Sunday, July 19, 2015 was observed as Parents Day by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The HOPE Congregation- Sakumono Estates was not left out of the event. Members of the Children Service led by their teachers treated the Congregation to recitals and songs eulogizing parents and their Sunday School Teachers and also to express appreciation to them for their guidance.
SERMON
Preaching on the sermon, TRUE SHEPHERD – THE TRUE PARENT (MARK 6:30-34), Mr. David Ofori Atta began by defining who a parents is. He said “parent is a father or a mother who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child a relative who plays the role of a guardian and hence congratulated the congregation for being wonderful parents”.
He reiterated the fact that parenting is not an easy task. He also commended single members for their role and hard work. According to him, Child birth can be delayed or denied by God but parenting can never be denied by God.
He said bad parenting is worse than childlessness, emphasizing that childlessness will not kill anybody but bad parenting can. The Preacher said parenting never stops even if the children grow up and move out to live with their spouses.
Mr Ofori-Atta said a good wife / husband is a good springboard to good parenting. He added further that a true shepherd listens. Parents therefore need to listen to their children.
According to him, a true shepherded is compassionate, hence parents must reconcile with their children and show them mercy. He called on parents to accept their responsibility as a parent an eschew the habit of assigning their biological children to the bastard-hood of life. “You need to be a parent to children you have given birth to” he said while cautioning men to stop pestering married women.
Mr Ofori-Atta said a true shepherd teaches, so as a good parent, you should train your child the way he should go (Prov. 22:6). Mentor your children to become what they want to be.
Finally, he reminded the congregation that we are all true shepherd hence as we all embark on this journey of life, he prayed that the good God grants us all the understanding to be true parents.
