Aurora Magazine

AURORA MAGAZINE

Issue 003

Masterpiece Revealed Finding God’s purpose for your life.

CORONAVIRUS

SARAH NEISEN Talks about Family, Ministry and Life in an Inspiring interview.

What’s your story with MARK M.R.E. ADDO

Fear or Faith?

Prove there is a God A new series by Becky Bradley

April -June 2020

AURORA MAGAZINE Sharing Hope In Christ!

[Date]

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AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Tumble weed

2

Masterpiece Revealed

4

How many first -born sons does God have?

5

How can a loving God take people to hell?

6

Prove there is a God

7

Interview with Sarah Neisen

10

Discipleship Training Institute

12

Easter

14

What’s your story?

15

The gentle lamb

17

Give your life to Christ

20

The Ear and the Bee and the Little bowling ball

24

Happy Father’s Day God

26

Happy Mother’s Day

27

Children/ Teens in Worship Foundation

28

Rural School Bicycle Transportation Project in Africa

29

Petals of Love Foundation (New Year Party for Street Kids)

30

Rolling Stone

31

Love Buzz

31

Corona Virus

31

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bridget Mburu

Serena Fox

Adwoba Addo-Boateng

Becky Bradley

John Mark

Kwaku Addo-Boateng

Dear Readers,

Aurora Magazine appreciate you all, this is a huge commitment for us and for everyone on board.

Your love, commitment, sacrifice and prayers has brought us this far and we very much love you.

With hard work and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we share the hope in Christ across all borders. Our articles are inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by people who share the love of Christ.

It is a genuine opportunity for all of us to be part of this great endeavour, to share the gospel freely. Thank you for your continued support. Happy reading!

Adwoba Addo-Boateng Editor-in-Chief,

Sophia Vincent INTERVIEWS Sarah Neisen

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

AURORA MAGAZINE Mark M.R.E Addo

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Tumbleweeds

BY BRIDGET MBURU A passionate gift stirrer and purpose igniter, Bridget is the CEO and Chief Igniter at Masterpiece Revealed, LLC. She uses a transformative and proven 7-Step process to provide advisory and coaching which empowers people to discover their Identity & Purpose.

For more information, contact her at MasterpieceRevealed@gmail.com.

If the same Gospel Truth preached in Africa can’t be preached in US, then it’s not the Gospel of Jesus.

BRIDGET MBURU Tumbleweeds: a plant found especially in the North American desert that breaks away from its roots and is blown across the ground by the wind. - Merriam Webster Dictionary Definition My home church is doing a study on Colossians and I’m drawing poignant parallels between the church there and the real-life experiences of Christians today. You see, Paul wrote the Colossians Epistle because the Church at Colossae was experiencing an influx of heresies. Biblical scholars believe that this church was probably a small house church in Colossae and that Colossae was a large diverse Greek city which was part of the Roman empire.

Ethnically, the main inhabitants of Colossae were of Jewish, Greek and Roman descent.

Though Paul does not specify which heresies were infiltrating the church, Biblical scholars believe that some aspects of traditional Jewish culture and beliefs, and some elements of the surrounding Roman and Greek cultures and beliefs were part of it.

Specifically, at the time, Romans believed in multiple gods; Greeks were focused on philosophies (worldly human wisdom) and the Jewish Christian believers were drawing from some their traditional cultural beliefs and traditions such as Sabbath observance, festivals, and an interest in angels. But again, this is the best guestimate of what the

heresies might have been, since Paul doesn’t specify which ones he was addressing.

Regardless, don’t those sound like the issues facing the church today, with some or all those elements serving to destabilize and taint the Gospel of Truth? Like the ancient Romans, don’t we have many people challenging the notion that there is such a thing as one true God and the audacity of Christianity to declare themselves the right belief system over all the others worldwide?

Like the ancient Greeks, don’t we have many other people rejecting belief in God and instead advocating for human intelligence and science as the only verifiable and universal truths? Like the ancient Jews, don’t we have various cultural beliefs infiltrating the Gospel? Have you ever noticed that there is a certain cultural “vibe” to Christianity wherever you go? When you are in the US, there is a distinct American “flavor” and outlook to how Christians practice their faith there that is very different to that in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and anywhere else in the world.

I heard a famous American preacher once talk about how he was asked to write a book about racism. To help him tackle such an important subject, he thought that it would be a good idea to visit South Africa since that seemed to be a community that had had similar experiences to the historical racial situation in the US. Makes sense, right? But

after spending some time in South Africa, he realized that their perspective and interpretation of racism was not identical to that of the US. Eventually, the preacher decided not to write the book because he realized that his perspective was only true from an American lens. Therefore, like Paul admonishes the Colossians, we present day Christians must always be vigilant to hold onto the Gospel Truth, and not some version that has been added to or subtracted from, a “gospel” which is subject to cultural interpretations and interests. If the same Gospel Truth preached in Africa can’t be preached in US, then it’s not the Gospel of Jesus.

Now what does all of that have to do with tumbleweeds? Well, when I look at my own experience and the narrative of so many Christians around me, it’s stunning to see people who were once going strong in the Lord, now subscribing to a counterfeit Christianity. I’m talking about people who have Theology degrees, who have preached the Gospel Truth for years and serve faithfully alongside fellow believers in the faith. I’m talking about imperfect people, as we all are, who were committed to submission to Christ, being conformed to His image and doing the work of His Kingdom.

New Age, humanistic and immoral beliefs have now taken over and tainted their Christian faith. In addition to adopting this

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003 counterfeit Christianity, it’s stunning to see these same people being resolute and convinced that they are in fact adhering to the Gospel Truth. But this is the nature of deception, is it not?

Deception is about misrepresenting the truth. It’s about telling a lie but with some truth elements thrown in and twisted. The devil is too cunning to come right out and tell a bold-faced lie to a genuine believer and follower of Christ. Nope. If we recall what he did with tempting Adam and Eve and then similarly with Jesus, he was not unaware of God’s truth. Not at all! The devil knows scripture. In the New Testament we see how demons were able to recognize who Jesus was. In fact, they seemed to have a revelation of who he was more than the religious scholars! So, what the devil does, is to suggest and twist and camouflage the Truth to the point where we find ourselves reasoning that what is being presented is not all that different from the Truth. This is the danger with New Age and other “spiritual” belief systems. They have enough nuggets of truth in them to draw people in but notice that because they don’t submit their perspective to Christ, they inevitably lead people away from Christ. Once you are a uprooted from the Gospel Truth, you become a tumbleweed. You may have some elements of Christianity such as words, language, and even practices, but you are not rooted IN Christ and His truth are not doing its sanctifying work in you.

Look, I’m not equating tumbleweeds and deceived people to imperfect Christians who are continually being purified, sanctified and perfected into the image of Christ. I’m not talking about knowing that lying, gossiping, and having an affair are sinful and then repenting of these and seeking and accepting Godly correction, discipleship or even counseling. Because unfortunately, if we are on this earth, sinful thoughts, desires, and actions will continue to be part of the authentic Christian experience as we seek to know, please, serve God and bear much Godly fruit. We will stumble and even fall.

The Bible is full of examples of Godly people who were imperfect. Famous ones include King David in the Old Testament and Peter the Apostle in the New Testament. While God in His mercy does not condone sin, He sent Jesus to purchase our righteousness as the perfect and complete sacrifice for our sins.

3 who believe that they are authentic Christians, but they are not submitted to the Gospel Truth, or at least they do away with parts of the Gospel that they don’t like, or those not repenting because they are convinced that they are not deceived. I’m talking about once devout Christians who seem to have fallen into a spiritual darkness which has deceived them and then blinded them of their need for repentance. They are tumbleweeds, which have broken away from the Root, Christ, and are now being blown away by every worldly wind of doctrine, not aware or maybe in denial that they are no longer IN Christ.

How can we guard against being a tumbleweed, embracing heresies while deceiving ourselves that we are still rooted in Christ’s Truth? Though not an exhaustive list, let me offer up some suggestions below: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

So no, I’m not talking about genuine Christians stumbling and falling in their walk who repent and receive restoration from God. The people I’m talking about are those

Pray for supernatural love of Jesus and His Word. The Bible says 1 john 5:14 that when we pray according to God’s will, He will hear us and grant our request. Pray for a Godpleasing heart, mind and spirit posture.

Cultivate spiritual disciplines of regular prayer and study of scripture. It is said that people who are trained to detect fake money are not taught about fake money.

Rather, they are trained and steeped in the truth of what real money looks and feels like so that when fake money is presented to them, they can detect it right away.

To know deception, we need to be students of The Truth through scripture.

Make intentional worship a regular part of your lifestyle. I mean a going into personal full on worship like you do at church. We shouldn’t only or mostly reserve worshipping God for corporate settings.

Personally, taking the time to focus on communicating to God how awesome He is, not for what He does for us, but for who He is, creates space to develop deeper intimacy with God. Weapons of warfare: Walk by faith by standing and abiding in the truth of scripture and the hope found therein. Do not be ignorant of the devil’s tactics. See Eph 6:10-18.

Safe community: aggressively and discerningly pursue Godly Christian community and fellowship. Other Christians are like sandpaper and weed pullers.

6.

Discipleship: Tell others the Truth, in love. This is the example Paul sets for us by writing the letter to the church at Colossae. He tells them the truth because he loves them. And not only does he tell them the truth, but he also tells them what practical faith looks like on their marriages, families, and as a local and global Christian community.

7. Soil inspection: In Matthew 13:3-9 & Matthew 13:18-23, we learn that the condition of our hearts determines whether God’s seeds of Truth will be productive or not. We need to repent of having “hostile soil” that is not conducive to receiving and or applying God’s Truth.

8. Fruit inspection: Galatians 5:22-23 tell us what the Fruits of the Spirit is. Are you continually and increasingly producing the following fruit? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law.” We need to repent of having raw, unripe, rotten, and stale fruit.

9. Trust God, the Author and Finisher of your faith, to shepherd you and empower you to finish your Christian race strong. See Hebrews 6:1-20.

Finally, I’m going to leave you with this encouraging scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV, emphasis mine) says “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

4 follow other people’s success manuals, but that pebble kept reminding me that something was wrong, that there was something I needed to attend to in order to walk without limping through life. Yes, I was able to find work that I did fairly well, and make a decent income to put a roof over my head and food on the table, but I couldn’t shake the cry in the depths of my soul that I was made for not even “more than this”, but different than this. The unshakeable knowledge that this career direction was not IT.

MASTERPIECE REVEALED Masterpiece

Revealed is a global advisory company which answers a global question with a global answer.

Global problem: Statistics say that 97% of people don’t know what to do with their lives.

Global answer: Knowing God helps us know ourselves and how we each uniquely glorify Him by doing what He made us to do with the resources He gave us.

Like most people, after completing high school, I was faced with the BIG question i.e. what should I do with my life? Which of course led to follow up questions: What’s my purpose? Who am I? To add to my perplexity, the advice I was given was all the same: “you’ll never make money using those natural talents”. The natural talents being referred to be the things I had excelled at in high school, mainly acting and writing. From this I learned that the end goal in life was to yes, be a good person (I became a BornAgain Christian shortly after graduation), but to also discount and undervalue my natural talents, abilities, and personality in pursuit of what the “gurus” said success and viability was supposed to be. When I read books and other resources about succeeding in life, the people on those pages did not reflect characteristics which I had, so I figured I needed to copy them and try to be like them in character, behavior and the type of work they were doing. So how did that work out for me?

Enter disaster. My life became an endless disquiet frustration of being a square peg in a round hole in numerous vocations. The big looming question of what to do with my life became the proverbial pebble in my shoe.

Nagging, irritating, pesky, relentless. I was walking around limping a little, trying to

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) describes what was going on with me very well. It says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me— watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” I was tired, worn out, burn out. The vocations and activities I had put on myself were so heavy and ill-fitting, that my walk with Jesus was feeling forced and there was nothing free or light about it!

Enter God. All this time, all through two layoffs, I prayerfully sought answers while hopping from one job to another. And God had been listening to the silent and not so silent cries of my heart. And He had an answer, though it didn’t come in the form of a voice from heaven telling me exactly what to do. This was not going to be like those instructions from a doctor that said, “take this pill and call me in the morning”. Instead, it was more that God was the Good Shepherd leading me in the right path, to green pastures, using His Word. He started by taking me to Genesis and showed me how from the beginning, He made each creature to be fruitful and multiply after its own kind.

This command is repeated ten times in Genesis chapter 1, so we are wise to pay attention to it! Oranges were to produce oranges; giraffes were to produce giraffes.

He also showed me how natural it was for all creatures to be what and how He made them to be. An eagle gets up each morning and goes about the business of just being an eagle. A hyena goes about its business of just being a hyena. None of these creatures are trying to become something different than what God made them to be, in order to survive or “be successful”. After all, you can’t produce fruit contrary to the seed in it. And yes, even within oranges and eagles and hyenas, there are diverse types of each species that produce their unique spin on the species. The point is that they don’t try to

mimic others and or change their God-given design in order to fulfill God’s command: be fruitful and to multiply…after your own kind.

But that was not all. He led me to Ephesians 2:10 which the NLT version captures this way, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Indeed, this is where the name of my company, MASTERPIECE REVEALED, came from. If I wasn’t already excited with the revelations from Genesis, Ephesians 2:10 had me practically doing cartwheels. Not only was I uniquely created and equipped, God also had work pre-planned for me to do.

Hallelujah! What a revelation!

It was clear to me that God was saying, “be who I made you to be and do what I made you to do. It’s honoring & delightful to me”. I was excited! I was ready to take on the world!

I didn’t need to be a square peg in a round hole anymore. Indeed, I wanted to find out where I fit, and to do that, I needed to figure out what “my kind”, my natural makeup, was! How had God wired me? What unique way was I made to reflect His image and likeness as Genesis says? The clues were right there in plain sight, but I needed help to know and understand them and then wisdom to put them together to form a coherent picture of what my identity and purpose were.

Enter Masterpiece Revealed. God, the Good Shepherd, led me to share my questions with a friend who told me about an organization that had a Christian-based tool for my exact predicament. By this time, I was frantic. I called the organization and signed up for a class which was starting the very next week and then afterwards went through their licensing process to become an Identity & Destiny Coach and facilitator. Once I did my first coaching session with a client, I knew I was being fruitful and multiplying. The role just fit like a glove. I loved what I was doing! I loved how it was helping others! I loved partnering with God! I had found my sweet spot! It was easy to see how my God-made wiring was being used to help others be fruitful and multiply. The beautiful thing is that this coaching is designed to also help clients develop a deeper personal relationship with God and know and apply the truth of God’s word. The focal point of the coaching is for clients to find their identity and their purpose in Him and knowing Him. Masterpiece Revealed offers identity, purpose, spiritual, and financial coaching and

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

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advisory services in one to one or group settings as follows:

this is a financial coaching service, not a financial planning, CPA or investing service.

1). Identity & Destiny Coach.

It would be my privilege and honor to partner with you and God in your journey as He reveals the unique masterpiece He made in you, help you grow in your spiritual life, and be a good steward of your finances. I utilize a myriad of products including WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, and so on to provide my services. Connect with me, Bridget Mburu, at MasterpieceRevealed@gmail.com and let’s get started!

This service is the inception of the company and is described above. The coaching process works as follows: over the course of about two months, meeting at least one hour each week, I work with the client to identify their attributes, their divine toolbox if you will. In the first phase, the quantitative phase, we go over their values, beliefs, natural and spiritual gifts, passions and personality. In the second phase, the qualitative phase, we start partnering with God in a deeper way by seeking Him and the Scriptures to get revelation on the identity, destiny and assignment He has for them. You do the work as God leads and God will bless it!

HOW MANY FIRSTBORN SONS DOES GOD HAVE?

“Again, in the Romans 8:29 it says that Jesus was the firstborn among many brothers and sisters”. Colossians 1:15 calls Him the “firstborn over all creation”.

We also know Jesus is His “only begotten” first born. We’ve all heard the story and read the account of hoe Gabriel came to Mary and told her that God’s own Holy Spirit would “come upon” her and she would conceive and bear a son and call His name Jesus (Luke 1:25). Then later at Jesus’ baptism, the Heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and God announced: “This is My beloved son in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17). “So, we see that Jesus was God’s firstborn son of the Spirit.

2). Spiritual and life advisor and coach.

I work with individuals to help them sustainably grow and develop spiritually. This process is more attune to discipleship with the aim of building a foundation towards maturity. There is no set process for this service because each situation we address is unique. This service is currently comprised of content writing, speaking engagements and yes, coaching and advising individuals.

3). Coming in April 2020! Financial Coaching through Dave Ramsey Financial Solutions.

Did you know that Godly money stewardship is 80% behavior and 20% knowledge? Money is one of those tools that elicits feelings of shame and guilt in many people every day.

From struggling with setting and following a simple budget for their household, to embracing unhealthy relationships with money by either overspending or hoarding it.

Though most people work hard, they don't know how to properly steward the money they earn. Also, reports say that many baby boomers and millennials are in terrible financial shape, most of them are crippled with debt and no savings. And since those two groups make up the largest population groups in the world, that means that there are a lot of people in severe financially distress which is not good for them, their families, communities, and of course the Kingdom of God. Therefore, sharpen your pencils (or pens) and let’s work together to come up with a financial plan suited for you, plan that will sustain you in good times and bad. A plan built on rock solid principles.

Please note: This service is for all people, not just baby boomers and millennials. It is for those with more money than they will spend in their lifetime as well as those struggling to hold on to two coins to rub together. Also,

We also know Jesus is His “only begotten first-born”. We’ve all heard the story and read the account of how Gabriel came to Mary and told her that God’s only Holy Spirit would “come upon” her and she would conceive and bear a son and call his name Jesus (Luke 1:35). Then, later at Jesus’ baptism, the Heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and God announced: “This is MY beloved son in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17).” So, we see that Jesus was God’s firstborn son of the Spirit.

By Serena Fox Here is a little trivia question for you. How many first- born sons does God have?

Common sense tells us that HE can only have one” first-born”. Besides, any Southern Baptist can quote John 3:16,” For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON”. So, we know the answer is one, Jesus…. right? Well according to the Bible He has three. How is that possible?

Let’s take a closer look at the scriptures to find out.

The Bible talks about Jesus being the firstborn son in several places. The book of Psalm 89:27 is referring to Him as the symbolic greater David when it says, “And I will make him the first born, the highest of the Kings of the Earth.

Again, in Romans 8:29, it says that Jesus was the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Colossians 1:15 calls him the firstborn over-all creation.

Now, look at Exodus 4:22. “This says the Lord: Israel is my son. My first born. “how is that possible? We’ve already established Jesus is the firstborn. Since there are no errors in the Bible, we will have to think about this. If Jesus is the firstborn of the Spirit, then Israel must be a different kind of firstborn, but what other kinds are there.

God made us a covenant with Abraham. He told him that what his children would be as stars of heaven and the sands of the seashore in number (Genesis 22:17). Abraham had a son named Isaac with whom God made the same promise (Genesis 26:24). Isaac went on to have twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Now, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 32:28) and made a slightly more refined covenant with him.

While Abraham and Isaac had been promised land and unnumbered descendants, God told Israel, “a nation…Shall proceed from you (Genesis 35:11). This “nation of Israel” became and remains HIS chosen people to this day. They are now known as naturalborn Jews. So, Israel was essentially God’s natural-born firstborn.

Here is where it gets interesting. Look at Jeremiah 31: 9. “I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born”. If we have Jesus as

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003 the first born of the Sprit, and Israel is the firstborn of the natural born flesh, who is Ephraim and how could he possibly be a first born?

Israel, the man, had 12 sons (Genesis 35: 2326). While Judah continued the pure bloodline lineage of natural born Jews that eventually lead to the birth of Christ, Israel had another son whom he loved more than all the others. That son’s name was Joseph.

6 If you don’t know Jesus, as your Lord and personal savior. Please make every effort to seek him out. Tomorrow, may not be promised, but what is certain is that one day it will be too late.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Accept Jesus and become a naturalized citizen of heaven with millions of loving brothers and sisters.

We all know what happened to him. His brothers threw him into a pit before selling him to traveling merchants. He was sold again to an Egyptian governor by name Potiphar whose wife falsely accused Joseph of raping her. That landed him in prison.

Eventually, he was called before Pharaoh to interpret dreams and was finally put in charge of the known world of the time; second in command only to Pharaoh himself.

While Joseph was in Egypt, Pharaoh gave him a wife who bore him two sons. Manasseh was the eldest and Ephraim was the younger.

It was customary for the dying patriarch of the family to bless the sons. When Israel’s time came to die, he blessed and accepted Joseph’s tainted blood sons (1/2 Egyptian) as his own.

Joseph thought his father made a mistake, when in fact he knew exactly what he was doing blessing the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh (Genesis 48:1, 5-6, 9-14, 1720). Israel said that while Ephraim and Manasseh were born to Joseph in Egypt, he claimed them as his own just as Reuben and Simeon (Genesis 29:32-33) were his natural born, first and second sons. Israel was setting the precedence for non-natural born Jews to become part of the family of God by adoption.

Ephraim became God’s firstborn of the naturalized citizens. You have heard them called Gentiles and they include us. While Jewish born people were God’s by birth, we are HIS, by our own choice. If we want HIM, HE wants us. He already made provisions for our acceptance. How humbling and loving is the thought that we as adoptive children have much CLAIM to him as HIS flesh born.

So, there you have it. God has three firstborn sons. Jesus, Israel and Ephraim. Please be encouraged and uplifted knowing that God loves you so much and wants to fellowship with you. I am more grateful t our Heavenly Father for this time of fellowship with you also.

Calvary, we see God’s wrath upon sin and God’s love when God sent his only begotten son to pay the penalty of sin that is the death that we deserve. This is the purest Love ever!

How can a loving God take people to hell?

By Adwoba Addo-Boateng God’s nature is perfect justice and perfect love. All people are under the power of sin.

As much as he loves us, he always wants us to be in in his will, but the flesh is always acting contrarily to his will. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child, so that we can be in his path. The Lord has patience with everyone, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9). The Lord desires that ALL men may be saved and come to the knowledge of TRUTH and that is PURE LOVE. God’s perfect justice nature is exhibited in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be misled- you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant (New Living Translation). So, if we don’t allow ourselves to be molded and disciplined by God and we please our sinful nature, we will reap destruction. The one who does not sow to please God’s Spirit will reap destruction and that is perfect justice.

God’s love on one hand and God’s justice on one hand is reconciled on the cross of calvary. Christ is the fulfilment of God’s justice and perfect love. At the cross of

Now, Jesus paid the debt he never owed but Greater Love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

He endured hell for us so that we do not have to endure it ourselves. And all we must do is to believe in him.

Moreover, if we reject Christ, then we fall back unto his justice and then we must pay for the penalty of sin ourselves. God’s desire is that everyone will be saved. God has given us the free will to choose, our eternal destiny lies in our own hands. He never takes our will from us.

Give your life to Jesus and partake of the grace he has in store!

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

Prove There Is A God By Becky Bradley

7 believe

if

they can

“see”

proof for

So, where did the spark/the energy come

themselves. How do we prove there is a

from, and what caused it to heat up until it

God?

exploded?

When I was tossing this question around with

Logic could say that we simply haven’t the

my friends, a sister-in-Christ said, “That’s

equipment or the knowledge, yet, to trace

easy: The Big Bang.” Of course. Why not

the spark to its origin. But even having an

start at the beginning? Scientists say that if

origin would mean it comes from something.

we go far enough back (13.8 billion years) to

So how far back do we go to truly reach a

when there was absolutely nothing in the

state of nothingness, to find out what began

universe, we will suddenly find a spark—a

the whole universal process? Remember,

tiny spark, not even as big as a proton; or to

nothing can only produce nothing.

be more precise, a single, hot point that exploded, then suddenly, and for no reason, cooled and expanded outward, creating galaxies and all that go in and around them along the way. They say the hot point was energy.

Realistically, based on scientists’ own beliefs, this should still be a universe that does not exist. But according to science, the spark did exist and for some unknown reason, it heated up and exploded. Then over ions, or so they believe, it cooled down enough to

Recently two brothers were arguing. One, is

There is a universal saying, “Nothing can

produce its own particles, which, in time,

a Christian; the other, an atheist; and the

come from nothing”. Everything must have a

produced gases, then matter. So, what in

heated argument was (naturally) over God.

point of origin—a beginning. It must come

the spark’s make-up caused it to create its

Suddenly, the gauntlet was thrown down:

from something—unless it is, in some

own particles and ultimately the gases,

“Prove there is a God,” the atheist

people’s view, energy. According to them,

protons, neurons, etc. needed to create a

challenged.

energy needs no source. So, the presence of

universe? It occurs to me that the odds must

energy—not matter—justifies the Big Bang

have been astronomical for a lone spark,

theory. Right?

billions of times smaller than a proton, to

The Christian did his best. He pointed to nature, but he did not elaborate, and the

harbor all the ingredients to produce literally

atheist didn’t bite. Nor did he accept the

Well, according to the internet’s dictionary,

Christian’s

and

energy is “power derived from the utilization

declaration of miracles as proof. To him, the

of physical and chemical resources.” Another

Granted, the Big Bang theory, in any of its

Christian had simply turned the spotlight on

definition says, “It is the property of matter

multiple versions, is not the only theory, but

himself and was assuming the atheist would

and radiation which is manifest as a capacity

it is the most prevalent and the most

have faith in him and his word that there is a

to perform work (such as causing motion or

accepted as true. Whether we accept that

God. But that wasn’t the atheist’s challenge.

the interaction of molecules).”

before there was a beginning, everything

“Prove there is a God.” As I was listening to

Translated, that means energy is power

the details of the argument, I wondered,

obtained from a specific source. It causes

“How do we, as Christians, prove there is a

motion or the interaction of a group of atoms

God?” Most often we readily try to share our

bound together—molecules that are already

personal

there.

personal

experience

everything in existence.

needed to birth a universe was contained in a

experiences,

miracles

and

connection with God. And that works for, literally, God only knows how many people.

But what about the others who will only

It doesn’t create them.

In other

words, energy cannot evolve out of nothing.

single spark—or any of the other theories, we must consider each one’s source/origins as well. We, also, must consider the fact that all these theories are based on scientific speculation, whether through mathematics or otherwise. And that there are no living witnesses or written documentation to prove they are true.

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

8

I recently read a six-year-old post by

great creature as the sun chased the moon

over nothing.” How did Job, who lived in the

someone named Greg on a site called, ‘Not

across the sky? For the ancients, beliefs like

middle-east according to several references

Ashamed of the Gospel’. He stated that “the

these were reality, and were dutifully

in his book, know that there is a place in the

idea of the universe creating itself would

recorded in their religious books.

north where no stars can be seen with the

mean the universe is self-aware.” In other words, it would have to be aware of all the components needed to create all existence, including life. That means it would have to think on its own and strategize, from literally plotting the first particles of existence to universal co-dependency among celestial objects, gases, etc. leading to the formation of life.

It would have to calculate

Yet, there is one book, the bible, whose origins can be traced to over 4000 years ago, that has proven true even to this day, and not only

agrees

with

some

of

naked eye, or that the earth was not dependent on the physical strength of a mythical character?

science’s

In Job 38:31 God asks Job if he can “bind the

discoveries, but has actually led scientists

cluster of Pleiades or loose the belt of

and explorers to find wonderful mysteries

Orion?” Did you know that scientists have

that no human in ancient time could possibly

only recently discovered that the Pleiades

have known.

star cluster is bound together by gravity, and Orion’s

star

cluster

is

loose

and

measurements, space, time. . . building layer

The first book of the bible, Genesis chapter

upon layer, matter upon matter, for if things

1:1, says, “In the beginning God created the

were out of order, whole sections of the

heavens and the earth. . .” In ancient times,

universe, if not all, would end in chaos at

and up until the early part of the 20th century,

best, and non-existence at worse—possibly

most of the world believed the heavens and

1 Corinthians 15:41 says, “The sun has one

including our own cosmic corner. It would

the earth had always existed; that there was

kind of splendor, the moon another and the

have to invent everything needed: heat,

no beginning. Yet, Genesis declared over

stars another; and star differs from star in

gravity, light, air, water. . . In other words, it

4000 years ago that everything had a point of

splendor.” Have you ever taken the time to

would mean the universe itself is a living

origin—created by the true God.

look

sentient, perceiving its own existence and feeling the need to expand and grow.

Considering all the “evidence”, is that plausible? Are we really the product of a single, miniscule point during nothing?

disintegrating because its gravitational hold is not strong enough to bind its sister stars together?

at

a

starry

night

without

the

interference of city lights? Using only the Notice

that

mentioned first.

heaven—or

heaven(s)—is

Job, perhaps the oldest

written book in the bible, has some very interesting chapters where God, the Creator, challenges Job to tell him the inner workings

naked eye, you might be able to see a slight color in some of them: reds, blues, yellows; and that some are larger or brighter, but from our vantage point on earth, can you see their real splendor; how each one is different

Or could there possibly be an ever-existing

of the universe and earth, itself. In chapter

God, the Creator Himself, behind that little

38:7 he says that the morning stars sang.

spark—if it even existed? If so, why? Could it

(when God created earth) and the angels

be that he is someone who needs more than

shouted for joy. It wasn’t until in our lifetime

Isaiah, who lived around 700 B.C.E., told us in

empty space, someone whose goal was

that NASA, the USA’s science program,

chapter 40:22 that God, “stretch(es) out the

companionship—ours maybe?

discovered that the celestial bodies make

heaven(s) and spreads them out like a tent to

music in the form of electromagnetic radio

live.” It wasn’t until 1928, less than a hundred

waves. I encourage you to check them out if

years ago, that scientists determined that

you haven’t already. Some of them are quite

the universe is in continual expansion even

haunting and eerily beautiful. If not for God

today. Isaiah 51:13, Jeremiah 10:12 and 51:15

telling him, how would Job know what NASA

and Zechariah 12:1 all agrees, along with

only recently found out?

multiple other verses, that it is God who

Modern science was a rude awakening in a world of ancient and erroneous beliefs stemming from an earth-bound population with very limited means of travel. Who could blame our ancestors for seeing a flat world stretched only to the horizon and believing

telescopes that that was even possible.

stretches the universe.

something ominous would grab them if they

Job, chapter 26:7, says, “He stretches out the

dared venture over its edge? Or for believing

north over empty space and hangs the earth

the earth was balanced on the back of some

from another? It wasn’t until the invention of

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003 Hebrews 11:3 even tells us what the stars and everything else are made of when it says,” By faith we understand the universe (or worlds)

9 Noah’s flood.

Jesus have to suffer such brutality for our

Next issue: part 2 of ‘Prove There is a God’

sake.

was formed at God’s command, so that what

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay

is seen was not made out of what was visible.” To ancients, I would think this

The Death of Christ

NIV.

statement would not make much sense because it wasn’t until the 19th Century that

down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13)

Adwoba Addo-Boateng He suffered that brutality so that you and I

invisible particles were discovered.

can be saved. And the least we can do is to

Returning to Genesis 1:1, it says, “In the beginning… the earth was empty and

share that love to others.

shapeless. But it was Isaiah who, in chapter 40:22, told us that God formed the earth into

He died a shameful death so that we can be

a circle. He states, “He sits enthroned above

saved. for God so loved the world that he

the circle of the earth and its people are like gave us his only begotten son, that

grasshoppers.” How did the Jewish prophet,

whosoever believeth in him shall have

Isaiah, know the shape of the planet or understand how miniscule people seem from above?

He was earth-bound.

eternal life.

Is it just

possible that there is a God, a Creator of the

When I was younger, Easter was the time

universe, who knows its secrets personally,

when the Television will be flooded with

and chose to share them with Isaiah and others to prove his existence to a technically advanced people in the future?

So, what other science mysteries are hidden

movies of the death of Christ. I always looked

eternal life. All we must do is to believe in him How do we believe in him?

forward to it. However, anytime, it got to the point where Jesus was crucified on the cross,

within the pages of the Bible? In the Big

I will hurriedly get up from the carpet, where

Bang theory’s search for the origins of our

I sat and head towards the kitchen. The

universe, it fails to consider the possibility of a God/Creator. In contrast, the bible declares

Christ died for our sins so that we may have

reason being I did not want to watch such a

boldly that there is a God, and identifies who

scene! The crucifixion always sends shivers

he is through biblical, and historically and

down my spine. I could not and still cannot

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent”. (John 6:28-29 NIV)

scientifically, accurate evidence. imagine how anyone could be treated with Over the next few issues of Aurora magazine,

such brutality. Now, I am older, and I have

I will continue my quest to prove there is a God through both scientific discoveries and ancient biblical knowledge. I hope you will join me as I explore creation, evolution and

fully accepted Christ as my Lord and savior. I ask this question again, what is the significance of the death of Christ. Why did

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 NIV

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

10 14 years until we felt we should move

and attend. I heard God clearly tell me I

closer to family.

was to go… so much for my plans!

How did you get into Ministry?

I learned so much over the next few years. I had never felt comfortable

After we moved driving to our church

giving prophetic words or knowing when I should use different gifts of the

With Sarah

Spirit while witnessing. Our teacher

Neisen

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

was such an anointed man of God it

Sarah Neisen is a graduate of the New

for His kingdom.

Day School of Supernatural Ministry and Co-Founder of Discipleship

For many years I doubted that

made me hungry to be used by God

Training Ministries, SSM. Along with

God existed. I grew up in a

During our times together we would often practice different prophetic acts and I was often told I was a teacher. Thinking to myself,

very toxic family. My parents

her amazing and patient husband Lee,

fought constantly, two of my

they seek to teach and encourage

the point. It wasn’t until I graduated

believers in their identity in Christ so

from the school that I realized I was

siblings rebelled, and my father was abusive. A few

called to the ministry office of

friends tried to get me to go to

that the Good News may be preached

church, but I didn’t want to

throughout the world with signs,

attend. Why if God even existed would I like Him?

‘obviously I teach my son’ I missed

wonders, and miracles. Her first

discipleship bible study on the Song of It wasn’t until I was in college

Teacher.

I began writing devotionals, articles, and Bible Studies to help others in their walk with God. My heart cried out constantly for

and started dating someone

Solomon will be available in 2020.

that I decided to go to church.

When she isn’t homeschooling her son,

understood first- hand that

you can find her reading, writing, or

discipleship was the key to a deeper

My boyfriend had invited me to attend service. I figured since I liked him, I would go.

The pastor spoke to my heart and laid out all my questions about God, my family, and

discipleship. I believe the apostles

revelation of the person of Jesus

you may find her playing hooky in the

Christ and the full meaning of

barn with her plethora of chickens,

redemption for all believers.

ducks, and cows.

What is the purpose of

who I really could be in Christ. I

Discipleship Training

gave my heart to Jesus that day and my boyfriend broke up with me the following week.

was difficult. We searched for a new

Ministries and how long

church and found where we currently attend. Only 3 months after joining my

have you been doing this?

That was 20 years ago this February. 3

husband approached me and said we

months later, after becoming a member

would be attending ministry school

I began teaching this to believers in my

of the church I met my husband.

together. I wasn’t thrilled. I home

own church and elsewhere in 2016, but

Together we attended that church for

schooled our son, and it would be very

it wasn’t until 2019 that we founded

difficult with our farm to take the time

DTM. Our goal and purpose is to

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

11

advance the Gospel of Jesus by

One of my biggest struggles has been

May the Holy Spirit Himself indwell your

equipping and enabling the body of

negative self -thoughts. The environment I

being and personality. May Christ make His

Christ to fully understand the hope to

grew up with necessitated my obedience and

home in your heart. My you have the power

which they have been called, and the

it meant if I was not going to be hurt, I had to

to know the love of Christ. That you would

plans and purposes God has for their

meet expectations. I worked myself to a

experience His love for yourself. May you be

lives. We believe that everyone has a

point of panic attacks, depression, and

filled with God Himself.

unique plan and purpose for their life,

suicide attempts in order to earn the

and we utilize discipleship studies,

approval of others. While I have been healed

This is my hearts greatest desire. That I

speaking engagements, podcasts, and

by God of my depression and self-harming

would know Christ, the Father, the Holy

classes to help each person experience

ways, I now seem to struggle most with

Spirit, because I experience them all rather

for themselves the depths of the

anger.

than just read or know them.

Father’s love and grace.

Anger is all too easy to embrace when you

Do you have any plans to expand to other areas such as Africa?

feel you’ve been wronged. My parents have moved on in life, as have I, but I found it very difficult to forgive when they never apologized. I’ve had to continually give that

While I haven’t yet taught in Africa all our Bible Studies are free online so anyone anywhere can access relevant discipleship teachings. Maybe someday I can visit and meet the saints in Ghana. I

anger over to Jesus and be okay with never

family life, work and Ministry?

being told they were sorry for all my childhood hurts. It’s a struggle, but like Jesus said forgiveness isn’t for them. It’s for me so that I can be free to live for Him.

had an invite to join a mission’s trip to Tanzania, but I was unable to go.

How do you juggle

I’ve asked God on so many occasions what I’m supposed to do with this ministry. All I hear is, ‘exactly what I tell you to do.’ So that is what I’ve done. I ask God each day what I

I’ll let you know if I ever arrive, but I’m certain

should do, and in His wisdom, I manage to

a new and interesting thorn in my flesh will

get done what needs to be done. I still think

Ministry is all about living

make itself known as soon as I do. Glory to

time does something strange in my home.

according to the spirit for his

Glory? Praise God.

I’m not normally so productive.

work to be done through you.

Can you please recount instances where it was a struggle allowing

Is suffering as a Christian

If Sarah, is not writing or

necessary for spiritual

teaching what would you

growth?

do on a typical day?

the Spirit to lead you instead of the flesh?

How long do we have today? I believe deep

Absolutely, if I never understand what it is to

I homeschool my son and take care of all the

suffer for denying myself, I don’t believe

animals. We live on a small farm in the

Christ would have ever truly lived in me.

Midwest so I have chickens, ducks, cows… no pigs (pray my husband will let me have pigs).

down we all truly have flesh that needs to be crucified. This can be if we are new believers or we have been for 20, 40, 50 years. Jesus

What is your favorite bible passage and why?

said we are to daily deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. I know the path I

I’m very thankful I’m able to homeschool and devote so much time to ministry. My son helps with several things like the podcast (I’m not tech savvy) and he is old enough now he

Ephesians 3:16-20

have been on hasn’t been easy, but I can’t say

is able to keep himself busy with schoolwork

it has been hard.

so I can write for a while. My house however

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003 is not the cleanest. We’ve decided that’s okay for now.

12

me, and I felt as though I had been living on

from. I now approached Him with a greater

ever-shifting sand.

excitement and joy. He was no longer distant, he was closer than anyone, and He

Is there anything you I knew firsthand the miracles of the

would like to say to encourage the upcoming

knew me and still liked me.

Father after we lost our coffee shop in the economic downturn of 2008, but I didn't view

Throughout those times I learned

Christian leaders who feel

myself living in fellowship with Jesus. I didn't

of all the gifts of the spirit from prophecy, to

ministry is a lot of work

ever seem to find the solid rock promised in

healing, to discernment. I gave and received

and so they are giving up.

the Word. After a time of slowly reading the

prophetic words, laid hands on the sick and

books handed to me, I began to understand

saw them healed, witnessed to voodoo witch

just what was missing. My Redeemer had

doctors in Haiti and saw them delivered and

more for me, and I needed to follow His lead.

saved by grace.

If ministry is what you’re called to do it’s simply the only thing that will satisfy you.

God designs each of us for a purpose that fits His plan. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if we

My life was no longer tossed about by

try to do everything, so ask God what you

circumstances, nor was I living on shifting

should do that day. When we follow His

sand.

looking forward because we see God's moves in hindsight rather than by faith. Now in

ways, our paths are straight, and His yoke is Several years later we moved

light.

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING MINISTRIES

Looking back is always easier than

ministry, I witness so many people

closer to family. We attended a new church

floundering where I once was on shifting

which helped my marriage grow further, and

sand. In my heart, I know the answer is

this new church atmosphere allowed my son

discipleship.

to prosper and blossom in ways I had prayed In the spring of 2007, 3-year-old in tow, I entered a small independent Christian bookstore which would impact the direction of my life more than I thought possible. The owner introduced herself, and in the following 2 years, introduced me to an extravagance of books written by individuals who spoke directly to my heart.

for. One Sunday morning my husband approached me and informed me we were going to attend ministry school together. I was not amused. We lived on a farm with many animals, and I home schooled our son.

There was no time to attend a 3-hour class every week. I couldn't find time to read more books, do more bible study, or seek God more than I already had time for.

I had felt for some time I was at a crossroads in my life. I was content in my Christianity, content in my church, content in my marriage, but reading the word I knew there was more to life than contentment.

The waves of circumstance continued to rock

Grudgingly, I attended the first week, but I heard the Father say I was to continue and understand the plan He had for me. In the end, it wasn't the Father I was learning about, it was the Father I learned

Jesus tells all believers to become fishers of men, but it’s His intention we make disciples. Believers who are not only saved but who are equipped with the knowledge and understanding of God's Word to follow the plan and purpose for their lives.

Therefore, my husband and I formed Discipleship Training Ministries. God has been good! In the time since its founding, we have added bible studies and podcasts to our website. This allows people anywhere access to the truth of God’s word. We also have audio teachings of conferences and services available. We have reached many

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

women in Haiti with the love of God, and our

13 In

ministry outreaches continue to expand.

We are beyond blessed with the community of believers who continue in prayer for us that we would proclaim the

SARAH IN HAITI

truth of God’s Word boldly. Would you pray for us as well?

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING MINISTRIES IN PICTURES

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

Easter Poems by Sophia Vincent The CRUCIFIED JESUS

My death on the Cross Was to defeat the Satan.

My death on the Cross Was to save the defeated.

My death on the Cross

14

Significance of the Cross The Crown of thorns by thoughts of man,

for sins done

The Nail on the right hand – for sins done by the right hand of man, The Nail on the left hand – HIS forgiving nature to hide man’s sins, The Nail on HIS feet - for man going to wrong places in search of sin, so legs nailed together, And the spear in the heart - because all sins originate there,

Was to save the defenseless.

HE bore the whip shots to teach man tolerance,

My death on the Cross

HE carried the CROSS to win over the Satan to be obedient to HIS calling.

Was to save the innocent.

My death on the Cross Was to say I AM victorious.

My death on the Cross Was to say I AM GOD My death on the Cross Was to prove I AM THE ALL in ALL.

THE RESURRECTED SAVIOUR

For every drop of HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD that HE SHED, we are accountable.

The RISEN LORD JESUS rose in flesh, Unlike the other dead ones.

HE left HIS SPIRIT called THE COMFORTER on the face of the earth, for the living ones.

THE COMFORTER comforts those who need comfort.

So, let THE COMFORTER comfort you and make you feel comfortable this day forth.

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

WITH MARK M.R.E ADDO

The vision of Children & Teens in Worship Foundation was birthed out of a burning desire inspired by the Holy Spirit to lead the younger generation discover the LOVE of GOD that surpasses all understanding. I was born into a Christian family and introduced to salvation through Christ Jesus at a very early age, but the essence soon disappeared growing up and true worship with God was replaced by the norm of going to Church.

Later, whilst schooling from secondary to the University level, I had been a Sunday school teacher, I had great passion for kids, but I was still in conflict within myself trying to find Christ and know Him. In the quest of truly knowing Christ, I became a victim of the self -righteousness diluted with biblical doctrines from ungodly school of thoughts that misled and still misleads churches across the world. Some of my notions were, I needed 40 days of Prayer and Fasting on the Mountain Herobe to gain righteousness for acceptance in the presence of GOD and to be used by the Holy Spirit for GOD’s Glory.

15

Later in life, I played a leading role in the development and organization of a wide range of children/teens entertainment and educational programmes, competitions and events organised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation with Ghana Television and the National Theatre. During these years as a Sunday school teacher, I learned a lot and discovered the impact and power of creative arts like dancing, music, roleplay and among others at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and how these creative arts projects influenced the lives of younger generation and transform them. In addition, I experienced the power of media as a penetrative communication tool in reaching out to the masses. I had become a living testimony, witnessing the impact of television media and how it was used to shape thinking patterns of a generation, affecting their behaviour, reasoning and approach to life.

Through all this, I was yet to have a divine encounter with the Spirt of GOD through Christ JESUS. Something miraculously happened at the District Children and Teens Camp of Assemblies of GOD in Ghana where over 500 children and Teens attended. The District Pastor at that time, Mrs Samantha Opoku, was led to have a session for all children and teens, she became overwhelmed with the numbers and asked all teachers come to help as the Holy Spirit was at work and would be I wanted to go forward and help

but a voice was constantly reminding me, of me being unworthy and unrighteous.

Therefore, I stayed behind whilst the other teachers went to help.

Out of the blue the District Pastor mentioned my name and so I had no choice than to go and help the group. I walked slowly; it was as if elastic strings were tied to my legs. When I got to the group, I heard one VOICE that said; mention the NAME OF JESUS. Before my lips could complete the name JESUS, I was filled with God’s love which imparted many children and teens at the Camp.

This began my walk with JESUS as I encountered the LOVE of GOD, to share in his work for his glory.

Meanwhile, I had over the years been praying for wisdom on how I could use the national media in spreading the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS. So that, the younger generation can discover true SALVATION in the LORD. Consequently, I struggled with a conflict in my spirit being part of a media team that never shared the Gospel of the Good News and Love of God with the generation across the country. A few years later, I decided to withdraw myself as the inner conflict of purpose and fulfilment became stronger when some programmes for children/teens ended up with contents which had a negative effect on them. My prayer was to design a new children’s television media broadcasting initiative with Jesus at the centre to lead the world to discover the Love of God. In addition, I received

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

several visions and revelations in developing a dynamic children’s outreach television platform. The reality, the Children in Worship Foundation was born with worship outreach programmes and televangelism outreach programme as the two main projects, impacting thousands of lives of children/teens across the world.

16

production. I had volunteers on board, the first ever episode of Children in Worship TV was produced. After some time, 13 episodes were given to the Ghana Broadcasting Network Channel (GBC) and an application for airtime sponsorship was requested as it wasn’t a policy for the National TV to sponsor religious programs. A few months later, I received a call confirming GBC’s approval for airtime sponsorship in broadcasting the program on the national television channel (GTV Life).

MARK AT THE EXTREME RIGHT The concept development of Children in Worship TV was with the goal of leading children/teens to Christ, teaching children to live right, helping children/teens develop good morals, ethics and manners, teaching them to develop the heart of giving. Also, being an expression of the Love of God to the world by showing love and compassion to those in need wherever they find themselves.

A year after, I secured a loan to buy my first camera, I also started training children/teens for the

MARK IN A COSTUME IMPACTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH THROUGH CREATIVITY After the first season of airing the episodes, Ghana National Broadcasting received positive feedback from television viewing audience and has requested for more television broadcasting content till date. Since 2018, Children In Worship TV has been airing on GTV (main channel) in addition to GTV Life. In December 2019, Children In

Worship TV has been on air for 30 days in a row for the Christmas season and after that Ghana National Television gave the green light to continue the daily broadcast.

I have been working with a loyal team of volunteers, some sacrifice their time by training children & teens for production.

Other media crew volunteers work and continue to work on media content for evangelism. In the beginning, media equipment had to be rented, however after a few years, GOD has blessed the Foundation with media equipment necessary for broadcasting and content production.

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

The Gentle Lamb

17

God is divided into three: The Holy place, the most Holy place and the Holiest of Holy place. There are several screens or partitions between the Holy place and the Holiest of Holy place. Those who have visitations are placed in between those partitions based on their calling, desire to see Him and love for the Lord.

Seeing the crystal partition before the Holiest of Holy place, I had a desire to see what is behind the screen and to see the Father.

Do not fear man, do not fear evil, do not And our loving Lord knew my fear poverty and do not fear sickness. Fear thought and called me inside. As God and God alone.

I moved in spirit, I was flabbergasted to see the Huge Mass of Fire extended to an infinite height. A thought arose as to what “He was wounded for our was behind, and the Lord said, “Go transgressions; he was bruised for and see”. I moved around and I our iniquities: the chastisement of could see only fire; fire all around, our peace was upon Him; and with fire above, fire everywhere. As I His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah moved further into Him, I felt the 53:5). fire of the Lord; I could feel that in “If my people, which are called by my body. Our Lord is the my name, shall humble Consuming Fire. Prophet Ezekiel themselves, and pray, and seek my says “I saw as the colour of amber, face, and turn from their wicked as the appearance of fire round ways; then will I hear from heaven, about within it, from the and will forgive their sin, and will appearance of His lions even heal their land” (2 Chronicle 7:14). upward, and from the appearance of His lions even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, Couple of years ago, when I knelt and it had brightness round about” down to pray and was (Ezekiel 1:27). And I saw the Lord worshipping the Mighty Lord in Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit and tongues, all of a sudden, I felt an the Father Jehovah merge unusual experience; I could see my together. spirit increasing in proportions and the Lord said, “Come here.” I left This Most Mighty Magnificent my body in spirit and was in the Monarch the Great Yahweh throne room of God the Almighty. became man for man. He had lot The Throne of God is above the of mercy on the poor, the third Heaven. My Spirit was in the peasants, the shepherds, the same kneeling position as my body fishers and all those who were in my room. The throne room of

BY John Mark

suffering because of the heinous rule of the Herod. He lived and moved amidst the people. He touched the lepers and cleansed them; He opened the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, and loosened the tongue of the dumb.

In His presence, the crippled and the palsy leaped, jumped and walked. The possessed screamed at His sight and were delivered from the demonic possession. He raised the dead alive. His fame grew far and wide. People flocked around Him to hear His words of Wisdom. He was bold and courageous; He spoke with authority and power.

The Passover “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment; I AM the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever” (Exodus 12:12-14).

The children of Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt for four hundred and thirty years. They were serving the Egyptians and their lives were bitter. The Lord saw their affliction, heard their groaning and remembered His covenant. The

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Lord chose Prophet Moses to deliver His children from bondage.

He sent him to Pharaoh to deliver the children of Israel. He performed mighty signs and wonders. There were plagues one after the other, but pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused to let them go. The Lord guided His congregation to take a lamb without blemish, kill it and apply the blood of the lamb on the two side posts as well as on the upper doorpost of their houses. The children of Israel did as the Lord had commanded.

At midnight, the Lord moved through the land of Egypt, He smote all the firstborn, both man and cattle from the palace to the dungeon. But, when He saw the blood on the two doorposts and the upper post, He passed over: for He knew it was the dwelling place of His children. Pharaoh and the Egyptians didn’t want any more plagues and curse, so he let them go.

The Lord wanted His children to remember this for their lifetime.

Pontius Pilate the Roman prefect was a tough, tyrant and draconian Governor of Judea including Jerusalem. Joseph Caiaphas was the high priest, the son in law of Annas, the first High priest during the Roman rule. The priests were the bitterest foes of the Lord Jesus Christ because He vehemently protested them for permitting the temple premises to be used as a marketplace and hindering the gentiles or non-Jews from worshipping in the temple. Pilate and Caiaphas were in power together for ten years. The actual

18

daily rule of Jerusalem was in the hands of Caiaphas.

The Pharisees were people who had separated themselves from the ordinary folk to live a saintly life. They considered Lord Jesus to be their enemy because he flouted many of the rituals considered sacred, and He denounced them openly for their hypocritical ways.

The Scribes were the teachers of the law. The Lord Jesus often took a severe stand against scribes because their interpretations were contrary to the rights of the common people and their wellbeing. Sadducees were upper class, rich and noble families. They were a priestly aristocracy very powerful, hated by Pharisees, the Scribes and the locals. They were sceptical regarding the popular Messianic ideas and were also responsible for the death of Lord Jesus. “And one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, You know nothing at all, Nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people and not that the whole nation perish. Now this he did not say on his own authority but being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation” (John 11:49-51).

In the Letters of Pontius Pilate written to his friend Seneca in Rome, he describes Lord Jesus Christ as portrayed by his wife Procula that He was a strange man, gaunt and rugged, burnt up by the fire of His passion, spoke like a General, full of selfconfidence, imperious and often fierce.

During the feast of Passover, thousands of Israelites gather to worship and to celebrate the deliverance from Egypt through the Mighty hand of God. They come from different parts of the world. Jerusalem is always crowded at this season. Lord Jesus and His twelve apostles had assembled in a large upper room to eat the Passover. The Lord Jesus though being a Master became a servant by washing the feet of His disciples. He knew that He will be betrayed yet He humbled Himself to be a slave. He came to serve and not to be served. He blessed the bread and the wine gave it to them and said it was His body and blood.

He signified that He was the Passover Lamb of God. After the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus and His disciples went to Gethsemane. He was exceedingly sorrowful. As He prayed earnestly, His sweat was of great drops of blood. Having received all the information about the Lord Jesus from the betrayer Judas Iscariot, Pilate sent the Roman soldiers to arrest the Lord Jesus. For thirty pieces of silver Judas betrayed his Friend and his Master with a kiss.

“Even my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalms 41:9).

After the Lord Jesus Christ was arrested, all His disciples deserted Him and fled. He was bound in chains.

He was scourged mercilessly. A crown of thorns was placed on His head. He was mocked and spat, beaten and bruised, tormented and tortured.

He was bleeding from His head to

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foot. He was made to carry the cross. He lost lot of blood and could not move any further, and He fell. At that instant, a man named Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross.

During the Passover week amidst thousands of people, He was humiliated on the streets of Jerusalem. He who spoke like a General, performed mighty miracles, fed thousands in the same place in the same land for the same people, was led like a criminal. The gentle Lamb was led for the sacrifice. Everyone who had come there for the feast of Passover had to witness the gruesome vicarious sacrifice of the Holy Lamb of God. As they reached Golgotha, a place of skull, He was nailed to the cross.

Nail on both the hands, the nail on the legs, the pain was unbearable.

The heavy cross was lifted and erected, and the agony was excruciating. After all humiliation and nailing Him to the cross, a lance was pierced. How cruel were His creation?

The Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood. His holy precious blood was shed for you, for your sins and for the sins of your family and your generation. His blood cleanses you, makes you holy and perfect.

The Lord Jesus Christ stamped the Satan, every disease, problems, poverty and the death on that cross. He died on the cross and was buried in an empty tomb.

As He had prophesied earlier, after three days He resurrected Himself and proved that He was God in flesh. Death could not hold Him.

19

Death had no power over Him. Death died on the cross. Death was defeated and the Lord Jesus Christ was victorious. Nothing could hinder Him or stop Him from doing His Father’s will. His mission accomplished, He ascended to the Heaven.

He touched many of the Roman soldiers who were part of the contingent that tormented Him, and they took His word to many countries.

Imagine how much the Lord will be hurt when you go away from Him, commit sin, and do things contrary to His will. Do not hurt the Lord. Be obedient to Him. The Lord has stretched His nail pierced hands for you, to embrace you.

The blood of the lamb on the doorposts and the upper post of the Israelites door saved them from all the plagues, pestilences and curses. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that He shed on the cross is much more powerful. There is no alternative to His Holy Blood.

Oil and water are not the substitutes for His Blood. It is more powerful than any medicine or vaccine ever discovered and that is being prescribed. His Blood is more powerful than any dangerous pathogens.

The Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself spotless to God. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. He has purchased us with His own blood.

Meditate on the sufferings of Our Lord and as you meditate you will truly experience His presence, your burden lightened and removed.

You will be set free from all the bondages. Every day early in the morning as you wake up; kneel, stretch your hands surrender yourself, your spouse, your children, your entire family, and your house to Him. Ask the Lord to cleanse, sanctify and wash you and your family with His Holy Powerful Blood. Not only your heart and your body but everything, including your garments. Plead to Him to baptise you with His Precious Blood. The Lord will forgive all your sins and shortcomings; He will cover you with His Holy Blood. Sickness, witchcraft and everything that is unclean, unholy and that which has been tormenting you all these years will flee. Satan and the hell will tremble even to look at you.

The hell will see you as fire.

The Heaven and the hell are watching you. When you are covered by His Precious Blood the angels protect you and the devil will fear to touch you.

When you pray for healing, He heals, and you are healed. When you ask for blessings, He blesses, and you are blessed. And when you seek cleansing, He cleanses, and you are cleansed.

Do not fear man, do not fear evil, do not fear poverty and do not fear sickness. Fear God and God alone.

Honour God and Worship Him alone. Bow to Him and Him alone.

“Fear thou not; for I AM with thee be not dismayed; for I AM thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

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20

Give your life to Christ

World science and the disciples of Darwin

created us and cannot live his life anyhow.

and other philosophers have attributed the

Romans 14:12 says so then every one of us

phenomenon of “life” to but a “spontaneous”

shall give account of himself to God

Kwaku Addo-Boateng

freak of nature or the big bang theory. Other theories

or

philosophies

say

man

metamorphosed from ape, but it is strange that after billions of years man has remained the same and has not transformed to another state or form.

WHAT IS LIFE? The English Dictionary defines LIFE as the

If the Bible is true, then God is the giver of

existence of a human being, animal or plant.

life. Genesis 1 and 2 gives an account of how

Life is a condition that distinguishes animal

God created plants life and animal life. In the

and plants from inorganic matter. Animals

beginning God created heaven and earth …

undergo a life cycle process in that they are

And God said, let the earth bring forth grass,

born as a baby, grow into childhood,

the herb yielding seed and the fruit tree

adulthood and then die.

yielding fruit after his kind… And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after

However, our existence here on earth is too his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast short and the Scriptures are filled with of the earth after his kind: and it was so... reminders of how rapidly earth’s sojourn

THE FALL OF MAN When God put man into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it, God commanded man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die: Genesis 2:7-17

God gave man his free will and the ability to choose. But then came that great decisive moment in man’s life to exercise his free will.

Man became disobedient and did eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His choice broke his covenant and relationship with God; Genesis 2 & 3. The fall of man brought about disastrous consequences for

passes. James 4:13-15 says for you appear as

During creation God saw the need to have

a vapor for a short time and then vanish

someone to take charge of His creation. So

away. Ps 90:10 Man’s days are soon gone,

God created man in his own image ... In

and we fly away. Job saw man’s days as a

Genesis 2: 7-17 And the LORD God took the

cursed is the ground for thy sake; in

flower that blossoms and then quickly dies:

man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to

sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the

Job 14:1-2. As we age in life, we contemplate

dress it and to keep it. And God blessed them,

days of thy life … till thou return

the brevity of time and wonder where the

and said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply,

unto the ground; for out of it was

time has gone.

and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and

thou taken: for dust thou art, and

have dominion over the fish of the sea, and

unto

over the fowl of the air, and over every living

Genesis 3:17-19

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

those involved, such that: 1.

And unto Adam

dust

shalt

he

thou

said …

return:

We need to focus on the origin of life. How thing that moves upon the earth. Man is

2.

Unto the woman he said, I will

did life begin? therefore accountable to God because He

greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy

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21

conception; in sorrow thou shalt

flesh, yet his days shall be a hundred and

Earlier

bring forth children; and thy

twenty years… Gen 6: 3.

interventions to save man, such as, Noah and

desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee: Genesis 3:16 3.

And the LORD God said unto the serpent (devil), Because thou hast done this… dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: Genesis 3:14

the When sin entered the world God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and every imagination of the thought of his heart was only evil continually …: Genesis 6:5-7.

This was not what God envisaged when He

on,

ark.

God

God

had

also

made

gave

several

Moses

the

commandments and laws to govern the Israelites. The laws which were supposed to govern man rather became an entrapment for man. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were

Let’s now focus our attention on how man

created Heaven and Earth. Moreover God is

was created. In Genesis 2:7 and the Lord God

concern about our relationship with him. The

formed man out of the dust of the ground

daily encounter God had with man, to which

and breathed into his nostrils, the breath of

they once looked forward to, was not forth

We have indeed been bought with the

life and man became a living being. So, man

coming. It was God’s desire to devise a plan

precious, unblemished blood of Jesus Christ

is made up of (1) the dust of the ground and

to save mankind due to the lovely nature.

(1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ’s blood purchased

(2) God’s breathe of life

God's primary nature which is love was

us out of the slavery of sin and set us free

shown by His rescue plan for us through His

forever. … Blotting out the handwriting of

Son Jesus Christ.

ordinances that was against us, which was

After the fall of man, God’s breathe of life

under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons…: Galatians 4:4-7

departed from man and man became contrary to us, and took it out of the way, spiritually dead but physically alive. With God’s breathe of life out of man, men remain only as the dust of the ground and let us not forget that the LORD God has charged the serpent (devil) to eat dust all the days of thy life. You are therefore food for the devil if you don’t get connected with God spiritually.

God instituted the concept of substitutionary

nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled

sacrifice where God required a blood sacrifice

principalities and powers, he made a show of

… For without the shedding of blood, there is

them openly, triumphing over them in it,

no remission of sin Hebrews 9:22. However

Colossians 2: 8 – 15.

the sacrifices of animals could not take away Jesus came down both as the Priest and the sin. Neither would the death of a sinful sacrificial lamb. As a priest he made and still human being satisfactory take away sin.

WHY DID JESUS COME TO EARTH?

makes intercession between us and God. Not What was needed was the perfect sacrifice only is he calling men to God, but he is

After the fall of man, man was destined to

and this was accomplished when God sent

die as God told Adam for in the day that thou

his son Jesus Christ died on the cross of

eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and

Calvary for the sins of the world. "For God so

evil thereof thou shalt surely die. With the

loved the world that he gave his one and only

passage of time God said, my spirit shall not

Son, that whoever believes in him shall not

always strive with man, for that he also is

perish but have eternal life" John 3:16.

providing the way for them to get there. I am the way the truth and the light no one comes to the father except through me; John 14:6

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22

Another great purpose of Jesus Christ

The judgment cloud of God is gathering on

you, I know you not. Matthew 25:1-12. They

coming was to seek and to save the lost

the horizon, but the people paid no

thought they were ready to go, but when the

Luke19:10. our

God

bridegroom came, they had no oil in

Savior

desires all people to be saved and

their lamps and they were left out.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

John 12:44-50: And Jesus cried out

John 3:3

to come to the

and said, "Whoever believes in me,

knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time: 1 Timothy 2:3-6.

believes not in me but in him who attention. That’s exactly what Noah said sent me... If anyone hears my words and thousands of years ago to the people of his does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I day. Noah preached to them and warned did not come to judge the world but to save them of the coming judgment. He said a the world. The one who rejects me and does flood is coming. He said judgment is coming. not receive my words has a judge; the word But the more he said it the more they that I have spoken will judge him on the last

John left the fishing nets with his father and followed Jesus. Zacchaeus got down out of the tree and took Jesus to his home. Paul got

laughed and scoffed at him. Nobody believed day. For I have not spoken on my own Noah and the flood came and swept them all authority, but the Father who sent me has away, except Noah’s family. himself given me a commandment… And I

up from the ground and went to hear from

know that his commandment is eternal

Jesus in Damascus. Today Jesus is still calling

Noah must have had some carpenters helped

and if you hear his voice do not harden your

him build the ark but they were not saved.

heart. For God has appointed a day when

There are people helping to build the church

Jesus will come back to the earth, only, this

but they have never been saved. They have

time He will bring with Him his judgment

never been born again of the Spirit of God. They have never encountered Jesus Christ.

JUDGMENT IS COMING

The parable of the ten virgins tells us that

The Bible teaches that, judgment is coming.

there are some persons in the church who

As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also

thought they were part of the bride of Christ.

be in the days of the coming of the Son of

…And the bridegroom came; and they that

man" Luke 17:26. "But concerning that day or

were ready went in with him to the marriage:

that hour, no one knows, not even the angels

and the door was shut. Afterward came also

in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father:

the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to

Mark 13:32-37.

us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto

life..."

We are warned by Jesus Himself to be ready.

For the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which

he

will

judge

the

world

in

righteousness by Jesus Christ whom He has raised from the dead; Acts 17:30-31 Are you ready for the end of the world? Are you ready for the coming again of Christ?

The end of the world for you could come the moment you die. For it is appointed unto man to die once, then after judgment:

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23

Hebrews 9:27. Are you prepared to meet

two masters in Matthew 6:24, and No man

God, should you die today?

can serve two masters. There are only two destinies, Jesus said--heaven or hell.

GIVE YOUR LIFE TO JESUS Have you given your life to Christ? Have you

Where do you belong? Are you heavenly

had a personal encounter with Christ? Do you

bound or hell bound? Are you a child of God

know that your sins are forgiven? Do you

or you are of your father the devil and the lust

know if you died that you would go to

of your father you will do; John 8:44. Where

heaven? Are you sure that if Christ come this

will you be on judgment day? God demands

very moment that you would be ready to

that you make a choice. There is only one

meet Him?

way to be sure - you must get right with God

In John 3:3-7 Jesus introduces another

today.

concept to be born spiritually, when He

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the

spoke to Nicodemus the need to have a

Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart

second birth in John 3:3. You are born the

that God hath raised him from the dead,

first time into a physical family. When you

thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man

are born the second time, you are born into

believeth unto righteousness; and with the

the family of God. Are you born again? You

mouth confession is made unto salvation. For

can be right now, by giving your heart to

the scripture says, for whosoever shall call

Christ and live your life according to the

upon the name of the Lord shall be saved:

teachings of Christ. Take my yoke upon you,

Romans 10:9-11

says Jesus, and learn of me; ‌ and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden

and my burden is light: Matthew 11: 29-30

your heart. God bless you.

Jesus said there are two roads in life. "Enter into the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at. But straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it" Matthew 7:13,14. Which road are you on? Jesus also said there are

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24 “Ok, Hand, but you know we might get

AURORA KIDS

stung.”

The Ear and the Bee and the Little Bowling Ball

eights in the air. She flew closer and closer to Ear.

“Hm, that’s true, but Head said Ear needs our help.”

“Eye Lid, help me!”

“And what do you want me to do?”

“Then up we go.” Arm began to swing Hand upward.

“I don’t know—something! You are on my level.”

Bee landed on top of Ear and raised her “What?!” Ear panicked.

“No, no, no.

Head, I said I need help,” Ear could hear Bee’s buzz as she walked along one of Hair’s strands. “Now!”

stinger as high as she could.

“Sorry,” Eye Lid said. “I have to protect Eye.” He quickly shut Eye. “E-e-e-y-a-oh!”

“Ah-oh.” A tiny voice from far below squealed.

It was Little Toe and he was

scared.

Bowling Ball was rolling straight toward him. “O-o-o-oh, no! Oh no! Oh no!”

“It’s alright, Little Toe.” Head said.

“Knee, I want you to lift Leg up and rescue Little Toe.” “Oh, no plea-se.” Little Toe cried, watching the bowling ball roll closer. “Knee is too high above me. I-I don’t deserve his help.”

By Becky Bradley

Knee shrugged his cap. “As you wish, “Be patient, Ear. Hand is coming.”

I credit this version of 1st Corinthians 12:15-20 to Pastor John Campbell of Faith Connection Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, who said the Holy Spirit had given it to him to share with his congregation.

Afterward, he gave me permission to develop it into the story you are about to read.

“B-But they are so beneath me!”

Arm stopped in mid-air and looked at Hand. Hand looked hurt.

“What did you say?” Head spoke sharply as Bee stepped onto a strand of hair that was closer to Ear’s lobe.

“I-I, Upper Lip, you are closer to my level.

“Get away! Get away!” Ear screamed.

“Buz-z-z.”

A bee danced around Ear

looking for the best place to land.

“Help me!” Ear screamed again.

“Calm down, Ear. I’m sending someone to help you now.” Head said. “Hand, we need your help.”

“Sure, no problem. Arm, do you want to give me a lift?”

Well, at least you are on the same level as my lobe.”

“Hmph.” Upper Lip curled. “What am I supposed to do. I can’t even see you unless the eyes look in the mirror.”

“That’s it! Eye Lid, I need your help!”

Bee, satisfied there was nothing good to eat or sting in Hair, began making figure

Little Toe. But I don’t know anyone else who can help. Hand is even higher than I am and Back would have to bend down to put Hand on your level.”

“That’s ok.” Hand said. “I want to help and I can stop Bowling Ball. I won’t even get hurt.”

“No, no, no. That won’t do!” Little Toe cried. “It is not right for you to come down to my level. I am not worthy of your help.”

Bowling Ball began to pick up speed. Its holes looked like an angry face ready to crush Little Toe. “Big Toe, plea-se, you are on my level.

Help me!”

“Help you?! What am I supposed to do?!

I can’t protect you, and you told Knee not to

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25

get us out of the way. Bowling Ball is too big.

because you thought you were more

1st Corinthians 12:15-20, “If the foot should

He will not only run over you; he will run over

important than they are.”

say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of

us, too!”

Then Head looked sadly at Little Toe. “Are you alright, Little Toe?”

the whole body were an eye, where would be

“Yes, but I didn’t mean to get anyone

where would be the smelling? But now God

anything like of the rest of you are.”

has set the members, each one of them, in

other toes help keep us balanced. Without all of you, it would be hard to walk without falling over. The rest of us have our jobs, too, but we all need help from each other.”

“Even you, Head?” Little Toe asked.

Head let Lips smile. “What could I do without the rest of you to help me?”

Ear thought for a minute then looked at screaming.

“Oh, no!” Foot shouted. “He’s going to hit me, too! Ankle, help!”

But Ankle could only move Foot over a little. “I can’t! I need Knee’s help!”

Too late. Bowling Ball rolled right over the toes and Foot and smashed into Ankle.

“Ow-w! Ow! Ow! Ow!” Everyone was crying in pain.

Hand. “I’m sorry, Hand. If I had let Head guide you, as he was meant to do, I might not have gotten stung.

Thank you for your

willingness to help—even if you could have gotten hurt.”

“Ah-hm.” Arm quickly swung himself upward until he was level with Ear. “And you, too, Arm.” Ear said sheepishly.

“I needed all three of you. I’m sorry I hurt you.””

“Hand,” Head spoke softly and sadly.

Head cleared Throat. “We are all parts of

“Reach down and rub the toes, and Foot and

the same body. And we are all important.

Ankle, too. Make sure nothing is broken.”

Hand and Arm proved that. They were brave

“Yeah,” Ear said, crying. “And pull Bee’s stinger out of me, too!”

to do what I said even though they might have gotten hurt.

And Knee obeyed me

“I’m sorry.” Little Toe said. “I didn’t know

because he wanted to help others. When

I was going to hurt others when I didn’t let

Bowling Ball rolled over the toes and Foot

Knee help me. But he is so high above me.”

and Ankle, it hurt me, too.”

“And you, Ear, are you sorry, too?”

Head’s voice was very stern.

“But Bee only stung me and Hand—well, Hand is so far beneath me.”

Head snapped at Ear. “Hand was willing

Little Toe smiled.

“So, we are all

important because we are different.

We

really do need each other.”

Head winked at Little Toe and gently tapped Foot.

to get stung to help you and so was Arm. Instead, you stung them with your words.

You hurt them even more than Bee hurt you

the hearing? If the whole were a hearing,

hurt. I-I am just so low. I am not worth

“That’s not true, Little Toe. You and the

The rest of the toes started wiggling and

the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If

The End

the body just as he pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

But now indeed members, yet one body.”

there

are

many

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

26 They could hear baby cardinals calling to their daddy from a tree limb above their heads. A red, daddy fox called his pups out to play, while a beaver dad made sure his home was safe for his baby kits, who were sleeping inside.

Then Angela’s daddy asked, “Do you know who made all the animals and the sun and the river and trees?”

“What would you like to give him?” her

by

daddy asked.

“I know. I could give him flowers. God

Becky Bradley

likes flowers or he wouldn’t have made so many.”

“That would be a good gift.” her daddy agreed.

Angela dug her toes in the cool, green

“Or, I could make something for him. I

grass. She had a lot on her mind. Today

made you a card.”

was Father’s Day. She’d had a wonderful

“Yes.” Angela said. “God made them.”

time with her daddy. He had taken her

“Yes, he did, and he made you and me,

fishing that morning.

She had skipped

down the grassy path to the river with her small hand in her daddy’s big hand. When

“And it was a beautiful card that I will

too. Do you know why?”

smile on his face.

Angela shook her head.

“Or—I could do something for him. I

“Because God wants a family. He made

they got to the river her daddy taught her

us because he wants sons and daughters.”

how to bait her hook then throw her line in.

Angela thought for a minute.

And in a very short time they caught nine

always keep.” said her daddy with a warm

“Is

everyone God’s child?”

helped mommy make breakfast for you today and you liked that.” Then Angela frowned. “But what could I do for God?” Her daddy smiled. “If you do something

fish! The fishes wiggled and squirmed as

“If they want to be.” said her daddy.

nice for someone else, God says you are

she and her daddy pulled them out of the

“Then, this is a special day for God, too.”

doing it for him, too.”

water. She was so excited that she jumped

“Yes, it is his Father’s Day, too.”

up and down and squealed when one

Angela thought very hard.

flopped into her daddy’s shirt.

Then her daddy pointed out all the wonderful things that made their world special and happy. They shaded their eyes

“Hmm, maybe I could wash Mrs. “Daddy,

what can I give him to show him I love him?”

Harley’s dog.

He gets awfully dirty you

know, especially when he rolls in the mud.”

“I’m sure she would like that.”

“But Tommy said his sister needs a new dress. I could give her one of mine.”

with their hands when they tried to look at

“Make it a nice one, not one that is worn

the sun. It was so bright they couldn’t see

out. If it is a gift, you should always make it

its face, but her daddy said it was smiling.

your best.”

The river was happy, too. It gurgled and bubbled as it ran beside the riverbanks.

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003 Angela nodded, but she wasn’t through thinking, yet. “Maybe, I should tell God I

27 “But, daddy, which one do you think he would like the most?”

won’t fuss when I am told to do something I

“All of them.” Angela’s daddy smiled. “I

don’t want to and that I will be nicer to my

think he would like all of them. Which one

cat.”

do you want to give him?”

“I’m sure your mother and I would like that gift, too.”

“Or I could give him my time. I could read my bible and pray every day.”

“Those are excellent gifts and I am sure he would like them very much.”

special for God. Daddy, what did you give God?” “I gave him my heart when I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart.”

For more information, please contact us at aurorachristianmedia@gmail.com PHONE

+233 244 797 292

Happy Mother’s Day Every day, when I wake up, you are there for me.

You took care of me even when I was born. I hope to take care of you, when you are not well.

Lord, I hope everyone is grateful for their moms and their moms are also grateful for them. I pray we love our moms very well and good. we celebrate Mother’s Day to be thankful and grateful for their love.

Maame Nhyira Addo – Boateng.

best gift of all. I will give him my heart, too.” She smiled and said, “Happy Father’s Day, God.”

“Hmm, this is hard because it must be

PLEASE SUPPORT US

xoxo

Angela thought very hard. “That is the

The End

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

The Children/ Teens in Worship Foundation (also called CTIW Foundation) is a nondenominational Christian children/ teens foundation seeking to aid children/ teens discover who they are in Christ Jesus, discover their talents and abilities and how they could bring their world to encounter with the love of God that surpasses all understanding.

The CTIW Foundation seeks to raise a new generation who worship with the knowledge and the truth of God’s LOVE In the beauty of HIS Holiness. Understanding the love of God, we believe remains key in teaching the values of love, right and wrong, manners, ethics, honesty, integrity, patriotism, selflessness, social support, dedication and commitment to community growth, country and the worked at large.

In the bid to create a better world for all, we believe in the nurturing and development of skills and abilities of the young generation, in a way that teaches them how to maximize every potential in them to the world a better place.

The calling of Children in Worship Foundation took place in January 2012 and work to set up its foundations commenced in July 2012 as a non-denominational, open-for-all Christian Foundation and ever since then, Jesus has been at the centre of it all. As part of efforts of the Foundation to create extended programmes and nurture teens into their early youth after their childhood education, the Foundation went through a name change in 2018,

28

from the Children In Worship Foundation to the Children/ Teens in Worship Foundation, in short CTIW Foundation.

Our vision is to raise a new generation with the consciousness and the sense of responsibility in changing the world into a better place through the knowledge of the Love of God surpasses all understanding. We seek to empower children with unblemished faith in Christ Jesus and the Word of God to live the kingdom mindedness and consciousness of the spoken Word in become change agents of the next generation. Our mission is to win the next generation for Christ Jesus. In the quest of effecting change for a better world, we believe the world understanding the Love of God and experiencing this Love of God makes an incredible difference in the life of every man.

CHILDREN/TEENS IN WORSHIP FOUNDATION

Children’s Christian TV Outreach

Inter- School Clubs

Children/ Teens in Worship Foundation

+233 (0)55 399 8726/ +233 (0)24 622 1407/ +31 (0)6 10 53 57 82 info@childreninworshipfoundation.com/ childreninworship@gmail.com www.childreninworshipfoundation.com www.facebook.com/childreninworshipfoundation

Children in Worship YouTube Channel

Musical Segment

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

29

FOR MORE INFORMATION

RURAL SCHOOLS BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FOR AFRICA

Please send email to childreninworship@gmail.com PHONE

The "Rural Schools Bicycle Transportation Project for Africa� is an education support initiative of the Children & Teens in Worship Foundation to improve access to education in rural communities on the African Continent, increase access to education in these deprived communities and help the future generation break the cycle of poverty by gaining proper education, competing for job opportunies in their economies and earning decent salaries to step up their standard of living.

+233 (0)55 399 8726/ +233 (0)24 622 1407/ +31 (0)6 10 53 57 82

Walking very long distances to school coupled with the inability of these poor families to afford the daily cost of transportation (Buses, taxis etc) as well as , tution fees and cost of educational materials, makes it almost impossible for these poor children in these communities to go to school. This leads to a high illiteracy rate which has a positive relationship with high poverty levels, thus the poverty cycle continues.

.

By donating bicycles to students in these impoverished areas, school punctuality will be high, greatly improving school attendance and increase the literacy rate.

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

30

PETALS OF LOVE FOUNDATION Endless Ways to Save Lives

NEW YEAR PARTY FOR STREET KIDS

Lana Osei, a nurse in North Carolina, USA. She is the founder of Petals of Love Foundation. She shares the love of God through putting smiles on people’s faces.

She collects clothes, food and other items from USA to Ghana to help those in need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please send email to petalsoflovefoundation@gmail.com or aurorachristianmedia@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook at Petals of Love Foundation.

PHONE

+233 0202538050

Happy faces

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

31

The Rolling Stone

By Nanahene Addo-Boateng

LOVE BUZZING!

By Ohemaa. N. Addo-Boateng

Once upon a time, in the mystical forest of Akulu, there lived a family of mystical stones.

Ghambo the youngest was always going against the laws of the forest. One of the laws was never go out at night. One night, he rolled away to the mystical jungle where he was by Giant stones. Looking for safety, as he has lost his way home, he found himself in the desert. He was hot, tired, thirsty and hungry. How he wishes he had not run away from home.

He rolled to a very cold mountain, he was cold, hungry and he couldn’t find anything to eat as everything was ice. he rolled to various places and he saw a mystical creature who helped him find home. He was so glad to see his family ever again and he promised everyone not to go against the laws of the forest ever again.

Hey there, do you love me?

Love is the first commandment. We should love in our homes, schools and churches. We should not envy each other for that is not love. We should also be grateful for whatever we have and share with others.

It has been overwhelming these past few months to sift through the news shaking the world.

Everyday seems to bring disturbing news about Corona Virus. This shows that the world we live in is filled with uncertainty. How do we hold unto hope during this health crisis?

We focus on Christ!

Although situations may not change immediately, but we change our perception that God will give us the strength to carry us through.

Be anxious for nothing, anxiety kills, so that God will give us the peace that transcends all understanding to remain calm in these trying times.

Stay informed!

AURORA MAGAZINE | Issue 003

32

Faith Stories and on any topic that will help people grow in their faith in Jesus Christ on quarterly basis.

Features should be inspiring, encouraging, revealing and applicable to everyday life and of any length.

We need writers for articles, stories, essays and bible studies on Christian living, Marriage, Family,

1.

1st Quarter: January-March DEADLINE for submissions: November 30th Published in January 2.

2nd Quarter: April- June DEADLINE for submissions: February 28th Published in April

AURORA MAGAZINE Quarterly

77/12 Off second junction Teshie Nungua Estate

aurorachristianmedia@gmail.com Accra, Ghana +233 244 797 292

3.

3rd Quarter: July- September DEADLINE for submissions: May 30th Published in July 4.

4th Quarter: OctoberDecember DEADLINE for submissions: August 30th Published in October Please send submissions and enquiries to aurorachristianmedia@gmail.com.

Thank you for your contribution.