Methodist Church Ghana, North America Mission Holds 2nd Agm In Columbus, Ohio Story by Joseph & Karen Essiful-Ansah with files from Bro. Emmanuel Nana-Yeboah

Circuits and Societies of The Methodist Church Ghana, North America Mission recently conferred under the theme: “PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL” –Phillipians3:16. Hosted by the Mount Olivet Methodist Church, Columbus Ohio the Meeting saw some 50 Delegates from Montreal to Atlanta discussing issues pertinent to the growth of The Methodist Church Ghana in North America.

The Meeting which was under the distinguished patronage of Sis. Araba Ata Sam, Lay President of The Methodist Church Ghana proceeded along the lines of the Constitution and Standing Orders of the Church. It is noteworthy that a high-powered Delegation of the North America Mission recently participated in the epic Round table Conference of The Methodist Church Ghana held in Aburi. The said Meeting was aimed among others “to share experience and decide on policy issues relating to our work on that Continent”as declared by the Letter inviting Delegates to Ghana.

In an Address to the Meeting, Madam Araba Ata Sam called on Delegates to look critical at the theme of the AGM and called on Delegates to ape Paul whom she commended. She declared that preaching the word of God to the unreached, the unconverted, the under-served and the building up of the body of Christ should be the primary duty of all generations of Christians. Sis. Araba Sam hoped that the Meeting would ‘demonstrate an unsurpassed zeal for the Lord’s service’ and that the deliberations would ‘be marked by openness, brotherly love and above all, by unity.’

Then Chairman of the Mission, Very Rev. Dr. J. A. K. Bonful called on Delegates to disregard their past achievements and failures in a bid to press on towards the goal. Referring copiously to Paul’s life as an example he further outlined what he called ‘Tools or Equipment’ needed to reach the goal. Very Rev. Bonful stated that with the recognition of the North America Mission at the recent Roundtable Conference and the forthcoming Proclamation of it by the Presiding Bishop sometime in October this year, Delegates need to press on ‘looking to Jesus, the Pioneer and Finisher of our faith.’[Heb. 12:2] He added ‘I am fully convinced that as we take seriously the study of the Holy Scriptures and praying without ceasing, and we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we shall be empowered, not only to bear witness to Christ, but also, demonstrate towards one another such love and unity that would draw not only Ghanaians to our Churches, but all other people, white and black alike, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.’

High on the Meeting’s Agenda was a Report from the Roundtable Conference held by the hierarchy of The Methodist Church Ghana aforementioned. Business Sessions which included discussion of Reports from the Circuits, Societies and Organizations of the Mission were serious and sometimes tasking as Delegates from these bodies took fellow Delegates to task for work done in the period under the view. Many Delegates also took cues from others’ Reports with the view to improving their own work once the Meeting was over.

As part of the Conference, elections were held for an interim body to man the Mission until Conference appoints a Supervising Mission Co-ordinator as discussed in Aburi. Hence the Meeting elected Very Rev Kofi Bart-Martin as Mission Chairman, Bro. Joseph Baffour Amoateng as Lay Chairman and Very Rev. J. French as Mission Secretary. These, except the Lay Chairman are to man the Mission until October 1st 2010.

The Meeting also made far reaching decisions to move the Mission forward spiritually and physically including the creation of Circuits even as the Societies increase and spread all over North America. The goal towards which the Mission presses, a Diocese in North America is closer than envisaged, Delegates realized.

The Meeting was informed of certain Ministers who had successfully completed their terms of office and educational pursuits and were thus soon to return to Ghana. They include Very Rev. J. French, Ghana Methodist of Toronto, Canada, Very Rev. Raymond Addo, Rockville, MD, Very Rev. Edmund Ashitey of Cincinnati, Ohio and Rev. Dr. Dominic Dadzie of Mount Olivet Society, Columbus, Ohio and Very Rev. Dr. J. A. K. Bonful who superannuates this year. Words of commendation were given to the gallant Ministers by V. Rev. Kofi Bart-Martin on behalf of the Clergy and Sis. Karen Essiful-Ansah on behalf of the Laity. Sis. Esther Agbosu, Caretaker of Rev. G. Acquaah Memorial Methodist Society, Alexandria, VA who has successful completed her studies at the Wesley Theological College was also acknowledged with words on congratulations by then Chair, V. Rev. Dr. Bonful.

Preaching the Sermon during the Divine Service which climaxed the Annual General Meeting, Very Rev. Dr. J.A.K. Bonful told Delegates and Congregants present that the only way one can press on toward the goal is to first give one’s life to Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit proceed on a journey of faith. Referring to his own testimony, V. Rev. Dr. Bonful said one can stay in Church for years and serve as a Chorister or even a Minister but without receiving Christ one would continue to dwell in darkness. He encouraged members of the Congregation to look deep into themselves and be sure of their calling onto salvation as they strive to press on towards the goal.

The third AGM of the North America Mission will be held in Toronto Canada in 2011 as Delegates accepted the offer of Bro. Charles Cofie, Society Steward of the Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto with great expectation and gratitude. On the whole the Meeting was worth the time and expense as indeed every endeavour in Kingdom business is.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.