Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman

Biography of Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman Our father Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was born on October 25, 1943 at Saltpond to Mr Kwesi Abaka Essuman and Mrs Stella Evelyn Essuman, both of blessed memory. He was the third of seven children. He started his schooling at Komenda Local Authority Primary School in 1950. Our grandfather, a founding member and tutor of Komenda College, was awarded a Gold Coast Government scholarship in 1951 to study at the Rural Science Centre in Umuahia, Eastern Nigeria for one year, so his family relocated to Saltpond. Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman attended Saltpond Methodist Primary School in 1951. He continued schooling at Komenda Local Authority School from January 1952 till end of 1955. When our grandmother died on 5th September 1955, Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman and his younger brother Fifi were sent to Cape Coast to stay with their uncle Rev. Benjamin Kodwo Ansah. There he attended the Aboom Wells Road Methodist Primary ‘B’ School at Cape Coast in 1956 and 1957. He returned to Komenda in January 1958 and attended the Komenda Local Authority Middle School from 1958 to 1961. He attended Aggrey Memorial Zion Secondary School in Cape Coast from 1962 to 1966. He was in Enchill House and exhibited excellent sportsmanship skills as a sprinter for the school. After successfully completing his secondary schooling in 1966, Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was employed by the Ghana Audit Service from 1966 to 1974. While, working with them he furthered his education with an accredited school overseas in the United Kingdom. As a result of his hard work, he excelled and went on to join The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Accra in 1975 and worked with them till the middle of 1980 when he left for the Gambia. In The Gambia, he taught Accounting briefly at Saint Augustine’s High School and transitioned to work with Parnell Kerr Foster, a chartered accountancy firm. His exceptional knowledge and expertise caused him to be sought after by some of the best hotels and bakery in The Gambia over the years. These hotels included African Village, Palm Groove Hotel, Palma Rima Bakery, Palma Rima Hotel, and Badala Hotel. He then worked for Glory Baptist primary school as their accountant. Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was a Methodist by birth and joined the Trinity Methodist Church in Serekunda, The Gambia where he worshipped. He eventually got invited by his second daughter to visit the ECG (Evangelical Church of The Gambia) which she had visited and had fallen in love with. The Sunday School/Children’s Church brought Jesus alive to her and she told her Dad to “Come see Wonderful Jesus”. He then felt led to join the church and accepted Jesus publicly as his Lord and personal savior and got baptized by immersion. He became very influential with their WEC Mission, Banjul. His Spiritual Christian journey had begun. He studied the Word of God in the church’s institute and excelled. As the years went by God saw it fit for him to assist Pastor Kwesi Ansah in his quest to start a branch of The Church of Pentecost in The Gambia. He was only to help, but when he presented his intention to his leaders at the ECG (Evangelical Church of The Gambia), they were not in favor of him worshipping away from his family while helping establish a different Church for a while. They gave him permission to assist Pastor Kwesi Ansah and encouraged us to join them in establishing The Church of Pentecost. Pastor Ernest Essuman then went all out in assisting Pastor Kwesi Ansah to establish the Church of Pentecost in the Gambia. He then took it upon himself to secure all the necessary documents and requirements, including a location for the church. He then became the first Presiding-Elder of The Church of Pentecost. He opened the Banjul and Bundung Assemblies, and served the Banjul, Kairaba, Wollof, Bundung, Ghana Town, and Marakissa Assemblies. Around the same time that he was helping to establish The Church of Pentecost, God also saw fit that he would get pulled into The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI). He then became the National President until he left The Gambia for The United States of America. He went to assist in starting branches through evangelistic outreaches in Ziguinchor, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. He went on to Haggai Institute (Singapore) to be further trained for the Kingdom of God. Upon his return he referred and sponsored other pastors to attend Haggai Institute to be trained as well. Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman also attended Banjul Bible Training Center (a branch of Rhema Bible School) for two years and graduated. He served with so much passion in The Gambia until God sent him and his family to The United States of America. In The United States of America, He joined the Fresh Fire Worldwide Ministries where he was ordained as a Pastor and took charge of the Accounting department of the Church. Eventually, God allowed him to join Word Harvest where he continued to serve The Lord, until God brought him to Action Chapel Virginia. Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was very passionate about the Zones Ministry and the Matriarch & Patriarch Ministries at ACV (Action Chapel Virginia). Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was affectionately called Daddy Essuman and always had words of wisdom, a warm lovely smile, and encouragement for all who saw him as Daddy. He will be sorely missed. If Daddy had anything to tell you today, it will be from 2 Timothy 4:5–8. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Tribute from Action Chapel Virginia In March 2009, Pastor Earnest A. Essuman, joined the Action Chapel Virginia family, accompanied by his beloved wife, Mama Grace and two of his children, Minister Zion, and Minister Kwamena, while their first born daughter, Mrs. Araba Abokoma Antwi remained in Ghana. Upon joining the ministry, it was unequivocally clear that Pastor Essuman had a special relationship with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His commitment and conviction to prayer and intercession was a lifestyle and a sight to behold. What made him a member of a rare breed of Christian men and women, was that Pastor Essuman’s walk was personified not just by the knowledge and the idea of God, but by relationship. He was a man who experienced the Power of God first-hand and observed the fulfilment of His promises not only in his life, but in the lives of many others. Through his journey, Pastor Essuman witnessed heavy burdens, strong yokes and impossibilities being lifted from off people and entire communities, as well as seeing the supernatural favor of God raining upon their lives. All this built a confidence in him, birthed by countless shared testimonies. With that said, all these attributes and experiences made it become very self-evident, that this man, had a divinely unique mission, and nothing would stop him from achieving what he set out to accomplish. Daddy as he was lovingly known, understood too well the condition of the unbeliever and knew that Jesus Christ was and will forever remain the real and only true answer for mankind and eternity. With that revelation and understanding, he had an urgent and unquenchable need to win souls for Jesus Christ. He did not rely on his own strength, but his faith was fortified in a tangible belief that Jesus was with him, as his guide and the gift for himself, his family, humanity, and creation in its entirety. This was the ultimate secret to Pastor Essuman’s boldness, strong conviction, and major success. Pastor Essuman was a staunch believer in serving in the House of God. He believed that this was the only place where one could ascribe any meaningful value in life. A profound virtue that he not only spoke of but practiced. Not merely a belief system for congregation members, but this was an inheritance he gave his children, and the equity of his investment was to see them grow and become strong pillars of worship, prayer and good stewards in the Kingdom of God. Pastor Essuman was able to tap into their God given gifts and mold them so that we could become partakers of the Grace of God placed upon their lives. Pastor Essuman, had a unique ability of unlocking value in places that were not at first self-evident. One of his major keys was his radiant smile, that could so easily disarm a soul so he could see what was inside. He would then use his wit and charm to engage, encourage, empathize, empower, and employ their gifts into the mission field. This very effective strategy helped him launch two major tentpoles of our ministry, namely, our beloved Patriarch and Matriarchs ministry where our church gleans from the wisdom, experience, and prayers of our devoted elders. He then went on to initiate ever-growing Action Chapel Virginia Cell System (“Small Groups”) across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He not only helped launch this great end-time-initiative but helped build its organizational and operational systems. The secret to his success, was that Pastor Essuman was a great collaborator and with his strong conviction and determination, he became one of the key architects to some of the greatest success stories, which include the Waldorf, Maryland Cell launch, where many souls were won for Jesus Christ! His fervent push for the Cell System was of precision and prophetic timing. This unique ministry would become a vital resource for our church and the DC Metro area as it would end up facing an unexpected and catastrophic global pandemic the size the world has never seen before. It brings joy to us and is a living testament to the faithfulness of God that Pastor and Mrs. Essuman were able to witness the marriages of their daughters Ms. Araba Abokoma Essuman to Mr. Matthew Antwi as well as Ms. Zion Essuman to Pastor Jeffrey Jasper. In addition, they were able to see both Minister Zion and Minister Kwamena become ordained as Ministers in the House of God. Volumes of books cannot contain the countless victories and testimonies of this great life well-lived. While there may not yet be any physical monuments built of brick and mortar in his name, there are however mighty skyscrapers built within us, changing and shaping the skyline of our hearts and the tenor of our heartbeat; because we were so graced by an excellent elder and wonderful father. Pastor Earnest Essuman our beloved Daddy, thank you so much for your great service and stewardship. To Mama Grace Essuman, Mrs. Araba Abokoma Antwi, Mr. Matthew Antwi, Pastor Jeffrey Jasper, Lady Zion Jasper and Minister Kwamena Essuman, thank you for sharing such a precious gift with us. He shone brightly over our lives and his radiant light will always permeate within us. Godspeed Daddy! You were always a citizen of Heaven, just on assignment on earth. We love you and miss you and thank you for your commitment. May your rest in the glorious beauty of Heaven and the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Tribute From Wife How does one compile memories and treasures of the heart from a lifetime? They are innumerable and unmeasurable. This is how I feel when it comes to my husband, Ernest. One of the favorite memories I have of my husband is how we found out we had the same birthday. This happened after we were engaged. At that time we lived in different cities in Ghana so we communicated by writing each other letters. In one of them, I wrote telling him of my birthday. He responded by asking me how I knew that that was his birthday. I explained that it was also my birthday. So we got to know that we shared the same birthday and we have always celebrated it with great joy. Interestingly, two of our sons (our son and one of our sons-in-law) share the same birthdays. Another favorite of mine is whenever our grandchildren would celebrate their birthdays. He would speak to them, encourage and advise them on how to become good, clever children who love the Lord. He would always encourage the children and I that we can do much more that we think possible. Another fond memory is when I would make pastries, bread and kenkey. He would often make them with me, so he became an expert at it. In fact, during this past Mother’s Day, he was the one who cooked; what an amazing day it was! My husband loved to sing. On weekends during the evenings, one of us would get on the keyboard and he would sing with all his heart the “parts” that he loved as we would all clap for him joyfully. Ernest was a very strong-willed person, and would do well whatever he set his mind to. However, it was also very difficult to convince him when he had already decided on a matter. I would then resort to asking the Father to lead him and He never failed me. As this went on, I began to see a difference in my husband. He would call me whenever he was not sure on how to handle a situation and say, “Grace, please help me pray about this.” We would then stand upon the Word of God and He would always lead us. Pastor Essuman loved people. When at church, he would always go around greeting and welcoming those he had not seen for a long time. He even called and checked on those who had not been at church. He was a person with compassion for the weak, needy and the hurting. One of his major prayer points used to be, “God bless me to be a blessing.” Even though he could not accomplish everything that he had intended to do, we know that God will indeed answer through his spiritual and biological sons and daughters. Through Reverend Essuman, I have learned to love and treasure relationships. I have learned to serve regardless of the place, time or circumstance. I will miss my Love for the rest of my life for he was not only a husband, but a friend, adviser, encourager, prayer partner and my Pastor. Rest In Peace, Pastor Ernest Essuman. “Da yie Nyame Nfa you Nsie” (Till we meet again). Tribute From Children And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13 (KJV) Thursday, June 4, 2020 was a very sad day for us. We lost a very caring and loving father, father in-law and grandfather. We were not prepared for this sudden death. Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman (Dada), as we affectionately called him, had a loving personality. One of the memories which stands out is the lovely way he called our names. You would immediately feel his love wash over you. Distance could not inhibit this. Dada loved the Lord with his whole heart and served Him with every fiber of his being. He taught us to do same. He was a very hard working man and was also a God-fearing man. He was always full of smiles. Dada always talked to us about traditions, history and The Bible. He has taught us so much. We have truly been equipped for the journey ahead. We still cannot contain the tears as they flow freely down our cheeks. An irreplaceable vacuum has been created in our hearts. We all wish this was a dream for we cannot bear the thought of not seeing nor hearing from you again Dada. Eei, so is it really true that we have lost you? Is it true that you have left us this early? Eei Dada, this is unbelievable. Dada, we didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. A special Dad is hard to find. A special face with a special smile cannot be replaced. We wish you could have stayed forever. Dada, you will always remain in our hearts. We know that Heaven has gained a great soul, and is rejoicing. We know you are cheering us on to run the race well on this side of Zion. Dada, have no doubt that we will never depart from what you have taught us and how you raised us. Thank you for all your sacrifice and investment in us. May God reward you for that. Dada, Grandpa, we will greatly miss you. Rest peacefully in the arms of your maker. Dada, fare thee well. Grandpaa Da yie. Tribute From Siblings Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman was affectionately called Brother Armah and was liked very much by his brothers and sisters. When he returned to Komenda in January 1958, he could recite 1 Corinthians Chapters 12, 13, 14 from memory. He also knew St Paul’s missionary journeys at the age of fourteen. He had a life transformation experience at an Assemblies of God rally at Takoradi. When he returned to Komenda, he kept on singing, ‘He loved me, He loved me, wonderful, wonderful, Oh what a wonderful Name.’ Our maternal Uncle Boye (B. P.) kept on saying that our brother Armah was very witty. He grew up to be a gentleman, humble, honest and hardworking. In family matters, he was bold to speak his mind and never compromised on his stand on issues. He was a man of prayer and would always pray with you on the phone. Brother Armah was always keen to know what was going on in the family in Ghana. And he would always mention the names of all family members and ask how they were faring. We shall forever remember his generosity and good sense of humor. His passing has created a huge vacuum that cannot be filled, but we take consolation that he is resting in the arms of the Lord. Onua pa da yie......Good Brother, Armah, rest in perfect peace. May the good Lord keep you till we meet again. Rest Well.

Pastor Ernest Armah Essuman

October 25, 1943 - June 4, 2020