Kharis Magazine Alpha Edition

Make me a sanctuary

…Ex. 25:8

Yes, I do

Check out the wedding of the year ‘09

A real look at pornography and addiction Up close with Ps. Ransford Obeng

“the CCC man”

KNUST on fire

OJ “Am sick and tired of low quality gospel video clips. Most of the songs are also not spiritual, quite sentimental, gospel musicians should praise God and stop placing too much emphasis on the devil because he is not important.”

Marriage Family life Relationship Weddings Interviews News Biographies

From the desk of the

Publisher

I

t is so obvious that we are living in dangerous times according to bible prophecy (2 Timothy 3: 17). A time where Christian values are seriously under attack, a time where secularism and materialism are at their peak, a time where the hearts of men are continually growing cold towards their maker, a time where the flesh is celebrated, a time which simply signi-

CONTRIBUTORS

Mr. Louis Mensah Mr. Daniel T. Agbenu Snr. Miss Josephine Gifty Baddoo Mr. & Mrs. Samuels Mr. & Mrs. B. K. Arthur Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Boadi Darkwah Mr. And Mrs. Duut.

Mr. And Mrs Oware-Mintah Miss Brigid Amponsah Asiamah

fies the last days. Regardless of all these, people and organizations all over the world do not hesitate to give their time, money and support to the countless number of things that do not bring glory to God or benefit humanity in any way.

and challenges even from loved ones propels me to agree the more that it has simply been by the GRACE or KHARIS of God, however the success of this first edition has also been as a result of dedicated men and women who tirelessly and wholly gave themselves to this call.

However the media, which has become the most effective and influential means of mass communication is the biggest culprit of this prevailing predicament, mainly because it has been hijacked by the ungodly. A typical example is the magazine industry which has become a force to reckon with in our homes, schools and society.

I must say that KHARIS has more than you can handle and more than you would need. I promise you the best and nothing less just stay tuned as I take you through a journey into Gods wonderful GRACE (KHARIS)...God bless and ENJOY.

Your partner,

Randy Osae Bediako.

It is for this cause that God has given us this heavenly mandate to illuminate the darkness with the light of His word and to preserve the generation till His second coming.

The word KHARIS (charis) is basically a Greek word translated as GRACE in English.

Seeing the physical manifestation of this vision after three long years of incubation amidst opposition

Rev. Eddie Arthur Mrs. Asafo Agyei Mr. Richardson Amoabeng Dr. And Mrs. Agyemang Yeboah Miss Elvina Haick Mr. Adomako Kwakye Jo-Mint Family Andrew Abebrese And Frank Andoh Mrs. Hackah

Lois Mintah

Managing editor

EDITORIAL INQUIRY:

Have a question, contribution or suggestion?

Please send your letters, emails or call: KHARIS, P.O. BOX 387, Kumasi.

E-mail: kharismagazine@yahoo.com.

Tel: +233 24 3969404.

Magazine Newsletter Web design Brochures Posters Hanbills Cooperate identity Package design

+233 24 3117267 luvwayministry@yahoo.com

Luvtouch innovate 4 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

...innovation through LOVE

CONTENT

The charismatic movement Let’s talk Family life The woman Before the altar After the altar Breaking the addiction The new birth A soldier in the army of Christ News (PASTORS WIVES CONFERENCE 09) International news A letter from hell Final Events Jokes Kharistoon

6 9 10 13 14 18 30 36 37 40 43 44 46 48 50

EDITORIAL PUBLISHER

Randy Osae Bediako

MANAGING EDITOR Lois Mintah

ART DIRECTOR

Charles Osei-Wusu (Luvtouch innovate)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mr. & Mrs. Mintah Mr. Vincent Acquaah Mr. Joseph Mintah

DISTRIBUTION Gideon Duah

Emmanuel Ahenkorah

MARKETING Enoch Sasu

Anthony Afum-Adjei Awua

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Larbi Miss Josephine Gifty Baddoo Mr. Joseph Mintah

KHARIS is Published by Ranobed concept P.O. BOX 387, Kumasi.

E-mail: kharismagazine@yahoo.com.

Tel: +233 24 3969404. ISSN: 2026-5115

15

19

Yes, I do

23 32

KNUST on fire

Up close with Ps. Ransford Obeng

Face to face with O J

39

26

Make me a Sanctuary

Biography of John Wesley Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 5

T

ruly speaking, charismaticism in the church started at the very inception of the church on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit baptism descended on people of all walks of life who were initially thought of as being drunk.

Peter, Paul and the other apostles continued the charismatic spirit throughout the New Testament.

In the course of time, the charismatic spirit grew cold in the church with frequent revivals in church history, such as Martin Luther’s reformation and the Wesleyan revolution in Methodism. These two phenomena witnessed unprecedented dem-

a group of students were praying when all of a sudden one of them Agnes Ozman experienced charismata with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

This Pentecostal experience gradually spread all over the States, and soon the pockets of people God was using through the power of the Holy Spirit began performing miracles, working signs and wonders as they evangelized their nation and world.

6 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

These spirit-filled churches shook the Gold Coast with signs and wonders and delivered many from bondage and won them for Christ.

But this pioneering surge of Pen-

It is from these revolutionary beginnings that 20th century Christian leaders emerged to fulfill the great commission. Outside names like Morris Cerrullo, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, Yongi Cho, Myles Munroe, Benson Idahosa, Matthew Ashimolowo, Reinhard Bonnke, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, etc easily come to mind. tecostal revivalism did not push charismaticism from the periphery to the center. Spirit-filled Christianity still remained an embarrassment to the community in Ghana, with only the underprivileged and the uninformed as its adherents.

In 1970s, Pentecostalism began to In Ghana the charismatic moveshift to the center with the enerment began in the 1950s with the getic work of the many Christian emergence of new Pentecostalism.

In 1953 Rev. Anim and Rev. James youth who had converted through McKeon left the Apostolic Church the Scripture Union (SU). These young born-again Christians of the Gold Coast to form their joined efforts of the three estabown churches. The former established Christ Apostolic Church and lished Pentecostal churches to the latter the Gold Coast Apostolic undertake the onerous task of Church which in 1962 became the winning the lost for Christ. They

The birth of Charismaticism in Ghana onstration of God’s power in the lives of men.

In our time the revival of charismaticism emerged with the resurgence of Holy Spirit manifestation on 1st January, 1901.

On this day in a theological institute in Topeka, Texas, USA,

Church of Pentecost. This radical departure brought revival in the Christian church in Ghana. Right about the same time, the Americaled Assemblies of God church was making great inroads with the word of God, especially in Northern Ghana.

started preaching on the streets, hospitals and prisons.

Some of these youthful evangelists were the Acquah sisters and Mrs. Raji, an Indian lady

Duncan Williams on his hospital who met young

bed at now Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and helped him to give his life to Christ

to be trained as a pastor. After training he returned to Ghana and wanted to work as an evangelist in the Church of Pentecost. Having not been trained by the church, he was denied the mission and he began a home cell fellowship in his father’s house in 1978. His mentor Idahosa encouraged him to start a church, and in 1979 he founded Christian Action Faith Chapel in Accra.

1984, in Accra. The first meeting was held in a small classroom in Kanda cluster of schools with an initial membership of just about twenty people. In the same year in

Kumasi, Pastor Ransford Obeng, a youth pastor of Assemblies of God at KNUST, also began Calvary Charismatic Centre and had their first service at Ministries Canteen in Adum.

Duncan Williams received his Holy Ghost baptism in the Church of Pentecost. The new experience welled up great interest, zeal and enthusiasm in him that it was reported that he often walked several kilometers from his home at the Airport Residential area to meetings at the Kaneshie Central Church of Pentecost.

This was the time Brother Enoch Agbozo’s Ghana Evangelical Society (GES) engaged in training the youth for God’s work.

Many youth who got converted at SU drifted into GES and other fellowships when their mother churches could not effectively utilize their fire.

Meanwhile Duncan Williams entered late Bishop Idahosa’s Church of God Mission International Bible College in Nigeria

Many youth got attracted to Duncan Williams’ church due to the remarkable liberal and spontaneous worship, miracles, healings, new style of preaching and Holy Spirit baptism that occurred there.

The young Duncan Williams (now Archbishop) mentored and trained the likes of Bishops Dag Heward-Mills who was in the Music ministry, Rev. Ampiah Kwofie first pastor in charge of evangelism ministry, and Rev. George Abaka Johnson.

Later, these pastors, except Heward-Mills, left Action Chapel to form Global Revival Ministries (GRM). Pastor Mensah Anamoah Otabil who was then with GES, left it to join GRM. He left GRM with Rev. Eric Kwapong and started International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) on 26th February

Brother Agbozo’s GES did play a yeoman’s role in the development of charismaticism in Ghana.

Many of the firebrand charismatic pastors we have in Ghana today were trained there. Among GES trained pastors are Pastor Otabil, Rev. David Abbey, Bishop Agyin Asare, Rev. Samuel Owusu, etc.

Bishop Agyin Asare then known as Brother Charles had developed a peculiar zeal for penetrating into the hinterland with the good news.

By mid 1980s he reached out to villages in Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Volta regions with open crusades which attracted big crowds where diverse kinds of miracles, healings and Holy Spirit baptism were witnessed and many lives were saved.

Brother Charles was familiar with various kinds of religions, so he knew what he was up against when he decided to venture into areas where few evangelists would Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 7

do. He went to Tamale in the mid 1980s with a series of successful mass crusades that saw the power of the Holy Spirit breaking the strong domination of petty religions over people’s lives in the region and beyond. Around this time he formed the Word Miracle Bible Church in Tamale, which he later transformed into Word Miracle Church International with the headquarters relocated to Accra from Tamale.

Another man of charisma is Rev. Michael Essel who founded the Grace Outreach Church in 1985.

With the flame lit in 1980s, the Pentecostal movement saw a new surge of energy in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A new breed of charismatic leaders sprang up, many of whom left their professions to take up the cross. Some medical doctors who left their physical consulting rooms are Rev. Dr Seth Ablorh who founded Manna Mission Church and Rev. now Bishop Dag HewardMills who left Action Chapel and founded the Lighthouse Chapel International.

Other players in the movement

Other professional men who got into Pentecostalism and founded Penteco-Charismatic churches in Ghana are the late Brother Amoako of the Resurrection Power Ministries who traveled length and breadth of Ghana preaching God’s word until his death through accident, Bishop Asare Bediako (formerly known as Rev. Elvis Asare Bediako who denounced his name Elvis in 1996) of Living Bread Ministries which later merged with Resurrection Power Ministries. Others include Bishop Addae Mensah of Gospel Light Church headquartered in Accra, Rev. Anyani Boadum of Jesus Generation Sanctuary, Rev. Nyamekye of Living Faith Ministries headquartered in Kumasi, Rev. Victor Osei of Family Chapel, Kumasi, Late Bishop Owusu Tabiri (Died June 2, 2005) of Bethel Prayer Ministries, Sunyani, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah of Royalhouse Chapel, Bishop Nii Tackie Yarboi of Victory Bible Church, Rev. Gordon Kisseih of Miracle Life Church, Rev. Vaglas Kanko of Vineyard Ministries, famous Rev. Kwabena Darko of Oasis of Love Church, Rev. Steve Mensah of Charismatic

Evangelistic Ministries, etc.

The list of these guys who contributed to the spread of the gospel through charisma is endless. Special mention is to be made of the Bolga ‘fireman’. A trained pharmacist from KNUST, Rev Eastwood Anaba had a call to win souls for Christ and he established Broken Yoke Ministries in Bolgatanga, which was later, renamed Fountain Gate Ministries. It is important to mention that few women who threw the traditional notion of being the keepers of kitchen have also contributed in diverse ways in evangelism through charismatic style. Rev. Christy Doe Tetteh rose from a hotel receptionist in 1977 to become the general overseer of Solid Rock Chapel which she founded in October 1994. Others are Rev. Mercy Boamah of Fulfill Gospel Chapel and the famous politician Joyce Aryee also left the political platform to found Salt and light Ministries.

These charismatic leaders succeeded because they used diverse means to propagate the Gospel messages: Open crusades, doorto-door evangelism, visitations, preaching on moving buses, writings and radio and TV broadcast.

In May 1995, Pastor Otabil brought a new dimension to evangelism in Ghana when he began his radio ministry on the then newly established Joy FM. In the same year in November, Pastor Ransford also started radio broadcast on Otec Radio. In late 1990s Bishop Duncan Williams began TV evangelism on GTV. This set the blaze for others to follow, and now TV and radio ministry is the order of the day which is becoming an eyesore anyway.

Compiled by Randy Osae Bediako

8 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS could not have come at a more needy time. It is a refreshing ray of light in troubling darkness. It is my sincere hope that KHARIS would throw light on the old proven Calvary road which is sadly becoming obscure. I trust that the team behind this mandate would communicate heavens agenda accurately and expressly.

Rev. Dr. Derek Larbi

(Pastor and Dental surgeon ACI)

“In an era where darkness seems to have covered the earth, God is using anyone and any medium usable, to permeate this dark world with his marvelous light. I believe that Kharis has come at such a time as this to ignite once more,the passion, especially of the youth, for the things of God. Bless you!”

Jacqueline Acquah

(B. Pharm, Administrator for CPA conference 2009) We live in an era where to go against the norm is to risk being alienated---ok fine, that’s not really new, since that has always been the case. But when sin, carnality and self-centeredness seem to be the norm, then to risk living for God is to risk alienation and persecution; after all, it is written that all who shall live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution. However, I believe the time has come for God’s children to arise and speak boldly about who our God is, and what he has to offer to the peoples of the earth. As such, Kharis, I believe, is a step in the right direction, seeing that the time is now and the end time is already here. God bless the entire editorial staff of Kharis and everyone who is willing to share this wonderful magazine with their friends and family without fear or shame of being a Christian!

Louis Mensah

(Colgate University U.S.A) Over many generations, the church of Jesus Christ has canonized many books making them acceptable globally as the inspired Word of God. It’s a divine truth that by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ways and acts of God amongst men has been documented to empower humanity with a common knowledge about the Almighty God and how He rules in the affairs of men.

Documenting the ways and acts of God in our contemporary dispensation is indeed prophetic.

‘THE KHARIS MAGAZINE’ is a prophetic magazine to expose the power and presence of God to enlighten the nations in this age. ‘KHARIS MAGAZINE’ is a gift from God to this generation; I pray that you receive this gift from God with meekness and allow the Holy Spirit to sow a seed in your spirit and life as you read through the anointed pages of this scroll.

Peace be unto you.

Eric Atta-Ampah

(President, Throne Room International Ministry -TRIM)

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 9

DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY ALTAR?

A

Christian father ought to gather his children and wife together for Bible reading and prayer each day in the morning before the day’s activities start. In the days of old this was referred to as the “Family Altar.”

The best way to start your day is in the presence of the One who knows what the day has in store for you and your family. If we are going to have

10 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up”.

-Psalm 5:3

Pictures: www.inmagine.com

pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.

Choose ye this day fathers, your family or your pursuit of money.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

I think it’s time for Christian fathers to ARISE and TAKE their homes for CHRIST.

by Randy Osae Bediako

Christian homes we must show an absolute love for the Word of God and prayer every morning, and the father must ensure that.

These days Christian family heads have joined the fast track system of dashing out of homes without morning devotions just in pursuit of money; this however is a direct contradiction to what the word of God says; “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.

-Mathew 6:33 Yet a complete fulfillment of 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 11

F

rom generations past women have struggled and fought and sought for one thing or the other. Some say freedom, some say rights others say peace. From the early eighteenth century, women have been given the rights to vote, to form groups, to better education, to work and a whole lot of things which would certainly let the pioneers of Beijing relax that at least their aim is getting somewhere.

But what do we see today, with all these liberations.

Women from century’s ago would by all means faint should they come back to witness the authority and power and freedom a woman of today has attained to the extent that, women can dress indecently today and have older women and men not only say nothing but encourage such things.

more the fight against womanhood becomes fierce?

Women have got their way in so many things by, abolishing certain uncouth laws and ways against women. This has brought about a

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed, he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.

Genesis 3:15

Has liberation of the woman brought any liberation at all?

Has liberation of the woman brought any liberation at all? Have we done ourselves good? Women have the rights to vote now, yet in many countries today, women are still considered inferior and are limited in doing a lot of things. Women are raped without a second thought in all countries no matter the rights these women have. No matter how we see it, the fight against women has not changed in any way The rights of women have now in some ways promoted a lot of breakdowns in marriage , divorce, single parenting, and like the garden of Eden, the Adams are still passing the blame, and women are also passing the blame. Have we not seen that, the more we fight for our rights the

great relief and its much appreciated, but which laws would bring the emotional freedoms all women, no matter how powerful they have, face?

And which laws would ever make a woman who has been abused but vindicated feel loved again? Which laws would accurately provide for a woman all the love and security and true friendship they daily constantly yearn for? Which laws would let a woman feel accepted, worthy and forever beautiful?

Am sorry woman, but it seems none of these liberations has had any effect on the most important things in a woman’s life. We can rule the world all we can, and be equal to men or even above them, but we can never have the true freedoms we need and deserve.

Allow me to introduce you to the right thing worth fighting for. The Lord God provided for us the key to all the freedoms we are looking for, spiritually, emotionally, socially and academically.

Woman! The solution lies in the Seed.

That is Jesus Christ, He created you, and so He has the right answer to the questions. No one understands better than Him, and He promises you freedom you can never reject.

Allow Him into your heart, let Him take over your life and your life will never be the same. Its simple,

tell Jesus to come into your life.

Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you.

Tell Him to take control of you and to teach you your worth as a woman and help you to know Him. Tell Him to be lord of your heart and life and the holy spirit to help you to please Jesus. Amen.

You are born again now! Truly you are free indeed!

by Lois Mintah Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 13

by: Mr. Vincent Aquaah, KNUST

Man is a Social Being

T

he creation of man was so important to God that there was divine consultation among the Godhead before man was created (Gen. 1:26): This did not happen with the creation of all the other creatures. The statement to “create man in ‘OUR IMAGE’ ” indicates that man was created in the image of God. Originally, man had the likeness of God and a perfect relationship with Him. Fellowship is part of God’s nature.

to husband and wife. Apart from the husband and wife relationship, there are only two approved relationships that should exist between a man and a woman who are not blood relations.

1Timothy 5:1-2 admonishes us to treat older women and men as mothers and fathers and younger men and women as brothers and sisters.

From the toddler stage to the preadolescent stage the male and female desire relationships with the same or the opposite sex. As they mature with all their hormones, their desire for a relationship with the opposite sex increases more than for the same sex. At this stage, their desires and emotions become complicated.

As a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, whose descendants we are, many things interfere with our emotions; voices interfering with the signals of our hearts.

Emotions are God-given and are part of our personality to help enrich our lives.

Things can however go wrong. When this happens, it leads to misery.

Do not let your FEELINGS give you direction !

The greatest commandment in Matt 22:37-39 is all about relationship: Relationship with God and relationship with man. Relationship is thus one aspect of the image of God in man.

Another aspect of the image of God in man is clearly seen in his ability to create human beings. A man is never complete without a woman; till he finds a woman he cannot create other human beings. The conception and birth of children allows man and woman to share with God in the process of creation. This kind of relationship is highly influenced by man’s desire to have a woman.

God created man with the need for and ability to relate. There are various levels of relationships. The most intimate one is between husband and wife through to parent and children back 14 KHARIS Alpha edition 2009

As one matures, it is expected that he or she is able to contain and control his or her emotions and thoughts so that they do not go haywire. As one thinks (using knowledge) he or she is able to make a choice (going in a certain direction) that result in a feeling.

As a note of caution, do not let your feelings give you direction! God in His wisdom tells us to treat the ladies just as we will treat our own sisters or the young men as our own brothers.

The bible has a lot of scriptures concerning the heart of man, example; ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?’(Jer 17:9) NKV ‘For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech’. Matt (15:19) AMP Since the imagination of the heart can be so evil, one has to be careful what the heart tells him or her. It is our personal duty to prepare the heart to give us the right responses. The heart can give direction to our actions but one should remember that the outcome will eventually be judged by God. What is fed into the heart gives a particular direction. If a young man is brought up in an environment that considers fair ladies as the ultimate, he is likely to direct his selection of a wife towards fair ladies.

Any normal human being (man or woman) will prefer to live in a society with other people around to derive some benefits from them. Because we are social beings, there is always a longer period of dependence on others to develop fully before maturity.

Check out the continuation of this life transforming piece in the next edition.

Photography: Michael Minnow

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 15

Photography: Michael Minnow

16 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 17

by: Mr. & Mrs. Joe Okyere - Mintah

If one chooses to marry then it becomes necessary to be aware that marriage marks the central point of your life on this earth because it is the end of “single” Christian life and the beginning of a “double” Christian life.

Your single Christian life will be tested in marriage to show if it really had substance, I mean whether the Christian principle of faith, hope and love have really been grounded in your life.

The rest of your life as a Christian will also be generally molded by what you do with your marriage. It’s the testing ground for your entire Christian life.

In view of the above submission, the altar then has two sides which are of equal importance BEFORE THE ALTAR AND AFTER THE ALTAR. It has become clear to us from our encounter with young couples that, if the ‘BEFORE’ is not well handled the “AFTER” could become problematic. It is important that pre marriage counseling be done painstakingly. It should not be rushed through, and the prospective couple must understand that they are about to undertake a journey which is both SPIRITUAL and PHYSICAL. They should be adequately informed and prepared for both. It should not be lost on them that marriage like Christianity is of God’s making and 18 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

any one who partakes of it is partaking of the Divine and because it is being practiced by we humans there is also the physical side.

The marriage vows are a spiritual undertaking and would be implemented physically.

So it goes without saying that the mystery of marriage where two become one is as fascinating as the mystery of CHRIST himself. Therefore he who partakes of it unworthily does so to bring damnation into him/herself.

In spite of the above, however, it is worth noting that the AFTER or post marriage problems can also be handled through the grace of God. Many Christian marriages are being hit by the waves of strong winds blowing on earth here and being orchestrated by the devil, human failures and other circumstances that may never be fully explained. The issues of money and sex have crossed over from the world into the church bringing in their wake devastating impact on marriages. There are other things such as falsehood, deceipt and the astatine of a Sodom & Gomorrah world visitation.

4. God hates divorce 5. Divorce can therefore never be a solution. It is a distraction 6. You are not a zebra or a leopard which cannot change the spots or lines in its skin colour.

So as a human being created in the image of God you can change your ways and always become better. It means that if we are patient enough to allow God to work on us we can stay in our marriages.

7. Your partner is you. You have strengths and weaknesses. So does your partner, so just as you focus on your strengths and not your weakness, focus on the strengths of your partner for this is the pattern of marriage between CHRIST and the CHURCH.

Pictures: www.inmagine.com

T

o us there are 3 important land marks in one’s life.

The day you are born again, the day you marry and the day you die.

In order to take a full advantage of the opportunities that are available to us by the grace of God, for the “After the Altar” period, the following are worth considering

1. Marriage is a school of God 2. You never graduate until death do you part 3. No human being is qualified to put you asunder

Conclusion

In our subsequent writing we shall consider one at a time some of the problems that keep arising after the ALTAR and attempt to suggest some solutions for discussion.

The CCC man

Profile

Pastor Ransford Obeng

P

astor Ransford Obeng was born to Mr. Oscar Aweh and Madam Grace Agyarkobea in Akwamu, Gyakiti in the Eastern Region on the 6th of June 1956.

He had both his primary and middle school education in a Presbyterian school at his village. At age 15, he was privileged to attend a vacation youth camp and as Gods plan of salvation was being taught and explained, he surrended his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

He was called by the Lord at age 17, he responded to the call and prepared himself for the ministry by pursuing a three-year Diploma in theology at the southern Ghana assemblies of God Bible School in saltpond in the central Region.

available to everyone who comes to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepts Him as savior and Lord.

He also believes that if it had not been the grace of God upon his life he would not have been able to lead CCC to its present state‌ Pastor Ransford affirms that the charismatic move in Ghana has led to the salvation of many especially the youth.

His advice to the youth of today is that they should serve God truthfully with all their hearts, minds, souls and strengths because God is faithful and they should know beyond every shadow of doubt that, God would reward their labor of love for whatever they do for the sake of His kingdom.

PROFILE An exclusive interview with pastor Ransford Obeng

Pastor Ransford has been married to his lovely wife Joyce for 28 years.

And are blessed with two wonderful children Joshua and Eunice.

Profile

Pastor Ransford believes that KHARIS (grace) is the ability God gives to everyone to do his work; this grace is

20 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

Then look nowhere else.

Change is possible You don’t have to live your life a victim of your vicious past, a prisoner of your present circumstances or a slave to your situation‌ God wants to and can bring you out.

Find out how, by reading any of these Holy Spirit inspired, life-transforming books by Joseph Mintah

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 21

22 KHARIS

October, 2009

OJ

Michael Oware Sakyi KHARIS: Please tell us, who is OJ? OJ: My name is Michael Oware Sakyi, I was

Buzz

born in the late 70’s. I had my JSS education at Anglican JSS- Begoro in the Eastern Region. Then I went to Prempeh College where I studied Music, English Literature and Akan. From there I went to Legon where I furthered my education in Music majoring in Voice. I went to London afterwards to pursue a private music course in Piano.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 23

KHARIS:

wow, are you a part time or full time musician?

OJ: music is a full time

ministry for me. I work with studios like Massive music studio among others sometimes I produce, write songs, and do a bit of programming for people. Am also getting into acting.

KHARIS:

When did you find out about your musical talent?

KHARIS:

tell us about your first album, “Adom ne Odo” and the hit track “obi nya waye”?

OJ: I used to be a music

director for broken chains ministry and taught them some of my written songs for ministrations at programmes. That was when I realised it was a hit. My producer now, Morvee, heard me, and took interest in producing it. “Adom ne Odo” shot me into fame, especially Obi Nya Waye

OJ: My dad is a musician, KHARIS: What about he used to live in Nigeria.

He was my role model as I grew up and he encouraged me a lot to pursue music. I discovered my talent at an extremely early stage in life.

At age 11 my dad returned to Ghana and brought me a guitar which he taught me how to play. He was strict with it, he would see to it that I played before breakfast. In this, I realised the talent.

KHARIS: when was

your first public appearance?

OJ: Hmmm! In 1992

during a children’s service at Begoro, I received a standing ovation and loads of money. But I had my breakthrough in 1996 at CCC when I sang one of my songs in church, it was a personal song entitled “stay in my heart” then people took notice of me

24 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

the most popular “Ete Sen” and why that long?

OJ: oh! That was in 2008

I had to concentrate on my studies for some time, it took me two years to finish the whole album. well, after my first album, my relationship with the Lord was not consistent, I did not backslide but I was weak, so one time, whilst having my devotion in the morning, the lord asked me to asses my life before my first album and afterwards.

Then I heard clearly the lord say “Ete Sen”? Then He said, that is the attitude of most people right now, He blesses them and they tend to love the blessings more than Him. Many fake publicly yet have no personal relationship with God. That song was really a reflective song for me.

KHARIS: what’s your

inspiration?

OJ: the word of God,

life and sometimes whilst listening to sermons. I like to think deeply about issues pertaining to life.

KHARIS:

What do you seek to achieve with singing

OJ: every song must

send a message across to the listening audience.

Apart from seeking to entertain people, my songs are always based on the word of God, I seek to encourage, edify and motivate people. The main aim is to draw people to Christ. You see, I think that God has given me this gift and my greatest fear is to stand before him and not be able to account for what He has given me.

KHARIS:

what’s your secret?

OJ: there is a

common theme that runs through my songs, Grace.

I realised that i‘ve come this far not because I’m smart or good or that am the only one who can do what am doing but simply by the grace of God..

Some people sing but don’t write, others write but can’t sing. But by God’s grace I write, sing, interpret and read music as well. I have over 500 songs.There are many who are better than me. Sometimes I hear some

KHARIS:

that’s amazing! What about marriage? We know you are not married but do you have someone in the pipe line?

OJ: Am not married yes,

but I am extremely and busily attached. A Ghanaian living in Holland.

KHARIS: have you had

personal testimonies from people about the impact of your music?

OJ: Loads. And it’s amaz-

ing. One time I met a very prominent MP in Ghana, he thanked me with his wife, over and over again.

He said he was about to divorce his wife when he heard “obi nya waye”, then he changed his mind. Another time I met a lady at the embassy and she was so happy to meet me. She said, she had problems with her boyfriend and decided to commit suicide. Just when she was about to take the poison she heard “obi nya waye” on peace fm, the glass fell from her hands and she broke into tears.These testimonies humble me

KHARIS:

KHARIS:

extremely humbling. What opportunities has this ministry brought your way?

Most challenging moment:

OJ: I’ve received awards

ing times for me have been how to deal with fame and people. Your gift and fame can ruin you. A lot of people come into your life especially women. It takes grace to escape, an instance was during my travel with the British council, I was the only gospel artist on board, they booked us into the best hotels however the guys I travelled with were into women and kept on asking if I didn’t want any women ..If I did not uphold my Christian values I would have easily yielded.

in Holland, Ghana music awards in 2003, I received a contract with British Council to represent Ghana in the UK for a programme dubbed “Bring the Noise”.

It was a six month programme. We went round visiting about seven countries. This programme was organised to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave tradeandi was the only gospel artiste, I have met the Queen of England, Etc.

KHARIS:

Gospel music industry in Ghana what do you say about it:

OJ: Christian singers

must be decent in dressing, especially the women, sometimes they dress in ways that do not conform to the standards of Christianity.

Gospel musicians need to be creative and professional.

They should employ the right people for the work.

Am sick and tired of low quality gospel video clips Most of the songs too are not spiritual, quite sentimental, they should praise Godandstop placing too much emphasis on the devil because he is not important.

OJ: the most challeng-

KHARIS: People you

would give credit to:

OJ: to God, my parents

Mr. and Mrs. OwareTweneboah; Ms. Elizabeth Lawson. I really love this woman sooooo much. She’s fed me for 6years where I live, God bless her, Nana Yaw Obeng (Morvee) my producer and my fans I love you all...

Buzz

of this peopleandwonder why my songs are a hit, it is grace. People tell me to come out with more albums make loads of money, but I ve come to understand that, without the grace of God no album can do well.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 25

A

fter Moses had built the Tabernacle if you asked any Israelite where they could find God they would simply point to the tabernacle, but today most Christians will simply say He is up in the sky… however, God never planned to dwell in some far off place where man could not access his presence.

Testament, the Greek word translated as Sanctuary is (pronounced) hag-eeon, meaning sacred, or holy.

In Exodus 25:8, God tells Moses to instruct the Israelites to build a sanctuary. Those “whose hearts so move them” are to bring materials for the structure, its decoration, and its ritual objects. Those who possess the req-

“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou are there, if I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

-Psalm 139:4 The Psalmist declared, The English word sanctuary, which is derived from the Latin word sanctuarium, meaning a sacred place is secularly defined as a place that is set apart as a refuge from danger or hardship. In The Bible, the two Hebrew words of the Old Testament that have been translated as Sanctuary are (pronounced) mik-dawsh, meaning a consecrated place or thing, and koh-desh, meaning pure or sacred. In the New 26 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

uisite skills are to build it. At the end of Exodus, the people, having faithfully constructed the elements of the Tabernacle, now faithfully assemble it. When it is complete, God descends upon the Tabernacle in a cloud, and dwells within the Tabernacle, fulfilling His promise: ‘And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them’ The level of detail found in the instructions, and the way the

account of the fulfillment mirrors that detail, is remarkable. I think the detail in the text is a reflection of the degree of faith that the Israelites were putting in their God. Small acts of faith, done deliberately and with a pure heart, can add up to something holy.

And this is a whole-community effort. They needed faith in each other.

What constitutes “tribe” in our lives include, Different nations? Classes?

Beliefs? Education? Race? But when all these different people meet in a sanctuary, God by his presence unifies them as one people working together to fulfill the purpose of God for their lives.

However, let us bear in mind that in as much as God wants to dwell amongst us in beautiful well decorated mega sanctuaries and share his divine presence with us, He desires most importantly in this new dispensation to dwell and reign as Lord in our hearts (rev. 3:20).

Check out some sanctuaries that great men of grace have put up for the Lord that He may dwell amongst them.

WINNERS

Winners Chapel Nigeria, An outstanding 40 thousand seater edifice.

The biggest Church building in the World

INT. CENTRAL GOSPEL CHURCH Welcome to CHRIST TEMPLE the headquarters of ICGC located at Abbosey Okai in Accra…with membership of over 4000, this is the church that gave birth to the premier private

owned university in Ghana… meet the founder and general overseer Dr. Mensa Otabil for a life transforming encounter with God… “What you do not know, you cannot do”.

Photography: Michael Minnow

CALVARY CHARISMATIC CENTRE - CCC

Wow! This is the first word any one would say when they get to the premises of this new and magnificent CCC building, a 3000 seater heaven on earth located off the Accra-Kumasi road behind tech police station of detail found the in the instructions, and and led by Pastor Ransford Obeng… the way the account of the fulfillment check that it outdetail, is remarkable. I mirrors

think the detail in the text is a reflection of the degree of faith that the Israelites were putting in their God. Small acts of faith, done deliberately and with a pure heart, can add up to something holy. And this is a whole-community effort. They needed faith in each other. What constitutes “tribe” in our lives include, Different nations?

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 27

Photography: Michael Minnow

CITY CHURCH OF GOD

Located in the heart of Patasi estate in Kumasi is the vibrant spirit filled CITY CHURCH OF GOD Led by Bishop Joseph Manful Crenstil

ACTION CHAPEL INT.

Off the spintex road in Accra is this magnificent edifice…

Welcome to the prayer cathedral, a 3000 seater Church building the headquarters of the Action chapel international led by the Arch Bishop Nicholas Duncan- Williams “are you hearing me somebody”...

28

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS

LIGHTHOUSE CHAPEL INT.

My God! The QODESH is not just a church but a whole city of God…led by Bishop Dag Heward Mills, this light house community

is a true reflection of the greatness and power of God…Locate the QODESH at north Kaneshie, near Melcom, industrial area for a life transforming encounter with God …

YOIDO FULL GOSPEL CHURCH

Right in the heart of Seoul the capital city of south Korea is YOIDO FULL GOSPEL CHURCH (ASSEMBLIES OF GOD) the church with the world’s largest congregation with a membership of 830,000 (as of 2007).

This 10 thousand seater church auditorium conducts seven services a day, they are so heavily attended that people often must arrive an hour early to have a seat.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 29

Finding freedom from porn addiction, pornography addiction, the effects of pornography.

Porn and addiction...sex out of context

O

n a cold, dark night, there’s nothing better than a blazing fire in the fireplace. You can pile on the wood and let it burn nice and warm. It’s safe, warm, relaxing and romantic. Now take that same fire out of the fireplace (which was built for it) and drop it in the middle of the living room.

Suddenly it becomes destructive.

It can burn down the whole house and kill everyone inside. Sex is like that fire. As long as it’s expressed in the protective commitment of a marriage relationship, it’s wonderful, warm and romantic. But porn is like cancer and takes sex outside that context.

Porn - A Big Business

It’s a big business that makes a lot of money and doesn’t care how.

They’ll show you whatever they think will make you come back and buy more. “There were 11,000 30 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

porn video titles last year versus 400 movie releases from Hollywood last year... [And] 70,000 pornographic web sites.” (New York Times, May 20, 2001, “Naked Capitalists”)

Porn’s Image of Sex

One of the most vital parts of mental environment is a healthy idea of who we are sexually. If these ideas are polluted, a critical part of who we are becomes twisted. The porn culture tells you that sex, love and intimacy are all the same thing. In porn, people have sex with total strangers – people they just met. All that matters is my satisfaction. It doesn’t matter whose body I’m using, as long as I get it. Porn gets you to think that sex is something you can have anytime, anywhere, with anyone, with no consequences.

What Sex is Really About

The problem with porn’s shallow perspective is that relationships are not built on sex, but on commitment, caring and mutual trust.

Effects of Pornography

The Lies of Porn Porn thrives on lies -- lies about sex, women, marriage and a lot of other things. Let’s look at some of those lies and see just how badly they can mess up your life and attitudes.

Lie #1 - Women are less than human The women in Playboy magazine are called “bunnies,” making them cute little animals or “playmates,” making them a toy. Penthouse magazine calls them “pets.” Porn often refers to women as animals, playthings, or body parts. The idea that women are real human beings with thoughts and emotions is played down.

Lie #2 - A woman’s value depends on the attractiveness of her body Less attractive women are ridiculed in porn. They are called dogs, whales, pigs or worse, simply because they don’t fit into porn’s criteria of the “perfect” woman. Porn doesn’t care about a woman’s mind or personality, only her body.

Lie #3 - Women like rape” Porn teaches men to enjoying hurting and abusing women for entertainment.

Lie #4 - Prostitution is glamorous Porn paints an exciting picture of prostitution. In reality, many of the women portrayed in pornographic material are runaway girls trapped in a life of slavery. Some of them are infected with incurable sexually transmitted diseases that are highly contagious and often die very young.

Many take drugs just to cope.

Effects of Pornography: Bottom Line

Pornography makes a profit from the ruined lives of young women and entraps men who will spend lots of time and money succumbing to their product.

What are the effects of pornography on a man?

What kinds of ideas is porn putting into our heads? If the wrong things keep getting dumped in, your mental environment can get so polluted that your life is going to have problems… porn makes us sin against God continually Jesus said “ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Mathew 5:28

Porn Addiction: The Pull of Porn Dr. Victor Cline has divided the progress of addiction into several stages; 1. EARLY EXPOSURE Most guys who get addicted to porn start early.

They see porn when they are very

young and it gets its foot in the door.

2. PORN ADDICTION you keep coming back to porn. It becomes a regular part of your life. You’re hooked and can’t quit.

3. ESCALATION you start to look for more graphic pornography. You start using porn that disgusted you earlier. Now, it excites you.

4. DESENSITIZATION you start to become numb to the images you see.

Even the most graphic porn doesn’t excite you anymore. You become desperate to feel the same thrill again, but you can’t find it.

5. ACTING OUT SEXUALLY this is the point where men make a crucial jump and start acting out the images they have seen.

The way out

No one is righteous in God’s eyes.

Instead we’re told that “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. We all deserve God’s judgment and punishment.

Yet Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was tortured and died on the cross for our sin so that we could be forgiven.

Three days later Jesus rose from the dead, just as He said He would. And He now offers you a relationship with Him. The Bible says amazingly that, “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Pornography is an empty substitute for real love. We have been created

by God to have our intimacy needs met most deeply by God Himself.

Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abunIf you see any of these patterns in your dantly. God offers you his forgiveness through a relationship with Him. life, you need to put the brakes on right now. Is porn becoming more and Do you want to ask Him to forgive you and come into your life? You can more in control of your life? Do you have trouble putting it down? Do you tell Him right now. If you need help putting this into words, here is prayer keep going back for more? that might help:

Porn Addiction: Am I Addicted?

Porn Addiction: What Can I Do?

The first thing you’ve got to do is admit that you struggle with pornography. For some of you there may also be issues in your past, such as abuse or sexual exposure that makes porn addiction even harder to shake. There is NOT much you can do fighting addiction without help. You need someone to help you break this addiction.

Overcoming the secrecy is absolutely vital. You probably can’t escape addiction without it. That doesn’t mean everyone has to know you’re struggling. Pick someone you can trust who counsels men who are having problems with addiction - a pastor, youth group leader or counselor. Someone you can completely trust, feel safe with and has experience in the area of addiction isn’t going to be surprised.

“Lord Jesus, I am aware of my sin, and I know that you are also.

I ask you to forgive me and cleanse me. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I ask you to come into my life right now and begin to work in my life. Direct my life as you see fit. Thank you for your forgiveness and for coming into my life right now.”

(1) John 8:31-32 (2) John 8:33 (3) John 8:34 (4) Isaiah 53:6 (5) 1John 1:9 (6) John 3:16 (7) John 10:10 Please note: If you have said this prayer contact a friend on this number 0243969404 or 0243019239 for further assistance…God bless you.

Compiled by Randy Osae Bediako

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 31

Kwame

Nkrumah

University of

Spiritual

Training

MISSION 2008

ds, banners, instruments and lot Campus was turned upside down when Christians with placar a highly evangelistic program more radically thronged the streets with songs and preaching in campus was taken over by dubbed ‘Mission’ with the theme ‘is it really true?’ For three weeks lives of men…is it really true? the church and Our LORD Jesus Christ had his own way in the

Rev. Dr. Nii Amoo Darko

32 KHARIS

October, 20092009 Alpha edition

Prof. K. K. Adarkwa (Vice Chancellor of KNUST)

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 33

School of Ministry

Ghamsu Village Evangelism

34 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

sent his anointed The whole of campus knust went spiritually hay wire when God l international servant Bishop Dag Heward mills founder of the lighthouse chape si metropolis in a to be a blessing to the student population and the entire Kuma program dubbed SCHOOL OF MINISTRY‌

GHAMSU...

He that wins souls is wise, the Ghana Methodist student union g a village durin Ministering the message of salvation to the poor and needy evangelism.

Keepers of the flame conference

CCF Handing over

ized by BCFI, this One of the biggest conferences ever in the land of KNUST organ E CONFERENCE two day power encounter dubbed KEEPERS OF THE FLAM University of Ghana, with the theme ARE U A CHRISTIAN? hosted people from UCC and Accra…fire came from heaven and filled the auditorium.

batons of It was a mixed atmosphere of suspense, bliss and tears of joy when Christian family leadership were exchanged from old leaders to new in campus one of the biggest churches on campus…

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 35

Central texts: John 3:3, Titus 3:5, 1Peter 1:23

Main lesson 1.

Man was created with the capability of moving on to a higher form of life. Human life is the highest kind of life on earth here. But we must also know that the highest form of life ever is the God kind of life, called Zoe.

2.

In the Garden of Eden, this life was symbolized by the tree of life(Genesis 2:9). The tree was there for a purpose. God had in mind to one day give man to eat of that tree.

That would have taken man to a higher level in his relationship with God. This means that even if Adam had not sinned, he still would have needed to be born again.

3. But Adam sinned and God had

to deal with the sin of man before He could give His Life to him.

God protected the tree of Life from man(Genesis 3:24). To solve the problem of man, God promised a seed that would defeat the devil and deliver mankind(Genesis 3:15). But we know that a seed is also a carrier of life.

Therefore the promised seed would perform two functions; He would take away the sin of man and also give man Life(Zoe). Throughout the old testa36 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

ment, the seed was being processed.

Its final resting place was to be the spirit of man. God’s main intention from the beginning was to inhabit man. But God had to process Himself before He could take residence in man. So the seed was called the seed of the woman(Genesis 3:15). After some time He was called the seed of Abraham(Genesis 12:3), later it was said that He would come from the tribe of Judah(Genesis 49:10). Then it was finally said that He would be born by a Virgin girl from the house of David (Isaiah 7:11-14).

4. When the time was ripe and

God had fully prepared the seed, it was time for Him to be born into the world. But Who or what is the seed?

The seed is the Word of God(Luke 8:11, 1Peter 1:23). The Word of God is a title used for the second person of the trinity. He is the exact representation of the Father. The truest most perfect picture of the Father(Hebrew 1:3-4). In fact it was by Him that all things were created(John 1:1-4, Col 1:16, Hebrews 11:3). It was He who formed man and breathed into Him the breath of Life(Genesis 2:7). When you read the account of creation in Genesis chapter one, you will often see the phrase ‘And God said’ but from Chapter two verse seven, you will see ‘And the Lord God’. This is the pre incarnate name of the second person of the trinity. He is called the Son of God, THE WORD and He is also the SEED.

5.

John the beloved Apostle caught this revelation. He begins his book

by letting us know that The WORD, The SEED existed before time, that all things were made through Him, and nothing was made without Him(John 1:1-3). He went on to let us know that the WORD, the SEED, contained the very life(Zoe) of God(John 1:4, 1John 5:11-12). This Life(Zoe) became the light that shone on man(John 1:4). It was this SEED, WORD who, (for the purposes of being made like unto His brethren for the tasting of death for every one and thereby destroying the power of the devil(Hebrews 2:9, 14-15), became flesh.

6.

The WORD, the SEED became flesh(John 1:14). He took on human flesh. How did it happen? In Luke 1:26-38, the Angel Gabriel brought the WORD, SEED to Mary. It is worthy of note that the greek word for seed is ‘sperma’ from which we got the word sperm. The Females species do not have the sperm. It is the male who gives the sperm which is the seed of life. The woman takes the seed, incubates it and reproduces it in flesh. Hence the often used phrase ‘she has taken seed’. So Mary took the processed SEED into her womb. How did she take it? Simply by believing what the Angel said and acknowledging it with her mouth(Luke 1:38). As we go along, we will see that this same process is repeated anytime a person is born again.

Catch the rest of these mind blowing revelations in the next edition.

By: Mr. Joe Mintah

Name:

Christian

Mission:

Operation, Mathew 28:18-20

Objective: To locate and destroy all the works

of the enemy and to proclaim the gospel to all nations

Target:

Unbelievers

Adversary: Satan Weapon: The Word of God Ammunition: Love Joy Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self control

YOU THEN, MY SON, BE STRONG IN THE GRACE (KHARIS) THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS. AND THE THINGS YOU HAVE HEARD ME SAY IN THE PRESENCE OF MANY WITNESSES ENTRUST TO RELIABLE MEN WHO WILL ALSO BE QUALIFIED TO TEACH OTHERS…ENDURE HARDSHIP WITH US LIKE A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS. NO ONE SERVING AS A SOLDIER GETS INVOLVED IN CIVILIAN AFFAIRS IF HE WANTS TO PLEASE HIS COMMANDING OFFICER ………..

2 Timothy 2:1-3.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 37

T

he Wesley family was made famous by the two brothers, John and Charles, who worked together in the rise of Methodism in the British Isles during the 18th century.

They were among the ten children surviving infancy born to Samuel Wesley (1662 - 1735), Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and Susanna Annesley Wesley, daughter of Samuel Annesley, a dissenting minister.

John Wesley was born June 28, 1703, died March 2nd, 1791, and was the principal founder of the Methodist movement. His mother was important in his emotional and educational development.

John’s education continued at Charterhouse School and at Oxford, where he studied at Christ Church and was elected (1726) fellow of Lincoln College. He was ordained in 1728.

After a brief absence (1727 - 29) to help his father at Epworth, John returned to Oxford to discover that his brother Charles had founded a Holy Club composed of young men interested in spiritual growth.

John quickly became a leading participant of this group, which was dubbed the Methodists. His Oxford days introduced him not only to the rich tradition of classical literature and philosophy but also to spiritual classics like Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Taylor’s Holy Living and Dying, and William Law’s Serious Call.

In 1735 both Wesleys accompanied James Oglethorpe to the new colony of Georgia, where John’s attempts to apply his then highchurch views aroused hostility. Discouraged, he returned (1737) to England; he was rescued from this discouragement by the influence of the Moravian preacher Peter Boehler. At a small religious meeting in Aldersgate Street, London,

After this spiritual conversion, which centered on the realization of salvation by faith in Christ alone, he devoted his life to evangelism.

on May 24, 1738, John Wesley had an experience in which his “heart was strangely warmed.”

After this spiritual conversion, which centered on the realization of salvation by faith in Christ alone, he devoted his life to evangelism.

Beginning in 1739 he established Methodist societies throughout the country. He traveled and preached constantly, especially in the London-Bristol-Newcastle triangle, with frequent forays into Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. He encountered much opposition and persecution, which later subsided.

Late in life Wesley married Mary Vazeille, a widow. He continued throughout his life a regimen of personal discipline and ordered living. He died at 88, still preaching, still traveling, and still a clergyman of the Church of England. In 1784, however, he had given the Methodist societies a legal constitution, and in the same year he ordained Thomas Coke for ministry in the United States; this action signaled an independent course for Methodism.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 39

Pastors wives

Photography: Michael Minnow

& Lady Pastors Conference 2009

40 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

H

ave you ever thought about the virtuous and wonderful women behind the successful ministries of the great men of God of our time? It is generally known that behind every successful man is a God fearing woman…however many a time little or nothing is known about these women…

This year over 400 Pastor’s wives and lady Pastors all over the country converged in an annual conference organized by CCC in Kumasi dubbed PASTORS WIVES CONFERENCE from the 28th to the 31st of May with a strong mission to explore the theme

Know ye not that you are the temple of God? 1Cor 3:16

The participants camped at the West End Hostel at Ayeduase.

The first day of the Conference saw the registration and checking-in of participants from as early as 8am to 9pm, a retreat took off at 10pm, Where participants were welcomed and taken through the main activities of the program. The rest of the night was spent in prayer and spiritualwarfare.The three days saw these women fasting,Praying and waiting on God, breaking their fast with only a cereal and bread, at 6pm each night.

News

The main speaker Dr. Steven Adukpo took the women through sections of inner healing. There were also deliverance sections for participants. The participants were treated to lunch after church on Sunday which was sponsored bythe Host Mrs. Joyce Obeng. There was also a boutique, Jesus Boutique, where new participants were allowed to enter and choose any gift they desired. The conference was finally graced by the presence of the Aglow president Mrs. Dorothy Danso. It was simply a refreshing time in the presence of God.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 41

KHARIS: Please what is your name Mrs Emelia Boadi Darkwah

KHARIS: Are you a pastor or a pastor’s wife Pastor’s wife

KHARIS: How long have you been saved 28years

KHARIS: Please tell us about your family I am married to Rev. Samuel Boadi Darkwah, of Action Chapel, Tema Branch and we have four children

KHARIS: educational background I attended Swedru Secondary School and did a three year Post Sec Teaching training but resigned into full time as a senior superintendent in 1992. I have a diploma in Theology and I’m currently undertaking a degree course in counselling and christian psychology

KHARIS:

How long have you been a pastor’s wife.

I have been a pastor’s wife for 19years.

KHARIS: How long have you been

attending the Pastor’s wives and lady Pastor’s Conference I have been coming for the past six years

KHARIS: What would you say to

They should be committed to God and to the service of God. They must learn to be obedient, humble, and patient because God is faithful and will surely bless them accordingly in due season. There’s a God-given purpose for their lives and they can only discover them by revelation from their maker.

42 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

Mrs. Emelia Boadi Darkw

ah

Photography: Michael Minnow

young women of this age

B Pictures: essence

ishop T.D. Jakes, referred to as “America’s Best Preacher”

by CNN and Time Magazine, witnessed the union of his youngest daughter, Sarah Dionne

“The front lawn of Jake’s home was transformed into an enchanted forest replete with fog, mimes, a string quartet playing

in a gazebo, and an ice sculpture of a glass slipper.

Arriving in a Just Married-tagged horse-drawn carriage, the newlyweds were in every sense the evening’s Cinderella and Prince Charming. “I really can’t take credit for any of this,” said Sarah, a broadcast journalism major who graduated this May. Guests were treated to a buf-

fet-style spread and a performance by singer Carl Thomas. But the night’s best performance was the newlyweds’ first dance. Surrounded by friends and loved ones, Sarah and Robert only had eyes for each other.”

The couple had their honeymoon in the Hawaiian Islands. They reside in Fort Worth. Sarah graduated from the University of Phoenix last May, whiles her husband graduated from Texas Christian University last year.

News

Jakes, 19, to Robert Henson, 22, her college sweetheart. The ceremony took place on the Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas followed by a fairy-tale reception at the Jake’s palatial 28-acre estate. Guests included Bishop Noel Jones, Tyler Perry, Dr. Phil McGraw, Deion Sanders, Tom Joyner and wife Donna Richardson Joyner, Paula White, Michael Irvin and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 43

What if you had a friend who died without knowing Jesus as his/her personal savior?

What if he or she went to Hell?

What if one day you received a letter in the mail from beyond?

A LETTER FROM HELL…A letter from your friend in the flames of eternal torment.

The following is a story about two friends Josh and Zack…

Zack was born again, but Josh was not, and although he had every opportunity to talk to Josh about Jesus he didn’t.

They were best friends, they played soccer together, they went to classes together, they partied together, they shared their lives together... but there was one thing Zack held back from Josh… …His personal relationship with Jesus The rest of the story is simple and sad…

A few too many beers A tragic drive home...

A crash…A death….A funeral….

A LETTER Here is that letter in its entirety

44 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

Dear Zack, I died today. It’s a lot different than I expected. You see, I always thought that dying would bring me to a world that is foggy and hazy.But this place is crystal clear… It’s even more real than my life on earth. I can think…. I can talk…. I can even feel…

Right after the accident I could feel my spirit living my body... it was weird Zack...I thought I heard you screaming out to me….. At first I saw myself in a cue… getting registered I guess… They asked me for my name… then they began to look into this thing called the book of life…

I guess they couldn’t find it though because the huge Angel standing by me grabbed me by my hands and started dragging me away…I was terrified…

I had no idea what was going on…I asked the angel where he was taking me…He didn’t answer…so I asked him again… finally he said, Only those whose names are written in the book of life can go to heaven… the rest would be condemned to hell forever.

The Angel threw me into some kind of a cell where I have been thinking for a long, long time...

Do you want to know what I have been thinking about

…I have been thinking about YOU. ZACK, you are a Christian, you told me that yourself…and we talked about it three different times today and you laughed it off and changed the subject..

I mean it came up right before the accident…but the question I can’t get out of my mind is this Zack..

How didn’t you ever tell me about how to become a Christian?

You say you are my friend but if you really were, you would have told me about…

Jesus and how to escape this terrible place that am headed for…

I can feel my heart panting in my chest... the Angels who have been chosen to cast me to hell are coming down the hall way… I can hear their footsteps…I have heard of this hell Zack, they call it the lake of fire...I can’t stand it Zack I’m terrified…

The Angels are at the door…oh no! Oh no! They are coming in and pointing at me... they are grabbing me and carrying me out of the room...

I can already smell the burning sulphur and brimstone...

I can see the edge of the cliff where I would burn…this is it I am without hope …they are coming closer, closer, closer…my heart is bursting with fear.. they are holding me over the flames...I am damned forever…this is it…

they have thrown me in...

FIRE…PAIN…HELL...

Why Zack, why didn’t you ever tell me about…

JESUS…

YOUR FRIEND, Josh

P. S. I wish you were here

Have you spoken to that friend about Jesus yet? Do it now before it’s too late.

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 45

Six signs given by Jesus to indicate His coming and the end of the age

In Matthew 24:3 Jesus was asked, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?” Jesus told his apostles to look for the following signs prior to his second coming and the end of the age.

1. False Prophets and Christs

“For many will come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and will mislead many.” Matthew 24:5 “And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many.” Matthew 24:11

In the last several years many have claimed to be the Messiah.

These false prophets are a prelude to the ultimate false christ, the antichrist. Many New Age groups, some even NGO’s working for the United Nations, are anxiously awaiting the antichrist, preparing the way for his acceptance as the head of the hierarchy of gods and the one who will usher in world peace.

2. War

“And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” Matthew 24:6

Rumors of wars in all areas of the world now occur frequently thanks to instant media coverage and the availability of a multitude of 24-hour news sources.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” Matthew 24:7 More people have been killed in warfare in this century than at any other time in history. As the death toll rises in the Middle East, more and more countries work feverishly to develop devastating weapons of mass destruction. Add to that the expanding threat of terrorism and unpredictable dictators and the potential for the outbreak of war exists in nations, kingdoms and places across the globe.

46 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

3. Famines

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” Matthew 24:7

As white, Christian farmers are driven out of Zimbabwe in increasing numbers, and foreigners move in to replace life-sustaining crops with poppies that now supply 25% of the worlds drugs, famine spreads across the African continent. The undernourished are not limited to Africa, however. A large portion of the worlds 5 billion people suffers from a shortage of food.

4. Earthquakes

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” Matthew 24:7

The number and intensity of earthquakes this century is at a level higher than any other time in history. A staggering number of seismic events occur around the world daily.

The earthquake seismic monitor IRIS shows all major earthquakes for the last year. Indicated by yellow and red circles, the seismic events of the last 15 days provides strong evidence of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:7 in our day. By contrast, in the years from 1890 to 1900 there was only one major earthquake in the world.

5. Tribulations

“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name.” Matthew 24:8-9

Christians are under attack throughout the world today. In the United States Christians still enjoy freedom to worship God without suffering much more than ridicule, hatred, or discrimination at work and school. However in many other countries such as China, Sudan, Africa, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Russia, and many Muslim nations, Christians suffer much greater persecution and often times death for their faith. During the tribulation this suffering will be worldwide and will continue even to the point of martyrdom. These first 5 signs will increase in intensity and severity as the tribulation approaches, much like the birth pangs or contractions of a pregnant woman worsen as the delivery time approaches.

6. The Gospel will be preached throughout the World “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, then the end shall come.” Matthew 24:14

N

ever in the annals of history has the reason for man’s existence been so misconstrued than in this era. In this grand masterpiece, the author shares amazing revelation about the reason for man’s existence which also forms God’s motivation for stepping out of eternity into time for the creation of this magnificent universe.

It is a total vista of God’s thrilling passion toward man’s redemption and eternal life. Historians, religionist and scientist wished they knew this truth, but for you be informed now to be transformed.

LIFE TRULY BEGINS AFTER READING THIS BOOK….

This prophecy has already been fulfilled through television, radio, missionaries, the translation of the Bible into many languages, and the internet. People all over the world now hear the message of Christ from missionaries who have the means to travel the globe, and via technology that allows us to communicate with people on the other side of the world right from our own homes, churches and offices.

Grab your copy from any

Christain book store or call the author Dominic Andoh-Owusu +233 (0) 245 844 251 +233(0) 277 802 341

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 47

48 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

If you are interested in advertising in the next edition of the kharis magazine or in the bulk distribution of kharis.

Please contact us at: Tel:

Or

+233 24 3969404, +233 24 3019239

E-mail: kharismagazine@yahoo.com, ranobedconcept@yahoo.com, ranobedconcept@hotmail.com.

If you are interested in becoming our partner by donating or contributing to the expansion, dissemination and sustainability of this life transforming christian magazine.

Please contact us at: Tel:

+233 24 3969404, +233 24 3019239

E-mail: kharismagazine@yahoo.com, ranobedconcept@yahoo.com, ranobedconcept@hotmail.com.

Please help support the expansion of the Kingdom of God. ‌nothing is too small and nothing is too big -Mark 9:41 Thank you and God richly bless you‌

Ranobed Concept ...Illuminating darkness

Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 49

Shine the Light

See, you’ve got rats hidden there in the darkness! and if you dont get rid of them, they’’’ll

DESTROY YOUR HOME!

www.joyfultoons.com

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light.

Ephesians 5:11 - 14

Hebrews 4:13

www.danLtoons.com

www.glasbergen.com

“Says here, in the end God will look at each of our lives to see what we did. And in this case there will not be any recounts!”

50 KHARIS

Alpha edition 2009

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household would be saved. Acts 16:31.

Sponsored by: Jo-Mint Associates Ltd. Alpha edition 2009

KHARIS 51

Honeymoon Package Celebrate your special evening in one of our rooms with a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, breakfast in bed the following morning and a Golden Tulip Kumasi City souvenir to treasure. The package rates below are based on the inclusion of Sparkling Wine.

Rates Standard double room per night

US$

129.00

Superior double room per night

US$

149.00

Terms & Conditions Reservations are subject to availability.

Taxes are included in the package.

Special couple dinner buffet offer Newly married couples are enjoying the dinner buffet for GHC 40/- per couple.

Picture: inmagine.com

Golden Tulip Kumasi City reserves the right to alter or withdraw this program at any time without notice.

Rain Tree Street, P .O. Box KS 5191, Kumasi - Ghana Tel: +233 51 83777 Fax: +233 51 83711 Email: info@goldentulipkumasicity.com, www.goldentulipkumasicity.com 50 KHARIS

October, 2009

International standards, local flavours