The Mount Zion Society-New Land, of the Methodist Church Ghana, in the Ashaiman North Circuit of the Tema Diocese, has been gifted a new chapel by Madam Agnes Ampiah, a member of the church.
Madam Ampiah gifted the place of worship to the church in commemoration of her 70th birthday.
The one-story building, which would replace a rented facility being used for worship by the church, is the only Methodist Church chapel in the area.
She said the gesture was her humble offering to God for His abundant blessings and to provide a place Christians to gather for worship, prayers, and experience the love of Christ for generations to come.
“I pray that this chapel becomes a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for all who seek His presence; throughout my life, I have seen God’s hand guiding me,” she added.
The Right Reverend Samuel Ofori Akyea, the Diocesan Bishop of Tema, dedicating the building, expressed joy over the completion of the project and encouraged other members to take similar steps to support the church.
Rev. Akyea said the Ashaiman Municipality was currently densely populated and needed chapel buildings, and that church often faced challenges in accommodating new converts for worship, after successful evangelism efforts.
He said, “This project serves as an eye-opener, and we will continue to solicit support for the construction of such beautiful edifices in such areas. A chapel is a place where God’s love, healing, salvation, and thanksgiving are experienced, and this purpose must be preserved.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining the chapel, encouraging members of Mount Zion Society and New-Land to take good care of the facility to inspire others to give more.
Bishop Akyea also noted that some people were drawn to the physical appearance of church buildings when deciding to join one and having a well-maintained chapel was an asset to the congregation.
Mr. Robert Andrew Taylor, the Lay Chairman of the Tema Diocese, said the gift from the septuagenarian was a welcoming news, pointing out that the diocese had long faced challenges with finding suitable places of worship.
He said while the focus of the Diocese had often been on Tema, areas like Ashaiman and Ada had been overlooked, noting that the initial plan of the church was to construct a pavilion, which did not materialise until Madam Ampiah stepped in to assist.
He urged members of the congregation to keep in mind the importance of providing suitable worship spaces for Methodists, especially as the younger generation desired a conducive environment for worship.
He also said Ashaiman was a promising area for spiritual growth and urged congregants to remain steadfast in their prayers, attend church meetings regularly, and exemplify true Christian values.
GNA