2012: A Clarion Call to Prayer For National GH¢8 N1000 £10 US $10 €10 www.kharismagazine.com
Redemption KHARIS KHARISEpsilon Eta Edition Edition 20122011
Ghana’s premier Christian magazine
1
2
Eta Edition 2012 KHARIS Epsilon Edition 2011
StarLife GROUP WELFARE SCHEME
StarLife Group Welfare Scheme is a group funeral and savings plan designed to offer financial benefits to members of a group (Church Group/Associations, Artisans, Market Women, Workers Unions, NGOs, and many more) in the event of the following: Death of named member of the scheme. Death of named spouse and parent insured. Maturity of savings contributions (optional)
Head Office C653/3 5th Crescent, Asylum Down Ring Road Central (Behind Barclays Bank) P. O. Box 7532, Accra-North Hotlines: 233 54 8081785 / 233 54 8081786 www.starlife.com.gh
Assurance Co. Ltd.
Financial Anchor 3 KHARIS Your Eta Edition 2012
4
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
CONTENTS THE TEAM Publisher’s page 7 Columnist 8 Kathryn Johanna Kuhlman
I.M.W.C 11
Devastating effects of divorce Family Life 14 Difference between infatuation and love Relationships 16 Choices and destiny Marriage life 21 Emerging Leaders Profile 22
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Randy Osae Bediako
MANAGING EDITOR Lois Mintah
ART DIRECTOR
Osei-Wusu Charles (Luvtouch Innovations)
INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT Henrietta excellence Bediako (U.K)
CONTENT EDITOR Seth Duodu
Ghana 2012: Our year of proper use of the tongue Warning 40
Getting your perspective right
Woman
47
Prepare to stand out Inspiration 49
KHARIS is Published by Kharis Media Ltd. P.O. BOX CO 2704 Tema - Ghana OFFICE 030 3309956 Tel: +233 544000042, 245202626 Copyright©2012
The precious blood of Christ Equipping the saints 50 Jokes 53
Join Kharis magazine on facebook
Kathryn Johanna Kuhlman
11
Yes I do
18
Kharis awarded “Best Christian magazine in Ghana”
26
2012: A clarion call to prayer for National Redemption
30
Stratcomm Africa Praise Jam 2012
38
Bishop Charles Agyinasare at 50
41
“Try my God”
Esther A. N. Cobbah CEO, Stratcomm Africa
44
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
5
Money is an essential ingredient of life without which many things, including the propagation of the gospel cannot be achieved. No wonder that the Holy Bible posits that money is a potent answer to all things (Eccl.10:19). However, money must be earned honestly, without any guilt. How can a Christian earn good money without sacrificing his or her Christian values? Apart from working for money, the other critical key is putting your money to work by investments. The answer to where a Christian or church can invest to grow wealth lies with the DATABANK ARK FUND.
instruments, you minimize the risk associated with financial investments INVEST in the Databank ArkFund and grow your wealth the socially responsible way.
Databank Ark Fund is a long term mutual fund which seeks to achieve capital growth and income by integrating social, ethical and environmental considerations in the investment process. As Noah’s ark was a safe haven for his family and all who believed God, so is the ArkFund a safe haven for your financial investments. With a well diversified portfolio of shares and interest-bearing Disclaimer. “Past performance of ARKfund is not a gurantee of the future performance”
6
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
KHARIS Epsilon Edition 2011
A message from the publisher
Peace not war Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
S
ince time began men have kept the world in turmoil with their selfcentered strivings, bickering’s, and contentions. Our Lord and master, Jesus Christ when he visited the earth looked upon the bustling cities of the world and saw millions of men busily building palaces of pleasure, and other things that would not last; and seeking financial bubbles that burst before their eyes. As he left to go back he said: “All these people are spending their time in building just bird’s nests; no wonder they fail and are ashamed.”
The peace of Christ does not come by seeking the superficial things of life, neither does it come except as it springs from the individual’s heart. Jesus said to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” -John 14:27.Thus the Son of Man as the executor of his own will gave to his disciples and to mankind the “first of all human blessings”. No man is at peace with himself or his God who is untrue to his better self, who transgresses the law of right either in dealing with himself or in dealing with his fellowmen, being untrue to their trust. Peace does not come to the transgressor of law; peace
comes by obedience to law, and it is that message which Jesus would have us proclaim among men.
If we would have peace as individuals, we must supplant enmity with forbearance, which means to refrain or abstain from finding fault or from condemning others. “It is a noble thing to be charitable with the failings and weaknesses of a friend; to bury his weaknesses in silence, but to proclaim his virtues from the house tops.” We shall have power to do this if we really cherish in our hearts the ideals of Christ, who said: So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you, Leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift…Mathew 5:2324 (AMP) How many of us are ready to come up to that standard? If we are, we shall find peace. Many of us, however, instead of following this admonition, nurse our ill-will until it grows to hatred, then this hatred expresses itself in fault-finding and even slander, “whose whisper over the world’s diameter as level as a cannon to its mouth, transports its poison shot.” Back-biting, fault-finding, are weeds of society that should be constantly eradicated. Gossip, too, brings discord and thrives best in superficial minds, as fungi grows best on weak-
Please send your comments to randy@kharismagazine.com or call ... +233 Visit www.kharismagazine.com or join me on Facebook
Randy Osae Bediako ened plants, “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” but do not add to those burdens by gossiping about your neighbors or by Spreading slander.
During the approaching December elections let us refrain from making personal attacks and from hurling slanderous abuse, and thus avoid injuring one another’s feelings, and after election have fewer regrets and heartache. God bless you …God bless Ghana…. Enjoy this PEACE FOR GHANA EDITION….
544000042, +233 245202626 KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
7
Eta Columnists Bishop Charles Agyinasare Presiding Bishop of Word Miracle Church Int’l
Rev. Dr. Derek & Mrs. Linda Larbi (ACI Tema , community nine)
Mr. Joseph Mintah President, All for Christ Youth Missions
Lois Mintah Managing Editor, Kharis magazine
8
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh Executive Director of Databank
Mr. & Mrs. Mintah CEO’s of JOMINT
Mr. Kofi Wusu
Relationship and marriage counselor
Mr. George Kojo Addison M.D. StarLife Assurance
KHARISEpsilon Eta Edition 20122011 KHARIS Zeta Edition Edition 2011 9
10 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Impact makers and world changers
K
athryn Johanna Kuhlman was born in Concordia, Missouri, to German-American parents. She was born-again at the age of 13 in the Methodist Church of Concordia, and began preaching in the West at the age of sixteen in primarily Baptist Church. By 1935 she had built the 2,000 seat Denver Revival Tabernacle. She effectively used the media and estab-
lished an influential radio ministry. Her marriage to an evangelist, who divorced his wife to marry Kuhlman, destroyed her Denver ministry. They continued to evangelize, but apparently after about six years--she was silent on the subject--she left him and started over again on her own. KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
11
In 1946 in Franklin, Pennsylvania, a woman was suddenly healed of a tumor during one of Kuhlman’s services. This was to develop as a characteristic phenomenon of the “Miracle Services.” Kuhlman would call out the specific disorder that was being cured in a certain area of the auditorium, and would be received by the appropriate individual. She again developed a daily radio ministry in 1948. She moved to Pittsburgh, which remained her headquarters as she had regular services in Carnegie Hall and the First Presbyterian Church. She was catapulted toward national fame by a seven-page laudatory article in Redbook magazine.
thing had to be first-class. Conducting them herself, she was on her feet for four to five hours at a time. She was very dramatic in gesture and consciously deliberate in speech. She was a strikingly tall redhead and dressed elegantly. Kuhlman traveled extensively around the United States and in many other countries holding “healing crusades” between the 1940s and 1970s. She had a weekly TV program in the 1960s and 1970s called I Believe In Miracles that was aired nationally. The foundation was established in 1954, and its Canadian branch in 1970.
By 1970 she moved to Los Angeles conducting faith healing for thouShe began services at the Pasadena sands of people each day. KhulCivic Auditorium, which seated man had no theological training. 2,500, but later moved to the Los In 1935, Kathryn met Burroughs Angeles Shrine Auditorium, where she regularly filled the 7,000 seats for ten years. She also continued the Pittsburgh meetings while expanding into television, producing more than five hundred telecasts for the BAS network. In 1972 she received the first honorary doctorate awarded by Oral Roberts University. Kuhlman objected to the appellation “faith healer .” The only gift she claimed, if any at all, was that of “faith” or “the word of knowledge” (1 Cor. 12:8-9). She always referred to herself as an evangelist. Apart from the well-documented healings, the most sensational phenomena associated with Kuhlman was “going under the power” (sometimes referred to as being “slain in the Spirit”) as people fell when she prayed for them. This sometimes happened to dozens at a time and occasionally hundreds.
By 1935 she had built the 2,000 seat Denver Revival Tabernacle. She effectively used the media and established an influential radio ministry.
Waltrip, a Texas evangelist who was eight years her senior. Shortly after his visit to Denver, Waltrip divorced his wife, left his family and moved to Mason City, Iowa, where he began a revival center called Radio Chapel. Kathryn and her friend Kuhlman was an incessant worker and pianist Helen Gulliford came and gave meticulous attention to into town to help him raise funds every detail of her services; every12 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
for his ministry. It was shortly after their arrival that the romance between Burroughs and Kathryn became publicly known. Burroughs and Kathryn decided to wed. While discussing the matter with some friends, Kathryn had said that she could not “find the will of God in the matter.” These and other friends encouraged her not to go through with the marriage, but Kathryn justified it to herself and others by believing that Waltrip’s wife had left him, not the other way around. On October 18th, 1938, Kathryn secretly married “Mister,” as she liked to call Waltrip, in Mason City. The wedding did not give her new peace about their union, however. After they checked into their hotel that night, Kathryn left and drove over to the hotel where Helen was staying with another friend. She sat with them weeping and admitted that the marriage was a mistake. She decided to get an annulment. In July 1975 her doctor diagnosed her with a minor heart flare-up and she had a relapse in November while in Los Angeles. As a result, she had open heart surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma from which she died in February 1976. Kathryn Kuhlman is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. A plaque in her honor is located in the main city park in Concordia, Missouri, a town located in central Missouri on Interstate Highway 70. She influenced faith healers Benny Hinn and Billy Burke. Hinn has adopted some of her techniques and wrote a book about her. Source: http://godswrrdtowomen. org/kuhlman.htm and www.wikipedia.com
Impact makers and world changers
Apart from the welldocumented healings, the most sensational phenomena associated with Kuhlman was “going under the power” (sometimes referred to as being “slain in the Spirit”) as people fell when she prayed for them. This sometimes happened to dozens at a time and occasionally hundreds. Kuhlman was an incessant worker and gave meticulous attention to every detail of her services; everything had to be first-class. Conducting them herself, she was on her feet for four to five hours at a time KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
13
The
Devastating Effects of Divorce
Divorce, generally speaking, is a tremendous evil. In fact, it is so bad that Jesus Christ allows it (together with a subsequent re-marriage) on one basis only— that of fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).
14 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
T
hrough the prophet Malachi, Jehovah God said to ancient Israel: “I hate divorce” (2:16, NASB). The Lord hates divorce because He loves people and divorce is devastating to humankind.
Man did not live one day upon this earth apart from the environment of a home. In fact, the very foundation of society is the home. Marriage is that divine union between a man and a woman who love one another, and who have welded their lives together “so long as they both shall live.” It is the cement that holds society together.
Moreover, it is this very societal cohesiveness that facilitates the spread of the redemptive gospel of Jesus Christ. When the family structure disintegrates, a significant factor in the growth of Christian faith is missing, and the gospel of God is hindered. Those who encourage capricious, unauthorized divorce undermine the cause for which the Savior died.
The divorce problem has reached alarming proportions all over the world. Interesting, but startling statistics from the Greater Accra Head Office of Legal Aid Ghana says at least 40% of marriages registered annually in the region break up within a space of 14 months (In 1970 there were 4.3 million divorced people in America. By 1994 that number had more than quadrupled to a staggering 17.4 million). In a recently published book, Why Marriage Matters: Reasons to Believe in Marriage in Post-Modern Society, author Glenn T. Stanton has compiled a massive amount of evidence which reveals the shocking effect that divorce is having in this country. This book is a survey of the most authoritative social science research published over the course of the last century. It demonstrates how first-time, life-long, monogamous marriage significantly improves the lives of adults, their children and the nation at large.
Consider some of the devastating effects of divorce: Alcoholism is much more likely to be a problem among those who have been divorced than those who have not. Those divorced only once have almost twice the rate of alcoholism as those who have never been divorced. Folks divorced more than once are almost three times as likely to have drinking problems.
The suicide rate is almost three times higher among the divorced than among life-long spouses. The National Institute of Mental Health advises that the divorced are about four times as likely to have problems with depression as are the never-divorced.
The evidence is all too clear. The Creator knew what He was doing when He gave strict regulations for the preservation of the original family. In view of this, Christian parents will make every effort possible to keep their marriages intact. Moreover, they will instruct their children in the concept of the permanency of marriage as designed by God.
Studies have shown that the prevalence of suffering from any psychiatric disorder over a lifetime was significantly lower for those in stable marriages. Statistical data have revealed that children of divorced parents are much more likely to drop out of school than children from one-time-married couples.
about
Hope Counselling
Children from broken homes are much more likely to have a difficult time obtaining and maintaining steady employment.
Hope Counselling is an
The children of divorced parents are offshoot Blankson and more likely to of become “teen parents,” producing out-of-wedlock babies,anthan Blankson International the organization children of life-long married parents. which provides
training ser- are Thecounselling offspring of and divorced parents vices, youthpercent development twenty to thirty more likely to haveprograms health problems, or to bemainjuryand resource prone than youngsters whose original terials. parents are still together.
At Hope Counselling we Theprovide children ofChristian divorced parents are three guidance times more likely to have emotional and counseling services. As or behavioral problems than they will have, Christian counselors we offer if their biological parents stay together. counseling to individuals, couples and families who encouragement, Theneed evidence is all too clear. Thelove, Creator hope, guidance, and direction. knew what He was doing when He gave strict the preservation Weregulations also offerfor guidance and of the original family. In view of this, counseling in schools and Christian parents will make every effort othertoinstitutions. Our services possible keep their marriages intact. will help you explore as-chilMoreover, they will instructand their drensist in you the concept of thesolutions permanency to develop of marriage as designed by God. to maintain successful and productive lives.
ByFor Wayne furtherJackson enquires contact: Akosua: 0268 813 700 or info@hopecounselling.org www.hopecounselling;org
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
15
Family life
Divorce, generally speaking, is a tremendous evil. In fact, it is so bad that Jesus Christ allows it (together with a subsequent re-marriage) on one basis only—that of fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Subsequent unions following divorce—for all parties other than the innocent victim of a marriage breached by fornication—constitute adulterous relationships.
Mr. Kofi Wusu
INFATUATION and LOVE
T
5 Key Differences
he Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary defines infatuation as “very strong feelings for something or somebody especially when it is unreasonable and does not last long” .The Holy Bible uses the exact opposite to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13, “… Love endures”.
1. Master Key- True Love is sacrificial so it focuses on, “What can I give to improve the other person?” Infatuation on the other hand is selfish. It focuses on, “What can I get at the expense of the other person?”
In Genesis 29:15-30 and 2 Samuel 13:122, we witness two love affairs in total contrast to each other. One was based on true love and the other, on infatuation.
by infatuation the future becomes a blind spot. The present opportunity unfortunately becomes the only important issue. With true love the future is considered as important as the present.
Anchor Scriptures Genesis 29:20: So Jacob worked seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. 2 Samuel 13:1-2: Amnon fell in love with Tamar… He became frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar… and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her. It is important to take note of the differences so that young people can tell the kind of relationship they are getting themselves into.
16 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
2. Key View- When someone is gripped
3. Key Phrase- The phrase that best describes infatuation is “…it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her”. True Love echoes this phrase “… but they seemed like only a few days to him”. 4. Keyword- The word that sums up the
entire infatuation package in 2 Samuel 13:1-2 is “pretend” (verse 5). In contrast to this, true love is summed up in Genesis 29:15-30 by the word “work” (verse 18, meaning service).
5. Key Players- Infatuation by its very
design is usually discussed among friends or peers (2 Samuel 13:3). Tamar even begged Amnon for a discussion with King David, their father, but Amnon flatly refused and went ahead as discussed with his friend. (2 Samuel 13:13-14). True Love on the other hand is familyoriented, because of its divine nature. True Love is responsible.
To be continued in the next edition.
When someone is gripped by infatuation the future becomes a blind spot. The present opportunity unfortunately becomes the only important issue. With true love the future is considered as important as the present.
Relationships
Differences between
Virtue came to light to extinguish the Christian lady and gentleman from the worldly form of dressing or fashion. We are a peculiar people so our dressing must be decent yet trendy, stylish and elegant to show forth the beauty of God within us.
Dealers in bridal wear,
engagement wear, corporate wear, casual wear, slippers, clutches, corsages, brooches, belts. Our market target is basically young adults, students and corporate people.
Contact us today and we would be at your service to meet your fashion needs.
Mobile :
0200728874 0242923472
Facebook : virtueclothinghouse
Virtue is the new light in the fashion industry to add decency to elegance.
Virtue .... redefining fashion for His Glory Virtue ...... Decency in Elegance KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
17
The glorious wedding of Dominic Andoh-Owusu and Georgina Afriyie Kwarteng at The Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Obuasi on Sat. 24th March, 2012. Colors: White, Gold and Wine
18 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
19
20 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Mr. & Mrs. Mintah
T
Marriage life
Choices
and destiny
o the best of my understanding, one of the reasons why God says that we should not lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all our ways, is that life is a summary of the choices we make. Choices play a significant role in destiny and therefore one needs some knowledge, which is truth to be able to make a choice that will affect destiny positively. The Bible has made it clear that this world is in the hands of the devil. It means that every day we walk through a field of mines and we must navigate our path through it. It is therefore dangerous to walk through such a field without a device warning you about the presence of mines. Acknowledging God in making our choices is a sure way of having a device to guide us on the right path. Ever since I understood this aspect of life, I have always thanked God for His guidance and help to navigate the path of life. Jesus said in John 11:9-10, Are there not 12 hours of day light? A man who walks by day will not stumble for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he
walks by night that he stumbles for he has no light. Our lives as Christians should not be one of trial and error. It is too dangerous to live in this world by experiment. Without God’s guidance we are like a blind man who only realizes that there is an obstacle when he hits against an object, but such is the life of many. We always move not knowing where we are going until we realize that the road can’t take us where we desire to go. When one walks without divine knowledge it’s like walking in the night. Daylight is knowledge from God which comes through His word by the Holy Spirit to guide us to know the truth and the right path to our destiny. Understanding is also important. It is when you understand why you are making a choice that you can do the right thing. What is the motive behind the choice you make today, whom are you trying to please by the choice you make? We should always acknowledge that we do not live for ourselves but for Christ.
Acknowledging God in making our choices is a sure way of having a device to guide us on the right path
the gods of your ancestors or the God who created the Heaven and the Earth. Are you about to make a choice for your life’s partner? Go ahead, but acknowledge God first and seek divine knowledge. Pray to God for a clear direction, because you are about to determine/affect your destiny by the choice you make today.
Remember that refusing to make a choice is in itself a choice. Once you are born into this world, you cannot help but make choices so you must choose this day whom you will serve;
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
21
R Rev. Brian O. Amoateng – THE REVIVALIST
ev. Brian O. Amoateng is the President of the Brian Jones Outreach Ministries (BJOM) headquartered in London. BJOM seeks to bring hope and encouragement to hopeless lives through revival. He is also the Chairman of the Brian Jones Charity Foundation. Rev. Brian although brought up in a strong christian home, as a young boy he ended up in a gang leading him into several negative social vices until he was arrested by the Holy Spirit one Thursday night on his way to a night club in Accra, Ghana. He is one of the end-time ministry gifts to the Body of Christ, a strong and forthright preacher of the word and a well sought after conference speaker who travels the globe. With his revelatory, practical and simple messages, he has brought change and salvation to a countless number of people. An author and life coach, Rev. Brian has a sharp and unique prophetic and healing ministry. He is also known to be a great revivalist of our time. He currently holds revival meetings in different cities across the world dubbed ‘THE HEAL OUR LAND’ conventions.
He holds a Diploma in Theology from the Crio Bible School; a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Ghana, Legon and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations from Brunel University in London. Rev. Brian is married to Abigail and lives happily in London, England.
22 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Sarah Lois Acquah is the last born of five siblings to the late Pastor Thomas Acquah of the Apostolic Church Ghana, a Christian and Broadcast Journalist by professional training from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. She worked with Ghana Television (GTV) in 2006-2008 as a news reporter and later presented Tete Wobi Show. As a young speaker, she has ministered at several youth Conferences/Programs, and now Producer/Hostess of Christianity Today Talk Show on TV3, a program that discusses topical issues relating to or affecting the lives of today’s Christian. It seeks to engage the believer in matters of sound biblical and spiritual precepts with a contemporary reflection, in a way that makes him/her mature spiritually and become socially relevant as well.
Sarah Lois Acquah has obtained the Advance Diploma in Broadcast Journalism, Diploma in English from the University of Ghana Institute of Adult Education and currently reading Theology at Regent University College and setting up a foundation dubbed Save A Soul Today Foundation. Sarah Lois Acquah is single and still searching.
Eric Jeshurun Okyere
Pastor Blessing Tsikudo
As an international healing evangelist, I conduct the “Jesus is Passing this Way” miracle gospel crusades in unreached parts of the world, with massive conversions, healings, miracles, signs and wonders. Being a highly itinerant minister, I accept invitations to speak in crusades, conventions, and conferences across several denominations around the world. The strength of my ministry is mostly felt in the word I preach, characterized by a strong awareness of the manifest presence of God. I am also a learned scientist who holds a Masters Degree in Geophysics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. I am happily married to my lovely wife, Abigail, and we both reside in Accra, Ghana.
C
hristian TV Talk show Producer and Hostess
Sarah Lois Acquah
R
ight from the early age of 12, traces of the call of God on my life began to surface. Seventeen years on, I see myself blazing with the call of an apostolic evangelist whose passion and desire is to preach to souls in areas where Christ is unknown and to plant churches which would disciple them into fully-grown Christians. My passionate desire is to see the lost saved and to stir up revivals in the body of Christ. This passion is what has birthed the Revival Across Nations Ministries (RAN ministries), which is made up of a network of ministries seeking to reach the nations for Christ. Concurrently, I head this network of ministries and also pastor the Whitefield Chapel, a thriving New Testament church which is the ministerial headquarters of RAN ministries in the city of Accra.
A
Superlative statement like “Voicing God’s hope and deliverance to the nations” is the red carpet endorsement of Eric Jeshurun Okyere’s gospel music prowess. Akin to his name, Jeshurun is a personality that rejoices in being considered the delight of the Father (God).
From humble years of learning the rubrics of music, Eric has excelled in bringing a message of hope, love and restitution to the body of Christ in Africa whilst extending a hand also to the listening public who are not yet believers. Eric identifies with the movement that emphasizes Godliness and music ministered from the heart of a servant to God and to the Church. Jeshurun complements his music ministry with a radical witness of God’s Word and an interactive style of communication. He enjoys sharing his testimony from addictions and counseling his peers to depend on God. This assertion themes Eric’s inspiring radio single, “Nea Atete” and channels the conviction that no matter where life leads you, nothing is beyond God’s healing grace. Eric thrives with Covenant Family of Praise, a youth leadership movement that re-orients individuals who have been set free from addictions and regressive Christian behaviour. As team leader of Jeshurun Okyere Global Outreach, core leader of Love Creed, recording artiste, convener of favourite annual gospel concert - AUGUST WORSHIP - and a practicing market executive, Eric employs this matrix of platforms to tell all around him that Jesus is much more than enough.
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
23
Sent forth by Christ with an Apostolic ministry to reveal and herald the fellowship and ministry of the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ, Erick Ampah is a blessing to many in Africa, Europe, Asia and S. America. He believes the Holy Spirit must be every believer’s friend and coach; he is THE HOLY SPIRIT CRUSADER!!
I
n every era God raises leaders to pioneer new possibilities for humankind and without pretense or apology, Willie charts a paradigm of purposeful living especially for young people.
William Okyere–Frempong is a medical doctor by training, a preacher, leadership & life coach, conference speaker, creative writer and an educator by divine design. He is the founder & CEO of the CLiNS Group, a Christian youth life development NGO based in Korle-Bu, Ghana, whose vision is to engineer the holistic development of young persons in order to empower them to live productively and fulfill their God-given purpose. William is a certified Leadership and Life Coach- the first global graduate of the Leadership HuDdles initiative by Dr. Yaw Perbi of the HuD Group- a ministry partner of the Dr. John Maxwell’s EQUIP Million Leaders Mandate worldwide project. He is an associate trainer of the HuD Group’s Leadership Conferences and the Lead Coach at the CLiNS Life Development Academy (CLiDA).
Dr. Okyere-Frempong is also a co-founder of Durban View International College - an emerging professional Business and Leadership College. He is a founding member of the Baobab Family Tree Limited- a multipurpose business solutions company based in Korle-Bu. Given his rare gift of vision, initiative, communication and leadership, it comes as no surprise that he has held and continues to serve in a plethora of positions and holds membership of boards in a number of organizations. Willie is unashamedly CHRSITIAN and completely sold out to CHRIST.
24 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
R
aised in rural Ghana and educated singularly by a struggling mother, Benjamin knows firsthand the enabling power of a strong-minded person. His mother’s unyielding faith in God and tough character helped shape him into a visionary leader with an incredible spirit. As an Entrepreneur, Transformation Expert, Brand Strategist and Life Coach, Benjamin Gregory Aggrey is the CEO of Effusion Motivate, a personal and corporate life transformation firm committed to empowering a new generation of change agents across Africa. He is also the founder of the award winning WOMAN 2.1. Summit. He has a gift of carving a vision, cracking a code for it and organizing people to realize the vision.
BENJAMIN GREGORY AGGREY – AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION
Erick Ampah was born on the 1st of January in the late 1980s. Socially, he is known as ‘Highpriest’, he is business minded, a consultant and a friend to many. In academia, he had his high school education at Adisadel College, Cape Coast, undergraduate studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and MBA at the University Of Wales (UK). In worldwide ministry, he is an Apostle, a leader, radio evangelist, prolific writer, miracle worker, an inspiration and a father to many.
William Okyere–Frempong - HUMAN CAPITAL ENGINEER
Erick Ampah - THE HOLY SPIRIT CRUSADER!!
P
eople around the world know Erick Ampah as the Worldwide President of the Trinity Throneroom International Ministries (TTRIM), Head Pastor of Trinity Throneroom Temple, Executive Manager of the Trinity Broadcasting International, Overseer of the Trinity Interdenominational Ministries and Director of the Trinity Phanerosis Ministry Institute; but there is much more to the story of the man and ministry now impacting nations beyond excellence.
He received a United States Congressional Recognition award in 2010 and a nomination in the 10th Annual Global Professional Achievers awards in 2011. With abiding passion, infectious energy and God’s favour, his company’s signature and groundbreaking initiative, WOMAN 2.1 Summit has grown from a gathering of change agents to a global movement of influential voices, authentic hearts and great minds. He believes that Africa’s emerging transformation demands wisely nurtured God fearing leaders all across the continent to embrace the challenge of making Africa a giant economic force in the twenty first century. He is indebted to God for His mercies, his formidable team and numerous mentors and advisors globally for their continual sacrifice and support. Benjamin Gregory holds a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
o
s-
al ds
y’s an
e
rs
s
Through diverse manifestations of the Holy Spirit, the prophetic ministry of Brother Dominic Andoh-Owusu has grown into a time-tested, cutting-edge glorious movement in this end-time. His profound insight into the prophetic destiny of the Church has charted a course for him in international conferences, seminars and crusades.
Evolving from a very humble beginning, this iconic sage, has learnt the things of God through the most unusual and unconventional circumstances and has produced in him the springs of healing for the nations. His ministerial convictions holds the philosophy that, “the church is an eternal entity without a beginning or end, inseparable from Christ, taking over the kingdoms of the world through the Manifestation of Love, the Word and the Power of God... “ it was to this course, he was called to be a prophet to the nations. He is the visionary leader of the WORD GLORY CENTER, a multi-racial, syndicate of fire brand believers empowered to take over the world
Albert trained as a Human Resource Management professional and is a Management Consultant with many years of experience in Human Resources, General Management and Communications landscape. He founded and manages Hope Coalition International an NGO with focus on Youth development, Education and Entrepreneurship. He also set up the Management Institute which is a Management and knowledge Marketing Firm which supports the development of innovative business ideas. Companies and individuals such as Great Imperial Transport Services, Waves International, Regent University College of Science and Technology, Pentecost University College have benefited greatly from his expertise. Albert is a Managing Partner for Career Nation, an International Human resource management firm.
He graduated from Central University College with a degree in Business Administration, Human Resource option and has completed a Masters programme in Development, Democracy, Governance and Law from the University of Cape Coast. He has completed an MBA in Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy from Maastricht School of Management (MSM) in the Netherlands. Albert Ankrah is the 2012 Vice President for Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ghana. He contributes to development issues in the Media and hosts his own TV program called, Educational Diaries on GTV. He has been nominated as a 2012 member of the prestigious Cranz Montana Forum for new Leaders, a Switzerland based think tank. Albert is Spirit filled born again believer.
Francis N. Agyin-Asare
f
D H ALBERT ANKRAH
on
Dominic Andoh-Owusu
r’s
is passion has always been to see the total potential of the youth developed and put to productive use. He believes that the greatest resource any Country has is its Human resource.
ominic Andoh-Owusu -A PROPHET UNTO THE LORD
G
od is nurturing a generation of very many learned Christians, who are not merely intellectuals, but scholarly believers who are in pursuit of purity and athirst to demonstrate the awesome and undeniable power of God. I have been led to call this the “3H Generation” (a generation of believers who have the Head, the Heart, and the Hands!)
Francis N. Agyin-Asare is my name, second of Bishop Charles Agyinasare’s three children. Currently a Bsc Business Management and French student in the University of Surrey, UK. I Love learning languages, swimming, and a big fan of movies. My Mission is to reach my generation with the saving, delivering and healing power of the Holy Ghost. To join God’s laborers to straighten the crookedness in a broken and dying world, by promoting holiness in the Church, righteousness outside it, and the power of God through it. To defend the Faith against the multitude of false religions around. To be part of the great and pending move of revival that is soon to take place in our nation and generation. Influence first of all my nation Ghana with the unadulterated word of God, as well as the francophone, European, and Asian worlds with the truth of Christ’s full salvation and kingdom. Some lives have been saved through the word of God, some have been brought back on the path of righteousness, some have been delivered from satanic oppression, and some have received healing in their bodies. They have the full gospel preached to them!
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
25
26 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Randy, Publisher of Kharis magazine receiving the award citation
Kharis Magazine, Ghana’s Flagship Charismatic Christian Magazine having served the broader Christian community for the past two years was honored by Leadership Empowerment Consult (LEC), one of Ghana’s most outstanding Non-Governmental human capital development groups, under the auspices of their annual conference dubbed “Great Achievers Summit”, which seeks to celebrate brands, honour impact makers, and stir up an entrepreneurial drive amongst the youth. The event took place at the plush Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra on 14th December, 2011. The occasion was graced by Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, who also received
an award for his entrepreneurial contributions to the nation. Amongst those present were Mr. Bernard Avle (Operations Manager, Citi FM), Apostle Robert Laryea (CEO, Word Life Multimedia Network), and Samuel Kwame Boafo (Head of HR, Cal Bank). Albert Kusi, President of LEC, admonished the youth to stop compounding the unemployment situation in the country and rather create jobs with their talents and abilities.
the organizers (LEC) for such a great initiative and urged the youth of Ghana to pursue God in order to identify and maximize their God-given potential in order to serve their generation according to God’s will and purposes. Enjoy the exclusive photos of the event.
The CEO of Kharis Media Limited (publishers of Kharis magazine), Randy Osae Bediako, in his speech thanked God and praised
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
27
Randy with Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom
Albert Kusi, President of LEC
Albert Kusi (President of LEC) and Randy( Kharis magazine Publisher)
from left, Apostle Robert Laryea (CEO, Word Life Multimedia Network), Mr. Bernard Avle (Operations Manager, Citi FM) and Samuel Kwame Boafo (Head of HR, Cal Bank) 28 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Dr. Paa kwesi Nduom receiving his award citation
Randy (Publisher of Kharis magazine delivering a speech
Ghamsu UCC choir ministering in songs
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
29
30 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
The doom - and - gloom crowd always expects the negative. But behind the troubling headlines, God is working in surprising ways ~Randy Osae Bediako
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
A
s we look at this country at the present time, we see a nation in moral and spiritual decline. Moral decency has been sacrificed on the altar of vulgar materialism and the prostitution of our national integrity as God-fearing people holds sway each waking day. Crass vulgarity, scandals and indecency are the norm. There is no limit to the obscenity shown on television. We are fast developing into a sex-saturated society in all that we see, hear and read. Unbridled bribery and corruption have become a part of public life.
We may not be attracted by such matters, but our children and grandchildren face the threat of growing up in a society which is falling apart. Our forefathers fought a battle against slave masters but we face a ‘Battle for Ghana’ against devilish forces. The devil has sure got a foothold in this country as people have given up fearing God and rebelled against Him. But make no mistake; there will be a price to be paid. No one gets away with violating God and His Word. There are rules for life which God has laid down, but too often they become merely a basis for negotiation. Spiritually, there has been a steady decline in Church attendance. While some of the churches which are supposed to be places of hope have become money-making machines, others have twisted the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to serve their parochial philosophies. This country desperately needs a spiritual revival, a genuine gettingback to God; a getting-back to the Bible. Evans Roberts, the Welsh revivalist, once said, “Revival is God breathing down to the dying embers of a fire which is just about to go out and breathing into it until it bursts into flames.” In 960 bc, Israel was in a spiritual and moral decline and the people were failing to worship God. Solomon had just finished building his Temple and was dedicating it to God, and he pleaded with God to forgive the nation of their sins. God answered that if they would humble themselves and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, He would heal the land. We need to make the same plea.
IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME… God’s people are those who worship Him and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and profess Christ. They are the ones entitled to be called ‘God’s people’, not those who have a nodding acquaintance with Him every Christmas; not those who use the Church as a backdrop for baptisms and weddings; but those people who are in a regular relationship with Him. The added advantage of this call is that it can relate to all His people. There are some tasks in the Church we cannot do due to age or infirmity. Here, God is making it possible for all His people, whatever their age or state of health, to do. The solution to the nation’s problems lies not with politicians or human rights activists, but with God’s people.
The solution to the nation’s problems lies not with politicians or human rights activists, but with God’s people
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
31
IF THEY WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES… Both individually and as a Church there is a need for repentance. There is too much pride. People can become obsessed with a sense of their own importance and if not given the due acknowledgment they feel they deserve, they may become upset. Satan said, “I will exalt my throne above God”, and some people want to do the same and so cause disruption in our churches. If we want revival, we must accept we are all weak sinners. God says a certain action is sin. We disagree and try to justify ourselves perhaps by pointing out others who do the same. We think everyone in society accepts this conduct so how unfair of God to criticise our actions. As we draw closer to God, the sin in our lives which we first accepted as normal becomes distasteful. Jesus spoke of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee was so convinced of his righteousness, but the publican beat his breast and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Jesus said the publican went home justified before God; the Pharisee did not. Jesus also said unless we become like a little child we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. A child depends on their father for help and support; we are also called
32 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
upon to depend on our heavenly Father. We start by humbling ourselves before God then throwing ourselves on His mercy. We either justify ourselves or God. One way leads to darkness, the other to revival.
IF MY PEOPLE WILL PRAY… Jesus told us to pray without ceasing and gave examples of desperate prayer. In one story a family had gone to bed when they were disturbed by a neighbour pounding on their door. The homeowner looked out and was asked for some bread by the neighbour to feed his guest. The homeowner refused but the neighbour kept on knocking until the homeowner gave what he wanted. The theme of the story is perseverance; it was desperation which won the day. Jesus said, ‘Keep on asking and you will receive; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened up to you.’ If we want revival we must pray in desperation for it. Revival is a call to both the young and old. When the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites, Moses and Aaron were too old to fight, but as the younger men fought they prayed and every time they did so the Israelites
advanced. Older people, as well as the younger generation, can play a vital role in rekindling revival fires in our nation.
IF MY PEOPLE WILL SEEK MY FACE… God said, “If you seek me with all your heart you will find me.” God wants us to enter into quality relationship with Him. Not to see Him, as someone to go to when we want something, but as sons and daughters who want to respect the Father.
IF MY PEOPLE TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS… An unwatered garden will go hard and unproductive; its vegetation will wilt and die. The spiritual life of people can be like that. There is a slack in Bible reading, prayer and church attendance, and a return to worldly living; in doing so we reject God’s approval for those things that please Him. We no longer are interested in Christian teaching. Some conduct themselves in ways they clearly know are wrong, because the conscience, which for so long gave warning, doesn’t work anymore. There is a need for serious selfexamination of our lives to root out ill-conduct and such things
that are not worthy of us as Christians. Adultery, homosexuality, hatred, discord, jealousy, envy, and witchcraft must leave us forthwith. The Bible says ‘woe to those who call evil good and good evil.’ The Church as God’s voice may have failed to speak out in condemnation of evil practices for fear of upsetting the liberal tendency and being branded narrow, often preferring to align itself with society’s standards (the ‘If you can’t beat them join them’ mentality). Can you imagine how little the Christian Church would have progressed, if Paul had been so timid in his days? Scripture alone should be our guide in standing up boldly to execute God’s counsel in our nation. Sometime we have real unpleasantness in our churches. This is because some people see them as places to exercise power they could not have had elsewhere. They become argumentative, rebellious, self-centered and enjoy causing disruption. We are told the disciples were all of one mind at Pentecost, and look what happened there. What an effect it would have in the nation, if all our churches were like those disciples. As you seek God, His love should make you tear down all barriers that keep people apart. Think of
the awesome power that unity can bring. The devil will do all in his power to cause division among Christians. All of us need to have a passion for revival in our nation. Our poverty as Christians comes into play when we don’t feel a concern for the future of the Church and the nation we find ourselves in.
The Church as God’s voice may have failed to speak out in condemnation of evil practices for fear of upsetting the liberal tendency and being branded narrow, often preferring to align itself with society’s standards (the ‘If you can’t beat them join them’ mentality).
We must eschew self-centeredness and narrow desires for the sake of the Lord’s Church. If we really believe Christianity is the only hope and answer for a fallen world, then let us earnestly pray and work for revival and make sure we are living as God intended us to. Revival begins with God’s people, but the power of God is so strong it soon spreads to the entire society. After Jesus had risen from the dead, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high. Although their lives were in danger, they gathered in that Upper Room and waited patiently for the promise of the Father. Then when the day finally came they were filled with the Holy Spirit and were converted to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The same God who visited His people in Jerusalem is ready to visit the nation of Ghana. He has promised to hear His people and answer from heaven. Get ready; pray.
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
33
34 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
KHARISEpsilon Eta Edition 20122011 KHARIS Zeta Edition Edition 2011 35
36 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
37
Music lovers thrilled at
Eld
ll i want
a you are
Lord
uah and
r Danq , Jennife
MC’S ah to Jehov
n
o Fifi Fols
a
mm Afric
tco ear’s Stra s at last y
ong vourite s fa ir e h t led to and u Tsikata were thril e Jam 2011.” praising t a a n Mr. Tsats a d h e G im is a ,” was lovers in t dubbed: “Pra goodness en ’s v d e o g G in n ospel music iv o g igher d Thanks ts Soaring h ut the years. r, a Praise an b e from artis h t s o g g h n g in o u s is o r a r popula ercies th heme: “R treated to ond. e t on the t is goodness and m r n e e w v e e im Th H amm the br God for Accra to teng and Calvis H in e r bury t thanking a e O esi al Th orale, As n w h io C C t , a s s u u N s f e io J Harmon itorium o Glorious ante, the s d the aud al, Daughters of e A ll t fi r e o lb h nce w lla Se astor A The audie anny Nettey, Ste on Sax, P n a M d D nney an including Becky Bo , le t t e M Joe tes were; rs artisEta Edition 2012 O38theKHARIS ise
iving pra
ah g er Cobb and Esth
G
a Seal
b Stella A Lomo
re with n Otchee Publisher) n r Jeshuru Ministe(Kharis magazi Randy
y oir led b family ch , m Africaa Parker Halm m o tc a in Str r Wilhelm es Office Emma ra te Servic Corpo
bossey, nsford A
Elder Ra
PIWC
Borteley
a Afutu in
cital
poetry re
f the k Some o
gazine te
haris ma
raise
ing in p
s charg am mate
d
ine squa
s magaz
ri The Kha rale
ious Cho
Harmon Becky B
onney
the team and ip h s r o dW Praise an Dunwell Africa family. m Stratcom dance elp but to form h t o n ld nce cou they per The audie ng the artistes as alo and sing n. dmiratio a to their ent.. of the ev s t o h s e iv e Exclus Enjoy th
y choir
ica famil
officer, perating O f ie h C ynn, ent in Atta-F g the ev Mr. Mart Africa enjoyin m Stratcom
m Afr Stratcom
ing
th is own oing h d le t 39 KHARIS r Eta Met 2012 eEdition te Jo Minis
GHANA 2012:
OUR YEAR OF PROPER USE OF THE TONGUE “The tongue has the power of Life and Death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.” PROVERBS 18:21. There has been quite notably and rightly so, a lot of rallying calls for Prayer for our Nation Ghana in this election year. The response has been tremendous and there is a lot to commend on this Drive. “ If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” 2 CHRONICLES 7:14. While our commendable proclamations at these prayer gatherings are “on point”, let us be reminded that God, is a God of the HEART. Your HEART’S communication registers to God far ahead and more significantly than your mouth. “ The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me….’ ISAIAH 29:13.
40 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Rev. Dr. Derek & Mrs. Linda Larbi
After we have PRAYED, are we careful to guard our hearts from the pervading, unrelenting, almost fashionable, disenchanting pessimism that characterizes all Political and National development discussions?
When we are not in a charged prayer meeting appropriately sensitized for the occasion.
Our Radio stations are literally choked with demoralizing pessimism on every political issue.
“ For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks”
I am talking about these Clichés i.e. “These Leaders are all the same, you can’t expect anything different” “ Hmmm…..Ghana…things will never change” “ Corruption is the way of life in Ghana” “ Our Educational System is doomed” “There is no hope for the Youth in Ghana. Crime is their only way out” These seemingly casual comments that unfortunately sometimes roll of the tongues of tongue speaking, spirit filled Christians may well be the UNPRAYING of our PRAYERS. These comments are the true reflections of our HEARTS in the unguarded moments when we are not holding microphones in a public forum.
These are the spontaneous overflows of our heart’s condition.
MATTHEW 12:34. Dear friends, let us keep praying and praying for this our nation and let us desist from “UNPRAYING”. “ From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied” PROVERBS 18:20.
I
t was an exhilarating experience at the Perez Dome on the 1st of April 2012 during a special thanksgiving service organized in honor of the founder and presiding Bishop of Word Miracle Church International , Bishop Charles Agyinasare. The event was an all golden affair, as the whole auditorium was filled to capacity with members of the church, loved ones and renowned Bishops and pastors some of whom had travelled from all over the world just to wish the Bishop a warm happy birthday.
The president of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Professor John Evans Attah Mills was there to crown the event and to wish Bishop well. The Bishop however turned 50 on the 22nd of March 2012. The entire Kharis magazine crew wish the Bishop and his family greater blessings in the years ahead. We love you Bishop...!!! 42 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
43
“Try my
GOD”
Esther A. N. Cobbah CEO, Stratcomm Africa 44 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
An interview with the indefatigable Esther Cobbah; she reveals her person, how she became born-again, and the incredible story of how she defied great odds and challenges to build an outstanding multinational company.
Kharis: I would like to know who Esther Cobbah is.
Esther C:
Esther Cobbah is just me, an individual that has been created by her Maker. I am [a] communications specialist, and was born in Sekondi to Mr. and Mrs. Cobbah.
Kharis: How was growing up for you like? I’m very grateful to my mum, who instilled in me godly values that have enabled me to accept the Lord as my personal saviour. I had my elementary school education at Komenda Middle School and Mmofraturo in Kumasi, and secondary school education at Wesley Girls’ High School, Cape Coast. I did my first degree course at the School of Communications, University of Ghana, Legon, and then at Cornell University, Ithaca, in the United States to become a communications professional and understand how messages get conveyed among human beings.
Kharis: Going back a little, you mentioned that at eleven you became born-again and from your story I can easily tell you are from a Christian home. How was it for you accepting Christ at that age?
Esther C:
One Brother Wilson led me to Christ. I had lost my mum at that age and I had never been exposed like that. Through Brother Wilson’s teachings, I came to experience the love of God. I therefore decided that going on in my life this was the kind of life I would want to live ‒ a Christ-like life.
to start Stratcomm Africa as a young lady?
Esther C:
My upbringing, my mother’s loving-and-giving attitude, and how she tried to understand every individual shaped my career choice and I think that was what I learnt from her. I have always had a passion to have tools to help transform the rural environment and stimulate development as well as peace and harmony nationally and internationally. Perhaps the clearest way in which my sense of continuing my mother’s legacy was expressed was in the desire that I had ‒ going through communications school to use communication to improve the living conditions of rural communities. My focus in graduate school was on communication for developing countries. I came to appreciate how many development programmes in the developing world fail to achieve the intended results, because those who are supposed to benefit from them are not even provided the requisite information about these programmes and do not get empowered to take advantage of what is on offer from such programmes.
Kharis:
What impact has your faith had in the success of your business?
But God being so good, He did not allow my challenges to overwhelm me. He paid the salaries and all other bills from time to time. And this has strengthened my faith in Him. It has not been easy; faith has kept this organization and has made it possible for me to wake up every morning and come to work to encourage people to work. My faith has taught me to work with the integrity of heart and skill of hand to the glory of my God, who created me and gave me the talents. It has also taught me to be strong and of good courage in pursuing the vision that God has given me, knowing that my help is in the name of the Lord and He is my anchor in all things. The grace of God and faith in His word has brought Stratcomm Africa this far and my faith assures me we are soaring higher. We have not seen anything yet. I would say that for me, worship is anything I do to bring glory to the name of Jesus. At Stratcomm Africa, we worship through our work. We develop and implement comprehensive and systematic communication strategies for clients from diverse local and international backgrounds. We pursue excellence in our services which range from organizational, development, intercultural and behaviour change communication. We work to the glory of God.
Esther C: First of all, it is through Kharis: As you were speaking you faith that this business was set up. It was very challenging in the beginning and most people we worked for in the beginning were reluctant in paying, because of their lack of respect for communications in those days. But I encouraged myself and consistently said, “This is my talent and I believe it would work.” There were [however] a couple of times when I said to myself “this is not going anywhere”, then I got on my knees and prayed. I keep telling my friends that if I had not known Christ [as my personal saviour then], those hard times and the challenges would have drawn me to hell.
kept saying “it has not been easy”, just want to know if you could remember the most challenging moment in your life and how you were able to deal with it.
Esther C: The death of my mother was a challenge. I was so close to her and she had to go just like that. I guess it was a turning point, it also showed me once again that it was not about me. Am still around today because God is my everything. My mother always said: “dzin pa ye kyen ahonya” – “a good name is better than personal possessions.” It KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
45
Trailblazer
[Emma Parker Halm said a prayer to begin the interview]
Kharis: What really inspired you
is not so much success in the sense of material possessions that drives what I have tried to do over the years. More valuable to me is a good name and upholding the highest professional standards in my work. I thank God for enabling me to turn even setbacks or challenging situations into inspired opportunities. Ultimately the anchor for my life and work amidst all the twists and turns is my faith in Jesus Christ, and I seek to glorify God in all I do, including my work. The scripture in Isaiah 40:31 is very real to me: But those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Kharis: What has been your greatest moment or the turning point in your life apart from your mum’s demise?
Esther C:
The imprisonment and later vindication of my husband, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, has been a great turning point for me, I would say. This critical event helped me to
realize that He is Lord and a prayeranswering God. Also, the abrupt termination of my professional work at WAGP was extremely challenging. The circumstances in which my tenure as External Affairs Manager for the WAGP Project ended provided me what I prefer to describe as “one of those moments of prophetic inspiration” in my life rather than the disaster it could have been. I was given two days to hand over! If I had allowed myself to wallow in anger and bitterness about the situation, I couldn’t have kept going in GOD’S BIG WORLD in which He assures us that:
But is that true? Our humble experience teaches us the opposite. We have come this far only because the Lord has been with us, and we dare to proclaim this! By their fruits ye shall know them – that applies to individuals as it does to organizations. Christian values, including integrity, hard work, diligence, excellence and readiness to serve others are what Stratcomm Africa Limited upholds, and when you visit our premises you will see that we proclaim our faith and our conviction that our work itself must glorify God publicly. [The interview ended with a prayer from Aunty Esther]
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28); “If God is for us who can be against us?” (Romans 8: 31b).
Kharis: Is it possible to bridge the gap between your faith and business in these dangerous times?
Esther C: It is often perceived that in today’s world a business cannot be run successfully, if it adheres to Christian values in its operations.
.” It is not so much success in the sense of material possessions that drives what I have tried to do over the years. More valuable to me is a good name and upholding the highest professional standards in my work. I thank God for enabling me to turn even setbacks or challenging situations into inspired opportunities. Ultimately the anchor for my life and work amidst all the twists and turns is my faith in Jesus Christ, and I seek to glorify God in all I do, including my work. 46 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
I
n this life and age it is sometimes extremely difficult to find your purpose and role in life as an individual.
The role of a woman in the society is still a seeming endless debate. Everyone has something they think is the role of the woman. But what does the Bible say? What does Jesus expect of us as women in our daily lives at home as wives, as mothers and at work? If we are not careful to find out what our role is in our individual circles as women, we may be found wanting when we stand before Jesus our Lord one day. It is not really what everyone says that matters; what matters is finding out what Jesus requires of you personally as a woman. Have a retreat, talk to Jesus; He says if we diligently search for Him we will find Him. Ask Him what He desires of you as a woman. Is the position you find yourself in really where He wants you planted? Is the man you are about to marry really who He desires for you to support? Is the nanny taking care of your children really how He desires for your children to be brought up? Is the way you treat your husband really what He expects of you? Modernity and the justification of new lifestyles in coping with work and career opportunities, especially for us women could derail God’s exact purpose for each one of us, if we blindly accept the trends in vogue line, hook and sinker. Many women have made several choices and decisions based on what God has directed for them to do, and they have so much peace and fulfillment in their lives. “The woman’s purpose is to assist the man in fulfilling God’s plan for his life. The implications of this are profound. First, it
means the male has to have a plan; otherwise, the female is in trouble. Second, it means that the female must understand that her fulfillment is related to the male’s vision. In other words, she can never really be complete if she does not help him fulfill his vision” Dr. Myles Munroe. “Women play such an important part in the life of the family. Their value is beyond measure. No amount of money can adequately compensate a woman for her work. Words cannot express what women mean to the success of their husband and children. But women are valuable. They are not second rating. They are not inferior. They are not weak. Giving birth to children, putting up with the daily pressures of life, dealing with the demands of children, maintaining a good relationship with her husband, and often working a full time job on top of all that would drive many men to their grave. Women are truly strong in their ability to handle it all.” Michael Davis.hubpages.com If you do not understand your role and purpose and your value in Christ as a woman, you will always feel KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
47
someone is trying to make you inferior, you will always fight to be the one in control, and you will always fight to be empowered by someone or something. But truly the only way is to go back to the author and finisher of your faith; go to Jesus, and find out what He wants of you in particular as a woman. You may have to make some sacrifices, changes or decisions; it may be costly but not more costly than what you will say to the Lord when you finally meet Him. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Matthew 24:45 (NKJV)
Let me leave you with a testimony by a lady, which I culled from Michael Davis.hubpages.com I do agree that a woman’s place is in the home. I am not a mother yet I do work more than a lot and my home life suffers from it. I put myself through school and with two-seven jobs at a time I paid back my debt within three years. I have a great job now I take care of people and I do love it but there is so much in the house that needs to be completed within a day. I love my partner, he is an amazing man; he’s smart, funny and well he’s great. We’ve been together for the past seven years and I want to start a family in seven more years from now, when I’m 32.
48 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
a housewife is really hard work in itself. I cannot wait to be one my family and my partner will be so much better off and I will never be ashamed to be a stay-at-home mom. When I have children, I want to be present in my home. When I have them in my children’s lives, I think work should be a choice and the best work you can do is in the home. It is where everything starts. God Bless you as you get your perspective right.
Women are nurturing spiritual beings. We are here to be here for our families and partners. Our entire society will benefit when our younger generation benefits and everything starts in the home, where we learn our first word, to walk, what to eat, how to dress, right from wrong etc. If we are to have the right influences then we have to have someone there to teach them to us and our generation. Our younger generations are going to suffer from the woman who doesn’t make the home the main focus. My mom worked throughout my childhood. She was spent by the time she got home and usually too stressed out to deal with the four of us; my older brother, my older sister, and my twin brother and me. We learned from a very young age how to do a lot of things on our own. My dad wanted my mom to be a stayat- home wife and mother, but my mom chose to work because she had something to “prove” to herself and the world. She even decided to move out of my dad’s house (he paid for the house and he let my mom go to school and do as she wished but he would not pay for her schooling for her; she is still in student loan debt today). My dad died when I was 12 and my mom had already missed so much. She continued to miss everything. She was too tired from work and I wish that she was more a part of my life and stayed at home with us longer than the five months that she did. I know that I have nothing to “prove” to anyone, and being
The Woman
It is so great to read something that I do agree with when it comes to women’s role in society. I think that a woman working should really be a choice. Some women tend to look down on you when you tell them that you want to be a housewife and then a stay- at-home mom not just for the first six months of a child’s life, which is kind of acceptable in our society, but the entire 18 years and beyond. I know women wanted to go to work back in the day to
“prove” themselves but it should have stayed a choice. You will always need someone at home to take care of the house, cooking and all of the things that go along with the house, instead of women going off in the morning and coming home late at night eating, falling asleep, getting up and going back to work then the cooking, house work and everything in between get kind of half way done on the one day that you have off and your house and family suffers from it.
Lois Mintah
L
ife is nothing but careful preparation, planning, and determined execution. Life is 80% personal preparation for the journey ahead and 20% travelling on the road – the Pareto 20-80 Rule. It is said that success is 90% preparation and 10% perspiration. The greater the proportion of resources – time, energy, effort, money, etc expended on preparation, the less of the same resources expended on perspiration or performance. The fact is that in life and work, you require greater effort, time and energy in preparation than in performance. When you do not adequately prepare for an event, it shows in your performance. In competitive athletics like the International Olympic Games, it takes almost 1,460 days for serious-minded, goal-oriented, trophy-hungry contestants to prepare for the event. They use these days to prepare physically, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and athletically towards the event. Those who stick to the
By Mr. George Kojo Addison | M.D. StarLife Assurance
stand out
“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.”- Abraham Lincoln.
Inspiration
Prepare to
discipline of rigorous and consistent preparation in such competitions are always rewarded.
used the defeats, the disappointments, the disregard, and the frustrations to study and prepare himself.
The miles already covered in the life journey do not count as much as the miles yet to be covered. Whatever stage you find yourself in the life journey does not matter. It is the level of preparation you have made for the uncovered miles of the journey ahead that matters.
Complaints, personal attacks, gossips, and unfair criticisms are the features of the lots who are comfortable to go for the mile race. They use their working hours and even the extra hours allotted them to make complaints about almost everything they see, hear or read. They are quick to criticize but slow to contribute.
How well are you prepared for the miles ahead? Forget about your experiences in the past; forget about how well you are conversant with the road you have already covered behind. Lay aside all your life trophies and make a determined move to prepare for your last onslaught. It is never too late to prepare. I take inspiration from Abraham Lincoln when he said: I will study and prepare myself, someday my time will come. And indeed his time came when he became the President of the United States of America. He did not only become a President but one of the most respected and successful Presidents of the United States of America after several electoral defeats. He
Such people will rather use their productive hours to engage in gossips, unproductive discussions, discuss NPP and NDC, talk about their bosses, talk about other colleagues especially the “edwumawuras”, talk about the system, talk about their salaries, and talk about anything they find convenient to discuss. If you really want to stand out in your workplace, school or any area you find yourself, then sow a seed of determination in yourself and be prepared to be different.
Culled from the book “Stand out”. Watch out for this insightful, thought-provoking and life-transforming book. Contact the author for more enquiries: pic_addison@yahoo.co.uk KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
49
Understanding the precious blood of jesus (CENTRAL TEXT: LEVITICUS 17:11, 1PETER 1:18)
T times.
he Bible makes it very clear that blood is very important as far as sin is concerned. The word blood occurs 360 times in the Old Testament. In Leviticus alone, it occurs about 60
The first time ‘blood’ appears in the Bible clearly is in the sacrifice of Cain and Abel. But even before that it is implied in the Old Testament. Now, the main thing about blood, any blood at all, is that it is a container of life (Leviticus 17:11). The blood of animals contains animal life just as the blood of humans also contains human life.
50 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Right from the Garden of Eden, God declared His preference for blood. When Adam and Eve sinned, they took fig leaves and made aprons for themselves. God came on the scene and saw that they were still naked. He clothed them with coats of skin (Genesis 3:7,21). God established a principle that without the shedding of blood, there can be no deliverance, redemption and remission. This principle is shown throughout the Bible in types and shadows. Cain and Abel’s sacrifice is worth studying. God rejected Cain and his offering (Gen 4:4-5). To the casual observer, it would seem that God just hated Cain, but with the eyes of revelation, we can clearly see that it was because Abel identified with a spiritual law that was already in place. He shed blood. Cain’s sacrifice didn’t involve blood.
Joe Mintah Abel’s sacrifice was by faith (Hebrews 11:4). By faith implies by revelation, that is, by God revealing to you. He applied a spiritual law which said that it is only by the shedding of blood that there is remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). That is why his sacrifice was accepted and Cain’s own was rejected. God instituted this measure as a temporary measure because the perfect blood had not yet come. The fall of man involved a spirit, because man is a spirit being. Man is an eternal spirit.
Now, the main thing about blood, any blood at all, is that it is a container of life (Leviticus 17:11). The blood of animals contains animal life just as the blood of humans also contains human life.
So God used the life in the blood of animals to cover, not take away, the sin of man. So all the sins of the Old Testament folks were piled up and merely covered by the blood of animals (Romans 3:25). But at the appropriate time, the Lamb of God was manifested to take away the sin of the world (John 1:27). Throughout the Old Testament, there were various types and shadows of the precious blood. The Passover was one of them. God told Moses to tell the Israelites to smear blood on their doorposts and lintels so that when the angel of death reached their houses he would pass over them (Ex 12:13). Jesus came to fulfill that type. He was our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). This means that His blood gives us protection. First of all, it is the blood that saved us from eternal death (1 Thessalonians 1:10), washed away our sins (Revelation 1:5), sanctified us (Hebrews 13:12), obtained eternal redemption for us (Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:12), and made peace between us and God (Colossians 1:20). It is this same blood that at the present speaks on our behalf (Hebrews 12:24). Every blood says something because the blood is the carrier of life (Leviticus 17:11). Every blood has a voice. The blood of Abel spoke against Cain (Genesis 4:10). But the blood of Jesus speaks of better things than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). The blood of Jesus speaks forgiveness, reconciliation,
Equipping the saints
If an eternal spirit sins, it cannot take the spirit of animals to redeem him. Therefore in the Old Testament, the word redemption was not used in connection with the sin of man. The word that was used was atonement (Leviticus 17:11). The word atonement simply means “to cover”.
deliverance, redemption etc. These are the words the blood speaks. The blood is alive and active even at present. There are certain things it still does for us. It speaks, it cleanses us (1 John 1:7). It is the blood that He used to purchase us (Acts 20:28), therefore we are not our own (1Corinthians 6:20). The blood is the price of our redemption.
The Blood of Jesus is called the precious blood because it was not ordinary blood. It was the blood of God Himself. In the natural birth process, the blood of the mother and that of the child never mix. Thus God, not wanting His Son to have human blood, made sure that He didn’t have a human father. If Jesus had had a
human father, His blood would have been that of a human being. At best it would have just been like the blood of Abel. Therefore, the blood that ran through Jesus’ vein was precious blood. That is why it is able to save us from sin, because there was no taint of sin in it. It is able to save us from death, because there was no trace of death in it. Satan can’t handle it, because there was no sin and death in it.
Cain and Abel’s sacrifice is worth studying. God rejected Cain and his offering (Gen 4:4-5). To the casual observer, it would seem that God just hated Cain, but with the eyes of revelation, we can clearly see that it was because Abel identified with a spiritual law that was already in place. He shed blood. Cain’s sacrifice didn’t involve blood.
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
51
52 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012
Seeing a Child in Need
The Dying Man
One afternoon a little boy was playing outdoors. He used his mother’s broom as a horse and had a wonderful time until it was getting dark.
A priest was preparing a man for his long journey into the night. Whispering firmly, the priest said, “Denounce the devil! Let him know how little you think of his evil.” The dying man said nothing. The priest repeated his order. Still the dying man said nothing. The priest asked, “Why do you refuse to denounce the devil and his evil?” The dying man said, “Until I know where I’m heading, I don’t think I ought to aggravate anybody.”
He left the broom on the back porch. His mother was cleaning up the kitchen when she realized that her broom was missing. She asked the little boy about the broom and he told her where it was. She then asked him to please go get it. The little boy informed his mom that he was afraid of the dark and didn’t want to go out to get the broom. His mother smiled and said, “The Lord is out there too, don’t be afraid.” The little boy opened the back door a little and said, “Lord if you’re out there, hand me the broom.”
Good Lord! A priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He says, “Sir, have you been drinking?” “Just water,” says the priest. The trooper says, “Then why do I smell wine?” The priest looks at the bottle and says, “Good Lord! He’s done it again!”
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
53
ROAD CONSTRUCTION INVOLVES DEALING WITH MOUNTAINS AND OBSTACLES WHICH MUST BE REMOVED BY BULLDOZERS AND EXCAVATORS
ETERNAL LIFE
‘NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY. WHAT ARE YOU, O MIGHTY MOUNTAIN BEFORE ZERUBABBEL, YOU WILL BECOME LEVEL GROUND. THEN HE WILL BRING OUT THE CAPSTONE TO SHOUTS OF ‘GOD BLESS IT!’ GOD BLESS IT!’ ZECHARIAH 4:6-7 (NIV)
Jo-Mint & Associate
IN CHRIST IS THE ROAD TO EQUALLY TORTUOUS AND DOTTED WITH MOUNTAINS THAT SHOULD BE REMOVED.
KHARIS Eta Edition 2012
55
56 KHARIS
Eta Edition 2012