In recent years, the Church of Pentecost has been advancing its transformative agenda under the banner of Vision 2028, with the central theme, Possessing the Nations. The goal is to unleash the members of the church, both young and old to possess or take their nations by influencing every worldview, thought and behavior with kingdom principles, values and lifestyle, and in so doing turn many people to Christ
This agenda has refreshed our approach to evangelism, leading to the establishment of new ministries created to reach diverse groups with the gospel. Notable amongst these are: the Ministry to Celebrities, Ministry to the Market, Ministry to Other Sheep, Chaplaincy Ministry amongst others. These initiatives highlight the church’s strategic focus on harnessing its vast potential to impact society for God.
Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) the church’s thriving campus ministry, has remained deeply committed to actualizing the Possessing the Nations agenda. PENSA groups at tertiary level are especially known for embarking on annual missions, both urban and rural with the sole aim to win souls and conquer territories for Christ. Through these outreaches, a myriad of souls have been saved, baptized, discipled and incorporated into newly established local assemblies, particularly in areas previously without a Pentecost presence. The contributions of PENSA outreaches to the expansion of the kingdom of God, and the growth of the church is profound indeed.
PENSA UPSA is no different. We embark on annual missions, particularly to rural areas, in our quest to fulfilling the primary mandate given to believers, which we internally call the ‘Go ye’ mandate, that is to preach the gospel to the lost, win them to Christ and disciple them. The one-week missions consistently serve as a platform for soul winning, discipleship and spiritual growth among participants, and this year was no different. This year’s missions outreach was undertaken in the Akim Oda Area, under the theme “Jesus, the Savior of the World” (John 3:16). To amplify our efforts, we partnered with Jesus Rescue Team and Theovision International, whose support significantly enhanced the spiritual and social impact on the community. A highlight of this year’s outreach was the participation of distinguished personalities, notably the Vice Chancellor of UPSA, whose presence added weight and inspiration to the mission. By the end of the mission, we witnessed tremendous outcomes:
• Over 1,000 souls won for Christ
• Numerous baptisms conducted
• Three new Assemblies planted
As part of our annual missions programs, we routinely engage in varieties of soul-winning activities, including; farm evangelism, market evangelism, rallies, mini crusades and street evangelism, amongst others. This year however, we included a dynamic and strategic addition to our soul-winning strategies: community sports evangelism. While similar initiatives have previously been conducted on campus—such as organizing football matches between the PENSA team and local township teams, or screening UEFA Champions League matches at school hostels to create evangelistic opportunities for the gathered crowds—this was the first time such an approach was implemented on the missions field.
The sports evangelism was scheduled to take place at the Osroase District, one of the key zones for the week’s missionary activities. In anticipation of the event, footballs were secured as prizes for both winning and participating teams. The event was slated for Thursday, 26th June 2025. Prior to the event, announcements were made through the local community information centers inviting residents to the Osroase park for a grand sporting event with rewards for all participating teams. By noon, teams from surrounding communities began arriving.
Before commencement of the match, the Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Elder Prof. John Kwaku Mawutor had a brief talk with the players and community members. He shared with them his life story, and how God helped him rise through the ranks, assuring them that that same God can help them accomplish same if they gave their lives to Him and made a lifetime commitment to follow Him. In a heartfelt gesture, Elder Mawutor offered three full scholarships to UPSA—not only for the players but extended to any community youth who excelled in their Senior High School examinations. This was followed by an altar call, and 3 players gave their lives to Christ.
In the course of the match, the PENSA missionaries strategically positioned themselves in the crowd, strategically engaging in one-on-one evangelism. Their mission was clear: to lead as many as where available to the saving knowledge of Christ. The response was overwhelming, and the need for baptism became urgent. In swift coordination, a mobile baptistry was set up at the missions house, where the District Pastor, the Vice Chancellor and a team of Elders stood ready to minister to newly converted souls through baptism. By late afternoon, the entire Osorase community had come to the field. This gave the missionaries the opportunity to walk through the crowd, continue preaching to them, directing many toward baptism, and distributing Bibles. Many were also invited to church, and some also rededicated their lives to Christ.
The PENSA community sports event turned into a moment of evangelistic revival. It brought not only joy and excitement through sport but also deep spiritual fulfillment to Osroase and its neighboring communities. Many souls were won for the Kingdom, baptized, and added to the church.
In view of possessing the nations, we must take into consideration and engage the passions and interests of the people we seek to reach. Football and other sports serve not merely as recreational outlets, but as powerful evangelistic tools that open hearts and gather crowds. Sports evangelism speaks the language of the youth and resonates deeply within communities.
Initiatives as this can be replicated in the church’s districts and areas across the nation as a sustainable soul-winning initiative. Events such as the Pastors’ Cup or Apostles’ Cup can be established as annual or bi-annual programs that blend community engagement with spiritual transformation to foster church growth and enhance membership. This is evident for instance in the strengthening of the bond between the District Minister and the community, especially evident in the youth’s heartfelt appreciation for Osorase District Pastor, Isaac Klutse for the organization of the sports program.
Beyond its evangelistic function, this initiative also stands as a social intervention. It fosters unity, strengthens communal belonging, and cultivates bonds of peace and cooperation. It also heightens the reputation of this noble church as not just a body concerned with the spiritual buildup of its members only but also keen on contributing their quota to community development.
As the world thrives and many find interest in one thing or another, it is imperative that the sons of God become strategic in delivering the gospel, so that, by all means and at all cost, some may be saved.
ERNEST OFORI BAAH (DCN.)
BIBLE STUDIES COORDINATOR, PENSA UPSA
