For many of Accra East and West members, Easter Sunday was a joyful day yet filled with sad moments as both districts had some long serving ministers placed into retirement during the special festive divine service with Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo at the Accra Central Church.

After the service, our NAC Reporter caught up with Shepherds Oyere, Oyinah and Adjetey as well as Deacon Dowuona.

NAC Reporter: Blessed Retirement Shep! How has the journey been?

Shepherd Okyere: Thank you. Oh yes. Until a few moments ago, I have been the Congregational Rector for Teshie 2 since 2018. I was also the district choirmaster for Accra East. I became a New Apostolic in 1974, ordained a Deacon in 1978, and a Shepherd for Teshie 2 in 2018.

NAC Reporter: You must be proud father knowing how active your children are in Church? 

Shepherd Okyere: Oh Yes, I have 3 sons who are all choristers and ministers. Two are Priests and the the third a Deacon. My second son is also a choirmaster like me, while the third is a tutor for both Sunday School and Confirmation groups.

Our NAC Reporter also spoke to Shepherd Isaac Onyinah.

Shepherd Onyinah: Back in the day, in my quest to find a Bible believing church that offers salvation through Christ, I fellowshipped with several churches after countless mysterious dreams. And then I was introduced to the New Apostolic Church, through a friend in the Bono Region. In 1986, I was ordained as a Priest after being Holy Sealed. Due to my selfless dedication, I served in various congregations, notably East-Legon and Taifa. I served in Taifa for 24 years.

I have enjoyed my ministerial journey. My heartfelt memory was the day I was sealed with the Holy Spirit by an Apostle. And now as a retiree, I will help continue the work of the Apostolate reaching the last earthly soul.

Shepherd Adjetey also shared his story: I joined the Church as a sub-deacon, at the Teshie 2 Congregation. It was formerly the Christian Assembly, which was later converted to the New Apostolic Church, led by Shepherd Air Force Wing Commander Benjamin Saffo (the late father of now Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo) in 1974. Due to my commitment and mentoring by the late Shepherd, I opened several congregations in Accra and Volta Apostle Areas.

Looking back, I feel overwhelmed to have nurtured the upcoming ministers to not adulterate the liturgy and doctrine of the Church with other church beliefs. Also, some of the congregations I helped opened are still active and that makes me extremely happy.

Deacon Dowuona also shared highlights of why he only served as a Deacon for 30 years:

I joined the Church in 1992 and was ordained a Deacon in 1994 for the Osu congregation.

For me, I loved the Deacon ministry. My passion was to help prepare the church building for worship and make the first contact with members at the door. I will advise upcoming ministers to carry out their tasks with utmost dedication. This attracts both spiritual and earthly blessings. For example, I am retiring at age 69, but still strong to continue the Lord’s work even after retirement.