GBC News

ALL AFRICA BAPTIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP WEST AFRICA SUB-REGION BIENNIAL CONFERENCE UNDERWAY IN LOMÉ, TOGO Togo Saturday, 06-September, 2024 The biennial conference of the All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship West Africa Sub-Region (AABYFWA) is currently underway in Lomé, Togo, from September 4 to 8, 2024. Themed “KEEP MOVING FORWARD” (Numbers 13:30), the event has drawn delegates from several countries, including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Ivory Coast. The Ghana Baptist Convention Youth Ministry is represented by a delegation of twenty-three participants. Rev. Enoch Thompson, Chairman of the West African Sub-Region of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship, delivered the keynote address during the opening ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of African youth overcoming challenges such as economic stagnation, limited educational opportunities, and unemployment. He urged the youth to take positive, faith-driven actions in alignment with the conference theme, stating: “The theme of your conference, ‘KEEP MOVING FORWARD’ (Numbers 13:30), speaks to the need for progress, advancement, achievement, and the realization of dreams. Failure to do so results in youth succumbing to drug addiction, embarking on dangerous journeys across seas and deserts in search of greener pastures, or engaging in cybercrime and ritual killings in pursuit of wealth and fame. Our theme invites us to shake off the stupor of an incapacitated youth and rise to action. It is an invitation to move forward on paths that glorify God and benefit society.” Rev. Thompson also took part in a presentation on Baptist identity, highlighting the significance of understanding and embracing the distinctive marks of the Baptist faith. He concluded his remarks by affirming, “THE BAPTIST BRAND IS A GOOD BRAND.” Among other notable attendees were Rev. Elias Apetogbor, General Secretary of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship, and Rev. Pierre Addasso, President of the Togo Baptist Convention. The conference continues through September 8, fostering discussions and activities aimed at empowering Baptist youth across West Africa to keep moving forward in faith and action.

𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 61𝗦𝗧 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Tamale Saturday, 03-August, 2024 The Northern Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary (NGBTS) celebrated its 61st graduation ceremony on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the New Life Community Baptist Church in Tamale. The event was held under the theme “Theological Education for Pastoral Ministry: A Necessity or A Waste of Time.” The occasion was honoured by the presence of Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku, Vice President of the Ghana Baptist Convention. As the guest speaker, he emphasized the significance of theological education within pastoral ministry. The chairperson for the occasion was Rev. Mrs. Grace Wuni Grumah, Associate Minister at the First Baptist Church in Nalerigu. Rev. Michael Sebastian Aidoo, the Principal of NGBTS, presented the annual report highlighting the seminary’s achievements over the past year. Key accomplishments included the graduation of Bachelor of Ministry students, the refurbishment of the library, and ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC). This year’s graduation saw a total of forty-four students successfully completing their studies. The graduates were awarded as follows: 21 students received their post-Diploma degrees, leading to a Bachelor of Ministry.23 students earned their Diplomas in Ministry.The ceremony was a joyous occasion, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the graduates as they prepare to serve in various capacities within the church. Congratulations to all the graduates of the Northern Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary! While in Tamale, Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku visited Koinonia Baptist Church on Sunday, August 4, 2024, to participate in their worship service.

𝗥𝗘𝗩. 𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 18𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗔) 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Hilton in Fairfield, New Jersey Thursday, 01-August, 2024 Rev. Enoch Thompson, the Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, was the guest speaker at the just-ended 18th Annual NABA Renewal Convention, held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Fairfield, New Jersey, from July 26th to 29th, 2024. He delivered inspiring talks on the theme “ONENESS: OUR MASTER’S WILL.” During the convention, the NABA President announced plans for new church plants in Nashville, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Los Angeles, urging everyone to support these initiatives with their prayers. The new executives of the Association, who will serve for the next three years, were inducted into office by the Executive President. The newly inducted officers are: Rev. Bio Asante (President) Rev. Theophilus Isaac Arthur (Vice President) Mr. Stampley Asamoah-Ampofo (Secretary/National Youth & Young Adults Coordinator) Mrs. Vera Schandorf (Vice Secretary) Deacon Kwadwo Yeboah (Financial Officer) Deacon Eric Odoi Mensah (Assistant Chief Financial Officer) Rev. Philip Oheneba Amofah (Missions & Church Planting Committee Chairman) Rev. Samuel Nana Poku (Ministers’ Fellowship President) Rev. Kwaku Wiafe Akenteng (Men’s Ministry President) Pastor Patience Asomaning (WMU President) In a generous act, the WMU of NABA presented US$500 to the GBC National WMU and US$2000 towards the Shelter for Worship initiative led by the President.

CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICIAL RESIDENCE FOR THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF THE CONVENTION Tesano, Accra Thursday, May 23, 2024 – The Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has officially cut the sod for the construction of an official residence for the office of the Executive President. This significant event took place at the project site in Tesano, Accra. The project, estimated to cost a little over GH¢3 million, will commence immediately and is scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The project is under the supervision of a Presidential Committee chaired by the Director-General of Finance and Administration. Other members of the committee include Rev. Felix Frimpong (Estates Manager), Rev. Bernard Affreh (Consulting Architect), Rev. Frederick Baffour (Consulting Quantity Surveyor), and Deacon Eric O. Parsley (Director of Finance). Funding for the project comes from the sale of the Tema (Community 10) facility. The Executive President of the GBC, Rev Enoch Nii Narh Thompson who made the call on Sunday, February 5, 2023, said issues of the environment should be of great concern to everyone in the country because the high rates of degradation could affect all. He noted that creations are gifts from God and that mankind had a duty to use resources judiciously by consciously preserving and conserving natural resources not only in one’s country but the world at large for future generations. The 60th anniversary was launched at the First Baptist Church in Tema on the theme: “Fulfilling God’s purpose, growing God’s church-60 years on.” Activities lined up for the year-long anniversary celebration includes lectures and tree-planting exercise among other events. The celebration would be climaxed with a national thanksgiving service at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi on November 26, 2023.

REV. THOMPSON ELECTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF… Read More  REV. THOMPSON ELECTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF GHANA Accra, May 15, 2024 – The Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, has been elected as the Vice Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana for a two-year term. The election took place today at the Council’s Annual General Meeting. In his acceptance speech, Rev. Thompson expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the council members for entrusting him with this esteemed role. He emphasized the importance of collective prayer, financial support, and active participation from all members in the Council’s endeavors. The meeting also witnessed the re-election of Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dogbe of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church as the Chairman of the Council, marking the commencement of his second term. Warmest congratulations to Rev. Thompson on his new appointment.   

GHANA BAPTIST CONVENTION@60 The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has launched its 60th anniversary, calling on Ghanaians to guard against the depletion of the environment and natural resources. The Executive President of the GBC, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, who made the call on Sunday, February 5, 2023, said issues of the environment should be of great concern to everyone in the country because the high rates of degradation could affect all. He noted that creation is a gift from God and that mankind has a duty to use resources judiciously by consciously preserving and conserving natural resources not only in one’s country but the world at large for future generations. The 60th anniversary was launched at the First Baptist Church in Tema on the theme: “Fulfilling God’s Purpose, Growing God’s Church – 60 Years On.” Activities lined up for the year-long anniversary celebration include lectures and tree-planting exercises, among other events. The celebration will be climaxed with a national thanksgiving service at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, on November 26, 2023. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the anniversary launch, Rev. Thompson expressed concern about the rapid rate of environmental degradation and mentioned with regret that illegal mining activities could have grievous effects on the environment. “If we Christians, as most of the people of this nation claim to be, should have the consciousness of God’s concern for the environment, then we should keep our environment tidy and avoid degradation,” he said. He urged Christians involved in galamsey to rethink the effect of their mining activities and guard against the depletion of resources. Rev. Thompson said that as bearers of God’s image, all Christians have the responsibility not only to be reconciled with God but also to care for God’s creation. The GBC, which started as a mustard seed, has grown into one of the largest denominations in Ghana, with over 1,300 local churches in Ghana. Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson thanked God for guiding the GBC throughout its existence in the country. The anniversary, he said, was significant because it highlighted the numerous contributions the GBC had made to the country in all spheres of life. He noted that the church has played a crucial role in the areas of education, quality healthcare delivery, and improving the physical and spiritual lives of people in the country. He highlighted the GBC’s efforts in establishing medical facilities across the country, such as their flagship Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu and other health facilities across the country, the provision of boreholes in a number of communities to improve the lives of the people, and their contribution to the development of Ghana’s human capital through the Ghana Baptist University College, early childhood development centres, and the Baptist Vocational Training Centre focusing on the training of girls who have been rescued from the Trokosi system. Rev. Thompson said for the rest of the period that the GBC will exist, they commit to preaching the unadulterated word of God. “As we stand on this pinnacle of 60 years, we look further afield and see that there remain many mountains to be climbed, valleys to be passed, and some rivers to be crossed. In the future, we seek progress in evangelism, financial solvency, human resource development, and the provision of conducive places of worship for our congregations.