ASSEMBLIES OF GOD VARSITY IN THE OFFING (PAGE 20)

Story: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Koforidua

CONSTRUCTIONAL work for the proposed university of the Assemblies of God Church is expected to begin in December this year.
The estimated GH¢500,000 facilities accommodating the three campuses of the university would be sited in Accra, Kumasi and Saltpond.
The Eastern Regional Superintendent of the church, Rev. Alex Ofori Amankwah, made this known at a fund-raising ceremony for the university at Koforidua at the weekend.
The event, which was attended by members of the various branches in the region, was also used to educate them on the need to acquire knowledge to advance society.
Rev. Amankwah said a national fund-raising activity had already been held in Accra to be followed by similar ones in the regions.
He stated that with the enthusiasm being demonstrated by members of the church towards the project, a substantial sum would be realised for the project to commence on schedule.
The regional superintendent said the church believed in using education as a tool for spiritual and physical development.
He stated that although the church had a number of schools in the country, it had no tertiary educational institution.
“For that reason, the church decided to establish the university to make it possible for the youth of the church and the society at large, most of who could not gain admission to public universities due to limited vacancies, to benefit from university education,” Rev. Amankwah stated.
He said the measure would enable such unfortunate students to acquire the requisite knowledge to cope with modern trends and technology.
Rev. Amankwah used the opportunity to preach to the congregation on the benefits of hard work and decent living.
He enjoined Christians not to be a burden on other people, but work hard to make positive impact on society before being called to eternity.
Basing his sermon on Ecclesiastes Chapter 9, verse 10, Rev. Amankwah said the days when manna fell from heaven were over, stressing that it was the responsibility of all and sundry to work for a living.
In another development, the church’s regional branch has ordained eight ministers and promoted four others from exhorters to licensing ministers.
Four ministers were also received into the ministry as exhorters.
In a sermon delivered at the ceremony at Koforidua, the General Superintendent of the church, the Rev. W. W. Dontoh, asked the ministers to accept posting to the rural areas where their services were most needed.
The Regional Superintendent of the church, Rev. Alex Ofori Amankwah, advised them to stand boldly against all vices that militated against society.