There is absolutely no doubt that Paul’s prophecy that “in the last days the love of many will wax cold” has been fulfilled, at least in the Young People’s Guild and I will soon show you signs of the fulfilment of this end time prophecy in the church in general and YPG in particular.

You may agree with me that the YPG is facing some challenges with the underlying factor being lack of commitment. Until recently in the Ga Presbytery, it took a decision at conference for us to say that challenges like “lack of commitment of members”, ” Some executives are not dedicated”, “lateness to meeting”, etc should not be reported on in our brochure because year in year out, these were the universal challenges running through almost all the district reports. It was a clear indication that members lacked zeal for God’s work, or as Paul will put it, their love is waxing cold in the last day.

Going round the Ga Presbytery and interacting with members and executive members has given me an insight into the situation and there are already some bubbles of solutions flying over my head. But before I give you the genesis of the revelation for the last days, permit me to take you on an exodus to explain the root of this problem in plain language without using difficult Nigerian proverbs or complex Archimedean  numbers.

At the base of this problem are Christians who have forgotten their first love; Christians who have either forgotten where they were saved from or, have faked their salvation for long and for that matter do not yearn to fulfill their part in the Master-Servant or Father-Son relationship with God.

To simplify, for example, if you’re a YPG executive, a Pastor, a shepherd, chances are that your members are not coming or showing any commitment to the ministry because they neither understand nor appreciate their calling, as Christians, called to know God’s word and seek to at all times, honour His word and obey it to the core. 

The result of this lack of understanding is that church leaders are trying so hard to push an unmovable tree from the desert of lukewarmness and spiritual dryness to an oasis of zeal and total love for God and His kingdom. Why? Simple, the love of many has waxed cold.

It is again sad to note that, our churches are filled with people who are not just faking their love for people, but also trying to deceive God by claiming they love Him. We do all the speaking in tongues yet our tongues don’t speak the truth; we talk more about praying but actually pray less.

And so, our church groups are a congregation of hearts seeking everything but God’s kingdom, minds thinking of ourselves only, feet in a hurry to walk through the valley of the shadow of sin and death and eyes lusting after things of the flesh.

So now, most YPG’s struggle to get their members to meeting or even take up leadership positions. Participation is on an all time low while apathy levels have hit skyrocketing figures. We are gradually losing it and the reality is scary.

However, we are people of hope and faith who believe that in God’s own time, He makes all things beautiful. We also agree with Paul when he said, “…in all things with prayer and supplications together with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.” I’m therefore appealing to all Christians reading this, especially young people in the Presbyterian Church to rise up unto prayer and set the cold hearts of believers on fire once again.

We must light a perpetual flame of revival and run to every Congregation with it so we can relight their dim candles. Christians who have extra oil must go out there and give the faint hearted some oil to start and continue burning eternal as said in Leviticus 6:12, “the fire on the altar shall continually burn.”

This is a call unto prayer that brings revival and I hope you answer the call like it is a call from a loved one on your birthday. And oh, truly, this is truly a call from your love one, Jesus, inviting you pray to cause a change in the affairs of His body, the church. Will you answer the Master’s call? 

Writer: Stanley Toddison (Superintendent, Ga Presbytery YPG)

The National President of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Young People’s Guild who also doubles as the Male Youth Representative on the General Assembly Council, Bro. Ezekiel Teye Adjorlolo Nartey, visited the Ashaiman District YPG during their Annual Delegates’ Conference held over the weekend at the Redemption Congregation. He was escorted by the Ga Presbytery YPG Superintendent/Superintendents’ Rep on the National Executive Committee, Bro. Stanley Toddison.

The conference, which commenced on Thursday, 17th October was climaxed with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 20th October after a successful election the previous day.

The National President, in addressing an issue of inaccurate reporting on statistics called on all delegates and observers present to be serious with God’s work. He asked that restrategize our plans to help us win and keep more members in the guild.

He also commended the district for designing and launching an activity-based book to help guilds at all levels keep track of their activities to help in their reporting and record keeping.

He spoke against inappropriate styles of sewing our national cloth. He took some time urge all guilders to use the Youth Guide in their various congregations.

Touching on Vision 1.5, he called on all youth to rally round the vision and make it a success. “One-third of that document is youth centred. Let us therefore work hard on it,” he said.

He finally used the opportunity to invite all Guilders to the Induction Service for the new NEC which comes off on Sunday, 10th November, 2019 at the Zimmerman Congregation, Odumase Krobo and the Dangme Tongu Presbytery (see comment for more details).

Also in attendance at the conference were Sis. Priscilla Animah (Former Western Presbytery YPG Secretary), Victoria Akomeah (Ga Presbytery Assistant Secretary), Bro. Joseph Kofi Akomaning (Ga Presbytery Organizing Secretary), Bro. John Zimmerman Terkpetey (Tema Manhean DP) and Bro. Theophilus Nyarko (Former Nungua DP).

Writer: Stanley Toddison

We are in an era where the activities of the church would come to a complete halt without the grace of God and money. It is indeed public knowledge that the church has always been accused of milking its members dry of their monies to the advantage of church leaders, elders and pastors. Though the assertion above has some element of truth, I can confidently say it is not always the truth, at least for my church. I don’t even intend to extend it to the mother church level, so I will stay with my beloved YPG.

The spirit filled programs we organize mostly come with heavy budgets which sometimes leave our coffers almost empty. Take time and look through our brochures to observe some of the quantum of expenditures from the financial reports. One thing to notice about the financial resources of the church is the fact that these are people’s contributions and at all cost much efforts must be directed towards effectively managing it. For this reason I intend to share with my fellow colleagues (finance team members: financial secretaries and treasurers) on some best practices in managing and sustaining public funds.

1. Spend less than you earn: This is mostly a challenge for most of us in ministry. Most people think they understand and can simply apply this principle but in real case scenario they don’t. To have Ghc540.00 and spend Ghc550.00 leaves you amongst the list of miserable men because certainly you would have to consider other bailout alternatives that might come with its own consequences. This could be done by reducing or completely avoiding impulse or unplanned expenditures which mostly is the case. If you have really planned the expenditure, then it must fall within how much you have. Learn this art to save your guild.
2. Enhance and ensure value for money: This involves the optimum use of resources to achieve an intended aim or outcome. Apply the 3E principle.
   -Be economic, by achieving maximum input at lower cost(spends less).
   -Be efficient, use minimum resources to achieve maximum output(spend well).
   -Be effective, ensure that you achieve your intended aim(spending wisely). This principle however comes with its own case by case challenges but always ensure and insist that the right thing is done.
3. Budget management and implementation: A budget is an agreed plan or pathway an entity adopts to apply within a particular period. Interestingly some guilds mostly see this as an annual ritual which should be presented and then we move back to discretionary expenditures. The latter is a very dangerous approach in financial management which has dire consequences. When a budget is adopted and approved, let’s try to be consistent in its implementation to achieve our set objectives. Quarterly reviews could be done to access our performance on budgets to help us stay alert and focused. Sometimes people are not motivated to participate in the implementation process because they were not consulted in the draft and preparation. Executive Committees are advised to include all stakeholders during the preparation process. Listen to all the inputs and concerns from everyone, especially committees, in our case. If it’s possible, allow them to come up with their own budget, discuss with them and integrate into the master budget for the period. They tend to be motivated to help with its implementation. It’s a difficult thing to do but it’s mostly the only way out.Implementation of procurement procedures. Internal controls are required on every entity to take out discretional behaviors when it comes to finances. A draft, convention or policy for internal controls should be adopted. As the financial team, ensure its implementation. Ask all the relevant questions there is to ask about any expenditure to be made. Insist and ensure that the right thing is done, and every procedure necessary to be undertaken before the expenditure is made has been duly followed. Go through appropriate authoritiesvbefore making any disbursements. Don’t be intimidated, forced or coerced. In the end, you will be presenting the report and you might be alone to do that especially when auditors come around.
4. Maintain a regular imprest system. Try to allocate cash for petty expenses that might come up during the period. Ensure its reimbursement when the fund is down. One thing about the reimbursement is that, you reimburse with the variance between the amount set and the balance remaining. Thus, if you set aside 500.00 as your imprest amount to keep, if the balance reduces to 150.00, the next reimbursement amount should be 350.00 and not the 500.00. Ensure that all petty expenses made could be traced and necessary receipts provided if possible. You can keep a voucher to be tracing these expenses which should be audited from time to time.
5. Emergency fund. Setting up an emergency fund is one of the surest ways of safeguarding the future. This should be carefully planned and well thought out. Remember not to set aside the fund for just the purpose of setting up a fund. Look out for programs set for the year, determine clearly the inflows that must directly go into the fund, ensure that any disbursement from the fund is for the purpose for which the fund was set. Regular report on the fund to appropriate bodies as and when required. Avoid mismatching of the fund, don’t spend Evangelism fund proceeds on allowances. When the time comes for the evangelism outreach, you would be found wanting.Look out for other sources of income. Capitalize on all other avenues for raising funds aside the normal inflows that accrue to the church like offertory, dues,yswc proceeds etc. Look out for more sponsorships, do more collaborative programs etc. Get as many letters as possible to all able and willing entities to sponsor your programs. Aside this form of linear income, consider looking out for a leveraging income as well. Look out for lucrative opportunities to help raise funds to support your activities as a guild. One of such avenues is financial investments. Take advantage of high interest rates with moderate or low risks and promising returns. This is important because the funds that we accumulate cannot be risked in any way or form. These are individual contributions which must always undergo the best of risk test before any such commitment is made. Interestingly during my reign as the FS of my district, we had some funds saved in a micro finance which was paying about 4% a month. Even though the rate was promising and all, we were at a high risk of loosing the entire amount. After some time excom decided that we stop running the investment and cash out the monies back into our operational accounts. Not long after that, the BOG issued a list of micro finance houses whose licenses had been revoked. Take calculated and moderate risk before committing resources into any form of venture(Investment, business etc.)

I hope you find this helpful

Long live PCG

Long live Ga Presbytery Y.P.G

Amen!!!

Last Sunday, I sat on a panel to vet nominees for a District YPG Election. It was a moment of reflection as the contemporary leadership challenge of the guild was piercing my eyes.

The potential was undisputable but the good standing status of most of the nominees was worrying.

The moment of bliss however came with the last nominee who, after impressing me with his smile and confidence, announced that he is an introvert. Huh? Intro…. What???

He noticed my surprise and elaborated that he used to be very reserved until he was exposed to the YPG and his confidence shot up. His public speaking and leadership skills also ballooned exponentially and his personality brightened like the bright morning Star.

“I owe it all to the YPG,” he finally testified.

That was another testimony of what God can do for you through the YPG.

I have many such stories and they just come to reaffirm what I have personally experienced in the YPG, that it is a learning ground and once you open up to be groomed, the opportunities and benefits are endless.

So, if you are not reaping the fruits of the YPG, here is another story to motivate you to be “up and doing”, as my brother, John Quartey, the Sakumono District YPG will put it!!!

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE GA PRESBYTERY SUPERINTENDENT, BRO. STANLEY TODDISON ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDUCTION OF EXECUTIVES OF THE GA PRESBYTERY YPG HELD ON SUNDAY, 22^ND JULY, 2018 AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA, EPIPHANY CONGREGATION, KAAJAANO

The Ga Presbytery Director of Church Life And Nurture, Rev. Joshua Ohene-Bossman, the Campus and Youth Coordinator of the Ga Presbytery, Rev. Emmanuel A. Quaye, Distinguished Members of the Clergy, Immediate Past and Former Executives of the Ga Presbytery YPG, Council Members, Fellow Guilders, Family Members, Friends and Loved Ones gathered here for this important occasion, the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.

“For you have not chosen me, but I have chosen, and ordained you, that you should go and bear fruits, and that your fruits that will remain.” John 15:16

In my short stay in this life, and working for God, one thing is clear to me; we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).

The possibility of a day like this was far beyond my comprehension. I couldn’t bring myself to accepting that something like this will happen but as we know of our God, He does things His way and we His children can only obey and glorify Him.

As the name suggests, today’s induction service is only the beginning of a three-year-long journey for us as co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard. It is the Lord who has deemed it fit to call us to serve Him in the Presbytery and we do not want to take this privilege for granted at all.

By being here and taking this vow of leadership, all we are saying is that God should use us in a special way to advance His work in the Ga Presbytery YPG and beyond. We admit wholeheartedly that we are mere mortals and without God’s constant empowerment, we will not be able to do anything. We therefore employ the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and helper, as well as the cord of love and unity that will bind us together. Amen.

I want to also use this opportunity to thank our predecessors for the good work they have done throughout their tenure and even through the transition period. Our simple but heartfelt prayer is that their labour of love will not be in vain. God bless you, brethren.

Let me also take advantage of the great representation of guilders here to appeal to all of you here most especially my fellow council members and guilders, to join us in this mission. The truth is, without the Districts and Locals, there will be no Presbytery, which will mean our positions won’t exist. Fellow Guilders, family and friends, all we ask from you is to pray for us and show commitment to the things of God and the Guild.

Just to mention, I am very glad to find out that the new Strategic Plan of the Presbytery puts us, the youth, as the main focus. This will require us to own the plan and implement it judiciously. I therefore make this clarion call, the Lord being our witness, that the YPG arises not as a mere youth group, but as a Church unto intense spirituality through prayer and effective bible study, godliness, evangelism and youth development, our sincere service to our God, as our slogan says, “Service all the Way”; and spot-on strategic planning towards church growth and effective youth ministry.

As I end this speech, may these words of John Wesley spur us on to service;

“Go labour on;

Spend and be spent

It is the way the Master went;

Should not the servant tread it still?”

Here we are Lord, do with us what no man can do.

YPG…. Service all the Way!!!

YOU…. Practice godliness!!!

God bless you

Signed

Bro. Stanley Toddison

Superintendent, Ga Presbytery YPG

22/07/2018

The General Assembly has officially ended and as I promised, I will attempt to share my experience at my second General Assembly with you. Necessity is laid on me to do so because I was the only Youth among the Commissioners from the Ga Presbytery and so won’t every young person to share in my experience. So kindly pardon me if this article scares you by its sheer length. Kindly take this to mean, “Long Post Alert” as we say in recent times on social media posts.

So I will like to begin with an incident which happened on Thursday, 22^nd August, 2019, a day after the GA had officially closed and the Moderator was expected to read a communiqué from the Assembly at a Press Conference in the Conference Hall of the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi (the venue for the GA). Almost all Commissioners and Corresponding Members had left but a few especially members of the General Assembly Council were still around to be a part of the Communiqué reading.

Since the General Assembly had officially closed and we had exhausted all the pages in our food coupon, the Main Dining Hall was closed. The VIP Lounge however was opened so some dignitaries and GAC members can have breakfast for the Communiqué presentation. When I got to the Centre, I got the hint that the breakfast in the VIP Lounge is actually for everyone who wants to have breakfast so I walked in and joined a table with two gentlemen on it. Later two other gentlemen joined us at the table. I knew they were Presbytery Chairperson because I had seen them throughout the GA responding to issues from their Presbyteries.

“You’re a Clerk of which Presbytery?” one of them (whom I later found was the Western Presbytery Chairperson) asked me.

“Papa please I am not a Presbytery Clerk,” I responded, surprise written all over my face.

“You’re not a Presbytery Clerk and you’re here eating with us?” he asked jokingly.

Before I could answer, the Asante Presbytery Chairperson, who was also on the table remarked, “Don’t worry him! He will soon be a Clerk.”

“Amen!” I prayed silently.

The Asante Presbytery Chairperson went on to share the story of how four people took a picture some few years ago at GA and coincidentally, all four of them in that picture are now Presbytery Clerks.

I later found out that on that table I sat to eat breakfast on that fateful Thursday with two Presbytery Chairpersons and two Presbytery Clerks.

One may ask, “Why this introduction to a story that is to be a young man’s report of his General Assembly experience?” Well I don’t have an answer to this question but I have a proverb from Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” that can help us answer this question. Here it goes: If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings.”

***

In my candid opinion, I think every young Presbyterian must attend General Assembly at least once before he or she turns 30 and graduates to YAF. I say this because of the strong sense of purpose being at the General Assembly brings. All through the General Assembly, I kept reassuring myself that I belong to the best Church with systems that work, at least at the top. The structures and polity of the Church was clearly visible at the supreme body and it was just a beauty to behold. My only worry was that not many of the younger generation were there to see this for themselves and even though most of the sessions were streaming live of Facebook, the viewership was nothing to write home about. Let me repeat that I think every young Presbyterian must attend General Assembly at least once before he or she turns 40 and graduates to YAF.

***

Professionals in Ministries

One of the most admirable things during GA is seeing professionals serving God with the knowledge in a particular field, without necessary wearing a clerical. In fact, the Assembly was dominated by such professionals; engineers, statisticians, lawyers, accountants, HR practitioners, educationists, business experts, IT gurus, media men, and of course, bible scholars.

These people contribute to the growth of our church by ensuring that the right decisions are taken. I call it Ministry outside the pulpit! It tells me you can contribute to Church growth without necessarily going to Trinity Theological Seminary or Ramseyer Training Centre or any of the Lay Training Centres of the Church.

Your ministry to God in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is not limited to the pulpit, or standing in front of people to preach, but even as a chorister, usher or a cleaner, you can touch a vital part of the church life if you will see your self as an instrumental part of the church.

This was exactly what I saw at the General Assembly; both lay and ordained members of the Church busily and passionately working to ensure the progress of the church.

Additionally, it became clear that the demand for these professional is way beyond the supply mostly because many of our church members swear allegiance to their corporate life than to their church life so for instance, some Presbyteries are having challenges getting legal practitioners to serve in their Presbyteries. I dare say that the Church is unable to compete for the very best brains to work in our interest because some of our professionals will readily sacrifice the church for opportunities outside, and may sadly never even avail their expertise to the Church.

My advice again goes to the younger generation; let us use our God given skills to empower the church to reach higher levels in organizational excellence.

***

Now permit me to highlight some of the key things that I related with as a young commissioner (the only young person from the Ga Presbytery). Now take note that thirty decisions were taken at the 19^th General Assembly so you will need a book to be able to capture all the decisions and the deliberations that preceded them.

Here are three issues I think are worth a paragraph or two in this piece:

• Vision 1.5: Vision 1.5 is now the Church’s Mission and Evangelism agenda. All it says is that in 5 years, we expect our total membership as a church to grow to 1.5 million. There is a ‘green paper’ that spells out how we want to do it and I can say confidently that it is the youth who will power this agenda. Let us not disappoint the Church.

• The 10-year strategic plan: The new strategic plan of the church was launched during the assembly. Hurray!!! What does this even mean? It means we have a road map towards growth and development. Once again, I call on all young people to own this document and spearhead its implementation, however possible we can become.

• The New Financial System: I am glad to announce that the “Assessment Method” of financing the church is no more. I am glad because from all indications, the assessment method was killing the church so once we have cast out the murderer, there is reason to smile, or? No! The murderer died, yes, but unfaithfulness and dishonesty are potential heirs to his throne. According to Rev. Prof. B.Y. Quarshie and Rev. Dr. Charles Gyan-Duah, the success of the new system hinges on faithfulness on whose part? On the part of our Ministers. I would have said it is a done deal but unfortunately I can’t because this word of caution was sounded to ordained Men of the Gospel for them not to misreport their income and cheat the higher courts. So, I want to add my voice to the above pleas and admonish that we show faithfulness in our dealings in this matter.

In conclusion, I am very confident about the prospects of change and growth in our but I am more assured that this good fortune lies with us, the lay, than it lies with our agents. I am therefore rallying all Presbyterians especially those below 40 years to rise up and build our Church. We have the capacity to do this through the enablement of the Holy Spirit.

If your Congregation has a prayer or bible study challenge, be an ambassador; start a prayer tower and start an intercession culture; if your congregation lacks JY/Children’s Service Leaders/Teachers, volunteer to be a campaigner for members who will be interested; same with ushers, choristers, technical teams, etc. If we will all be responsible in the little things, our church will grow.

May Jesus be exalted in our Church as we allow Christ to be formed in us.

The Young People’s Guild of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has elected a new National President during it’s 81st Annual National Delegates’ Conference held at the AGA International School, Obuasi in the Asante South Presbytery from 22nd to 25th August, 2019.The Conference, which saw delegates from 20 of the 21 Presbyteries, overwhelmingly elected Brother Ezekiel Teye Nartey Adjorlolo from the Dangme Tongu Presbytery to lead the National Guild for the next three Guild years.The President elect, Bro. Ezekiel Nartey, was born on the 25th May 1993 at Odumase – Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He is the last born of five (5) siblings.Prior to his election into the high office of the National President of the Young People’s Guild (YPG), he was serving as the National Youth Male Representative on the Department of Mission and Evangelism, specifically the Committee on Specialized Ministry.He also has a high level of interest in guiding, supporting and imparting young people in their Christian life, personal, social and educational development. His dedication to the Youth Ministry of the Church and his quest to seek the lost souls is extremely remarkable.He worships with the Zimmermann Congregation in the Odumase – Krobo District in the Dangme – Tongu Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, where he was serving as the Branch President of the YPG before his election as the National President.Ezekiel has also served remarkably in various capacities of the Church such as:
NUPS-G Schools Coordinator at the Presbyterian College of Education Sub-coordinating Branch (2014 – 2015),
District Evangelism Secretary of Odumase – Krobo District YPG (2015 – 2018)Based on his gracious skills in the Sign language, he established NUPS-G at Mampong Technical and Secondary School for the Deaf, Mampong Akuapem, making him the first in history of the Union to send individuals who are hearing and visually impaired to a NUPS-G National Congress which was held at Adisadel College in 2016 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Alfred Appiah, the then NUPS-G National President.
He was also appointed as the National Coordinator of Special Schools in the NUPS-G.Ezekiel attended the Presbyterian College of Eduacation, Akropong-Akuapem. He is a Professional Teacher and currently teaching at the Mount Mary College of Education Basic in Somanya.His Humility, commitment to work, good communication skills, ability to adapt easily to changing environment, an agreeable interpersonal relationship skills and a pleasing temperament are virtues that will undoubtedly play crucial roles during his three-year tenure.”I feel pretty humbled to have been given this great opportunity to serve God in this capacity [as YPG National President]. I consider it a loaded assignment which demands the grace of God to respond urgently to the need of ensuring that all these young people including those outside the Church will be exposed to the Will of God and be completely equipped to do it,” Bro. Ezekiel told the Media Team of the Ga Presbytery YPG during an interview. He expressed profound gratitude to God and thanked the outgoing National Executive Committee for availing themselves to be used by God.”They have really fought the fight; they have run the race; awaiting them is the Glory of God which will translate into mega blessings in every aspect of their life endeavours,” the President elect prayed.In his concluding remarks, he pledged, “Having been called into this [leadership position] by God through all Guilders, I consider it a debt that I owe all Guilders, especially for their love and trust…then ultimately, TO THE GLORY OF GOD.”The Ga Presbytery YPG congratulates our President’ Elect and pray for God’s wisdom to prevail during his tenure.

I was elected as Superintendent on 6th May, 2018 but the whole process for me began somewhere late 2014 when the Ga Presbytery YPG was preparing for election which was going to be held at the maiden edition of RAPGA.My District Guild had received a nomination for the nomination of Presbytery Executives and my Branch President, Bro Eben Lartey, called me on the day of the Council Meeting to discuss nominees to inform me that my name is up for nomination for Superintendent. I told him I’m ready to serve.In fact, it has always been my prayer and wish to get an opportunity to serve the YPG at the Presbytery Level so I gave him my words. There was a strong impression on my heart and in my spirit about the Presbytery Superintendency but I wasn’t anxious about it. At that time I had spent just about three years in the Guild and was serving as the Branch Secretary.After that Council Meeting to nominate the officers, my President told me the Council eventually agreed to nominate my industrious District President (also from my Branch), Bro. Martin Laryea, who went on to become Superintendent of our noble Presbytery Guild from 2015 to 2018. Special blessings to him and his team for availing themselves for the work.When nominations were opened in 2018 for Presbytery Elections, my first choice was the Superintendent Position. That was what kept coming into my mind but something kept telling me that “A member from your Branch just finished his term as Superintendent and you want to also begin a term in that same office?” So I told my District President I will go for Presbytery Secretary instead.We filed the nomination, went through vetting and then during the 46th Presbytery Delegates’ Conference, elections were held. Long story short, I lost the election for Secretary.But here is the twist: No Superintendent was elected during that election either; the unopposed candidate couldn’t get the required votes which meant there was the need for an Emergency Conference to elect a Superintendent.After the election results had been declared and the Conference adjourned, one delegate from Ashaiman District (I only know him by his first name, Raphael), came to me and in what seems to be a word of prophecy, he said, “You will be the next Superintendent.” I laughed just like Sarah did. I said to myself, “If these people won’t vote for me to be Secretary, what makes you think they’ll vote for me to become Superintendent?”Before the close of Conference, nomination forms for Superintendent were shared to Districts for the whole election process to be started.On my way home from that Conference, I received two call; both from people who were admonishing me to consider availing myself for the position of Superintendent.”But Bro. Martin Laryea who’s also from my Branch just finished serving his term,” I remarked. One of the callers went at length to tell me of such instances in our church including one that is currently happening in the mother Presbytery. I told both of them I will pray about it.Did I pray? Yes, I did. I prayed a very simple prayer: Lord, Let your will be done!I also consulted extensively and finally made a decision to avail myself for the position. I told my District President and on the stroke of deadline, we filed our nomination.One of the issues I was hearing was that the Council wanted someone from among them.On the day of vetting, I met the other two nominees. One of the them, the outgoing Presbytery Organizer, and the other, the DPs’ Rep (both from Council). I WhatsApped a friend and told him I will just go and step down so one of these council members gets the nod but he told me to just go through the vetting and see what God will do.We went through vetting and by God’s grace, of the three nominees, I emerged unopposed for election.On that fateful election day of the 6th of May, in the year of our Lord 2018, at the Carl Reindholf Auditorium of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Eben-Ezer Congregation, Osu, I was elected as the 16th Superintendent of the Ga Presbytery Young People’s Guild. I couldn’t believe it, honestly.Later that evening, I reflected on a lot of things and came to the conclusion that “IT WAS GOD!”It was God who was preparing me for this position. I can’t explain why He chose me but all I know is that, just as He told Jeremiah, he was telling me, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you, and I ordained you as a Superintendent!”Within those three years my brother Martin Laryea was serving as Superintendent, I was also elected as Branch President of the Epiphany YPG. I got the opportunity to chair my Branch Guild Meetings and also attend Presbytery Conferences where I learnt so much about the Presbytery Guild. I was also appointed a member of the Presbytery Evangelism Committee which was in charge of organizing P-YICE. It was a preparatory three years for me.On 22nd July, 2018 when we had the Induction Service at the Presbyterian Church Ghana, Epiphany Congregation, Kaajaano, the Director of Church Life and Nurture of the Ga Presbytery, Rev. Joshua Ohene Bossman said, “For the first time in the history of the YPG, we are seeing both the outgoing and incoming Superintendent coming from the same Congregation.”I have no doubts that God had actually planned all these series of happenings to prepare me for the position. Paul says, “All things work together for good…”So if you ask me if I ever dreamt of becoming a superintendent, I will say “yes”. I did dream of it but I didn’t imagine how it was going to ever happen after my brother Martin Laryea was elected in 2015. But here I am!My word of advice to you all is to trust the process. If God says you’ll be a National President, or Superintendent, or whatever personality, He will work it out Himself. You’ll only have to believe in Him and work towards it.Keep hope alive and continue serving!

The Ga Presbytery YPG is hosting its 2019 leadership training programme dubbed, “Shepherd’s Summit” on 20th July, 2019 at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Immanuel Congregation, Madina District from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

The programme, which is aimed at equipping young leaders and potential leaders in the Presbytery for effective youth ministry, will have two plenary sessions and five workshops.

The fee per participant is GH₵ 20.

Below are the details of the topics and speakers/facilitators for the 2019 edition of the Summit:

🚩Plenary Session 1:
▶Topic: Understanding the Ga Presbytery Strategic Plan

Speaker: Rev. Joshua Ohene-Bossman (CLAN Director, Ga Presbytery)

▶Plenary Session 2:

Topic: Christian Leadership & Succession Planning

Speaker: Rev. Joyman Okyereman (Lecturer, Ga Presbytery School of Ministry)

🚩Workshops Facilitators
▶ Using IT to enhance your YPG Finances – Alex Awuku Immediate Past Financial Secretary, Ga Presbytery YPG)and Sabrina Botchway (Treasurer, Ga Presbytery YPG)

▶Evangelism and Discipleship: Starting a Discipleship Class – Joseph Kofi Akomaning (Organizing Secretary, Ga Presbytery YPG)

▶Report Writing – Paa Kwesi Ansong-Dwamena (Secretary, Ga Presbytery YPG) and Victoria Opokua Akomeah (Assistant Secretary, Ga Presbytery YPG)

▶Orientation for New Executives – Rev. Joseph Yaw Asan-Ntow (Youth and Campus Ministry Coordinator, Ga Presbytery)

▶Followership & Leadership:Transforming from a Follower to a Leader – Stanley Toddison (Superintendent, Ga Presbytery YPG and Peter Narh-Sewu (Ashaiman DP/DPs Rep on the PEC)

🚩 There will also be Networking Opportunity for participants to interact with Council Members and other Past YPG Executives

The summit is expected to attract over 200 participants across the 24 districts and 1 Mission Field in the Presbytery.

POEM (AN ELEGY): THE REUNION

I’ve searched for reasons to doubt your departure,
But I’ve only found seasons of bliss beyond capture,
That the vapour from your evaporation will one day condense,
And your departing soul to the night will return to us from thence,
Our tears will form precipitates of smile on our sorrowful faces,
Our mourning will be turned into bright mourning in the new phase,
The seed of your soul we sowed will germinate and flower,
That sorrowful night of pain will finally dissolve in the ocean,
And we will be at the shore to reunite with your revived soul.
Cee, see, we will be wearing our National Cloth and we will bring yours,
Cee, see, the ladies will all be wearing the uniform in the prescribed style,
Cee, see, your advocacy will not be in vain,
Even when your blood abandoned your vein,
Your voice continued to echo in our ears,
We have waited for eternity for this reunion,
And now that we have met, can we enjoy our eternal communion?

©Writeous Wordsmith (Stanley Toddison)

RIPCee