HISTORY
Today we have all gathered here to witness the work of the Holy Spirit 10 years in the
making here at 1 st NOVA Ghanaian SDA church. I must begin by saying that the history
of the church is lengthy, exciting, and interesting. There is no amount of words that can
capture its entirety, but as the palmist says “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye
lands, Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing. Know ye that
the Lord He is God. In all things we should give thanks to the Lord for his mercies
endureth forever”
Genesis
It all started on April 7th 2001, when five individuals (Patrick Danso Gyane, Attakra
Aminampong, Agnes Acheampong, Emmanuel Acheampong and Lydia Kwaning,
Josephine Gray) under the leadership of Elder Emmanuel Acheampong gathered to
worship here at Alexandria, Virginia. All with the exception of one were members of
Washington Ghanaian SDA church in Hyattsville MD. Elder Emmanuel and Agnes
Acheampong worked tirelessly towards the formation of 1 st NOVA Ghanaian SDA
Church.
Upon hearing the word that a new congregation has formed others join the fellowship.
The church grew from five to fifteen individuals, with the financial support of a Seventh
Day Adventist philanthropic. His financial contribution was a backbone to the formation
of the fellowship here in Alexandria.
Growth
As ethnic and indigenous churches growth has characterized the era in which we live in
the history of North American Division of SDA, the Potomac Conference of SDA on
March 20th 2004 warmly organized the Alexandria SDA Fellowship into the sister of
company churches. As a result of the evangelism, bible studies and visitation more were
baptized into the fellowship. With the great influx of many young able Ghanaian men and
women coming into the United States, has enabled the fellowship in growth. Pastor
Gustavo Fajardo was instrumental in helping the fellowship to be organized into a
company.
With the tremendous church growth since its inception and the potential for more growth,
the fellowship has experienced a lot of instability. Within the first 5years of its existence
the body has move on 5 different occasions. At one point, twice within the same year. All
effort is being made to ensure that this church has a permanent worship place and till date
the Church is still pursuing that course.
Church
On December 9th 2006, the Potomac Conference of SDA deem it right to organized the
company into a full status Church. 1 st NOVA Ghanaian SDA Church was officially voted
on and accepted into the sisterhood of SDA churches at Potomac Conference on xxxxxxx
2010. After the organization, the church work hard, fellowshipped and prayed together as
a team in advancing God’s work. The church has always worked in a united front; this
has been the secret of our healthy growth as a Church. The Potomac Conference saw the
need for Pastor Emmanuel Acheampong to shepherd the church.
On September 26 2000, after shepherding the church for 3 years, Pastor Emmanuel
Acheampong received a call from South Ghana Conference of the SDA to continue his
ministry. Currently he is the Health & Temperance Ministry Director at the South Ghana
Conference. The Potomac Conference on Jan 2nd 2010 extended a call to Pastor Kofi
Antwi- Adarkwah to shepherd the Church. Pastor K. Antwi – Adarkwah upon accepting
the call was a student at Andrews University and still pursuing his Doctor in Ministries
with emphasis on family ministries.
Accomplishment and Gratitude
The Church has been very visible in the Alexandria community and has held several
evangelistic crusades, marriage seminars, health seminars and other community outreach
program. Our present membership is 92 (baptized members) excluding the younger
generation.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to all
who have helped us in diverse ways to achieve this milestone. Our first thanks goes to
God Almight who has brought us this far. Our next thanks go to the Potomac Conference
of SDA for their support. We also thank the Washington Ghanaian SDA Church for their
invaluable and individual assistance in the early stage of our church formation. We want
to thank Dr Isaac Fordjour for his tremendous assistance to the church. We also want to
thank Pastor and Mrs M. A. Bediako for their countless admonish, counseling and
encourage continuous support.
We salute all the founding members through whose sacrifice and dedication that we have
reached this milestone. We also want to acknowledge all the Pastors and other invitees
who have traveled far and near to interact with our church leaders, church members for
the dedication, loyalty and support.
For all those who have traveled long distance to join us today and our entire special
guest, we say thank you. May the Lord richly bless you in all your endeavors.
Amen