Good News from Accra, Ghana

It’s been such a refreshing and encouraging period for ICOC, Ghana in the last few months. In the months of June, July, August, and September the church has seen six sisters and three brothers added to their number (two restorations, baptism of three men, the mothers of two disciples, and two daughters).

Restorations

Mavis Worlanyo used to be part of ICOC Ghana but she left the Church due to relational issues. Sometime this year, she came into contact with disciples at the funeral of the late father of one of the brothers. She said she had so much fun at the funeral the following day she came to church and never looked back. She sees God’s hand in this as she had not planned to come to church. She continues to be amazed and sings praises to God – “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders” – Exodus 15:11

After going through the Restoration studies, Mavis got restored in June 2021.  Her joy after her restoration motivated her to reach out to her friends who had left the church. Since her restoration she has been calling everyone she knows who has left to come back to God – Zechariah 1:3 – Therefore tell the people this is what the Lord Almighty says “Return to me“ declares the Lord Almighty and I will return to you says the Lord Almighty”.

She reached out to her friend Gloria D. Mensah now Gloria Erinuha. Gloria had always wanted to come back to church but confessed that she was dealing with too many issues in her life. However, when Mavis reached out to her she heeded the call and after studying the bible with the sisters from the South West sector of the Accra church in Kasoa, Gloria got restored in July.    

Baptisms

In May, Paul Aci and Mr. Adjei Boafo were added to God’s kingdom in the South West sector (Kasoa) on the same day. Paul had been studying the bible for about a year but at some point, he started coming with his friend Mr. Adjei Boafo who also began studying the bible. On Mother’s Day, God encouraged his flock as both men confessed him as Lord and got baptized.

Oh, we shall sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. Psalm 98:1

On Saturday, September 11^th Primus Dasoberi baptized his 73-year-old mother Cecilia Borley in the presence of many witnesses. Madam Cecilia moved in with her son Primus and his wife Bertha in 2018 because of her health. She started studying the bible at the time but then took a break. She began studying the bible again in 2020 and stopped. This year she began studying the bible again. This time around she studied with a heart that is open, humble, teachable, and submissive to the Word of God.    

On September 11 she decided to surrender her life to the Lordship of Jesus and waded to the waters of baptism! It was a joyful occasion as the brothers and sisters present watched her son Primus baptize her. To God be all the glory.

Our hearts were lifted again when on September 12, Francis Gunie who had been studying the bible for about three months got baptized at the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean at Labadi. Prior to studying the bible, he had been coming to church for about three months. He received the word with eagerness and overcame major challenges in his life.

Seven days later on Sunday, September 19, there was a party in heaven as three souls were added to God’s kingdom at Kasoa ministry. Madam Grace Dei Neequaye (aged 83), mother of our sister Kate Quaye and Zamindar Quaye, Kate’s daughter both took the decision and made Jesus Lord of their life and were baptized in the new outdoor baptistery of the Kasoa ministry.  All the glory goes to God.

Madam Grace Dei Neequaye was introduced to the Church when her daughter Kate became a disciple about 27 years ago. When she finally decided to study the bible in August this year, she realized the need to become committed to carrying out all the challenges given her and living her life to please God and not herself.

Her granddaughter Zamindar had been studying the bible on and off for about two years. Recently though she realized the need to follow Christ and made the decision to make Jesus Lord of her life.

On the same day, Gladys Appiah got baptized. Gladys is an adopted daughter of Madam Catherine Armah, mother of Selina Quaye. Gladys had been studying the bible on and off in the last five years but two months ago she decided to take the word of God seriously.

We are inspired by the faith of all these men and women and welcome them to the family of God. We will continue to keep them in our prayers as they keep the faith. The church is very excited to be on this journey with our new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel who alone works wonders – Psalm 72:18