Sunday 9th August 2020, could have been the final day for the 2020 National Youth Conference scheduled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, but for the pandemic. Consequently, Lead Apostle Samuel Oppong-Brenya visited the Working Area to celebrate 2 divine services with 404 members, at the Kumasi Central Church. He was accompanied by Apostle Amos Osei-Du.


Stephen, an example for Christians

The bible text for the first service was taken from John 16:32, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”

The Lead Apostle began his sermon by recounting the effects of the pandemic on the church: “We felt the impact of the absence of in-person divine services. Our journey (Christian life) can be likened to a car which always needs refilling. We thank God for the opportunity to meet again to receive from Him.”

The hour is coming. The Leader, explaining the text word, cautioned the congregation to be watchful of that time when our cares in the world may draw us away from our fellowship with Jesus Christ: “The world will make us so many offers, if we are not careful we may deny the Lord and follow the world.”

He said: “We may love and serve the Lord but may not be spared of the hardships of this world. Stephen never stopped to preach about Christ in spite of the threats on his life. Even when he was being stoned, he never abandoned the Lord and from his testimony, we learn that the heavens opened and Jesus Christ was seated at right hand of God.”

The Lead Apostle concluded by advising the congregation to remain with Jesus even in times of troubles and afflictions.

Be kind to all

Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya spoke on the virtue of being kind to all in his second service. He based his sermon Matthew 25:40, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

He explained that our Lord Jesus is the King who will come in His glory with His Holy angels and those who heard and did His will, shall be saved.

Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya admonished the congregation to be kind to the sick, the hungry and to all those who ask for our help without being selective. “Whatever we do to our neighbour, we do unto the Lord” he said. Citing the account in the book of Acts where Saul thought he was persecuting the disciples, we learn that Saul rather persecuted Jesus Christ in the encounter on the road to Damascus where he was questioned by Lord, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?

The Leader encouraged members to be mindful of their actions whether good or bad for we shall account for all our actions. He also urged the congregation to support the work of the Lord through their offerings and sacrifices and also honour their vows to the Lord.