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GNOMIC

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CONTENTS

DR. WILLIAM APPEADU-MENSAH SHARES HIS AMAZING STORY

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL COURAGE GOES VIRAL

p. 14

THE BATTLEFRONT

p. 08

THE LOUD ABSENCE Where is God during Suffering?

7 CURES FOR A LEAN PURSE

p. 24

p. 28 p. 48

LIVING WITH CONVICTIONS

p. 32

THE RECRUIT

“I CAN...” -Stephen Curry, His faith and B’ball

p. 51

p. 54 PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST WORD

p. 06

SE7EN YOUTUBE CHANNELS YOU SHOULD TOTALY CHECK OUT!

p. 11

TECHNOW

p. 22

FIVE APPS YOU NEED TO HAVE

p. 22

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

p. 10

GNOMIC 1O PICKS

p. 62

LAST WORD

p. 63

CURRENT p. 41 ART p. 40 FOOD p. 41 DESTINATION p. 58 GRADUATION IN STYLE

p. 18

Donâ€™t get left behind. GRAB your customized t-shirts NOW! INDIVIDUALS . CHURCHES . ORGANIZATIONS . GROUPS .COUPLES + THE PRICE IS JUST RIGHT!

GNOMIC

FIRST WORD

STAND

octors save lives. At least the good ones do. And to be able to do this effectively they spend tons of time studying and practising, convincing themselves that they have what it takes to save lives. Believe me, you don’t want to be operated on by a Surgeon who is never sure of himself. On any issue whatsoever, especially those bordering on life and death, you absolutely need to be certain. You need to be convinced within your members that where you stand is the place you need to be. And you want to ‘stitch that in time’, way before it gets out of hand. And it might be, soon. Nine is at stake, probably for a cat. You and I have just got one. This one. One of my favourites from 2016 is Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge. It is a biographical war drama film about Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic, and his experiences in World War II. In the movie, Desmond takes a stand. He knew he wanted to serve in the US army, go to war and save lives. But unlike everybody else, he knew he could do it without necessarily using guns. And he did! With the highest medal of honour in the US to his name for demonstrating such unprecedented courage

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A Christian Youth Magazine

during the Battle of Okinawa, and in so doing saving numerous lives of fellow soldiers and enemies alike, you and I can confidently say that he did it indeed. He would not compromise on his beliefs- those things he knew to be true. Truth. What is Truth today? In a world now plagued by so much corruption, truth now holds very little value. It’s now rare to find Christians-- convicted believers-Christian students who would not jump on the least chance to copy in an exam, Christian officials who would never accept to be bribed, Christian teenagers who would not compromise on their morals...truth. But like the Vandals of the University of Ghana say, the truth will stand. And It must. Even in suffering. ‘Christians’ have lost their faith because they failed an exam. And hey, don’t look at this text acting all surprised as though you are immune. It could as well happen to you. How is the Christian supposed to respond to suffering? Or like that parabolic seed that fell amidst thorns he should allow them pins to prick him down? In this issue of Gnomic we answer No! Even in the midst of life’s fiercest storm, stand.

AUGUST 2017

ISSUE 3

STAND.

SUBSCRIBE gnomicmagazine/subscribe CONNECT WITH US @TheGnomicMag @gnomic_magazine @gnomic_magazine +233 (0)54 9556 975

John A. Turkson Publisher & CEO turksonajohn@gmail.com

Gnomic Magazine Korle-Bu, Accra Ghana

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DARE TO BE-YOU-TIFUL

THE BATTLE FRONT CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IS AS REAL AS IT GETS.

The aftermath of one of several Boko Haram Suicide bombings at a church in Nigeria

new study concluded by the Pew Charity Trusts and the John Templeton Foundation early this year has revealed some alarming figures as far as religious persecution is concerned. Out of the 198 countries (representing close to 96% of the world’s population) that were included in the study, Christians are being persecuted in 128. In 97 of those, Christians faced persecution from the government itself and this is more intense in the Asia-Pacific region. Christian persecution is real alright. According to the Open Doors’ website, Christian persecution encompasses ‘any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one’s identification as

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Somalia ranks very high on Open doors’ World watch list of countries where Christians are continually being persecuted. With its largely Muslim population, Christian converts from Islam face a great deal of persecution, several of them being martyred. Even the mere suspicion of conversion can lead to one’s rushed execution.

“But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name’ -Jesus (Luke 21:16-17) Because of His name.

a Christian’. This ranges from verbal harassment to feelings, attitudes and actions of hostility including beatings of various form, physical torture, confinement, severe punishment and imprisonment, rape, isolation, discrimination in employment and education, even death.

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In Nigeria, which is way closer to home, the rise of Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram in the North in recent years is the main factor responsible for much of the brutal violence against Christians there. Churches have been bombed, people have been kidnapped and many more shot at all in the war against Westernization. [‘Boko’ is Hausa for ‘fake’ which has come to be synonymous with Western education. ‘Haram’ is Arabic for ‘forbiden’.] The million dollar question then— In light of the escalating violence against Christians the world over, where do you stand? Do you stand at all? What amount of Christian are you? And what are you willing to endure for His name sake?

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Mali Music

AND THE BEAT GOES ON “

I went mainstream because it was a wonderful opportunity. I love gospel music. I grew up listening to it. I have a lot of wonderful friends who are into gospel music but there is this unspoken ceiling on top of it...

we attach to music-- secular or sacred? Rapper Lecrae believes the Gospel isn’t restrictive and his music shouldn’t be either.

“To me, ‘Christian’ is a much --Mali Music on why he’d now better noun than an adjective,” he’s reported to have said, be doing ‘secular music’ on the Yolanda Adams Morning trying to explain that using the word in a descriptive way can Show. devalue what Christians do. Do you think so too? So really, what’s with the tag SIDE-EFFECT Say hello to NF, the Christian Hip-hop rapper who has been compared to the likes of Eminem... and yes, he stings without having to cuss. In his latest album-Therapy Session -- released last year, Nathan opens himself up in the most touching way possible. Chale, it’s deep! AUG17

Bieber believes? He was recently sighted in Sydney at a Hillsong Church conference. Repent! lol

Well... But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice... Philipians 1:18, NIV So if the gospel will be preached, let the beat go on? -Join the discussion on fb @TheGnomicMag

Well, you could say that the boy Lecrae has grown bolder and more fierce with his more recent features-- the likes of Ty dollar $ign on Blessings. Apparently, he wants to move beyond just “Christian music”. What’s beyond? We’ll see. gnomicmagazine.com

SE7EN YOUTUBE CHANNELS

HOT RIGHT ABOUT NOW

Graduation ‘17 #LegOver

YOU SHOULD TOTALLY CHECK OUT! UFUOMA MAMOH

ave you accidentally run into some awesome free Wi-Fi?

‘Bibia be ye ye’Ed Sheeran. It sure will!

Or better still, are you wondering just what to do with your expiring data bundle? Well, there are a couple of YouTube channels to definitely check out. Who knows, it might be better than that download. Might even take the edge off.

Politics- fair/ foul?

somewhere in Kenya

Rise of Galamseygreed/ negligence?

Rashida’s Nude Video-- the price to pay for fame?

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Numero Uno: Heather Lindsey Channel This chick has got it goin’ on! She’s a wife, mother, writer, founder of Pinky Promise, and First Lady of the Gathering Oasis Church (saved the best for last). She’s an amazing teacher of the word!!! She’s the bomb! Her previous life experiences and setbacks are channeled towards the greater good for as many as hear her words of wisdom. It’s true, this one is for the ladies, but trust me when I tell you that Mama Lindsay knows her stuff when it comes to girl issues. Gentlemen, fear not! Her husband Cornelius Lindsey offers world-class information on his channel too. I can’t fully explain; you gotta see this for yourself. Number Two: ChaseGodtv Joseph Solomon (yes, that’s his real name) ironically started this channel after he spotted a certain Christian sister he wanted to impress with his ‘religious’ side. Unfortunately, she rather turned him down. He eventually realized that he was chasing the wrong thing, thus, the name of the channel. This guy is hilarious. I mean no jokes when I say that. He brings to life God’s word in the wittiest ways, with an evergreen supply of

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experiences you can totally relate to. If you want slam poetry, spoken word and music, I’m definitely ringing your bells with this one. Jay So is worth your time (and data). Number Thr3e: Jon Jorgenson Jon is legit, people. Y’all want some dope spoken word to sweep you off your feet? Check him out right now! An active participant and the creative director of the Anima Series, you probably will be in awe at the end of his every video. In addition to spirit-punching videos, he has a couple vlogs which detail his personal life and chronicle basic aspects of an individual’s life. He’s big on relationships and purity, and has a spin-off channel that takes us through his married life. Be sure to check him out. Number Four: The Fit Pastor Yep, you guessed it. Fridays are fit on this channel! It’s the perfect blend of fitness and faith. The Fit Pastor talks us through his personal walk with Jesus (alongside the jogs, jumps and runs). Seeing as he is a personal trainer, I doubt any of his tricks will break your bones. His Word of Wisdom Wednesdays are actively AUG17

fulfilling, although I must say this one is more for the men. Guys, get ready to break out the six pack. Ladies, you might not want to go all out with this one. Number Five: The Bible Project. The name says it all, doesn’t it? This book brings the Bible to life: for kids, for adults, for everyone basically! It breaks down the tough nutshells and provides a framework to build on for your personal growth in Christ. Need a little ginger for a lot more Bible Study? Look no further. If you loved Armando Hasunugan (yeah, the guy who brought pathophysiology to life), you’ll love these guys too. Their annotations simply keep your mind on the prize. Number Five: The Skit Guys. The Skit Guys are sure to have you bawling out at some point in time. They know how to crack you up, believe me. Climbing the ladder of success, they’ve moved from being class clowns to arrows of God’s sense of humour ( not a bad career path, don’t you think?). They have the silliest assortment of videos, ranging from real talk to hilarious skits (as the name implies). This channel is funny, but don’t let all the laughing leave you without the message. One of my personal favorites right here .

Number Six: The Good Christian Music Blog. For all music lovers- this has your name written all over it. There are playlists for every single person and every single mood you can possibly be in. Whether you’re angry with God, or just in an utterly joyous mood, they’ve got you. Be it that you’re in for mellow worship music, or you feel for some dancing with hip-hop (MRT and MEGA take note), man, you’re covered. Their motto stems from Matthew 11:15: “He who has an ear, let him hear”. Whatever genre you listen to, these guys have you in mind. Finally, Number Seven: That Christian Vlogger. Join Justin as he storms your screen with his diverse collection of radical thoughts and ideas. Here, Christians can get real, and I mean down and dirty with the truth. He tackles daily issues Christians face and answers questions you dare not ask in church (for fear of the Jews). The answers are placed in our hands in the simplest way possible. Justin aims to help everyone experience faith in first person. He provides the perfect virtual environment for fellowship with an adequate, unending supply of weekly videos to fuel your hunger.

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COURAGE GOES VIRAL BY J. K. NYAMISON

‘H

e woke up on the wrong side of the bed, which is to say in between the two men, not in between the two women where he had fallen asleep. He shoved the man on his right roughly to the ground and yelled expletives at him when the man remonstrated about his rude awakening. This verbal exchange did not last long, for the man was used to such treatment and he knew his place. He was privileged to be a bedmate of a general in the Roman army and he was not going to take it for granted. He gathered his garments and left the room but not before the traditional placatory statements had been made. Cato, the first man and the general, turned his dignified attention to the other man. He was gentler this time as one might expect him to be with his own brother. Cyprian turned and concluding that Cato was in no merry mood, judging from Cato’s ruddy face and the noise of the brief scuffle that had invaded his dreams, he quickly roused his

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wife, Augusta. They donned their clothes in haste and after uttering the salutations befitting Cato’s rank and station, they quit the room. Only Felicia remained asleep now.

male prostitute. Cato, whose lechery did not extend to members of his own sex, acquiesced and called for what’s-his-name, who was in his employ solely for use by those among his guests who had that peculiar taste. All was set for a night of unreined passions. But there was a problem.

Cato, his ire dissipating in the isolation, found himself recollecting the events of the previous night. Cyprian, himself a Roman soldier Cato’s wife, Felicia, had of a lower rank, had just unfortunately (by Cato’s returned with the company estimation) been converted of Suetonius Paulinus from to Christianity, the blight the successful crushing of that was threatening the the British uprising. After very foundations of the the brothers had enjoyed great Roman empire, and a feast with their wives, subsequently refused any Cyprian proposed their act that went athwart the age-old family tradition; principles of her new found communal sex, with each faith. How it angered him! His brother selflessly making own wife a member of the available his own wife for detested cult he had sworn the pleasure of the other, at to his lord and emperor Nero the small cost of a double to help stump out. He barred thrill. Cyprian, kept from this her from leaving the house particular wantonness by in an attempt to keep the Paulinus’ strict How it angered him! His own wife battlefront soldier code a member of the detested cult he of conduct, requested the had sworn to his lord and emperor addition of a Nero to help stump out.

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How it annoyed him to disgrace from becoming soiled with a mixture of sweat, have to sit through all the public. A shame that walls tears and mucus. Remorse forms of their execution the have ears and soon, he swelled up in his chest and desperately wicked Nero found himself having to threatened to burst out could think up. Cato had remind the emperor that through his eyes. He loved no choice in the matter, his loyalty to the course of her and had not meant to though. Nero insisted that Roman supremacy was hurt her. She was warm and his generals be present. unsullied and so he couldn’t judging from how fast asleep Whether it was to entertain possibly be living with a she was, Cato surmised that them or to remind them of Christian in his own home. His she might have taken ill and how brutal he can be, none usually relentless conscience would remain in bed for a of them really knew. Yet never pricked him once greater part of the day. ‘It’s they all came. Nero’s bad after he had said this. all good’, he thought, quickly books were not a place to Perhaps it was less wrong realizing that he didn’t have be in; it had earned to be dishonest with Agrippina, his own dishonest men. Why didn’t that man just shut up mother, a journey-ofabout this Christ and save himself no-return across the Felicia refused to take part in the act, to from an unpleasant death? Surely, River Styx. Cyprian’s surprise and he must have had some value for He brooded on Cato’s vexation. Fine. these as he cleaned his own life. She did not have to himself, dressed be involved in it, but up and left for the he’d be damned if amphitheatre. He sent for a he didn’t make her watch to cook up a story to explain physician for Felicia before every bit of it. So Cato made her absence from the public leaving his house, flung by her watch as he and his execution of that nuisance, his personal guard. Cato brother shared Augusta and Paul. had an inveterate aversion as Cyprian made what’sto conventions so naturally, his-name earn his keep. Why didn’t that man just he hated the attire he had Once, she attempted to shut up about this Christ to wear as a Roman soldier. stealthily leave the room and save himself from an However, unlike some other but Cato, whose attention unpleasant death? Surely, conventions, he couldn’t had never left her, spotted he must have had some do away with this one her and slapped her across value for his own life. Instead, completely, so he managed the face so hard that even he put his neck on the line with minor alterations that when they’d fallen asleep, and now he was going to satisfied his ego more than exhausted from copulatory get it, quite literally, in the effect any real change; he exertion, she didn’t dare try neck. Insufferable. The whole seldom put on his galea, his to leave again. bunch of those Christians, his lorica was obviously several wife included. Why couldn’t times less flamboyant than Cato gently brushed aside they just renounce their faith, it ought to have been and the hair on her face and only publicly at least, so his caligae, when he was saw that it was swollen and they would save their lives? not at war, did not have the purple around the eye and Foolishly obstinate persons! customary metallic spikes on AUG17

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the soles. Many wars have been fought, and are being fought, on Earth. Yet the number would be exponentially higher if we could see and include the internal conflicts that go on within all men at some point in the lives. Perhaps it’s true that peace is not just the absence of war. Though Cato was not at war with anyone, there was a major battle raging inside of him. A battle for his soul. Outwardly, it was easy to assume an air that suggested that all that Felicia’s private sermons preached to his ears alone did were to anger him. Oh but our own hearts are quite immune to our own madeup acts and his heart pricked him whenever he was alone. The message of Christ was compelling, to say the least. In other circumstances, he thought,circumstances, he thought,iftheconsequences were not so fatal, he might have believed. If he could truly believe and keep it hidden forever, he might have accepted the love that had so tangibly changed his wife; heaven knew he needed some of that transformation. Yet he knew from the passionate manner in which his wife pleaded with him to

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approval at the execution of the notorious man but a section of the crowd was mourning the imminent passing of a great apostle. It was traditional to allow the person about to be executed a last opportunity to make a statement to the living. Nero hoped that With his mind so occupied, one of the Christians would the execution began all too eloquently renounce his soon for him. Paul was led or her faith and declare into the amphitheatre like the emperor of Rome Lord a sheep to the slaughter. of all while giving this exit He was known throughout speech so that he might the Roman Empire and so pardon him or her and set a essentially throughout the shining example for the rest, world. The attendance at but to date, he had been his send off from this world disappointed. Perhaps did not belie this fact; the he was about to suffer his amphitheatre was brimming greatest disappointment with people. When Cato set yet. When the soldiers his eyes on Paul for the first had silenced the crowd time, he almost chuckled at sufficiently, Paul, with poise how such a small man had not expected from a dying caused such a great fuss in man, began to speak. the whole world. Between Some say it was his finest the massive guards that sermon and others maintain led him to his death, Paul’s it was merely a summary of diminutive stature was every epistle he had ever exaggerated. The bald written. Yet its effect on the patch on his head ensured, crowd was undeniable. however, that no one would His speech ended with mistake him for a child. this statement: ‘Do not be ashamed of the gospel of The noise in the amphitheatre Christ that alone can save soared to new heights you. Do not despise the faith! when Paul was brought in. It Always remember in whom mainly comprised cheers of you have believed’. As ‘Do not be ashamed of the soon as he concluded his speech, something gospel of Christ that alone absolutely remarkable can save you. Do not despise occurred. As though the faith! Always remember in rehearsed, the words of the Apostle’s creed accept Jesus as his Lord that he couldn’t truly believe and keep silent about his faith. He couldn’t risk it. The cost was too steep or more appropriately in this case, too deep. Six feet deep to be exact.

whom you have believed’ 16

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began to ring out from the crowd in different languages. The number of Christians was obviously greater than thought to be, and they had found their voice. “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord…” The livid Nero might have been bellowing for the crowd to be silent if his attention was not drawn to Cato, who had surprised him by no mean amount. Cato was on his feet and reciting the creed, which he knew because Felicia said it so often, with tears flowing freely down his cheeks. “…was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead…” When we stand on the precipice of a great decision, all we need is a push in the right direction. Paul had provided that push for Cato. The dying man had passed on his bravery to the living one. ”…from whence He shall judge the quick and the dead…”

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His rage seething, Nero seized a sword from the baldric of a nearby soldier. He might not be able to control the entire crowd, but his own soldier he could discipline. Approaching him from behind, Nero repaid Cato’s stab in the back with a bloodier one. “…I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints…” His life was fleeting towards the blinding glow that Paul’s had preceded him to, yet Cato never felt more alive. Somewhere in the periphery of his blurry view, he thought he saw Felicia and somehow, he knew she was glad he was leaving her to join Him. His body crumbled to a heap on the ground, his spirit took a celestial leap into the Saviour’s waiting arms. “…the resurrection of the body and in the life everlasting. Amen” You may be wondering what the heading of this piece had to do with its body, the cocktail of fact and fiction that you have just finished reading. Or perhaps you cracked it all by yourself what I intend to get across. When one man

finds courage, others find theirs too. It has always baffled me that the early church grew in number in spite of the fact that it was under intense persecution. Then it hit me that the steadfastness of the saints to what they claimed they believed was perhaps the most credible proof of their faith. This steadfastness was, and still is, a potent polarizing magnet of men, that draws men and puts them on the same wavelength as those who possess it. History is full of stories of men whose individual bravery and unyielding stance in what they believed sparked a raging fire of courage among their comrades. Leonidas and the 300 Spartans gave the whole of Greece confidence that Persia was not indomitable. Many Christians in the 18th century changed their stance on the slave trade because John Wesley dared to speak against it when many clergymen were for it. Martin Luther King, possibly the most famous ‘dreamer’ in the world apart from Joseph, played a great part in the reformation of America in terms of racism, as his namesake did in the reformation of the church several centuries before him.

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I daresay there are countless more unnamed men and women whose courage gave, and is giving, other people courage. History may not remember you for standing for what you believe, but your influence will nevertheless be felt. On June 5, 1989, a man dared to stand in front of Chinese military tanks that were deployed to stop an ongoing protest at Tiananmen Square. Eventually he was removed and no one knows for certain what became of him. Some may say he failed but today, he is something of a cult hero for all who believe in fighting the good fight no matter the obstacles or the consequences. The courage of the ‘Unnamed Protester’, as he has been called, has begotten courage. Christians, I write to you most directly. The world is no longer comfortable with what our faith truly demands. Integrity and morality have now become merely relative ideas. Stand! It doesn’t matter if other Christians stand with you or against you. Stand! Stand for Jesus! Never forget others will find their feet when you stand. Perhaps, it is opportune that fear so paralyses us that we lose all immunity against

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every onslaught aimed at us. It ensures that when one man finds courage, it quickly goes viral.

Never forget others will find their feet when you stand.

PRE-POSITIONAL PROPOSITION The successful ones are not to be found Just watching; aimlessly standing around Their faces are marked with exertion’s frown For in trial’s face, they do not stand down Unflinching, they stand by what they believe And fruits of labour they duly receive In the midst of their peers, they do stand out Yet it has to be said without a doubt That what gives them this distinguishing gap Is falling, and failing, and standing up Though it must be great to not taste defeat To bounce back from one is the greater feat I may not be in the right position To put before you this proposition Still, I do and says I, ‘Stand friend! Stand up!’

J. K. Nyamison

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LIFESTYLE

FASHION

GRADU ATION 2017IN STYLE

TECHNOW MICROCHIP IMPLANTS FOR SWEDISH WORKERS mark us as the beast’s?

A volunteer getting a chip implanted in his hand (EPA) ven though the concept of microchips is not an entirely new technology, ‘chipping’ humans has been viewed as not so cool a thing to do. Could it be an attempt to make cyborgs of us? Or

Well, this and other privacy issues haven’t stopped Swedish company, Epicenter, from offering microchips to its workers as a more convenient alternative to the use of swipe cards. How cool is waving your hand to open a door or buy smoothies? Chipping humans hasn’t been done on a more larger scale.

FACEBOOK IS THE ‘NEW CHURCH’- MARK ZUCKERBERG

FOUR APPS YOU NEED TO HAVE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE. 1

Evernote

Evernote is a note-pad, voice-recorder, list keeper, webpage clipper, to-do-manager all in one! Even more impressive is it’s optical character recognition feature (OCR) that makes text in pictures searchable. Try it.

Tired of having to memorize so many passwords which more often than not get mixed up for your numerous accounts? Try LastPass. It’s able to generate unique, complex passwords for each site or app that requires one and whenever you need to login, fillis in the correct information. Safe and convenient, eh?

Getty Images

aving passed the 2-billionuser mark, apparently Facebook’s boss has a grander vision for his baby than mere numbers. One out of three people in the world are currently signed up to Mark’s social network but only about a 100 AUG17

million are part of what he calls, a “meaningful community”, ie, a group that enjoys regular interactions with others. Zuckerberg has thus implemented a project to increase the number of users in groups which should play the same role as churches in providing a certain sense of community, making members feel they are part of something bigger than themselves.

LastPass

Walk Me Up!

Oversleeping, just like overspeeding, kills! Save yourself from oversleeping from hitting snooze again and again when the alarm sounds. Once the alarm sounds, it doesn’t stop until you’ve walked at least 10 steps. You can adjust the number of steps to up to 100, so it’s sure to work no matter how deep you sleep.

SafeTrek

You’d agree that at certain times in our lives we may not necessarily feel safe. Like being in the wrong part of town at the wrong time. With SafeTrek all you have to do is press a button that says, “Hold until safe” and if something happens just let go of your phone. It will automatically call the police and notify them of your location. gnomicmagazine.com

GNOMIC

RAVISHINGLY REFRESHING. IT GETS BETTER!

WEALTH

‘SEVEN CURES FOR A LEAN PURSE’.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER ‘THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON’

Akoma Essuman

hen I initially decided to start this series with this edition of GNOMIC, the question on my mind (and on my boss’ for that matter) was: ‘What has financial independence got to do with the theme?’ But thinking some more about it, what does financial independence not have to do with the theme? Standing on your own two feet as quickly and firmly as possible, standing as evidence of the Lord’s word in Deuteronomy 8:18 and standing in integrity in this area that causes the downfall of many a man are all illustrations of this point. Gaining financial independence and gaining it early (and legally, lol) sure sounds to me like daring to stand in at least one area of life. George S. Clason seems to think so too. “The Richest Man in Babylon” has been the goto book for many readers and writers in their quest for financial wisdom since it was first published in 1927. Set in ancient Babylonian times, it’s your typical cliché rags-to-riches kind of story; however, the invaluable principles shared therein have been the bedrock upon which much of today’s financial literature is founded. One other note-worthy thing about this book is the simplicity of its presentation. Each of the eleven chapters of the book is written in short story form (sort of like the parables Jesus told) and is based on at least one lesson or principle of wealth creation or financial prudence. The focus of this series though will be the third chapter, ‘Seven Cures for a Lean Purse’. A modern day rendition of that would look somewhat like “Seven Steps to Seven Figures” or “Seven Keys of Wealth Creation’ or something along those lines. Let’s take a look at these “keys”, shall we?

Rule 1: Start thy purse to fattening

The main figure in the story, Arkad, has been petitioned by a group of young men to teach them how to grow wealthy like he did. The first lesson he shared with them happens to be one of the very first lessons he himself was taught when he began his journey: ‘’A part of all you earn is yours to keep.” (Algamish to Arkad, Line 25, Page 14) “For every ten coins thou placest within thy purse take out for use but nine. Thy purse will start to fatten at once and its increasing weight will feel good in thy hand and bring satisfaction to thy soul. AUG17

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(Page 27 lines 24 to 28)” The first rule of wealth acquisition is probably the simplest of them all. Spend less than you earn. Savings are the seeds we sow towards a harvest of financial independence. The other side to this rule, which is not talked about in the book, is the issue of tithing; giving to God a tenth of all He’s blessed you with. If you are a regular member of any church in this country, you most likely don’t need me to quote that wellknown, well-preached (in fact, sometimes overpreached) scripture in the book of Malachi. I would however quickly add that, tithing (and any giving we do as believers) is to God and not man and should be viewed as such. We need to also remember that no one can ever out-give God. Father Abraham’s life is proof. (Check out Hebrews 6:10 and Proverbs 10:22) A very simple format you can follow as a beginner for managing your expenses is the 1010-80 Ratio- Pay God, Pay Yourself, Pay Your

Bills. (Pages 14-16, 7 Keys to Abundant Living with No Regrets, Stephen and Georgina Adei) • Pay God, 10%. This represents your tithe. With time you can choose to increase the amount “as led”. (Malachi 3:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15) • Pay yourself, 10%. You owe it to yourself every month to set aside at least a tenth of all you have for savings. This is the “gold” which will “bear children” for you in the years to come. (Algamish to Arkad, Lines15-20, Page 14, The Richest Man in Babylon, George S. Clason) • Pay your bills, 80%. All other expenses fall here. For example, food, utilities, dues, entertainment, phone etc. With proper planning and prioritisation of needs, you will find that you can actually live on this fraction.

Akoma Essuman AUG17

Rule 2: Control thy expenditure

This rule, closely linked to the first, seeks to emphasize the importance of budgeting. Here, Arkad teaches his listeners how to create a budget and what to include in it. More importantly yet, he teaches the purpose of a budget in the first place: “…to help thy purse to fatten.” (Page 30, lines 27 and 28) Your budget helps you appropriately apportion the remaining 80% of your income to cater for your needs and a few wants without compromising your ability to save that tenth that belongs to you (your savings) or that which belongs to God (your tithes). “Budget thy expenses that thou mayest have coins to pay for thy necessities, to pay for thy enjoyments and to gratify thy worthwhile desires without spending more than ninetenths of thy earnings. (Lines 2 to 4, page 31)” Catch the next edition of GNOMIC for a continuation of the ‘Seven Cures for a Lean Purse’. Till then, let’s cut our expenses, save and tithe, and learn to use a budget. Let’s take those first few steps on this journey of a thousand miles. Let’s stand in our finances. gnomicmagazine.com

FAITH

THE LOUD ABSENCE WHERE IS GOD DURING SUFFERING?

ome have lost faith in suffering, while others have drawn closer to God in all the mess. Whether we accept it or not, the subject of suffering cannot be ignored â€“ the child who lost the parent in an accident, the father struggling with cancer, nations plagued by earthquakes, innocent lives torn apart by terrorism and wars etc. all ask WHY THERE IS SUFFERING IN THIS WORLD. For the theist, it is better qualified with WHERE IS GOD WHEN IT HURTS?

Suffering as defined by the Oxford dictionary is the state of undergoing pain, distress and hardship.

World views

At the outset let us remember that every world view - not just Christianity’s - must give an explanation for evil and suffering. Either evil categorically proves that God does not exist, as the atheist avows, or evil is “not ultimately real evil,” as the pantheist claims, or evil is most coherently explained by the Christian view of God and His purpose in creation. In short, this is not a problem distinctive to Christianity. It will not do for the challenger just to raise the question. This problem of evil is one to which we all must offer an answer, regardless of the belief system to which we subscribe. [1] The Christian message recognizes the horror of evil and seeks to offer a morally justifiable reason for God to allow suffering. The problem of evil has ultimately one source. It is the resistance to God’s holiness that blanketed all of creation.[1] It is a result of man’s free will against God’s holiness. SO WHY DOESN’T GOD CREATE US TO DO GOOD ONLY? That would mean God creating us without a choice/ free will.

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from this, while praying for In a world where love is the strength to go through it. supreme ethic, freedom must stand. Programmed love is not • THERE IS HOPE IN SUFFERING love at all. As Christians, not only do we know that things HOW THEN DO I ENDURE IT? are working out for our good, but we know that Many people have gone through the cross, we have through different moments of conquered. Even death is pain and suffering, and come not the end of all things- for out with their own stories: death has been defeated Abraham waiting patiently for 25 through our hope of years for Isaac, Joseph in prison, resurrection. David fleeing from Saul and Absalom, and even our Lord in Gethsemane. Some wrote WHAT DO WE DO IN SUFFERING hymns, which we sing of today THEN? to take strength for the Christian faith. John Scriven wrote “What PRAY a friend we have in Jesus” after Is anyone afflicted, Let Him his first fiancé drowned a day pray (James 5:14). Pray for before their wedding, and his strength and grace to suffer second died of pneumonia, long. ‘Oh what peace we also a day before their wedding. often forfeit, oh what needless Horatio Spafford, after losing pain we bear, all because all five children and business we do not carry everything investments, penned down “it is to God in prayer.’ “…Pray, and the peace of God that well with my soul”. surpasseth understanding What gave these ones the shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 4:7 ) strength to endure such trials? • THERE IS MEANING IN SUFFERING There is a knowing for the Christian that all things work together for his/her goodRom 8:28. It is through these times that virtues such as long suffering are born in usRom 5: 3-4. Instead of asking why, we should ask how or what God wants us to learn

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING ‘Sometimes a light surprises a Christian while he sings.’ Complaining through suffering makes us see the gloomy side of life, but praise certainly does confuse the enemy and offers an unusual strength to endure it.

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FELLOWSHIP There is an enormous provision of strength from other believers during suffering. Though the tendency to be alone is high during such times, it is better we seek comfort and strength from other believers whose presence and prayers go a long way.

In conclusion...

At the center of Christianity is THE CROSS- God identifying Himself with creation to eliminate suffering. On the cross, Christ conquers suffering (by eliminating evil through his death). Suffering and pain did not spare the very Son of God. With compelling measure, the cross of Jesus Christ brings into focus evil’s assault upon innocence, so that we can see both a mirror and a window. On the cross, we see God not leaving His creation to suffer alone but going with us through it. GOD IS WITH US. HE DID NOT PROMISE US THAT IT WILL BE EASY, BUT HE

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PROMISED US THAT HE WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US. GOD DOES NOT LEAVE US TO SUFFER, BUT HE SUFFERS WITH US. HE IS THE 4th MAN IN THE FURNACE. Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel relates in one of his essays an experience he had when he was a prisoner in Auschwitz. A Jewish prisoner was being executed while the rest of the camp were forced to watch. As the prisoner hung on the gallows-kicking and struggling in the throes of death, an onlooker was heard to mutter under his breath with increasing desperation, “Where is God? Where is He?” Out of nowhere, Wiesel says, a voice within him spoke to his own heart, saying, “Right there on the gallows; where else?” WHERE IS GOD DURING SUFFERING?…. RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!

Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains. Habbakuk 3:17-19, TLB Notes [1]

Referenced from Jesus among other gods, Ravi Zacharias.

- Emeth Forum, July 2017. Emeth Forum is a christian apologetic group committed to presenting the truth claims of the Christian faith in word and in power.

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COME TO THE REGAL SIDE ROYAL IMAGES

INTERVIEW

DR. WILLIAM APPEADU-MENSAH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon + Senior Lecturer KBTH

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY

Portia Nana Yaa Sintim

Special thanks to Michelle Nana Ekua Daniels for helping.

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH

Dr.Appeadu-Mensah CONSULTANT PAEDIATRIC SURGEON KBTH

WHO IS THE PERSONALITY BEHIND THE TAG, DR. APPEADU MENSAH? My full name is Dr. William Appeadu Mensah. I am a Fante, from Elmina. Basically, outside the hospital, I’m involved in a lot of Christian activities. I’m a pastor in my church now. Usually, when I’m not at work, I’m home. When I became a medical student, it became quite obvious that the medicine will take most of my time; there was little time to do other things. I got to know the Lord somewhere in second year and decided that any other extra time I had would be spent with the Lord. When I got married, the next thing that became important was my family. I used to play basketball and chess before becoming a medical student, but I haven’t had time for them since.

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WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LIKE? The first thing I do is to spend time in prayer. Then, I prepare for work, usually chatting with my wife alongside. Sometimes, I wake up earlier than usual to finish off some hospital work before leaving the house. I spend most of my day in the hospital doing ward rounds, clinical work at KBTH and 37 military hospital, teaching, administrative work, and the like. I hang around when I’m done to help with emergencies .The evenings are either with my wife at home, in church, or in a prayer meeting. KINDLY TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND My primary education was at three places: Ho, Tamale and Accra, I continued to Mfantsipim Secondary School for O and A level. I studied Medicine at KNUST, continued with 2 years of housemanship, then worked at Nkoranza, Brong Ahafo Region, for another 2 years. My post-graduate programme was in Korle-Bu, and I have been here ever since. HAS MEDICINE BEEN YOUR DREAM CAREER? Very early on, I wanted to do something to help people and I thought medicine was a good option, so I went for it. I kept that dream going for a long time. When I got to sixth form, I was ready to change partly because my

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best subject was Mathematics. However, I stuck to Biology, which I regretted after a year because I did not enjoy it. This drove me to return to Mathematics, but my parents wouldn’t hear it. ANY REGRETS? I don’t regret doing medicine. I enjoy working with my hands and taking care of the kids. I still wonder what would have happened if I did Mathematics. DO YOU SEE YOUR JOB AS A MINISTRY? When I became a Christian, I became convinced that my whole life was as unto God, and everything I did must be unto God. At every step in my career, I seek God’s face on what next to do. For example, when I was a houseman, I was praying about my next step. I had two options in mind; to work in the district or in the teaching hospital. I eventually worked in the district for 2 years and moved to Korle bu. I became the second pediatric surgeon.

“

I still wonder what would have happened if I did Mathematics

WHAT INFORMED YOUR CHOICE OF SPECIALITY? It was by prayer. During my housemanship, a Catholic priest came to me seeking for another Catholic doctor to work in Nkoranza. After a fruitless search

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for a doctor, I reported it to the priest. The name ‘Nkoranza’ wouldn’t leave my mind! I was convinced God wanted me there. When I began to work there, I thought it would be forever. I began to look for a good school in Sunyani for my kids because there were no good schools in the villages. While looking for a school, I got a dream that I was writing an exam. While trying to make meaning out of the dream, I got a letter from the teaching hospital inviting people to partake in post graduate courses. I took part in the exam and interview, returned to the district and didn’t think much of it until I received a letter, stating that I had passed the exams. It took me by surprise because I was almost sure I would stay in Nkoranza. After one year, I did my primaries and went on with membership in Nigeria. I prayed again and became convinced I had to do pediatric surgery. I worked with both heart and mind for the love of the job. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING YOUR IN HOUSE JOB? I was very busy during my house job. The number of Christian activities I was involved in went down. One thing that never stopped was my personal time with God. If I was on duty during the weekend, I stayed at work. My spiritual life became stronger because I did what I had to as unto God. I made

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sure I made it for church activity if I had time. While my Christian activities went down, my heart and closeness to God never did. WHAT DID YOU DO WITH YOUR FIRST PAY CHEQUE? I must have paid my tithe. I’m one of those who doesn’t believe all of my tithe should go to the church I fellowship with, but it must certainly do God’s work. I gave some money to Campus Christian fellowship, an organization in which members are full ministers. I did not have any other special plans for my tithe. Seeing that I hadn’t received my pay in the first three months, my only goal after laying hands on the money was to survive.

“

While my Christian activities went down, my heart and closeness to God never did.

Francis and Marie

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“

At the end of one retreat, the Lord said to me, ‘you will marry her but you won’t believe till the day you marry her’ The Apeadu-Mensah Family

KINDLY TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY I have been married to Doris Appeadu Mensah for about 26 years now. We have two children, Francis and Marietta. Both kids are studying medicine in Singapore and KNUST respectively. WAS YOUR WIFE YOUR FIRST GIRLFRIEND? When I became a Christian in medical school, I thought of getting married, so, I told myself ‘I must get a girlfriend!’ I don’t believe in that theory anymore. Whenever I went for Christian fellowship, I would

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look around just in case there was any chance of finding someone. At Kpando, while I was at district training, I met a girl I was positive I would marry. It was only when I got to Accra that I realised what a joker I was, because I had already forgotten about her! I began to relate with another lady from the Dansoman Charismatic group whom I thought I could consider. I wanted to be sure, so I asked God for a sign. The sign was for her not to talk to me while I visited. Truly, I visited her on that day and was shocked to see another guy arrive at the same moment. The girl picked chairs for us and believe me, I sat there

for about one and half hours without the girl saying a word to me, totally focused on this other guy. Unbelievable as it may seem, I was praising God in my heart for my sign. After this experience, I decided not to consider any relationship again. Eventually, I got close to my wife, who was in the social sciences. I wondered what would blossom out of this friendship. At the end of one retreat, the Lord said to me, ‘you will marry her but you won’t believe till the day you marry her’. I got to understand the second part later - we had some opposition from my parents.

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ANY CRITERIA FOR AN IDEAL WOMAN? I did not consciously think of anything. I was probably afraid of someone who would lord it over me. I wanted to have someone who would really love as I am and not be interested in anyone else. My biggest fear was to find a girl involved with many boys. I did not want that competition! DO YOU APPROVE OF DATING WHILST IN SCHOOL? I don’t mind if dating starts in secondary school. Secondary school is just a bit too early. My son is 25 and married while in medical school outside. Relating has got more to do with emotional and mental maturity, than physical age. IS THERE ANY REASON WHY YOU WON’T SUPPORT MARRIAGE OF YOUR KIDS? I have no such intentions considering the fact that I was opposed myself. I expect my children to know the basic Godly principles…left to me, I won’t accept a non-Christian. A Christian, not by word of mouth but by evidence. The other thing may be if I get a ‘No’ when I pray concerning

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the marriage, but I can’t force my opinion. I’m so convinced that marriage is between two individuals who have each made an independent decision. I want to make sure it has been well thought of and prayed through… WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THE ISSSUE OF FAILURE AND REPETITION OF STUDENTS? Failure is a very sad thing, however, I also recognize a responsibility that the doctor I present must be very safe to the community. I’m sad about students failing but I think they should have what it takes to pass basically. Repetition in itself is not bad so far as it becomes an opportunity for someone to get what he needs to become better in society. It points out that there is a weakness that needs to be corrected. I failed twice in post graduate training, failed General Surgery in Part 1 and Pediatric Surgery in Part 2. I missed the revision courses that took place in Nigeria for Part 1, and my Pediatric Urology was bad in Part 2.

“

Repetition in itself is not bad so far as it becomes an opportunity for someone to get what he needs to become better in society.

I failed twice in post graduate training...

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WHAT DO YOU THINK OF PEOPLE WHO SHIRK WORK RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AS AN EXCUSE? Medicine is a responsibility to other people’s lives .The moment you choose to be a doctor, you choose to be enslaved and commit your life to other people. I am convinced that everyone has his own ‘spiritual call’. God knows what you can do whilst fulfilling your commitment to those whose lives you have made a promise to look after. If you feel convinced to do full time ministry, go, but don’t let other people suffer for it! If my presence is to keep someone alive, I can’t use God as an excuse, but if you think there is someone as responsible as you are whom you can arrange to take over, that’s fine! If you have not made adequate arrangements, then you shouldn’t go. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST TEST OF INTEGRITY FOR YOU?

“

If my presence is to keep someone alive, I can’t use God as an excuse AUG17

I don’t recall any event I’d call the biggest test of integrity in my life. Constant need to make money through foul means stands as a test . There is always an illegal way to make money, and that can be tempting. People come to you offering all sort of things, in order for you to sign things in their favour. IS THERE ANY SUPPORT FOR KIDS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY HANDICAPPED? We have developed the pauper’s fund in our ward. We put money aside from our fast track surgeries to help people who need urgent treatment, but can’t afford it. We are however careful to use it wisely. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? Christ has been my biggest role model. Dela Adadego,the Vice President of Campus Crusade for Christ International, is one man I look up to. When I look at him, I expect what I want to see in a Christian. I have come to respect his thoughts and ideas. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?

I play card games on the computer. I don’t enjoy TV programmes. There are too many love and revenge stories. WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THE SMILE MAGIC? *HE LAUGHS* I don’t know what to say about it, the smile is not an intentional smile. God is just good, So, I smile. ANY PLACE IN MIND FOR A VACATION? I don’t have any specific place in mind. I would not mind going out somewhere with cool weather. The beach is a good idea. No disturbances! . ANY ADVICE CONCERNING LIFE AFTER MEDICAL SCHOOL? Activities change…Soon after I became consultant, my activity in the hospital reduced. You will be reading not to pass exams, but to be a good doctor. It is irresponsible on your part if you don’t know enough when patients come to you. Just be ready to be responsible.

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ART

ARTIST’S PROFILE

ello. My name is Carl, and I’m a pencil artist. Nonetheless, I have found myself on more occasions than one, either with a pen, or charcoal, just to name a few of the tools I use. My skill with this vast array of tools came with a lot of pushing and encouragement from some close friends of mine (Everyone needs a good friend.). I look forward to exploring brushes pretty soon. My passion for pencil art began in the fourth grade, if I correctly recall. I was given an IT assignment to draw a desktop computer. By the completion of this task, I had stars shooting out of my ears! My mom confirmed that it was the most beautifully drawn PC ever. You can thus, imagine my disappointment, when I was graded 4/10 because my drawing was too artistic, and not as simple as the teacher required. This experience had a (negatively) lasting impression on me, and for a long time coming, I had zeroconfidence in my artistic prowess.

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If you had asked me a few years ago what my greatest challenge was, I would have said it was my lack of confidence in my abilities. I have however come to understand that my confidence is in God alone. The abilities I possess are not mine, but His. There have been many times when I have fallen in love with a completed piece, only to begin detecting flaws with each passing day. Of course, for someone who has never had any formal training in arts, I have had quite a number of challenges choosing and working with various drawing techniques and materials. When I cannot seem to put two and two together on a drawing piece, I put my tools down, and look up to God in prayer. As a Christian, I believe that God is concerned about every single aspect of my life. I thrive on inspiration, as many artists do. I am usually inspired to draw something especially when it is my favourite character from a

book or movie. KING LEO, my number one football player, is a figure I particularly like to draw. Sometimes, a particular picture just ‘calls’ me. There’s no way to explain it. A striking pose by a model, or a perfect photograph, can have that “calling” effect on me. I am a hobbyist. Whenever I am in a slump, I relax by listening to music or playing the keyboard. Heather Rooney, Chris Samba and PencilMaster are a few of the artists I look up to. I have learnt so many things down this road, and my advice to anyone out there in the arts is- keep enjoying what you do and don’t be afraid to learn new things.

Carl Nelson Anas

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LIFESTYLE

MAKING BREAKFAST EGG-CITING.

reakfast can easily become monotonous especially for people with busy schedules. Here is an attempt to be a little creative with fried eggs – a breakfast staple. Ingredients: An egg, a piece of tinned sardine, 1 small onion sliced, salt, seasoning (optional), pepper (optional), vegetables (optional), oil to fry Procedure: • Heat up the oil in a frying pan on fire (For extra flavour, you can use the oil from the sardine tin) • Beat the egg in a bowl and mash the sardine into it

CURRENT

YAROVAYA CHANGES EVERYTHING The Yarovaya Laws now make it illegal to share one’s faith with another outside certain designated religious locations in Russia. Billed as anti-terrorist, these set of laws signed by President Vladimir Putin some time in July last year has already led to the arrest of some religious leaders in the country. Inviting friends or strangers to church in any way is now subject to criminal punishment.

• Add the sliced onion and salt to taste If desired, add in pepper, diced vegetables and seasoning. • Fry. • Add some slices of bread and a cup of tea and voila! Breakfast is served. That wasn’t so hard, was it? If you tried it or added your own twist or even have a few nice simple recipes you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.

Eugene Peterson, the mind behind the Message translation of the bible recently said he’d perform a same-sex marriage ceremony if asked..

You can drop your comments at: @gnomic_magazine on twitter and IG or @ TheGnomicMag on fb.

“I wouldn’t have said this 20 years ago, but now I know a lot about people who are gay and lesbian and they seem to have as good a spiritual life as I do...”, he told Jonathan Meritt in an interview on Religious news.

Don’t forget to like our page!

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CREATOR OF ‘MESSAGE’ BIBLE CHANGES HIS MIND.

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LOGIC PUZZLE

TRY IT!

Six horses (one named Speedy) were entered into a race by, by their owners (one was named Midi). Each horse finished the race in some order (1 through 6), each horse also has a peculiar characteristic (one was spotted). From the clues below can you determine which Horse had which characteristic, and owner , and the order of finish of them in the race? 1ST

2ND 3RD

4TH 5TH

6TH SH

Diamond Fanny Giddy Up Laughy Speedy Willow White

CLUES

Spotted Black

• Matty’s horse (Laughy) finished 5th, and was not Black.

Brown Grey

• Paul’s horse (Diamond)was not a winner.

Silver Shorty Thom Madge Midi Matty Paul

• The horse named Fanny was the one with the speckles or spots. • Giddy-up, Speedy, and Diamond finished (in some order) in the top three, as were the following owners. • Thom, Midi and Paul, whose horses had these characteristics: Grey, White, and Silver( also, in some order).

• Speedy the white horse owned by Midi, finished either 1st or 2nd. • Shorty owned either the Spotted horse or Willow, the one that finished last. • Madge does not own the horse that finished 4th. • The winning horse did not have a white or silver tail. sdf@puzzles-on-line-niche.com 2012 all rights reserved

FACTS AND FIGURES “Not only are many [American] Christians having sex before marriage (including 80 percent of people who self-identified as “born-again Christian, evangelical, or fundamentalist”), they’re also getting smart about it. Data from the Public Religion Research Institute shows that religious millennials feel that it’s morally acceptable to use contraception and they don’t think that abstinence-only education is working. Most tellingly, only about 11 percent of today’s millennial Americans depend on religious leaders for information about sex”. -- Carol Kuruvilla , Religion Reporter, HuffPost According to the 2016 HIV sentinel survey report ,Volta and Brong Ahafo region jointly top HIV ‘league table’ with a prevalence rate of 2.7 per cent which is above the national HIV prevalence of 2.4 per cent. The Northern Region registered the lowest prevalence rate, recording 0.7 per cent prevalence rate. European Christians dying faster than they are born

American ‘Church’ growing more accepting of Homosexuality

Is Oga Boko winning?

LET THE PEOPLE SIN?

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MISSIONS PIC

ISLAM IS RISING FAST.

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research center, a nonpartisan fact tank based in Washington DC, the long reign of Christianity as the world’s largest religion is likely to come to an end following the fast growth of Muslims world-wide.

Whiles the world’s population growth rate has been projected as 32%, the number of Muslims is expected to increase by about 70% from 2015 to 2060 which is a little over twice as fast as the world’s population. The main reason for this remarkable growth has been explained to involve simple demographics such as fertility.

Muslims have more children than the other six major religions in the world including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Christian women have an average of 2.6 children compared to almost 3 for Muslim women. Again Muslims have a younger median age (this was 24 years in 2015) compared to 32 for non-Muslims (a difference of 7). This means that a larger proportion of Muslims will soon

be ready to have children. This combined with the high fertility rates is expected to cause an accelerated growth. Religious switching is also expected to affect the Christian population by approximately 72 million even though it is not expected to have any negative impact on Muslim population growth.

THE NUMBERS POPULATION GROWTH RATE

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FERTILITY RATE BY REGION

MEDIAN AGE BY REGION

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Enjoying the groove already? Donâ€™t lose it.

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it gets better.

HAPPYâ€™S CLASSIC TRIAD

LIVE . LOVE . LAUGH

LIVING WITH

CONVICTIONS Robert G. Coleman

n the morning of April 20, 1999, 16-year old Cassie Bernall, a student at Columbine High School (USA) wrote a note to her friend, Amanda Meyer, which said this: “Honestly, I totally want to live my life completely for God. It’s hard and scary, but totally worth it!” What she did not know was that the genuineness of her expressed desire was going to be severely tested later that same day. With a gun pointed to her head, a gunman asked, “Do you believe in God?” She said “yes” and the next thing was Kabooooom! She was shot to death. [1] C. S. Lewis once noted that you never know how much AUG17

To be a Christian fit for Christ’s Kingdom, you must have convictions – convictions about Christ, about the ultimate Truth. you believe a thing until it becomes a matter of life and death. You see, conviction is what makes a person not cower when his beliefs are being tested. Real Christian conviction goes beyond having personal preference for the Christian gospel. It goes deeper than a personal opinion. Having conviction is when you are so thoroughly convinced that something is absolutely true that you take a stand for it regardless of the consequences. Are you really convinced about Christ and his teachings or are you only wishing they were true? If you are not sure if the Christian message is really true, are you making the effort to find out? To be a Christian fit for Christ’s

Kingdom, you must have convictions – convictions about Christ, about the ultimate Truth. Christianity is about truth, about reality as it really is. The gospel is not just to help us through life, it is really true and until you come to this conclusion, it will be very difficult to have genuine Christian convictions. For most Christians today, the test of our beliefs does not need to be stretched to the point of “life or death” for us to deny our beliefs. All we need is the threat of a little “heat,” a little discomfort, and we are willing to deny, bend, amend or alter the claims and teachings of Christ and his apostles. A few weeks ago I engaged gnomicmagazine.com

two young people in a chat regarding the Christian teaching of Salvation. They appeared to agree that it is through Jesus Christ alone that a person gains salvation from God. So I asked them what they thought then of other religions. After a short period of thinking, they said something to the effect that, different people have different ways of worshiping God. I probed further by asking them whether they actually believed that the gospel of Jesus Christ was true or they were only hoping and wishing it to be true. (There are people in the world today who think that believing something to be true is what makes it true thus making truth something that is subjective.) Both of them, without hesitation, said they believed it was objectively true. At this I reminded them that Jesus claimed to be the only way to God. They agreed. Then I pointed out to them that if Jesus’ claim is true then all other religions must be false by default on the issue of salvation, since they don’t accept this claim of Jesus. From the look on their faces, I could tell that what I just said had switched on a light. Apparently they had not really given this issue much thought.

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I went further to explain the situation a person falls into when he/she comes to the realization that it is really true that Jesus is the only way to God: I told them to imagine they were in school and a few minutes away from writing a mathematics exam and that they had found themselves with a group of friends trying to solve a particular math problem. As a group they managed to arrive at an answer. But then after they (as individuals) left the group to study on their own they noticed an error made during the process of calculating the final answer. So then they correct the error and whooaaaa, they arrive at a different answer. I asked them, “What would you do as someone who is concerned about how well your friends fared on the exams?” The answer was clear: You would quickly go to your friends and prompt them about the error so that they can also correct the answer previously

arrived at. And I said it is the same for the Christian. The moment you become convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel message, you want to tell others about it and not only that but you also want to live for this truth. This was the case of Cassie Bernall who was shot dead. She had convictions. She was only a teenager, yes, but She knew what she believed, or better still, in whom she had believed. It is this kind of convinced, committed belief in Christ and his gospel that every professing Christian is challenged to pursue. Jesus says, “If a person is ashamed of me and my teaching in this godless and wicked day, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” -Mark 8:38 GNB. The Apostle Paul was convinced about Christ and

She knew what she believed, or better still, in whom she had believed. It is this kind of convinced, committed belief in Christ and his gospel that every professing Christian is challenged to pursue.

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his teaching. He really knew the resurrected Christ and had faith in him. He was stoned and left for dead, he was given lashes, he was imprisoned and eventually beheaded. While alive and enduring suffering he declared in letter to young Timothy, “… . But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”

Do you know Jesus to this degree of commitment? Are you living with convictions about Jesus Christ and his teachings? Are you so convinced that the Christian message is absolutely true to the point that you are willing to take a stand for it regardless of the consequences?

Robert G. Coleman is the

Notes [1] For more details on the Columbine high school shooting stories see, Beyond Belief to Convictions, 2002, Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., p. 23.

President of SimplyChrist Ministry, a Christian Apologetics group based in Ghana, and the author of Why don’t I feel my faith? Connect with him at: rgcoleman.wordpress.com

-1 Timothy 1:12 GNB.

“Success is born out of faith, an undying passion, and a relentless drive.” – Stephen Curry “I try and use every game as an opportunity to witness… When I step on the floor people should know who I represent, who I believe in.” – Stephen Curry “If you don’t fall how are you going to know what getting up is like.” – Stephen Curry “I can...”- Next These image were originally posted to Flickr by Keith Allison at https://flickr.com/photos/27003603@N00/24689550742. It was reviewed on 2 August 2017.

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SPORTS

“

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Paul

“I CAN...” A closer look at STEPHEN CURRY, His faith and the NBA championship

All who know Curry know how outspoken he is about his Christian faith-- it’s everywhere! From the shoes he wears to games, to his celebrations, even his investments. And there’s no saying that he is unarguably one of the best players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He’s been described by some players and analysts of the game to be the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA. I very much agree. And he’s nowhere near done. The 29-year old recently signed off on a five-year $201 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors becoming the first NBA player to sign a supermax contract ie. the crossing of a $200 million threshold. And that is not the first. There are many more thresholds he’s already crossed in his career, being the first to do it in an impressive number. Ermm...sorry to say this but this guy only reminds me of one other currently active sports great-- the Maestro Lionel Messi! It’s a rare mix-- talent

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and humility-- and these two wear it beautifully. ‘It looks good on them too’, did you say? Sorry, sorry...where were we? Yes, yes first.

Wardell Stephen Curry II was the first player in the history of the NBA to be elected Most Valuable Player (MVP) by unanimous vote. He was also the first to lead the league in scoring while shooting above 50–40–90. In the same year, the 20152016 season, the Warriors broke the record for the most wins in an NBA season. In the 2012–13 season, he set the gnomicmagazine.com

NBA record for three-pointers made in a regular season with 272. In 2015, he surpassed that record with 286, and again in 2016 with 402. He and Warriors teammate Klay Thompson set the NBA record for combined threepointers in a season with 484, a record they broke the following season (525) and again in the 2015–16 season (678). Does MSN ring a bell? Or we are missing something here... Sadly N is off to PSG. Oh not again?! Pardon my unannounced drifts. Curry is married to Ayesha Alexander. They’ve been married for 7-years and have two lovely girls Riley and Ryan. They currently live at Alamo, California. The 2016-2017 Championship.[1]

NBA

October The Warriors started rather ‘slowly’ dropping their season opener at home to the San Antonio Spurs on October 25. Three days later, they won 122–114 over the New Orleans Pelicans. In that game, Curry hit four threepointers to reach 1,600 for his career, becoming only the 19th player to do so, and as well, the fastest to reach that mark. November On November 4, 2016, Curry’s NBA-record streak of 157 straight games with at least one made threeAUG17

pointer came to an end accompanying the Warriors’ 117–97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He went 0-of-10 from the three-point range. Not very like him. Prior to this ‘comma’, he had hit a three-pointer in every regular-season game since November 11, 2014. No, this would not slow him down. Three days later, he hit 13 (thirteen!) three-pointers against New Orleans setting an NBA record for most threepointers made in a regularseason game. December Christmas is coming! Curry hit two three-pointers on December 11 against the Minnesota Timberwolves to pass Steve Nash for 17th on the NBA’s career threepointers list. On December 30 Curry (with 11,903) passed Purvis Short (11,894) for seventh place on the Warriors’ alltime scoring list with 14 points against the Dallas Mavericks. January The Warriors lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on January 6, 2017, though Curry had his second 40-point game of the season to reach the 12,000-point threshold, becoming the seventh player in Warriors history to score 12,000 career points. Three days later, Curry was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, January 2 through Sunday, January 8.[117] It marked his eighth career Player of the Week honor,

more than any other player in franchise history. On January 19, Curry was named a starter on the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2017 NBA

Get The Records Straight!* • 2× NBA champion: 2015, 2017 • 2× NBA Most Valuable Player: 2015, 2016 • 4× NBA All-Star: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 • 2× All-NBA First Team: 2015, 2016 • 2× All-NBA Second Team: 2014, 2017 • NBA scoring leader: 2016 • 5× NBA three-point field goals leader: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 • 3× NBA free-throw percentage leader: 2011, 2015, 2016 • NBA steals leader: 2016 • NBA Skills Challenge champion: 2011 • NBA regular season record for made three-pointers (402) • NBA record for most consecutive regular season games with a made threepointer (157) • NBA record for most consecutive playoff games with a made three-pointer (75) • NBA record for most threepointers made in a single playoffs (98 – tied with Klay Thompson) • NBA record for most threepointers made in a game (13) • NBA record for most points scored in an overtime period (17) • Warriors franchise leader in three-point field goals made *As At August 2, 2017 Ref: NBA.com Basketball-Reference.com

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All-Star Game. On January 28, he scored 43 points in the Warriors’ 144–98 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. February On 1st February 2017, Curry hit 11 three-pointers scoring 39 points in a 126–111 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The following day, he was named Co-Western Conference Player of the Month for January alongside teammate Kevin Durant and hiting his 200th three-pointer of the season in the Warriors’ 133–120 win over the Clippers, became the first player in NBA history to have 200 or more three-pointers in five consecutive seasons. March On March 5, he scored 31 points moving to the top 10 on the NBA’s career three-point list in the Warrior’s 112–105 win over the New York Knicks. Curry hit five three-pointers, passing Chauncey Billups for 10th place. April A day after April fool’s day, Curry hit nine three-pointers and scored 42 points in a 139– 115 win over the Washington Wizards. Three days later, he had scored another 42-points in a 120–111 win over the Phoenix Suns, helping the Warriors clinch the best record in the Western Conference for the third straight season. On April 24, Curry scored 37 points in Game 4 to help the Warriors sweep their first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail AUG17

Blazers and advance to the conference semifinals. May On May 8, he scored 30 points in Game 4 to help the Warriors sweep their second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz and advance to the Western Conference Finals. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs on May 14, Curry scored 40 points and hit a tying 3-pointer with 1:48 remaining to help the Warriors rally from a 25-point deficit to win 113– 111; the Warriors overcame their largest halftime deficit ever in the postseason at 20 points. In a 120–108 Game 3 win, Curry scored 21 points and became the franchise leader in postseason points, passing Rick Barry. They went up 3–0 in the series, becoming the third team in NBA history to win their first 11 playoff games. His 36 points in Game 4 led to a 129–115 victory that saw the Warriors advance to the NBA Finals for a third straight year while becoming the first team in league history to start the playoffs 12–0. In Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry recorded his first career postseason triple-double with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Warriors go up 2–0 in the series with a 132–113 win. Curry helped the Warriors clinch the series and the championship in Game 5 with 34 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, as Golden State claimed its second title in

three years! Standing ovation. Now Stand. Do you know why Curry pounds his chest and point upwards when celebrating? More like a typical Messi celebration right? Come on, you’ve seen it once too many times to forget. Yep. He has said that whenever he pounds his chest and points up that is he saying that he has a “heart for God” reminding himself that he plays for God. “People should know who I represent and why I am who I am, and that’s because of my Lord and Saviour.” -- Stephen Curry in his MVP Speech. Curry has a tattoo too of I Corinthians 13:8 in Hebrew on his wrist (“Love never fails...”). And Philipians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is on some of his “Curry One” basketball shoes You may now stand up. And you can. Christ strengthens us to. Mehn. Stand.

[1] ESPN.com gnomicmagazine.com

THE RECRUIT K. B. Atobrah-Apraku

“

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

-Paul

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fter my twentieth birthday, I had only one thing in mind – to enlist in the Royal Army. I had the privilege of seeing this fulfilled, and on my first day in the army, I met a man: “I’m Sergio Paulus, and I’m your weapons instructor in this camp. Every arrow shot, sword swang, spear thrown and boulder flung by any soldier below 34 years, is done on my account.” I liked how he introduced himself. He had been in that office for an impressive 14 years. Paulus began his unplanned lecture before I could even ask any further questions as he led

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the way toward the armoury. “All weapons, any one at all that you lay a hand on, fall under two main categories – offensive and defensive. Being a soldier is all about character. Another thing stands out: your uniform. It sets you in motion for the task ahead, and as such I hold it in high esteem.” “Don’t forget that your uniform is made complete by everything you carry on you, weapons inclusive.” This man was already gaining for himself a reputation of a talkative person. “A soldier is expected to stand and defend against evil. There’s no point losing his hold in times of adversity. He is no better than a defenseless civilian. This is the single most important reason for use of weapons – to defend yourself, and defend others.” My attention was caught by the clangouring sound of what looked like a jacket that Paulus dropped unto the large table in the middle of the hall. He picked a huge belt from beside the jacket. It was not as huge as a wrestling title belt, but it was bigger than usual. “This is the Belt of Truth”, he said, as he raised it to eye level. “It’s the first thing worn when putting on your armour. All other

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additions, whatever they are, hang on this. The belt serves as the platform for the armour. Without it, you can’t be called a soldier. ‘I am the way, the TRUTH and the life…’ Heard that before? No one goes to the Father except through Jesus; no one wears the armour without the Belt of Truth.” He then beckoned me to help him hold the jacket-like armour erect on the table. It was heavy, made of metal, accounting for that loud noise when he dropped it. “You’re looking at the Breastplate of Righteousness. It covers the portion from below the neck to the waist, both front and back”, he said. “Seems like a body plate to me!”, I observed. “Certainly”, he cut in quickly. “You are not mistaken. It’s a figurative name, but also representative. The organ to be protected here is the heart. ‘Guard your heart with all diligence, because from it comes all the issues of life.’ Once a soldier’s heart is secure, the rest of the body will well be sound. We can rest assured of our salvation. We’re protected from whichever darts the enemy throws from any direction. With Christ being our righteousness, we have not a care in the world.” Paulus bent down and brought AUG17

out a small table from under the bigger one in the hall. This was his make-do ladder to reach the top shelf of the cupboard we stood by. He came back down with a pair of boots covered in a thick brown coat of dust. With one big puff from him, a cloud of dust obscured my vision. “These are the Boots of The Preparation of The Gospel of Peace”, said Paulus. “They show your readiness to respond to any call that comes. Soldiers save lives. You are the source of good news to the caller. Oh, how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of them who bring good news…” Things were getting more intriguing. My hunger seemed to have been abated. I refused to listen to the rumblings of my stomach. I followed Paulus as we entered another room adjacent the big hall. The arrangement of The shields somewhat reminded me of a pangolin’s back. The Shield of Faith came next. “It stops arrows, breaks spears, blocks swords and can shove your enemies away. The shield is needed against the darts of doubt, lies, insecurity and the like, that the devil shoots into our thoughts and hearts. You need it to be mindful of God’s protection and providence. Did you know that the shields, put edge

against edge, build a solid wall? Communal faith forms a much stronger force against the works of the enemy.” Paulus, although weary at this point, persevered. I admired this key military attitude of his. He simply did not want to give up until he was done with me. Stepping out of the Faith Room, he leaned towards one of the guards at post, took his helmet, and commanded him to stand by and wait for it. “The Helmet of Salvation covers the head. You will soon learn and practice headshots when it is time for your archery training. If I had a selection restriction to pick only one armour at a point in time, it would definitely be the helmet. Salvation comes first on your priority list. Guard your mind. Keep your helmet on.” Paulus had a brown leather sheath strapped to his belt that contained his sword. “This will be the last for today”, he said, as he drew the large sword, about four feet tall and four inches wide. The sheen weapon had a beautifully forged black handle. I soon understood that it was a very private instrument as he denied me the privilege of holding it. “This is the Sword of the Spirit. Some of us also call it The Word gnomicmagazine.com

“You will need each one of the things I have shown you to be able to STAND as a soldier. Know this: the whole armour is Christ. Christ is THE TRUTH. He is OUR SHIELD, He is OUR SALVATION and THE WORD OF GOD. He is OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS and OUR PEACE. To STAND in these times, what you need to do is to put on Christ fully. I know I will have more time with you here as you train. I already see a soldier hungry for success, just like your uncle. You’re dismissed.”

Every joint in my body was aching from long standing with Paulus, but maybe that was training for long suffering. Throughout my stay as a trainee, to my life as a soldier, I have stood. I’ve stood not because I’m more skilled or intelligent, but because I did not forget what Paulus fastidiously taught me about putting on the whole Armour of God; about putting on Christ.

is also a member of Emeth Forum, a christian apologetic group committed to presenting the truth claims of the Christian faith in word and in power. Read more of him at

kenapraku.wordpress.com

Do you want to STAND in these perilous times when all things seem to be falling apart? Put on Christ, put on The Armour of God and you shall STAND the evil day, having done all, to STAND!

the full “ on Put Put on the full I felt like bolting to my tent.

K. B. Atobrah-Apraku

t on the ll Armour

of God. The Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is your greatest asset. The Word of God is the power you have to triumph over the devil.”

Christ is THE TRUTH. He is OUR SHIELD, He is OUR SALVATION and THE WORD OF GOD. He is OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS and OUR PEACE. To STAND in these times, what you need to do is to put on Christ fully.

DESTINATION

Elsewhere in KBTH.

THE UGSMD BASKETBALL TEAM

Meet the co-captains of the team:

Robert N. T. Kwame-Aryee Kofi Asamoa-Bonsu

i. I am Robert N.T. Kwame-Aryee, and I am co-captain of the UGMSD basketball team. It is very easy for people outside the school to think that students in UGMSD are only focused on academics. Although academics are the primary focus, some students put their athletic skill to use.

It is always an arduous task combining seemingly unlike fields together, as it is with playing in the school team and coping with scholarly demands. The players make a lot of sacrifices. They forsake their Saturday morning relaxation just to attend team practice at 7am, but that is not all. I always entreat them to practice on a personal level during the week, so that they

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can improve on their game. Sometimes, players have to cut practice for ward duties. It gets upsetting, but that is out of my control. We select players based on skill, basketball IQ and discipline. New players at the Basic Sciences level are scouted at the exhilarating MOMIC Games, where the Level 200 team faces off against the level 300 team. We then give the scouted individuals the option to join the team, and if they comply, let them know more about it. The team plays against teams of schools and faculties in the university, such as Law School, Business School, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering and School of Veterinary Medicine. We also occasionally play against locals of Korle-Bu, Korle Gonno and Mamprobi. Some of these games are friendly matches, and others, tournaments. All of these games are done in preparation for the inter-medical school games, known as the Federation of Ghana Medical Schools Association (FGMSA) Congress, where we compete against KNUST and UCC in basketball. The road to congress is never easy. It is filled with ups and downs. It is always great to win matches while we prepare, but losses seem to be somewhat

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inevitable, and we learn valuable lessons from them: lessons that even transcend court action. We recruit players yearly and hope to begin a training programme, where players who do not meet the team requirements can train in order to qualify for recruitment.

Moving forward, the team will improve in terms of organization and management, in order to equip players with better abilities on and off the court, as well as increase the basketball IQ of players. It has never been easy, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

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2016/2017 ROSTER

Michael Kweku Adomako Selikem Azadagli Robert Nii Tetteh Kwame-Aryee Kofi Asamoa-Bonsu Joseph Nana Gyamera Akyeampong Robert Odoi Edwin Edem Kuwornu Philip Sarpong-Mensah Kofi Attafuah Octave Kodjo

Robert N. T. Kwame-Aryee Co-captain

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Gnomic Magazine is on

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for Gnomic Magazine (Publisher) and kindly follow

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gnomic TOP 10 PICKS 10

JOE METTLE GOD OF MIRACLES The much anticipated album is due this October. It features the likes of Akesse Brempong, Ohemaa Mercy, Luigi Maclean, the Love Gift Band and Ntokozo Mbambo. BABY DRIVER EDGAR WRIGHT

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Story-- Baby, a young getaway driver, is coerced into working for a kingpin. Plus, it’s hilarious and action-packed.

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A UNITED KINGDOM AMMA ASANTE

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Set in the apartheid era, the love between Prince Seretse Kharma and Ruth Williams, a British woman is put to the test. Can their world-shaking union conquer all the hate around them?

06 REVIVAL FLAMES NATHANIEL BASSEY [NATHANIEL BASSEY MUSIC]

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NO GOD BUT ONE: Allah or Jesus? NABEEL QURESHI

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The 27-year old takes you on journey through history highligting the effect of slavery on a single family. For a breakout debut novel, it’s quite ambitious. She’s a genius.

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Nabeel examines Christianity and Islam in great detail, exploring conflicting areas and providing evidence where need be.

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LAST WORD “ Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone…”

“With God, you are stronger than your struggles and more fierce than your fears. God provides comfort and strength to those who trust in Him. Be encouraged, keep standing, and know that everything’s going to be alright.”

― Andy Biersack

― Germany Kent DUNKIRK CHRISTOPHER NOLAN [SYNCOPY INC.]

Another classic masterpiece from the Da Vinci of cinema himself! Set during the Second World-war, Dunkirk tells the inspiring story of the Dunkirk evacuation in a way that sets it distinctly apart from any war movie you’ve ever seen!

03 THE SCARS THAT HAVE SHAPED ME How God meets us in suffering VANEETHA RENDALL RISNER

THE CASE FOR CHRIST JON GUNN

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How do you deal with this: 20 surgeries by age 13, years of hospital stay, multiple miscarriages as a young wife, death of a child, a debilitating progressive disease, abandonment...Beyond the pain, Vaneetha invites other sufferers to taste with her the goodness of the Lord

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Based on a true story about what Atheist and journalist Lee Strobel found on investigating the truth of Jesus Christ.

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