The 10th World Assemblies of God Congress opens in Accra today, with more than 10,000 delegates from over 100 countries taking part in the global gathering of the Assemblies of God Fellowship for the first time on African soil.
The three-day congress, which ends on Friday, has brought together church leaders, ministers and delegates from different parts of the world to strengthen fellowship, share experiences and explore new approaches to advancing the Christian faith as well as hold discussions on ministry, missions, leadership and the future of the church.
President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, both active members of Assemblies of God, Ghana, will be the Special Guests of Honour at the opening ceremony.
Eighteen Ministers of State have confirmed their participation in the World Congress.
Courtesy call
Yesterday, the Executive Committee of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama to discuss the historic congress.
The delegation was led by the Global Chairman, Rev. Dominic Yeo, and the host, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam.
“All is set for the World Congress, which is taking place on African soil for the first time in the 115-year history of Assemblies of God worldwide,” Rev. Wengam said.
He commended President Mahama and the government for supporting the organisation of the event.
Rev. Wengam explained that the change of venue for the morning conference from Independence Square to the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre was due to technical hitches, adding that the new venue was more conducive.
First
For his part, Rev. Yeo congratulated Ghana on being the first country in Africa to host the World Congress, just as it was the first in sub-Saharan Africa to gain political independence.
He expressed the gratitude of the Executive Committee to President Mahama and the government of Ghana for their diverse assistance to ensure the success of the World Congress.
The Global Chairman commended the President for his visionary and transformational leadership which “is reflected in economic stability and massive road development.”
He urged the President to continue to represent Christ well in politics and to remain steadfast in his faith.
President Mahama welcomed the delegation to Ghana and assured them of the government's continued support to “ensure that the event is peaceful, successful, and impactful.”
The President recounted how he joined the Assemblies of God, saying, “I have no regrets.”
He commended the current leadership of the church for its visible growth and transformation.
Rev. Yeo presented Congress souvenirs to President Mahama and led the delegation to pray for him and the prosperity of the nation.
Special guests
Rev. Yeo, who arrived in the country last Monday in the company of his wife, Chin Yeo, said: “ I’m excited that the Congress is taking place in Africa, and for that matter, Ghana. This indeed is God's prophetic timing to bring an unequalled revival to Africa through Ghana.”
“I’m overly confident that this Congress will trigger the desired spiritual revival on the continent,” Rev. Yeo added.
Also in the country for the 10th Triennial World Congress of Assemblies of God are the Global Vice Chairman, Rev. Doug Clay; the General Secretary, Rev. Juan Carlos Escobar; and General Superintendents of Assemblies of God churches from across the world.
Significance
The congress is being held on the theme: “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation,” drawn from Matthew 28:18-20, highlighting the global mission of the Assemblies of God movement.
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for leaders of the denomination from different parts of the world to strengthen fellowship, share experiences and explore new approaches to advancing the Christian faith.
The congress is expected to boost the local economy through increased demand for accommodation, transportation, food, hospitality and other services during the period.
The influx of foreign visitors will, as usual, create business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other enterprises in the capital.
Main speakers
The spiritual sessions and workshops will be led by seasoned ministers, including Rev. Yeo, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, USA; Rev. Dr Doug Clay, and the host, Rev. Wengam.
Others are Rev. Juan Carlos Escobar of Spain and Founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.
Morning and evening sessions
The morning leadership and ministry sessions will discuss strategies to achieve the target of establishing one million more churches by 2033 to mark 2000 years of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
They will be followed by powerful evening gospel revival rallies at the Accra Sports Stadium. Attendance is free and open to all denominations.
Ministering in songs will be renowned gospel artistes Joe Mettle of Ghana, Dunsin Oyekan and Sinach from Nigeria, and Donadio from the USA.
Visit
A visit by the Daily Graphic to the main venues yesterday showed that preparations had reached an advanced stage, with the Accra Sports Stadium fully set for the evening revival rallies while workers at the AICC were putting finishing touches to temporary structures and other facilities for the daytime programmes.
The Black Star Square has also been reserved as a designated parking area for participants attending the congress, with shuttle buses expected to transport delegates and worshippers from the square to the main event venues.
