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 

                                   

"THE WHOLE CHURCH IS WITH YOU"

Apostle Alfred Koduah, General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Worldwide. This was his third visit to us. Here, he is preaching at the Hamburg Central Assembly. He conveyed the refreshing message on behalf of the Chairman and rest of the Executive Council that:

                                                   “THE WHOLE CHURCH IS WITH YOU"

 Being forsaken, abandoned or deserted by family, friends or colleagues in one’s lowest moments of life could be one of the most excruciating emotional conditions to endure. David earnestly requested of God not to forsake him in his old age. In His Gethsemane hours Jesus felt the agony of being forsaken by His disciples and on the Cross, He cried out to God asking why the Father had forsaken Him. The cripple at the Pool of Bethesda rather complained to Jesus that he had literally been forsaken, the reason for which he had spent so long at the pool side waiting for healing. Paul lamented that when he first appeared in court, all the believers had deserted him.

My wife and I are surrounded by Apostle Sampson Ofori, National Head of COP, Germany (third from your left), Pastor Mensah Boamah, Finance and Administration Manager (first from your left), and members of the National Executive Council of COP, Germany. Their love and support have been unflinching. 

Surrounded by my wife and children. Their love and support are indescribable.

On the other hand, being surrounded by loved ones who express their love and support for you through visiting, praying and lending a hand in the provision of vital services is strong therapy to that person. He can receive a powerful stimulus that will accelerate his recovery or help him overcome his situation or endure his circumstances.

That is one of the blessings that God has graciously given me as I travel through this phase of my life. God has given me a very loving and compassionate wife, lovely and helpful children, very supportive colleague Pastors and church members, on top of very sympathetic and caring church superiors.

A cross-section of Deaconesses at the Hamburg Central Assembly. L-R, Mrs Grace Sander, Mrs Martha Ntumy, Mrs Rachel Koduah, Mrs Nana Amma Boateng and Mrs Mary Amankwah

Mrs Martha Ntumy, Mrs Rachel Koduah and Mrs Nana Amma Boateng

Our home is never devoid of visitors. They come, not only from Hamburg but also from all over Europe, all the way from Africa, North America and Asia. We converse, interact and pray. Many more telephone to enquire about us and pray with us. We have never felt abandoned or lonely.

Flanked by Apostle and Mrs Koduah and my wife Martha

One of the most recent high-profile personalities to visit was Apostle Alfred Koduah, General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, with his wife Rachel, from 15^th to 20^th February, 2012. He brought us warm greetings and best wishes from the Chairman and entire leadership of our church. Apostle Koduah expressed great delight about the marked improvement he had observed in me and added, “The whole church is with you in fervent prayer. We are all ears, waiting to hear one thing; that you are on your feet again”

Mrs Rachel Koduah tries her massaging skills on my left hand as she kept praying, "Lord, restore your servant's hands and feet". See how concerned they are!

 Nothing gave us greater joy than that reassurance, and we are grateful to God for having maintained this love in your hearts for us. We have never felt forsaken for God is with us and for sure, you are also with us.

Old friends: A General Secretary and his former Chairman. We re-lived the days of moving briskly together in the LORD'S work. Surely, as the LORD grants grace, we shall continue to see the goodness of God in the land of the living.

THEY REJOICED AT SEEING ME

"I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow soldier ...for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and ...on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again ..." (Phil. 2:25-28 ESV)

Returning from a routine medical check-up on a cold winter morning. Thanking God for how far He has brought me; looking ahead with confidence into the future because Jesus is in control of affairs.

The brethren in the city of Philippi had heard their beloved brother called Epaphroditus was indisposed. Apart from taking an active part in the preaching of the gospel, he also volunteered to serve as Paul's personal attendant. Combining these two roles eventually weighed down on this young man, nearly dying of overwork (Phil. 2:3). God had mercy on him and healed him. Knowing that the believers, out of love and concern, prayed for him, he was determined to literally show himself to them as proof indeed that he was well, to settle their anxiety and make them happy. Paul, knowing this also, graciously included Epaphroditus on a delegation he had sent to Philippi. Paul's principal reason was to cause the brethren in Philippi to rejoice, be happy at seeing Epaphroditus alive...in answer to their prayers.

My life and my recovery are the direct results of your fervent prayers. Through them, God has had mercy on me and has kept me alive. I am sure that when you see me, you will greatly rejoice and praise the LORD.

Surely when God lifts me up, I shall have a marathon to run. I shall, by the grace of God and the permission of the leadership of our church, crisscross the globe to testify of what the LORD has done. And when you see me you will rejoice greatly.

Even as we await that time, those who are able to visit me in Germany express great joy and burst into prayer of praise to God for what He has done. They compare how they see me now to the many diverse impressions they had formed about my condition, based on what they had heard about me.


Last week we were blessed to receive the visits of three groups. The first to come was my sister, Deaconess Dorcas Nti.

My sister, Mrs Dorcas Nti standing gorgeously behind me. Her broad smile tells it all

Dorcas is a businesswoman based in Accra and shuttles between Accra and New York. She visited between 8th and 12th February, 2012. Having visited us previously in 2009, she was all cheers when she came around this time.

I showed Dorcas some of my home therapy machines. Here, she takes a look at my static riding machine.

I showed her some of the therapies I undertake at home and like most visitors, she tried her hands on my pulling exercises.

Dorcas trying her hands on my elastic pulling ropes for the strengthening of my thorax. 

  Next to visit on Sunday 12th February, 2012 was Elder Matthew Nkansah, his wife Mary and their four year old son, Boaz whom I christened when I was in Ghana.

Elder Matthew Nkansah, his wife Mary and young Boaz reclining on my laps

   Elder Nkansah is also a businessman based in Accra, Ghana. He came to Germany for business promotion seminars and took time off his program to visit us and attend church service with us.

Rev Clement Anchaba and his wife Roseline (on your left), in a pose with Martha and I.

  Next to visit on 13th February was Rev Clement Anchaba, General Overseer of Fountain Gate Chapel based in Accra, and his wife Roseline. Rev Anchaba who took over from the renowned founder of their church, Rev Eastwood Anaba, came to Germany to hold a conference of their ministers in Europe. He was very determined to see me before returning to Ghana. They were very pleased when they saw me. Like the others, Rev Anchaba and his wife could not restrain the outpouring of their praise to God.

I am still awaiting my ultimate recovery. I trust that as you continue to pray for me, the LORD will soon bring it to pass. Nevertheless, when you see me, I know you too will rejoice.

IT'S THREE YEARS NOW: NOT YET, BUT NOT

It's three years now since it all started, 2nd February, 2009--2nd February, 2012. I woke up from my anesthetic sleep in a Paris clinic paralyzed from my shoulders down.

For 27 days I was glued to my bed in an intensive ward. My life seemed to hang in the balance. Many lost hope for my very life and my recovery.

The doctor had told me before the surgery that I would lose the use of my hands and feet for between three and six days. Well, this was not to be, marking the start of an unfamiliar and rugged road I have traveled up to this point.
 
I spent a total of 209 days in hospital in 2009. The following year I spent a further 123 days in hospital for various therapies. The expected walking is still being awaited as I continue to use an electric wheelchair.

But before you hung your hands or bow your head in despair; before you ask God any questions; before your mind is clouded with doubt and your soul is intoxicated with sorrow, I would rather invite you to join me praise the LORD as we consider the "what could have been" aspect of the story; what could have happened to me three years ago had it not been for God's intervention. Or still, even if I would not have died, ponder over the various case-scenarios which could have been my lot by now!

In Psalm 124:1-7, David sang, "If the Lord had not been on our side--let Israel say--If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped."

Many scholars believe that David sang this song after a great national deliverance, probably after God had delivered Israel from two successive attacks by the Philistines (2 Sam. 5: 17-25). This was just after he had been crowned king. David quickly assessed the military situation. The Philistine army was very huge, spreading over a whole valley. In terms of military might, they were more powerful and fierce and tactical. They would easily overrun Israel like a raging torrent, subdue them like a flood or swallow them like a ferocious animal.

What did David do? His first response was to run away into hiding (vr 17). Then he prayed. God assured him of victory and he fought and defeated them. David's second victory was even more spectacular. God gave him the battle plan, and literally sent forth heavenly armies marching on the tops of trees to fight the Philistines (vrs 22-24).

Later as David reflected on the issue, the full weight of the would have been, that is, the reality of what would have happened, dawned on him, which inspired this song. 

Yes, it's three years now since I landed in this new situation. Our expectation has NOT YET fully manifested but I am NOT where I was three years ago. Your prayers for us have not gone unanswered. The LORD has brought about great improvements on my road to recovery. Have you thought of what could have happened to me without God's help?
 
Yes, please join me to bless and praise the LORD for having preserved me and kept my soul "..securely in the bundle of the living" ( 1Sam. 25: 29 NIV). In addition, He has strengthened me in my inner man through the Holy Spirit, and granted me a sharp and clear mind. He has graciously sharpened my writing skills, enabling me to write two books already in this condition with only two fingers! He has given me a very supportive wife and children, surrounded me with very understanding colleagues and prayerful brethren, and very dedicated health care providers. Let us praise His holy name forever.

Now for our ultimate expectation, please continue to bear us up in your prayers, knowing that He who has promised is called FAITHFUL and TRUE. He will do it in His time and for His own glory.

ELDER SAMUEL AMO TOBBIN---CONFLUENCE OF SPIRITUALITY AND ROYALTY---- VISITS

This week has been another refreshing one to our family in Hamburg. One of our leading church officers who is also a personal friend, ELDER SAMUEL AMO TOBBIN, paid us a visit from Tuesday 24th, to Friday 27th, January 2012.

Elder Samuel Amo Tobbin and I

Elder Tobbin is the Presiding Elder of Dr Thomas Wyatt Assembly of The Church of Pentecost in Accra, Ghana. He is also the award-winning CEO of TOBBINCO PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP OF COMPANIES.

A very successful businessman, Elder Tobbin won the "Marketing Man of the Year (2010)" award from the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana.

The favor of God was further manifested to this humble and soft-spoken man of God when the Paramount Chief of his home Wassa Fiase Traditional Area in the Western Region of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwamina Ennimil conferred on, and crowned, him Nkosuohene under the royal name Nana Kwaku Gyebi.

Nana Kwaku Gyebi, (known in public life as Elder Samuel Amo Tobbin) newly crowned Nkosuohene, seated majestically with his wife, Mercy

Elder Nana Kwaku Gyebi has demonstrated that at the confluence of spirituality and royalty, the waters can still be clear. Does Bible history not teach that the best kings were also those who feared God the most? Why should those who fear God, and feel called, in our generation shy away from politics or rulership even when they qualify for such positions?

Nana Kwaku Gyebi a.k.a Elder Tobbin receiving a citation in his honor prior to his coronation from Osagyefo Dr. Kwamina Ennimil, Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area

This being Elder Tobbin's third time of visiting me in this present condition, he was full of praise to God, seeing the massive improvements that have taken place. He exploded in spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving and also supplicated our Heavenly Father for my speedy recovery.
 

Elder Nana Kwaku Gyebi burst forth in spontaneous prayer of praise to God for the progress I have made. Joined by my wife Martha, they also supplicated the Throne of Grace on my behalf

Elder Nana Kwaku Gyebi helping me to do "Johnny Walking" on my standing machine

Like many of our visitors, Nana Kwaku Gyebi was delighted to lend a hand in my home therapies.

We are ever grateful to God for the favor He continues to show us. We are equally thankful to the leaders and members of The Church of Pentecost as well as those of other churches for their continuous prayer and other dimensions of support to us.

ELDER DR. KWASI OPPONG RAISES THE CURTAIN

  "When Job's three friends...heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him". (Job 2:11 NIV)

My wife Martha leaning confidently behind me. Her love and support continue to amaze even me. Surely, with Jesus in our "boat" we can laugh at any storm.

Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude to God for the love our colleagues and friends continue to demonstrate to us as we travel through this difficult phase of our life. Besides bearing us up in passionate intercessory prayer, many of them have defied all constraints and visited us. They prayed with us. They comforted us. They encouraged us. They lifted our spirits.

The Ntumy Family. We are ever thankful for all the love and support you continue to show us.

 Time and space will not permit us to mention their names over here. Permit me to say one thing: The Ntumy family is very grateful to you all.

The LORD has ushered us into another year. Already, many have called or written to indicate their intentions of visiting us. We are looking forward with excitement to welcoming everyone as God's special messenger to us.

Standing with Elder Dr Kwasi Oppong

   But someone has already raised the visitors' curtain for the year. He is Elder Dr Kwasi Oppong, CEO of Kwasi Oppong Company Ltd. Dr Oppong is one of Ghana's most successful business men. He also doubles as Presiding Elder of Kwadaso Central Assembly in Kumasi, Ghana. He visited us from 3rd to 6th January.

Elder Dr Kwasi Oppong, beaming with smiles, gives me a helping hand on my standing machine.

Like other visitors we spent time to pray and encourage ourselves in the LORD. Gladly Dr Oppong tried his hands on giving me help on my standing machine during my home therapy sessions. We are most grateful to him.

The love and support of family in such times cannot be over-emphasized. In this photo, some of our children standing solidly behind my wife and I.

FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER IN NINE YEARS

The first Christmas occurred at a time of "home-going". Emperor Augustus Caesar had ordered a general census to be taken in the vast Roman Empire. Joseph and Mary went to their hometown Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Since then, and also partly due to the lengthy holiday season, Christmas-time has become a time of "Home-Coming" in many cultures.Our young family had maintained this tradition since we were separated by reason of our missionary assignment and the children's schooling. Every year we brought them from wherever they were for this family time. After Christmas 2002 however, it became hard for everyone of them to come.

L-R: Ebenezer, Samuel, Mike, Joanna, Joseph and Emmanuel with Martha and I seated.

Last Christmas however, after nine years, the LORD opened the way for all of them to come over. It was added pleasure to have with us Grace Demitia, a niece of mine from Harstad University in Norway. 

Emmanuel

Samuel

Joseph

Ebenezer

Mike

Joanna Ntumy

Grace Demitia

 We had much to be thankful to the LORD. They were amazed at the progress I had made and praised God for it. They thanked their mother and their other siblings, Mike and Joanna, as well as others who frequently came to the house to help, for taking good care of me. On our part we blessed the LORD for their spiritual momentum and their academic progress.

Our family with Grace Demitia, standing next to Joanna, dressed in a cream top.

We took part in our Christmas Conventions, New Year's Eve Vigil Service and real family time of fellowship. They were delighted in helping with my various therapies at home. What they would not forget, however, was the Family Devotions held almost every night.
Soon however, it was time to return to their various places. It was difficult for them but I reminded them of something my father used to say: "A man who keeps his children around him all the time, does them no good"

Thank you for your prayers which sustain us as a family as we travel through this phase of our life.