Keep the faith issue 93

ISSUE 93

Celebrating a decade of spreading good news

Britain’s leading Black communityfocused publication promoting and supporting faith and family values

RELIGION AND POLITICS: THE

TWO CAN MIX

20,000 WATTS

of gospel DJs and sound systems Churches in Africa challenging the status quo

FIVE THINGS

husbands want from their wives

Kirk Franklin

speaks about childhood and family life

KEEP THE FAITH’S

MEN OF INFLUENCE

£2.95

WELCOME 03

CONTENTS ISSUE 93

Dear Reader,

W

elcome to this latest edition of Keep The Faith magazine.

I must firstly state that this is the last issue where I will serve as editor. (I can hear you all say Aaahhh.)

I’ve considered it an honour and privilege to write about Britain’s Black Christian community, as well as provide opportunities for believers to share their views and experiences in the magazine.

I know Keep The Faith will continue its great work of spotlighting key developments in the Kingdom.

And I must give a shout out to Keep The Faith publisher, Shirley McGreal, for allowing me to edit this wonderful magazine for five glorious years.

I do hope that you enjoy this month’s edition, which includes profiles of some of Britain’s most influential African and African-Caribbean men; an article about the growth of gospel sound systems; the important role the Church plays in African communities, and a look at the subject of infertility through the eyes of biblical character, Hannah, and much, much more.

As usual, the magazine is filled with uplifting and encouraging articles, as well as profiles of some of the great work that believers are doing inside and outside the church.

16 20

GOSPEL NEWS

12 Gospel News

by Marcia Dixon 12 20,000 watts of gospel DJs and sound systems

by Juliet Fletcher

23

OUT AND ABOUT

14 Keep The Faith About Town 16 People and Places

by Tamala Ceasar

FEATURE

Marcia Dixon Editor

26 R

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, Juliet Fletcher, Tamala Ceasar, Esther Kuku, Pastor Peter Nembhard, Eugene Jordan, Dionne Gravesande, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Rev Stephen Brooks, Rev Dr Carol Tomlin, Rev Tamika Pusey-Squire, Denise Roberts, Keno Ogbo, Lola Olarewaju, Esther Fenty, Jason Loh and Rebekah Legg.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

NEWS

06 News pages

Happy reading, and remember to always keep the faith.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Shirley McGreal FCMI Editor: Marcia Dixon Sub-Editor: Jackie Raymond Design: Becky Wybrow Advertising: Anna Shaw

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

WELCOME

04 Food 4 Thought

by Marcia Dixon

18 Wise Women Awards 2015 20 Interview with Kirk Franklin 22 How to be an intentional father

by Pastor Peter Nembhard 23 Men of influence 26 Five things husbands want from their wives

by Eugene Jordan 28 Waiting on God for your miracle is not in vain

by Esther Kuku 30 A specialised kind of discipleship

by Spurgeon’s College 32 Perfect places to gather together, worship, retreat and relax

by Christian Conference Trust (CCT) 34 How churches in Africa are helping to challenge the status quo

by Dionne Gravesande

COMMENT

35 Religion and politics: the two can mix

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 36 The truth about hell

by Rev Stephen Brooks

LIFESTYLE

38 46

38 Pastors’ Column by Rev Dr Carol Tomlin and Rev Rev Tamika Pusey-Squire 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 Fighting Ebola

by Rebekah Legg, Compassion UK www.keepthefaith.co.uk

04 WELCOME

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

A shout out to all men

D

o you think it’s time for churches to start appreciating men more, and valuing the contribution they make in the church, in their families and in society in general? I do.

It’s quite noticeable that respect for men in much of Western society is not particularly high. The influence of feminism and the rise of women’s rights have been accompanied by the browbeating of men. In many media articles, books, films and depictions on TV, men can’t seem do anything right, and everything about them would appear to be wrong.

Their interests are seen as childish and immature; they’re often depicted as being unfeeling and insensitive and, due to the breaking down of societal taboos surrounding issues such as domestic violence and sexual abuse, men are often viewed as aggressors and perpetrators of sexual violence.

Whilst I think women are wonderful, surely men are wonderful too. Throughout history they’ve been at the forefront of major advancements in our world; they’ve been responsible for the most amazing inventions that have served to improve the lives of people and, when men live out their roles as husbands and fathers in the way God intended, their contribution to family life and to the wellbeing of communities is invaluable.

With this fact in mind, surely it’s beholden upon churches to counter negative societal attitudes towards men, particularly when they denigrate and stigmatise a whole gender unfairly. And it’s a fact that, if men in general are being viewed negatively, Black men in particular are faring even worse, because negative views about the male gender will be teemed with racism, creating even more toxic attitudes.

There are numerous ways in which churches can counter this negativity towards

men. They can affirm what the Bible says about them, and seek ways to empower them to utilise their God-given potential.

The Church should also remind people that the Christian faith was founded by a Man, Jesus Christ, a Man of integrity and courage, who died for humanity’s sins in one of the most painful and degrading ways possible, and highlight that a real man is multi-faceted, able to display love and vulnerability, as well as heroism and strength.

Churches should do their utmost to encourage men with leadership aspirations, but also teach the Jesus model of leadership, which is a servant-based one. And, in those instances where churches have men in their congregations who are great fathers (including the unmarried ones) and husbands, let’s not only support them, but encourage them to share their experiences so the congregation can learn the secrets of their parenting and marital success.

Everyone - men, women and children - is made in the image of God, and reflects some of His glory. Let’s not forget this fact, so that when the world engages in its gender wars, Christians can serve as peacemakers.

Take a stand against injustice There has been a proliferation of tragic news stories in recent months (hasn’t there always, though?).

Firstly, there have been the cases of Africans dying as they sought to reach Europe’s shores in their search for a better life. Then there’s the news of the heavy-handed violence, including murder, that Black South Africans have been inflicting upon migrants from other African nations, plus the ongoing stories of US police brutality against Black citizens.

I mention these stories, because it is now very apparent that as we are living in a global village, we cannot hide from the injustices taking place in other parts of the world.

As a result of this, shouldn’t leaders within the BME community speak out more loudly about the injustice that occurs internationally?

Doing so would not only demonstrate the UK Black Church’s growing confidence but, more importantly, show the world that we are a church after God’s heart, concerned about mistreatment and injustice committed against humanity - wherever it is taking place.

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KEEP ON MOVING It’s a truism that anybody who achieves anything of significance has had to soldier on through bad times, disappointments, difficulties, discouragement, criticisms, setbacks, weariness, boredom, fear and a host of others things before they reached their goal.

When you read about the lives of revered historical figures, like Moses, Martin Luther King Jr and Harriet Tubman, and modern-day role models, like Doreen Lawrence OBE or Oprah Winfrey, you get to understand they soldiered through many obstacles before they experienced their glory moments.

Oftentimes, the only quality that sets achievers apart from non-achievers is that achievers keep on moving during tough times, and dig deep into the recesses of their soul to draw on God-given qualities, like perseverance, courage, long-suffering, resilience, endurance, determination and that desire to not give up.

This fact was exemplified in a recently published story about 18-year-old Daria Rose. Along with her family, this teenager lost everything during Hurricane Sandy, but she kept up with her studies, and has now been accepted to study at seven Ivy League colleges in the US, including Harvard and Princeton, and all because she never gave up.

So, the next time you feel like giving up on your goal, throwing in the towel, and shutting down your heart to that dream because of a setback, encourage yourself not to give up. Remind yourself that you are God’s child, created for a purpose, that you possess all you need to fulfil God’s plan for your life - and what you don’t currently have, God will supply – and, most importantly, that you can and will make it, because God is on your side.

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

06 NEWS

NTCG Minister steps down for love

M

embers of the New Testament Church of God have said goodbye to Bishop Rudolph Parkinson, who stepped down from pastoral work after 48 years of service. Brixton NTCG, the congregation Rev Parkinson has pastored for the past 20 years, gave him a memorable send-off, with three days of events, which included a banquet in his honour, a celebratory service and a special concert.

Bishop Parkinson has stepped down to look after his wife, Cherrie. He explained, “After 48 years in ministry, my wife of 47 years, Cherrie, is not 100%. I did say ‘for better for worse’, and feel it’s time to step down so I can take care of her, which I am happy to do.”

Since starting pastoral ministry in 1966, the Jamaican-born bishop has led congregations in Burton-Upon-Trent, Northampton, Rugby and Leicester, and also worked at NTCG Head Office, where he served under all the church’s National Overseers, bar the current head, Bishop Donald Bolt. Roles held by Bishop Parkinson were as National Youth and Education Director and National Secretary.

He has some great memories serving under NTCG pioneers. Bishop Parkinson recalled, “Dr Lyeseight was from the old school, and when he said you were going somewhere, even if you were on one leg,

PASSING OF A MUCH-LOVED PASTOR Hundreds of people turned out for the funeral of much-loved pastor, Linton Beckles, 59, who died recently following a stay in hospital.

Pastor Beckles was senior pastor of

you were going. He was pretty strict on that.

He was a no-nonsense man. Dr Arnold was more compassionate. And the others brought their own characteristic style to the position.”

It’s evident that Bishop Parkinson is an old-school minister who loves God and people, and is all about serving the community.

Whilst he might be stepping down from pastoral ministry, he’ll be accepting ministry engagements and making himself available to pass on wisdom to the younger generation.

LOVELight Ministries in Walthamstow, east London, and played a pivotal role in the Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA), an organisation that aims to facilitate the development of the UK gospel scene.

He had formerly served as a senior minister at Christian Life City (CLC) in Walthamstow, a church founded by Bishop Wayne Malcolm.

During his years serving on the leadership team, Pastor Beckles saw the church become one of the UK’s largest and most well-known Black Pentecostal congregations.

Prior to his conversion in 1991, Pastor Beckles was part of British funk/soul band, Central Line. One of their biggest successes was ‘Walking Into Sunshine’, which hit the charts in the UK & US.

STUDY FINDS MORE CHILDREN BEING BORN INTO BROKEN HOMES The trend away from marriage has resulted in an increase, since 1980, of nearly two million children being born into families going through a breakdown.

This is according to research carried out by the Marriage Foundation, the think tank dedicated to building stronger families, which found that a 44% increase in family breakdown corresponded to a 35% decrease

(from 88% to 53%) in the proportion of children born to married couples in England and Wales.

Previous research also found that couples who were married before their first child were 76% more likely to stay together, as opposed to 31% of couples who were cohabiting.

Harry Benson, Research Director of Marriage Foundation, commented: “This research supports what we have feared for a long time. As the trend away from marriage continues, more and more children are born into families where the parents’ commitment to one another is unclear or ambiguous.

“While life-long committed cohabiting relationships can of course provide children with all the stability they need, alas they are rare. Cohabiting couples make up only 19 per cent of today’s parents, yet account for half of all family breakdown.

“This means family breakdown should have gone down but, instead, family breakdown has doubled. The only social trend that can plausibly explain this collapse in stability is the move away from marriage.”

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Pastor Beckles was a much-loved church leader and, following his death, people took to social media to pay tribute. Bishop Malcolm wrote, “There is too much I could say about his authentic kindness, loving presence, amazing gifts and unwavering loyalty.”

Juliet Fletcher, CEO of the GMIA stated, “Pastor Beckles was at the heart of all we hoped for in developing the UK gospel scene, and was instrumental in establishing the template for the organisation. For us, his loss is immeasurable.”

Plans are under way to establish a foundation in Pastor Beckles’ name.

He is survived by his wife, Angela, his four children, his mother, three siblings and extended family.

NEWS 07

BLACK CHURCH COMES OF POLITICAL AGE IN 2015 ELECTION One key development in the 2015 elections was the political coming of age of Britain’s Black Christian community.

Gospel Choir fast-tracked to BGT Semi-Final There’s a possibility that a gospel choir could reach the finals of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) after judge Amanda Holden fast-tracked the group to the semi-finals by pressing the Golden Buzzer following their impressive audition.

A

s you can imagine, Revelation Avenue members are over the moon. Beatrice Awotayo, 31, who is the choir’s founder, explained, “The Golden Buzzer is only given to five acts. And with the Golden Buzzer acts, they tell everyone else in the competition that these are the people you have to try to beat, because they are the favourites to win. The pressure is on.”

She recalled the moment Revelation Avenue realised all four BGT judges loved their act. “Words can’t really describe how you feel in a circumstance like that, because it’s so overwhelming. It’s mixed emotions. You’re really, really happy, mixed with tears of joy.”

Revelation Avenue has been going for over 10 years. They were in the BBC competition Last Choir Standing, which was aired in 2008, after which they disbanded. Beatrice decided to re-form the choir in 2012.

Beatrice sees getting through to the BGT semi-finals as a great opportunity for Revelation Avenue to reach new audiences with gospel music. And she has even started to dream of what the choir could do with the cash prize of £250,000 if they win.

“Even though we’ve done a lot of competitions, we’ve never done a Revelation album or a single, so that would be an amazing thing for us to do.”

Visit www.facebook.com/ RevelationAvenue for more details.

Pentecostal Credit Union to celebrate 35th anniversary The Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU) is getting reading to celebrate its 35th anniversary with a special dinner and concert on June 6, featuring Bishop John Francis, Muyiwa, Angie Le Mar, Lurine Cato and the London Community Gospel Choir.

Founded by Jamaican-born minister, Rev Carmel Jones in 1980, the PCU was established to redress the racism the Black community was experiencing, when trying to access funding from leading financial institutions.

The PCU is now one of Britain’s 10 largest credit unions, with 1,500 members and an asset base of over £10m, and one of its key successes over the years has been in providing loans to Black Pentecostal denominations - including Ruach Ministries, the Church of God in Christ and United Pentecostal Church - and enabling them to buy their buildings.

Rev Jones stepped down from running the PCU two years ago, after being censured by the FSA. In response, churches leaders rallied round Rev Jones, and commended him for the major financial services he had provided to the Black Christian community.

The PCU now has a new operations manager, Shane Bowes, and new Board chairman, Hugh Boatswain, who are taking the PCU in a new direction and encouraging more young people to join, and providing more financial services for individuals. They also aim to collaborate more closely with other organisations to share financial education.

Visit www.pcuuk.com for more details.

Leaders of the UK’s two biggest political parties included visits to Black churches during their respective campaigns.

David Cameron received rapturous applause from 45,000 people when he spoke about aspiration, community service and religious freedom at the Festival of Life (FoL) - Britain’s largest regular Christian event, organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, a self-confessed atheist, took his campaign to Praise House, a growing church led by Pastor Damian Luke, situated in Croydon. Miliband addressed the congregation and also answered questions from the floor.

One reason why politicians included visits to the ‘Black Church’ during this year’s election is because it was a closely fought one, and every vote mattered. In some places, the Black vote decided who won the seat.

Furthermore, the Church, via the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), entered the political fray by publishing the first ever Black Church Manifesto, which set out how it would like the new government to address issues of concern to Black communities.

Dr David Muir, who co-authored the Manifesto alongside Rev Ade Amooba, told Keep The Faith he was pleased politicians took note of the BME churches during the 2015 election campaigns. He would like to see the new government develop an ongoing relationship with BME churches. He shared, “We had political representation at the launch of the Manifesto. One thing we are clear about in the Manifesto is that we do want to work with whatever government is in power.”

One of the first issues they would want the government to deal with is the disproportionate amount of BME men in the prison system.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

08 NEWS

COGOP UK announces partnership with Rev Les and Mrs Louise Isaac

B

ishop Wilton Powell, OBE, National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) and the National Executive and Trustees Board held a reception to announce a joint initiative with Rev Les and Mrs Louise Isaac.

Rev Les Isaac, CEO of Ascension Trust, is one of Britain’s most influential ecumenical leaders, and was awarded an OBE in 2013. He founded the Ascension Trust, a Christian charity, in 1993, and works to encourage partnerships between churches and communities.

The Ascension Trust encompasses the following ministries: an overseas mission; a youth development project; the Word4Weapons initiative, and the network of Street Pastors (www.streetpastors.org). Through the Street Pastors scheme, churches of all denominations help to build stronger and safer communities by responding to the challenges on our streets at night, and in other parts of civic life, such as schools and colleges.

At the reception lunch, the national bishops and key leaders of COGOP warmly welcomed Rev and Mrs Isaac, and Bishop Powell, OBE, said he looked forward to working with them.

The COGOP leaders pledged their support to work together to bring about a transformational change to advance the strategic vision of the church. The aim is to build a framework through which the church would be readily accessible to every part of society, by equipping and empowering the body of Christ to be the face and hands of the church’s prophetic outreach. Rev Isaac acknowledged the fantastic work that the

Church of God of Prophecy is doing and added, “I am a servant, who wants to be involved in Kingdom building.”

A key focus of his involvement will be to create a platform to share this good work, making stronger connections with the media and political arenas. He will also support church leaders in a programme to engage with young people to develop leaders for the future. Mrs Isaac said she was “pleased and excited” to be entering this new season with her husband.

Reverend and Mrs Isaac will join a local congregation of COGOP in London on 6th September 2015.

Beulah

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ew gospel singer/song writer Beulah has had a craving for music her whole life. As a young child, her father would take her to see Indian musicals at the Olympia Cinema Hall in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.

From primary school onwards, Beulah sang in groups and represented her class in inter-college musical competitions and eventually her state in music and dance competitions as a lead singer.

After giving her life to Christ, the graduate banker was a member of her local church choir for eight years and her bank choir. “As much as I tried to leave music for other professions, it has never left me,” she says. ‘Music journeyed along with me’, she said the climax came when a man she perceived was Jesus the Son of the Living God would always appeared to her with a cup in His hand demanding for living water to drink.

This would always happen each time she cried to God to deliver her from a strange affliction.

She then realized that God was interested in her musical/song writing talents. This is why

her songs are clearly branded, with her soft voice affirming and celebrating the Lordship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’, the living water.

Her first releases titled “Beulah Time to worship vol.1 and 11” are daily gaining viewers’ attention. It is encouraging to hear testimonies that people are being blessed by the songs already she says.

Listen on YouTube; on Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody, Spotify, Napster. Follow Beulah on facebook- time2worship, beulah fred Obianwu, on Twitter, on sound cloud and on www.itstime2worship.com (coming up soon).

www.itstime2worship.com Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

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.

Please come to our next information event as detailed in the next column.

Seats are limited. Please book yours in advance, either by freephoning 0800 781 2332, or by emailing adoption@rbkc.gov.uk

Thursday 18 June 2015 Adoption information morning and evening 10am–12noon & 6pm–8pm Hammersmith Town Hall Kings Street London W6 9JU

Any questions?

Freephone 0800 781 2332 Email adoption@rbkc.gov.uk Visit /adoptionandfostering For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk

Need a quick, effective and more importantly inexpensive way to reach Britain’s Black community? Our eblast service is a great choice! We have a database of 28,500+ registered subscribers. Call 0845 193 4433 now!

GOSPEL

NEWS

BY MARCIA DIXON

Kirk Franklin performing in UK in June British gospel music fans are in for a treat this summer. Gospel’s biggest superstar, Kirk Franklin, will be in the UK on June 12-13 for two shows.

He’ll be at Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, on June 12 - support acts include Lurine Cato and Rachel Kerr - and at the Copperbox Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3HB on June 13. Other artists on the London bill will include Guvna B and Richie Dan, and is sponsored by Keep The Faith. These two concerts promise to be shows to remember.

Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for ticket details.

MEET THE ARTIST: STEVEN ‘GP’ ABRAMSAMADU Steven ‘GP’ Abramsamadu is UK Gospel’s only Grammy-nominated gospel producer, and recently received a certificate from this worldrecognised body in recognition of his achievements. Aside from being a producer, he’s a music director at his church, Ecclesia, based in Lewisham, south London. Steven spoke to Keep The Faith about his work, his faith, and projects planned for the future.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): You recently received a certificate indicating that you are a Grammy-nominated producer. What did you receive your Grammy for and when?

STEVEN ‘GP’ ABRAMSAMADU (SA): I was nominated for a Best Gospel Album Grammy for Da’ TRUTH’s record (Big Picture) and Lecrae’s record (Rehab) in 2009 and 2010.

KTF: How has winning a Grammy impacted your career in the music industry?

SA: The Grammy is the highest accolade in the music industry, so being nominated for one twice was amazing - all praise to our Lord for sharing His creativity with a flawed man as myself. To be fair, it has caused me to work harder and to keep working on my craft.

KTF: Can you share details of your journey from church musician to Grammy Award-winning producer?

SA: I’ve been playing keys in church since the age of eight, but I felt I could do more.

I wanted to create music in a big way, so I hooked up my keyboard to my ‘not-to-betouched-at-all’ dad’s tape player when he was at work, and started creating music on my keyboard. As time went on, I fell in love with hip hop and rap, and was part of a rap crew with my friends... but we always rapped over other people beats, until one day I told my friends, ‘Enough is enough... Have a listen to this...’ The rest is history.

KTF: Who are some of the artists you’ve worked with, and what was it like working with Lecrae, currently one of the world’s most popular Christian rap artists?

SA: I’ve worked with artists such as SO, Trip Lee, Da’ TRUTH, Jahaziel, Serene, and my own family, New Direction Crew, to name a few. Working with Lecrae was a great experience.

I’ve seen the hard work Reach Records and Lecrae have put in, and the Lord has been elevating this brother big time.

KTF: How does your faith impact you when you’re working in the studio?

SA: Ultimately, my gift to do music comes from the Lord, and I aim to use it in whatever way I can to glorify Him. So when I’m in the studio that’s what I focus on, and it pushes me to be more creative. The Lord went 100% - even right up to the cross... I ponder on this in the studio, to give my all.

KTF: What exciting projects have you got lined up for the rest of 2015?

SA: Well SO’s album, ‘So It Ends’, will be dropping soon, and also Serene’s EP, ‘Different Strokes 2’, so look out for those. Plus there will be other collaborations here and in the USA. KTF: Describe yourself in five words.

SA: Christian, husband, father, creative, funny.

GOSPEL NEWS 11

GOSPEL NEWS

SNIPPETS

MOBO Award-winning artist, Triple O, is gearing up for his headlining concert, which takes place on May 31 at XOYO, 32-37 Cowper Street, London EC2A 4AP. This concert is a celebration of Triple O’s 10th anniversary ministering as a gospel rapper. He’ll be joined at this event by a host of fellow rap artists, including: Faith Child, Jahaziel, Kersha Bailey and others. Tickets are £10 in advance, £13 at the door. Visit www. tripleo-music.com for full details.

Triple O

Renowned film director, Bill Duke, is due to start work on a film depicting the life and career of the world’s first ever gospel megastar, Mahalia Jackson.

She was described as the Queen of Gospel, and came to the fore working alongside the founder of modern gospel, Thomas Dorsey, in the 1930s.

She famously refused to sing secular music – that didn’t stop her from achieving 12 million selling albums.

Fellow gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams, is being mooted as the actress to play Mahalia on the silver screen.

ARTIST WATCH: EKKLESIA

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eading UK gospel group, Ekklesia (comprised of sisters Yolanda Greaves and Nadine Lee) are rightly excited. They’ve recently released their eighth music project, ‘Atmosphere’, to critical acclaim, and are getting a lot of love for the project’s ground-breaking debut video single, ‘Where You Are’, directed by Shabazz L Graham and featuring Jaz Ellington, a former contestant on BBC1’s talent show, The Voice. ‘Atmosphere’ is filled with songs that provide an inspiring soundtrack to the multitude of experiences an individual will go through, and is a reminder that God is all around us. The six-track project also marks Ekkelsia as a group to watch. Since they were founded 14 years ago, this MOBO-nominated group has collaborated with a number of artists, including VM & New Ye, J Vessel, Raymond & Co and Chevelle Franklin. The next few months seem set to be exciting ones for Ekklesia. Later this month, the duo are flying out to the Caribbean, where they’ll perform some of the songs from ‘Atmosphere’ at Barbados Gospelfest. All in all, 2015 looks like it’s going to be a good year for Ekklesia. Maybe it’s because they’ve put something out into the ‘Atmosphere’.

For more details, visit www.emusikuk.co.uk, like on Facebook @ Ekklesia.London, follow on Twitter @ekklesiauk, watch on YouTube @EkklesiaUKVEVO

Dominique and Deitrick Haddon

Leicester University Voices wins UGCY competition Leicester University Voices won the 5th annual University Gospel Choir of the Year competition, held at the Hippodrome, in Golders Green, north London.

Life just seems to be getting better and better for gospel TV star and singer, Deitrick Haddon. The reality TV star recently revealed that he and his wife Dominique are expecting their third child. Deitrick married Dominique in 2013, after she gave birth to their first child, and has seen his career and family steadily expand since then. The singer is due to go into the studio to start work on his second album.

The 2015 UGCY competition, founded by Lorraine Wright, hosted nine competing choirs from the following universities: University of Nottingham (Revival Gospel Choir), Kingston University (Kingston University Gospel Choir), De Montfort University (DMU Student Choir), University of Surrey (Surrey University Gospel Choir), Imperial College (Imperial College Gospel Choir), Queen Mary (QMUL Unite Choir), University of Leicester (Leicester University Voices), Portsmouth University (Portsmouth Gospel Choir) and Coventry University (Coventry Gospel Rhythms).

Leicester University Voices, dressed in traditional Ghanaian ‘Angelina’ print, wowed the judges: Andrea Encinas, Mark De-Lisser, Stephanie Oyerinde and John Fisher, with their energetic and effortless

performance. In fact, the judges gave the choir a standing ovation. The evening was hosted by Rachel Kerr.

The runners up were wildcard choir Portsmouth Gospel Choir and Coventry University.

As well as listening to the competing choirs, the audience enjoyed performances by MOBO Award-winning rapper, Triple O, gospel dance group I AM ABLE and Seth Pinnock.

One unmistakeable fact about UGCY is that it provides a unique platform for the best and brightest of the UK’s universities to shine and elevate themselves. And this year, Leicester University Voices did their university proud.

Visit www.ugcy.co.uk for more details. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

12 GOSPEL NEWS

20,000 watts of gospel DJs and sound systems Juliet Fletcher examines the rise of gospel DJs and sound systems in recent years, and learns how they are touching lives through this unique evangelistic approach to ministry

JULIET FLETCHER is a former BBC Producer and founding Executive of the GMIA

D

id you know that since the 1990s there has been a growth in DJs and sound systems on the gospel scene?

DJs who have thousands jumping for hours, and sound systems like those you see and hear at Carnival time: when the bass speakers blast, you feel it vibrate your breastbone and make a can of coke ‘dance’. LOL! Jokes aside, these DJs are very sober and professional in what they do and, as I discovered, they are doing amazing evangelistic work.

DJ or Radio Presenter?

It’s useful to understand that DJs often operate in the role of radio presenters, but the two are distinct: a radio presenter’s priority is talking to the listening audience, introducing guests and

specific tracks, while DJs combine collecting and selecting music - usually with specialist insider knowledge of a genre - with understanding and tapping into the technical sound of the production, plus mixing track to track or beat matching tracks, and creating an atmosphere for the listener to soak up the sound - and dance - for hours on end! So how does this profile of a DJ - and sound systems - gel with preaching the Gospel and the Kingdom of God?

Motivation and Purpose DJs I spoke to used words like ‘outreach’, ‘scattering seeds’ and ‘changing lives’ to describe their motive and purpose. 1 Corinthians 9:22 says, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some”.

DJG, aka Gary Smith (based in Oxford), is on the verge of becoming full-time. He shared, “I see myself as a DJ who is a Christian, and I go into major festivals alongside mainstream

DJs, like Bob Sinclair. Once, a person came up to us at 2am in the morning to say, ‘I want to know more about Jesus’. We are scattering seeds - let the music do the talking.”

Bristol-based DJ Mel, aka Mel Carroll, runs the Soul2Soul sound system, the only official gospel sound system with a live stage set at St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol. Mel states, “We choose tracks that push the die-hard words of Scripture in the music, or songs with positive lyrics, like ‘You can make it if you try’ - it all counts.”

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GOSPEL NEWS 13

DJ Redz, aka Jason O’Shea (based in London), was deep into the reggae sound systems, like Love TKO and Europe’s No.1, Lord Gelly’s, which plays at the Notting Hill Carnival. But he had a life turnaround. “I totally turned my back on sound systems,” shared DJ Redz, “but the Lord clearly spoke and confirmed His Word.” He built up HMSS (His Majesty’s Sound System) from scratch as a 20,000-watts set-up. “We were at the God Corner at Notting Hill for years through a Pastor Efrem.” HMSS is respected by the secular scene and is renowned internationally. “The crowd don’t dictate to me; I play the music and preach the Gospel,” states Redz.

He is currently a missionary for London City Mission - as an Urban Mission Pioneer. Every Wednesday, he teaches Bible study at The Golden Anchor Pub in Nunhead, south London, and stages a Reggae Gospel night every first Sunday of the month.

of ‘shake your booty’ but of finding life and being positive. Our focus is outreach. We’ve turned down lucrative, paid bookings for outreach work.”

DJ Kelechi (or DJK), aka Kelechi Amadi (based in London), runs the brand IDONOTCONFORM. It’s based on Romans 12:2. He explained, “We’re encouraging young people through music that you don’t have to conform to the world.” His popular mixtapes, ‘True Love Waits’ and ‘Love Letters’, have helped people struggling with sexual purity. “More than once, young couples have contacted me to book me for their wedding.”

DJ Spanna, aka Barry Panton (Birmingham), alongside Michael Miller, a DJ engineer, runs a similar sound system ministry called Shekinah Sound Ministries.

Miller explained: “A DJ moves a crowd and, depending on the type of crowd, we’ll use catchy beats, but it’s Word-based music. Our goal is encouraging the saints, while being a light to those in darkness. We are not carrying messages

Reaching the Masses When we look at the specialist music that DJs and sound systems play, it’s certainly the type of music that appeals to the masses. For example, Soulful House is very dependent on soaring gospel vocals, rhythms, and normally uplifting and positive lyrics. A number of hit records, like British artist Rachel McFarland’s ‘Let The Music Lift You Up’ and US Candi Staton’s ‘You Got The Love’, have done extremely well, played not only by gospel DJs but by DJs globally.

I’m surprised that more UK Gospel producers, vocalists and choirs don’t systematically take advantage of this, considering that we know it is chiefly DJs who broker hit plays.

Sound systems are a major part of summer outdoor events, where the masses gather.

Based on the testimonies of these DJs, we should be financially supporting DJs more effectively and increasing the activities of gospel-based sound systems events.

All the DJs and sound systems mentioned are available for hire (see below).

DJ Mel: www.s2sGospel.com email: info@s2sgospel.com DJG: www.inspirationalsoulfulhouse.com email: inspirationalsoulfulhouse@gmail.com DJK: www.dj-k.com email: kelechi@dj-k.com DJ Redz: www.hmss.org email: redzreggae@gmail.com DJ Spanna: www.shekinahsoundministries.com email: info@shekinahsoundministries.com

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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.

T

he Holiday Inn Hotel in Bloomsbury, central London, played host to the first ever Gospel Explosion Music Media Awards (GXMMA), which celebrated those involved in the promotion of gospel arts in the UK and abroad.

The GXMMA Awards is the brainchild of gospel singer Annette B, and attracted people from across the UK, including a large contingent from Birmingham. Those present included Bishop Llewellyn Graham, CEO of Nehemiah Housing Project - a major GXMMA sponsor; reggae gospel singer Joshua Kesler, and Premier Radio presenter Belinda Simpson.

The evening was jointly hosted by BEN TV presenter Andrew Jordan and New Style Radio host, LJ. The nominees had been nominated by the public, and the winners chosen via public votes. Over 3000 votes had been received.

A total of 33 awards were presented on the night. Categories included: Best Group, Best Praise and Worship Artist, Best R’n’B Artist and Best DJ. Performers included Lytie, Isabella and Rev Alan Cowley.

There were three multiple award winners: DJ Proclaima (right) won three awards - Best DJ, Best On-Air Personality and Best Radio Station; reggae gospel artist Joshua Kesler won Best Male Artist and Best Newcomer, and African gospel artists Isabella Melodies won two awards for Best Female Praise and Worship Artist and Best Album.

Annette B was pleased with the gospel music community’s response to the GXMMA Awards. And she shared with Keep The Faith About Town her aims for the awards: ‘The GXMMA Grahan and Team endeavours to create a worldwide platform for all to Bishop Llewellynsan Graham see how good God is. By God’s grace, the GXMMA wife Pastor Su Awards will be an annual event, and we have already secured the date for next year, 26 March 2016.”

AWARD WINNERS Reggae Male Artist of the Year Chris Da Ambassada Praise & Worship Male Artist of the Year - Lytie Praise & Worship Female Artist of the Year - Isabella Melodies Praise & Worship Group of the Year Seth Pinnock & A.N.T R’n’B Male Artist of the Year - Noel Robinson R’n’B Female Artist of the Year - Cie Hip Hop Male Artist of the Year - Jahaziel Hip Hop Female Artist of the Year - D Shy Afro Beat Male Artist of the Year - Kingzkid Choir of the Year - Birmingham Town Hall Choir Group of the Year - Raymond & Co Album of the Year - Isabella Melodies Song of the Year - Peter Spence Male Artist of the Year - Joshua Kesler Female Artist of the Year - Abi Megavoice DJ of the Year - DJ Proclaima Radio Station of the Year - Soulcure Radio Sound System of the Year - Shekinah Sound Ministries Best Newcomer - Joshua Kesler Author of the Year - Marcia Dixon Outreach Event of the Year - God’s Bride Ministries, Midnight Oil

Winner Melodies and r her la el ab Is , r le Joshua Kes anding in fo ’s husband st Abi Megavoice

GXMMA Award winners Shekinah Sound Ministries Spanna and Miller with GXMMA Founder and Artist Annette B

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BEN T V P resenters An and Annett thony Jordan e B

15

Work from home.

Be a foster carer

A network of fostering peers and professionals is always there to help and advise you.

Free training in fostering skills and higher related qualifications is ongoing.

You are paid a weekly financial allowance for the child(ren), plus a fee for yourself.

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6pm–8pm Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP Freephone 0800 169 3497 Fostering@rbkc.gov.uk

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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

NATALIE CLUE

Representing women of colour in the beauty business

H

ave you ever been told that if you find fault with something, then you need to do something about it? Former beauty marketer, Natalie Clue, was fed up with the lack of coverage and representation for women of colour in the British mainstream media, and decided that something needed to be done.

Believing that the woman of colour needed to be celebrated and acknowledged in her entirety, Natalie founded Beauty Pulse London and Keziah CONNECTIONS - two of the biggest UK platforms

for Black beauty, business and networking.

Graduating with a degree in Human Genetics, Natalie always had a passion for the human make -up. After leaving university and stepping into a career in the beauty industry, Natalie was in her element. “I’ve worked in the industry for 10 years and I love it, but I became concerned with the lack of representation of women who looked like me in the mainstream media,” says Natalie.

Born and bred in Leicester, Natalie is proud to call Britain her home, and is equally proud of her Jamaican background. “I love being a blend of these rich heritages that make me who I am.”

In 2012, Natalie successfully created Beauty Pulse London, a niche blog which has led her to become a spokesperson for beauty and business news for the contemporary and cosmopolitan British woman of colour. ‘Black. British. Beautiful.

Proud.’ is the strapline for her blog, and Natalie wanted it to reflect every aspect of a BME woman’s lifestyle.

Speaking at the 2013 and 2014 Woman of The World Festival, and recently being appointed as Chair for the newly established BME Alumni Network, Natalie has delivered the topic of beauty for the woman of colour, to wide and diverse audiences, “I have had the privilege to serve this community by providing a space to champion and being a voice for women of colour, and with this have come many opportunities to

impact the British beauty scene. Since starting my blog, beauty companies are open to hearing the needs of women of colour like myself,” she says.

Describing herself as gregarious, passionate and focused, Natalie observed the popularity that her ‘Mind Your Own Business’ page on her blog, was receiving and so created an offline networking organisation for enterprising and inspirational women called Keziah CONNECTIONS in 2013.

Representing beauty, equality and legacy, and unashamedly naming her company after Job’s second daughter in the Bible, Natalie is bold about her faith, “I feel no need to conceal this in any way. My faith has been an integral part of everything that I have done.”

Not being afraid to challenge the status quo or make a mark as a Christian woman, Natalie’s business beliefs are clear, “My ethos is clear: lasting change will only come about through open and candid dialogue and collaboration.

When this happens, everyone is a winner - the customer, the beauty companies and the British beauty industry as a whole!”

Visit www.keziahconnections.com and beautypulselondon.com for more details.

Follow on Twitter @beautypulse_ldn.

ESTHER ALADE

Sharing Nigerian cult ure with the world via food

E

very woman remembers her days as a young girl, daydreaming about her perfect career. Whether it was by turning your comb into a mic and imagining you were a singer, or caring for your dollies as though you were a nurse, you pictured yourself in your perfect job. For OHTV’s new international Naija Bites presenter, Esther Alade, her childhood daydreams have become a reality.

Esther Alade’s passion for entertainment began at the young age of seven years old. “Growing up with my siblings, we all used to perform for my father’s guests during Christmas parties and special events,” she

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PEOPLE AND PLACES 17

Visit www.powerchange.com for more details. Follow on Twitter @andrewsercombe.

ANDREW SERCOMBE

Transforming lives through coaching

shared. “I am naturally a very inquisitive person, and I’ve always had the dream of being a presenter.”

After enrolling on a presenting course in 2008, at a time when Esther wanted to make the transition from working within investment banking to breaking into media as a presenter, opportunities opened up and her career in presenting began. “I prayed to God to lead the way, and the rest is history. I received a phone call from the producers of Naija Bites; they were looking for a new presenter, and my name kept coming up! It was funny because about a year before the call, friends had said that they could see me presenting the show.”

Starting off as a pilot Nigerian cooking show for OHTV in 2011, Naija Bites came about as a result of producers identifying a need for a cooking show on the TV network. Initially being recorded as a series, the show was unfortunately

‘Are you living the life you are proud to own?’

Personal development specialist and author, Andrew Sercombe, believes that everyone’s answer should be yes. With a passion for helping people to overcome hindrances, find their passions and live the life they are proud to own, Andrew Sercombe is making a noticeable difference in the lives of people everywhere, one day at a time.

Developing an innate ability for coaching in his teens, Andrew Sercombe’s purpose and passion became clear very early on. “From my high school years I’ve been coaching - long before the concept was around, actually.

Later, as a design teacher and then as a pastor, I was committed to helping people live better and more rewarding lives. Now, as a professional personal development specialist, I coach pretty much every day,” explained Andrew.

Founding his Powerchange company in 2000, Andrew has been running a highly successful mobile coaching organisation for 15 years; things were not always this way, however. “I started coaching professionally several years before that, when we were going through a really difficult time and our family were on government support. This was a huge motivation for me. I had two children at university and

one in sixth form, so I had to find a market for my skills in order to pay the bills and eat; it was exceptionally motivating!” Andrew explains.

Being a prime example of someone using his or her skills and passions to live a more rewarding life, Andrew’s motivation springs from his deep-seated faith. “It is the root. The core of my world view and concepts of what it is to be a human being on this earth.”

Having been coached for 35 years, and now being a coach and personal development specialist for his own company, Andrew explains how coaching changed his life. “My first coaching session was in Sussex at six in the morning, for two hours on a Monday. The second was at six the following Monday morning, and so on for the next four years. It was an amazing time. No notes, just coaching conversation. I wouldn’t be where I am today, if I hadn’t done it.”

A self-proclaimed OCD of coaching, Andrew states how Powerchange stands apart from the rest. “Most coaching is success and performance-based. If a house has cracks on a wall, it is possible to patch up or even rebuild the wall. With Powerchange, we look at the depth of the foundation. There is no point in rebuilding if the foundations aren’t right.”

Believing that coaching would benefit society in a huge way, and seeing how Powerchange had positively affected 51,00 residents of a South African township, Andrew wants coaching to become accessible to everyone. “I’d like a Powerchange coach in every street and community. Every parent and child should be coached, and coaching should be taught in school along with entrepreneurism. It would transform the world and inspire people to live the life they are proud to own.”

cut in 2012. With producers recognising that the show needed a re-vamp, changes were made and the show was back on the air in 2013.

Joining the OHTV network in 2013, Esther was featured as the new fresh-faced presenter for Naija Bites during seasons five and six, which were filmed in Los Angeles (LA). Being part of the new format, which features celebrity guests unfamiliar with Nigerian cuisine, has proved to be a winning combination.

Esther believes that Naija Bites goes beyond entertainment, and is closer to a cultural and educational experience. She explained, “The show has helped to showcase Nigerian food and its culture in a positive light, especially to the American audience. It inspires our audience because we also focus on our guests and their personal experiences yet, at the same time, giving them knowledge about Nigerian culture and cuisine. Whilst in LA, I was personally able

to educate some of our guests on the culture of Nigeria, its people, and how it is being a Nigerian myself.”

With projects in the pipeline and running her own social networking event, ‘Corporate Afrika’, Esther explains that her faith reminds her that she serves a faithful God. “He is the God of possibilities. I am a living testimony of God’s capability. My work enables me to spread the Good News and share His love.”

With her love of presenting, travelling and meeting new people, this jet-setting presenter is destined for higher heights!

Watch this space!

Visit www.ohtv.co.uk for more details about Naija Bites. Follow Esther on Twitter @estheralade

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 FEATURE

WISE WOMEN AWARDS 2015

A range of emotions - ranging from joy, surprise, shock and pride (the healthy kind!) - were on display at the 11th Wise Women Awards ceremony, held at the London Metropole Hotel, in central London.

T

he event, jointly hosted by Wisdom for Women International and Keep The Faith magazine, celebrated the achievements of the unsung heroines within the Black Christian community: women, who in doing so, show themselves to be living examples of God’s love in action.

Well-known faces that joined the celebrations this year included: music artist Noel Robinson and his wife, Tanya; gospel presenter/radio station owners Dave (Dave P) & Helen Paul: comedian Angie Le Mar; inspirational speaker Sherry Ann Dixon, and Pastor Yemi Adedeji, Director of One People Commission.

The Wise Women Awards proved to be a night to remember, with comedy from Anthony ‘Pass Da Mic’ King; inspirational singing from Italian gospel singer Rita Ciccarelli, and from Isabella Ogo-Uzodike; heartfelt musicianship from saxophonist Millicent Stephenson, and an uplifting speech from Dionne Gravesande. The Awards ceremony was jointly hosted by Juliet Fletcher and BEN TV host, Priscilla Nwikpo.

Winners included: Gloucester-based businesswoman Audrey James, who won the Woman in Business Award; TV presenter Esther Olufunmi, who

was the recipient of the Woman in Media Award; Karen Gibson, who directed the Lewes Sings Gospel Choir to victory in the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition, and winner of the Woman in Music Award, and former Keep The Faith writer, Gladys Famoriyo, who was awarded the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.

The Keep The Faith Woman of the Year Award was presented to history maker, Cecilia Anim, who is the first Black woman to be appointed President of the Royal College of Nursing, the representative body for Britain’s nurses and health workers.

WWA founder, Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, stated, “I love this event.

It’s an honour to acknowledge some of the great work Christian women are doing. I can’t wait to meet next year’s winners.”

Shirley McGreal, Keep The Faith publisher said, “Christian women contribute greatly to the success of Britain’s Black Church community and Keep The Faith is glad to jointly host WWA and to celebrate their achievements.”

WWA AWARD WINNERS 2015 Keep the Faith Woman of the Year Award - Cecilia Anim Inspirational Woman of the Year Award - Gladys Famoriyo Woman in Business Award, sponsored by Dial A Carer - Audrey James Woman in the Community Award, sponsored by Rainbow Medical Services Ltd - Yvette McDonald Woman in Media Award - Esther Olufunmi Life Transformation Award - Juanita Jay Johnson Naomi Award - Pastor Esther Manu Woman in Music Award - Karen Gibson Christian Leadership Award, sponsored by Obaseki Solicitors - Chipema Chitambala Woman in Ministry Award - Alison Johnson Woman in Missions Award - Rev Dr Marcia Neveu TCI Exceptional Woman Award - Ronke Olukoya TCI Exceptional Woman Award - Sperire Paurosi

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“I love this event.

It’s an honour to acknowledge some of the great work Christian women are doing. I can’t wait to meet next year’s winners.”

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei WWA Founder

TODAY TO Urban Gospel Network

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PLAYING THE BEST IN: Gospel ●R&B ● Hip Hop ● Reggae ● New ● Classics ● Praise & Worship ●

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Brother D and Sister A – Praiselujah from USA Uncle Charles – African Selection The Andrea Graham Show DJ Shaheim - Hip Hop Empress Lyrics– Reggae Wardlaw Brothers – from USA TO INSPIRE YOUR DAY: Bishop Ansah – Kingdom Life Ministries Pastor Andrew John – Direct Touch Ministries Community Church Pastor Bryon Jones – Eden Christian Centre Pastor Alex Gyasi – Highway of Holiness Minister Vivien Rose – Kingdom Life Ministries Pastor Adama Segbeji – Solution International Christian Centre

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Founder: Dave P

20 INTERVIEW

KIRK FRANKLIN

F

or nearly two decades now, Kirk Franklin has been a multi-platinumselling purveyor of majestic fusions of gospel and contemporary music, and a mirror of Christian humanity, boldly reflecting what a man of faith can accomplish, when he focuses on God and taps into the gifts He gives.

Franklin is a pioneer in gap-bridging musicianship, uniting audiences across gospel, hip hop, R&B and pop lines. His irresistible rhythms and rhapsodies have resulted in albums that consistently top both Billboard’s Gospel and Christian charts, as well as ascend triumphantly into the Top 10 of the R&B/Hip Hop chart.

His unprecedented reach into the mainstream has positioned him to become a New York Times bestselling author of The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin). Franklin is also the host and executive producer of the gospel talent show, Sunday Best - the highest-rated gospel programme in BET network history, now into its seventh season. To date, the musical trendsetter has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards; an American Music Award; 39 Stellar Awards (gospel); 16 Dove Awards (CCM); eight NAACP Image Awards; two BET Music Awards, a Soul Train Award and numerous others.

And yet, with all of his success, accolades and acclaim, Kirk Franklin remains, at heart, a man who comes from humble familial beginnings, whose shaky circumstances could have paralysed his spiritual growth. He is never far from the frightened and forlorn young man of his childhood, who didn’t always know which way to turn; this is what makes Franklin one of the most relatable and respected messengers in his field. Keep The Faith’s Shirley McGreal caught up with Kirk Franklin and asked about his childhood, musical inspirations and family life.

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Keep The Faith (KTF): You were raised by your great aunt Gertrude. Tell us about her. How old were you when you first started showing an interest in music, and how did your aunt nurture this talent?

Kirk Franklin (KF): I refer to my aunt Gertrude as the angel that raised me. Sundays after church, we’d go home to a wonderful, delicious Sunday dinner that filled the whole house with the smell of food cooked from her soul. She taught me everything. She taught me how to respect people and respect myself, and that’s something I’ll never forget. As long as I can remember, I’ve loved music, and Gertrude really supported me. Gertrude used to collect cans to sell in order to pay for my piano lessons. She is a huge part of my musical journey.

KTF: Despite your strict religious upbringing, like many teenagers you rebelled and went off the rails. What impact did the lack of a father have on your life, and how did you get back on track and go on to become one of the biggest stars in contemporary gospel music?

KF: My childhood memories are filled with both joy and pain, but no matter what thoughts fill my mind, looking back and smiling or crying is something that is part of the beauty of memories. Growing up without a father leaves an emptiness in you, a yearning for love that you don’t get from your mother. In life, you sometimes try different things to fill that emptiness. I was always a moody child.

In the house, it was just me and an older woman, but when I got around my peers, I was just buck wild, because I wanted to be a kid, you know? But for me, it was God’s hand that guided me back to the right path.

KTF: Who are your musical inspirations and why?

KF: I am a true music lover. I have inspirations from every genre. When I was seven, I was invited to be a special guest at a huge church in town. I was amazed by the enormity of the church, the size of the choir, and their band.

But the main thing I remember about it was this repeated statement from the people over the event’s production: ‘Kid, you’re really good!

Someday, you’re going to be the next Andraé Crouch’. That was the first time I’d ever heard that name, but little did I know the name Andraé Crouch was as big as many other names in popular music, and that his influence was felt all of over the globe. As a young

musician who got his chops growing up in the Black Church, I was influenced by hip hop and R&B. I was also a huge fan of Thomas Whitfield and U2! Does it get any broader than that? Lol.

KTF: This year you celebrated 19 years of marriage. How has being married and a father of four contributed to your successful career?

KF: Nineteen years ago, I asked the girl that blew my mind the first time I saw her at a swim party when I was eighteen to marry me. I had no idea of the huge weight of seriousness in that request; no one does at the time. I love being married to her. Tammy was patient with me. She had a mom and dad in the house. She saw love modelled; I didn’t. She didn’t give up on me. She knew I was crazy, and she was my medication. She calmed me. She made the noise quiet. And she didn’t beat me up for what I wasn’t. Being a husband and a father has kept me sane in my most trying days. My children have truly been a blessing to me. To them, I’m just “Daddy”, so there is no “Kirk Franklin” in the house. I take my kids to school and take out the trash, just like everyone else.

KTF: It has been nearly 10 years since you last performed in London. Why such a long absence, and what is next in store for Kirk Franklin?

KF: Honestly, I didn’t know it had been that long! But London is one of my favourite places on earth. I thank you guys for bringing me back, and I pray that it’s not another 10 years before I’m back… The next thing for Kirk Franklin is in God’s hands. Whatever He wants me to do, I’ll walk it out.

INTERVIEW 21

“

Being a husband and a father has kept me sane in my most trying days. My children have truly been a blessing to me. To them, I’m just “Daddy”, so there is no “Kirk Franklin” in the house.

Kirk is performing live in the UK in June.

See Gospel News for more information.

22 FEATURE

How to be an intentional father Pastor Peter Nembhard shares his view on the important role of fathering, and offers some tips on how fathers can build positive and long-lasting relationships with their children

PASTOR PETER NEMBHARD

is senior pastor of The Arc in Forest Gate. www.arc4u.org.uk

W

ell, here we are in June again, that time of the year when society celebrates Fathers - those men who play a major role in the lives of their children, and who sometimes father others.

I would like to share my unique view on fatherhood, taking both a critical look at fathers and their role, as well as sharing some practical advice on how we as men can act out this role in an effective way.

Mother’s Day is always an amazing time of the year. My mother died recently, and ever since then, I often go to the cemetery to remember her. It is surprising what you see at the cemetery on Mother’s Day: there’s an assortment of people, ranging from the young to the old, even tough-looking street guys, all crying and reminiscing about their mothers.

Father’s Day at the cemetery is totally different. Last year, I decided to take a visit, and what an astounding shock! Sorry, guys and ladies, it was just a normal day at the cemetery, no flowers, and very few people.

My father passed away six months ago, and this Father’s Day I, for one, will be visiting the cemetery to remember my father - even if I’m the only person there.

Why the empty cemeteries on Father’s Day? I have my views on why this is the case, but note, it’s not the ‘gospel according to Peter’. I believe that a lot of men do not realise what an awesome blessing it is to be a father to another life and, as a Black man, I speak especially to Black men.

To be a father is a massive privilege.

I remember looking at all four of my children as babies, and thinking “WOW! He/she is mine.”

I still look at them now and am still in awe.

I also believe that we are not always intentional about fathering our children. I wear many hats as a man, including that of pastor of a growing church, responsible for over 200 people, but the role I take most seriously is my role as a father to my children. I am involved in their lives every day, and even when I’m busy, I make my presence felt, by spending time with them, talking to them, and being intentional about what I do with them and for them.

Celebrate your children When my oldest daughter was 13 years old, my wife and I took her to Barcelona. When my second daughter was 16, I travelled with her to Atlanta as her birthday treat, and when she was 18, I sent her on her first cruise. When my son was 14, I took him on a cruise.

One of the purposes of celebrating my children’s birthdays in this way was to create great memories that they will never forget, and to let them know unequivocally that I value them.

Affirm your children As fathers, we should be our children’s greatest role model and mentor. Unfortunately, my father never affirmed me much as a young man - even up to his death. I remember asking him - a few years ago on my birthday - to tell me that he loved me and that he was proud of me… but I never got it.

Thankfully, God saw my need and put it on the heart of my former pastor, Bishop McFarlane (BOTR), who called me and told me he was proud of me. I also saw it as that was God also telling me how much He loves me and is proud of me.

As my heavenly Father, often God treats me to a well-deserved holiday and to things that affirm His love for me.

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Show affection to your children Finally, I believe that if we as fathers are going to receive the same kind of affection that mothers receive (not that we are in competition), we must become more affectionate with our children, no matter how old they are.

I constantly hug and kiss my children, and tell them that I love them more than cooked food, and love them to the moon and back.

I can’t remember being kissed or hugged by my father, so when I used to see a son and father hugging, I used to feel a twinge of envy.

I feel that intentional fatherly touch is important.

My older girls still sit on my lap and kiss me; my son, who is 14, does the same.

As I close this article, I want my children and their children to remember me as mothers are remembered; therefore, I will do as much as possible to create good positive memories and to be there for them.

To summarise: 1. Remember you are privileged to be a father, so be intentional about what you do 2. Please be a role model for your children 3. Affirm them of your love, with affection, with lots of hugs and kisses and words of affirmation 4. Spend quality time with your children; it doesn’t have to be expensive 5. Let them know how special they are Happy Father’s Day. Pastor Peter Nembhard has been married to Caris for 26 years and they have “To four children.

be a father is a massive privilege.

I remember looking at all four of my children as babies, and thinking “WOW! He/she is mine.”

MEN OF INFLUENCE

Rev Yemi Adedeji

The last edition of Keep The Faith featured details of some of Britain’s most influential Black Christian women. We couldn’t produce our June edition, which focuses on men, without including details of some of the UK’s most influential ones.

The power within the Black Christian community lies with the church leaders, hence the preponderance of them in the list. They drive the direction of the Church and whatever issues they take on board, the membership follows. You will see from this list that it also includes music artists, some media owners, an academic and some business personnel. We hope you agree that those listed are indeed men of influence.

REV YEMI ADEDEJI

Position: Director of One People Commission, Ambassador Reason for influence: Due to the many hats Rev Adedeji wears, he is a pivotal figure in the UK church scene. He is Director of One People Commission, an arm of the Evangelical Alliance, which represents the concerns of Black and Minority Ethnic church leaders. Rev Adejeji also serves as an associate director for Hope Together UK; global ambassador for Compassion UK and strategic adviser for leaders in ministry, across the United Kingdom

BISHOP JOE ALDRED

Position: Church Leader, Ecumenist, Author, Radio Presenter/Broadcaster Reason for influence: Church of God of Prophecy minister, Bishop Joe Aldred, is an ordained minister within the Church of God of Prophecy; a founding member of the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), an organisation representing Britain’s Black Church community, and works at Churches Together in England, where he has responsibility for Pentecostal and Multi-cultural relations. He is also a broadcaster, and presents a topical news show on BBC WM with Nicky Tapper, and has also authored a number of well-received books.

REV ADE AMOOBA

Position: Owner, Christian Concern & Christian Legal Centre Reason for influence: Church leader Rev Amooba, has his fingers in a lot of pies. He’s a co-founder of several organisations, including the Christian Victory Group and its ICARE Projects, which have helped set up over 70 social action projects in the past 19 years. He’s also co-owner of Christian Concern, a UK lobby/ campaign group on public policy, and the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which represents believers who are persecuted for their faith.

CLC has been involved in a number of high-profile cases.

REV KINGSLEY APPIAGYEI

Position: Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church Reason for influence: Rev Kingsley is Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, one of the largest congregations within the Baptist Union of Great Britain, attracting over 1000 congregants

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

every Sunday. He is a former president of the Baptist Union, and is a member of the Baptist Union Council.

PASTOR MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO

Position: Founder/Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre Reason for influence: If there’s one Black Christian, who has made a major, immeasurable impact on the UK church scene, it is Nigerian-born minister, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo. He made history in 1998, when he opened the 4000-seater Miracle Centre in Hackney, east London. It was the largest church to open in the UK for 100 years.

He is one of the first Black Church leaders in the UK to fully utilise PR, marketing and TV to promote the Gospel and, as a result, became the first popular TV evangelist to arise from the UK.

PROFESSOR ROBERT BECKFORD

Professor Robert Beckford

Position: Professor in Theology, Canterbury University, Author, TV presenter Reason for influence: Professor Beckford is the UK’s most well-known Black theologian, and has been responsible for making the subject interesting and relevant for Christians of all ages, via his groundbreaking books and his TV programmes broadcast on the BBC and Channel 4. He is currently working on a project, which takes the Jamaican Patois Bible, published by the Bible Society in 2012, and mixes it with Black music genres and critical commentary on the text, in order to reach the younger generation.

BISHOP DONALD BOLT

Position: National Overseer, New Testament Church of God Reason for influence: Bishop Bolt presides over the New Testament Church of God, one of Britain’s oldest Black Pentecostal denominations. He was appointed to the role last year, and provides leadership to 128 congregations across the UK, serving 13,000 members and 40,000 adherents.

He recently launched Mission and Ministry Christian Centred Vision - his vision statement for NTCG for the next four years.

REV JOEL EDWARDS

Position: International Director, Micah Challenge Reason for influence: In his role as International Director of Micah Challenge, Rev Edwards travels the world, encouraging churches to get

Bishop Donald Bolt

24 FEATURE involved in advocating for the poor and disadvantaged. He is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought For The Day and is an advisory member of Tony Blair’s Faith Foundation.

Rev Edwards is also a history maker. In 1997, he became the first Black general director of the Evangelical Alliance, the representative body for Britain’s evangelical Christians.

BISHOP JOHN FRANCIS

Position: Senior Pastor, Ruach City Church and co-founder of Flow TV Reason for influence: Bishop John Francis is founder of Ruach Ministries, one of Britain’s most well-known Black Christian churches. Ruach City Church has congregations based in Brixton, Kilburn, Walthamstow, Leicester, Birmingham and Philadelphia in the US. Bishop Francis is also International Director of Ruach Network of Churches, which overseas approximately 50+ churches in the UK and abroad. In 2006, Bishop Francis became the first Black Church leader to host a British prime minister, when Tony Blair visited the Brixton branch. Last year, Bishop Francis launched satellite TV station, Flow TV.

the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 2012, Pastor Agu was voted London’s most influential person in a poll conducted by the Mayor of London’s Office and The Metro newspaper. Pastor Agu is at the forefront of RCCG’s efforts to be relevant in the communities in which they are based.

Pastor Agu Irukwu

Rev Joel Edwards

Bishop John Francis

REV LES ISAAC, OBE

Position: Chief Executive Officer, Nehemiah Housing Project Reason for influence: Alongside his work pastoring Jubilee Christian Centre in Wolverhampton, this ordained Church of God of Prophecy bishop is CEO of Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association, one of the largest housing associations started by a Black Pentecostal church. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners.

Position: CEO of the Ascension Trust and Co-Founder of Street Pastors Reason for influence: Street Pastors is the largest charity to be started by Black Christians in the UK, and Rev Isaac is a co-founder of the initiative, launched in 2003 in response to the gun and knife crime that was then prevalent.

The focus of the organisation has changed over the years, and now promotes community safety and has been embraced by churches across the denominational spectrum. There are now over 250 Street Pastor teams across the UK, and it is operational in a number of countries, including the US, Gibraltar, Australia, N Ireland, Jamaica and Antigua.

LORD MICHAEL HASTINGS

SAMUEL KASUMU

BISHOP LLEWELLYN GRAHAM

Position: Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity, KPMG Reason for influence: Lord Michael Hastings is a man of influence in the areas of business, charity and the Media, and was appointed a life peer in 2005. He is Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity at KPMG, and previously worked at the BBC as Head of Public Affairs and was their first Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

He is a board member of UNICEF UK, and a trustee of Vodaphone Group Foundation. In January 2003, Lord Hastings was awarded a CBE in recognition of his services to crime reduction, including 15 years as Chairman of Crime Concern and 21 as a trustee. He is President of ZANE - a development aid agency focused on Zimbabwe.

PASTOR AGU IRUKWU

Position: Head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, UK Reason for influence: Former banker, Pastor Agu Irukwu oversees the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s 600-plus congregations across the UK, and is Senior Pastor of Jesus House, in Brent, north London. RCCG hosts Festival of Life (FoL), Britain’s largest prayer gathering, and attracts up to 40,000 people, including VIPs such as UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who visited this year’s FoL as part of his election campaign. Other high-profile attendees include Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

Position: Managing Director of EN Campaigns Reason for influence: Samuel Kasumu is an award-winning social entrepreneur, author and political campaigner. Founded in 2013, EN Campaigns seeks to promote and encourage business enterprise in the UK and emerging markets overseas. Services provided include business financing and training. Samuel Kasumu, 27, is deemed a young man to watch. He was chosen as one of the UK’s top 25 young entrepreneurs by the New Entrepreneurs Foundation, and profiled by Operation Black Vote (OBV) as a leading entrepreneur and future political figure.

REV BAZIL MEADE

Position: Founder of London Community Gospel Choir Reason for influence: There’s no doubting that Bazil Meade has played a major role in developing the UK gospel scene through his work with the London Community Gospel Choir, which he founded over 30 years ago. He is rightly called the ‘Godfather of UK Gospel’ for LCGC’s pioneering work which not only imprinted gospel music into the minds of the British public, but also provided platforms for singers to develop their craft and get work singing. The choir have also exported their sound abroad, and performed in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Samuel Kasumu

Rev Les Isaac, OBE

MUYIWA

Position: Station Director, Premier Gospel, Praise and Worship Artist, Presenter of International TV show, Turning Point Reason for influence: He is one of the most well-known, Black British Christians across the world. He came to the fore firstly as a gospel presenter on Premier Radio. His next incarnation was as a best-selling UK gospel/praise and worship artist. He was head-hunted to present popular Christian magazine show, Turning Point, watched by millions of people across the globe.

And he recently added Station Director of Premier Gospel, one of the UK’s most well-known gospel radio stations, to his list of achievements.

REV DR JONATHAN OLOYEDE

Position: Founder/Convenor, National Day of Prayer and Worship Reason for influence: Via the organisation, Global Day of Prayer, and now the National Day of Prayer, Rev Dr Jonathan Oloyede has been pushing forward with his God-given vision to bring Christians from across the denominational spectrum together to pray for the nation and to usher in revival. The vision was realised in 2006, when the first Global Day of Prayer was held at Westminster Chapel. The following year, it was held at West Ham Football Stadium. In 2012, it was held at Wembley Stadium. Rev Oloyede also co-pastors City Chapel, a growing multi-cultural church in Beckton, east London, alongside his wife, Abbiih.

DAVE PAUL

Position: Radio Presenter and Founder of UGN Radio Reason for influence: In the world of UK Gospel, Dave P is a force to be reckoned with. He became a man of influence during his 18 years presenting the gospel show on the former leading urban station, Choice FM. Dave P’s Sunday Morning Show was the one every gospel artist wanted to be on. The station closed down in 2013. Dave P now presents the Sunday morning show on Premier Gospel and runs UGN, an internet gospel station he started in 2013.

BISHOP WILTON POWELL, OBE

Position: National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy Reason for influence: Not only is Bishop Wilton Powell head of a historic African-Caribbean Pentecostal church, he has been at the forefront of a number of key social projects initiated by the Church of God of Prophecy, including Excell3 and Nehemiah Housing Association. He received an OBE in recognition for his contribution to the community.

NOEL ROBINSON

Position: Musician, Worship Leader, Recording Artist Reason for influence: He is one of the most well-known musicians to come out of the UK’s Black Pentecostal church. He has led

worship at events featuring some of the world’s most prominent ministers, including Morris Cerullo and Creflo Dollar. He is also an in-demand artist in his own right and, in recent years, has turned to equipping and empowering the next generation of worship leaders and musicians, via his Renewal Conferences, held across the UK. Noel made history earlier this year, when he became the first Black Briton to be signed to Integrity Music. His debut album for the label will be out in the autumn.

Muyiwa

ARCHBISHOP JOHN SENTAMU

Position: Archbishop of York Reason for influence: The Archbishop of York is the second most powerful leader within the Church of England, and the Rt Rev John Sentamu is the first Black man to be appointed to the role.

Prior to this appointment in 2005, Rev Sentamu served as Bishop of Birmingham and had previously served as Bishop of Stepney. The Archbishop of York has spoken out on issues concerning young people, injustice and racism, and has contributed to the ground-breaking McPherson Report, the official inquiry into the police investigation of the death of Stephen Lawrence.

Dave Paul

REV DAVID SHOSANYA

Position: Director of Missions, London Baptist Association Reason for influence: Rev Shosanya is one of the most well-connected Black church leaders in the UK. In his role as Director of Missions for the London Baptist Association, he gives shape to the denomination’s Mission Outreach Policy.

He also runs Paideia, an organisation that organises an annual May Ball for key British church leaders across the denominational, cultural and racial spectrum. Rev Shosanya is also a sought-after speaker and teacher. He co-founded Street Pastors, alongside Rev Les Isaac and Ian Crichlow, in 2003.

SHELDON THOMAS

Position: Founder, Gangsline Reason for influence: Sheldon is considered an expert on gang culture in Britain, and works alongside churches, government and statutory organisations to help deal with gangs. In 2009, he launched the first helpline for gangs called Gangsline, which provides a confidential service for members who want to leave gangs. It also provides support for the parents of gang members.

Archbishop John Sentamu

BISHOP DEREK WEBLEY

Position: National Secretary, New Testament Church of God Reason for influence: Bishop Webley is one church leader, who has influence both within and outside the Church. He has held several key roles within the NTCG, including that of National Youth and Education Director, and National Evangelist. For many years, Bishop Webley served as leader of Handsworth NTCG, the denomination’s flagship church in Birmingham.

He also made history in 2009, when he became the first independent member of the West Midlands Police Authority to be elected chair – and also the first African-Caribbean.

This list is in alphabetical order only.

Sheldon Thomas

26 FEATURE

Five things husbands want from their wives

Eugene Jordan asked married men to share the key things they want from their wives and here is his list of their top five. It makes for interesting reading.

EUGENE JORDAN is the founder of the ‘Men and Marriage’ blog. www.menandmarriage.com

S

omeone really important once said, ‘It’s not good for the man to be alone.’

However, other than the need to have a woman physically in his presence, what else does a man seek, in order to be fulfilled by his woman? There’s a fountain of insight on what women look for in a relationship, however the unexplored jungle – that is, what men look for - is probably best narrated from a man’s perspective. So, I got in touch with tons of guys who were happy to share what top five things they look for in their relationships with their wives. Here’s what it all boils down to:

1. Genuine friendship Men have come a long way in how we reflect and value the friendship between a husband and wife. We often build long-term friendships based on whether or not we can have a bit of fun, laugh, share candid opinions and have a mutual respect for each other. Despite actively seeking these attributes from our friendships, we seldom get to a place where we can be 100% honest, vulnerable and share an uninhibited, deep and meaningful exchange of transparency and openness. Unlike some of our faithful counterparts, men aren’t typically known for baring the whole truth and nothing but the truth, where our thoughts and feelings are concerned.

We want to invest our time and energy into building a deeper friendship with our spouses.

2. Trust This is a big deal. Think of it like this: a relationship without trust is like having a phone with no service. What do you do with a phone with no service? You play games. Most real men aren’t really into games and so, unless trust has been broken, most men simply expect that his wife will trust his character, what he says and the decisions he makes. Lack of trust breeds suspicious minds, and drives a wedge between both parties that will eventually cause a breakdown within the relationship.

my side, telling me how proud she was when I finally cracked it! Men want nothing more than to have a supportive wife. Through personal experience and conversations with other men, it turns out that this is the fuel that drives our engine of progress and confidence forward.

“Baby, you can do it!”, “I believe in you”, “No one can do what you can”… It may sound like a lot of hype to some, however, whether you want to believe it or not, men thrive off this.

Having the support of just one cheerleader provides such a great level of motivation.

3. Patience and understanding

5. Sexual and intellectual intimacy

Hey... we all mess up from time to time, however we men seem to do it a little more than our wives. (OK... a lot more!) But whether it’s one big mess-up, or a series of small mess-ups, unless it’s for a lack of trying, most men just want our partners to be patient with us, and be understanding to the fact that, when attempting new things, mess-ups are bound to happen along the journey. We’re always learning and adapting to the role of a husband. Mistakes will be made, and a few cuts and bruises may occur along the way, but be patient. We’ll try to make as few as we can.

It turns out that, no matter how spiritual you think a husband is, the large majority of us men still place physical intimacy, frequent sex and intellectual intimacy very high on our tick list!

At the end of the day, our flesh has a strong desire for that connection - both physically and mentally. This has been hard-wired and engrafted deep within us all! Finding the right balance between the two forms of intimacy is a must. The vast majority of the time, we’re more than happy to initiate, however, it’s always warmly welcomed whenever the script is turned on its head every now and then.

4. Supporting cheerleader

Conclusion

I remember a point in my life, when my wife would stay up late with me, as I was learning how to code. It was extremely hard to learn, but the thing that I remember most was having my wife by

A friend posted on Facebook: “A recipe for disaster is: insisting she can cook, without being financially stable enough to even pay for the ingredients!” I’ve found that marital relationships can often reflect this analogy, and I can’t (hand on heart) say that I’m not guilty of this also.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s great for a man to have an expectation of what he wants from his relationship with his wife. However, the truth is this: it all begins with an exchange that’s ignited by a man who’s prepared to lay down the foundations of what the wife should expect to receive from him first.

For more information, visit www.menandmarriage.com, like on Facebook @MenandMarriage, or follow on Twitter @Eu_GeneTweets

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/keep-the-faith-magazine

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

  

  

Passion Place & Purpose (PPP) Empowering Women’s Conferences Passion Place & Purpose Empowering Women’s Conference (PPP) is the Midlands premier annual women’s event attracting over 300 women across denominational boundaries and cultures. PPP is celebrating its fifth year. Through its conferences PPP empowers women who are purpose-driven to expand their scope and vision beyond self-imposed limitations and boundaries to reach for greater dimensions in God; whilst recognising that through networking and sharing of experiences with other kingdom women, they can make better use of their combined resources.

SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2015 EVANGELIST

CLLR. YVONNE

Mosquito

Apeagyei-Collins

REV JACQUELINE

PASTOR DAWN

CLAUDINE

Cynthia Morrison (Founder & Host)

Peart

Davis Lawrence

VENUE: Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 7JW

REV CELIA

Reid MBE

MARCIA

Dixon

TIME: Registration from 9.45am 10.30am - 7.00pm

ANGIE

LeMar (Special Guest)

FEE: £25.00 includes meal,

refreshments, materials

REGISTER ONLINE AT www.passionplaceandpurposeewc.co.uk Email: passionplaceandpurposeewc@gmail.com • Facebook: Passion. Place. & Purpose

The PPP 2014 ‘Arise Deborah’ conference, witnessed a mighty move of God, with women experiencing great breakthroughs the presence of the Lord was awesome! There were testimonies of chains being broken, new visions, ministries, and dreams being inspired; whilst others made new commitments to making positive changes when they got back to their respective homes, churches and communities.

Truly a fresh new season of power is come and God is no respecter of persons. The theme for PPP 2015 is ‘Arise Deborah II – changing the course of a Nation’. This indicates for us a strong movement and shows that PPP is making a powerful statement that like Deborah of old, women are capturing the burden of a nation and we are on course to impact our nation.

Arise DEBORAH II - Changing the course of a NATION! is women responding to the great stirring and awakening within our hearts for generations, for our youth and for the things of God. PPP 2015 is - Faith in Action!

Early registration is encouraged to avoid disappointment; enquiries so far have indicated PPP 2015 is on course to exceed on expectations.

All are welcome.

For more information visit www.passionplaceandpurposeewc.co.uk Email: passionplaceandpurposeewc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/pages/Passion-Place-Purpose www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 FEATURE

ESTHER KUKU

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

Waiting on God for your miracle is not in vain

A difficult aspect of Christian living is waiting on God for a miracle. Esther Kuku gives her take on the valuable life lessons we can learn from Hannah about being prayerful in the waiting.

H

ow can it be fair that millions of women make the painstaking choice to abort their babies, but some can’t carry to birth?

The toughest realisation I have made during my Christian walk is that God doesn’t operate by our definition of fairness. Neither does He dish out blessings only to those who deserve them.

The Bible states: ‘He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous’ (Matthew 5:4-5).

After years of praying for the same thing, many of us would lose heart - Hannah did not.

Although it seemed that God had shut her womb, her heart remained open to Him. Hannah managed her pain by adopting a fervent prayer life. Her faith was fixed on the belief that her Creator was more than able to bypass the laws of nature and divinely grant her the gift of motherhood.

Her faith was rewarded, her yearned-for child arrived and she named him Samuel, which means ‘asked of the Lord’. Hannah burst into song and her grateful heart was evident.

Her life teaches us some beautiful lessons: firstly, the power of intercession in the midst of life’s most challenging moments, and secondly, how to behave while we are in God’s waiting room.

Hannah persevered in prayer, even though it seemed God was silent.

The mere thought that we may be infertile - after years of trying for a child - can shake the very foundations of our faith and begs the question: Why us, Lord? Couples can quite reasonably feel anger towards God, and that anger can lead to questioning one’s faith and even questioning whether we married the right person. After all, ‘Why would a God of love Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

have let us experience this?’ is a valid question to ask.

Perhaps it’s because He is going to use your time in His waiting room to furnish you with the wisdom and grace to help you deliver others.

Remember, it is not everyone that God trusts with immense pain - it would destroy some people - but He never puts onto us more than we can bear.

Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing. In fact, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are commanded to ‘rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’.

‘Waiting is a tough aspect of our faith walk. Often, when we are trusting God, we are not just dealing with the emotion of anger - guilt can also creep in.’

Rejoice, pray continually and be thankful.

If you were ever wondering what the will of God was for your life, there it is right there!

Waiting is a tough aspect of our faith walk.

Often, when we are trusting God, we are not just dealing with the emotion of anger - guilt can also creep in. The devil will try to tell us that we are to blame for the reason why we are childless.

We try to analyse our trials and, even worse, other people like to do it for us, and wrongly judge our situation. Hannah’s story provides the perfect example. As she cried out to God in prayer, Eli, the priest of all people, accused her of being drunk! In 1 Samuel 1:14 Eli asked,

“How long will you stay drunk? Put away your wine.” The conversation continues in verses 15 to 18: ‘“I am a woman who is deeply troubled.

I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.” She said, “May your servant find favour in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.’

I love that the Bible doesn’t leave out the detail that her face was ‘no longer downcast’. This tells me that we have permission to be downcast for a season - but we must not stay there.

This great woman of God demonstrates to all how to behave when being wrongly accused.

Her gracious and dignified response to Eli is a template for how to defend our character with humility.

You may be reading this right now and pouring out your heart in desperation to God for a long-awaited miracle – be it for a child or for something else. Be encouraged, God is faithful. Never doubt God, never give up, and praise Him always, even if you have to do it with tears in your eyes because, at some point, your tears of desperation will turn into tears of joy.

God bless you.

Don’t miss the Family Hour on Premier Gospel Radio with me and IbeGiantkiller every Saturday morning 11am-12pm www.premierradio.org.uk or on your DAB radio.

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

29

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

I

‘ t’s like when Jesus calls the twelve to walk with him for three years.

They go off and do mission and ministry, then they come back to share their experience, to pray

‘A specialised kind of discipleship’ A MICH

together and to learn

I can be discipled, where I feel I belong,

The Tab in Lewisham, says of

where I can gain knowledge, insight and

HITE EL W

from the Master.’

Michael White, Senior Pastor of

This is not normally how people understand studying for a university degree, Roger Standing, Principal of Spurgeon’s College in South ‘What is it that you do at Spurgeon’s?’

focused on preparing people for Christian ministry in Britain and around the world with missionaries called to Africa, China, Latin America and the Caribbean.

HERITAGE, REPUTATION, INCLUSION The growth of the black majority, international and Pentecostal churches is clearly reflected on Spurgeon’s South Norwood campus. Yet this is not a recent development. Even back in the 1870s the College became the spiritual home of emerging leaders such as TL Johnson, author SO OHN TLJ

of the bestselling biography, Twentyeight Years a Slave Slave,

N

who prepared himself for mission work in Africa as did Simeon Gordon arriving in

London from the Caribbean and later following God’s call to be a missionary in the Congo.

While Spurgeon’s is a college of Higher Education with its programmes accredited by the prestigious University of Manchester, it teaches from an explicitly ‘confessional’ base. Not only is the College ‘faith-based’, everything it does flows from its life as a Christ-centred, worshipping community.

AND THE BISHOP Denis McLean has been a gospel reggae

to the postgraduate

artist for over ten years, his album Seek

programme. ‘The

for the Old Path reaching number three

combination of academic

in the mainstream reggae chart. Having

gravitas, spiritual formation and the rich

ministered in churches and prisons

diversity of the College community make it

like Wandsworth and

a very special place and no-one feels like

Rochester,

an outsider.’

Denis felt he needed to

But despite choosing Spurgeon’s on

further expand

personal recommendation and its

his biblical

reputation he was initially apprehensive

knowledge and

as to how traditional this Baptist college

explore theology.

would be.

‘Looking deeper into ‘Nothing could be further from the truth.

the Scriptures and discovering champions

It wears its denominational identity lightly

of the faith like Calvin and Spurgeon is

and welcomes and affirms people from all

really exciting’, says Denis. ‘It is stretching

backgrounds,’ he added.

me and developing me and providing a firm foundation for my future ministry.’

EXPERIENCE FOR DISCIPLESHIP From the very beginning the College has

Bishop Claion Grandison of the New

always put a priority in its tutors being

Testament Church of God is the pastor

experienced in ministry. Michael observes

at Chrisma Christian Centre in Woolwich.

that this mixture of theological rigour

‘It’s only the second semester of my first

and ministerial experience makes the

year,’ says Claion, ‘however my approach

teaching faculty a force to be reckoned

to the Scriptures and sermon preparation

with. Principal Standing, for example,

has changed dramatically, and the College

has more than 30 years of experience,

has greatly influenced the direction and

as evangelist, pastor and overseer of 175

focus our local church too in the area of mission and fresh expressions of

churches in southern

IN THUR E MA -LIAN SIAA

at the College,

an honours degree at the

AN

CH Spurgeon, the College has always

MOVING FORWARD WITH REGGAE

MCLE

Baptist preacher of the Victorian age,

Having already achieved

DENIS

Founded in 1856 by the world-renowned

spiritual direction.’

‘It was absolutely fantastic!’

College Michael continued

but this is how the Revd Dr

London, answered the question

his experience at Spurgeon’s

church.’

England, joining the College staff in 2007 to teach mission and evangelism.

Siaa-Liane Mathurin,

‘Going to Bible college is always a good idea as you are better able to rightly divide the word of God,’ continues Bishop Grandison, ‘but

a first year student

Spurgeon’s is unique in its blend

studying for a degree,

of college and church based courses and strong emphasis on spiritual

said: ‘My life before I became a Christian meant

that I was

formation. The mix of cultures, ethnicities

more of a woman of the world than a

and the diverse church backgrounds

minister of the gospel, I am amazed that

has made it ideal for a cross pollination

I got in!’ She goes on, ‘But Spurgeon’s

of ideas and experiences allowing me to

College is a place where I come so that

grow deeper and wider.’

DENZIL LARBI BA church-based vocational I gave my life to Christ at 14, and while I was still at school I felt God was calling me to be an evangelist.

I’m not academic and never thought I would go to Bible School, but I am loving it! Every single step of the way studies are going well. The lectures are amazing and it’s a good mix of study and practical work. I’ve used so many things I’ve learned here and applied them in my church work.

Spurgeon’s College DISCIPLESHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY Spurgeon’s College, 189 South Norwood Hill, London SE25 6DJ T 020 8653 0850 E admissions@spurgeons.ac.uk

www.spurgeons.ac.uk Registered charity no 1096721 and a company limited by guarantee no 4418151 registered in England.

OPTIO

SPUR

NS IN CLUD

E:

EQUIP

GEON

’S ON LINE

PED T O MIN IST

CHUR CH TR AININ INITIA G TIVE (CTI) CERT IFICA TE IN THEO LOGY CERT IFICA TE IN COUN SELL ING BA IN THEO LOGY MAST ERS I N THE OLOG Y DOCT OR OF MINIS TRY PhD I N THE OLOG Y

ER

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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.

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

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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.

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

34 FEATURE

How churches in Africa are helping to challenge the status quo Dionne Gravesande looks at the role of the Church in Africa, and how they are working alongside communities in Kenya affected by the recent terrorist atrocities

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid

L

iving as a first-world citizen in a global village presents a great moral challenge.

Many people are aware that the wealthiest 20% of the world’s population consume 76.6% of the world’s resources, while the world’s poorest 20% are left with 1.5%.

However, fewer people know that, while basic education for everyone in the world would cost $6 billion, Europeans spend $11 billion dollars on ice cream annually; that providing reproductive healthcare for all women in the world would cost $12 billion - Americans and Europeans currently spend the same amount on perfumes yearly, and that nutrition for everyone in the world would only cost $13 billion dollars.

These facts offer a glimpse into the different social realities of life in the global North and South, and reveal two underlying moral problems.

Firstly, these statistics demonstrate a behavioural problem on the part of people living in the First World that manifests itself as relative indulgence and overconsumption by the world’s elite in the face of human suffering around the world. Secondly, these massive inequalities between life in the First World and life in the two-thirds world reveal an underlying structural problem: that the contemporary structures of the global economy - including neo-classical economic theory, international financial institutions, global trade agreements, and the actions of transnational business corporations - are designed by people in the First World in ways that disproportionately benefit those of us living in the First World.

Just recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Nairobi, Kenya. The exposure visit I took part in was to help a small strategic group familiarise themselves with a church mobilisation programme.

A Church Mobilisation Process is an open-ended and participatory process that is conducted within a church setting, with the aim of triggering its potential by encouraging the church to appreciate the context in which it is based, and repositioning it to be a change agent in the community, thus helping to tackle poverty at its root, as well as mending broken relationships with God, with neighbours and with the environment.

This process is preceded by visioning sessions, which set the stage for the church leadership to redefine their vision and strategy for integral mission. Many churches, faith-based agencies and governments acknowledge that Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

“

For the majority of Africans, faith and development are not separable; they are intertwined in the realities of everyday experience.

‘in many developing countries, churches and other faith groups create the social infrastructure on which people depend: schools, health centres, access to finance, and protection for victims of conflict or disaster. They are rooted and active in every community. It is to these groups that people turn for support and comfort when disasters strike; for hope and inspiration in their struggle against oppression, and for sanctuary at times of danger. It is there that people find also their identity affirmed and their dignity upheld’. (Source: Partnership for Change, Christian Aid.) Some of the ways we envisage the more visible and transformational role of churches and faith groups is by ‘speaking out with a strong moral voice; wielding their political clout to get local and national governments to prioritise health, education and other essential services; inspiring citizens, communities and policy-makers with an alternative vision of development; changing prejudices that are deeply rooted in culture and tradition, including within their own church structures and practices; and playing a proactive role in addressing the causes of violence, tackling impunity, and resolving conflicts peacefully’.

For the majority of Africans, faith and development are not separable; they are intertwined in the realities of everyday experience. Faith enables people to relate to the world around them, to draw meaning and hope for a better tomorrow. In Africa, churches and faith-based organisations are among the most influential institutions in society. Church leaders command a lot of respect and authority in their communities, and are important opinion-shapers and change agents. And so, it is against this backdrop that I heard the

testimonies of several survivors of the April 2nd attack by radical Islamic Al-Shabaab gunmen on a university in the Kenyan diocese of Garissa.

The attack left 150 people dead and 80 injured.

My heart was indeed saddened, and yet hope is still alive in Nairobi. Residents will not allow terrorists to dictate what life they can or can’t have. Christians are united in their grief, struggle and faith that they will overcome such evil behaviour.

Many residents envisage churches and faith groups increasingly playing a distinctive role in peace and securing the rights all people, particularly poor and marginalised women and men. But peace has never been about the absence of strife. Kenyans have committed themselves to ‘vigorously encourage and challenge church leaders and communities, in the global north and south, to use their power and influence to benefit poor and excluded people who often experience the worst conflict.

We need leaders to deliver social and economic justice’ as well as to ‘work much harder to build trusting relationships with other faith-based organisations, so that we can work together to bring about a shared vision of justice and peace’.

Many churches, especially the missionary churches, have set out elaborate social outreach initiatives as part and parcel of their mission. They use their infrastructure and other resources to support these initiatives, which ensure great ownership and sustainability. This infrastructure can provide agencies with a great opportunity, by working with and through the Church and its networks. Such a model offers us different ways of being church in relevant ways, and opens the doors to new and exciting partnerships.

Why not explore if your church might be up for such a partnership?

COMMENT 35

RELIGION AND POLITICS: THE TWO CAN MIX

The debate about whether you can mix religion with politics is a constant one.

Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts adds his voice to this discussion, and concludes that it can be done. Find out his reasons why.

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

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

J

esus was committed to politics. Not the political point scoring which takes place in the House of Commons, but the type of politics that sees something of Heaven come to earth.

Not surprisingly, politics has become a dirty word. Too many politicians have sullied the reputation of politics by getting embroiled in stuff that they should have kept far away from.

So what is politics? It is the theory and practice of influencing other people, creating a fair and just society by actively seeking the eradication of social inequality. This is the politics Jesus was committed to. The New Testament is littered with examples of Jesus creating a just and fair society.

For example, Jesus disobeyed the authorities - turning over the tables in the temple, for example - for their practices were unjust. He worked miracles for the disenfranchised on the Sabbath. Jesus challenged the Jewish system of His day wherever he found it and its leaders to be out of keeping with the Mosaic Law and with God’s. He disobeyed Rome by claiming to be a king – the King to which His subjects must give ultimate allegiance. Even on the vexed issue of taxes, Jesus did not encourage His followers to pay taxes to the corrupt Roman Empire.

Indeed, it was Jesus’ commitment to politics, which eventually led to His death. The Romans killed Jesus as a rebel. This is what happened to Messianic figures who threatened Rome’s sovereignty. While Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus, the Jewish hierarchy were desperate to condemn this Man, who was gathering subversive followers and regaling against the politics of Rome.

So, how much more evidence is needed to convince some Black Christians that Jesus was committed to a political agenda, and that we too should be committed to the same agenda?

Despite the reluctance of many in the Black Church to get involved in politics,

I do see some progress. I was unable to attend the launch of the recent Black Church Manifesto for Action, but I believe that it was a seminal moment.

A large gathering of mainly Black Christian leaders gathered in London to give the Manifesto a big push, and rightly so. The imminence of the May 7 General Election provided an opportune time to highlight the issues the Manifesto touched on: church and community, policing and criminal justice, prisons, mental health, voting and political mobilisation, family, marriage, youth and education, media, music, arts and culture, international aid and development. Surely this points to progress? Albeit incremental.

Politics in the ether We might be uncomfortable with political saturation - desperate to turn off the TV set, because of the dominant rhetoric of politics, politics and more politics! But, as I have already written, the New Testament encourages us to be committed to politics and its outcomes. Of course, nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to invest all of our energy and time into governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. Our Christian mandate is to spread the Gospel of Christ, and to preach against the sins of our age; political entities are not the ‘saviour of the world’. Yet, we do well to remember that the early Church did more than preach the Gospel. Jesus and the early Church also challenged the political and religious people of their times. Both Jesus and the early Church were aware of the need to change Rome through preaching and politics. My hope is that our Black churches will begin to see the importance of both preaching and politics in this day and age.

In my opinion, the rationale for Black political engagement speaks for itself. In 2012, nearly three out of every ten people in Britain fell below the minimum living standard set by society as a whole - twice as many as in 1983.

One in 10 households lived in a damp home - a 30-year high. The number of those who could not afford to

heat their home adequately had trebled since the 1990s, rising from three to nine per cent. In 2013, worsening austerity meant that one in four children lived in a home that was cold or damp; one in 10 lacked essential clothing, like two pairs of shoes, and one in 20 could not afford to feed their children satisfactorily.

Many of today’s working population faces not just a hardening political climate but a difficult job market, one which that has brought escalating joblessness, the spread of low income, and deepening insecurity at work.

Preaching about the Church’s role in this current climate obviously is important. But if our Black churches are able to combine preaching with a desire for political and social reform, the stronger the message, the greater the social changes, and the fairer the society we create for others.

If politics is about creating a fair society by speaking truth to power, I hope Black Christians didn’t hesitate to cast their vote on May 7, and will continue to find ways to engage in politics, long after the election has passed.

‘The New Testament encourages us to be committed to politics and its outcomes.’

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36 COMMENT

THE TRUTH ABOUT HELL

Rev Stephen Brooks looks at what the Bible has to say about Hell, explains that Hell was not originally designed for humanity, and shares why some people will end up there.

REV STEPHEN BROOKS

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

H

ow can a loving God send people to Hell? The question should actually be, “How can a holy God let sinful people into Heaven?”

Most Christians try to avoid the subject of Hell. However, this is an important doctrine for Christians to understand, especially as the word ‘Hell’ appears 54 times in the Bible. Hell is clearly defined as a place of torment and burning.

Charles Darwin grew up and was baptised in the Church of England. He pointed to the doctrine of Hell as one of the significant reasons for his abandonment of the faith, and stated in his autobiography: ‘I can indeed hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my father, brother and almost all my best friends, will be everlastingly punished. And this is a damnable doctrine.’

Like unbelievers, many Christians also have difficulty defending the justice of Hell with the love of God, because we lack a proper understanding of what the Bible teaches.

There are several ways Hell is described in the Bible. In Matthew 8:12, it is described as a place of eternal outer darkness. Mark 9:43-48 describes Hell as a perpetually burning dump.

In Luke 16:28, Jesus described Hell as a place of anguish and regret. 1 Peter 3:19 describes Hell as a prison. Jude, in verses 12 and 13, likens Hell to a waterless cloud and a wandering star.

A cloud ought to provide hope of water, but a waterless cloud only provides a false hope. A star in the sky guides travellers and gives them

a direction; a wandering star serves no purpose.

Revelation 20:1-3 describes Hell as a bottomless pit. Hell is described as being down below the earth and a place of outer darkness (Philippians 2:10 and Matthew 8:12).

These descriptions can also be understood in a relational context, in which Hell is a place away from God’s intimate presence, as God cannot tolerate evil. Since Heaven is eternal, and the souls of men and women are eternal, Hell is also eternal. Hell is a place of endless, conscious punishment for sin. This punishment is sometimes interpreted literally (physical torment) and sometimes metaphorically (a state of being, spiritual suffering, separation from God).

How can a loving God torture people in Hell for eternity? Answering this challenge requires the proper understanding of the nature of Hell.

“Many Christians also have difficulty defending the justice of Hell with the love of God, because we lack a proper understanding of what the Bible teaches.”

Many believe that God tortures people in Hell. However, it is significant that, in the New Testament, Hell is not described as a place of torture but rather a place of torment (Luke 16:23-28, Revelation 14:11). Torture is inflicted against one’s will; in contrast, torment is self-inflicted by one’s own will. Torment comes from the mental and physical anguish of knowing we used our God-given freedom for evil and chose wrongly.

Hell is necessary because God’s justice requires it. The author of Psalm 73 struggles with the dilemma of the suffering of the righteous and the prosperity of the wicked. Jimmy Savile was responsible for numerous sexual abuses of

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vulnerable people, but he died peacefully in his sleep. Evil often goes unpunished in this lifetime; it must be dealt with at a future time to fulfil God’s justice and holiness. Our culture focuses primarily on God’s nature of love, mercy and grace.

However, God is also just and holy, and these two attributes must be kept in balance.

A second reason Hell is necessary is that God’s love requires it. Love does not force itself on an individual but, instead, respects the possible rejection of love. Those who do not want to be with God in this lifetime will not be forced to be with Him for all eternity.

The doctrine of Hell should be taught in a way that exemplifies the love of God insomuch that He put on flesh and paid the price for our sin on the cross of Calvary (1 Timothy 3:16 and John 3:16). One of the most effective evangelists in history, Dwight L Moody, said, “Don’t preach about Hell if you can do it without tears.”

Anyone who has a sincere heart towards God becomes sensitive to fulfilling His divine will, and trembles at the thought of a holy God in arms against him. He no longer jokes about Hell and eternity, as so many do. Hell has been reserved for the devil and his fallen angels, and Heaven for the people of God. Anyone that finds themselves in Hell is trespassing as a result of their disobedience to God’s Word.

God has done everything possible to keep people out of Hell. No one is worthy enough to enter Heaven. Because of His love, however, God wants us to be with Him. So, Jesus’ death on the cross, where He paid the penalty for all that we have done wrong, was God’s way of satisfying His holiness and demonstrating His love. What have you done about that provision?

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

JOHN HAGEE MINISTRIES PRESENTS A

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PROPHECY FOR TODAY Pastor John Hagee and his wife Diana will deliver powerful messages on Prophecy and Healing!

Be inspired as you press deeper into the Word of God, gaining insight on how Bible Prophecy is lining up with current world events, and experience God’s anointing in a fresh way with a healing and Anointing service. Ricardo Sanchez, Tina Hagee-Ketterling and Sandy Hagee-Parker will lead Praise and Worship throughout the event. Join with us as we glorify the King in the centre of London!

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38 LIFESTYLE

Reaching men with male-friendly churches

Rev Dr Carol Tomlin and Rev Tamika Pusey-Squire explore how church leaders can reach men with the Gospel and create environments where they feel their needs are met

T

he ratio of men to women in many churches, especially African-Caribbean ones, is of great concern, to say the least. It is of no surprise, then, that the topic is one of the most widely discussed within the Black Church.

Why is it that Caribbean men in particular seemingly do not want to commit to Jesus Christ and ‘join the Church’? Many reasons have been cited, ranging from the worship style of services to the actual environment of the church being ‘too feminine’, and some wonder whether the preaching content is relevant to the male psyche.

The Church may be inadvertently communicating messages that may be off-putting to a lot of men.

As two single female ministers, who founded and co-pastor a church, we have always had fellow male pastors who actively support our ministry. At the beginning of our ministry, we went through a period where there were hardly any men, but currently the numbers of men attending the church has increased significantly.

Interestingly, the majority of churches are started and led by men. Therefore, it seems odd that even male church leaders are finding it difficult to draw men into church. There are obviously wider issues that need to be explored.

Black men disproportionately face a lot

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of discrimination and, as a result, some are disengaged and some have unfortunately ended up in mental institutions and in prison.

Many Black men feel powerless within British society, and they certainly do not feel like the ‘king of the castle’. Some are even returning ‘home’ to their native countries, because they are unable to make any headway in the UK. In and out of church, Black men are not always discussed in a positive light. Regrettably, derogatory terms - such as ‘waste man,’ ‘worthless’ and other variations that have become part of common usage in describing some of our disaffected men - are abusive and damaging.

We believe that many Black men want to address social issues. Unfortunately, the content of many sermons appears to have little relevance to their lives, and pastors may unwittingly be appealing to the women in their congregations, causing men to feel left out.

For example, preachers may say to a largely female congregation: “Go home and say to Johnny, ‘You had better fix up’” or “Go and tell that joker (usually a man), ‘Bye-bye.’”

Whilst these statements can be found amplified across the pews of African American churches, in Britain there are other potentially demeaning statements, which can do harm to the male psyche.

One of our fellow male pastors shared that he was concerned that some ministers encouraged single women to only marry men who could afford expensive rings and material things.

Given the economic position of many Black men in the UK, instructions like these can give some women unrealistic expectations and further ostracise many men.

We have learned that men have an innate desire to express courage, passion (not limited to sexual pursuits) and to feel powerful. Through their preaching, churches could create a climate where these basic needs can be met. We know of a minister, whose mission emphasises the authority and power that believers have in Christ. His ministry attracts many young men, who are drawn to his teachings and sermons. By

Pastors’ Column Rev Dr Carol Tomlin is senior pastor of Restoration Fellowship Ministries in Birmingham. She is an academic and educational consultant.

Rev Tamika Pusey-Squire is a pastor of Restoration Fellowship Ministries. She is also an entrepreneur and assistant editor of Women Empowering Women magazine.

being actively involved in community projects, he has been able to engage men by talking about issues relevant to them, including social and political ones.

The art of communicating relevant messages to the wider community requires a need to keep abreast of varied issues impacting the lives of individuals. Through increasing our knowledge on matters affecting men in the 21st century, we’ll be better equipped to deliver sermons and Bible studies that appeal to them.

According to studies on ‘male talk,’ men like to discuss topics openly, in public spaces.

Bible study can be a great place to provide men with the opportunity to explore their opinions.

In one Bible study held at our church, addressing Paul’s ‘household code’ of the family, with marriage as a basis (Ephesians 5:21 to 6:4 and Colossians 3:18-21), the men in attendance spoke about what it felt like to be a Black man in British society, and its impact on their role as husbands and fathers. In a society that seeks to equalise the genders, sadly, the voice of men can sometimes become stifled, and we risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

In order to reach men, ministers could consider stepping outside the box of traditional Sunday services from time to time, and come away from preaching a sermon. Ministers could occasionally introduce a more interactive approach. For example, our Let’s Talk open forum (held periodically) provides a platform for interaction, where men can be involved by sharing and critiquing their ideas.

One final word - we have prayed consistently from the beginning of our ministry about men coming into the church, and have been intentional in our pursuits to appeal to men. We are challenged as ministers to re-define the norm of church culture, by providing biblical messages that engage, equip and empower men.

LIFESTYLE 39

Business Matters

DENISE ROBERTS

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

Where the underdog comes first

Denise Roberts speaks to Karen Bailey, the first Black woman to set up a law practice in Birmingham City Centre

W

hether defending an admissions appeal against a local school in Birmingham, or a whistle-blower against a multi-national corporation in Bosnia, solicitor Karen Bailey is most likely to be found siding with the underdog.

Her fighting spirit sometimes got her into sticky situations at school, but “being a lawyer enables you to fight using different tools, in a sociable way, not with your fists,” said Karen.

When Karen founded Bailey Wright & Co Solicitors in 1996, she was the first African Caribbean woman to set up a law practice in Birmingham City Centre. Like most people in her profession, she is driven by a strong sense of justice, although these were not ‘the high and mighty reasons’ that initially led her to law.

No, it was something else. “Somewhere in the Bible, teachers are listed next to prophets, but looking at my parents (both of whom were teachers) and how boring they were, I thought, ‘I don’t want to be like that’, so I decided to do a law degree,” she explained. “Besides, people said I needed some discipline and law is described as a discipline.”

Her initial perception of the profession was one of glamour – largely due to her first day of work experience, where she “went to court in the morning and went to a wine bar in the afternoon”, but the more she learnt, the less shallow and more serious and appealing the work seemed.

One of her most notable cases is that of Kathryn Bolkovac, the UN police officer awarded damages of £110,000 after whistleblowing on UN and other peacekeeping officers, who were involved in a sex trade that saw girls as young as 15 smuggled into Bosnia and forced to work as prostitutes. It was later made into a film (The Whistleblower, starring Rachel Weisz and Vanessa Redgrave).

“With just a few good people you can change the law if the law is not right, and that is a complete privilege,” said Karen. “You don’t have to be a big corporation to win – just to know what you are doing.”

Karen was one of the victims caught in the Mumbai terrorist attacks, an experience which, she said, strengthened her faith: “Whether I can’t find a sock or I’m short of money one week, I seek divine guidance, and you also have the energy of those who have gone before you.”

She mentions names like Mandela, Gandhi and Malcolm X as role models, but however ‘boring’ her parents may have seemed, Karen’s mum – who (before she passed away in 1993) encouraged her daughter to set up the savings policy used to launch the business – has been a huge inspiration.

“At the time she said, ‘You never know, you

FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE In business, core competency describes the set of behaviours that make you different from your competitors. It’s likely to be comprised of small behaviours that add up to your competitive advantage.

What are the key behaviours that make up yours? Here’s how to find out: 1. Try tracing your customers’ journey from initial contact to service or product delivery. Carry out a survey.

2. How closely do the results match your own assumptions? Where can you make changes or improvements?

3. Products: How are they created?

Where do you source raw materials? Are there ethical issues around this? Do you have a minimum standard?

4. Route to market: What about packaging, transportation of products, delivery timescales and such like?

may want to set up your own practice one day.’

Mum also bought me a picture of Malcolm X. Beneath was a quote: ‘To be truly free, we must first create our own economy’.

“I had a combination of Malcolm staring at me, encouragement from my husband, a matured savings policy…plus, I was always saying ‘Black people should do this and that’ so, although I was terrified, I said, ‘Let me put my money where my mouth is’ and I decided to take the plunge.”

Today, she has a team of three in addition to her husband, and says, “If you love something it doesn’t seem like work, but you still have to work hard at it.”

For more details, visit www.baileywright.com

5. What do your clients or customers care about? Environmental issues, working conditions, youth opportunities, family values? Can you build that into your offering?

6. What about quality: How do you determine that? Do you only use people of a certain calibre? Do you have visible quality standards in place?

7. Service expectations: Do you have a minimum response time? Do you compensate clients or customers for delays or for failure to deliver on promises?

What makes a woman EVENT bloom in business?

After a successful 2014, this year’s Women In Business Expo moves to Birmingham City Council House, with a packed programme that promises fun alongside business. As well as speakers, workshops and exhibitors, there is a catwalk fashion showcase on the day, plus plenty of opportunity to network.

Organised by Headz Up Business, the Expo is aimed at both business and professional women, and takes place on Friday 19th June 2015 from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Birmingham City Council House, The Banqueting Suite, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB. Entry is free and more information can be found at www.headzupbusiness.co.uk.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 LIFESTYLE

Cyber Corner

KENO OGBO

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

Three must-haves for online business success

I

t is hard enough getting a business to succeed, but there are a lot of materials, resources and help available through accountants, business coaches and business courses. These resources would not translate or help a business achieve success online, however; a different set of tactics should be used instead. Although this article relates to businesses, the principles are the same for every organisation that wants to reach a wider audience. Here are the three key areas organisations need to focus on in order to succeed online.

1. A HIGHLY RANKED WEBSITE Search engines are now firmly established as our secondary source of knowledge, as most people use one to find out the latest news or opinions, how to’s, and information about any topic under the sun. Being highly ranked on search engines ensures your website is found whenever a relevant search is made. To be ranked highly, particularly on Google, it is important to have a mobile responsive website.

To check if your website is responsive, visit: https://www.google.co.uk/webmasters/ tools/mobile-friendly/ Google now considers the responsiveness of websites when ranking, and will drop the ranking of websites that are not mobile responsive.

2. A HIGHLY CONVERTING WEBSITE Too many businesses use their website as a brochure: an electronic means of providing information about the company. I have a number of clients, who do not expect any new business from their websites. They simply want a point of reference to direct potential clients to. This is a valid reason, and a website can sometimes make the difference between a

purchaser’s decision being positive or negative.

However, your website should be created with one thing in mind – conversion. How does your content compel or encourage the visitor to do business with you?

3. A HIGHLY INTERACTIVE PLATFORM With the explosion of social media and the audience it captures, it is no longer an option whether a business should have an online presence; it is absolutely vital. But a significant step that will get the required results is building interactivity on your online platforms. On Facebook, this would mean asking questions on your page, posting images, stating your FAQs, providing tips and resources and sharing relevant content. The question is always to ask yourself “What should I put on my page for people to respond to?” and when they do, respond back, thank them, and provide an answer. On Twitter, this would mean ‘following back’, retweeting posts, @mentions, and using popular hashtags, such as #FF (Follow Friday), where you celebrate followers.

TOOL OF THE MONTH Monthly managed websites: With a plethora of DIY website kits available, it can be quite confusing for a business on a low budget to decide how to approach getting online easily and quickly. Most businesses opting for DIY kits end up wasting valuable time, learning a new skill and, unfortunately, ending up with a sub-standard product. Other businesses may use a cheap freelancer, but are still left with a website to manage.

With monthly managed custom built websites, you do not have to pay anything until your website is completed, and the low monthly fee includes your hosting, content updates and maintenance. It is probably the easiest way to get online.

Visit www.rentawebsitehere.co.uk for more details.

Keno Ogbo is the CEO of Spiral Web Solutions, a digital marketing agency helping organisations achieve results online.

Call 07958 004 739 or email keno@spiralwebsolutions.com to book a complimentary 45-minute strategy session.

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TEN WAYS TO BUILD YOUR BRAND ONLINE Your brand reflects how people perceive you. It should communicate your values, principles and what you stand for. Here are some ways that you can build your online presence.

1 Website: The starting point for any marketing or brand building activity 2 Email Signature: Most people

neglect this important opportunity to get their brand in front of warm contacts 3 Facebook Pages 4 Twitter Account: To connect with

new audiences easily 5 LinkedIn: For business networking 6 Marketing Yourself Offline: Having

good quality stationery, business

cards and promotional materials 7 Be helpful: Talk about what you do

and how you add value. Always offer to help 8 Use video 9 Use humour Amplifying your brand: Set 10

competitions, award ceremonies and

gratitude cards, and get your existing

and potential audience to interact

with your brand

Legal information for websites Registered information: You need to make sure that you show the necessary registered information on your website.

This includes business name, place of registration, registered number and any trade associations.

Cookies: You should make sure that you get users’ consent to leave cookies on their computer.

Privacy Policy: You also need to make sure that you have a data protection notice displayed on your website. This lets people know if you store their data and what you would use it for, if anything, in the future.

Terms and Conditions: These can be quite complicated to get right, but they are essential. You need to include details such as delivery details, returns policy, distance selling regulations, and description of your service.

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42 LIFESTYLE

Mind, Body & Soul

LOLA OLAREWAJU

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

Man’s most effective anti-ageing weapon: Resistance Training

W

e are an image-obsessed nation.

Each year, we spend billions of pounds on gadgets, beauty products and gym memberships, with the hope of transforming how we look and feel. Women strive for the perfect figure and men for the perfect, ripped body. I can’t claim to have the formula to getting that ‘perfect’ body many of us are in pursuit of; however, what I can offer are the benefits of resistance training.

likely to break. This condition tends to be more associated with women; however both men and women can be affected. Weak bones increase the risk of fracture in the hip or vertebrae. Mayo Clinic researchers found that 30% of men die in the first year of breaking a hip. The good news is that participating in regular resistance training can help maintain bone density and delay the onset of this degenerative process. Recent research in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that men who lifted weights for 16 weeks increased their hip bone density by 3.8%, and raised their blood levels of osteocalcin (a marker of bone growth) by 19%.

Resistance training and your metabolism Muscle tissue is metabolically active, and the more you have, the more calories you burn - even when inactive, like sleeping. Scientists in the Netherlands calculated that men who lifted weights two times a week for 18 weeks burned an average of 9% more calories a day than non weight lifters. That’s enough for the average man to lose 25 pounds in a year without making any changes to his diet.

What is Resistance Training?

Put simply, resistance training is exercising your muscles using some sort of opposing force - whether it’s free weights, dumbbells, or using one’s body weight.

Did you know...? …that for every pound of muscle a man loses, he gains a pound of fat, and one pound of fat takes up 18% more space on your body than one pound of muscle? Did you know, between the ages of 30 and 70, flexibility decreases by 20–50%, making it harder for joints to move through their full range of motion? So the simple act of just touching your toes can become difficult to do as you get older. Growing older doesn’t have to mean living a life with aches and pains if we are prepared to make some adjustments to our lifestyles, such as doing resistance training regularly.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that men who performed total body resistance training just three times a week for two months lowered their blood pressure readings by an average of eight points. That’s the same as reducing the risk of a stroke by 40%.

Resistance training improves bone health As you age, you lose bone mass, increasing the likelihood of osteoporosis – a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

STRAWBERRIES Summer has arrived and so too has one of the nation’s favourite fruits: strawberries. Not only are they juicy and delicious, but they’re also full of antioxidants like vitamin C – a well known immunity booster. One serving of strawberries contains 51.5mg of vitamin C, which is about half of your daily requirement. Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defence. A phytochemical called ellagic acid - also found in strawberries - is another.

Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties, like suppressing cancer cell growth. Strawberries also contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free radicals and neutralise the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.

Now you know a few of the benefits of this fruit, I say it’s time to indulge a little.

Resistance training improves flexibility With ageing also comes a decrease in flexibility.

From age 30 to 70, flexibility goes down 20 -50%, making it harder for joints to move freely. However, results from a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that three full body workouts - with weights for 16 weeks increased flexibility to the hips and shoulders by more than 30%, and improved sit-and-reach test scores by 11%. So, if you still would like to tie your own shoelaces in your 60s and beyond, start lifting those weights!

Conclusion Keep your muscles active and you are more likely to live a longer, healthier life.

Benefits of water Summer is here again, and we just can’t seem to get enough of the sun’s rays on our skin.

Whilst we are out and about in the sun, it’s very important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. As the temperature rises, so too does the amount of water we lose from our bodies, and it’s vital we replace that water in order for us to stay well and alive. Not only will staying hydrated keep you alive, water also helps prevent a dry mouth; it keeps the throat and lips moist; water promotes cardiovascular health; it keeps the body cool; helps the muscles and joints work better; keeps the skin supple; flushes out toxins from the body and, most importantly, will help you enjoy all those hours of the summer sun. So the next time you take a sip of water, you might just want to thank it for all it does for you.

Drink your water and enjoy your summer.

LIFESTYLE 43

ESTHER FENTY

HEARTTOHEART

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

The women in church are trying to tempt me

I I don’t want to stay with my critical husband anymore

I

have been married for over a year, and am wondering if I made the right decision. I was 32 when I wed my husband, but I’m now not sure I married the right person. He was attentive and caring when we were courting, but has turned out to be a critical husband.

I’ve never been criticised so much in my life.

The criticisms usually consist of being told I’m big-headed, because I’m doing well in my career as a trainer/speaker (my husband is a social worker); being told I look frumpy and, most cuttingly of all, being made fun of because I was a virgin when I married. I’m so disappointed.

I’ve started talking down my job, have spruced up my image, and tried to be more adventurous in the bedroom, but to be honest I don’t want to be intimate with my husband. I’m constantly worrying about what else he will find about me to criticise. I’ve hinted to my mum that things aren’t going well in my marriage, but she’s told me to hang on in there. I’m in two minds. I want to save my marriage, but then think if the next 10 years of my marriage are going to be like this, then separating would be fine. What should I do?

Judith, London

Esther Fenty says: Usually, I assume that those who read a faith-based magazine are Christians, but I could be mistaken, as you have said nothing about church or faith, etc. However, I trust that you will find a faith-based response helpful.

I am so sorry that your experience of being newlywed has turned out to be such a nightmare.

Marriage should involve leaving one’s parents - both emotionally and physically - and cleaving or uniting together with one’s spouse; this includes a sharing of minds, souls and bodies, and giving mutual support to each other, so that each person can reach their potential. In a

Christian marriage, God should be the Head, and solutions to problems can be sought through good communication, discussions around biblical principles and prayer.

There is a fine line between constant criticism and emotional abuse. As a social worker, your husband should be aware of the impact of this.

Despite this, I would still like to give him the benefit of the doubt, and suggest that maybe he is not aware of the extent of the damage to the relationship that his behaviour causes.

However, if he was able to hold it together during courtship but has now changed soon after marriage, I’m not so sure.

It is also possible that underlying this critical spirit are issues of insecurity and low self-esteem.

Perhaps he is a person who likes to control others, or he thinks that the man should be the head of the home and this is his way of demonstrating it. Whatever the reason for his behaviour, you cannot go on like this.

I am not sure whether you have suffered in silence and acquiesced to his demands, rather than tell him how his criticisms make you feel.

If you have not done this, as a first step, you need a calm discussion as soon as possible. If you suppress your feelings, you may explode at the wrong time, and react in a way that you may regret. Perhaps your husband also has some areas of dissatisfaction, but he has chosen the critical path (which is no excuse for his behaviour) rather than discuss them.

If your husband does not respond positively to this discussion, you may have to try some mediation or counselling. You did not say whether you had any premarital counselling before your marriage. If you did not, you might consider going through some of the topics you would have covered with a counsellor, and then seeing how you can move forward.

’m a young Christian man, who was recently appointed youth leader, and have been receiving lots of speaking engagements. I love God but, prior to my appointment and because I was geeky, I was overlooked by the women in my church. However, since I’ve started speaking out regularly, I’ve been inundated with interest from young women in my denomination. And some of the women are sexually suggestive.

I’m surprised, because I thought these women were Christians. I don’t know how to handle this attention, and definitely don’t want to fall into temptation, so any advice you can give would be helpful.

Roger, Bristol

Esther Fenty says: It would seem that some people are more interested in status than the real person when it comes to marriage. While it is great that you are a youth leader and presumably a good public speaker you will need to choose your close friends very carefully. You should be appreciated for who you are (warts and all), and not because of your position.

Therefore, while this new attention might boost your self-esteem, do not let it be a distraction. I am not sure how the sexual suggestions from these women are communicated - whether it is verbally, written or through some form of social media. The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, ‘Stay away from every kind of evil’ (NLT). Therefore, avoid the temptation of being alone with these women; block them from social media and, in future, limit the number of people to whom you give your details. You can talk to them in church.

If you haven’t a male mentor for support and guidance, then consider having one with whom you can share these issues and to whom you can be accountable. This may also be the person who can pray with you when you seriously start to think of a future spouse.

Contact Esther To have a heart to heart with Esther please 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

Spring adds technicolour to your garden “Awake my soul… and sing” (Psalm 57) After a cold season of rest, God’s creation starts to sense a change in ambient temperature, and plants begin to stir into life. Flower buds break, and spring bulbs send out leafy shoots to seek the warm sunlight. Plants turn to face the light, and orientate themselves to seek out the best exposure, to soak in as much nourishment as possible.

Do we sense a change in the spiritual climate of this nation?

Are we aware of God’s favour and promises for our lives? Are we turning to Him, to soak in His presence as much as possible?

We get a rush of excitement when the cherry blossoms or spring crocuses make an appearance.

Their rich colours signal the coming of spring, heavenly showers and rainbows in the sky.

“When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures” (Genesis 9:14-15).

As a young Christian, this was the first verse in the Bible that helped me see something of God in the physical world. I can point to a rainbow and say, “God, You put that there.”

Rainbows appear in the sky when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the Earth’s atmosphere, in a cloud of rain. Rainbows always appear in the section of sky directly opposite the sun. When you’re going through the storms of life, remember God’s promises. Look at the rainbow, and know that the sun (the Son, Jesus) has got your back. And remember, the darker the cloud... the clearer the rainbow!

Just as the basis of colour is the spectrum we see in a rainbow, so too must God’s promises form the basis of how we see our lives.

When choosing a colour scheme for your garden, there are some basic concepts you need to understand:

THE BEAUTY

OF BULBS

Spring bulbs, like crocuses and tulips, should be planted in late autumn/early winter. Now is the time to think ahead about summer bulbs. Why not try an exotic Tiger Lily (Lilium tigrinum ‘Splendens’) or the sensual Zantedeschia ‘Picasso’?

When bulbs have finished flowering, it is generally not a good idea to cut the leaves too soon. These continue to photosynthesise and store food in the bulb for the next year.

Some bulbs (like tulips) are hardy enough to be left in the ground all year, unless you live in an area of extreme cold weather. To store, lift out the bulbs and keep them in a paper bag or cardboard box, in single layers with newspapers in between (adding vermiculite will help).

Store in a cool, dry place like the basement, closet or garage.

Never keep them in the fridge, as fruits and vegetables emit gases that can kill your bulbs!

Hot colours (reds, yellows, oranges, violets) These colours are lively and strong. Plants in this category tend to prefer being in the full sun, and their colours seem to be enhanced when placed in this position.

Care should be taken when using hot colours in a small garden. These bold colours demand your attention - ‘pulling’ you into the space - and make the garden seem even smaller.

Seasonal hot colours can also be used to draw the viewers’ attention away from something.

(If you have a nicely landscaped front garden, please do not paint your garage door red!)

Cool colours (blues, greens, pinks, pale violets) The colours in this half of the spectrum have a calming, tranquil effect. Plants with the ‘cool’ flowers usually come from temperate climates, and tend to show up better in paler light.

These colours recede into the space, making the garden appear bigger.

A planting scheme of silvery-grey foliage, white/cream or cool-coloured flowers looks great in a shady garden, and practically magical in the late evening light.

Jason Loh established his award-winning garden design practice, Jason Loh Designs Ltd. For more details, visit www.jasonloh.co.uk.

CARING FOR YOUR LAWN

As the weather warms up, proper and regular mowing gives the lawn a great head start. In springtime, mowing once a week should be adequate. Mowing too short encourages shallow rooting and weakens the grass. In order to get those perfectly straight mowing lines, the trick is to not look at your feet or the lawnmower too much, but keep your eyes firmly fixed on where you are headed (Philippians 3:14, Proverbs 4:25). Make course adjustments with each pass.

Feeding with fertiliser encourages strong growth whilst inhibiting weeds and moss. You should apply fertiliser only when the soil is moist or when rain is imminent.

In early spring, aerate the soil with a garden fork or aerator to improve drainage. This is especially important if you have heavy clay soils, or if the lawn has become compacted over the years. Aerating also allows better root structure, a principle that also works well with our own hearts (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 3:17).

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46 MISSION

Fighting Ebola

E

bola hit the headlines a year ago as the outbreak in West Africa began to spiral, seemingly out of control.

One of the world’s most virulent diseases, it can have a fatality rate of up to 90 per cent. The world began to sit up and take notice as the death toll rose to 1,000 and appeared to be spreading uncontained.

To date, the outbreak has claimed over 10,000 lives, making it the deadliest occurrence of the disease since it was first discovered in 1976. In fact, this one outbreak has taken more lives than all the other known outbreaks added together.

But terrible as those statistics are, they are beginning to improve. The numbers of new cases of Ebola have begun to drop thanks to the brave men and women from around the world who have travelled to West Africa to help care for those suffering from the disease.

One such man is David Collins Owuor. He began his life in Nairobi - in the slums of Kibera. Growing up, he saw sickness and disease cripple his community, taking the lives of children prematurely, and leaving grown men and women unable to work and provide for their families.

He dreamt of a different life, one where disease did not haunt him; one where, instead, he fought it head on. It was a wild dream for a boy living in one of the world’s most notorious slums.

But this boy’s dreams were a window to his potential, and when as a young man he was registered at his local church into a Compassion project, those dreams began to take shape. Today this man smiles as he remembers his sponsor and the Compassion staff who were determined to help him reach his potential: “I thank God for my sponsors, Lee and Elizabeth.”

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Thanks to Compassion, David was able not only to go to school, but to university afterwards. Here he studied Biomedical Technology as his dreams of fighting disease began to become a reality. He won a full British government scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Today, David works as a research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute and Centre for Disease Control.

It’s not a quiet desk job. When it became apparent that the West African Ebola outbreak would need outside intervention, David was among the first group of African scientists deployed to combat the virus.

David was based in Liberia, and he has a deep admiration for the resilience of the people he had gone to serve and protect. “Liberians are very kind, peaceful, and social.

Many of the youth volunteered their services without pay, assisting with basic chores around the isolation facilities. It was touching too, to see patients who had recovered from the disease return to take care of others.”

David worked closely with the Liberian government to write and implement policies that would reduce

the spread of the virus. A lack of education had been a major factor in the spread of the disease, so these policies involved outreach programmes to the villages where everyday customs were perpetuating the virus. David explains: “Media communication enabled us to inform people about how to keep safe and how to interact with each other without spreading the disease.”

Thanks to the work of men and women like David, Liberia recently released its last patient from the isolation facility marking the end of Ebola in the country. Other countries in West Africa have also confirmed reductions in reported Ebola cases.

Scientists are confident that the complete eradication of this outbreak is achievable.

David has now returned to Kenya where he is using his expertise to help plan for future outbreaks. This boy from the slums has done good. In fact, he has done great. But he wants to do greater still: “I am currently applying for a PhD because what I would really like to do is set up a genetic testing and cancer research facility in East Africa. There is nothing like that in the region and it would really give back to my community.”

David’s story could so easily have been different were it not for someone on the other side of the world choosing to step in and make it possible for his dreams to become a reality. By helping one boy overcome the obstacles that poverty had placed in his path, Lee and Elizabeth have empowered him to help a whole nation fight for survival.

If you would like to help a child like David reach his God-given potential, visit www.compassionuk.org

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

HELP SAVE LIVES TEXT ‘DONATE’ TO ‘70000’ TO GIVE £5* OR VISIT DEC.ORG.UK *Texts are free but donations will be added to the bill and must have bill payer’s permission. Any income received after the 31 October 2015 will go to the next appeal. Customer Service number 01204 770822. Reg Charity No. 1062638. Photograph: EPA/Narendra Shrestha.