GCI Ghana commemorated its 50th anniversary with a week-long celebration in August. During the week, Ghana hosted the West Africa Leadership Conference. We joined together to celebrate fifty years of God’s grace, with the theme, “Thus far by grace” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12.
On Sunday August 18, the Accra area congregations gathered at the GCI Ghana Retreat Site at Kutunse to begin the celebration with a church service inspired by praise and thankful music led by the National Director, Pastor Ing. Theo Nii Okai.
After the arrival of our guests, President Dr. Greg Williams and Pastor Gabriel Ojih, a one-day gathering for Board Members, Regional Directors, and National Ministry Leaders was held on Wednesday at the newly refurbished National Office Conference Room at New Ashongman, Accra.
The day began with praise and worship and the session was led by Deaconess Mrs. Sarah Abban who is the Ghana’s Board Secretary. After initial welcome remarks by the Superintendent of Africa, Pastor Kalengule Kaoma, Dr. Williams provided a brief report on his travels to the various congregations around the world and followed by a devotion and sharing the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Various presentations were given by leaders on topics such as ministry teams, ACCM, GCS, and MTCs. All the discussions included a healthy dose of questions, contributions and interactions.
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On Thursday, we began the West Africa Leadership Conference at the church’s retreat site at Kutunse, near Accra. Participants traveled from Ghana, the host country, and many other countries such as Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Liberia, and the U.S.
Day one of the West Africa Leadership Conference began with praise singing and prayers after which Pastor Kaoma, discussed our theme, “Thus Far by Grace,” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12. He indicated that God’s grace has been with us right from the beginning till now, and it is the same grace of God that will carry us forward. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Greg Williams. Next were various workshops, including ones on the Faith, Love, and Hope Avenues.
Day two of the Conference included more discussion on leadership development. After lunch, the ladies took over to organize the West Africa GCI Women Ministry Conference. A food fair followed that showcased various sumptuous, mouth-watering, indigenous Ghanaian cuisine, which were patronized by all present, especially our foreign guests, who came to sample these dishes and local beverages.
Friday evening was the Opening Night Worship service for guests just arriving for the weekend 2024 Jubilee Convention. The message was delivered by our special guest, Pastor Gabriel Ojih. Gabriel, born in Ghana, now pastors GC Richardson, Texas, in the U.S. He is a foundation member of the denomination in Ghana and one of its former lead pastors. His message encouraged us to go “Forward in His Grace and Truth.”
On Sunday, the concluding day of the celebration, attendance was the highest: 572 people, including 120 young people and children. Members resplendently dressed in the special 50th Anniversary designed wax-print shirts, “Kaba and Slit,” boubous, and other designs. [See image below.]
Various Awards were given by the Anniversary Committee to five pioneer church members, including 92-year-old Emeritus Deaconess Letitia Ojih (mother of Gabriel Ojih). Pastor Emmanuel and Margaret Okai received a citation for their many decades of exemplary service to the church in Ghana as well as the West Africa sub-region.
A visit to the historic Cape Coast Elmina “Slave” Castle was part of the scheduled events. Indeed, the visit to the Elmina Slave Castle was very emotional for all, especially our five African American friends from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., who were visiting the Motherland for the first time.
All the visitors and guests have returned safely to their respective countries. Indeed, God’s bountiful grace has brought us all this far.
May his name be praised,
Ing. Theo Nii Okai, Ghana National Director
This is a condensed version of Pastor Theo’s update. Read the full story here.
Bill Hall, National Director of Canada
