Never belittle yourself

Former Clerk of General Assembly, Rev. Dr Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor, has advised newly ordained ministers never to see themselves as buried when posted to challenging stations, but rather as planted seeds destined to grow.

Preaching at the 2026 Ordination Service – Batch Four at Salvation Congregation, New Achimota, he said, “When you are sent to a place, never think the church is burying you; you have been planted.”

He assured the ministers that God partners with those He plants. “You will grow and succeed because God will partner with you. No soil should change what God has ordained.” He added that good seeds must always overcome the evil of the past and continue growing regardless of obstacles.

Rev. Dr Nii Noi Odonkor urged the ordinands to see life’s challenges as fertilisers for growth. “The soil must be good; the yield must be good. Grow to yield in full to the glory of God.” He warned them to be careful of people who discourage them and to watch their associations.

“Remember that you are what you read, what you watch, and what you listen to. The environment informs your person.” He encouraged them to be kind but cautious, noting that stunted growth often comes from harmful influences. He reminded them that God and the church have formed them in good soil and will continue to support them.

“God is not burying you; God is planting you,” he said. Rev. Odonkor called on the church to continue creating a conducive environment for growth, ensuring that the newly ordained ministers flourish in their various stations.