Keep the faith issue 92

Britain’s leading Black communityfocused publication

ISSUE 92

Celebrating a decade of spreading good news

promoting and supporting faith and family values

BLACK CHURCH LEADERS encourage Christians to vote

THE POWER OF EASTER Two former offenders find new life in Jesus

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

for the 2015 Wise Women Awards

Celebrating Britain’s

most influential Black women

KIRK FRANKLIN

Have gospel artists taken their eyes off the goal?

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Dear Reader,

I

’m writing this note while the sun’s warm rays are beaming against a gorgeous blue sky, and the lovely weather is making me feel very thankful for life and grateful to God. There are a number of themes running through this edition of Keep The Faith. We celebrate the coming of Easter - the most important event in the Christian calendar - with a heartfelt message from Rev Les Isaac, OBE, about what Easter means, as well as interviews with Ricky Otto and Thomas McDonald, two men whose lives have been transformed after encountering Jesus, our risen Lord and Saviour.

As Keep The Faith is coming out in March, International Women’s Month, not only have we featured news of the nominees in this year’s Wise Women Awards - the event Keep The Faith jointly hosts with Wisdom for Women International - but we have also compiled a list of Britain’s most influential Black Christian women. We’d love to get your feedback about the list, as well as letting us know any we may have missed.

We also have various interesting articles in this edition. Check out Esther Kuku’s article, examining what it means to be a strong Christian woman; Rev Stephen Brooks shares why believers must be prepared to defend their faith, and Rev Fred Williams explains why, in his view, terrorism can only be overcome by love.

Do take a browse through the magazine. I hope you enjoy what you read and, more importantly, that the articles help increase your understanding of the world from a faith perspective and enable you to ‘keep the faith’ - despite whatever may be happening in your life.

Happy reading

WELCOME 03

08

CONTENTS ISSUE 92 14

GOSPEL NEWS

08 Gospel News

by Marcia Dixon 10 How can UK Gospel move forward?

by Ryan J Bruce 12 UK Top 10 Christian Chart

20

OUT AND ABOUT

14 Keep The Faith About Town 16 People and Places

by Tamala Ceasar

FEATURE

26

18 Nominees announced for the 2015 Wise Women Awards 20 Britain’s most influential Black women 24 CRE at London’s Excel: centre stage at last!

26 Celebrating strong women

by Esther Kuku 27 We can overcome terror with love

by Rev Fred WIlliams 28 Finding freedom in Christ Keep The Faith speaks to two former offenders: Thomas McDonald and Ricky Otto 30 The Power of Easter

by Rev Les Isaac, OBE 34 Building community through the Church

by Dionne Gravesande

COMMENT

R

35 Civic engagement is the way to go

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 36 Defending your faith and reaching the lost

by Rev Stephen Brooks

Keep The Faith Ltd keepthefaithteam Suite 48 @keepthefaithmag 88-90 Hatton Garden keepthefaithmagazine London EC1N 8PN www.keepthefaith.co.uk T: 0845 193 4433 www.blackchristiandirectory.com

Credits: The Publisher would like to thank Marcia Dixon, Ryan J Bruce, Juliet Fletcher, Alan Charles, Tamala Ceasar, Stephen Goddard, Esther Kuku, Rev Fred William, Rev Les Isaac OBE, Rev Stephen Brooks, Rev Wale-Hudson Roberts, Dionne Gravesande, Bishop Delroy Hall, Denise Roberts, Keno Ogbo, Lola Olarewaju, Esther Fenty, Jason Loh, Rebekah Legg, Brenda Karimi, our supporters and all our advertisers. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

NEWS

06 News pages

Marcia Dixon, Editor

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Shirley McGreal FCMI Editor: Marcia Dixon Sub-Editor: Jackie Raymond Design: Becky Wybrow Advertising: O’Neil Dennis

Anna Shaw

Josie McFarlane Admin & Accounts: Nicola Hammond All enquiries: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk

WELCOME

04 Food 4 Thought

by Marcia Dixon

LIFESTYLE

44 46

38 Pastors’ Column

by Bishop Delroy Hall 39 Business Matters

by Denise Roberts 40 Cyber Corner

by Keno Ogbo 42 Mind, Body and Soul

by Lola Olarewaju 43 Heart to Heart

by Esther Fenty 44 How does your garden grow?

by Jason Loh

MISSION

46 Called to serve

by Brenda Karimi and Bekah Legg www.keepthefaith.co.uk

04 WELCOME

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Let’s hear it for Black women

T

he whole world recently celebrated International Women’s Day and, with this in mind, I felt it important to pay homage to women of Caribbean and African descent, of which I am one.

Considering the obstacles that Black women face in British society, it should be viewed as a miracle that so many overcome them in order to pursue their goals and achieve success.

Examples of these inspiring women include: Patricia Scotland (Baroness Scotland), the first Black woman to be appointed as Attorney General of the UK; Angela Sarkis, CBE, who made history when she became the first Black CEO of international charity, the YMCA, and Doreen Lawrence, OBE (Baroness Lawrence), who fought tirelessly for justice for her murdered son, Stephen Lawrence, and changed the law in the process.

What people aren’t always aware of is the role that faith plays in the lives of Black women.

The majority of Black female achievers, including the women named above, are believers in Jehovah God. The message of the Gospel is more than just good news for Black women. It is spiritual food from Heaven that has fed and sustained their souls through hard times, and has given them the strength needed to be overcomers, particularly living in a society that is not known for celebrating Black women’s uniqueness.

Baroness Lawrence, CBE & Angela Sarkis, CBE

Key biblical teachings that have resonated with women of colour is the fact that all humanity - whatever its shade, class or gender - has been made in the image of God; that God is a God of justice and sides with the underdog, and that He loves humanity beyond measure - so much so, He sent His Son to die for people’s sins. They have also been inspired and rejuvenated by the new life direction that can be found by accepting God’s amazing gift of salvation.

The desire within Black women to achieve and serve has extended to the Church, where they give much of their time, finance and skill to ensure that it plays an effective role in people’s lives. Many church ministries would not exist were it not for its female volunteers. And many people would not have received the prayers, support and assistance they needed, were it not for the input of Christian women.

The message inherent in the Gospel has been good news for Black women, and what’s wonderful about this is that the Gospel is good news for anyone in society, who feels undermined, unrecognised, unappreciated, overlooked and unvalued. Knowing that one is made in the image of God and loved by Him - and believing this fact - is really all one needs to overcome the world to become all that He has designed you to be.

Let’s hear it for Black women.

LIFE IS A RACE YOU CAN WIN

I

f you watch the news and surf like the net as often as I do, you might have come across this amazing true life story of Kenyan athlete, Hyvon Ngetich. She was in the winning position of a marathon race but, as she neared the finishing line, her body failed her and she fell to her knees in sheer exhaustion. Hyvon was so determined to finish the race that she crawled to the finish line on her knees - cheered on by the crowd.

This moving, real-life sports drama provides a metaphor for life. Sometimes, as we push towards our goal, we can get stopped in our tracks for a whole variety of reasons, but we shouldn’t allow such setbacks to stop us from reaching our goal, especially if it is still within our grasp. There is a immense gratification in achieving our goals. We’ll not only experience a great feeling of satisfaction, but we’ll inspire others, particularly if we achieve against the odds. The organiser of the marathon was so moved by Hyvon Ngetich’s efforts to finish the race, he awarded her the same amount of prize money as the runner who came in second.

If you are running the Christian race of life and feel like giving up, don’t. Be encouraged by the voice of the Holy Spirit telling you to hang in there; study the Bible; surround yourself with positive people, and summon the last ounce of spiritual strength you have to keep pushing forward.

Be mindful there is a reward in doing so: you’ll have a testimony of God’s sustaining power to share with others and, more importantly, you’ll stand before your heavenly Father and hear the words: ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant’.

A proud and significant moment

I

f you turn to the Keep The Faith news pages, you’ll see the story about the publication of the first ever Black Church manifesto. This is truly a proud and significant moment in the history of the Black Church here in the UK, and highlights the new level of maturity and unity that abounds in the Black Church movement of the 21st century.

There is a strong realisation amongst today’s Black Church leaders that their role is not just to preach the Gospel, but also to provide leadership beyond their congregations, and to encourage their members to be involved in creating a just and equitable society.

I, for one, hope that Black Church leaders won’t just stop at uniting together to produce a manifesto, but that they will seek to work together on other major issues that are of great concern to the constituencies they serve.

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Britain’s leading Black community-focused publication promoting and supporting faith and family values

06 NEWS

Church leaders cast political vision for Black Britain Britain’s African and African Caribbean church leaders have published their first ever manifesto, which is entitled ‘Black Church Political Mobilisation - A Manifesto for Action’.

C

As the General Election approaches, key BME church leaders have been featured in a video to remind churchgoers of the importance of voting, and how vital it is that people from all backgrounds get their voices heard.

Ministers featured in the video are all members of the One People Commission, and include: Bishop Wilton Powell, OBE, of the Church of God of Prophecy; Pastor Modupe Afolabi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Pastor Siew-Huat Ong of the Chinese Church in London, and Bishop Eric Brown, former National Overseer of the New Testament of Church of God and currently the Pentecostal president of Churches Together in England.

opies of the groundbreaking document, produced by the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), have been distributed to parliamentarians and other leaders in public life, including Church of England bishops, the Catholic Church and other denominations.

The Manifesto enables Britain’s Black Church leaders to inform the UK’s politicians of the key areas of social and political concern within the African and African Caribbean community, and how they would like political parties to address them.

The areas featured in ‘Black Church Political Mobilisation - A Manifesto for Action’ include: Policing and Criminal Justice, Prisons, Mental Health, Voting and Political Mobilisation, Media, Music, Arts & Culture, and much more.

According to Operation Black Vote (OBV), Britain’s Black constituency should be courted by politicians, as their vote could decide the outcome of the May elections in up to 168 marginal seats. With this fact in mind, the Manifesto includes a 5-point ‘voter registration’ plan for churches to encourage greater political engagement by church members.

Professor David Voas

BME LEADERS ENCOURAGE CHRISTIANS TO VOTE

It is hoped that political strategists will take note of the church manifesto, due to the size and influence of the Black Church, which is seen as the most influential and cohesive institution within the Black community. It has grown significantly in recent years, and it is estimated there are 500,000 African and Caribbean Christians sited across the UK, where the majority live in urban areas covering some of the most marginal constituencies.

Written following a number of consultation sessions, the Manifesto has been collated by Dr R David Muir and Pastor Ade Omooba, co-chairs of the NCLF, and has received widespread support from church leaders.

Following the distribution of the Manifesto, Pastor Ade Omooba stated: “I am excited that, for the first time, the Black Church movement has been able to speak into the electoral debate in this way, highlighting concerns but also proposing positive steps to take. I hope that our political leaders, who have expressed so much interest in the Black community’s vote, are now prepared to listen and discuss these recommendations.”

Rev Yemi Adedeji

Rev Yemi Adedeji, director of the One People Commission, said: “As key church leaders in this nation, we have a great responsibility to come together to focus on the common and most pressing needs of churches from across denominations and ethnicities. We have been brought together for such a time as this - to get politicians to take notice of the Church; to rally the Church itself to be excellent in all God has called us to do, and to equip church leaders to engage the next generation - moving them from being the missing generation to the leaders of tomorrow.”

THE FUTURE OF UK RELIGION IS BROWN A leading expert on population change and growth has said that, during the next decade, religion in Britain will be led by Islam and Black Christians. Writing for religious think tank, Theos, Professor David Voas

stated, “The future of religion in Britain is to be found in Islam and the Black majority churches. Muslims already account for ten per cent of British births; within several decades, people of Muslim heritage will form ten per cent of the population, even if immigration came to an abrupt halt tomorrow.

“If even half are observant, they will form a substantial proportion of the religiously active population. Ethnic minority Christians will have another large share.” He continued, “While the secularisation of consciousness in the West is an ongoing process, the secularisation of behaviour has reached the point of no return.”

With many protestant churches in England in decline, Professor Voas says that church leaders, desirous of reaching their communities, need to be asking the question: ‘Why would anyone want to attend a place of worship?’

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NEWS 07

NTCG Church pioneer dies

The New Testament Church of God (NTCG) UK is mourning the passing of one of its key pioneers, Bishop Dr Sydney Uriah Thompson, who has died aged 92.

Bishop Thompson played an instrumental role in planting a number of NTCG churches during the 1950s and 60s; served on the church’s National Executive Council; pastored Handsworth NTCG for 29 years, and established a number of community initiatives, including a supplementary school, nursery and senior citizens project. He also preached untold thousands into the Kingdom of God. Born in 1922, Bishop Thompson immigrated to the UK from Jamaica in 1955,

leaving behind his wife, Dorcas, and three children, who joined him in the early 1960s.

They had a total of 10 children.

Upon arriving in the UK, Bishop Thompson became fully involved in church work.

After connecting with Jim Tomlin, a fellow Christian from his hometown, they led a small group of believers in south-east London that became the thriving Brixton NTCG. Bishop Thompson also met Rev Dr Oliver Lyeseight via a divine connection.

They approached COG Tennessee and, as a result, inaugurated the NTCG in England and Wales in 1955.

Whilst serving as pastor of NTCG Brixton, Bishop Thompson also planted churches in Woolwich, Deptford, Mile End, Clapham and West Norwood.

In 1967, he was appointed leader of NTCG Handsworth. Not only did Bishop Thompson establish a number of community initiatives whilst there, many students underwent church placements under his guidance.

Bishop Derek Webley, who took over Handsworth NTCG from Bishop Thompson, paid this tribute: “He was a true disciple of Jesus; made a positive mark on many peoples lives, and leaves behind an enduring legacy. May our memories of him continue to leave us with a sense of hope, warmth and pride when we think of him. Gone but never forgotten.”

Missionary position is the only way says African Pastor A British-based pastor is causing a social media frenzy, as a result of sharing his views on how married Christians should conduct their sexual relationship.

Olugbenga Oladejo, of the Complete in Christ Church (based in Peterborough), uploaded a video on YouTube entitled ‘Warnings to married Christian couples from the Lord Jesus Christ’.

During a 12-minute monologue, Pastor Oladejo shares that he had a vision, where some married Christian couples ended up in hell because of their sexual practices. According to Pastor Oladejo, the only permissible sexual position for married Christian couples is the missionary one. In this video he stated, “Missionaries of old, who taught their converts about true holiness, would teach them that, in the marriage bed, face to face with the husband on top is the only position that God has sanctioned.”

He also went on to say that married Christian couples, who carry out oral sex, masturbation, bondage and other acts, will not make it to Heaven.

Many people objected to the pastor’s comments on Facebook. One person wrote: “I don’t think it’s a pastor’s place to be advising couples on what sexual positions they are permitted to engage in.”

At the time of writing, Pastor Oladejo’s video had received over 23,000 views.

NEWS SNIPPETS ARCHBISHOP SENTAMU RELEASES NEW BOOK On Rock or Sand? is a new book from the Rt Rev Dr Archbishop John Sentamu (published by SPCK), which looks at the moral principles affecting the way Britain is governed, and explores how to build a just and equitable society. Commenting about the book, the Archbishop stated, “We need to rediscover the true meaning of the word ‘economy’ – it means a household, a community whose members share responsibility for each other. The giant that must be slayed is income inequality, where some few have far too much and the many have too little.”

WOMAN FINED FOR PRAYING TOO LOUDLY A Christian woman from South Dakota, US, was fined $150 for praying too loudly. Martha Nagbe, a pastor’s wife from Liberia, took it upon herself to pray and read Scriptures loudly outside her home and on the streets. The police claimed she was making “unnecessary noise”, whilst Mrs Nagbe believes she’s doing the Lord’s work and can’t stop. She told her local news station, “I can’t stop. I’m trusting God. In the United States, it’s one nation under God.” Martha’s husband, Pastor Juwle Nagbe believes she is being unfairly targeted and that she should be left alone.

LETTER DESCRIBING GOD AS CREATOR SELLS FOR £49,000 A letter, written by world-renowned genius Albert Einstein, where he describes God as the Creator, has sold for £49,000. Einstein wrote the letter in 1915 to electrical engineer, Giovanni Giorgi, to defend his concept of relativity against American physicist, Dayton Miller, who opposed it. In his letter, Einstein wrote: “I agree with your opinion on the fact that the movement of an ether with a [mathematical formula] so high is particularly impossible… God created the world with more intelligence and elegance.”

SURVEY ON VIEWS OF YOUNG CHRISTIANS The One People Commission, an organisation that is part of the Evangelical Alliance and which builds relationships across ethnic divides, is conducting a survey to find out the beliefs, habits, practices and experiences of the UK’s ethnic minority Christians in their 20s and 30s. The survey results will be used to help ethnic minority church leaders meet the needs of the young adults in their congregations, so they can live out a vibrant faith. Visit www. surveymonkey.com/s/KFTE for more details.

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GOSPEL

NEWS

BY MARCIA DIXON

MEET THE ARTIST: LORRAINE KING

Lorraine King is founder of the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition. Now in its fifth year, UCGY is taking place at the Hippodrome, Golders Green, north London on March 14. Lorraine spoke with Keep The Faith about the event, how she got it off the ground, and her plans for its future.

KTF: What inspired you to set up the University Gospel Choir of the Year competition?

LK: During my time at University, I was part of my university gospel choir. Whilst there, I realised that, as a choir, we needed opportunities to perform outside the walls of our university, and to use our talents to spread the Gospel and inspire others. This idea sparked a desire to research further, and I discovered other university choirs had the same passion to spread the message far and wide. The vision was solidified at Christmas 2009, as I watched the final scenes of the Whoopi Goldberg classic, Sister Act 2, when it dawned on me: ‘Why not recreate this in the UK?’ KTF: How did you go about getting the UGCY competition off the ground?

LK: It was not easy! I remember crying to a friend, telling him that the Lord had a laid a big vision on my heart, but I did not know how to make it happen. He told me: “Write down the vision and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2), which I did! Two influential mentors of mine really helped, as they believed in the idea: Andrea Encinas (British Gospel Arts) and Muyiwa (Muyiwa & Riversongz). I owe them and the UGCY team the credit for where UGCY is today.

KTF: What do you recall about the very first UGCY competition?

LK: It was an incredible launch night and a buzzing atmosphere. The culmination of two years of planning brought most of us to tears. In 2011, over 20 universities entered in the first round; we were amazed - especially as there was no precedent. To see our efforts all come together, it was nothing short of a miracle and a testimony.

KTF: UGCY is now in its fifth year. What have been the three standout moments for you in all the years the competition has been going?

LK: In 2012, Manchester Harmony Gospel Choir (an all-White choir) sang an amazing rendition of ‘Imela’. This took the show to another level, and the audience was taken by surprise! X Factor 2012 runner-up, Jahméne Douglas, did an amazing job leading our mass choir in 2013! We followed his journey in X Factor, and for him to come and sing ‘We are blessed’ for the finale, it was amazing.

Last year’s winning choir - Nottingham - has to top the best moment. Their performance ended with a rendition of Matthew 28. We believe their performance to have been the best of all time!

KTF: What are your future plans where UGCY is concerned?

LK: We’re trusting God that UGCY will be ‘setting up shop’ in other countries. To see choirs from other nations taking part in a God-given dream will definitely be an accomplishment. UGCY is also looking to further develop its presence in the UK. We want to make a mark at every university VISIT nationwide, with a focus on helping students develop choirs, .CO.UK UGCY and much more!

KTF: Describe yourself in five words.

LK: Driven. Passionate. God-fearing. Supportive. Tenacious.

Does your choir want to win a prize?

If you regularly view BBC 1’s flagship religious show, Songs of Praise, you’ll know that for the past two years they have run a competition to find the best gospel choir in the UK. The competition is now in its third year, and is on the lookout for the best amateur gospel choir in the UK. So, if your choir thinks it’s got what it takes to lift the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year trophy this year, please send in your entries. The finals will be filmed in July later this year, in front of a packed audience in London, complete with judges and a joyous atmosphere.

For more information about the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition, and how to enter, visit www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ttc5 to learn what all the excitement is about. The clip features Ken Burton, who led workshops with the 2014 finalists as they prepared to sing at the competition.

Please note that the closing date for entries is Friday 1st May 2015, but don’t delay – start getting ready to enter NOW! Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

FOR MORE DETAILS

GOSPEL NEWS 09

GOSPEL NEWS

SNIPPETS

Femi Temowo, who presents Premier Gospel’s Jazz Alive show, has put out an appeal to fans to help fund his third album, ‘The Music Is The Feeling’. This talented guitarist is considered one of the best in Europe, and is renowned for his unique fusion of jazz and West African folk music.

Femi has made this appeal for financial support, because he’s keen to maintain artistic control on this album project. You can support this project by pre-ordering a copy. If you do so, you’ll be given exclusive access to videos and podcasts that Femi will be recording whilst working on his project. Visit www.pledgemusic. com/femitemowo for more details.

artists, LeCrae Grammy award-winning ongst the am are , ton ugh Ho and Israel featured ists art in the line-up for Big Church Day Out, the annual Christian music extravaganza that takes place from 23-24 May at sex. Other artists Sus st Wiston House, We hel Music, Bet e: lud inc ce taking pla en’s Choir, plus Guvna B, Watoto Childr l details visit ful For many, many more. . com ut. ayo chd www.bigchur

Femi Temowo

ARTIST WATCH: HAPPI

H

appi is a young creative, who loves God, art and people, and is desirous to spread some happiness in the world via his music. This young artist has released a number of well-received gospel rap numbers, including ‘No Man Can Curse’, ‘Solar Power’ and his mixtape, ‘Reset’.

Such is the impact of his music, Happi was recently appointed as an ambassador for Youth For Christ (YFC), and is available to share the Christian message, via music, at one-off During the next four months, you’ll have a chance to attend gigs, youth services and concerts. Aside from being a skilled artist, Happi is also a the FREE Midnight Cry Tour, featuring Seth Pin nock & A New learning mentor, and runs workshops on music in schools whilst teaching life skills.

Thing, where they’ll be singing songs from the Midnight Oil: Live In addition to all that, he’s a Beyond Sports Young Ambassador, which has given him the in Worship album. Th e tour kicked opportunity to tell his story to the likes of David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Jamie off at the New Testam ent Church Oliver. The future looks bright for this artist, who has discovered that the best way to of God in Willesden, northwest understand his purpose is to know the One who created him: Father God. And he’s keen London, on March 1 and other cities to communicate this fact via his music to others. He seems to be doing a good job. that will be visited inc lude Luton, Wolverhampton, De rby, Leicester, Visit www.thisishappi.com for more details, like on Facebook @markhappy, follow on Walsall and Cambrid ge. If you want Twitter @HappiMusic and view on YouTube@ImHappyTV. to catch a Seth & Co concert, visit www.godsbride.org.u k/midnightcry for a full list of tour dat es.

Kirk says gospel is not hitting the mark Following the recent funeral of gospel legend, Andraé Crouch, Kirk Franklin - a leading mover and shaker in the scene - has undergone some soul searching about the current state of gospel music in his blog on patheos.com.

Franklin enthused about Crouch’s exceptional songwriting talent, and how his music transcended racial and cultural barriers. He wrote, “His pen became the sword that erased racial and cultural barriers within the birth of the Jesus Movement in the 70s. No matter your colour or denomination, the soundtrack of your church life was Andraé Crouch.”

In his blog, Franklin went on to state that today’s gospel artists aren’t having the same impact as Crouch, because they’ve taken their eyes off the main goal. “Our music doesn’t affect people the way it used to. It doesn’t create movements like it did during Andraé’s time.

Is it because today’s worship leader is too busy trying to get the record deal, the applause, a higher church salary, and that crossover song? [The guilt is all over my hands, people!]”

He added, “Every step we take away from the cross - and the cross alone - every time we focus on sales over souls… the goal gets lower and lower.” www.keepthefaith.co.uk

10 GOSPEL NEWS

RYAN J BRUCE

is the MD of Glocal World Entertainment. He is also an A&R consultant, and sits on the board of the BET Awards and The Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards).

HOW CAN UK GOSPEL MOVE FORWARD? Young music executive, Ryan J Bruce, shares his views on the current UK gospel scene, and the steps it can take to be a thriving genre within the music business

B

eing raised in church, I had the privilege of being exposed to gospel music from a young age, and began hearing of artists like Lavine Hudson,The Wades,The Inspirational Choir and LCGC, among others. Mainstream TV broadcasts, like ‘People Get Ready’ (which aired on Channel 4 from the late 80s through to the early 90s), introduced these acts to millions across the UK. During this time, Paul Johnson and The Inspirational Choir inked deals with CBS Records (now Sony Music Entertainment - current home to acts like One Direction); Lavine Hudson signed with Virgin Records (currently home to Emeli Sandé), and many other British gospel artists were gracing very large platforms.

With a weekly mainstream TV audience of millions, offers from major record companies and Top 10 chart hits, UK Gospel was certainly a force to be reckoned with. If we fast-forward to 2015, however, it seems we have taken quite a few steps back, in some regards. So the question is, where did things go wrong and how can they be made right?

Of course, we cannot discount the success since that time of acts like Muyiwa & Riversongz, Noel Robinson, Raymond & Co, and even more recently with Guvna B. However, if we are comparing it to the scale on which UK Gospel was recognised during the ‘late 80s - early 90s’ era, I can’t help but notice there has been a digression. The notoriety that the UK gospel music industry had among the commercial music industry was strong then, whereas today, it is non-existent.

One of the things I learnt working as a music industry professional is how rapidly the business changes - and continues to change on a daily basis. The rules of yesterday are no longer the rules of today. This ranges from (but is not limited to) release strategies, common contract clauses, chart rules, promotional methods and royalties, down to commercial musicality trends and styles. If you are pursuing a career in or related to music in any capacity, it is crucial you keep up with these

constant progressions, otherwise it’s likely you will not get the reception you desire. This is an area where UK gospel music struggles.

It is widely known that gospel music is one of the most influential genres of music, and that some of the most accomplished artists in the world have strong connections to gospel music.

Beyoncé, Brandy and Mariah Carey all list Kim Burrell and Karen Clark-Sheard as vocal influences, so it cannot be denied that the raw talent is there.

However, anyone who knows anything about the 21st century music business understands it takes more than raw talent to be a successful artist and, in some cases, raw talent is not even a factor. In saying that, one of the most basic elements of artistry, that I, sadly, believe UK Gospel is yet to conquer, is producing good quality music.

With the exception of Roger & Sam’s ‘Live in London’ and Seth Pinnock’s ‘Midnight Oil: Live in Worship’ albums, I can honestly count on one hand the number of other good quality British gospel releases I have heard in the past 10 years. Many of them sound outdated, and lack creative writing and composition, especially in comparison to the US counterparts.

What acts like The Inspirational Choir, Lavine Hudson and more recent acts, like Raymond & Co, accomplished at the height of their success was outstanding, and has not been topped since. However, I think we can all admit that, since their day, the sound of gospel music has evolved.

An example could be Kirk Franklin. Most of you reading this will have heard the ‘Kirk Franklin & The Family’ album, released in 1993.

Now take his most recent effort, ‘Hello Fear’ (released in

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Kirk Franklin

2011). I am sure you can notice some differences in terms of sound evolvement, which is why he has still been able to sell hundreds of thousands of records, and remain so relevant amongst gospel fans and his commercial audience. Remember his performance on the 2011 American Idol Finale, which had over 29 million viewers? If Kirk had continued churning out music that sounded just like his ’93 release, it is unlikely his career would have evolved the way it so successfully has.

“One of the most basic elements of artistry, that I, sadly, believe UK Gospel is yet to conquer, is producing good, quality music.”

There are many other crucial aspects I could and would like to address that I feel would contribute to a more progressive UK gospel industry, such as the importance of branding and brand awareness something Guvna B is successfully pursuing with his ‘Allo Mate’ brand. However, I think before we are ready to move forward in addressing those, British gospel music has quite a bit to catch up on, and I certainly feel that includes the sound and style of the music.

I constantly observe and sometimes engage in conversations on social media about British gospel vs US gospel. I personally believe the reality is that people do not go out and buy US gospel and neglect UK gospel, because they purposely do not want to support it. They just simply buy into US gospel artists more, because they know it is going to be quality, and until we can start producing our music to a higher standard of excellence that can stand up against the quality of any other respected genre of music (whether it be US gospel or any other), we will forever be stuck under a glass ceiling.

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MEMO

It’s more than a job...

RECRUITING NOW on accuracy, ion that majors “At last a translat style. ” t en flu rn, de a mo gland combined with hop of Lewes, En e Benn Rt. Revd Wallac

– Bis

We are currently recruiting for City Missionaries to join our urban outreach ministry team in 2015.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT LCM.ORG.UK/BECOME-A-MISSIONARY CLOSING DATE 30 APRIL 2015

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16 KTF ABOUT TOWN 14

KEEP THE FAITH

ABOUT TOWN If you have an event or news you would like featured in Keep The Faith About Town, email editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk with details. You must have pictures to accompany your story.

MOBO AWARD-WINNING GOSPEL BRINGS MEN TOGETHER The Dugdale Centre in Enfield came alive, as it played host to the Mighty Men Choir, comprised of the UK’s top gospel and inspirational singers, who had joined together to record the charity single, ‘Keep Fighting’.

MOBO Award-winning gospel artist, Lurine Cato, is the brainchild behind the choir, which marks the start of a year-long project called ‘The Mighty Men Experience’, aiming to celebrate men.

Lurine co-wrote the song with Ian Green. She shared,“‘Keep Fighting’ is a song to uplift, encourage and give hope to men, because there seems to be a rise in negative reporting about men, and those who are role models are not being highlighted enough.” The single is being jointly produced

by Green with international hit-maker, Marcus Johnson.

Singers featured in the choir include MOBO Award-winning gospel artists, Isaiah Raymond

and Faithchild, Mark Beswick, Tony Momrelle, Aaron T Aaron, Ibe and Dayo Bello. They were directed by international choir director, Solomon Facey.

‘Keep Fighting’ is due out later this spring; it is part of an initiative being undertaken by Ms Cato to organise a major concert to promote and support men in society. Watch this space for more information.

Like on Facebook at Mighty Men, follow on Twitter @mightymenexp, and follow in Instagram at mightymenexp.

Amen.

t (Damage) Andre Harrio Momrelle talks to Tony

Lurine Cato Mighty Me and the n Choir

Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

HUNDREDS ATTEND RECORDING OF NOEL ROBINSON’S INTEGRITY ALBUM Christians from across the UK gathered at the House on the Rock, Tufnell Park, north London, to attend the historic live recording of Noel Robinson’s forthcoming debut album for Integrity Music.

People in attendance included Doug Williams, Denis Wade, Juliet Fletcher, Muyiwa, Graham Kendrick, Faye Simpson and John Fisher.

Noel sang a number of self-penned songs, as well as numbers he had co-written with leading songwriters: Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Goziam, Ian Green and Donna Akodu.

Those gathered at the recording have all testified to the worshipful atmosphere, and raved about Noel’s performance. The album, provisionally entitled ‘Outrageous Love’, is scheduled for release in the autumn.

Visit www.noelrobinson.com for more details.

Noel Robinso n

LEADERS EQUIPPED FOR 21ST CENTURY MINISTRY AT NTCG CONFERENCE Over 500 Christian ministers from across the denominational spectrum were present at the New Testament Church of God’s (NTCG) Pastors and Key Leaders (PKL) Conference, held at Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich.

Guest speakers included Dr Hugh Blair, Senior Pastor of COG Baltimore and Bishop Lennox Walker, National Overseer of the COG Canada. Topics covered during the three-day event included ‘Effective Pastoral Ministry’, ‘Using Social Media as an Evangelism Tool’ and ‘Models for Church Growth in the 21st Century’.

The Leadership Conference was the first Bishop Donald Bolt had attended in his new role as National Overseer of NTCG. He used the PKL to launch his vision document, entitled Mission and Ministry Christ-Centred.

In it, Bishop Bolt touched on seven key areas: Evangelism and Church Planting, Communication, Pastoral Responsibility, Social Responsibility, Discipleship, Organisational Development and Leadership Development.

Lay members will get an opportunity to hear Bishop Bolt present his vision at the National Convention in July.

Visit www.ntcg.org.uk for more details.

Bishop Lennox Walker

Bishop Donald Bolt

Dr Hugh Blair www.keepthefaith.co.uk

16 PEOPLE AND PLACES

PEOPLE PLACES AND

by Tamala Ceasar - a journalist, blogger and author of children’s book, ‘Spaghetti and Cheese, Please!’ www.spaghettiandcheeseplease.co.uk. Follow on twitter @mz_positivi_t

MELISSA MURRELL Using writing to develop creativity in the young

F

alling in love with books at a very young age, Melissa Murrell enjoyed everything about them. Whether it was creating stories from her imagination, or drawing pictures to accompany her tales, this growing passion was nurtured by her eldest sister. Merging her passions

for storytelling with volunteering abroad, in 2014, Melissa founded Creative Tales, a project piloted in Ruiru, Kenya, to inspire young people to use their creative abilities to communicate through writing.

Creative Tales started as an idea, evolving into an urge. “All of a sudden, I wanted to go wide and far, travel to different countries, and share the love that I have for creating stories. Not only is there a need for it in countries such as Kenya, but children much closer to home (in London) need to have that love for reading and writing instilled in them,” she says. With 5% of adults in the UK having literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old, Melissa recognises the importance of cultivating storytelling from a young age. “It develops knowledge and inquisitive creativity, and I wanted this project to hone that.”

The Creative Tales project exercises communication skills through illustrated story cards. These cards help to develop children’s lateral thinking in forming a story, helping them understand that there are many answers to various questions and situations. Desiring to make a lasting contribution, Melissa explains that her project goes further than just storytelling.

“Through generous donations and the support of my church, Light & Life Full Gospel Fellowship, Creative Tales has helped to provide simple provisions for the children in the community of Ruiru, Kenya, which included resources for teachers and children to help facilitate lessons.”

Melissa’s passion for storytelling doesn’t stop at community projects, but also extends to publishing. Having self-published her first colourful and endearing children’s story, ‘Not Now, Naima’, in August 2014, Melissa describes where her influence came from: “The inspiration behind writing for children comes from my nieces and nephew. I’ve always wanted to write books based on them and so ‘Not Now, Naima’ is based on my four-year-old niece, Naima, a fun-loving and very witty young girl.”

A Coventry University graduate, Melissa states that being a writer enables her to be more aware of things taking place around her. “It is important to look at the world, to be observant of what is around you, and have the ability to create something out of the things you see.” With plans to have CT workshops incorporated into school curriculums across the UK and worldwide, Melissa has big plans to use her gifts to serve others, as said in 1 Peter 4:10, she adds, “We are stewards in God’s Kingdom, and even if it means watering a seed that has already been planted, I am grateful to be able to do my part.”

For more details, visit www.creativetales. org.uk, like on Facebook @MelissaMurrell or follow on Twitter @razpunze

TABITHA FYFFE

A jeweller with a heart

I

t is often said that your career should reflect your passion. Tabitha Fyffe, owner of handcrafted jewellery brand, Fingerprints, was heading for an academic career in Psychology. However, God had other plans. Instead of buying Christmas presents one year, Tabitha decided to create gifts for her friends and family, but little did she know that this was to be the beginning of a business that would not only reflect her talents and creativity, but also the imprints of her faith.

PEOPLE AND PLACES 17

HANNAH OYEWOLE Empowering young women to achieve

W

ith her positive attitude and uplifting talks, entrepreneur Hannah Oyewole is proving to be an empowering role model for young women, via her social enterprise, Young Ladies Club (YLC).

Hannah, who describes herself as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author, started YLC after recognising that young women needed help and support in four core areas: entrepreneurship, employability, education and personal development. Through YLC events, seminars, workshops and motivational talks, Hannah encourages and empowers women in these areas, as well as encourages them to overcome the obstacles blocking them from attaining their goals. She explained, “I hosted the first Young Ladies Club event in the month of November 2011, and we had over 250 young women registered for the event. Immediately I knew there was a need for this service, and decided to concentrate my full attention on the business in 2012.”

Since launching YLC, Hannah has hosted 15 events, partnering with several businesses and organisations and receiving heart-warming testimonials from the women that attend. She recalled, “One of our most memorable successes was when a young lady, who attended our business boot camp event, launched her business a week after the event.

Whilst launching her business, she was able to secure a vendor space at one of the UK’s largest

After graduating from University College London as a new Christian, Tabitha was unaware that a budding path into jewellery making was unfolding.

“I began to have a desire to be creative in a way I had not experienced before. During my first Christmas as a believer, I made presents instead of buying them. This was the beginning of my journey as a designer. I had been making jewellery as a hobby, for friends mostly, and after around a year of making, I had a real sense that this was something God was leading me to do. I felt that He wanted me to make it official and start a business.”

In the run-up to launching Fingerprints in April 2002, Tabitha was looking for the perfect name for her company. After receiving feedback from a friend, whom she had designed a piece of jewellery for one afternoon, Tabitha recalls her friend’s description of her gift (which was made out of

polymer clay and sterling silver) had confirmed the name that she wanted to represent her designs.

“She pointed out that she could see my fingerprints all over the clay beads that I had made for her bracelet. When she told me, I just felt that was it! It communicated the brand; that the pieces are unique; made by hand, and reflect the qualities of the one who made them, just as we do as God’s creation.”

Thirteen years later, mother-of-four Tabitha sells personalised gifts and accessories for birthdays, weddings and other special occasions, through galleries, boutiques and independent shops in the UK. Leaving imprints of her faith on a range of products, such as cufflinks, necklaces and earrings, Tabitha attaches a tag to each piece that carries a description of the brand story, coupled with a Scripture to encourage and inspire her customers.

“There are around a 100 different verses on the tags,

hair and beauty shows for half the price. This really allowed us to see how she used her initiative and power of negotiation. The fame of our events has gone around the UK and also globally, and we have a high demand for seats at our events.”

Leading YLC is a natural fit for Hannah. A natural performer, hosting YLC events gives Hannah the opportunity to help others, whilst utilising her God-given gifts. Faith plays an important role in Hannah’s life. She has been a Christian for 10 years, and attends Kingsway International Christian Centre in Chatham, Kent, under the teaching of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo. She credits his teaching for teaching her about life, business and purpose and, of course, the tenets of the Christian faith. Hannah shared, “My faith in God is the core reason why I decided to go into business in the first place. I did not have a huge amount of capital, so I essentially started my business on a shoestring.

It was very difficult, and I faced a lot of trials and tribulations but, through it all, God has been my anchor and my strength.”

Hannah is excited about the things she has got planned for 2015. “I plan to host workshops and seminars, as I have had a lot of enquiries from both men and women about starting a business or discovering their purpose. I also have a lot of material that I intend to release, in order to be a blessing to my generation.”

For more details, visit www.hannahoyewole.com or www.youngladiesclub.com, like on Facebook @OfficialHannahOyewole, or follow on Twitter @hanoyewole

and I pray that each person will receive the verse that is right for them - a word in season hopefully,” she says.

Having successfully run a small business through the recession, Tabitha describes the fruitful journey of developing her business as a ‘venture that inspired her to inspire others’. She encourages fellow entrepreneurs by advising them to start off with what they have, and let God build their business.

“You do not always have to wait until you have everything you think you need. Just make a start with what is in your hands.”

For more details, visit http://fingerprints.uk.com/, or like on Facebook @Fingerprints.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 FEATURE

Nominees announced for the 2015 Wise Women Awards

Christian women from across the denominational spectrum are featured in the list of nominees for the 2015 Wise Women Awards, the UK’s annual leading event celebrating the achievements of African and African Caribbean Christian women in the church and wider society.

T

THE 2015 WISE WOMEN AWARDS NOMINEES ARE: CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD Carol Akiwumi, Money4Youth, London Chipema Chitambala, BUPA, Essex

he event is jointly organised by Wisdom for Women International and Keep The Faith magazine. Nominees for the 11th Wise Women Awards include: Madeleine Kerzner, Associate Pastor of Kingdom Worship Movement; choir director Karen Gibson; TV presenter Esther Olufunmi, and Elizabeth Sarpong, first lady of growing church denomination, Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church.

Other nominees include: Alison Johnson, who leads the successful WOW women’s ministry at Rhema Church, Croydon; businesswoman Petal L Miller; Rev Dr Marcia Neveu, head of Asantoa Foundation Ministries, a successful mission organisation, and Juanita Johnson, a former teenage mother, who now runs a successful business.

Petal L Miller, PLM Extra Tuition, London

WOMAN IN MISSIONS Victoria Adekoya, Fullness of God Evangelical Ministries, Northampton Sharon Barbour, Wesleyan Christian Centre, London Rev Dr Marcia Neveu, Asantoa Foundation Ministries, West Midlands

CHRISTIAN WOMAN SERVING IN MEDIA Holly Marie-Cato, H Cato, London Natalie Clue, Beauty Pulse, London Esther Olufunmi, Questions in the Heart, London Rev Dr Marcia Neveu

Madeline Kerzner

Karen Gibson

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, president of Wisdom for Women International (WWI), co-pastor of Triumphant Church International and founder of the Wise Women Awards, stated: “Every year, the Wise Women Awards brings to the fore unknown women doing great things, and 2015 is no different. There are women from across the country represented in the list of nominees, whose contributions are having an impact on the lives of others. I am glad the WWA plays a part in bringing such women to the attention of the wider Christian community.”

Shirley McGreal, publisher of Keep The Faith magazine, stated: “Britain’s Christian women are actively engaged in all spheres of the Church and society, whether it’s in positions of leadership, supporting the vulnerable or running their own businesses. It’s great that the WWA not only brings such women to the fore, but celebrates their achievements and shares them with the wider world.”

The nominees in the nine Wise Women Award categories were chosen, from nominations sent in by the public, by the five following judges: • Pastor Celia Apeagyei-Collins, founder and president of The Rehoboth Foundation • Bunmi Folarin, lead business analyst at BP Oil • Sanchia Alasia, councillor for Barking and Dagenham, Albion Ward • Caroline Marsh, successful businesswoman and mystery guest on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire series • Joan Myers OBE, paediatric nurse consultant, voted one of the 50 most inspirational leaders in the NHS by the Health Service Journal

WOMAN IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD Aysha Julie, The Gifted, Waltham Cross, Herts Yvette McDonald, Just-Be, Bromley, Kent Donia Narh, ACES Project, London

NAOMI AWARD Merna Ellis, Panzy’s Catering/Ruby’s Restaurant, Luton, Beds Rev Esther Manu, Immanuel Gospel Church, London Pastor Florence Sutherland, Anchor Foster Care, Kent

WOMAN IN MUSIC AWARD Karen Gibson, Choir Director, London Diana Hamilton, Diana Hamilton Ministries, Kent Madeleine Kerzner, Kingdom Worship Movement, London

WOMAN IN MINISTRY Alison Johnson, WOW Ministry, Rhema Church London, Croydon, Surrey Mary Phillip, Bristol Central SDA Church, Bristol Elizabeth Sarpong, Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church, London

LIFE TURNAROUND AWARD Caroline Marsh

Joan Myers OBE

Pastor Celia Apeagyei-Collins

Sanchia Alasia

Simone Hudson, SDA Church, London

The winners of each category will be announced at the Wise Women Awards ceremony taking place on March 14 at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel, 225 Edgware Road, London W2 1JU. Nominees and guests at the Wise Women Awards will enjoy a three-course meal; entertainment from saxophonist Millicent Stephenson, Italian gospel singer Rita Ciccarelli and Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, and comedian Anthony ‘Pass Da Mic’ King. Juliet Fletcher and Priscilla Nwikpo of BEN TV are the hosts.

Juanita Johnson, Juanita Johnson Marketing, Birmingham

Visit www.wisewomenawards.org for more details.

Petal L Miller, PLM Extra Tuition, London

Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

Ehinor Otaigbe, Wonderfully Made Woman, Manchester

WOMAN IN BUSINESS Audrey James, Restore Counselling Services, Gloucester

19

Hit Canadian Stage play comes to UK in May

GOSPEL ON BROADWAY

T

he hit Canadian gospel stage play “Melody of Deception” will make its UK debut at the Broadway Theatre in South London on 16th & 17th of May 2015. The venue, which is renowned for hosting comedy shows, pantomimes and off West End musicals will play host to Canada’s number 1 gospel stage show. Writer and director, Dr. Elaine Brown Spencer of Kaleo Productions, has teamed up with the UK’s very own Alan Charles of Focus Arts Promotions (Love Sax and All That Jazz) to give the UK a taste of Canada.

Adapted from the popular book Private Pain In Public Pews, Melody of Deception brings a dazzling dramedy about deception and betrayal nestled in a heartfelt message of hope.

After sell-off shows in Toronto, Brampton, Jamaica and 7 episode series which aired on Canadian television, author-playwright Dr. Elaine Brown Spencer is giving more people the chance to see this timeless production when it arrives at the Broadway Theatre 16th & 17th May, 2015!

The play deals with church secrets and the private lives that hold them.

It’s no secret the Christian Church has been experiencing a period of turbulence. From the Pulpit to the Pew, leaders and laypersons are falling from their pedestals one after the next with scandals of infidelity, double lives and money obsessions. But the real secrets are embedded in the stories

of pain behind these scandals. And that’s where the theatrical stage play Melody of Deception comes in.

The story focuses on newly wedded Humble Helen when she returns with her husband Jessie, who has been hired as the new Musical Director at church. With a mandate to “bring back the choir”, Jessie delivers as the church is brought to a whole new level of praise and worship. The Bishop laments as the direction of the church is not what he wants it to be, and everyone is taken off guard when some dire series of events unfold that finds the church locked in a web of deception.

“The play addresses what we all know has gone on in the church, but we’re too afraid to talk about,” says Spencer. “It’s dramatic, thought provoking and funny! A bit of humour makes difficult issues much easier to talk about.”

Dr. Elaine Brown Spencer is a professor of Social Work and author of two books and four stage plays. It was through Divine inspiration along with her background in counseling that ultimately led her to write the book and adapt it into a stage play series. “I was writing down some advice to share with someone going through hard times. And when I started writing I literally couldn’t stop. Those jottings translated into a book, which was how the stage plays got started.”

Beautifully written and emotionally captivating this gospel ensemble combines drama, laughter and roof-lifting gospel music for a mind-bending roller-coaster ride that is one of Dr. Spencer’s funniest and most moving plays.

Melody of Deception crosses all boundaries of traditional gospel theatre.

It’s real, honest, and heartfelt. Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that will keep you on the edge of your seats. For more information on Dr. Elaine’s books, stage plays and tour dates go to www.kaleoproduction.com.

MELODY OF DECEPTION BROADWAY THEATRE | CATFORD | SE6 4RU Sat 16th & Sun 17th May, 2015 Sat 7.30pm - Doors 7pm Sun 6pm - Doors 5.30pm Tickets: £25 in advance or £30 at door Box Office: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk GET YOUR £20 EARLY BIRD TICKETS Before 31st March ONLY available by calling 07723 085 092 or www.kaleoproduction.com

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

20 FEATURE

Britain’s most influential

BLACK WOMEN Britain’s Black Christian community is filled with dynamic, successful women, who are achievers, making great strides in the Church and society. Keep The Faith magazine has compiled a list of some of the most influential Black women in the UK. They cover all sectors of society: the Church, the Arts, government, the public and private sectors, business, media and sport. You may disagree with some of the names listed, but I hope that you agree that the Christian women featured are individuals who are making an impact in their chosen field of endeavour.

CECILIA AMIN Position: President, Royal College of Nursing Reason for influence: In 2014, Cecilia Amin became the first Black woman to be elected as president of the Royal College of Nursing, an organisation that represents over 410,000 nurses, midwives and carers in the NHS. Prior to her appointment, Ms Amin was an RCN steward for 17 years, and held a number of positions on the RCN’s council. She works as a clinical nurse specialist in sexual and reproductive health at the Margaret Pyke Centre in London.

PASTOR CELIA APEAGYEI-COLLINS Position: Preacher, speaker and founder of Rehoboth Foundation Reason for influence: In her position as CEO of Rehoboth Foundation, Pastor Apeagyei-Collins travels the world teaching the principles of leadership to Christian and secular organisations.

She also sits on a number of boards, and is an associate member of the National Church Leaders Forum.

JENNETTE ARNOLD, OBE Position: Deputy chair of the Greater London Authority Reason for influence: For the past 15 years, Ms Arnold, a card carrying member of the Labour Party, has been a member of the London Assembly, representing the constituency of Hackney, Waltham Forest and Islington. She held the post of Chair of the London Assembly in 2008/9, 2011/12 and 2012/13.

YolanDa Brown

PASTOR YEMISI ASHIMOLOWO Position: First lady and resident pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre Reason for influence: Pastor Yemisi is wife of KICC founder pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo. She heads various women’s ministries at the church, and preaches regularly on KICC’s regular TV shows, which are broadcast throughout the world. She is also an in-demand speaker and preacher.

Cecilia Amin

Rev Celia ApeagyeiCollins

REV ESME BESWICK, MBE Position: President, Joint Council for Anglo Caribbean Churches Reason for influence: Pentecostal minister Pastor Beswick has blazed a trail for Black women in ecumenical circles, and is cited in Debretts, which regularly publishes lists featuring Britain’s movers and shakers. She pastors a church in Brixton, and has served as president of Churches Together in England from 2002-06, and president of Christian Muslim Forum from 2005-10.

PASTOR YVONNE BROOKS Position: First assistant pastor, New Jerusalem Apostolic Church (NJAC), and founder of Esther’s Banquet Reason for influence: Pastor Brooks co-pastors NJAC in Aston, Birmingham, alongside her husband, Bishop Melvin Brooks. The church runs a number of community initiatives, including a food bank.

Pastor Brooks is a qualified behavioural consultant and mental health nurse. She is also founder of Esther’s Academy, a development programme for women that is run in London and Birmingham.

YOLANDA BROWN Position: Saxophonist and composer Reason for influence: MOBO Award-winning artist YolanDa Brown is one of the UK’s most well known female saxophonists, and is leading the way for Black female instrumentalists throughout the world with her electric performances. She is also a celebrity ambassador for the Prince of Wales Trust, and champion for Plan UK, a charity that works with vulnerable children worldwide.

Jennette Arnold, OBE

Pastor Yvonne Brooks

FEATURE 21

Rev Esme Beswick, MBE

REV DR KATE COLEMAN Position: Founding director of Next Leadership Reason for influence: Rev Dr Kate Coleman runs Next Leadership, an organisation that runs leadership programmes across private, public and voluntary sectors. Rev Coleman recently completed a term as chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council (2012-2014); is a former president of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (2006-2007), and a Baptist minister.

JACKIE DAVIDSON Position: Founder and director, Jackie Davidson Management Reason for influence: She is one of the most influential women within the music business via her publishing company. Her roster of artists includes songwriter Wayne Hector, who has written songs for One Direction, Nicki Minaj, James Blunt and Susan Boyle. JD Management also provides PR and marketing services to leading artists.

PASTOR MARJORIE ESOMOWEI Position: Co-pastor, Triumphant Church International and founder of Wisdom for Women International and the Wise Women Awards Reason for influence: Alongside her husband, Pastor Clem Esomowei, Pastor Marjorie presides over four growing congregations across the UK. She has a thriving international TV ministry, and the Wise Women Awards has provided a platform that highlights the great things Christian women are doing.

Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin

Jackie Davidson

JULIET FLETCHER Position: Chief executive officer, Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) Reason for influence: The GMIA, which Juliet Fletcher heads, is the leading representative body for the UK’s gospel music scene. It organises events, webinars and seminars designed to inform, educate and empower gospel music practitioners, and also represents the gospel music industry within major music and arts bodies.

PASTOR PENNY FRANCIS Position: Co-pastor, Ruach Ministries Reason for influence: Pastor Penny co-pastors Ruach Ministries alongside her husband, Bishop John Francis. The church, which has branches across the UK and affiliate churches across the world, is one of the most influential in the UK. In recent years, Penny has become an inspirational figure globally, via broadcasts of her preaching.

Juliet Fletcher

DIONNE GRAVESANDE Position: Head of Church Advocacy, Christian Aid Reason for influence: Dionne Gravesande is one of the most senior Black members of staff at leading development and international charity, Christian Aid. Her role as head of Church Advocacy entails developing relationships with church leaders and organisations throughout the world.

JULAINE HEDMAN Position: Director, Ascension Trust Reason for influence: For many years, Julaine Hedman served as chair of the Ascension Trust, which seeks to empower people to work together

for the betterment of their community. The Ascension Trust is the umbrella organisation for a number of initiatives, including Street Pastors, the largest para-church organisation to arise out of the Black Christian community here in the UK. REV ROSE HUDSON-WILKIN Position: Ordained Anglican vicar Reason for influence: Jamaican-born minister, Rev Hudson-Wilkin, currently serves as Speaker’s Chaplain of the House of Commons and is vicar of two churches in Hackney, east London. She has served as chair of the National Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns, and has been a member of the Broadcasting Standards Committee (BSC).

DIANE-LOUISE JORDAN Position: TV presenter and radio show host Reason for influence: In 1990, Ms Jordan became the first ever Black presenter on BBC flagship TV children’s show, Blue Peter. Since then, she has gone on to present BBC 1’s Songs of Praise and currently hosts popular Radio 2 show, Sunday Hour. She also does charitable work; sits on the council of the Prince’s Trust, and is a trustee for the BBC’s Children in Need.

BARBARA KASUMU Position: Founding member and CEO of Elevation Networks Reason for influence: Barbara Kasumu heads Elevation Networks - a charity that works with young people to develop their leadership skills and improve their employability. Mrs Kasumu consults and speaks on participation, employment and leadership of young people and women. She has worked extensively with government departments, NGOs and various youth initiatives across Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE

BARONESS LAWRENCE OF CLARENDON, OBE Position: Campaigner Reason for influence: Doreen Lawrence came to prominence during her 18-year battle to bring the murderers of her son, Stephen, to justice.

During the course of her fight, she won the support of leading politicians, including the late Nelson Mandela. Last year, Baroness Lawrence topped BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour list of national game changers. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

22 FEATURE

Angie Le Mar

ANGIE LE MAR Position: Producer, comedian, playwright & TV presenter Reason for influence: Known as the Queen of Black comedy, Angie le Mar is a trailblazer. She has written and staged sell-out drama productions, hosted events and, just recently, Ladies Talk, a show providing Black women with a platform to talk about pertinent issues, won a Screen Nation Award.

CHINE MBUBAEGBU Position: Director of Media and Communications, Evangelical Alliance Reason for influence: In December 2014, Chine was appointed as Director of Media and Communications of the Evangelical Alliance - the UK’s leading organisation for Britain’s evangelical church - representing over one million people.

Chine made history, as the first Black woman to be appointed to the role.

YVONNE MOSQUITO Position: West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, and City councillor Reason for influence: In her role as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in the West Midlands, Ms Mosquito has a say in how the West Midlands is policed and the strategies employed to cut crime.

CHARMAINE NOBLE-McLEAN Position: Head of Content and Programming, Premier Radio Reason for influence: Premier Radio is the UK’s leading Christian radio station and, in her role as head of Content and Programming, Charmaine ensures that the station’s output grabs and maintains the interests of listeners.

Abbiih Oloyede

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CHRISTINE OHURUOGU, MBE Position: Olympic athlete Reason for influence: Christine is a role model for many as a result of her athletic prowess. She specialises in the 400m, and won a gold medal at the Olympic Championships in Beijing in 2008 and a silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012. She is also the current reigning world 400m champion.

ABBIIH OLOYEDE Position: Co-pastor, City Chapel, and Founder of Womenz World Reason for influence: Abbiih Oloyede pastors City Chapel, alongside her husband, Rev Dr Jonathan Oloyede, and runs Hibba Ministries, which is dedicated to educating and empowering women. She also presents Womenz World on OH TV, which discussions issues affecting women from a Christian perspective.

CLAUDINE REID, MBE Position: Director, PJs Community Services Reason for influence: Claudine is a director at PJs, an award-winning social enterprise. She’s a speaker, trainer, and regularly organises events to encourage entrepreneurship. In 2008, she was featured in Real Business magazine’s list of Britain’s Top Entrepreneurs, and has served in a number of government organisations, including the Ethnic Minority Advisory Board for the Department for Works & Pensions.

Claudine Reid, MBE

ANGELA SARKIS, CBE Position: Civil Service commissioner and charity management consultant Reason for influence: Ms Sarkis has occupied a number of influential roles over the years in the government, public and charity sectors. Her achievements include being the first Black woman to serve as CEO of the YMCA and the Church Urban Fund. She was also a member of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, a BBC governor and is a board member of the Youth Justice Board.

PATRICIA SCOTLAND, BARONESS SCOTLAND OF ASTHAL QC Position: Barrister Reason for influence: In 1991, Baroness Scotland became the first Black woman to be appointed as Queen’s Counsel.

She made history again in 2007, when the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, appointed

her as Attorney General, the first woman to ever hold the office since its foundation in 1315.

Among her many interests, Baroness Scotland is a committed campaigner for the elimination of domestic violence.

Mildred Talabi

MILDRED TALABI Position: Careers speaker, writer and blogger, and managing director of CV Makeover Expert Reason for influence: Mildred Talabi is increasingly considered to be an expert on anything to do with careers and CVs. She has written two books on the subject, is an in-demand speaker, and is a member of Toastmasters International.

NIKKI TAPPER Position: Presenter, BBC Radio WM Reason for influence: Nikki Tapper is one of the longest serving Christian presenters on BBC local radio. She used to present BBC WM gospel music show, The Gospel Lounge. She now co-presents a popular current affairs show, which features interviews with news makers from the Black community in West Midlands, and covers key issues affecting them.

DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUÉE, CBE Position: CEO, Beacon Organisational Development Reason for influence: An award-winning leader, Dr Watson-Druée honed her talents working for the NHS, managing budgets worth millions, and was featured in a list of the top 50 NHS pioneers published by the Health Service Journal. She has also served as head of an NHS Trust, and now runs her own consultancy, Beacon Organisational Development.

Christine Ohuruogu, MBE

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         

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                                                                

         

Could you adopt a child like me?

We need people to adopt children from a wide variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

You do not need to be wealthy or own your home.

Adoption information morning Thursday 2 April 2015 10am–noon Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP Freephone 0800 781 2332 adoption@rbkc.gov.uk /adoptionandfostering

Luke 19 v 38 says we are to do business until He comes

For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk

Is He talking to you? Are you in business or believe you should be?

We also have an amazing special offer - get a basic business plan for £150

Here at The Christian Business Centre (TCBC) we provide you with all the help you need, to get you up and running or grow your existing business. We provide:

Why not join us and other Christian business people at our annual conference on the 24th and 25th April 15 themed “Transforming Communities Through Business”hosted by Michael Maynard (Director of TCBC) other speakers include:

• Business plan writing • Business training (for individuals or groups) • Accountancy services • Company formations • Business Mentoring • Office rental (Midlands only) • Logo and website design Not sure where to start? Take advantage of a free consultation, email enquiries@tcbcoffices.co.uk or call 01604 627965.

• Bishop Wayne Brown • Managing Director Curtis Thompson • Pastor Jide Modede • Entrepreneur Rob Brown • Pastor Paul Grey For more info see www.tcbcbusinesscentre.com or email enquiries@tcbcoffices.co.uk to book (tickets £15 early bird or £20 on the door)

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 FEATURE

CRE at London’s ExCel: centre stage at last!

The Christian Resources Exhibition International comes to London’s ExCel centre for the first time in May (19-22) - with worship a key theme of the four-day show.

A

lready firmly established as the leading annual exhibition of Christian resources in Europe, CRE has been held at Sandown Park, Esher for the past 28 years. Now, at last, it can impact the nation and beyond from a world class, purpose-built venue in the capital city.

‘It’s a fabulous opportunity to go centre stage in London for the first time,’ said event director Bill Allen. ‘There are still thousands of regular church-goers of all traditions who have yet to discover the benefits of the exhibition.

‘We know from our research that developing effective worship is a key area of interest to our 10,000+ visitors each year. CRE’s Worship Zone is for anyone involved in worship in their church and for budding songwriters who want to improve their craft. The zone is organised by Hillsong, Worship Central and Cornerstone and will feature seminars, performances and resources.’

Sandra Godley

On Wednesday 20 May, women visitors are invited to join worship leader and award-winning singer/songwriter Sandra Godley ‘on a journey of creative, bliss and beautiful worship.’ A conference and networking day for women who love to worship, Bliss will feature Miquel Brown, mother of TV personality Sinitta. She is also a pop legend in her own right, an actress and Hillsong London’s first worship leader. She even features in the new film Genius, starring Colin Firth, Jude Lawe and Nicole Kidman.

‘Her journey and story will amaze you,’ said Sandra Godley. ‘The day is going to be explosive, fun-packed, fabulous and definitely feminine!

You don’t want to miss this! It’s much more than just singing. Come and be the real you! That’s all it takes to live a lifestyle of worship.’

The conference is aimed at women from all cultures, ages and backgrounds. Topics include: • Why worship is more than than just singing • How to discover your creative edge • How to use worship as a spiritual weapon • How to engage your God-given senses through worship • Sandra Godley’s essential guide to authentic worship: the 3 S’s Speakers will also include Gwyn and Lorraine Williams (Draw Deep Ministries) who have years worth of experience in church leadership, musician Noel Robinson and speaker and author Ellie Palma-Cass. Searchlight Theatre Company and Covenant Players will use the powerful medium of drama to take visitors on an exciting journey of expressive worship with a powerful message of love and encouragement.

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Worship 4 Today (2pm, Fri 22 May) is a three-part course specially designed to train and equip all who lead worship in the local church - those with prior experience or none, musicians and the non-musical, ordained or lay, those who lead the prayers, operate the technology, employ the creative arts or participate in any other way.

Developed and tested in the Diocese of Sheffield over the last five years, Worship 4 Today is now recognised as a national training resource. It nurtures a foundation of personal worship, developing new expertise and skills and provides a rich biblical and historical background.

More than 300 organisations are expected to exhibit at CRE International, displaying everything from computers to communion wine, printers to puppets, stained glass to sound systems. More than 100 seminars will provide advice on a range of subjects from preaching

FEATURE 25

Fresh, yet unchanging

D

iscovering fresh ways to carry out the work of God and communicate God’s unchanging message is the reason for a key series of talks at CRE International(ExCel, London, 19-22 May) ‘We’re delighted to welcome a stream of top speakers to our first show at ExCel,’ said CRE event director Bill Allen.

Among those taking part will be: Bishop Paul Fadeyi is presiding bishop of Grace Outreach worldwide with headquarters in London. Called to be an apostle to the nations, God has blessed his work with consistent growth, miracles, signs and wonders. Bishop Paul hosts the popular TV programme, It’s a New Day in Your Life, aired across Europe and other continents.

to self-publishing, church websites to social exclusion.

The Bishop of London, Rt Revd Richard Chartres, will open the show. Bishop Richard is no stranger to CRE. ‘As Rector of St Stephens, Rochester Row in London I was present at the planting of the CRE acorn in 1985 – at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London,’ he said. ‘I am thrilled to see how the event has grown into something that no self-respecting Christian leader can afford to miss. The Church today is full of imagination and energy.’

CRE International at ExCel, London opening hours: Tue 19 to Thur 21 May, 10am-5pm; Fri 22 May, 10am-4.30pm.

Save money by buying your CRE International tickets NOW. Visit www.CREonline.co.uk/ buy-tickets or phone 01793 418218 and dial 1 in office hours

Dr. Oliver Manyemba represents Christian Watchmen over Zion, a non-denominational group of Christians who seek to build bridges of friendship with the Jewish community in this country and in Israel. ‘At the same time, we witness to the love of God for the Arab peoples and seek to engage in the ministry of reconciliation as God gives opportunity,’ said Dr Manyemba.

Pastor Wale Olulana is senior pastor of Harmony Christian Centre in London, a ministry which started with eight adult members has since become a vibrant church of several hundred and is growing as a voice within the East London community. Through his Total Restoration Crusades, Pastor Wale is now

reaching several hundred thousand in Northern Ghana annually with the word of God, leadership training, food, clothing and free medical services.

Pastor Lola Oyebade is senior pastor of the House on the Rock International Church (HOTRIC), a family church in London with members from more than 20 nations. She is also president of Women of Faith International. An ordained minister with apostolic mandate, she is continuously challenging Christians to keep on believing and expect the miraculous.

Pastor Segun Adenuga from The Anchor of All Souls, London. The Anchor was borne out of a desire to raise men who, regardless of their past, will live righteously and attain excellence in every area of life. ‘Potential not activated, is a life not celebrated; I am passionate about motivating young people, men, women and families to discover their potential, use it to impact their world and become celebrities for Christ’ explained Segun Adenuga.

Bishop Michael Hutton-Wood, senior pastor of House of Judah in the heart of Croydon. Bishop Michael has a mandate to raise generational leaders to impact nations and is a prolific writer, having released 20 books and four leadership training manuals. He is in great demand as an international conference speaker, mentor, coach and pastor of pastors.

For more dates and times of the talks and more information on CRE International (19 -22 May), visit www.creonline.co.uk

On Christ, the solid rock I publish Assessing and resetting the debate about the essential values of our nation led Rt Revd John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, to edit a new book.

On Rock or Sand?, published by SPCK and available at CRE International, is a collection of essays by expert economic, political, religious and social thinkers like Lord Adonis, Sir Philip Mawer, Oliver O’Donovan, Andrew Sentance, Julia Unwin and Rt Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

What values can the Christian faith bring to the table to help address the problems we face today?

These and other core questions about the kind of society we seek lie at the heart of On Rock or Sand?

The book is also a vivid reminder of the forgotten but obvious truth that most progressive British politics, from William Wilberforce to Joseph Rowntree, have Christian origins. In the present day, the church is still at it – setting up food banks, credit unions and debt-counselling services.

As BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Jeremy Vine pointed out: ‘Old, young, rich, poor: in this book the whole of the UK is drawn together and observed from above, with Christianity the central touchstone. If the Bible has answers, they are here’.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

26 FEATURE

ESTHER KUKU

is presenter of Premier Gospel’s Family Hour, which airs every Saturday from 11am - 12pm

Celebrating strong women Esther Kuku explores what it means to be a strong woman by examining the life of biblical character Deborah, and argues that true strength is derived from having godly characteristics

T

he perennial discussion as to whether ‘strong women’ are less attractive - and likely to remain single - reared its head in an online discussion recently. Yes, another one! These days of observing social media debates has become an early morning ‘new mother’ hobby of mine!

So, strong women, is strength a bad thing?

Or is it better to be weak? I thought about this for a while and decided that, in order to understand exactly which characteristics were appropriate for a woman to possess, and in what measure, I was going to spend the next few months doing a study on women in the Bible.

I start this month with Deborah. Is it just me, or don’t you hear much about Deborah in sermons these days? My namesake, Esther, and Ruth seem to get far more attention.

Deborah was very cool; she was a judge, leader, prophetess and a wife. So you can already see that, like most women today, she wore many hats. I imagine that to be excellent in all these roles would have required a certain amount of strength...

And excellent she was. Deborah stood for courage in a period when many people were afraid. She embodied godly wisdom, at a time when human reasoning and chaos were the order of the day: ‘After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord’ (Judges 4:1). To put it simply: Deborah was a leader, who was an exception to the rule in her time.

Her story is told in Judges 4. It states that: “She dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim, and the children of Israel came to her to settle their disputes.”

For people to seek Deborah out, she must have had a reputation for making just and sound

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decisions. In fact, endowed with the prophetic gift, Deborah was able to discern the mind and the purpose of God and declare it to others. All Israel was under her jurisdiction. A woman in a man’s world, she pronounced legal decisions; governed Israel; stood as God’s messenger, through whom He issued the call to general Barak, yet she remained humble and her heart was fixed on God. There is no doubt about it: Deborah was a strong woman, but she did not use her strength and intellect as an opportunity for the flesh.

Deborah was recognised for her good character, yielded to God. She didn’t say, ‘Because I am a woman I cannot do this’, neither did she seek to usurp authority that didn’t belong to her. As a result, God used her, with a little help from another woman, called Jael, to deliver Israel.

Strength isn’t an unattractive quality. Strength is a gift from God that we will need to activate in every season of our lives - whether we are in God’s waiting room, or about to walk into destiny. It isn’t about gender, as we are not talking about lifting weights; it’s about having embedded within us one of our heavenly Father’s main characteristics.

Strength is about enduring hardship without allowing those battles to embitter you. It’s about staying faithful to your values - even when it’s more expedient to compromise - and accepting our frailties and vulnerabilities, without allowing them to define us. Finally, strength is about demonstrating love to others without the expectation of anything in return.

We must not allow such a godly characteristic to be taken over by lazy stereotypes. There is definitely a media agenda that employs women who appear ‘strong’ and who tend to exhibit masculine or aggressive behaviour; you will find

plenty of examples in reality TV shows. These women feel the need to announce: ‘Men are intimidated by me because I’m a strong woman’ or ‘I earn a lot of money and am very successful, so men are intimidated by me’, etc. This is not strength; it’s insecurity. Maturity doesn’t need to announce itself - it just is... And, for the record, I am yet to come across a real man of God, who doesn’t find a strong and secure woman attractive.

“Strength isn’t an unattractive quality. Strength is a gift from God that we will need to activate in every season of our lives.”

In March, we celebrate International Women’s Day, and each one of us needs to be secure in the reality that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and that true strength is hidden in our Christlike nature, not in material things. When we get hold of this revelation, we will attract friendships, divine connections, destiny and favour into our lives.

Male or female, we can all learn from Deborah’s story, and have a life that is recognised for its sense of order, decency and humility. We will not get it right straightaway. The longer I walk this journey in Christ, I feel the less I know. I imagine I am not alone here, but mistakes can often mean we are trying - and try we must, for what a privilege it must be to be used by God to help deliver others.

Esther Williams love God, love life, love people. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/esther-williams Twitter: @mew36

FEATURE 27

We can overcome terror with love In response to the increased influence of radical Islamic ideology in institutions, and rising acts of terror taking place throughout the world, Rev Fred Williams writes that Christians should respond in love

LOVEBACK g focuses on engagin e people in creativ and constructive ng ways of respondi to terror.

REV FRED WILLIAMS

is co-founder of LoveBack, human rights advocate, and film producer with UK-based Christian Concern.

H

istory demonstrates the fact that human beings have an incredible capacity for hatred and wickedness.

As we see the global scale of the spread of terror, inspired by radical Islam, raging on with unfettered vigour, and the feverish thirst for blood, clouted in an ancient religious ideology determined to change our lives, continuing to mutate and innovate, this attention-grabbing phenomenon that is threatening almost every society on earth today is very intelligent, and has a capacity to exploit social imbalances with lethal consequences. It appears the youth, women and young girls in particular are being exploited and targeted increasingly: eight-year-olds being used as suicide bombers by Boko Haram; young schoolgirls migrating from cities like London to join IS; many Black youths of African and Caribbean heritage are embracing the ideology in prisons.

It’s a disturbing realisation, but it seems radical Islam appears to have a devious plan for our youth and children.

The overwhelming majority of us feel helpless and ill-equipped to face this trend, and the exponential development of the issue cannot be wished away. We all need to dig into the deep recesses of our hearts to ponder and offer a counter ideology.

Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to develop innovative and proactive solutions of engagement and containment.

We can dramatically limit the impact of terror, by developing a new moral compass of what I describe as ‘creative defiance’. We can change the narrative, by choosing to love instead of being fearful. This leads to a robust dialogue, because it has practical and significant social implications.

We need to initiate affirmative action, backed by a deliberate choice to respond with kindness and not bitterness. I guess it’s a call to die to one’s self enough to really look out for the welfare of others.

This can completely craft our outlook to life.

Love is more violent than terror, because it defies hatred. It builds, it freely gives and always protects.

I sincerely apologise if this sounds like another sermon on love, but it is clear we need a major rethink about this issue of terrorism.

“An unflinching conviction of selfless service to humanity is one of the keys to dealing constructively with Boko Haram and other terror groups.”

An unflinching conviction of selfless service to humanity is one of the keys to dealing constructively with Boko Haram and other terror groups. Christians are wired to model this as a lifestyle. The Church has to teach people to die to self, so that they can live for Christ. As demonstrated by Christians dying for their faith in Syria and other parts of the world, it’s a reality we have to face. The scorn, hatred, persecution, suffering and injustice are a great opportunity to shine the light in a dark and brutal world. Yes, it is true that human beings have an incredible capacity for hatred and wickedness but, similarly, human beings also have an incredible capacity for compassion, love and forgiveness. This ideology of fearless love does something to the human nature that terror has no answer for.

Terrorists are filled with such hatred that they are willing to take lives - including their own,

but we can counter that with a mindset that is filled with so much love and fearlessness that we are willing to lay down and sacrifice for others out of care and compassion. I have made it part of my aim in life to find such remarkable persons and tell their stories. Love is indeed more violent than terror, and there are people out there modelling this principle. A great example is Joshua Adah.

A friend of mine, who works with a missionary called Rev Jim Stevens, told me how Joshua Adah took him to piece of land where he wanted to be buried, in a remote village in Taraba State, Northern Region, Nigeria. Jim said Adah wanted to be buried among the people he served. Adah moved into a remote Kuni village, and built a school providing free education for over 400 students. He chose to give up the comforts of city life and serve the people of Murkuni Village, people with a different culture and background to his. He provided medical care, shelter, food, vocational training and engaged in community development projects. In an inspiring interview, Adah said he did not consider what he was doing as a sacrifice but a privilege. Adah worked extensively in rural areas, and was killed a few days ago by Muslim extremists when his car broke down on a journey. He continued to serve until the very end because he was convinced that there was no better way to live than to love and lay down your life for others. What a brilliant example to follow.

So, am I saying every Christian is called to die for Christ? Yes, because until we begin to be willing to die for Christ, we are not really ready to live for Christ. If we cannot trust God as our ‘undertaker’, how can we embrace Him as our ‘midwife’? www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 FEATURE

Finding freedom in Christ Prisoners, offenders and ex-offenders have a special place in the heart of Christ. Prior to His crucifixion, Christ shared that there is a special reward for believers who visit the incarcerated and, whilst on the cross, He conferred mercy to one of the thieves being crucified alongside Him. The Gospel message has also totally transformed the lives of former offenders.

Keep The Faith spoke to two former offenders, who have found new life in Jesus.

THOMAS MCDONALD Thomas McDonald is a man who has overcome a painful childhood, physical and sexual abuse, drug addiction and prison, and has lived to tell the tale of how he succeeded by the grace of God.

B

orn in Scotland, Thomas came to England with his mother and his father when he was two. His life changed dramatically when, at the age of six, he caught his dad kissing another woman and told his mother.

Thomas’ father left home and, as a result, his mother started subjecting him to physical and sexual abuse between the ages of six and nine.

Thomas reacted to the abuse by acting out violently at school, bringing him to the attention of social services. He was subsequently taken into care. He recalled, “I was taken into foster care first and, because my behaviour was becoming increasingly more violent, I started taking knives into school and setting the school on fire. When I was put into care, I was groomed by an older man and a girl, who took me over the park and had sex with me.”

Thomas was eventually sent back to his mother.

The abuse continued and, in addition, she encouraged Thomas to shoplift, and would force him to fight her boyfriends. Home life got so bad Thomas ran away again, and asked to be taken back into care.

His early life experiences had turned Thomas into a violent youth, who tried to bury the abuse and rejection he’d experienced by drinking, having sex with lots of girls, drugs, and with crime added to the mix, he ended up doing time in a youth correctional facility.

Miraculously, however, despite his past, Thomas experienced God speaking to him in dreams, and was inspired to move to east London. He walked into a Pentecostal church, Lighthouse Christian Ministries in north London, and left a changed

man. He recalled, “I remember walking into that place, hurting and broken. The presence of God was just phenomenal. When I went in there, the power of God just shook me all over the place. I got saved, made my commitment, gave my life to the Lord, and the following Sunday I got baptised. The day after my baptism, I got filled with the Holy Ghost.”

Despite his dramatic conversion, Thomas found it difficult to fully relate to his new church family, and the pain of his past still affected him. “When I first came to church, they didn’t know how to deal with people like me. The Bible talks about ‘A wounded spirit, who can bear it?’ and the type of abuse I experienced wounds on a deep level.”

Thomas’ pain was so deep he ended up leaving church. Once out the confines of the church, he started taking drugs and purposely began committing crimes so that he could be sent back to prison and sort himself out.

His plan worked, and whilst in prison serving time for burglary, he got the help he needed after meeting a Spirit-filled nun, who was a qualified psychotherapist. She worked with him and in the process helped him overcome his past. “She showed me I was a victim, and that how I had responded was natural,” Thomas explained. “She made me realise other people’s actions have a knock-on effect, and that’s how I learned to forgive myself.”

The extensive psychotherapy Thomas received enabled him to work through his emotional, spiritual and psychological issues and, by the time he left prison after serving an eight-year sentence, he was not only a new man, but a healed one.

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He was also able to forgive his mother for her abuse; so much so, that when she was suffering from a terminal illness, Thomas looked after her until she died.

Now happily married, and re-united with his three children from a previous relationship, Thomas keeps himself busy working for God. Alongside his work as a plumber, he’s also a minister, and currently pastors a church in Wallington, Surrey. He goes into prison regularly to share his testimony, and he recently launched Ministry in Action (MIA), which will seek to support mission work abroad, and run education programmes to empower people.

For more details, contact Thomas McDonald at yeshuasavesu@yahoo.co.uk.

FEATURE 29

RICKY OTTO Ricky Otto is living proof of how attitudinal change and an encounter with Christ can transform an ex-offender’s life.

A “...we must continue to bridge the gap between church and community, and foster real genuine relationships with offenders by giving them a platform to express themselves”

part from his stint in prison, Ricky has lived an amazing life: he was a first division footballer in the 1990s and is now an ordained minister, married with a son. He has experienced the ups and downs of life, but has come out tops.

The second of three brothers, Ricky grew up in Hackney, east London, in a stable, single-parent family, and developed a love for playing football.

However, upon becoming a teenager, Ricky started getting into trouble at school, mainly for bullying and, by 14, was expelled. He explained, “With no career prospects and no money to fund my lifestyle, committing crime was inevitable.”

During his teens and early 20s, Ricky was imprisoned on five separate occasions, mainly for burglaries and robberies. Whilst serving his last sentence, Ricky underwent an attitude change, after two prisoners told him to use his time in prison to prepare for a successful life as a footballer upon his release. It was the encouragement he needed, because Ricky became an orderly for the prison gym, in preparation for a football career.

After leaving prison, Ricky contacted his old football team. “After my first training session, I was selected to play for the first team,” he recalled.

“Three months later, I signed my first professional contract for Leyton Orient Football Club.”

Ricky went on to enjoy an illustrious football career. Highlights included signing for Birmingham City for a record £800,000 in 94/95; scoring against Liverpool at Anfield, and winning the Auto Windscreens trophy at Wembley, in front of 76,000 people.

When his football career ended, Ricky entered the Probation Service to work with offenders. He also found himself being drawn to the things of

God, and the death of his good friend, Paul Pond, in 2004 proved to be the turning point that made him become a Christian.

As a result, his life was transformed. He got married, gained a theology degree, and preaches the Gospel whenever he gets the opportunity.

“Once God intervened, my life has never been the same since.”

As far as Ricky is concerned, churches need to ‘get with the programme’ regarding how they relate to those susceptible to committing crime, as well as to those inside. He shared, “The Church needs to be more relevant, because the general consensus from offenders is that the Church is out of touch.

I know many churches up and down the country are doing this, but we must continue to bridge the gap between church and community, and foster real genuine relationships with offenders by giving them a platform to express themselves. The reason why this is so important is because many offenders grew up in Christian homes, but then go to prison and come out Muslims. Why? Because as far as they are concerned, Islam empowers their current plight more than Christianity does.”

Ricky has some exciting projects planned for the future, which include launching a teaching programme, ‘From Menace to Minister’, aimed at reaching people from his former stomping ground in Hackney. He said, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in the lives of those I used to roll with back in the day. Also, I want to continue my education and start my Master’s Degree in Theology.

So, in the proverbial advertising slogan of Orange Mobile: ‘The Future’s Bright…’

For more details, contact Ricky Otto at rjo67@yahoo.co.uk

NEED HELP? Way4Ward Ministries is an ex-offender-led Christian ministry that desires to see the Church play a major part in rehabilitating offenders, and holds monthly meetings in Brixton, southwest London.

Visit www.way4ward.org for more details.

Love Life UK Prison Outreach Prison Ministry conducts Bible studies, Sunday morning services, gospel concerts and workshops with prisoners. Love Life UK Prison Outreach also offers counselling and support to offenders and ex-offenders upon their release. Visit www.lovelifeuk.org for details.

Prison Fellowship runs initiatives for prisoners nationwide via its network of volunteers. These include running restorative justice workshops, letter writing, and helping inmates build and maintain relationships with their families. Visit www.prisonfellowship.org.uk for more details.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

30 FEATURE

REV LES ISAAC, OBE

is CEO of the Ascension Trust and a co-founder of Street Pastors. For more details visit www.streetpastors.co.uk

The Power of Easter Rev Les Isaac, OBE reminds Keep The Faith readers of the central message of Easter, which is the life, death and ultimate resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

W

hat does Easter mean to Christians?

Love, hope, suffering, death, life, resurrection?

These are some of the words that may readily come to mind, and they are more than just a random string of words. They are all, in fact, at the very heart of the Easter story, which is by far the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

For the Christian Church, Easter is a time of deep reflection on God’s capacity to love us; on the hope that Jesus brought into this world, and on the suffering that He had to go through, as He embraced that painful and humiliating death on the cross for our sins. But it ends with resurrection and life for everyone who trusts in Him and calls upon His Name.

Easter reminds us that the Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and that we should proclaim this news.

Easter provides the perfect opportunity to come to terms with the great love God has for us and for all of His creation. It is a time when we can reflect on the fact that, in spite of all our wickedness and destructiveness towards one another and towards His creation, He still loves us. The Bible tells us: “God demonstrated His love towards us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

It was His entry into this world that brought to mankind life, forgiveness of sin and redemption from the corruption of the flesh.

In the early part of January, I was giving an interview to a media station, at a scene where a young boy had been stabbed to death the previous evening. As I arrived at the scene, a great sense of sadness overwhelmed me, and

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I noticed a similar sadness on the face of the young police officer, who was directing people at the scene. Likewise, one of the shopkeepers, close to whose premises the incident occurred, still looked sad and somewhat shaken.

I felt very emotional as I reflected on the fact that that boy was somebody’s son, somebody’s brother, somebody’s best friend. I knew that there was a lot of pain - pain caused by grief - and I asked myself: How many more will end up experiencing the heart-wrenching grief created as a result of bereavement? It’s in such moments that I begin to understand the reasons Jesus had to come into this world to bring us hope.

“Easter provides the perfect opportunity to come to terms with the great love God has for us and for all of His creation.”

Easter speaks of Jesus paying the ultimate price on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the whole world. The Bible tells us: “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.

He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

And they made His grave with the wicked-but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” (Isaiah 53:3-10 NKJV) For the Christian, the ultimate price was paid on the cross for his or her sins when Jesus cried out, “It is finished”. The redemptive work of salvation was accomplished on Good Friday. For the Church, Easter Sunday is about celebrating the life, the eternal life that Jesus has brought into this world, and is offering to each individual who will receive it.

As we celebrate this Easter, let us not allow the message to become ordinary; let us remember that we are celebrating with millions of Christians all over the world, who are meeting in cathedrals, school halls, houses, caves or theatres… They are all celebrating the risen Lord and Saviour.

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Perfect places to gather together, worship, retreat and relax With over 100 years of service, the Christian Conference Trust (CCT) have been providing excellent conference and event solutions to Christian organisations, charities and businesses.

Operating three centres in the UK, The Hayes, High Leigh and Belsey Bridge, CCT‘s focus is on offering high quality and affordable facilities for any occasion.

With flexibility built in and the capability to host the full spectrum of events, whether a conference for 400 delegates, a charity or business meeting, church weekend away, gospel evening or small group gathering – you are guaranteed to be well looked after.

Over the years CCT has had the pleasure of hosting large events for many of the leading churches in the UK and from overseas and also many other Christian organisations including Evangelical Alliance, Christian Aid, Scripture Union, Christians Against Poverty and many, many more! Last year around 100,000 overnight stays took place during 1,000 separate events.

“CCT is about delighting our customers, and welcoming all. We take great care to ensure we provide the best possible service for Christian families, churches and organisations alike, in comfortable, relaxing surroundings” John Harrison, Chief Executive

Discover your sanctuary

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All three centres are set in acres of beautiful countryside in easily accessible parts of the UK with easy and extensive free car parking. Here you will find beautiful gardens, parkland and woodland in which to wander, relax and be inspired!

Whether you require a fully catered weekend for 400 guests or just a simple light lunch for you and a small group of colleagues, specialist chefs will create delicious food and menus to satisfy all dietary requirements. With plenty of choice and variety, they are known for providing balanced and nutritious food.

All tea and coffee is Fairtrade or ethically sourced and through a partnership with Kingdom Coffee is enabling the work of Toybox to be supported.

A home from home With CCT, you’ll find a great selection of bedrooms of an exceptionally high standard. Each venue has a range of en-suite single, double, twin, family and accessible rooms which are flexible enough to accommodate the widest requirements of groups. Complimentary towels, as well as free tea & coffee facilities and extensive, reliable Wi-Fi throughout each centre ensure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Fantastic prices Affordability is vitally important to CCT and pricing is very competitive.

Accommodation is charged per person, with no supplements applied for single occupancy of bedrooms. To assist families further, there is no charge for children aged 5 or under and a 50% discount applies for those aged 6-16 years.

Bursary fund

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CCT are committed to assisting delegates who are in need of financial support.

Each year, 5% of any retained surplus is transferred into a Bursary Fund which is targeted to assist those delegates who otherwise could not afford to attend. Any Christian group can apply. Last year CCT were able to support 45 applications to the Bursary Fund with over £21,000 being granted.

To find out more about CCT visit www.cct.org.uk

ALL INCLUSIVE CONFERENCE AND EVENT FACILITIES With three well equipped venues across the UK, CCT offers flexible conference and event solutions for all occasions, big or small.

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info@cct.org.uk

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The Christian Conference Trust, Registered Charity No. 1056604. A company registered in England, No. 3203917 limited by guarantee.

34 FEATURE

Building community through the Church Dionne Gravesande explores how the Church helps to develop individuals, build communities and stands alongside the poor, vulnerable and marginalised

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

I

is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid

n December 2014, I had my first visit inside the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

I was attending a Micah Challenge Faith Summit, with an exciting agenda.

In 2000, the Global Church came together - inspired by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - around human development and progression; there they birthed the Micah Challenge Vision. Fourteen years on, the group returned to examine what has been achieved.

It was acknowledged that the Church is often the first to reach out to broken and vulnerable people in times of need and crisis. As a result, we are closely embedded and committed to local communities. In the developing world, the Church runs many schools and health clinics in rural communities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we provide more than 50% of all health and education services, and reach poor people largely untouched by other institutions.

It is no wonder that the World Bank has focused on a faith-development dialogue, because faith communities have earned high levels of community trust, and work directly on development, most significantly in education, the environment and health. [The World Bank is a United Nations international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes. The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group, and a member of the United Nations Development Group.]

It is well documented how church communities promote public support for development assistance, and help forge consensus around hard choices. In addition, the Church plays a key role in life skill training, raising awareness of risks to

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health and wellbeing, and offering moral and spiritual relief. In post-conflict settings, the Church has been a crucial component in structural peacebuilding and reconciliation projects, promotion of human rights, inclusive education and curriculum development. We do this, because we live out our commitment to our neighbours both near and far.

Time and time again we say churches have a unique and important role in making the world a better place, and this caused me to think and question my development and the wider development of friends, peers, church folk and professional associates. The reality is, I am a product of hard-working parents, sound gospel teachings, and a stable home environment, in a land that exposed me to opportunities to live, learn, experience and work towards a common good framework. The Ubuntu phase, ‘I am because we are’, is true for me, and I suspect it is true for many of you, too.

“Churches have a unique and important role in making the world a better place.”

Without the collective ‘we’ - by that I mean my parents, grandparents, collective community and church family - I would not be who I am. And so the phrase continues, ‘because we are, you are’.

This simple statement encapsulates a profound understanding of human inter-connectedness.

It is a statement of being. Ubuntu is an ancient African word, meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am, because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu framework tends to talk about Kingdom living, community wholeness, and goes beyond just caring for our nuclear family: the ‘it takes a village’ mentality, in terms of how we care for others and who we extend

our mercy to, as we respond to God. ‘I am’ and ‘you are’ refer to the individual, and ‘we are’ refers to the community. Does it mean that the individual is more important than the community, or that the community is more important than the individual? For me, they are interdependent and therefore in balance.

Communal faithfulness, and caring for the health and life of the whole community, is actually much closer to the biblical mindset that the prophets and Jesus embodied, than to an individualistic mentality. God called a whole nation – the Jews, a people group - to follow Him and be formed as a community into the faithful witness of God on earth. Christ came into this people group, and then widened the call to Gentiles - in fact, to anyone who believed in His vision for a new Kingdom (which, you could say, is a social group or communal order with a specific King that rules those people). I point this out, because the thinking reflects our culture and nature as Christians. It cannot be disputed that churches are very good at establishing social action projects that benefit communities of people.

So, let me take the point back to the MDG’s meeting I attended in December. I firmly believe the prophetic role of the Church is to call the nations to repentance - not just the Church.

We are called to stand with the marginalised and oppressed and, very often, we do. I am testimony to that. Had it not been for someone standing with my Caribbean great-grandparents, who made a way for my grandparents to come to the UK, I would not be reaping the blessings.

Let us not forget those still suffering, nor be complacent; our challenge is to live right, while righting wrongs together. In this sense, some of the strongest community advocators are also pastors and ministers. I believe change and transformation of ourselves and our communities are possible.

Do you?

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain

Civic engagement is the way to go

I

With elections looming, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts puts forward the case for why people of colour should engage in civic society and become more involved in politics

was delighted to hear that a good family friend had achieved her dream of becoming a local councillor. Come rain or sunshine, our family friend knocked on doors, speaking to anyone and everyone in the hope of winning hearts and minds, to get the votes that would secure her position as a councillor.

Hers was a relentless cycle of work, which did not abate after her day job. She worked day and night. The pressures were worth enduring, she would often retort for, if elected, she would be tossed into a position of service and advocacy on behalf of those who elected her councillor.

For her, the end justified the means, and she was eventually appointed as councillor.

Like our family friend, Dr Martin Luther King was committed to his theology being worked out in land struggles, in poverty and oppression. His commitment to the poor and disenfranchised shaped and influenced his theology, too. Luther King was a staunch liberation theologian, which is a discipline that has to be lived rather than acquired as a body of information. Luther King, like our family friend, interpreted the world through the prism of God, a theological lens. It was this which inspired them to get involved in civic life, to make a difference to the lives of the vulnerable, to be the change they were looking for.

Granted, Luther King’s legacy has spanned many years, and there are more to span. As for our family friend, she has only just begun to be a voice crying in the wilderness, calling for change.

However, one thing they both have in common is a commitment to civic engagement. This concerns the activities of the individual and collective, designed to address public concerns, such as poor housing, inadequate local schools, and

discrimination in all its forms. In its most basic sense, civic engagement concerns decision-making or governance over who, how and by whom a community’s resources will be justly allocated, ensuring the growth, one hopes, of a just society.

This is a noble project. It is a godly one, deeply rooted in the Scriptures.

My concern is that few Black people appear committed to civic engagement. Is it possible that a lack of belonging might be one of the reasons behind this concern? By this I mean, Black people feeling that, despite having been born in the UK, they still do not feel that they belong to the country of their birth; living a hyphenated existence, oscillating between being British and the birth country of their parents. It’s observable that, when people feel a lack of belonging, they are not easily committed to the thing they do not feel a part of.

The converse may also be true, for I have noticed that those who are born and live in the Caribbean or Africa are often keen to get involved in their countries’ civic activities. They want to make a difference to their world. This is understandable.

It makes me wonder if our level of commitment to changing our world is, in part, determined by how much we feel the country in which we live has embraced us and we it. Belonging might just be one of the unconscious conditions behind commitment; the greater our belonging to a country, the stronger our commitment to making practical contributions to its growth and development, to its participation. This is surely basic psychology: the greater our sense of ownership of community, land or country, the stronger our feelings for its protection and preservation.

Yet, whatever our reasons or excuses for disengagement from civic activity, the fact remains:

if we want to see our local community change, we need to get involved in it. Perhaps we should allow the facts to speak for themselves. Some of the schools our children attend are not conducive to academic excellence; economic constraints have forced the closure of too many of our libraries; some of our sports facilities are crying out for tender loving care and, to make matters worse, many of our streets have become dangerous places to walk in. Our living standards, too, are increasingly Dickensian. In 2013, three out of every ten people in Britain fell below the minimum living standard set by society.

As Black Christians, we are called to have a distinctive and joyful presence in this our unequal world. Our calling should lead us to seek after truth, and that means facing up to the reasons for our lack of civic activity, as well as holding others to account. If civic engagement is participation in the political processes and the issues that affect them, then it is our duty to get involved in local government and in our local community. There is a need for Black people to sit on local committees, become school governors and aspire to become local councillors, to generally serve their community and make it a better place.

The principal of civic engagement underscores the most basic principle of democratic governance: sovereignty resides ultimately in the people - the citizenry. Civic engagement concerns the right of the people to define the public good; determine policies by which they will seek the good, and reform - ideally, replace - institutions that do not reflect shalom. This is the business of all Black people - not just our good family friend and a crop of other Black activists. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 COMMENT

DEFENDING YOUR FAITH AND REACHING THE LOST

With debates about religion, the existence of God, atheism and suffering filling the atmosphere, Rev Stephen Brooks argues that it’s time for Christians to learn to be apologists of the Gospel

REV STEPHEN BROOKS

I

is National Development Manager for Excell 3 www.excell3.com

n an election year, we are bracing ourselves for the numerous political debates and arguments about party manifestos; increasingly, we are also invited to participate in religious conversations by other religious groups. Unlike politicians, who are prepared to give a considered response, sadly the majority of Christians are not so prepared to defend what they believe.

Stephen Fry, one of the UK’s cleverest TV presenters, recently announced he does not believe in God, and generated a major debate in the process. To my surprise, the comedian and actor Russell Brand made an articulate argument in defence in the belief of God; theologians call this Apologetics. The word ‘apologetics’ comes from the Greek word `apologia`, found in 1 Peter 3:15 (“...always be ready to give a defence [apologia] to everyone who asks you...”). Apologia is a legal term that simply means ‘defence’. Apologetics is the branch of Christian theology that is concerned with making a defence, or case, for the truth-claims of the Christian faith.

Many of today’s youth were raised without being taught the Bible, so they don’t understand or know the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ. Judges 2:10 speaks of such a time when “another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done.”This is increasingly the situation today, and the reason why we urgently need to develop systematic teaching and reasonable responses to the questions that inevitably arise from a generation unfamiliar with the Bible.

In my experience, younger generations are experiencing a revival of interest in apologetics and discussing spirituality. Despite the general lack of knowledge of the Bible, and despite the way Christians and the Bible are being portrayed, there is so much openness for discussion. Some of the most common questions I have been asked are: • What evidence do you have that God exists?

• Why would a good God allow evil to exist?

• Why does God allow children to suffer?

• How can a loving God send people to hell?

• Do all religions ultimately point to the same God? • Does the Bible support slavery?

• Why don’t miracles happen as frequently today as they did in the Bible?

• How can we know that the Bible is a reliable record of the original writings?

Sadly, there are too many examples of pastors treating people with genuine questions as though they were doing something wrong by even thinking of the question. In contrast, the people of the city of Berea (Acts 17) were seen as “noble”, because they heard teaching but then looked deeper and asked questions. Churches must teach apologetics to new generations by: • teaching apologetics when the whole congregation is gathered, as well as in smaller groups, where questions can be posed.

• creating a safe culture, where asking questions is seen as a good thing. Young people are often suspicious of churches giving one-way teaching and creating a feeling that it’s a bad thing to ask questions.

• avoiding a simple, take-it-or-leave-it, case-closed approach to difficult questions, as it will quickly lose people’s trust. Don’t offer simple answers if there are no simple answers. It isn’t enough to quote a verse or two to prove a point.

We are all familiar with the Apostle Peter’s challenge to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Many are less familiar with his next sentence: “…but do this with gentleness and respect.” For Peter, it is obvious that the content and the relational tone of Christian apologetic witness are both important. Our reasons are important, but so is our respectful attitude.

Apologetics is not “apologising or attacking”. The aim of apologetics is to remove obstacles that have

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been placed between someone’s understanding of God, by offering arguments, giving empirical evidence and living a Christlike life.

For further confirmation of this biblical combination, we need only consider the Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Paul, the great apologist, encourages us not to practise loud-mouthed apologetics, just trying to win an argument but, instead, grace-filled persuasion, because people, and not just ideas, matter. I would encourage every Christian to equip themselves in apologetics, and visit helpful websites like www.GotQuestions.org.

Our opponents should be crystal-clear on what we believe, and why we are convinced it is true.

At the same time, however, how we relate in conversation also matters. The great challenge before us, as Christian apologists, is to speak and live in ways that combine uncompromising faithfulness to revealed truth with a grace-filled spirit of loving service. This is the Christlike way and, besides that, it is the way that works best in the end.

Let us remember some people are only one answer away from knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

You can contact Rev Brooks at sbrookaui@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07940 237959.

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38 LIFESTYLE

Pastors’ Column

How to preach culturally relevant sermons Bishop Delroy Hall shares some insight into how preachers and Christian teachers can compile biblically based, informative and culturally relevant sermons

A

current challenge for many Black pastors is how to bridge the gap between the biblical and modern world. Is it possible? In answering this question, John Stott writes, “I believe that nothing is better calculated to restore health and vitality to the Church, or to its members into maturity in Christ, than a recovery of true, biblical, contemporary preaching.” 1 From a personal perspective, Jesus and the Bible are irrelevant if they cannot relate to me as a Black man in England. Thus, an area of difficulty for many Black Majority Churches (BMC) is the acceptance of a popularised, self-centred, ‘bless me now’, heaven-focused theology.

In thinking about cultural relevance, Black pastors should note the fact that the Bible stories are based on dark-skinned, brown-eyed people. The Old Testament focuses on the Jewish

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Diaspora, marginalised and often persecuted, while the New Testament is based on a church birthed amidst persecution. God, then, is still concerned about marginalised people. So how might we begin to open up the Bible to preach culturally relevant sermons?

I am alarmed when people say they are called to preach, yet do not possess teaching material on sermon construction. It comes as no surprise, then, with a lack of homiletic training, how many preachers stand before God’s people not knowing the importance of exegesis. To exegete the text is to ‘draw out’ or explain the Scriptures.

Exegesis is carried out by following the principles of observation, interpretation and application. Observation looks for what God’s Word is saying. Interpretation asks: What does the Word of God mean in light of my observations? Application asks: How does God now want me to live in light of my new understanding? Therefore, before running to our commentaries and the Internet, it is imperative to spend time with the Scriptures - with paper and pen in hand to scribble, and a mind influenced by the Holy Spirit. William Turner writes that, “The script that has vitality begins with scribble. In scribble, the Spirit is free to brood, hover and inseminate fecundity for the creative work that precedes preaching.” 2 In other words, we must spend extended time

with the Scriptures, because God’s presence is with us.

In studying the Scriptures, we must understand the context of the biblical passage by reading a range of biblical reference materials but, at some point in our research, we must ask: How does this Scripture relate to the people sitting in the pews? Asking such questions initiates the bridge-building process in sermon preparation, and often leads to new insights.

Allow me to illustrate.

Many male preachers, speaking about the woman at the well in John 4, have castigated her for having five husbands and a live-in partner.

If they saw the world from her standpoint, a different sermon would emerge. For example, in some churches, this woman would have been sidelined and refused church membership, yet God used her as an evangelist in bringing others to Jesus. Alternatively, you could preach about the women who possibly excluded her from their company, due to her unacceptable marital status, leaving her to fetch water on her own during the hottest time of the day. An important and often overlooked point about this woman is that she was confident in her cultural, historical and religious identity. Oddly enough, though, everything is named in the story, except her.

Who are the unnamed, shunned and marginalised in our congregations, communities and society?

They exist.

Preparing such sermons is hard work and cannot be started on Saturday nights. Preparation must start as early as possible. Ten hours or more on thorough sermon preparation, asking relevant questions while incorporating time with God, is indispensable for effective, culturally relevant sermons. However, another challenge remains. Preaching such sermons, especially in traditional congregations where there is an accepted view of a particular Scripture, can be a source of conflict. To minimise such tension, Jesus demonstrated a good model of teaching people by starting with their current knowledge and leading to them to new understanding.

Conclusion

Preaching culturally relevant sermons uses the ancient biblical text and, through a process of exegesis - reading and understanding the world, while asking relevant and probing questions on how God might speak to the hearers - brings life, hope and faith to people living with the complexities of a modern world.

Such sermons are possible, but it takes intentional and disciplined work, and it can be achieved while honouring the power of the Gospel.

Bishop Dr Delroy Hall is a pastor, regional overseer, counsellor, freelance trainer, writer and loves encouraging and developing people.

John Stott, Preaching between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today (Chicago, Eerdmanns, 1982) 2 William Clair Turner Jnr, Preaching That Makes the Word Plain: Doing Theology in the Crucible of Life (Oregan: Cascade Books, 2008), 21.

1

LIFESTYLE 39

Business Matters

Only business with excellence will do Denise Roberts talks with Sharon McLean, whose business supports other businesses and budding entrepreneurs DENISE ROBERTS

I

is founder of the Arable Woman business network and the editorial and publishing consultancy, Editor’s Chair

t was her dad’s involvement in the property market that first inspired the young Sharon McLean to venture into the world of business.

She studied the subject at university, and today owns Business With Excellence (BWE), a business support and training consultancy, launched in 2002.

BWE provides one-to-one and telephone mentoring, training seminars, courses and networking opportunities for individuals and organisations that want to develop their ideas and grow their business and social enterprise. It also provides a range of CD and DVD resources, like 12 Months of Marketing, which gives a tip a month to help owners focus on their business.

Sharon’s highly inspirational and energetic disposition makes her naturally suited to providing the encouragement women need to fulfill their potential in business. You can literally feel her passion when she says, “We encourage people to love what they do, and do what they love!”

As a great networker, Sharon also runs the popular BWE Networking exhibitions, and RAIN (Referral and Introducers Network). She also runs a yearly event called ‘Ministry in the Marketplace’.

After graduating from university, Sharon spent time promoting nursing and midwifery courses throughout the UK – and “enjoying time away in various luxurious hotels”! However, after her daughters were born, she decided against returning to her full-time job and, instead, opted for something that worked around her family.

“There was a gap in the market for business support for women, particularly women of colour,” she says, “and I realised other people were in the same position -particularly professionals - having all these gifts and talents, but not knowing where to start.”

Business With Excellence was therefore launched to support businesses from idea to growth stage. As a qualified counsellor, Sharon also uses her skills when mentoring business owners to help them “unblock challenges that affect their businesses, which a traditional business trainer may not spot”.

She has grown her business from the ground up, and faced the usual business challenges, as well as many triumphs, such as winning a local authority contract to deliver training sessions, and being commissioned to write a bespoke business start-up training course for carers.

“It went so well that I have been asked to deliver it in other boroughs,” she says. “Running this course made me realise the hope I bring to

people to fufil their potential by using their gifts and talents to make an income for themselves.”

Being a Christian has not only helped her to meet challenges head on, but also to move past them, too – such as once, when competition was intense and she got the inspiration to write and deliver a range of new services that boosted her business.

She is currently making the transition to online training, which she describes as a new learning curve. However, as a business mentor, she’s following her own advice for tackling challenges: “Recognise where you are and how far your limitations go, and get the necessary support,” she explains. “I plan to go on a series of digital marketing courses, and also to employ the skills and expertise of those who have ventured down this road.”

Her closing tips for other Christians in business?

“Use every gift that God has given you to run your business. Never be afraid of stepping out in faith, and have a support network around you.”

Visit www.businesswithexcellence.com for more details.

HOW TO MINIMISE DISTRACTIONS Distraction is a time-stealer that many overlook, but ignoring it is the number one reason we scratch our heads at the end of the day and ask, “Eh, where did the day go?”

Here are a few tips to help reduce its effects: • Forget multi-tasking – it’s a myth. We can actually only focus on one task at a time. What we really do is switch between rather than multi-task; so when you are engaged in a task, focus on it exclusively.

• Minimise interruptions. Turn off your phone, and work away from the computer sometimes – and, yes, that means resisting the urge to go on Facebook, Twitter and the rest.

• Minimise disruptions. Whenever we’re interrupted, it takes us much longer to re-engage our minds with what we were doing before, and therefore longer to complete tasks.

• Set a timer. A stopwatch timer can help you to organise how much time you allocate to a task. It will help improve your focus and efficiency, plus you will have great fun trying to beat it.

What makes a woman bloom in business?

EVENT

‘What Makes a Woman Bloom in Business?’ is a live presentation, marking the relaunch of Christian Women in Business & Marketing. This relaunch is part of a one-day conference called ‘Grounded to Grow’, which will focus on metaphors of sowing, reaping and growing in marketplace ministry.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset and Why Weeds Make Great Teachers of Resilience and Management are just two of the topics to be explored. Speakers include: Marjie Simpson of A Call to Business; corporate film-maker Jeremy Higham, and award-winning gardener, Jason Loh, alongside host, Denise Roberts of Arable Woman and the Editor’s Chair.

The conference takes place on Friday 10th April 2015, from 10am to 4pm at St Matthew’s Conference Centre, 20 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2BU. Registration: £65. For more information visit www.arablelife.com

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40 LIFESTYLE

Cyber Corner

KENO OGBO

is a Digital Consultant and founder of www.rentawebsite.co.uk

CODING IS NOT THE ‘IN’ THING

Coding is the way forward

W

e have to face facts - the world is changing. We’re becoming more technology-obsessed, and it seems impossible to avoid this trend.

Even children are affected. The simplest of toys on high street shelves have a digital edge, from sensors to automated music. So perhaps that is why the UK Government took a massive step and added coding to the core school curriculum.

What is coding, then? Coding is simply a language that gets a computer to execute a number of instructions. So, rather than just being an end user and a consumer, coding enables you to be a producer. By teaching children to code, they begin to understand the sequence and logic behind technology, even if they are not interested in technology-based jobs. So why teach children to code?

They say that you should teach children a different language while they are young, because this is when they find it easiest to learn. Our brains are more easily able to absorb so much information at this young age that it becomes second nature. There are a few apps and childfriendly technology that introduce children to the basics of coding.

A future in coding

It is a good idea to introduce your children to coding, or to encourage them to learn to program, rather than just playing computer games. Young people spend a lot of time on computers and mobile devices. Unfortunately, most of this time is spent as consumers: taking selfies, using Snapchat, uploading images to Instagram and reading through Facebook statuses. Why not turn this around and help them use their mobile devices as producers or creators? Introduce apps and platforms that help them build games, build a website or a simple web application.

How can a knowledge of coding help adults?

Firstly, it sets people up for all sorts of jobs. Also, once you know a skill like this, it opens up various opportunities for different jobs and learning new skills. Employers like employees that are able to code and use computers well. The world as we know it today is going increasingly digital.

Most processes, services and products have a digital element. In addition, company departments, sales, marketing and production are all delivered by technology.

How understanding coding helped me build my digital agency

I learnt how to build simple web applications when I set up my Digital Agency. My core expertise and experience was helping businesses achieve their business objectives using technology - in particular, their websites. I ensured that websites were designed and built to achieve pre-defined goals.

I designed the user experience, making sure that the brand experience was consistent across all channels - from the office, to printed materials, to the customer service, etc - all this had to be consistent with the website’s objectives.

I did not need to know how to code, but learning code certainly helped me convey my ideas using prototypes, and make the right decisions for my clients. I could communicate better with my technical team, and work was done faster and more quickly, because I could easily see how a well-written program would achieve my clients’ business objectives.

KENO OGBO is the CEO of Spiral Web Solutions, a digital marketing agency helping organisations achieve results online. Call Keno on 07958 004 739 or email keno@spiralwebsolutions.com to book a complimentary 45 minute strategy session.

We hear stories of people like Mark Zuckerberg, who started writing code as a young boy before writing the code for Facebook, which is now worth billions of dollars. However, coding should not be seen as the ‘in’ thing or as a way to get rich quickly. You can compare your coding skills to the X Factor contestants: not everyone is great, some people don’t have good ideas, and only one person at the end of the day gets the prize. As an entrepreneur, you may want to communicate your ideas with a prototype. Getting a developer to build a prototype may be expensive but, with some programming skills, you can build a simple web application to explain your idea. You can then use this visual example to get feedback from a focus group, and perhaps raise funding or build a team.

INTERESTED IN CODING? Coding is easy, and you can do it yourself using a number of online learning platforms.

Here are a few you can try.

Code academy (www.codecademy.com/) Sign up for free and learn how to build a website using HTML and CSS. You can also practise and learn other languages, such as jQuery, Javascript and PHP. Courses on Code Academy are interactive and take you from beginner level. code.org/learn Your children will love code.org, and they are currently encouraging to get kids to sign up for an hour of code. Currently, the website features an hour of code inspired by the movie Frozen, using visual blocks which children can drop and drag to create programs. Free up an hour of your time and share this website with your children today.

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42 LIFESTYLE

Mind, Body & Soul

The trouble with fibroids

D

o you suffer from fibroids? Maybe you know someone affected by fibroids.

According to some studies, fibroids occur in three out of ten women over the age of thirty-five, though women in their twenties can have them too.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow in or around the womb (uterus). These growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and vary in size from as little as a five pence coin to the size of a melon, in some cases. There are different types of fibroids, which are named according to where they are positioned in the womb. Your chance of getting fibroids increases with age; they tend to develop after puberty up until the age of menopause.

The different types of fibroids

•

•

•

•

Subserosal fibroids grow from the outside wall of the womb into the pelvis. These can become very large.

Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the womb.

Submucosal fibroids grow from the inner wall of the womb.

Pedunculated fibroids grow from outside of the womb.

Fibroids tend to grow slowly, but hormones especially oestrogen - are thought to speed up the process.

Who is more likely to get fibroids?

Although we are not 100% sure what causes fibroids, hormones such oestrogen and progesterone are thought to play a role in encouraging them to grow. However, evidence from studies show that you are more likely to get fibroids if: • you’re aged between 30 and 50 • you go through puberty at an early age • you’re overweight • you are of African-Caribbean descent. Women from this background are three times more likely

to have fibroids than their Caucasian counterparts • you don’t have any children • it runs in your family

Symptoms of fibroids

In many cases, women can have fibroids without any symptoms throughout their lives. However, for others, some symptoms can involve: • heavy painful periods • swelling in the tummy • pain in the pelvis area • passing urine more often, or feeling an urgent need to pass urine (this can mean a fibroid is pressing on the bladder) • constipation (this can mean a fibroid is pressing on the bowel) • pain during intercourse • miscarriage or problems during pregnancy

LOLA OLAREWAJU

is a Personal Trainer, freelance Certified Lifestyle Coach and Owner of Final Measure - a fitness and lifestyle company

LOAD UP ON

VITAMIN C

The latest government figures show that up to a quarter of the population has low levels of vitamin D in their blood, more so people with darker skin. People of African Caribbean and South Asian origin are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, due to the large amount of melanin in their skin, which protects against overexposure of sunlight and also due to the reduced amount of sunlight in the winter.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Some fibroids can be felt during an internal (vaginal) examination by a doctor. Sometimes, an ultrasound or other tests are done to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other possible causes of any symptoms.

Treatment options for fibroids

If the fibroids are not presenting any symptoms then treatment is not usually needed. However, for more problematic symptoms, there are a variety of treatments available to help ease discomfort, such as the combined pill, anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen) and even surgery – removal of fibroids - in more severe cases.

If you have fibroids that are causing discomfort, book an appointment with your doctor, who should be able to advise you further, based on your symptoms.

For further information on fibroids, visit the following websites: www.patient.co.uk www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids www.britishfibroidtrust.org

Vitamin D is naturally obtained through exposure to sunlight and from foods, such as oily fish, eggs, fortified fat spreads and some fortified breakfast cereals.

A vitamin D supplement is a great way of helping the body a little when there is a reduced amount of sunlight in winter.

Another way to increase levels of vitamin D is to wrap up warm and brave the cold on those rare sunny winter days. Exposure of the hands, face, arms and legs to sunlight two to three times a week can make all the difference to those vitamin D levels.

Cold fighter - Enchinacea

Colder weather can usually mean an increased risk of catching colds and flu, so is there anything that can be done to reduce this risk? Yes, there is, and it’s in the form of a herb called echinacea.

Native to North America, and used by the Native Indians for hundreds of years as traditional herbal remedies, this little powerhouse is known as an immune booster with proven antibacterial and antiviral properties, and is used for a variety of infections, such as the common cold, flu, urinal tract infections, gum disease, malaria, vaginal yeast infection and tonsillitis. It seems to work by activating chemicals in the body that reduce inflammation, which might reduce cold or flu symptoms.

Some people take it at the first sign of a cold, while others take it after cold symptoms have appeared, in order to reduce the severity of the infection. Echinacea products are available in many forms, including tablets, juice and tea. So you can kiss goodbye to that cold or flu this winter.

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LIFESTYLE 43

HEARTTOHEART

I feel tempted to start taking drugs again Before I became a Christian, I had a very bad weed habit, and smoked a joint anytime I felt stressed, depressed or wanted to chill. When I became a believer, I joined a Christian drug rehabilitation programme, and overcame my reliance on the drug, and replaced my addiction with prayers. However, in recent months, I have battled with a strong pull to start smoking again. It coincides with a time of high stress in my life, including being made redundant and unemployed. I don’t want to go back to smoking weed, and just wondered if you have any advice you can share to help me stay drug-free.

Peter, Birmingham

I want to be married, but Christian guys won’t approach me ESTHER FENTY

P

is a qualified psychologist and pastor’s wife and provides godly and practical advice on a wide range of issues.

rior to becoming a Christian, I had no problem attracting male partners and had an active sex life but, when I became a Christian, I gave up a burgeoning relationship. I was glad to make the sacrifice, but in recent months I’ve begun wondering if I made the right decision. I love serving God, but I also have aspirations to become a wife and a mother, and am disappointed that since becoming a believer I’ve not been approached by any Christian men or invited on any dates.

With my 30th birthday approaching, I’ve become quite concerned about the fact I’m still single, and that there are lots of single women like me in my church. I get non-Christian guys approaching me all the time, but I want to be with a Christian man. However, I am wondering now if I am setting my standards too high, as no Christian men are approaching me whatsoever, and maybe I should start dating some of the non-Christian guys that are approaching me.

What do you think?

Jennifer, London

Esther Fenty says:

I’m pleased that you have chosen to devote yourself to your newfound faith. There doesn’t have to be a dichotomy between serving the Lord and being a wife and mother. However, your anxiety is probably heightened as you see many people in similar situations. As much as our steps are ordered corporately in our local church communities, they’re also ordered individually, so it is possible for you to break the mould.

Having been sexually active previously, you may now find this lack of intimacy particularly

difficult. However, you will need to consider whether the desire for a partner is greater than the desire for God and His will in your life. It is possible that God wants to use this waiting period as a time for you to grow closer to Him, to learn more about yourself and to surrender completely to Him, before embarking on a union with someone else. Try to use this time wisely as you pray and wait on God. Your desire for a partner - and the ticking away of the biological clock - should not override your concerns about the wider issues of marriage, such as a deep love for each other, communication and compatibility, and the oneness of mind and spirit that will help in tough times. (You can work at sexual compatibility once you are married.) Therefore, thinking of the biblical principle of whether two can walk together unless they agree, you will need to consider whether you can share the deep things of your faith with a non-Christian, and whether the children will be brought up in the faith, etc.

It is important that you stick to your principles; you do not have to change your values in order to get married. Neither should you be so anxious to marry a Christian man that you jump into the arms of the first one who asks for a date. Just because someone is a Christian does not mean that you will be compatible.

Keep listening to God as you meet other men.

Finally, we are reminded in Philippians 4:6-7: ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’. Take your anxieties to God, and let Him deal with them as you pursue His purpose for your life.

Esther Fenty says:

I am sorry that you are unemployed. Being made redundant is a form of grief and loss, which brings its own stresses and anxiety. Sometimes, in the midst of crises, when we should be able to cry out to God more through our prayers, that’s when we feel less like praying. It is therefore not surprising that you are feeling this pull to pick up old habits.

I am assuming that you were surrounded by support when you were on the drug rehabilitation programme. You do not say whether you are being supported by your church, or whether you have anyone you can call who can pray with you and help you as before.

As well as support from a minister, friend or prayer group, it might be helpful to have some counselling. A trained counsellor will identify whether you need support around the temptation to smoke weed again; how to handle stressful situations, or whether you are experiencing grief and loss about your job. Additionally, you may also need some support with your CV, etc., to prepare you for future employment.

There are a number of agencies who may be able to help you. For example, you could contact the centre that you used before, as they might either be able to help or point you in the right direction.

Your GP could recommend counsellors, or you could contact the Association of Christian Counsellors.

To contact Esther email editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk www.keepthefaith.co.uk

44 LIFESTYLE

How does your garden grow?

JASON LOH

worked as a property solicitor before retraining in landscape and garden design

TOP Engaging the community 3 WINTER via a church garden GARDENS TO VISIT T

his article gives an overview of key principles that churches should use to engage with the community through their gardens. ~ “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens…. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.

Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:5-7) God challenges us to settle in the city we are called to, pray for it earnestly and … wait, plant gardens?

There is still time to visit a few of Britain’s best winter gardens. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to catch yet another flurry of snow from heaven’s vault, freshly dusted onto some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes!

A GREAT EQUALISER

What I find amazing is how the garden can be a place where differences in culture, race, and in social and financial standing could mean absolutely nothing at all.

It is a fantastic place for conversation. Whereas someone might find it difficult to walk into church for the first time to listen to a sermon, they might be more relaxed in a garden.

A banker and a bereaved single mother could be working side-by-side one weekend, cultivating a fresh batch of strawberries in a fruit and veg patch. A foreign diplomat and a supermarket cashier might wander into a contemplative garden space, thinking about mistakes they had made in past relationships, and wonder what the future might bring. I would want to be in that place, to bring a word in season.

Here are some key points in developing a successful church garden, using an appropriate acronym ‘REAP’:

RELEVANCE

• Who is the church trying to reach?

• Ask your community what they need.

• Ask God what they need.

ENGAGEMENT •

•

•

Are there experienced gardeners in your church willing to be involved? Or interested volunteers could sign up to one of the basic gardening courses run by the RHS. Build links with local authorities and businesses - some might have a Corporate Social Responsibility budget.

Put up signs during harvest seasons to encourage passers-by to pick from specific sections, just like in biblical times (Leviticus 23:22) - a great way to engage people!

AESTHETICS

•

•

A ‘functional and productive’ garden does not have to be boring.

Use a colour wheel, get some Dulux colour cards from a hardware store or follow the artistic whims of Pantone (apparently

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‘Marsala’ is the colour for 2015).

Choose form and structure over colour!

A professional garden designer will know which plants provide ‘staying power’.

PLANNING

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Organise your core team for the creation of the garden and for ongoing care.

Do you have committed partners for funding, maintenance or promoting awareness of the garden project?

Conduct a site survey: check for soil conditions, location of underground services, etc.

Commit the garden project to the Lord.

Here are my top three: • Trentham Gardens (near Stoke-on-Trent) - Tom Stuart-Smith’s Italian gardens and Piet Oudolf’s Floral Labyrinth are absolutely stunning in the winter frosts.

• Dunham Massey - You simply cannot afford to miss the sight of some 300,000 snowdrops in February, with thousands of winter-flowering blue irises in Britain’s largest winter garden.

White-stemmed silver birches shine against coloured dogwoods.

• Cambridge University Botanic Winter Garden - Set in a shallow valley, the evening sun brushes a warm glow over the entire landscape. Fragrance from the honeysuckles and Mahonia japonica suffuses the atmosphere.

~ ‘It’s not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.’ (1 Corinthians 3:7) Jason Loh established his award-winning garden design practice, Jason Loh Designs Ltd. For more details, visit www.jasonloh.co.uk.

Something to think about

t

Whereas God spoke everything else into being at Creation, He formed man with His own hands, and Genesis 2:7 says that ‘God planted a garden in Eden’.

I can almost imagine the Almighty getting on His hand and knees, digging into the soil, planting a new fruit tree and thinking, ‘The important things need a personal touch.’

There is something incredibly satisfying about getting outdoors, working the ground and tending to plants. Sunlight spurs the body to create vitamin D, and plants create oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. There have been moments in the garden when the Lord has taught me the value of hard graft and patience. It’s where you learn the difference between planting an apple tree, watching it grow, and eating the fruit of your labour, as opposed to doing an online shop for Braeburns with your latest iPad…

CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL LAUNCHES IN THE UK

C

hristians United for Israel, an association through which churches and individuals can show support for Israel, is launching in the United Kingdom.

The new organisation aims to ignite Christian support for Israel, believing that Great Britain will be blessed by blessing Israel and aspiring to act as a Christian voice in support of the Jewish people. The new UK ministry, which has its launch event in June, has been birthed out of the American organisation, Christians United for Israel, USA, which was founded by John Hagee in 2006 and now has 2 million members.

Des Starritt, Executive Director of Christians United for Israel UK says, “Many Christians support Israel, but sadly too few fully realise the significance of Israel today. We believe now is the time to rally Christians to stand with the Jewish people and act as a united voice in supporting Israel.”

The announcement follows a concerning rise in anti-Semitism in the UK and Europe with the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the UK reaching a 30 year high in 2014 according to the Community Security Trust.

This comes after an increase in attacks against Jewish people and property in Europe, including the terror attacks this year in Paris and Copenhagen.

“The recent rise in anti-Semitism must challenge Christians to rethink their attitude towards Israel,” says

Mr Starritt, “The Church has opportunity to express God’s love to the Jewish people, and we must not remain silent at a time when hostility towards them is increasing.”

But the ministry’s mission is not only in response to the recent escalation in anti-Semitism. It will be providing teaching and resources to help individuals and churches understand the biblical and moral imperatives in supporting Israel.

“The Bible is clear in its command to bless and pray for Israel and the Jewish people, however this topic is sometimes avoided in church circles today. We want Christians to get excited about God’s plan and purpose for the nation of Israel.”

Christians United for Israel also seeks to highlight the national significance of supporting Israel. Mr Starritt adds, “At a time when our nation’s Judeo-Christian values are being undermined, we want to encourage Christians to appreciate our shared heritage and affirm our stand with the Jewish people.”

The launch takes place in Central London on 20 June. Admission is free, however pre-registration is required by booking at www.cufi.org.uk or calling 01793 862210.

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“We want Christians to get excited about God’s plan and purpose for the nation of Israel.”

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

46 MISSION

Called to serve T hey couldn’t stand or even stretch their hands to greet us when we arrived at their village. Their limbs covered in ulcerated, itchy, painful clusters of nodules that looked like honeycombs. There was hardly a smile on their dusty faces. The children of Kianjai village looked weary from a jigger infestation that they thought to be a ‘curse.’

It was the annual, week-long Compassion Leadership Development Program (LDP) mission in May 2013. This time, we were visiting a small village in eastern Kenya to share the Gospel with a community where alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and poverty are prevalent. I was excited about sharing the gospel, but when I saw these children I knew that the words ‘Jesus loves you’ might not mean much when dozens of nasty little bugs – jiggers - were burrowing into their tender skin, sucking the life out of them.

Their homes were in deplorable conditions; entire families infested with jiggers. In one home, a three-year-old boy was left in the care of his eight-year-old brother, as the mother went to fetch food. Their father had not been home for days.

The older boy had been missing school immobilised by jiggers. The younger boy sat awkwardly on the ground as flies hovered over exposed wounds. He hardly acknowledged our presence.

I stopped, placed my Bible on the dusty floor, and sat next to him. He burst into tears the moment I touched his hand to greet him. The touch was too painful.

I’d had jiggers as a young child, I know the isolation and humiliation that goes with it. You are stigmatised; asked to play separately for fear of spreading the bugs.

My life had been very different to these children though; my mother would clean me and dig out the bulging jiggers using a sewing needle. It was painful. But it worked. My teachers at my Compassion project were always interested in my progress - even that of my feet. And I always knew that my sponsors Paula and Brentone cared about me. They wrote encouraging me to believe that all things would work together for my good, and I knew they were praying for me and my family.

But no one was caring for these children.

They had lost their hope.

Washing feet, reaching hearts

We put our Bibles aside, folded up our sleeves, and filled buckets with water and antiseptic. One by one, we dipped their feet into the mixture. It was hard to see the children cry as the antiseptic kicked in, agitating their already battered limbs.

Over the next few days, we reached more homes. As word spread around, we were joined by more adults who helped to sweep and spray jigger treatment around homes. The more we worked together, the more the people opened up and shared about their lives - their happiness and hardships. At the centre of it were their children, whom they hoped would have a brighter future.

By Brenda Karimi and Bekah Legg

We shared our stories too, but most importantly, the word of God. The more we poured ourselves into them, the more they accepted us and the message we brought with us. At the end of the mission, over 70 people became Christians. It warmed our hearts to see the smiles on their faces as they waved us goodbye.

Four months later, I had the chance to visit the same area again with my school’s Christian Union and decided to go to the specific homes where we had ministered months before. I was greeted by cheerful children. They didn’t have ulcerated toes and fingers or painful lumps, only scars.

The little boy stood for a short while to greet me. He didn’t cry. His eight-year-old brother was ready to go to school because he could walk comfortably.

The cleanliness in the homes caught my attention. There was a new sense of pride. It was overwhelming to see how such a small mediation had lifted the people of Kianjai. The ‘curse’ had been lifted. As we washed their feet and bent down to clean their yards, we had reached their hearts and made the love of Jesus known to them.

Meeting these families has opened my eyes and made me sensitive to the world around me.

I’m being transformed into a different kind of a leader; a servant leader who will continue to reach out and meet the needs of those around me.

To look at her you wouldn’t know that Paola used to go to bed hungry, afraid of what tomorrow would bring.

EVIE JOHNSON, FROM BRISTOL,

TOLD PAOLA “I’M HERE FOR YOU” Could you do the same?

There’s a child like Paola waiting for you to sponsor them.

SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY

www.compassionuk.org 01932 836490 COMPASSION UK CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT 43 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8BB Registered Charity No. 1077216 Registered in England No. 3719092 COM100679

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