The Firehouse Chapel International marked its 6th anniversary celebration last Saturday with a call on Christians to strengthen their faith in God in times of affliction.
This year’s celebration was characterized by a special church service and was organised under the theme, “Rehoboth.”
Taking inspiration from Genesis 26:22, the founder of the church, Bishop (Dr.) M.J. Philips, said the theme was informed by the need to appreciate God for making them fruitful regardless the hurdles they encountered in the quest to expand their territory.
“Ministerial work is not an easy task. There are times you feel like giving up because the whole world is crushing on you. It has not being all rosy as people may see it from the outside. There was a time the church almost closed down. On three different occasions, we had a break up. So we thank God for bringing us this far,” he said.
He added that the ministry began under the auspices of five individuals with a common goal of committing to the work of God under the motivation of raising souls for Christ. He however said that three of the starters threw in the towel in the era of severe persecution.
Touching on the achievements of the church since its inception in 2011, Bishop Philips highlighted the establishment of two successful branches and a bible school as principal to the pride of the church so far.
“The Bible School has ordained and licensed over 200 people. We have set up the International Network of Charismatic Clergy (INTER-NOCC). Our numbers are growing so it is our expectation to build a Cathedral for the Lord. We have plans to build a mission house and initiate a foundation to help the needy,” he added.
He advised other churches especially young ministries to strengthen their faith in God and make an effort to withstand all challenges that have the potential to break them down.
“When God called us, he never said the road was going to be easy. The Bible said that those who live a righteous life will suffer persecution. If you are a young pastor today, do not consider an easy start and smooth running. Rather, be focus, welcome the challenges and trust in the Lord to fulfill all promises in His right time,” he said.
In his sermon, Prophet Jerry justice Yeni admonished Christians to look up onto God for intervention in times of affliction and persecution. He bemoaned the usual practice of Christians confining in their colleagues on issues that require spiritual guidance and said “you must sometimes consult a prophet who has the gift of seeing beyond the hidden.”
The event also saw the elevation of Pastor Samuel Asiamah Yeboah to the position of a Reverend.
In addition was the conferment of an honorary Doctorate Degree award on “responsible individuals who have contributed to the growth of societies in their various fields.”
The awardees were; Rev. (Dr) Steve Chord (Rudiments of Music), Prophet (Dr.) Oscar Adzakpa (Prophetic Ethics), Dr. Eric Obeng Mensah (Business Management), Prophet (Dr) Michaelson Gyimah (Prophetic Ethics).
The others were; Chief (Dr) Smith S. Onile-Ere (Dynamics of Herbal Medicine), Chief (Dr) Taye Adekanbi Oladipupo (Property Management and Evaluations), Chief (Dr) Adewale Adakunle (Business Management).
The rest were; Dr. Alfred Standhope Afful (Theology and Metaphysics), Rev. (Dr) Joseph Effah Kodom (Dynamics of Deliverance) and Apostle (Dr) Enoch Mensah (Christian Ethics).
