Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam
As Christians observe Easter, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana (AG), Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has called on Ghanaians to focus unflinchingly “on things that unite us, not on issues that divide us.”
In a statement to commemorate the holy season, he said that “a demonstration of strong sense of unity by our leaders and followers will impact our communities powerfully and transform our nation significantly.”
It is pathetic that darkness, he observed, appears to be eclipsing the world at a time of Easter “as war mongering is on the rise, and peace building is on the wane.”
He was quick to add though that “it is not a basket case. For, the faithful Lord will not leave us nor forsake us. For our part, we have a collective responsibility to act quickly and wisely to reverse this trend and move the world on a trajectory of enduring peace, unfading hope and unfaltering stability.”
Rev. Wengam urged humanity to be agents of peace and to preach peace, facilitate peace and pray for enduring peace.
He prayed for the power of the Resurrection of Christ, which he described as the best attested fact in history “to rekindle all dimensions of our spiritual, personal, marital, family, business, academic, professional and national lives.”
It is humbling, he noted, that Ghana has been found worthy as host of this year’s World Congress of Assemblies of God Fellowship, preparations towards which he announced are underway to showcase the global event for the first time in Africa, from October 14-16, themed “The Faith Of Our Fathers.”
Day sessions will take place at the Black Star Square to be followed by evening rallies at the Accra Sports Stadium, he added.
Participating in the World Congress should be the avowed determination and topmost priority of every AG member in Ghana, from Yendi to Aflao, Wa to Ho, Techimam to Sekondi, Obuasi to Saltpond, and Kumasi to Accra, as he invited “all residents of our dear country and the international community” to attend.
He urged the present generation of believers to internalise and actualise the fiery faith of men and women of old who subdued kingdoms, tamed lions, quenched flames and suffered martyrdom. “All this should be rooted in sound, untainted and unadulterated doctrine,” he said.
He asked that false teachings which hype prosperity over holy living be eliminated.
“It’s an absolute joy to bring you this year’s Easter Message, on behalf of the Executive Presbytery, pastors and members of Assemblies of God, Ghana,” he said.
The significance of Easter, he stressed, ranks higher and runs deeper than what the celebratory mood generally portrays.
Unquestionably, Easter is the most powerful and most hopeful moment in history, he pointed out, adding that to the Christian community in particular, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the anchor of our faith.
While quoting Luke 25:6, “He is not here, He has risen,” he noted that this miraculous act reinforces the point that death is real, but death is not final. Through the redemptive blessings of Jesus, he went on, death gives way to life, sin is replaced by forgiveness, sorrow turns to joy, and light wins over darkness.
“On behalf of the Executive Presbytery of the church, I wish President John Mahama and family, our former presidents, political, business and corporate leaders as well as traditional rulers and everyone the blessings of Easter,” he added.
Rev. Wengam is also the Vice Chairman,
Africa Assemblies of God Alliance.