The itinerary of Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo took him to the Volta North Apostle Area from 26th to 27th June, 2021. Two divine services were on the agenda; first, a youth service at our congregation at Nkwanta (Krachi / Bimbilla District) on 26th June, 2021 and then a preparation service for the divine service for the departed at the Vakpo congregation (Vakpo District).

A heavy downpour in the morning could not deter the young people, some of whom had to travel from the surrounding communities to hear their Lead Apostle speak unto them. The road network from the communities are quite difficult to ply in the event of heavy downpours. This delayed the youth service for close to an hour and a half beyond schedule. With the eagerness, joy and the grace of God, the young people were able to arrive safely to receive the nourishment they seek.

The youth service was based on a text from Philippians 3:20-21, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself”.

Opening the service, the Lead Apostle expressed joy over the ability of the young people to gather at the altar of grace in spite of the heavy downpour. “We are heaven bound, and we shall ride through the storm. But with joy and zeal, even the storms shall give way, and surely, we shall enter into the glory of the Lord”, expressed the Lead Apostle. “Thankfully, we are here now”, he continued, “and the Lord wants to speak unto us on our heavenly goal. This message is for specially selected people of God; and that is us”.

Citizens of heaven
“The goal of our faith is to be with the Lord in His kingdom – this is the central objective of our worship” explained the Lead Apostle. “We prepare our souls for this purpose; holding unto it with zeal” he avers. “We are here on earth”, he continued, “satisfying ourselves with our earthly needs yet we must be mindful that we are nothing but sojourners. Our deeds and conversation must be heaven bound. We want to satisfy ourselves also with the garment of our heavenly home” stated the Lead Apostle. He further admonished the youth: “Let us guard against obsession with earthly needs which may cloud our reasoning and vision. If this happens, we may lose sight of our goal and eventually, may not be ready for the glorious transformation. Do not let anyone deceive you with juicy transitory packages.”

Transformation of the elect
Here already, we are to get the transformation process in motion! How is this done? The Lead Apostle quizzed. “By doing according to the gospel of Jesus Christ!” he explained; to grow into the nature and stature of Jesus Christ. “Our lives must be in His likeness. We follow His examples in word and in deed.” We eagerly await the final transformation by the Saviour, from this earthly body to conform to His glorious body. This can only be fulfilled upon those who endeavour to live their lives according to Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle entreated the youth to always be reminded of their heavenly citizenship, work towards it by living the gospel of Christ through the Apostles, and thereby prepare themselves for the glorious transformation at the return of Jesus Christ. He further exhorted the members to flee from deceptive teachings that have flooded the airwaves and ground themselves in the New Apostolic faith.

The Lead Apostle was supported by Apostle Timothy Akubia, District Rectors Owusu Acquah, Peter Akai and Cosmos Agbenyega.