Armed robbers raid Church of Pentecost, kidnap deacon …church declares 3 days fasting

The Church of Pentecost has beseeched its members across the world and the Body of Christ in general to embark on a 3-day fasting and intercessory prayers in request of God’s intervention for the immediate and unconditional release of one of its Deacons abducted at gunpoint during an armed robbery attack on the Church’s Johannesburg branch in South Africa last Sunday October 29, 2023.

It is not clear why the armed men kidnapped the Deacon from the church service. No ransom has been demanded, no group has claimed responsibility.

The Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye in a statement dated October 31, 2023, said the fasting will start from October 31 to November 2, 2023.

He explained that during the three-day prayer and fasting intersession, “We will also be interceding for Global peace, with particular emphasis on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.”

Chairman Apostle Nyamekye said the Church of Pentecost is currently collaborating with Ghana’s High Commission in south Africa, as well as with the South African authorities to secure the release of the Deacon.

On the same subject matter, Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has assured that it is working around the clock in cooperation with stakeholders to ensure the release of the kidnapped Deacon.

“The Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family.

“Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot,” a statement from the High Commission, dated Monday, October 30, noted.

The Deacon of the Church has since not been found after armed men walked into the church’s auditorium during a service and grabbed him away at gunpoint

The head pastor was preaching when the robbers entered. He immediately became mute. The armed men, before abducting the Deacon, made the church members, including the head pastor, to lay prostrate on their bellies and then robbed them of their valuables including mobile phones, cash amounts, wrist watches, jewellery and other items.

Interestingly, the church service was being streamed live on social media when the robbers entered the auditorium.

The cameras captured the robbery action that happened on the altar where the head pastor was preaching but could not capture the congregation.