DEFYING THE ODDS

DEFYING THE ODDS

In 444 BC Nehemiah, a Jewish official in the court of the Persian king Artaxerxes, led in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. They were opposed by Tobiah and Sanballat, some of the king's representatives in that land. They used such weapons as lies, intimidation, misrepresentation before the king, and ridicule. At one point they even resorted to the sacrilegious tactic of hiring a prophet to prophesy against him. Shemaiah the prophet, purporting to have received a revelation from God, sent to call Nehemiah to join him in hiding in the temple of God because some people were after him to take his life. To this Nehemiah replied,

"Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go! I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him "(Neh. 6:11,12 NIV)

Neither Nehemiah nor his people caved in to the weapons of their enemies. They defied the odds and persisted in their mission. After 52 days, their mission was accomplished.

Various things often come our way which seek to hinder us from pursuing our respective assignments. Apostle Paul sums them up as, trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword. He continues the list by adding such facts as, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, and anything else in all creation (Rom. 8:35, 38-39).

Throughout history many people defied their own kinds of odds to do what they believed to be their divine assignments or duties. Abraham defied an uncertain future to leave all to undertake the journey which finally landed him in Canaan. Moses risked royalty in Egypt to identify with the people of God. Mordecai, Daniel, Shaddrach, Meshach, Abednego all defied related odds in connection with their faith. In what appeared to be foolhardy stances, these people saw death and destruction pass by with the doors of promotion and exaltation opening to them.

Not everybody had the testimony of having their godly defiance being rewarded by extraordinary turn-arounds in their situation. Hebrews 11 tells us of those who refused to give up and suffered all kinds of tortuous deaths. Yet, even in their dying moments, they rejoiced.

What were their secrets? Basically they knew their God. They knew what He required of them. They knew what He had called them to do or to accomplish. Anything that came between their God and themselves or what He had called them to do was the "odd" thing; and it had to be defied.

May children of God, like Nehemiah who referred to himself as "a man like me", know who we are in Christ. Don’t forget how Joseph bluffed to his brothers, “What is this you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?” (Gen. 44: 15 NIV) Let us not desire too much the easy lifestyle and assume it is the sign of God's blessings on our lives. Neither should we compromise our positions when faced with any odds in life nor lose heart when such odds surface, assuming we have been abandoned by God.

So then, defy every odd with the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit. As much as is possible, keep doing what God has called you to do. If this is not humanly possible find alternative ways of discharging those things. You remember what Jesus said, “Occupy till I come” (Lk. 19:13)

Remember, "a man/woman like you" should never give up or be cowered into a corner by any situation or circumstance.

Applying these lessons to myself as I await my miracle, I remind myself regularly in the words of Nehemiah that, "A man like me should/should not ..." Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am determined not to allow paralysis to hold me down. With the little mobility and functionalities that I have, I endeavor to “keep on keeping on.” For things I am not able to do, I endeavor to find other means of doing them.

One of my greatest personal philosophies now is, "Where my feet cannot carry me, my prayers and writings must go"

FAMILY EXCURSION TO DENMARK

              

On 4th May 2012, taking advantage of a one-week mid-semester break for Mike and Joanna, our children, our family decided to undertake a one-day excursion to the Baltic Sea at the German-Danish border.

Our 15-year old daughter, Joanna, pointing in excitement to the still surface of the Baltic Sea

We thought it would be a welcome change from my "triangular sphere of activity" ---home, therapy, church. It would also offer us the excitement of crossing the 18km stretch of the Baltic Sea from Fehman in Germany to Puttgarten in Denmark. We got all set and left home around ten o'clock in the morning.

Map showing the Baltic Sea between Germany and Denmark. Notice the red line between Route 1 and E47. That narrow part with the inscription "Fehmarnbelt" is the point where we crossed into Denmark.

The 147km journey took us barely ninety minutes by car. Hailing from a riviera district in Ghana I am naturally used to ferries and water bodies. The system of boarding the ferries was excellent. The dual-carriage way expanded into about eight lanes. Nobody was required to alight from their cars. Tickets were purchased from toll booths. Cars buses and trains board the ferry in their respective lanes after which the vessel sets sail.

The M/V Prins Richard ferry belonging to Scandlines, one of the vessels which plies the Baltic Sea between Germany and Denmark

We boarded the beautiful 142-meter long M/V PRINS RICHARD which has a 364-car and 1,140-passenger capacity. Besides, it also ferries a train of about four coaches in length. 

A passenger train on board the ferry.

The main deck of the ferry is like a little downtown, having shops, restaurants and cafeteria. The observation floor was where the children enjoyed the most as it gave them an unhindered view of the sea and other marine vessels.

Martha, flanked by Mike and Joanna, on the observation deck of the ferry.

The 18-km distance took us 45 minutes to cross.We visited some of the nearby towns such as Puttgarten, Roedby, Maribo and Lolland, returning only 135km shy of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

Joined by Elder Appiagyei (standing right), our Driver/Protocol Officer at a tourist center at Puttgarten in Denmark

We treated ourselves to some Danish meals, rested for a while and hit the road again, crossed the sea and returned to Hamburg before 19.00hrs, early enough for Mike and Joanna to attend evening service.

We give thanks and praise to God for the strength and vitality given us all, especially me. Yes, the stated objectives besides, the trip also afforded me the opportunity to explore my own physiological boundaries.

"THE IMPACT OF YOUR LEADERSHIP IS GREAT"

Bishop S. N. Mensah (left) standing beside me.

The LORD continues to gladden our hearts through the visit of friends and gallant colleague ministers with whom we did Kingdom Business in Ghana and across the world. One of such Pentecostal stalwarts to visit us in Hamburg recently was Bishop Samuel N Mensah, President of FULL GOSPEL CHURCH with headquarters in Tema, Ghana. His historic visit was from 19th to 21st April, 2012

Bishop S. N. Mensah with me in the Standing Machine.

Rt Rev S N. Mensah is an Executive Council member of Ghana Pentecostal Council(G P C), the largest Christian fraternity in the country. It is composed of over 250 different Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Ghana and accounts for over 25% of the country's population. I had the godly privilege of serving as President of G. P C from 1998 to 2008.

 Like many other visitors, Bishop S N. Mensah expressed great joy at seeing me, thanking God for all that He had done for me and, by extension, the entire Christian body in Ghana. He thanked God for the opportunity of being able to visit me, adding that it had allayed all his worries and inquietude about me since the condition in which he had come to find me was far better than the assumptions he had gathered through various sources.

 As could be expected when old-time friends meet, we conversed about various issues late into the night. He brought me warm greetings of the Council and specially of the G. P. C President, Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, and Apostle S. Y Antwi, the General Secretary.

 At various points Bishop S N Mensah interpolated his conversation with expressions like, "Apostle, Ghanaians still love you very much" and "The impact of your leadership is great, it goes far beyond The Church of Pentecost"

Rt  Rev S. N. Mensah, beaming with smiles, standing with me.

We are eternally grateful to God and to our colleagues for the great love they continue to show us as we travel this difficult phase of our life. The testimony is around the corner and great shall the celebration be!

THREE GHANAIAN GIANTS VISIT

THREE GHANAIAN GIANTS VISIT

The past four weeks have been very busy times for us.

1. On 16^th March, 2012, my elder brother, Joseph Adade passed away in Brussels, Belgium. “Daddy Joe” as we affectionately called him, was a Lecturer at Jasikan College of Education. Four years ago he moved to Belgium to join his wife. After a protracted illness, he passed away peacefully at age 62. He was interred in Brussels on 31^st March.

Some COP National and Area Heads in Europe. On behalf of our Family Head, Abusuapanin EKT Dofuor and myself, we express our gratitude to these gallant men of God and the congregations they represent for the great assistance they extended to us during my brother's funeral.

 In typical Church of Pentecost solidarity, all our National Heads and friends in Europe rallied around us and did what I could not do to give my brother a fitting farewell. We are grateful to them all, especially Evangelist Samuel Asiamah, COP National Head of Belgium who hosted the ceremony.  

Mrs Martha Ntumy, left, being interviewed by Sister Peggy Donkor

Rev Ntumy, flanked by Sis Peggy Donkor, left and Mrs Martha Ntumy

2. Between 15^th March and 4^th April, we were delighted to host the nationally renowned Peggy Ama Donkor, the Southern Ghana News Coordinator of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation who now doubles as Acting Manager of PENTMEDIA. Peggy is doing a documentary on all COP Chairmen and she traveled here to interview me, my wife and our young children, Mike and Joanna, for that purpose. 

Rev Ntumy and Sis Peggy Donkor in an interview session

Sister Peggy Donkor in an interview session with Dns Grace Sanders.

She took advantage of the visit and also interviewed Apostle Sampson Ofori Yiadom and Pastor Eben Quaye, National Head and Secretary respectively of Germany as well as Dns Grace Sanders, Deputy Women's Movement National Leader for an in-depth focus on the church in this nation. 

Elder Nana K Gyasi, left, with Rev Ntumy

3. Our blessings continued to overflow as we joyously welcomed Elder Nana K. Gyasi, Ghana’s famous “King of Iron Rods” who visited us between 4^th and 10^th April.

Nana, an old friend of mine, had kept in constant touch with me and nursed the desire to see me. Like many others, he expressed great joy at seeing me, insisting that my condition was far better than they had imagined. He helped in any way he could---with my standing, bicycle riding and pulling exercises, constantly reminding us that he had come to serve.

Elder Nana K. Gyasi, right, seated with Rev Ntumy in Hamburg Central Assembly

Rev Ntumy, left, with Elder Gibson Annor Antwi, Registrar of Pentecost University College, Accra, Ghana

4. Currently visiting is Elder Gibson Annor Antwi, Registrar of Pentecost University College and first Chairmanship of the Committees of Registrars and Finance Officers of Private Universities in Ghana. Elder Annor Antwi, who arrived on 15^th April, also came to interview me for a book-writing project he is currently undertaking.

We cannot fully express the level of our gratitude for such visits or our sentiments of camaraderie from the sweet fellowship renewed in us. We are more than grateful.

 

Elder Annor Antwi, left, with Rev and Mrs Ntumy

Please,

Keep praying for us;

Keep calling whenever you have time;

Keep coming if you are able.

God bless you again and again.

EASTER MESSAGE: BALANCING THE EQUATION OF GOD'S LOVE

One of my classmates in College hated Mathematics like Hell. Topics like Simultaneous and Quadratic Equations often sent him running wild. The usual task was “balance the equation” with the right side of the equation being equal to the left. Anytime my friend could not solve an equation he would throw his hands up and say, “O boy; an unknown variable has entered the equation, making it difficult to be balanced.”

Admittedly some Lecturers and Professors set questions which are so difficult that students wonder whether such teachers expect those questions to be answered. The good news is that God’s equations are not difficult to answer; in fact He provides the answer and explains the rationale.

Consider this: “…We are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2Cor. 5:14, 15 NIV)

The issue was that ALL of us were condemned to die. In the sight of God we were already dead. Jesus however stepped forward and offered to die in our place. His death was actually our own death; we should have died and He should have been physically alive. Instead we are now alive and He was the One who rather physically died

On the equation scale, there is a clear imbalance. The scale has tilted too much towards the divine side. The Substitutionary nature of Christ's death has proved to be a kind of love far above our comprehension. There is nothing we, as Christians, can do to balance the scale. In fact, God does not require us to do anything extraordinary to balance this scale of love.  

Whereas nothing great we do can balance the equation, God has ordained that it should be balanced by one simple requirement: that we, who are alive, SHOULD LIVE FOR HIM ALONE.

Well, I hope I did not bore you in trying to explain theological issues in mathematical terms.

Living for Jesus---in holiness and righteousness, and being involved in Kingdom business---should not depend on what He does for us or any such thing. We live for Him because it is the right thing to do; because He died for us; because it is the only thing to balance the equation of love.

As we celebrate Easter, may we always remember this equation: Jesus died in my place that I should live. As I now live, I must live for Him ONLY.

I WISH YOU A BLESSED EASTER CELEBRATION FILLED WITH THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION.

"A LOADED AND LAUDABLE BOOK"

My beloved in Christ Jesus,

A few weeks ago, I received a comment about my latest book, NO EASY ROAD. I was so touched y it that I requested the permission of the author to publish it on my blog for the benefit of my cherished readers. The author, Venerable Nathaniel Nartey, is a high-profile personality in United States of America. Please enjoy reading:

Venerable Nathaniel Nartey, The Author

"Dear Doctor Ntumy,
Sir, I got two copies of your book this afternoon and began reading same time, because it was so impulsive and very juicy for me to finish reading all the 238 pages, after reading its Forward by Chairman Opoku Onyinah.What a book??

In my Hamburg Office, about four years ago

  

"This book defines your character, mind and personality more than your inexplicable experience in the wheel chair. You are not only an Hebrew Prophet or Zealot Preacher, but also Chaste Christian Writer with passion for righteousness, one who glorifies in his cross and afflictions than his personal achievements.

"Sir, I realized from the beginning pages of this book " No Easy Road" that, you decreased the Self and increased thy spirit, making Satan the greatest fool and us see the ointment of grace constantly numbing your pain and discouragement, while injecting fresh energy and pleasantness to your spirit man.
Your take on social benefit and disability laws, will help people with disabilities find happiness in their own homes, offices, their personal relationships and as contributing members in their community.
 

Venerable Nartey near his home

"Your book is a lesser light after the biggest light known as "The Bible", for fellow ministers in hardships, people caught up in the middle, saints drowned in the sea of frustration and those casualties of the storms who think it's over, that all is not yet over and the best is yet to come.

Front and Back covers of my latest book

 
"Again, I thank my God for the "Spiritual and Civic Civilization" that through your experiential knowledge He is bringing to the minds of His church and the nations to correct the errors in spiritual formation, associated with political incorrectness of our times.
 

My wife and I in the back garden of our house in Hamburg

That is not all, also in this book, I saw the brevity of your weakness and strength as human, and bravery in feminism at its finest, when Mama Martha did not only use her blessed caring hands, but for her quick spiritual senses and instinctive intervention, you would have asked God to call you home untimely; which would also have been fatal blow to the Church at large. Because of her today, you have amplified weightier issues in this book to make the way, " So Easy Road " 

Mrs Martha Ntumy, A Pillar of Intercessory Prayer and An Icon of Dedication

"What a loaded and laudable Book!!!!!!! Everything you said in the pages I have so far read, are very important and you said them well. I know by tomorrow when I shall end on the last chapter, a lengthened pause of silence will be my best response. Because it may seem foolish for one to say "excellent" to a work which is much better than an excellent academic work.

For now, my writings would go where my feet cannot go

" I can't believe that in your "ability" you touched us greatly and in your disability you could touch us so immeasurably!"  (VENERABLE NATHANIEL NARTEY, 16th March, 2012)

 NB: READERS IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA MAY CONTACT THEIR COP PASTORS FOR THEIR COPIES OF THE BOOK

2012 COP EURO HEADS MEETING IN HAMBURG

COP  EURO  HEADS  MEETING  IN  HAMBURG

For the fourth year running COP Ministers in Europe met in Hamburg from 22^nd to 25^th February, 2012. The meetings have been instituted to provide a forum for mutual fellowship, prayer, and the presentation, discussion and collation of annual reports for each nation in order to present a unified, composite report to the International Missions Director.

In this edition of my blog publication, it is my pleasure to present these gallant men of God to you; that you may know them and remember to pray for us.

Apostle J. K Appiah, Area Head, Modena. Italy

Pastor Samuel Obeng, National Head, Austria

Pastor Emmanuel Quaye, National Head, Ukraine

Pastor George Korankye

Ovr. Pirciu samy-Marius, National Head, Romania

Group photo of National and Area Heads in Europe, L-R seated: Apostles Osei Owusu Afriyie, France; D. P Wiafe, Italy; Michael Ntumy; S. L Agyin, Holland; N.O, Nyarko, U. K; Standing L-R: Pastor E. N. O Quaye, Area Head, Germany; Evang. Dr F. K Bonsu, Area Head, U. K; Apostle J. K Appiah, Area Head, Italy; S. O Yiadom, National Head, Germany;  Ovr. samy-Marius, Romania; Pastor Sammy Obeng, Austria; Pastor Agyemang Tabi, Area Head, Italy; Second row, L-R: Pastors Emmanuel Quaye, Ukraine; E. Amissah, Portugal; George Korankye, Greece; Samuel Opoku Boateng, Rep. of Ireland; Kwesi Otoo, Area Head, U. K; and Twumasi Appiah Bonnah, Switzerland.

NB: TWO OF OUR COLLEAGUES COULD NOT ATTEND--- EVANG. SAMUEL ASIAMAH, NATIONAL HEAD OF BELGIUM AND PASTOR SIAW, NATIONAL HEAD OF SPAIN 

Pastor Ebenezer Nii Odai Quaye, North German Area Head.

Pastor Twumasi Appiah Bonnah, National Head, Switzerland

My colleagues had graciously decided that in order to allow me to participate in the meetings, Hamburg would serve as the venue of the meeting. This year the spiritual climate was exceptional, as well as the fellowship.

Apostle Samuel Lord Agyin, National Head, Holland

Apostle Dr Daniel Prince Wiafe, National Head, Italy

Apostle Sampson Ofori Yiadom, National Head, Germany. The Host Apostle

Needless to say, they expressed great joy at seeing me as they compared my present condition to that of the previous year. To top it all they battled in prayer for me, interceding and supplicating that the LORD would lift me up, SOONER, rather than later, to His own glory.

To this I stamp with my faith, and with you in perfect spiritual agreement, and declare, “YES, HE WILL” 

Apostle Newton Ofosuhene Nyarko, National Head, United Kingdom.

;

Apostle Osei Owusu Afriyie, National Head, France.

Evang. Dr Francis Kofi Bonsu, Manchester Area Head, U.K

Pastor Emmanuel Amissah, National Head, Portugal

Pastor Agyemang Tabi, Vicenza Area Head, Italy

Pastor Opoku Boateng, National Head, National Head, Rep. of Ireland

After the meeting, Apostles Lord Agyin of Holland and Dr D. P Wiafe of Italy, true to their native spirit of camaraderie, decided to stay over for a couple of days to have some fellowship with me. We had time to converse, study the Bible and pray late into the night. We also had time to have a walk through our beautiful Rahlsteadt forest and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

A footpath in the forest near our home in Hamburg where I often go "jogging" with my kids and some of our visitors.

Taking a stroll with Apostles Dr D. P Wiafe (Left) and S. L Agyin (Right) in the forest (now battered by the winter cold).

Pastor Osahene Amankwah Boateng (2nd from right) Hamburg North District Pastor who was the host Pastor and Pastor Kwesi Otoo, London Metropolitan Area Head, joined by some of the Heads in a pose with me.

Please join us to pray for Europe. As many of you may know, European missionaries, touched by the love of God, defied the perils of West Africa which was then called "The White man's Grave" (The average survival time for whites was six months---and malaria/yellow fever would claim their lives!) and brought us the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They developed the alphabet for many of our languages, translated the Bible and taught us to read our own languages, not to mention the introduction of formal education and many other things!

Now while the fastest growing churches are in Africa and Asia, Christianity has taken a nose-dive in most parts of Europe.

We are the fruit of their missionary sacrifices. Our presence in Europe at this time is divine.... REVERSE MISSIOLOGY