Dambai, March 1, GNA – The Methodist Church Ghana, has dedicated its first Chapel in the Oti Region at Dambai.
Sod was cut for the more than 350 capacity auditorium edifice in January 2020 and was financed by the Lay Movement Council of the Methodist Church Ghana.
The Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Church, who dedicated the edifice commended all whose efforts had led to its completion within a year.
He said “in the midst of COVID-19, God is alive”.
Rev Boafo in a sermon said the Church would become relevant if all faithfuls honour the conditions set out by God to his glory.
“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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land – second Chronicles 7:14.”
He noted that development was achievable when the government and the Church collaborated.
The Presiding Bishop, who also dedicated a mechanised borehole with a submersible pump, said it would help the congregants and households within the area to have a safe source of water.
He said it would also enable them to be able to observe COVID-19 safety protocols especially with hand washing.
Rev Boafo noted that the Church would also make the necessary arrangements to begin the construction of facilities to cater for the educational and health needs of the people of Dambai.
The altar table, lectern and pulpit of the Church were also dedicated.
Dr Joseph Makubu, Oti Regional Minister designate, said “you cannot talk about civilisation, healthcare, spirituality, morals and development in Ghana without the Methodist Church”.
He said the “triumphant entry” of the Church into the Region would spring up developments across the Region.
Brother Bernard Clement Kwasi Botwe, Immediate Past Lay President, said the Lay Movement Council financed the project because the presence of the Church was not felt in the Region after it was created.
“Despite the restrictions brought about by COVID-19, we mobilised the necessary resources together with the entire Church.
“The product is as a result of a united front and united Church. We can achieve so much if we unite as a country.”
Nana Kwaku Beyennor II, Nifahene of Chonke Traditional Area and Chief of Dambai, praised the Church for extending its faith to Dambai.
He said the Methodist Church Ghana in Dambai would deepen peace, foster unity and promote development.
Nana Beyennor called on the Church to endeavour to build a hospital and school in Dambai to complement their mission in the Region, adding that the traditional area was ready to offer the necessary support.
Brother William Orleans Oduro, the Lay President, noted that the projections the Church had were to build a school and a health facility in Dambai, adding that “we look at the holistic development of the human person”.
Very Reverend Emmanuel Kwame Awuley, the Superintendent Minister of Hohoe Circuit of Methodist Church, Ghana, said the Dambai Church began in March 2019 with about 30 members including; students, who used to fellowship at an improvised place.
The dedicated Chapel has sanctuary, four offices, a singers’ band and choristers’ area and four washrooms each for male and female congregants.
The Dambai Methodist Church falls under the Hohoe Circuit and the Tema Diocese.
The Oti Regional Coordinating Council presented GH¢2,000.00 and Krachi East Municipal Assembly presented GH¢500.00, boxes of hand sanitisers and pieces of face masks to the Church.
GNA