PREAMBLE

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

INTRODUCTION

The District Minister, Rev. Nelly Ofei-Kwayisi, the CLAN Director, Rev. Benjamin Teye, Members of the Afosu District YPG Executive Committee and Council, Delegates and Observers to Conference, Special Guests, Dearly Beloved in Christ, the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. YPG…. Service all the Way!

It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you today to deliver my very first address as District President. What an incredible privilege it is to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I thank God for His continuous guidance and grace. We serve the Lord of Hosts, and it is through His divine protection and abundant love that we are gathered here today.

As I look around at this noble gathering, I am filled with appreciation for every one of you present here and your commitment to the work of God. We are truly blessed to be part of the larger Presbyterian Church of Ghana family, where the spirit of unity, growth, and service thrives. May the Lord continue to lead us as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community in His name.

THEME FOR THE YEAR 2025

The theme for the Presbyterian church of Ghana this year is Celebrating Our Heritage: Persisting in Mission (1 Corinthians 15:58) and the chosen theme guiding the life of the Young People’s Guild is Embracing Our Missionary Legacy as Youth (2 Timothy 4:5).

This theme is a call to action, urging us to take ownership of our faith and continue the legacy of Christian missions, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:18, and to make a positive impact in the world.

In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul writes, "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 

This verse is a powerful reminder of our responsibility as young believers to take ownership of our faith and to become actively involved in spreading the Gospel and making disciples.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as young people, we are at a critical juncture in our lives. We are faced with many choices and decisions that will shape our future. But as Christians, we are called to:

Take ownership of our faith and to become actively involved in spreading the Gospel and making disciples. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?"

Also, we are called to keep our head in all situations. Meaning, we should be focused, calm, and composed, even in challenging circumstances. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." We must stay focused on God's Word and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. We face many challenges and obstacles. We may face persecution, ridicule, or opposition from our peers. But we must not let these challenges deter us from our mission. Instead, we must keep our head, stay focused, and continue to do the work of an evangelist. We must share the Gospel with others, spread the message of Jesus Christ, and make disciples.

Furthermore, we are called to endure hardship. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." As young Christians, we may face many hardships and challenges. We may face opposition from our families, friends, or community. We may face financial difficulties, health problems, or other obstacles. But we must not let these hardships deter us from our mission. Instead, we must endure them with courage and perseverance, knowing that God is with us and will give us the strength and wisdom we need to overcome them.

Finally, we are called to do the work of an evangelist. As Jesus says in Matthew 4:19, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!". As young Christians, we have a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with our peers and to make a positive impact in our communities. We can do this through evangelism, discipleship, and service.

PROGRAMS FOR THE YEAR

This year, we have a variety of exciting programs planned to help sustain and promote the growth of the Guild and the Presbyterian Church as a whole. Among these are our Youth and Students Week Celebration, District Convention, all-night and prayer services, Dinner and Awards Night, and many more. These programs are designed not only to strengthen the spiritual life of our members but also to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every individual in our District.

I encourage each and every one of you to actively participate in our upcoming programs and meetings. Your presence and support are vital to ensuring their success, and together, we can achieve the goals we’ve set for this year.

Additionally, I take this opportunity to invite all of us to join the Youth Evangelism Team. Let us unite in the mission to spread the Word of God and witness to others, winning souls for Christ. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our communities and beyond.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I give thanks to the Living God, whose mercy, protection, and guidance have been evident in my life and in the lives of the Guilders within this District. It is by His grace that we are able to stand firm and united in His service.

I am deeply grateful to the District Minister, Rev. Nelly Ofei-Kwayisi, for his unwavering support and constant encouragement. A special word of thanks also goes to the CLAN Director, Rev. Benjamin Teye, and to all Catechists in the District for their dedication and commitment. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Advisors, my hardworking past and present executives, the diligent council members, and every Guilder in the District. Your efforts, both seen and unseen, are an invaluable part of the work we do for the Lord. May God continue to bless each one of you abundantly as we serve together in His name.

CONCLUSION

As we reflect on these words from Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you will be your servant,” I charge you all, my brothers and sisters, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to go forth and make disciples of all nations, with the Lord as our Helper. This year, make a lasting impact in your Branch Guild. Be that one Guilder who will stand for God and reflect Christ in everything you do. Let your influence be one of strength and encouragement. Be a servant, be a change-maker, be a disciple-maker.

May God bless us all as we serve Him faithfully.

Long live Presbyterian church of Ghana!

Long live AKYEM ABUAKWA presbytery!!

Long live Afosu District YPG!!!

YPG… service all the way!

Thank you.

Presented by:
Bro. Obed Obuobi
President, Afosu District YPG