STORY
Miracle of Multiplication: Small Northwood Church Baptizes 54 People
August 16, 2023
Francis Tuffour

Families brought their babies for blessing
It is nearly impossible for a church to double or triple its membership after an evangelistic series. But a tiny Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northwood, a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, with about 15-20 members in average attendance, welcomed 54 new members through baptism following its gospel outreach a few days ago. The event, themed “Summer Blast: Building Lives Around Solid Truth,” had the church's pastor, Kojo Twumasi as host and speaker.
Besides the nightly messages from the speaker, the church provided free clothes, school supplies, food, transportation, music, vacation Bible classes, snow cones, prizes, inflatable bouncy house games, and other giveaways.
Kojo posted on his Facebook page, praised God, and described his congregation as “a small yet determined” that shared the Good News and met the physical and spiritual needs of the people in his community. “As a result, the Lord blessed us with 54 new souls (all non-Adventist). The Lord blessed us in a seemingly impossible place (Northwest Ohio) amongst a seemingly impossible people group (Anglo-Americans), he added.
Kojo commended the immense contribution of about 40 volunteers from Northwood, Toledo, and Parkwood churches. He also expressed appreciation to Bible counselors, In His Word Ministries, and others who supported the campaign through prayers.
Responding to the post, Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, wrote: "What a blessing and joy this series was to these churches and their community. Good strong work Northwood, Toledo, and Parkwood!" During the campaign, Kojo prayed for the sick, and when he invited them for anointing, over 75 people lined up for the service.
Kojo also led a community baby blessing service. The church leaders earlier told the community members to bring their babies to be dedicated, and he blessed seven babies. While the campaign touched the lives of many children and youth, the adults were not left out; adults came along with their young ones. Among the 54 people was a couple; the husband is 95 years old, and his wife is 82, who could not hide their joy about their new lives and kissed each other.
According to Kojo, when they organized the vacation Bible school, they expected 55 kids, but it ballooned to about 100 kids. About seven vacation Bible school students were baptized. All the children who participated were given certificates after completion and awards.
Kojo’s dad, Sampson Twumasi, senior pastor of Columbus Ghanaian church, came to support his son during the baptismal service. Immediately after the campaign, Kojo began new believers’ Bible study and is looking forward to starting the children's Bible study classes shortly.

A 95-year-old husband and his 82-year-old wife kissing after baptism
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With a passion for sharing the gospel and strengthening local church outreach, Kojo Twumasi has been appointed to serve as the Ohio Conference’s new Evangelism Department Director. In this role, he will lead initiatives that inspire, equip, and support congregations in fulfilling their evangelistic mission across the conference territory. A Journey of Ministry and Calling Born in Michigan to Ghanaian parents, Twumasi was raised in Michigan, Uganda, and New York City—experiences that gave him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and faith communities. His early encounters with ministry inspired him to dedicate his life to God’s work. “I chose to become a pastor at the age of 17—a decision shaped by God’s call on my life, my love for people, the example of my father, the encouragement of my community, and the clear direction of my gifts and passions,” he shared. Reflecting on that early decision, he describes how his journey into ministry began with a deep sense of calling that he could not ignore. Growing up in a family and church community devoted to mission and service, he witnessed firsthand the power of the gospel to change lives. That exposure, combined with personal encounters with God and opportunities to serve both locally and abroad, ignited in him a lifelong passion for evangelism and discipleship. Before stepping into this role, Twumasi served as Youth Pastor at the First Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City, then as Associate Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, and most recently as Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Throughout his ministry, he has also served as a student missionary and international evangelist, leading numerous evangelistic campaigns worldwide through his non-profit organization, Mission Driven Purpose . “Each experience has strengthened my passion for cross-cultural ministry, leadership development, and building systems that help new believers stay connected to Christ and His Church,” he noted. A Vision for Evangelism in Ohio As Evangelism Department Director, Twumasi is eager to strengthen local church outreach across the Ohio Conference. “My vision is to see every church in Ohio become a thriving center of evangelism—where members view themselves as everyday missionaries and where discipleship and compassion are at the heart of outreach,” he said. He believes revival will come as churches unite Spirit-filled preaching with prayer, intentional follow-up, and genuine community care. He desires to see God multiply these efforts so that lives are not only reached but also rooted in faith. Twumasi is especially passionate about empowering congregations to develop a missional culture and strong discipleship systems that help new believers grow and remain active. Faith That Guides His Work For his spiritual foundation, Twumasi draws strength from Scripture, particularly from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” He says this passage reminds him that ministry is not sustained by human strategy, but by divine power working through people who have surrendered themselves. Beyond the Office Outside of ministry, Twumasi enjoys exercising, playing sports, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. He believes these moments of rest and recreation help him stay balanced, refreshed, and energized for the work God has called him to do. Looking Ahead As he begins this new role, Twumasi’s message to Ohio Conference members is one of hope and mission: “God is not done with Ohio—the best days of evangelism and growth are still ahead of us.”
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