Keep The Faith Magazine issue 79

ISSUE 79

The role of women in the Easter Story Pentecostal minister shares his support for same-sex marriage

NOMINEES FOR WISE WOMEN AWARDS 2013 ANNOUNCED The biblical case for civil disobedience

IS BRITAIN A POST-RACIAL SOCIETY?

The

EASTER MESSAGE still has the power to change lives

WELCOME 03

CONTENTS ISSUE 79 08

12 Dear Reader We are approaching that special time of year when believers focus on the premise upon which the Christian faith is built: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Rev David Shosanya imparts some powerful insights about Easter’s power to change lives; Dionne Gravesande conveys the unique role women played in Christ’s life, why they were the first to see Him after His death, and what this signifies to 21st century Christian women, and I share why the Easter message has a special place in my heart.

Alongside our Easter articles, this month’s Keep The Faith has a range of interesting features. We enter our third year of partnering with Wisdom for Women International to host the Wise Women Awards, and we have an interview with its founder, Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, plus we reveal the names of the 2013 WWA nominees.

We’ve also got an interview with Rev Paul Bailey of The Regeneration Centre, which we believe will spark major discussion in church circles. He’s the first Black Pentecostal church leader in the UK to state his support for same-sex marriage. We have guest writer, Pastor Olayemi Adeleke, stating why putting God first helps us to attain balance in all areas of our lives; Gladys Famoriyo shares why we should obey God, and Felicia T Scott shares why it’s good to give.

I hope that you find Keep The Faith an uplifting and inspirational read and, if you do, why not think about taking out a church subscription?

Our aim is to inspire, encourage and uplift, and I believe this edition will do that..

Have a great Easter

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38 WELCOME 04 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon 06 Readers’ Letters

NEWS 07 News pages 10 C O V E R S T O R Y The Wise Women Awards 2013

COMMENT 12

COVER STORY

The message of Easter can still change lives by Rev David Shosanya 13

COVER STORY

Is Britain a post-racial society?

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts

INTERVIEW 16

COVER STORY

Interview with Rev Paul Bailey

FEATURE 18

22 Gospel music worth shouting about

by Sam Hailes 24 Building an audience is a key to artistic success by Juliet Fletcher 26 Gospel News by Marcia Dixon

INSPIRATION 28 Want to achieve a perfect life balance put God first by Pastor Olayemi Adeleke 30 Godly giving replenishes by Felicia T Scott 31 Obey God and leave the consequences to Him by Gladys Famoriyo

COVER STORY

The biblical case for civil disobedience

by Rev Stephen Brooks 14

GOSPEL

COVER STORY

The role of women in the Easter story

by Dionne Gravesande 20 Aim to be a friend of God

by Esther Williams 21 Mission leads to compassion

by Amie Buhari

Keep The Faith R Postal Address: Suite 48 88-90 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8PN Tel: 0845 193 4431

LIFESTYLE 32 Cyber Corner: Listening to the rabble of social media by Keno Ogbo 34 Charity Affairs by Lara Rufus 35 Heart to Heart by Esther Fenty 36 The wise women and money by Isaac Carter 37 Business Matters by Denise Roberts

MISSION 38 Hope is the greatest gift you can give by Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins

Publisher: Shirley McGreal admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Editor: Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk Advertising: advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk Admin and Subscriptions: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Twitter: @keepthefaithmag www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.blackchristiandirectory.com

Many thanks from Keep The Faith to: Rev David Shosanya, Rev Stephen Brooks, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Marcia Dixon,

Editor Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk

Rev Paul Bailey, Dionne Gravesande, Esther Williams, Amie Buhari, Sam Hailes, Juliet Fletcher, Pastor Olayemi Adeleke, Felicia T Scott, Gladys Famoriyo, Keno Ogbo, Esther Fenty, Lara Rufus, Isaac Carter, Denise Roberts, Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins, Jackie Raymond, our supporters and all our advertisers. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

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04 WELCOME

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

BY

MARCIA DIXON

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A story headlined ‘Brooklyn Homeless Man Sues Parents For Not Loving Him Enough’ on a US website recently caught my eye.

THE POWER OF LOVE AT EASTER TIME

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love Easter. I love being reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made, in order to ransom my soul from hell; cleanse me from my sin, and enable me to renew my relationship with God, my heavenly Father and Creator of the universe.

Some people describe Easter as the Divine Exchange, where Jesus laid down His life for humanity, in order that those who accepted the sacrificial nature of His death could experience an abundant life.

It can be quite difficult to share the reality of Easter in the modern world, because some don’t believe in the literal resurrection of Christ from the dead, and others don’t even believe they need a Saviour to save them from their sins.

This is partly due to the march of secularism, which is slowly removing God from public life, and also because there is a prevalent belief in society that nobody - let alone a religious institution like the Church - has the right to tell anyone how to live their life, never mind the fact that their sins or to use a modern term, ‘wrong behaviour’ - are stopping them from having a fulfilling relationship with God. The Church, quite rightly, is always grappling to find effective ways to share the Gospel

message, particularly during key religious festivals like Easter.

One way of doing so must be to remind the world of the abundant life people have experienced when they’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation, and how they’ve seen their lives and, more importantly, their characters transformed as they draw closer to God and learn about Him through studying the Bible.

Churches are filled with all kinds of people: some are supremely successful; others have experienced a crisis, and some have very antisocial lifestyles who, somehow, found peace, fulfilment and joy in responding to God’s message of salvation, and who, as a result, live lives that are characterised by good works.

Easter is also a demonstration of God’s love for humanity, and Christ’s willingness to lay down His life as a sacrificial offering for people’s sins.

It’s quite right that one of the most quoted Scriptures is John 3:16, which declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,” because, more than anything, Easter is a love story - of God’s love for humanity, and the lengths He has taken to demonstrate that love.

Don’t be afraid of judging

STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR LIFE FAILURES

Bernard Anderson Bey, 32, has sued his mother and stepfather for $200,000 because, he claims, he felt unloved and abandoned by them whilst growing up, and is now homeless as a result.

It’s unfortunate that we live in an era where big grown adults like to blame their parents for problems they experience or for their unfulfilled ambitions. That’s not to say that an individual’s upbringing does not impact one’s life, it does. But no-one needs to make what they are taught or experienced whilst growing up - particularly if it was wrong, bad or sad - define how they live their life.

There comes a point where every person, no matter how negative their upbringing, has to take responsibility for the decisions they make, and for the actions they take when they become an adult. I’m always amazed and inspired when I meet people who have had the most awful childhood or experiences, but who, through the help of God, the church, an individual or a charitable organisation, are able to turn their lives around and live fruitful lives. Such individuals demonstrate the power of the human spirit to overcome negative experiences.

An individual can’t keep blaming others for their poor life choice. So my advice to Mr Bey is, forgive your parents for any mistakes they made whilst raising you; take responsibility for your life and where you currently find yourself, and use the gifts, talents and ability God has given you to make a success of yourself.

It’s possible to do so.

I recently came across a tweet from Rick Warren, which stated, “The fear of being judgmental has left our culture paralysed by the lack of good judgment.”

His statement strikes a chord, because we live in an age that’s become so politically correct, that Christians are frightened of being called judgmental and of correcting fellow believers when they live lives contrary to Scripture.

Christians have a duty to help a believer get back on the right spiritual track if their life and/or behaviour are not being influenced by God’s Word. John 7:24 states, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Right judgment means judging using the Word of God. Rick Warren If the goal of every Christian is to be like Jesus, then we must be humble enough to accept the loving correction of fellow believers. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” And it’s so true. We help each other become all that Christ wants us to be. So, the next time you see your fellow believer walking down the road that leads to destruction, say something. You’ll be doing them a favour, and might just save their soul from spiritual death.

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06 LETTERS

Readers’Letters We’d love to hear your views on Keep The Faith and the featured articles. Send your letters to KTF Letters, PO Box 574, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 9BW or better still, email letters@keepthefaith.co.uk

Keep The Faith is a great read

Start-up scheme is great idea It was encouraging to read about the new Start-Up Loan scheme for young budding entrepreneurs, and that Elevation Networks is working to raise awareness of the Scheme in the BME faith community. One of the more positive things that has happened within the church community in recent years is the rise in the number of Christians setting up businesses. This is a good thing, and even better when people are encouraged to do it from a young age. I wish the Start-Up Loan scheme every success.

Peter Jones, Coventry

Loved stories about marital loss

I had to stop and do a double-take after seeing the picture of Jahmene Douglas on the front cover of Keep The Faith in my local supermarket store. I had never seen the magazine before but, being curious, I picked it up - mainly to read about my favourite X Factor contestant.

However, I found the other stories in Keep The Faith interesting too and, although I’m not a Christian, I found the positive message reiterated throughout the magazine very uplifting. I look forward to reading another edition.

Janice Brown, London

Considering the number of Christian marriages that have broken down and, increasingly, the rising number of people who lose a spouse via death, it was great that Keep The Faith featured an interview with widower Philip Noel, and published Zina Arinze’s article about how the Church can help divorcees.

I know many divorced Christians, and they all complain about the lack of support from their churches, so it was good that Zina’s article included some pointers for churches to follow.

Both articles brought to the fore issues that, although prevalent, are very rarely discussed, and also provided much food for thought. Thank you, Keep The Faith, for publishing them.

Andrea Johnson, Watford

Amazing weight loss story Wow, I’ve just finished reading Audrey Howell’s account of her weight loss journey (issue 78).

How inspiring, and what a great message she has sent out to the BME community to watch their weight and look after their health. Her account highlights that, with a little faith, determination, resolve and an implemented plan of action, it is possible to change one’s eating habits and size. I hope that people, who are overweight and have illnesses exacerbated by carrying too much weight, will read Audrey’s story and think that if she can do it, I can do it, too.

Angela Martin, Coventry

@keepthefaithmag

Steve Chalke story a shocker I have to say, I was very surprised at your headline ‘Leading Evangelical calls for church to embrace same-sex relationships’ and even more shocked to find that the evangelical leader making this statement was Rev Steve Chalke. I don’t know how his times of prayer and Bible study enabled him to come to the view that the Bible God’s Word - is supportive of same-sex marriage. I’m all for the Church being inclusive of people from all sectors of society, but the Bible does state that God is holy, and expects those who say they are His followers to abide by His commandments. I don’t see where same-sex marriage is a part of His plan for humanity in the Scriptures whatsoever.

I can only conclude Rev Chalke is totally misguided. He is in my prayers.

Peter Andrews, Birmingham

Thank God for Steve Chalke It was good to hear a Christian leader from a traditional church background affirm same-sex marriages in the last edition of Keep The Faith magazine. As a gay Christian who attends a Pentecostal church, I welcomed Steve Chalke’s comments. I have never spoken to anyone at my church about my sexual orientation, because I’m fearful of how they will respond to me. I love God, but I love men also and, instead of hearing messages that are condemning the gay lifestyle, I would love to hear messages that affirm my sexuality, and give me hope that I could find love with someone of the same sex. Steve Chalke has given me that hope. I hope more church leaders have the guts to speak out like Steve Chalke has done.

Name and address supplied

NEWS 07

Did you know that if you are Black and of African or Caribbean origin, you are twice as likely to have a stroke as the rest of the general UK population?

This month sees the NHS launch the Act FAST Stroke Awareness Campaign amongst the UK Black community with support from Reverend Nezlin Sterling.

You may have heard of stroke or know someone who has had a stroke but it can be difficult to recognise the symptoms.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This cuts off the oxygen supply and vital nutrients to the affected area, so the brain cells quickly become damaged or die.

Since the brain controls and directs the rest of the body, the damage caused by a stroke can affect many of its functions, also the way we think, our ability to learn and how we feel and communicate.

The FAST test can help you to recognise the symptoms of a stroke. If you see any one of these signs, you must act FAST and seek immediate medical attention. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery. These symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Other symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden confusion, dizziness or unsteadiness.

“As the prevalence of stroke in our community is higher, it is up to us to take responsibility for educating ourselves to recognise the symptoms. Repeatedly we see people’s lives negatively impacted following a stroke because they themselves and their family and friends are unaware of the signs of stroke.

I am supporting this campaign because I believe if we all familiarised ourselves with the FAST test, we could not only potentially save someone’s life but help them retain a better quality of life following a stroke.”

It is also important to be aware of what can cause a stroke. Age, family and your medical history all affect your risk of stroke: • Lifestyle risk factors: smoking, excessive drinking, high salt intake, a diet high in fat, lack of exercise and being overweight or obese • Medical conditions: Sickle cell disease, diabetes and high blood pressure

Quote from Reverend Nezlin Sterling, Co-Pastor, serving on the Executive Board of the New Testament Assembly and retired Director of Nursing

Prevention is always better than cure. However, in the event you or your loved one experiences a stroke, remember the FAST test.

For more information on stroke and FAST please go to nhs.uk/actfast or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ActFastStrokeAwareness

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08 NEWS

New Testament Assembly appoints new National Leader One of Britain’s most well known Black Pentecostal denominations, the New Testament Assembly (NTA), has voted in Rev Delroy Powell as their new national leader.

Rev Powell currently serves as the Senior Pastor at the NTA headquarter church in Tooting, South London, and will aim to build on the foundation of his predecessors, including his late father, Bishop Melvin Powell, who co-founded the NTA in 1961.

Rev Powell is widely respected for his efforts to network across different denominations, and to see greater unity across the Church. He is a keen advocate for justice causes, and lends his support to leading charity, Christian Aid. Speaking of his appointment, Rev Powell, aged 54 and a married father of three, stated: “It wasn’t an office I desired or was aspiring to but, like David in the Scriptures, I do sense that there is a cause and a need to step up to the challenge of preserving the spiritual legacy our forebearers have entrusted to us, as well as

Leading London mega church, Jesus House, has launched a new social enterprise called the Barnet Youth Business Incubator (BaYBI), which will raise up a new generation of young entrepreneurs in the London Borough of Barnet.

preparing the future generations to navigate the unchartered waters of the times ahead.

The Consecration of Bishop-Elect Rev Powell is due to take place on Saturday 24th August 2013, during the NTA’s National Conference.

Sex toy businesswoman causes controversy with gospel song

Kandi Burruss, a star of US reality TV show, ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’, is causing controversy in gospel circles.

She’s recorded ‘Stay Prayed Up’, a duet with gospel star and pastor, Marvin Sapp, which has topped the gospel single charts.

Some people are criticising Kandi and asking if it’s right for a woman, who runs a sex toy online store and hosts a sexually-explicit talk show, to sing a gospel song.

@keepthefaithmag

Mega church sets up scheme to train young entrepreneurs

Some have made their views known on Kandi’s webstagram. One person wrote: @kandiburruss great song, but I’m just curious, why do you make a song about staying prayed up while you wallow in sin?

Another stated, Stop shacking up w/ Todd Others have no problems with Kandi singing gospel. One fan wrote, ‘Love your song… watching you and Marvin Sapp love it!!!!

Bump what ppl say we only have one judge.’

Christians in the UK have voiced their views, too. One pastor stated, “The selling of sex toys as a Christian, then singing gospel, does not send the right message. Also, her testimony will be that of compromise and double-mindedness.”

Kandi responded to her critics with a Facebook post, stating, “I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticised. That’s to be expected. I’m a single mom that had a child out of wedlock. I speak openly about sex on #KandiKoatedNights and #BedroomKandi, etc... I’m very honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in the Church of God (Holiness). I believe in God, but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people. The song ‘Stay Prayed Up’ is like a testimony for me. Hopefully, people with a similar struggle can relate.”

Amongst the special guests present at the launch, held at the Arts Depot in Barnet, were Lord Green, a government minister in the Department of Business Innovation & Skills; Caroline Marsh, a property magnate and philantropist, and Baroness Elizabeth Berridge of the Vale of Catmose, House of Lords.

Jesus House has joined forces with youth-led charity, Elevation Networks, and Barnet Council to set up BaYBI. It will target budding young men and women, aged between 16 and 24, who are desirous of running their own businesses, and will include unemployed graduates, as well as young people on the fringes of society, and NEETs (Not in Education or Employment or Training).

Ayo Adedoyin, Head of Community at Jesus House, commented, “We are really excited about BaYBI. Jesus House exists to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and the BaYBI Project is one way in which we can do this. It’s our hope that the BaYBI will enable a generation of young people to fully develop their God-given talents; fulfil their potential, and make a valuable contribution to society.”

BaYBI will teach its clients a range of important skills, including how to register a business; training on all aspects of running a business, as well as assign business mentors to the young people who join the Scheme.

The BaYBI initiative will be based at Balfour House, 741 High Road, North Finchley, N12 0BP, and it is hoped that up to 100 young people will sign up for the training and mentorship programme during its first year of operation.

CORRECTION In issue 78, Keep The Faith published an article entitled ‘The Day My Life Changed’, where Philip Noel shared his experience of unexpectedly losing his wife. The article mistakenly stated that his wife, Barbara, died on 25 March 2012.

She died almost two years ago on 25 March 2011. Keep The Faith wishes to apologise for any misunderstanding this may have caused.

NEWS 09

Catholic Church might appoint a Black man to succeed Pope Following the surprise and historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, there is speculation that the man chosen to replace him as the 266th Pope might be Black, or from the developing world - Asia, Latin America and Africa - where Catholic followers now outnumber those in Europe.

West African Cardinals, Francis Arinze of Nigeria and Peter Turkson of Ghana, are frontline contenders to become the next Pope and provide spiritual leadership to the world’s 1.6 billion Catholics.

Francis Arinze is the favourite to take the Papal Crown. The 80-year-old was appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Velletri-Segni - the post Cardinal Ratzinger held before he was appointed Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

Cardinal Arinze was a key advisor to Pope John Paul II, and there was much speculation in 2005 that he would become leader of the Catholic Church, following Pope John Paul II’s death in 2005.

Cardinal Francis Arinze

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson is second favourite to become Pope. He currently heads a major Vatican department - the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. He has been repeatedly promoted by Pope Benedict, and takes a conservative line on gay marriage and ‘alternative lifestyles’.

He has been quoted as saying, “We need to find ways of dealing with the challenges coming up from society and culture.” He has also admonished the Church to evangelise and

convert those who had embraced an alternative lifestyle, stating, “We cannot fail in our task of providing guidance.”

A conclave of cardinals will meet later in March to decide on Pope Benedict XVI’s successor. They aim to have a new Pope in office before the Easter celebrations begin.

Pope Benedict announced his resignation on February 11, stating that he was stepping down due to ill health.

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10 NEWS

The Wise Women Awards 2013

Women from across the denominational spectrum are featured in the list of nominees of the 9th annual Wise Women Awards (WWA), celebrating the achievements of Christian women in the Church and wider society.

Some of the nominees are well known within church circles, and include BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Dulcie Dixon; Adelaide McKenzie, founder of new artist showcase Blessed Souls, and church leader and TV host, Yvonne Brooks.

The Wise Women Awards (WWA) is the brainchild of

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, co-pastor of Triumphant Church International and founder of Wisdom for Women International.

She spoke to Keep The Faith about the Awards, and why she feels it’s important to celebrate the achievements of Christian women.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): Why do you feel it's important to hold an awards event celebrating the achievements of women?

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei (PME): The Wise Women Awards is about celebrating womanhood! Many women are serving in various capacities in our churches, communities and beyond. Several are serving against the odds, and through thick and thin, and they continue to stand. We all need someone to touch our shoulders and say ‘Well done’!

KTF: What inspired you to start the WWA? PME: God spoke to me expressly about the Awards in August 1994, during a Mission to London meeting. At that time, I wasn’t even living in the United Kingdom, but was only visiting from Nigeria. God chose to start the Awards in the UK, where He spoke about it first. It is important to thank God at this point for opening the doors for the Awards to be held in Nigeria for the first time this year in June!

KTF: How has the WWA changed over the years?

PME: We didn’t host the Awards until 2005 at the Highbury Grove School, Islington, London. In 2011, Keep The Faith magazine joined forces with Wisdom for Women International to organise the Wise Women Awards, bringing in their expertise. We have seen dramatic changes and great dynamism since then.

KTF: In all the years of hosting the Awards, what have been your favourite moments?

PME: For me, it has been that moment when people walk down from their seats to take the Award. The gait, the poise, the strides of each woman shows determination to carry on. Those moments really move me. I go back and watch the videos several times. In addition, it has also been the times when the event is over, and I look into the eyes of most ladies, even those who have not been nominated nor have even won an Award, and I see inspiration and eyes looking into the future with hope! At such moments, it’s all worth the effort, and I want to do it again the next year!

KTF: What should people expect at this year’s event?

PME: I believe it truly will be a night to remember - not only for the Awards but also for the entertainment, the food, the fun and the networking opportunities that Wise Women Awards provides. A ticket will make a great gift for the special women in our lives. Just a last word!!! If you are attending, come expecting to laugh, dance, and to enjoy the night.

The Wise Women Awards 2013 takes place at the London Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel, London SE1 on March 9. It will feature a three-course buffet, live music from African Praise artist Dayo Bello, Clif & Marie and Lurine Cato; an inspiring talk from Dionne Gravesande, and an uplifting Awards ceremony. Leading comedienne and TV presenter, Angie Le Mar, will be the host. Special guests of honour are Olympian Christine Ohuruogu and Shauna Muamba, the wife of ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba. Visit www.wisewomenawards.org for ticket details.

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The 2013 Wise Women Award nominees are: WOMAN IN BUSINESS AWARD Renny Adejuwon - Eden Mobile Creche, London Silvano Griffith-Francis - SVG Productions, London Norma Murrain - Silver Fish Jewellery Company, Birmingham WOMAN IN MISSIONS AWARD Pearl Jarrett - The Jarrett Foundation, Bromley Christie John Baptiste - Support A Nation, London Ruth Dickson - Heavenly Treasures Ministries, Herts EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG WOMAN’S AWARD Marian Adejokun - Marian Adejokun Foundation, London Shekinah Griffith - Dynamik Lifestyles, Nottingham Kika Ashanike - Pure Hearts Foundation, London WOMAN IN MEDIA AWARD Dulcie Dixon - BBC Radio Leicester Sister Belinda - New Style Radio, Birmingham Natalie Brown - Inspired Dreams LIFE TURNAROUND AWARD Jennifer Blake - Safe N Sound Youth Project, London Asi Munisi - Methodist Homes, London Sharon Thompson - Cohesive Consultancy, Birmingham WOMAN IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Pastor Yvonne Brooks - New Jerusalem Apostolic Church, Birmingham Rev Dr Donnett Thomas - Power of the Living Word International Ministries, London Pastor Dionne Lamont - Bethesda Ministries, Surrey MUSIC AWARD Janine Dyer - Love Life, Sheffield Juliet Fletcher - Gospel Music Industry Alliance, London Adelaide Mackenzie - Blessed Souls UK, London WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD Yvonne Sinclair - Upfront Foundation, Luton Juliet Coley - Gladesmore Community School, London Tessa Ojo - The Diana Award, London NAOMI AWARD (Women 60+) Beryl Powell - New Testament Assembly, London Mrs Rachel Coker - Jesus Saves Fellowship, London Enid Jackson - Culture Dementia UK, London

A panel of judges decided upon the WWA nominees, and chose them from nominations sent in by members of the public. The winners of each category will be announced at the Wise Women Awards ceremony. Make sure you’re there to find out who.

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12 COMMENT

THE MESSAGE OF EASTER CAN STILL CHANGE LIVES In an age where more and more people are ignorant of the power of the Easter Story, Rev David Shosanya shares that the message of Jesus, dying on the cross to bring about the spiritual transformation, still has the power to change lives ................................................................

REV DAVID SHOSANYA is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association

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llow me to share two stories. Some time ago, I was speaking at a church in East London. The sermon was about to come to an end and I was to make an altar call. “Eyes closed and heads bowed, please”, I requested. I then asked the congregation to respect the solemn moment of individuals being confronted with a decision that may ultimately determine their eternal destiny.

I proceeded to ask if there was anyone present who wanted to commit their lives to following the teachings of Jesus Christ. There was silence, for a moment. Then some responses. One, in particular, springs to mind. It was a young lady, a teenager, who recognised her need for a lifetransforming encounter with Jesus. She got up from her seat, and walked towards the front of the church.

As the young lady approached, I sensed that God was speaking and wanted to say something to her. He did! I shared the thought that was on my mind. It was all so simple - perhaps a thought that passes through the minds of most people who respond positively to an invitation from a preacher to leave their self-centered life and to follow Christ: ‘I don’t think that I can make it.’ I looked at the young lady and said to her, “You don’t think that you can make it, do you?” She replied, “No, I don’t”. At that point, I felt the Holy Spirit urge me to ask if she had ever smoked a spliff, and how she felt after smoking it. Yes, all this was happening in the service, as others were

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responding to the altar call… The church was praying for me at this stage! The young lady said that she had smoked a spliff and that she felt invincible. I told her that the sense of invincibility she felt was what would happen to her when the Holy Spirit filled her life with His power. She began to weep, then said a prayer to commit her life to following Jesus, and was baptised.

The second story I read in a book about Post-Christendom. The author was illustrating the extent to which society at large, particularly the younger generations, had become largely ignorant of both the stories and personalities present in the Bible.

The author narrates a story of a young boy, who was present in an assembly delivered by a local Christian. The speaker, a woman, constantly made reference to Jesus by name, and shared stories about His life and teaching. Once the talk was over, the young boy raised his hand with a view to asking a question: “Miss”, he said, “Why did they give the Man you were talking about a swear word for His Name?” The young boy had only ever heard of Jesus in the context of His Name being used in a disparaging and dismissive manner.

I recount these two stories, because they both highlight the need for the Church to offer a comprehensive yet simple account of the Easter story.

Easter is not about eggs and entertainment.

To say that is not to disregard the symbolism of the egg as a sign of life, or to suggest that we should not enjoy the company of family and friends during this holiday season. However, the danger remains that, in the midst of exchanges of gifts and enjoying the pleasantries of the

‘The Easter message remains as relevant today as at any time in human history...

Jesus offers an alternative life transforming narrative that can be accessed by anyone.

Easter celebrates this fact.’

season, we overlook what we are, in fact, meant to be celebrating.

Easter is about the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for our sins, and who has the potential and capacity to transform lives that are freely and willingly submitted to Him. Denying one’s self and following Christ can be a difficult message to proclaim and to swallow in a consumer age.

The significant and rapid developments in technological advancement; the age of austerity, and a general sense of hopelessness that pervades the outlook of many individuals, communities and societies, has the potential of eroding the relevance of Jesus Christ to life in the 21st century. However, as churches and individuals, Christians must not fall victim to this outlook of despair.

The Easter message remains as relevant today as at any time in human history. An encounter with Jesus continues to inspire human beings to look inside, to stare the contradictions, paradoxes and often hidden realities of human nature, and not to be bound or defined by them. Jesus offers an alternative life-transforming narrative that can be accessed by anyone. Easter celebrates this fact.

The challenge we face today is to retain a sense of courage and clarity to make the Easter message relevant to the rapidly-changing world in which we live. I wish you a very Happy Easter, where Christ is remembered and celebrated.

COMMENT 13

The biblical case for civil disobedience Rev Stephen Brooks explains why Christians should obey the Government, and the biblical basis for civil disobedience

REV STEPHEN BROOKS is National Development Manager for Excell 3 (National Black Boys Can Association)

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t a time when the British Government is pushing through reforms to allow gay marriage, and a senior police officer, Detective Chief Inspector April Casburn, is found guilty of misconduct in public office, the Apostle Paul’s instruction that it is the Christian’s responsibility to submit to the government is a bit difficult to stomach (Romans 13:1-7).

Although the Scripture is quite clear in some cases, this can be a difficult section of Scripture to accept, and the application can be difficult.

It’s one thing to submit to godly rulers, it’s quite another to submit to godless leaders. The only way we can, is to understand that God is the Authority behind the authority. Proverbs 21:1 states, ‘The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.’

In the Scriptures, there are three divinely appointed institutions, with established authority structures: • First is the Church, as birthed in Acts 2 • Second is the family, as described in Genesis 2 • Third is human government, as instituted in Genesis 9 All authority rests with God. When Pilate was threatening Jesus with execution, in John 19:10-11, he asked Jesus, “Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.”

Those in Government are God-ordained; that would include a David Cameron, a Barack Obama, as well as an Adolf Hitler, or even a Saddam Hussein at the other end of the spectrum. This is where the difficulty comes: understanding that these (latter) types of people also have their authority given to them

by God. How can God allow these types of people to rule? I don’t know. After a continual rejection of His rule, He possibly allows the despots to rule, to show the people the

alternative, maybe even as punishment for turning away from Him. This is quite clear in the case of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. The king had a dream of a statue, which represented the empires of the world that would rise and rule.

In Daniel’s interpretation, he says, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21).

Paul is calling us to a profound obedience to secular government. Paul wrote this while Nero was emperor, at the height of depravity in the Roman Empire. Among other actions, he had his own mother murdered; he ordered the murder of his first wife, after he fell in love with another man’s wife; he also had Christians killed as scapegoats, after the fire that burned down much of Rome was blamed on him in 64 AD. Indeed, the Roman government imprisoned and, years later, killed Paul as well, yet Paul said Christians should obey and honour its officials! Jesus made a similar statement when challenged by the Pharisees about paying taxes in Matthew 22:19-21, ‘“Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”’ In that statement, Jesus validates human government, but also establishes its limits. Caesar has his image on certain things - the outward things - and they are to be rendered to him; God has

His mark on man - on the inward things - and those belong to Him. If we refuse to obey these authorities, we are rebelling against God and what He has established. We must respect the office, even if we do not respect the person in that office.

As Christians, we have the ability to change our Government by voting; we are not to be blind followers of leaders. While we are to follow the law of the land, we are bound to a higher law - the law of God. If human law should ever violate God’s law, we can disobey if it is commanding us to do something God forbids, or if it is forbidding what God commands. Let me stress: civil disobedience - not aggressive or violent - and if that results in our arrest or punishment, so be it.

In Acts, when Peter and John were forbidden to preach in Jesus’ Name, which Jesus commands them to do, they respectfully disobeyed and were told by the authorities, ‘“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this Name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men”’ (Acts 5:28-30).

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As Christians, we have the ability to change our Government by voting; we are not to be blind followers of leaders.

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In England, free speech has largely ended whenever it comes to strong public criticisms of the gay lifestyle and of radical Islam. They call the Bible truth ‘hate speech and bigotry’.

We are called to obedience to the authority of human government; more than ever before, we need to find the right balance between respecting our human governments’ laws and leaders, and preaching an undiluted Gospel to the world.

For more information on the National Black Boys Can Association visit www.blackboyscan.co.uk

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14 COMMENT

IS BRITAIN A POST-RACIAL SOCIETY? Rising numbers of people of colour believe society is becoming post-racial. Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts refutes this idea stating, unfortunately, racism remains in existence

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain

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acism provides both the social rationale and philosophical justification for demining, degrading and doing violence to people, simply on the basis of their colour and ethnicity.

It can be covert or overt, invisible or visible, unspoken or spoken, institutional or otherwise. Its scope, however, extends to every level and area of human society, culture and psychology.

In spiritual and biblical terms, racism is an all-pervasive sin that violates the Gospel message and dehumanises humanity created in the image of God. Put simply, racism negates the reason for which Christ died - the reconciling work of the cross. It denies the purpose of the Church - the unconditional affirmation of all God’s people, regardless of colour or creed.

Conversely, a society where people of colour are affirmed, their gifts flourishing, and colour not a deterrent to individual or collective success, and where equality and justice are celebrated and correctly administered, only when these qualities are present, then, perhaps, Britain can be described as a post-racist society.

What is a post-racial society - a term that came into being following the election of Barack Obama as the first president of the US in 2009? The Urban Dictionary defines post-racial as “a term used to describe a society or time period in which discussions around race and racism have been deemed no longer relevant to current social dynamics.”

To a degree, I can get my head around those with a paler complexion who say we live in a post-racist society. It is not their reality; it is not their pain. Their lives have not been characterised by oppression per se, but by power and White privilege. What I cannot get my head around, however, are the many Africans and Caribbeans who claim that we live in a post-racist society, not least because - for many of us - our point of departure is so very different from many White people. Frankly, I find the thought disturbing.

The claim is insensitive to the swathes of Africans and Caribbeans who experience racism - some on a daily basis. It shows a complete disregard of the meaning of Black history, and demonstrates a very limited understanding of how the world is governed. It is not just a sad and disappointing perspective, it is wholly inaccurate, usually endorsed by Africans and Caribbeans who have got to the top of their game with relative ease, and who interpret the world through their own spectacles of successes, triumph and power. Yet successes and triumphs are not the reality for many Africans and Caribbeans in this country.

David Lammy MP rightly said, “All unemployment is equally tragic, but women from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds face a greater challenge to enter the labour market than most.” An

@keepthefaithmag

All-Parliamentary Group report stated that the overall unemployment rate for ethnic minority women was 14.3 per cent compared with 6.8 per cent for White women. Among Pakistani and Bangladeshi women, it rose to 20.5 per cent. Vivienne Hayes, Head of the Women’s Resource Centre charity, said, “Ethnic minority women face racism, and it can be subtle or it can be explicit. Either way, we know for a fact it exists; it affects the opportunities those women get, and the power they hold in society. This is institutional racism. An unspoken evil, so sophisticated in its movement it can barely be seen.

It renders silent even the most powerful of people. It works less by the spoken word and more by posture, movement, a look of distrust, a subtle innuendo. It is a foreign language, interpreted by those who can speak it as isolation, exclusion, glass ceiling, so far no further, but sometimes misinterpreted by its victims as friendliness, affirmation, progress, even benevolence - yet it can never be benign. It is malignant and totally violent, present in so many British institutions private, public and voluntary sectors - and that includes the Church.

It is a reality for many Black people.”

I refute the idea that Britain, indeed the world, accelerated by Obama’s continuing presidency, is now post-racial. Africans and Caribbeans, who subscribe to this opinion, have either been blinded by their own success; have little or no concern for those who are frequently marginalised, or are trying to shore up their position in their workplace, or just don’t get it.

A great deal has changed from the days of anti-colonial writers, such as CLR James, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, Frantz Fanon and others.

But nobody can ever convince me that the underlying structures of oppression and injustice have changed dramatically. Empire shaped the current national identity of Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, and Empire continues to play a pivotal role in the psychological make-up and political and cultural outlook of the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. The old European empires have been replaced by a new Empire, a hegemony that wants to rule and mould the world into its own image. Its war on terror has become a licence to flout international law and human rights. Racism has become the fortress of Europe - evident in the emergence of the extreme right in parts of Europe. Agreed, direct colonialism is not practised in many parts of the world, but indirect colonialism, which is racism made manifest through economic power (trade barriers, for example), is a global issue, which impacts the Caribbean and Africa and other countries.

A post-racist society? Evidence in this country and abroad suggests that racism will be around for a long time, and will only end when Christ returns.

COMMENT 15

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16 INTERVIEW

An interview with:

RevPaulBaile Rev Paul Bailey is one of the first African-Caribbean Pentecostal ministers in Britain to state that the Black Christian community should be more inclusive and welcoming of gay people, and that the Bible contains theological grounds for same-sex marriage.

Rev Bailey, who co-pastors The Regeneration Project in Mitcham, South London, was spiritually born and raised in the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is a theology graduate from Spurgeon’s College and the University of Wales, and is the son and grandson of church leaders. He has been a Christian for 35 years, ministering and preaching the Gospel for 27 years, and was ordained at the age of 27. He shared his views - some will find them controversial - with Keep The Faith magazine. They provide food for thought.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): The issue of same-sex marriage seems set to be a legality following the recent vote in the Houses of Parliament.

What were your views on the debate?

REV PAUL BAILEY (RPB): Parliament is giving equal rights to an oppressed sexual minority. At its heart, this is a civil rights issue. It is important to note that in the Bible, marriage was fluid and amorphous; there are many kinds of marriage in Scripture. It is only in Jesus that we move towards a concrete definition.

KTF: Pentecostals are known to be against same-sex marriage, but you don’t seem to fit this mould. What’s your view on samesex marriage?

RPB: For some Pentecostals, this is a matter of conscience based on their interpretation of Scripture. For others, this is simply hate-based homophobia. Marriage is a legally-binding covenant of love and commitment. Gay people are uniquely created by God to reflect the beauty and diversity of His creation, just as heterosexual people; they should enjoy the same rights. Our failure to interpret and apply Scripture accurately has resulted in murder, persecution and oppression for the way gay people have been created, ie. their sexual orientation.

KTF: How did you arrive at this opinion, and which biblical passages in your view validate your viewpoints?

RPB: There are scores of passages that teach us God’s compassion for oppressed groups. In Jesus, we see a pattern of inclusion that persistently pushed the boundaries of the Mosaic Law. For

@keepthefaithmag

example, Jesus touched lepers; ministered to women with menstrual haemorrhages; discussed theology with Samaritans; healed Gentiles; healed on the Sabbath, etc. In Acts 8, we have the account of the Ethiopian eunuch; his sexual identity is as significant as his race. He is a member of a sexually-ambiguous third gender. Eunuchs were not chaste or asexual, but were sexually ambiguous. In Matthew 19:12, Jesus states that there are some eunuchs who are born, not made, and they are welcome in the Kingdom. Here, Jesus seems to suggest that a person’s sexual identity is fixed at birth. This is a radical statement considering the fact that eunuchs were excluded in the Mosaic Law (see Deuteronomy 23:1).

A Kingdom welcome, extended to a sexual ‘other’, this welcome should be extended to other sexual minorities. The statements in Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Romans, 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy refer to a range of homosexual acts, but not to the issue of same-sex orientation, or to loving relationships between people of the same gender.

Scripture should be applied in the light of God’s welcome of excluded peoples.

If the Scriptures do not prohibit same-sex love, then who are we to exclude those whom God has included?

Some may say we are stretching, we are; we are trying to reach out to our lost and excluded brothers and sisters.

‘If the Scriptures do not prohibit same-sex love, then who are we to exclude those whom God has included?’

KTF: Your view on same-sex marriage is a major departure for Black Pentecostals in the UK. How have your fellow Pentecostal ministers responded to your views?

RPB: The reaction has been varied; the majority of pastors have expressed deep concern, others are thoughtfully curious and are willing to engage in discussion, and a very small number have been supportive.

INTERVIEW 17

ey KTF: In light of the public’s acceptance of same-sex marriage, and the parliamentary vote, how do you feel the Black Church should now approach the issue and its ministry to the homosexual community?

RPB: I cannot speak for all Black churches, but from my experience, homophobia is rife and unchallenged in many of our churches. Regardless of where we stand on this issue, we are called to love and reconciliation. Substance misuse, suicide, self-harm and poor mental health are significantly higher in the gay community. We all have a role in ministering to broken people.

KTF: How does your church minister to homosexuals who express a desire to follow the Lord and, if same-sex marriage does become legal, will you bless and marry same-sex couples?

RPB: We minister by demonstrating the love and welcome of Christ, and by lovingly helping to heal some of the harm done by damaging encounters with oppressive churches. We also challenge them, as we do to all, to live a life of holiness and discipleship to Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

KTF: How do you think the Black Christian community will respond to your views?

RPB: The Black community is not monolithic but reflective of the views and prejudices in the wider community. I must say we have found open hearts and minds with many people of all ethnicities.

For more details, visit www.regenerationproject.com or like on Facebook The Regeneration Project

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18 FEATURE

DIONNE GRAVESANDE is Head of Church and Young People’s Relationships at Christian Aid

The role of women in the Easter story Dionne Gravesande looks at the role of women in Jesus’ life and death, and explores the various reasons why women were the first people to see Jesus following His resurrection

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he story begins with the most human of activities, visiting the site where a loved one lies buried. Here, three women are talking about the depth of their friendship and time together. Together, they had travelled with Jesus, listening and learning, questioning, laughing and praying. I imagine that they so loved Him that it was unbearable to think of Him as dead, and if it had been unbearable to think of Him gone when He was with them, how much greater, more desperate the pain now?

I’ve often wondered why Christ chose to appear to women first after His resurrection. Was there something special about the women? And was there something symbolic about it? During the run-up to Easter, I took a moment to reflect upon the gospels which talk about the death of Christ and, as I was reading, I connected with the resurrection story through a different lens. Could it be that the reason these women were privileged to be the first witnesses on this earth of Christ’s resurrection was because they were amongst the few disciples who didn’t leave Christ during His great trial, and were with Him at the cross when some of His other disciples had betrayed or deserted Him? It was only later that the Pharisees asked to set a watch outside the tomb and seal the stone, so that Christ's disciples wouldn’t try to steal His body (Matthew 27:62-66).

Not only did these women never desert their Saviour, but also they never stopped serving Him even in death. The Scriptures tell us that on the morning after the Sabbath, as early as they could possibly come without breaking the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, and other women who followed Jesus out of Galilee, came with spices to anoint and prepare His body for burial. This task of anointing the body was just another of the ‘woman’s tasks’ like cooking, cleaning, washing and sewing - that @keepthefaithmag

these women were accustomed to doing, and which I imagine they had done for Jesus many times during His ministry.

It is significant that, because these women were doing ‘a woman’s task’- taking care of Jesus’ physical needs - they experienced one of the greatest privileges and blessings of all of Christ’s disciples: to be the first witnesses of His resurrection.

This highlights that Christ acknowledged the faithful and loving service that these women had given Him throughout His mortal life, and realised that what women do to sustain and provide physical life is important and valued in the eyes of God. He knew that their willingness to take care of His physical body, even after He was dead, was a sign of their great love and devotion, and so He blessed and rewarded them for it.

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The relationships between God and people are central to the Christian faith

Doing women’s work often gets bad press these days. Somehow it is interpreted as not being ambitious enough, and such tasks are just things that need to be done in the normal functioning of a household. Young and upwardly mobile women aspire to be successful entrepreneurs, or to have a fruitful and meaningful career. Meanwhile, it seems to be the older women who embrace ‘women’s tasks’ with joy and fulfilment, particularly within a church context. That said, I agree that to balance work with family is an extremely difficult task for women nowadays and, according to sociologists, the ability to do so can differ

depending upon both marital status and class.

Women of the working class are far more likely to prioritise family above work, and rightly so, while professional businesswomen tend to focus most of the attention on their work. Of course, there will be women who don’t fit into such generalisations, but there are still questions we can ask about our attitude to ‘domestic duties’.

It seems to me that we are distracted with arguing about whose role it is, and finding answers to support why cooking, cleaning and washing don’t belong to any gender group specifically. I am not arguing for women to do or not do as the case may be, but I do think there is a lesson to learn from the Scriptures. The highlight here is about our relationship with God and each other, and the currency of both is love! The relationships between God and people are central to the Christian faith.

During the time when Christ lived amongst us, women had an undisputed traditional role; they ministered to Christ’s physical needs and more, and I think this is why these women were among the most privileged of all Christ’s disciples, because they never deserted the Saviour; their testimonies of Him never faltered, and they never stopped bearing witness of His divinity.

What a blessing to receive the message to “Go and tell.” For me, this is the moment Christ sends ‘the message’ with a woman, and that is wonderful for all people to read. The message is alive in both men and women, and we both have a mandate to share the message this Easter. Christ is alive and well; He dwells within us, and calls us to share in the work of the Kingdom. .............................................................

For details of her ministry, visit www.gladysf.com or call 0870 750 1969.

WISDOM FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL AND KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE JOINTLY PRESENT...

THE 9TH ANNUAL WISE WOMEN AWARDS Be inspired as we celebrate the achievements of ordinary Christian women who are making a great contribution in church and society DATE Saturday March 9, 2013. Doors open at 6.30pm

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20 FEATURE

Aim to be a friend of God Esther Williams writes that relationships can be the making or breaking of us. That is why it’s important to ask for God’s guidance when forging friendships with others, and to make our heavenly Father our best Friend

ESTHER WILLIAMS is an international Development Journalist

You can follow Esther on Twitter @mew36

H

ave you ever been in a situation where you are out having lunch with a girlfriend, only to find out, half way through the main course, that you and your friend of 15 years no longer have anything in common? You’re trying to work out your salvation and do what’s right. She’s still waiting for the man she has been living with for the last 15 years to propose. You have invited her to church more times than you can remember - she came once - but after ten years, it’s clear she has no interest. Furthermore, she has got deep into Buddhism. What do you do? You skip dessert - that’s what you do.

This sounds harsh, but it’s taken me a long time to be able to get my head around relationship realities. Sometimes, we come across people in life that we love dearly, and we don’t want to let them go, even when deep down we know they are no longer good for the next level that God is taking us to. We fear the gap that they will leave in our lives; that fear is an indication that we are yet to understand God’s ability to do a new thing.

One of my favourite worship songs is ‘I am a friend of God’ - not because of the musicality of it, but because of the reality of the words: “Who am I that You are mindful of me; That You hear me when I call?

And is it true that You are thinking of me?

How You love me - it’s amazing.”

We have to get to the place in our lives where, if Jesus is the only Friend we have, that’s OK. There are only two people in the Bible who Jesus called His friends: Abraham and Moses. In Exodus 33:11 and James 2:23, it says, “... and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness and he was called a friend of God.’” I believe that being a friend of God was God’s desire for Abraham and Moses, and it is His desire for us today. We are all children of God, but being a friend of God is another level.

I have a big birthday this year. I am not going to tell you how old I am, but it’s a landmark start of a new decade for me. So… I have already started reflecting over my life thus far: the highs and the lows; the successes and failures; the people who have come and gone, and one thing that has been constant is that Friend, Lord Jesus, who always hears me when I call.

There’s a practical truth that I have incorporated into my life to help me develop a deeper relationship with God during 2013.

The power of association is a theme that has been on my heart a lot. God has not called us to everybody and, if we are to stay close to Him, we need to prayerfully consider this. When you have friends that have been part of your life for a while, who are quite happy for you to just coast along - you share your dreams and they question them, and are not as excited about your breakthrough as you’d hoped they would be - perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate those relationships.

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I am praying for people who are going to fire me up; people who are uncompromising in their faith to walk through the next decade of my life with.

Jesus’ earthly life and ministry have a valuable relationship template. His life demonstrates three types of relationships: acquaintances (crowds), friends (nine of His disciples) and close friends (Peter, James and John), who were with Jesus at His most vulnerable moments. Many of us have revealed our vulnerability to the wrong people, and have been led away from God’s plan for our lives. Let’s make sure that we understand who we are, and whose we are, and place people into the right relationship category.

Get to know Jesus face to face - not to get anything from Him, but simply because you love Him.

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If you’re single, it can be tempting to be quick to embrace new friendships, because sometimes this appears better than walking alone.

I understand. It’s all well and good talking about being a friend of God, but when you’re home alone on yet another Saturday night, it’s not funny. But we need to remember that we serve a God who is still able to speak to us face to face, as a man speaks to a friend.

The Bible says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, then you shall ask what you will and it shall be given” (John 15:7). Pray for God to divinely connect you with the right people.

Don’t be distracted this year. Remember, anything that you give up for Christ will be restored back to you. Get to know Jesus face to face - not to get anything from Him, but simply because you love Him.

FEATURE 21

MISSION LEADS TO

COMPASSION Amie Buhari shares why going on a Christian mission helps to sharpen, deepen and enhance the faith of young believers

Mission helps young people develop humility and compassion The truth is, your average teenager is selfabsorbed. Unless things affect them directly, they really have little interest in others. This may sound harsh, but that is how they have been conditioned.

The world tells our young people to “Live your own life”, “YOLO - You Only Live Once”, and “It’s all about me”. They’ve adopted this attitude of selfpreservation above all else, and a way to rid them of this selfish nature is to expose them to situations where they will be humbled by the human condition. Mission does this. It causes the focus to be taken off self and put onto the other person.

Because of the very real and often hard lifestyles we encounter on mission, it’s hard for a young person to not feel a yearning to help those in hardship; to soften their hearts towards others, who have nothing obvious to offer, but simply need help (the love of God in practical terms).

A young person will learn to give without expecting anything in return. They will learn to love the way God loves.

Mission makes a young person grateful for what they have

AMIE BUHARI is a youth leader and actress

E

ver since I started youth work in my church some 20 years ago, there has been a burden on my heart to have our young people go on mission. Can you believe I have yet to take any of the three to four generations under my care on a mission trip? Talk about a disobedient heart! We got sidetracked: developed a dance ministry; focused on internal matters, and allowed financial constraints to get the better of us. However, my conviction about young people needing to go on mission is even stronger today than 20 years ago. Jesus gave us all (young and old) the Great Commission, saying: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

This Commission is not the easiest of commands, especially for a young person. There is so much in the world that is trying to stop them from doing God’s will. However, mission puts everything learnt about our faith into context. It reveals the heart of God, and develops the heart He wants us to have. It’s a practical exercise in

the commandments (eg. Love your neighbour as yourself), developing the fruit of the Spirit, the Beatitudes and the Proverbs. Mission causes us to ‘be transformed, by the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2). Mission is an opportunity to put into practice what we have been taught.

There are three ways in which mission, for a young person, is essential to their growth in God.

Mission shows young people how their faith impacts lives We can teach a young person everything from the textbook (Bible), but until they actually put their faith, the teachings of Jesus, the love of God and the Word into practice, it won’t properly take root and become a part of their being. Think back; until you felt Him at work in your lives, the Holy Spirit didn’t quite make sense. The same way, until someone actually goes out and starts sharing the Good News with others, only then will they fully understand the responsibility God has placed upon us. Theory must be backed up with practical experiences - an opportunity to work out our salvation. For a young person, existing in such a cynical world that wants to dispel every truth and power of God, they need to see that power of God at work in themselves to cement their understanding. Undertaking mission will allow the love of God to be comprehended, as a young person loves and shares the Word with others.

In this consumerist time, a young person living in the Western World basically has everything they need. Our kids don’t realise how blessed they are, because they don’t really know anything different!

Education is free, healthcare is free, and clothes are thrown away and replaced as quickly as the next meal is on the table. If young people don’t get what they want instantly, they feel like some kind of hardship has been put upon them. Learning about the struggles their compatriots in other countries go through, from an advert asking them to donate money, isn’t enough to stir them to act and, more importantly, feel passionately about wanting to share the love of God with them.

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Mission puts everything learnt about our faith into context. It reveals the heart of God, and develops the heart He wants us to have.

However, when you are presented with abject poverty or sickness, or simply a way of life far different from your own, it changes you. It humbles you. It makes you grateful for what you have.

In my opinion, every young person should go on mission, so that they can have the confidence to tell the good news of the Gospel, and show the practical love of God with a sincere heart. It’s guaranteed to develop in our young the character of Jesus.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

22 GOSPEL NEWS

GOSPEL MUSIC W SHOUTING ABO

Sam Hailes interviews gospel artists on both sides of the Atlantic, and discovers an abundance of songs, albums an

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’m talking to a Grammy Award-winning gospel artist on the phone from America. But that doesn’t narrow it down much. In the US, gospel music isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.

And that means plenty of writers and producers of Christian music have at least one Grammy to their name.

Today’s artist in question is Kierra Sheard. Her mother was one fifth of The Clark Sisters and her grandmother, Mattie Moss Clark, revolutionised gospel choirs in her role as Head of Music for COGIC US, the largest Black denomination in the US. Kierra is hugely grateful to her ‘legendary’ family. She believes that the same gospel music that her family helped birth is set to increase in influence.

“Gospel music is going to be much bigger, and I’m looking forward to that. I love singing in churches, but I want to be able to sing in theatres and arenas, where there are people who don’t know Jesus Christ, and where their lives are changed by coming to a concert. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Kierra’s future vision isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds to British ears. The secular-sacred divide is being continually broken down in the United States. It’s a world where worship leaders win Grammys, and Kirk Franklin’s songs follow Usher’s on urban radio stations.

VaShawn Mitchell knows from experience the potential that gospel music holds. His unashamedly God-focused single, Nobody Greater, crossed over into the mainstream in 2011.

Kierra Sheard

@keepthefaithmag

“Why did the song do so well?” I ask. “It’s the message,” he replies. “No matter where you were in the world, people started to see some type of calamity, loss of jobs, losing homes, and they needed that message of hope to point them back to the source.

“That song related to people in church and out of church, who just wanted to know that, regardless of what they saw, regardless of what they were going through, there is still a God who is bigger than that. The message was so huge I believe it had to go throughout denominations and cultures. It was one of those sounds that had to get out!”

Breaking through the somewhat serious mood, Pastor Charles Jenkins wants readers to know he “enjoys BBQ potato chips for Jesus’ glory” and is the “chocolate Michael Phelps… the drug free one”. His wife says he also has a spiritual gift of beat boxing.

As well as a cracking sense of humour, the pastor, entrepreneur and poet has an outstanding gift in music. His latest offering is called The Best of Both Worlds. The live recording has been very well received and praised for its diversity.

“It’s comprised of the best of traditional gospel music to get your hands clapping, feet stomping, blood pumping and, on the other side of the spectrum, praise and worship music, and it’s more ballad driven, more contemplative.

The concept was to create simple, sing-able, theologically-sound music that could add to the catalogue of great gospel music.”

Aware of the power that music holds, Pastor Jenkins reveals how one song impacted Martin Luther King’s anti-war campaign.

“He was going in and out of churches and community events, talking about wanting to end wars and his commitment to non-violence.

I understand he was booed as he went around giving talks and speeches, and Marvin Gaye came out with a song with exactly the same message called What’s Going On? Marvin Gaye’s song swept around the world and built this non-violent movement in a way that Martin Luther King’s speeches were not able to do.

“That story reaffirms in my mind the power of putting message to melody. The excitement and energy around music can be pointed in a positive direction that can bring about social good.”

New artist on the scene, Anita Wilson, agrees.

Anita Wilson

“Music can make you feel all kinds of ways, so when you think about gospel music, the hope and intent is that you listen and hear that Jesus loves you and Jesus cares about you, and you feel good and better and uplifted when you listen to it.”

While she is “incredibly excited” and “all smiles” about her debut album, Anita is also aware of the dangers of being a singer. “I call it ‘when we believe our own hype,’” she smiles.

“The way I personally guard against it is I know that there are many singers who can sing much better than Anita Wilson. They may be prettier, thinner, so I know that it is the grace of God that gives me the platform to sing, minister, travel around the world and have this record deal.

It’s a privilege; this is not something owed to me.

I don’t get used to it. If someone wants a picture of me or an autograph, it freaks my mind out, like, you’re asking for MY autograph?”

While both the UK and US cultures share an obsession with celebrity, they couldn’t be more different when it comes to the prevalence of gospel music. Myron Butler hasn’t just worked with big names, such as Smokie Norful and Kirk Franklin; he’s a best selling artist in his own right.

What does he think about the apparent disconnect between US and UK gospel?

“We (in America) have all of these things at our disposal, like awards ceremonies, that we take it for granted sometimes. When I’ve gone abroad, I’ve noticed a passion to understand more about the gospel music industry.

“When I was in London, I was at a small nightclub that they had used as a venue to have

WORTH OUT

d artists worth shouting about

a gospel programme on a Sunday night, and people there had such a desire and a passion.”

Perhaps the UK is where the US was 20 years ago: dreaming about the day when gospel music would be taken as seriously as mainstream music?

One of the UK’s most well-known gospel artists disagrees.

“What US Gospel is doing now, UK Gospel was doing in the 80s, and that’s a fact,” Muyiwa states confidently.

“I know of the times when Richard Branson personally authorised the signing of an artist with full artistic control, with enough money in the bank not only to start a nice life, but also to travel to America, and work with writers and producers. I know of a time when UK Gospel had its own TV show, that had a light entertainment budget, not a religious budget, but on one of the terrestrial channels in this country.

For Muyiwa, the problem isn’t lack of artists or musicians. “We’ve got enough artists making music till Jesus comes back!” he says, only half joking. With the right marketing and promotion, he believes the UK could follow the US in seeing gospel music go mainstream again.

With the UK being a much smaller market than the US, Muyiwa highlights the power the Church could have over the charts. He points out that it would only take a handful of churches to unite in buying a gospel album, to make it hit the Top 10 of iTunes.

Muyiwa

Myron Butler

But, rather than getting songs into the charts for the sake of it, Muyiwa wants to see the music changing lives.

“My ultimate isn’t crossover,” he says. “My judgment of success isn’t seeing a gospel song in the charts. That’s not how I judge success, because of course you can have a gospel song in the charts that’s making no difference to people’s lives. My judgment of success is a song that’s doing the mission that we’ve been given to spread the Good News.”

That mission is one that plenty of British people are taking seriously. Enter Black Grape Records an entertainment company which started in a university bedroom, and now promotes up-andcoming gospel artists, such as Divine Divine - a new group recognised as having huge potential after they won the first ever Time 2 Shine talent search.

Preacher Boy Entertainment, which promotes Jahaziel and New Direction Crew, is another example of UK Christians taking the initiative in getting new music out to the masses.

Popular UK Gospel artist, Noel Robinson, wants to see greater cohesion between churches and artists. He points out that movements often have a worship leader who backs them. Gerald Coates’ Pioneer had Noel Richards leading worship. Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor raised up worship leaders such Tim Hughes and Matt Redman.

Noel would not only like to see this kind of collaboration within the gospel music world as pastors work with worship teams, but he also wants to see greater unity between Christians of different denominations and backgrounds.

“My remit is that I believe we need to work together. In this country, we have an opportunity to do something brand new that’s very Kingdom where worlds meet.

“There has to be some place where the world looks at the Church and goes, “Oh my gosh, look at all those Spanish people, look at all those Portuguese, Africans, Caribbeans, English, the nationalities, the Black and the White, the Church of England, the Pentecostal Church; there’s a place they come together.

“There’s a whole generation that needs to be empowered. In this season, I believe there’s something more God wants to do with the bride of Christ.”

Music has power in itself, so it’s not surprising to hear Noel get excited about what can happen when songs are accompanied with Gospel power.

If gospel music continues to have greater impact on both sides of the Atlantic, then the potential for greater Church unity, greater evangelistic outreach and greater Kingdom building could be unlimited.

And, on a grassroots level, a new social media campaign could well help push gospel music out to a wider audience. The Worth Shouting About Facebook (facebook.com/worthshouting) and Twitter (@worthshouting) pages aim to link the UK Church with top gospel resources. Anyone can join and recommend products, and the creators are hoping the resource will help to grow interest in Christian music, both inside and outside of the Church.

Noel Robinson

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 GOSPEL NEWS

Building an audience is a key to artistic success Gospel artists perform to reach an audience with a Christian message using music. Juliet Fletcher looks at how artists can build a following, connection and support from an audience

JULIET FLETCHER

Kirk Franklin

is Director of GreenTree, a specialist music consultancy and production company

W

hether writing, singing, acting everyone in the creative world needs an audience. The music business takes AUDIENCE deadly seriously. Audience is at the heart of why we do what we do. Caring about audience includes intelligent business practice. Just ask radio stations like Premier Gospel & UCB Gospel! If there is no audience reading, listening AND participating (interacting), none of us would be able to make a living or run a professional business based on what we do!

In my experience, developing an audience is a continual cycle of finding, leading, maintaining and growing practice.

Finding Most gospel artists start with the audience they have immediate access to - their local church.

Gospel stalwart (Rev) Marvin Winans wisely said that you start local, reach regional, rise to national prominence, and then go for the rest of the world.

You must strike a chord in the heart of your initial audience, which resonates and begins that outward filter. In other words, create a ‘noise’ that gains a platform for wider attention.

I remember when the notion was: be a support act for a big name, and you’ve got an audience. No! You’ve just got exposure.

Finding your audience is predicated on your artistic ability; how you present yourself, and what you begin to represent to that audience who found you! You cannot mean more to an

Rev Marvin Winans

Growing

audience than what the audience wants to either take from you, or by what you are giving them to meet or exceed their expectations.

Leading These days’ audiences are very discerning, BUT they still like to ‘follow the leader’ and keep up with the trends. Artists who learn to be a ‘leader’ of their audience will experience loyalty at the worst times, and commitment at the best. You may say, Aren’t these two things the same? Of course they are similar, but the nuances are determined by the circumstance.

In the US, for example, when Kirk Franklin spoke of his pornography addiction, his audience remained loyal to him, even though he was at fault for giving in to such weaknesses. Donnie McClurkin spoke out about his homosexual experiences due to abuse during childhood. He held commitment to his ministry, because his audience sympathised with him, and their devotion remained. Both artists experienced forgiveness and, indeed, have increased their audiences through their public confessions.

In the UK, our tendency is to talk of these indiscretions privately and, where the person has shown humility and change, audiences will forgive just the same. The key is whether the artist has both a genuine anointing and genuine leadership, and whether TRUST has been restored. So the key question is: How are you leading your audience?

Maintaining Once you’ve established an audience, how are you maintaining their interest? What are you saying today, or prophetically for next year? Are you speaking up for them? Are you expressing their heart, and still meeting their spiritual or moral @keepthefaithmag

needs through your music? Do you make them feel valued for faithfully supporting you? If you are going to move forward to the next stage of growing your audience, you need to look at how you are maintaining what you have - whether big or small. Please note Zechariah 4:10.

Growing your audience moves us back towards the start of the cycle - finding. Seeking to grow your audience will help keep gospel music - for you and others - fresh! Is it an image or music change? Consider associating yourself with an event that has a strong purpose. In the context of this article, Kingdom Worship Movement is a fine example of a visionary event that has extended audience for the genre of Praise & Worship.

Managers, promoters and event organisers are always looking for artists who are willing to stretch themselves towards new audiences. What evidence can you show to a would-be sponsor/ investor that you started out with X audience size but now it is Y? Have you kept a verifiable method of proving your last album sold 3,000 copies - and it wasn’t over five years?!

It’s now easier to find and grow an audience, given the platform of the Internet and the various social networks, particularly YouTube, but singing in front of a single camera is very different to being on stage before thousands and entertaining for hours. Mastery is required in both cases.

,

Artists who learn to be a ‘leader’ of their audience will experience loyalty at the worst times, and commitment at the best.

Audience: What’s our responsibility?

The last word has to be to you and me - the AUDIENCE! In the early days, British acts would say, “PLEASE BUY!”, “PLEASE SUPPORT”! That was because a lot of people were illegally copying and sneaking into events without paying. It was bad. Real fans (for the ‘super-spiritual’, that’s the modern term for a faithful audience) and real Christians don’t cheat their artists. Our homegrown talent has earned our support, as they reach people we cannot. Let’s be a better audience to our better artists.

Juliet Fletcher is a former BBC Producer and founding Executive of the GMIA. Visit www.gmia.org.uk for more details, or phone 020 3086 8348.

Love Life Masculinity. Sex. Marriage. Holiness. Love. Exciting gifts from God celebrated in His Word. But so often misunderstood and distorted today: marriage redefined, promiscuity promoted, celibacy scorned, gender challenged, yet we’re still longing for love.

This year’s London Men’s Convention, Love Life, is devoted to hearing God’s voice in the Scriptures applied to some of the hottest topics we face in Britain today. The politicians and media have had their say. But what is Almighty God, our loving Creator and Saviour, saying? What does the Bible teach about these explosive personal issues? What can Christians say to family and friends, at work and in public life?

The Convention takes place on Saturday 18 May, 2013 at Westminster Chapel and is repeated twice (10.00am - 3.00pm, 4.00pm - 9.00pm).

You choose which time suits you best!

Speakers Graham Beynon, Jonty Allcock, John Tindall (Early) and Matt Fuller (Late) are all known for their clear, compassionate, practically applied ministry.

They will address three key questions: What can a Christian say about being male? What can a Christian say about sexual purity? What can a Christian say about marriage?

Combined with the heart-warming fellowship of a great crowd of men praising God, this year’s Convention promises to be both immensely enjoyable and personally significant.

Christian or not, single or married, happy or hurting, please join us in May as Westminster Chapel is filled to the rafters with men coming under the sound of God’s Word!

Tickets cost £19. For further information, including booking details, please go to www.christianconventions.org.uk/lmc or telephone 0845 225 0899.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

26 GOSPEL NEWS

GOSPEL NEWS

MEET THE ARTIST Rapper, preacher, poet and motivational speaker, Lyrical Soldier, has scored a first for a gospel artist, and hit the Number 1 spot of the Independent Chart with his new EP, ‘Rise Up’. He spoke to Keep The Faith about his success and plans for the future.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): How did you feel upon hearing that your EP Rise Up had hit the top of the Independent Chart?

LYRICAL SOLDIER (LS): I was very shocked to be honest. I was told that to even get into the Top 40 would be a great achievement, so to get to Number 1 is unbelievable. All glory belongs to God.

Muyiwa releases new CD/DVD and announces UK tour The next few months seem set to be demanding ones for Muyiwa and his band Riversongz. He’ll be busy promoting his recently released ‘Live at the Apollo’, the CD and DVD of his historic sell-out show, which took place last June at the HMV Apollo in Hammersmith, West London.

Muyiwa became the first ever British gospel act to sell out the iconic music venue, when he performed in front of 5000 people.

The CD features 13 songs and, alongside Muyiwa and the dynamic 15-piece band Riversongz, it also includes performances from the artists that participated in the evening: Pandit Dinesh, Andrea Louise, Joelle Moses, Michele Chueng, and MOBO-award winners Guvna B and Victizzle.

Muyiwa is also set to embark on a Spring Tour later this month, entitled ‘An Intimate Evening with Muyiwa’. It kicks off on 15th March in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and places he’ll visit include Sheffield, Manchester, Dublin and Liverpool. It will culminate in another spectacular event at Indigo at the O2, Greenwich, London on 5th July.

Let’s pray the Lord gives him strength.

Visit www.riversongz.com for tour dates and to buy ‘Live at the Apollo’.

@keepthefaithmag

KTF: Your EP features collaborations with Papa San and Bobby Bovell. How did you get them involved in your project, and what was it like working with them?

LS: When we decided to do a reggae remix, Papa San’s name came straight to mind.

We contacted his management, sent off the songs, and he loved the concept and message, so agreed to jump on the project.

Working with Papa San was great. His team and I have a very good relationship now, so who knows what the future holds. I personally know Bobby Bovell and know his great reggae background, so it was imperative that I also asked him to jump on the project.

KTF: You touch on ‘heavy’ themes, such as homelessness, alcoholism and crime in your music. Why is that, and how have the public responded to those kinds of themes?

LS: We wrote Rise Up around the time when a lot was going on in London: an increase in crime, alcohol abuse, unemployment, etc., so we wanted to do a song to encourage the nation that, no matter what you’re going through, you can make it - just be hopeful and believe! Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future, and Faith is having the courage to dance to it today. This message translates across all religions, ethnic backgrounds and social classes, so it has been very well received.

KTF: Aside from being a rapper, you are also a preacher and poet. How do you balance those roles, and what do you enjoy most about sharing the Gospel?

LS: I’m still trying to figure that out myself, lol. For those who know me, I am always on the move, but the beauty is that it always revolves around some sort of ministry. When you find a cure for a terminal disease that you yourself have been suffering from, you are excited to tell the world about the cure.

Seeing the impact the Gospel has on lives brings me joy.

KTF: Now that your EP has reached Number 1, what other things are you hoping 2013 will have in store for you (ie. will you be touring, going abroad, etc.)?

LS: The next phase will be completing my debut album, entitled “The Transition”. I will also be touring in promotion of the album.

The next tour will be ‘10 Days in Ghana’ from 1st March. I was meant to go to South Africa, but it clashed with my Ghana dates, unfortunately. I am excited about what God has in store. I just pray that I keep my eyes on Jesus and stay in His will always.

KTF: Describe Lyrical Soldier in seven words.

LS: Passionate, Driven, Fun, Motivated Soldier on Fire for Christ.

Rise Up will be available on iTunes from 1st March 2013. For more details, visit www.lyricalsoldier.com.

GOSPEL NEWS 27

ARTIST WATCH

Faith Child new UPRISE host Award-winning gospel artist, Faith Child, will be the new presenter for UPRISE TV, which airs on OHTV (SKY Channel 199) and profiles the urban gospel scene with a mix of live performances, videos and live interviews with its leading artist.

Faith Child, known for his funky glasses and lively stage performances, said of his appointment, “I’m looking forward to the great things that will come of it, and potentially opening doors for other artists, and doing my bit to revive the UK Gospel scene.”

To celebrate the re-launch, UPRISE TV has announced that they are looking for a co-host to co-present with Faith Child. The show’s producers want a confident, fun and vibrant person to join Faith Child on set in the UPRISE TV studio, and backstage at the best festivals and events in the UK, Europe, the US and around the world.

If you think you fit the bill, submit a 60second video of you selling your favourite item, and send it in to uprise@ohtv.co.uk.

Joel Colthart is one of the new generation of young worship leaders coming to the fore and inspiring hearts. You can hear his music for yourself on his debut EP ‘Tell The Nations’, which encourages believers to get out into the wider world and spread the Gospel. It’s hardly surprising Joel has a desire for Christians to evangelise, as he’s the grandson of a pastor and son of a worship leader. His Christian upbringing means that Joel not only has a love for God, but he also loves music, particularly Black gospel, and worship music that fuses different music genres. Israel Houghton is one of his favourite artists. Joel is also an artist who lives what he sings about, and has been on mission trips to Jamaica, Ghana, Brazil and Belgium to tell and demonstrate to others the love of Christ. So, if you want to enjoy good Christian music that has won praise from worship leaders like Aaron Keyes and Les Moir, A&R Director of Integrity Music, and want to be inspired to do what Jesus commands all His followers to do - spread the Gospel throughout the world - then check out Tell The Nations. For more details about Joel’s ministry, visit www.joelcolthart.com, or follow on Twitter @joelcolthart

GOSPEL NEWS BITES Check out God Gave Me A Song, the latest release from Norway’s most popular gospel outfit, the Oslo Gospel Choir. Formed in 1988, the Choir recently celebrated 25 years in ministry, and has become a phenomenon over the years. They’ve toured Norway, Europe and the US, and have released numerous albums, resulting in sales of over 1.5 million units, a Dove Award, and were Norway’s best-selling recording act of the 1990s.

Alexis Spight, the runner-up in last year’s Sunday Best gospel talent show on BET, is gearing up for the release of her debut album, L.O.L (Living Out Loud) on March 12. During her stint on the show, the 19-year-old became a hit with both the judges and audience, and is looking forward to going on tour to promote her album, not only because she loves to sing, but also because she is keen to share the message of God’s love to a wider audience.

Enjoy Sing Inspiration 2013 - two nights of gospel music taking place at the South Bank on March 11-12. This unique event will feature performances from Jaz Ellington from the BBC TV show The Voice, MOBO Award winner Rachel Kerr, Israel Allen, and a host of funky choirs and soul groups. Tickets are £25, £20 and £16.

For more details, and to book your tickets, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 INSPIRATION

Want to achieve a perfect life balance? Put God first Are you trying to achieve balance between demands of family, work and church? If so, Pastor Olayemi Adeleke writes that if you put God first, everything will fall into place

PASTOR OLAYEMI ADELEKE serves as Senior Pastor of the House of Praise, Charlton, and is a provincial pastor over 70 churches

P

erfect balance is a rarity these days, when trying to meet work and life needs, such as family, church duties, daily chores and housework.

Most Christian women find themselves constantly trying to allocate limited resources of time, money and energy between seemingly endless demands, and they always end up feeling exhausted, broke and guilty.

What we simply want is a life of balance, where we can do the really important things without always feeling rushed or overwhelmed; where every area of our lives receives adequate time and attention.

The first step in achieving a balanced life put God first Firstly, a Christian’s goal should be serving God, not finding balance! Too many of us have made God one of our many priorities: “There’s my career, marriage, kids, and there’s God.” But God will not tolerate being an item on a list! He must be our first and only priority.

So, the question isn’t how to balance ‘work’, ‘life’ and ‘God’, but how to follow Christ faithfully in every area of life. We shouldn’t focus on an abstract state of ‘balance’. When we align our entire life with God’s will, we’ll achieve true balance.

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” - Philippians 3:8.

Following Christ can also appear very imbalanced. In Mark 14:3-7, a woman poured expensive perfume, worth a year’s wages, on Jesus. While others rebuked her, Jesus commended her, saying, “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” What would you do with a year’s salary?

The prudent, ‘balanced’ thing would be to spread it out:10% as tithe, 40% for bills, 20% on a vacation and 30% into savings. But this woman spent it all on a gift for Jesus Christ.

The expected order of priority is: God, family, work and ministry. However, 35 years of ministry and pastoral work have taught me that things don’t always follow that order. You can only experience a truly integrated life by putting Christ first and subjecting everything else to Him. @keepthefaithmag

How do we allocate our time and resources to most effectively serve the Lord?

1. Examine your obligations. What is necessary? What is essential?

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits Mary and Martha.

While Mary sits and learns from Jesus, Martha is rushing around making preparations, which were useful but not necessary. She missed the most important thing: having personal fellowship with Christ. The things we consider absolutely essential usually aren’t and, in doing them, we often miss the really important things, like having our quiet time.

If your life seems imbalanced, ask yourself, “Am I doing this because I think it’s necessary or because I think I have no choice?” “Why do I think so? Is it really necessary? If not, is it something God wants me to do?” You’ll discover the things you’re doing out of a false sense of obligation, while neglecting what is really needed.

2. Examine your expectations.

Most of us live by the ‘shoulds and oughts’ of life - rules and regulations we can’t justify or whose origins we can’t trace, eg. “A family should always eat Sunday dinner together” and “There should never be dishes in the sink.”

The problem is, you can’t follow all these regulations. Yes, you try, but inevitably you’ll fail.

Stop and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?

Who says I should be doing it? Is that true, or can I just bypass it, since it’s keeping me from something more important?”

In Mark 7:1-8, when the Pharisees and Teachers of the law accused Jesus and His disciples of eating with unclean hands, He replied saying, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” Get delivered from the tyranny of ‘shoulds and oughts’.

3. Run for the audience of one.

I decided long ago to stop trying to please or impress people, and it has really helped me in ministry. The person that matters most is God. Let God be pleased with you instead.

Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ....”

Conclusion Are you rushing around doing what seems important, instead of what’s really necessary?

Are you holding on to man’s traditions and expectations, while ignoring God’s commands?

Are you trying to impress man or God? Until you deal with these three issues and make Christ your most important priority, you will always live an imbalanced life. Focus on God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will become yours as you experience a new lease of life.

Olayemi Adeleke is also President of Total Woman Ministries. For more details, visit www.totalwomanministries.org

INSPIRATION 29

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

30 INSPIRATION

GODLY GIVING REPLENISHES Women are renowned for giving until it hurts and putting others first. Empowerment coach, Felicia T Scott, says it’s important for women to give from a healthy place, by practising godly giving

FELICIA T SCOTT is a Certified Empowerment Coach™ and was recently named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork.

I

’m no stranger to putting myself last - thinking that everyone’s needs are more important than my own. I am equally familiar with the seething resentment and despair that is born when we fail to give from a place of strength and emotional health.

For years, I watched as others moved forward with their dreams, while I was stuck at a standstill. I felt abandoned and depleted. I had nothing to give to others and, more importantly, there was nothing left for my purpose. In my frustration, I blamed God. I’d done the right thing…the Christian thing. I was a giver. So, why wasn’t He honouring my sacrifices?

Many women know the pain of giving too much. As little girls, we watch our mothers, aunts and sisters literally lose themselves in taking care of others. It’s not that we don’t know we’re burning out - we don’t know how to stop! To not give can even seem unchristlike. The first step to being a healthy giver is understanding and accepting that all giving isn’t ‘godly’.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, the Bible sets the parameters for godly giving.

We should give from our hearts, within our capacity, and out of our freedom - not out compulsion or under pressure. We must be motivated by the desire to glorify God and to be a blessing. If we give in obedience to His instructions, the Word promises that God’s grace will abound to us. Godly giving nourishes the giver!

So, why are there so many broken and depleted givers in the body?

The harsh truth is that we sometimes give from our weakness, not His strength. As a frustrated giver, I had to seek God for wisdom.

Here’s a checklist from my road to freedom to help you evaluate your intentions: 1. Emotional Hoarder - Root issue: You fear rejection.

Hoarders give to gain or keep acceptance. They fear saying No and drawing boundaries, because they seek approval from others. They sow from the fear of rejection and, as a result, they reap distress.

I was a Hoarder who feared losing the people I loved. I didn’t understand that every time I said “Yes” to the wrong things, I was saying “No” to God’s purposes for me. I lived in a state of spiritual depletion, because I cared more about being accepted by man than being obedient to God. I didn’t understand that my actions hurt me and possibly the people I thought I was helping.

If you’re a Hoarder, you must learn to desire God’s acceptance above all else. Burdening your relationships with the responsibility of your self-esteem will not help you grow.

2. Remote Controller - Root issue: You crave control.

The Remote Controller gives to manipulate and exercise control over the receiver’s actions and decisions. In order to ensure others act in ways they approve, Remote Controllers attempt to limit options.

If you’re a Remote Controller, stop using giving to manipulate people and circumstances. Instead, practise open and direct communication in your relationships. Replace the money or things you’ve used to get your way, with vulnerability and honesty.

@keepthefaithmag

Accept that others have the right to make bad choices. Share your concerns, and then turn your focus to accepting and respecting their right to make a decision you don’t endorse.

3. Enabler - Root issue: You are driven by pride.

Enablers care more about the emotional empowerment they feel from giving, than how their actions impact the receiver. While fear of rejection and the desire to control outcomes may play a part in their giving, their primary motivation is satisfying their ego.

Enablers are depleted by unhealthy giving and their pride, which inhibits their ability to receive. Need is viewed as weakness and, therefore, Enablers deny their own. They operate against the God-instituted laws of giving, by refusing to allow others to sow into their lives. Enablers actually retard their growth and the receiver’s, because God works in our lives when we submit to His principles.

Godly giving cannot be separated from obedience and submission to God. Before we give, we must ask ‘Does this truly honour Him?’ Otherwise, we’ll end up drained in all areas of our lives. If you want restoration from unhealthy giving, the key is to give according to God’s grace. Giving in the ways He instructs will energise our spirits, and give us the restoration we need.

Live It! If you’re an unhappy giver, take time to evaluate the source of your discontentment. Address the unhealthy patterns you discover in your giving. Hoarders need to practise saying No, and drawing boundaries. Remote Controllers must practise direct communication, while letting go of the need to control others. Enablers must open their hearts to gratitude and humility, by accepting God’s provision through the hands of others.

Like Felicia at www.facebook.com/AskCoachFelica, or follow on Twitter @askcoachfelicia

INSPIRATION 31

Obey God and leave the consequences to Him Gladys Famoriyo shares why it’s important to obey God’s instruction, and what believers can do when they have difficulty practising godly obedience

GLADYS FAMORIYO

with might be the first piece of a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle.

is a speaker and author of ‘Quit Hiding, Start Living!’, ‘Healing A Discouraged Heart’ and ‘Overcoming Emotional Baggage’.

Learning to obey God

I

n our Christian walk, some of us struggle with obeying God. This relates to obeying the Scriptures as well as the personal instructions/ assignments God gives us. For most of us, our desire is to please God in how we live our lives, but what happens when Father gives you clear instructions that just seem impossible or even absurd? What then?

Before you answer, consider how we tend to respond:

1 2 3 4

5

6

Obey and do it heartily. Our classic example is Jesus Christ, who left Heaven to reconcile us to God by giving up His life.

Obey but do it grudgingly. This is akin to a child dragging their feet when asked to tidy their room or do their homework.

Obey but leave ‘bits’ out. This is partial obedience, such as in the case of Saul and the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15).

Say you will obey yet you don’t. For example, you may be waiting for conditions to be right or to change as a result of challenges you have or are facing.

Try to get out of it. This is by ducking, diving or running away from God (like Jonah), or giving God 101 reasons why His request cannot/should not be carried out.

Outright disobedience. This is your refusal to do what God is asking of you. We see a classic display of this in the Garden of Eden.

For us, it could be that He nudges you to forgive someone or to sow a financial seed and you don’t.

Can you identify with one or more of the above?

I can. There have been times I get instructions to do something, and I go for it with all I have. Yet there have been a few moments when, if I’m honest, I find myself trying to reason with God, especially when it does not make sense, and more so, when I get a limited amount of information.

I call these the ‘Go yea’ moments. Being someone motivated by a clear vision along with strategies, goals and tasks, I like to know where I’m going.

But over the years, I have discovered that He does not always lay bare His plans. All I get to start

I believe that, rather than resist, God expects us to obey in faith, trusting that He has a plan. Hence, our response really ought to be, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant listens.” And when He does, we ought to write the vision down and get on with it. To support you with this, I would like to start off with three foundational principles:

1

2

3

are saying we believe God’s sovereignty and power to do and undo. If He instructs you to cross the Red Sea, that means He will make a pathway to get you to the other side. If He commands you to march around your ‘Jericho’, it means He has a plan to bring the walls down without your help. Get the picture? Struggling with this? Do the following: 1) Take a trip down memory lane, and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in your life. 2) Remind yourself of His mighty feats in the Bible. These are bound to raise your levels of faith.

Don’t worry about how God is going to accomplish His plan. That’s not your concern!

Plus, you will drive yourself potty trying to figure Him out.

Don’t get fixated on the worldly notion of results (size, sales, numbers and other key performance indicators). God views this differently.

Take a step at a time. Don’t try to run ahead, but recognise that God works in seasons, and processes us daily.

OK, now for some meatier titbits…

Partial obedience does not count!

Charles Stanley says, “Obedience is doing what God says, when He says, how He says, where He says”. In short, we have to ensure we tick all the boxes. A key principle to doing this is remaining close enough to God to decipher His voice. To do this, regular prayer and reading of His Word are essential.

Bring your concerns to God Rather than trying to get out of doing what He has asked of you, why not bring those concerns to Him? If you think you are too young or inexperienced like Jeremiah, tell Him so. If you are fearful of the unknown, tell Him your concerns. If you are struggling to take the first step, ask for courage, strength, wisdom, resources or whatever you need to get started. One thing I have learnt about God is He wants us to bring our worries to Him. By doing this, we let Him know of our complete reliance on Him. In closing, I encourage you to obey God no matter what. If you have become disheartened, speak to God about it. If you seem unsure as to which direction to take, meditate on Isaiah 50:11-12. And, last of all, be encouraged by the fact that your obedience will not be forgotten, and you will receive your just reward. So obey, and let God worry about the consequences.

Trust Him regardless!

Do you really trust God, or do your heart and actions betray you? But when we trust God, we

For details of her ministry, visit www.gladysf.com or call 0870 750 1969. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

32 LIFESTYLE

KENO OGBO

Cyber Corner

is a writer and web desginer

Listening to the rabble via social media

S

ocial media is the fastest way to get live information about current events around the world. With one billion users on Facebook alone, most of the world is connected through the Internet, eliminating distance and the time taken for information to travel from one person to another.

Social networking has given users the freedom and ability to express their concerns to a global audience, and gain a following at the same time. I was having a recent conversation with a friend, and we both agreed that the best way to receive unbiased news and breaking news was now via the Internet, and no longer the traditional news programmes on TV or radio.

People can create a news broadcast on YouTube from just their bedroom, and share it on their Twitter feed which, in turn, can be shared on Facebook and Google+, covering all major social network platforms.

In the recent years, social media has become an important factor in politics and news. Twitter has increasingly become the most important source for live information, as reporters and news channels tweet about the latest events as they happen. During the Tottenham riots in the summer of 2011, Twitter was used to give updates during Social networking has the beginning of given users the the event, and to freedom to express rally the community their concerns to clean up the to a global streets. The hashtag audience #londonriots generated over one million tweets, while #riotcleanup was tweeted 198,000 times.

Social media is even more important when it comes to the issues of the Church. According to BBC News, Pope Benedict XVI has started tweeting in Latin from his @pontifex account, while St Paul's Cathedral’s Facebook page had 7089 likes and 2178 people talking about it. The recent stance on same-sex marriage in the Church from Steve Chalke created chatter on Google, Twitter and Facebook. Reading through the comments gives an overall insight into the mixed opinions from Christians and non-Christians alike.

Tweet of the month

But with this deluge of information on the Internet, there is a downside. As Christians, should we really be spending so much time on Facebook and Twitter? I just asked a member of my staff how much time he spent on Facebook, and the answer came back: “I am logged in all day.”

I personally have had to take some ‘Facebook fasts’, even though I mostly use it with a business purpose in mind.

So, how can we find and listen to news and information relevant to us?

GOING GADGET CRAZY So, BlackBerry (formerly Research in Motion) has just launched the BB Z10. As a ‘former’ huge fan of the BlackBerry series, I was slowly let down by numerous software crashes and awkward usability of the various BB phones. Now BlackBerry promises, “This phone is ‘built to keep you moving.’” Other competitors, such as Samsung and the iPhone 5, make similar claims on how smartphones can change our lives.

There has been the usual excitement and hype around the BB Z10, as evidenced on social networks, especially Twitter. It seems everyone is going gadget crazy, trying to get the latest smartphone. In the midst of this, I ask, “Is it really necessary?”

My Choice App

Here are a few tips to help: 1. Filter your news feed using keywords. The possibility of doing this varies from platform to platform, but it is worthwhile browsing your social media accounts and adjusting your settings.

2. Select the type of information you want to receive. There are several people on Facebook that I am happy being their ‘friend’ but, frankly, I do not want to ‘read’ their news.

This could be because it’s too frequent, or completely irrelevant. I simply unsubscribe from that feed. Job done.

3. Use an application like HootSuite to register all your social media accounts and compile multiple status updates into one space.

Wunderlist Wunderlist is an easy-to-use task management app, available on your desktop computer, mobile or smartphone. There are loads of apps that help with a to-do list, but if you are managing several categories of tasks, and are looking for a simple intuitive app, Wunderlist is one to try out.

It is compatible across several platforms, which means that no matter what you use, you still get your list.

Wunderlist is available for Android tablet and phone, Windows, iPhone, iPad and Mac Keno Ogbo co-edited ‘The Black Church in the 21st Century’ and is the Director of Spiral Web Solutions.

@keepthefaithmag

34 LIFESTYLE

CHARITYAFFAIRS

LARA RUFUS BA, MSc is Managing Director

FUNDING FOCUS FOR YOUR MINISTRY

of Crowne Consultancy.

Building online support for your charity The basic rules of fundraising haven’t changed - but the channels certainly have!

Social networking and peer-to-peer fundraising are the fastest growing methods of fundraising today. Fundraisers should be asking themselves one of two questions: 1) How are we communicating to donors and potential donors?

2) Could this be done better?

Social Media Social media can be used for a variety of fundraising initiatives: appeals, campaigns, events, direct mail (mailshots), networking, sourcing partners, and much more…

In the past few years, social media has taken off in a major way. It has been defined as a way of using media for social interactions, which can often be done in a familiar, non-threatening way (Wikipedia).

In an age of the Internet, Facebook and Twitter, it is much harder to present different messages to different audiences, particularly around fundraising.

Now, organisationally, we have to have one consistent message suited to a variety of audiences, if we are to earn, secure and retain their loyal support through fundraising.

At a recent conference I attended, entitled Funding Christian Charities and Churches, hosted by Action Planning, I was fortunate to speak with Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Christian Media Trust, who delivered a delightful presentation on how to use social media and the web to raise awareness, build a supporter base and secure donations.

Premier New Media Centre of Excellence Premier Radio was launched as a Christian station in London on 10th June 1995. Since then, Premier has come a long way, and now prides itself on being a multimedia organisation, incorporating magazine publishing and a suite of websites.

Their aim is to inspire, equip and connect the Christian community to take advantage of New Media. They have acquired several accolades and awards for their efforts over the years, which include: • Resources website • Awards for conference • Regional training days - www.nmce.org.uk Premier also hosts New Media awards, to celebrate the people and projects that are demonstrating excellence online. One of their recent projects is Safety Net: Protecting Innocence Online.

Every day, children and young people are exposed to pornographic and offensive images online. For more information on this campaign, visit www.safetynet.org.uk.

@keepthefaithmag

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (NCWWDPEWN)

Peter offered many tips and insights into what it takes to be a leader in the field of New Media, and I have endeavoured to encapsulate the salient points below: Your website: • Ensure that you make online giving simple, and make it easy to donate • Your website should have relevant, recognisable branding • Use your website to promote offline achievements and successes • Ensure your donation page is free from distractions, and doesn’t send mixed messages • Endeavour to reach out to your donor at a point when they are at their most committed on their online journey • If your website is the church website, ensure that the community work is well promoted within the website, and is easily accessible Key facts: • Text messaging is the next big area • Outside of direct mail (mailshots), email is the most effective online tool to fundraise • Throughout the sector, £11bn was given through charitable donations • 7% of that (£770m) was online - UK Giving 2011 • 20% of web browsing is now done on a mobile device - Chitika May 2012 • The most common age group of income online donors is 25-44 • 13% of all male donors and 12% of all female donors within this age group are online • Apparently, 95% people surveyed are not interested in Christianity • Social media is useful for building community and brand loyalty • Giving online is no longer an alien concept

The National Committee of the Women’s World Day of Prayer for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NCWWDPEWN) is a trust, which makes grants to charitable Christian educational projects and Christian organisations publishing literature and audiovisual material designed to advance the Christian faith.

The main object of the Trust is to unite Christians in prayer, focused in particular on a day of prayer in March each year. The Trust’s income is mainly from donations collected at this event.

After the Trust’s expenses, including the costs of running the Day of Prayer, the income can be used for grant making.

For more details visit www.wwdp-natcomm.org, or email e@wwdp-natcomm.org.

Applications need to be made in writing to the correspondent before the end of June. Grant awards are made in November.

Lara Rufus BA, MSc is Managing Director of Crowne Consultancy, former Chair of the Black Fundraisers’ Network; email her at info@crowneconsultancy.co.uk or visit www.crowneconsultancy.co.uk for help with fundraising and project building.

Dates for your diaries Event: Evaluating Salesforce as a Fundraising Platform Date: 7th March 2013, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Venue: 31 Clerkenwell Close, LDN EC1R 0AT Cost: Free (First come first served basis) Description: Participants will learn how using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, such as Salesforce, can help create change in an organisation’s fundraising efforts. Participants

will learn best practices on selecting and implementing Salesforce; how non-profit organisations can benefit from free licences; license costs, and how you can track grant applications through the grant cycle, individual donors and specific donations, and group them into campaigns.

Bookings can be made online, email: info@thirdsectorit.org or call 020 7022 2023.

LIFESTYLE 35

HEART TOHEART

ESTHER FENTY is a qualified psychologist and pastor’s wife

Help. My leadership team won’t leave the young women alone

I

’m a 27-year-old pastor, who recently became the leader of a small but growing church but, on reflection, feel I’ve taken over a church where the leadership team needs a total overhaul.

Some of the young women have confided to me that some of the older married men have been calling them at unsavoury hours, and saying sexually inappropriate things to them. One of the young women claims she was groped by a member of the leadership team, and that the only reason he didn’t fully assault her/have his way was because her mother came home. He was at her home on the premise he was there to pray with the mother. I feel out of my depth, but I know that God wants me to confront my leadership team and deal with this issue. Any advice you can offer would help me greatly.

Name and address supplied

Esther Fenty replies Wow! Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!

However, try to ascertain the facts before acting, and clarify the different aspects of the situation.

I am assuming that you would like a change in behaviour and healing in the church. You may have to overhaul the leadership team eventually but, as a first step, it may not bring about the changes you desire. It might move people on to perpetrate their crimes somewhere else.

It is important that you listen to the voices of the young women who are possibly being intimidated by these older men, and that you do your utmost to respond to their concerns. Finding out exactly what is being said, frequency and timing of the telephone conversations will help you to decide your next step. You have a duty of care to all the women. Some may just want the behaviour to stop, while others may feel that their trust has been abused by those in powerful positions, and may need a process of healing. An opportunity to discuss with a Christian counsellor may be necessary, and you can discover that by speaking to them individually.

You do not say the age of the young women (especially the one who lives at home), but ‘groping’ could also be interpreted as sexual assault. You will have a responsibility to report anything to the relevant authorities for those under 18. You will need to inform the young lady that you are going to do so. Further advice can be sought from the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).

Are the complaints against all of the leadership team or some? Is it the same few names that are being mentioned or just one? That will help you to decide who the culprits are, and whether you

My husband gives more time to the church than to his family I feel under pressure. I’ve got three children under five and, although I’m married, I feel like a single parent.

If my husband is not busy with his secular job, then he’s busy at church, as he’s part of the leadership team.

What galls me is that, although he claims to be busy, if someone from church calls him he'll drop what’s he’s doing with me and the kids and rush to help them, leaving me thinking ‘What about us?’ What can I do to get my husband to put his family first?

Hazel, Surrey

will have to deal with the situation alone, or whether you will have any support from the present leadership team.

Perhaps men in this church have grown accustomed to a culture, where sexually inappropriate behaviour towards women has gone unchallenged, and it is now considered the norm.

Maybe a talk/discussion with the leadership team, followed by a church seminar, may be enough, but if the problem is deeper, you may need to consider further disciplinary measures. If your church is part of a larger organisation, then you can follow your organisational complaints procedures. If it is an independent church, perhaps the time is right to involve the church in writing one.

Esther Fenty provides godly and practical advice on a wide range of issues. To contact Esther email editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk

Esther Fenty says Sometimes, we get so caught up in church work that we forget that the family was created by God before the Church. As a family, ministry starts within the home, and supporting a spouse is part of this.

With three children under five, you need time: for yourself, together for your relationship, and also together as a family. Your husband may see himself as the breadwinner, without recognising the emotional support that you need. He may not be aware of how isolated you are feeling.

Having a good discussion with your husband may help. However, speaking to him when he comes home from work, or when he is on his way out in response to the phone call, may lead to arguments. Enlisting the support of family and church members as babysitters could give you an opportunity to have some time for you and some time together.

During your time together, you can broach the subject of family support.

It is important that you also listen to him, as he may have some issues to explore.

Despite the difficulties of having three young children, do your best to make sure that home is welcoming, and that your husband isn’t looking for an excuse to go out.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 LIFESTYLE

ISAAC CARTER

‘Research shows that women are less educated financially than men; do not feel confident about making investment decisions, and will earn less during their working lives.’

is the author of ‘Go to the Ant’ - a simple, effective guide to money management

G

rowing up in a patriarchal household in the 1970s, my views of women and money were very skewed. Basically, my father made all the financial decisions, and the only time I saw my mother spend money was when she did the weekly shopping.

However, things have changed a lot since the 1970s. Women now have their own careers/businesses; get married later in life, if at all; are the only parent in some families or, in some marriages, make all the financial decisions.

Despite the above, research shows that women are, in the main, still less educated financially than men; do not feel confident about making investment decisions and, due to the fact that they take longer breaks from work to have children, will earn less during their working lives, and therefore end up with less money to live on during retirement.

This is not the wise woman Solomon envisaged when he penned Proverbs 31.

So, in this article, I am going to highlight the seven must-do things for wise women who want financial stability whatever their relationship status: 1. Secure your financial pillars The basic financial pillars for every woman should be a pension, life insurance and a will. A pension, because you need to provide for your financial future when you are no longer working. You should join a pension scheme as soon as you start working. Life insurance and a will, to ensure that your affairs are correctly handled if anything should happen to you, and that your loved ones are provided for.

Do not assume, if you are in a relationship, that your spouse will die before you and leave you financially secure.

2. Manage your personal finances A woman should independently manage her own personal finances; for this task a budget is required. Ensure that your budget contains all your income and outgoings; not only your mortgage, council tax and utility bills, but also what you may consider incidentals, such as hair, make-up and clothing.

Often in a relationship, couples will have joint bank accounts for payment of household bills and joint savings; however, this should not preclude a woman from having her own deposit, ISA or savings account. Remember, managing your money will keep you out of debt (Proverbs 6:9-11). @keepthefaithmag

websites and publications specifically geared towards women, such as www.financialadviceforwomen.co m and www.femalefinance.co.uk.

Remember, “Knowledge is power”and “People perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

The wise women and money Are you a woman who needs to get their finances into tip-top shape? If so, read on and digest Isaac Carter’s tips aimed at helping women become wise about building financial stability 3. Set your financial goals Think about the things you want to do which are going to require considerable expenditure: a new car, an expensive holiday. All of these things need to be paid for, so you need to put plans in place to make sure you can afford them without getting into debt.

Remember, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

4. Get saving and invest In recognition that women often spend less time in employment than men, it is essential they have a savings and investment plan for the future. Try and see if you can save a greater percentage of your salary. You should have at least six months’ salary set by in case of an emergency, like losing your job. You should also be aware that maternity pay is often paid on a scaled basis. This means that you may have to supplement your salary during maternity leave, if you want to maintain a standard of living equivalent to working full time while you are on maternity leave.

Proper investment is a must for secure finances (Matthew 25:27).

5. Get financial education Subscribe to periodicals. Read books. Make sure you understand credit, bank statements, interest rates, debt, bankruptcy, investment, how to complete your tax return, and how to get a copy of your personal credit report. There are financial education

6. Spend wisely Recognise that a substantial amount of retail advertising targets women, and it is therefore essential to be disciplined in pursuit of financial stability. Control impulse spending: (i) shop with cash and leave your cards at home; (ii) buy online, where it’s cheaper; (iii) check out the sales for genuine bargains; (iv) avoid store cards; (v) clear your overdraft and, most importantly, (vi) if you don’t have the money, don’t buy it!

7. Women-only products and services Some companies offer special deals for women in recognition that they are often better, safer and more reliable customers.

Often, these women-only products or services are offered at preferential rates.

These include life insurance, pensions, car insurance, driving lessons, to name a few.

Search for women-only financial products and services online, which are tailored to your financial needs as a woman.

This article simply provides a snapshot of the steps every woman should be taking to secure her financial independence and stability. Follow them and, no matter what the future brings, you will be in control of your financial destiny, and there is nothing more valuable (Proverbs 23:23-27). ........................................................

For more details visit www.gototheant.co.uk

LIFESTYLE 37

BUSINESSMATTERS

DENISE ROBERTS is founder of Christian Women in Business UK and Loud Voice Communications

Women over 40: Push!

D

ion Johnson is not like other midwives. She helps mid-life women go full term so that they can give birth. But not of the crumpled, kicking, screaming human type. Dion has had her full share of those - about 20 years of it.

The type of birth this midwife-cum-mentoring coach helps with nowadays belongs to the category of visions and dreams.

“I am a mentor and messenger to managerial women over 40” is the way she describes it in her soft tone. “The reason why I’m working with women is because I am a midwife at heart, and skilled at coming alongside women at times when they are bringing forth fruit.”

There is plenty of correlation between the act of birthing a baby and bringing a vision to full term during the 40-something season of a woman’s life. She may have raised children and accomplished many things in her professional life, and now thinks she is over the hill… yet, inside, feels a gentle tapping for something more. That’s where the challenge - and Dion - comes in.

“For many women around this age, when this desire comes knocking at her heart for more, she tries to silence it and not to listen. She says, “I am too old”, “Shouldn’t I be satisfied?”, “I am tired… aren’t those dynamic days for ‘popping out fruit’ finished?” In the end, she thinks to leave it to the younger ones.

“All of these excuses sound plausible but are a huge saboteur of dreams,” Dion continues. “A woman at this age can still receive another seed, and birth the most exciting things in her life.”

Dion helps women see that there are still greater things possible, and that, due to both the knocks and accomplishments, she is uniquely positioned to do more. Her services include on- and offline spaces for women to go through the process to birth a vision, ranging from a simple signing up to a free newsletter, to talks and workshops and, at the highest end, group and one-to-one coaching.

After working as a midwife to managerial level, and trailblazing mentoring projects for young women in crisis, Dion left her job in 2004 and spent a season in the wilderness, before re-emerging to coach both men and women. It was during these years of coaching professional people, who were longing for more but were scared stiff, that she felt called out to focus on women.

She sees her work as God’s baby, conceived out of her relationship with Him. “I, too, had done good things in the marketplace, but I

How to build your own website for free (well, next to nothing!)

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wasn’t happy or fulfilled. It began to spill out into my life, and God showed me things I desired that didn’t match up with where I was.”

One of Bible stories that inspire Dion is that of Leah. “Leah is the matriarch of the children of Israel, yet she has facial issues and really wants to be loved and recognised, so she starts to have all these babies to gain the love of her man. But even after all these babies, he still loves Rachel. It is only when Judah arrives that she changes, and looks to gain the approval of her God. That’s what this turning point in leadership life represents. These women have pleased parents, employers, colleagues, family and friends, and still find they aren’t fulfilled.

Now they turn their hearts to knowing what God has sent them here to do, and what He wants to bring through their lives.”

For more details, visit www.dionjohnson.com

1. The easiest way is with the Wordpress blogging platform. Masking the url name, so that it doesn’t read something like mysite.wordpress.co.uk can be done by logging into your domain account and changing the settings.

2. Another option is drag-and-drop software-as-service providers, such as SiteBuilder, Wix or Moonfruit. Again, some of these come with restrictions over the use of url names, and may carry third party advertising.

3. Free html templates are available online as another option. You can download, edit and upload them to your site, but you need to know a bit of html, or the experience can leave you with a dotcom mess.

If you need help and support, visit www.loudvoice.biz

Equipping to Succeed Business Networking Conference Christian Resources Exhibition is hosting the ‘Equipping to Succeed’ Business Networking Conference from 26-27 March at High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8SG. It will be filled with inspiring talks and seminars led by Christian business leaders.

Speakers include Claudine Reid MBE, Lord Michael Hastings CBE - KPMG’s Global Head of Corporate Citizenship, and Sir Peter Vardy, founder of the Vardy Foundation. The cost is £175 for Keep The Faith readers, and includes accommodation for the two-day event.

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

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

38 MISSION

HOPE - THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE Following a visit to meet children helped by Compassion UK in Tanzania, Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins was inspired to reflect on issues surrounding questions of leadership, potential and hope. She shared her thoughts with Kate Sharma.

“If people lack self-worth, it will reflect how they treat others. We can’t redeem the world without dealing with self-worth.”

R

ev Celia Apeagyei-Collins’ leadership qualities are immediately apparent. She’s confident, eloquent, and has a wonderful ability to connect with people. But was she a born leader?

“Everyone is a potential leader,” states the native Ghanaian with utter conviction. “But society often teaches people that they are worthless, and that their potential is never realised.” Celia came to the UK with just the money in her pocket and the clothes on her back. She washed dishes, cleaned toilets, and generally worked her fingers to the bone to scrape a living. But her strong, unshakeable faith taught her that she has eternal worth in Christ. Her life’s work has been to help others understand their worth, and to realise their full potential.

Rising to become Principal of the Word of Life Bible College in North London, Celia has gone on to sit on numerous boards; initiate and support worldwide development projects, and establish the Rehoboth Foundation. Despite holding so many positions of authority, Celia’s ethos is one of servant leadership. “Leadership has little to do with position, and everything to do with service and influence,” she says. Through the Rehoboth Foundation, Celia is not only concerned with raising up godly solution-oriented leaders, but enabling everyone to fulfil their own potential, in whatever circumstances they are living.

It was this passion that led her to travel to Tanzania with child development charity, Compassion UK. “I saw kids from the worst of environments, but they truly believed they could achieve anything,” she says. During her trip, Rev Celia took time to meet sponsored children and their families; encourage the staff, and even help serve lunch at one of the projects. What most impressed her about the work was the holistic approach which, along with teaching children the skills they needed for adulthood, also helps them to understand their own worth and identity in Christ. “God gave us all a sense of identity,” she explains. “When the devil tempted Jesus, it was all about His identity, because it’s crucial.”

This powerful combination of skills and self belief is one that Celia believes will change nations.

“We need to put the reins of the future back into people’s hands. No one can excel beyond their expectations. The greatest thing we can do is to empower them. We can change the history of a nation by making sure that its citizens are in the best place to add value to that nation,” says Celia. “If people lack self-worth, it will @keepthefaithmag

reflect how they treat others. We can’t redeem the world without dealing with self-worth.”

In Tanzania, Celia visited communities where the children were frequently told by the world that they were worthless, but through the intervention of the local church, project workers and their sponsors, they were hearing a different message: one of truth, love and, ultimately, hope.

“I visited a Compassion project, where there was an after-school club, and the kids were given mentors. I strongly believe in mentoring. Life was made to be relational. When you train someone to make good choices, you arm them for life.”

The hope brought to the children in these projects is clearly having an impact, not only on them, but on their families, too. “One of the homes we visited was just a mud hut with newspaper for wallpaper,” recalls the pastor.

“The family had nothing. I put myself in the mother’s shoes, and thought how fearful it must

be when you know you can’t do anything to change your situation. But this mother carried herself with such dignity and hope. Her daughter was her hope, simply because she was sponsored through Compassion.”

Pastor Celia is excited about the transformation taking place in the lives of sponsored children across the world, but she’s also excited about the opportunity Compassion gives for each Christian in the UK to live out God’s will in our own lives.

“Everything we have, we’re custodians of,” she says. “God opens up doors of opportunity for us.

So many children across the world have their potential locked up in a prison called poverty. Every Christian has an obligation to unlock that door.”

With Pastor Celia, you get a sense that anything is possible. Where others see challenge, she sees opportunity. Perhaps her philosophy is summed up by her assertion that “Hope is the greatest gift anyone can give.”

Pastor Celia is encouraging more Christians to give hope to children and families this Mother’s Day, by sponsoring a child with Compassion UK. To find out more, visit www.compassionuk.org or call 01932 836490.

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