By Dennis Ato KEELSON
The 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship opens in earnest in Accra today, Wednesday, October 14, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from across the world.
Scheduled for October 14 to 16, the Congress is being hosted in Africa for the first time in the 115-year history of Assemblies of God worldwide.
It is on the theme: “Commissioned – One Mandate, Every Nation.” The three-day Congress will have morning sessions at the Black Star Square to build the capacity of pastors and church leaders, followed by evening gospel revival rallies at the Accra Sports Stadium for all denominations.
Renowned artistes including Joe Mettle, Nigerian acts Dunsin Oyekan and Sinach, and Angela Donadio from the US will perform at the evening rallies. Assemblies of God, Ghana, has emphasised that attendance is free.
First Time in Africa
The Congress coincides with the Presidency of John Dramani Mahama, who is the first member of the church in the country to ascend to the highest office of the land.
President Mahama will open the Congress at the Black Star Square. With a population of 89.9 million globally, Assemblies of God is currently the largest Protestant denomination in the world.
The World Congress will also look at strategies to establish one million more churches under the MM33 Agenda to mark 2,000 years of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Government Pledges Support
Ahead of the Congress, a delegation led by the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Rev. Wengam, accompanied by the General Secretary, Rev. Albert Anane, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Rev. Andrews Awintia, officially informed government about the Congress and sought support, including assistance for international guests at Ghana’s embassies to facilitate visas.
He disclosed that former President of Malawi, Rev. Dr Lazarus Chakwera, a former General Superintendent of Malawi Assemblies of God, will participate in the Congress.
Mr Ablakwa commended the Fellowship for choosing Ghana and pledged government’s full support, noting President Mahama had directed the Ministry to provide all necessary assistance. He appointed two senior officials to serve on the LOC.
Rev. Wengam presented a Bible to the Minister and thanked President Mahama and government for their support.
Free Buses for Participants
Briefing about 2,500 leaders of the church at the Cedar Mountain Chapel, East Legon, last week, the Vice-Chairman of the LOC, Fred Darko, said efforts were being made to make the Congress a world-class event.
Rev. Awintia announced transport arrangements: Accra East has 67 pick-up points and Accra West 64. Metro Mass buses will convey church and non-church members free at 3 p.m. daily to the Accra Sports Stadium from Wednesday to Friday, with return trips between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, raised funds to support the budget, while Rev. Anane led prayers for the success of the Congress.
