The first anniversary celebration of Life Restoration Centre Church in Reggio Emilia was also an occasion to dedicate its Temple to God.

At a special service to mark the event, the joyful congregation magnified the occasion as they unceasingly danced with praises and worship – all for the right reasons. Says the Pastor of the Church - Rev. Wilson Kwatia: “In 12 months the Church has made significant progress, winning more souls and having a great impact on the life of our youths.” Though not established long ago, the bond of togetherness and spirit of enthusiasm to work for God is high and members graced the occasion in a glittering African wear of the same fabric. They were reasonably celebrating a date for which their collective efforts to have a place of worship has paid off and it was no wonder the joyful moments that characterised the whole service.

Rev. Kwatia in his words of praise to members of the Church lauded four of them - Elder Mina Nyarko, Collins Hagan Asare, Mark Abrokwa Bekoe and Frederick Owusu Ansah - for their tremendous hard work and sacrifices. He also expressed thanks to the Ministers/Pastors who honoured the Church’s invitation to be part of the celebration. Among them were Rev. Nana Banyin (Guest Speaker - from the UK), Pastor Frank Kofi Asiedu (Word of Life Church) Pastor Noble Ofori Asante (A/G Church), Pastor Emmanuel Baidoo, and Pastor Francis Kumah (both from Good News Church) – all in Reggio Emilia, Pastor Charles Nemey (from Como), and Minister Justice Wetteyson (Apostolic Faith International Church - Vicenza). Also with the men of God was the Assistant Pastor of the Church – Evangelist David Apoutuah.

Preaching the sermon, Rev. Nana Banyin said in the modern day Church people have brought in their traditions and practices and because of that the Power of God is not seen. “The traditions of men can limit what God can do. The reason we are not seeing the Glory of God is that we have brought our traditions into His Kingdom. The problem of the Church now is we have inherited things that have not been proved in the Bible,” he said.

Rev. Banyin told the congregation every Church has its problems therefore they should never think Life Restoration Centre will not face challenges and that if the foundation of the Church is not strong it will crumble. “There are many Churches and many more will come but God in His own wisdom will establish a Church in His own grace for his work,” he noted, and advised the members to be wary of moving from one Church to another. “There are many bigger Churches but God knows what you need and that’s why He brought you here. The promise of God is to rescue you from the Kingdom of darkness to His Kingdom,” he explained. On his ‘Word of Exhortation’ he further spoke about the Church of God not as a Church of the World but a Church to the world and people should not mix the Kingdom of God culture with any culture. “The Church is not a Club or Social Centre for people to bring in any culture or tradition they want,” he again emphasised.

Rev. Banyin, who pastors Family Life Christian Church in London, also reminded the congregation every Church of Jesus Christ must be connected to Heaven and that any Church that’s not connected to Heaven is a religious institution. He spoke against leaders in the modern day Church who have given to themselves titles without responsibility. “Church leaders must have responsibilities and before you hold a position in the Church you must practice the Kingdom culture of God,” he pointed out. He also asked people of God not to be selfish but to pray for the needy and their Government.

The celebration in the service was also graced with some powerful soul-moving gospel songs by the Church Choir, a group of gospel artistes known as Herald of Glory and the Choir from Word of Life Church – all in the city Reggio Emilia. Annie Marie, the renowned gospel artiste, was also present and she as usual exhilarated the congregation with some of her songs.

- Reggie Tagoe in Reggio Emilia.