Kumasi, April 23, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Council of the Assembli= es of God (AG) Church is to launch its five-year development plan to deepen its contribution to the nation's socio-economic progress. The church would roll out an education endowment fund, counselling a= nd rehabilitation centres, and job openings

A press release issued and signed by the Reverend Godwin Tito Agyei,=

the Regional Secretary in Kumasi, said in addition they would build missi= on houses with offices.

It noted the huge human capital and other resources available to the=

church and said these needed to be harnessed to aid national development. The church could do a lot to improve not only the spiritual well-bei= ng of the people but their physical welfare.

The decision to launch the plan is a follow up to a sensitization workshop organized by the church for more than 200 pastors and their spouses, drawn from the various districts. It was held on the theme "Church growth through strategic planning; the challenges and the way forward."

Mr Kofi Lucas, Chairman of the Anointed Consultancy Services, encouraged the church to do more to support the fight to bring down pover= ty in the society.