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CONTENTS
Page 3: Editors Welcome
Page 18 - 19: Photography Shoots
Page 33: Kende
Page 4 - 5: Catch up with Ezarick Campbell
Page 20 - 21: Jacqueline Illumoka
Page 34: Hyphon
Page 6 - 7: Melisa Dundas Artwork
Page 22 - 23: Monthly Word
Page 35: Livin Life TV
Page 8 : My Testimony
Page 24: Poet’s Corner
Page 36: All about Christ
Page 9: Photoshoot
Page 25: Photography
Page 37 - 39: Events
Page 10: Poet’s Corner
Page 26 - 27: Tom Strudwick
Page 11: Nargis Cross Photography
Page 28 - 29: Pursue your Passion
Page 12 - 13: Lawrence Rowe
Page 30 - 31: Men with Purpose
Page 14 - 15: Frances Williams
Page 32: Arise Team
Page 16 - 17: The Royal Priesthood
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EDITORS WELCOME As a chapter closes and we enter a new year, we look at how God has been so faithful to us, His grace and mercies has followed us through and allowed us to see a new year, a year full of blessings and a year in which we have to rise up and look to walk in our ministry.
Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the
a situation where you’re in full flow for
faith and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, your influence can lead others into
God, to mature manhood, to the measure
knowing God and his existence. Let Him
of the stature of the fullness of Christ
make His timing clear, and be diligent to
What we have to remember is that in order to know your ministry, you must first seek the Lord, once you have done that, make sure that you make yourself available to Him and allow him to take control of your situation. Once that has been established,
study the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth
Some of us, have dwelled in a static place
He will direct you or lead others to direct
for too long and have allowed complacency
you into doing works in the Kingdom for
Be involved in a faithful body of believers,
and comfort to be our administrator, but
His glory! However what you have to
serve as you are able, preferably having
I challenge you, my dear brothers and
take note is that your ministry doesn’t
opportunity to use the gifts which God
sisters in Christ, take this year as a year
necessarily come under one remit. There
has given. Be sure your character is
of new beginnings; a year that will allow
may be many other ministerial missions in
undefiled, and be active in evangelism as
the impossible to become possible. Be
which God has assigned for you and your
much as is possible, because there are
rest assured that there is no door in which
life, so being complacent and content
so many souls out there to be won, and
man closes that God cannot open; as we
with just doing one thing, is not something
as Christians, this is the time to come
serve the same God who delivered the
to consider, especially as there is many
together as one and live according to
Israelites out of Egypt and the same God
work to do in the vineyard.
what we are called to do.
1 Corinthians 12:5
I hope and pray that you all have a
that raised Lazarus from the dead, let us remember that nothing is impossible as the song writer says “Blind eyes are
There are different kinds of service, but
opened, strong holds are broken, I am
the same Lord
living by faith, nothing is impossible.”
Many find the idea of trying to determine
In this issue we look at the thought of
whether or not they are called into the
knowing your own ministry. How many of
ministry to be extremely difficult, or even
us reading this issue today can outwardly
inconspicuous. Nonetheless, it is actually
and rightfully state that they know their
not as complicated as we tend to make
ministry? That they know what God has
it out to be, if we look to God’s Word
called them to be? And most enchantingly
for guidance. So, if you sense a call to
can define their ministry?
ministry as the Spirit leads your heart,
Ephesians 4:11-13
prosperous 2016 and may the good Lord guide and keep you, so that all your goals and heart desires may be met. God bless David Wurie Editor
yield yourself to God to be willing to go in that direction. When you find yourself
And he gave the apostles, the prophets,
in ministry, there are so many ways in
the evangelists, the shepherds and
which you can influence others. You
teachers, to equip the saints for the work
are at a stage of leadership and you are
of ministry, for building up the body of
working for The Lord, so when placed in
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We caught up with our very own
Ezarick Campbell We caught up with our very own Ezarick Campbell as he talked about his ministry and his short journey to where he is now in life and relationship with Christ.
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E
zarick grew up at Gateway Ministries, which is a church on our district (Deptford NTCG) and has been a focal role model to our young people. His mother is currently the Pastor at Gateway and Ezarick shows his support to her and her ministry through more than just one avenue. Ezarick now fellowships at Ruach City Church, where he is a youth leader and also mentor.
In his day to day life, young Ezarick, who is only 22 works in a special needs school, where he helps encourage and teach young individuals. Ezarick has a desire and passion to serve God, but also a longing to help young people in any way possible. He offers his services to all, which doesn’t cancel out non-believers. His compassionate heart allows him to see through his ministry and also develops his relationship with Christ. Ezarick started preaching at church when he was about 11/12 years old, but took ministry seriously when he was 16. He had ideas that he was going to be a preacher but at his young age he wasn’t too sure, because he was in denial. He enjoyed playing drums so the thought of being a preacher was a little bit daunting, but after hearing numerous prophesies he could no longer deny nor delay the inevitable. As a Pastor’s child, Ezarick has to remember that his mum is in a position where she has to cater to other people’s needs and also apply her leadership skills to lead a congregation. As a result, Ezarick fully understands the pressure and workload that comes with being a leader and allows his mum to lead without feeling neglected in any way. “At first when I was young I didn’t really understand but as I grew older I began to understand that this is what ministry really is. It’s like anything in life, pressures come, but it’s just how you deal with it all.” In our generation now we are introduced to so many social media outlets, but Ezarick believes that this can be an advantage when demonstrating God’s power and unconditional love.
“The power of my ministry is, demonstrating the power of God and making the words in the bible that we read come to life, through the way how I preach and explain things.” Ezarick, currently serves as a youth leader at Ruach City Church, where he has been serving for the past 5 years. They hold youth services and bible studies, in order to allow the young people to grow and dig deeper into the word. They also have an annual youth conference and reach out to many souls. “You have to be humble as a leader in order to be accessible so that your ministry can be effective.” A challenge Ezarick has faced whilst growing up as a young leader is the fact that he is young. In ministry, he explained that at times your age could hinder your growth in ministry as sometimes, people look at the age of the person rather than the heart or what their ministry is about.
“The society that we are living in, is so hard and people think leaders don’t have the same emotions as to what they have or even get tempted by the same things that everyone else gets tempted by; so I think the pressure that comes with that is very hard, but once you explain to people that at times you too go through the same struggles, it brings less stress and is really good I guess.
Tell us Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows…. “When I was in church about 9 or 10 I used to do praise dance.”
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Melisa Dundas Artwork IT'S ABOUT A LITTLE GIRL WHO IS CURIOUS TO SEE WHERE HER DADDY IS GOING TO BRING HER. AND I BELIEVE AS CHILD OF GOD THAT IF WE WANT TO KNOW AND WALK IN OUR GODLY GIVEN MINISTRY WE ALSO HAVE TO HAVE THE CURIOUSITY OF A CHILD. WE ALSO HAVE TO GRAB OUR FATHERS HAND AND BLINDLY FOLLOW HIM. SO HE CAN GUIDE OUR PATHS AND REVEAL US WHAT OUR MINISTRY IS.
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+MYTestimony Forgiveness is to be pardoned or spared, something many grasp as an easy task until their heart has been troubled. I was that person who thought I could pardon individuals who wronged me, a mind convinced the heart, I had, could weather affliction and still love. However, sadly enough the ‘unforgiveable’ happened where I faced indecent abuse at a young age. Knowing at that time what damage it would’ve caused, I buried the events, strangled my emotions without telling a soul. Thinking it was possibly was just one of those things that would eventually become a distant memory that wouldn’t cause an affect in the future but that wasn’t the case. As I got older I started seeing the fruits of what happened materialize in my behaviour, I was so bitter and angry, yes, because of what happened and also because of the bad seeds that were planted that opened up doors to sins that I didn’t knowingly look for. Sometimes the sins we fall into are caused not by you, but by the hand of somebody else and before you know it your left at baggage claim to pick up unwanted goods. Thankfully I had found hope for life through Christ which was comforting, but knowing I had these struggles was hard because I wanted to be perfect or shall I say blameless. It was only until I realised God was trying to get some honour out of the situation where I surrendered, this means I had to go through a process and forgiveness was that for me. I noted before ‘the heart I had’ because the heart I was born with didn’t have the capacity to love, forgive or function the way Jesus intended, hence why the bible says: Psalm 51:10 “ Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me” Ezekiel 36:26 “ I will give you a new heart and put in you a new spirit in you, I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” God was showing me that the heart I had had been hardened by affliction and by sin, and confirmed in It, so he now had to give me a new heart and a new spirit which are both one and the same in which a new principle of life is introduced, a new light now infused, new purposes and desires are now formed. It wasn’t until that took place I really knew forgiveness, it’s this saturation of love that overwhelms you beyond comprehension. Even when you don’t feel or want to be forgiving, it sits on you. I knew I had to not only forgive others but also myself, for the simple fact that I needed to be free and God needed to be freed in me, the only way this was going happen was by submitting and humbling myself. Give God your Chaos, let him speak into your life and be the creator he is, there’s a reason why his burden is light.
By Konnie Hamilton
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PURSUING THE DREAM Into Gods house Sitting there waiting for the word to envelop us, To reach out and touch, Came here looking for an answer without a question, Are we asking a little too much? Just like the lost sheep that we are, Waiting to be herded in, The world is becoming a totally desperate place, And so were trying to hide from all the sin. Looking for a sanctuary, A place where we feel we belong, But yet there’s so much that were missing here, Why does it feel a little wrong? Have people got caught up with fakery? Has deception infiltrated the church doors? It shouldn’t be an issue for a true believer, It’s not other people we came here for. Although we share our space with others We are here by and for the grace of God, Not for peoples judgement or to judge them, But because of our hope and faith in the Lord. ©Areatha Mogagabe
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Š Nargis Cross Photography nargiscross.com
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Lawrence Rowe
W
Meets Arise
e caught up with one fifth of BEKLN Mile as Lawrence talks about his time growing up in church and also where his ministry has taken him to. The singer and song writer from London, grew up in church and has been singing for a majority of years. He has also been a part of our National Youth Choir at our annual youth conference and has also released his own material.
Growing up in a Pentecostal church, Lawrence found it very easy to find his place in pursuing singing and ideally music as a career. Growing up in a very charismatic Pentecostal church, Lawrence felt that it enabled him to be grounded and he was able to gain wisdom and knowledge from those around him. Being surrounded by church mothers and elders, helped Lawrence find his ministry – in music and also allowed him to seek God for who He truly is. Growing up in his church, Lawrence was kept assured that he was also humble and maintained a strong relationship with God. Humility is key in whatever your area is focused around, because the bible teaches us about being humble and dissuades us from self-righteousness acts and thoughts. “I learnt some tips on life just in general and I am very grateful for that.” Music has always been a part of Lawrence’s family and has been very a very instrumental focus on his life. He grew up surrounded by music and echoed that the church has truly contributed to where he is today; regarding his ministry in music. “It has lead me to be whom and where I am today.” Ministry – Love and Humility In life we have so many talents that God has blessed and gifted us with, and Lawrence believe that we have to be able to be still and know what are ministry is. We shouldn’t look at what others are doing and automatically think our ministry is identical to there’s because God has a different purpose for us all, so in order for us to reach that goal we have to seek him and he will guide us to our ministry. “It’s humbling to know that I am somebody that so many young people look up to.” 12
“I’m really humbled and blessed to be raised up in a household where manners were everything. I ain’t perfect and I’ve never once said I’m perfect but one thing I learnt from my parents is that they told me I should always try and be the light to someone’s darkness.” Lawrence is also a part of a singing group called BEKLN Mile, who this year were fortunate enough to had gone through to the judges houses on TV hit show, The X Factor UK. Being in a band helps Lawrence for a sense of connection with those who listen to his music and feels that appearing in the show has stirred him up to continue to strive for bigger and better things within his career.
“Never give up on your dreams. Whatever it is that you want to do, remain prayerful about it and make sure you plan and prepare for it. God will reveal to you what you are supposed to do. It’s all about the journey, and you have got to love every minute of life. If your passion is for young people, don’t be afraid to go after it, because your testimony might set someone free.”
God is always on time.” ““If there was only one advice I can give, I would say, stay prayerful, because God is always on time.” Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows… “I don’t tell this to anyone but I actually can rap…ish, but don’t ask me to do it now because I might fail on the spot.” 13
How Can I Serve?
The key to service is to see every inconvenient or annoying request as an opportunity to use your knowledge says Frances Mensah Williams
Knowing your ministry gives you the tools and the opportunity to be of service to others, says Frances
Mensah Williams The word ‘Ministry’ is taken from the Greek word ‘diakoneo’ which means ‘to serve’. We often hear our political leaders refer to themselves as public servants and yet leave us wondering why they so often appear not to listen to our wishes or to do what will benefit us, instead taking actions that appear to benefit only themselves. So, what should ‘Ministry’ really mean for us in our daily lives as Christians? The example we have is that of Jesus who came to give service to others without expectation of reward or benefit from those he served. Indeed, he did so in the knowledge that not only would there be no recognition from those he was there to serve and save, but that those very people would eventually take his life. If we choose – and it’s always a choice – to follow Christ’s example, our own ministry can be fulfilled when we use our gifts and talents to serve others with love, whether or not it is returned, and with only the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing God’s work.
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Know Your Ministry Knowing your ministry requires you to first know your talents. • What are the things that you are good at and that other people perhaps find more difficult? • When you look back at your interactions with other people, what is it that they say you have helped them to achieve? • When have you felt particular satisfaction with the outcome of something you have accomplished, and why do you think you felt so good? Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down your responses so you can study them and see if a pattern emerges. The chances are high that the things that you are good at were also the things that helped others in some way and that brought you the greatest satisfaction. Why? Because when our talents align with our purpose, we can create positive results for others and, as a consequence, within ourselves.
Act on Your Ministry Knowing your talents can also help you assess how best to act in the service of others and minister with those talents. Acting on your ministry is something you can do at any time and in any setting, whether at school, University, work, with your friends, or just going about your business. Acting on your ministry can, and should, include ministering to the physical, emotional, mental, and financial needs of others. Knowing your talents allows you to be conscious and intentional in the way you live, seeing and using every opportunity available to you to serve others. Whether this takes place in a formal context such as volunteering to help the needy and vulnerable, spending with elderly family members who would welcome company and a listening ear, mentoring someone who aspires to do what you find so easy, or using your technical skills to facilitate an easier life for someone, there are countless ways in which we can serve.
As you read this, you may agree with me that it’s often easy to forget how privileged we are, especially when we focus on all the petty worries that we carry around with us. However, a look around both at those struggling in other countries and at those going through difficulties right here with us should remind us that we are truly blessed. ‘To whom much is given, much will be required’ is a paraphrase of the words in Luke 12:48 and reminds us that we should see our prosperity and our blessings as fuel to drive us in the service of others. Luke’s exhortation tells us that we are responsible for using our knowledge, time, talents and money to glorify God and in service of others.
In his inaugural address as US President in 1961, John F. Kennedy said; ‘Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ In God’s eyes, everyone, whether or not they look like us or live within our borders, is part of our ‘country’. If we are really committed, unconditionally and without hesitation, to following the example of ministry set by Christ, we need to start each day with the question ‘How Can I Serve?’.
The key to service is to see every inconvenient or annoying request as an opportunity to use your knowledge, skills and experience to minister to someone else’s needs. Service is not always needed at a time convenient to us and while it may not always be possible, if your mind is set towards service rather than reward, serving others will be Frances Mensah Williams is the Chief Executive of Interims for Development, a Human Resources and Training consultancy and Editor of ReConnect Africa.com (www.reconnectafrica.com) an online careers and jobs publication for African professionals around the world. She is the author of the novel ‘From Pasta to Pigfoot’ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pasta-Pigfoot-Frances-Mensah-Williams/dp/1909762202 and the career publications ‘I Want to Work in Africa: How to Move Your Career to the World’s Most Exciting Continent’ (www.IWanttoWorkinAfrica.com) and ‘Everyday Heroes: Learning from the Careers of Successful Black Professionals’ (www.everyday-heroes.co.uk). 15
THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD Sam is a young entrepreneur, who started his own business two years ago. Through pioneering his own establishment he was then led to start his own youth ministry called The Royal Priesthood. His journey with Christ has developed over the past three years; when he got saved and he made a commitment to God that he will serve Him for the rest of his life. Since fully giving his life to Christ, Sam has matured in the Lord and has also found comfort in starting up the youth ministry in aid to help others; encourage young people and also to teach them the word.
Sam’s ministry involves working with young people and he has envisioned going to different Universities and also prisons to help spread and teach the gospel. He also wants to help strengthen the young people to arise and also engage with them so that advice can be given but with reference to how we are taught by the bible to handle situations and pressures. As young people at times we may feel that we are too young to go into ministry or even embrace the reality of ministry, nonetheless having experienced ministry myself, I can agree that it’s about making sacrifices and putting others before you.
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Sam also feels that it is imperative to have a mentor as they are there to guide you and to also help you grow spiritually. Having a mentor in your life will help you fulfill your vision and also nurture you as a young person, to stay on track with what God has placed for you in your life.
Fun Fact: Sam likes to be an open person and enjoys being in church. He feels that it’s essential for Christians to socialise with each other and fellowship in a less “churchy” environment. As a role model you must have: Ability to listen, you have to be able to give people advice and take into consideration what they are saying to you. You must also have the ability to keep things confidential with whoever has opened up to you, as that person has told you things in confidence so you must reframe from gossiping and make sure you keep things between yourself and whosoever you are mentoring.
Continuing the ministry is key, The royal Priesthood is there to engage with young people and help grow them spiritually so that they can gain a closer relationship with God. As a ministry, Sam see’s it growing to higher heights and also believe that it can reach many others. There is no limit to reaching people and as a ministry, their focal aim is to reach out to various.
Tell us
Fun Fact: Sam supports two football team’s; one being Arsenal and the other is Real Madrid, but yet he claims he is not a glory hunter, we will leave that for you to decide.
Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows? “Basically, I wanted to be a pilot when I was younger but didn’t get the grades to do it when I was younger, so I then wanted to start my own airline, but the funny thing about that is, I am actually scared of heights.” 17
18 Konnie Hamilton - Interviewer
Temmy Odumosu - Sub Editor
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A great catch up with the lovely
JACQUELINE ILLUMOKA Jacqueline’s advice: “I think any idea you have, any passion, whatever it is; just go for it and give all your energy, because in anything, you can’t be half hearted, you have to go out and give everything. I would also say, give to God, pray, work on yourself, prepare and be the change that you want to see.”
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acqueline is 22 and a member of Winners Chapel church, where she serves under the hospitality team. She recently graduated with a degree in Media and Communications and is currently working for Global Reach Partners; a foreign exchange brokerage. Not only is Jacqueline a part-time model but also the founder of IAmAble, a charity designed to help under privileged children, primarily in Africa. Her journey with Christ started through going to church with her family; who she is extremely grateful of, seeing as they encouraged her to know the Lord. Building a foundation with Christ from a young age educated Jacqueline as she grew from strength to strength and allowed her to understand the word straightforwardly. “Growing up in church from a young age lead me to become who I am today” After giving her life to Christ from a young age, Jacqueline knew that there was a special calling to her life and that God was taking her places. She felt that there was a lot of work to do within the vineyard and that she had to get to grips with knowing her ministry so that she could help otherwise grow along with herself. IAmAble Her charity project is designed to help children with disabilities in Nigeria and the concept stemmed from Jacqueline’s work experience with a UK charity; assisting to help work with children with disabilities in this country. After seeing the amount of care and effort taken to help these underprivileged children, Jacqueline wanted to give back to other disabled individuals; but wanted to take this internationally. Jacqueline’s parents are both from Nigeria, a country that is very close to her heart; so therefore she felt that helping out children from her mother’s homeland will be extremely beneficial as she enjoys helping those most in need.
Ministry Recently, both Jacqueline and another sister in Christ have decided to start up their own fellowship group which is directed towards young men who are young in their faith with Christ. Throughout the summer, God had been speaking to Jacqueline regarding having a fellowship in place for young men. Having prayed and fasted about starting this ministry, she was able to gain clarity about what exactly she should do. The fellowship group is particularly aimed towards young men and youth who are lost, who don’t have any role models and ultimately those who don’t really have a foundation with Christ. “I said, God if this is really what you want me to do, then bring the people I need to actually do it” At first, as a female, Jacqueline was quite puzzled as to why God wanted her to help young men, especially as she didn’t feel she could relate to them as well as she relates to young women and her peers. “God managed to bring so many different men of God into my life that I felt would be really great for this” The fellowship also helps build relationships with young men who aren’t mentally strong and also provides a route of mentoring for these young individuals. The fellowship is also a place of care; as it provides a place for young men to come and discuss about relevant topical issues and also express their concern with what is currently occurring in their lives. However, being a young woman and starting up a fellowship group comes with challenges. First of which; being a woman it can be hard to relate to men as there can be a barrier that can cause a disconnect, nonetheless God has placed Jacqueline in this position specifically to help these individuals so, He has more than equipped her to deal with the common challenge.
Fun Fact: Jacqueline won Miss Black Africa in 2014 “Launching IAmAble made me see that anything is possible”
Faith Relying on God in all that you do, is pretty much the motto Jacqueline has adapted and applied in her walk with Christ; especially as she pioneers this new ministry. “The bible says: In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”
Starting up her own charity has really opened up doors for Jacqueline and she has been able to grow her network and collaborate with many other inspirational young leaders.
When you allow God to take control of situations and be at the center of things, you really see how fruitful it becomes and it always reaches it’s full potential.
Tell us Jacqueline’s Highlights
Fun Fact: Jacqueline won Miss Black Africa in 2014 “Launching IAmAble made me see that anything is ppossible” Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows? “I’m also into PR and marketing.”
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y str ini yo ur M ing Kn ow
THE MONTHLY
WORD
Ministry is a word that in the Christian arena seems so scary, as we often link it to doing something extraordinary or massive. It can be a daunting experience and for most it’s one you often thing about quite early on in your Christian walk. Partly as the ‘elders’ normally almost straight away tell you that it’s something you need to be thinking about or say “I look forward to what ministry God’s got in store for you”. At first I always thought that your ministry was some big thing that you had to reach a certain level in church in order to achieve it! However I’ve come to the realisation that ministry for me is simply service, the service you do as a Christian is you ministering. So if you’re the Sunday school helper; you’re ministering to the children. If you’re an usher; showing people to their seats you’re ministering to the congregation. If you’re the Pastor; you’re ministering to the congregation and so on. First thing is first though; I know you might still say “yeah ok I get that but what am I supposed to be doing?” If you went for an interview for your most ideal job you would do your research. You would read up on the company, maybe even check out the perks of working there and I would say get to know God first; the person who you are first doing the service for, as ultimately whatever you do He should get the glory. In Jeremiah 1 God said He knew him even before he was formed in His mothers womb (Jeremiah 1:5). That’s the same God today that knows us even before we are formed. He goes on further in the book to say He knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and yes God was talking to the children of Israel but He is the same God then as He is now. His word is truth and still applies to us today. So without sounding too churchy stay prayed up! Prayer is communication it’s more than just shouting our requests to God but it’s time to just sit and converse with your Father. It’s in those times you will get clarity over what He has called you to do. Secondly, know yourself and know who you are in Christ. Find out what you’re good at and ultimately, what interests you? That is probably something to do with what you’re called to do. However there is
nothing wrong with getting confirmation just use discernment and wisdom too. Not everybody has wisdom and not everybody is for you! Learn who is for you and where you can go to for advice early on. Psalms 139 (Psalms 139:13-16) tells us that the most inner parts of us the delicate make up of us God made and it’s there for a reason. We just have to seek God for what we are supposed to use it to do. Also what thing can you not stop thinking about? Do you have an idea that seems so outrageous that only with God’s help can it be achieved? Again talk to God more about it so you can get a clearer understanding of it all. If there’s anything I want to really say about ministry, it’s also the continuous work for God that stretches outside the church walls. I strongly believe that your whole life can be used as a ministry as it should bring glory to God. We are called to serve and even your very conduct at work could be ministering to someone just based on us showing them the greatest commandment which is loving them as Christ did. Furthermore, when I say look outside of church I mean there’s more to the Kingdom than singing on the Praise and Worship team or ushering on Sunday’s. Not that there’s anything wrong with it as its all for Gods glory, but the biggest ministry that we all have is to save souls (Matthew 28) and how are people going to know we exist if we stay within. In closing if I had to give you three bullet points but again this is not just what you need I would say: 1.) God First, consult Him, ask and keep asking, get confirmation. 2.) Does it bring God Glory? 3.) Am I spreading the Gospel in what I do? If you can answer yes then you’re more than likely on the right track.
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POET’S CORNER KNOWING YOUR
Ministry A journey with Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me! Lord send me to the mission Lord use me for your will I want to hear voice When should I go? and until? I shout ‘Hear am I, Send me!’ But what do think? I am ready and prepared for the mission Or am I the missing link? Lord open my ears wide like a door so I can hear you clearly from above Direct me until you say stop! Fill me with your Holy Spirit and with your unconditional love. Take me on a journey I know I will go through some valleys Keep me from harm And protect me from my enemies. Are you ready to use me Father, as I prepare to walk with your plans? I trust you forever because I serve the Great I AM Breathe life into your will I am ready! So come Lord and let me travel with you in your ministry. Here am I! send me!
Laura Henry - Assistant Designer
KNOWING Your MINISTRY
What does it mean to belong to a church? Is it just somewhere to go once a week and wait for your Sunday roast to be cooked? I recently visited my local church to discover the true meaning of what it is like to belong to a ministry.
I was invited by Barry Dobell, the reverend of Frindsbury Baptist Church, to come along and get involved in the weekly service, an invite I did not refuse. When I arrived early on Sunday morning, I was greeted by several different people. They were all happy to see a new face and introduced themselves to me. I introduced myself to them and told them I was pleased to meet them, which in honesty, I was. Having recently finished my time at university, I was accustomed to seeing rows of seats fill up from the back, so that tired or hangover students could get away with doing very little. Nevertheless, I noticed it was the back seats here that remained empty, and those at the front were the first to be filled. Another major difference between this early morning Sunday service and a morning university lecture was how enthusiastic everyone was and how happy they were to be there. Once the service had begun, and Barry had started updating the congregation on the health of several absent members of the church, I looked around to see everyone listening intently, shaking their heads in sympathy for their friends. I could see that they were genuinely upset by the bad news of their peers. This was the first time I felt envious of the community that had been built up here over the years. It was like these people had found the comforts of family in each other, perhaps where their own had failed them. I noticed one lady was in a wheelchair; arguably she had the most valid reason to be downtrodden but she was in fact the most enthusiastic. She sang loudest, laughed hardest and was the first to volunteer herself for the tasks Barry set the congregation, such as lighting the advent candle. I was surprised to be invited to take communion with the congregation, but touched at the same time; sur26
Tom Strudwick
prised because I was a stranger to them, but touched that they literally wanted to break bread with me. This was my second point of envy, to be, for only a short time, a member of this wonderful family. Something else that caught my eye was the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and decorations around the Church. After the service had finished, I asked Barry about them: ‘the church is decorated by a few members of the congregation every year. It’s a bit of a group effort!’ This reminded me of my own family coming together every year to decorate our home and tree, a tradition that sadly ended once my brother and I left home. But even if these people’s families failed them in the way that my brother and I failed ours, they can rely on their secondary family at the church to ensure the tradition was not overlooked. After the service, Barry invited the congregation and myself to Open Manse at his house, just two doors up from the church. Here Barry’s wife had prepared a feast for everyone to enjoy. There were meats, cheeses, breads, biscuits, teas, coffees, wines, chocolates and a multitude of other foods, drinks and snacks. Once more I felt touched, this time to have even been invited to such a banquet! A lady called Maurine said to me ‘Before you go you must have something to eat!’ She proceeded to offer me anything and everything she could see. I felt rude for only accepting a biscuit but it seemed to light up her face to see me eating with them. I managed to slip away to have a chat with Barry in his kitchen, he told me that, ‘most of the congregation have attended for a great number of years. We did have more members, but changes of circumstance such as moving away or sadly dying, mean the congregation has since halved. But those who are still here are a really good, faithful and loyal crowd.’
Before leaving I spoke to Maurine again, one of the ladies who had introduced herself to me as I arrived at the church. I asked her what she thought was the most important aspect of coming to church was, she told me ‘It’s about making sure people who aren’t known to the ministry know they are welcome. Here we are a family, Betty over there is a widow, but we are all her family so none of us are ever alone, especially at Christmas.’ If I were to summarise what I thought it meant to belong to a ministry from an outsider-looking-in perspective, I would say that it is to be part of a family full of people who are willing to open their doors, hearts and arms to other members, as well as to people who may not have families of their own. At Frindsbury Baptist Church, there is a community of people who will share anything with you, be it material or emotional, regardless of your beliefs or the ideologies you have. Before going to the church, I was worried I would have no one to talk to, but by the time I left, I was worried I would not speak to them again.
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THANKS FOR PURCHASE MORE SPACE LOREM
PURSUE YOUR PASSION “The woman I’m most inspired by is a Proverbs 31 woman. The verse that describes me the most is probably: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)”
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Hannah:
never see my gender as something that should hinder me.
I’ve heard it’s difficult, often sexist, and sometimes the reason
I’m very thankful to have not faced any sexual discrimina-
for there being such a negative stigma on women working in
tion in my workplace. Women have come such a long way
the media. When entering the media industry, I was aware of
in the media, and it’s been such an important step in my
the problem and shocking statistics of women working in the
career to be a part of this turnaround.
media, but I didn’t let those stats hinder or belittle my chanc-
The woman I’m most inspired by is a Proverbs 31 woman.
es of working in broadcasting.
The verse that describes me the most is probably: She is
Earlier this year, Lord Best, who is the House of Lords chairman
clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without
of communications committee, said himself that broadcasters
fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
needed to make a greater effort to reflect their audiences. He mentioned that the BBC should do more because of its “spe-
Rachel:
cial status” and its “dominance” as a news provider, he added.
I am sure you have heard many stories of women in law
The committee found that, in particular, not enough was
and in the media. Recently, there was a Linkedin sexism
being done to get more women working in senior positions in
row where a female barrister accused a male law firm
news and current affairs broadcasting.
partner of sexism. Women comprise just 24% of partners at city law firms. With the number of female lawyers at the
The fact that this inequality was noticed by a man definitely
entry level more than 50% since 1993. According to the
backed up the point that this was an issue that needed to be
Legal Services Board, the percentage of female solicitors in
fixed. A BBC spokeswoman later noted that over the years, we
England and Wales grew tenfold between 1994 and 2008.
as women have taken a leading role in increasing the number
Why are women in law finding it difficult to get to the top?
of women in the industry through communities that support
Historic sexism and motherhood are some of the reasons
women taking on what was traditionally seen as a “male dom-
why.I have heard so many horror stories, however it has
inated role”.
never stopped me in wanting to get to the top.
Today, nearly half of the BBC’s news and current affairs work-
During work experience I met a partner at an international
force is female, with more than a third in leadership positions.
city law firm who managed to get to the top of her pro-
And it’s true. I saw it myself during the months of working
fession and has four children. This inspired me if she could
solely in the newsroom on various programmes. That makes
do so, why could I not do so? The Proverbs 31 woman is
me happy! And it’s not just in news that I’m constantly getting
my inspiration and I always look to Matthew 19:26 ‘With
inspired by the various female role models I’m surrounded
God all things are possible’ to encourage me. The dream
by - many working in radio, news and TV are editors, directors
of being happily married, with plenty of babies and being
AND controllers; you can’t get much senior than that!
a woman at the top of her game is possible. Is it only city law firms that women are not represented well at the top
I recently joined GWIN - Global Women In News, at the BBC.
of their profession? These numbers also translate into the
I’ve met such inspiring women doing incredible things in the
women in the judiciary system. Eight out of 38 Court of
news industry, and it’s warming knowing that we’re able to
Appeal judges are women (21%), the number of women at
share common views and celebrate ourselves as women. I
the High Court is 21 out of 106 and the number of female
wouldn’t call myself a feminist, however, due to how margin-
circuit judges are 146 (23%). However it is improving-the
alised and controversial the term is today.
overall percentage of female judges has increased in the Courts from 24.5% to 25.2% (April 2014 to 2015) and in
I believe in my God-given person as a human being, and will
tribunals 43.0% 43.8% (April 2014 to April 2015).
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32 Pictures taken from our recent photo-shoot with part of the team.
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NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD ENGLAND & WALES
“Prayer is what drives the church and is key to our success...” BISHOP DONALD BOLT
Join us in...
The Engine Room is a place of prayer and worship where we stand in the gap and intercede for: The work of the Church Church Leadership Nations & World Leader
Marriages and Families The sick And various other needs...
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness...” 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 (NIV)
Throughout 2015 each district is invited to join us in the Engine Room at the National Office in Northampton from 10.30am - 1.00pm:
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WED 14 JANUARY - Reading & West Croydon
WED 8 JULY - Aldershot & Brixton
WED 11 FEBRUARY - Gloucester & Manchester
WED 12 AUGUST - Bilston, Leeds & Luton
WED 18 MARCH - Deptford & Stoke-On-Trent
WED 16 SEPTEMBER - Cross Cultural Ministries
WED 22 APRIL - Coventry & Sheffield
WED 21 OCTOBER - Dudley & Lee
WED 13 MAY - Handsworth & Nottingham
WED 18 NOVEMBER - Leicester & Willesden
WED 17 JUNE - Bristol, Highgate & Wood Green
WED 9 DECEMBER - Clapton & Wolverhampton
For further information please speak to your local pastor, call: 01604 824 222, visit: www.ntcg.org.uk, or email: bigmove@ntcg.org.uk
If you are unable to attend with your district, why not set aside some time and join us in prayer right where you are!
NTCG NATIONAL OFFICE: 3 Cheyne Walk, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PT “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...” 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 (NIV)
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