The 10th Triennial World Assemblies of God (AoG) Congress scheduled for Accra from October 14 to 16 this year is expected to promote spiritual revival while attracting tourists, investors and other economic opportunities to the country, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has said.
He explained that the congress would provide an avenue for massive prayers for the world and the country, particularly in response to what he described as a period of “military brutality and social calamity” globally and the consequences of sin confronting the country.
“Nationally, we are bleeding from the consequences of sin in varying degrees.
So we need to intercede for the world and our dear nation Ghana through fervent prayers.
The Congress will direct massive prayers to cover these areas,” he said.
Rev. Wengam made the remarks at a press conference in Accra yesterday to outline preparations for the global gathering, which will be held in the country, as well as Africa, for the first time in the 115-year history of the Assemblies of God Fellowship.
Focus
The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, said the congress would also focus on strategies to accelerate the expansion of the denomination and strengthen its Pentecostal fervour, with the ultimate objective of winning more souls and planting at least one million churches by 2033.
He explained that the theme for the congress, “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation,” was therefore not merely a slogan but a call to Assemblies of God churches, pastors and members across the world to intensify their evangelistic efforts.
Economic impact
The senior clergyman said the congress was expected to have a significant economic impact, with the influx of thousands of tourists and a good number of investors into the country.
Rev. Wengam added that the expected arrivals would boost the hospitality industry and have a positive impact on the national economy, while local businesses, transport operators, food sellers and petty traders would also benefit.
He said more than 10,000 participants were expected for the morning sessions at the Black Star Square, necessitating the construction of temporary infrastructure because no existing facility in the country could accommodate the anticipated number.
Rev. Wengam said the morning sessions would run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., after which participants would move to the Accra Sports Stadium for evening revival rallies, which would be open to all denominations and free of charge.
High-level dignitaries
The congress is expected to attract global Assemblies of God leaders, ministers and delegates from across continents.
The Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship and General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Singapore, Rev. Dominic Yeo, is among those expected to attend.
President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina, are also scheduled to grace the opening ceremony at the Black Star Square on October 14, alongside 18 Ghanaian Ministers of State and other high-profile personalities.
Rev. Wengam said the Assemblies of God, Ghana, was collaborating with the media to ensure that the historic congress received extensive coverage and projected the country positively to the world.
“We are specifically appealing to all traditional and social media practitioners, particularly editors, sub-editors, reporters, producers, presenters, commentators, analysts and bloggers.
Please identify yourselves with the historic World Assemblies of God Congress as you unlock the full scope of the power and the influence you wield to help make it an outstanding success,” he said.
