It is a great joy for me to learn the Presbyterian Church (PCG) Christ Congregation, Akropong-Akuapem is celebrating 170 years of the arrival of late Missionary Society, which actually led to the planting and growth of the opportunity to share in the joy of the celebration. Time and space will not permit us to trace the history and achievements of Andreas Riis over the period under review. However, reflecting on the history of P.C.G. over the past 176 years, we can confidently say that it is God’s own initiative and miracle to send Rev. Andreas Riis to Akropong Akuapem to propagate the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to us in then Gold Coast.

The success of Riis in Akropong Akuapem makes the Christ congregation of the P.C.G. there almost synonymous to the entire P.C.G. the Akropong Akuapem Church thus occupies a special place in the whole church. A celebration of this nature therefore is very important for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and we believe that all Presbyterians hear of this celebration will raise their hands and praise the Lord for the victory the Lord, though Andreas Riis, has won for the church as a whole.

At this juncture, we may pause to ask a few questions about the impact of the work of Andreas Riis on individual members of the church at Akropong Akuapem Church. Taking a retrospective look at the performance of Andreas Riis and the effect of his work on the church over these 170 years, can we confidently say our performance measures up to what the Lord Jesus in the Akuapem area in general over these 170 years? What has been the impact of the Christian faith that Andreas Riis brought on our lives as Christian, on our Bible Study, sharing of our resources, etc.? Answering these questions and other probing ones sincerely can help us properly assess our performance as a church individually and collectively.

Remember that Christianity is a way of life. Consequently, our faith must be lived in such a way that the whole world can see, without being told, that we are indeed Christian (Acts. 11:26).

My warm congregations to the Christ Presbyterian Church of the P C G at Akropong Akuapem on this auspicious occasion. I equally wish you well in the years ahead.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.