Odefo Mensah Church

In the heart of Tema, Ghana, a vibrant energy pulsed around Odefo Mensah Church. This wasn’t just any church. It was a testament to the unwavering faith and vision of one man, Emmanuel Ashong Mensah. Odefo Mensah Church, initially known as the Prayer Group and Evangelistic Association, started as a humble prayer group in Mensah’s living room in 1963. Mensah, a presbyter and lay preacher at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, had a profound born-again experience in 1954 at a T.L. Osborne crusade. This experience ignited a fire in him, leading him to establish the prayer group that would eventually become Odefo Mensah Church. The group’s fervent prayers, accompanied by clapping, dancing, and speaking in tongues, drew people from various denominations, seeking spiritual solace and connection. The meetings, often held in a playground in front of Mensah’s house, became known as the “Site 21 Revival.” The energy was palpable, and the healings and miracles witnessed solidified the group’s reputation as a spiritual haven. However, the practices, considered unorthodox by the Presbyterian Church, led to Mensah’s expulsion. Undeterred, he continued his ministry, formally ordaining himself as a pastor in 1978. The Prayer Group and Evangelistic Association, then known as the Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry, officially became Odefo Mensah Church. Mensah’s vision extended beyond Tema. Branches sprung up across Ghana, from Ashaiman and Ada Foah to Koforidua and Hohoe, each carrying the vibrant spirit of the “Site 21 Revival.” His influence touched even prominent figures like Mensa Otabil, founder of the International Central Gospel Church, and Bishop Dr. Gordon Kisseih of Life International Church, who were among those impacted by Mensah’s early ministry. The church’s growth and expansion beyond Ghana’s borders prompted a name change in 2002 to the Full Gospel Church International, reflecting its international reach. Odefo Mensah Church, a cornerstone of the charismatic movement in Ghana, stands as a symbol of Mensah’s legacy. His commitment to evangelism, his unwavering faith, and his vision for a vibrant, spirit-filled church continue to inspire and uplift countless souls.