Evangels

The name “Evangels” is derived from the Latin word evangelium meaning gospel and the Greek word euangelion meaning good news (Merriam Webster). This is what Evangels stands for and is all about. The purpose of the group is to spread the good news of God’s love through music.

Our group was started in 2011 by Honorable Rtd. Rev. Dr. Kobina Ofosu-Donkoh, but like every new ministry starting up, our early days were difficult. Building the group from the ground up proved to be more challenging than anyone expected. Differences in singing style, conflicting opinions and problems with discipline were a few of the first hurdles that needed to be overcome. It took many weeks of practice before the group was ready to sing and minister during church services. Even with that we still struggled with the teaching of songs because we lacked musicians and one we could call our director. A lack of leadership was also identified as the root cause of our disciplinary issues. In order for the group to grow we all had to mature and learn to communicate individual opinions and preferences in a respectable manner. The Evangels were inaugurated in June 2013. Despite our past challenges, we still managed to minister on Sundays but struggled with consistency with our ministrations.

Our first leaders were as follows, Nana Ama Ansah – president, Doreen Anim-Adjei – secretary/treasurer and Sandy Addy – PRO. Jennifer Ntiamoah who served as vice president was later replaced by Maame Yaa Agyei Owusu. These fine ladies helped organize the Evangels until 2015 when George Attah-Asante was added to the leadership as music director. In 2016 Evangels adopted a new constitution and the constitution mandated the elections of leaders every 3 years. In 2018, we held elections and the new leaders elected were George Attah-Asante – President, Sylvia Sunshyne Birikorang – Vice, Sarah Mintah Agyeman -Treasurer/Secretary, Lovelace Daniels – PRO and Eric Peprah Agyeman – Music Director. Due to Covid 19, we did not have leadership elections in 2021 but waited until 2022 to elect our new executives in the persons of Naa Addy – President, Sandy Addy – Vice, Winnifred I. Manu – Treasurer/Secretary, Yaa Owusu-Ansah, PRO. Daniel Nyarko was added to leadership as music director in 2023.

During the beginning stages, we functioned by relying on the members with a musical ear to help with teaching the various parts and the songs are selected by any member of the group. But now we can boast of multiple music directors who are all very well accomplished and talented, glory be to God. We are each other’s motivation and we challenge each other to be better. Today we are proud to say that we have grown into a much stronger group spiritually and vocally mostly due to continuous dedication of our members, hard work by our leadership, directors and amazing musicians. We currently have a total of twenty six members. Being a young group we thrive on support that inspires confidence. As we minister Sunday after Sunday, it is always our only prayer that lives may be touched. It is truly amazing what worship and praises can do.

Evangels Tehillah was birthed in 2016 to replace Evangels Day which was one Sunday annually set aside to celebrate the group as per the tradition of U.G.C.C. Through the hard work and innovation of Evangels and unwavering support from our Pastors, Session, our Patrons and the entire church, Tehillah has gotten bigger and better each year. Our group has seen tremendous growth and transformation within our members as well as many testimonies, and Christ is made known. We have had the privilege of worshiping and sharing the stage with many great ministers of God such as Minister Nii Addo, Odeefor Theo, Minister Yaw Osei Owusu, Minister O.J., the evergreen Daughters of Glorious Jesus in past Tehillah editions. For the 2023 edition, Diana Hamilton, Reverend GraceMan and other fine ministers will join us to give God our ultimate praise and worship.

Apart from Sunday ministrations and organizing Tehillah, Evangels have also organized a back to school book drive and Easter egg hunt for the U.G.C.C. children ministry. We do receive invitations to minister at various programs within and outside our Presbyterian conference of churches. We have ministered at YPG/JY conferences in Canada, Bronx, NY and here in Philadelphia, PA. We have also ministered at our sister churches in Delaware and Maryland. Outside of our conference of churches, Evangels have ministered at the Apostolic Church, DE, Church of Pentecost, PA, Jesus Power Assembly of God Church, Ohio and a few more.