Seeking the face of the Lord
The year 2018 began for G-Youth in fervent seeking of the face of the Lord, prayers, intercession, supplications, thanksgivings, receiving anointed teachings from the Word of God and impartation of grace to do greater works at the G-Youth All Leaders Retreat. 83 G-Youth Leaders from various branches of Gospel Light International Church across the country converged at the Pentecost Convention Centre from the 19th of January, 2018 to the 20th of January, 2018 for an unprecedented time of intense prayer, vision casting and refreshing in God’s Mighty Presence. The Retreat was characterized by fasting, intermittent prayer times, Word sessions, presentations and culminated in an anointing session which lifted leaders to operate with a higher level of glory and grace!
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The opening night of the Retreat saw Rev. Samuel Laryea teaching on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. He began, “We are here to revive our spiritual lives…we need to change our perception about relationship with the Holy Spirit.” He noted that the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit is not limited to the five-fold ministry gifts alone; we all can manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Adding, the man of God hinted that it all starts with the way we think, emphasizing that our minds operate in a dual way depending on the one to whom we yield it
to. The Holy Spirit uses your mind to control you. Conversely, the devil uses your mind to control you. Your mind is a powerful tool. If we avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He will give us knowledge and power of the supernatural. The Holy Spirit gives us power to control the natural.
You cannot see it but you can use it
Rev. Laryea recounted several amazing testimonies of the ability of the Spirit at work in his ministry including several instances of healing and deliverance. Alluding to electricity, the man of God disclosed that our eyes cannot see the power of the Holy Spirit. He asserted, “It takes your faith to operate the power of the supernatural…forget about your background; all you need is faith. The Holy Spirit is ready to use you if only you avail yourself.” Rev. Laryea further added that if we avail ourselves to Him we will turn our world around.
Choose the right Christian Mentor
The man of God lamented that the problem with many young people is that their role models are not even Christian. He explained that when your role models are Christians, you are challenged and when you challenge yourself, you will experience the power. He earnestly urged, “Be a minister, elder or deaconess with a difference- with the demonstration of the power. God wants to use us to affect our world.”
The Price for His Presence is Time
He cautioned leaders present not to be full of the world. He related that the reason some of the older ones are playing extra time is that we (the younger ones) are not prepared. Rev. Laryea grieved, “How can we be revived and catch the fire if we don’t spend time in His Presence?!…be spiritual! Christianity is not a funfair. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you…open up to receive the fire. Get into His Presence and don’t desire to leave.”
“Don’t allow society to change you; change your society.”
The man of God taught leaders gathered to make it their goal to please God. He also emphasized that we should demonstrate the power and not to make noise. He said, “If you are ready, God is already ready to use you. Don’t allow society to change you; change your society.
Go back to your Church and community and bring about transformation. Believe in and trust Him. If you are able to discover your ministry at this stage, you will be different- the struggles will end. Don’t follow the crowd and leave the crown behind you.”
He concluded by encouraging leaders to focus on, connect to and to love the Holy Spirit. The message was followed by earnest prayer and a mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit. Leaders were filled through and through with the glorious presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Effective Evangelism & Soul winning
The morning session of the second day of the Retreat took leaders to a higher level as Rev. Deo Donney taught on effective soul winning and evangelism. He challenged leaders present to be actively involved in reaching out and discipling people. The man of God related some testimonies of soul winning exploits including a time he went to a drinking spot to preach the Gospel. Before the bartender served the drinks, he besought him to preach the Gospel. So he was allowed to do so. After preaching, he said, “Now you can drink.” But the men could not drink after receiving a strong dose of the Gospel. Adding, he taught the leaders to start with those they have influence over, like the younger ones. He hinted, “If you don’t start, God cannot increase.” He also disclosed that whenever you win a soul, you add more building materials for your mansion in Heaven. Reading from 1 Corinthians 6:19, he taught that since the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, when you win a soul, you build God a house! Hallelujah!
The man of God led attendees in a time of prayer for more effectiveness in soul winning and reaching out. Leaders continued to labour fervently in prayer, intercession and supplication for Ghana, Africa and the world, to be equipped for the work of ministry and for the clergy.
Operation Plant a Church
Apostle Albert Bartlett-Mingle, National Youth Pastor of Gospel Light International Church, introduced leaders present to the material for study for the year 2018, which is Church Planting by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. A copy was sown into each branch as a seed by the National G-Youth. Thus, close to thirty copies were presented to a leader representing each branch present.
Apostle Albert challenged the leaders to study the book with their members during youth meetings and to implement the knowledge gained by planting at least one branch during the course of this year. He further urged leaders present to take charge and enforce the Church planting agenda this year.
A Special Presentation on Leadership
A special presentation on effective leadership was shared by Rev. Mrs. Ekua Bartlett-Mingle. She quoted John C. Maxwell as defining leadership as influence. She then set forth the two kinds of power there are:
- Position power- this is power received by virtue of being set in a certain position as a
leader - Personal power- this is power received by building credibility and integrity.
She challenged leaders present to carry personal power. Adding, she elucidated that as leaders we have an extra bonus because the Holy Spirit lives in us. She cited an example of exhibition of personal power in the encounter between Abigail and King David, where she took it upon herself to pay obeisance to King David for him to not annihilate her husband Nabal for his own folly. The woman of God postulated that leadership is taking initiative even when you are not called upon to do so. David took initiative to go up against Goliath.
She further taught that leadership is a personal choice. She disclosed that one does not need a title to serve in the House of God. She asked, “Are you going to lead or follow forever?” She charged leaders present to rise up and lead! She explained that Esther was called for that critical moment in the history of Israel, and so are you today! She poignantly posited, “Leadership takes boldness; it’s not for the faint-hearted- greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!”
Rev. Mrs. Bartlett-Mingle stressed that leadership requires vision to move from where you are now to where you have to be. She asked, “What’s your vision for your branch this year?” She continued, “The beauty of having a vision is that it keeps you focused and it keeps you going.
Keep pushing despite the challenges…if we don’t remember that it is unto the Lord, we will give up. Serve to an audience of One.”
She asked, “Would you keep serving if no one said, “Thank you”?” Rev. Mrs. Bartlett-Mingle taught leaders to encourage themselves from within.
Recounting Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet, she pointed out that leadership requires humility. She taught, “Submit to one another. Submit to leadership. Follow Jesus in humility and servanthood. There is joy in serving the Lord…sometimes your service may be anonymous; nobody may know but heaven knows.”
She further hinted that leadership is the ability to evaluate what you’re doing. She quoted Socrates as saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” She admonished, “At least, every quarter, seek your pastor’s evaluation. Feedback is a gift.”
Rev. Mrs. Bartlett-Mingle rounded off her message by noting, “Leadership is not some pie in the sky but it is about our daily activities…learn to lead yourself first.”
Five Important Things Every Leader must Know
Closely following her presentation was Pastor Kufuor’s stirring and riveting teaching on five
important things every leader must know viz.:
- Have a change in mind
- Read
- Your relationship with the Lord
- Prayer
- Your relationship with your members
A battle for the souls of the Youth
The man of God began, “Youth are dynamic; every day new things come up for the youth. As a youth leader, you should be conscious of this. Every young person is in a stage where there is a battle for their souls. Therefore you have a great responsibility…everything is battling for their attention…God is very concerned about the youth…you are blessed when God chooses you because He has seen something in you. Being called is a great privilege and responsibility.”
The first important thing Pastor Kufuor stated is to have a change in mind. Reading from Romans 12:2, the man of God taught leaders to have a shift in their thinking from the natural to the spiritual. The second important thing is to read. He admonished, “Equip yourself as a youth leader. Read your Bible. Know what the Scriptures say. Read leadership books. Be up to date.
You must be ahead of them to lead them.” Quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, the National Youth President charged leaders to study, urging them not to waste their time on things that are not helpful. He directed attendees to read books on psychology and youth development as well as youth leadership blogs.
Win the battle on your Knees
Pastor Kufuor gave the third important thing as being your relationship with the Lord. He announced, “You are not a club leader; you are a youth leader of a Church. As such your spiritual life must grow.” He charged leaders to spend time with the Lord in order to have a good relationship with Him. He taught, “Sometimes, separate yourself and fast on your own.
This is the best time to prepare. The generals like Kathryn Kuhlman worked hard; it doesn’t come by sleeping…it’s on your knees that you get the power.” The man of God warned against the distraction of the phone and urged leaders to put value on their time spent with God. He said, “Sometimes, we lose what God is telling us simply because of the distraction of phones.
Don’t miss what God is saying because of a phone call. Divine ideas come through prayer. Have a conscious relationship with God.” He encouraged attendees to have set times of prayer. He pointed out, “You are battling with the devil for the destinies of young people. If you fall you are not falling alone; you are going down with a lot of souls, so watch your life- your life must influence others.”
Be Faithful & Committed
Pastor Kufuor indicated that faithfulness and commitment to the work will result in blessing. He added that if we seek God first the other things will run after us. He intimated, “In everything let prayer lead you.” “When I joined the youth ministry, I was nothing,” he disclosed to the eager leaders. He made known to leaders present that if we are obedient we cannot contain the blessings. He challenged leaders to be examples in their world, saying, “They should look at you and desire to serve God. God will showcase us if we are committed to His call.”
Branch Briefings
After such an awesomely super session, branch leaders came to give their briefings on the state of their flock and activities at their branches. For some branches, 2017 was quite challenging in terms of their membership, finance and ability to gather for youth meetings. A major highlight of the branch briefing was the update from the Fruitful G-Youth- they grew in attendance from a humble 55 members to a whopping 110 members (with the exception of those in school) during the course of 2017. They engaged in house-to-house evangelism, had a mini crusade and
went on an excursion. The Brong Ahafo youth have also joined with full force as they never had
G-Youth in operation. In the next segment of the Retreat, Apostle Albert Bartlett-Mingle noted that there will be a
family meeting at this year’s camp where leaders shall account for the work done during the course of the year. As well, the National Secretariat will make available a standard format for reporting to leaders that will aid in regular updates of activities at the branch level. Plans are also underway to appoint district coordinators.
He further announced that branches should study and implement the knowledge obtained from the Church Planting book as it is demanded of each branch to produce at least one branch this year. The Church(es) planted should be indicated in the report. There will also be assessment on the book via an Inter-District Quiz during Camp 2018.
Time with GLIC Campus Ministries
Apostle Bartlett-Mingle shed light on the campus ministry of Gospel Light International Church, which is under the supervision of Apostle Victor Badger. He admonished leaders present to encourage their members to attend the Gospel Light Campus Ministry when they enter the tertiary level of education. He called upon leaders to be ambassadors for the campus ministry and to share it with their resident pastors. He also instructed leaders to compile lists of tertiary students at their branches. Asked about suggestions for the progress of the campus ministry, Minister Nana Ampem suggested that the alumni of various tertiary institutions should get involved in the work on the campuses.
Review & Input
We then zoomed into a review of 2017 National G-Youth Programmes and input for this year. The following are some of the deliberations that came up:
# A question was asked about the progress of acquiring land for G-Youth. Plans are in motion to secure that land.
# A debate came up as to whether to hold our camp meetings on Legon campus or the Pentecost Convention Centre. The consensus was that the venue for camp will be confirmed in due time.
# Prampram branch pleaded to maintain a February Gospel Rock Show on their calendar such that it is not scratched off due to a National G-Youth Programme.
# A suggestion that the content of Love Soiree should be richer came up. It was identified that the relaxed setting seemed to make it look like the content was not rich.
# A question was asked about the age range of youth in the ministry. It was made known that plans are underway to structure the ministry into Junior Youth, Youth and Young Adults. The document will be made available to leaders once it is done.
# Another question came forth concerning GOLISA. GOLISA is now Gospel Light Campus Ministries.
# It was announced the Young Adults must participate in G-Youth camp meetings to encourage the younger ones to have role models to look up to.
# It was announced that G-Youth will work hand-in-hand with the children’s ministry to organize a distinct Junior G-Youth Camp from the main G-Youth Camp.
# A suggestion came up to organize football matches at the branch level to serve as an evangelistic outreach effort.
# It was also suggested that guest artistes be invited to minister at our worship nights, like it was done at last year’s camp.
# Another suggestion came for the games at camp to have some order and structure around them.
# Finally, a suggestion about award schemes to motivate highly productive leaders should be organized.
“Write it Right” Courses
Pastor Samuel Fianko gave a presentation on behalf of the G-Youth National Secretariat on “Write it Right”. He announced that the aim of the courses is to train branch leaders (particularly secretaries) to write minutes, reports and other administrative work, to build a team of writers (known as the G-Youth Editorial Team) to create, edit, design and publish content for the G-Youth Flash (G-Youth’s newsletter) and to serve as a hub for receiving write-
ups and reports for the G-Youth Flash. He indicated that whereas many have become passive consumers of information, we must determine to be active generators of information for others to consume. He stressed the importance of documenting reports from branch activities and besought leaders for their help in making the newsletter a success. He went further to touch on four thematic areas of the “Write it Right” courses viz.: reading,
writing, listening and speaking. Some of the topics to be treated include grammar and spelling, minutes recording, how to craft compelling introductions and many other. He noted that classes will begin on the 24th of February, 2018 and that they will subsequently continue on the last Saturday of each month. The venues and times will be communicated on the G-Youth Leaders’ platform.
2018 G-Youth National Programmes
Below is the proposed 2018 G-Youth National Calendar as announced by Apostle Albert
Bartlett-Mingle:
Love Soiree- Sunday, 11th March, 2018
Worship Outreach- Saturday, 21st April, 2018
Leadership Summit- Saturday, 26th May, 2018
GLIC Business Fair- Saturday, 30th June, 2018
Next Level Conference- In June 2018
G-Youth Camp 2018- In August 2018
He encouraged leaders to trust God to raise money for camp rather than complain and disclosed that last year’s expenditure for camp was GH₵ 91, 550.00. He admonished leaders to come up with strategies to raise money for camp and to be prepared to pay more than GH₵ 100.00 as camp fee this year.
More prayer sessions took place and then the Papa, Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah walked into the auditorium with grace and meekness.
Youth: The Most Powerful People on Earth Right Now
He challenged leaders present to do better than 2017. He hinted that the youth are the most powerful people on earth because they possess three main things:
- Extra Energy
- Untapped Potential
- Ability to take risks
Dwelling on the third point, he intimated that risks make you an achiever and that your risk factor will determine your success level. He said, “This generation has no excuse to fail.”
The Sins of your Youth
Reading from Psalm 25:7, which says, “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.” he shared that if you are a youth, you are prone to sin. He noted that silly ideas come to your mind as a youth.
Bishop pointed out, “The sins of your youth are distractions and they can derail your academic progress.” Adding, he urged leaders to focus on Christ and His work. “If you have a desire to work for God, it will take you out of so many silly things,” he assured attendees.
He taught leaders to always pray to God to take us out of the sins of our youth. He challenged leaders to start Churches and call their pastors to inaugurate them. Reading from Psalm 71:5, the man of God encouraged us to put our hope in Christ. He taught us that if your hope is in Christ, you will evangelize, visit and work in a department in them Church. He assured leaders that if you put your hope in God, he will not disappoint you.
Two Kinds of People
Bishop adumbrated two kinds of people who exist in the Body of Christ:
# Those who merely go to Church
# Those who go to Church and work for God.
He disclosed that the latter gets rewarded. He made it known that working for God is not a waste of time. He read the dirge of the youth who had not walked in the path of God from Psalm 88:15-18.
He indicated that some benefits of working for God include the lengthening of your days and the renewal of your youth like an eagle’s (Psalms 89:45; 103:5).
Be an Ambassador for Christ!
Bishop then zoomed into the crux of his message: being an ambassador for Christ. Reading from 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, the man of God indicated that an ambassador preaches the exact message of the nation he represents. He explained that your message must be the same as that of the One who sent you. He also read from Ephesians 6:19-20, charging leaders, “An ambassador must have utterance and speak boldly about Jesus. A dumb ambassador is not a good ambassador. Be bold and present the Gospel. If you are an ambassador and you are ‘mumu’, there is something wrong with you. If you can’t talk about Christ, you are not even qualified to be a messenger. If you’re an ambassador you are very proud of the nation you’re representing.”
“Be a Church Planter”
Continuing his discourse, Bishop disclosed that starting a Church is easy. He taught that you start a Church because you are an ambassador of Christ, saying, “Be a Church planter.” With all earnestness, the man of God thundered, “This is my challenge to each of you here: If you can start a Church, I will give you GH₵ 10,000.00 for musical equipment.” He noted that simple ways to start include having morning devotions and singing and teaching songs. He assigned leaders present to study Jesus’ prayer in John chapter 17. Bishop explained that you can start a Church anywhere: under a tree, on a park, on the veranda…but not in your bedroom.
How to Preach the Gospel
Bishop then called out of the audience some of the leaders to preach the Gospel. Many were nervous and uneasy as they seemed not to know if the man of God would call them out. The following are some observations he made from those who came forward to preach:
- Maintain eye-contact
- Don’t be swaying
- Don’t interject your message with too many “Amens”
- Learn to discipline yourself when you are time-bound.
How to Prepare a Message
He thus taught briefly on how to prepare a message. Every message must have the following:
- Title
- Text
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
He noted that the title is the theme of the message and must convey the message halfway. The text is the key verse or verses used. Your introduction must be concise. The body of your message must first of all ascend and wake your audience up to the message and catch their attention. Then you can move on to sustain their attention with supporting verses and a storyline. Finally, your conclusion must summarize the main message and ensure that they
receive what they have to receive. Bishop tasked each leader to prepare a two-page message and present to Apostle Albert Bartlett-Mingle. Audios are also permitted. Bishop also hinted that your appearance is very important when you are preaching. Your message must contain some drama so that it is not dull.
Anointed to do Greater Works
After that empowering message, there was a glorious anointing and impartation session during which hands were laid on each leader by our National Youth Pastors, Apostle Albert Bartlett-Mingle and Rev. Mrs. Ekua Bartlett-Mingle.
Fresh Thoughts 