Springfield, Ohio's Haitian Church: A Sanctuary of Faith in Tough Times

With a passion for sharing the gospel and strengthening local church outreach, Kojo Twumasi has been appointed to serve as the Ohio Conference’s new Evangelism Department Director. In this role, he will lead initiatives that inspire, equip, and support congregations in fulfilling their evangelistic mission across the conference territory. A Journey of Ministry and Calling Born in Michigan to Ghanaian parents, Twumasi was raised in Michigan, Uganda, and New York City—experiences that gave him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and faith communities. His early encounters with ministry inspired him to dedicate his life to God’s work. “I chose to become a pastor at the age of 17—a decision shaped by God’s call on my life, my love for people, the example of my father, the encouragement of my community, and the clear direction of my gifts and passions,” he shared. Reflecting on that early decision, he describes how his journey into ministry began with a deep sense of calling that he could not ignore. Growing up in a family and church community devoted to mission and service, he witnessed firsthand the power of the gospel to change lives. That exposure, combined with personal encounters with God and opportunities to serve both locally and abroad, ignited in him a lifelong passion for evangelism and discipleship. Before stepping into this role, Twumasi served as Youth Pastor at the First Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City, then as Associate Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, and most recently as Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Throughout his ministry, he has also served as a student missionary and international evangelist, leading numerous evangelistic campaigns worldwide through his non-profit organization, Mission Driven Purpose . “Each experience has strengthened my passion for cross-cultural ministry, leadership development, and building systems that help new believers stay connected to Christ and His Church,” he noted. A Vision for Evangelism in Ohio As Evangelism Department Director, Twumasi is eager to strengthen local church outreach across the Ohio Conference. “My vision is to see every church in Ohio become a thriving center of evangelism—where members view themselves as everyday missionaries and where discipleship and compassion are at the heart of outreach,” he said. He believes revival will come as churches unite Spirit-filled preaching with prayer, intentional follow-up, and genuine community care. He desires to see God multiply these efforts so that lives are not only reached but also rooted in faith. Twumasi is especially passionate about empowering congregations to develop a missional culture and strong discipleship systems that help new believers grow and remain active. Faith That Guides His Work For his spiritual foundation, Twumasi draws strength from Scripture, particularly from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” He says this passage reminds him that ministry is not sustained by human strategy, but by divine power working through people who have surrendered themselves. Beyond the Office Outside of ministry, Twumasi enjoys exercising, playing sports, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. He believes these moments of rest and recreation help him stay balanced, refreshed, and energized for the work God has called him to do. Looking Ahead As he begins this new role, Twumasi’s message to Ohio Conference members is one of hope and mission: “God is not done with Ohio—the best days of evangelism and growth are still ahead of us.”