Rev. Stephen Nii Lankwei Lawson was on Sunday, February 8, 2015 inducted into office as the new District Minister for the Sakumono District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at an induction service at the PCG. HOPE Congregation, near Tema.
The new District Minister was inducted into office by Rev. Professor David Nii Anum Kpobi on behalf of the Chairperson of the Ga Presbytery, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor. Rev. Lankwei Lawson takes over from Rev. William Korley Quaye who is now the Clerk of the Ga Presbytery.
Preaching the sermon on the theme ‘Jesus receives the outcast’ Rev. Victor O. Abbey, said in our human society, there are people who through circumstances have been excluded from the majority.
He admonished Christians to go out of their way to touched these excluded minority and enveloped them with the love of God so they can also feel comfortable. “If you are physically, okay, do not do thing that will exclude the physically challenged. If you are financially okay, do not do things that will exclude those who are not. If you are spiritually okay, do not do things that will exclude others who are spiritually weak.” He said.
He urged the congregation to work at reconciling with each other and the excluded minority in society and those on the periphery in order to bring them to the centre.
Rev. Abbey appealed to the congregation to join hands with the inductee, Rev Lankwei Lawson in the discharge of his duty so that together, they can bring the outcast into the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Professor David Nii Anum Kpobi took the new District Minister through the induction rites. In his acceptance speech, Rev. Stephen Nii Lankwei Lawson emphasized that it was indeed God’s grace and mercy that had brought him and his family thus far. He declared that there was nothing the devil can do about it. He reflected on the scripture Mark 6:45-52. He said when the general assembly council of the PCG through the Ga presbytery chose him to lead the Sakumono District and congregation, he asked himself so many questions, including if he was the right pastor for this congregation?
“Though I did not know why God brought me here. I am well convinced why God did and very soon things will unfold. The storm is over. It is time for us to witness the great works of God in this congregation and district, he declared.
According to him, minister who is not in charge of his pulpit is not in charge of the congregation. He therefore declared that, with the successful induction, he has taken charge of the pulpit.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
He acknowledged the General Assembly Council of the PCG for the posting and noble assignment given him. He also acknowledged the Chairperson of the Ga Presbytery, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor and
Rev Prof David Nii Anum Kpobi, who he said was his uncle for remaining an integral part of my ministry.
Rev. Stephen Nii Lankwei Lawson also had words of appreciation for the forebears of the Hope Congregation and Sakumono District for the foundation they laid.
These include Catechist Otu Masi, the late Rev Dr. Obiri Annor, Rev. Erasmus Odonkor, Rev. Gideon B. Puplampu and Rev. William Quaye. He expressed the hope that going forward, members will work hand in hand to expand on the mission and evangelism function of the church.
The service was graced with the presence of Rev. William Quaye, Ga Presbytery Clerk, Rev. William Owusu-Gyimah, Rev. Emmanuel Annoh, 2nd Minister, Ramseyer Congregation, Sakaman, Rev. Jonathan Akuetteh Abbey, Chaplain, Tema Senior High School, Rev. Rose Teteki Abbey, Tema Joint Church, Dr Abbeney Mickson, Lay Representative, and a host of Ministers in the District.
PROFILE OF REV. STEPHEN NII LANKWEI LAWSON
Rev. Stephen Nii Lankwei Lawson attended Kaneshie Secondary Technical School, Labone Secondary School, (GCE O’Level, 1989), Accra Technical Training Centre, (Business Systems Technician [1], 1994) Trinity Theological Seminary (Diploma in Ministry, 2007 & Bachelor in Theology, 2010).
Before entering Ministry, Rev Lankwei Lawson worked with Tomco Office Machines as a Technician (1995-1997), Checkpoint Ghana Ltd as an engineer and supervisor (1997-1998), Mid-Atlantic Investments as the Head of Engineering (1998-2001), the managing Director of his own company, Stelaws Business Systems (2001-2004).
Ministerial Life
Rev Lankwei Lawson was commissioned into the Ministry of the word and sacraments in 2007 at Ebenezer Congregation, Ashaley Botwe in the Madina District and was ordained in 2009 at Ascension Congregation, Koforidua. He has served the church in many capacities some of which are Third Minister, Kaneshie Congregation(2007-2009), Minister in Charge, Charis Congregation, New Fadama, (2009-2011), District Minister, Adabraka District, (2011-August 2014), as well as District Minister, Sakumono District, (Sept 2014 to date)
Other responsibilities held by Rev Lankwei Lawson by are Assistant Session Clerk, Calvary Congregation, Haatso, (2000-2004), Assistant District Session Clerk, Osu District, (2001-2004), Member, National Youth Education Committee, Ga Presbytery Youth Coordinator, (2007-2013), Chairperson, YPG Constitutional Review Committee, (2010), Member, Ga Presbytery 90th Anniversary Planning Committee, (2011), District Director, Abeka District Church Life and Nurture, (2009-2011), Ga Presbytery Director of Church Life and Nurture, (2012 to date).
The Rev. Lankwei Lawson is married to Mrs. Frances Odofourkor Lawson, a Nursing Officer stationed at the Ridge Hospital and they have four children, three daughters and a son.
