Features
A focus on Apostle Francis Owusu Kwaah, National Head of COP Finland
Apostle Owusu Kwaah
Today, I focus on Apostle Francis Owusu Kwaah, the National Head of the Church of Pentecost (COP) in Finland,as I continue with my narration of personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The Church of Pentecost in Finland has made great contributions to the positive interactions among Ghanaian migrants in Finland and their integration into the Finnish society.
Apostle Owusu Kwaah arrived in Finland on 22 November 2020 and took up the position as the National Head of COP in Finland, taking over from Apostle Edmund Appiah whothen moved to the UK.
Assumption of duty
Having assumed office as the National Head of COP Finland, Apostle Owusu Kwaah hasundoubtedly continued with work for the growth of the church.He has respectfully held the position and has been leading the church in great strides.
Indeed, the COP Finland has played a prominent role in the religious or spiritual existence of its members, as well as in people’s social lives as a key aspect of integration into the Finnish society.
The Church in Finland was established over 20 years ago, havingbeen started in September 2000 as a prayer group with a small number of devoted persons in Helsinki (see www.copfinland.fi).
Achievements as Head of COP Finland
There is no denying the fact that under Apostle Owusu Kwaah as the National Head of COP Finland, the church has continued to chalk significant progress, as started under Apostle Kwaah’s predecessor, Apostle Appiah.
The COP has seen significant growth, including re-organising the Vaasa branch of the church, while other branches were opened in Turku and Tampere. A nursery assembly was also started in Oulu.
An innovative Online Church was also established during the Covid-19 period. Thisenabled members of the church to still worship (especially on Sundays) in view of the lockdowns, while the online church service also catered especially for people scattered around Finland.
As mentioned earlier, all achievements have continued under Apostle Francis Owusu Kwaah after he took over from Apostle Appiah.Like his predecessor Apostle Appiah, Apostle Owusu Kwaah has made many innovative moves, as he continues with the achievements begun by his predecessor.
Today, under Apostle Owusu Kwaah, a youth branch of COP has recently been established in Espoo, a part of the greater Helsinki region in Finland. New branches of the church have also been opened in Kuopio and Joensuu, both of which are cities in eastern Finland.
The COP Finland continues to grow under Apostle Owusu Kwaah’s ministration. He has also spearheaded the establishment of an innovative online prayer session, called “Prayer Clinic”, every Saturday morning which is open to everyone irrespective of their religious background and who wants to be in the presence of God.
New Deacons, Deaconesses, and Elders have recently been appointed to take up leadership roles in various aspects in the many branches of the church.
The future of COP in Finland
During my interview with Apostle Owusu Kwaah, I got a very positive impression about his vision for the growth and development of COP in Finland.
Indeed there is no doubt that Apostle Owusu Kwaah is optimistic and has a very positive view of the Church and the future of COP in Finland.
The Apostle is thankful to the many people whose support and encouragement has undoubtedly helped in his religious work for the church and its growth in Finland.
Role in the Ghanaian community
COP Finland has been one of the major channels through which the Ghana Union Finland (GUF), an association for Ghanaian migrants in Finland, has made more contacts with members of the Ghanaian community. It is one of the major Pentecostal or Charismatic churches dominated by Ghanaian migrants and which has been of immense benefit to GUF.
Previously, before the Covid-19 pandemic from March 2020 and its attendant restrictions, newly-elected executives of GUF got the chance to introduce themselves to other Ghanaian migrants by visiting them at church sessions. This boosted easy interaction.
Moreover, the church in Helsinki has the Akan Assembly where worship is done mainly in the Twi language, and the English Assembly (or the PIWC) attended by other nationalities and African migrants aside Ghanaian migrants. Thank you!
Email: perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com
By Perpetual Crentsil
Features
The power of change: Understanding the process and catalysts
CHANGE is an inevitable and essential aspect of life, shaping individuals, organizations, and societies. It can be transformative, leading to growth, innovation, and progress. But how is change created?
This comprehensive article explores the process and catalysts of change.
The Change Process
The change process involves several stages:
1. Awareness: Recognising the need for change.
2. Assessment: Evaluating the current state.
3. Visioning: Envisioning the desired future state.
4. Planning: Developing strategies and action plans.
5. Implementation: Executing the plan.
6. Evaluation: Monitoring progress and making adjustments.
Catalysts of Change
Several factors can catalyse change:
1. Internal Motivation: Personal or organisational desire for improvement.
2. External Pressures: Market trends, technological advancements, or regulatory requirements.
3. Leadership: Visionary leaders driving change.
4. Crisis: Forced change due to unexpected events.
5. Innovation: New ideas and technologies.
Types of Change
Change can be:
1. Incremental: Gradual, small-scale changes.
2. Transformational: Radical, large-scale changes.
3. Strategic: Planned, deliberate changes.
4. Emergent: Spontaneous, unplanned changes.
Change Management
Effective change management involves:
1. Communication: Clear messaging and stakeholder engagement.
2. Training: Developing skills and knowledge.
3. Support: Providing resources and guidance.
4. Monitoring: Tracking progress and addressing challenges.
Resistance to Change
Resistance can arise due to:
1. Fear: Uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Habit: Comfort with the status quo.
3. Lack of Understanding: Insufficient information.
4. Power Dynamics: Threats to authority or control.
Overcoming Resistance
Strategies to overcome resistance include:
1. Education: Providing information and context.
2. Involvement: Engaging stakeholders in the change process.
3. Support: Addressing concerns and fears.
4. Leadership: Demonstrating commitment and vision.
Sustaining Change
To sustain change:
1. Embed Change: Integrate new practices and behaviors.
2. Monitor Progress: Continuously evaluate and adjust.
3. Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements.
4. Maintain Momentum: Keep the change process moving.
Conclusion
Change is a complex and multifaceted process. Understanding the change process, catalysts, and management strategies can help individuals and organizations navigate and create meaningful change.
Recommendations
1. Develop a Change Mindset: Embrace change as an opportunity.
2. Build Change Capacity: Develop skills and resources.
3. Foster a Culture of Change: Encourage innovation and experimentation.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
This question of love
The question of love is something that will be talked about until kingdom come.
A discussion I observed on the internet about a 19 year old who had accepted the proposal of a 67 year old man reminded me of the preaching of Pastor Mensa Otabil.
He talked about the a scenario where a 60 year old man enters into a relationship with a 22 year old lady and the lady tells him I love you, when he has a protruded belly, with all the accompanying creases and he believes what she says.
He further went on to say that a whole grown up man, allows a young lady to call him “babe” and he does not feel offended.
He further went on to preach that, this young lady, young enough to be his daughter, says “babe, I love you” and this man sheepishly laughs and does not realise, he is being taken advantage of.
What keeps ringing in my ears is his statement that “what is there to love about a protruding sagging belly?”
There is no regulated way for how a person falls in love. It reminds me of a funny statement that Pastors or marriage counsellors often use, that if you fall in love, you may hurt yourself.
Love I believe is a beautiful thing but it is not something that should be toyed with. People getting into relationships should consider the realities that are bound to happen as the years go by.
Jealousy is a very destructive influence. It can influence a person to harm his wife or her husband or to even commit murder. There has been countless reported instances where a man has poured acid on his wife or girlfriend, slashed his wife to death with a cutlass because he suspected, the wife was cheating on him.
It is something that blinds one to right reasoning and once your reasoning stops functioning, then the wrong side of us takes over and the result is nothing to write home about. In most cases, it comes out after the horrible act has been perpetrated, that there was no truth in the issue that caused the jealousy, after all. However, a life would have been maimed, disfigured or destroyed forever.
One of the causes of jealousy in marriage is the age gap difference. Whether we like it or not we shall grow old one day if God by his grace enables us to live long. When we grow old, a lot of changes occur in our bodies and things we used to do with ease, suddenly become a huge challenge and it could be very frustrating.
One of the things that drives a man crazy is when he has grown weaker in bed and sees the wife interacting with younger men in a suspicious manner that seems to suggest that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Jealousy will definitely be kindled in the heart of such a man whose wife is far younger than him like this 67 year old man wanting to marry a 19 year young lady.
In 30 years’ time, this man will be 97 and his muscles would have become weaker affecting his erection. His wife would be 49 and will have to be satisfied in bed in a manner that this man cannot execute. What do you think is going to happen?
Marriage Counsellors advocate that the ideal age gap between marriage partners should not be more than 10 years. This is one way to eliminate suspicions which results in mistrust when the man grows old and gets weaker because it is a known fact that sex is very important to men than women.
A man becomes very worried when his sexual performance level drops. This is what causes some men to act in a manner that is condemnable. My advice, walk into love, don’t fall into it. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
