Happy New Year, 2007!

Accra, Jan.1, GNA - Christians in Ghana ushered in the New Year with a vigil, prayers, singing of songs of praise, hymns and charismatic Holy Ghost dancing of waving white handkerchiefs, shouting and jumping in honour of God for the birth of 2007.

Most churches were full to capacity with regular and occasional worshippers, who wanted to bid farewell to 2006 and enter into the New Year with commitment and re-dedication to the Almighty God. At the Osu branch of the Christ Apostolic Church, Reverend Daniel Quaye, Area Head, preaching the sermon said the year 2007 would be a "Year of Opportunities" as promised by God.

He explained that "in 2007, Ghana will be 50 years, and the number single seven signified a lot. When God created the world he rested on the seventh day and that means all will be well with Ghanaians". Rev. Quaye quoting Numbers 10:35;"So it was whenever the Ark set out that Moses said; Rise up Oh Lord let your enemies be scattered and let those who hate you flee with you", asked Christians to join hands in spirit to pray.

He explained that whilst Christians continued to pray, the devil would also be at work destroying whatever God was putting together, adding "Ghanaians, never cease praying and claim all that God has planned for you for the devil is at work".

Accra

At the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), at Kokomlemle, Rev. Michael Asiedu, Resident Pastor, encouraged Christians to be bold to face their adversaries.
He spoke against fear, which he said was a weapon used by the devil to bring down the hope and faith of Christians in God. Speaking on the theme: "God's Standing Order," Rev. Asiedu said God's promises were still the same as they used to be in the olden days and it was through faith that mankind would be redeemed. He noted that God's awesome power of deliverance had been manifested many times in those who had believed and that Christians should learn to obey and build their faith through constant prayers. Rev. Asiedu prophesied the year 2007 as a year of redemption and restoration.
"As Ghana celebrates its 50th independence anniversary, it is considered a year of blessing and in a year of jubilee there is redemption, therefore God is going to restore to Ghana what has been lost," he said.
Rev. Asiedu emphasized obedience to the word of God to ensure peace and unity to enhance national development. Accra At the Main Police Church in Accra, the large congregation that occupied every available place in the hall sang and danced to music provided by the local Singing Band as they went to give their last offering for the year.
The Very Reverend Frank D. Twum-Baah, Chaplain-General of the Church, urged Christians not to be anxious about the challenges that the New Year might bring but to put their trust in God to carry them safely through.
He said much would be expected from Christians, especially during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, adding that the thorns of 2007 should not deter them and cited the account Caleb and Joshua gave when they returned to report to Israel their findings after going to spy the land that God had promised to give them.
Very Reverend Twum-Baah stressed the need for those, who had put their trust in God, not be anxious since He was capable to protecting them.
Earlier Reverend Dr A.A. Akrong, also of the Church, had asked Christians to put their trust in God and to travel light during the year. He said they should seek knowledge from God so that they would be able to overcome their anxiety, which emanated from the fear of the unknown as they entered the New Year.
At the Christ Temple, headquarters of the International Central Gospel Church, members joined other Christians to usher in the New Year with prayers interspersed with singing and dancing.
Preaching the sermon at the service dubbed: "The crossover", Dr Mensah Otabil, General Overseer of the Church in his New Year message noted that the year 2007 was a year of elevation and cautioned Christians to take advantage of the great move of God to get to their expected destinations.
He said challenges might come their way but the good Lord would see them through.
Dr Otabil said the New Year would open a new chapter in people's lives and Christians should take advantage of God's direction for the New Year.
"God moves in unusual ways and in 2007 he will move people from one location for better prospects", he added. More