Keep The Faith Issue 109

S E K’ ND IC IN E U K A HN AZ TH AC I-ET MAG BL LT AN U M ISTI R CH

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

ISSUE 109

FRIENDS

IN HIGH PLACES Man, the endangered species?

TO DECREE

OR NOT TO DECREE

Churches standing together against serious youth crime

THE AFRICA WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

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TS CONTE1N 09

Welcome to Issue 109 Welcome to Issue 109! Everyone loves news of a new baby, and we start by congratulating the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the safe arrival of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor!

We celebrate MEN in this issue, as we approach Father’s Day in June! I am blessed with a wonderful, loving father, who is now 89 years young. Sadly, there are many children who do not have fathers or any male role models in their lives. Are men becoming an endangered species?

Are their identities being redefined with the growing number of single parent women?

There were plenty of men at the recent Standing Together rally, organised by the Synergy Network (a part of the Ascension Trust). The rally was followed by a meeting of senior church leaders, who are making great strides in the fight against serious youth crime, for example, working towards a nationwide plan to free up space in church buildings for youth work, and waiving funeral service fees for teenage victims of knife crime to help their families. (Can you believe there were 3,000 stabbings in the UK last year?) We also discuss how we can be stronger together for the common good.

We have Gospel News from the UK, America, South Africa and all the way from Australia! We look at what makes music producers tick, and the signs of a new era in gospel music.

We interviewed Viv Ahmun, the entrepreneur who is inspiring others, and we highlight the warning signs of prostate cancer and the ignorance of sickle cell disease. There is also a feature about the new changes to the Religious Worker Visa, which threaten the future of churches and ministries.

What has Pentecostalism ever done for Christianity? Does your brain have too many tabs open? (I am sure mine does!) To decree or not to decree? These and many more topics are explored in this issue.

Finally, Happy Father’s Day to all our dads, uncles, brothers, grandfathers, pastors and to our MEN... We appreciate you!

ISSUE

NEWS

10 18

04 In the news

GOSPEL MUSIC 08 Gospel News by Adeaze Chiwoko 10 The Africa Worship Experience

by Milton B. Allen 12 South African artists building International brands by Segodi Leshalabe 13 Thank God It’s Friday!

Living the Gospel from SA to AU

by Danielle McAlpine Johnson and Ben Harrell 14 What makes Christian music producers tick? by Marlene Cato 16 Signs for a new era in British Gospel

by Juliet Fletcher

INTERVIEW 18 Interview with Viv Ahmun

FEATURE

20

20 Churches standing together against serious youth crime by Shirin Aguiar 22 Stronger together for the common good by Richard Reddie 24 Poverty isn’t a privilege - the White man is your brother, too by Dr Keith Magee 26 Man, the endangered species?

by Rev Pat Reid

COMMENT

36

Enjoy!

28 Friends in high places by Gary Clayton 29 Does your brain have too many tabs open? by Rev Canon J.John 30 To Decree or Not to Decree? That is the question... by Rev Stephen Brooks 32 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon 33 Suffering by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 34 What has Pentecostalism ever done for Christianity? by Bishop Dr Joe Aldred

LIFESTYLE

Blessings

Shirley McGreal

KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE R

Keep The Faith Ltd keepthefaithteam 71-75 Shelton Street @keepthefaithmag Covent Garden keepthefaithmagazine London WC2H 9JQ keepthefaith.co.uk T: 0845 193 4433 keepthefaithdirectory.co.uk

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Shirley McGreal FCMI Chief Executive Officer: Dr Daniel Tulloch Sub-Editor: Jackie Raymond Design: Becky Wybrow Advertising: Diverse Media Group Limited advertising@diversemediagroup.co.uk T: 0203 868 0664 Marketing: Josie McFarlane Admin & Finance: Nicola Hammond

The Publisher would like to thank Adaeze Chiwoko, Milton B Allen Global Music Link, Segodi Leshalabe, Danielle McAlpine Johnson, Ben Harrell, Marlene Cato, Juliet Fletcher, Shirin Aguiar, Richard Reddie, Dr Keith Magee, Rev Pat Reid, Gary Clayton, Rev Canon J John, Rev Stephen Brooks, Marcia Dixon, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, Kehinde Salami, Maxine Edgar, Rev Cassius Francis, Pia Subramaniam, Ian Hughes, Graham Miller, Mervyn Reid-Nelson, Tayo Fatunla, Vanessa Grossett, Keno Ogbo, Diverse Media Group, our supporters and advertisers. Front cover image: Mervyn Reid-Nelson.

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

35 Black man, check yourself!

by Ian Hughes 36 Severing the ignorance of sickle cell disease by Kehinde Salami 38 Celebrating a new type of funeral

by Maxine Edgar 39 Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted by Rev Cassius Francis 40 Will changes to Religious Worker Visa affect churches and ministries?

by Pia Subramaniam 41 Christian education in the spotlight The Band Family by Tayo Fatunla 42 Congratulations, it’s a... new animation series ‘Royalty’ by Vanessa Grossett 44 Essentials for entrepreneurs

by Keno Ogbo

MISSION 46 One plane can change the ending

by Mission Aviation Fellowship www.keepthefaith.co.uk

04 NEWS

RAISING CHURCH AWARENESS ON SUICIDE PREVENTION Churches are being encouraged to train members to prevent suicides, especially amongst men.

Award-winner’s meals are a godsend In March, Minister Melanie Hamilton received an award at the Wise Women Awards for her work with young people and adults in the community, via the organisation she founded, My 2nd Chance.

She recently added another string to her bow when she launched Nancy’s Community Meals Service (NCMS), which delivers authentic Caribbean meals direct to people’s homes.

Melanie, who attends the Church of God of Prophecy, New Cross, shared: “I was inspired to start the business after going to visit my mum, who was housebound, and finding that she was being given meals of mash and spaghetti. When I spoke to her carer, she said she didn’t know how to cook Caribbean food, and I thought it would be good if there was an organisation that could provide meals for Caribbean people, who could no longer cook for themselves, who were housebound, suffering from a disability or had dementia. I named the business after my mother, because she was such an inspiration, and often used food – by inviting people to dinner – to win them to Christ.”

Since the launch in March, NCMS has had a great response. The orders have been coming in so fast that Melanie has now moved her office out of her home and into rented premises.

Although she initially started the service for people who were housebound or unable to cook, a whole new clientele Melanie hadn’t considered has started using NCMS: mature professionals. She explained: “NCMS is getting orders from people who double as carers for parents and their families, but who are also professional, have busy lives, and aren’t always able to cook for themselves. For them, NCMS has been a godsend.”

Receiving the Wise Women Award for her work in the community has inspired Melanie to up the ante, not only where NCMS is concerned, but also in her activities supporting people.

She hopes to open a drop-in resource centre, so she can be at hand, at all times, to offer a helping hand to assist others overcome life’s challenges and to be all God has called them to be.

For more information about Nancy’s Community Meals Service, visit www.my2ndchance.co.uk Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Speaking in the aftermath of the suicide of pop group frontman Keith Flint of the Prodigy earlier this year, Richard Anderson shared: “In today’s society, men don’t feel as though they fit, a lot of the time.

“Men are losing jobs, and when they get to over 40 it’s an age where they realise the dreams and aspirations they had aren’t going to come to fruition. There’s also a lot of family break-ups round about this age, too.”

Statistics compiled by The Samaritans, a charity that provides support for people who feel suicidal, show that 6,213 people committed suicide in 2017, and men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.

The highest rate of suicide in the UK is amongst men aged between 45 and 49.

Richard, a minister at Ark 4 Dominion Apostolic Ministries in Birmingham, runs highly regarded Applied Suicide Intervention Training Skills (ASIST) suicide prevention training courses, which have been utilised by the US Army for its work with soldiers suffering from PTSD. Richard hopes churches will take steps to train their members to recognise the signs of those suffering mental distress: “Churches need the awareness that suicide amongst men is an issue, and they also need to know who to direct people to.”

For more details of suicide prevention training, email andersonrichard76@gmail.com

THE

95% of children & young people don’t go to church!

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5 studies about God’s calling for his people in the world

Concern for society

Christians and the world

Christians and work

Life, gender, marriage & family

Christians as citizens

With Dr Chris Sinkinson of Moorlands College, Caz Dodds, Rev Pete Nicholas, Michael Ots and UCCF Director Richard Cunningham

On sale from livingchristianity.org.uk and thegoodbook.co.uk

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KTF is reaching out from the pages to the community Our goals for 2019 are to have an additional 5,000 subscribers, which will enable us to expand our print run, so that more people can benefit from having access to Britain’s leading Black and minority ethnic community-focused publication.

Within three years, we plan to be printing 100,000 copies per issue in the UK. We are

also looking at offers to publish Keep The Faith in the USA, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana!

Help us to help you Broadening our national network means we will be able to bridge the gap between the faith and secular communities, by profiling projects and enterprises that will be for all our benefit.

Promoting and supporting unity will help build on some of the amazing work and progress that is being made within our community in the UK and beyond… but on a much larger scale.

Can you help us to continue to inspire, educate, entertain and promote the positivity that is within the burgeoning community that Keep The Faith magazine serves? Because we are dependent on advertising revenue, we need to encourage subscriptions; we want to remain independent and stay rooted within the community we serve. A subscription also ensures that you receive a copy of Keep The Faith and avoids the disappointment of not being able to pick up a copy from our outlets.

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Many of our loyal clients continue to do so, year in and year out, but our clients’ budgets are being continually cut. We recognise this and we have supported the community by keeping our rates equitable and fair.

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or 14 years Keep The Faith - Britain’s leading Black and minority ethnic community-focused publication that promotes and supports unity, faith and family values - has been providing this community with a voice, highlighting the need for unity, providing inspirational and aspirational news from within the BME church community, and creating a better understanding in an ever-changing environment.

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“We’d never be able to afford to stay there!” said the young curate to his wife, as they walked through the majestic Valley of Rocks and past the beautiful hotel that looked down the hill to the sea and dramatic hills beyond. But God had other ideas, and the young curate ended up being one of the founders of a new Christian Community based in that very hotel building. That was over 70 years ago, when Lee Abbey started its life as a venue for evangelistic house parties, where the guests all mucked in, with community helping with the washing up and bed-making.

Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find comfortable, mostly en-suite bedrooms - some having that same breathtaking view of the sea and the steeply wooded Devon Coast. But it’s still founded around a core Christian Community, now of around 90 people from 15 different nations.

And it remains a place where people and churches encounter God: guests describe this as a ‘thin’ place, where the boundary between heaven and earth is fine.

We offer conferences, retreats and holidays and, since the Beacon Activity Centre opened in 2003, there are also outdoor adventures including zip wire, archery and climbing. Each summer we run family holiday weeks - with main speakers like Simon Guillebaud and Sean Doherty - and optional seminars, prayer ministry and food for the soul each evening. Oh, and delicious, plentiful food, afternoon activities from our Beacon Team, and a summer show on the last night!

Prices are from £326 for an adult, under 5s are free, and we offer other discounts for children, single parents, clergy and students. Our Taunton Taxi service (£19 each way) means anyone can get here.

Down in the valley are our Tea Cottage and Camp Field, which overlook our private beach.

The Field (for 18-30s: £150) and the Lee Abbey Youth Camp (for 13-18s: £165 fully inclusive) offer opportunities to explore faith through worship, creative teaching and seminars - not to mention fun games, crafts and space to be you.

You may never have heard of Lee Abbey, or know about it only from your friends, but perhaps 2019 will be the year you accept our invitation to discover the joys of this remarkable place for yourself.

08 GOSPEL MUSIC

GOSPEL NEWS ‘You’re free here’

BY ADAEZE CHIWOKO Unbound PR

@unboundpr

@unboundpr

@unboundpragency

MINISTER TAF IS USING HIS MUSIC TO ADDRESS KNIFE CRIME

Media sponsor Keep The Faith

In April, award-winning gospel reggae artist, Minister Taf, released his new album entitled ‘Life’. The anticipated album includes his song ‘Life Too Short’, produced

by Qwequ AJ to address the increasingly devastating trend of knife crime in the UK. Minister Taf says: “I really hope this song reaches the youth, and encourages them to put the knives and guns down.”

The album also features songs with special guests, such as MOBO nominee Andrew Bello, Fiona Yorke, Tanesha (his wife), Becca Folkes and the Voice UK semi-finalist, Emmanuel Smith.

“I wrote this album to address a variety of issues in life, including lack of gratitude, because I feel that many people are not grateful for what they have and where they are in life. I want this album to encourage and lift people who are going through difficult moments in their live,s and who want to give up.”

Minister Taf has gradually built a name for himself on the UK scene, through his energetic performances and catchy lyrics. Last year he was granted the opportunity to perform in Portugal and Germany. His incredible, upbeat attitude and positive energy combine to make him one of the most versatile performers in the business today. He has graced the same stage with quite a few international and local acts, such as MOBO award-winner Guvna B, Volney Morgan & New-Ye, Triple O, DJ Nicholas, Jason Mighty, Datin (USA) and Dwayne Tryumf.

‘Life’ will be available on all digital platforms, including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

TYE TRIBBETT TO RETURN TO THE UK AFTER FOUR YEARS Leading American gospel singer, writer, producer and preacher, Tye Tribbett, is returning to the UK after four years, for a headlining performance at the Gospel Family Fest in Birmingham this May. On 27th May, Tye Tribbett will be ministering some of his most popular gospel songs, such as Stand Out, He Turned It and Work Out, with his full band at Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich. Tye isn’t the only American, who will be gracing the Birmingham stage, however. Bill Moss - whose most recent album release, ‘Songbook of Praise and Worship’, features the likes of JMoss - is also on the set list.

Manchester-based Christian folk/pop artist, Zion, and Wolverhampton-based Byron Taylor Jr with his group Favour are the UK-based supporting artists for what organisers promise will be an explosive night of gospel music and worship for the whole family.

Tickets are available to purchase from www.ilovegospelevents.com.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

GOSPEL MUSIC 09

JOHN FISHER AND IDMC GOSPEL CHOIR CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN MUSIC Leader and founder of the ‘Gospel Soul’ choir IDMC, John Fisher, is celebrating 25 years in the music industry, with the release of a new single entitled ‘My Change Has Come’.

The single, performed by IDMC, which stands for Individuals Dedicated to the Ministry of Christ, features vocals from Shanteh Fuller and ITV’s The Voice finalist, Wayne Ellington.

Sonically, it is a feel-good reggae song, with all the warm harmonies and melodic vocals you would expect from the seasoned choir.

‘My Change Has Come’ is currently available on digital outlets. The choir will also be performing live at the country’s most popular Christian music festival, ‘Big Church Day Out’, on 26th May.

MAKE ROOM… FOR ALL MY TROPHIES! Jonathan McReynolds headlined at news outlets following his eight-trophy win at the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which also included a subsequent tribute to the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The outstanding artist’s third album, Make Room, has earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Album, and nine Stellar Award nominations.

Out of nine nominations, Jonathan won eight, including ‘Artist of the Year’ and ‘Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year’.

Having co-produced all material on the album, McReynolds won ‘Producer of the Year’ - an award shared with the production team of Make Room. His single, ‘Not Lucky, I’m Loved’, also won ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Urban/ Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year’. The album itself won ‘CD of the Year’ and ‘Contemporary CD of the Year’.

The Chicago-based singer/songwriter is currently on his Make More Room Tour around the USA.

See below for a full breakdown of the 29-year-old’s wins: 1) Artist of the Year 2) Male Vocalist of the Year 3) Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year 4) Producer of the Year 5) Song of the Year 6) Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year 7) CD of the Year 8) Contemporary CD of the Year

A SONG FOR THE TIMES: ‘HEAL OUR LAND’ BY PURIST OGBOI Tech Music School’s London graduate, Purist Ogboi, recently released a gripping new music video as a visual accompaniment to her very poignant single, ‘Heal Our Land’.

Purist, wife of multi award-winning producer, Evans Ogboi, officially released the video as a “sincere prayer in the midst of the global crisis we face.”

Directed by one of the UK’s leading filmmakers, Fred Williams, the video (available to watch on YouTube) is an almost haunting illustration of the state of the earth, with Purist Ogboi standing on behalf of many, crying out to Jesus for the healing of the land.

She says: “Jesus is the answer to our world needs. This song is a cry from our hearts. We need God’s spiritual intervention on the earth’s affairs...”

On her social media platforms, Purist has revealed that the single has been strongly inspired by the Bible passage in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says: “If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Heal Our Land is the third single to be taken from Purist’s forthcoming album, ‘Victory’. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

10 GOSPEL MUSIC

THE AFRICA WORSHIP EXPERIENCE PART ONE

BY MILTON B. ALLEN, GLOBAL MUSIC LINK

T

he Africa Worship Experience is felt by many to be a spiritual and transformative experience for American Gospel artists.

In Part 1 of this story, we talk to Todd Dulaney and JJ Hairston about their experiences in the Motherland. Both artists left Africa much changed from when they arrived.

This writer’s very first interview with Todd Dulaney was in 2016. In a very recent interview about his new release, ‘To Africa With Love’, I reminded him of that conversation. Here’s what he said: “Right away I lit up. I said ‘Wow!’ I had no idea, because we schedule a lot of interviews, we sit down with a lot of people, but when I sat down with you and you said that, I said ‘Whoa!

This is a guy I want to talk to’ because Africa was on my radar from the very beginning. I feel like I was supposed to be there, that I was supposed to worship there at some point. I didn’t know I was supposed to record there, but I knew at some point that I was to experience what it was like to see that level of freedom in worship.”

JJ Hairston appeared on ‘Experience Lagos 2019’. He explained it this way: “It was something I could never explain... To hear over 600,000 people worshipping at the same time felt like heaven. Every praise was explosive, and every moment of worship sounded like a host of angels.

After that day, I vowed to always give my ‘ALL’ in worship.”

Both Todd and JJ had very similar experiences at different times and different places. I asked Todd: “How immersing is this ‘Africa Worship

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Experience?” He replied: “In America, because we have shied away from the things of God so heavily now, we have lost that type of passion for Christ. As a nation, we have lost that level of pursuit for the things of God. A lot of the great, great mighty things that they’re experiencing in Africa in the presence of God, we don’t see them here, or at least we don’t see them on a regular basis. They see miracles – often. They see mighty healings – often. And it is because of that posture of their heart that says ‘I’m gonna go after Jesus no matter what!” Todd continues: “The ‘Africa Worship Experience’ is next level. The reason is, they are not ashamed of Jesus. They are unashamed to say, ‘I am deeply in love with this Christ, and I’m not gonna hold back.’ You feel that from the moment you touch ground there.”

JJ Hairston also chose to record in Africa.

“We recorded in Abuja, because I’ve been changed by the worship experience in Nigeria,” says JJ. After ‘Experience Lagos’, I visited Coza in Abuja and I was blown away by the worship experience there. I’ve always loved the culture of worship in Africa, so much so that I wanted to capture it as part of my next live recording. We are deeply grateful for COZA Abuja, and for Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. They have really become a second church home for me. So I did half of my

recording there, and the second half at my home church - City of Praise in Landover, Maryland (USA).

“I recorded with two amazing and very popular Nigerian artists,” he continues. “One is Tim Godfrey. He has crazy energy!!! ‘Onaga’ is the song he wrote for us.” Onaga in one of Nigeria’s major languages is a prophetic word, a declaration that means ‘It is working’. “The energy while we sang that song was incredible. We also recorded the song ‘Excess Love’ with a very popular young woman named Mercy Chinwo. She’s AWESOME! She’s so small that her HUGE voice is so unexpected! And to top it off we collaborated on a song called ‘What Have You Not Done?’ with the praise team from COZA, named The Gratitude.

They are awesome as well.”

Todd Dulaney’s To Africa With Love album, recorded in Capetown, is climbing the Billboard charts.

JJ Hairston’s Miracle Worker album, recorded in Abuja, Nigeria and the USA will be released Summer 2019.

12 GOSPEL MUSIC

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS

BUILDING INTERNATIONAL BRANDS SEGODI LESHALABE

is a record label directory, artist manager, promoter and blogger

T

he entrance of technology into the music business ecosystem in recent years has helped open up the industry to globalisation. Fuelling this evolution are music festivals and conferences that take place in various cities around the world. One of these is an event called South by South West (SXSW) which is held annually in Austin, Texas in the US. Over 32, 000 participants from some 80 countries across the globe flock to this 10-day festival and conference that also includes Film and Interactive.

Amongst the attendees at the 2019 event was a group of artists and music professionals from South Africa. They were part of a programme by an organisation called the Independent Music Exporters South Africa (IMEXSA), which is funded by the South African government. This writer joined the group as they undertook the almost 20-hour journey to Austin via Atlanta. This wasn’t the first expedition by IMEXSA, having brought several delegations to the event in the past. It’s part of the programme’s initiative to help increase music exports from South Africa to the world, and to help artists learn and experience how to build international brands for themselves. Various music professionals from other countries continue to assist in those endeavours. They include the likes of Mr Allen Johnston, aka the Music Specialist, who has travelled to South Africa to speak to more artists and music professionals at IMEXSA’s annual conference called the SA Indies Music Week.

For this year’s participation, IMEXSA had, for the first-time, set up a South African house, where business and networking discussions took place during the day, and live performances took place in the evenings.

di Leshalabe and author, Sego IMEXA coordinator rship guru, de lea d speaker an and motivational Dr David Molapo

The support the house had, signalled the viral impact and importance of African music in our global music ecosystem. Some of the artists in the delegation got to perform internationally for the first time, which constituted a learning curve they will certainly cherish for years to come.

Some even received invites to perform in other countries. Many guests that came to the house shared their vast knowledge and interest in South African music - an experience, which was quietly humbling.

The rest of the conference included panels and workshops that touched virtually every aspect of the music industry - from legal to touring and live performances; to branding; how to make money from music; latest technological trends in music; music in film, and many others. There were also several keynote speakers, who shared their music journeys, lessons they’d learnt, and also offered tips on how to become a global success in the business of music.

Even though this was not the writer’s first visit to the event, it still remained an eye opener, as one got to learn of the many technological advances and trends in the music industry. One company demonstrated an app that is set to enable instant royalty payments to artists and companies in the future - a world first!

By the time the 10-day event had come to an end, this writer’s vision for my music business career and for the artists that I represented expanded significantly. One was once again shown the endless opportunities for growth that the global music business ecosystem continues to offer. Indeed, we are living in a global world, where music business borders have been broken by technology, and those that rise up to stay ahead and make use of the latest trends and opportunities will get to profit from the expected continuous growth and expansion of the industry.

One thing is for certain: Africans are certainly amongst those in the forefront of learning and

taking advantage of those endless opportunities.

Indeed, it has been a long time coming. Many well-known artists across the globe have had various African music elements incorporated into their music. Take, for example, Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ song that sold 15 million downloads worldwide, which made it one of the best-selling singles of all time, garnering over 2.2 billion views on YouTube. The song’s chorus sampled an African song, ‘Zangaléwa’, by a Cameroonian band called Golden Sounds.

Markets like London, UK - where African artists still fill the iconic O2 Arena - continue to showcase the global nature of African music. In 2018, one of the world’s largest and oldest music conferences, Midem, chose to make Africa its focus for the event. This included holding roadshows in several African cities, including Johannesburg, Lagos, Abidjan and Brazzaville, as a run-up to the event.

The same is happening this year, with forums set for Dakar, Douala and Lagos, leading to an African-dedicated day on 5th June at Midem in Cannes, France. Even the annual Canadian Music Week chose to have a ‘Spotlight on South Africa’.

The impact of African music is real. It is substantial and tangible on a global scale.

More is yet to come.

Segodi Leshalabe is Marketing Director for the Independent Music Exporters South Africa (IMEXSA) and for the annual SA Indies Music Week. www.segodileshalabe.co.za

GOSPEL MUSIC 13

Thank God It’s Friday!

Living the Gospel from SA to AU

BY DANIELLE McALPINE JOHNSON & BEN HARRELL, GLOBAL MUSIC LINK

F

or over 20 years, Alive 90.5 listeners have been tuning in Friday nights to the mellifluous tones of Tracy Steyn. The South African-born gospel music enthusiast, now residing in Sydney, Australia, now knows that using gospel music to reach the world is her calling, but that wasn’t always the case…

“I grew up as the baby of nine children in Durban, during the apartheid era in South Africa.

We were classified ‘Coloured’.

I have wonderful memories of my Mum listening to the sounds of Mahalia Jackson and other gospel artists, whilst preparing our meals.

I played many sports, particularly hockey. After a while, my particular team was asked to play hockey in the White league, which led to being banned from the coloured league. Despite us being ‘invited’ to play in the White league, we were subjected to racism. People would say things like ‘here come the darkies’. I think there was certainly a time when people were trying to embrace other races, but there were many who didn’t want to mix. They didn’t have any control over that aspect of integration, times were changing.

“I was very young when I first started my first job as a school secretary. At the time, the White government had started a youth improvement group and, because I was at a school that was in an underprivileged area, they paid for a few teachers and me to take these children camping for two to three days. I was surrounded by all White army personnel who, after finding out I played hockey, asked me to tour South Africa with them to coach the children.”

Tracy soon learnt that she was the only person of colour, and couldn’t go into restaurants with the White team around her. “One night I even had to sleep in an army van, because I couldn’t sleep in some of the places they’d booked as accommodation for on tour. People have often asked me how I managed to live under the apartheid regime, but the truth is I knew no different,” she says.

With the challenges faced in this era, Tracy’s family started to migrate. Her sister moved to England; whilst her parents, sister and brother moved to Australia. Tracy followed in tow, with her husband and two sons, not knowing what was about to unfold in her life. “When we arrived in Australia, there was very little r’n’b music, and people would look at you strangely if you even spoke about it, let alone Black gospel music. It simply did not exist. People may have heard of some of the artists, like the Winans or maybe Kirk Franklin… but it was barren.”

Tyler Perry and Tracy Steyn

Finally, Tracy joined a church where she met a man who was running a Friday night radio programme called ‘Thank God It’s Friday’. “To this day, it is still called that! When the man asked me to come on board as a guest, I never would have thought I’d be hosting it two,years later for the next 20 years!”

Although Tracy was entrenched in the unique world of gospel music in South Africa from a young age, she didn’t realise it was her calling.

She was just ‘casually committing’ to what she thought was going to be a fun Friday night.

Tracy soon became the target of great spiritual warfare. She dealt with infidelity in an abusive marriage, whilst in the midst of fulfilling her ministry. She was under attack physically and spiritually. “The enemy did not want me involved with the programme. I didn’t quite understand spiritual attacks at that point.”

Tracy wanted to step away from the programme multiple times. Each time, God sent her clear signs that she was walking in her purpose. “I remember getting messages from prisoners telling me how much they loved the music and the blessing they would receive from it. They couldn’t remember my name, but they remembered my accent. There was another time, when a young lady called up and told me that I inspire her, and she hoped that I would never give up the show. I had clear intentions of resigning that night.”

Despite the state of her personal relationship, Tracy continued to touch people with the music she shared.

“I was so passionate about promoting Black gospel music. Over the years,

I persevered and persevered. My time on the programme has opened the door for me to counsel people privately.” Tracy knew that while there was pain emanating through her marriage, she provided joy to others in the midst of her storm.

“This is the ministry God has brought into my life, despite me not understanding it at the time.”

Tracy has been divorced for 14 years now, and she continues to shine a light. “This is where God has put me; this is my purpose. My passion is to witness to people about the gracious never-ending love of God through music.” ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ is more than a programme; it is a platform that inspires many people and changes the lives of the people who tune into the show one listener at a time.

“When I look back at my life, I thank God for His never-failing love and protection. Many others didn’t make it, but He protected my coming and going. Psalm 91 was and is my solitude.”

To submit music to Tracy, please email tgifaumusic@gmail.com.

Danielle McAlpine Johnson is an internationally published writer, TV producer, director & humanitarian.

Ben Harrell is the founder of Ambitions of a Writer, which is dedicated to inspiring songwriters, interviewing artists and empowering entrepreneurs. He also serves as the Director of Creative Content for Spiritual Plug Entertainment. Find out more at BenJHarrell.com.

14 GOSPEL MUSIC

What makes Christian mu

Marlene Cato catches up with Luke Smith and Marcus Johnson - two v lives to get an insight into what they are passionate about and what motiva the craft of music, but don’t learn the industry, which results in them being exploited. The more you’re exploited, the more you learn about the industry, however, if you learned it at the beginning of your career, you would get further quicker.

LUKE SMITH Biography Coming from a family of musical maestros, his mother, Ophelia Smith - a critically acclaimed gospel singer -and his father, Vassell Smith, started playing guitar around his homeland of Jamaica, and continued to play when he arrived in the UK on the Windrush in the 60s.

Learning to play drums and keys in church, Luke went on to become one of the UK’s top session musicians. While at music college, he began his professional career, playing keyboards for a group called ‘Distance Cousins’, who were signed by Virgin Records. Luke went on to play for jazz giants, such as Roy Ayers, Hugh Masekala and Earl Klugh.

In 1992, Luke was touring with Hot Chocolate; he was Musical Director of the hit Broadway production ‘Mama, I Wanna Sing’ with Chaka Khan; held a longstanding role as keyboardist in George Michael’s band, including the ‘25 Live’ tour, over the course of a 49-date tour in 11 different countries, and then at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007.

By 2016, Luke was the MD working on sell-out concerts for amazing duo, Floetry.

Luke Smith has co-written and produced for five-time Grammy award winner, the late Amy Winehouse, as well as writing and producing for The SugarBabes, Liberty X and Miss Dynamite, to name just a few.

On gospel artists, Smith has produced albums of Noel Robinson and Raymond & Co. Smith’s keyboards are also on albums for Mark Beswick, Roger & Sam, Clif & Marie and BeBe Winans.

He has also written and produced advert and TV theme tunes, including tunes for the hit show, ‘Sounds of Gospel’ and, most recently, the UK government’s TV short film, Modern Slavery. Luke has recorded with BB King on ‘The Thrill Is Gone’, Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

What was a major event in your life that was significant to who you are today?

I can’t say there is one major event as, throughout my career, there have been quite a few times where I’ve undergone a baptism of fire, and I thought I wasn’t gonna make it, but through the pressure and struggle I grew, and it changed my mindset for the better. I would also include working with Chaka Khan, and going on a world tour with the late George Michael.

and recent string arrangements with Stormzy.

Amongst the who’s who of multi award-winning artists, is there anyone Luke hasn’t worked with?

Talents and skills Music producer, artist, songwriter, musician and studio owner.

What age did you first realise you would like to be in the music industry? What was the first thing you remembered doing?

It was maybe around the age of 14 when I realised I would like to be in the music industry, as I saw some of my musical peers on TV. One of them was Greg Phillianganes (musical director for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton).

This realisation became definite at the age of 17, when I did my first tour in USA with the MerryBells Gospel Choir.

The first Instrument I played were the bongos, bought by one of the deacons of the church. I think he recognised my tambourine skills, lol.

From there, I went to the drums and eventually to the keyboards.

What genre of music really excites you, and why?

I’m not held by genre. If the music makes me feel good and well, excites me, I try to be open to all music, as music is a gateway to communicate with people. Whoever I’m trying to communicate with will determine the style of music I play.

What have you learned about being in the music industry?

What I’ve learnt about the music industry is that there is a big difference between music and industry. Most musicians enter the industry via

How important is your Christian faith to you, and what would you like to say about your faith?

My Christian faith is everything to me. Without it, I don’t think I would survive. There are up days and down days within this industry, and having the faith that those doors will open is very important.

Once you understand the Scripture, ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1), it causes you not to look at your circumstance, but allows you to know who you are, and that God has the final say. So doors open, but you did nothing to deserve it, or you did nothing to get through the door, you just realise God’s favour was on your life.

If you could offer some advice to producers at the beginning of their journey, what would it be?

Try to make music that will translate to the masses. Melody is king. Research and learn the business, understand how publishing works, and get a good music lawyer.

What other Christian producers do you admire?

Luther “Mano” Hanes, who is the producer for Andraé Crouch and Israel Houghton; Asaph Ward, producer for Kim Burrell; Tommy Sims, producer for CeCe Winans and Israel Houghton.

I like how their mind works.

What else would you like to tell KTF readers?

I’ve been working on my debut album, which I’m real excited about, and I’ll be releasing it before the end of the year. Please subscribe to my website: www.lukesmithmusic.net Twitter: @dukedukesmith Instagram: @lukesmithmusic Facebook: lukesmithmusic

GOSPEL MUSIC 15

usic producers tick?

very different music producers - and asks about their ates them.

Biography Having started out singing with world-renowned gospel choir LCGC in 1984, Marcus moved on to working in bands, and songwriting with friends Bryan Powell and Mark Beswick, and ended up winning a couple of gospel songwriter awards.

Alongside Steve Campbell, Bryan and Mark, Marcus also worked with the young Fay Simpson, Robert Anderson and Andrew Smith, and they started doing shows supporting the likes of USA’s great Richard Smallwood and Bebe & Cece Winans, and main stage at the Greenbelt Gospel Festival with Sounds of Blackness.

MARCUS JOHNSON

In the late 80s, Marcus tagged along with Bryan Powell to LA, who at this stage was signed to BMG Music Publishing, learning from gospel legends, Daryl Coley, Earth Wind and Fire, and the great Jam & Lewis. In the early 90s, Johnson returned to the UK and with Steve Campbell, and formed a production partnership called The Ethnic Boyz. They had success with The Escofferys, a group that was signed in the USA to Atlantic Records, and with a group called Rhythm ‘N’ Bass, which consisted of the young Wayne Hector and Ali Tennant.

This got the attention of Peter Thomas of Real Housewives of Atlanta, who then put The Ethnic Boyz into the studio to take their tracks to another level. Consequently, the Boyz were signed to Sony UK and had some success in the UK charts. A meeting in the early 90s with A&R Colin Barlow led to the UK group, Nu Colours, being signed.

Marcus, with partner Steve, has worked with Beverley Knight, Jazzie B, Soul II Soul and Damage, with whom he had a UK top five hit with the song ‘Forever’, which was also used in a movie.

Johnson has a keen eye to spot talent, and has worked with A&R giants such as Steve Marshall, signing groups like Truce, a trio put together with his brother, Lawrence Johnson. Johnson’s prolific career and catalogue secured him a publishing deal with Universal Music, with lots of hits in the early 90s. He continues to mentors, write and produce for a number of artists.

What have you learned about being in the music industry?

Your skills can get you into a room, but they won’t keep you in the room!

Talents and skills Music producer, songwriter, keyboard player and bass player.

How important is your Christian faith to you, and what would you like to say about your faith?

My Christian faith is everything. It starts and ends with faith for me. It’s the centre of everything, and the driving force behind what I do.

What age did you first realise you would like to be in the music industry?

What was the first thing you remembered doing?

It was in a home studio and I was about 16. It was an instrumental track. When I was five years old or so, my dad bought me a guitar, I guess because he was a guitarist himself.

In fact, for a very short time, I had guitar lessons with Bazil Meade, but he told my dad that I wasn’t interested in the guitar, so I ended up on the keys.

What genre of music really excites you, and why?

I like all genres of music, as long as it’s good. I don’t like metal, lol.

What was a major event in your life that was significant to who you are today?

Producing The Escofferys Opinion album, along with Steve Campbell in 1990. They were then signed in the States to Atlantic/Warners Records.

Marcus co-wrote the majority of their album, which had success in the UK and US, leading to the first UK Gospel hit in the Top 20 US Billboard-RnB Charts. This led to major UK labels knocking at their door. Also Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have been a big influence on my career.

‘It starts and ends with faith for me. It’s the centre of everything, and the driving force behind what I do.’

If you could offer some advice to producers at the beginning of their journey, what would it be?

Be yourself. Don’t let knockbacks discourage you, but use them as inspiration to better yourself. Learn as much as you can about the industry. Think outside the box.

What other Christian producers do you admire?

I respect everyone who does this (producing), because it isn’t easy to do this year in, year out.

What else would you like to tell KTF readers?

Don’t try to fit in; stand out!

Twitter: @mjj7official Instagram: @mjimage Instagram: @kapmusiq www.keepthefaith.co.uk

16 GOSPEL MUSIC

SIGNS FOR A NEW ERA IN BRITISH GOSPEL JULIET FLETCHER

Muyiwa

is a former BBC Producer and funding Executive of the GMIA

I

have been contemplating the number of times I’ve had to say “WoW!” at some story or announcement connected to gospel music over the past twelve months and more. There have been consistent occurrences of great moments of excitement as well as great sadness, and I’ve noticed that the compound intensity of these occurrences have so impacted our creative community that it is organically generating into a driving force with the potential to catapult us into a new era of British Gospel, under God’s grace and providence. I believe this prominence is to take place on a national and global scale, and we’re almost set to go!

In reality, it’s actually quite timely, since next year, 2020, represents forty years since British Gospel became a major phenomenon of a youthful (and youth-filled, church-based) generation. The decade of the 1980s is considered to represent the Golden Age, when choirs, groups and soloists heralded a wind of change for recognising the power of our music beyond the confines of our church walls. Now we have the ability to generate and negotiate new opportunities; create and expand our own brands and platforms; engage and build new audiences, and represent and influence in culture and the arts.

THE DEFINING SIGNS There are two great signs to take us into this new era: first, the sign of the Millennials and secondly, the sign of the Legends. The first is fatally impoverished without the second, and the second fatally implodes without the first.

They are therefore of equal importance to each other, intrinsically and irrevocably linked.

To give context to my view, I am using the following list as a guide to the generations: • Silent Generation are those born between 1925 - 1945 (73 to 93) • Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 - 1964 (54 to 72 years old) • Generation X are those born between 1965 - 1980 (38 to 53 years old) • Millennials are those born between 1981 - 1996 (22 to 37 years old) • Post Millennials are those born between 1997 to Present (0 to 21 years old) With this list in mind, you’ll be able to locate where you stand in the generations, and how I’m using this social observation to reflect on who we are in this musical framework.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

THE SIGN OF THE MILLENNIALS Said to be deeply opinionated, independent, confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented; pampered and focused (some would say only on themselves), the Millennials (this goes for Post Millennials, too) have a great advantage of accepting difference. Many have grown up in a culturally and ethnically diverse environment. They are quicker to break through social barriers.

However, they are less inclined to recognise traditions; the importance of heritage and legacy, and holding or looking to landmarks and historical virtues to inform or sustain what they do. Everything is ‘now’ or ‘the next new’. They often think or behave as if whatever they are doing has never been done before. The exciting factor with Millennials is that they are excited about everything they do. Once convinced of an idea, they are fully convinced it must be acted upon NOW! They will take risks, and have learnt the power of compromise and collaboration quite well.

THE SIGN OF THE LEGENDS Legends. It isn’t a word used lightly. One can fulfil acts deemed ‘of legendary proportions’, however, in this context, I’m relating the term to an older generation. It is a word to describe a person, who has contributed to such an extent that their influence – as well as their track record - speaks for itself. No floss, gloss or hype. The bare facts and evidence are like a ‘surround sound of many witnesses’, either in a local, national or international setting. The Legends class invariably speaks of two generations: the Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.

I’m part of the Baby Boomers (groan)! Like our parents (Silent Generation), we aren’t afraid to put in Jake Isaac a hard day’s work.

We were competitive, but invariably more towards each other and, at times, to our own detriment.

However, that competitiveness nurtured our individual personal excellence; we did team effort without financial reward. Our Silent Generation wanted us to maintain tradition, without considering strategic development - until now. Investment in ourselves was lacking - until now. We are focused, but we were not primed enough for taking on our legacy and heritage, sharing our knowledge and experiences - until now. The sad truth is that Legends and Millennials die greats like Andrea Robinson and Solomon Facey respectively - when you least expect. We’re learning that if we don’t construct our scene, everything we have worked for will fizzle out – or, to say it plainly - die with us.

THE SIGNS IN A LIMITLESS ERA There is a consciousness out there amongst both Legends and Millennials that indeed our moment has arrived. Let’s prophesy Joel 2:23-24. It is the power of the Legends and the Millennials together: the old and the new; latter and the former rain, joined in full strength and power. We must make visible the latter and former rain.

We have a very clear and potent message, one which has saved untold numbers from a life of crime, committing suicide, destroying their families or communities. We are unashamed of THIS GOSPEL. It’s based on TRUTH that His Kingdom has come, and He, JESUS, will come again in person. Therefore, in

GOSPEL MUSIC 17 Karen Gibson and Kingdom Choir

Roy Francis

the meantime, we live and proclaim His virtues: love, joy, peace, righteousness, mercy and justice.

How does God retain His truth in the world?

Read Psalm 100:5 for the answer. It is as each generation speaks/relates and connects to the other. It’s worth repeating: the Legends and the Millennials really need each other to do this.

The evidence of our experiences over the years is that, regardless of the setting, the circumstances, the communities, the social or political policy, our music always seems to fit into the place it’s given. If we follow the move of the Holy Spirit, we will see that our music - whether in its purest of praise & worship, or whether in pure form of inspiration within popular culture - it will be and do what it is anointed and appointed to do. This new era is not a sudden happening - although it may seem like it. No. This era had a post-manifestation that began in the 90s, when everything seemed lost. All it was is planting seeds of renewal. A ‘death’ had to happen before ‘life’ could come again. We must prophesy Ezekiel 37: Can these dry bones live? This army of entrepreneurial arts and culture creatives must arise and march

boldly into the new decade.

The whole sector has so much to it now: GMIA (Gospel Music Industry Alliance) surveyed and identified over 40 creative disciplines operating in our sector. and in every one of them are professionals - they do it for a living - or are in ministry too. Take the following practitioners for example: O’Neil Dennis, founder-leader of StepFwd/ UK Christian Charts last month celebrated five landmark years of successful delivery across the spectrum of Christian and gospel scene.

He informed me that they have over 500 subscribing artists on their charts system. How can we maximise the powerful potential this exempifies?

Eloho Efemuai, making inroads into the Edinburgh airwaves with Heartsonglive.co.uk, an independent online radio station, represents the self-funded entrepreneurial spirit and risk takers with a passion to share and extend the popularity of the genre. Eloho’s business quickly drew in more than 10,000 regular listeners, and now has over 60,000 followers.

Oliver Kamau, founder of Testified.com, makes filmed videos of people who’ve experienced the life-changing work of JESUS in their lives. Within weeks of operation, they had over half a million views. TBN UK now broadcasts their work. A new series features Amani Simpson, a young man who survived a vicious knife attack.

At the start of 2019 he produced a powerful short film about his life. It stars Joivan Wade (Doom Patrol, Shiro’s Story) and amassed one million views in only four days! Do you think this is a growth area, since its predicted audiences are moving towards mobile and Smart TV viewing?

Later this year, Drs Pearl and Errord Jarrett (pioneering film and music distributors) and super cool producer/vocal expert Lawrence Johnson (co-founder 80s soul group Nu Colours and presently Music Director, New Wine Church) will be launching the first Professional Gospel Theatre

and Performance Training Company. Can you imagine the potential impact of this project?

All of the above adds to the ongoing success and contribution of many others, including Roy Francis, British gospel pioneer and media consultant/author of a new book, ‘How to Make Gospel Music Work For You’; Muyiwa Olarewaju, international artist and station manager of Premier Gospel Radio (and Awards); Karen Gibson & Kingdom Choir (on tour now); Mark De Lisser and Singology; choir leader Colin Anderson, conductor of NHS B-Positive Choir; John Fisher & IDMC, soul gospel choir (look up his new music venues initiative); RnB/soul artist, Ni-Cola (Ni-Cola.com) - find out about her new workshops practical session on how to draw-down funding and sponsorship in the arts, and Audrey Gray, artiste management professional (see leveltickets.co.uk) providing support for artists like Jake Isaac.

Take the time to find out more and get involved. If you haven’t got time to ‘do’, then let your financial support ‘do it’ for you.

Although it’s an unpredictable future, let’s not hesitate to get the best out of it: imagine, research and implement.

Colin Anderson and B-Positive Choir

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 INTERVIEW

I

have been running businesses since the age of twelve, when I started fixing up old bikes and selling them. I didn’t know it then, but I was already thinking and moving as an entrepreneur.

That was 43 years ago, and I have been in so many business initiatives and partnerships since then that I’ve lost count.

People are always asking “What does Viv do?”

I used to see business as a way of making money, to get the things that I couldn’t afford. Then, in my late teens to early twenties, I began to see business (social entrepreneurship) as a means of ‘doing for self’, whilst doing for others, as I’m a giver by nature. I am a Londoner - and I am proud to be one - but I don’t identify with the rest of the country. London is truly a country unto itself.

To keep it simple, I push innovation and growth - whether it’s coaching start-ups (particularly - but not exclusively - around tech) or looking for developmental opportunities in new areas. My main focus for at least the next five years is Africa, as well as my ongoing activities in the UK. The main areas I specialise in are skills development (helping new and established businesses to improve their offers) and impact investment.

The entrepreneur whose ‘doing for self’ is inspiring others - Interview with Viv Ahmun Keep The Faith recently met up with Viv Ahmun, co-founder of Aspire Education Group, to find out how he is inspiring Black entrepreneurship in the UK and Africa, with a view to empowering future generations.

How did you decide what you wanted to do with your life? How do you feel about that choice?

I was born into a Black proletariat Windrush family in the 60s. I was loved by my parents, but not supported in terms of my academic growth.

They wanted me to do what the teachers said: to “finish school and then go get a job”. They never spoke about university or any other type of direction that might lead to a profession.

I was always a thinker and a reader - unusual for a Black boy of my background and age. Like Malik El-Shabazz (aka Malcolm X), I was born with a passion for words and derived real pleasure from just sitting down and losing myself in the Oxford Dictionary. I still love everything about books: the smell, the texture and the noise they make when the page is turned.

I think I was born to be a thinker and, as a strategist, that is essentially what I do for a living - in a range of environments, including social policy and business development. Most recently I’ve been spending more and more time in Africa, and leaning towards referring to myself as a ‘futurist’ - at least when speaking in public. Why? Because the future has much more meaning for me when in Africa. I am genuinely interested in what can be achieved there in the next 20 generations (roughly 500 years). I spend time thinking about variations on what Africa 2520 might look like, and work backwards to the present day to determine what we need to be doing today in order to power the next generation(s).

Tell us about the businesses you run I have a number of interests, but nowadays it would be more correct to say I have a number of businesses I actively invest in and support/ coach, and I have several vehicles I work through, including my own brand (Viv Ahmun). I am passionate about Aspire Education Group (www.aspireeducationgroup.com), which is a company I created about six years ago, in

INTERVIEW 19

partnership with Patricia Lamour MBE. The company works locally in the UK and internationally across Europe and all over Africa.

In fact, we recently completed work on The Gambia’s 10-year Education Strategy, in partnership with the Gambian government and a number of eminent scholars and industrialists from that country. Aspire Education Group is an ethical business. What it is selling is critical to economic growth, particularly so in emerging countries on the African continent. We have a massive programme of development over the next three years, so we are currently looking for the right kind of global consultants to work alongside us in partnership. Feminine is a recent development, and Aspire Prep is in its third year.

in partnership with key community influencers and success stories – such as Spencer Fearon, Alison Walters, Robert Robinson, Duwayne Brooks OBE, Sharon Brown, Sandra Kerr OBE, Sandra Cyrus, Gori Yahaya, Jonathan Akwue, Simon Woolly OBE, Peter Herbert OBE, Patricia Lamour MBE, and many others - we are partnering with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), many banks and a range of key Fortune 100 brands to ensure that those talented young in our community get access to the financial services sector, both in terms of investment and career development.

They also need access to quality training around the Internet of things (IoT), so they can develop 4IR-ready services that they are able to grow over the next 20 years.

What are you most passionate about in life and in your work?

I am passionate about sharing my good fortune and enabling others to ‘do for self’. I believe that is my higher purpose, and that’s why Donna Wilson and I launched the Young Black Business Awards (YBBA) in 2018. The YBBA (email info@ ybbawards.com and visit www.ybbawards.com) isn’t just another award that swings around each year and entertains the wealthy in exchange for some charity pennies. It was created to ensure our young people - and our community as a whole - are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The first award event took place in November 2018 and was a resounding success. This year,

What are your views on finance and business?

The root cause for the deficits in our community is the lack of access to resources (finance and skills) that would enable us to ‘do for self’. So that’s what interests me – not just talking but also doing. I am investing in small businesses and tech start-ups in Africa, and doing similar things in the UK, to give our young talent access to quality intelligence, training and finance, so they can grow their own thing.

This year we roll out partnerships with the Financial Conduct Authority, in order to attract more young entrepreneurs into the financial services sector and to educate more start-ups and early-stage businesses about how they can attract finance from around the world to grow

e

ur life d?

their business. People can find out more about what we are offering, by emailing us on change@vivahmun.com.

We are creating tools and initiatives to increase awareness, facilitate partnership and increase quality standards in the Black-run companies internationally. Blaksox was created three years ago to provide a social action and economic network for growth (www.blaksox.com). We have also developed Power The Next, in partnership with the Kafeero Foundation (www.kafeero.org), which is based in Uganda, and the Young Black Business Awards (YBBA), which is based in the UK. These are the things that excite me, even though they are not the most financially lucrative for me.

And finally, what brings you the most pleasure now?

Knowing my worth and supporting others in discovering theirs; giving back, and being around ‘authentic’ people who see the world through similar glasses as me. Ethical business is about giving back 10% of what you earn, because it ultimately feeds your business. I love delivering a great service and, for those of you who are still confused, I do several things: 1) broker relationships for inward investment, and coach groups that need specialist business guidance (eg. a company or a community); 2) advise on social trends and solutions to policy issues, and 3) promote ethical leadership and business practices. www.vivahmun.com

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www.keepthefaith.co.uk

20 FEATURE

CHURCHES STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST SERIOUS YOUTH CRIME

BY SHIRIN AGUIAR

S

enior church leaders have announced groundbreaking strategies to help tackle the spiralling tide of deadly youth violence within communities, including freeing up space within church buildings for youth work, and waiving funeral service fees for teenage victims of knife crime to help their families.

The unprecedented plans were announced by a collaborative coalition of churches and organisations, following a closed meeting it held with around 30 denominational leaders in London on 9 May 2019.

Other moves include training in awareness of street youth issues for ministers, and a major youth expo in London on 4 July.

Reverend Les Isaac OBE, founder of the phenomenally successful Street Pastors and CEO of the Ascension Trust (the parent organisation behind Synergy Network, a partner in the coalition), described the high-level gathering as “very dynamic”. Speaking exclusively to Keep the Faith after the meeting, he said he was encouraged by the number of church leaders present: “We recognise that churches for many years have been doing some wonderful things within their denominations, but there was a real sense of collaboration and a desire to work together going forward in a greater sense from that meeting last night. This wasn’t just a meeting, but leaders are very serious that there will be some positive outcomes.”

The meeting followed the Standing Together Against Violence rally against knife crime and youth violence in Trafalgar Square on 6 April.

Attended by several hundred Christians, it was jointly organised by the Ascension Trust, Southwark Diocese, London City Mission and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).

Senior church leaders present included: Cardinal Vincent Nichols,

L-R Delroy Powell, Graham Miller, Bishop of Edmonton and Rt Rev & Rt Hon Sarah Mullally DBE

Bishop Tedroy Powell

Rt Rev & Rt Hon Sarah Mullally DBE

Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster; the Rt Rev & Rt Hon Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London; the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark; the Rt Rev Bob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton; Bishop Tedroy Powell, leader of the Church of God of Prophecy, and Rev Peter Colwell, deputy general secretary of CTBI. Sophie Lindon, the Mayor of London’s deputy for policing and crime, also attended and later joined families at the rally who had lost children to youth crime.

At a pre-rally prayer meeting for church leaders at St Martin-in-theFields church, Rev Nims Obunge, pastor of Freedom’s Ark and CEO of the Peace Alliance, told of how he was caught up in a stabbing incident after he tried to intervene to prevent a young man from being stabbed.

He said: “Just two weeks ago, I could have been stabbed. When I think about that, I’m conscious how many of us are vulnerable. There was an incident right in front of me, where they were trying to stab a young man.

I tried to intervene, but I thank God someone stopped the guy from being stabbed, and I kept myself at arm’s length. There’s no safe place.”

Chairman of Synergy, Bishop Len Rowe, told assembled church leaders: “The need for action cannot be overemphasised, and this

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Reverend Isaac added: “We are people of faith. God has spoken and is speaking to us, and we really want to be a prophetic voice in this city, in this nation. We are saying to London and the nation that in the midst of this confusion, we are standing together.”

He added that the Ascension Trust, London City Mission, Southwark Diocese and CTBI are determined that the strong partnership between them will result in practical outcomes to this process.

For more information about the Churches Standing Together coalition, visit https://churchesstandingtogether.org/ or email info@churchesstandingtogether.org.

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22 FEATURE

Stronger together for the common good RICHARD REDDIE

is the Director of Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland www.ctbi.org.uk

T

he writer of Ecclesiastes 4:9 says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Equally, the Motown singing legends, Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston, scored an international pop hit in the 1960s with the song ‘It takes two, baby’. What both the Scripture passage and pop song refer to is the importance of solidarity and togetherness - the sense that we can achieve more if we work together.

This notion contradicts the fact that we live in a world that celebrates individualism, and values the singular over the collective. In business and finance, we highlight the endeavours of tycoons and entrepreneurs in ways which suggest their successes were solely a matter of their efforts and devoid of any shared input. Likewise, even in team sports, such as football or rugby, there is the ‘man of the match’ award for the individual whose efforts were pivotal in the squad’s success.

Similarly, in Hollywood movies, in which there can be a cast of hundreds, only a few actors are singled out for their ‘Oscar’-like performances.

Coupled with the above is the sense that the collective or group is temporary and subsidiary, while the individual or solo is the natural state of affairs. In music, no sooner does a pop group become successful than the media and musical pundits begin to speculate which band members will leave to pursue solo careers.

While Christianity is about one individual - Jesus Christ - the faith He founded is all about the collective and community. We refer to the ‘Church’ as the ‘Body of Christ’, which means it is more than a static

building, but a collection of believers with one thing (Jesus) in common. In John 17:21-24, Jesus speaks about the believers being one, just as He and the Father are one, which emphasises Christian unity.

Despite this biblical mandate, there is a distinct lack of unity within the Body of Christ. It is invariably challenging to get churches from different Christian traditions and denominations to work together for a variety of theological, cultural and historical reasons. Yet, when they manage to set aside these differences and focus on what they have in common - the same calling to worship God and to share the Good News about Jesus Christ - much can be achieved. The Standing Together rally on 6 April 2019 on Trafalgar Square, London, which addressed serious youth violence, was one recent instance of what can be achieved when churches unite to tackle issues of common concern.

Moreover, Christian unity is a great witness to a sceptical world. It has been my experience that when it comes to addressing matters such as the academic underachievement of Black students; the disproportionate numbers of Black and minority ethnic people incarcerated in prisons or in the mental health system, and serious youth violence, those of other faiths and none, are not concerned with church-related theological/ ecclesiological niceties (which they regard as navel gazing); they just want churches to get involved in the work to tackle these issues.

At the Prime Minister’s Serious Youth Violence Summit at 10 Downing Street on 1 April 2019, Theresa May stated that: “We are not going to arrest our way out of this situation,” and argued that faith groups must be part of a communityled approach to resolve this tragic situation.

However, if the churches are divided, their contribution would be akin to a person working with one hand tied behind their back.

One organisation that has been working tirelessly to get churches to stand together

is Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), formerly the British Council of Churches.

CTBI serves the churches of Britain and Ireland on the shared journey towards full visible unity in Christ, which sees a commitment by each church and denomination to deepen its fellowship with the others and, without losing what makes each interestingly different, to work with them towards a greater visible unity. CTBI played a pivotal role in the aforementioned ‘Standing Together’ rally, and is currently taking forward other joint church responses on peace and conflict, mission and unity, theology, creation, spirituality and reflection.

‘When (churches) manage to ... focus on what they have in common, much can be achieved.’

As previously stated, Church unity is not an easy task. As human beings, we are effectively hardwired to think selfishly, and ideas of loving our neighbour or working for the common good are not instinctive. However, as we consider Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which not only signify the birth of the Church, but also the fruition of Christ’s prayer in John 17 (that we should be one), we must tap into the power that was made available on that amazing day, to pursue Christian unity.

Anything less would be a betrayal of Christ’s prayer.

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24 FEATURE

DR KEITH MAGEE

is a public intellectual with a focus on social justice and theology. Follow him on social media @keithlmagee

POVERTY ISN’T A PRIVILEGE THE WHITE MAN IS YOUR BROTHER, TOO

W

riting to fellow clergy from Birmingham Jail (‘The Negro Is Your Brother’), Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, gravely concerned about all who were poor and experiencing inequality, said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

The world, especially America, paused on Monday 21 January to honour (what would have been) Dr King’s 90th birthday and his life as a global humanitarian. The greatest birthday gift would have been to truly identify the other as our brother, sister, family. How does one really love and heal a world if they don’t see their neighbour as themselves?

Let’s explore the world’s events in this regard.

The global crisis of the poor has affected the consciousness of both the UK and America.

The UK is still being wrestled to the ground with the deal-no-deal Brexit. Meanwhile, America has just been told that the one who was deemed the ‘White Hope’ isn’t in fact a traitor, and that his temper tantrum, resulting in the 35-day US government shutdown, has cost the US economy $11 billion (according to Forbes).

This mutiny is because, from former US President Barack Obama to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, few seem to adequately identify the group that is rapidly becoming visible among the least of these. The poverty data of the US Census Bureau reported, on 12 September 2018, that roughly 12.8 million American children lived in poverty in 2017, with 4,026,000 being White. Likewise, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report of 4 December 2018 indicates there are 4.1 million children living in poverty in the United Kingdom – of which 1,271,000 are White.

In his book, ‘Black Reconstruction in America’, W.E.B. Du Bois introduced the concept of the psychological wage. Du Bois noted that, while White labourers received a low wage, ‘they were compensated in part by a sort of public and psychological wage’. They were given ‘public deference and titles of courtesy because they

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were White’. I’m not so sure that, in today’s reality of White, having the access to public parks, pools and water fountains matters so much, when they, along with other non-White groups, are all equally striving to feed, clothe and house their children.

The March on Washington was actually the awakening of the ‘Poor People’s Campaign’.

Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and his allies were going to the nation’s capital in 1968 to ask America to be true to the huge promissory note that had been signed years previously. King said: “We are coming to engage in dramatic non-violent action, to call attention to the gulf between promise and fulfilment; to make the invisible visible.” In the UK, as in America, those who have become invisible are forcing open the eyes of those who have forgotten them.

This year, 2019, marks 400 years since the first African immigrants - freedmen and indentured servants - arrived in Jamestown. The British had landed three years earlier, having departed England as King Henry VIII had declared himself head of the new Church of England. These individuals desired a return to a simpler faith, and wanted to purify the Church. However, these Puritans would use, in part, their religious system to oppress the Africans, forcing them into slavery.

And yet, these slaves would look for a saving grace from an individual depicted in the like image of their oppressor. That grace would have in it the power to forgive and mount up for civility for themselves and all of humanity.

Unlike America, the UK has no separation of Church and state. In fact, 26 Bishops are in the House of Lords, which includes the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Recently he said: “The burden of proof is on those who are arguing for no deal, to show that it will not harm the poorest and most vulnerable … How we care about them and how our politics affects them is a deeply moral issue.”

In the cause of bringing freedom to those invisible ones who suffer, the Church has at times been oppressor and, in its better moments, a harbinger of liberation. For the Puritans, the desire to establish a true Christian faith, while maintaining an allegiance to the corruptive power of White supremacy, rendered their faith in fact antiChristian. In the case of Dr King, his commitment to Christ the Liberator and the kingdom He proclaimed, motivated his refusal to accept the unjust status quo, which weighed heavily on the poor and to act for the sake of justice.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere...”

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR The UK looks to the legacy of William Wilberforce, the abolitionist, or the current impact of churches that care for the needy through food banks and debt counselling, or through organised homes for refugee families. Selina Stone, lecturer in political theology at St Mellitus College, asks the pertinent question: “How will churches respond in the UK and in America, to those with their backs against the wall?”

Again, I ask, how does one really love and heal a world, if they don’t see their neighbour as themselves? Or, in the words of Dr King: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Dr Keith Magee is currently senior fellow in culture and justice at University College London, and is in pastoral leadership at Berachah Church, Dorchester Centre, MA. For more information, visit www.4justicesake.org

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26 FEATURE

MAN, THE ENDANGERED SPECIES? Are ‘Homo sapiens of the male gender’ – aka men – becoming an endangered species? Is Father’s Day no longer a male-only domain? A growing number of single parent women, raising their children by themselves, are laying claim to Father’s Day, and feel justified that they too should have a stake in being celebrated on that day, because they are being both mother and father to their children.

Here, Rev Pat Reid shares his thoughts on the diminishing importance of men…

S

ociety has completely emasculated the man and replaced him with the superwoman – a half woman, half man hybrid species, who, in her attempt to become the ‘complete woman’, has become devoid of identity and femininity. As a consequence, this breed of superwoman is reproducing daughters and sons after her own kind: girls who want to become her, and boys who want to marry someone like her. Unfortunately, they are looking through tainted glasses...

Man’s identity is almost being redefined – away from the original purpose God intended and created him to be. With the onslaught of gender fluidity, there is no absolute definition, and so man can be whatever he wants to be and wear whatever he wants to wear. Even in a local school, boys have been given permission to wear skirts as part of their school uniform.

The truth about the Real Man is that he is actually a superman. If you have one in your life, if he is there, present and active in the life of his wife, children and family, he is invaluable and priceless. He is worth far more than a rare diamond, because of the impact and influence he has on those around him.

The Real Man’s primary role – and his worth as head of his family - is more than merely barking orders, but is based on the four Ps: 1. Provider: In times past, the man would be responsible for providing a house, finance, discipline, headship, structure, direction, leadership and vision for his family, as well as stability, love, discipline and the general temperature and atmosphere of the home.

2. Protector: His wife and children should feel safe in his presence, as he provides that hedge and wall of protection around them, defending them at all costs, and ensuring that even when he isn’t present, he has put measures in place to keep them safe. The significance of his protection makes him a warrior and not a worrier.

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3. Preserver: His family should have the assurance that their needs are taken care of, not only during his lifetime, but as a legacy for them to inherit when he is no longer around – a legacy not only for his children’s children, but possibly for generations to come.

4. Priest: A man resting in his priestly role is one who should have a level of faith and confidence in God, so that his family trust him and his leadership, as he trusts in God. The certain swagger that comes from a man who relies on God will encourage his family to also rely on God. THE MAN IN THE HOME: 1. Financial Benefit: A pre-requisite to being a multi-millionaire or billionaire is almost predicated on being married. A man on his own is able to conquer the world, but with his wife, he is able to conquer the universe. The power of two is able to give an exponential return to anything he puts his mind to.

2. The Power of Partnership: The man, working in partnership with his wife, will receive the benefit of a second brain; another pair of hands and feet; another (probably more sensitive) heart; female intuition, which thinks on a different level, and another soul and spirit that enables him to have sound and objective judgement, because he will have the wisdom to sensitively harmonise with his wife, thus arriving at better conclusions together.

3. Leadership Qualities: The biggest impact of the man is in his home - firstly with his wife, then with his children. Far from dictating and bullying, the quality his leadership is best seen in how he empowers his wife and children to be phenomenally better than they would have been without him.

4. Freedom to Fail: His presence allows his wife to be more confident in taking greater risks, and challenges her to become more, to push harder

REV PAT REID

is founder of PJ Community Services, Christian leader and philanthropist

and reach higher, because she isn’t trapped in a world where she is leading on her own. In him she has a rock she can lean on, who holds her up, and gently encourages her to evolve and be the beautiful individual she was ultimately designed to be. She is able to pursue her heart’s desires, knowing that if she were to stumble and fall, he is there to help her up and cause her to see that her unsuccessful attempts are not failures, but down payments to her success.

5. Value of Fatherhood: The presence of a father in the home allows that child to do phenomenally better at school (eg. with a wider vocabulary). His presence and encouragement - even the tone of his voice – all help to command respect and a certain reverential fear, which keeps order and discipline in the home.

A child is less likely to end up in prison, when the father is present in the home, being an example and sharing his experience.

According to statistics, a child is less likely to end up abusing alcohol and drugs, when the father is present in the home, as his example and warnings are effective deterrents.

Teenagers are less likely to be sexually active, when the father is present in the home. Whatever his own sexual exploits may be, he will emphasise that he doesn’t want his son or daughter to be sexually active.

A child is less likely to be obese, when the father is present in the home, because he or she will generally enjoy a happier, playful environment, and eat more healthily, statistics have shown.

The father’s presence will not only encourage the wife but also the children to take healthier and calculated risks.

The presence and quality of a man in the home, in the community and in the world is immense, and it’s an awesome privilege to celebrate the man for who he is!

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28 COMMENT

Friends in high places Gary Clayton explains why the just make good friends GARY CLAYTON

is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship: www.maf-uk.org

M

aking friends not only requires a certain amount of courage and vulnerability, it also means being proactive.

At the end of secondary school, I wanted to keep in touch with someone, but couldn’t be sure he wanted to remain in contact with me. But the more I tried raising the issue, the harder it became. Sometimes I’d lose my nerve before asking. Sometimes I left it too late and it was time to go home.

When the final day dawned, I knew I had to do something. But again, words failed me!

Eventually, I scribbled something down on a scrappy piece of paper.

The note contained my telephone number and a brief message: ‘After seven years, the residents of this particular prison are now free.

Would you like to keep in touch with one of the inmates?’ I thrust it into his hand and ran off.

The next day, I got a call. It was my friend. “Would you like to come over for lunch?” I agreed. We had a great time.

Later, we went on holiday together.

Eventually, through God’s grace and my friend’s prayers and encouragement, I became a Christian. Painful though it was, it was a friendship worth initiating!

God in His goodness puts people in our path for different reasons. Some help to heal or encourage us, others appear so we can help them. “God,” a friend once said, “puts people on our hearts, and we find something delightful about them.”

Other - less nourishing - relationships test our sanctity, and encourage spiritual growth through suffering or forbearance.

But why do people become friends?

Some look for those who can give them a

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career boost or do something for them. Others search for a kindred spirit. Some look for those with a similar outlook or sense of humour. For others, it’s a shoulder to cry on or someone to complain to. For some, it’s about having someone to serve Christ with or share special interests.

“Friendship,” said CS Lewis, “is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What, you too? I thought I was the only one.’

Whatever the reason, there are often barriers to break before friendship can occur. Perhaps we need to open up about our hopes, dreams or fears, or explain what we’re really like. Or perhaps it means inviting someone over for a meal, to the cinema, or to some kind of sporting activity.

It may mean being comfortable enough to pray with someone or study the Bible, or being so at ease with someone that you don’t mind them making a friendly joke at your expense. If you look at teenage boys, it probably involves play fighting.

1 John 4:18 tells us, ‘perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.’

Although this refers to God’s love, the principle has some bearing on friendship. The need to reach out means overcoming our fear of ‘punishment’ – of being rejected, embarrassed or made to feel foolish.

You can’t eat with someone you’re not comfortable with. You can’t laugh with someone you hate. You can’t open your heart to someone you don’t trust, or hug someone who’s likely to reject you. You can’t do sport with someone who might look down on you if you can’t exercise, swim or play squash or football as well as they do. Doing these things requires vulnerability.

But what does it mean to be ‘friends’ with someone? Herod and Pilate ‘became friends’ because of how they treated Jesus (Luke 23:12), while Jesus became friends with tax collectors To be friends with Jesus means doing what He commands (John 15:14), the writer of Psalm 119:63 describing a kind of solidarity among believers: “I am a friend to all who fear

You, to all who follow Your precepts.”

But because everyone’s different, every relationship works differently. For some, it revolves around sport, art, hobbies, etc. With others, it’s a shared political or religious viewpoint.

Some require a depth of feeling and knowing that involves great empathy and understanding.

“Friendship,” said CS Lewis, “is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What, you too? I thought I was the only one.”

So don’t get frustrated if one friend is comfortable going deeper and revealing more, while another is less forthcoming. People can be like open books or closed doors. Some reveal very little about their private life, while others are willing to tell those they trust nearly everything.

In one fellowship, a group of men met to pray. One shared deeply about his life and struggles. Another would smile and say: “Fantastic week! I went to the opera with a friend, had a splendid meal with my brother and, on Friday, enjoyed a delectable white wine at home.” Yet all, to some extent or other, were friends.

Most importantly, Jesus calls us ‘friends’ (John 15:12-15). So, whatever their occupation, financial situation or status in life, we can all have Christian friends in high, or heavenly, places (Ephesians 2:6).

Gary Clayton is married to his best friend Julie, and father of Christopher (15) and Emma (12). He is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship.

To discover how MAF shares God’s love with some of the poorest nations in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, visit www.maf-uk.org

COMMENT 29

Does your brain have too many tabs open?

T

alking about their struggles with a stressful life, someone said to me: “My problem is that I’ve got too many tabs open in my brain.” At the time, I thought it was just another example of the increasing habit of using computer terms for ordinary life, as when you hear someone say, “Sorry, I’m in data overload mode,” or “Let’s interface over coffee.” On reflection, however, I think it says something important.

The background to this idea of “having too many tabs open” is something that today many of us are all too familiar with. We load a web browser (Safari, for example) and open a webpage, perhaps to check our email. Then we chase up other things, checking on weather, sports, news and then, perhaps, continue trawling around the web as we research things, read reviews and so on, without closing any of the previous webpages.

The result is that open tabs proliferate: I gather there are people who quite commonly find themselves with a hundred open tabs. Eventually the browser slows down and up pops the warning: Too many browser tabs open. It’s a computing habit that has been well studied and been found to be bad practice. Although it may give the user the illusion of successful multi-tasking, in reality it isn’t very productive. It leaves lots of things unfinished, weakens the focus of the user, and encourages the sort of displacement activity where you find that you have mysteriously left a hard activity for an easier one.

Applied to life, having “too many tabs open” is a very common phenomenon. Many of us have lives in which there is simply too much going on, and which we don’t manage in the best way. On the screen of our existence there are far too many tabs open. We may have one cluster of tabs to do with work: projects, trips, a forthcoming meeting; and another cluster to do with home: that DIY job, the tidying and the gardening. Then there are all those other collections of tabs associated with our social life, families, finances, holidays, hobbies and so on. Matters are made worse because these are open browser tabs. They are not some sort of static to-do list; they are live issues that we have commenced but not completed. We have either found ourselves bored with them, or been distracted away by the call of some other tab.

In part, this is a problem of the modern age. Life is so complicated. Today, everything from a toaster to a car comes with a manual that is at least 30 pages thick – and a demand that it be registered online, connected to the Internet and given a software update. Where once we only received communications from other people once a day, when the post fell through the letterbox, now we undergo a

continuous deluge of emails, tweets and updates from the moment we wake to when we fall asleep.

Once, when we left our houses, we left our telephones behind; now they pursue us everywhere. Once we lived in a world in which we had space to think and live; now we are under pressure to respond and react continuously.

We have too many tabs open.

There’s a lot wrong with this. One danger is that we find it easy to slip from those difficult issues we need to address, into easier ones that don’t need our attention. Another is that it’s confusing: I doubt I am the only person who finds himself asking: “What exactly am I supposed to be working on now?” It’s also stressful. In our minds we know that these tabs are open; we can hear them whispering for our attention. It also discourages serious thinking; after all, you can focus deeply on a little but not deeply on a lot.

‘Many of us have lives in which there is simply too much going on, and which we don’t manage in the best way’

REV CANON J.JOHN

is an international evangelist and author. www.canonjjohn.com

‘As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.

She came to Jesus and said: “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her: “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42 NLT) Indeed, there is only one thing worth being concerned about! Let’s make that priority our priority. www.canonjjohn.com J.John on Twitter: @Canonjjohn J.John on Instagram: @Canonjjohn J.John on Facebook: J.John

What’s the solution? First, we need to have the humility to know our limits. It was always a wise rule to never bite off more than you can chew, and it’s even wiser in today’s hectic world. I can well imagine that, somewhere, there’s already a gravestone with the sad inscription: ‘He just had too many tabs open’.

Above all, prioritise. We need to ask ourselves: do I need to do this? Do I need to do it now? Can I do it well? I suggest we need to reflect on the following little story in Luke’s Gospel, and note its application both to our mind and spirit.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

30 COMMENT

To Decree or Not to Decree?

That is the question…

REV STEPHEN BROOKS New Jerusalem Church, Birmingham

M

any people have adopted the practice of ‘decreeing and declaring in prayer’.

This is the belief that Christians have the authority to ‘decree’, and that this can be done in the form of prayer. ‘Decreeing prayer’ is a command or law issued by a believer to cause something to happen, and is often spoken of and used in conjunction with a ‘declaration’. People frequently say such things as: “I decree healing or prosperity.” It is important to note that prayer, declaration and decreeing are three different things.

While prayer and declaration are taught and supported in Scripture, there is no such teaching or support in Scripture for the practice of ‘decreeing’ by Christians.

Prayer can be defined as communicating and communing with God - often with words -

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about anything. Anybody who can speak can pray and talk to God - whether it is an infant who cries “Daddy” or an adult who says “Abba, Father”.

However, sometimes known words are not possible, as Romans 8:262 states: ‘In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.’ Overall, prayer is an act of worship that includes praise and adoration for who God is, and thanksgiving for what He has done.

The Greek word translated ‘pray’ is proseuchomai, which occurs 90 times in the New Testament. It literally means ‘to want, desire, or wish toward’. All the parables of Jesus concerning prayer are about requesting and petitioning - not declaring, let alone decreeing: the son asking his father for bread; the friend at midnight beseeching his neighbour for food; the widow petitioning the judge for justice; the tax collector pleading for mercy… This is the nature of a prayer: to ask, plead, request.

As Christians, we have authority to have access to God (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18, Hebrew 10:19-22), but we have no authority or power to cause a prayer to be answered. God cannot be compelled or manipulated to answer prayer, but grants answer to prayer as He pleases, according to His will and purpose. In Matthew 18:19: “I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.” Jesus didn’t say: “If two decree,” but “if two agree”. The power that causes the prayer to be answered and “done for them” is God, “My Father who is in heaven.”

The English word ‘declare’ comes from the Latin declarare, the root being clarus, which means ‘clear’. Therefore, ‘to declare’ means ‘to make thoroughly clear’. A declaration means ‘to say something in a forceful way, proclaim, formally announce, state, affirm something that is, make known, reveal’.

In biblical terms, a ‘declaration’ is a message or a word, spoken or written, which makes known the truth about something. When a person enters a country, they are required to ‘declare’- to make known and reveal - what they are bringing into the country.

To declare and proclaim God’s Word is to make known the truth about what God has already said. The Psalms are full of declarations concerning the truth of who God is; what He

has done; is doing and will do. Psalm 9:11 says: ‘Declare among the peoples His deeds,’ and Psalm 19:1 states: ‘The heavens are telling of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.’ The last statement of the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer request, but a declaration: “For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory” (Matthew 6:13).

A ‘decreeing prayer’ is not prayer, as prayer is directed towards God; a ‘decree’ is directed towards a situation or circumstance. Whereas in prayer, the authority to cause the prayer to be answered is God Himself (because prayer is a dependency upon God), in ‘decreeing’ it is believed that God has given authority to the believer to make decrees.

A ‘declaration’ is an affirmation of truth that already exists; a decree is regarded as being a power or tool that creates a new reality. Even though some may speak of quoting Scripture as a ‘decree’, to quote Scripture is actually a declaration and not a ‘decree’, which is an order, directive or command issued by one in authority, such as King Cyrus (Ezra 4:19), King Darius (Ezra 6:1) and God (Psalm 2:7).

A Scripture that some will say supports a decreeing prayer is Job 22:28. The King James Version (KJV) states: ‘Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.’

Prayer, paying vows, and what the KJV translates as ‘making a decree’ are identified in these verses, however, there is no justification to interpret verse 28 as being about prayer. A more accurate translation is found in the English Standard Version: ‘You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you.’

While prayer and declaration are taught and supported in Scripture, there is no teaching or support in Scripture for the practice of ‘decreeing prayer’. Let us always be mindful that the Lord Jesus said: “My house will be a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17).

For more info visit resources.cvglobal.co

32 COMMENT

FOOD 4

THOUGHT marciadixonpr.co.uk

marciadixonpr

BY

MARCIA DIXON

A leading PR specialist and journalist

The Black Church is not immune from abuse allegations

Marcia-Dixon-Public-Relations

A lot of people are sharing how they’ve experienced sexual abuse, manipulation and hurt

from within the Church.

When PR shines the light on church

S

tanding Together is a rally that brought together Christians who wanted to send out the strong message of their concern about – and their determination to combat – youth violence and knife crime. During the rally, Rev Les Isaac – one of its organisers – announced that the Church is no good at PR or at letting the world know the good things it does. I said a silent Amen; his comments were so true.

People have a lot to say about the Church, but not a lot of it is good. Typical comments include: “Pastors!!! They’re just in it for themselves.” “The Church isn’t doing anything.”

“Church is about community, so why aren’t they trying to stop knife crime?” “Churches are just about money.” “Church people, dem too hypocrite!” And these are just the mild criticisms.

All these negative comments say loud and clear that the Church hasn’t been good - and still isn’t any good - at doing PR, or at telling their communities about the good things God has done in the lives of church members and the activities Christians undertake to serve others.

I’ve been privileged to run PR campaigns that alerted the wider public to some of the things happening within the Church and I’ve seen the positive impact it has had on the local community.

I was part of the PR team that publicised the opening of Kingsway International Christian Centre’s (KICC) new 4000+ seater church in Hackney back in 1998. It was a historic moment: the largest church to open in the UK for a 100 years, and the world got to hear about it.

Leading media - including The Times, The Guardian, Sky News and many more - ran

stories about the church and its pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo. The stories about KICC connected with people of all races. A number of people told me that seeing KICC in the media – whether in print, on TV or radio - had made them contemplate going back to church.

I also worked with Street Pastors, an organisation initially started in 2003 to combat gun crime. I accompanied them when they went out on the streets in Hackney. The public, especially non-Christians, were ecstatic to see them. They had seen them in the media and were excited about the church doing something to change the lives of young people.

It was Jesus who told the disciples they needed to let their light shine, and this is what churches do when they use PR to share their stories of what God is doing in their midst.

We live in a great age. There are so many tools at the Church’s disposal to utilise and to do PR - not only to encourage, but also to dispel some of the unnecessary stereotypes that exist about the Church. In doing so, we point people to the glorious, impactful, transformative message of the Gospel.

The most harrowing are the stories of adults - men and women = revealing how they were groomed and sexually abused by church clergy of both sexes.

In response to these revelations, some churches have had to pay compensation to victims and issues apologies. The issue has become so serious that the Pope recently issued an Apostolic Letter, making it mandatory for nuns and priests to report cases of sexual abuse and cover ups in the church.

The Black church community is not immune from this issue. Perpetrators of sexual abuse come in all ages, races and genders, and there are people in the pews of Black churches, who have experienced sexual abuse and manipulation.

My questions are: Are there structures in place to support victims?

Are procedures in place to confront perpetrators, and report them to authorities if they’ve committed a criminal act? I certainly hope so.

Sexual abuse committed by spiritual leaders is incredibly damaging; the positions they hold affords them a high level of esteem by churchgoers. As a result, those who commit such acts are guilty of crimes of the highest order, because they’ve abused their position of trust.

Churches therefore need to have the appropriate systems in place to minister to the victim and deal with the perpetrator. Otherwise, churches will rightly be considered equally guilty for harbouring those who have betrayed people’s trust.

WE ARE OUR SISTER’S KEEPER We live in the Information Age, amongst the most knowledgeable generation of young women ever - but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have the experience and understanding required to overcome the many challenges life will throw at them.

This must be one of the reasons why the Bible calls on mature, wise, godly women to provide the spiritual mentoring and guidance young women need.

They are dealing with many of the issues we, as mature women, dealt with when we were young: lone parenting, marriage/relationship issues, loneliness, celibacy, careers, domestic violence and abuse, financial issues, prayer, godliness, and much, much more.

We are our sister’s keeper. And if we are mature in the faith, it’s our job to help the young, middle-aged and old to become the wise, understanding women God has called them to be.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

COMMENT 33

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

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

SUFFERING L

et’s begin with the New Zealand mosque shootings. To fully comprehend that 51 people were killed and 48 wounded in shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, is possibly impossible. And, just when they thought the news couldn’t get any worse, the gunman, a 28-year-old Australian called Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed the attack from a head-mounted camera. The footage showed him firing at men, women and children, from close range inside the Al Noor Mosque.

Obviously, this atrocity raised questions around New Zealand’s rather lax gun laws. I would hope too that theological questions concerning why God allowed the deaths of so many people were also raised by Muslims and Christians.

After all, where was God in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, March 15, 2019?

The same question can be asked by Sri Lankan Christians. On Easter Sunday, suicide bombers killed at least 253 people and injured some 500 at churches and top-end hotels in Sri Lanka. What makes this atrocity difficult to grasp, is that on Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, the God who overcame death. Yet churches holding Easter Mass on Easter Sunday may have been forced to question the presence of the resurrected God, the One who overcame death at Easter. The irony is not lost on the worshipping Christians celebrating the Christ who conquers death on Easter Sunday.

It is regrettable that Lent, just gone, cannot and will not remove the pain and scars from those who have suffered loss because of these or other forms of suffering. What the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection can do is bring some comfort by helping the sufferer begin to appreciate the responses of God to human suffering.

The early Greek Fathers of the Church believed that God was incapable of feeling the pain of others, seeing Him rather as a distant God, devoid of emotion and detached from the

pain of those who suffer. That is not our God. The story of the Crucifixion reminds us that the pain of the bereft matters to God. The Cross smashes the caricature of a God resting in some ‘celestial deckchair’ while the hungry millions starve to death. If God’s full and final self-revelation was given in Jesus, then His feelings and suffering are an authentic reflection of God’s responses to suffering. That Jesus ‘wept’ with grief and ‘snorted with indignation’ and wept again for Jerusalem, points to a God who weeps with the weeping and laments with those who lament.

Christ more than embraces the internal suffering of those who suffer. He inhabits the world of their fears and longings, living in complete solidarity with those who suffer. The God who is capable of suffering is the same God who is capable of love, and opens Himself up to the suffering, which is involved in love. This is surely the reason why Bonhoeffer wrote, some nine months before his execution: ‘only the suffering God can help’. God is unable to exclude Himself from the pain of parents, who have lost their child to violent crime, or any other sufferer. God, being participatory, means He hears and remembers the cries and groans of those who suffer, and is more than able to redeem their circumstances for His good.

I am delighted that some of our highly respected Black theologians, the likes of Professor Anthony Reddie and Professor Robert Beckford, continue to develop a helpful protest challenging much of European theology. This theology maintains a traditional, mournful mystique of the Cross, Professor which is individualistic and Anthony Reddie myopic. Instead, in seeking to relate the Cross to the contemporary world and its social injustice, they have challenged a God, Himself untouched by the

‘...the Cross of Christ tells us that the love of God is a constant, originating from the heart of the Divine’ historical Cross because He is untouchable.

Both professors resolutely conclude this not to be the case. He listens. He acts by providing comfort. Importantly, the Crucified God is there – ever present in our human mess. His permanent presence may not necessarily eradicate the pain we experience. Yet the God, who is responsive to the groans of human pain and suffering, is lasting in His presence, the professors rightly argue.

So, what comfort do we take from the Cross of Christ? Surely it is the fundamental Christian assertion that God is love. As difficult as this might be to fully grasp by those made homeless, those struggling with their relationships (at home and at work), and parents of young people caught up in the underbelly of the criminal world, the Cross of Christ tells us that the love of God is a constant, originating from the heart of the Divine.

The fact remains that God is ever present in our moments of joy and our moments of hell - an omnipresent presence for those impacted by shootings in New Zealand and the bombings in Sri Lanka, and for all who cry for help and support.

Professor Robert Beckford

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

34 COMMENT

What has Pentecostalism ever done for Christianity?

BISHOP DR JOE ALDRED is a broadcaster and ecumenist

T

he eve of the publication of my next book, an edited work entitled Pentecostals and Charismatics in Britain: An Anthology, seems a good moment to reflect on the contribution of Pentecostalism to Christianity. As readers of the anthology will discover, Pentecostalism, which burst onto the scene at the start of the 20th Century, is viewed by some as a kind of Second Reformation - this time awakening the Christian Church to the missing ingredient of an immanent God expressed as transformative power. This eruptive awakening is not without its challenges.

For example, as one commentator observes: “Pentecostalism has succeeded in creating more schisms in a century than it took the rest of Christianity in two thousand years” (see Allan Anderson’s chapter in the book, p.139).

Whether as renewal energy within mainstream Christianity, or as a reforming movement in its own right, Pentecostalism - and its offshoot, Charismaticism - has tended to divide, cell-like, in order to grow. This can be viewed as healthy diversification or unhealthy fragmentation.

However one views it, the last one hundred-plus years have seen Pentecostal and Charismatic expressions of Christianity surge around the world, challenging downward trends in so-called developed western countries. Pentecostalism brings a certain certitude and confidence to the Christian faith worldwide. As my church sings: “If God is dead, tell me who is this living in my soul?”

Pentecostalism demonstrates that God still works through base people, those on the underside of our rich world. We see this in the recorded happenings at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles (circa 1906-1909), recognised as part of a simultaneous combustion of Pentecostalism in various parts of the world, including Britain. At Azusa Street, people began to rediscover ‘signs and wonders’, such as healings and glossolalia, previously abandoned or unknown in a modern church that had become weakened and ineffectual as a result. From Azusa Street, and other places around the world, the supernatural has become near normal in today’s Church, and this is owed to the rise of Pentecostalism in the modern Church.

A feature of Azusa Street is that it was located among the poorest areas of Los Angeles (see Andrew Davies’ chapter, p.7). This was where God chose to pour out His Spirit. The Mission was led by a one-eyed Black man, William Seymour, son of enslaved parents living under Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Jim Crow laws, with little by way of formal education or status to commend him. Seymour is totemic of how Pentecostalism raises up the disfranchised, poor and marginalised. As Mark Sturge (p.180) reminds us, God has never been uninterested in the plight of the poor. We recall too that the first century disciples of Jesus turned apostles were drawn from among the common people. The ‘fringe churches’ that resulted represent a grassroots movement challenging the status quo. Pentecostalism therefore empowers even illiterates, who, moved by the Holy Spirit, build and lead churches without the approval of ecclesial hierarchy.

However, it is instructive to note that what became the litmus test of classical Pentecostalism, namely glossolalia, was the construction of a White man, who obeyed Jim Crow laws that required the exclusion of William Seymour from being in the same classroom as White students.

Charles Parham, ‘the theological father’ of the movement, was principal of a Bible school in Topeka, Kansas, and it is his brainchild of ‘initial evidence’ that remains central in much of Pentecostalism today. While rightly understood as empowering the poor and the laity, by making participation in leadership more reachable than in ‘established’ or ‘mainstream’ churches, the privileged, better educated and trained still play pivotal roles even as the phenomenon continues to spread in the poorer global South more than in the wealthier global North.

Pentecostals tend to see Acts 2 as a key point of reference for the belief that the Holy Spirit has come among the Church and operates miraculous power. Making the powerless powerful is a key performative trait, and pneumatological experience is understood as transformative (Forster p.35). This exercise of divine power challenges cessationist ideology, and promotes a church of power capable of engaging with and overcoming the principalities and powers that seek to hinder the work of God in the world.

Pentecostals contrast nominal (William Kay’s chapter, p.53) Christian practice with those filled with the Holy Spirit and committed to affecting their community and world for good by the transformative power of God. Pentecostals live their lives in expectation that God is immanent and personal.

For Pentecostals, it is Scripture that stands undisputedly and supremely at the hegemonic pinnacle of belief as a theological and doctrinal source. ‘Bibleology’ (or a reliance on the Bible) embraces the Reformers’ Sola Scriptura mantra (Anderson p.138), and holds fast the inerrancy and infallibility

of the Bible. Some critics of Pentecostalism view these as simplistic and fundamentalist approaches to scriptural understanding. However, Pentecostals continue to remind the Christian Church of the significance of Holy Writ, and its centrality to the faith of the Church. Even as some Pentecostal pastors tell their congregations: ”The only book you need to read is the Bible” (Davies p.12), it is apparent that, from the beginning, Pentecostalism has promoted engagement with wider publication genres. Yet there is little doubt that while other sources are embraced for knowledge, the Bible stands as supreme authority in Pentecostalism.

Finally, if you have never visited a Pentecostal church, particularly a Caribbean - or African-led one, you really should. Probably the first thing that will impact you is the sheer joy of the worshippers.

You may even find this in Pentecostals outside of church too! Pentecostal ecstatic communal worship, marked by spontaneity and creativity (Daniel Akhazemea p.73), is a trademark everywhere - an essential ingredient of a people filled with the Holy Spirit, and for whom joy is one of the gifts freely given. The use of polyrhythmic handclapping, tambourines, drums, percussions, bass, guitar, keyboards, choirs, soloists, and so on, have transformed the mode of worship across almost all churches. Dancing and jumping in worship in church is now commonplace; this was not so in the UK fifty years ago (Akhazemea p.80). This infectious joy, along with much besides, represents a flavour of how Pentecostalism has impacted the whole Church, proving as some sang: “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me; the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.”

Bishop Dr Joe Aldred is responsible for Pentecostal and Multicultural Relations at Churches Together in England, and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Roehampton.

Pentecostals and Charismatics in Britain is available from https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/

LIFESTYLE 35

BLACK MAN, CHECK YOURSELF! Know the warning signs of prostate cancer – it could save your life

B

LACK men are twice as likely to be struck by prostate cancer than White men, but thousands are still oblivious to the symptoms, experts have warned.

The latest figures show one in four Black men contract the disease in the UK every year, and research by the Proton Therapy Center, a cancer treatment clinic based in Prague, found more than a third (35%) of those aged 50 and over - the age group most at risk - have no idea how to identify common prostate cancer warning signs.

Dr Jiri Kubes

Dr Jiri Kubes, Medical Director at Proton Therapy Center, said there is no scientific explanation why there is such a high risk among Black men: “There is no clear evidence as to why Black men carry such a high risk of prostate cancer, but there is strong evidence that awareness is dangerously low.

“You have to be vigilant with prostate cancer, as it doesn’t usually immediately reveal itself. In most men, it is there without them even knowing, and they often only become alerted when symptoms worsen.

“Men with even the slightest of concerns shouldn’t hesitate to see their doctor. This is an especially important message for Black men, who are more at risk of the disease starting and progressing.”

Prostate cancer is Britain’s second most common form of the disease, behind breast cancer – claiming more than 11,000 lives in 2016 - but there is currently no national screening programme in the UK. The warning signs Dr Kubes added: “Male cancers have traditionally received less attention than those more common in women, although this is quickly changing. While there is an increasing emphasis on tackling male strands of the disease, all men - and black men

especially - need to be aware of the warning signs.

“These include: an increased need to urinate or thoughts of urinating more frequently; pain during sex; chronic fatigue; sudden weight loss, and feelings of nausea. Sufferers may also have difficulty urinating standing up, or maintaining a steady stream, and pain in the crotch, thighs or lower back.”

The chances of getting prostate cancer increases with age, and the NHS advises all men aged 45 or over to get checked out – especially if there is family history of the disease, eg. father or brother, or if a man is overweight or obese.

What is the prostate?

The prostate gland sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main job is to produce a thick white fluid that helps to create semen. While prostate cancer often starts slowly - and may never cause a problem - it can spread quickly via the bloodstream. Figures from Cancer Research UK show a quarter of all those diagnosed with the disease each year will die as a result.

Tests for prostate cancer include a digital rectal examination and a PSA test, which measures the levels of prostate specific antigen in the blood.

There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK because it has not been proved that the benefits would outweigh the risks, according to the NHS. Routinely screening all men to check their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community for several reasons.

A micrograph showing prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma - which is the most common form of prostate cancer.

levels - a false-negative result - so many cases may be missed.

The NHS says more research is needed to determine whether a screening programme would provide men with more benefit than harm.

Heather Blake, Director of Support and Influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is vital to saving men’s lives. To ensure no man slips through the net, we urgently need a test which can be used as part of a routine national screening programme, particularly as men will often have no symptoms until the latter stages of the disease.

“Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the current PSA blood test has the potential to cause more harm than benefit if used on its own for a screening programme, which is why investing in research to find a more suitable testing method is the top priority of our research strategy.

Recommendations “In the meantime, we recommend that men over 50 – and men over 45 if they are Black or have a family history of the disease – discuss the pros and cons of the PSA test with their GP, so that they can decide if it’s right for them.

“Until there is a better test, a man’s awareness of his risk is his best defence against prostate cancer.”

By Ian Hughes

The problem with tests Firstly, PSA tests are unreliable, and can suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists - known as a false-positive result. This means that many men often have invasive and sometimes painful biopsies for no reason. Also, up to 15 per cent of men with prostate cancer have normal PSA www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 LIFESTYLE

SEVERING THE IGNORANCE OF

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

by Kehinde Salami

If I were to ask the wider population for a definition of sickle cell disease, it wouldn’t surprise me if I were met with confused looks or people struggling to give me an explanation. This is the norm in the society we live in, however this casual normality is the very reason why we need to bring awareness to the forefront of many discussions within the community - especially the BAME community.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is the world’s largest genetic blood disorder, and occurs when the red blood cells (normally curve-shaped, like a sickle) stick and clump together, blocking the flow of blood through the blood vessels, and restricting nutrients, oxygen and vital supplies to organs in the body. This causes cell and organ damage, extreme pain to the individual and, in the worst cases, multiple organ failure and sometimes even death to the individual affected.

and being shunned and chastised by friends, family members and the community in which they lived.

What has changed since then?

Sickle cell disease has been recognised as a global health risk by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for over 100 years, yet there seems to be little awareness of the condition; how it passed on, and the effects that many patients have living with the condition.

I guess it’s time to reveal that I have sickle cell disease myself - a condition I was born with but, due to the stigma attached to having the condition, my parents never told me I had it, and so never prepared me to deal with this potentially life-threatening condition. I actually found out I had the condition in my early 20s, when I was at university in Manchester suffering from intense stomach pain. I was rushed into hospital, and the doctor then revealed to me that I had a condition I knew next to nothing about.

However, this is not a story about me; that will be for another article.

How many people in the UK have sickle cell?

At the moment, there are approximately 15,000 people living with sickle cell disease in the UK, with almost 400 babies born with sickle cell every year. There are also over 250,000 carrying the sickle cell trait unknowingly.

It’s important that people know whether they carry the sickle cell trait or not, so they understand the full-blown condition can potentially be passed on to their children.

This table (below) shows the chances of passing on the condition if you have, carry or don’t have sickle cell disease.

T

T

N

Father (with trait)

Children T T

N

N

SC

SC

Father (with sickle cell amemia)

N

SC

T

T

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

T

Children SC N

Mother (with sickle cell amemia)

Children SC SC

SC

SC

T

Father (with sickle cell amemia)

T

T

Children T - Trait

Sounds like a miracle cure, right? So what went wrong?

Even though the individuals who carried the sickle cell trait gene had some form of immunity from contracting malaria, they still carried another potential deadly condition and, unbeknown to these individuals, two couples carrying the gene had a 25% chance of passing sickle cell disease to their children.

This meant that individuals born with this new condition no longer carried the gene, but now suffered from the full-blown effects of sickle cell disease, without the immunity against contracting malaria either.

As you can imagine, during that era many people were born with a condition, of which they had no understanding, awareness or method of treating, and which often led to these children being labelled as cursed,

T

Mother (normal) T

Mother (with trait)

SC

Father (with sickle cell amemia)

Who are most at risk at catching sickle cell, and why?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition, of which 98% of people affected are from Black African and Caribbean origin. It was traced back some 7,300 years ago to sub-Saharan Africa. This blood condition originally developed in the form of the sickle cell trait, as nature’s defence against malaria, which was ravaging the sub-Saharan areas of Africa and killing millions in the process. The emergence of the sickle cell trait gene enabled those who carried the gene a greater immunity against contracting the mosquito-borne infectious disease, whilst inevitably saving millions of lives.

T

Father (with trait)

Mother (normal)

N - Normal

T

SC

SC

Mother (with trait)

Children SC - Sickle Cell

How can you check if you carry the sickle cell trait?

A simple haemoglobin electrophoresis test can determine whether you either carry the sickle cell trait or have the full-blown condition. The test can be done either by your GP or at your local hospital.

Treatment/cures Due to the varying pain thresholds of managing sickle cell disease, as well as other health complications, the various treatments for sickle cell disease are:

LIFESTYLE 37

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Richard Wurmbrand spent 14 years in prisons in communist Romania, three in solitary confinement. Tortured for Christ is the remarkable story of how he survived and inspired us to support persecuted Christians around the world.

“This book was singular ly instrumental in of the free world awakening the conscien to the horrors experien ce ced by our brothers sisters behind the and Iron Curtain.” Charles Colson “When you have read this No generation should book, pass it to your children. miss this story.” Rob Parsons “Tortured for Christ must have a place but also in our hearts.” not only on our bookshelves Jim Graham

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painkillers, depending on the severity of pain you are in hospital admissions (for higher pain relief, antibiotics, monitoring) blood transfusions (every 4/6/8 weeks, depending on the patient) bone marrow transplant (only in severe cases, and often performed on children) gene therapy (a relatively new and limited treatment) hydroxyurea (often given to children over two years old to reduce the number of sickle cell crisis episodes, and offers some form of protection to organs in the body)

Blood donation I have chosen to deliberately focus on the issue of blood donation, as the benefits are astounding. My daughter, who is only six years old, also has sickle cell disease, and her life was saved by having a blood donation. It’s vital that sickle cell patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions are able to receive blood. The issue we have at present is that only 1% of the Black community, and only 3% of the BAME community, are registered to give blood. This means the supply of blood does not meet the demand, which could mean that many patients with sickle cell disease could die if more blood donors from the BAME community don’t come forward.

You can register to give blood by visiting www.blood.co.uk Sickle cell awareness The future of sickle cell disease is heavily reliant on how progressive we are as a community in regards to raising awareness. Sickle cell needs to be discussed within schools, churches and youth centres by community leaders.

Only then will we see a decrease in the stigma of the ‘Sickle Cell Silence’, and only then will we see a different narrative that puts those affected by the condition at the forefront of the conversation for progressive and social change for the next sickle cell warriors, like my daughter, and beyond.

For more info visit www.sicklekan.com

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News, stories and This is a classic story prayer requests of Christian faith from persecuted and extreme pressure.

Pastor Richard Wurmb endurance under Christians worldwid by the Romanian rand was arreste e secret police and d imprisoned for 14 in the 1950s and years 1960s, with three of them confinement. He was repeatedly torture spent in solitary and maintained a d, yet developed Christ-like attitud e of love and forgive towards his tormen ness tors. This is his inspirin to remember our g story and his call persecuted brothe rs and sisters who even today sufferin are g for the sake of Jesus Christ.

www.releaseinternational.org PO Box 54, Orpington BR5 4RT Tel: 01689 823491 Email: info@releaseinternational.org

d.o.b.

38 LIFESTYLE

Celebrating a new type of funeral

BY MAXINE EDGAR

I

was aged six, Leroy was just seven, and he was wearing a suit and tie. He was fast asleep in a box in my godmother’s front room. I thought the box was on the ironing board; I now know it was the undertaker’s trestles. The next scene was the graveside. Held tightly by Leroy’s mum (my godmother), I can still hear her wailing.

I haven’t stopped attending funerals since.

I became a funeral celebrant, as I was fed up of listening to badly written eulogies, and hearing ministers portray untrue images of the deceased - often distant and, at times, absolute folly. I became frustrated with angry sermons on sin and hell, executed without love by the untrained.

The sin message should bring about conviction, even awkwardness, but not a ‘switching off’.

For this very reason the Church is losing bodies - both the living and the dead. Families are therefore turning to civil celebrants.

It’s important that the Gospel is heard; we need not negate the cause, but at times we miss the mark and lose people. A learning tool for ministers is that it is not us but the Holy Spirit who draws and saves. We are simply tools, and tools need to be sharpened.

Jesus paved the way with the ‘Woman at the Well’. He was strategic in His timing, His approach and in His communication. He spoke truth but without damnation. Jesus used excellent methods; everything was executed in love.

Funeral services are a great time for church

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ministers to take the opportunity to win souls, but often to their detriment the result is a ‘pushing away’ as opposed to a ‘drawing to’. I wish church ministers could learn the difference between acting in love and doing for love.

There is a changing face in funerals. Families are no longer being dictated to by establishments that have little empathy or passion for funerals.

As an independent celebrant and funeral arranger, I encourage my families to be creative with their funeral ceremonies.

The role of the celebrant is to work with families to create and present a ceremony that is primarily focused on the life of the deceased.

Mourners, however, are not aware of the choices available to them.

For instance: 1) a funeral ceremony need not take place; a body can be directly cremated or buried; 2) you do not need to use a funeral director - mourners can store the body at a convenient place, and prepare it for burial or cremation; 3) embalming is not necessary - ice can give the same results; 4) the ceremony can be kept at home and, if you own the land (with notices and permission), you can bury your loved ones on the land; 5) funeral ceremonies need not be held in a church or crematorium.

The stigma attached to death has caused us to become reliant upon the undertaker. However, there are some communities who take on a greater role and execute much of the procedures themselves. I find the Black community has the largest funerals, but are reluctant to invest in this predominantly White, male-dominated industry.

Last month, I organised the funeral for my late uncle. His delight was Bells Whisky, a good tune and a ‘good smoke’. Funeral services are for the living but, as a celebrant, I ensure that I extract the good and moral behaviours conducted by the deceased whilst they were alive and, during the ceremony, make much mention of the same.

Reggae was his love, so the body entered to a John Holt classic, ‘Morning of My Life’. He loved

Maxine Edgar

his horses, therefore, after the eulogy was read, we played the timeless ‘Long Shot Kick De Bucket’ - a song about a racing horse. His body exited to the Hopeton Lewis track, ‘Grooving Out on Life’. We selected non-offensive music of his era, with lyrics that were relative to his life. The conventional ‘Amazing Grace’ was replaced by the Sanchez (reggae) version, and ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ rang out on the steel pan.

However, the Scripture remained the same - a reminder that the Sovereign God is omnipresent; that we cannot move left nor right without Him (Psalm 139).

Hardened men lamented at the beauty of the ceremony. One seasoned funeral attendee remarked that he had “never been removed from a church before” but, after two and a half hours, he was so enthralled by the service, he wasn’t ready to leave when asked by the ushers.

80% of the mourning families I visit require a non-religious service, and I use this opportunity as a channel for evangelism. To date, I have never conducted a service without religious content.

We are not all Christians; we therefore need to look at the bigger picture, using these occasions to get the people into the churches.

After all, Jesus used a cup of water!

For more information contact maxinemitchellcelebrant@gmail.com or call 07930 015211

LIFESTYLE 39

REV CASSIUS FRANCIS

is a Minister and the Just Finance Development Worker

Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted Death and Bereavement in the African Caribbean Community

R

ecently a friend said to me: “At the moment it feels as if there is a funeral or memorial service every week.” I am a Brummie, but my parents are of the Windrush generation. Mum and Dad often reflect on the early days of the 1960s in England and church life, with the constant flow of weddings and christenings, but now we are in a season of regularly having to revisit grief.

As a Christian minister, I know that we are going to have to get ready for more bereavement as the Windrush generation passes on, but my question is: how well are we preparing ourselves for the time that is already here and that is coming?

The saying goes: ‘There are only two things certain in life: death and taxes.’ Although these may be certainties, they are also taboo subjects - not just among most people in the UK but, I believe, particularly in our Black communities.

Given that there is much more awareness about the positive impact of talking more openly and honestly about bereavement, how can we get over this hurdle of keeping painful subjects off limits in our conversations? When we do not talk about death and bereavement in our everyday conversations, we are suddenly faced with our beliefs on death at more painful, difficult times of distress. Then there are questions about the funeral itself and our traditional values… Should we sing at the cemetery? Will people know the songs if we do sing? Will we be allowed to fill in the grave ourselves, or will it just be done by a mechanical digger? And then, of course, there is the subject of money…

According to the Money Advice Service, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,7571 .

1

“That wouldn’t even cover the cost of the food at the reception!”, I once heard a church sister exclaim. Of course, at a time when we are faced with bereavement, money is the last thing we may want to think about, but this is one reality of the situation we have to face up to, along with the loss of a loved one. In my role as the Just Finance Development Worker in the Black Country, I am now much more aware of the stress that the financial pressure of a funeral can bring. All of a sudden there are lots of decisions to be made: what kind of funeral should it be? Did the deceased want to be cremated or buried?

What were the wishes of the deceased? And, with Black families, there are often additional pressures: Is there enough time for family to travel from Africa or the Caribbean to come to the funeral or should we fly the body ‘back home’ to be buried? How do we cope with everyone wanting to visit (for the wake or Nine Nights)?

How many should we prepare for attending the funeral, and will there be any ‘surprise’ visitors?

For the sake of our collective mental health, my hope is that we find a way to talk more honestly, openly and frequently about death and bereavement, so that we can be better prepared for the difficult times to come. Some of the resources below are ones I have found particularly helpful, but can I offer a short prayer in closing for those who may be struggling with grief today: “God of life, we come to You, knowing that You love us and understand everything about us: how we feel at times of celebration; how we feel during the pain of loss, and all the feelings in between. Can we ask that You bring comfort

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-much-does-a-funeral-cost

and peace to those who are hurting today?

Lord, will You draw near through Your Holy Spirit, so that we can feel the warmth of Your presence when times are cold? Heavenly Father, thank You for friends, family, my wider community, and organisations that are available to offer support.

In the times of silence, please remind me that You are here, because Your Son Jesus said, in Matthew 5:4 - ‘Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Amen.”

Information for further help • ataloss.org - the UK’s ‘one stop shop’ website for finding specific and local bereavement support • churchofenglandfunerals.org/gravetalk/ - talking about death, dying and funerals raises big questions that we need to face at some point, but it’s hard to talk to family and friends. GraveTalk conversation cards can help to start conversations about some of those challenging questions.

• cruse.org.uk - offering support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies • fairfuneralscampaign.org.uk - the Fair Funerals campaign is run by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action to tackle the root causes of funeral poverty.

• htb.org/thebereavementjourney - this course is for anyone who is bereaved, whether recently or dating back several years Rev Cassius Francis is the Just Finance Development Worker for the Black Country (with Transforming Communities Together in the Diocese of Lichfield), and he is a minister with the Wesleyan Holiness Church. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 LIFESTYLE

Will changes to Religious Worker Visa affect churches and ministries?

PIA SUBRAMANIAM

is a content writer and correspondent for the Immigration Advice Service an organisation of leading UK immigration solicitors

W

e live in a world that is constantly evolving, and we are continuously being introduced to new cultural and social groups. Different generations challenge each other to understand and accept abstract mindsets that are diverse and complex.

It is always interesting to learn from one another and explore the views and perspectives of our acquaintances. And religion is one of them.

84% of the earth’s population identifies with a religious group. In fact, Christianity is by far the world’s largest religion with 2.3 billion followers.

That is nearly 31% of the global population. Islam follows with 1.8 billion followers, and then Hinduism with 1.1 billion.

In the United Kingdom, while 25.7% of its population identifies as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious, 59.5% associate themselves with the religion of Christianity. Therefore, religion plays an essential role in society and contributes to the passing of numerous laws and policies. Due to the popularity of religion, people are keen to travel across the globe to preach and attract more people to join their religious groups, and several communities that have been formed in the past have changed people’s lives in a positive way.

However, the Government has recently announced some changes to the Tier 5 Religious Worker Visa. Previously, religious workers were allowed to perform roles, such as preaching or leading a congregation, without having to possess adequate English language skills. Now, they will be directed to the Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa, where they must prove their ability to speak a

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good level of English.

The Minister of Religion Visa - or Religious Worker Visa - allows you to enter and live in the UK, as long as you take on a position as a minister of religion, missionary or religious worker. An additional requirement for obtaining such a visa is that the job must come from a registered Tier 2 UK Sponsor licensed to employ nationals from overseas, and the employee must prove that they have enough maintenance funds to support travel and any dependents they are bringing along to the UK. However, the new requirement demands a stricter level of English ability.

This change can be considered positive on the one hand, as it means that those who can speak English fluently will be able to continue their work. However, those who do not meet the standard of ability will not be eligible for a visa.

The Government has introduced this as an additional barrier for religious workers to climb over when applying to come to the UK. Diversity is celebrated and welcomed across many churches and places of worship in the UK, and English-speaking ability matters little when religion and passion speak many languages.

Not to mention that many preachers and other religious workers learn the language as they go, and many people flock to hear them speak regardless. These people should not be declined entry on the basis of their English ability, as they are still able to deliver moving speeches in their mother tongue and within their religious group.

Another key change that has occurred to the Tier 5 Religious Worker Visa refers to the length of time a minister or preacher can stay in the UK. While the visa allows workers to stay in the UK for up to two years, applicants were continually applying for Leave to Remain, granting them continued residency in the UK. Now, however, the Government has implemented a so-called ‘cooling off period’, in which religious

workers must leave the country for at least one year after their Religious Worker Visa expires.

This visa is only temporary, and can no longer be extended.

In order to apply for the Tier 5 Religious Worker Visa, the employee must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK Sponsor (ie. their employee). Additionally, they must have £945 in savings, so they can provide evidence that they are able to financially support themselves. This amount must be in their bank account for 90 days prior to the application.

With the new change, people have to leave the UK for at least a year in order to reenter and continue their religious work. This ‘cooling off period’ will indeed have a negative impact on religious workers, as they won’t have access to religious ministries, and it would make it extremely difficult to remain in their country of origin for a longer period of time. The change will take away the chances of many who wish to deliver their talent and wisdom to their religious groups in the UK. All in all, it is disappointing to see how the policies and laws in the UK are changing, with the sole intention, it would seem, being to deny entry to as many foreign nationals as possible.

The UK, and especially its capital London, is widely known for its diversity, and is seen as a place where people from all walks of life can gather and share their views, opinions and faiths.

These new changes the UK Government has introduced will have a negative impact on religious workers, and threatens the future of, for example, churches and religious ministries.

Declining nationals from overseas will also block and prevent so much talent and innovative as well as inspiring views and convictions from flowing into the UK. The consequences of these new policies can only be detrimental to religious groups and to our society as a whole.

LIFESTYLE 41

Christian education in the spotlight

The Band Family

TAYO FATUNLA

is a Creative Artist, Visual Commentator, Comic Artist and Illustrator www.tayofatunla.com Instagram @tfatunla123

W

hat does Christian education have to offer the world? Firstly, it should develop more people who walk their talk. Secondly, it should offer a way of educating all children within a matrix of peace and, lastly, it should be founded on the continuous process of receiving and imparting God’s agape love, because God is love and love is God. Action, peace and love - a mandate for global transformation. These are the words of English teacher, Monica Grey, who believes that “our cultural heritage includes our language, our faith and our way of being. Passing on this heritage to our children is an important step towards ensuring a community’s healthy self-esteem and, although this should not be necessary, it helps to validate who we are.”

Wolverhampton-based Monica’s study has shown that reading books, despite being rigorous with regards to literacy, are often lacking with regards to cultural literacy. She has drawn on a wealth of experience from being an English teacher and, with her research into this subject, together with her set-up, True Vine Academy, they are developing a literacy programme which celebrates African and African-Caribbean cultures in the UK. Monica came up with an idea to educate and stimulate by visually creating

The Band Family, which consists of Nan, Pops, Mum, Dad, Felix, Joy and Omar, thereby using the family to achieve her aims and objectives.

The Band Family is Monica’s creation, and she has worked with comic artist TAYO Fatunla, who came up with visuals for each of the characters. The family have formed a band, and music provides them with the atmosphere to solve their problems.

Alongside the reading books, True Vine Academy has created flashcards, workbooks and Sunday School resources designed to give young children a culturally relevant education at home, at school and at church.

Monica spent five years on a single course of study, and describes it like existing in a cocoon.

“A PhD study is no easy feat and, when the thesis is submitted, you feel the feel the need to sit in the sun for a while and allow your wings to dry out. This is what I’m doing right now: sunning my wings in the rays of normal family life.” Well, Monica now aims to achieve just that.

Her definition of her Christian education pet project is in line with the biblical instruction to teach children in the daily hubbub (Deuteronomy 11:19): “By viewing our lives as a classroom, we reinforce the truth that we are all in need of daily transformation, and this humble approach to life is one that will produce a steady flow of

individuals who do not insist on their own way, even when they believe that their way is right.

Jesus also left us with the mandate to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).”

This process is integrally accomplished through a process of constant teaching and learning, where disciples are expected to learn a bit, practise a bit, then learn a bit more. Monica is passionate about Christian education, and is convinced it holds the answers to many of the world’s problems, including the ongoing issue of the deadly knife crime in London, the Midshires and beyond.

Monica believes that a formal curriculum of Christian education should not only be Godcentred in its content, but also in its structure and development in communities. She believes teaching children requires sheer determination, discipline and diligence, but within a matrix of peace. She also believes children should have an unshakeable knowledge that their lives are in God’s hands, and that their efforts are a part of His plan, not a prerequisite for acceptance.

Christian education has a lot to offer the world, and should develop more people who walk their talk, through initiatives like the one Monica Grey has embarked upon with True Vine Academy, which isn’t just a project but a ministry.

For more information about Monica Grey’s The Band Family - elementary Christian reading - and to purchase copies of the book for children starting to read, visit www.truevineacademy.com or call 07908 630286.

42 LIFESTYLE

VANESSA GROSSETT

www.theauthorscare.co.uk

Congratulations, it’s a … new animation series

‘Royalty’

Inspired by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

I

n loving celebration and dedication to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 5-0 Entertainment Studios have created a new animation television series entitled, ‘Royalty’.

ROYALTY animation television series is about a ‘Royal’ family’s dynasty, whose foundation is built on love, compassion, friendship, harmony, humanitarian services and more. The kindness and grace exuded by fictitious characters, Prince Andrew and Princess Caroline, are reflected in the humanity of the children throughout each heartwarming episode.

The enchanting, musical and fun-filled episodes support, endorse and recognise 5-0 Entertainment’s inherent message, ‘The Dream is Everything’, for all children around the globe.

They also embrace the banner of the Royal Foundation: ‘Making a difference together’.

Creator Melanie Greene says: “As the creator, I was inspired to produce elements that would belong to a ‘2019 future’, creating a stylish reality that was based on a familiar style from our real world, simplified purposefully, boiling down elements to their essence. The results are a welcoming environment that is intriguing, something we have never had in animation: our backdrop of England’s Royal Family.

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“The material chosen for the decor and exteriors suggests a fun and lively future. It was highly inspired by the design dynamics of my Apple computer, which uses various futuristic materials in a fun way, while giving the impression of a well made object - nothing cheap! The music and the frame count will play an important role in the overall success.”

“One can only hope that what is currently a busy activity for many will some day be a magical experience for all who visit our ‘Royal’ family’s animation, ‘ROYALTY’.

“The ten main characters - parents Prince Andrew and Princess Caroline; Grandmum Rose, and children Princess Cristina and Princess Lara (twins), and Prince Philip and Princess Alexandra (also twins) - are perhaps the most kind, humble, interestingly entertaining family ever assembled to create a ‘loving’ home life and environment in the animation series, ROYALTY. “Anything is possible in the future, with many encounters with other children from faraway lands, to children in their own London town… Situations will come and go, remedies will make their way to the front of the line; action, fun, abundance, excitement, potential… there is so much to see you can’t help being drawn into the animation series with an enthusiasm to discover more and more.

“Perhaps the greatest lesson that the future of ROYALTY holds, is the idea that one should “keep moving forward”; this is something I hope the audience will take each week into their hearts - especially the kids - to help stay motivated and inspired, no matter what challenges life may present.

Although our ROYALTY animation series’ stories are fictitious, every voice cast will seem

as real as you see them on the screen.”

The series will also be accompanied by more than 25 adorable and exciting children’s books. The animation characters were loosely based upon their Little Melanie children’s book series and kids entertainment franchise, which owns 250 well-written children’s books. The Little Melanie characters were illustrated for the book series franchise more than five years ago. However, it was the inspiration of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex that captured the production company’s hearts in creating this fairytale for children all over the world.

ROYALTY is now is pre-production, and will be coming to your television screens soon.

About 5-0 Entertainment Studios Ltd, registered in London, England The 5-0 Entertainment Studios company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diverse international family entertainment and media enterprise, with five business segments: television and films, media networks, studio and music entertainment, consumer products and interactive media.

Today, 5-0 Entertainment Studios brings quality television shows, television movies, music, stage plays and feature films to everyone throughout the world.

Their productions are released under the 5-0 ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS, (London and New York) Children and Family Entertainment banner.

Your gift today could help five children like Sesan see the wonder of God’s creation. Help unlock extra funds for more cataract surgeries.

Dear Keep The Faith reader, The Universe reader,

Life with severe cataracts has not been easy for fiveyear-old Sesan. Unable to see, this bright boy has been unable to play with friends, help at home and go to school.

Education is the key to employment, a way out of poverty.

Perhaps the most heart-breaking thing about children like Sesan, living in Africa, is that their sight could be so easily restored. Cataract surgery to restore sight can take just 45 minutes, but many families in poor countries cannot afford the £95 cost of surgery. So their children have no choice but to live in darkness.

You can change that with a gift to CBM right now. For a limited time, a kind funding partner has pledged to unlock £4 for every £1 you give. This means that if you can give £95 for one child’s surgery today, five children could have their sight restored.

How it works 1

For every £95 you give...

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…our funding partner unlocks another £380, enabling FOUR MORE sight-saving treatments.

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A gift of £95 can help more children like...

Our goal is to enable 7,000 children to see over the next two years. With your help, thousands of lives will be changed.

Blessing

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Shabana

Tawa

God bless you,

Yes, I want to unlock funds to help FIVE TIMES more blind children like Sesan I will give:

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44 LIFESTYLE

ESSENTIALS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Baby Steps into the Digital Age KENO OGBO

is a Digital Consultant, Writer and Entrepreneur www.iamkeno.co.uk

A

rtificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Humanoid Robots, Self-driving Cars and Space Tourism‌ The future is right here in 2019, and that future is all about technology, expanding possibilities and changing roles.

We have already seen a new trend in the way brands are ranked. In 2010, Coca-Cola, Microsoft and IBM were ranked the top three global brands. Clearly recognised brands with an established brand history, these brands produce products for the consumer market. In just nine years, in 2019, there are two newcomers in the top five: Google and Facebook.

The incredible thing about these newcomers is that they do not sell a physical product; their business model is entirely digital, and empowered by the innovative use of technology. Another key thing to notice is the speed of growth. Whilst Microsoft, IBM and Coca-Cola have a combined presence of 278 years in the market, Facebook and Google have a combined presence of just 35 years, and collectively are worth over $226bn.

Looking back to the future We are right in the middle of a technological shift, which will prove even more impactful than the Industrial Revolution of the early 18th and 19th centuries.

Before the advent of factories, people ran mostly small, home-based businesses, located in rural areas. The development of the steam engine, transportation and communication

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became much easier. Then came the rise in mechanisation, which was a more effective method of producing goods in factories powered by coal. Innovations, like the power loom, industrialised the process of weaving cloth, and demand for these goods rose. This led to more innovations, and finally the presence of huge factories and industrial processes that we take for granted today.

People’s lives changed; urban areas emerged, and society became divided, with the wealthy becoming even wealthier, and the poor getting exploited with poor working conditions. Banking was introduced, and a new social lifestyle of entertainment and leisure activities emerged for the newly defined middle class in cities across Britain and North America.

Is this the Endgame?

Understanding the impact of the Industrial Revolution may prepare us in some ways for the changes that are coming soon. Already consumer behaviours are changing, as we expect our needs to be satisfied immediately. If we need to speak with someone today, we no longer have to wait to send a letter or telegram.

We do not even have to get to a telephone booth; we have our mobile device right at hand, with the options of sending a message, starting a voice call, or a video call regardless of where the person is located. We now expect 24/7

shopping. We now take advice from people we have never met; Google, they say, is your friend.

Travel directions, what to wear, what to buy, what remedies to take... These are some of the things we find out for ourselves.

We have seen the emergence of a new class of successful entrepreneurs - built solely on social media and popularity. Big names in entertainment have emerged from young people posting video clips on YouTube (MySpace). We are seeing multi start-ups, as entrepreneurs realise that technology can deliver ideas without resorting to production lines in factories.

We now have a pending threat, as machines learn some of the skilled roles humans play.

According to a study from Oxford Academics, 47% of workers in America have jobs at risk of automation. In China, the push to AI is a source of worry, as many Chinese manufacturers have reduced up to 40% of their workforce as a result of automation (according to the Financial Times, August 2018).

I watched the hugely popular Marvel: Endgame in Lagos, and my favourite part (spoiler alert!) was right at the end, in the final battle with Thanos, when the allies appeared

LIFESTYLE 45

one by one into the battle. Huge cheers and applause rang out as each one appeared. It was the power of collaboration (somewhat) that won the Endgame.

Embrace the Digital Age There is a lesson there for business owners and entrepreneurs: watch the playing field closely, and recognise when your allies appear. Make a huge cheer for each one; welcome them; know their strengths, and then select which ones will enable you to reach your goals. This is not the time for business owners to be anti-technology or anti-social media, or even to be ignorant.

The Digital Age is here to stay.

Most business owners or entrepreneurs are already on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter - these are some of the more obvious allies - platforms where you can engage with thousands of your potential customers.

Business owners have discovered platforms, such as MailChimp, SurveyMonkey, InfusionSoft, Sage - these platforms enable them to engage better with their customers and manage their business processes. Others have discovered Amazon, Etsy and eBay as enablers of ecommerce; Wordpress for content management; Xero for better accounting… but this is only the start.

Hundreds more platforms are on the way, including niche platforms for your industry. Uber recognised the potential of Google Maps, and

used the power of APIs to build a business with GPS location technology at its core. Developers use the Apps Store and Play Store to provide apps that are relevant for our businesses. Everywhere you turn in the Digital Age, there is an overriding principle: collaboration empowered by people and platforms.

Take your Baby Steps It is important to look critically at your business model to see how you can take those initial steps to collaboration. These questions below can help, as you consider a strategy to digital transformation.

1. What new digital technology is being adopted in your industry to achieve business goals (reach more customers, increase efficacy, improve customer service, etc)?

2. Are you or your staff consistently thinking and trying out business innovations using these platforms?

3. What value elements have our customers enjoyed from our business, and how has this changed? (Has digital change affected your customers’ value elements?)

4. What would your customers do, or where would they go, if they did not have your service or product?

5. What data do you generate within your business, and how can this benefit your customers or help you collaborate with others?

These are some of the baby steps you need to take in order to be a winner in the Digital Age. As with babies, you may take a few steps and fall, but that is part of the process. Simply pick yourself up and keep walking.

The Digital Age is here, and - regardless of your service or product - only those brave enough to step into it will survive and build long-lasting businesses.

Did you find this useful?

Be part of a growing community of entrepreneurs by connecting with Keno: @spiralwebs @keno_ogbo

2-weeks with impact

Mission Direct takes people just like you on 2-week trips overseas to one of the 10 community project locations we support.

Our teams work in relay; so where one finishes, another continues. On a trip, you will help to build or renovate a home, school, hospital or safe house, as well as assisting other local projects such as feeding programmes and community outreach.

Come with us and help change lives one by one – including yours!

For upcoming trips visit missiondirect.org/volunteer or call 01582 720056 Mission Direct is a registered charity number 1107824. Mission Direct is a company limited by guarantee number 5289161.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

MAF is the world’s largest h airline, bringing help, hope to those in need.

46 MISSION

ONE PLANE BOOK A CAN CHANGE SPEAKE THE ENDING

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ission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world’s largest humanitarian airline, flying more than 2,000 partner organisations to reach people who would otherwise be unreachable. It brings life-saving medical care, food, doctors, aid workers, missionaries, disaster relief and community development to some of remotest places on earth.

Millions of people cannot access basic medical care, clean water, food or education, simply because it’s too dangerous or timeconsuming to reach them. MAF’s flight service enables the world’s most isolated people to access the essentials they need to survive.

Every day, our 27 programmes around the world receive calls to carry out urgent life-saving medical evacuation flights. They are known as medevacs – and in Timor-Leste we have carried out more than 1,800 medical emergency flights since our programme started there in 2007. In the last six months of 2018, our aircraft transported over 300 patients from eight remote regions to the country’s main hospital in the capital Dili.

Back in 2013, our Timor-Leste team received an urgent call to help 23-year-old Elizita Cardoso, a young mother who had developed life-

threatening pregnancy complications.

Elizita was looking forward to the arrival of twins, but her feelings of joy had turned to fear when she began to show signs of pre-eclampsia towards the end of her pregnancy.

The speedy delivery of both babies was vital, but neither were lying in the correct position.

Living in the remote rural town of Suai, Elizita faced a nine-hour journey - on poor quality roads - to reach the medical treatment she desperately needed in Dili. The risk was that neither she nor the unborn twins would survive.

Fortunately, within 90 minutes, MAF’s GA8 Airvan aircraft had left Dili, collected Elizita, a nurse and two family members, and brought them back to the capital for an emergency caesarean operation. The outcome?

Two beautiful, healthy babies, delighted parents, and a new family able to return home to Suai a week later. One MAF plane had made the difference between life and death. One plane had helped changed the ending.

Our teams rarely hear anything further from the patients they fly but, in October 2018, Pilot Jonathan Lowe had the happy opportunity to return to Suai and catch up with Elizita and her twin sons, Forino and Farino. The 5½-year-old boys, who have flourished over the years since their difficult birth, got a chance to climb into the plane and see what it’s like to be a pilot, checking out the controls and listening in to the radio.

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For Jonathan, it was an amazing experience to see the joyous result of just one of the many medevacs he has flown as an MAF pilot. He said: “I had some time while waiting for my passengers in Suai, so I thought I would to go to the nearby village to see if I could find the twins. It was wonderful to see that they are doing so well and growing up strong and healthy, with the excitement of school ahead of them next year.”

To see how you could be part of changing endings like this, visit www.maf-uk.org/ changetheending

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WHAT DO YOU SEE? WHO WILL SHE BECOME?

CAN SHE REWRITE HER STORY?

SHE COULD...

BUT ONLY WITH YOUR HELP Thousands of people are cut off from the outside world – from education, opportunity, medical care, and hope – simply because of where they were born.

What if there was a way to change that?

find out how at maf-uk.org/changetheending Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

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