The former Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor, has expressed deep appreciation to the Ramseyer Training Centre (RTC), Abetifi–Kwahu, saying he will “cherish the memory” of his stay as Most‑Senior‑in‑Residence.
He shared the message during his final interaction with ministerial trainees after days of mentoring, encouraging and advising them on their formation for ministry. Rev. Dr. Odonkor thanked both faculty and students for the warm and decent reception accorded him, noting that the hospitality and openness of RTC made his stay spiritually refreshing and memorable.
In his parting exhortation, he drew from Galatians 4:21–31, posing the reflective question: “Who is your mother?” He reminded trainees that Christian identity demands clarity and consistency. “We cannot claim to be in the Spirit and also claim to be in the flesh. We are either Christian or we are not,” he said.
He cautioned against diluting the Christian faith, recalling how the Galatians attempted to mix the gospel with other influences, disappointing Paul, yet Paul did not give up. Rev. Dr. Odonkor urged trainees to pray for leaders of the church, the nation and the institution, stressing that leadership often carries burdens unseen by many.
“Disappointment and the ills in society should not make us give up,” he added. He urged them to hold firmly to Scripture, warning: “Do not add to the Spirit; do not take anything away from it.” He reminded them that Christians must take God’s promise seriously, for “when you have God, you are protected.”
He cautioned trainees not to seek God’s approval through idols or practices that compromise their heritage of faith. Rev. Dr. Odonkor encouraged trainees to make time to learn, emphasising that “knowledge is confidence.” He ended with a simple charge: “Make hay while the sun shines.”
By Jerome Otchere
