By Iddi Yire
Koforidua, June 14, GNA – The Great Commission Church International (GCCI), on Saturday, June 13, held a retirement and appreciation service in honour of Reverend Stephen Kwesi Edem, a former Director of Personnel of the GCCI Ghana National Council, and his wife, Mrs Faith Edem.
Rev Edem is retiring from active ministry after 36 years of dedicated service in the Lord’s vineyard.
The event, held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, was officiated by Apostle Dr Samuel Vincent Ansah, Chairman of the GCCI Ghana National Council, and his wife, Mrs Paulina Ansah.
Dignitaries present included Apostle Richard Kwami Adanu, First Vice Chairman; Rev Moses Kwame Pinkrah, Second Vice Chairman; and Apostle Dr Joseph Kwabena Antwi, a former Chairman of the Council.
Others in attendance were Rev Alexander Obeng-Oguamenah, Director of Personnel; Rev Dr Samuel Arthur, Director of Evangelism; Rev Emmanuel Kodzo Oppong, Director of Ministries; and Rev Stephen Toku Cato, Director of Finance, all of the GCCI Ghana National Council.
The colourful event, held on the theme: “Celebrating 36 Years of Impactful Service to the Lord,” brought together more than 45 pastors, congregants from various GCCI branches, family members, friends and well-wishers from across the country.
Delivering the homily, Apostle Dr Ansah urged retired pastors to remain active in ministry, stressing that the gifts and calling of God had no retirement age.
He noted that for pastors whose identity and calling were deeply rooted in their service to God, retirement should be viewed as a transition or redefinition of ministry rather than a complete withdrawal.
“For pastors, service to God and the Church only ends with death,” he said.
He urged Rev and Mrs Edem to take up intercessory roles for the Church and commended Rev Edem for his humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the work of God.
In a citation, Apostle Dr Ansah praised Rev Edem’s sacrifices and willingness to serve, recalling his work in difficult environments, including Tamale, and the support of his wife, who frequently sought transfers to accompany him on postings.
He prayed for God’s blessings upon Rev Edem and his family in retirement.
Apostle Richard Kwami Adanu commended the couple for their faithful service in seven GCCI assemblies across three administrative regions over the past 36 years.
Rev Moses Kwame Pinkrah described retirement as the beginning of a new phase in Rev Edem’s ministry journey.
In response, an elated Rev Edem and his wife expressed gratitude to God for sustaining them throughout their 36 years of ministry.
Rev Edem also thanked his wife for her steadfast support throughout their 40-year marriage and his children and family for standing by him.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah