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WRAPPING UP THE SUMMER VACATION WITH A CHILDREN’S DAY OUT SPOTLIGHT ON SPIRITUAL PREPARATION & CONSOLIDATION A celebration of prayer and teaching was held at the Ebenezer Chapel from April 19 to 24. It brought together all five assemblies in the Paris district for the first in a series of lectures and symposia aimed at reinforcing commitment to mission, fully comprehending the transforming power of the gospel by the Spirit and helping the church family reflect the glory of our Lord and into union with Him. Pastor Osei Owusu Afriyie, National Head of the Church headed the event with a meticulous exposé on the consequence of being true Christians in a secular world and the continuous spiritual battles Christians are bound to face. One therefore needs to know the things of the spirit and be prepared for the conflicts that are generated as a result of the quest for righteous living in the Lord. THEME : The week-long retreat focused on 'SPIRITUAL WARFARE in the Christian walk', as subject for deliberation. Pastor Afriyie drew upon those spiritual resources that the Lord has provided to serve as armor to attack the strongholds and plans of the enemy. He made reference to detailed narratives and directions taken from, among others, Paul's letters to the Churches - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10-14, Colossians 1:6; etc; also revisiting Isaiah 6:1-6, Luke 9:26, 2 Peter 2:4; 1 Timothy 4:1 in order to accentuate his points. Pastor Afriyie told the congregation that the Church emphasizes on spiritual warfare in order that a proper balance in our Christian life is created. He said many Christians turn out to be passive and fearful, satisfied just to believe the right things and attend church services and activities each week. But this way of life is somewhat different from that which Jesus had called believers. He referred to Jesus' commissioning of the apostles in Luke, and Mathew 28:1820, to go out and preach and teach about the kingdom of God, as well as healing the sick and setting captives free. NECESSARY DISCIPLINE : Spiritual warfare, he stressed, is a practical approach to our faith through which we actively pursue spiritual disciplines that will make us stronger and better prepared to actively resist the devil and engage the enemy. Prayer is a weapon we use to penetrate strongholds that cannot be reached in any other way. A spiritual warrior has to be alert to the activity of the enemy and this alertness is by no means fear or paranoia. Referring to the Apostle Paul who, he said, was a good example of a spiritual warrior, he indicated that Paul didn't go out of his way to look for demonic activity, but when he encountered it, he quickly recognized it and confronted it with spiritual authority victoriously. A spiritual warrior brings discipline to his thought life and to his actions. If he allows these areas to be compromised, he will not be effective in resisting the enemy. He should seriously consider the gravity of sin because sin always gives the adversary an advantage. He should always guard against comparing himself with others and never be ensnared by the subtlety of arrogance. A true warrior knows that he can do nothing in his own strength. His strength, authority, wisdom and discernment are dependent upon his close walk with his Lord. PARENTING: One of the key points in the discourse was how comprehending spiritual warfare provides a fresh perspective on parenthood. Parents, he underlined, are entrusted with children by the Lord to nurture, cherish and protect. In the parent, the child needs to see a reflection of God's attributes of unconditional love, faithfulness and holiness. The parent should be a steward of God's grace in the home and guard against the enemy's assaults on any member of the family. A godly parent needs to exercise great authority in the name of Christ to resist the enemy and fight on behalf of the children. Like Job, a parent is also the priest of the home, bringing the sins of the children to God so that the enemy cannot establish any strongholds in their lives. RESOURCE FOR WITNESSING: The premise of being fully equipped for spiritual combat can be very essential in witnessing and evangelism. This particular segment in the lecture was revelatory, given that, one learns to recognize the barriers and strongholds in advance and prepare the way through prayer, spiritual authority, divine appointments and ministry. In the midst of all, the head pastor reiterated that a spiritual warrior knows his inheritance in Christ, knows God's promises and is not gullible to the lies and deceptions of the enemy, who tries to call these promises and inheritance into question. In understanding that deceitfulness is the enemy's language and his most effective weapon, the warrior should relentlessly seek to strengthen himself in an understanding of God's truth which should be his protective shield. LIFE OF OBEDIENCE The teachings encouraged the yearning for a greater fellowship with the Holy Spirit so He can reveal the things that enable the enemy to secure an advantage in our lives. He said we need the Holy Spirit's powerful ministry in our life; bringing conviction of sin, repentance of heart, strengthening of faith and increasing perseverance in resisting temptation. He said our adversary is a created being and a fallen creature whose influence is very restricted. The Christian who lives in faith and obedience, he reiterated, does not have anything to fear concerning enemy activity. Demons may harass and attack, but all this can be overcome if one's focus remains upon God. And so it is imperative, he emphasized, that instead of seeking our own agenda, we should submit our will to God and accept the sacrifices He calls us to make. In doing so, we will not compromise with the ways of the world, or yield to the enemy's attacks. There were many 'teachable' moments and real-life testimonies which revealed so much to the congregation. They recognized that transformation demands a continued renewal of mind, dying to self and walking in the victory of the new creation the Lord has provided for us. Pastor Owusu Afriyie, in his final remark, counseled the congregation to let the fruits of the Spirit flow out of their lives to reflect a Christ consciousness through which God will be glorified. The retreat was brought to a fulfilling climax when on Saturday the Head Pastor led a 5-hour marathon prayer session that challenged every participant to develop a greater focus on commitment to ministry. EASTER 2010 - THE MIRACLE OF VICTORY & HOPE FOR HE HAS OVERCOME & ALL EYES ARE ON HIM...... The manifestation of the fullness of Christ's life-changing triumph marked a 5-day Easter convention organized by the Paris district of the Church (March 31 - April 4). The theme for this year's event was inspired from John 16: 33 on which the congregation was encouraged to contemplate. Throughout the period leading to the event's climax this Sunday, the importance of the cross was the prevailing message conveyed by diverse orators. The National Head, Pastor Osei Owusu Afriyie headed the event with an inspiring presentation of what should be considered the utmost for a perfect life in Christ. He wondered why a man's death, even a man as good as Jesus, could give us a new relationship with God, a place in His family, a home in heaven and a new life here on earth. The reason, he asserted, is that many have missed the reason for Christ's death and the message of the Cross. He exhorted the congregation to make the connection between the Man who died and His relevance in their everyday life. The images of Easter, however gruesome and disturbing, highlight a message of hope and redemption through one man's sacrifice. He examined why this event had to occur and why nothing we do can bring us any closer to God. The very best we have to offer, he proclaimed, is not good enough to earn us the relationship with God we want or need. God's standard is perfection, and, none of us is perfect, (Romans 3:10, "No one is righteous, not even one.") That is not good news if our hearts are set on making it to heaven one day. Only perfect people make it into God's presence, and none of us is perfect, he stated. Pastor Afriyie made the correlation of two mountains - with us on one side and God on the other between which is a great divide. The message of the cross, in his opinion, is, there is nothing we can do to cross over to God. But, the cross has bridged the gap that will take us to God. And so he enjoined the congregation to trust what Jesus did on that cross for the security it brings. There is only one way to God, he reiterated, stressing on Christ's own words, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'. (John 14:6) He said Jesus did not find himself on the cross by error; the cross was the reason he came to earth and the climax of his life. He had a choice to make, either to save Himself or to save us, and He chose to save us. When we trust that, on the cross Jesus Christ did everything to satisfy God and we put our faith in Him, and nothing we do ourselves, we find an open door to God and a relationship with him that is truly satisfying.
The climax of this "Miracle of Victory & Hope" event was "How the Cross Changed Everything". The district pastor Reverend Michael Osei drove this poignant point home before a teeming congregation, with the metaphor of the "Wall". He said before the cross the human race had some insurmountable problems. Because of the choices of our original parents, sin had come into the world and a wall stood between us and God. Then as now, the best they could do could not bring down that wall. Since God was not a part of their everyday lives, the decisions they made on their own brought them even more problems and pain. God gave the Law of the Old Testament for people to follow. But, they found that keeping all the laws was impossible. They made sacrifices to cover the times they broke God's laws, followed the priests' teachings and did their best. But, the sacrifices of animals only covered their sins until their next sin and the priests were only human and often led them astray. The wall stood firm; but when Jesus came everything changed. He became the final sacrifice for all the sins of all and for all time. His teachings showed us the perfect way to live and His grace made up for when our best was not good enough; and what is best of all, the Wall came down. The district pastor declared that the cross became a doorway to the presence of God and gave us total access to His wisdom and power. What was lost by Adam and Eve was returned to us through what Jesus did on the cross. Our relationship with God was changed from His enemies to His friends, and members of His own family. He claimed us as His own and called us His children. Pastor Osei stressed that when we put our trust in Jesus we have the unspeakable privilege of going directly to our heavenly Father, and that Christ gave us a new place to belong - His church- a place open to everyone, whatever their past. The cross, he said, also changed our abilities. Before the cross we were powerless to change anything for the good, especially ourselves. Now, we have the ability to change the world around us. A MESSAGE OF HOPE & CERTAINTY FOR 2010 When the bell tolled at midnight, the faithful of the Church were equipped with armor, shield and a healthy dose of certainty to embrace the New Year. The message given by the National Head, Pastor Osei Owusu Afriyie was one of passion and energy, exhorting the more than one thousand people gathered last night to: Now this part is what we'd love to share with visitors to this site. Each time we are tempted to wickedness, and we embrace the temptation, we shall lie under the devil's tormenting cruelty for all eternity, but in renouncing it, we create the shield, to quench the fiery darts of the devil. May the love of Jesus, the purpose of His life, and the gift of His salvation touch every heart in a special way this New Year. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE WORLD !
CHILDREN'S DAY 2009 CELEBRATED NATION-WIDE. This Sunday, the church celebrated her children with a spectacular display of artistic presentation to commemorate Children's Day. At the Ebenezer Temple in Pierrefitte, Paris, the day was dedicated to the vision of connecting a new generation with Jesus Christ giving children hope and wholeness and opportunity for worship and ministry. Several months of partnership with those who minister with children, equipping, encouraging and educating, resulted in a wonderful demonstration of sharing Jesus' love with the "little ones" in His kingdom on this magnificent occasion. READY FOR THE VITAL MISSION ENGAGEMENT A DELIGHTFUL WELCOME SERVICE FULL OF RENEWED AKWAABA - WELCOME - BIENVENUE HONORING APOSTLE Dr. & Mrs. OWUSU AFTER 6 YEARS Apostle Dr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Owusu, who have been, for the past six years, the public voice of the Church of Pentecost in France, made their final 'Adieu' to the Church this Sunday in the company of his entire family and a group of distinguished anointed men of God who head the various churches in Europe. This event, the first of its kind in magnitude, was a manifestation of the church's deepest appreciation in recognition of the tireless sacrifice they gave in leading the church these past six years. The chair and guest speaker was Apostle Lord Agyin, head pastor of the church in Holland. There was also a large delegation of fellow head pastors representing the churches in Ireland, Greece, Italy, Israel, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Ghana and Belgium. The Reverend Martin Luther Awuku, district pastor of Marseilles was the moderator of this impressive gathering that filled this huge auditorium inaugurated for the first time, and to which the Paradise Praise choir added an adorable generosity of spirit. It is before this full church that the main speaker and chair of the ceremony, Apostle Lord Agyin, preached the farewell sermon. He exhorted the congregation to be thankful to God for His immeasurable gifts, that if they let God have the key to their hearts, everything will fall into place and in spite of our shortcomings and through His guidance we shall see His glory manifest in all things. 'Let God be in the saddle' he said, because we have nothing in ourselves; it is all of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Apostle Agyin reiterated that it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose'. 'The exhortation to unity and to 'hold out the Word of life' is as vital now as it was at the very beginning of our head pastor's work" he concluded. His sermon typified the Christ-centered preaching of our beloved apostle Owusu who for the past six years proclaimed the Word of God - the Gospel message of salvation alone through Christ. Pastor Martin Luther Awuku, in his tribute, on behalf of the church, described Apostle and Mrs. Owusu as a couple who has total respect and reverence for God's Word, on which their ministry in France has been anchored, and which will, undoubtedly, continue to prove a mainstay in their future as well. He expressed the church's gratitude for having such a couple providing wonderful leadership and a consistent ministry of the highest caliber throughout their time in France. Other tributes were given in song and dance the most poignant of which was by the women's ministry leader, who, in addition to extolling other magnificent attributes, saw in Mrs. Owusu a rich inner beauty worth emulating by all the women. Mrs. Matilda Osei, wife of the Paris district pastor, on behalf of the church, presented a plaque to the couple in appreciation of their work here in France. The family responded, with Mrs. Patience Owusu thanking everyone for their kindness, friendship and help over the years. She assured the members and friends that they would cherish their expressions of love, advice and encouragement as they move into a new church situation, and commence a new missionary chapter in the U.S.A. Apostle Dr Owusu, at his turn responded thus: 'It is with a very heavy heart that I speak to you today for the last time from this pulpit," ''As I look back over the last six years, there are so many memories...the church in France will have a special place in our hearts." And although the "under-shepherd" is transitioning to a new sphere of service, the "Over-shepherd" will always be there as Pastor, both to the pastors and to the church he was leaving behind until the new head pastor arrives. We wish him and his wife many more years in good health and are grateful to God the Father for all the goodness shown. May the words of the last sermon our dear apostle preached to encourage us (from Joshua 1:9), equally go with him and his family: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". A GRATIFYING SUMMER YOUTH CAMP The 2009 National Summer Youth Camp took place as scheduled from 2nd to 5th July 2009 at the ' Domaine Coteau Fleuri ', Chambon-sur-Lignon in the Auvergne region; department of Haute Loire. It was organized by the National Youth Ministry led by Deaconess Gifty Kyerematen and with the support of Elder Albert Yeboah of Toulouse. Also present were Dcns. Charlotte Nortey from the Paris District, Dcns. Lily Amoakohene of Toulouse and Dcn. Ernest Ofori of Mantes-la-Jolie. For the first time, the camp was very privileged to have two Apostles to grace the occasion: Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu, the National Head of France and Apostle Kwasi Ackah-Baidoo, the former National Head of Canada presently a missionary in Ghana. In all there were about sixty participants from five out of the six Church districts in France: Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse and Mantes. The gathering was a great blessing and a wonderful experience to all who were able to attend. The theme for this year's Camp meeting is ' Overcomers through Christ our Lord ', Romans 8:37: "Yet we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" . The three-day event was filled with the awesome presence and anointing of God which was felt in all the various sessions and activities. The main objective was to impart to the youth that they can be Overcomers in all areas of their lives. Topics therefore included ' The Traits and Challenges of an Overcomer', ' Managing Relationships', 'Managing Finances' and ' The Believer's Victory is Guaranteed'. There were also group presentations and sketches touching on different areas of the Overcomer's life: dress code, academic and professional lives, etc. About fifteen participants received the baptism of the Holy Spirit after a moving exhortation delivered by Apostle Ackah-Baidoo entitled ' Making the Most of the Spirit's Power'. Time was also allotted for learning many new songs and also for games and sports such as football, ludo and snooker. On Saturday night, there was a quiz for all the districts based on the youth national syllabus for 2009. The Paris District came first and was given the Champion's Cup. On Sunday, a Communion Service was organized early in the morning prior to the group photos and a brunch. Participants departed from the camp site around 2pm PRAYER FESTIVAL AT PIERREFITTE The International Worship Centre at Pierrefitte is organizing a true festival outside the paths beaten, during which you will be able to live different forms of prayer. extreme prayer, testimony, praise adoration and exhortation. Come and receive your miracle, recharge your spiritual batteries and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Your presence at this prayer festival, to be held at the Ebenezer chapel, would be most welcome. Come and rekindle your faith and experience the wonderful grace the Lord has reserved for you. Believe in the words of Jesus in John 16:23, "that whatever you ask the Father in my name, it shall be given to you". God blesses you. ROCKING FOR JESUS!!!!! If one was to encapsulate, with a poetic approach, the much touted gospel festival at the International Worship Center in Paris this past week-end, it would be one thing: Jesus is the most awesome thing that can ever happen in our lives. He is the reason for a highly profitable and fulfilling event of the week-end highlights which witnessed an impressive array of admirable individuals endowed with varied musical talents coming together to minister the gospel in music, and in communion with exuberant guests. CHORAFEST 2009 was the post-Easter music event designed to bring together all souls desiring a first encounter with Christ. It attracted people from diverse cultural backgrounds for a much-needed opportunity to bond, connect and be inspired, as a diverse array of musical artists and performers take the stage in a weekend designed to offer renewed strength and hope as we forge ahead, in a deep and meaningful way, in the kingdom work. The line-up for this gospel experience included the resident choir of the International Worship Centre, supported by young and energetic musicians, all set to rock the house for Jesus. It also included speakers and special guests whose immense contribution lifted the event onto a level that manifested the presence of the Lord Jesus. Throughout the ministrations of the 2-day power-event, there was this sublime and intimate connection to a supreme presence through the music, momentarily making one muse over the immutable truth that Christ's love is really overwhelming. "Christ my savior my friend; the best thing that ever happened to me. He is my true companion. My help when I'm in need. My strength when I am weak, the One I thank when I am strong; Jesus is awesome" And the music went into a crescendo!!!!!, bringing the whole house down into one awesome fireball of exhilarating spirits blazing for Him. The power of music, drama and inspirational speeches throughout the 2-day gospel experience provided a prevailing sense of fulfillment and solidarity, encouraging the organizers, to whom we express our sincere gratitude, to recommend this as a yearly event that will reflect the unity we have in Christ. "This initiative will be a part of the Church's commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and will henceforth be the voice and face for the gospel/Christian music community, in the French capital dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise and worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop and more" affirmed the presiding elder of the International Worship Center. And we confirm this with a massive AMEN. Celebrating the power and glory of the resurrection The Church in France had the honor and pleasure of having the International Missions director Apostle Dr Stephen Baidoo and his charming wife Rebecca, as special guests to grace the events lined up for Easter. In collaboration with the Head Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Owusu and his wife Patience, they spent a week on the road visiting with all the assemblies in France. This expedition took them from the North down to the South of France. Strasbourg, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseilles, Mantes-la-Jolie, and Melun, climaxing in the most extraordinary and fulfilling mega convention that Paris had witnessed in a while. Five assemblies gathered for a four-day intensive prayer and fellowship session to mobilize, energize and light up the ambiance for this special celebration. The theme that reflects this year's convention, and upon which we affirm the representation of our faith is "Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever". Hebrews 13:8. WELCOME ADDRESS: The Paris district Pastor, reverend Michael Osei, in welcoming the special guests, underscored the fact that Easter is not only celebrating the power and glory of the resurrection of Christ, it is a testimony that the resurrection does in fact change everything in our lives and puts our human experiences in perspective. He said Easter affects our understanding in our own conversion to faith in Jesus Christ. The resurrection brings to our personal experience the amazing creativity and vitality of regeneration. And Jesus' resurrection gives us confident hope for the future. The supernatural power and brilliant glory of God is consistently displayed though the Easter perspective of Christ being the same yesterday, today and forever. Even though life can knock us down at times, it never can knock us out. He said our lives should demonstrate creativity and vitality because we experience God's power and glory in our lives. If we are God's "resurrection" we are a lot tougher than we imagine. It is encouraging to know that we can cope with great pressure because we have the power of the resurrection within us. THE NEED FOR REVIVAL: The Head Pastor in his discourse on Friday evening emphasized the need for a relentless prayer lifestyle in the sustenance of our Church objectives. He stressed the fact that prayer cultivates the believer's spiritual life and that it is time to pray for revival in the Church and for God to grant change. How the world really knows the church is God's people is demonstrated through revivals, and history has shown in striking detail revivals that have arrested the attention of the world, notable periods of which include those of the Reformation and the Methodist revivals of the 18th century. It was obvious that those events were not the works of men, but instead they were the works of God in men. God has promised to move in response to prayer, "Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know". 'We are limited, but prayer taps the unlimited power of Almighty God' he added. Apostle Owusu made it clear that the desire for revival in the church is the desire that God Himself visit His people in an extraordinary way. He concluded by exhorting us not to be complacent in our prayer life, but ask the Lord to invigorate us with new power to carry forth the gospel. IN HONOR OF WOMEN: A special program on Saturday, honored women of the church, where Mrs. Rebecca Baidoo, wife of the IMD gave insight into the incomparable power of God and the brightness of His glory that was displayed in the resurrection. Her main theme revisited Genesis 17, reminding us that Holiness springs from a great mighty God and that we need to meet Him in all His majesty, splendor, power and might. He comes to us within the context of grace and blessing, and He keeps demanding, "Walk before me and be blameless" "When we are surrounded and battered by troubles, we should not be demoralized; we may not be sure of what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we may be spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we may be thrown down, but we haven't broken. So for this we have to keep striving, keep working and keep praying. And when we fail, like Abraham, we must fall before the Lord. She called for the need to remain steadfastly focused on God in our quest for the supreme transformation. For then can we begin to lead the consecrated life that God demands. It is not consecration that saves, but salvation that consecrates because our God is El-Shaddai, the Infinite, the Almighty, the Powerful, the Unchangeable, the Invincible and we should not wander from Him. This is a name affirms that nothing is too hard for the Lord. This is a name that reminds us, for instance, that He is a God who is more than able to give a child to an old childless couple past the age of having children. She concluded by saying while we are going through the worst, we are getting in on the best because every detail in our circumstance works to our advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, and more and more praise.
EASTER MESSAGE: The main speaker for this exceptional event ending on Sunday was Apostle Dr. Baidoo, the Director of International Missions. He encouraged the congregation to spell out their unconquerable faith against the backdrop of our belief that the same God whose Spirit renews us daily was the one who raised Jesus on Easter. He said the life of Jesus should be made public, or "manifest," in our own bodies by the way we live. It is our Christian obligation to manifest the supernatural truth in the Easter story by propagating the powerful message of salvation. Our real treasure, he said, is the resurrection life of Christ within us and it should be carried preciously around in our ordinary lives. He reminds the congregation to consider the fact that the message is not about ourselves; "we are proclaiming Christ the Master" he added. All we are is messengers, on errand for Christ filling up lives with light as we see and understand God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. He cautioned, however, that we should neither hold back nor make the message obscure to anyone and challenged the congregation to remain fired up for Christ, concluding that the best picture we will ever get of God is the brightness of the message that shines through Christ.
Ushering in the New Year watch night services: The countdown to midnight, into a New Year for the Church in France has always been a major celebration, and last night's was no exception. The Church bid farewell to the old and ushered in the new with inspirational worship services across the nation. From the districts of Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Mantes, accounts of testimonies were shared amid joyful singing and dancing, in gratitude to God's providence and Grace. The Paris district organized a joint service that saw its Pierrefitte temple filled to capacity with worshippers joyfully affirming the privilege in walking with the Lord. Individuals, families, choirs from the various assemblies, music ensembles and children all participated with inspirational and encouraging testaments in song and dance. It was a terrific occasion seeing brethren celebrating their accomplishments, burning up and releasing what had held them back and seizing the moment to begin the year at a point of highest inspiration. The last gospel sermon for 2008 was preached just before the midnight hour by Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Owusu, National Head of the Church. He began by presenting the traditional communiqué for the Church in the Diaspora in which the year's theme is revealed. "The God of the living is your God for today" is a theme inspired from Mark 12: 24 - 27. ( See theme of the year ) and on which we are exhorted to meditate, embrace the veracity of Christ's immutable Deity and never, under any circumstance, doubt the purpose for the Resurrection. Reverend Dr Owusu headed the congregation out of the old into the New Year with prayers of Thanksgiving, counselling them to declare their intentions to make this year one of ever-deepening joy and fulfillment in God. It was a great service, overwhelming and full of anointing in confirmation to the fact that in God's presence there is joy, freedom and peace.
Grand Christmas Convention 2008. Paris International Worship Centre inaugurates new robes for choir. Emotions rose to dizzy heights as the Paradise praise choir, who we honor this Sunday, electrified the PIWC congregation with a classic choreographed delivery of song, grace and poise, bringing joy to all present. What started as a dedication ceremony, developed into a celebration of Grace as the choir, in their new robes clearly defined a new orientation in corporate worship. The presentation of the new choir robes for the choir marked a new chapter in the lives of this choir as they evolve into a corpus for great civic endeavours and the blessing of this wonderful church community. The Head pastor Apostle Dr Emmanuel Owusu was not present but was surrogated by his wife Mrs. Patience Owusu. She delivered a moving tribute in recognition of the sacrifices made by these young individuals. "You never cease to honour us with your generousity and we shall always hold you in sweet remembrance", she said The Ebenezer temple in Pierrefitte was the venue for this event that sought to honor the choir for their collective sacrifice in fostering public appreciation of choral music and providing opportunities for the church membership to enjoy singing. The continuing goodwill was reflected in the responsiveness of the audience to the program of hymns, anthems and choral masterworks. The congregation was visibly moved by such dazzling performance, that a thunderous applause exploded at the conclusion of each presentation to demonstrate overflowing appreciation for the choir. With applause lasting more than a minute, the audience gasped with delight when it was announced one of the closing selections was the famous gospel anthem "Behold He comes -These are the days of Elijah. Electrifying!!!! Who would have thought that a group of such diverse individuals could make the sound they do? This choir simply loves to rock, and more will be coming this Christmas; care to join us? We would love to share this bliss with you. Come let us embrace the power of God's love this Christmas.
Children's day celebrated nation-wide. Children's Day at the Church of Pentecost France is one of the highlights of the end of year events when we honour children and acknowledge God's providence and grace on them. It is held on the last Sunday of November.The most wonderful thing about the children's day celebration is that we all become children growing up together like one big family. It is so entertaining and yet educative, while keeping Christ centremost in our lives and hearts.This years event was held in all local assemblies where congregations had the occasion to witness the children's ability to engage in various constructive and emotional dramatic interpretation of biblical events applied to real life circumstances.
National Convention of the Womens Ministry: The Pentecost women's convention is a once-in-a three-year event that assembles all women, ministry representatives, invited guests and speakers for a one-week intensive session of addressing real life challenges facing the Christian woman. It is an enrichment event that honours and celebrates the many contributions women make in our churches with the hope of empowering all with a renewed passion for God and a renewed heart for mission in ministry.
The International Church elects a new chairman: This year's International Executive Council meeting held in Accra in May, coincided with the end of term of the incumbent chairman of Church of Pentecost International, Reverend Dr. MK Ntumy, who vacates his functions this summer. He served two-terms as Chairman of the Church ushering it into the 21 st Century with a new vision and plan for the Church's growth. On his watch, the Church embarked on far reaching reforms that saw significant changes and improvements not only in the administrative structure of the church but also new vigour and passion for the fulfilment of the Great Commission. New trainee pastors introduced to the Church: Four new overseers who have accepted the call to serve were presented to the Church on Sunday November 14 2007.
The Church is organizing a conference this summer for all its satellites in Europe. The objective is to find more exciting ways of e-imagining church, tailoring, applying and promoting evangelism strategies that would suit every culture in which the Church operates. There will be discussions and workshops, brainstorming session - towards one purpose - promoting the message of Christ to locals. The church of Pentecost summer youth camp is one of the most exciting camps among the many camps in our calendar. Rendezvous at Lyon for this year's summer camp which starts on the 1 st of July to the 10 th . Youth from all assemblies in the country will be united at France's second biggest city, |
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Just as the final days of the summer vacation were being wrapped up, the Children’s ministry of the local PIWC in Paris organized a day out on the week-ending August 21 for the Church family. This family-friendly excursion took them to great places including a theme park, a museum and other play centers in the capital.
