Christian daily newspaper 4th Issue

NO. 0004

Tuesday 13th - Monday 19th May, 2014

Price: GH 2.00

Four people

Women Urged to hold unto God Alone in difficult times

brought to Life

- Page 10

Oklahoma Mega Church Pastor resigns after admitting infidelity

through fervent Prayers ...

By Fred Dzakpata Story on Page 3

- Page14

Rt. Rev Prof Emmanule Martey is now Chairman of Christian Council of Ghana

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PICTURES The Church of Pentecost 14th Session Extra Ordinary Council Meeting - Page 8-9

Let us make our Sermons

relevant

Rev. Dr. Joseph K. K. Baisie (Regional Superintendent of AG)

Pentecost Chairman Aps. Dr. Opoku Onyinah reveals in the State of the Church address at Church’s annual council meeting

Story on Page 3

Story on Page 2

CHRIST IA N Daily

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NEWS

Let us make our sermons relevant

– Rev Dr Joseph K K Baisie (Regional Superintendent of AG)

By Fred Dzakpata

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inisters of the Gospel in the country have been advised to make their sermons relevant to the challenges confronting the country by focusing on character reformation.

Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies God Church Rev Joseph Kadmus Kwasi Baisie gave the advice at an induction Service for him and other two executive of the Assemblies of God Church on the

theme “Unity in the Spirit for greater heights” at the Tran Continental Worship Centre of the church in Accra.

“As a church, we are getting worried a b o u t t h e breakdown of discipline and moral values, he said adding that the socio economic c h a l l e n g e s bedeviling our development efforts should not let us sacrifice our conscience and values for cheap gains and betray the upcoming generation.

According to him the situation calls for Ghanaians as a whole to be generational in their thinking and making their good works outlive them for the sake of posterity.

To this end , Rev Dr Baisie has therefore appealed to the judiciary to hand out sentences that will discourage wrong doing and ensure

the citizenry becomes more law -abiding .

To u c h i n g o n t h e v i s i o n o f h i s administration christened “renewal, repositioning and administrative reformation, Rev Dr Baisie said the church will embark on an educational drive to educate its members on road signs to address the rampant road accidents in the country lately.

“Road accidents are maiming and killing more people nowadays than HIV /AIDS, yet we are more scared of the latter he lamented coupled with graduate unemployment and inadequate energy supply.

On graduate unemployment he hinted that the church will from next month run a series of seminars and workshops on employability skills and practical entrepreneurship for youth in the church to empower them in order to reduce unemployment in the country.

He further added that as part of the churches contribution to helping solve the e n e rg y p r o b l e m , i t h a s b e g a n encouraging all its branches in the greater Accra Region to adopt the use of solar energy as a way of contributing to the reduction of the pressure on the national

Treat media report that second coming of Jesus Christ May not happen with contempt – Father Martin Deporres Hattor

By Fred Dzakpata

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n Assistant Parish Priest of the St Francis Catholic Church at Awoshie -Anyaa in Accra has called Catholics in the country to treat with contempt comments that the second coming of Jesus Christ is unlikely to happen . Father Martin De Porres Hattoh made the call during a homily at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

A cross section of the media in Ghana have over the last few weeks been discussing media reports making rounds from a certain cardinal by name Giorgio Salvadore who claims to be the spokesperson for Pope Francis .

According to him there is no such official communication from the Catholic Church hence the need for catholic faithful to remain calm. “There is nobody with such name as cardinal at the papacy as the message claims and moreover the spokesperson of Pope Francis Fr Frederico Lombardi is not even a cardinal, he said.

“ I can confidently also tell you there is no truth in the statement that the said cardinal granted an interview to Cable News Network , CNN, you can check their database , he added.

Father Hattoh was worried about the level of publicity the issue has gained on most media platforms especially in Ghana especially when the matter is false. Gleaning his scripture from the Gospel of John , Father Hattoh asked Catholics to pray and ask God open their minds of understanding to understand the word of God not just at the face value. An alleged cardinal by name Georgio El savador has been circulating message saying the second coming of Jesus may not happen after all. It said the purported cardinal said Jesus made the statement about his second coming in a state of drunkenness.

Father Hattoh urged Catholic faithful to live good Christian lives without worrying about the Lords second coming.

grid.

For his part the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church Reverend Dr Paul Frimpong Manso admonished the newly elected executives to ensure they lead in humility and continue to please God. He admonished the newly elected executives not to compromise the doctrines of the church for the sake of modernity and also ensure the maintain the Identity of the church.

He further charged them not to live double standard lives where they are seen as good leaders in the church but bad leaders in their own homes.

The event also saw the induction of other two other executives namely Reverend Ernest Birikorang as the Regional Secretary and Reverend Jonas Tetteh as the Regional Treasurer.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as the Chief Justice , Her Ladyship Justice Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, For Minister of Finance Dr Kwabena Duffour , The Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku and Deputy Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection Benita Sena Okitey Dua , Member of Parliament for Sowutom -Anyaa Shirley Ayorkor Botchway , Municipal Chief executive of LEKMMA Seth Badu Tawiah , the President of the Ghana Journalist Association Affail Monney and Heads of churches in the Greater Accra Region.

Pastor was only invited to assist Police in investigating the murder of 8year old boy in Dansoman

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he Pastor of the Sakaman Branch of the Lighthouse Chapel was only invited to assist the police in connection with the murder of an eight year old at Dansoman, that's according to the District Commander of the Dansoman Police Station, Superintendent Felix Apedo.

He was speaking in an interview with the Christian Daily Newspaper following media reports that the pastor was arrested together with two security men at the Ebenezer Senior High school in connection with the murder of the eight year old boy. Suprentendent Apedo was worried about the manner in which a cross section of the media blew the issue out of proportion. Narrating the reasons for the invitation of the pastor, Superintendent Apedo said the pastor was invited because of his

constant role heBy played Fred by picking Dzakpata the children to church. The Police are still continuing their investigation to bring to book the perpetrators of the murder of the eight year old boy Nana Yaw Buabeng. The deceased went missing on Easter Sunday after he was sent on an errand by the mother but eyewitnesses said they saw the boy in the company of an unidentified man and woman. His body decapitated body was found on the compound of the Ebenezer Senior High School three days after he went missing. Although police have not concluded investigation into the matter, they are suspecting the murder could be a ritual murder.

Information and signals picked by the ChristianDaily indicates that the family of the deceased have declared and intensive fasting and prayer to help bring the perpetrators to book.

Daily CHRISTIA N CHRISTIAN GUIDE

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03

Website: dailychristiangh.com

Friday, September 20, 2013

Ghana to host 3rd

NEWS

Edition of Biblical

leadership initiative forum

By Daniel Asiedu

Four people brought to life through

By Fred Dzakpata

fervent prayers - Aps. Dr. Opoku Onyinah Region on Wednesday 7th May, 2014.

He expressed gratitude to God for his manifestation and his continuous presence in his church though diverse signs and wonders.

“Almost all the areas reported spectacular events which lead one to acknowledge that the ancient Pentecostal fire is still at work in the church of God today”, he said.

Touching on the finances of the Church, Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah the church exceeded its financial hree dead persons were said to budget for the year by 4.27percent. have been brought back to life Membership of the church according across the country in a to him in recorded a growth of 7.2 miraculous way through the church of percent in 2013 representing 8 Pentecost, that's according to its percent of the total population of Chairman Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah. Ghana which stands about 25 million.

The three are Grace Akpah from On the vision of the church, Apostle Asankran Breman , Asankragwa , Dr. Onyinah appealed to councilors, three year old Kwame Emmanuel of ministers and church officers to Suhyen , Effiduase , Koforidua area cooperate and work with the and Mercy Borley of Koforidua who executive council to impact the were all pronounced dead but were incoming generations. healed miraculously through fervent “We must be prepared to forfeit some of our privileges in order to hand over prayers by members of the Church .

Another member Brother Kwame a beautiful church to the next Awudzi of Ajumako, Mankessim area generation”, he admonished. miraculously survived multiple He said, twenty ministers of the gunshots. Fifty pellets of bullets were church are due to retire this year's said to have been removed from his from active pastoral services. In attendance were some prominent chest after he was sent to the hospital.

These were contained in the State of members such as Dr Joseph Siaw the Church's address delivered by Agyapong (CEO of Zoomlion and Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah at the Jospong Group of companies) opening service of the 14th Session of Samuel Amo Tobbin (CEO of the Extra Ordinary Council Meeting Tobinco Pharmacy), Dr Michael held at the Pentecost Convention Agyekum Addo (CEO of KAMA Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central

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Group of companies) and two others whom were all commended for their immense support and contribution to the church.

Fraternal speeches were giving by Christian Council, Ghana Bible Society, SU and others.

The four day meeting on the theme “Fanning the Pentecostal Fire to Impact Generations brought together leaders of the church from its eighty eight branches across the world to assess and evaluate their challenges, and performance for the previous year.

The Church's annual White Paper was issued at the end of the meeting on Friday which contained creations of Areas, District, Ministers promotions, due transfers for Pastors and Area Heads for the over 80 nations around the world and over one thousand two hundred (1200) Pastors in Ghana alone. It also afforded them the opportunity to restrategise and plan for the years ahead and also pray for Gods direction and guidance.

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he Bible Society of Ghana will host rd the 3 Edition of The African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABL I) at the Accra International Conference Centre from nd th the 22 to 24 May. The three day forum on the theme “ The Missing Factor in Leadership “ seeks to empower leaders on the continent by discussing the Bible's emphasis on integrity , compassion and justice to achieve transformation .

It also seeks to increase the credibility and profile of the Bible in all aspects of the African Society.

President John Mahama, the legislature led by the Speaker Rt Hon Doe Adjaho, a 14 member delegation from the judiciary led by her ladyship Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Ghanaian Born, Lord Boateng of the UK House of Lords, renowned political, industry and church leaders across the globe will be attending the forum.

Participants are expected to use the forum to discover and discuss the wisdom and guidance that the bible can offer leaders in terms of their contribution to socioeconomic development, justice and integrity as well as explore the missing link in Africa's leadership.

There would be a youth forum on the last day with presentations and focused discussions on the role of the Bible in the African Society.

Prominent among the topics to be discussed at the forum are: bribery and corruption, indiscipline, lawlessness, servant leadership, empowering the youth for leadership, transformational leadership in the church and state, integrity in business and in the public place among others.

The first ABLI took place in Addis AbabaEthiopia in (2010 and 2011) and in Kampala, Uganda in 2012. .

Pentecost Youth honoured for winning Nobel Prize in Physics.

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he Church of Pentecost has honoured Mr Fauster Atta Mensah of the Asikuma Assembly

of the Church in the Frankadua District at Ho in the Volta Region for winning the Nobel Prize in physics.

Mr Atta Mensah was adjudged by a jury of experts and scientists as the best computer scientist through his

effort of inventing the first ever robot that can assist stroke patients.

Chairman of the church of Pentecost Apostle Dr Opoku –Onyinah conferred the honour on him at the opening session of the 14th Extra Ordinary Council Meeting held at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region on the theme” “Fanning the Pentecostal Fire to Impact Generations.”

He expressed gratitude to God for propelling the youth of the church to greater heights in their various fields of

endeavor.

Speaking in an interview with the ChristianDaily, Mr Atta Mensah advised the youth to concentrate more on their education.

“The youth of today are concentrating so much on entertainment instead of focusing on their education”, he lamented. “ I have always wanted to do something extra ordinary that no one has ever done before and that is what motivated me to come out with this invention , he said”, .

“I failed in my first and second attempt but hopefully I succeeded in my third attempt by the

By Fred Dzakpata

grace of God“, he added.

Mr Atta Mensah who attended school at Lome in Togo, had his secondary education at the Adisadel College at Cape Coast in Ghana, proceeded to do his Degree and Masters in Mathematics and Computer Science at the Massachusset Institiute of Technology (MIT) in the United State of America,USA. He is currently the Chairman of the African Computer Scientist Association and a Research Fellow at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration NASA, in the USA. Mr Atta Mensah is expected to meet and interact with the President John Mahama after which he would be honored

CHRIST IA N Daily

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CHRIST IA N Daily

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NEWS Misplaced priorities bringing nation down – Methodist Bishop

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he Right Reverend Professor Osei Safo-Kantanka, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, has taken a swipe at political parties for being pre-occupied with their own selfish needs to the detriment of the socio-economic development of the masses. “Our political parties are more concerned with winning and retaining power than developing the country ”, he observed, saying this had created a situation where “the country seems to always be in an e l e c t i o n m o o d . ” The Methodist Bishop advocated a change in attitude amongst politicians, and urged them to demonstrate accountability in leadership with the laying of very good foundations in all sectors of the economy to advance the cause of h u m a n i t y .

The nation, he said, must build strong institutions and structures, taking into account the welfare of the people

at all times.

Rt Rev Prof Safo-Kantanka, was addressing the opening session of the 53rd Annual Synod of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana (M C G), at Kwadaso in k u m a s i .

The four-day programme is being held on the theme “The Spiritual Gifts in a Liturgical Church”.

The Synod is being used to assess performance of the church as per the targets set over the years. It would review the state of affairs in respect of the church and education, finance and project development, missionary work and spiritual growth, as well as the church and governance in Ghana.

The Methodist Bishop called on Circuits and Societies to contribute passionately to realize development projects initiated by the church, particularly in the area of real estate development, construction of malls, hospitals and schools.

The Very Rev Christopher Nyarko Andam, the Diocesan Synod Secretary, challenged delegates to take the synod seriously to advance the cause of the church.

Career women should strike balance in roles Young working women should strike a balance among their roles as workers, mothers, wives and housekeepers, and avoid acts that lead them to become stressed, Mrs. Ernestina Antoh, Synod Member of

the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana (MCG), has advised. She said modern day demands on women, expected them to play various roles and unless they balanced their acts they would always end up stressed-up “Career women should be helped to plot out their time management table to ensure that their children do not s u f f e r, ” t h e S y n o d M e m b e r noted.Mrs. Antoh was speaking on “The Challenges of Young Working Mothers”, at the 53rd Annual Synod of the Diocese in Kuma She bemoaned the situation where the mother woke up at dawn, while the children were asleep and returned in the night when they were asleep Criticizing the practice of entrusting the upbringing of children to househelps, she entreated career women to schedule their activities to avoid conflict at the workplace The participants drew attention to the fact that the dynamics of society were changing, and that there was the need to learn parenting. They said it would be difficult to change the traditional roles of the sexes, hence the need to accommodate each other.

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he Father's House Community Chapel, Kanda on Saturday held its annual medical outreach, which aims at providing free quality healthcare to the residents of Kanda and its surroundings.

Pastor John Hammond, Pastor incharge of Administration said the chapel believes that people must be in good health, adding that is what the bible teaches us.

He explained that in our part of the world, people do not have regular check- ups; therefore it is necessary the church attends to the needs of the community so far as their health is concern, saying aside the medical outreach, the church also uses the occasion to provide clothes, shoes and bags to the needy in the community.

Mr. Hammond urged corporate organisations to provide similar platforms in creating the awareness on the need to have regular check-ups.

He therefore expressed his gratitude to Voltic, Kama, Ayrton

Sunyani Area Pentecost Church embarks on Health Walk

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he Sunyani Area of the Church of Pentecost, has embarked on a health walk, followed by a medical screening exercise. The events, jointly organised by the Pentecost Professional Health Guild, the Pentecost Men's Fellowship (PEMEF) and the Women's Ministry, formed part of the efforts by the Church to promote the physical well-being of its members.

Pastor Charles Asmah, the Area PEMEF leader said the exercise was another form of evangelization to announce their presence to others who would be interested in worshiping the Lord with them. Pastor Asmah added the exercise was again a form of socialization for members to know themselves, because the large congregation did not allow them to easily interact before and after church services.

Mrs. Beatrice Tandoh, Area Women's Leader, for her part, said the screening would help them to identify any health

problems in their bodies for medical attention. Mrs Tandoh stated the exercise did not only strengthen members, but had also created the awareness among them to live healthy lifestyles, adding that a similar event took place at Bechem and Nsoatre. Mrs Esther Quashi Djan, President of the Health Guild, noted it was important to add physical exercise to the spiritual exercise for a holistic growth of the individual.

Pastor James Nana Ofori, Patron of the Women's Ministry said the exercise would not be limited to holidays, but would be undertaken every quarter.

Participants were advised on good nutritional values and also screened on Blood Pressure (BP), Random Blood Sugar (RBS), as well as Weight, to indicate the Body Mass Index (IBM)

CHRIST IA N Daily

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EDITORIAL LET US PRAY AND WORK Verse for the week

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.

(NIV)

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he prevailing economic situation in the country has lately generated public debate in the country since the inception of 2014 till date. This development has led to a rise in the standard of living across the country due to the fall in the value of the cedi coupled with periodic increment in fuel prices. It has and still continues to be the current issue on the lips of most Ghanaians in commercial vehicles, homes, workplaces, social gatherings without exception to the church. In the course of all these development prominent men of God have in their diverse ways contributed to the public discourse on the state of the country's economy with some calling on Ghanaians to pray for the fall in value of the Ghanaian cedi to

the major trading currencies such as the dollar and pound stelling. Others on the other hand have called on managers of the country's economy to get to work and fix the economy. In the light of all these ensuing arguments and complaints about the country's economy and solutions being proffered to fix the country's ailing economy , the ChristianDaily believes despite the challenges facing the country's economy, we must all join forces irrespective of our leanings to fix the challenge. The Good Book makes us aware that “faith without work is useless” hence the need for us to seriously find ways and means of not only fixing the problem but ensure that we pray for our leaders, the economist, technocrats and all en sundry who plays pivotal role in our country for God to grant them wisdom to fix the problem. The book of Timothy commands us as Christians to lift up our

hands and pray for our leaders and all t h o s e i n a u t h o r i t y. “ T h e ChristianDaily also believes we should learn from the saying that in unity lies strength by drawing lessons from how various nations who hitherto would not have come together to search for a missing Malaysian plane that has gone missing over a month now. Indeed prayers alone will not fix the problem but we need God to spirit to touch the leaders and all those responsible to take decisions that will inure to the benefit of the country. We also believe Ghanaians must put a stop to some negative practices that has over the years been contributing to the fall in the value of the cedi and the current economic turmoil we find ourselves in as a nation.

A D IN K A N L T D .

(P U B L IS H E R S O F C H R IS T IA N D A IL Y N E W S P A P E R ) P .O . B O X D C 1 3 5 , D A N S O M A N – A C C R A O F F I C E

N E W S P A P E R S U B S C R IB E R S R E G IS T R A T IO N F O R M 2 X A W E EK (T U E S D A Y S & F R ID A Y S ) N E W S P A P E R R EP O R T IN G O N C H R IS T IA N AN D C H U R C H AC T IV IT IES IN G H A N A A N D W O R L D W ID E . W E D IS T R IB U T E T O A LL PA R T S O F G H A N A .

N a m e o f S u b s c r ib e r: … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .

A d d re s s : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..

E m a i l : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . T e l e p h o n e : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

D e liv e r y A d d re s s ( R e g io n ) : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . C it y : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .… … … … … … …

A r e a : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .… … … … … … … . .… H s e N o : … … … . .… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

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S t a r t D a t e : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .. … … . .E n d D a t e : … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .

I e n c l o s e a C h e q u e f o r G H ¢ … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..… … … … … … … m a d e p a y a b l e t o A D I N K A N L T D .

C O N T A C T S A L E S A N D C IR C U L A T I O N : T E L . 0 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 8 4 / 0 5 0 8 2 5 1 0 5 9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CHRIST IA N Daily

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Pastoral Facebook update Ps. Dr. Mensa Otabil

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills

Sunday is sharing time. Where did you go to church? What did The Lord speak to you about through the message preached?

Encourage us with the word from your church's pulpit. May the Lord plant your feet on higher ground, this week! Blessings!

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS DUNCAN WILLIAMS

According to this scripture, it is unrighteousness to forget.

Never forget what others have done for you. Never forget what God has done for you!

Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare

When faced with decisions, be it jobs, relationships, marriage among others what do you do?

Do you allow the enemy to put you in a state of confusion or you trust God to guide you by His Spirit? Prov. 3:5-6 says to trust in the LORD with all our heart and He shall direct our path. So when confused just turn to the LORD.

“Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household.” (2 Kings 7:9)

Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah

Joseph Eastwood Anaba Sermon Title: Glory In Suffering - Wisdom I n P a i n I I I Scriptural Reference: Job 40:1-5, James 1:24, 5:11, I Peter 2:19-21, II Timothy 2:3 When doubts cloud your imagination, let the wonders of creation bring illumination.

Whenever you encounter problems, difficult times and have a high tendency to lose faith you must look at God's creation for encouragement and upliftment.

Continuation on facebook

David Oyedepo Ministries International Inc.

Kill Parochial Interest

Joel Osteen Ministries

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS FOR THIS WEEK!!!

Anything that makes you shed secret tears is resolved now in Jesus name!

Whatever was not so at beginning is destroyed now in Jesus name! The devil will not have his ways in your affairs anymore in Jesus name!

Whatever makes people ask you where your God is, is turned to a testimony in Jesus name. … Contination on facebook

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Ps 23:5 Your enemies' presence has a way of making God come to your aid in a miraculous fashion. They should not intimidate you but invigorate you. God positioned them close enough to see the display of His power in your life.

Pastor Chris Live

“May is the month of the open door!"

CHRIST IA N Daily

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PICTURES: OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST 14TH SESSION EXTRA ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING AT PCC

CHRIST IA N Daily

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PICTURES: OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST 14TH SESSION EXTRA ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING AT PCC

CHRIST IA N Daily

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NEWS

Website: dailychristiangh.com

Foursquare Gospel Church

launches 40th anniversary celebration.

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he Foursquare Gospel Church, Ghana on Saturday launched its 40th anniversary celebration of its existence in Ghana, on the theme “Celebrating God's faithfulness”. Performing the

lau n ch , R ev er en d Christopher MarfoAhenkorah, General Overseer of the Church expressed his gratitude to Almighty God for “how far He (God) has brought us over the past four decades as a church.”He said this year's convention and home coming of the Church is in-line with the anniversary's theme and that God has being faithful to them over the past forty years, hence, the need for them to celebrate, declaring that they were reflecting on the past, present

and the future.He gave an overview of the Church's history in Ghana and paid tribute to the founding fathers for their laudable vision and efforts which had brought them this far.

Rev Marfo-Ahenkorah said within the period, the Church had been able to acquire lands and landed properties like chapels, basic schools and a bible school.He commended the Cape Coast and Kumasi assemblies of the Church for putting up 600 and 1,000 seater chapels respectively. He said within the next two years, the Church would ensure that branches are opened in all regional and districts capitals. The General Overseer

noted that the concept of home cell meetings of the Church would be pursued vigorously to facilitate rapid growth.

On the outlook for the next decade, Rev Marfo-Ahenkorah said the Church intends to increase its membership, which currently stands at over 15,000 to 50,000 through aggressive evangelism backed with strong prayers. He announced that the Church would be acquiring a 60 acre land for a national convention ground and a printing press.

He observed that the Campus Youth Ministry of the Church would be rebranded to win more soul into the kingdom of God. Rev MarfoAhenkorah recounted that some of

the challenges facing the Church were land litigations, inadequate vehicles for administrative and evangelism purposes, and the lack of suitable worship places for some branches.

The General Overseer urged the membership to close their ranks and build the Church of God. Mr Isaac Nii Ashai Odamtten, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, who was the special g u e s t o f h o n o u r, e n c o u r a g e d Christians to serve God faithfully, because He (God) would reward those who worship him whole heartedly. Rev Reginald Mills Banor, first General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Ghana also graced the launching ceremony.

Rt Rev Prof Emmanule Martey is now Women urged to hold on to God alone in Ahali By Fred Dzakpata Chairman of Christian Council of Ghana difficulties – Gladys Afrique Worship

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he Rt Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey has been elected as the chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana.

The council elected him to the position at its 2014 annual General Meeting held recently at the Reverend Peter Kwei Dagadu Memorial Methodist Church in Osu in Accra.

His election follows the successful end of tenure of Rt Rev Francis Amenue , Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Until his election, Rev Martey who is also the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has been serving the Council as Executive Committee member since 2010.

The Council is very grateful to Rt Rev Amenu for his enormous contribution to the work of the Council during his tenure as the Chairman and ask God to bless him for his commitment and service to the council.

It also congratulated Rev Martey on his election and ask the good Lord to grant him grace and wisdom in leading the council.

Rev Martey who is a full professor in Systematic Theology had his first theological training at the Trinity Theological Seminary in 1978 where he graduated with Diploma in Theology.

After trinity Theological Seminary, he went for further studies at the University o Edinburgh in the United Kingdom where he graduated with Masters in Systematic Theology in

1986.

In 1990, he went on to pursue his Masters in Philosophy in Systematic Theology at the same University.

His quest for further academic laurels propelled him to do his Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology at the Union Theological Seminary in the United States of America in 1992. In 2007, while lecturing at the Trinity T h e o l o g i c a l S e m i n a r y, h e w a s promoted to the rank of full professor, the first of its kind in the history of Trinity Theological Seminary.

Rev Martey has been a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana since 1980 and has pastured most of the churches in the Greater Accra Region in various capacities. He also taught various theological institutions such as Tr i n i t y T h e o l o g i c a l S e m i n a r y.

Dominion University College of Ghana, Central University College and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, USA. As an astute theologian, he has also served on the board of most of the most of the institutions he taught in and other ecumenical bodies such as the Scripture Union of Ghana and the Good News Bible Institute.

Rev Martey has over thirty (30) publications including books and academic articles in reputable journals throughout the world; some of which have been translated into Portuguese and Spanish.

He is married to Mrs Nana Ofosua Martey and they blesses with two children.

Credit: Christian Council

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he wife of the Resident Pastor of the Possibility worship Centre of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC)has advised women to hold on to God irrespective of their circumstances the face in Life. Mrs Gladys Afrique Ahali made the call in an exhortation as the guest speaker at the Precious Vessels of Virtue Breakfast meeting at the Possibility

Centre of ICGC on the theme “ if there is a woman to Pray there is a God to answer Jeremiah 33:3 in Dansoman in Accra.

She touched on the need to emulate the example of some prayerful women in the bible such as Hannah and Easter and called on the women present not to relent in praying. According to her it is only through fervent and effective prayer that God will be able to meet their needs at the appointed time in their lives.

“I want to encourage you that Hannah was under pressure looking at the peculiar situation she found herself

but the Lord answered her prayer and even did more than she asked for , she said ., “You have been going to prayer meetings over and over again but I want to assure you that the lord will soon meet you at the point of your need only if you connect and hold on to God, she added.

The two hour event which was interlace with worship and prayers was also used to pray for the nation and its leaders , the economy the Dansoman community and the Church hierarchy.

The Precious Vessels of Virtue Breakfast meeting is a periodic event organized by the possibility worship centre of ICGC Dansoman that brings together women to pray and intercede for the various needs of individuals, the church and the country at large.

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Entertainment

O J, Sonnie Badu and Joyce Blessings sweeps award at 15th edition of VGMA

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he 15th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Award(VGMA) has finally become history with some gospel artist emerging as winners for the gospel categories in the Award.

Prolific song writer OJ walked home as the Gospel Song writer of the year with the Gospel Album of the year going to Ghanaian Born and UK based gospel artist Sonnie Badu whiles Joyce Blessing took away the Gospel Album of the year. Sonnie Badu who has never won an award in the VGMA also emerged as the best male vocalist of the year for the night . According to him , he was not expecting to win but urged Ghanains to support their own artist who are living abroad since it is not easy to shine

By Fred Dzakpata

outside in the music industry over there.

The music Award was not complete without some thrilling and soul captivating performances from Sonnie Badu, O J who caught most of the audience on their feet dancing with good old Cindy Thompson thrilling the audience as well with her old but soul inspiring songs. most previous winners such as Herty Borngreat , Lady Prempeh, Diana Akwiumi , CwesiOteng among other new gospel artists were also present to grace the occasion .

Beneath are the winners of the various categories and the nominees

Gospel Song of the Year winner ( OJ ) OsoreeNnwom – Cecelia Marfo Maher-Shalal-Hash-BazNicholas OmaneAcheampong Wonder God – Sonnie Badu Maye Se Mo Pen – OJ NyameEgwamaa – Joyce Blessing feat. Jewel Ackah Menu – Patience Nyarko

Best Male Vocal Performance winner (Sonnie Badu) Sonnie Badu – Wonder God OJ- Maye Se Mo Pen KniiLante – Baby Take Good Care Kwabena Kwabena – Engya Me Ho Castro – Odo Pa

Gospel Artiste of the Year Winner (Sonnie Badu ) Sonnie Badu Nicholas OmaneAcheapong OJ Joyce Blessing Patience Nyarko

Gospel Album of the Year Winner (Joyce Blessing) Heavy Price – Joyce Blessing Aroma of Worship –Sonnie Badu Nokwasem – OJ Maher Shalal Hash baz – Nicholas O Acheampong Mekasa Ama Awurade – Patience Nyarko

BOOK REVIEW - FORMULA FOR HUMILITY

CHRIST IA N Daily

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Christian Community MicroďŹ nance Ltd. 35th Anniversary GO YE JESUS MARCH

CHRIST IA N Daily

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Foreign News

Gospel on the Move in Romania Malaysian Hotels to Ban through Child Evangelism Bibles, Non-Islamic Books

Friday, September 20, 2013

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A decision to ban hotels from carrying books on nonIslamic religions is further proof of the erosion of the rights of non-Muslims in Malaysia, according to the Malaysia Chronicle.

Lawyers said a failure to speak out against this decision now could see religious bodies taking on larger roles in regulating the daily lives of Malaysians.

Eric Paulsen, co-founder of "Lawyers For Liberty," told The Malay Mail that the new ban highlights a "growing Islamisation in Malaysia and growing encroachment of Islamic authorities in the day-to-day lives of all Malaysians, whether Muslims or nonMuslims."

Further, the move to officially prohibit non-Islamic religious materials from Pahang hotel rooms could lead to a slippery slope where more liberties are lost as federal and state authorities favor the rights of Muslims over those of non-Muslims.

"There is now a growing acceptance that this is an Islamic country and that Islam must have its way over non-Muslims and Islam is sacrosanct and their policies must trump all other people's rights".

Paulsen said that Pahang state's "Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment (1989)" was arbitrary and went against the Federal Constitution's rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. And the silence of federal authorities on the state's latest prohibition can be seen as having their tacit approval.

Civil liberties lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the ban was another case of state religious authorities attempting to extend their influence outside their jurisdictions. By this, the state is sending the message that Muslims are so fragile that they need to live in a protected sphere.

UK's 'Atheist Church' Holds First Global 'General Assembly;' Plans Expansion

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he U.K.-based Sunday Assembly, or the "atheist Church," which has congregations also in the United States, is holding its first "general assembly" to establish a church-like management system and discuss governing principles and "doctrines."

The congregation of godless people, which predicts it will have at least 100 congregations around the world by the year-end, is holding its first "general assembly" in London this weekend, which, the organizers say, will be

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his July, Child Evangelism Fellowship, the largest Christian ministry to children in the world, will hold its fifth annual Good News Across Romania Campaign, which targets a different county of Romania every year with evangelistic clubs, called 5-Day Clubs. This year's campaign will focus on the county of Prahova. There, CEF hopes to beat last year's record established in Arad county where it shared the Gospel with 4250 children in five days.

The genius of the 5-Day Clubs is their location: They are held where children naturally congregate rather than inside a local church.

Depending on the community, clubs might be held in parks, community centers, or private backyards. The clubs themselves are a wonderful mix of learning and fun. Engaging Bible lessons, songs, and games have been designed to encourage relationship building among the children, with the club leaders, and most importantly, with God. To reach so many children in such a short period of time requires considerable manpower and resources. Last year in Arad, 65 churches and 300 volunteers partnered with CEF Romania to hold 5-Day Clubs in 106 locations in the county. "It was CEF Romania's biggest project yet with a number of organizational challenges but it was a huge success," said Ms.

compared to the Church of England's General Synod, according to The Guardian.

"Sunday Assemblies have been kicking off in places we never thought possible," Sanderson Jones, co-founder of the London-based Sunday Assembly, tells the British daily. "If I open my email box the first email is in Hungarian, discussing Sunday Assembly Budapest, after there is something from Kenya, then the Western Cape, then Richmond, Virginia, then Cincinnati, then Boston."

Godless congregations are also starting in S達o Paulo, Kuala Lumpur, Grimsby and Aberdeen, the group says. Preparations are underway for at least 27 new Sunday Assemblies in the U.S. alone.

The weekend meeting features workshops and lectures for delegates from the U.K.,

Claire Bain, general manager for C E F Romania. "We are expecting and praying for Clubs in 200 locations and estimate that more children will hear the Gospel this year. God willing, 50 - 80 churches will be involved in the project."

The Romanian ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship has come a long way since it began in 1972, during the repressive dictatorship of Nicolai Ceausescu. The budding ministry blossomed after the dictator's fall in 1989 and today the ministry reaches an average of 100,000 children per year. Founded by American CEF missionary, Trudy Kuhlman, the ministry held training meetings for leaders and clubs for children in secret locations. In an effort to preserve that secrecy the date, time and location of all meetings were never written down but had to be memorized by all participants. Children's teaching materials were translated into Romanian then had to be smuggled out of the country for printing and then smuggled back in for use.

Today, CEF Romania is run by Romanian nationals, Iulian and Anca Mangalagiu, who assumed leadership of the ministry in 2008, fulfilling CEF International Ministries' goal of national leadership for any foreign ministry it establishes. With 53 full-time workers and 436 volunteers, CEF Romania is active in 15 of the 42 counties of Romania, holding almost 400 Bible clubs, called Good News Clubs, during the school year as well as 209 5-Day Clubs (beyond those held for the Good News Across R o m a n i a C a m p a i g n ) i n t h e s u m m e r.

Additionally, CEF Romania holds Easter and Christmas clubs, as well as summer camps; it also runs a Bible Correspondence Course and a Summer Missionary Training Course for teenagers interested in evangelizing children.

"Our goal is to be in every county of Romania," said Mr. Iulian Mangalagiu. "We are working diligently toward that end."

U.S. and Netherlands on how to start their own atheist congregations. The group will also elect Board members and discuss governing principles and limits of the doctrine.

"We are growing fast but we want to ensure that it is good growth," Jones says. "The reason we want to have an overarching organization is we have a mission to help everyone live as fully as possible, and if you look at the organizations that do things most efficiently, they tend to have a structure to them."

Jones, a stand-up comedian, founded the U.K.'s Sunday Assembly along with his colleague Pippa Evans last January.

"There are 1.1 billion non-religious people in the world," Jones tells The Daily Beast. "We want to have a godless congregation in every town, city and village that wants one."

Jones adds: "The thing that we've got is that we're the only non-religious service that works. Rationality is part of it, but we also have the emotional connection. We are speaking to the whole human."

"We are born from nothing and go to nothing. Let's enjoy it together," says the Public Charter of the Assembly, which has "no doctrine... no set texts so we can make use of wisdom from all sources... no deity."

It adds: "We don't do supernatural but we also won't tell you you're wrong if you do. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, we have moments of weakness or life just isn't fair. We want The Sunday Assembly to be a house of love and compassion, where, no matter what your situation, you are welcomed, accepted and loved."

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Foreign News Kyrgyzstan: Church Appeals Building Confiscation

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church in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is appealing a decision allowing local authorities to confiscate its building, according to Barnabas Aid. In January, a court ruled that the sales contract between the Church of Jesus Christ and the state was invalid. The judge who annulled the contract determined the church had not fulfilled its obligations to support social activities, but the congregation countered that it runs classes for children and rents space to organizations that support youth projects.

However, some suspect the judge's decision was motivated merely by profit. The church building, which was originally bought for only $46,000(U.S.) is now worth around $1 million(U.S.), yet the lawyer who represented the State Property Fund said it would only pay back to the congregation what they paid for it 14 years ago!

For their part, the congregation claims that they couldn't afford to lose their building as it will difficult to buy a new one given the current market prices.

Oklahoma Megachurch Pastor Resigns After Admitting Infidelity

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ark Crow, founder of the multi-site congregation Victory Church, stepped down from his role as senior pastor earlier this week after confessing marital infidelity. “Mark will be focusing his full attention on his personal relationship with God, and beginning the process of bringing healing to the fractured relationships in his life and family," said the Rev. Dale Swanson, executive pastor of the church, in a statement. "Victory Church is fully committed to providing the counselors and ministers who will guide him through the process of reconciliation with God, and ensuring the best possible outcome for this next season in his life."

Crow, who is also known as a televangelist, author, and international speaker, has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for over 20 years, together they have five children and three grandchildren.

Crow and Jennifer began the church in 1994 with merely 53 people, according to the church's website and now thousands gather in campuses in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and the African nation of Lesotho. In addition, the church has a Hispanic satellite campus called Victory Iglesia. Crow's ministry website currently appears disabled, as does Jennifer's social media accounts. However, Jennifer's biographical information remains on the church's website. In addition to serving as pastor of the church, she is founder of the Beautiful Dream Society, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable people worldwide. BDS also provides protection and education through partnership with the church and community to fight exploitation.

Despite the reason for his resignation, the church plans to support Crow spiritually, as noted by Swanson Thursday during his statement.

"The Victory Church family and staff are praying for Mark, that the same grace we all experience and draw comfort from in our own spiritual journey, will be ever present in Mark's transition to healing and wholeness," he said.

Chinese Authorities Destroy Christian Statues Depicting Passion of Christ in Wenzhou

construction codes, arguing that it was four times larger than the original blueprint suggested. Bulldozers ripped parts of the church, which took 12 years and $4.7 million to build.

Chinese authorities also deny that their recent demolition projects are an attack on Christianity in Wenzhou. Jin Leibo, a spokesperson from the propaganda department of Yongjia County, told CNNthat the church was destroyed simply because it was "illegal." "The building area should be within hinese authorities in the city of Wenzhou 1,881 square meters, but they built 7,928 square meters illegally," Jin said. She went on to say that the recently removed all statues church was asked to "self-rectify" the church by April representing the Passion of Jesus from 22, but it failed to do so in time. a hilltop Catholic site in the city, saying that the statues violated construction regulations. The China to Have World's Largest Christian statues, located on Longgang Hill in what is Population by 2025 considered to be China's Jerusalem, were In a related Story, although China is officially an either demolished or covered with brick. The atheist country, its Protestant population is likely to statues included images of the Virgin Mary, swell to 160 million by 2025, according to a religion Jesus, and Saint Joseph, and each weighed expert, who says not many are prepared for "this dramatic change." about five tons.

Some of the statues were too heavy to lift, "By my calculations China is destined to become the forcing workers to cover them with brick or use largest Christian country in the world very soon," cranes to remove them from Longgang Hill. Fenggang Yang, a professor of sociology at Purdue One observer of the demolition told UCA News University, told The Telegraph. that about 100 Catholics showed up to the site "It is going to be less than a generation. Not many to witness the destruction, with some praying people are prepared for this dramatic change," adds Yang, author of Religion in China: Survival and and others singing hymns.

Revival under Communist Rule.

Chinese authorities said they removed the Yang predicts that China, which had over 58 million Christian statues from Longgang Hill because Protestants in 2010 according to the Pew Research they violated zoning rules and constituted Center's Forum on Religion and Public Life, will have illegal construction. around 160 million by 2025. This would mean China Shortly after authorities destroyed the statues, will likely be ahead even of the United States, which they moved on to a large Protestant church, had about 159 million Protestants in 2010. also located in Wenzhou. Authorities claimed that the Sanjiang church also violated

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'Pope Francis Calls Major Church Meeting to Discuss Gay Unions, Contraception, Divorce

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he Roman Catholic Church is set for an important discussion in October on some of its most central social teachings, such as gay unions, divorce, contraception, cohabitation and others in a meeting of senior Vatican officials called by Pope Francis.

The LA Times described the upcoming assembly as "an urgent meeting of senior clerics this fall to reexamine church teachings that touch the most intimate aspects of people's lives," and said that the meeting could potentially pave the way for a new direction by the church on these issues.

The report further said that the run-up to the synod is a departure from usual practice, and highlights Francis' commitment to take a new approach when it comes to dealing with church matters.

The initiative is part of the pope's instructions last year to diocese leaders around the world to survey local attitudes on social issues. The results have not yet

been released, but reportedly are being analyzed by the Vatican behind closed doors.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was unable to provide The Christian Post with further insight on the synod or a comment on possible changes to doctrine teachings by press time.

Major polls of Catholics across the world have shown, however, that a large percentage of adherents disagree with official church teachings on a number of social issues.

A poll commissioned by Univision and released in February, showed 12,048 self-identified Roman Catholics in nine languages across five continents and 12 countries found that the majority, or 78 percent of respondents, support the use of contraceptives, which is banned by the Roman Catholic Church.

Most, or 58 percent, also disagreed with Vatican policy that prevents individuals that are divorced or had remarried outside of the Roman Catholic Church from receiving Communion.

Fifty percent of total respondents argued that Catholic priests should be allowed to marry, and 45 percent backed women being allowed to become priests.

Most upheld the traditional definition of marriage between one man and one

woman, however, with 66 percent opposed to same-sex marriage.

The same poll found that Pope Francis is enjoying high approval ratings among Catholics, with 87 percent of respondents saying that the Vatican leader has done an excellent or good job in his one year in charge.

So far Pope Francis has not made any indication that he is willing to change official church teachings, however, and it is not yet known what kind of implications October's synod will have.

Author and Vatican expert John Thavis suggested that Francis will have to "tread carefully" in any decisions he makes, and needs to try to maintain a balance for Catholics who want to see social changes and those who are opposed to such a prospect.

"The pope is the pope, and I think we can expect that even more conservative bishops will listen to what he says," Thavis offered. "In the end, it comes down to a policy that could be changed without causing people to leave the church or causing people to slam the door on the way out of the synod."

CHRIST IA N Daily

African News

Sudan: Christian Accused of Apostasy Because Dad was Muslim

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woman with child in Khartoum, Sudan, faces death for leaving Islam, according to Morning Star News. Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, 27, is married to a South Sudanese Christian, which is forbidden for Muslims in Sudan. According to Islamic law, if a Muslim woman marries a non-Muslim, their marriage is illegal: she is considered to be an adulteress and her children are illegitimate.

And should Ibrahim be convicted of both apostasy and adultery, her whipping and execution will be administered right after giving birth to her second child. Until her trial, Ibrahim has been denied bail, medical care for her and her unborn child and has received no assistance from the U.S. Embassy despite the fact her husband is a U.S. citizen.

"Meriam needs treatment every month to keep the unborn baby still in the mother’s womb, but no medical help has been allowed," said her husband, Daniel Wani. "They are denying my wife her rights to fair treatment and my rights to visit and see my son."

Wani's 20-month-old son, Martin, is in prison with Ibrahim since Sudanese

authorities have prohibited the boy's Christian father from caring for him.

Wa n i s a i d I b r a h i m h a s b e e n emotionally abused during her incarceration because Islamic scholars have been trying to get her to return to the religion of her Muslim father, but she has refused the "offer".

In the mean time, Justice Center Sudan is trying to defend Ibrahim based on her constitutional rights to freedom of religion, but the Sudanese constitution also accepts Islamic law as a source of legislation. Further, since the secession of South Sudan in 2011, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has vowed to make Sudan even more Islamist by laws that demand the death penalty for apostasy. Although no Sudanese has been executed for apostasy since its Criminal Code made it punishable by death, courts in Sudan have still been able to force former Muslims to return to Islam.

At a hearing in April, the court requested more witnesses to testify to Ibrahim's claim that she had never practiced Islam, according to her attorneys.

CHRISTIANS & MUSLIMS TOGETHER FOR PEACE IN N. CAMEROON

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bout 40 Christian and Muslim leaders met in Maraoua, Cameroon on April 23-24, to promote a culture of peace and tolerance between members of different religious communities. The focus of the search for the missing Nigerian girls has moved across the Nigerian borders – to Cameroon and Chad, with some reported sightings.

As if almost in anticipation of the world’s spotlight falling upon them, and in response to incidents shortly before the girls’ kidnap, locals have been attempting to be pro-active, rather than reactive, to such unsettling

events. Christian and Muslim leaders in Northern Cameroon, fearful that their region may become another area of sectarian violence, have opted for preventive measures.‘We want to say no to what is happening, unfortunately, in neighboring Central African Republic and Nigeria. We want to live here in good relationships between Muslims and Christians. We say no to all those who want to come from outside to disturb our current climate of peace'' said Mgr Philip Stevens, Bishop of Maroua-Mokolo, in a telephone interview with World Watch Monitor.

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Kenya President Signs Polygamy Bill Into Law Despite Christian Opposition

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enya President Uhuru Kenyatta officially signed into law a bill legalizing polygamy, giving men the right to marry numerous women without consulting their other brides. The bill has faced opposition by the country's Christian leaders, who criticize it for not respecting women or marriage.

"Marriage is the voluntary union of a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous union," Kenyatta said in a statement on Tuesday, AFP reported.

Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which represents more than 40 church and Christian organizations from across the east African nation,has said, however, that the tone of the bill is "demeaning to women since it does not respect the principle of equality of spouses in the institution of marriage."

Among the several provisions of the bill, men will be allowed to marry as many partners as they wish as long as long as they can afford it, and do not need to consult their other spouses, BBC News reported. Furthermore, the bill establishes that partners must be 18 or older to get married, and gives women 50 percent of property acquired during marriage.

While polygamy is banned across much of the rest of the world, it has legal status in several African and Middle East nations.

Female MPs reportedly "walked out in disgust" at a parliament session last month while the men voted through the amendment to the bill that allows them to marry other women without first consulting their brides.

The female MPs apparently said that such a provision would affect the entire

family, including the financial position of other spouses.

The MPs did reject an amendment, however, which would have initially given women only 30 percent of matrimonial property after death or divorce.

The national Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) has said it will challenge the law in court.

“We know that men are afraid of women's tongues more than anything else, but at the end of the day if you are the man of the house, and you choose to bring on another party (and they may be two or three) I think it behooves you to be man enough to agree that your wife and family should know," female legislator Soipan Tuya told fellow MPs when the bill was passed. Ndambuki further added that polygamy goes against Christian teachings. According to the CIA Factbook, around 82.5 percent of the Kenyan population is said to be Christian.

Christ is the Answer Ministries Bishop David Oginde read a joint statement last week from numerous church leaders speaking out against the bill: "Let us give sober and informed decisions to family issues, and not attempt to weaken it …

The state is as solid as its families and so all laws should be made to strengthen, not weaken the family."

“How do you ensure faithfulness in polygamy? We submit that the fight against AIDS is weakened by prevalence of polygamy, as the mpango wa kando can be practiced by the multiple sex partners, thus leading to infection," the statement said.

Nigerian Church Declares One-Month Prayer for Kidnapped Schoolgirls

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t. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on Sunday, announced a special prayer for the freedom of the abducted pupils of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. The Assistant Parish Priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Azige Alfred, said during his sermon that the prayer became imperative to seek God’s intervention. “The church has decided to intercede for the release of the abducted girls throughout the month of May,’’ he said. He urged the members of the church and Nigerians to pray seriously and ask

God to help the girls to gain freedom.

Alfred also said because of the security challenges in the country, the church had taken some measures to protect members. He said such measures included the directive that church members and visitors should not be allowed to enter the church with handbags. He called on leaders to create employment opportunity for the youths to curtail vices in the society. He also called on the insurgents to have a change of heart, warning that everyone would give accounts of his or her deeds on the last day.

Satan Statue to be put near the Ten (10) Commandments

Some members are dishonest with church funds - Rt. Rev S.R. Bosomtwe- Ayensu

A New York-based Satanist group has released photographs of its sculpted 'homage to Satan,' which it seeks to place next to a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the Oklahoma state capitol building.

The Satanic Temple issued a news release about its intentions last December, outlining that the placement of the display may resolve t h e d i s p u t e o v e r t h e Te n Commandments monument, which is currently the subject of a federal lawsuit.

“The Ten Commandments are an important component of the foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States of

America and of the State of Oklahoma,” the 2009 bill authorizing the monument acknowledged.

The six-foot display was erected in 2012, but the ACLU said that the monument was unconstitutional.

Commenting on the theme 'stand up for “The monument's placement at the Capitol he Bishop of the Obuasi Diocese those in charge of church finances who the truth' Bishop Bosomtwe –Ayensu did not render sincere accounts in of the Methodist Church, Rt. has created a more divisive and hostile state regretted that is seeking position and Rev S.R. Bosomtwe- Ayensu has addition to finding it difficult to inform for many Oklahomans,” stated Ryan Kiesel, blasted members of the church who use the pastor the sum total of monies raised posts in the church, some people were the executive director of A C L U of corrupted to accept monies for the during a particular church activity or their position to siphon church funds Oklahoma, in a news release. purpose of fabricating lies to thwart the This past August, the organization filed suit even a Sunday service. for their selfish gains.'It is sad to state truth about their opponents in the that some members are very dishonest Rt. Rev. Bosomtwe- Ayensu could not against the monument, with the lead plaintiff with church funds. They depend on it understand why a good number of fund- struggle. He suggested to the Minister being minister Bruce Prescott, the director of of Finance to speak to the nation on Vat Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists. Prescott for their daily bread, while others holders in the church thought it was a on Bank withdrawals in the local craftily put up beautiful and said that mixing the sacred with the secular in waste of time and unpleasant to lodge language for the understanding of the respectively residential houses out of such a manner cheapens the display, and church's fund with banks. The Bishop issue since a whole lot of things are church's treasury for themselves', he asserted that it violated the Constitution's added 'we should not be surprised to being said about it 'which is confusing Establishment Clause, which says that stressed. Addressing the opening learn that some members who count the masses and compounding the session of the 17th annual synod of the monies during Sunday services “Congress shall make no law respecting an church at Mt. Zion Chapel at Obuasi - suppressed the cash before handing them problem'. Bishop Bosomtwe- Ayensu establishment of religion…” appealed to the government to Mangoase, the Bishop pointed out that over to the stewards or the appropriate To solve the dispute, the Satanic Temple endeavor to retrieve all monies some members struggle to snatch offered to to donate a public monument to be officers'. 'This is a clear indication of including that of GYEEDA, and offices in the church only to siphon placed near the Ten Commandments display cash leakages in the church and those church's funds and also ' create wealth appointed as procurement agents even do SADA as well as monies involve in judgment debts to help improve the for themselves out of the church much more harm than good to the country's economy. finances'. He added that many were church'

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