The Ga Presbytery has inaugurated the first ever international congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on Pentecost Day in Accra. The inaugural service was held at the school hall of the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon.
In a sermon delivered by the Ga Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor under the theme: “Come Holy Spirit, Give us Love”, he noted that Christians must always ensure that they consult the power of the Holy Spirit in whatever they do.
According to him, the Holy Spirit is not an inanimate thing as most people mistake Him to be but rather a person who has all the attributes of humans.
He said Christians must allow themselves to be intoxicated by the Holy Spirit like the Disciples of Jesus were on Pentecost Day when they received the power of the Holy Spirit. Adding that, the Spirit will give them the genuine courage they need to preach the word of God.
Rev. Odonkor also advised all to share in their experiences and encounters with the Holy Spirit and not hide them. He encouraged the members of the congregation to always look up to God no matter the circumstances in which they find themselves since no situation is hopeless or helpless with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit is a helper who comes to accompany and assist Christians in what the Maker has assigned us to do thus, there is no cause for alarm when your efforts are not yielding the desired results yet”, he added.
He challenged the new congregation, the Presbyterian Worship Centre to take the power of the Holy Spirit seriously in all their activities.
He said the Lord has a reason for inaugurating the congregation on such a significant day as the Pentecost Day. He therefore challenged the Congregation to listen to the Holy Spirit and be lively at all times so they can win more souls for Christ.
Rev. Odonkor noted that the new church though an English Speaking only Congregation, will act as the other Presbyterian congregations in the country. He assured the congregation of the Presbytery’s support.
Mr. Africanus K. Anane, the Headmaster of PRESEC and an interim member of the Congregation’s Council, welcomed all to the worship centre and thanked the PCG and the Ga Presbytery for bringing the Word of God closer to students.
He prayed that the congregation from the small beginning will grow to become a great church in the country through the guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Rev. Erasmus Mensah Laryea, the Chaplain of PRESEC and the Minister in Charge of the Presbyterian Worship Centre expressed delight about the initiative and thanked all who made it possible.
He said the congregation will endeavour to follow up on members through phone calls so as to encourage them to be active and share the Word with their friends.
He said the place chosen for the citing of the congregation could not have been better since the serenity depicts excellence which they uphold as a congregation.
He noted that the Congregation is devoted to the teaching of the Word, warm fellowship and the spirit of sharing and caring for others.
The intercessory prayers were led by the Rev. E.A. Quaye, the second Minister in charge of the congregation.
Members of the Interim Church Council were introduced to the Congregation. They included: Rev. Erasmus Mensah Laryea (Min. in-charge); Rev. E.A. Quaye (2nd Minister); Rev. Dr. Nana Opare Kwakye; Mrs. Ivy Eklemet (Treasurer); Mr. Africanus K. Anane (Headmaster); Mr. Prince Twum (Choirmaster) and Mrs. E. Mensah Laryea (Children Service).
Present at the ceremony were the Ga Presbytery Clerk, Rev. Rose Teteki Abbey, Abokobi Mantse, Nii Abokobi and other Ministers in the Presbytery.
By: Antoinette Afatsawo