By J. K Nabary, GNA
Winneba (C/R), June 3, GNA- Rt Rev John Prince Sackey, Bishop of the Winneba Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has called on Ghanaians to promote peace, support righteous leadership, pursue unity, reject division, honour one other and fear God, while remembering God’s works.
Rt Rev Sackey, made the call in a sermon he delivered at the maiden Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service organised by the Effutu Traditional Council in collaboration with the Local Council of Churches, Muslim community and other Religious bodies in Effutu Municipality.
“Thanksgiving is not only to utter words, but help transform lives in communities, churches and the nation as we walk in unity, protect peace, build the next generation well and honour God with our conduct,” he stated.
The Occasion was to give thanks to the Almighty God for the life of Neenyi Ghartey VII, Effutu Oma Odefe on his 70 birthday, and 30 years of dedicated leadership and service to his people and ensuring peace in the area.
It was under theme: “Remembering the works of God; A call to thanksgiving,” (Psalm, 103:1-5, Deuteronomy 8:1-5 and Luke 17:11-19).
According to Rt Rev Sackey, the occasion portrayed the faithfulness of God, adding, “brethren, many started the journey but are no longer here with us, many desire leadership but never got it, many ruled but did not finish well, therefore this gathering is a testimony that God has been gracious.”
Bishop Sackey stated that thirty years of traditional leadership was not sustained by human wisdom alone, but God’s grace because it came with pressure, expectations, oppositions, criticisms and difficult decisions.”
Through it all, he noted, God preserved the Omanhen, the palace and the Effutu community as a whole and the celebration must become an Altar of thanksgiving unto God.
“Neenyi Ghartey VII, your 70 years of life and 30 years of leadership are gifts from God and as we honour your services, sacrifices, endurance and commitment to your people, we pray that God grant you renewal of strength, wisdom for the years ahead, peace in your household and lasting honour and legacy among your people to inspire future generation towards integrity, humility and service,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Very Rev Odum Baidoo and Rev Michael called the congregation to worship, while Bishop Frances Odoom, the Chairman of Effutu Local Council of Churches and Ven Moses Aaron Kwamina Eduah, Parish priest of the Saint John’s the Divine Anglican, Winneba supported.
Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie who led the congregational thanksgiving prayers of gratitude for Effutuman, prayed for God’s continued outpouring of his blessings and peace on Effutuman.
As part of the event, supernatural breakthrough prayers was said for the progress, prosperity, peace, unity, and development for the youth and the entire area.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu, Rev Atta Mensah, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Monsuri Isaah, Chief Imam of Effutu Muslim community graced the occasion.
Neenyi Ghartey in a short message, expressed his appreciation to the Local Council of Churches, the Muslim community and all and sundry for their support, unity and participation in the first edition of the sacred thanksgiving service.
“It is about time to love our only town passionately and embrace cohesion to lift the flag of Effutu Oma higher, and I hope we shall rise to the occasion,” he added.
Bishop Tony Quartson of Victory Bible Church International, later led the clergy to pray for Neenyi Ghartey.
Among other Officiating Ministers at the event was Rev Nii Lamptey and Rev Dr Wiredu Nkrumah.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Kenneth Odeng Adade