Excitement, Dancing, Euphoria and plain Happy Enthusiasm of the Ecclesiastical dimension are what characterized the Annual Harvest of the Ghana United Methodist Church of the Bronx, New York on October 28 th, 2007. This Sunday was different from all the other Sundays when the congregation usually worships. The harvest was a celebration to give thanks to God and an occasion for a major fundraising event for the church. It was the end of the year, and everybody was blessed to be alive and to celebrate the Annual Harvest with other members of the congregation. More importantly, it was special because church members are undertaking a massive renovation project of the church building purchased for about $800,000 some two years ago. The estimated cost of the renovation, including the furniture and equipment is $2,500,000. That is why this year's harvest was so special and dear to the hearts of all the church members. With the cooperation and support of enthusiastic church members, the Annual Harvest was able to raise over $100,000 towards the renovation project. Hitherto, members have made, and continue to make contributions of $500 each to create a building fund. The Harvest Committee under the chairmanship of Bro. Sampson Adjei mobilized all resources, both human and material, to raise the heartbeat of the harvest to new heights. The decoration of the otherwise drab Lee Hall was magnificent, and put the whole occasion in a festive mood. The chairperson of the occasion was George Kuntu Blankson, Esq. who was ably supported by Dr. Yao Kaledzi, and Nana Amponsah, the Asantefuohene of New York. Some prominent church members did not allow themselves to be outdone, and threw their full support behind the invited guests. Special mention should be made of Mr. Eddie Somuah of Prestige Tour and Travel Promotion, Inc. who in addition to a generous donation, was very instrumental in securing two business class roundtrip tickets to Ghana from Delta Airlines to be raffled to raise more funds for the renovation project. Tickets for the raffle are on sale now, and the drawing will be on Sunday, February 24, 2008. It was difficult for church members to embrace the building/harvest levy of $200 that was imposed this year. However, the import and the efficacy of the project, and the dedication of the members prevailed, and in spite of the 100% increase in the levy from last year's levy, most members have paid and many are continuing to pay. It is anticipated that if and when all members pay their levies, proceeds from the harvest will reach $150,000. The Church Administrative Council wishes to thank all church members who have paid, and appeal to those who have not to endeavor to pay. As we rejoice and celebrate the success of the Annual Harvest, we want to appeal to all Ghanaians and friends of Ghanaians, especially those of the Methodist dispensation, to make generous donations for the completion of the renovation project. The three-storey magnificent edifice is situated at Reiss Place in the Bronx. The renovation will raise the capacity of the sanctuary to 750 congregants, and have additional space for a Social Hall as well as meeting rooms and extra space for community cultural and educational programs when completed. With the support of the Bishop of the United Methodist Church of the New York Metropolitan Annual Conference, we hope to complete renovation works in 2008. Donations/Checks should be made to the Ghana United Methodist Church, and mailed to The Pastor, Ghana United Methodist Church, 1951 Washington Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10457. For further information, you may call the Pastor Rev. Dr. Victor Acquaah-Harrison (347-657-1535 or 646-401-9970); or Mr. Sampson Adjei (646-427-5655); Harvest Committee Chairperson) or Dr. Samuel K. Amoako (718-824-1562 or 347-513-0295) (Administrative Council Chairperson) or Mr. Samuel Addo (Lay Leader) 718-684-6418 or 917-443-6956. Once again, the Pastor, the Administrative Council and the entire memberships of the church wish to thank all those who made this year's harvest such a magnificent success. May the Lord be with you all and bless you in all your endeavors. A M E N !