Reverend Bright Owiredu, the Resident Pastor, Sakumono Branch of United Pentecostal Church International, has called on Christians, especially Ministers of God, to stand for the truth and eschew negative practices that prevent them from receiving God’s blessings.

He urged the clergy to ensure that what they proclaimed and acted on was rooted in the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them to righteousness to discharge their duties effectively.

Rev. Owiredu said this in a sermon to mark the Church’s 10th Anniversary in Accra on the theme: “Understanding Kingdom Driven Life”.

A Missionary from Canada, Rev. Nicky Cisco, dedicated the Church to God and prayed for strength.

Rev. Owiredu expressed worry about sermons preached by some ministers of God, which lacked integrity because they failed to lead worthy and holy lives, adding that corruption was on the increase in the society because truth was no longer regarded as important.

He called on Christians to let their light shine before men to glorify the name of God and quoted the scriptures as saying: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.

The Reverend Minister explained that the Gospel enjoined Christians to set their priorities right and seek purity in the service of God and society.

“To be part of the Kingdom of God, we need to repent and be baptized and be guided by the spirit of God to stand the test of any temptation,” he added.

Deacon Benjamin Adjei, the Secretary to the Church, said it started in Lashibi Community 16 in May 2006, under the leadership of Rev. Owiredu and his team with the aim to inform minds, transform hearts, change lives and influence society.

He said Rev. Owiredu teamed up with Deacon Winfred Atsu Forfoe from Dreamlight Chapel and began Bible teaching at Deacon Forfoe’s residence in the evenings.

He thanked God for the blessings bestowed on the Church and the progress made so far, as well as members who helped in diverse ways to see it grow.

He said the Church had impacted positively in the lives of members through healing the sick and providing for the needy.