Bill Largo Joins Ohio Conference as Planned Giving and Trust Services Director

COLUMBUS, OHIO — On June 21, members and guests of the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered to commemorate a significant milestone: 25 years of ministry, mission, and community rooted in unwavering faith. Under the theme "After 25 Years—We Still Believe," the celebration was a joyful reflection on the church's journey and an inspiring look toward its future. A Legacy of Faith Recounting the church's early history, Kusi Odomse Akuoko, a pioneer elder, explained that in March 1998, a group of 11 Ghanaian immigrants came together with a common mission—to worship, study, and fellowship in a culturally familiar environment. They adopted the Twi language as their medium of expression, fostering a more profound sense of identity and community. "The group began meeting at Kwabena Okyere Ababio's apartment on Sabbath afternoons, studying the Bible and fellowshipping together," said Elder Akuoko. He also acknowledged the strong and consistent support the congregation has received from the Ohio Conference since its inception, crediting that partnership as vital to the church's establishment and growth. The Ohio Conference officially organized the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2000. In its early years, many founding members held humble, entry-level jobs yet gave sacrificially to support the church financially. These pioneers were mission-focused, engaging in house-to-house visitations and distributing Christian literature throughout their community. Today, the church's influence extends far beyond its physical walls. It maintains a vibrant digital presence, sharing the gospel through social media. One notable outreach is a weekly Sabbath School discussion program aired on Hope TV Ghana, co-hosted by Pastor Samuel Adjei, leader of the church's English service, and Elder Kwabena Okyere Ababio. Since the church's organization, four pastors have served the congregation: Pastor Isaac B. Boateng, the founding pastor; Dr. Derick Adu, who served as associate pastor; and currently, Dr. Samuel K. Twumasi as senior pastor, alongside Pastor Samuel Adjei as associate pastor. Driven by a passion for evangelism, the Columbus Ghanaian Church has played a pivotal role in planting sister congregations, including the Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, and Prince of Peace Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Atmosphere & Attire The sanctuary radiated both celebration and reverence, adorned with vibrant blue and gold drapery, traditional Ghanaian fabrics, and a bold banner displaying the 25th-anniversary theme. Members arrived in coordinated, custom-made attire—brilliant blue prints emblazoned with the "25th" logo—symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and collective gratitude. Adding to the atmosphere, the Columbus Ghanaian Church Adehyeɛ Pathfinder Club Marching Band made a grand entrance, parading through the aisles with rhythmic drums, blaring trumpets, joyful songs, and well-coordinated drills. Their performance brought youthful energy and deep emotion, drawing admiration from the congregation. Leadership in Attendance Several distinguished leaders from across the Adventist Church, both locally and internationally, attended the celebration. From the Ohio Conference, attendees included: Bob Cundiff, President Andrew Sutton, Treasurer Francis Tuffour, Digital Media and Communication Director Representing the Mid-Ghana Union Conference were: Dr. Kwame Annor-Boahen, President Pastor Richard Armah Tandoh, Publishing Ministries Director Also present were: Dr. Isaac B. Boateng, founding pastor, is now serving as senior pastor of First Ghana Adventist Church in New York. Dr. Derick Adu, President of North America Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist (NAGSDA) and pastor of Washington Ghanaian Adventist Church, former associate pastor of the Columbus Ghanaian Church Additional pastors in attendance included: Pastor Michael Opuni Asiedu, Greater Cleveland Adventist Church Pastor Michael Adomako, Prince of Peace Adventist Church, Columbus Pastor Emmanuel Kusi Yeboah, Cincinnati Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Kwesi Gyimah, Toronto Ghanaian Adventist Church, Canada Pastor Emmanuel Kwasi Sarpong, Chicago Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Jonas K. Asante, Greater Indianapolis Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Opoku Acheampong, retired minister Professor Owusu Mensah, historian and educator Also present were lay leaders, members of sister congregations, and representatives from the broader Adventist community. Spiritual Highlights The worship climaxed with a powerful sermon titled "We Still Believe" by Pastor Isaac B. Boateng. Preaching from Hebrews 10:23—"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised"—he challenged the church to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ. Pastor Boateng recalled that the Ohio Conference organized the church in August 2000 with just 70 members. Within two years, the congregation had grown to 320, a testimony to both evangelistic zeal and God's faithfulness. He praised God for enabling the church to purchase land for $150,000 and construct a building within six months—a rare accomplishment. Notably, the Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church remains the only Ghanaian Adventist church in North America to have purchased its land and built from the ground up. Most others acquired existing buildings or renovated commercial spaces. He also commended Pastor Twumasi's visionary leadership, his passion for evangelism, and his commitment to nurturing the church's growth. Emphasizing the urgency of the hour, he reminded members, "Jesus is coming soon," and urged them to equip the next generation: "We must pass the baton to our young people so they are equipped and ready to continue this journey of faith." Music enriched the worship service with spirited performances by PPC, Christ the King, Faith Factor, choir, and other singing groups, blending traditional hymns and contemporary praise to uplift hearts and voices. Special Messages and Reflections Pastor Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, commended the congregation: "I talk about you when I go around Ohio, and I hold you up as a model of a healthy, well-functioning church—one that's taking care of its members, nurturing its children, sharing the gospel, and inviting people in." He assured members of the Conference of their continued support, affirming their role in advancing the church's mission in Ohio. In a recorded message, Dr. Paul Yeboah, a prominent Ghanaian Adventist leader and church planter in Europe and North America, congratulated the church and praised its media ministry, youth engagement, and success in church planting. Quoting Colossians 4:18—"Do not forget my chains"—he urged members not to forget the sacrifices and hardships that laid the foundation of the church. He encouraged youth to remain active in the church and to consider starting impactful projects in Ghana as a way to give back and strengthen their heritage. Dr. Derick Adu, President of NAGSDA, shared: "I extend greetings from the sisterhood of Ghanaian churches across North America." He expressed appreciation to the Columbus leadership for their commitment and service. Reflecting on a vision cast 37 years ago to plant Ghanaian churches across North America, he added: "Columbus is a fulfillment of that vision." Vision for the Future As part of the anniversary celebration, the church raised funds to support key areas of ongoing development, including its online ministry, the mortgage for the English congregation, and parking lot improvements. Pastor Samuel K. Twumasi outlined a forward-looking vision that enhances the church's hybrid ministry, effectively combining online and in-person worship, strengthens community impact, reaches out to former members, plants new churches, and fosters stronger intergenerational connections. He reaffirmed the church's commitment to being a beacon of hope, both locally and globally, and to advancing the gospel through innovation, outreach, and faithfulness.