From the Superintendent's DESK

John Bekoe, the leader of our work in Ghana since 2017, retired on Sunday, December 15, and was honored with a luncheon. This followed a special service in which the mantle of leadership passed to Joseph Ansah, and Samuel Agbovi was appointed as a Ghana board member.

A few days prior to these events, Isaac Adigun, the District Superintendent for Western and Central Africa (WECA), arrived in Ghana with his wife, Stella. He met with the Ghana board members, who expressed unanimous approval, as had the Portland and WECA board members, for Brother John’s recommended successor. Then, in additional meetings, the ministers and workers also showed their support for Brother Joseph.

The installation ceremony took place at the headquarters church in Aplaku with representation from all Ghana branches, including some joining online. During the service, Brother Isaac announced Brother John’s retirement at age seventy-five after years of faithful service marked by humility and generosity. In addition, he thanked him and his wife, Monica, for their dedication to the Gospel work.  

He also introduced Brother Joseph, a current Ghana board member, and Brother Samuel, the zonal pastor for our Ada churches, along with their families. He stated that each has served in the church faithfully in various capacities and has met the Biblical criteria for occupying leadership positions. He invited the congregation to show support for the appointments by standing, and everyone stood.     

Following this, Brother Joseph and Brother Samuel came forward separately and were prayed over. Laying hands on them, Brother Isaac and the board members petitioned God for His blessings on their lives, families, and ministries.

Then Brother Joseph addressed the congregation. While thanking God for the opportunity to serve in this capacity, he requested the prayers of everyone present for the ability to fulfill the assignment. He expressed optimism that God, who helped him serve under previous administrations, will help him in his new role as leader of the church in Ghana. He also acknowledged the importance of upholding the Gospel standard and continuing the Great Commission. He said his intention is to launch out into new areas to win more souls for God’s Kingdom.

After the service, a retirement party was held for Brother John, who has agreed to remain on the Ghana board, allowing the church to continue to benefit by his experience and wisdom. A citation was read in his honor, and he and his wife were presented with a token of appreciation. Also, many spoke of the couples’ devotion to the Gospel. In closing, Brother Isaac prayed for the Bekoes that God would bless them in retirement with good health and long life.