FEATURE 27
Witter problem solver, an answer to prayer, and to show the world just how much God loves us all. It definitely influences me in my job also. I see it as a direct response to God wanting to reach young people, who often times feel very lost, forgotten, unheard and even unloved. I want to show people that, regardless, God cares. KTF: What’s your greatest achievement? NW: Now, that’s a difficult one; there has been so much that God has done. A recent achievement was the setting up of my Christian arts charity, back in November 2012. I had dreamt of this for years, and now, to be in our own premises, working with amazing young people, truly is a dream come true. Praise Jesus! KTF: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? NW: I see myself managing a Christian Arts Academy for young people across the UK. Also settled down with a family, and using my life to win millions of souls for Jesus. KTF: How do you want your life to influence young people? NW: I want young people to see that Christ is worth living for, and that, when all hope is gone, He’s right there in the midst of it all. I want to see the young people I have mentored and worked with over the years become strong in their faith, following Jesus, owning businesses, making an impact, and influencing their generation. I want young people - especially the ones from the Black community - to believe in themselves, to want to be educated, and to revive the positive attitude within our culture.
faith child Michael ‘Faith Child’ Ayo, aged 24, is a MOBO-nominated recording artist, TV producer, and presenter of OH TV’s urban music programme, Uprise. He is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God De-Vine Sanctuary in Croydon.
KTF: What’s your greatest achievement to date? FC: Amongst the awards and tours, I would probably say seeing over 230 young people make a decision to live for God on my tour last year in Europe. The message of my music is that of hope and love, and when you see the greater message - of getting to know Christ - come to pass before your eyes, it’s a great feeling and one to celebrate.
KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): How long have you been a Christian, and what inspired you to follow Jesus? FAITH CHILD (FC): I have been a Christian for as long as I can recall: the testimony behind my birth, my being, and God intervening, just moments before my mother was due to abort me. This gave me tunnel vision as to why my life was spared, and that was to serve Him. My story of how God can give purpose to a ‘mistake’ is one too big not to share. That’s all the inspiration one needs to follow Christ.
KTF: What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time? FC: Opening doors for UK Gospel, making a difference, and taking good music to the masses in the UK and overseas. Now this will be in the form of releasing music, touring, using my influence to effect change, and standing as an ambassador for positivity and all things good.
KTF: How does your faith in Jesus impact your life and the things that you do? FC: It impacts my life majorly, and I have taken Christian living seriously from a very young age, which has resulted in me still being a virgin at the age of 24! Many a time, people look at me weirdly for not fitting in with the ‘norm’, but hey, I guess I’m not from this world ;-)
KTF: How do you want your life to influence your fellow young people? FC: I want my life to reflect that it is cool to live for God and to stand for positivity and all things good. I came from a single parent household, with a domestic violence background, and I want my life to show that, regardless of your story, God can make something great out of it and out of you. Visit www.faithchildmusic.com for more details
Visit www.manchestercs.org.uk or www.ni-cola.com for more details
www.keepthefaith.co.uk