,623,011, recording a growth rate of 4.3% over the previous year. The Church in Ghana constituted 85.1% of the worldwide total membership. The remaining 14.9% was accounted for by our external branches, including the two autonomous nations (Benin and La Cote d’Ivoire).

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye Evangelism and Church Planting

A total of 147,730 outreaches were carried out worldwide. This represents a 3.1% decrease with respect to that of the previous year. Total adult souls won from these outreaches summed up to 195,636 which also represents a decrease of 27.9% with respect to that of the previous year, 2019. Of this number, 58,209 came from the “Gospel Sunday” morning initiative.

In spite of the relatively low figures recorded, it is important to acknowledge the grace of God which opened avenues for the gospel to be preached in the midst of the challenges of the COVID-19. To Him be the glory!!

It is also gratifying to note that despite the challenges that we were confronted with, 99,120 of the souls won were baptised in water. This means that 50.7% of all adult souls won in 2020 were baptised in water.

The period also witnessed the planting of 746 churches worldwide and the creation of 124 Districts.

The Church, as at December 2020, had a total of 23,588 Assemblies and 2,648 Districts worldwide. To God be the glory!!

In the area of Holy Ghost baptism, a total number of 135,061 members received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Of this number, 69,398 were new converts, representing 70.01% of converts baptised in water. Very encouraging!

4.4 Analysis on Ghana - Membership Growth

The Church in Ghana recorded a membership growth of 3.6%, leading to a total membership of 3,081,862 as at December 2020. This number constitutes 9.92% of the total estimated 2020 Ghanaian population of 31,072,9401. This also constitutes approximately 14% of the total Christian population in Ghana, which is estimated to be 71.2% of the Ghanaian population.

1 Population of Ghana (2020 and historical). Accessed on 30th March, 2021 via Ghana Population (2021) - Worldometer (worldometers.info)

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye The data again showed that the youth continued to make up the largest segment (41.6%) of the Church’s membership. Children membership constituted 32.3%, while those above 35 years constituted 26.1%.

The overall analysis implies that 73.9% of CoP membership in Ghana is made up of children and youth (up to 35 years). It is, therefore, important for leadership at all levels to continue to give significant attention to nurturing these young people in a manner that will position them to contribute greatly to the course of the Church.

Evangelism and Church Planting

The year 2020 witnessed a total of 137,984 evangelistic outreaches. These outreaches yielded a total of 154,074 souls for the Lord. Of this number, souls won from the Gospel Sunday initiative numbered 54,377. Out of the total number of adult souls won, 79,340 were baptised in water, representing 51.5%.

The year witnessed the opening of 568 new Assemblies and the creation of 68 new Districts.

As at December 2020, the Church in Ghana had a total of 1,523 Districts and 17,422 Local Assemblies.

By the grace of God, two administrative Areas were also created: Twifo Praso and Offinso from Assin Foso and Suame Areas, respectively. The total number of administrative Areas now stands at 71.

In terms of Holy Spirit baptism, the Church in Ghana, during the reporting period, witnessed the baptism of 110,176 of its members. Out of this number, 51,117 were new converts, representing 64.4% of converts baptised in water. This is very encouraging!

All these successes have come about as a result of individual members’ commitment to the cause of the gospel. It is gratifying to note that Elder Mark Akoto of Diaso District in Dunkwa Area single-handedly won 40 souls through personal evangelistic activities.

Deaconess Faustina Badu of Sunyani Estate District also single-handedly embarked on an evangelistic outreach to a community named Timber Nkwanta. Through her efforts, a total

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye of 33 souls were won, leading to the opening of a Home and Urban Missions Assembly in the Area.

Elder Mark Akoto and Deaconess Faustina Badu are highly commended for their zeal for the Lord.

Details of performance by respective Areas and Districts in some key operational parameters have been provided in the main brochure.

4.5 Ministries’ Performance (Ghana)

Children’s Ministry

In the course of the year, on October 18, 2020, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis took over from Apostle Fred Tiakor as Director. The Ministry, as at December 2020, had a total membership of 994,437.

Even with the limited meeting space of time, the Ministry embarked on a vigorous evangelism drive which yielded a total of 32,357 souls (children) won and retained. A total of 16,030 children were baptised in the Holy Spirit and 61,278 children were dedicated. The number of teachers as at December 2020 was 72,044.

Youth Ministry

The Ministry, as at December 2020, had a total membership of 1,282,713. They began the year with a unique conference for PENSA members at the tertiary level at PCC with a record attendance of 4,222.

The Ministry found creative ways to undertake almost all planned programmes. Political Chamber, Business and Entrepreneurship Chamber, School of Apologetics, Pentecost Young Missionaries outreach, Youth Workers Leadership seminars, PENSA Ghana Leaders Retreats for tertiary and pre-tertiary students were all held online and saw massive participation.

For purposes of discipleship, a mobile application, the Pentecost Youth App, was developed by the Ministry.

Women’s Ministry

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye Deaconess Mrs. Philomina Mireku took over from Deaconess Mrs. Grace Lucy Yeboah Asuamah on October 18, 2020 as the Director. The Ministry, as at December 2020, had a total membership of 1,212,362.

Activities which took place during the period, included prayer meetings, marriage seminars, health talks on prevailing health issues, stress management, and entrepreneurial training to equip the women in various handicrafts. Evangelism by the Women’s Ministry in the various Areas yielded 21,721 souls, with 14,317 receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM)

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh succeeded Apostle Emmanuel Ankrah Badu as Director on October 18, 2020. The total membership of the Ministry, as of December 2020, stood at 661,342.

Many of the planned activities for the year, such as the Politicians and the Royals’ conferences, could not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry was, however, able to hold the Bible Reading Marathon from Sunday, 2nd to Thursday, 6th February 2020 at Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Accra.

It is gratifying to note that the enthusiasm of men is gradually rising to the glory of God.

Evangelism Ministry

The Ministry embarked on vigorous evangelistic activities nationwide, resulting in 148,393 decisions being made for Christ and 405 new local churches planted. The total number of Holy Spirit baptism recorded was 59,335.

Teshie Nungua Area donated a DAF CF 75 truck with registration number, GG 4816-15, to help the Ministry in its activities.

4.6 Committees and Boards

The various Committees and Boards, such as the Literature Committee, National Media Ministry Committee, National Music Committee, National Estate Committee, Records, Statistics and Archives Committee, National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee, Pentecost Press Board, PENT TV Board, Pentecost Convention Centre Board,

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye and the Pension Board, performed creditably in their respective mandates. Their activities greatly enhanced the Vision 2023 agenda of the Church.

4.7 Health and Education Support In the course of the year, Two million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Ghana Cedis and Nine Pesewas (GHS2,313,859.09) was spent on health care support to members at various levels of the Church in Ghana.

The Church also spent Three Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty-Four Ghana Cedis, Ninety-Seven Pesewas (GHS3,669,464.97) in sponsoring the educational pursuits of its members at various levels.

4.8 International Missions Analysis

Number of Nations

At the end of the 2020 reporting year, the number of nations in which the Church operates, increased from 106 in the previous year to 108. The two nations added were Vietnam and South Sudan.

Membership Growth Analysis

Membership in the non-autonomous nations increased by 23,037, in the course of the year, culminating in an overall membership of 344,033. This represents a 7.2% increase over the previous year’s membership. The two autonomous nations also recorded a membership increase of 17,701 in the reporting period. This led to a growth in their total membership from 179,415 in 2019 to 197,116 in 2020, an increase of 9.9%. As at December 2020, the external branches of the Church, operating in 108 nations across the world, had recorded an overall membership of 541,149, witnessing a percentage increase of 8.1%.

Evangelism and Church Planting

The total number of outreaches carried out in the international missions of the Church was 9,746. From these outreaches, a total of 41,562 souls were won. Of this number, 19,780

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye were baptised, representing 47.6%. A total of 258 new Assemblies were opened, while 56 new Districts were created.

As at December 2020, the total number of Assemblies in our external missions was 6,166 while that of the Districts was 1,125.

12,156 members were baptised in the Holy Spirit. Out of this number, 5,552, representing 55.2%, were converts baptised in water. This is very encouraging, considering the restrictions that characterised the period.

Indigenous Membership among the Nations

The indigeneity of the missions’ work in some of the nations, stands as follows: 100% indigenous membership in Mauritius, Congo Brazzaville, Namibia, Rwanda, Angola, Belize, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, India and Malawi.

Congo DR, Madagascar, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Ethiopia, Zambia, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Swaziland, Chad, Botswana, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Central African Republic, Togo and Kenya also recorded over 90% indigenous membership.

Maiden Francophone Conference A Francophone-only Ministers and Wives’ Conference took place in February 2020, just before the outbreak of the pandemic in Ghana, under the theme, “A Glorious Church to Possess the Nations”. 1,200 ministers and wives from 25 nations participated in the conference. Feedback from the conference was very encouraging. It is envisaged that God willing, this would be a regular feature.

Acquisition of Church Buildings in Strategic and Conspicuous Locations As part of the Vision 2023 agenda to make the Church more visible in the various nations, there were construction and acquisition of outstanding Church buildings in some strategic locations in various nations. These nations included Tanzania, Kenya, Dubai, Argentina, Gabon, Madagascar, Uganda, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Cape Verde. The Missions Board also financed the acquisition of sizeable plots of land for the construction of important Church projects in Nigeria, Senegal, The Philippines and Zambia.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.9 The Church of Pentecost Higher Educational Institutions Pentecost University (PU)

Pentecost University received its Presidential Charter on June 1, 2020. To God be the glory! This began a new era for the school, and with it came many blessings.

The University, during the period under review, had a new Vice- Chancellor in the person of Pastor Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, who took over from Apostle Dr. Daniel Walker who had served well in that capacity for four years.

At the end of the first admission for the 2020/2021 academic year, 1,015 students were matriculated, which is an increase of 118% over the number of students who matriculated within the same period last academic year. Of this number, 185 were sponsored under the Vision 2023 Pentecost University sponsorship initiative. The Church of Pentecost Chairman Education Foundation (COPCEF) was successfully registered and continued to receive donations from partners and stakeholders.

In addition to its 54 accredited programmes, the PU has received accreditation to run BSc Industrial Software Engineering and top-up programme for auxiliary nurses.

The University further anticipates establishing a Centre for Childcare, Special Needs and Education; an International Digital Laboratory; an E-learning Centre; and multiple campuses across the country.

Birmingham Christian College (BCC) – UK

The College, during the period, upgraded its IT software to the A5 Office 365 licence which includes remote access for staff to all files and data. It also procured Education Office 365 licences for all students for the purpose of online lecturing. Activities carried out during the period included the following: a. Developed a Level (3) Award in Church Marketing Strategies which was accredited by the UK national awarding institution, NCFE, in October 2020. b. BCC, together with our Pentecost Biblical Seminary in USA, conducted a Missions research for the Executive Council of the Church, examining the challenges CoP in Europe and North America face in reaching out to the indigenous populations.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye c. A certificate in Christian Ministry and Leadership programme for Elders was accredited by NCFE in May 2020. d. Successfully developed an Introduction to Christian Counselling course with 30 hours of guided learning.

Pentecost Biblical Seminary – USA

Pentecost Biblical Seminary (PBS) currently offers the following Ministerial Formation courses: Certificate in Theological Studies and Diploma in Pastoral & Theological Studies. Pursuant to Vision 2023, the Seminary also rolled out a certificate programme for Lay Leaders during the period. As at December 2020, 185 students (32 Ministerial Formation and 153 Lay Leaders) had enrolled at the Seminary.

PBS applied for applied for licensure at the Office of State Secretary for Higher Education (OSHE) on March 13, 2020. If successful, the PBS will apply for programmes accreditation to the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States (USA) and Canada.

Pentecost Francophone Theological Bible School (PFTBS) - La Cote D’Ivoire

The Church’s Bible School located in La Cote d’Ivoire, Pentecost Francophone Theological Bible School, had very limited operation during the period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period, the School enrolled 24 first-year students.

Pastoral Training and Leadership Development

The Church continued to build the capacity of staff with departmental in-service training programmes. Most of these training programmes were fully or partially sponsored by the Church. Eleven ministers in Ghana graduated with master’s degrees in 2020.

Sixteen ministers are being sponsored for their PhD programmes. To the glory of God, Aps. Christian Tsekpoe of Pentecost University completed his PhD programme in Theology and Missions at the Oxford Centre for Missions Studies, Middlesex University.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.10 Vision 2023 Implementation Highlights Ladies and gentlemen, may I at this point share with you some key highlights from the Vision 2023 implementation. This is in addition to what I have shared with you earlier in my delivery, which included evangelism and church planting, the Gospel Sunday initiative, Holy Spirit Baptism, ministries’ activities etc.

These highlights have been arranged under the three strategic approaches of the Vision – equipping the Church, re-aligning existing institutions and structures, and transforming society.

4.10.1 Equipping the Church

Equipping the Church to possess the nations is the major focus of Vision 2023. It serves as the point where believers are trained and discipled to project Christ to the world. During the period under review, activities carried out under this strategy included the following: a. Teaching services: As challenging as the year was, the church at all levels adopted several strategies, including virtual meetings to treat the theme for the year, which was, “A Glorious Church to Possess the Nations”. However, due to the limited space and time, these teachings on the theme were not exhaustive enough. As a result, the 2020 theme was repeated for 2021, with the introduction of one word, “revived;” i.e., “A Glorious Church Revived to Possess the Nations”. b. Prayer sessions: Prayer and fasting sessions were intensified during the period. These prayer sessions did not only focus on the pandemic but also sought to strengthen the faith of members. c. Home Cells and Bible Study: The Home Cell system in Ghana and many other nations proved very valuable during the period as it facilitated space for ministry and small group discipleship. In Ghana, the Home Cell groups increased by 42.71% (6,609). Upon the resumption of congregational meetings, Bible Study groups also increased from 59,501 to 63,984, representing a 7.53% increase over the previous year’s figure.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.10.2 Re-Aligning Existing Institutions and Structures Major interventions carried out under this strategic approach included but not limited to the following: a. Home and Urban Missions

To the glory of God, the Home and Urban Missions (HUM), in its activities, won 12,331 souls. This was made up of 416 commercial sex workers, 1,194 street dwellers, 3,713 drug addicts, 3,205 northerners in the south, 544 African migrants, 101 expatriates (non-African migrants), 527 Fulanis, 50 Chakalis, 91 Kotokolis and 12 Challa with 800 Others. During the period, 2,183 of the converts received water baptism and 723 were baptised in the Holy Spirit.

As at December 2020, there was a total of 145 HUM assemblies. This is made up of 51 mobile churches/Ghetto Assemblies, 12 French Assemblies, six Fulani home cells and one expatriate Assembly (Chinese). The current HUM membership stands at 8,259, made up of 2,809 children and 5,450 adults.

A maiden Fulani convention was held at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre at Tamale. A total of 169 Fulani participants were registered. During the period, 74 street children, 298 drug addicts, 38 sex workers, 101 street dwellers and 48 others were put into trade, enrolled in schools, or given vocational and entrepreneurial skills. b. Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs)

During the period, 1,423 persons with disabilities were won for the Lord; 697 converts were baptised and 320 received Holy Spirit baptism.

To the glory of God, the year witnessed the opening of three new Deaf Ministry Assemblies. The total membership of the Deaf Ministry in Ghana, as at December 2020, was 708.

The MPWDs organised a maiden Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Sophia McKeown Temple, La, on December 18, 2020, with 155 persons with disabilities in attendance. It also organised a ‘Jesus Loves You’ street outreach in Accra on December 28, 2020, which brought 35 souls to Christ.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye By way of social intervention, 27 wheelchairs, 14 pairs of crutches, 27 white canes and a pair of calipers were donated to some PWDs. c. Counselling Ministry The Church of Pentecost Counselling Ministry (COPCOM) in 2020 rolled out a counselling session on Pent TV. The National Committee, during the period, successfully put together a certificate programme in Counselling and Family Therapy and submitted it to the Pentecost University to be rolled out. During the early phase of COVID-19, COPCOM provided counselling services to hundreds of people through telephone counselling. The Committee extended this service to persons infected with COVID-19 in isolation at PCC from May to August 2020, using the public address system at the facility. d. PENSA International In the year 2020, PENSA International embarked on two missions trips to Rwanda and Uganda prior to the announcements of the COVID-19 restrictions. These missions activities, by the grace of God, yielded 236 souls. Branches of PENSA were inaugurated in the University of Rwanda and Kampala University (Uganda), and national coordinators trained to carry out the mandate.

The Global Coordinating Team organised the maiden “Covered 20” project, a 14-hour virtual prayer project aimed at uniting the PENSAs across the globe through prayer.

Due to their inability to embark on the missions trips in person, PENSA International launched its maiden virtual missions programme dubbed “IWiG (I Will Go) 2020”. The project mobilised, equipped and deployed 3,821 participants globally for a special strategic Virtual Missions targeted at the Arab nations. By the special grace of God, 256,130 persons were reached virtually with the gospel, and 12 Arabs were won for the Lord.

4.10.3 Transforming Society In addition to evangelism and Church planting, other major interventions carried out under this strategic approach included the following: a. Chaplaincy Ministry

The Chaplaincy Ministry’s activities in 2020 focused on ministry to chieftaincy and educational institutions, hospitals and workplaces. 17

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye Despite the restrictions witnessed during the period, many of the Areas and Districts continued with their chaplaincy ministries. This ministry raked in souls and contributed to the peace within our communities.

In Walewale Area, the Chieftaincy Ministry has impacted the Bunbuna Nasuan community of Jimbale District to the extent that when a nearby community attacked them, they did not retaliate. When asked why they did not retaliate, they responded that they knew the Jimbale District Pastor, Ps. Daniel Tetteh, who had been offering chaplaincy services to the palace would be disappointed to hear that they had retaliated the attack by their opponents. Praise God!!

Chaplaincy to schools also received significant attention with schools in session. Reports from the Areas indicated that many of the Districts had established chaplaincy ministries in various schools where they visited and preached the word of God to the students and offered guidance and counselling services.

Chaplaincy services were also offered to some health institutions, security services, businesses and financial institutions such as banks and savings and loans facilities, the prisons, police cells, ghettos, witch camps and orphanages. b. Pentecost Workers Guilds Pentecost Workers’ Guild (PEWG) is a network of professional and non-professional workers of The Church of Pentecost who strive to be salt and light at their workplaces and are committed to the attainment of the Church’s Vision 2023. As at the end of 2020, 14 Guilds had been formed and were functional with a membership strength of 14,956.

The Guilds’ activities in the year 2020 were slowed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The few activities carried out during the period included the following:

1. The Health Guild formed a COVID-19 task force and among the activities they carried out were health education in and outside the church using PENT TV and some radio stations. The Guild also donated PPE to some health facilities, schools and prisons. 2. PENTSOS, in partnership with the Pentecost IT Workers Guild, developed a cloud- based School Information Management System for use by Pentecost Schools. The new system is currently being piloted at Bubiashie and Madina PPS. 18

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 3. The IT Guild is also in collaboration with the Church’s IT Team in putting together a Church Management System. 4. The Finance and Banking Guild organised Zoom seminars on cybersecurity and investment management, among others, for their members in the Northern, Western and Central Regions. 5. The Business Guild facilitated the application of their members to the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) for soft loans for their businesses. c. The Church and Socio-Economic Development COVID-19 Support

In the wake of the pandemic, the Church in Ghana undertook a number of initiatives to support the Government in the fight against the pandemic. Some of these have been outlined here:

i. The Church handed over its multi-purpose facility, the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), to the Government of Ghana to be used as an isolation centre for persons infected with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This costed the Church over GHS 39,000,000.00.

ii. The Church released 11 of its Cine vans to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to be used to undertake public education exercises on COVID-19 across the country over a six-week period. The Church bore the expenses covering the vehicles’ maintenance, fuel, allowances and accommodation for the drivers who used the vans for the public education exercise. iii. The Church’s Headquarters donated GHS100,000.00 to the Ghana COVID-19 Fund and GHS 75,201.22 worth of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Police Service, and the National Commission for Civic Education to combat COVID- 19. iv. The Church’s Headquarters supported needy members at a cost of GHS 23,920.50. v. Aside these, the Areas, Districts and local Assemblies also supported the fight to the tune of about Five Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Three Ghana Cedis, Twenty Pesewas (GHS5,412,653.20), in providing relief support to vulnerable members and non-members. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were also provided to some public institutions. 19

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye vi. The various nations also reported on some interventions made in the area of livelihood support to members during the lockdown periods in their respective nations.

I am glad to say that such supports to the nations have been worthwhile.

Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS)

Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), the Church’s registered Non-Governmental Organisation operating in Ghana, is restructured to be more result oriented. Major interventions carried out by PENTSOS during the period included the following:

● Health

i. The Church completed the construction of one clinic in Kultamsi in the Bawku Area of the Church, to provide the needed health services to the people in and around the community. ii. Sod was cut for the construction of an ultra-modern clinic at Abesiwa in the Abuakwa Area of the Church in the Ashanti Region. Construction works are expected to be completed by the end of 2021. iii. A two-bedroom, semi-detached staff bungalow was constructed to house the Medical Doctor and the Clinic Administrator at the Pentecost Clinic, Kpassa.

● Integrated Community-Based Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project

A total of 26 boreholes were drilled, fully funded by the Headquarters. Eighteen additional boreholes were also drilled at the Area level through financial resources mobilised by the Areas to serve deprived communities and some mission houses. In all, a total of 44 boreholes were drilled in 2020.

● Prison Holding Facility Projects

In pursuance of its objective to contribute to the enhancement of the reformation and integration of prisoners in Ghana, the Church, with support from some philanthropists, progressed with the construction of four Prisons Correctional Facilities which began in 2019. To the glory of God, the Ejura and Nsawam Prisons projects are near completion,

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye and both will be commissioned in 2021. The remaining two facilities at Obuasi and Damongo are at various stages of completion.

● Livelihood Interventions i. The Church, through PENTSOS, initiated a proposal with the Ministry of Finance as part of COVID-19 support for unemployed youth in the Church. An amount of GHS1,300,000.00 was received from the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (NEIP) to support the training of about 3,500 youth in employable skills and 2,500 in ethical business management. As at December 2020, a total of 1,500 unemployed youths in the Church had been trained and provided with start-up support in Fashion, Catering, Electronics, and Dressmaking. ii. PENTSOS trained 54 youths in Sawla Area in Beekeeping and Honey Production. The project is implemented by PENTSOS with funding from Nkunim Foods, a private sector business that will act as the off-takers for the honey when harvested. The trainees were provided with beehives and equipment to engage in the venture. iii. To enhance food security and job opportunities among the youths in the northern regions, PENTSOS, in collaboration with the Bawku Area and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), organised training for 60 youths in dry season vegetable farming. Through Bawku Area, a 20-acre land has been acquired for 25 years for the establishment of an irrigation farm. iv. PENTSOS initiated a community-based youth employment project dubbed “Enhancing Food Security and Job Opportunities through Sustainable Economic livelihoods”. Through this initiative, PENTSOS has set up a bakery project at Busunya in the Techiman Area of the Church to provide direct employment and train the youth in bread making. d. Environmental Care Campaign

Led by the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee, the Church in Ghana enthusiastically pursued the Environmental Care Campaign agenda. During the nationwide campaign held from Monday, 24th to Saturday, 29th February 2020, the Church enjoyed close collaboration with Zoomlion, Ministry of Environment and Science, Ministry of Local Government and all the major stakeholders in the Environmental Care Campaign 21

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye programme. The various Areas and Districts also embarked on massive clean-ups, coupled with stakeholder engagements, sensitisation in schools, on radios, television stations, etc. The results have been tremendous. e. Community-Level Development

In addition to what the Church pursued at the Headquarters level, some Assemblies, Districts, Areas and Nations also undertook a number of community-initiated development interventions in various communities. These interventions included the construction of drainage and toilet facilities, footbridges, a community library, rest stops/shelters at bus terminals, drilling of boreholes, and the painting of public buildings.

These social interventions at the various levels of the Church continued to provide significant inroads for the Church in the preaching of the gospel to politicians, chiefs and opinion leaders in our towns and cities. To God be the glory! f. Agent of Peace Campaign

The Church, in contributing to the peace in the nation before, during and after the December 7, 2020 General Elections, launched the Agent of Peace Campaign. The national launch was done on September 27, 2020. Among the high-profile persons present were, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa; Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, Ms. Josephine Nkrumah; Government officials, Political Party representatives, Security Agencies, the Media, Heads of the Ecumenical bodies and other Civil Society Organisations. Series of activities which included a Peace Walk, Media engagements on the subject, Bible Study, Peace Rallies, Peace-Musical Crusades, Documentaries, Cine van film shows, among others, were carried out. All the Areas of the Church in Ghana took turns to launch the campaign at their respective Areas. The Districts followed suit in this regard. The campaign, which involved all the major stakeholders of the electioneering process at all levels, contributed immensely to the peaceful Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on December 7, 2020.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.11 Finance and Infrastructural Development

Despite the impact the pandemic had on Ghana’s economy, the Headquarters’ income for 2020 increased by 7.10% when matched against the 2019 income. The major income sources such as tithes, missions offering, and Christmas convention proceeds, registered some growth in performance. The Church disbursed GHS68.29 million as grants in the form of CBCB, UACB, and AIDF to the Areas. Some sectors like the Pentecost University, Pentecost Convention Centre and PENTSOS received financial support of GHS4.17 million in 2020.

These funds contributed to providing decent accommodation for many of our Local Assemblies. There was an overall reduction in Assemblies worshipping in non-permanent Church buildings, including temporary structures, rented halls, classrooms and under trees.

4.12 Miracles

We thank God for the manifestation of His continuous presence in His Church through diverse signs and wonders. The Church recorded many miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit in the year under review.

Blind eyes were opened, the paralysed were made whole, cancerous cells were healed, couples were blessed with children after many years of marriage and the dead were raised to life, among many other miracles.

For instance, in Enkuserokeri District (Kenya), a member’s wife (Leah Shapara) fell sick and died and was taken to the mortuary. The husband ran to the local Church to inform them of the sudden demise of his wife. The Church decided to pray the whole night, and, in the morning, the mortuary attendant came to inform the family and the Church that the woman had come back to life. She is now doing very well.

Many such occurrences have been documented in the main brochure.

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.13 Challenges

Despite the successes chalked, we are still battling with some challenges that need attention.

The non-availability of leaders due to a high level of illiteracy and the migration to the big towns and cities for greener pastures, affected the rural Districts in effectively championing some key areas of the Vision, such as Bible studies and home cells, chaplaincy, counselling, etc.

Despite the efforts being made in the area of providing decent places of worship through the CBCB and UACB projects, the 2020 infrastructure analysis revealed that 2,555 out of the 17,422 Assemblies in Ghana, representing 14.4%, still worshipped under trees and in classrooms.

We are still battling with low attendance to evening services. Participation in Ministry activities has not reached the desired height. The number of backsliders is still high. There are welfare issues at the grassroot levels that need to be looked at.

In these meetings, attention will be given to the discussion of these challenges and strategies will be mapped out to tackle them.

I think we need some fresh fire, a revival to awaken us once again to action, and a fire to set our hearts ablaze to possess the nations.

If we have experienced a pandemic in our lifetime, we should also experience a revival in our lifetime! The zeal of the Lord will accomplish it!!

4.14 Home-Call of Ministers/Ministers’ Wives

During the period, some ministers and ministers’ wives went to be with the Lord. Let us continue to pray for the families they left behind that the Lord would continue to sustain them.

Shall we please rise to our feet, if you can, to observe a minute’s silence in honour of our departed gallant soldiers of the Cross.

MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE!

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 4.15 Retirement of Ministers – Ghana and Missions

After years of serving the Lord and His Church, some of our ministers will be retiring from active service this year. They are:

NATION / AREA / YEARS S/N NAME DISTRICT SERVED 1 Apostle Rene COCO Benin 38 2 Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah Teshie Nungua Area 37 3 Apostle Mark Obeng Andoh Sunyani Area 37 4 Apostle Robert C. Ackon Asankrangwa Area 35 5 Apostle Komi Edina Agbavitoh Togo 33 6 Apostle Dr. Francis Kofi Bonsu Spain 32 7 Evangelist Stephen Omane Yeboah USA 27 8 Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Anthony Owusu Canada 26 9 Apostle Ekow Badu-Wood Kasoa Area 26 10 Apostle Peter Owusu Amponsah USA 24 11 Apostle Joseph Adekoya Onile Nigeria 23 12 Apostle Antonio R. Da Silveiro Brazil 11 13 Pastor Paul Kwao-Nimeson Ansaful 38 14 Pastor Samuel Asare-Konadu - 37 15 Pastor John Otchere Nkawkaw Nsuta 37 16 Pastor Samuel Nsiah Oyarifa 31 17 Pastor Reuben Mensah Adrakpanya Ablekuma New Town 31 18 Pastor Thomas Kwabena Tandoh New Takoradi 30 Buade District (health 19 Pastor Alfred George Sam grounds) 30

20 Pastor Alex David Adwere Lashibi 29 21 Pastor Emmanuel Love Teye Enchi 27 22 Pastor Samuel Kwasi Asiamah Wenchi Fie 27 23 Pastor Matthew Kwabena Biney Kasoa 26 24 Pastor Peter Godson Andoh Bompata 26

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye 25 Pastor Andrew Oduro Ampaw Afienya 26 26 Pastor David Kwesi Mensah Taifa 25 27 Pastor Matthew Owusu Achawso 25 28 Pastor Yaw Owusu Agyei Komenda 24 29 Pastor Stephen Aboagye Akrokerri 24 30 Pastor Douglas Owusu-Addey Dzodze 24 31 Pastor Michael Kwadwo Addae Tanoso 24 32 Pastor Bright Adjei Mensah Lartebiokorshie Bethel 23 33 Pastor Isaac Kofi Edutuah-Appiah Nigeria 23 Dominase Bekwai 34 Pastor Joseph Yaw Usman (health grounds) 23

35 Pastor Maxwell Adjah Ayertey Brenakyim 22 36 Pastor James Kwabena Ayim Nkawkaw Adoagyiri 22 37 Pastor Friday U. Osezua Nigeria 22 Techiman New 38 Pastor Kwaku Nkuah Cobbina Onyinase 20

39 Pastor Abraham Kow Duker Ashaiman Adjei Kojo 20 40 Pastor Mosharaf Hossain Khan Bangledesh 6

Beloved, these gallant soldiers of the Cross have meritoriously served the Lord and the Church. This will be their last official participation in our Council Meetings as Councillors. I will, therefore, kindly request that we honour and appreciate them with an applause.

Dear retiring ministers, I pray that the Lord God Almighty, before whom you have walked and served, would bless and grant you a restful retirement when the time is due.

4.16 Formal Declaration

On this note, brothers and sisters, I now declare this special 45th session of the General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost formally opened, in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that the good Lord will lead us in all our deliberations. Amen! 26

2020 State of the Church Address Aps. Eric Nyamekye