By Mercy Arthur
Tema, Aug 18, GNA – The Gateway Baptist Church, in Tema Community 11, has climaxed the 40th anniversary celebration of the church with a thanksgiving for God’s continued faithfulness.
The church, which was founded on March 17th, 1985, by 17 members, has grown rapidly over the years, commemorating the celebration on the theme “God’s Faithfulness and Provision.”
Reverend Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, the Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, addressing church members, stated that God’s faithfulness is always available but not seasonal, adding that 40 years of existence as a church has provided members with certain lessons that would grant them the capabilities to achieve greater things in the church through God.
He emphasised the elements of God’s faithfulness revealed through His presence, provision, protection and prosperity.
Reverend Thompson, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), noted that the celebration of the church should be of interest to the nation, as the church of Jesus Christ produces human capital for the development of the nation.
He explained that politicians, business operators, and other professionals have received some form of Christian influence, especially through mission schools for their training, which served as a tool of transformation.
He called on the government to collaborate with churches through the offering of grants to support mission schools with classroom and educational facilities while also helping put up initial structures to enhance national development in food, job creation and resources.
He cautioned people in ministry with the gift of prophecy not to politicise it while avoiding using it to protect themselves by creating fear and panic in society.
“Every gift of God must be exercised in a condition of organised discipline and orderliness; hence, prophecy should be given directly to those it may concern for prayers,” he stressed.
He further cautioned against the use of social media as a platform to disrespect authority.
Reverend Francis Guggisburg Tetteh, the Head Pastor of Gateway Baptist Church, appealed to churches to recognise the importance of keeping the environment clean in accordance with the Bible.
“The teachings and preachings from the Bible should touch on the environment because God is not interested in the lives of humans only but the environment as well for survival,” he stated.
Deacon Anthony Adom, the Chairman for the 40th anniversary planning committee, reflected on the church’s establishment in 1985 and outlined the activities for the 40th anniversary, which included the unveiling of a plaque, homecoming, and the planting of coconut trees, among others.
The congregation, in a moment of solemn reflection, observed a minute of silence in memory of the four deceased founders of the church who played pivotal roles in building the church.
The occasion was also used to raise funds for the church’s mission house building project, while some founding members were awarded with citations for their contributions towards the growth of the church.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/Kenneth Odeng Adade