Fruitful Living

Rev. Vivian Balasu Addo now Ho East Presbytery Synod Moderator of EPCG

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) on Sunday inducted Reverend Dr Mrs Vivian Balasu Addo into office as the Ho-East Presbytery Synod Moderator.

The induction rites, which took place at the Dela Cathedral at Ho-Kpodzi in strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, were performed by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the EPCG, Rt. Rev. Dr Seth Senyo Agidi.

In a sermon which preceded the induction, Rev. Dr Agidi noted that mankind was still seeking peace without success in spite of all the astonishing technological and developmental feats in the world.

He said peace remained scarce because of the widespread and deep-rooted hatred and greed among humans which had deprived society of freedom.

He then cited the example of Jesus Christ who had the power to even raise the dead from the tomb and yet he did not acquire material wealth for himself, saying that was the example a leader should emulate.

Rev. Dr Agidi entreated the new Presbytery Synod Moderator to trust God and do His will always as she pursued her duty call with obedience and diligence.

In response, Rev. Dr Mrs Balasu Addo expressed gratitude the Presbytery Executives, Presbytery Council of Elders, pastors, catechists and presbyters for their immense contribution to the smooth running of the Ho-East Presbytery.

“I want you to know that together our commitments and selflessness will not go in vain,” she stated.

Until her induction, Rev. Dr Mrs Balasu Addo was the acting Synod Moderator of the Ho-East Presbytery.

Prior to that, she was the Pastor in-charge of the E.P. Church, Maryland in the USA between 2008 and 2018, and also served in that capacity at the church’s branches in New York from 2009 to 2017; Chicago (2016-2018) and Virginia (2017-2018).

The bespectacled clergywoman who is a married mother of one, served at different times as District Pastor of E.P. Church, Ashaley-Botwe; Adentan; Gbi-Wegbe, and Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA USA from 2005 to 2006.

From 1998 to 2000, Rev. Dr Mrs Balasu Addo was the Parish Pastor of E.P. Church, Peki Dzake, and Associate Pastor of E.P. Church, Madina from 2000 to 2002.

The former Chaplain Intern of Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital in USA, Rev. Dr Mrs Balasu Addo was also a Volunteer Chaplain at the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Maryland, USA.

She is credited for starting the E.P. Church in USA in 2008 and also creating the Online Ministry.

The ever-cheerful reverend minister also started the Widows and Orphans Project in USA in 2017, and also initiated the Batik Project for Ladies’ Hall at the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon.

From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho-Kpodzi

Fruitful Living

Hope – seeing the unseen

As children of God, we eagerly anticipate this future glory. This hope motivates us to endure present hardships, knowing that they pale in comparison to the joy that awaits us. The ultimate hope of the believer is the eradication of sin and death, and the perfection of our souls in Christ.

The Example of Paul

The Apostle Paul exemplified unwavering hope. He was not afraid of death because he was confident in his eternal destiny. He declared in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8: “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Facing the future can bring anxiety, but if we believe in Christ, we can share Paul’s confidence. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our eternal home is secure in Christ.

Hope and Personal Transformation

Many of us struggle with our past failures and sins. However, hope in Christ allows us to release our past and embrace the future. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, we should focus on growing in our knowledge of God and deepening our relationship with Him. Our sins are forgiven, and through hope, we can move forward into a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.

Seeing the Unseen

Living by faith requires us to see beyond the natural world. We are called to perceive the unseen reality of God’s promises. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reiterates this truth: “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This perspective enables us to endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God. Hope empowers us to move forward, trusting that God is leading us to a place of fulfillment.

Conclusion

Seeing the unseen is fundamental to a life of faith. As believers, we are called to look beyond the visible and trust in the eternal promises of God. Hope strengthens us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that our present struggles are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us.

Just as Paul pressed forward, undeterred by past failures and present trials, we too must hold on to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Our hope assures us that one day, all suffering will be replaced with joy, and every tear will be wiped away. Let us, therefore, live each day with unwavering faith, keeping our eyes on the unseen, and allowing God’s Word to guide us into His glorious future.

Culled from faithgateway.com.

Stay Blessed!

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By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author

Fruitful Living

Conditions, rules, regulations of fasting (Pt.2)

Who is Required to Fast?

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who meets the following conditions:

Muslim – Fasting is only required for those who believe in Islam.
Mature (Baligh) – A person must have reached puberty.
Of Sound Mind – A person must be mentally capable of understanding the obligation.
Physically Able – A person must be in good health.
Non-Traveler (Muqeem) – Fasting is not required for those traveling long distances.

Who is Excused from Fasting?

Islam, in its wisdom and mercy, has granted exemptions to those who are unable to fast. These exemptions are categorised as follows:

Those Who Are Completely Exempt and Must Pay Fidya

Some people are permanently unable to fast due to health reasons. Instead, they are required to feed a poor person for each day they miss fasting. This is based on the Quranic verse:

“And upon those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, there is a ransom (fidya): feeding a poor person.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

This category includes:

Elderly individuals who are too weak to fast.
Chronically ill patients who have permanent health conditions that prevent fasting.

Those Who Are Temporarily Exempt but Must Make Up Their Fasts

Sick individuals with temporary illness.
Travellers who undertake a journey that permits shortening of prayer (Qasr Salah).
Pregnant women and lactating mothers who fear for their health or their child’s well-being.

The Qur’an states:

“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then the same number of days must be made up later.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

These individuals must fast later once their situation allows them to do so.

Women in Special Circumstances

Menstruating women: It is prohibited for them to fast, and they must make up the missed fasts later (Bukhari, 1951).
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: They are exempt if fasting poses a hardship. Some scholars allow them to pay fidya if they fear only for the child and not themselves.

Key Things to Observe Before Starting the Fast

Make Up Outstanding Fasts – Complete any missed obligatory fasts before Ramadan.
Confirm the Sighting of the Crescent Moon – Follow the method of local or global moon sighting.
Make the Intention (Niyyah) – It must be made before Fajr (Abu Dawood, 2454).
Eat Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) – It is Sunnah and provides blessings (Bukhari, 1923).
Be Mindful of Suhoor Time – Stop eating at Fajr time.

Prohibited Actions During Fasting

Eating and drinking during fasting hours.
Marital relations (intercourse) during the day (Bukhari, 1936).
Taking nutritional injections that provide nourishment.
Smoking as it breaks the fast.
Engaging in sinful behaviour like lying and backbiting (Bukhari, 1903).

Recommendations for a Rewarding Ramadan

Increase in worship – Pray Tahajjud, recite Quran, and make Du’a frequently.
Give generously in charity – The Prophet (ﷺ) was most generous in Ramadan (Bukhari, 1902).
Observe I’tikaf in the last ten nights to seek Laylatul Qadr.
Strengthen relationships – Seek forgiveness and maintain ties of kinship.

In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, fasting in Ramadan is a divine gift and an opportunity for immense rewards. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but a means to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and attain taqwa.

Let us take this opportunity to repent for our past sins, seek Allah’s mercy, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the strength to fast sincerely and accept our efforts in this blessed month.

Ameen.

References: