I was listening to the Matthew West podcast on Friday evening and during the ‘Dadvice’ segment, his dad Rev. West said something that I will never forget. He said, “The Devil knows our Achilles heel.”

If you are a lover of Greek mythology like me, you would have probably watched Troy before and would know Achilles.

Well if you haven’t, here’s the plot of the movie. Achilles was one of the best and handsome soldiers of the Greek army. It was prophesied when he was a child that he will die heroically in battle. Thus, his mother tried to make him immortal by dipping him into a sacred river. This worked, but unfortunately, the water never touched his ankle because that was where his mother held. Eventually, in the Trojan War, he was killed when an arrow hit his heel/ankle. And that’s where we got the idiom, Achilles heel – because that was his weakest spot. A Superman with a weak spot!

One thing the Devil is good at is touching us at the place where it hurts the most (i.e. our weakest spot). Do you need a job? A spouse? Educational needs etc. For Achilles, his heel was his weak point. For me loving animals is. What about you? Job was a wealthy man in every aspect and definitely would take interest in his wealth. Guess where the Devil struck? Yes, everything he had.

When we are going through hard times, the Devil knows this is where it hurts us the most. He will try everything to get us to succumb, just like Achilles succumbed to death in the last two scenes of Troy.
What do we do about our Achilles heel? As Guilders, we need to figure out our Achilles heel and surrender it to God. He is the only one who can confer ‘immortality’ against death by the Devil in every aspect of our life.

We must keep fighting, with everything we have. Knowing the trick the Devil has under his sleeve, we must refuse him with the promises of God. Sometimes it gets hard and overwhelming but God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Because we have a God who has written our names in His palm (Isaiah 49:16)

Just as Jerusalem is protected by mountains on every side, the LORD protects his people by holding them in his arms now and forever. (Psalm 125:2 CEV)

God didn’t bring us this far just to leave us. The Devil knows our Achilles heel, but we should be anxious for nothing. God’s got us (Philippians 4:6-7)
Will you figure out your Achilles heel and surrender it to God?

Written by: Akosua Kumi Nyarko (Presbytery Publicity Team Member)

The Ashaiman District YPG, affectionately called the “Holy City” will host their 19th Annual District Delegates’ Conference on Saturday, 17th October, 2020 at the Nazareth Congregation, Adjei-Kojo.

This is the first conference since Bro. Daniel Marshall Kporyi took over from Bro. Peter Narh Sewu as District President and it promises to be a strategic meeting after the smooth transition.

The conference seeks to discover the will of God for the District and in obedience to His will to lead the Guild into fuller life and services and also discuss the progress of the Guild.

Each Branch in the District is expected to be represented by the President, Secretary and Financial Secretary.

In attendance will be Reverend Ministers and Presbyters in the District, Presbytery Guild Executive and Council Members and Past District Executives.

We pray for a successful deliberations.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Accra Newtown District Young people’s Guild presents, Precious Women’s conference, a program designed to empower ladies in the District in all facets of life.

Precious Women’s conference was introduced by the Bro Kwesi Nketia-led administration in the year 2018 which was duly accepted by guilders of both gender in the district.

The maiden edition was in 2018 with the theme, “The Purpose driven Woman.” Rev. Mrs. Millicent Sackey, former Minister of Redemption Congregation-Kokomlemle was the resource person for the 2018 edition.

The 2nd edition which was held last year had average participation from guilders. The theme was “Not Easily Broken Virtuous Woman” with Mrs. Hannah Abrahams-Appiah (Geologist, Environmentalist) being the speaker.

This year’s edition promises to be exciting and educative. The District YPG will be hosting Mrs. Felicia Anim-Tetey to encourage female guilders to be women of substance, God fearing, bold and always stand for the truth at all times

The Precious Women’s Conference comes off on Friday, 16th October, 2020 at 6;30pm prompt. The venue is the Presbyterian Church Of Ghana -Gethsemane Congregation, Maamobi.

Our Precious women in the district are the primary focus for this Conference but their foundation (we the men) are already there physically to support them during the Conference.

Special invitation to all especially women to this destiny transforming conference.

Don’t miss it

Written by: Bro. Richard A. Okyere (District Secretary)

Let me tell you a story that can change your life:

The Youth Group I Superintend over has been trying to get Rev. Dr. Erasmus Odonkor for a meeting.

Rev. Odonkor is the immediate past General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana and the current District Minister of the Dzorwulu District in the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He was also a Superintendent of the Ga Presbytery YPG and a National YPG President from 1990-1992.

Last week, I got a late notice of his availability but I couldn’t make it because he will only be available for a time which was more than the time it will take me transport from Osu to Station.So I missed him again.

Last night, I got the information that he will be available this morning at 9am and will only have twenty minutes to spare.

This was the moment.

I got to Dzorwulu this morning at 9:02am to meet my colleague youth worker who is the outgoing District President for the Dzorwulu District YPG, Bro. Alex. Let me put all the blame for my two-minute lateness on Kwame from Bolt.

When we got into the meeting with the Rev. Dr. Odonkor, he prayed to begin and customarily asked for our mission even though he knew.

The first few sentences I uttered led Alex to a book cabinet to bring an Oxford Dictionary for us to rule when having “Guild” and “Assembly” together amounted to tautology. No ruling was done.

But being a man vested with history and experience about the work we are doing now, Rev. took us on a journey of the YPG that lasted well over an hour. That was other matters before the Main Business.

The conversation was rich, cutting across all divides of human life.

In this piece however, I want to share just one thing Papa said.

He said, “Work for the Lord.”

He said it with so much fulfilment in his voice.

This is someone who has committed his youthfulness to God and worked for Him.

He quoted Jesus in John 9:4 and I had goosebumps all over.

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of He who sent me while it is day, for the night is coming when no man can work.”

I don’t know who needs to hear this but the night is drawing nigh!

Wake up and work for the Lord.

Peace!

PS: We are hosting Papa for the October Edition of the #EchoesFromThePast on PCG YPG National Facebook.

Stay tuned.

Written by: Bro. Stanley Toddison (Ga Presbytery YPG Superintendent)

Dear Rainbow Guilders,

Greetings.

As the world marks International Youth Day today, I’m glad to bring to your notice something very important to our lives as Christian youth.

The opportunities for us as millennials are enormous and so are the challenges.

The expectations are justifiable because to whom much is given, much is required.

Recently, I spoke to a Presbyterian minister who told, “We are giving you all the opportunities but we can see anything.”

I tried so hard to show him what we are doing but I stopped because if truly we are doing so much, our actions should speak for themselves.

Today, we have another opportunity to remind ourselves that we are living in perhaps the best days of our life and to remind us of this, let’s read Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, 12:1-8:

11:9-10
9 You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things, God will bring you into judgment.

10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.

12:1-8
1 Remember now your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;
5 when people are afraid of heights
and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms
and the grasshopper drags itself along
and desire no longer is stirred.
Then people go to their eternal home
and mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.
“Everything is meaningless!”

I pray that, these words from Wise King Solomon will help us all align our youthful life to our divine calling.

Celebrations!!🎉🎉🎉

By: Bro. Stanley Toddison (Ga Presbytery YPG Superintendent)

IYD2020

Youth4GlobalAction

YouthDay

The Youth and Campus Ministry Coordinator of the Ga Presbytery, Rev. Joseph Yaw Asan-Ntow, has applauded youth leaders especially Branch Executives across the Presbytery for their swift response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on physical meeting.

He made these remarks during the Panel Discussion on the topic “COVID19 And The YPG: Projecting into the Future” which was hosted by the Ga Presbytery YPG on Sunday, 14th June, 2020 on Zoom and Facebook.

Since the Thanksgiving Service of the 2020 Youth and Students’ Week which was held on 15th March, 2020, religious gatherings including YPG meetings have been restricted, with the ban being lifted only this month. Most Guilds at both the Branch and District levels capitalized on social media to keep their meetings running.

Rev. Asan-Ntow showered praises on these leaders who swiftly transited to the digital sphere to overcome the hurdles the ban on religious activities brought on the normal track of the YPG.

He observed the impact of these online activities on participation of members as most branches recorded higher numbers during their online meetings than during their physical meetings.

Additionally, he hailed the youth for championing the digital agenda in their various congregations.

“We also saw that in most cases, it is the YPG members who are pushing their churches to go digital,” Reverend Asan-Ntow said.

He also called on leaders to rise higher above what seems to be the biggest threat to the Guild in recent years.

“It was time to show leadership and our Executives were up for it,” he profoundly admonished.

He also challenged the youth to continue pushing for the agenda for reorganization towards an improved digital Church.

The National Secretariat of the YPG has directed that Branch Guild meetings should only resume on the approval of the respective Congregational Sessions.

Today marks exactly two years since I was elected Superintendent of the Ga Presbytery Young People’s Guild.

Immediately I was elected, my big brother and friend, Enoch Obodai posted this on Facebook, “Rejected as Secretary, Elected as Superintendent!”

He was right.

I had lost an election for the secretary position just a month before and here I was on 6th May, 2018, being handed over to to serve in the high office of Superintendent for the Rainbow Guild. Such an honour.

On this memorable anniversary, I want to share some of my lessons in leadership with you.

1. Leadership doesn’t strive on inferiority complex.
   You will need to ascribe the highest form of self belief and esteem to yourself if you will be able to succeed as a leader.
2. Your critics are not your enemies.
   Within these two years, I have a short list of people who never seem to be happy with anything I do. They are always finding fault. Sad thing is, when there’s an opportunity for applause, they will never applaud you. I constantly tell myself, “they are not your enemies, Stan.” Sometimes I pray for them and try as much as possible to be good to them. But honestly, I’ve had to ignore a few of such people because they only give negative energy which causes friction in our quest for progress.
3. You can’t do it alone.
   One of the visions I had was building a digital guild. The first year wasn’t so smooth but when we eventually started making steady progress, I really wanted to personally ensure it continues. But I realized it wasn’t possible so I got a few hardworking guilders who volunteered to help the cause and I can tell you that but for their involvement, this dream will never have be sustained.
4. Opportunities abound.
   I’ve been at two consecutive General Assemblies and I’ve had the rare opportunity to witness the election of a Moderator and Clerk. By God’s grace, I was appointed the Superintendents Representative on the National Executive Committee of the YPG. These and many other opportunities have come my way because I accepted a call to serve as an acting secretary in my Branch Guild. Which led to me being elected secretary, then President of the Branch. I keep telling people that there are countless opportunities available for us. Some may not look attractive but if we will be humble enough to accept such opportunities, we may see many great doors opening for us.
5. Leadership also means listening.
   Admittedly, I’m still learning the act of listening thanks to this position. You can’t have your own way in a democratic structure like we have in the PCG and YPG. And let me confess that listening to others has been one of the best ingredients to having my peace of mind as a leader. Sometimes their say won’t be the way but I’ve learnt that listening to people is just enough. It helps you take better decisions.

I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has played or is playing a role to make my administration a successful one. God richly bless you.

©Stanley Toddison
Ga Presbytery YPG Superintendent

In the wake of these covid19, one group of people stand tall; Health professionals!!

It is in the light of their gallant efforts that the Ga Presbytery YPG would like to celebrate them even in these times and hear what they have to say.

Dr. Peter Lloyd Orlando Taylor is not just a Doctor, but also the President of the Young People’s Guild at Epiphany Congregation, Kaajaano.

Peter’s inspiration to become a doctor stems back from his time in Senior high School when he got enthused about Biology and fascinating biological terminologies. Fast forward, he completed his education and now works as a House Officer at the Korle bu teaching hospital.

Peter describes his experience at Korle bu as an interesting one. He started off at the paediatric department and now works at the Department of Surgery.

It has been a nerve racking period since March and Dr. Taylor just like any Doctor or any Ghanaian, has had his fair share of the fear following the media announcements of covid19 cases, particularly because he works in the hospital.

“Never a day goes by without hearing about it. So basically, now I have to wear a facemask at work always for protection. Wash my hands 1000 times a day. I can’t go home as often as I used to. You don’t know if the next patient or patient visitor has covid or not? You can’t determine if even your fellow worker is also infected. Hence, I have to treat everyone as a threat臘‍♂路‍♂.

It’s quite scary at times when you think of it. It’s like some movie in real life.
I just calm myself with a part of my memory verse…nothing shall by any means hurt you!”

Before the pandemic, Dr. Taylor’s routine was work and then to be with his family after work and he looks forward to this being over so he can be with them again.

It was interesting to also get to hear how Peter manages to have time for his congregation as a YPG president and double it with his part-time business as a photographer (IG: ROYAL_IMAGES_GH) aside his medical career. But he has people to thank for this! Peter says he has been blessed with helpers and proactive people who help make his tenure and this period especially smooth.

His favorite memory verses are Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 which both admonish us to not fear but have faith in God. His advise to fellow guilders is that, We are all growing as christians hence no matter our weaknesses, they should not prevent us from coming to God. We should also give our commitment to our home churches as much as we do in our schools.

Finally, Dr. Peter Taylor reiterated the advice for this season, “keep washing your hands, don’t touch your face, sanitize your hands, everyone is a suspect and s o c i a l d i s t a n c e is really important. Stay home and stay safe”

We salute Dr. Peter Taylor and all guilders in the frontline who are sacrificing so we can stay at home. Ga Presbytery YPG says ayekooo. Service all the way!!!!!!

#WeShallSurvive
#WeAreProudOfYou
#ServiceAllTheWay

The past month has been unusual for leaders of nations, industries and organizations including churches and other religious bodies because of one pandemic, the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, marked four Sundays that Church buildings have been closed.

The pandemic has significantly shifted the dynamics of church and caused many to explore the digital world, something they have hitherto been opposed to.

The Young People’s Guild (YPG) has suffered her fair share of this temporary adjustment. But millennials as we are, we have been able to better adjust to the situation.

I’ve had the privilege to join some Branch Guild meeting on WhatsApp, and recently, a Presbytery Zoom Meeting with the National President. Congratulations to us all for the innovative ways we are employing to continue Guild work.

This piece however seeks to ask a more futuristic question: after this, what next?

As I mentioned earlier, these are challenging times for us as Youth Leaders but I want to admonish all of us to use this time for deep reflection on our leadership goals and roles.

Are we really focusing on the essential things on leadership?

Has COVID-19 revealed something about priorities and responsibilities to us?

What does the future hold for the church (and specifically the YPG) after this time (which I estimate to be completely over after not less than three months)? May God shorten the days for us.

One thing I believe is that as we ponder over these questions, we will be better positioned for greater impact post COVID-19.

Leaders must look ahead and make projections on how to reorganize their members especially those who have been hit hardest by the socioeconomic tsunami of the pandemic.

How do we support such members especially young entrepreneurs?
How do we counsel those who have suffered loss and trauma?

These questions must be answered before the pandemic is over.

As leaders, we must not be taken unaware post COVID-19. Not at all!!!

Our response must be spontaneous, immediate.

So, dear Branch, District, Presbytery or National Executive, what have you put in place for your members post COVID-19?

This is where I want to mention that we need one another now more than ever and I will be glad if we can build stronger leadership immunity against the projected breakdowns in the church.

Let’s trust God together
Let’s pray for wisdom together
Let’s stay safe
Let’s keep in touch with our members and help those in need.

This is how we can win this battle.

I pray that when all is said and done, we will wave the victory banner and sing songs of victory.

May God see us through this.

YPG… #ServiceAllTheWay