Irvington, NJ -- Ghana Calvary Methodist Church has done it again. All thanks to God for the gracious blessing he continues to bestow on us.
The year 2008 has not been without tremendous struggles all over the world and particular in the United States. Economic pitfalls greatly impacted on the lives of both believers and unbelievers and dwindled people's ability and desire to financially contribute to the work of God. Thousands of people were laid of from lucrative jobs, others lost their houses; trickling effect of the economic crisis on marriages, homes and families was so damaging that people lost hope and gave in to fear of what could happen next.
In the midst of all the negativities in the world, the people of Ghana Calvary Methodist Church, Irvington, NJ had a very good course to hold their 3rd Annual Thanksgiving and Harvest Service on Sunday November 23rd, 2008. The service which was well attended by a majority of members of the church and a few invited guests, was designed to give thanks to God for His manifold mercies and blessings showered on His people and to raise funds in aid of a church building and media ministry.
The host Pastor, Rev. Nathan Addo-Nartey preached on the theme, "The Lord is Building His Church" taking from Psalm 127:1. He motivated and encouraged members that it is the Lord who has started His church and has provided every single resource needed for the growth and success of the church. These provisions of the Lord are all invested in the individual believer whom the Bible describes variously as "God's fellow workers" working with God in His Kingdom (1 Cor. 3:9) and "living stones who are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" (1 Pet. 2:5). He concluded on the note that without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5), but with Christ we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).
Jointly chairing the occasion was Prof. Emmanuel Addo of Essex County Community College and Mrs. Antoinette Duah who has been a long-time friend and patron of GCMC. In his address, Prof. Addo praised the members of the church for the giant strides made within two years of existence and encouraged individual members to own the vision of the church and live up to their responsible expectation always trusting that it is the Lord who is the Chief Builder, with us as supporting workers.
One of the unique things that set this years celebration aside from all others is the absence of appeal for funds. The fund raising event took the form of members' pledges made at the beginning of the year and auctioning items donated by members. All-together, the church was able to raise its biggest amount despite the economic crisis and its negative effects of people.
The church is now getting ready to begin a media ministry. Our pilot program which will be lunched around Easter 2009 is an audio and video recordings of church services and events to be distributed to all interested people.
For more information please visit us at njcalvarymethodist.com.