On the eve of the new year, a grand farewell service unfolded, marking the departure of two beloved spiritual leaders, Pastors Joojo Bonnie and Kwame Sarpong.
The occasion was not only a celebration of their dedicated service but also a display of faith, as they led a joint communion service involving three London Seventh-Day Adventist churches – New Jerusalem South End, Prince Emmanuel Edgware, and the hosts, London Ghana in Plaistow. This farewell extravaganza, attended by over a thousand individuals, radiated with the magnificent power of God, emphasising hope and trust in the face of upcoming changes.
Under the leadership of Pastors Bonnie and Sarpong, London Ghana experienced a spiritual revival, culminating in a record-breaking 72 baptisms by the end of December 2023. This accomplishment is even more remarkable considering the prevailing secular trends in Europe. What stood out prominently was the fact that most of the newly baptised individuals were young people, some even siblings from the same households, defying the narrative of spiritual decline among the youth.
Pastors Bonnie and Sarpong, moved by the Holy Spirit, were not only instrumental in baptising young individuals but were also personally connected to the spiritual journeys of their own family members. Pastor Bonnie expressed immeasurable joy at baptising his own daughter, while Pastor Sarpong had the privilege of baptising his younger sister. These family connections added a deeply personal dimension to their ministerial service, underscoring the importance of familial bonds in spiritual milestones.
The farewell service became a platform where encouragement and hope were generously distributed. Despite the emotional farewells, both pastors consistently urged the congregation to be hopeful and to trust in God amid the impending changes in the new year. It was a season of goodwill, resonating with the message of resilience and faith.
As the calendar turned to 2024, London Ghana announced its theme for the year – "...Inspire for Mission." This declaration hints at a renewed commitment to reaching souls and spreading the message of faith across London. The farewell service laid the foundation for this inspiring mission, with the assurance that challenges will be met with unwavering determination for the glory of God.
The mega farewell service for Pastors Joojo Bonnie and Kwame Sarpong was not just a farewell; it was a celebration of spiritual triumphs, unity, and familial connections. The joint communion service showcased the strength found in collaboration among sister Seventh-Day Adventist churches, and the record-breaking baptisms reflected a powerful resurgence of faith in London. As the pastors bid their congregations farewell, the message of hope, trust, and a commitment to mission in 2024 echoed through the hearts of the faithful, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of London.
