Latest News (May 2008)

AABS Expansion Opportunities

Amazing opportunities have opened recently for the expansion of the Agape Association of Bible Schools. JC Ebersole, AABS Director, was invited last month to meet with the leaders of a large association representing thousands of churches in Ghana. From that meeting, another invitation was extended to JC to present the AABS program at the annual conference for all the heads of churches in the association. Please pray fervently for his presentation taking place May 7th and 8th. Ask the Lord to give JC favor with all the church leaders, and that they will catch the vision of launching systematic Bible teaching in their churches. This opportunity could lead to our materials being used in churches with over one million congregants.

Academy Update

The building committee, headed by AGM missionary Tom Newell, is moving forward by refining the preliminary plans for the Academy building. We are also increasing fundraising activities in the US, Canada and Ghana. We have had interviews and promotional spots on the largest radio station in Ghana and are preparing videos to be shown on local TV stations. All media ads so far have been donated by generous and concerned Ghanaians. In July a benefit banquet will be held in which 150 local businesses and corporations will be asked to support the building of the academy facility. Please pray for favor for all of the fundraising activities.

We will need work teams from the US and Canada to work on the Academy construction. Our most critical need is to recruit a general contractor for the project which will demand about 4 months work. For this person and wife the Agape Guest Lodge will provide free lodging and food. Please pray for this position to be filled.

Learn more about the Agape Academy.

Leadership Seminars

Praise God for the success of the AGM leadership seminar last month, in which our pastors and leaders were equipped and inspired. Rev. James Odoom, head of the AGM churches in Ghana, spoke about the event: "This seminar was held in God's perfect timing. It drew our attention to things in the ministry which we have unknowingly pushed aside. It really lifted us and has given us new direction and purpose." AGM will host another seminar for pastors and leaders on Thursday, May 29th. Many leaders will have a chance to be empowered by in-depth teaching and encouraged by this awesome event. Since this event is during the rainy season in Ghana, please pray for good weather, and that participants will not be hindered from attending. Pray for financial provision for the event itself, and for the travel costs of those attending. Intercede for Rick as he ministers the Word. Ask God to give him good health and anointing by God to bring a powerful Word to those who attend.

ACH Teens Graduate

Solomon Offei came to Agape Children's Home seven years ago. He is now eighteen years old and will graduate from high school on May 20th. Solomon wants to be a journalist. To achieve his goal, he must wait till August 2008 when his West African Secondary School Certificate Exams (WASSCE) results are released. Upon receiving favorable marks he may apply to attend a University or a School of Journalism in Ghana. Please keep Solomon in your prayers, and ask God that no errors would halt his progress. This is important because exam marking in Ghana is not always fair or accurate. Pupils that fall victim to this are unable to gain admission to any good school or college.

Also several of our teens graduated from junior high on April 25: Lettie Paye (eighteen years), Windell Togbah (eighteen years) and Richard Asiamah (seventeen years). The results for their examinations will also be released in August of 2008. They are required to receive high marks to enter high school. They would greatly appreciate you remembering them in prayer. All of the teenagers in our transition program need your prayers for God's favor and direction so that they may accomplish His plan for their lives.

Prayer Retreats at Agape House New Testament Church

The Lord is changing destinies at Agape House New Testament Church. Relationships are being restored and backslidden Christians are returning to their Savior! Due to the rapid growth in attendance, we are expanding to two Sunday morning worship services starting May 18th. Please stand with us in prayer for the necessary finances and favor with authorities so that we may build a sanctuary that can contain our growth. Our youth and young adults are on fire for Jesus, too! The College and Career Fellowship (CCF) just returned from a powerful prayer retreat May 2nd and 3rd. Our Hearts Aflame Youth have their own prayer retreat on May 10. Pray that these young believers would be mightily touched by the Holy Spirit and gain a clear vision to follow the Lord wherever He leads them.