On Saturday, 12th December, 2020, the Lead Apostle for Northern Ghana, Samuel Oppong-Brenya, commenced a two-day working visit to the Takoradi Apostle working area. He held two services and also inspected a finished project. It was his second time visiting and proclaiming the gospel to this particular congregation.

On this day, Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya together with Apostle George Sam, Bishop Thomas Ampofo and district leaders of Kyekyewere district, conducted a divine service at the Ewoku congregation.

The service text word was based on Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya started by giving thanks to God and expressed his sincere joy to the congregation with the level of remarkable improvement of the church building and attendance of members. He reminisced that he first visited as a Bishop for the Takoradi Apostle Area and now visiting as a Lead Apostle.

Friend or brother, which is greater?
Proclaiming his message, the Lead Apostle said the sermon dwelt on two things, “friend and brother”. He explained that a brother comes from the same parents whereas character brings about friendship. This clearly shows that the two are not the same. The Lead Apostle used the story of Isaac and Rebecca to elaborate his point to the congregation. He said Esau was the firstborn of Isaac and therefore, was entitled to the blessing. But Rebecca orchestrated a plan for her younger son, Jacob, to receive the blessing instead. Human as we are, whether brother or friend, we must be extra careful and vigilant lest we lose our birthright and inheritance.

Who is a good friend?
A good friend is the one who stays with you at all times, whether good or bad. But if someone follows you because of what he can get, then such a person is not a good friend. “If you ever turned away from your friend in his time of trouble, then you would have disappointed the person”. We need to have good friends, he remarked.

How does Christ become our friend?
“Jesus is our friend”, said the Lead Apostle, “because He left His throne and stood for us.” He continued by adding Jesus Christ said “wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is also there”. He also said love is greater; and there is none in history willing to lay down His life for a friend like Christ. He sacrificed Himself for us. Furthermore, Jesus Christ did not hide anything from us but rather taught us everything He knew. He assured us when leaving to the Father that He will return to take us along. “This is a good friend”. The Lead Apostle further explained that when Saul was persecuting the young Christian church, Jesus asked him, “Why do you persecute me? He did not say ‘do you hate my followers’”.

Who is Christ’s brother?
Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya explained that those who do the will of God are His brothers, sister and mother. “Hence you cannot follow Christ and do what you like” emphasised the Lead Apostle.

Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle said we should never think we are more worthy than our Master (Jesus Christ) because He has already prepared everything for us. A good friend is the one that teaches you the fear of God.

Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya was assisted by Apostle Sam and Shepherd Anthony Ndakye, Rector of Ewuko congregation.