The Church ⇒ Evangelism Drive

BOARD OF MINISTRIES
EVANGELISM, MISSION AND RENEWAL DIVISION
REPORT TO THE EXPANDED GPC, AUGUST 2009

INTRODUCTION

In fulfillment of the mandate of the EMR Division (S.O. 304 & 305) many activities were implemented during the year under review.  The report also includes activities from January to May, 2009.

SUMMARY OF CONNEXIONAL PORGRAMMES

1. Prayer Conference at Abasua

There were about one thousand, nine hundred participants at the Conference this year, an increase from about four hundred in 2008.  The Lay President, three Bishops, fifty two ministers, seventy three Evangelists contributed to the success of the programme.  The theme was the: “The Bible and the Holy Spirit in prayer”.

There were many testimonies of people being saved, healed and delivered from various problems. An amount of GH¢3,000.00 (three thousand Ghana cedis) was raised during the programme to begin building a two to three thousand capacity pavilion for the centre.

1. Connexional Evangelists Conference

The 6th Biennial Evangelists Conference was held at the Methodist University College, Dansoman, Accra from 4th – 8th February, 2009.  The theme was “The Holy Spirit, the Evangelist and the Mission of the Church”.  The Conference was addressed by the Hierarchy of the Church.  Resource people included Very Rev. Dr. J. Edusa-Eyison, Very Rev. Prof. J. Kudadjie, Very Rev. Dr. Richard Foli, Past Directors of EMR and Mission Society (USA) personnel.  About one hundred and sixty commissioned Evangelists were present.  Critical issues concerning the task of the evangelists their comportment and support in complementing the work of the ordained were seriously discussed to enhance the vision of the church.

1. Missions Work

The Division continued to encourage Ministerial and Lay workers in the mission areas.  The Global Mission Seminar was held in many Dioceses and Circuits in the Connexion last year.  The three churches planted in Burkna Faso are doing well.  Evangelist Jacob Ajavon who is in charge of this mission plans to extend the work to Ouagadogou this October.  Meanwhile, the advance payment for PO accommodation expires this November.  The other local Connexional missionaries are also doing well and being supported by Calvary, St. John, Bethany and Kpehe Societies of Accra.  We are grateful to them for this great support.   Three churches have been planted in Ivory Coast by Japekrom Circuit (Sunyani Diocese).

There was a special outreach to the Nkwanta area of North Volta by EMR team, Ho Polytechnic GHAMSU and Emmanuel Society, Ho during the Aldersgate/Evangelism Week: 20th – 24th May 2009.  Two churches were planted at Nkwanta and Ahondwo and follow-up work is on-going by two evangelists.

EVANGELISM TRAINING

The training of the Lay Evangelists was held in June and December at FCMLD, Kumasi.  The following brethren attended the last session of their training from 14th – 25th June 2009. 

1. Irene Catherine Osam-Tawiah
2. Daniel Kofi Amoquandoh
3. Nathaniel Okang
4. Dr. Francis K.E. Nunoo
5. Benjamin Nkrumah Boateng
6. Ernest Asare Kumi
7. Paul Yaw Agbunu
8. Samuel Oduro-Amaning
9. Elizabeth Adjei
10. John – Fokuo
11. Albert Sackey
12. Margaret Daitey

They were commissioned on 28th June, 2009 at Amakom Calvary Society, Kumasi.

Twenty one new Candidates passed the entrance exams this year.  They have been interviewed at the Connexional level and eighteen of them were successful.  They are to begin their training in December, 2009.  They are:

1. Naomi Danquah                      -         Kumasi
2. Edward Boadi                –          Kumasi
3. John Peter Orgle            –         Accra
4. Charlotte Esi Essuman              –          Accra
5. Paulina Afua Anim                  –          Accra
6. Ezekiel A. Quaye                   –          Accra
7. Yao Agbebo Godwin                  -          Accra
8. Ebenezer Godbless Dan-Doe       –          Tema
9. Frank Osei Tutu                    –          Kumasi
10. Samuel Prah                        –          Cape Coast
11. James Awortwe Dadson              –          Cape Coast
12. Nana Abayie Gyamfi                 –          Kumasi
13. Kwabena Gyau Frimpong           –          Sunyani
14. Victor Osei                        –          Kumasi
15. Henry McCarthy-Vroom               –          Tema
16. Michael Adjei Poku                 –          Kumasi
17. Osei Kwadwo Samuel                 –          Kuamsi
18. Ebenezer Fosu Dadzie               -           Winneba

REPORTS FROM THE DIOCESES

1. CAPE COAST DIOCESE

The Diocese appointed a new EMR Coordinator, Rev. Isaac K. Boateng during the year.  The Diocese organized its annual Evangelism and Missions consultation under the theme “Come Holy Spirit, Empower your people for Evangelism”.  Camp meetings, Revivals and Gospel Crusades were held by many Circuits including Abura Dunkwa, Bereku and Mankessim.  About 393 souls were won to Christ including backsliders.  Three churches were planted at Akropong Worakese and Bereku Circuits.  The Diocese has twenty (20) trained Evangelists working in the various Circuits.  Report on them quite satisfactory.  Aldersgate/Evangelism work was well celebrated in all the Circuits, however most of them failed to pay the fund raised to the Diocese.

The Diocese Prayer and Counselling Centre at Anyan Denkyira which is manned by Evg. Johnson Turkson continue to receive high patronage.  Ministers and other church workers assist with special programmes on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Twining programme involving the Afransi Society and Northbrook UMC, Canton, Georgia continued last year.  The chapel construction has been completed and medical evangelism was employed to assist about 350 people in this community.  The National in Mission Appointment with it post holder, Very Rev. Dr. Symonds A. Botchey assisted the GHAMSU-SICE programme.  About 1465 souls were won to Christ.  The Diocese was very much involved in Ghana Evangelism Committee (GEC) and Central Region Prayer Movement. 

1. ACCRA DIOCESE

The Diocese held a grand Gospel Crusade at Mantse Agbonaa Park.  More than one hundred souls were won.  Circuits has been charged to continue with the follow up.  Retreats, camp meetings, discipleship training were organized by the Circuits in the Diocese during the year.  Diocesan Evangelism and Missions consultation was held at Rev. Ernest Bruce Memorial Chapel, Adabraka.  MPRP in most of the Circuit is going on successfully Awoshie Circuit trained the Leadership of the MPRP on the five tracks namely Prayer and Worship, Teaching and Discipleship, Healing and Counselling, Evangelism and Preaching, Welfare and Social Action.

The Diocese Continued with the monthly All Night Prayer services for the prayer warriors and workers of EMR Division.  Accra Diocese participated well in the Connexional Prayer Conference at Abasua with great enthusiasm.

Calvary Society of North Accra Circuit continued their media evangelism, Wesley hour on Mondays at Happy FM.   
There are more than twenty two (22) trained evangelists in the Diocese.  Reports indicate their immense contributions in the Circuits especially in the Ga Mission area.  Dansoman Circuit must be commended for planting, nurturing three churches which were handed over to the Winneba Diocese last year.

The Aldersgate/Evangelism celebration was successfully held in all the Circuits this year.  The theme was “The Holy Spirit, Discipleship and the Growth of the Church”.   In addition to the teaching sessions special outreaches to the various communities were undertaken to the glory of God.

1. KUMASI DIOCESE

A full time Diocesan Coordinator for EMR has been appointed for the Diocese, Rev. Richard Emmanuel Amissah.  He is coordinating to implement decisions and programmes of the church in the Diocese. 

The Diocese continued its special mission at the Sene District.  The capacity of leaders and members in the area are being built. The fourteen (14) churches planted are all doing well.  Chapels have been built for some of them.  There were four (4) zonal crusades that were successfully held during the year. 

The Circuit and the Diocese continue to rely on the musical instruments of the Societies for the evangelistic programmes.  Some Circuits have acquired platforms, lighting systems and canopies.  The Diocese also has complete lighting system and two platforms for their Gospel crusades.

Diocesan Evangelism and Mission consultation was held at Freeman Centre for Mission and Development on November 21st – 22nd, 2009

 MPRP in the Diocese is being organized in many places with some of the tracks.  Fridays and Wednesdays are reported to be the popular days for some of the churches. 

There are more than fifty-one (51) trained evangelists in the Diocese.  The reports on them are satisfactory.

1. SEKONDI DIOCESE

The Diocese organized an Evangelism and Mission Consultation as follow up to the International Missions Conference held in Kumasi.  There was a special Camp meeting held at Half-Assini.  The programme was organized for the Nzema Area of the Diocese.  A grand diocesan crusade took place at Bethel grounds, Takoradi.  About 85 persons responded to the Gospel invitation.

The Diocesan Prayer and Counselling centre at Azani organized many programmes during the year.   New buildings are being constructed at the centre.  There are fourteen (14) trained evangelists in the Diocese.  The reports on them from their Superintendent Ministers are satisfactory and quite encouraging. 

The MPRP operates according to the guidelines in the constitution.  Many Societies used Tuesdays and Fridays for their programmes.  However, out of the five tracks of the MPRP, prayer and deliverance take the prominent place at the expense of the others.

1. WINNEBA DIOCESE

Very Rev. Peter K. Ansah-Eshun was appointed the new EMR Coordinator.  The Diocese was well represented at the 2nd International Missions conference held in January, 2008 at Emmanuel Society, Suame-Kuamsi.  Evangelism Week Celebration was not the best as many Societies did not celebrate it.  An Evangelism and Mission orientation was held in Swedru for the Diocesan Evangelism Sub-committee, Circuit EMR Coordinators and Youth organizers in February, 2008
There was a special outreach programme by the Diocesan Youth Fellowship at Brakwa Circuit.  About seventy (70) souls were won for Christ.  No church was planted in the Diocese last year, however, the Kwanyako Circuit reported of acquiring two plots of land at Odumase with the view of planting a church there this year.  Almost all the Circuits in the Diocese organized camp-meetings and other evangelistic revivals.  The reports on the four trained Evangelists in the Diocese were very good.

1. KOFORIDUA DIOCESE

The Diocese evangelism drive was centered on the Afram Plains Mission area.  A school established at Maame Krobo is to be used to advance the outreach programme in this area.  As part of the 30 years celebration of the Diocese, Circuits and organizations have been tasked to plant 30 churches.  Aburi established a Nursery Society at Ahwerease.
All the Circuits reported of having prayers on special days set aside for MPRP for the Societies.  The other tracks of the MPRP employed led to the winning of souls for the Societies.  The reports on Eight (8) trained evangelists were quite satisfactory and encouraging.

1. SUNYANI DIOCESE

The Diocese organized Evangelism and Mission Conference for Ministers, Evangelists and Diocesan Leaders during the year.  Almost all the Circuits reported that camp meetings, Retreats, House to House witnessing, Gospel Crusade and Radio programmes were organized to improve the church evangelism.  There were budgets for Evangelism materials and activities by the Circuits.
There are fourteen (14) trained Evangelists in the Diocese.  Circuits reports indicate they are making very good use of them Evangelist J. K. Amoah reached the age of 70 this year and Evangelist Osei Awuah wishes to resign because of poor health.  Five Circuits namely Tepa, Goaso, Akrodie, Kwapong and Duyaw Nkwanta planted one church each in the year under review.
The MPRP has not had the desired impact on some of the Societies in the Diocese because some Ministers and leaders have not taken up the challenge of using this programme to revive and strengthen their Societies.
There are three prayer and counseling centers in the diocese.  A new center is being developed at Akontanim the birth place of Evangelist Sampson Oppong (Osebetutu).  The Japekrom Circuit of the Diocese has planted three (3) churches in the Ivory Coast.

1. TARKWA DIOCESE

The Diocese organized successful zonal camp meetings at Bibiani, Sehwi Essam, Prestea, Manso Amenfi, Dadieso and Aboso.  Many souls were won for Christ and members revived during the programmes, seventeen (17) souls were won at Essam.  Circuits reported that the guidelines on the operation of the MPRP are adhered to except that emphases are laid on some tracks than others.  Prayer Camps in the diocese at Anyamfuri, Ankra-Muano, Prestea, Dadieso and Akronpong are in operation. 
Reports on the twelve (12) trained Evangelists are quite satisfactory.
The follow up work on the ten churches planted during the Cecil Williamson partnership programme is progressing steadily.

1. NORTHERN GHANA DIOCESE

The Diocese appointed Rev. Emmanuel Awuley as the new EMR Coordinator.  As part of the evangelism drive in the Circuits, camp meetings were organized in almost all the Circuits.  A gain, house to house evangelism was organized by some Circuit in the Diocese.  Three (3) churches wee planted in the Diocese during the year under review.
MPRP is not operating well in the Circuits.  Efforts are being made to organize the program which is a very important wing of evangelism in the church.  The challenges for effective Evangelism and Discipleship are being addressed with in service training for members who have the love for evangelism in the Diocese.  The only evangelist in the Diocese, Joseph Boadu is serving the Bole Circuit with great zeal.

1. AKYEM ODA DIOCESE

To improve upon the church’s guest for effective evangelism and discipleship new programmes such as consultation, sectional revival meetings, training and camp meetings were organized.  A special Diocesan crusade/camp meeting was held at Akyem Oda in January 2009.  All the Circuits participated fully to the glory of God.
The MPRP in the Circuits are not effective as expected.  Plans are far advanced for the establishment of a Prayer and Counselling centre for the Diocese.  The two trained Evangelists in the Diocese are doing well and assisting the ministers in their Circuit evangelism and mission work.

1. EFFIDUASE DIOCESE

Ejura Circuit planted five churches during the year.  The GHAMSU SICE joined the Kona Circuit to plant a new Society at Morso.  Diocesan Camp meetings were held at the zonal centers, Konongo, Effiduase and Mampong.  Reports from the Circuits indicate that the Aldersgate/Evangelism week was well celebrated.  However, some of the Circuits failed to honour their indebtedness concerning the funds raised during the week. 

The guidelines on the operation of the MPRP are being followed in the Circuits as they continue to use the five tracks.  The Diocese organized Leadership Training for all the Circuit MPRP Coordinators.  The Diocesan MPRP team organized All Night Services in all the Circuits.  The Abasua Prayer Retreat Center hosted very well the Connexional Prayer Conference and many others during the year.   The ten (10) trained Evangelists in the Diocese are doing very well in serving their Circuits.

1. OBUASI DIOCESE

Bekwai Circuit opened a new church at Esiase Akrokerri, New Edubiase and Tutuka embarked on church planting crusades and won 10, 15 and 14 souls respectively.  Camp meetings, Revivals, Evangelism/Mission Consultation and Prayer Conference were also organized in the Diocese. 

Two (2) churches were planted during the year.  A Diocesan crusade was held from 21st – 25th January, 2009 at Black Park (Len Clay Stadium).  The theme was “Jesus Christ the Hope of the World.  All the Circuits celebrated the Aldersgate/Evangelism Week.  They have since paid their contributions to the Diocesan Office.  Follow up work on the churches planted by Cecil Williamson Team is on-going.  Materials have been provided for the building of Pavilion for Fenanso Nkwanta and Yawkrom Circuit reports on MPRP show emphasis on few of the five Tracks of the Programme.  The Kusa Prayer Retreat Centre is serving well as a place for spiritual renewal for many in the Diocese.  An over sight committee has been put in place.

1. TEMA DIOCESE

The Diocese organized Evangelism and Mission consultation in Juapong.  The Circuits report of many Gospel Crusades, Revival Services and Camp Meetings during the year.  Peki Circuit reports of the visit of “Mission Ambassador” from the USA who impacted both the Church members and the community.  Tema Circuit held a special End of Year convention and an evangelical service for friends of members which brought in 22 first times to the church. 

The Zion Praise – a singing group from Tema West Circuit has rebuilt the Bethel Chapel at Hohoe to commemorate its 10th Anniversary celebration.

There was grand Diocesan Crusade at Tema during the period under review.  Many souls were won for Christ.  The MPRP reports from the Circuits indicate in most cases adherence to the guidelines for the five tracts.  The Gbetsile (Kpone Circuit) Prayer Center is functioning well.  The Eleven (11) Evangelists in the Diocese had satisfactory reports on them.  Evangelist Maxwell Adzi was highly commended for his work in the Akatsi area of the Volta Region.

1. WENCHI DIOCESE

Wenchi Circuit has planted three churches at the Bui Dam are.  The places are Bongase, Bui Camp and Bui Village.  A Diocesan Camp Meeting was successfully held at Buoyem in the Aworowa Circuit.  The follow up work with the Cecil Williamson church planning programme is on course.  Materials have been provided for Amongoase and Amoakrom churches.  A motor bike has also been provided for Banda Mission.  The Sampa Mission hosted the GHAMSU SICE by Sunyani Polytechnic.  They helped in reviving Kokoa, Buni and Duadasowaz churches.
Plans are far advanced for the establishment of a Prayer and Counselling Retreat Centre at Buoyam.  Organizations such as the Christ Little Band and Guild participated well in the Diocesan EMR activities.  The five (5) trained Evangelists in the Diocese are fulfilling very well their assignments in the Circuits.

1. SOMANYA DIOCESE

All Circuits apart from Dodowa report of intensive, evangelistic, missionary and renewal activities.  Akuse Circuit held a 3-Day Evangelism/Healing Outreach with Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh.  Akosombo Circuit planted churches at Adome and Pownu.  Asasehene was planted by Agormanya Circuit.  GHAMSU SICE follow up mission by the Legon Local branch continued at Boso and Dzemani area during the year.  Aldersgate/Evangelism Week was well celebrated by the Circuits.

Somanya Circuit hosted a special Diocesan outreach programme from 2nd to 4th April 2009.  Many people received their healings and souls were saved to the glory of God.  MPRP is fully operational in many Circuits. Somanya and Akosombo report of counseling sessions for members and non members of the church.  Dodowa Circuit has three trained evangelists and Akuse/Kpong Circuits has one trained evangelist.  Reports on them are quite satisfactory. 

Diocesan Evangelism and Mission Consultation is to be held in June this year.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That the Dioceses develop their prayer and counseling centers to complement the Connexional prayer retreat center at Abasua.
2. That Expanded GPC takes note of the twelve (12) final year evangelists who were commissioned on June 28th, 2009 in Kumasi.
3. That the eighteen (18) candidates who passed the entrance exams and the Connexional interview be permitted to begin their training in December, 2009.
4. That the future training of the evangelists be reviewed by the EMR Division in close cooperation with the Lay Ministries Division.
5. That effective consultations and cooperation be employed by Circuits and Dioceses who wish to reach out in areas outside their geographical area.

REMINDERS

1. That media Evangelism including the use of TV be employed at all levels of the church.
2. That a minister be stationed at Po, Burkina Faso to provide the needed pastoral care for the new churches planted.

Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare Kusi
Director, EMR Division