Eight weeks of celebrating divine services from the comfort of our homes via a TV, mobile device or computer; strange, but absolutely necessary for our safety and health in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. Some of our website reporters throughout the Ghana district church share their firsthand experience of the online divine services.

How has the experience been so far?

Shepherd Bernard Owusu, Kumasi Apostle Area: “The divine services via YouTube have been heartwarming as we have the opportunity to be fed the word of God in this difficult period.”
Kwadwo Asare, Techiman Apostle Area: “It has been a great experience being connected globally because I thought the corona virus was going to disconnect us totally.”

Nicholas Banahene, Nkawkaw Apostle Area: “The experience has been a nice one although I do not get to watch it live. Normally around that time, I have to help with the clean-up of the chapel, so I often watch the recorded versions.”

Has the absence of Holy Communion taken anything away?

Priest Ebenezer Akyirem, Konongo Apostle Area: “Although I do not celebrate Holy Communion, I feel same. I am compensated by seeing my church leaders more often, which otherwise would have taken years or months to celebrate divine services with them.”

Bernard Darko, Dunkwa Apostle Area: “Yes. I miss the fellowship and celebrating Holy Communion together, although the services are beautiful and enjoyable. I do travel quite a distance to share these moments with other members who are not so tech savvy. Nonetheless, I firmly believe the blessings are the same.”

…any challenges so far?

District Evangelist Simon Goka, Volta-South Apostle Area: “The main issue has been the internet connectivity. Sometimes we have to switch network providers during the service.”

Priest Peter Owusu, Accra Apostle Area: “Not really. Initially, the English translation for the first service was not so audible and understandable. But the subsequent ones have been good.”

Samuel Brenya, Nkawkaw Apostle Area: “The internet connectivity in my locality has been a recurring challenge, it often drops during the services.”

Editor for West Africa and National Head for Seminars in Ghana, Bishop Eric Yaw Ampadu (rtd.), sums it all up: “It has been a very interesting 8 weeks so far. Although we do not see ourselves physically, you can strongly feel the connection and togetherness every Sunday morning, knowing many brothers and sisters are with you in one heart and spirit. I also thank the many brothers and sisters who have dutifully reported on these services for the NAC website, as well as other ministers who translate the English services into our local languages.”