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35 Baptized at CFC Bawjiase

          July 27th marked the first anniversary for the CFC church that was planted in the rural town of Bawjiase. Not only was it the first anniversary of the church but it was also the first baptism for the church. It was a beautiful baptism where 35 converts were baptized in a stream nearby. It was encouraging to hear those standing on the banks singing and rejoicing as the people were baptized. There was a beautiful spirit among the people and a time of celebration. We would appreciate your prayers for these new members that they would walk faithfully with the Lord. See more pictures here.

Leadership Seminar in Hobor

         On April 28, 2008, sixteen leaders from Hobor council of churches converged upon the Hobor Junior Secondary School for a leadership seminar hosted by CFC and the Hobor council of churches.  The seminar was held in the village of Hobor, located in the Ga west district and is about an 1¼ hour drive from Accra.  The 16 leaders representing 8 churches were treated to three abbreviated courses from the MOTMOT (Mobilization of Teachers through the Multiplication of Teachings) curriculum used at CFCBI.  Courses included Angels & Demons and Church Growth & Revival, presented by Pastor Felix Arthur, and Preaching & Teaching presented by Pastor Ray Weaver. At the end of the seminar, the pastors were given at least two suitcases each, full of literature donated by many Sunday School classes in the US, for personal and group Bible study.  Additionally, each church leader was given two boxes of evangelism tracts from World Missionary Press to be used by their church members.

           The intent of CFC leadership seminars is two fold.  First, they equip village church leaders who may not have the resources or the availability to come to Crusades for Christ Bible Institute in Accra.    Second, the seminars publicize CFCBI and give the invitation to the church leaders to come and receive a complete year of Biblical training.  Everyone showed great appreciation for the opportunity to hear some solid Biblical council and for the literature.  To see more pictures of the Hobor leadership seminar click here.

CFC In the Process of Land Purchase

It was a privilege to have the CFC board chairman, Pas. Robert Riegsecker and a friend of the board, Pas. Floyd Helmuth here in the beginning of April. The purpose of their coming was to research land for the possibility of purchasing and developing a headquarters, school, student dormitories, and missionary housing. We thank God for His leading and are presently in the process of purchasing seven acres of land just north of Accra approx. 20-30 minutes drive. We are continuing the process of securing the land and hope to finalize it in the near future.  To See more pictures of the land click here.

Coming Crusade!

CFC is planning another crusade/medical trip for Sept. 12–25^th.  You do not need medical training or experience to join the team. There is work for all to do. However, we could use several nurses in the nurse’s station in the clinic. The team is usually involved in six medical clinics, seven crusades, literature distribution, trip to Cape Coast to join Lighthouse Children’s home for a service, with the opportunity to tour a slave castle or experience the canopy walk way. Usually the team has the experience of shopping at some local markets. The cost for the trip is $1950.00 (all expenses included). If you are interested in helping in mission work and experiencing a small taste of the African culture we encourage you to contact Bert & Rose Bontrager at: bontragd@embarqmail.com/ 574-642-4292 or Robert Riegsecker at: Bobrieg@aol.com/ 574-533-0568 or Ray Weaver at: raymarwea@aol.com.

CFC Commissions Pastors

    On the morning of Friday, April 4, CFC officially commissioned five pastors to be assigned to three churches.  Officiating the commissioning service were executive board chairman, Robert Riegsecker; Floyd Helmuth, friend of CFC; Ray Weaver, executive director of CFC Ghana board; and Ghana board members Felix Arthur and Timothy Singenstreu.  Four pastors, Foster Amardy, Joseph Torku, (Bawjiasi branch) Ben Aseye Gbeckor, and Emmanuel Akakpovi (Ayaa Branch) joined Stephen Amardey at the Adeiso branch for this celebratory occasion.

   The morning began with a celebratory worship time where participants sang a mixture of native songs and newer English songs.  After the worship time there were addresses given by both the executive director, Ray Weaver and the executive board chairman, Robert Riegsecker.  Following this, each pastor was anointed with oil and prayed for, officially commissioning them (see more pictures of the anointing here). The newly commissioned pastors then shared in a communion and foot washing service officiated by Pastor Ray Weaver,   Basins were given to each church not only as a memory of this event but to serve as a reminder of servant leadership and to facilitate foot washing in the branch congregations.  CFC officially welcomes these five to the ministry and pray that God will use them in the areas they have been called.

Ayaa Branch Baptizes 20

     On April 4, the newly adopted Ayaa branch of Crusades for Christ baptized 20 souls and accepted them as members.  Officiating at the baptism were executive board chair, Robert Riegsecker; Floyd Helmuth; executive director, Ray Weaver; and Ghana board member, Pastor Felix Arthur.  Newly commissioned pastors of the Ayaa branch, Ben Aseye Gbeckor and Emmanuel Akakpovi along with their wives were there to witness the event and assist where needed.  After his or her baptism each initiate received an official Crusades for Christ Ayaa branch baptismal certificate marking this great occasion.  These 20 mark the first baptisms since CFC established its church planting program in 2007.  May God bless these men and women who have given their lives in commitment to God, their Father and to the church at Ayaa.  To see more pictures of this event click here.

CFCBI Celebrates 1st Annual Homecoming!

     On January 26, 22 alumni with their families and friends converged upon the CFCBI campus to celebrate "Homecoming 2008."  This was the first of many future Homecomings.  "We want to be a place of refuge to CFCBI alumni" says school administrator Pastor Ray Weaver.  That is the reason that the faculty of CFCBI decided to hold yearly homecoming events. This is just one way that CFCBI can show that CFCBI really is a place of refuge, and that the faculty is always available for them.

      Highlights of this first annual homecoming included an inspiring message by Pastor E.B.Wood of the Ghana Pentecostal Counsel of Churches .  He used illustrations from the fishing profession to show how to be effective fishers of men. 

       Another highlight was the viewing of The Quickening a TransformNations video on revival in which alumni were challenged that revival can happen with just a few dedicated and prayerful people.  If we want our nation to change it can start with only a few.

     Another highlight was when alumni had the opportunity to share what God is doing in their lives.  A number of alumni shared their experience post CFCBI including Favor Williams and

Kofi Christopher Dapaah ('07).

    Finally, there was a prayer time at the end of the service in which the prayers were lifted on behalf of alumni  Barnabas Yao Toclometi ('06) and Peter Adu-Mensah ('07) who will be going abroad to plant churches.  Also, Pastor Ray Weaver lead in prayer for those alumni who are currently pastoring churches.  The time of prayer also included intercession for the faculty and current student body of CFCBI and for revival in the nation of Ghana.

"I think the day went very smooth and the alumni enjoyed themselves greatly." says CFCBI Administrator Ray Weaver.  By Gods grace the faculty of CFCBI look forward to next year's homecoming scheduled for March 7th 2009.

Click Here to See More Homecoming 2008 Pictures

CFCBI Graduates 18!

     CFCBI held commencement ceremonies on December 15, 2007.  A total of 18 students participated with 13 receiving a diploma in Biblical Studies and 5 receiving certificates of completion.

        Commencement speaker this year was Pastor John King, Vice Chairman of the CFC executive board and Pastor of Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona, Iowa, USA.  John drew from his many years of experience as pastor to charge and challenge the graduates to live lives of integrity and ministerial propriety.

     Among the highlights of this year's ceremonies was a special slideshow presentation of pictures, both candid and posed of the graduates throughout the past year.  During this time shouts and laughter could be heard from the graduates.

     Again this year the ceremonies concluded with the faculty praying for the graduates.  This was a solemn time of blessing and encouragement from the faculty to the graduates. 

       The commencement ceremony was a great time of worshiping the God who brought the students to this place.  The faculty will miss these students who diligently placed themselves under God's guidance and love this year.  May God bless them as they go to their various places to do ministry.

Pastor Kingsley Ababio appointed as Dean of Students at CFCBI

CFCBI appointed Pastor Kingsley Ababio to replace Pastor Felix Arthur as dean of students at CFCBI.  Ababio is a 2006 alumni of CFCBI and has previously accepted a part time teaching position at CFCBI.  The Faculty welcomes Kingsley to the staff and looks forward to working with him in his new role. 

Pastor Felix Arthur has stepped down from the position of dean so that he can be free to work other areas in the mission.  The faculty blesses Felix's decision and hopes that he will find great fulfillment in God's plan for his work in other areas of CFC.