Pastor Gabriel Amoako, outgoing secretary-treasurer of the Upper West Administrative Field Unit (UWAFU) of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, has urged Christians to eschew bitterness and serve God with full commitment to fulfil their Christian mission.
He said bitterness hampers spiritual growth, but God uses individuals who serve faithfully to achieve extraordinary things, citing Abraham, David and Samson as examples.
Pastor Amoako delivered the advice during a sermon themed “Run Your Race Before You” at a farewell ceremony organised after his five-year tenure in the UWAFU and as Wa West District Pastor for Kpaguri SDA Church.
“Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, so that no matter the challenges, He will be faithful and enable you to run your race to achieve your heavenly crown,” he said.
He added: “This race requires total commitment, patience, and endurance. To succeed, we must discard bitterness and learn to forgive one another.”
Pastor Whaley Asonre Aboungo, UWAFU Director, advised Pastor Amoako to remain steadfast and rely on God’s strength amid challenges. “Your appointment to Asante South reflects your faithfulness, integrity and dedicated service. While we will miss you, we rejoice for this higher calling,” he said.
Mrs Rose Waahu, UWAFU Women’s Ministry Director, praised Pastor Amoako’s wife for her love, honesty, and care for all, and described Pastor Amoako as honest in finance and one of the Unit’s best secretaries-treasurers.
Church members commended him as a perfectionist and dedicated leader whose sacrifices strengthened the Unit’s finances and overall growth.
Pastor Amoako has been transferred to the Asante South Ghana Conference in the Bekwai District, after serving five years in the North Central Ghana Union Conference (NCGUC) and UWAFU.
In a citation, the Church recognised him for integrity, diligence, sound financial stewardship, strengthening administrative systems and contributing significantly to the Unit’s stability and growth.
Pastor Amoako expressed heartfelt gratitude to Church leadership and members for honouring him and his family.
