8 EVANGELISTS COMMISSIONED BY VOLTA SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM (PAGE 21)

THE Volta School of Evangelism established by the Church of Christ in Ho has held its 6th graduation ceremony with the commissioning of eight evangelists.
The graduation brings to 58 evangelists and preachers trained at the college, which was established in 1993 with the support of missionaries from some branches of Church of Christ in the United States of America (USA).
The evangelists were Mr Daniel Kodzotse (Prefect), Mr Enoch Gbevi, Mr Adolph Kumatse, Mr Lawrence Apodi, Mr Emmanuel Tugbenyo, Mr Davidson Nfodzo, Mr Mississo Sylvester and Mr Jonathan Atsa.
Commissioning them the Principal of the college, Evangelist Sammy Dzamesi, said the rapid growth of churches in the Volta Region necessitated the establishment of the college to forestall the collapse of the young churches.
He said support from Church of Christ in the USA had sustained the growth of the college, adding that English Language was not a strict requirement for admission to the school, since it was possible for evangelists to get to the people better in other dialects and languages.
He said but for Elders Chris Murray and Ray and Cam Boatright from the Yorbalinda Church of Christ, who raised funds for the construction of the college, while Elder Glenn McCoy provided modern furniture and water tank, in addition to 1000 copies of song books and 75 church buildings, things would have been much more difficult for the college.
Evangelist Dzamesi said the church was making great impact in the region, and said the present products had opened four new branches at Likpe, Bakwa, Bontibor and Tafi.
He advised them to uphold and defend the truth and to serve as role models to the congregations, adding that they should join the crusade against rape, domestic violence, corruption and the cankers that could destroy society.
In an address, a missionary Guest Speaker from the Church of Christ in the USA, Mr Stan Smith, urged the new pastors to be prepared to serve mankind, be humble and able to train others as well as delegate authority to them to serve.
For his part, another USA missionary, Elder Ben Fulks, said they had baptised 325 persons and opened four new branches, adding that without the college, this would not have been possible.
He, therefore, charged the new pastors to provide the needed leadership for the churches to grow.
The Course Prefect, Pastor Kodzotse, appealed to the congregation to provide a modern library, computers and a bus to the college. He also advised his colleagues and juniors to adopt positive lifestyles.
The Vice-Principal of the college, Pastor Sem Akumia, presented certificates and other prizes to the graduating pastors.