TDHC History PDF

HISTORY OF THE DIVINE HEALER’S CHURCH A Sample Document for Quiz Purposes HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson (founder and 1st Leader of The Divine Healer’s Church) worked as an executive officer in the Gold Coast Post and Telecommunications Departmen...

HISTORY OF THE DIVINE HEALER’S CHURCH A Sample Document for Quiz Purposes HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson (founder and 1st Leader of The Divine Healer’s Church) worked as an executive officer in the Gold Coast Post and Telecommunications Department. He was an Anglican by denomination. His encounter with the Holy Spirit, undoubtedly begat the early ministry of The Divine Healer’s Church, which was formerly known as The Divine Healer’s Temple” and later on “The Lord is There Temple”. The beginning was on a night in December 1953 at the forecourt of the James Town Mantse’s Palace in Accra, where at the invitation of the Apostolic Church of the Gold Coast, the Latter Rain Movement based in the United States of America had sent an Evangelistic team named “First Gospel Mission of America. This team had organized a crusade, and on that fateful night, Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson who was at the grounds had a memorable encounter with the Holy Spirit. His eyes were opened, and he saw angels hovering around the crusade vicinity. He accepted Christ that night and was baptized by immersion and was converted into the Apostolic church. Some few months later after his first encounter with the Holy Spirit, a rally was held by the Gold Coast Apostolic Church at Teshie on 28th February 1954, and again Bro. Lawson was there. At his second encounter with the Holy Spirit of God, he was momentarily blinded on the rally grounds when he saw the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ descend upon him. “Is anyone of you sick that needs the healing of God? He shouted at the top of his voice as he groped among the multitude. People who gave themselves up for his touch were instantly healed of their infirmities to the glory of God. Bro. Lawson received and manifested the gifts of healing and discernment of Spirits at this rally known as “The Teshie Convention 1954”. Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson’s ministry started in earnest that same year when he established a Healing and Prayer center known as “The Divine Healer’s Temple” under the auspices of the Gold Coast Apostolic Church, then led by Pastor James McKeown. In the year 1958, Bro. Lawson broke ranks with Pastor James McKeown and the Apostolic Church, primarily over the establishment of an assembly at Nsawam of which he did not agree with Pastor McKeown who insisted that the Nsawam assembly should not be planted. The name of his prayer and healing center was thereafter changed to “The Lord is There Temple”. The parting of ways with Pastor McKeown and the Apostolic church posed a great challenge, which brought out the organizational genius in the man Bro. Lawson. In April 1967 he again changed the name of the now fully-fledged organization by inspiration, to The Divine Healer’s Church and got it fully registered under the Trustee Incorporation Act 1962 No. X0610 dated 30th March 1979. ATTESTATION OF THE YOUNG MINISTRY The ministry of Bro. Lawson was legendary; it cut across the west coast of Africa, onto the people of Europe and the Americas. People came from far and near to attest to his special gifts and 1| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 marveled at his works. Some of the great men of God who came to see him at work and attested to his gifts were: -  Rev. Duplex Cee – She was originally attending a World Council of Pentecostal Churches Conference at the Gold Coast University College – Legon, but was directed by the Holy Spirit to find the man Bro. Lawson and attest to the world about the genuineness of the power of God on him. At the same time, the Holy Spirit also prevailed upon Bro. Lawson that he should expect an august visitor who will publicize God’s power invested in his person to the world, outside the shores of Africa. His encounter with Rev. Duplex Cee truly brought him to the attention of World Pentecostal Leaders who took time off to communicate and acquaint themselves with his works.  Rev. Nancy Porter (An American Missionary) – This lady apparently got informed by the publicity visited on Bro. Lawson by Rev. Duplex Cee to the International Christian Community. She decided to come to Africa and dip into the storehouse of the new world acclaimed man of God. Rev. Nancy Porter arrived in Ghana and stayed at the feet of Brother Lawson. She became a regular figure for some time, at the church’s many conventions.  Bishop Benson Idahosa (Founder – All Nations for Christ International Bible Institute) – He came to Bro. Lawson a young enthusiastic Nigerian Pentecostal and Charismatic Church Leader; a pilgrim yearning to have more insight into the things of God. The young man was encouraged, prophesied to, and taken through many Bible truths before continuing his pilgrimage onto the United States of America.  Billy Graham /A.A. Allen – These renowned International Evangelists found time off their busy schedules, after their various crusades in Accra in the late 1950s, to look for Bro. Lawson and to have very insightful interviews with him at his Korle Gonno residence. These men of God came out of their meetings fully satisfied that they had been to the presence of a man specially ordained by God for His ministry. The one time popular “FLAMINGO” and “DRUM” magazines published in Lagos – Nigeria attested to the marvelous spiritual gifts of Bro. Lawson and labeled him as the “BLACK JESUS” after they have interviewed and watched him at work. Bro. Lawson was of the foremost, early Pentecostal Fathers of West Africa. His ministry spanned over thirty- five years (1954 – 1989). STYLE OF CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Brother Gilbert Ablorh Lawson’s style of administration in the early years of the church could aptly be described as “MOSAIC” Leadership. His position as the founder and spiritual leader of the church, coupled with his special gifts of Healing, discernment of spirits, prophecy, and vivid exposition of the word of God, placed him head and shoulders above everyone else in the church. He was looked upon for all manner of directions, advice, and even reprimands for the progressive growth of the church. The first secretariat consisted of his personal self, Sisters Helena Owoo and 2| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 Gladys Attram. These ladies helped with his night–time duties by answering letters from home and abroad. His center of administration for the young church however hinged on a carefully selected group, which he named the “INNER CIRCLE.” This group, which he personally headed as leader and director include: - The Inner Circle 1955 - 1958 1. Bro. Francis Kpakpo Addo 2. Sis. Comfort Kweinorkor Lawson 3. Br. John Acolatse 4. Bro. Charles Akai Nettey 5. Sis. Martha Quaye 6. Sis. Deborah Maclean 7. Bro. James Aryeh 8. Bro. Zello Nartey 9. Bro. C. P. Johnson 10. Sis. V. P. Annan (Mrs.) 11. Sis. Kiston Mills (Mrs.) 12. Sis. Rebecca Stevens This group, a hard-core faith tested men and women of God, met regularly for prayer and deliberation on the need and aspiration of the church, from 1955 – 1958. When the separation from the Apostolic Church occurred in 1958 some of the above-named persons decided not to go with the new church, they therefore returned to the fold of the Apostolic Church. This prompted Bro. Lawson to appoint suitable replacement for the vacant positions. Those who found favour with God and were appointed to augment the new look of the “INNER CIRCLE” include:- The Inner Circle Additional entrants (1958 -1963) 1. Bro. Nettey Marbel 2. Bro. Seth Divine Onyameh 3| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 3. Sis. Djannie 4. Sis. Evelyn Nettey Marbel 5. Sis. Emma Owoo 6. Sis. Mary Borquaye 7. Sis. Stella Brown 8. Sis. Gladys Attram 9. Sis. Edwina Bonaparte. The group that returned to the mother church (The Apostolic Church were: - Sister V. B. Annan, Kitson Mills, Rebecca Stevens, and Debora Maclean. POSITION ON TITLES During his entire ministry Bro. Lawson did not clamour for any ecclesiastical title. He simply preferred to remain a brother in the service of God. Several persuasions unto him to take the title of a Bishop, Apostle, or Reverend Minister were branded worldly by Bro. Lawson. Pastors of his ministry were addressed as “brother” in conformity to his style. THE MANNING COMMITTEE As the years rolled by, Bro. Lawson realized the enormity of the rapid growth of the church. This demanded new measures and energetic administrators to handle its affairs. (Most members of the Inner Circle group were advancing in age). A new management group was therefore formed in April 1963 reinforced with technocrats and able–bodied persons who could move at short notice to any trouble spot of the now sprawling assemblies of the church. “THE MANNING COMMITTEE” was put to birth in 1963 and became the foremost administrative body of the church. It was principally remembered for the decentralization of the administrative structures of the church. Members of this committee include: - THE MANNING COMMITTEE (1963 -1987) 1. Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson 2. Sis. Comfort Lawson 3. Sis. Gracie Tagoe 4. Bro. Moses Armah Oblie 5. Bro. Isaiah Addy 4| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 6. Bro. J. B. K. Addison 7. Bro. Lemuel Lawson 8. Bro. Kingsley Otoo Mensah 9. Sis. Mary Borquaye 10. Bro. C. P. Johnson 11. Bro. John Akolatse 12. Sis. Evelyn Nettey Marbel 13. Bro. J. O. A. Quaye THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD At the twilight of his ministry, in the year 1987, when the succession plan for the leadership of the church became an urgent issue among the church hierarchy, Sister Comfort Lawson (wife of the founder, Bro. Lawson), temporally took over the leadership of the church from her ailing husband, dissolved the manning committee, and set up THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BAORD which she personally hand-picked and presided over from 1987. EARLY GROUPS AND MEETINGS Bro. Lawson taught and mentored many people who rose to become Pastors and administrators of the church. He did this mainly through an early organ of the church known as “THE BOMBING GROUP”. It was from this elite group of young men that most of the early Pastors of the church emerged. This group held the credit for the planting of many assemblies especially in the Greater Accra areas of the church. The group was initially headed by Bros. Francis Addo and James A. Aryeh. It also produced most of the latter-day Elders and Administrators of the church. Another group that stood tall in the early days’ shaping of the church was the “Move Girls” which later metamorphosed into the Women’s Fellowship Movement of the church. This group was ably led by Sis. Comfort Lawson and assisted mainly by Sisters Anni and Marian Aboagye. They taught and directed the women folk on the “changed life” expected of the Christian woman towards God, her family and her nation. Aside the decision–making organ of the church (The Manning Committee), Bro. Lawson relied heavily on the Regional Apostles he appointed to take charge of the church at the Regional and District Levels. His quality time with the regional apostles were probably one of his most treasured moments. At these meetings, which occurred once in a month, Bro. Lawson’s administrative acumen as an executive officer of the Gold Coast Post and Telecommunications Department, coupled with his insight into the Spiritual revelations of God and His direction was brought to bear heavily on the knowledge and sensibilities of the apostles at his feet. These meetings were mostly held in the night; and it was amazing to see the apostles widely awake into the wee hours of the 5| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 next morning, soaking away the dictates of this Preacher man and business administration teacher – Gilbert Ablorh Lawson. Similar teaching programmes were held monthly for all Pastors and Leaders of every assembly of the church: This was known as “The Wednesday Meeting” which run from about 5:30 am. Prayers, Scriptural and administrative teachings were the main focus of these meetings. CHURCH COUNCIL Bro. Lawson’s administrative machinery was “THE CHURCH COUNCIL”. These meetings were held quarterly, and attended by: 1. The Manning Committee 2. The Regional Apostles 3. All Pastors and Deacons 4. Elders of each assembly At this meeting, Policy matters were discussed and disseminated to the entire spectrum of the church. New Pastoral Postings were announced; Projections and current fiscal position of the church are laid bare. Information from the Regions and Districts were received and discussed. The church council however did not necessarily live up to its name’s objective as the highest decision- making body of the church. It rather operated in subjugation to the Manning Committee of the church. THE MAN BRO. LAWSON Birth and Parentage Born into a humble family at Korle Gonno, a suburb of Accra; the capital of the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) on 11th November 1908. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson was the eighth child to his parents Joseph Lantei Lawson of Lante Djan We in the Asere clan of the Ga state. He was also known as “ Ataa Lantei Comporsu” a name corrupted in reference to a rotating weather compass mounted on a long pole in the middle of his house, which tells the direction of the wind; this attracted lots of children and visitors to the house in those days to take a closer look. And Mary Adochoe Lawson of Nii Addo We in the Sempe clan of the Ga state. Ataa Lantei Comporsu occupied himself as a carpenter, a small-scale farmer, and a fisherman. Mary Adochoe was an industrious kenkey seller. (Kenkey is the principal staple food of the Ga people). As daughters were assets to their mothers in the discharge of their daily chores at home, so also were sons of fishermen assets to their fathers or close relatives. In view of this some fishermen were reluctant to send their children to school. They rather want their boys to help them in their business and eventually train to take over their profession. Thank God Atta Lantei Comporsu did not insist on the young Gilbert taking to his trade. Childhood and Early School Days 6| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 At infancy Gilbert was well loved by relatives and even strangers who met him for the first time admired him. He has an aura of luck around him in whatever he did. He used to receive many gifts from all manner of people. His behaviour and mannerism induced many people to show their love to him in diverse ways. Gilbert started school at the age of eight (8) at Accra Government Boys School. In those days entry into Government schools are considered a privilege, because those schools were very few indeed. Gilbert was sent to live with his elder brother Albert Odartei Lawson, who also bore all financial responsibilities relating to his schooling and upbringing. Unfortunately, Albert died before Gilbert could complete his standard seven education. After the death of Albert, Gilbert came to live with his uncle James Myers Hansen of the Gold Coast Police C. I. D. to continue his education. Gilbert was clever and well above average at school. He possessed some qualities well-liked by all those who came near him. His Christian training background coupled with regular church attendance motivated him to read more of the Bible, and say his prayers. The blessing of God was upon him even at the early age of eight, Gilbert used to receive divine revelation through dreams and visions of his day-to-day activities, and that helped him greatly in the orderly discharge of his duties as a child. His childhood life was always characterized by good luck. In most of his school examinations, Gilbert used to have dreams on the examination questions, and at times told other pupils about them. Those that took his dreams seriously always came out successful. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson spent most of his childhood days at Korle Gonno in the midst of the fisher folks, so he grew to take interest in the fishing industry which became his hobby. Apart from occasional visits to the seashore to participate in fishing activities like all other boys of the Ga tribe, he took special interest in crabs trapping and lone fishing with hook and rod. He used to spend most of his holidays at Dama a village near Accra (now modernized into the sprawling Dansoman Estates township). Together with his brother they trapped crabs and caught fish, using a small canoe on the Dama River. Gilbert always relished the ready market for their “hard work” because there was always crowds of women folks who sat at the riverbanks waiting to buy the catch that the fishermen brought along. The sale of fish and crabs usually became a source of pocket money for Gilbert when school reopens. Employment & Marriage Gilbert sat and passed the standard seven Gold Coast school examination on 15th October 1925. Two years later in 1927 he again sat for the civil service competitive examination and passed with flying colours. He gained employment into the Post and Telecommunications Department as a clerk in Accra that same year, after he had successfully completed a three months intensive training at the P. and T. telegraphic school. One year after his employment into the civil service of the Gold Coast (1928) young Gilbert Ablorh Lawson was transferred from Accra to Sekondi in the Western Region, and thence to Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Capital. Gilbert got married to Miss Mercy Brown, a beautiful damsel from his native Ga tribe, and were blessed with three children namely Margaret Rose Lawson, Gloria Alberta Lawson, and Ebenezer Lamptey Lawson. It was unfortunate that the marriage of this young couple crashed in its eighth year beyond repair and was finally dissolved in 1938. In that same year, Gilbert tied the knot with Miss Comfort Kweinorkor Quayenor who later on became popularly known as Sister Lawson; the daughter of an auctioneer and a local preacher of the 7| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 Methodist Church, Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh Quaynor, and Madam Esther Amarteifio a trader in Accra. THE GENESIS OF THE DIVINE HEALER’S CHURCH A branch of The Faith Tabernacle Church of Philadelphia was established at Asamankese in the Eastern Region of the Gold Coast under the leadership of Peter Newman Anim. Members of this church prayed and experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit exactly as it was in the Biblical apostolic times. They heard of the British Apostolic Church of Bradford and sent an invitation to them to send a missionary to assist them. Pastor George Prefect arrived from Great Britain in 1935 as a result of the invitation and took leadership of the church. The Faith Tabernacle Church eventually embraced the doctrine and teachings of the Apostolic Church of Bradford. Many people experienced the anointing and the healing power of God at work. Membership of the church grew at unprecedented rate. Branches of the church were established within a very short space of time. The Faith Tabernacle Church eventually took the name Apostolic Church of Gold Coast. The Apostolic Church of Bradford dispatched Pastor James McKeown to the Gold Coast on 4th March 1937 to head the Gold Coast Apostolic Church as it’s superintendent and resident missionary. He took residence at Asamankese in the hinterlands of the Eastern Region. The environment in his rural residence was very hostile to his health, this made him fall seriously ill. The Faith Tabernacle Church was popularly known as “Okyerebentua” in those days due to their unflinching belief only in divine healing when a member falls sick. However serious the illness was, medical attention and treatment was strictly forbidden. Even though prayers were said for Pastor James McKeown’s healing and recovery, his health continued to deteriorate. It was eventually realized that the illness was malaria fever. He was therefore sent to the (European Hospital) Ridge Hospital in Accra, and was admitted and treated. When he resumed his position as Superintendent of the church after his recovery from the Hospital in Accra, some members of the church rebelled against him because he has accepted hospital treatment (which was seriously forbidden). This feud grew so strong that a section of the church broke away in the year 1941 and formed the “Christ Apostolic Church.” Pastor James McKeown however kept his position as the superintendent of the Gold Coast Apostolic Church. In the year 1953, at the invitation of the Apostolic Church of Gold Coast led by Pastor James McKeown, the Latter Rain Movement based in the United States of America, sent an Evangelistic team named “First Gospel Mission of America” led by Dr. Thomas Wyatt. This team organized an evangelistic Crusade at the fore court of the James Town Mantse’s Palace in Accra. Bro. Lawson then an executive officer of the Post and Telecommunications Department of the Gold Coast Civil Service had his bus route to and from work in front of the crusade grounds at Mantse Agbonaa. He however did not feel the impulse to attend that meeting until the last week of the programme. On that fateful Monday, he stopped over at the crusade grounds after closing from work and sat down beside one Sis. Comfort Motsoo Acquaye (who later became a foundation member of The Divine Healer's Temple.) As he listened attentively to the Biblical exposition of the evangelist on the stage, he suddenly had the following spiritual experiences: - 8| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 a) He began to shiver and completely become blind of things around him. b) He saw in a vision many white doves hovering around the vicinity of the crusade grounds, one of which perched at the right-side pocket of his shirt. c) He saw angels sprinkling something like blood from a brass basin on to the crowds attending the meeting. He found himself physically wet all over his body and clothing. (He turned to the lady sitting beside him (Sister Acquaye) – and enquired whether she was also feeling sweaty, but she answered in the negative.) d) He saw another group of angels holding a white enamel basin and sprinkling holy water out of it onto the crowds attending the meeting. He again became completely wet. From that moment, Bro. Lawson was endowed with the gift of divine revelation. After the close of the crusade meeting, his spiritual eyes were opened to enable him see more visions. The following day’s programme (Tuesday) followed the same pattern, and Bro. Lawson experienced more spiritual transformation in his life and felt great heavenly joy in his heart. Wednesday was to be the last day of the programme, but Bro. Lawson decided that he had had enough of those supernatural visions. He therefore elected to take another route home so as to avoid attending the meeting. Providence was not on his side. After waiting for over an hour in his bid to catch an alternative route bus went in vain, he reluctantly retraced his footsteps to catch his usual bus, which runs through the crusade grounds. He came down by impulse at the crusade grounds bus stop and decided to listen to the gospel message for the last time. There again those visions started coming to him one after the other. He became convinced that something spiritual was happening to his personal life; but what should he do? Who should he turn to? Before the close of the programme, the evangelist invited all those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal saviour during the campaign to endeavour to go to the beach at Polo grounds (behind Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum) the next day at 4pm for baptism by immersion in the sea. Before his encounter at the crusade grounds Bro. Lawson was an Anglican by denomination; he therefore felt the difficulty to submit himself to another round of baptism, since he could vividly remember the 14th day of August 1926 when he underwent the ritual of sprinkling of water on his head in baptism at the Holy Trinity Church in Accra. He was convinced then that the process was quite unnecessary for him. On the day appointed for baptism at about 5 am, while still in bed, Bro. Lawson saw a vision of several people being baptized by immersion at the beach off the Polo grounds. He then heard a loud voice urging him to avail himself to baptism by immersion and that, before then, “he must first be washed.” After this, he saw a vision of a lady dressed in native attire who brought a bucket of water to him. After dipping his hands into the water, Bro. Lawson realized that it was hot. He therefore told the lady that he was not used to hot water bathing. The lady then took the bucket of hot water away quietly. In the same vision on the scene of baptism, Bro. Lawson saw himself wearing a white singlet over a white pair of shorts and being baptized by immersion in the sea. He then shouted with joy out of “his vision” and immediately told his wife about it. He then firmly decided at that same moment to submit himself to be baptized by immersion that day. 9| National Youth Fellowship ©2024 At the place of baptism, some of the people there were surprised when they saw him change into baptismal clothing, because he wasn’t among those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour at the crusade grounds. His cousin, Bro. Nathaniel Samuel Allotey almost teased him out of his determination by constantly reminding him that he had not accepted Christ earlier at the crusade grounds. However, when all was set for the baptismal exercise to Begin, Bro. Lawson was led by the pastors in charge to accept Christ as his Lord and personal saviour before he, his cousin Bro. Allotey and all the other candidates were baptized by immersion in the sea to the glory of God. After he had gone through baptism by immersion, the frontiers of Bro. Lawson’s divine gifts increased tremendously. He was gifted with much more revelatory power. Many people came to him for divine assistance; and by the special gift of revelation, Bro. Lawson could see clearly visions of their past and present lives, and the cause of difficulties that they were experiencing, and how they could be delivered through Christ Jesus. By divine guidance all people who came to him were prayed for, delivered and assisted to understand portions of scripture and give glory to God through Jesus Christ. In view of the miraculous and successful results people received through his special gifts and ministration, Brother Lawson’s divine grace began to spread very quickly like wild fire; initially in Accra and eventually to all parts of the country. The thousands of letters and requests pouring in from all manner of person and sheer number of people seeking to see him adversely affected his life and duties as a civil servant. Bro. Lawson never enrolled in any theological institute; neither did he attended a Bible school of any kind. His was totally a divine revelation by the Holy Spirit of God. ADVENT OF THE DIVINE HEALING GIFT In February 1954, the Gold Coast Apostolic church held another convention at Teshie, a suburb of Accra. In attendance were the following prominent Pastors of the church: - a. Pastor James McKeown - the superintendent of the church b. Pastor J. A. C. Anaman c. Pastor Lartey Addotey. In the late afternoon of Saturday 28th February 1954, at the convention grounds, some believers who attended the convention were praying and singing songs of praise seeking the presence of the Holy Spirit, in preparation for the commencement of the evening service. Suddenly Bro. Lawson who was among this group, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with its accompanying gift of Divine Healing; he was momentarily blinded when he saw the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ descend upon him. With tightly closed eyes he began shouting at the top of his voice, “who is amongst you is sick and requires healing?” He moved swiftly among the crowds and those who gave themselves up for his touch were healed instantly of their infirmities to the glory of God. Within a very short time, a long queue of people emerged struggling feverishly to receive a healing touch by God’s newly anointed. Even at that moment, Bro. Lawson was not aware of the great gift of healing that God has given to him. It was one Sis. Sarah Adjiri, one of those who witnessed the 10 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024 phenomenon, that came out boldly to inform Bro. Lawson after the close of the event that he had received the divine gift of healing. The following members of the Apostolic church who were present at the Teshie convention, later became foundation members of Bro. Lawson’s Healing Ministry: - 1. Sister Martha Quaye 2. Bro. Francis Addo 3. Bro. J. A. Tackie 4. Bro. C. P. Johnson Pastor James McKeown and the other Pastors were not on the convention ground at the time of this great phenomenon, but they came to know about it later on. An interview of Bro. Lawson by a panel of Pastors led by Pastor McKeown revealed that Bro. Lawson had neither attended a Bible college nor been a lay preacher even at his former denomination (the Anglican church). They therefore marveled at his understanding of scripture, and the depth from which he spoke of the things of God. The task God gave him was enormous. Bro. Lawson therefore dedicated himself holy to God and yielded himself fully for the use of the Holy Spirit of God. Brother Lawson’s gift of healing spread very quickly and consequently; crowds of people rushed to his house daily with their problems for spiritual assistance. Others also located him to his office, from where they would be directed to his house. During these times, Bro. Lawson was resident at Coffie Ribeiro’s House, on the Lees Road – Korle Gonno, Accra. (Mr. Ribeiro was the proprietor of the erstwhile famous Arrow Press). He used his sitting room for evening prayers, deliverance and divine healing. Some of the early people who came up for prayers and later turned up to become permanent members and co-workers of the prayer group were: - Bro. Francis Kpakpo Addo, Joseph Antieye Tackie and C. P. Johnson. As testimonies of the miraculous works of God brought through Bro. Lawson’s ministry spread further, so grew the multitude of people that besieged his office and residence. Mr. Coffie Ribeiro became much offended and complained bitterly that the prayer and healing ministry was creating excessive noise in his house, and would rather have it that Bro. Lawson either stop the noise or pack out of the house. God’s response to this hindrance was swift and precise. Brother Nathaniel Allotey (Bro. Lawson’s Cousin) who received baptism by immersion together with Bro. Lawson at the polo grounds baptismal beach on the same day, offered the outer house of his residence to Bro. Lawson at a place not far from the Coffie Ribeiro residence on the same Lees Road. A few months later, when the crowds could no longer be accommodated in his sitting room and corridors, permission was granted Bro. Lawson to clear the unused area of the compound for a shed to be built. This was established as The Divine Healer’s Temple in February 1955. Further extension was made in 1956 when a vacant plot on the eastern side of the Temple was leased and again in 1958, when the northern vacant plot was also leased out. The Temple became extraordinarily large and spacious with powerful loud speakers and brilliantly lit fluorescent fittings adding a touch of grandeur to the deliverance, healing and salvation work of Bro. Lawson’s Ministry. In view of the enormity of work at the Temple, coupled with the fact that Bro. Lawson was still working full time at the General Post office, God brought in helpers to assist him. These were converts who had received deliverance at the Temple and have offered their services as a form of 11 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024 gratitude to God. Others were chosen by the direction of the Holy Spirit. It must be noted here that, the abundance of grace that Bro. Lawson received from God had an enabling effect on those giving helping hands to his ministry; these people were also endowed with spiritual gifts in proportion to their responsibilities. Below listed are the foundation members of The Divine Healer’s Temple: - 1. Brother Francis Kpakpo Addo 2. Brother J. Antieye Tackie 3. Brother C. P. Johnson 4. Brother R. A. Quaye 5. Brother P. T. Nartey 6. Brother J. K. Wilson 7. Brother Ansah 8. Brother Owuo 9. Sister Mary Vanderpuiye 10. Sister Martha Quaye 11. Sister Rebecca Stephens 12. Sister Helena Owoo 13. Sister Gracie Tagoe 14. Sister Gladys Attram 15. Sister Debora Mac Clean 16. Sister Janet Quartey 17. Sister Comfort Motsoo Acquaye 18. Sister Kitson Mills As the number of people who called at the Temple multiplied it became increasingly difficult for Bro. Lawson to have some rest at home or even at his work place at the General Post Office. People who lived outside Accra, who could not trace the Temple at Korle Gonno, were usually directed to call at his office, thereby grossly interfering with his work schedule. By divine guidance, Brother 12 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024 Lawson then a Senior Executive Officer opted for a voluntary retirement which was granted on 20th January 1958. This enabled him to devote his full time for the work of Ministry. THE BLESSED WATER AND HANDKERCHIEFS In the early days of Bro. Lawson’s Healing Ministry, small sized Blessed Handkerchiefs were distributed to the congregation in accordance with the direction of the Holy Spirit. These handkerchiefs which have the power of God in them, were given out to the sick and those in various troubles to assist them speedily obtain recovery and their heart’s desire. Several documented and preserved testimonies of the works at the Temple has proven that the blessed handkerchiefs miraculously healed people and many others also had their problems speedily addressed. The use of the blessed water in his ministry at the time, was also directed by the Holy Spirit of God. Drinking of the blessed water had the divine power of healing whatever diseases one was suffering from. Upon entry into The Divine Healer’s Temple in those days, one would be met with the sight of several bottles and containers of water, impressively packed under the palm tree in the compound near the doorway of Brother Lawson’s apartment. One of Bro. Lawson’s observation was that, after he had offered prayers to bless the water, the content of the bottles and containers underwent spiritual changes manifesting in various shades of colours in accordance with the magnitude and type of diseases suffered by the owners. This indicated that, the blessed water should be used only by the person who brought the container, and for the purposed of which it was brought into the Temple. The use of blessed water and handkerchiefs were eventually discontinued, in response to reports reaching the Temple that some unscrupulous persons were selling these items and making money out of poor town and village folks. MODE OF WORSHIP The mode of worship at The Divine Healer’s Temple followed the practice of the Apostolic church. The clapping of Hands, use of Tambourines, Banjos, Stringed instrument, drums and Cymbals accompanied by graceful dancing to the tunes of songs of praise to herald the presence of the Holy Spirit of God into the gathering of the faithful, formed an integral part of the whole service A Typical Day’s Worship Bro. Lawson returns home from his circular workplace at the General Post Office (P& T) at 5 p.m. He meets several people who had come to the Temple at different times in the day, anxiously waiting for his arrival. He soon changes into his “trade mark” white Tee Shirt over white shorts and enters into a short prayer session with his special aides. He then emerges out of his room to meet the crowds, some of who had organized themselves into a long queue. He moves quickly along the queue enquiring of each person’s problems. He then mounts the platform and powerfully preaches the word of God in Christ Jesus and salvation of the soul to the congregation. At the end of the sermon, He would request that all new persons at the Temple should accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. This procedure would be done with both hands raised in the air. 13 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024 After the acceptance of Jesus by the new converts, Brother Lawson would proceed to say a mass prayer for the entire congregation. Thereafter, he would earnestly begin to pray and cast out demons from individuals who were tormented by the devil. The name of Jesus is extensively used to cast out the devil and set people free from satanic bondage. New converts who accepted Christ were received unto the fold of the Lord by senior members of the Temple with warm handshake of fellowship and given scriptural verses to learn and recite orally, and to hold onto as their “sword of the spirit” These persons were later baptized by immersion and directed to attend any apostolic church assembly nearest to their localities. DIVINE SERVICES Divine Healing, Salvation and Deliverance services were held daily from the evening to about midnight with the exception of Saturdays which were observed as “Great nights of the Lord”. Saturday services run through until 5: 00 am. Most congregants for the Saturday services were people drawn from very far locations around the country i. e. Ada Areas, Kumasi, Koforidua, Cape Coast, Takoradi etc. These people usually arrived at the Temple premises before 12 noon on Saturday in charted mammy trucks and buses together with the sick and the afflicted. They would stay on throughout the night’s programme and move out of town only on Sunday afternoons or sometimes Monday morning. THE LOST YEARS OF THE CHURCH Five or so years prior to his glorious transition into the open arms of his maker, the signs started becoming clearer on the wall. Brother Lawson had stopped appearing at the annual Easter Conventions, the popular Wednesday meetings became a monthly affair without “The old man.” The monthly church council meetings was shifted into a quarterly programe, also without the founder and the leader Bro. Ablorh Lawson. Almost all duties that were previously performed by the founder were delegated to be performed. The gradual decline of the health of Bro. Lawson became the prime concern of some of the senior Pastors in the ministry. No workable succession plan had by then been put in place. The case for such a plan had been frowned upon by the founder, apparently being wiser from the experience derived from the James Aryeh secession (Pastor James Aryeh was widely known as the apparent successor to Bro. Lawson prior to the Men’s Fellowship “take over” debacle culminating in his breakaway move). The most Senior Pastor and capable hand who could handle situations at the spur of any given moment was Bro. Amaziah Aflah Armah. This man commanded respect across the body politic of the Pastoral fraternity. He was formerly in charge of the Korle Gonno “flagship” assembly, having been previously transferred across the length and breadth of the church’s territorial provinces, he was for some time Chairman of the Pastoral Council and the prime full-time minister at the founder’s office. He was much traveled, and well known to all Pastors in the hinterlands. By twist of fate, Bro. Aflah Armah was transferred to Sunyani. A group of Senior Ministers started agitating for the return of Bro. Aflah to Accra in order to help in the Central management of the church, this group was led by Apostles Ezekiel Odarkwei Mills, Joseph Akuetteh Adjah, Roving Pastors Mark Nii Hansen and Jonathan Ahiekwei Ollennu. 14 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024 The three underlined years of 1985 to 1988 were rife with wild rumours of the health status of Bro. Lawson. During this period, Sister Lawson and the Manning Committee administered the church in the name of the ailing founder. It must be stated here that Bro. Lawson lost his power of speech, two years prior to his glorious home-call. Taking into consideration the church’s leadership situation and position at the time, Sis. Lawson decided to take up the mantle despite advice that the Ghana Pentecostal Council would not accept the church under a woman’s leadership. Apostle Aflah Armah was recalled to Accra in the early 1988 and assigned to the founder’s office with special duties to take care of the ailing Head Pastor of the church. He performed this task in addition to his normal duties to the admiration of the Manning Committee and the entire Pastoral body of the church. Bro. Gilbert Ablorh Lawson was called onto higher service with the Lord on 16th August 1989. His funeral was held at the spacious Mamprobi Indafa Park where he, for many years, conducted his Easter Convention rallies. He was peacefully interred at the Osu Cemetery in Accra. CHURCH LEADERSHIP LOG NATIONAL EXECTIVE BOARD (N.E.B) 1. Apostle Isaac Kwabena Adade – General Overseer 2. Apostle Maxwell Aryeetey Foster – Dep. General Overseer 3. Apostle Kenneth Ashaley Addo – General Secretary 4. Apostle David Narh Nyabu – Dep. General Secretary 5. Rev. Emmanuel Okoe Lamptey – Financial Controller 6. Apostle Daniel Mensah Atakpah – Pastoral Council Chairman 7. Apostle Emmanuel Acquaye – National Youth Chairman 8. Apostle Mrs. Ernestina Tekpetey – National Women’s Fellowship Leader 9. Apostle Mac Davids Torto – National Men’s Fellowship Chairman PASTORAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVES 1. Apostle Daniel Mensah Atakpah – Chairman 2. Apostle Daniel Dotor Quarshie – Secretary 3. Rev. Emmanuel Tetteh – Assistant Secretary 4. Apostle Mrs. Felicia Bonaparte – Treasurer 5. Apostle Mrs. Dora Edith Osekre – Financial Secretary CHURCH TRUSTEES 1. Elder Nii Klortey Boi II – Chairman 2. Apostle Mac Davids Torto – Secretary 3. Apostle Daniel Mensah Atakpah – Member 15 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024  4. Apostle Aaron Amanor Tetteh – Member National Youth Fellowship ©2024 16 | National Youth Fellowship ©2024