IT IS POSSIBLE

Looking at the very challenging and deprived rural background from which I come, I have always tried to encourage everyone I encounter that they can better their lot in life. One's rural background, financial situation or other inhibiting factors should not necessarily prevent somebody from achieving their dreams. I am therefore more than excited when people defy the odds and go ahead to accomplish something.

In this edition I have selected the stories of three men which I believe will inspire everyone of us to develop to our highest potentials. 

Apostle Anthony K. Ahalivor, The Church of Pentecost Area Head of Nkawkaw Area, Eastern Region of Ghana, and his daughter, Dorcas in their graduation robes. Father and daughter graduated same day from same university.

The first on my list is Apostle Anthony Kwabla Ahalivor. Apostle Ahalivor is The Church of Pentecost Area Head of Nkawkaw Area in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Now in his mid-fifties, the honorable Apostle has been in the full-time pastoral ministry of COP for over a quarter of a century now. He did not have the benefit of high education yet through auto-didactic means he strove to improve upon his lot.

A few years ago when Pentecost University College (P.U.C) introduced the School of Theological Education by Extension (S.T.E.E) program, Apostle Ahalivor enrolled in it. A few weeks ago, he graduated with a B. A in Theology. His degree was awarded by UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, the nation's premier university to which P.U.C is affiliated.
From Middle School Leaving Certificate to a university degree holder; is it possible? Apostle Ahalivor has shown that it is; even in spite of family and heavy ministerial duties.

An interesting scenario of his graduation was that Apostle Ahalivor graduated the same day, and from the same university, with one of his own daughters, Dorcas. The 24-year old graduated with B. Sc. in Banking and Finance

Apostle Ahalivor, in your direct view, listening to the graduation proceedings with rapt attention.

NB. It is heartening to note that on that day, several other COP "heavy-weights" also graduated: Prophet J. E. Ameyaw, Apostle Ekow Badu Wood and Apostle John Appiah-Aidoo. They have proved that the grace of God, coupled with godly determination, everything is possible.

Second on my list is Pastor Andrew Adu-Amankwaah. Now in his late-fifties, this respectable Pastor has been serving as a COP minister for nearly two decades. Before his call into the pastoral ministry, Adu-Amankwaah served as Private Secretary to a Minister of State for many years. His hard work and integrity later got him to the post of Personal Assistant to the Chairman, one of the most sensitive positions in COP, a responsibility he creditably discharged for ten years (1998-2008).

COP sponsored him to undertake a number of professional courses both at home and abroad. His desire for higher education was however insatiable and neither the volume of his work nor the constraints of age could abate it. He took advantage of a modular program being ran by P.U.C. and Canada Christian College which earned him a B.Th degree. Without relent, he continued to the University of Ghana from where he recently graduated with Master of Arts in Religions.

Pastor Andrew Adu-Amankwaah in his graduation robe

From Stenographer Secretary to Masters degree holder; is it possible? Pastor Andrew Adu-Amankwaah can confidently tell us, "Yes, it is".    

Pastor Adu-Amankwaah and his wife Agnes, taking it easy, probably contemplating on how far God has brought them.

My third pick is a young man called Daniel Agabus Tettey. Dan ended schooling at age 15 after Junior High School because his parents were too poor to sponsor him. He left his village for Accra, slept in kiosks/uncompleted buildings until he found a job as a Cleaner one of the most prominent banks in the country. He took to night classes for some years, and after two attempts at the G. C. E A-Level examinations, he qualified for university admission. About three weeks ago, Daniel graduated with B. Sc Administration (Accounting) from Wisconsin University (Ghana).

Daniel Agabus Tettey in his graduation robe

Daniel's performance has already caught the ears of his Director who has already asked him to submit an application to upgrade his status. Within a few days Daniel will walk into the bank's offices as a middle-level officer. Many might ask that age-old question, "Is this not the Cleaner; how did he become an officer?"

Beloved, we serve a great and mighty God. He is able to do all things; Don't settle for less while with His help, you are able to reach your fullest. Don't forget that, with God, all things are possible. (Lk. 1:37)