He is giant looking but down to earth; friendly and witty but action-oriented. He never compromises on discipline. He is many things to many people; a husband, a friend, confidant, a counselor, a teacher above all a father, a spiritual father, who like Moses has his hands lifted in prayer just so his children will win battles. And they, in Osu Restoration Temple of the ICGC have won many.

In victory, they came with thanksgiving and appreciation first to the Almighty God and then to Rev Ashford Tawiah Smith, the head pastor, the vessel used as a channel of blessing to the congregation.

The members have enough to be thankful for. And with words woven in pieces of a poetic masterpiece, with melodious voices they sang in unison, danced with style and elegance on a day chosen as the Pastor’s Appreciation Day.

In their songs they remembered quite well how far they have come as a church and how instrumental Rev Smith and his wife Celestine have been in the tumultuous journey from the Christian Council Hall which temporary housed the Osu Community Chapel of the ICGC to what is now an almost complete edifice christened the Restoration Temple of the ICGC.

After taking over from Rev Kofi Okyere in 2009, Rev Smith announced a three-prong vision to grow the church spiritually, financially and numerically. At the heart of this vision was the passion to move the congregation to its promise land and he achieved that with the help of the deacons and other senior church administrators.

It was not just a change of office and a move to a temple of luxury. Like biblical Joshua and his conquests with the people of Israel in the promised land, the change reflected in the lives of the members of the congregation, many of whom have given testimonies of victories and breakthroughs in their marriages, finances, businesses, careers etc.

For years he gave hope to many shrill voices and institutionalized a quarterly spiritual emphasis week of prayer and fasting which has become a spiritual tower for members. In their moments of great depression, he stood with his members in prayer. In their time of cluelessness, he gave practical advice interspersed with jokes and a hearty smile.

There is never a dull moment in his sermon; he walks the congregation through the realities of life, sharing experiences with practical teachings and lessons from the Bible, the book of life. He has indeed been a tremendous figure in the lives of the congregation. Any wonder why the members decided to appreciate him. Well, they did and in grand style.

Rev Samuel Nyarko head pastor of the ICGC Faith and Miracle Temple, Teshie was the guest preacher and could not have preached a better sermon on appreciation.

Just like David who showed kindness to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, in appreciation to what Jonathan did for him, [David], Rev Nyarko said appreciation is a spiritual undertaking which must not be taken for granted.

All through the sermon, poetry, songs and the dance, Rev Ashford Tawiah Smith, wore a smile, a gentle smile, humbled by the great show of love from a congregation he has come to love and cherish.