By Paul Awortwi-Mensah

Rev. Fr. Frederick Agyeman, a Ghanaian Catholic Priest residing in Bronx, New York, has stated that 2014 is the year of divine favor and has admonished Christians to wait upon the Lord to receive their favors.

He said the year 2013 is gone with its trials and tribulations and explained that God has a purpose for each and everyone, adding that, be patient and wait on the Lord to answer your prayers in his own time.

Rev. Fr. Agyeman made the admonition during his New Year Message at the New Year’s Eve celebration with the Ghanaian Catholic Community at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Speaking on the theme “2014, My Year Of Divine Favor”, Rev. Fr. Agyeman said “as we come to the end of the year 2013, we should take stock of our lives to look at our strengths and weakness, evaluate or lives and see where we fell short”.
Rev. Fr. Agyeman said God is ushering us into a new year, a year of favor, blessing and divine intervention and urged Christians to continue to pray for God’s obedience and welcome the year 2014 with a joyful heart for God will give them strength to go through the new year successfully.
Quoting from Isaiah Chapter 43 versus 1-7 to buttress his point, Rev. Fr. Agyeman reiterated God’s promise to his people that he will save them in all their predicaments.
“If you even you walk through fire, you will not be burnt, if you walk through waters, you will not drown, the hard trials that will come will not hurt you for God will be with you and save you for your troubles will not overwhelm you”, he emphasized.
“As we usher in the year 2014, many people have gathered at vantage points enjoying their lives with drinks and immorality but you have chosen to be before the Lord to guide you into the new year”, he stated.
Rev. Fr. Agyeman, therefore, commended the congregation for taking the opportunity to serve the Lord and prayed that God will bless them and take care of them, God will be kind and gracious to them and that God will look on them and give them peace.
He urged the congregation to be strong in faith for with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, their prayers will reach God and will be received be God and answered by God.
Rev. Fr. Eric Asante who officiated during the mass prayed for peace, stability and success for the members. He urged members of the community to unite with one another and forge ahead in unity to ensure the growth and development of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester.
He said God is beginning a new chapter in the life or everyone and urged Christians to ask for forgiveness and not to hold onto the old things for they belong to 2013.
There were spontaneous prayers, singing, dancing and clapping of hands by the congregation during the celebration as the year 2013 was winding up and 2014 was ushered in. Members of the congregation hugged each other and wished each other success in the New Year.