TEXTS: Psalm 71:9,18; Numbers 8:24-26; 1 Sam.8:1; 2 Cor.9:10-13; Matt. 25:31-46; Psalm 46:4

INTRODUCTION: The Church of Pentecost Pensions Scheme for her ministers established in 1976 is currently one of the best Pensions Schemes in Ghana. It started as PENTECOST Ministers welfare Fund to give proper care and support for her Ministers on retirement, and widows of departed Ministers to glory in support of the Biblical injunctions in Numbers 8:24-26; Psalm 92:12-14; Matt. 25:31-46; Ephesians 6:1-2;
The Church of Pentecost PENSIONS WEEK is yearly celebrated during the Fourth week of the month of October.
Before the year 2,000 the scheme lacked proper support from both Ministers and members, hence retired Ministers were  given pittance at the end of the month which led to many passing away early, and which did not allow the Church to fully enjoy their rich experience and maturity. But after the year 2000 when Pensions week was given a boost and the Monthly allowances were increased, they are now living and enjoying good old age to the benefit and prosperity of the Church.
We must confess that the full-time ministry is so strenuous and stressful hard work that by the time a minister retires, he becomes drained off to be able to work for proper living and needs the support of the Church.
Again God has promised not to forsake His chosen ones even in old age for He will carry them on His shoulders, and make them bear fruit in old age.
But the Church, which is the body of Christ and God's family and representative on earth, has a big responsibility with regard to supporting her retired ministers and widows through the organized Pensions week Programme alongside the individual care for our aged Fathers and Mothers within the year. Ephesians 6:1-2; MATT. 25:31-46; Gal. 6:6; Jas. 1:27 enjoin us to properly support both active and retired ministers, widows, orphans, and the aged in society.

One great benefit I have realized in caring for retired Ministers and widows of departed Ministers apart God's blessings through their prayers is God's grace and wisdom to plan your own personal retirement. I think God is miraculously blessing The Church of Pentecost above many other Churches in Ghana for two specific reasons: Her deep commitment to the Great Commission, and, support to the Pension scheme for retired Ministers, Widows and orphans of departed Ministers. The orphans however are solely sponsored by deductions from active Ministers salaries every month.
The Bible enjoins us to honour our Fathers and Mothers as the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with us and that we may live long in the land (Ephesians 6:2-3) paraphrased. What great honour can the Church show to her aged Fathers and Mothers (Retired Ministers and Widows) than regularly visiting them and caring for their domestic needs, and more importantly helping to raise funds meant for the Pensions fund to support them monthly from the General Headquarters.
May I call your attention to the fact revealed by Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:31-46 that the Final White throne judgement shall be based on whether we cared for the needy in Christ or not. May we enter heaven with the joy that we fed, visited, and clothed CHRIST because we did it for the vulnerable and needy in His Church.
I want to use this platform to call upon all Christian Churches, Organizations, Institutions, and the Government to mobilize resources and funds to properly care for their retired workers who in their working days "killed" themselves to bring these Churches, Institutions and the nation to where they are today.
The Church of Pentecost is commended for using their annual PENSIONS WEEK to celebrate and commemorate the sacrifices and labours of their retired Ministers in other to raise funds to support them. This is worthy of emulation by all Christian Churches and Organizations in Ghana and beyond. No wonder, this serves as a motivation for her active Minsters to work hard in all situations and challenges to promote the holistic growth and development of the Church across the globe.

 

The statement was delivered by Apostle Emmanuel Achim Gyimah Kaneshie Area Head at 2015 Pensions Week launch at Kaneshie Central on 20th October for  all area officers.