Be cautious of miracle performing pastors

Koforidua, Mar 23, GNA - The General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Church, the Reverend Charles Appiah-Boakye, has advised the public to be wary of 'prophets' who claim the power to alter the destinies. He stated that many pastors today were not fulfilling the mission of God but creating wealth through exploitation.

The General Secretary said it was high time Christians became firm in their faith to protect the ministry of the gospel from charlatans who capitalized on crave for wonders to amass wealth and gain power. Rev. Appiah-Boakye was preaching at the ordination of pastors for the Assemblies of God church in Koforidua.

At the ceremony, a sod was cut to begin for a three-storey regional office for the church at GH¢120,000.

He said it is sad that Christians, committed to their churches, would rather troop to places where their destinies would be revealed, noting that women were most vulnerable.

"AS Christians, we must understand that whatever happens in the worl= d is destined by the creator and it takes faith and trust in God to change whatever situation you deem unacceptable around you."

The General Secretary called on the Christian Community to be concer= ned about the moral decadence in the Church, the numerous media reports of pastors involved in social vices and the use of the pulpit to fuel tribal sentiments. Rev. Alex Ofori-Amankwa, the Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, reiterated that the Church must be re-awakened to provide divine and strong leadership for society.

He said the increased rates of corruption, crime and indiscipline i= n some churches were clear indications that the Christian Community had to double its effort and urged the newly ordained priests to lead upright li= ves worthy of emulation.

The Regional Superintendent said the Church would not hesitate to dismiss any pastor who contravened the rules.

The new pastors are Rev. Emmanuel Obeng, Rev. Jones Boadu Amarteifio= , Rev. Stephen Kwarteng, Rev. Prince Owusu, Rev. Joseph Agyekum, Rev. Benso= n Wisdom Akoni and Rev. Mrs Florence Baidoo. The office complex being constructed at Mile 50, a suburb of Koforidua, includes conference rooms, a Credit Union hall and offices for=

the daily administration of the church.