There was a mass movement of people at the Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation in Homedakrom (Shalom Shallom) on Sunday, March 23, 2025, reminiscent of the biblical exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land.
This mass gathering marked the conclusion of a week-long celebration of the Feast of Passover, organized by the church under the leadership of Dr. Apostle Kadmiel E. H. Agbaleryoh. The event attracted congregants from across Ghana and neighboring countries, including La Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
According to Apostle Agbaleryoh, over 170 branches of the church participated in the festival. With the addition of external branches, the number exceeded 175. Attendees also included individuals from the Diaspora—specifically from the Americas, Europe, and even Asia—leading to an overwhelming turnout.
“In fact, we were overwhelmed by the numbers! Yet, God was in control,” the Apostle stated. The immense crowd led to a logistical challenge at the end of the program, as attendees sought transportation back to their various destinations, resulting in what was described as a “mass movement of the Jah People.”
Transportation Challenges
The situation became hectic when some transportation arrangements were delayed. While some vehicles arrived on time, others were unduly late, causing anxiety among passengers left behind. This led to some confusion and frustration as individuals struggled to understand why their colleagues were departing ahead of them.
God Was in Control
Pastor Job Ayittey, a tutor at the church’s Savior High School and one of the event organizers, acknowledged that the church was initially overwhelmed by the massive attendance. However, he emphasized that divine intervention ensured a smooth execution of the event without any major setbacks.
“This was the largest gathering in the history of our festival,” Pastor Ayittey noted. He also highlighted that despite the high number of children in attendance, no casualties were recorded, attributing this to God’s protection.
A Spiritually and Physically Beneficial Program
According to Pastor Ayittey, the event was beneficial in both spiritual and physical aspects. Over 250 baptisms took place, comprising 135 females and 119 males. Additionally, an appeal for funds was launched to support the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) program for the Senior High School. This initiative aims to provide skills training in soap and detergent making, pomade production, and other trades, attracting a significant number of participants.
A notable highlight of the event was a blood donation exercise to support the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge in Accra.
Theme and Overcoming Challenges
Apostle Agbaleryoh revealed that the theme for the week-long celebration was “Celebrating Passover for Human Development.” The festival, originally scheduled from March 14 to 21, saw early arrivals from March 12, causing a continuous increase in attendance until the final day.
Reflecting on the event, the Apostle recounted how the first day was marked by heavy rainfall. However, despite the downpour, attendees remained steadfast, defying the weather to participate in the program. “It was initially disheartening and challenging,” he admitted, “but the faith and resilience of the congregation were truly inspiring.”
By S.O. Ankamah