Ordained Magazine - Second Edition. Navigating New Seasons

ORDAINED second Edition spring 2020

MAGAZINE MAGA ZINE Contributions from the wonderful clients of House of ilona

Packed with advice For Women in Ministry navigating new seasons

from...

ENCOURAGEMENT TESTIMONY TO MONEY AND STYLE TIME TIPS

www.houseofilona.com

WWW.HOUSEOFILONA.COM

MESSAGE FROM CAMELLE ILONA DALEY CLERGY DESIGNER & EDITOR When planning this “Spring/Easter Issue” back in January, I had no idea as my Researcher and I brainstormed and came up with “Navigating New Seasons”… that our world would be in these unprecedented times, a few weeks later.

When we put the call out for articles, our clients; who prayed, wrote and submitted POWERFUL articles… didn’t know, that at the EXACT time of publishing, we would ALL be Navigating New Seasons.

This issue was created before its time but is being birthed/produced right on time!! Be encouraged Women of God, this season has NOT taken God by surprise, this issue of Ordained Magazine is proof that God has already provided bread (word, food, money) for you before your arrival.

Humbled.

Your Sister in Christ, Camelle ilona Daley

Be not afraid, Only Believe.

Mark 5:36

It's an honour to serve you!

-

0 2

-

Ordained Content 05 Memberships 07 Navigating New Seasons 14

Workplace Ministry

26 The Valley 30 Co-Pastoring Interview Cover Story

38 South African Perspective 42 Pastoral Grief 55 Spring Styling Tips 59 Money Tips Would you like to submit an article, poem, testimony, question comment, one liner or even feedback on anything in this issue, submit to: ordained@houseofilona.com Issue 3 – June 2020 Friends and relationship issue Issue 4 – August 2020 Self Care Summer Issue 5 – November 2020 THE CALL

A House of ilona production

@houseofilona

@houseofilonaclergy

@houseofilona

OrdainedMagazine

what they said about issue 1

"This magazine is anointed and amazing, people really need this resource. It has been such an insight to read, very powerful and moving. Thank you for sharing their stories so well and God bless these courageous women who have shared their invaluable experience for others to glean from their wisdom and experience.

I was particularly blessed by Maureen Morgan - Runaway Minister and Monica's testimony in Call to Ministry and my heart was moved by inclusion of your dear friend Lorna Wilson. I am sure she is cheering you on sis among the great cloud of witnesses" Ms McCarthy "This is a great publication.

What an inspiration to women ministers" Pastor Gervis "This magazine is a blessing for women ministers to know more about fashionable clergy garments" Pastor Sylvia

House of ilona Memberships is Now Open... £275 / $350

Membership includes monthly training on hot topics that have been requested such as: Healthy Boundaries, Work/Life Balance, Time Management, Developing Your Personal Style and so much more...

This is only the beginning!!

As Members you will also: £25 / $32

Receive a full colour, glossy, copy of Ordained Magazine delivered to your door every quarter.

Have year-round discounts on the entire House of ilona Clergy Clothing Range (and future clothing ranges ;-) Access to our monthly prayer line and Great exclusives for Members only.

www.houseofilona.com

NEW Book

by Camelle Daley On Seeking, Finding & Flowing in Purpose

Camelle speaks to the Christian Creatives seeking to launch their dream.

Taking the reader on an inspirational journey through the last 10 years doing business with God and FInding Divine Flow!

"This is an outstanding read. This book is so inspirational and it’s helping myself and my family.

Camelle Daley is an inspirational women. Everyone needs to buy and read this book, whether you desire to go invest more in yourself, in a new business or achieve new and bigger goals in life, this book will guide you to a successful life changing journey you’ll never regret.

Live your dream!"

Genevieve "Highly "I found this book such an easy read and well written. If you are business minded or creative or both or even think you might be, you need to read this book. I could not put it down. I found the part about dealing with my doubts and casting my cares particularly helpful. I think anyone who has thought about pursuing a dream has wondered if there is a place in the world for it? If anyone will care or connect. Camelle really gives you confidence to believe in what you have to offer and find your divine flow."

Jeanette

recommend!

This lady knows what she is talking about."

Courtnea

"A MASSIVE help to me and my entrepreneurial friends!!"

Kim

WWW.FINDINGDIVINEFLOW.COM

"An outstanding, challenging book!!!

What an incredible book so thought provoking and challenging!

Pushing me to do more, aim higher and never give up!!!

Encouraging me to find divine flow in my business. The perfect boost for those moving forward in life and business… I highly recommend you purchase this book!!!

You will not be disappointed , neither will any friends you purchase it for."

Marie

NAVIGATING NEW SEASONS

In order to Navigate New Seasons, one must understand the meaning. To navigate, according to Google dictionary, this means, “to sail or travel over a stretch of water or terrain, carefully or with difficulty.” A synonym for Navigate is; Follow.

When I think of “Navigating New Seasons”, I can’t help but think about the four seasons of nature. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall; with each of those seasons we have to adjust and move differently. Therefore when it comes to the seasons of life, we must learn to Navigate differently. We would look very silly dressing like it’s Summer time in the middle of Winter. When we go through life’s seasons, we must always acknowledge God and ask Him for instructions on how to move through those seasons, in order to survive. We should never move or plunge forward without consulting God, doing that could result in us staying in the dead of Winter when God is trying to move us into our season of Spring.

Proverbs 3:6

APOSTLE CHARLETTA MCKENZIE RECLAIMING THE LOST OUTREACH MINISTRY FAYETTEVILLE, NC

WWW.HOUSEOFILONA.COM

SEASON

TIME CHARACTERIZED

BY CIRCUMSTANCES According to Webster; NAVIGATING means to operate or control the course thereof.

NEW means unfamiliar, haven’t been seen or used.

NEW is an adjective and adjectives describe a person, a place, a thing or an idea.

The word SEASON is a noun. It means a time characterized by circumstances or features (religious awaken), a suitable or natural time or occasion, or an indefinite period (while).

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with NEW WINE” Proverbs 3:5-10, KJV

KENA JONES

When I struggled with surrendering I was driven to do my will and wanted God’s endorsement on it (found out later it doesn’t work that way). I was trying to create open doors or new ones while claiming to trust Him but not realizing only He is able to bring me into a new season. I was expecting God to do things without fully understanding the current season I was in, the lesson(s) I was supposed to learn, nor what God was trying to download into my spirit. I was so anxious and driven by my will I wasn’t allowing God to have his perfect work done in me (Hebrews 13:21).

SURRENDERING New describes the season several of us are in at this present moment. For the most part, grapes try to stay on the vine until it is ready to be a harvest for its purpose. Learning to trust Him completely and understanding:· He controls the course thereof elevates problematic issues. · He knows the right time of the picking and the pressing. · He knows how much water and sunlight is needed for the growth to enter the new season. Being connected is critical not just for harvesting but also getting the same result in taste (character) like Jesus for the work of the ministry.

The truth is I did not evaluate the cost of what I was asking Him because I wasn’t trying to submit.

Through my struggles of surrendering, God allowed me to have one of the most unforgettable experiences of a lifetime. He granted me the opportunity of living in Italy.

He took me to a place not just to taste random foods, or to travel to the different places where some only read about but to understand the Biblical facet of olives, wine vineyards and being connected to Him. I learned the importance of seasons.

Each vineyard produces its own wine and different aged wines have greater or lesser value depending on the sunlight and water. These minor details are factors that change yearly and strongly alter the end result. Small modifications create something completely different. From the amount of rain amount (less or more), sunshine levels, ground mineral content, animals in the vineyard or insects, time of planting and the person harvesting it.

Navigating proved, I wasn’t ready for what He had for me and the lack of trust I had in Him, but it showed me how I was giving lip-service in my “Yes”. Once I gave up, my will for His things became better. This season the body of Christ is in, no longer do we have to wait for it, it Is Here! God is not doing business as usual. He is harvesting the grapes that are ripe and ready. It’s time to wake up and see what Papa is doing. God is changing the taste of wine. He is bringing a new flavor to areas where it seems dry, people are launching businesses and coming into money. You only can recognize it by being connected and trusting in the Lord. Please don’t miss your season. Don’t ask anymore how long or when.

The time is now! Allow God to do what needs to be done so you can burst out with New Wine.

Just like the grape must go through the process of development and the development comes by being connected to the True Vine (John 15:1). Being connected to the True Vine you don’t have to navigate. The word navigating is a transitive verb. Most transitive verbs are used with a direct object. It asks questions of where, when, how or how long?

These questions can make a person complain, abort assignments or get weary in their current season.

-

ReferencesAngnes, M. (Ed.). (2006).

Webster's New World College Dictionary (Fourth Edition ed.). Cleveland, Ohio: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

0 9

-

LORD

TEACH ME TO TRUST IN YOU MORE

-

0 8

-

RACHAEL OLUWAGBEMISOLA OLALEYE Jesus alone has promised us that His peace cannot be likened to the peace the world gives; which is temporary. The world’s peace is such that compromises your believeth and joy! Whilst Jesus’ peace is the kind that keeps you sane and calm in the midst of your storms! (John 14:27)

Yeah! It’s a Season of Gods Manifestations in our lives and ministry. How do we navigate the season? We must be INTENTIONAL in our walk with God and TRUST HIM with all our heart.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6

Try doing this right now: Offload that yoke Lay it at his feet Walk away from it

The word 'anxious' pushes the 'panic' button that destabilises our peace. It is a state that affects our mental ability. It can unsettle our joy and rob us of our comfort. It is a form of mental upset over possible misfortune or expectation.

We get anxious and then worry over various things and become apprehensive about the consequences.

Then begin to meditate on things which are: True: His truth about your situation Noble: how to conduct yourself without compromising Just: not losing your integrity for the fix of the moment Pure: never sell your soul to the devil, or follow counsel that removes God from your solution Lovely and of good report: reach out and continue to be a blessing, help others to fulfil their dreams and focus on things that are praise worthy (Philippians 4: 8)

As seen in Philippians 4 - anxiety creates a war between the mind and the heart of man. The syndrome of anxiety manifests as the mind begins to disagree with what it has embedded in the heart as trust over years. This happens because of a somewhat confused state that overtakes the mind during the attack of anxiety!

Have you been there before? Perhaps you are going through such an experience as you read this? Anxiety visits even the best of us, albeit only occasionally – you know what I mean; that moment you begin to doubt what you had believed to be the truth of God's Word – that is the beginning of anxiety creeping up on you.

The knowledge of the Most High is far beyond ours. We need to have faith and trust His word as we faithfully worship Him. If He says we are to be of good cheer that He's overcome, then WE have no business rolling up our sleeves in combat!

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

The remedy for anxiety comes when we locate the peace of God! Sometimes we get it wrong by thinking that the peace of God is the absence of storms and trials. On the contrary, you can be wrapped inHis peace when trouble bellows heavily around you like an unrelenting storm. Peter, the disciple of Jesus walked on the water not because the storm had stopped, but because of the presence of the 'Prince of Peace' Jesus Christ Himself.The moment Peter doubted and lost faith, anxiety overtook him. Once he removed his gaze from the Prince of Peace, his storm threatened and almost overwhelmed him!

The cause of this is seen in verse 31 of Matthew 14. (Matthew 14:28-31)

-

1 1

Dear Lord, teach me to trust more in you. Help me in the time of my storm and grant me your peace. keep me in Your peace from this moment and remove far from me every kind of anxiety in Jesus name.

Amen

-

Acknowledging Life’s Seasons A Summer's Day and a Tree in Winter I love the Bible’s poetic passages relating our lives to the seasons. One of my favourites is the very first Psalm, where a righteous person is like a tree planted by the water and brings forth fruit in his season.

I love the moment in John 15:5 where Jesus reminds us, He is the vine, we are the branches, and if we remain in Him, we will bear much fruit.

I try to keep in mind Hosea 10:12, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

And I take strength from Galatians 6:9 where Paul advises us to not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.

William Shakespeare, one of England’s most memorable poets, compared his beloved to a summer’s day, in Sonnet 18, and in Sonnet 73, he compared himself to a tree in winter, “when yellow leaves, or none, do hang against the cold, bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.”

-

1 2

-

I can relate. I’ve had periods where I felt like a tree in winter, and others where I’ve had a spring in my step. I’ll bet you have too. What’s more, these spans haven’t correlated with my age or stage of life in any easily discernible way. Life’s seasons are a simple and enduring truth, so why is it so hard to use this truth to help us relate to others?

I believe this is because it’s not always straightforward to imagine the lived experience of others. I still find it difficult. I used to reassure myself I’d improve over time, and now I realize that the passage of time will bring its own challenges in relating to younger generations. My childhood was nothing like that of today’s youth, and even if my memory were perfect, a memory just isn’t the same as compassionate imagination.

What have I done to compensate? I have asked for guidance in prayer, of course, and looked to the Holy Spirit to guide me. With individuals, I tend to ask open-ended questions. When addressing groups, I also find it useful to personalize Ecclesiastes [3:1-8].

By this I mean that I try to imagine people experiencing the seasons in the passage, and how they might feel about what I am trying to communicate. To everyone - just as to everything there are seasons. Some people will feel fresh or reborn at the same time others feel frosty and barren. Some will be embracing, others refraining, and still others feeling wholly un-embraceable.

Some hearts will be dancing, other hearts mourning. Some will be at war with themselves, with others, or even with God, while others will be at peace with the world. And some will be in harvest time while others are still planting the seeds for their future.

DR. LAUREN SPEETH The Season method Early in my career, when I was in a season of sowing and eager to make a good impression, I learned about a fourseason method to find your most flattering colour palate.

Based on your skin tone and contrast level you were assigned a permanent season. In the springtime of my life, I learned I was a winter, meaning high contrast with cool skin undertones. As my hair turns snowy white and the contrast fades, I may find myself a Summer. I found the season method helpful, and I became good at guessing my friends’ seasons.

The “Happy Mother’s Day” Mistake I’ve just never found a straightforward rule of thumb for a person’s life season, and I’ve found it dangerous to speculate. For example, there was the time I wished a young mom a “Happy Mother’s Day”, only to find she was grieving her own mother. Oops! Who knew you could be in two seasons at once: the spring of young motherhood and the winter of grief? I surely did not. I hadn’t yet experienced such complexity by that point in my young life.

Would I have done better with more information? I hope so.

But information itself can mislead. During my chaplaincy training at Stanford Hospital and Clinics – one of my country’s top ten hospitals – I was taught not to assume I understood anything just because I’d read a medical chart.

That sage advice helped me keep from making the dreaded “Happy Mother’s Day“ mistake. I hope that by sharing it here I might help my brothers and sisters in Christ who are reading this article as well. May the LORD bless and keep you, and rain down righteousness upon you in good season!

-

1 3

-

WORKPLACE MINISTRY MOMENT WITHÂ LINDA RATLIFF-WATKINS PHD, PMP

The Lord opened an opportunity for me to facilitate a Workplace Ministry Program at Detroit Chassis, LLC. There my role is Director of Community Support and Ministry, Senior Manager Customer Service. Right away, you see that this is a faith-based company with a focus on ministering to the lost and sharing Christ within the nine to five hours. We call our sessions, Energy!

-

0 6

-

Our first formal session was Wednesday, November 2003. We make sure to carve out time for God every Wednesday from 11:30 AM till noon. Associates at Detroit Chassis flood the Family Room to get fed both naturally and spiritually. We have seen the Lord answer prayer and move miraculously at our workplace. The greatest miracle is to witness a soul come to Christ, and we see this weekly. My most favourite part of the session comes near the end when all attendees stand and take hands for prayer. We call out special prayer requests and intercede for one another during this prayer. I am excited to have been a part of this session since its first service. I, too, have been a partaker of God’s mercy and grace, and I am eager to share this testimony with others.

There is a special anointing available for those that are willing to step out in faith and share Christ at work. It is easy to see that Jesus had a workplace ministry. That is why individuals He encountered are always mentioned by their profession. Peter was a Fisherman; Luke was a Physician, the Centurion Soldier. We could go on because work is where we live, Jesus knows that.

Many believers struggle with sharing their faith in the workplace because they do not want to get singled out for persecution. Life is hard enough without making it more difficult, so they settle for praise breaks in the restroom, but God wants us to live for Him intentionally and out loud. God placed us on the earth for a reason, and that reason is to share the love of Jesus Christ and let others know that God has a better way.

I want to inspire other believers to know that God is with us, and He wants us to reach others. It is not hard at all. Just use Jesus’ example and start by loving people. Ministry is easier when we care and understand that it is not about us, but about connecting others to God. Consider asking God to show you who you should reach. There are so many hurting people in our workplaces, and they need to know that God does care.

The circumstances and hurdles they encounter make them feel as though no one cares, but that is a trick of the enemy.

God loves us all with an everlasting love.

He gave the gift of His son, who willingly gave His life as a ransom for us so that we could be redeemed.

He made us a promise in His word that He would never leave us or forsake us.

He gave us unlimited access to His throne. We can approach him to discuss anything. He listens for our call and answers prayers. Call Him today. Tell Him what you need and listen for His voice.

He will comfort your heart and bring clarity.

He will strengthen us to stand for righteousness.

God can do anything BUT fail!

Trust Him to deliver you and share your testimony.

LINDA RATLIFF-WATKINS Looking at the Gospels and the book of Acts, we see the impact of sharing a testimony. Trust God for answers, and when he moves, share what happened with others. The blessing is in telling others what God did for you, so they can realize that if He did it for you, He could do the same for them.

God allows us to experience situations so that He can get the glory. I am praising God right now because I am in the thick of a storm, but I am encouraged because God is faithful and greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. In this world, we will experience trouble.

We can still rest because God is still in control, and He has a plan for us. He designed us for the circumstances we encounter.

I believe this writing in encouraging someone today to hold on. God is amazing, and His way is powerful, so know that it does not matter where you are, you can begin to share His goodness with others, so we can overcome and win souls all at the same time. The time is now to share your faith. Tell what God has done for you and experience the joy that will flood your heart as you open your heart to sharing your testimony. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the words of their testimony.

Take every opportunity you can to share and see the harvest of souls at your workplace because the time is now!

-

1 5

-

DUMP THAT STUFF! d

s

t oub

e m ha

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

an

ger

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here. ”So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”

Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.”

Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road…"

Mark 10:46-52 New Living Translation

-

1 0

-

r a e f

In Biblical days, being blind was often seen as a curse.

And unlike today with assistive learning methodology, modified equipment and financial benefits awarded by the government; back then there was really no way to support oneself financially, so those who were disabled in such a way they were given cloaks by the leading governmental authority as identity and permission to beg. Beggars were defined as such by the cloak they wore. Typically, the cloak was the beggar’s one and only possession and their only source of income, warmth and shelter.

Dump the: 1. thoughts of fear 2. shame 3. doubt and unbelief 4. feelings of

Today let me encourage everyone; it's time for us to do it like Bartimaeus and Dump That Stuff!

unforgiveness 5. anger 6. bitterness 7. past sins

EVANGELIST SHONYE BUTLER

8. nursing hurts and offenses 9. keeping word curses alive by rehearsing what was said and by whom 10. habits and fruitless strategies operating from flesh perspectives not spiritual insights It's time, high time we Dump That Stuff!

Since we have chosen to follow Christ we must shed anything and everything that would distract, stop, impede, hinder, divert, block or cause us to become stalled from our forward movement toward the expected end promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

Notice the text does not say that Bartimaeus took a moment and folded his cloak and packed up his begging equipment before going to Christ. In one act he declares that he believed Christ and would not be returning to his old stuff and old ways of doing life.

It’s 2020 this as a great time to Dump That Stuff!

Please note that I didn't say “some stuff” but “THAT stuff” I say That Stuff because we know and recognize the stuff God has given us; revelation about that needs to be released. He stated emphatically to the Prophet Isaiah.

"Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen…'

Isaiah 43:19-20 Hear me I believe that this is the appointed place the appointed time for the manifestation of this promise for each of us, His children. It’s only when we actively dump that stuff that has held us up.

-

1 7

-

Navigation is the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.

Every year is different from the previous year. We don’t know what to expect in the new year, new season. As a Christian we always pray for a closer walk with the Lord. We ask for more knowledge and understanding of His word. We ask for God’s forgiveness and we ask for His continued Grace and Mercy. We pray for our friends, family, co-workers, the sick and the shut-ins.

Every season we seek divine direction from God. We want to reach a new level because that’s how much we love Him. “A closer walk with thee O Lord”.

There is a saying out with the old and in with the new. New seasons of enjoying life to its fullest. Navigating these seasons through change. But change is not always easy, especially when it means a transition into difficulty or the unknown. We must always keep our eyes on the prize and that is doing what we must do to see the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, by opening our ears to hear when He speaks to us and our heart to receive what God has for us, we transition our lives with new beginnings which is the start of New Seasons. Amen!

"FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON,A TIME FOR EVERY ACTIVITY UNDER HEAVEN" ECCLESIASTES 3:1

EVANGELIST MARILYN CUNNINGHAM-BEAZER

-

1 8

-

BOLDLY, CONFIDENTLY, HUMBLY AND PRAYERFULLY

WALK INTO YOUR NEW SEASON! Navigating new seasons can be an exhilarating, adventurous, exhaustive and yet one of the most rewarding experiences you will encounter. The role of the vehicle navigation system when you are traveling is to assist you in arriving to your prescribed destination with as little distraction or delays as possible. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is your navigation, your guide as you enter a new season. The word of God says, “the Spirit will guide you in truth and will only give you what He hears from the Father” (John 16:13). You must always be attentive and ready to hear and obey the direction of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Spirit that searches the things of God (1 Cor.2:10) and knows the path God wants you to follow. Trust the leading of the Spirit and know you are right where God wants you to be in your new season!

As you navigate within your new season, you will unequivocally experience times of doubt, loneliness, and insecurities. Do not allow these negative emotions to cause you to become distracted and lose focus on the “season” God has purposely design for you. When you experience these moments, as you will, you must hold fast to the word of God. Pray without ceasing and fast often. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those who have achieved your new season. Covenant Connection is one of the strongest relationship bonds you can establish to gain and maintain strength for the journey.

You are not on an island by yourself, talk to other spiritual leaders to gain insight on what is required to effectively navigate within your new season. Be open and receptive to new knowledge that will assist you in progressing to your Divine Destination.

Pastor Hope Drew

-

2 3

-

Know the season you are in

MARCIA BATTEN Entering a new season can be difficult to navigate and requires discernment and spiritual understanding or you may find yourself going around the same mountain time and time again. Deuteronomy 2:1-3

2. How God will begin to prepare you for the next season As stated before, God will begin to clear out from the previous season. Before He can begin to pour the new wine of the next. Firstly, He will begin to change the wine skins in order to make you flexible to accommodate the new.

Life is meant to be lived in cyclical seasons that evolve in an upward motion as you grow and develop, and not in cycles on the same level. So, there are three things (of course there may be more) that I think you need or understand in navigating the seasons.

This, from my experience, can be challenging as the ‘new wine’ maybe a new word, new methodology or new environment coming to you that you have never heard or experienced before in your circles but in your spirit you know you have heard God.

1. Know the season you are in ‘To everything there is a season anda time to every purpose under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1

What He’s doing is giving you ‘food’ from another ‘day’ where you are today to prepare you for what is coming.

It is crucial that you know what season you are in: Is it a building up or a pulling down season.

If you don’t know then you could be trying to build when you should be and pulling down and vice versa. I believe this occurs if you are not focused on listening to the voice of God to YOU and become distracted with what other people are doing. Remember that other people will and maybe in a different season to you! So, don’t watch what other people are doing to the extent that you compare yourself with them and try to replicate what they are doing.

We know that from the Apostle Peter in Acts 10:10-16 where he has a vision of a sheet coming down from the heaven filled with four-footed creatures, which to him where unclean. But Peter is told ‘Go kill and eat’. He recognized the voice of the Lord but the instructions – ‘New wine’ was strange to him, but he obeys.

That’s just how it is… God will begin speaking something to you that sounds strange and you’ve not done before, but your spirit will recognize the voice of God.

I have been in season where God was clearing out some old stuff from a previous season and on the surface it looked as though nothing was happening. But I knew that he was working on me internally.

In preparation for the next season learn to stay flexible 3. He will send someone to help Because God is merciful and is the loving Abba Father, He will always send someone to assist and help you on course, someone who has walked the path beforehand to guide you.

I then went to a meeting/conference and someone said to me ’How are you’ and what are you ‘Doing’. And what they meant was ‘How is the ministry: what conferences are you doing?

Have you written any books? Have you been invited to minister at any meetings? etc.

I have found from my experience, that there has been - in the most crucial times - people who have crossed my path, given me direction and support just at the right time.

Because I was ok in myself and knew my season, I could handle the conversation. But if you are not confident in what God is saying to you for that season – i.e.. ‘clearing out,’ you could go off on a tangent and start doing things before you are ready and God is ready. Knowing your season… is being comfortable being YOU!

Finally, know that God started this work in you. He knows exactly where you are and He will ensure you transition to the next season.

God will always send you help to transition.

-

2 1

-

These powerful child led devotional resource packs are based on the Christian values of: Forgiveness, Peace, Hope, Belief, Trust, Courage, Thankfulness, Friendship, Responsibility & Tolerance

With most children off school due to COVID-19 here is a great resource to keep them creative and close to God Children create their own family devotions: Lead Worship, Tell Bible Stories, Lead Discussions, Pray for one another and so much more

Children are the trailblazers & life changers who WILL make a difference in this world For more information about our available devotional packs for parents, wholesale prices for churches and charities and speaking engagements: pauline@childledfamilydevotions.com

ORDER FOR YOUR CHILDREN & CHURCH TODAY!

www.childledfamilydevotions.com

MAUREEN MORGAN

SEASONS ARE CYCLES Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, the weather changes rapidly across our English country. The plants change, and the animals change their behaviour to suit the weather. Seasons are cycles that go around and around. No one can predict the beginning of a brand-new day or the end of a winter’s night.

We will no longer procrastinate or feel lesser than someone who has achieved their goals and succeeded. Whatever obstacles we encounter on our journey it will be a learning curve. Learn from your mistakes and learn to receive words of wisdom from a reputable mentor or life coach even strangers at unawares. We all start from small beginnings; therefore, we will confidently navigate our journey with our personal GPS - GOD PROMISED SUCCESS.

The glorious sunshine makes people feel warm, loved and happy. The Winter brings a frosty breeze and sometimes snow, and an outpouring of rain that makes people feel cold, wet and sad.

Our feelings can either make us or break us. If we go through dark seasons, we can become depressed, constantly thinking our life is doom and gloom. If we go through seasons of light, we find our way through the dark tunnel and see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Our pathway is illuminated, and we see our dreams and visions as clear as day.

We will follow His route. “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.” Let’s use the Bible as our daily A-Z map of life and world travel guide. “He will direct our path and keep us on the straight and narrow road that leads to eternal life.” We will continue to navigate through the hard-difficult times in life. We will direct our cruise ship from one place to another. We will calmly sail through the storms of life. We will depend on Gods knowledge and not lean on our own understanding. We will ask Jesus to take the wheel and steer our cruise ship into the deep blue sea, for deep calls unto deep.

This year let’s not go by feelings let us be determined to make things happen irrespective of our emotions playing games with the way we think, speak and act. Negative feelings are the opposite to positive. Always remember feelings come and go and should not dictate our purpose in life. Our foreseeable future can only be hindered if we allow disappointment, rejection and betrayal to consume our thought pattern, making our life seem meaningless. Let our thoughts be colourful and masterful always blooming with positivity.

-

2 3

He navigates us into a New Season: Habakkuk 2:2 Hebrews 13:2 Joshua 1:8 Jeremiah 29:11 Matthew 7:14 Proverbs 3:6 Psalms 42:7

-

We will embrace with open arms every seasonal door of opportunity: New business plans New creative ideas New connections New dimensions New expectations New innovations New success and New YOU Jesus is the captain of our ship

www.houseofilona.com

WWW.ASONEMINISTRY.NET

The Valley of the Shadow of theM I Unknown NISTER NATASHA

GIBSON

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

What is the biggest fear of walking through something when you don’t know what the outcome is going to be? Perhaps it is the fear of the unknown itself or the essence of actually walking something out that requires a big leap of risking it all. To each the ‘shadow’ entails different things that can hold us hostage in our own mind and not so much in the physical realm. It’s in those times we find ourselves trying to navigate the journey of our life on our own when we don't have to.

God clearly is with us and we are with him. The journey will always have its peaks and valleys, but the question becomes how will we navigate or get through them?

Here are seven (7) thoughts for your consideration:

1) Identify your season and own it!

If you’ve written out 2020 goals, what’s the common theme? Perhaps you realize God is calling you to do more writing or taking more leadership roles. What is that area you are most uncomfortable in but you are challenged to do more of it? Perhaps that’s your new season. Now walk it out.

GOD CLEARLY IS WITH US AND WE ARE WITH HIM

2) Stay near to Him. You may be familiar with John 15:4 when Jesus says “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”In order to stay in him, a life of prayer and studying is a must.

Meditate upon His word day and night. Perhaps you have to change up your daily schedule or routine, if so, do it! Get the word in your heart so that you are like David who had to encourage himself in the Lord in the time of adversity. (1 Samuel 30:6) 3) Be bold and courageous.

God did not give us the spirit of fear. PERIOD. And he did not say that we would not have to contend with fear, he just simply reminded you, HE did not give you the spirit. So, if he didn’t give it to you, why accept it? I encourage you to be a LEAPER! A Leaper is someone who goes beyond what is seen… and trusts God. When you trust Him you will surely soar higher than any mountain you will face. Everything works together for the good of them who loves him. So pray Bigger and Bolder prayers...it's time to God-size your asking.

A LIFE OF PRAYER AND STUDYING IS A MUST

4) Know your purpose.

This is your anchor. It will help you live a life of integrity. We are all created to worship God and to multiply. How have you been fruitful? Your gift will make room for you and it will be the light that draws others to you through Christ. Step out on faith and that’s how you will conquer the staircase…one step at a time.

Psalm 57:2 says “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” Seek God for the purpose of your creation.

GOD-SIZE YOUR ASKING -

2 7

-

5) Boast in the Lord!

Don't be ashamed or apologetic about it. I recently gave a talk to a group of wives and reminded them who they are and whose they are. I reminded them that it’s time they be themselves unapologetically. I encouraged them with this mantra- “I will no longer allow the enemy to steal my identity!” Meaning, their identity is not being a wife as that is a role that is fulfilled. Their identity is being a child of God! When you know not only who you are but who’s your Creator, you become powerful and no one can trip you up from mistaken identity ever again. We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Boast in the Lord, God Almighty for what he has created and what he has done and is doing in your life. This also builds up your faith to see how far He has brought you along the journey and taking you into your new season.

6) Give thanks, worship and be a generous giver.

I don’t know about you but it’s time for the people of God to stop being spiritual blessing hoarders.

STOP BEING SPIRITUAL BLESSING HOARDERS

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 In your giving, give thanks and just worship God for the provision to do so. It doesn’t have to be around money, it can be a simple act of giving of your time (psst…it’s a resource God has given you, are you being a good steward over it?) Consider volunteering to assist a neighbour or relative just because you care or calling someone up and making their day because you thought enough to call them and not just text them. You see how when giving cheerfully, you boast more in the Lord and you walk in your purpose and gifting boldly and courageously?

7) Always keep home life in order.

This last one is a big one. With this one, I’m coming from the Marriage Coach filter. If your home life is not in order, you are not in order. Your blessings are hindered, there’s no unity, submission or vision casting. God is a God of order and therefore we are a people of order. (1 Corinthians 14:33)My husband and I often tell our couple clients, you must Communicate, Communicate and Communicate (and communicate more) with your spouse.

If you are unmarried, keep a godly lifestyle, date with a purpose. Refuse to entertain drama. Limit distractions on your journey. Ladies, before agreeing to a marital proposal, I submit to you to ask what’s the vision? Where there is no vision, there is no marriage. What’s his purpose, how does he see you “helping” him do the work in the garden? Let your 2020 mantra be “No more Blessing Suckers in my inner circle or path-blockers in my new season!” Amen!

Keep your blessings and your goodies to yourself until you are found by your Boaz.

I hope these tips of embracing your new season has inspired you to leap into your calling. Embracing a new path is not easy but it can be peaceful and rewarding in the end. Remember, God is a rewarder of faith and when you leap into your new beginnings, don’t look back, just enjoy the journey.

-

2 8

-

Don’t give up on you God is not through with you!

God is not through with your dreams.

God is not through with your ministry.

God is not through with your marriage.

God is not through with your children.

God is not through with your business.

God is not through with you!

Remember this and be confident of this very thing. He that has begun a good work in you will perform it until Jesus Christ returns!

Philippians 1:6 Be encouraged You and God got this!

fr o m

D A R L E E N

C

W I L S O N

PASTORING...

CARING FOR THE SHEEP

Interview with Co-Pastor Marie Reid In this interview, Co-Pastor Marie Reid shares about her journey and the incredible things that she is doing. Marie is also my sister big sister :-) She's a mother, a co-pastor, a designer, a friend, an innovator, a singer and the list goes on.

Interview by Camelle Daley.

(We had fun laughing and sharing.

See the full interview on our YouTube Channel - Ordained Magazine).

The Book: Triology5d.com (Triology Fifth Dimension available on the website and Amazon) The Game: Mytruthcardgame.com (Available directly only on the website) The Music: ClifandMarie.com (If Only Album available on the website, and all major music apps)

Co-Pastoring Camelle: Wow so lots of things to unpack. I’d like to start with my first question; did you ever imagine God would call you to be a co-pastor?

Marie: I’m going to say no, but I think He warned me many years ago. I remember it was probably about 15 years ago, I was young in my marriage, probably married about 5 years or so and this Prophet came to our church and said to me “… I see you're going to be a mother for many people..” So my husband teased me and started calling me Mother Reid and I just thought, No Thanks! But now, people have come back to me and said remember that prophetic word!

Camelle: And how long have you been Pastoring now?

Marie: Two years.

Camelle: So, no matter how long it takes if God wants it, it’s going to happen.

Marie: Yes. [laughs].

Camelle: What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of the calling to date?

Marie: The most challenging was when my husband asked me to co-pastor and I said “no I think you should go and listen [to God] again.” He said, “that’s what I’m hearing”. So God and I had a conversation about it and I was explaining to God why I shouldn’t be copastor. The conversation was very one sided, then God said to me “Watch what you do.” And I was like, what does that mean? Then literally at 3am in the morning I got up and started to plan and organise things, saying things like “Oh I need to contact this person, sought this out, arrange this for the church and we need to make sure this is happening, let me pull this together” And then I paused and realised I was already doing it. Then I looked at the definition of Pastoring and it talked about caring for the sheep, and then I thought, actually I could do that but by God’s grace.

Camelle: That’s so good. So the name of your church is?

Marie: Mountain Movers Ministries or triple M for short.

Camelle: Tell me about the name?

Marie: After we [Pastor Clifton] had received lots of prophecies about going into ministry. Clifton received the name Mountain Movers. I said I didn’t like it because it sounded old fashioned. Then a day or so later I heard the Lord say to me, “look in your phone for the name Clif gave you.” I thought to myself why would the name be in my phone when I don’t like the name? I’m always writing notes in my phone, so I started looking and… there it was, I’d written the name Mountain Movers a year before in my phone. I was blown away.

Camelle: Wow, that’s awesome.

-

3 1

-

Camelle: So your church has a lot of young people. Tell me more about your ministry and any advice for Pastors with young children/young people.

Marie: Yes, we have a lot of young people and that was one of the prophecies that we received that we would have a lot of young people drawn to us. We’ve [Clifton and Marie] always been around young people, many years ago I ran a conference called “Fight The Pressure” at Bibleway Church. [Bibleway Churches UK is a part of Bibleway International, a global Pentecostal church organisation]. I was also part of “Youth For Christ” [A National Christian youth choir in Bibleway]. I was Youth Pastor at my old church Grace Tabernacle. So God has constantly connected me to young people, so to hear a prophecy that young people will be drawn to me made sense.

We’ve had many young people come to our church getting baptised, saved and becoming passionate about God. I think its because we allow the presence of God to just come and have His way and do what He wants to do. Sometimes Clif and I will just step back and watch the young people prophesying, even to people older than them, and people are brought to tears.

My daughter (11) had a word for someone and the person was asking her “how did you know this about me, who told you?” Well it’s God! It’s powerful to see them doing this and I think it’s about giving them room to grow instead of having them sitting at the back of the church on their phones on social media. We have to include them and let them know they are a part of this, challenge them, ask them “what is God saying to you?”

A couple of weeks ago someone had pain in their leg and two of our seventeen-year olds laid hands and prayed and the person was healed. This person had been in pain for about twenty days and the pain was gone. To God be the glory.

Camelle: So you engage the young people by challenging them and giving them opportunity to follow God’s leading?

Camelle: And what age group are they?

Marie: One hundred per cent and every Sunday we have something called “Boardroom Biscuits”. There is a boardroom in another part of the church where the young people gather to pray, share their ups and downs, prophecy and have fun. This has caused them to grow in God and they give each other prayer assignments or a challenge to fast from Snapchat this week. So we’re seeing them progress and grow to the point where you just want to step back and watch them. For example, about twenty of our young people including five on the praise and worship team were asked to go to an event. Our young people on the worship team were leading and then the rest of the young people joined in, some of them were waving flags and the power of God moved, people were falling out in the spirit and coming to the altar. Pastor Clifton and I just stood back watching God move, so it’s not us, we’re just trusting God and saying God you move and we’re watching God anoint these young people and it’s amazing to see.

Marie: Thirteen to twenty-year olds.

Young people & Church

Camelle: That is the age group that some of our readers may find challenging to keep in church and get interested in ministry. What would you advise them?

Marie: What we have done is create an atmosphere of worship at the beginning of every service and sometimes our worship service can be over an hour long and we encourage them to worship. As we do this there is a shift in the atmosphere and then someone may come for prayer, or someone starts prophesying. It’s in seeing God move it leads them to ask questions and become interested in what God’s doing.

We’ve had prophets come and do training on the prophetic and prophesy into their lives. All this encourages them to begin to develop their relationship with God and have a desire to be used by Him. They observe how the more mature people in service worship, for example we have a lady who’s about sixty years old and when the Spirit of God moves she just lays out prostrate before God and the young people are just inspired by such depth of worship.

It’s about making church more real and we’re not hung up on what people wear as long as its modest. There’s been the rare occasion where I’ve had to say a quiet word to some of the ladies, but other than that, we let people come in their jeans because at the end of the day it’s about the person. Let’s get them to church and let the person find God and then God does the work and you see them flourish.- 3 2 -

Balancing it all Camelle: So you are a wife, mother, foster mother, a co-pastor, business women, author, counsellor, worship leader, I mean I need more paper [both laugh]. How do you maintain balance in your life?

The Game

Marie: My family will tell you we have Family Night every week and we try not to miss it. Every Monday we come together; watch a movie and play games TOGETHER. When my daughter was at University, mentioned to someone she was really going to miss she Camelle: How long have 'Family Night' and this person didn’t know what she yourself and Clifton been married? meant. When she explained it to them, this person’s family never did anything like that, so Clif and I Marie: 21 years in July. recognise how important it is. Our kids have definitely developed from that and it’s become a Camelle: Amazing! Tell staple in our family me more about “My Truth”.

Marie: This is a conversational card game for couples.

We’ve had people ask us how do we stay married and work together and I’d share that you know we’re really are good friends. So along with having family night we also have date night which we try and do once a week. We’ll stay at home and watch a movie, or we’ll go out, and it’s not about the money because sometimes we’ve not had a lot of money, so we’ve just gone to McDonalds.

The Book Camelle: Speaking of your children you’ve written a book called Trilogy Fifth Dimension, which is phenomenal, please tell us more about this book.

Marie: This one is called Trilogy because there will be three books in the series. This is the first one and it’s a Biblical action adventure for children and my children are the main characters in the story. I remember when I’d finished writing the book; I brought in an A4 paper copy of the first chapter for my kids to read. When they realised they were in it, they were so excited, it was lovely to witness their reactions.

We had a date night and we didn’t know what we were going to do and I heard the Spirit of the Lord say write words down on a piece of paper, scrunch them up, put them in front of Clif and start talking about them. So I did, and Clif would pick up one of the papers and maybe it was about romance and we’d started talking about it, debating and laughing and then Clif added more words and the pile of words got bigger and by the end of it we both realised how refreshing it was to have these conversations. We thought if this has ignited things for us, what could it do for others? That’s when we started to develop the game.

It’s about these three kids who discover a sacred Bible in the house which they’ve been told not to touch but they do, and end up being transported into various Bible stories and encountering Bible characters and having amazing adventures, but they can’t be seen by the Bible characters but they can see them.

We had a mother from the Netherlands contact us, her son is fifteen years old and an atheist, but he read the book and loved it and was asking when the next one was out. I’ve even had feedback from adults reading it and loving it too.

It’s called “My Truth” because my truth is different to someone else’s. What I call romance maybe different to how someone else understands it. The man may be thinking, ‘yeah I’ve got it down I’m taking her out for a burger.’ while the women is thinking ‘if this man takes me for a burger one more time.’ So, it’s about helping to create that opportunity to have these kinds of conversations to find out what works for you as a couple.

The dream is I’d love for the book to get to Hollywood and become a blockbuster.

“Triology Fifth Dimension” available on Amazon -

3 3

-

The Music Camelle: Tell me more about Clif and Marie and the music?

Marie: This is our first album Clif and Marie – If Only which is available on Spotify. Clif and I had been running a Gospel workshop choir for years, [Clifton is a singer, song writer and pianist] and then God spoke to us about Clif and I doing something together. But we were really committed to the choir but then God just turned things around, the choir was disbanded and then Clif and Marie [as praise and worship artists] was born. God opened doors for us to sing all over the place and do a music video. The plan is for more music to come, another album or two.

[Clif and Marie have ministered around the UK and Europe, their gospel video Final Say featuring Triple O has over 8K views on YouTube. Co-Pastor Marie was also the recipient of the 2018 Wise Women Award for Woman in Music at Wisdom for Women International].

The Graphic Designer

Camelle: You are also a graphic designer Marie: Yes, I have been doing that for almost 20 years, I enjoy doing that for my clients. I remember some time ago my sister-in-law asked me to design a leaflet for her and she said make it look really professional like a million dollars. She then went to an event and a client said we’d love to work with you, but we can’t afford you and she asked why do you say that?

He said I’ve seen your work and we couldn’t afford you. My sister-in-law told me later, “Marie you did it! You made me look like a million dollars because that’s how this person saw me”. I love making clients look professional so they can sell their services and do what they do.

Encouragement in the tough times Camelle: Brilliant! So, you do so much in terms of business and ministry and family. In the rough times what encourages you.

Marie: The song “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin is very important to Clif and I. I remember once Clif and I were in a place where we just felt like we’d given our all and we had nothing left to give. Money was gone and everything was just going mad and we were talking about it and we said how are we still standing. Then we realised we’re not standing we’re both just leaning on each other and that’s why we’re still standing.

We’ve been through times, I remember Clif and I had to make £2.20 stretch for dinner for our family of five. We found out that you could buy rice for ‘x’ pence and a little tin of corn beef for 70 pence. We’ve been through times when we had come home from church having led worship and there was nothing in the house to eat. But then we’d receive a text message to say look outside your door and there was some food there. We’ve been through some tough stuff and I think as much as it has been painful, I’m so glad I’ve had those experiences because then you can have empathy for others. We’ve been there so we can understand the pain and suffering of others.

Camelle: So, it’s 2020. What do you believe this new decade and season is about?

Marie: Pastor Clif said; “It is the Year of the Risen”. It’s about rising in everything your supposed to do. Everything you’re doing and saying, take it to the next level. Even with the book we’re already connecting with someone that visits the Grammys regularly, we want the game to expand into other countries. We want to do another album and we want to continue to be a blessing to our foster children. We want our own children to grow and watch them soar. We want our church we want to move to a larger premise as we are out growing where we are. God has allowed us to juggle all these things and somebody called us Innovators and I really love that because it’s about doing things differently and not limiting yourself.

But someone may say your jack of all trades and master of none, no, no, no I’ve mastered all these things, the game is professional, the book is professional, the music is professional and I’m doing my best to be a co-pastor, so I think you can do more than one thing and still be a success. Camelle: You’re doing so many things, what advice would you give to someone who is just trying to do one of those things but their hesitant to start? What advice would you give them? Marie: I would say write the vision, the Bible says to write the vision and make it plain so you can run with it and others can see it and run with you. And it’s good to focus on that one thing and make that great and then move onto the next thing. Even if you’re working full time, find time to do it in the evening, make a start, turn off the television and go for it.

“It is the Year of the Risen”

Three Sisters collaborate in Ministry & business

New to the Ministry, Young & South African Rev’d Tlagu Molokoane

"I soon realised after ordination as a young woman, I was extremely valuable!"

My calling to ministry has been both exciting, joyous, nerve wrecking and challenging. I have learned so much in my first year and experienced so much, as I adjusted to my new role in the St. Andrews’ and St. Michaels’ Anglican Cathedral in a city known as Bloemfontein, South Africa. Ministry has become a big part of my life and a joy, though it is never all smooth sailing and rosy. There has been a lot of up and downs. During my training I was constantly reminded that my focus in ministry should be for the glory of God and nothing else, and with that I soon realised after ordination as a young woman, I was extremely valuable! I put this up where I can see it daily, especially on the days when it was draining and tiring.

I often laugh when people approach me, then mumble and stutter as they try to quickly figure out if they should address me as “ma’am”, “Rev’d, “mother” or “father” (which is commonly how male clergy are addressed in South Africa).

I love how some young people (as I’m very involved in Youth Ministry) have come up to me and given me that weird look, followed by a “Why would you consider to be in ministry, and how did it all come about?”

I’m not offended anymore, when people ask me if I’m really “a priest” when I’m at shopping malls, (though the thought has crossed my mind to jokingly reply, “No, I’m just wearing this clerical collar costume for a theatre play”).

I’m an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa; where the first woman to be ordained in the Anglican Church was a member of the clergy in 1992. In my particular Diocese the first female ordained was in 2001. I’m a self-supporting member of the clergy. We still have a long way to go to balance the scale of female clergy in leadership in my province. However, it’s not impossible.

Above all, I hope all those I meet and come across fall in love with Jesus and cleave unto Him to experience His never-ending amazing Grace.

I pray that I will soon meet the financial obligations to study further and continue my theological studies, and I’m confident that with God, that nothing is impossible and it’s just a matter of time.

I pray my role in ministry in my country inspires young women to open their hearts to their calling to ministry, more especially if they feel called. They shouldn’t shy away or be discouraged that there are so few female clergy.

-

3 6

-

Lessons learnt 1.

Time away to spend with God privately is absolutely essential. It has become a habit. During days when I’m discouraged, tired and weary, I know right away it’s time to go and spend some crucial time alone with God.

2.

Despite the challenge that female clergy are still few in numbers in my country, I encourage myself that God would not have called me if it was not His will, and that unique situations are the start to many wonderful things.

3.

When the enemy tells me through voices in my head that I should quit and when things get difficult, I remind myself that God wouldn’t have brought me this far and leave me here, and for the mere fact that the enemy wants me to quit must be a sure sign. I love getting encouragement from the book of Esther, “if not me, then who?” This is the perfect time that God wanted me in Ministry. His timing is always perfect, never early, nor late.

4.

5.

6.

7.

It’s okay to say no, especially when I’m tired. In order for me to effectively be an ambassador of Christ, I need to be fully alert so that I can hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I cannot give glory to God in ministry until I have recharged my mind, body and spirit.

Communicate with God and fully trust Him with every little detail of my life, from grocery shopping, to my wardrobe, to figure out my hairdo too, thus to always ask Him to lead me for He knows my strengths, weakness, heart, fears and already knows what tomorrow has in store for me (Proverbs 3:5-6) I’m a female member of the clergy, I don’t need to compete with the male clergy or try to do things like a male clergy would. God called me to ministry as a woman, if it were not so, then he would have made me a man.

It’s about Gods Glory, and nothing else.

u o y s l l a c d o G n e e H Wh t a h w f o t ou o t n i ou y d e l l ca It was like someone had lifted a cover off me and I knew, my time here was up. The office staff had gathered to hear an announcement from our Senior Manager. She shared that our administrative teams and team leaders would be changing in the department. At that moment I felt the tangible Grace of God lift.

J e a n e t t e Mc C a r t h y

Through God’s miraculous favour He had opened a door for me to work at this particular charity and for two and a half years, every day I felt like God wrapped me in an atmosphere of grace and restoration, but now God was telling me it was time to go. I would like to say just like Abraham off I went full of faith. But I’d be lying.

Finally, I realised if I said I had faith, well faith without works or corresponding actions is dead, so I decided to hand in my notice. I told my line manager and senior manager that it was simply time for me to move on. They didn’t understand why I was leaving and wanted to see if there was anything they could do to make me stay, but I simply explained that I had enjoyed my experience here but it was time to re-evaluate what was next for me.

I wrestled with the decision for a further seven months. I gave God every logical reason I could think of why I couldn’t leave: How am I going to pay my bills?

What will I be leaving to go and do?

What reason am I going to give to my employers why I’m leaving?

Do you know I don’t have another job to walk into?

Let me get a job and then I will leave?

I’d love to tell you the end of my story and how it all worked out, but at the time of writing this I am still trusting God in this journey.

I would like to share with you what God is teaching me, and if you find yourself in a period of transition, I hope this is an encouragement to you.

I sent out application after application and NOTHING! Trust God Two words, that are simpler said than done at times.

God knows how worry can occasionally fill our hearts, sometimes I have to laugh at myself and say ‘get a grip’! God’s got us and He won’t let his people down.

faith without works

God wants us to learn to trust Him in every season and sometimes He really does just want us to rest before the next chapter of our lives begins. Resting can be tough especially if you are person who loves to be active and productive. But remember everything is in God’s timing not ours.

or corresponding actions

God knows how to lead you In many ways God leads us the same but then there are those wonderful, deeply personal times where God is teaching you specifically how to follow His tailor-made path just for you.

is dead

It’s as if He takes us by the hand and says, ‘just take one step, this one I’ve highlighted here for you’. And as we are faithful to take that step God shows us the next.

I have never been in a position where I have not had a reply to my CV. “What was going on?” I said to myself, bewildered. The longer I stayed the more strained the job became and the people I got on most with at work had left. I felt isolated, stressed and some of the negative feelings I had felt from my previous job started to resurface, I began to feel anxious about my future. I couldn’t understand that if God had called me to this place why after two and a half years, He was now asking me to leave.

God cares more about your heart For me, I know It’s not really about the job. I mean of course I care about where I work, but the real deal is, how is my heart toward God in this experience? Is it at rest or in turmoil? Thing is, I know God will come through, but what state will my heart be in when He does? I have to take this time to learn not to get in a fluster or be filled with panic in the wait. This is the time to get closer to Jesus, so I’m prepared for what He has prepared for me.

I started to question and rationalise if whether I was misinterpreting what I had sensed in that moment.

I shared with friends what I was going through and talked to God numerous times about how I was feeling. I didn’t want to miss God and repeat the mistakes of the past by making the wrong choice. From my perspective there was no room for error.

-

3 9

Remember God cares about who we become on our journey. He wants our heart and we can trust Him because He’s a good and loving Father who cares for us affectionately and has good plans for our lives.

-

After Pastoral Grief

Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn B. Hurston Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

Grief is any change in our comfort zones

Any change: divorce, moving, job loss, etc. The idea that we can control changes in our lives is at best a conundrum. Because we wrestle with this control factor daily, when we experience changes in what we think we control, life becomes difficult. In this time, we experience grief. Following are several scenes from the life of a pastor in grief, with explanations on how to rewrite the narrative to address those seasons of grief.

Scene change number one: Enter the female pastor. Unfortunately, today, to be a female and a pastor/minister is an oxymoron. You are considered out of your lane; going against the word of God; you are not supposed to be good at what you do because you are not supposed to be there. Yet the call of God is on your life and you choose to respond to God and not man. You fight battles, you pray, you overcome obstacles, while trying to remain faithful to be the woman you are and serving God simultaneously. Your comfort zone is out of your control. You are amid comfort disturbing grief. You wrestle with answering and acknowledging your call from God with the societal norms and standards.

Scene change number two: You have surmounted minor obstacles and you are ministering to/pastoring a congregation. You walk into existing scenarios fraught with another level of confusion. You are ministering to persons with their own set of issues, who are perplexed and grieving. They are trying to find peace in the whole scheme of life and expect you to point them to a God they don’t fully understand. They are plagued with tradition and a lack of spiritual awareness that would, if completely understood, bring clarity to their live. You pray, you cry, you teach, you nurture, you give your all. And often, because you’re not fully understood and because of lingering misconceptions about your real purpose, your comfort zone is disturbed. You are in grief.

expect you to point them to a God they don’t fully understandrd Scene change number three: Your personal life and your family life are sometimes adversely affected by your commitment to your call. In some cases, you are married, and your marriage does not thrive, your children are victimized as a result of what you do, and you have no comfort zone to run to. Or you are single and lonely, because you refuse to compromise your relationship with God for a human relationship that does not meet your standards. Another constant state of grief.

How can you possibly navigate to a new season after experiencing these varying levels of grief?

What are some clear and definitive steps we can take?

How do we change the narrative and make the work we are called to do fulfilling to us; a witness to who God is in our lives?

-

4 1

-

Rewrite number one: Acknowledge that you are in a state of grief. Recognize that grief, that disturbance to your comfort zone, is real and that it can be dealt with. Understand that grief affects us biologically, psychologically, sociologically, and spiritually.

Rewrite number two: Write it down. Write down your hurts, old and new, and determine whether you have taken the necessary steps to confront and ameliorate the significance of the hurt and move forward.

Biologically: The stressors of grief can make us physically sick. Learn to practice self-care; Proper nutrition, exercise, meditation, regular visits to the doctor and taking time away from the stressors.

Write down your desires and make them known to God. The scripture at Habakkuk 2:2 clearly states what we should do; “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon the tables, that he{she}may run that readeth it.” KJV. Writing things down avails us the opportunity to review what’s in our heads, decipher what is real, important or necessary, and eliminate the clutter. An integral facet of the Grief Recovery Method is the process of writing down hurts and moving to eliminate their strongholds on our forward processes. In a popular sitcom of the 1980’s, “A Different World” the character of Whitley Gilbert Wayne repeated the phrase, “Relax, Relate, Release”, when she was confronted with a troubling situation. Grief is a troubling state of being and it might just require us to utilize this euphemism.

All of these things are necessary in helping to keep us healthy and available both mentally and physically to do the work God has called us to. Major body breakdowns are exacerbated by the stressors we encounter with no options for release. Even illnesses as serious as cancer are related to our bodies inability to rebound from the stress.

Psychologically: If we are not careful, we could lose our own sanity trying to solve the problems of others and ignoring our own. Find someone, therapist, trusted colleague, sometimes even a stranger, to talk to. We listen to and a part of a myriad of issues with our members or persons we minister to, and though we don’t often think so, we carry all of those issues and our own in hearts and minds and need a reprieve as often as we can get one to clear our heads and restore balance to our lives.

Rewrite Number Three: Create a Peace Zone. Eliminate distractions and create a space to be quiet. Meditation, quiet time with God is paramount. We need to speak honestly and earnestly to God, but more importantly, we need to hear from God. Issues with our families and issues of our loneliness must be handled by God. Our discomfort, our grief, is manageable when we dedicate specific and quality time to hearing from the Spirit of God for direction. As mentioned earlier, Jesus took time to get away: This is a prudent practice to establish. Peace is shored up when we involve and become more intimately involved with God.

Sociologically: Contrary to popular belief, we need to get away from people sometimes to regroup, recalculate, and just to rest. When we find ourselves agitated, mean, disgruntled and genuinely not being nice to people, it’s because we are burned out and need to change the nature of our existence. It is extremely difficult to be nice when you’re in pain. It’s not natural and our recognition of our need to step back is as beneficial to the success of our work as is our knowledge of God. Jesus repeatedly took time to get away and commune with the Father for refuelling and Jesus is God.

When in doubt about your new direction, as we navigate our new seasons, quickly reference the words of Psalm 143:10, which says;

Spiritually: There are times when we feel like God has abandoned us and we can’t hear from Him. The Spirit can’t speak to us when our minds are cluttered with the things of the world. Fasting and praying with specific intent on making room for God to speak and work through us is necessary. Since essentially we don’t really control anything, and to be led by the Spirit of God is essential for our success in ministry, we have to make concerted efforts to make space for the Spirit to do it’s work …Leading and guiding us to God’s purpose for our lives.

-

4 2

“Hurry up with your answer God! I am nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away, don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I am all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, God---you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you are my God”. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into clear and levelled pastureland.” {MSG} -

Have you ever had your faith tested?

Has life ever caused you to ask questions you normally would not ask?

Have you ever thought that maybe there’s a hole in the bottom of your faith container?

MIN. SHALAH ROBERTSON

FAITH IN VALLEY SEASONS Valley seasons have a tendency of pulling on some of the most important parts of who you are as a believers.

prepared to lose them or the grief that I would experience. I felt as if I had been placed in the middle of the twilight zone and I was walking in a fog.

Valleys are the places that you really find out what you are made of. They can help show you where you are and help grow you in areas that may need development. There will be days when the clouds form and darkness is all around. It’s in these times that we may find ourselves digging to find out why things happened the way that they happened.

Where was God in all of this and how could he allow these calamities to come upon me like they did? I understand now that the Lord was there all of the time, but my initial emotions were abandonment and hurt. I was truly in a valley season. It was in this season that I learned how to pray and seek the Lord for myself.

My Aunt used to sing a song that said, “If you never had any rain in your life wait a while”. What she was trying to convey to me was that seasons change and the sun would not always shine. Little did I know how that song would become an anthem for me.

My need for God and His compassion became stronger during this time. God met me where I was and helped me understand that no matter what I was facing I did not have to face it alone. In this valley I learned to trust God and that he does not make mistakes. I’ve experienced countless other valley seasons since and have learned to maintain my faith in Christ through reading the word, prayer, supplication, and remembering always to give thanks.

I can remember losing both of my grandmothers 3 months apart in a critical developmental stage in my life. Those two women meant so much to me and I did not believe that I was mentally or spiritually

-

4 3

-

Trust God No Matter What Happens

Don’t give up on you!

Springtime in England Photos by KicaPhotography.com

You were made on purpose You were made for this!

Trust God’s plan for your life

Springtime in England Photos by KicaPhotography.com

Take Jesus Along

Don't stand in God's Way!

Springtime in England Photos by KicaPhotography.com

Always remember: your own self-care is a very important part of your ministry and your call

testimony time

Navigating into a new season is never easy but is necessary Minister Albertina Author of the book Tina Talk

You can look at a new season from so many different angles. In our individual journey of life, we will encounter many different seasons.The physical season of life begin once we are born into this world. Then there is that season of growth into adulthood; education, marriage, work, family and the list goes on and on. It’s just a part of life and the best part is there is no one right way. God made us all different, with different direction in life.

Now let’s talk about navigating through our spiritual seasons, what a journey it has been for me. I believe, had I not been so hard-headed, I could have avoided some of the challenges and struggles I endure during some of my seasons. I knew way before becoming a mother or wife that there was a calling on my life, but I tried so many times to block it out of my mind. I went through a season of not attending church for almost ten years.

Once I stop running and told the Lord yes, things begin to get better, but the struggle was real! There were a few times that I just wanted to give it up and run away from it all.

I recall crying out to the Lord asking him “why me!” but why not me?

I believe I’m in a season now, that all I want to do is be totally committed to him and do whatever my hands find to do to help build up his kingdom. He has blessed me to write a book to help encourage which was a season all by itself. Then there was that season of spiritual maturity that caused me to lose a few friends along the way. I thank God for every season that I had to go through to get to where I am today. The key word is “Go through” don’t give up; don’t get weary in well doing.

My advice to whomever is reading this, in the process of navigating through your own seasons. Let the Lord lead you, pray and read His word and no matter what season you’re in, you will not stay stuck in the middle of a season if you trust the Lord to lead the way.

-

5 2

-

There are angels all around you!

They are WARRING and FIGHTING on your behalf They are very strategically CAUSING all things to work together for YOUR GOOD... because this is the will of God for you.

Don’t worry Don’t fret God’s got you!

Heaven is on your side!!

Developing Your Personal Style camelle daley

Tips for Spring 2020 Here are 4 trends to keep an eye for this Spring: 1) Highlights 2) The White Dress 3) The Vest 4) Polka Dots Chose depending on your personal preference, lifestyle and taste!

y l l a c i t e g n o i P k a e Sp

Rev. Heddie J. Simmons FB: Heddie J. Simmons IG: a_poetic_Ministree

Navigating You Every time God Speaks to You Take time out to follow through Each Word Spoken is a Brand New Issue God wanting to Willingly Bless You

Learn How to Navigate You You will see the Truth Taking Time out to Meditate well Allowing God's Words Navigates you Well When You Sit with God and His Word You allow You're Truth to Be Heard You Represent God with Pride and Joy You are One with Father and a Joy to Behold Every time God Speaks to Your spirit Listen Intently to hear Him Don't Give up, hang on and See God is Only Navigating You to Be. I Bring YOU Peace Rev. Heddie J.

p.s.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION ADVICE Before you go and buy something new for that upcoming event pray: “Lord, what do I already own that could work perfectly for this event?

Lead me, in Jesus name, Amen” Re-organise your closet and ask God to help you see your clothes and accessories in a new way.

@CamelleDaley

When God shares His thoughts, sometimes it’s through the cinema of your mind… don’t dismiss it as crazy… pay attention!

Thoughts can be God’s tablet where He downloads His dreams of you. He doesn’t just create and show you, He creates through you!

Want to know if it’s God? Here’s my checklist: Is it a good thing?

Is it true?

Is it honorable?

Is it just (approved of or acceptable of God)?

Is it pure?

Is it lovely, acceptable and pleasing?

Is it of good report, would good words be said of it?Is there any virtue in it?

Is there any praise?

If you can say “yes” then you’re thinking on the right things.

Keep going. Develop these thoughts into plans and do your research.

Have FAITH. Believe that you’re having a God idea.

Your faith needs WORKS so take action!!

God will ride on the back of your Divine Image-NATION (imagination)… that you take action on.

Let’s dream and imagine with God!

@CamelleDaley

Michelle Wille

The Money Management Hub www.theMMHub.com michelle@themmhub.com

can we talk about money?

“I have a good job – but I don't have any money!”

This is the statement I hear every time I have a consultation with someone. You see, my clients are often professionals, business owners or people who have worked their way up the ladder of their career and now get paid very well. So let me write to my fellow professionals today. What do you nearly all have in common? Well I call them my 4E’s.

entitlement - empty purse - embarrasment - education

£

£

1. A Sense of Entitlement As professionals you may often feel a sense of entitlement. You may have the feeling of: “I have worked hard to achieve this and now I want to spend the fruit of my labour.” There is nothing wrong with this, as money was made to answer all of life’s problems. However, when your entitlement starts to get out of control, then there is a problem.

2. Empty Purse or Wallet Syndrome Well, its not that there is no money coming in, it’s the fact that in a few days it’s all gone, leaving very little. This is when people are almost in disbelief, ‘’How can I have NO MONEY and I have a good job?”

As a professional, you will have spent many years watching the pennies to get through college. You will have watched others spending and going on vacations secretly wishing it was you, but you told yourself it was just for a season and soon you would be living that lifestyle too.

3. Embarrassment So, one day you get up and the penny drops and you feel that you should make a change in your finances. You look at your lifestyle and you realise that you are in over your head. You now have a big mortgage, car loan, school fees, after school fees and expensive dining habits that the whole family have all become accustomed to.

Now finally, you are earning a great wage, you save some, but you seem to be spending a lot more than you expected.

Your family vacation is at a different 5 star resort every year, because… well…you deserve it!

Some even sign their kids up for private school and drive the biggest expensive car they can, after all, you have to look the part. Before you know it, you realise its not just the education you are paying for, it’s the lifestyle. Your kids are now in school with some parents who are millionaires, so you have to engage in the horse riding and the afterschool clubs just to keep up with the Joneses.

Even if your kids are not in private school, you may still find that you want them to have every thing that you didn’t have as a child, so they do not feel deprived, after all you can afford it. Now you have a ‘set’ of people feeling a sense of entitlement, the child and the parent.

There is a little money in the savings but not as much as you would have hoped for “and please don’t let my husband ask me where all the money has gone because I really don’t have a great answer”. All you know is, your money just seems to disappear. An Empty Purse leads me onto the next of my E’s And that’s “Embarrassment”!

There just isn’t enough money to go around, but the question is, which one should you give up? If I drop the kids to school in a cheaper car, everyone will ask me what happened to my 4x4 jeep. If I downsize my home, everyone will ask me why you went from your dream home to a small average home. If you pull your kids from the private school, they may suffer and if I met one of the mothers in the supermarket it would feel terrible. You are heading towards a cliff and you are about to fall off, but instead of sorting out your finances, you decide to go to the bank and apply for more credit, because you do not want to show your embarrassment.

The truth of the matter is, you feel that you are the only one in this situation but 8/10 of your peers are struggling with the same issue, but no one will admit it. For this reason, when I teach in a seminar, I always teach from the perspective of EVERYONE in the room being in debt, as most people are, but will never admit it in a group setting. We all need my last E and that is …”Education!”

4. Education About Money We can never think higher than what we have been taught and most of us were told to do well in school, get a job and save for a pension. As you can see, that’s all our money advice in ONE sentence. One sentence for the whole of your money life is not a lot. It can and will be interpreted differently by each person.

It’s all a matter of Money Mindset! If we could drop the sense of entitlement and organise our mind to look at money as a tool and not the end result, we would see that we could build healthy minds and achieve a lot more in life. So when will this merry go round end? Soon you realise that your lifestyle leads to my next ‘E’: “Empty Purse Syndrome”.

-

5 8

-

In summary: Give back financially into the church and the community.

Educate your children about money matters from very early in life.

As an adult, realise money is a tool and if you don’t put it to work, it will be like trying to build a house with just your bare hands.

Never spend a penny unless you have budgeted for it first.

Try to own the company and not just work for the company.

Save at least 10% of your money each month.

Save in many different bank accounts so you are not always seeing your grand total.

After you have saved for your ‘emergency fund’, start to invest as you will get so much more in return for your money than leaving it in the bank.

Real Estate is where the big money is, so get in there as soon as you can and rent out houses.

Michelle Wille The Money Management Hub www.theMMHub.com michelle@themmhub.com

Say this: "I am God’s idea God is full of great ideas"

www.houseofilona.com

charity spotlight

Drug stricken Meru needs your urgent prayers!

My first visit to Kenya was definitely a memorable one.

As we were driving from Nairobi to Meru I had no idea what to expect. The road was long, bumpy and winding. Upon entering Meru my heart broke at what I witnessed next to the road…

WWW.HARVESTERSMINISTRIES.COM

Fathers, mothers, teenagers and even little children chewing away at Khat. Why did this upset me so? Khat is a stimulant drug. It is legal in Meru. The government sees it as a great form of income. The people who grow and use this drug are completely uninformed of the real side effects. These include paranoia, aggressiveness, manic behaviour, insomnia, hyperactivity and psychoses.

People are completely misguided. Young children are growing up in houses with addicts as parents. People suffer from health issues and the doctors do not have the answers.

Unfortunately, this drug and its destructive consequences are not limited to Meru.

This drug is exported to many countries across the world. The severity of the problem is quite alarming. In Somalia drug addicts are even willing to trade their own children to get more Khat. This drug is destroying many innocent lives.

Planting churches in a broken community Thanks to our loyal and wonderful partners, it was possible for Harvesters to visit the rural community of Meru. We had the privilege of training pastors at a Kick-Off Event. These pastors went out on the first day of training and evangelised lost souls in surrounding villages. 77 People heard the Gospel and 26 accepted Christ.

One remarkable lady, Purity, lead two young men to Christ. At first I did not notice Purity. Small in stature, but a force to be reckoned with. Purity is the main pastor at her church. She caught the Harvesters vision and has a passion for leading the lost to Christ. She wants to change her community by sharing the Gospel and planting viable churches for new believers. Pray with us that God will strengthen her in this new journey.

How do you change a community?

The solution to all of these social problems are simple: take away the Khat and share the Truth of Jesus Christ with these individuals who are so clearly longing for something more from life.

How do you change a community? You share the Gospel with them. A lost soul needs to hear the Truth about the love of Jesus Christ. A lost soul needs hope.

Pastors like Purity gave me hope that the Truth will reach the lost souls in Meru.

How can you help us?

We need you to pray with us about this serious matter. There is power in the prayers of a righteous man. When you pray today, please pray for Meru. Pray that every lost soul will hear the Gospel, pray that families will no longer be destroyed by this drug, pray that the pastors who attended the training will truly reach their communities and pray that the Gospel will transform the whole of Meru.

John 14:13 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Last issue we introduced you to the Esther Children’s Home we are building in Ghana with Daughters of Zion Fulfilling Destiny Ministries.

Here’s the update: The grassy land has been cleared The ground has been levelled Apostle Eric went and prayed over the land with a group A water tank has been built to the workers have access to water when building Blocks have been made and the foundation is underway We are so excited to see this project to completion. The Esther Children’s Home will sleep 150 children and the facility also has a classroom, assembly hall and dining room. We believe children’s destinies will be impacted to the Glory of God through this work.

Donate: PayPal.me/ECH2020 GoFundMe – Search for Esther Children’s Home www.EstherChildrensHome.com

"Thank you for reading our second edition of Ordained Magazine It's an honour to serve you!"

Contributors: Photography Kica Photograph

Writers: Apostle Charletta McKenzie Kena Jones Dr Lauren Speeth Linda Ratliff-Watkins Evangelist Shonye Butler Evangelist Marilyn Cunningham-Beazer Pastor Hope Drew Marcia Batten Maureen Morgan Minister Natasha Gibson Darleen C Wilson Rev'd Tlagu Molokoane Jeanette McCarthy Rev Dr Jacquelyn B Hurston Min Shalah Robertson Minister Albertina Rev Heddie J Simmons Michelle Wille Camelle Daley

Editor & Layout Camelle ilona Daley Researcher Jeanette M C Carthy

Plus the many women who posted on our Facebook Page www.facebok.com/houseofilonaclergy

Next Issue is planned for June 2020

Special Thanks to: Proof-readers Jeanette McCarthy and Peter Daley Layout Consultant Chrispel Media

ordained@houseofilona.com

Email us if you're interested in: being featured submitting an article placing an Ad

CAMELLE DALEY w w w . h o u s e o f i l o n a . c o m