It was a moment with mixed feelings, as Apostle George Sam of the Takoradi Apostle working area conducted a divine service in the Tarkwa Central church on the 10th November 2019 in the Tarkwa district. It was also the last divine service with Shepherd Thomas Stephenas Lubbe as he returned to South Africa after many years of service to the Tarkwa congregation.
The text word for the service was taken from John 14:3-4, ‘And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.’
Apostle George Sam begun his sermon by saying “Jesus said, do not fear, do not be shaken, because, ‘in My Father’s house are many mansions’. This promise is ours. Do not depart from your faith when you face various trials because Christ Himself went through the same problems. But the good news is that Christ showed Himself strong in such difficult times.”
“Christ said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless but I will come to you.’ The Holy Spirit is always there to give us such strength to endure in difficult times. Whoever that seeks God will find Him because the second coming of Our Lord Jesus is near”.
Our Wealth Comes from God. Supporting the service in his last sermon to the Tarkwa congregation and surrounding districts, Shepherd Thomas Lubbe added, “People acquire wealth and think they got them from their own efforts and hard work. But we know that our wealth comes from the Lord. Earthly wealth is temporal. But we await the second coming of our Lord Jesus. Keep your faith and don’t be afraid to go anywhere to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t keep it to yourself, let’s spread the gospel. Let us work towards this treasure because where your treasure is, there will your heart also be”.
The Apostle was further assisted by Bishop Ampofo and District Rector Agyapong. He also sealed 13 members; ten children and three adults.
A Loving Shepherd Bids Farewell
After the service, Apostle George Sam, on behalf of the congregation, took the opportunity to thank Shepherd Lubbe and his wife, Sister Amanda, for their immense contribution towards the growth of the congregations in Tarkwa and its districts. He also commended them for their selfless support to the elderly in the church.
Shepherd Lubbe, together with Sister Amanda, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for all the love and acceptance shown them during their stay in Tarkwa.