The late Pastor Fred Tete Obuobi, who dedicated 32 years of his life to ministry in The Church of Pentecost, remains an inspiring figure for many. Known for his remarkable commitment and contentment in the service of God, his story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. What sets his journey apart is that throughout his entire ministry, he never owned a vehicle, motorbike, or even a bicycle—he walked. His ministry was marked by long treks through rugged terrain, often covering miles on foot to spread the gospel and plant churches across Ghana.
A Humble Start
Pastor Obuobi’s story began at Asiakwa, a place where the challenges of ministry were immense. As a young, untrained minister, he faced difficulties unfamiliar to most pastors today. “When I first arrived at Asiakwa, I was only a member before being called into full-time ministry. Ministers were not given training; you were just prayed for and sent out,” he recalled in an interview. “It was tough, especially when an old lady passed away shortly after my arrival, and I was expected to conduct her funeral. I had no experience, but thankfully, Pastor Safo came and performed the rites, and I learned by watching him.”
The early days of his ministry were fraught with difficulties. After the Apostolic Church split and the court ruling favoured one faction, Pastor Obuobi and his colleagues were left without church properties. “People called us ‘Mate Me Ho Fo’ (the Revolters), and the Chief of Asiakwa even opposed us. It was a difficult time,” he shared. Yet, through it all, Pastor Obuobi remained steadfast. Despite having no buildings for worship, they gathered in classrooms and cocoa sheds, often facing ridicule from the community, but they pressed on in faith.
Trekking for the Gospel
One of the most striking aspects of Pastor Obuobi’s ministry was his refusal to be deterred by the lack of material possessions. In an era when many ministers did not have access to vehicles and motorbikes, he had no option bit to walk everywhere. “In those days, we had small congregations, and the districts covered large areas. We didn’t have cars, so we had to walk long distances to preach and plant churches,” he said.
From Asiakwa, Pastor Obuobi was transferred to Adeiso, where he continued his ministry for four years. Here, he faced both spiritual and physical challenges. In the rural areas of the Eastern Region, church members were spread out, and it was common for pastors to trek several miles to visit different congregations. Pastor Obuobi, however, saw this as part of the calling. His ministry in Adeiso was fruitful, but it was during this time that a prophecy from a young girl changed his life. “After I prayed for the girl, she told me I would have a son, and that his name would be Samuel,” he recalled. After years of waiting, God blessed him with a son—Samuel Kwabena Nyamekye Gyau Obuobi, who would later become an Apostle and now the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost.
His commitment to trekking on foot continued as he was transferred to other regions, including Shama and Prestea. In Prestea, for example, he would walk distances ranging from 7 miles to 18 miles to plant churches and visit members. The terrain was rough, and in some cases, he had to cross rivers just to reach the believers in distant assemblies. “Sometimes, we had to cross River Ankobra to visit an assembly we had planted on the other side. It was not easy, but we trusted God and kept moving forward,” he said.
Serving Through Challenges
Despite facing personal insecurities and doubts, Pastor Obuobi’s ministry continued to thrive. When he was reassigned to Saltpond, he initially feared that he wouldn’t measure up to the high standards set by his predecessor. “My predecessor was very eloquent, and I was concerned the people might not accept me,” he admitted. But God had other plans. Pastor Obuobi’s time in Saltpond proved to be one of the most fruitful of his ministry, and the relationships he built during that period remain strong to this day.
His final posts were at Aburi and Akropong, where he continued to serve faithfully until his retirement in 1994. Even in retirement, his influence in The Church of Pentecost remained, and his legacy continues to inspire countless believers and ministers.
A Life of Contentment
Pastor Obuobi’s life teaches an important lesson: contentment in God’s service does not depend on material wealth or comfort. His story of walking for miles, preaching the gospel, and planting churches with nothing more than faith and a willing heart challenges modern-day ministers to reconsider their own approach to ministry.
His life reminds us that sometimes, we must “crawl” before we can “walk,” as he often said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who laid the foundation for future generations. Pastor Obuobi’s faithfulness in his 32 years of service reflects a deep understanding that God rewards diligence, no matter the circumstances.
A Legacy of Faith
The grand memorial service held in Pastor Fred Tete Obuobi’s honour highlighted the profound impact he had on his community and the church at large. His life exemplified the reward of faithfulness, both here on earth and in heaven. His commitment to the gospel, regardless of personal hardships, continues to serve as an example to ministers and members of The Church of Pentecost, encouraging them to stay true to their calling, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Christians to walk in the same humility, faith, and contentment that defined his ministry.
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