RCCG PRAISE SUMMER MAGAZINE

Upcoming Events

NS

Health & Fitness Weekend September 11th, 2021

Men's Conference June 20th, 2021

Mission to Nigeria Sept. 17th – 19th, 2021

Morning of Possibilities June 27th, 2021

Praise City Fasting & Prayer Nov. 14th – 25th, 2021

Business Seminar July 24th, 2021

Possibilities Conference Nov. 26th – 28th, 2021

Welcome to FRESH AIR!

06

WINNING THE BATTLE OF THE MIND!

08

I AM A MAN!

16

YOUR WELL-BEING! DON'T NEGLECT IT

Let’s engage the world NOW!

71, Plumstead High Str, London, SE18 1SB.

WELCOME TO

FreshAir!

GRATITUDE IS A WEAPON!

26

MANY MORE INSIDE...

INSIDE WELCOME TO

GRATITUDE IS A

FRESH AIR!

RCCG Praise City

DE

Women's Conference Sept. 25th 2021

03

“...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

I AM A MAN

WEAPON!

YOUR WELL-BEING

WIN THE BATTLE

DON’T NEGLECT IT

OF THE MIND

Editor in Chief: Lanre Joda

Managing Editor: Omotolani Omoniyi

Associate Editors: Tola Bakre-Atanda, Ese Keremu Stephania IgidImba

Our Contact:

FB & IG: RCCG Praise City | Website: www.rccgpraisecity.com Worship Venue: 71, Plumstead High Street, London, SE18 1SB

www.rccgpraisecity.com

03

WHO declared Covid19 a pandemic on March 11th, 2020 and on 16th March 2020, the United Kingdom government declared a national lockdown.

Businesses were closed, people were asked to stay indoors except key workers (especially) NHS staff and care workers.

Churches were asked to close.

All these developments impacted on several things: - Incomes were affected, though government stepped in to support at different levels.

Churches had to migrate online. There

was palpable fear across the length and breadth of our nation and beyond. People became ill and death rates soared unprecedently.

It was so bad that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Hon. Boris Johnson was admitted into the hospital.

However, in the midst of that, God was never missing. Psalm 23 was not far from us; especially, the fourth verse, “even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

God is Sovereign

Attitude

The sovereignty of God must never again be taken for granted. God has proven to us again that He is God and that He is sovereign.

At the time the pandemic hit, medical science struggled, professors of Medicine were confused and at a loss as to what was going on.

After a major happening as seen in the last 12 months, life should not be business as usual.

Our walk and intimacy with God must change.

Our attitude to life should change.

Ephesians 5:15-16 should help our perspective, the word of God says:15 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil”.

Service to God and gratitude

Human intelligence could not fathom the source of the scourge and how to tame it.

However, the name of the Lord became our strong tower, they that run into it found safety.

(Proverbs 18:10).

Moreover, those who

After the deluge, Noah, (one of the surviving humans) built an altar for God. Genesis 8:20 –20.

every kind of clean animal and clean ‘bird’, ‘he offered ‘burnt offering on the altar.”

and lies. It is a fight between the Spirit of truth and also, between God's revelation and tradition.

The pandemic simply showed us that nothing in life is predictable, the only predictable thing in life is that God is consistent and unmovable.

WINNING THE BATTLE OF THE MIND

T

he biggest battle any believer in Christ will ever face will be the battle of the mind. It is a battle to keep your mind aligned with your spirit. Your spirit must align with the Spirit of God who is meant to lead you into all truth.

Therefore, our existence, progress, success and fulfilment of destiny depend on Him.

“Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from

This passage of the bible came to life, very epic and revelatory, same with Psalm 91. According to Daniel 3:19-27, God became the fourth Man in the fire.

Lanre Joda LanreJoda

I see believers in Christ spend hours seemingly battling with the devil, focusing on the devil and his demons, as it were “asking the devil and his demons to fall down and die” which is scripturally erroneous, and asking God to deal with the devil or demons on their behalf. All these can be a sheer waste of time, energy, and confirms scriptural ignorance in many.

Author: It is Possible Get your copy here; www.rccgpraisecity.com/book

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH

VIBRANT GROUPS

Perspective: Considering all of the above, reflection is imperative and putting things in perspective is critical to how we do things going forward.

How we approach and do things should change.

hope in the LORD gained strength, they soared on wings like eagles; they run and not grow weary, they walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:31). Praise God!

A

Men

WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic on March th 11 , 2020 and on 16th March 2020, the United Kingdom government declared a national lock-down. Businesses were closed, people were asked to stay indoors except key workers (especially) NHS staff and care workers. Churches were asked to close.

t Praise City, we equip men to discover who they are, to focus on God's role in their lives, provide godly leadership at home, and to build community with one another.

Join me to say like Joshua, “but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord”

At my church RCCG Praise City, Men fellowship/ ministry has been central. We also place importance on worship with an emphasis on acknowledging His presence. We know how lives, careers, ministries, and life journeys are dependent on Him. How beautiful is to worship the Lord and acknowledge his presence.

Here is something to meditate on: “Therefore, that which we have seen and heard and declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the father and his son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3)

The devil and his demons are already defeated, dethroned, and disarmed at the Cross and authority over them has been given to every believer in Christ.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and He completed the work. Our assignment is to

Bro. Samson Adesida

enforce this victory in our lives.

One of the major ways through which we enforce this is by aligning our mind (or renewing our mind) with our spirit which in itself is aligned with the Spirit of Truth that leads us into all truth.

Your mind can only grow (or be renewed) to the extent to which your spirit has been fed by the Spirit of Truth.

The battle of the mind we face daily is the conflict between truth

When you believe a lie, you empower the liar.

When you believe the lies of the devil, you empower the work of the devil over your life. Eve was made in the image and likeness of God but when she believed the liar, she became like the liar. You become what you believe.

This is why you are to guard your heart and mind with all diligence.

Paul made this point clear in his letter to the Romans: “ F o r t h o s e w h o l i ve according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5-8).

If your mind is working according to the spirit of God, you will win the battles you are facing, and your life will reflect what is promised in God's word.

Some prayers become unnecessary when you live according to the Spirit.

is not fact, but truth. When you know the truth and obey it, it will set you free.

In other words, the major weapon you need is truth.

“Therefore, take up the whole armour of God,

To win the battle of your mind, you must set your mind to always deny the liar and his lures and choose the truth through the Sprit of Truth.

Beloved, it is that simple.

You win with the truth.

Jesus said the truth {you know, obey, and live your life by} will set you free.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:12-13) The biggest weapon for your warfare is truth. The biggest weapon you must use to win any battle in life

Website: www.niyiolujobi.org

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.” (Ephesians 6:13-14).

Get hold of God's truth and let this make you win and triumph in all areas of life.

Read my book “Winning the Battles of the Mind” to understand this subject.

Email: connect@niyiolujobi.org

FB/IG: @theniyiolujobi

...continued on page 18.

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07

I AM A MAN!

This is so true judging by the staggering statistics of absentee fathers, husbands and the attending ills in the society. The value of a man that takes his place at home cannot be overemphasised. Man's role is more than populating the earth, it is a high call to responsibility: spiritually, mentally and socially.

Tola Bakre-Atanda

When asked further what he meant, h e a n s we r e d “ b e i n g a m a n i s synonymous to providing adequate emotional, physical, spiritual, and u n w a ve r i n g s u p p o r t , w e l f a r e , dependency, and reliability to one's family”. To be a male is a matter of birth but to be a man requires proper growth into maturity. It is to be tolerant, giving away one's right at the family altar for the purpose of peace and demonstration of unconditional love towards one's family. To be a man is to accept responsibilities and accept one's m i s t a k e e ve n w h e n i t s e e m s shameful.

Kingship

W

hat does it mean to be a man? We constantly hear statements like “Be a man”, “Act like a man”, “Man up”, “Real men don't…” But it is worth asking yourself, do you have a good definition for it? How would you define what it means to be a man? Talking to some men in RCCG Praise City gives us an insight on what it means to be a man.

In his view, the man is a king. He is created to rule, manage and protect his home in accordance with God's plan for the home and see things through. He takes time to develop the different treasures; the woman and the children. God said of Abraham that 'he will command his home after God to do good.'

Genesis 18:19.

Priesthood

S

amson Adesida, the head of Men Praise City Church added his perspective, according to him, a man is God's first creature of His likeness (Genesis 1:27, 2-7). A man is the voice, the mind of the family and of God. He is both a physical and spiritual advocate of the family and responsible for his entire household.

Referring to a general public view that men are decisive, Brother Adesida however opined that a good man must seek the understanding of the view of the wife to make a good decision. He is a father and provides shield and unflinching support for member of his household.

A man is versatile, he can be flexible when needs to be and equally rigid and disciplined.

He passionately prodded further that the man is a priest: A spiritual oversight. Man is the priest in the home. Some challenges in life can only be managed from the spirit realm.

Minister Aiyetigbo believes that a real man will not be afraid of saying 'I am sorry' whenever the occasion demands. He does it genuinely to show he cares. A real man may exhibit a moment of anger but quickly puts himself in order and assumes the role of a leader in times of chaos. A real man loves God, he also covenants his family to the service of

Prophet Finally, he submitted that the man is a prophet. In his view, Deacon Odewale said the man should stand in this position to hear and see the mind of God, give voice to the plan and will of God and declare it with boldness.

He is to speak love, hope and faith particularly into his family. His word counts! It creates the future in that home and sets a legacy of life through inspired words.

09

YOUR WELL-BEING

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

H

ealth is the greatest

wealth we can ever

have and it's

important that we don't lose our health by not giving it the

Friends, we need to also realise that immunity declines with age. 75% of the immune system is in our GUT - our digestive system. What we feed our digestive system with weakens or strengthens our immune system.

Major ways of strengthening the immune system include:

The scripture in John 10:10 is about ABUNDANT LIFE. Abundant life is life with a healthy body, soul and spirit.

It's been discovered that 95% of chronic illnesses are as a result of bad nutrition (poor food choices), lack of exercise, toxic ingredients and nutritional deficiency.

95%!!!!! That shows that our health is very related to diet and lifestyle, and we have a responsibility to take care of it.

It cannot be delegated to doctors and other medical personnel. We must become proactive about our health.

Hippocrates the father of medicine stated: “Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine thy food “. I would add 'good' food, it is not just any food.

He also stated that “A wise man should consider that health is the greatest human

REST Get enough sleep. When we sleep within a certain time frame, melatonin is released and it does a lot of repair work. blessing.”

One major area we need to take care of is our immune system. It's that GOD-GIVEN inner healing force that helps our body's function at the peak. However, it needs FUEL the right fuel.

Let's have a closer look at the immune system because this is what will protect us against infections etc.

What is the immune system?

It's our inner defence system that protects against disease through processes using many biological structures.

It's our body's network of organs, the tissues and organs that work together to keep us healthy by fighting off harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

We have the INNATE and the ADAPTIVE. Innate: This is already present in the body.

Adaptive: This is acquired

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: Cut out alcohol. Alcohol is a toxin.

STRESS: Minimise stress. When we are stressed, loads of cortisol is released and this damages our immune system.

REGULAR EXERCISE Exercise regularly to oxygenate your body, and stimulate the immune system (especially the lymphatic system). This part of the immune system is the body's sewage system. It

The Watchman

“Being many kilometres away from my parents in Italy and living by myself in the United Kingdom made me appreciate my parents more. I see how much they struggled for my sisters and I so that we don't lack. To make sure we are united as one and to not forget who we are and that we have God”.

He is the watchman over his home, he fights and holds back the enemies at all cost. He is the spine that holds the body together. A real man never exposes his family to any form of attack whether physical, emotional, spiritual or mental. He is a representative of Jesus in the home.

The family is the most important pillar of the society and the fulcrum of our young ones. Without the family, we are lonely beings, and we would have the lack of a very important support. Things like: love, tolerance, respect, communication etc, are all values that we share in the family.

Family influences young people drastically because it determines what kind of individuals they are going to become tomorrow. It is there that relational capacities of an individual are based. That is why it is important to have a good home, a united home, a strong spiritual home and good morals.

Conclusion Considering the laid down arguments, I came to the conclusion that the most basic way to present this idea is that manhood is a calling—a responsibility. You are asked to be a man—asked by your creator. Manhood is not a list of skills. It is not a list of personality traits. It is not mere biological possession.

To be a man is to take on a responsibility of maturity. To be a man is to learn to answer the call of responsibility.

Family is in fact the microsystem at the base of our society and the first place in which a person enters into meaningful relationship with other human beings. The impact of the family on the individual is therefore very important because the system of values and the interaction between the subjects that make up the nucleus will also affect relationships outside the family itself. The affection received and the education imparted form the bedrock of how an individual perceive him/herself. This is projected outside and that will also guide them in their relationship with others.

In conclusion, family is the place where most of our Praise RCCG young folks feel most at ease, it is that safe nest in which to always take refuge.

Stefania Igidimba

11

10

Throwback:

overcook them).

Beans and other legumes: (As they act as prebiotic for the

Home Affairs

healthy bacteria in the gut - the probiotics).

Berries: They are a powerhouse.

Pst. Opeoluwa Aremu-Okulaja (Pharmacist)

Seeds and Nuts: They are rich in zinc, vitamin E, selenium (and are immune boosters). Zinc is

requires movement. E.g. jumping on a trampoline.

called the GATE-KEEPER of the immune system. Function: They

IDEAL WEIGHT Maintain an ideal weight for your body frame.

Keys to

Restoration

HOME SCHOOLING

are rich in fibre which feed HEALTHY DIET: Eat diets rich in fruits and vegetables. Cut out CRAP foods. Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. They are rich in phytonutrients or photochemicals. PHYTO means PLANT. I shall be focusing more on that.

T

o what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like?'As a young person, you find yourself wanting to do so many things, wanting to belong without being left behind. However, most youths understand that after God, one of the most important things that is key in their life is family.

His God.

antibodies. (Please don't

when we are exposed to foreign materials.

Major factors that can harm our immune systems are: the environment, diet and lifestyle.

required attention.

16

The Covenant Practitioner

Praying for the home and teaching puts the man in a position to cooperate with God to see ahead of time and secure the home because the enemy is working overtime to tear it apart. (John 10:10).

08

What really matters to you?

We still value family!

The Provider

Amplifying Samson Adesida's view, Wole Odewale, a minister in Praise City, brought a different angle to manhood.

SO WHAT?

YOUNG FOLKS!

Likewise, Yemi Aiyetigbo, a minister in charge of training in Praise City argued that being a man is more than being an adult male; it is an ability to combine physical and maturity prowess.

He further strengthened his sentiments by saying; a man is an important part of the whole construct of family, community, and nation. One man said and I quote “when a man is not taking his place at home, the boy in the house loses the sense of value and the girls lose the sense of worth”.

healthy bacteria, clean the colon and escort toxins out of the body. They are very rich in omega -3 fats. Examples are

GOOD HYGIENE Indulge in good hygiene.

(Especially hand-washing).

HEALTHY FOODS Let's look at foods that are very helpful to our bodies: Garlic and other members of this family: This includes leeks, spring onions, shallots and onions. This is the ALLIUM FAMILY. They are rich in sulphur that boost the immune system.

Mushrooms: Has immune modulating effects.

sesame, hemp, chia, flaxseed,

Ese Keremu

walnuts, Brazil nuts (rich in selenium).

Home schooling mainly means being taught from home or outside the mainstream system. It has its advantages and disadvantages. During the pandemic, parents had to home-school their children. Although, parents had mixed feelings about it, most parents wanted their children to go back to school because teaching the children at home was a difficult task.

Purple vegetables like purple cabbage, purple/ pink sweet potato.

Herbs and spices.

Cinnamon, Ginger, Turmeric,

Opinion differs!

Hot peppers, Echinacea, Garlic and its family (this is activated

I spoke to some parents who gave me different responses about home schooling. Some said one of the advantages is that it gave them the opportunity to bond with their children. Speaking further, they said the disadvantages are more than the advantages.

by cutting or chewed).

Probiotics are the trillions of

Most parents complained that it was a bit challenging especially with the younger children who need extra help and attention with their studies. Also, with the fact that parents are not professional teachers and lack the skills necessary to be able to tutor the children properly, it makes it very challenging.

healthy bacteria in our GIT. They keep bad bacteria etc powerless. They play a key

Grapefruit Aloe Vera: an immunomodulator like mushrooms.

role. They must be replenished via probiotic supplements or

For the older children, it was a bit easy because they are able to handle the task assigned to them with minimal support and assistance. Some parents also said it was really stressful for them at the beginning but later they were able to find means of making things easier.

yoghurt or probiotic drinks like kvass, kombucha. 3. Green and black tea.

Green vegetables: (Especially raw like cabbage, spinach, kale,

Key vitamins: Vitamin D is a

broccoli). They are rich in

must! Please don't joke with

calcium and folic acid which

this, others are Vitamins C, E, B,

plays a key role in producing

A.

This experience has made most parents appreciate teachers more and realise that children should be taught in a mainstream system and enjoy all the facilities that are attached to it.

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12

L

ife of God, Prayer Conference 2021 convened by Pastor Lanre Joda with two guest speakers: Bayo Owoseni and Sunday Asibor, was extraordinarily supernatural. Many of the things written here are highlights from the convener and the speakers.

According to Pastor Owoseni, biblically, restoration means justice and balance.

Justice is never, in most cases, granted until it is demanded aggressively.

Spiritually speaking, the

engagement of prayer is vital to this cause.

Restoration means justice fully served, wrong corrected, anger appeased, damaged repaired, stolen items restored, desire granted and possession repossessed by the original owner.

Notwithstanding the areas you have suffered a loss, restoration is possible. “For with God, all things are possible.”

(Luke 1:37).

Bible texts to legally demand justice include: Romans 8:33, which tells us that Christ is interceding for our justice. Isaiah 33:22 tells

us that God is the judiciary ('the lawgiver'), the legislator ('the judge') and the executive ('the King').

Therefore, He can do and undo to give you justice.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shared the parable of a widow, who demanded justice from an unrighteous judge and got what she wanted.

The Lord shared it as a secret of getting answers in the place of prayer - persistence.

You will agree that prayer is an art through which we engage God to do what He says for His glory.

The most practical

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Women

...continued from page 5.

Hello Sisters,

Minister Doyin Odewale

Cyber CHURCH V

I

E

W

Teens

That said, going back to actual church is a breakthrough because we as a family will be able to see one another again with our beautiful smiles.

(Fadekemi Taiwo)

S

Our (my husband and I) experience online has been awesome, it might not be like the physical church but our GOD is everywhere. We have had encounter with GOD severally online before Covid-19 under different ministration and till now we still keep experiencing GOD online. The online testimonies are so great and we could see GOD work wonders online. I think under the lockdown, GOD has also gone digital. (Bunmi and Yinmi Dada) We thank God for online service because we were able to see one another virtually and listen to the words of God and know the mind of God for us.

Zoom seemed to be the same as we were before the pandemic in terms of weekly, monthly and yearly programme in the church but for me I can't wait to go back to physical church and feel the real connection. (Tosin Ojerinde)

Sis. Stephania Igidemba

The timing was okay, most times people don't consider their environment, at other times distractions could be sensed, some leave the account open and put on masks when not there, but it saves time.

After 1.40 minutes people tend to switch off.

(Yemi Aiyetigbo)

The church online service was amazing. It was a zone of comfort for me to serve the Lord. (Folake Fawusi)

Sister Olabisi Aiyetigbo

Youths

E

As a part of the church music team, I've been able to work on myself, recording and producing songs for our services, thanks to God and the support I get from the choir leader. It's great seeing myself ministering to folks in church whilst I watch prerecorded music production. The downside though is that my WIFI sometimes plays up.

Hi guys, I'm Stefania,

Online service has been wonderful. It gives people opportunity to contribute better during service, especially on Wednesdays and at Sunday School.

The stage fright isn't there anymore, so people tend to express themselves freely and in return I believe it builds self-con dence. The sequence of church programme tends to involve everyone to do one thing or the other and this gives everyone a platform to learn and grow. My major concerns are that people tends to lose concentration after 2 hours online. (Julius Atanda)

I lead the Singles in RCCG Praise City. It's been awesome leading these exciting folks. We are regular people doing extraordinary things for God, may not be perfect but we God first in everything we do. We dig deep into God when it comes to addressing real-life “moodles” like marriage, relationship, The Next-Generation Department (Age 10- 16), is an arm of RCCG Praise City young p e o p l e ' s c h u r c h . We a r e delighted in observing the word of God, meditating on it, and functioning daily following God's instructions.

Hi, we want to help young adults, who, of course are students to connect in with our church family so that they can play a big part in God's plans.

Minister Bunmi Dada

Elders

R

It has been a great and marvellous experience for me which demonstrates the fact that we can worship God wherever we are located. We have had great programmes online; pastors have been invited from different countries and also people from other countries have joined us online too.

Singles

The ability to listen to the word of God at the comfort of my house is priceless (smile). Even though I missed physical praise & worship session, I could still feel God's presence with online service. I got easily distracted most times because of the environment but most of all, nothing was missed out when it comes to the word of God being preached. I also enjoyed the fact that the congregation could participate in the comment section. (Bunmi Omowaiye)

The Women Fellowship of Praise City is called the Daughters of Zion. This fellowship cares for all mothers in our church. In line with one of the cores in Praise City, which is 'relationship', we exceptionally look out for one another and show extraordinary

We believe that young adults aren't just the church of the

“Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” Psalm 92:14

Deaconess Christy Oladele

Praise City Elders Group was inaugurated in September 2019 under the leadership of

love to one another and one of the ways we express this is by checking on one another.

Important on our priority list and checkbox are new mums. We give them ever y support, encourage them, celebrate them, and welcome them to motherhood. Honestly, it's been great leading the womenfolk in

our church. The response of our women has always been encouraging.

friendship, education, and much more.

We want to enjoy our singleness as much as possible, so we engage ourselves in godly and worthwhile pursuits like our “Singles Pray Together Forum”, “Helping Hands Forum”, we also encourage, motivate, and try as much as possible to work together. All work without play

saying applies here too, to make it more exciting we incorporate fun activities such as outings, dinners, etc. There we have a handful of tailored made events to meet our needs and address compelling real-life situations.

We are committed to impacting and improving young people as we understand that they are the future for tomorrow.

NEXT-GEN Ministry helps to discover new talents, skills and encourage possibilities in every young people's mind.

Every young person joining our church will always have enthusiastic and passionate young people around them.

You are welcome to Praise City Next-Generation Ministry.

Our events: - Mother's Day yearly.

- Women conference.

- Once in a Month Prayer Meeting

Our Singles space is exciting, enriching, and impactful. We welcome you to explore.

future. They are the church of today. We believe that the best way for us to help them to flourish into all that God has for them is to knit them into our diverse and multi-age church family. We also prepare and support them for the future

(academic, vocational and whatever career they have c h o s e n ) t h r o u g h transformational leadership.

Deaconess Christy Oladele, big thanks to God and appreciation to the overall coordinator in UK – Pastor Adeniyi Faboya.

and encourage our elders in the church through anointed activities. This group is for 50 and above. Are you in the area, please be part of our church and the elders' group? “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” Psalm 92:14

Our aim is to support the church with spiritual wisdom

MUSICALLY

Their social, mental and overall well-being are also a core focus.

“God doesn't call the equipped, but rather He equips those He calls”.

D

ue to the pandemic, a lot of things changed globally. However, the restrictions did not stop the growth of innovative measures. The introduction of online church services via Zoom has generally helped in keeping the church body together despite the distance.

To some members of the choir, the transition from physical church to online at the beginning seemed impossible. This is due to several reasons; the lack of connection with people and Zoom not being music friendly. Nonetheless, with the power of the Holy Spirit, and willpower, they have graciously been able to stay united to make sure each performance is never below standard.

Communication Skills I improved on my communication skills and arrangement of songs.

- Eniola

Worry-less and Bonding

Thanks to the Positive mind-set they all decided to have, most of them used online church to develop their skills:

Multitasking “I was unable to sing and play the keyboard at the same time before the lock-down, but now I am comfortable and improving.”

“The positive growth I have achieved is to worry less and rely on God. Furthermore, all the choir members created special moments during online rehearsals, trainings, meetings etc.

- Timi Joel

- Nike

...continued on page 20.

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EXPECTATION AND BREAKTHROUGH

“One of my favourite moments were vigils and vocal training online.”

- Fadeke.

I've come to testify to the glory of God. I have severally spoken about my stagnant situation regarding my academics: having to wait for more t h a n f o u r ye a r s b e f o r e g a i n i n g admission into the University. When the admission issue worked out well, another issue emerged which had to do with my student finance application; approving became a big issue. As a result, my position in the University might be at risk as funds have not yet been provided to pay for my course.

After thanking God in advance on several occasions, a declaration came from the church altar, behold, glory to be God, my student finance application was approved. I' am now a full time university student.

TAKEAWAYS

D

espite the negativity roaming around the world because of the lockdown, RCCG Praise City choir members

experienced incredible growth, positivity, teamwork and

acquisition of new skills. They enjoyed the new trend. Eniola simply put it as, “focus on God and enjoy yourself”. Steph agreed with Eniola, she submitted, “one thing that was common within the choir was the commitment in achieving the same goal and the immense love of God in their hearts.

PRAISE

- Eniola Adedosu.

IMMIGRATION BREAKTHROUGH

...continued from page 15.

My wife and I arrived in the UK on December 2019 on visiting visa, and God has been with us always. Our visa was due to expire, someone told me there is opportunity to renew visiting visa if is expiring soon due to Covid-19.

We applied and our father in the Lord (PLJ) helped us with information and p r a ye r d u r i n g t h i s p ro c e s s . We contacted solicitors and most of them were reluctant and told us it was not possible. However, through God's help we got a competent lawyer.

My (online) zoom experience was an interesting one actually. Being a singer and member of the church choir, I was at first very much 'all over the place', agitated at the fact that I had to sing without backups, Mics and instrumentalists, thinking of how the people might respond to an “empty” sounding (in my eyes) session.

Hilarious!

But thank God for the Choir, its unity, love and prayers.

We have to encourage one other weekly and this inspired the approach I took eventually to get things done. I stopped looking at people to get feedback, God was my feedback. I thank God for this experience, it has built a next level of confidence in me.

We started the application and at some point, we were required to provide some documents, we applied to have these documents but we were unable

(Eniola Adedosu)

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to meet the deadlines of the visa extension. We prayed and fasted, we joined our faith together unto the vision we had before we left Nigeria, then we got information that the deadline has been extended, Hallelujah!!!

At this point the documents were sent, our application was approved, and we were granted leave to remain in the UK. We Praise God for His mercy endures forever. We want to thank every member of Praise City, PLJ and DBJ for their support from our first encounter.

Praise God. - Yinmi & Bunmi Dada.

HEALING After RCCG fasting, I started having pain in my right leg, I went to the hospital and medical examination was carried out and everything came back negative. I was still in pain and taking the prescribed medication that did not soothe the pains. Few days, after the Holy Spirit ministered to me that I should trust him and not take the prescription anymore, I obeyed, and I was healed. I praise God for His healing.

- Christy Oladele.

BREAKTHROUGH Thanking God for my sister, she was 40weeks pregnant and three days in labour without delivery. After speaking to her while she was still in the hospital, I was ministered to by the Holy Spirit to dance the baby out, I started dancing and sowed a seed for safe delivery.

Praise God! She delivered safely.

- Ese Keremu.

Tech nology Social Media And Effect On Mental Health - Omotolani Omoniyi

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e are social beings. We need to have strong ties to others to enjoy life and be happy. A strong network of connections to others can help relieve tension, make you more content, help you to feel good about yourself, make you feel more attached to others, and make you less alone, and add years to your life. Where social relations are absent, your behavioural and emotional stability may be compromised.

In this day and era, we can easily communicate with others using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Though each has a purpose, face-to-face interaction is critical. The hormones that help you relax and make you sleep better, and cope with stress can only come through human connection. As with all the current technologies, social media can drive people apart; wasting so much time on it can increase feelings of social anxiety and depression.

Social networking was created to ensnare your interest, to maintain your online presence, and keep you tapping away on your device. It's how corporations generate revenue. Just as a dependency or addiction to cigarettes, excessive social media use can have the effect of creating cravings, just as alcohol or narcotics can.

Although virtual presence on social media does not have the same therapeutic advantages as face-toface communication, there are many constructive ways it can help you remain linked and improve your health. However, it is fraught with danger: a perilous tool if misused.

Social networking allows you to: - Communicate with and keep up with family and friends worldwide; Make new friends and communities; - Connect with those who share your values or goals; Join or help worthy causes; - Educate yourself on critical issues; - During difficult moments, seek or give moral support; Establish critical social connections if you live in a remote location, Have minimal mobility,

social anxiety, or are a member of a minority community, for example; Discover a way to share your imagination and self-expression; Locate (prudently) origins of useful knowledge and education.

Since social media is a relatively new medium, no research has been conducted to determine the long-term effects, positive or negative, of its application.

Numerous studies, on the other hand, have discovered a clear correlation between excessive social media use and an elevated risk of depression, anxiety, isolation, self-harm, and even thoughts of suicide.

Social media will amplify unpleasant experiences such as feelings of inadequacy about your life or appearance. Even if you are aware that the photos you see on social media are edited, they can still make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance or current circumstances. Similarly, we are all mindful that others share only the high points of their life, not the low points.

However, this does not alleviate the feelings of jealousy and frustration

when you browse through a friend's airbrushed pictures of their sunny beach vacation or learn about their thrilling new job advancement.

Fear of missing out (FOMO) Though FOMO predates social media, platforms like Facebook and Instagram seem to amplify concerns that people are having more fun or leading better lives than you are. The belief that you're losing out on such activities can have a negative effect on your selfesteem, cause anxiety, and motivate you to use social media even more.

FOMO will force you to pick your phone every few minute to look for messages or to reply compulsively to every alert—even if it means taking chances while commuting, skipping sleep at night, or prioritizing social networking contact over real-world relationships.

A University of Pennsylvania research discovered that excessive use of Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram further raises rather than reduces feelings of isolation. On the other hand, the researchers discovered that limiting

the use of social media can potentially help you feel less alone and alienated and increase your overall health.

expression of faith is prayer, as one can see from Luke 18:1-8. Persistent faith is persistent prayer.

To have a result in the lab of prayer, you must continue until the product comes out.

Anxiety and depression.

Human beings need face-to-face interaction to maintain mental wellbeing. Nothing relieves depression and elevates the attitude like eye-toeye contact with someone who cares for you. The more social media contact you favour over in-person relationships, the greater your risk of experiencing or exacerbating mood problems such as anxiety and depression.

EXCELLENCE IS A CORE VALUE

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his is my thing. It's my point of fulfilment. I enjoy doing it.

Decorating the church might sound not spiritual, but it is.

God loves excellence. 'Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.

And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom'. Daniel 6:3.

Bullying on the Internet About 10% of teenagers mention being harassed on social media, and a large number of other users get negative remarks. Twitter and other social media sites can be hotbeds for the dissemination of hurtful gossip, propaganda, and violence that can cause permanent emotional scars.

Also, we shouldn't forget what Ecclesiastes 9:10a says: 'Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might'. I enjoy serving the Lord with the works of my hands and I do this with all my heart.

However, excellence comes with having a vision, planning, consulting, discussing and delegating.

PLJ came up with an idea of a church backdrop. The

- Eseoghene Keremu

images on the backdrop are quite significant. It simply represents every group in the church: families, couples, singles and children.

I'm grateful to be a part of t h i s p ro j e c t . I t w a s a n a w e s o m e o p p o r t u n i t y, thanks to God and His servant for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to carry out this project. I'm fulfilled.

Cheers!

Meet our Leaders | LEADERSHIP 2021 Women Leader: Doyin Odewale

Elders Forum Leader:

Assistant: Esther Ige

Oladele

Men Leader: Samson Adesida

Self-absorbed. Sharing countless selfies and all your innermost feelings on social media will foster an addictive sense of self-importance and exclude you from real-world relationships.

Deaconess Christy

Ushering Leader: Gabriel Shodiya

Prayer Leader: Lanre Joda Assistant: Wole Odewale Choir Leader: Nike Shodiya

Workers Coordinator & Training Leader: Yemi Aiyetigbo Assistant: Adetola Atanda Cell Church Leader: Wole Odewale

Admin Head: Omotolani Omoniyi

Multimedia Leader:

Singles Leader: Stefania Igidimba

Sunday School Leader:

Nextgen Coordinator: Olabisi Aiyetigbo

Asst: Doyin Odewale

Finance Leader: Doyin Odewale

Outreach Leader: Julius Atanda

Assistant: Adetola Atanda

Assistant: Biola Olatunde

Assistant: Folake Fawusi

Building Committee: Nathan Folarin

General Coordinator Head: Wole Odewale

Timi Joel

Bunmi Joda

Young Adults Coordinator: Bunmi Dada

Assistant: Timi Joel & Funmi Anitini

Asst: Cell Group leaders Follow up and Supports Leader: Christy Oladele

Lessons from Luke 18:1-8: First, the devil uses human beings to rob people. He comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10a).

Second, God can handle those you can't handle. The widow couldn't handle the oppressor so she took her case to a higher power.

Prayer is a way of taking your case against forces you can't handle to the One who created them. Eph 1:21-22.

Third, she is stubborn because: There's no one else to help her. The greatest help comes through prayer from God (Psalm 121:1).

There's no plan B. God hears the prayer of those who are not double-minded (James 1:17). Throw yourself completely at God's mercy (Psalm 65:2).

- Her survival depended on the justice she was demanding. The widow didn't want to stop living.

- The burden of her needs weighted heavily on her soul. Having burdens will

help you pray through (Luke 18:1).

To sum it up; first, through the cross, Christ has completed human restoration and repossessed what we lost and will lose to sins.

Second, we are sure to get justice if only we demand for it to a very favourably

conclusion in prayer for as long as it will take.

Third, the judge of the universe is our Father.

Fourth, no matter how good your case is, you must still appear in court to get justice.

This is what we do in prayer.

Present your strong reasons. Lastly, discover what you have lost and pursue its recovery in the place of prayer.

In his session Pastor Asibor stressed that, restoration is 'returning to your divinely ordained original position'.

First, know your time and season and seize it in the place of prayer. God has programmed your spirit to understand and interpret

times (Psalm 31:15; 102:13).

When God declares 'restoration' concerning our church, that means, it is your time to demand restoration through prayers, because not all seasons carry the same possibilities (1 Chro. 12:32).

Second, restoration (like salvation) is not an assumption and automatic.

You must produce your cause and bring forth strong reasons to God with correct and relevant knowledge of God's word to demand your restoration (Isaiah 41:21).

Desire and demand your restoration. There's no restoration without a bended knee. You must contend in prayer with the strongmen holding on to what belong to you in their hands.

Pastor Asibor insisted that we must know the restorer and Jesus, the good shepherd is the restorer (Psalm 23:3). Let Him into your life and you will have your restoration.

Make a journey of return to the Lord, to your first love, to holiness and to the place of prayer and you will be restored (Jeremiah 15:19; Revelation 2:5).

Finally, he contended that “In the realm of the spirit, restoration answers to prayer not grammar”.

“Ability to hear God is leverage”. “In the spirit,

Sanctuary Keeping Head: Deacon Abiola Olatunde

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KINGDOM

LIFESTYLE Importance Of Gratitude

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.””

- Luke 17:15-19 ESV.

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he citation is from the story of 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-18. They cried to Jesus for mercy and healing. Jesus told them to “go and show yourself to the priests”. They went and, on their way, they were healed. Let's see some significance of gratitude in this passage. Simply put, gratitude is an attitude of a heart that says 'thank you'.

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What or Who do you love?

God or His acts?

Gratitude is a proof of what you truly love, God or His acts. Those who love God's mercy and benefits rather than God or more than God cannot turn back when they see blessings in their life. The nine lepers are in either categories. They either love God's mercy and benefits rather than God or love God's goodness more than God.

Do you know the worth of Jesus?

Those who can't turn back to give thanks don't truly know the worth of Jesus. 'Our priests must see and hear this,' I believe they thought. 'They are worthy to hear about our healing,' not Jesus the saviour. They love human appreciation of Jesus' acts rather than they appreciating Jesus for His acts in their lives. They see gratitude as a showing off parade to man. No, it is not.

Gratitude is worship saturated parade of Christ's blessings in appreciation to Jesus.

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COMPASSION

much (also see Luke 7:46-47). He was grateful that Jesus made him deserve God's blessings (John 1:12). We must know that God has one and only son and His name is Jesus. All other sons of God only become so through the mystery of adoption.

Let's engage the world NOW!

TRUE LOVE SERVES AND AT A PERSONAL COST The Bible teaches us to serve at personal cost. One of Jesus' most famous stories is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Our Lord used a hated Samaritan as an example of what true love looks like: it doesn't look away from a hurting victim, or cross to the other side of the street to avoid the hurting man.

Do you have entitlement mentality?

T h e p ro u d a n d p e o p l e w i t h a n 'entitlement mentality' don't give thanks to Jesus. Only those who depend on Jesus for a sense of worth do. Only one person, a Samaritan gave thanks, facing down, worshipping Jesus. To the Jews, the Samaritans were unclean because they were halfJews and half-Gentiles (John 4:9).

The 'foreigner' depended fully on the sheer mercy and work of Christ to include him in the blessings of God. He must have believed that only Jesus made him deserve God's blessings. The nine Jews assumed they were entitled to God's blessings. They thought they merited God's blessing, being His son by election as a nation (Exodus 4:23; 19-5-6). They thought they would not need to depend on God to deserve His blessing as individuals. They disregarded the role of Jesus to make them merit God's blessings. They did not see beyond Jesus as an instrument for healing.

The Samaritan saw his Creator in Jesus and thanked and worshipped Him for it and for His blessings. Only the Creator can put a true worth on His creation. He has been loved much; he was grateful

multiplied the mission. They saw faith and love in action, and it was compelling.

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esus didn't save you for yourself alone. He didn't save you just to make heaven, He saved you to reach out to others and bring them to love and knowledge of Him. Jesus saved us to be an extension of His love to others, irrespective of their spiritual, mental and physical shortcomings.

Deacon Abiola Olatunde This implies we owe our Creator thanksgiving for giving the right of sonship to us, for being alive and for His b l e s s i n g s . C o n s e q u e n t l y, i f we understand this, our faces should be on the floor and our mouths should be crying 'thank You Jesus' with tears.

Don't let having an entitlement mentality make an ingrate out of you.

Matthew 8:2-3 tells us about Jesus' response to illness one day: A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

This story was amplified by Mark (Mark 1:40) and Luke (Luke 5:12).

FOR THE SAKE OF COMPASSION The remarkable part of this story isn't just the healing but the touching.

Jesus touched him. Don't forget that leprosy is a highly-communicable disease. By touching the man, Jesus risked getting Himself infected.

Touching a leper makes others unclean but Jesus still went ahead for the sake of compassion. In other words, the church should emulate Jesus' response to illness. It's important we reach out and serve our community in spite of personal hazards.

Thanksgiving adds to your blessings.

The ten were healed in their bodies but only the 'foreigner' received an additional blessing, the salvation of his soul. He received eternal life. Jesus said to him, 'your faith has made you whole'.

Thanksgiving makes a world of difference.

One reason Christianity grew at such a rapid pace during the early centuries was because of the intensity with which believers cared for people in the community.

Thanksgiving adds to your existing blessings. So, give thanks. For, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord” (Psalm 92:1a).

Though Christians put their own personal comfort and safety on the line or at risk, the people they reached out to and healed came to faith and

The Samaritan, “…put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back, I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend” (Luke 10:34-35). Wow! That is deep.

DENY YOURSELF Jesus is very clear. No ambiguity. He said, “Whoever wants to follow after me, let him deny himself…”

(Luke 9:23). He also said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it…”

(Luke 9:24). Amplifying what Jesus said, Paul also said, “I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus…” (Acts 20:24).

The Church can't take the opposite approach again - no more me, I, my and mine mentality, especially if we

consider everything that happened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I celebrate key workers who served in NHS and other organisations.

They put everything on the line.

They served the community wholeheartedly risking their own lives.

They acted the Samaritan part. The church can do better. After all, faith without works is dead.

DON'T STAY INDOORS The way to love our neighbour as ourselves isn't by staying indoors. It will counter the example and teaching of our Saviour.

In recent times, I've pondered and asked 'why should self-preservation become part of our lifestyle'? Why has disengagement become our commission? The great commission says, “go ye” and 'not sit ye'.

TIME TO GO OUT! I believe Jesus is reminding His Church right now –'Go ye'. Right now our world and even our fellowbelievers are in pain. It's time for us to go out. Let's do it together. God has broken the chains of fear. We must go back to the community. We must go back to worship and serve.

The church is the hope of the world because we hold the message of the saving love of Jesus. We are strong when we are together and weak when we are apart. Let's advance, not retreat. Engage, not isolate.

- Lanre Joda

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