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CONTENTS Page 3: Editors Welcome Page 4 - 7: Leadership with Marcel Simpson Page 8 - 9: Melisa Dundas Artwork Page 10 - 11: I am Lighthouse with Toyin Page 12 - 13: Frances Williams Page 14 - 15: Nargis Cross Photography Page 16 - 17: Catch up with Afiya Page 18 - 19: Pursue your Passion Page 20 - 21: Humming Bird Page 22: Monthly Word Page 23: Learning to lead Tom Strudwick Page 24: Esther Jacob - Its time to heal Page 25: Poet’s Corner Page 26 - 27: What do you know about John Nimbs Page 28: Nargis Cross Photography Page 29: Leadership with Natasha Kamuna Page 30 - 31: A bit about Candice Page 32 - 33: Why leadership matters - Anon Page 34 - 35: Nargis Cross Photography Page 36 - 37: Arise meets with Nike Page 38: Kende Page 39: Hyphon Page 40 - 45: Events
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EDITORS WELCOME
As a result we have to be obedient to our
leader should) and the walls of Jericho
leaders and be mindful of the way we
fell after Joshua’s armed forces marched
react to them. We need to show them
around the city blowing their trumpets and
Leadership
respect; have an eagerness to learn from
they triumphed in victory.
When I think of the word leadership, I think of individuals who are great people; individuals who guide others to victory and success; ultimately individuals who are respected and shadowed. The true meaning of leadership is the action
them and look at how they represent God in their day to day lives because they were strategically appointed by God to lead us, so if we abide by their rules and teachings, we are then not going against God’s appointment.
Being in a leadership position requires great skill. You need to know how to talk to and treat people. You are not always going to be liked by all, but you have to want to get the best out of those that you lead, in order to see them excel and elevate. As a
of leading a group of people or an
“Obey your leaders and submit to
leader you have to have a positive mind-
organisation, or ability to do this.
them, for who will give an account.
set, because when faced with upsets and
Let them do this with Joy and not with
setbacks, you will have to pick yourself up
grief, for this would be unprofitable for
and stir up the fighting spirit which is inside
you.” Hebrews 13:17
of you. Remember, people are looking up
Leaders are there to guide you and to direct you, especially with the decisions you make and should give you that
to you for direction and want to know that
support system that is needed. Wherever
The bible talks about so many different
you look around, you will always see a
key leaders and how great they were.
leader; leaders can be found in schools,
However not every leader was able to
colleges, universities, work places, homes
lead their people and keep the support
and organisations, just to name a few. In
of their people. One leader in particular
order for a leader to function well, they
that I admire is Joshua. He was chosen
need the backing from those that they
by Moses who was led by God to lead
One last thing, if you are already in
lead. A leader needs to be supported in
the people of Israel. However Joshua
leadership and you don’t have a team to
order for them to reach their full potential,
knew his people had his back, because
help support you, please try and get one!
because what you have to remember is
he stayed faithful to God and as a leader;
You cannot do all things all on your own.
that a leader is just like me and you, they
you have to be authentic and live a life
You are going to need others who are like-
have feelings, they go through tough and
pleasing to God, otherwise when faced
minded to help do the things you can’t do,
difficult times, they have struggles, they
with difficulties and rebellion, you might
there is an old saying that states “many
are human and they too can feel lonely at
not be able to overcome seeing as your
hands make light work” so in order for you
times. That’s why when some leaders are
relationship with God isn’t at the level it
not to burn out, look at having a team who
under extreme pressure and do not have
needs to be. Joshua had a task to win
can raise you up and assist to the fullest.
the support from their people, they tend to
a battle, so he had to rally up his men,
resign, quit and effectively give up.
nonetheless in order for Joshua to win this
The bible tells us to “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” ~ Hebrews 13:7
their leader is in control of the situation, so make sure you are strong, believe in yourself, have faith in your team and look to have an affirmative and constructive impact on those you lead.
God bless and enjoy this month’s issue,
battle, he needed his men to have his back and for them to be in one accord. Due to Joshua’s great leadership the battle of Jericho was the first battle of the Israelite
David Wurie Editor
in their conquest of Canaan. Joshua listened to God’s command (As a great
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L E A D E R S H I P REV MARCEL Born to do this.”
SIMPSON We caught up with our new National Youth and Discipleship Director of the New Testament Church of God, Rev Marcel Simpson. Rev Marcel’s appointment came in September 2015 and he recently headed his first ever National Youth Convention, themed “Born To Do This” which saw so many young people use their gifts to give glory to God. 5
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Tell us a bit about Marcel, especially your background in your youthful days and your journey towards giving your life to Christ
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Where did the inspiration for the theme “Born for this” come from? The inspiration for the theme ‘Born for this’ came out of a discussion between the
I was a very adventurous child who did
board around purpose. We have for the
pretty well in school, excelled in sports and couldn’t resist a bit of
past few years looked at different characters in the Old Testament
mischief. I went most places my parents told me not to go and did
and the life of Esther stood out as one of specific purpose to which
lots of things that could be seen as dangerous today (like hopping
young people could relate. This inspired the board to come up
onto moving vans and trucks, going off to the river when I should
with the theme.
be in extra lessons and climbing some of the tallest coconut trees around) but it was all part of the adventure of growing up in Jamaica in the Caribbean. We always went to church. We had special clothes for church which were not really worn to any other place. Church was fun, we memorised Bible verses, played games, ate ice - cream and cake
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and sang lots of songs.
As a leader how do you bring out the best in the team that you serve within the Kingdom? Every person on the team has their own skills, abilities and gifting and for me it’s
When I came to England at 14 church was still important and I
important that they are able to express themselves and for those
attended until I was about 16. It was quite strange to see that not
skills, abilities and gifting to come to the fore. It’s important to
as many people within the community I lived and the society in
lead by example and I am a very big advocate of servant leader-
general saw church as important and it wasn’t long until I had
ship. I serve the team I work with and in my service to them they
assimilated. In Jamaica even when my parents were not attending
are afforded the creative freedom, flexibility and confidence to do
church they ensured that my siblings and I went; this would be a
what they believe the Lord is guiding them to do.
familiar account for many who grew up there. Between the ages of 16-18 church was the farthest thing from my mind as I was up to the time with what everyone else was doing, promiscuity had set in, alcohol intake was normal and so was the need to appear to be a strong man who could hold his own. Deep down that was a front as I knew the person I was supposed to be
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5. We understand that Leadership comes with serving and serving requires sacrifice, as a leader you made the decision to give up your career to fulfil your duties. How did you come to making this decision?
and this was not it. I did not attend a church service or religious event, I was in my mother’s kitchen when I got a vision that left
I love teaching and I love to see people learning. At the time when
me scared and perplexed. Not long before the vision had settled
I got involved in the process for this role I was fully settled in my
the Lord spoke to me and told me I needed to change my life; I
capacity as a secondary school history teacher, I had built strong
recognised it was the Lord so I didn’t bother arguing, I simply said
relationships with my classes and was looking forward to taking
‘yes Lord’ with lots of snot and crying.
them through. However, the call of God supersedes any other love, any other affections, any other calling as any call from God is
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Recently you had your National Youth
the ultimate calling. So the choice was not a difficult one because
Convention “Born for this” for those that
it was God who had called and when you are sure it is he who is
didn’t attend what was the highlight of
calling, the answer has to be yes.
this weekend in your opinion? The highlight of the weekend for me was
to see young people willingly walk down to the altar in response to the word of God, to cry out to God in frustration, excitement and anticipation of realising what it is that they were born for and the possibility of fulfilling that/their eternal purpose. For me the convention was owned by young people and it was great to see them willingly engage with God.
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What inspirational leader inspires you to do
older and got involved in the church and later on in leadership there
the great work that you do and why?
was always this fear of not being good enough. You know the part where you compare yourself or you are compared with other won-
I am inspired by Joshua and the role he
derful leaders of the church and every time they are always better.
played in completing the final leg of the
They sing better, the preach better, they write better, they are better
Children of Israel’s journey into the Promised
organisers etc and that complex was something I had to deal with in
Land. He humbled himself and learned under the leadership of
my own journey. I can say that it works for me now in the sense that
Moses and as a result when it was his turn to lead he was ready. I find
I later understood that it is God who qualifies you and thus makes
many people want to lead but are not willing to follow, but in Joshua
you capable and as a result there was no need to compare myself
I see someone who followed earnestly and in so doing was prepared
to other leaders or to have a complex because God gives grace to
for leadership. I also like the leadership attitude of the late Dr Myles
those who he calls and being confident that it is he who has called
Munroe because he always spoke of nations, speaking to nations,
me, gives me the assurance that I will have the grace to do a good
reaching nations. I believe some of us are called to reach people
job.
across the international community and across many nations and for me this is inspirational.
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You recently expressed your concern about the issues affecting young black men, how do you intend to tackle these issues?
What advice would you give to young people who are in leadership
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roles and want to incorporate the importance of discipleship but also want to be “Real, righteous and Relevant” There can be no discipleship without being
The situation with young black men has
real, righteous and relevant. We take our
become something which has grabbed the
example from Jesus who was a disciple firstly of his Father and then
attention of many people in all areas of our community and the
went on to make disciples himself. He was real, he always told peo-
church is no different, we have seen it too. We don’t intend to be
ple the truth for the truth makes people free; he was righteous and
passive onlookers at the issues facing our young black men but
always did the right things and he was up to the time, he knew what
rather we hope to create an environment, a space where young men
the people needed and without bending the rules, without altering
can come and be themselves without the fear of being ‘churched’. I
the word of God he taught them/told them what they needed to
feel it is important that our youth groups across the country create
hear and what they needed to do. Discipleship is about teaching
a community atmosphere within their local areas where young men
others to follow, to follow the ways of Christ and you cannot teach
feel they can walk into or be a part of. This is not a job for any one
somebody to do something which you are or have been unwilling
church or one organisation and I feel there has to be a joined up
to do yourself. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to follow
effort between the church (plural) and other organisations within
him as he followed Christ. There are no corners in discipleship and
the community to make this work. The church will never renege on
every leader must avail him/herself be a disciple in order to then go
our moral stance, but when and where people need help we have
and make disciples of others.
to be willing to help and at present our young men are in need of help and I believe the church has to step up, step in and stand in
10.) Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows…
the gap. There are many ways we can help, from basic education to health advice, help finding a job, counselling, etc...we have the
I’m not sure there is anything that I have kept to myself to this point
resources within our churches and we must use them for the glory
but something that not many people know is that when I was about
of God. Doing these things might not be the conventional way that
10 years old in Jamaica, my friends and I were supposed to attend
many would expect the church to work, it might not be a sermon or
extra lessons in preparation for our primary school exam but we
a song, yet it could turn out to be one of the greatest messages we
instead went to a nearby river. While at the river one of my friends
ever preached.
got into difficulties and started drowning; he was gasping for air when out of nowhere the thought came to me that I could save
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Along the way was there anything that
him. I put on my imaginary cape and went out into the deep after
worked against you that is now working for
him. To my surprise I was not able to simply whisk him to safety but
your good?
rather it was he who held onto me and started dragging me down with him. Fear gripped me but I was determined not to die that day
Leadership was never something that I
and so I summoned strength I did not know I had (I now know it was
always wanted to do or that I raised my
the Lord), grabbed hold of him and pushed us both out the deep
hands for, yet since early childhood my teachers have always writ-
onto shallow ground. I had saved the day or rather God had saved
ten on my report cards that ‘he has great leadership qualities’. Now I
us that day.
did not understand what that meant at 6 and 7 years old. As I grew
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Melisa Dundas Artwork THIS DRAWING IS CALLED: ‘BE YOU’. I DREW THIS ONE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE PRESSURED TO CONFORM TO THE STANDARDS OF THIS WORLD. AND I DO NOT AGREE WITH THAT. I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON BECOMING THE BEST VERSION YOU CAN BE, BECAUSE LIFE IS ACTUALLY ABOUT ACCEPTING WHO YOU REALLY ARE AND CHALLENGING THE WORLD TO ACCEPT YOU FOR YOU
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I AM LIGHTHOUSE
Random Fact? I’m actually a very serious, quiet and sensitive person.
Arise Magazine sat down with Toyin who is an actress and runs two social enterprises; Women after Greatness and Lighthouse Productions - to get her take on leadership.
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How would you describe your relationship with God? I am very much conscious of God at all times, I always communicate with him and I revere his opinion, his voice and what he tells me to do because I
know he gives me the grace do this. Our relationship is good and we have our ups and downs like any other parent child 10
relationship but he is always there for me.
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What does leadership mean to you? Leadership is something that I am still getting used to. I remember when I used to want to be a leader. But when I got the chance to get involved with the drama department at church God used this
opportunity to show me what service and ministry is. Through this process he was humbling me and showing me that leadership really starts from a place of service.
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How can young people get started in the way that you did? Start by writing your vision down, sometimes we can be afraid of the things God places on our hearts so its good to have it written down because there is a season
“Ministry is beyond talent, it is about true service to God.”
when he will birth it. Take note of the things that he is teaching you in your personal life and then the burdens that you have. Pray
Leadership is service first, starting with commitment and sacrifice
about it and speak to people you can be accountable to so you
and doing something because it needs to be done but just waiting
can be disciplined and also find a place where you can serve and
for the approval of man.
sow into.
“As believers we are all leaders in whatever we are called to be, just by your declaration of being a Christian you are leading people to the gospel through how you live your life.”
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As a leader what are the key skills that you need to have? You need to be able to service and be willing and able to lead by example because that’s the only way that people will follow you. You need to also be transparent and
be able to communicate. Being a leader you need to acquire the knowledge in terms of what you’re trying to do so you can equip others to do the same.
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Tell us about the projects that you’re working on? Women After Greatness was place on my heart in university following my testimony. I just wanted to encourage and share my own truths and show where I made my
mistakes so others can avoid doing the same so that their journey is a bit easier. I started in my own borough in Hackney and with my little sister. I didn’t really have a relationship with her, it was like I was telling her by force not to repeat my mistakes. I realised that It’s all well and good hearing what not to do but there also needs to be an understanding of why. So we create workshops and events to encourage young girls to believe in their inner and outer being both practically and emotionally. Lighthouse Production is something that God gave me to do. He gave me a vision and made me to see His word in such a way that it can be translated to people who may not come into churches but will watch films and go to the theater. 11
Leading with Purpose ! Being an effective leader can only happen when you lead in the right way and with the right purpose, says Frances Mensah Williams One of the most extensively covered topics when it comes to executive education is that of leadership. Thousands of articles, books and videos have been dedicated to understanding the nature of leadership and what makes great leaders and leaders great. Many of these books also explore the downsides of leadership; examining the flaws and failures of those who have been put in charge of enterprises and nations. For many of us who would like to improve our leadership skills, all the advice out there can sound overwhelming and, frankly, rather unachievable. After all, it’s safe to say that few among us will be the next Steve Jobs or Nelson Mandela, charged with the role of leading the creation of a multi-billion dollar empire or delivering an entire nation from racial oppression. When inspirational leaders such as these are held up as role models, it can be incredibly hard for us to imagine how we could match them.
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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).
Power Of Purpose
Self-Mastery
When we think about leaders, the popular conception is one of efficient managers and CEO’s leading businesses to corporate success or of political leaders taking action to enact their policies. But while a CEO or a Prime Minister may have the job title and at least nominally be in charge, being the one in control is not always the same as leading.
While we cannot always control our circumstances, here’s the thing about real leadership; it ultimately comes down to something we can all control: ourselves. In the above, Timothy goes on to say that: ‘Therefore an overseer must be above reproach. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?’ To lead effectively, you first need to be able to master yourself so that you can be ‘above reproach’. You need to be able to follow your conscience, your ethics and to have a sense of discipline. You need to be able to listen: if you speak but are not ready to hear, you won’t even know what people need in order to feel inspired.
A Malawian proverb states that: ‘He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.’ When you think of the people you have worked for or undertaken projects with, have you noticed the difference between those whose instructions you reluctantly follow and the ones you listen to? The ones that you obey because you have to, as opposed to the ones that make you want to go above and beyond what they have asked of you? Anyone can give instructions; a real leader provides his followers with a purpose for doing so. Effective leaders bring people along with them and allow others to understand how their vision can be executed. Fuelled by a purpose that is understandable and that that they can buy into, people are inspired to not only fulfil their instructions but to do so in a way that goes far beyond what was asked Great leadership requires purpose: if you don’t know why you are leading or where you are leading your followers, then you will never know – and nor will they – if you have got there. The great leaders we study in books weren’t just guessing or winging it as they went along; they were driven by a strong underlying purpose that guided them through the difficulties and challenges of leadership. As you move into leadership positions at home or within your church, ask yourself what your purpose is in being a leader? In the Bible, Timothy speaks to this when he says: ‘If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.’ What is the ‘noble task’ of your purpose in leading? To demonstrate your superior knowledge or abilities or to bring people with you to achieve something that benefits you all? Is it to control people or to lead people to greater knowledge i.e. to teach and to share what you have been given.
You need to be able to communicate respectfully and inclusively, allowing others to feel validated. You may have the best ideas but if you generate resentment in others instead of appreciation, no-one will be interested in hearing them. To lead, you need to be competent. Have you done your homework? Have you put in the necessary work before expecting others to do what you want of them? Leaders can lead only through example and if you can’t control your emotions, communications and behaviour, how can you expect to inspire anyone? In the Bible, Peter says of leaders that they should be: ‘Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.’ In Psalm 78 we are told: ‘So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skilful hands.’ When you do achieve the self-mastery and humility that real leadership calls for, your focus as a leader must then be on growing those that you have been called on to lead. We can all aspire to be leaders but only those who do so with purpose and with honest and humble hearts will become the inspirational leaders that transform people’s lives for the better. Because when you place other people’s lives and the betterment of those lives at the core of your leadership, your purpose and the purpose of those you lead will become one and the same. So let us aspire to be leaders with the express purpose of raising, guiding and recognising the talents of others. All those books on leadership come down to this fundamental principle and, as the former leader of GE, Jack Welch, put it: ‘Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.’
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Cherlene Wilson Intuitive Success Coach cherlenewilson.com Nargis Cross Website | nargiscross.com Instagram | @nargiscross Tel: 07894003049
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A great catch up with the lovely
Afiya 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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rise Magazine sat down with North Londoner Afiya to get her take and experiences on leadership. Afiya who is 26 years old says she grew up in a multicultural environment which resulted in her engaging with people from all different backgrounds and faiths. She is even of multicultural descent herself as her parents originate from different countries. “I come from a family that loves everyone, we have fostered children who have had different life experiences than I have.” “Growing up with different people from different levels of society I have learnt to embrace people and this has made me who I am today and this has made me comfortable with who I am in any situation or around any type of person.” Afiya, who graduated in 2012, went to university in Manchester to do a Masters in Engineering she has also worked for the ministry of defense. She has recently come back to London to start a new role as a programme manager.
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Tell us about your new role? This role is all about bringing all projects with the same objectives, even products with competing objectives and putting them under one programme, provide the framework of what products need to do.
Leadership How do you exemplify leadership in your day to day routine? Leadership is about delegating; I like to control everything but sometimes you can’t so I have to be able to delegate within the framework I provide. Delegating doesn’t just involve directing it also involves collaboration and contribution. Its also about communicating to all levels of staff. Leadership involves so many things decision making, training and providing people with the right tools to do their jobs.
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As a young person, what should I learn before becoming a leader? There’s a perception that leaders are old, white and male but that’s not true as we can lead in all aspects of life; not only in the workplace, may you be a leader in your family. To be a leader sometimes you may have to speak up to get what you need to get done and that’s something you need to
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train yourself to do. Also you need to remind yourself that you have a lot to offer and be confident in what you bring to the table. As a young person you may not have the experience that others do but you still bring a perspective to the table. Another thing you can do is learn from other leaders, you can learn great leadership just by watching and asking questions. Is the society changing and adapting to a different view on leadership? I don’t believe that being black or a woman has held me back in anyways. I believe that because of how I was raised. I have never let these things make me a victim or allowed this to cause any difficulties. The more you understand that these things are not a negative but a positive you start to see that people don’t always treat you that way. “You define what you are and people will treat you as such.”
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However, I have come against more things because I am younger. I was always conscience about being the young one but once I started to get out of that thinking it become less of an issue, it is all about how you see yourself but when I look around in the boardroom its only me, the diversity isn’t there and that is still an issue that needs to be changed. Tell us about the new project you are working on and how would you advise a young person who is thinking about starting their own business?
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I am working on a project called A-line and Connect to bring professionals together to network and to create a resource for young people to tap into to reach their goals. I believe that a lot of us are in positions were we can bring in other people or give young people advise on how to get to where we are. The project started in my previous company through a STEM outreach programme where we went out to school to try and encourage students to take up in STEM subjects. For young people looking to start a business the main thing is to have a vision and a plan for what you’re going to do, where you want to be and what are you going to do next.
Random Fact I love to travel; it just means freedom to me. I love experiencing new cultures and environments. If I could be anywhere I would be on a plane going somewhere.
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We caught up with our very own
Hannah & Rachel 18
Hannah:
Rachel:
Being the youngest out of six kids and the only girl; I never grew up with the mind-set and general thoughts of being a leader.
As the oldest of three, I was expected to lead and be an example. I became a leader to twin brothers without even knowing. I have always had an maternal instinct and love to take care of people. There is a big difference between taking care of people and leading others, but my childhood prepared me for who I am now, and who I will be in the future.
I grew up with a love for telling stories and journalism, which doesn’t have the word ‘leader’ written all over it but says a lot about independence; something I aspired to have a lot of as I don’t like depending on people too much. Even in friendship groups I was never really a leader in those settings but still loved getting my points across and giving advice. Through my advice giving and also being confided in, I noticed these skills could motivate people, I just didn’t know how I could turn it into a vocational route. Whether I’m tired and exhausted, I believe in the act of selflessness and putting people before me; I started doing it a lot from university when my friends would need me to proofread their essays and even help with essay plans. A funny thing happened when a friend who I helped with essays was writing the same essay question as me, and ended up achieving a higher grade than me! I’ve always considered myself a mentor and now leader; Rachel would notice how I would keep a close eye on the younger ladies at my church, and see how they were doing in college, with exams etc, and soon after we joined heads together and created PYP. Being a youth leader in ministry and at church also comes with so many rewarding experiences. I run a ladies fellowship group called ladies who fellowship in the city, and have recently become a youth leader at my church’s youth community group; ablaze 4 Christ. These are roles I never would have imagined doing, but I followed God’s command knowing that He has imprinted the purpose of leadership for me, even though I didn’t acknowledge this at a younger age. I can be a very busy person, but I’m busy with a purpose. Being a youth leader in ministry and at church also comes with so many rewarding experiences. I run a ladies fellowship group called ladies who fellowship in the city, and have recently become a youth leader at my church’s youth community group; ablaze 4 Christ. These are roles I never would have imagined doing, but I followed God’s command knowing that He has imprinted the purpose of leadership for me, even though I didn’t acknowledge this at a younger age. I can be a very busy person, but I’m busy with a purpose.
Throughout my school life I was always creative and took initiative by founding the school’s first Black History Month event, Gospel Choir and other extracurricular activities. Being a leader does not only exist in your school life, or being the president of a society at university. It applies to all roles, whether in your professional, social or personal life. So what exactly is a leader? A leader is a person who leads and commands a group. This could be the CEO of Google, or the praise and worship leader at church, or your manager at work. There are certain skills and qualities that are needed to be a leader, some are: having a vision and achieving it, to think strategically, to be organised, to take action, risk assessment, problem solving, self-motivation, time management and people skills, teamwork and working under pressure. As a leader, it is paramount to have ‘people skills’ - if you can’t communicate with your colleagues, how can you lead your group? How will your organisation run efficiently and be successful? Another key skill is giving and receiving feedback. At the end of every PYP workshop we ask attendees to fill out a survey as to how they found the day. We do this so we know how we can be better mentors, and to improve as leaders. The conversation surrounding leadership is often on what it takes it to be a leader but what about the impact on others and the benefits it will bring it to you? Leadership skills that you develop outside of your working life will be useful as you will find easier to delegate and think on the spot when under pressure. For me, it’s the impact on others that drives me.
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HUMMING BIRD
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+MonthlyWord This month’s issue is all about leadership and to be honest this was one of the hardest monthly words of encouragement I have had to write as it has taken me ages! I think it is because although I am in a leadership role in my local church but the theme has made me look long and hard about my leadership style and what is necessary to be a good leader. Solomon was a very wise leader and if you are an aspiring leader and wanted to look up to anybody it would not hurt to look up and study how Solomon showcased his leadership skills and ability. Solomon once
Proverbs 11:14 “Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety”. said
A good leader needs wisdom but also needs to be able to have wise people in order to go to for guidance. My advice would be to so get a mentor. Pray about having someone that can guide you, pray with you and for you. Furthermore, it’s imperative to have a mentor in your life who is willing correct you when you’re going wrong and someone who can just literately stand with you. Being a leader is not always easy but it is something we all do at some point in our lives. We may lead in our homes being an older sibling; other times we lead in group work at school or colleges and maybe you’re a manager at work or even in ministry already. However, if you are not yet started out on your leadership journey (or think that you have) a good thing to do would be to pray and get a vision. When you get the vision write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk
2:2-3). You are going to need your team to believe
in the vision and it has got to come from the top and transcend down. It has to be something you are passionate about so that you can now share this vision with others. If we go back to Solomon we can see his wisdom and it’s known that he was the wisest leader that Israel had. As a leader you are going to need wisdom so don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask God to give you wisdom so that you are able to make the right decisions in the right way (“if
any man lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God...” James 1:5). It is important to look at your strengths and play to them and look at your weaknesses and see who around you in your team is good at that thing you are weak at and use them. You should know the strengths in your team and use them too, not thinking you are a leader so you have to take everything on yourself. Lastly I would say learn to recognise when you need to take a break! It is very easy to take on too much and then have a burn out. If that happens you will not be of any use to anybody! Although there are other things you can do such as read a book on leadership, you can also attend leadership courses or ask for help from another leader. God is able to direct you and as you look to become that leader you have always destined to be, just remember that through Christ that strengthens you, all things are possible. 22
LEARNING
T0 LEAD BY TOM STRUDWICK
L
ike in many instances we see throughout histo-
It was in those last minute study sessions that I learned the bal-
ry and in our own familiar modern day society,
ance in how to treat a friend as a colleague. Sometimes it can
leadership can be thrust upon a person like an
be very difficult to work with your friends because you might
illness. In some cases, it simply does not agree
not know how to communicate with them professionally. I
with the host and it forces them to wither into
have seen many people fall out because they were offended
cynicism. They become distrusting of those who are closest to
by the abruptness and urgency of working with others to
them or are in fact helping them. This could ultimately stem
a deadline. I’ve also seen people whom were good friends
from a lack of both confidence and conviction.
before hand, fall out over a piece of coursework because someone has not done their share of the work, leaving some-
Others take to roles of leadership like a duck does to water.
one else to pick up the slack.
They remain calm and collected above the surface while beneath the water, their legs and feet are frantically paddling
In order to maintain a good relationship with the people you
to push them towards their goal.
are working with, you must remember that you are working towards the same goal as friends, otherwise they may no
Many people believe that this world is made up of Shepherds
longer be your colleague, or worse, they may no longer be
and Sheep. That is to say that some people are naturally born
your friend. It is very easy to bark an instruction at someone
leaders, while other people are content in living slightly more
or to intimidate or scare them, but by doing so, you sacrifice
conventional lives.
the friendly relationship you had with them. However, it is also very easy to sit around and waste the time you should be using
Among many things I learned at university; some of which I
to study, checking Instagram to see if anyone’s liked your latest
don’t think can be published; Is how to step in and out of the
selfie but by doing that, you may be left behind when the hard
role of a shepherd. After the first two years of studying towards
work starts.
my degree, following the crowd and doing just enough to do well I decided that actually, I wanted to do better. By the
What isn’t easy however, is to remind your friends that while
third year, after nominating my self as group leader on several
you’re all in the same boat, that boat is headed for failure
projects, I was able to ‘switch on’ the part of my brain which
unless you all start working. Alas, someone has to do it, as does
controls leadership and become utterly focused on the task
someone has to lead. If you are given the chance to lead, take
at hand.
it with gratitude and enthusiasm and remind yourself and your colleagues that you are one team, sharing one dream.
I found that after spending three years studying alongside people who I consider to be my friends, it was very difficult to actually knuckle down and concentrate on what we were supposed to be achieving together. In our first and second years it was very easy to say ‘shall we just do it tomorrow?’, but by the time third year came and deadlines were looming, we very quickly came to understand the immediacy of our handin days. 23
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MY DIVINE LEADER Lord you are my Shepherd and you lead me into the path of Righteousness You keep guiding me with your voice and always tell me what is best You resist my eyes from temptation and you deliver us from evil Father in Heaven as I reverence your name lead me to your will Father lead me to your voice, lead me to your steps, Lead me to the right direction so you keep me in the right path until I take my final breath. Help me dear Lord when I lose track of your lead Lead me back where you want me to be so I can reap and sow a seed In Psalm 118:8 ‘it is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in man’ I put you first in everything and because you are the I AM Jehovah and Prince of Peace for soul Lead my heart to you daily so my spirit will not become old My leader, my friend, my comforter, my King I worship you only because my soul is rejoicing to sing. Hosanna to the highest we serve an ultimate leader in Heaven above May your continuous Blessings shower down also with your everlasting love. My divine Leader. ©Shantel Cherebin
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JOHN NIMBS WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT JOHN NIMBS ?
W
ell, we were able to sit down with John and get to know more about this young man of God. John’s a 20 year old student, who loves people, food,
Arsenal and most importantly God. He’s also a very active young man in terms of church and believes that there are so many benefits working with young people. He is able to encourage, teach and also learn from his young people, just by socialising with them and also having bible study, because he feels that it’s key to fellowship with one another despite your age, race or gender. “Leading young people helps me to stay relevant. It also helps me to actually say, you know what, I need to come down to your level and be where they are.” Mentoring is significant in John’s eyes. He is able to help young people who go through trials and tribulations; so having somebody that you can relate to can be beneficial in helping young people overcome problems and their struggles. Having someone there allows a young person to keep going. “If you’re in church, don’t be relying on the church or the Pastor. The way you get out of trouble and keep yourself going is literally finding yourself working for God. When you go to where God wants you to go and doing the work for God, it keeps you from trials and temptations and keeps you staying with God.”
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As a leader, John accepts the fact that inse-
•
curities exist and just because you can be
lead
You have to be willing to be
a Christian doesn’t mean there are times
•
you feel alone and depressed. However,
corrected
as a leader you have to go through cer-
•
You have to have humility
tain things to come out of the end of the
•
You have to be able to come
tunnel. He will give you tasks at times that
down to others’ level
You have to be willing to be
may seem very difficult to complete, but through his sufficient grace, power and
Naturally, Leaders struggle with approval.
mercy, those obstacles and tasks can be
As a leader you always want to be told that
defeated and achieved.
you have done well and seek for that pat on the back. Nonetheless that shouldn’t
“No matter your insecurities and
be the case because there are times where
your flaws, God’s love and presence
you will be humbled on your journey as a
can make you overcome it all.”
leader.
John strongly believes that his ministry is
“I struggle with being approved but
for people. Whether they need love, care,
God was able to humble me by
guidance, advice, etc; John feels that he
showing me that he is not always
needs to try and build up society and help
going to use me, so I thankful for
the communities that are clueless, so that
God intervening in such a way.”
involves going out to our Universities, Prisons, Schools, Hospitals and etc in order
Tell us something about yourself that
to allow them to live that abundant life
nobody else knows:
and live for Christ. “When I was in year 6, they had a “Christianity and coming to Christ
joint audition for Camp Rock and I
isn’t just about going to church
remember watching that advert so I
with your bible but rising above that
said to myself that I am going to be
mediocrity and enjoying the life we
in that street team. I even signed up
are given.”
but I got discouraged by my brother. However I’m still a big High School
John’s Principals of being a leader:
Musical fan, 1,2 &3!”
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Cherlene Wilson Intuitive Success Coach cherlenewilson.com
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Nargis Cross Website | nargiscross.com Instagram | @nargiscross Tel: 07894003049
difference in this generation. I’m all about creating a legacy for future generations ahead so that they know that God is real and that they do not have to conform
LEADERSHIP In a generation that is cloning each
has called you to be. God has been
other, how does one continue to be an
calling you to change the game, the
original and influence others to do the
question is have you have been lis-
same?
tening to the right voice?
The characteristics of a leader tend to
Once you have obtained your vision
be: strong, compassionate, focused
from God, you need to know your pur-
and alert. They seem to know what they
pose. Your purpose is what God has
want and they are not going to quit until
created you for and only you to do.
they get it. Those type of leaders though,
There may be plenty people that have
seem to leave plenty behind. They influ-
the same purpose as you but God has
ence their peers without even realising
installed qualities and talents in you that
it. The best thing a leader can do is leave
only YOU have. God requires us to be
a legacy behind for future generations to
walking within our purpose and the only
follow. This requires the leader to think
way that we will know what our purpose
more about the future rather than the
is, is by asking. Matthew 7:7 says ‘’ask
present. Being a leader, you have to be
and it shall be given unto you’’ therefore
forward minded, not just for tomorrow or
if you do not ask, you shall not receive.
weeks down the lines but for the years
Your purpose will require you to step out
ahead.
of your comfort zone and really dwell more with God because he will put you
But saying this, how do you become
in situations where the only way you’ll
a leader?
get out of them will be through his power and by knowing his word which means
First things first, you have to have a
that you will have to seek a personal
vision. In order for you to have a vision,
relationship with him. Your purpose is
you have to know two things- who you
what you will be doing for the rest of your
are in Christ and what your purpose
life, some of us are doing it now, some
is. Knowing your identity in Christ is
of us are just starting while others have
everything, how can you lead people
no idea that they were set apart for a
if you don’t know who you are? Once
divine purpose with their name on it. If
your identity is found in Christ you will
this is you, I would urge you to have that
begin to believe everything that he has
personal relationship with God and ask
told you. You begin to live out his word
him to reveal your purpose to you.
and what it says about you that yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made
Your purpose is the reason why you
(Psalm 139:14)
and that you can
were created but also without knowing
do ALL things through Christ that
who you’re going to impact, how can you
strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).
lead? You need to know your people.
When you start living this out, you will
Your people relates to the people that
notice changes in your confidence and
God has called you to minister to, this is
your ability. You realise that you are not
different for everyone. Some people are
alone and that the impact you’re creating
called to minister to young people while
is nothing about you or who you want
others care for the elderly. Whatever
to be but everything about who God
your age group, it enables you to make a
to the patterns of this world. Being a leader requires you to be able to engage with your people, you have to be able vulnerable so that people know that you relate to them and that you’re not this perfect Christian you carry ourselves as. Your people become those that you are accountable to. Accountability in leadership is something that is missing in this generation. We need to accountable to people so that when you say something to people, they are waiting and helping you through it. Word is bond. We cannot be using our words lightly especially as leaders we need to stick to our words. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states ‘’therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.’’ The same way that Jesus led his disciples is the way that we should take example on how to lead especially in this dying world. But, we need to realise that everything we are doing is NOT for us, we are to die to our flesh and pick up the cross. We lead by having Christ at the centre of everything as John 3:30 says ‘’he must increase and I must decrease’’ this indicates that whoever we are leading, we should we portraying more of Christ and less of us. As we continue to lead the way for others we need to make sure that we are inviting the Holy Spirit in the midst of things for us to gain wisdom to know what to say and to discern who is really for us. The spirit of discernment is needed now more than ever, for us to be able to discern who was sent by God we need to be able to tap into the spirit of discernment to download such revelations. Are your actions portraying a true reflection of Christ when leading people?
NATASHA KAMUNA
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A BIT ABOUT CANDICE C andice Hayden is a hum-
the media industry. You have to be pleas-
ble,
ant to be around as people will remember
sophisticated
and
pleasant 20 year old from
you more.
Bristol who currently works at the BBC. She initially applied for an apprentice
Advice:
scheme, which involved an online appli-
• Make sure that you network
cation, a phone interview, a face to face
• Be a sponge in the workplace
interview a group interview and was one
• Be nice to people
of five that were chosen out of three hun-
• Absorb as much information as possible
dred applicants.
• Be curious
After getting the job with the news cor-
• Push yourself
poration, Candice first started off as a
• Be punctual
Production Management Assistant work-
• Be available to do the extra things
ing in the documentaries department and
• Make sure you be obedient and do the
worked on a few other production teams.
small things as that’s what really counts
After pitching to other departments, Candice started working on more editorial
“I can’t believe how much I’ve accom-
content, which she ultimately loves doing
plished this past year and I am so grateful
and feels that it challenges her and gives
for this apprentice scheme.”
her the eagerness to want to do more.
Defying common difficult boundaries, as a young, black, woman; Candice has been
“It was because of that I moved on to
able to overcome challenges and achieve
other productions such as DIY SOS, Secret
so much and is really a beacon to her
Britain and now the current show I work
peers. She is also someone who is hard
on; Inside Out West.”
working and has showcased great leadership skills when taking on tasks in order to
Challenges I face:
help, direct and lead others.
“Remembering names as there are a lot of
She has always put herself forward and
names to remember.”
even worked weekends and late hours in
Candice is constantly thinking about her
order to be appreciated and do things out
future and she has so many things she
of the box. There are times that when you
would like to put in place for her future
are a passionate person, nothing can stop
in order to do well and make her family
you. You tend to go out of your comfort
proud. Furthermore, she also feels that it’s
zone, think out of the box and pay atten-
imperative to be likeable when working in
tion to detail.
How can other young people get into what you are doing? “There are loads of schemes out there. There’s so many in London and opportunities are so fruitful. You just have to go for, I think if you see a scheme just apply because you never know what will happen. You have to believe in yourself, skills and qualities because you just don’t know what could happen in the end.” Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows…. “Well I used to do a bit of singing, dancing and acting. I’ve always enjoyed performing arts.” “I was born in Jamaica and came to England when I was three.”
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WHY LEADERSHIP MATTERS Anon is a 24 year old Christian rapper from Essex and has a complete passion to serve and worship God to the fullest.
A father of three, who is expecting another child on the way has been very instrumental in the UK gospel rap scene as he devotes time to his wife, children, work life and also his ministry. A good example of a well-grounded young man of God, looking to share the gospel through his talents and gifts. The whole Christian journey has been a long one, nonetheless after being born into a Christian household Anon never really got to grips with the whole Christian life and went off track slightly. By the time he was 16, he had left his family home and spent a majority of his time on the streets seeking enjoyment out in the world. However, about four years ago he felt that life on the streets wasn’t for him anymore and that there was more to life than being idle and not being productive. There was nothing out there for him so he found himself leading back towards his faith in God. “I was sitting there and I was broke, I had no other outlook other than prayer. I just
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I’ve had a lot of good people around me”
started to pen how I was feeling and before you knew it, the first Christian rap song I released titled “I’ll be good” was what I wrote down on that same piece of paper. From there, that song, I’ve had a lot of good people around me promote that and really push it out and it’s had more success than any of the gangster songs I produced all put together and it just shows how God works.” What advice would you give to other inspiring rappers? “Specifically within the Christin rap genre, there’s a lot of trying to segregate yourself from the music industry.
When your ministry is music, you have to be careful with what you associate with because at times it can become idolatrous. You can’t be wrapped up in the whole, whose flows better, you just have to do you. The most important thing is to do you and do you relentlessly, because God has given you a certain image and a certain way of ministry, so you have to stay true to yourself and do not conform to the music ministry surrounding you.” You have to have a personal relationship with God. Anon feels that leadership is needed however he feels that leaders need to see where they are going to lead. We have the opportu-
nity to lead or we can be led. We have to make the most of our opportunities but we need to make the right choices when they come along. What’s next for Anon? “I’ll hopefully have an album out within the next year.” Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows… “Of late I’ve become really, really good on the Ukelele.”
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Cherlene Wilson Intuitive Success Coach cherlenewilson.com Nargis Cross Website | nargiscross.com Instagram | @nargiscross Tel: 07894003049
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ARISE MEETS UP WITH NIKE DAVID CATCHES UP WITH NIKE
N
ike, an ordained minister runs her own fellowship;
Nike’s relationship with Christ really began when her hair loss
The Islington Fellowship. She wanted to reach out
started to come into effect. She was also in a very toxic and abu-
to more young people and allow the presence of
sive relationship at the time, so it seemed like everything was
God to flow in their lives in a more tangible wat.
going wrong for her at the time. She then decided to go to the
The fellowship just recently celebrated their two
doctors to see what the cause for her sudden hair loss was. She
year anniversary and is richly blessed by so many young vigorous
was then diagnosed with alopecia; a general medical term for hair
and dynamic Christians.
loss. This was a very stressful time for Nike as she had even gone to
She is also an active member for the charity Alopecia UK and that
the extent of trying to overdose herself because she found it hard
came on the basis of her hair loss due to an ill-starred medical con-
living with the condition as she was not accustomed to having
dition. As a result Nike now runs a healthy campaign for the chari-
this particular image. Nonetheless, God was able to keep her and
ty and is an advocate for them; which gives her the opportunity to
the doctor had even said to her that she was very fortunate to still
go around numerous Universities in the UK and talk to them about
be alive. From there a lady came to her at the hospital and prayed
the different issues surrounding the condition. This act of lead-
with her, as she realised that there was a reason why God had kept
ership also helps self
her alive.
motivate and encour-
As Nike started com-
age young women to
municating with God,
be proud of who they
she was able to get
are, regardless of what
to know him for her-
they are suffering from
self and started to
or what medical condi-
get a dialogue with
tion has brought them
God. She felt that the
down. Nike has to find
church environment
a way of showing that
at first was too big to
through Christ there is
seek advice and help,
more to life than look-
but she wanted more.
ing like the average
She wanted to get to
young person.
know God deeper, so she then decided to
“I have to make sure
start a home fellow-
that they are empowered and look at their situations where they
ship, where people can express themselves freely and God can
feel it’s negative and look at how we can turn them into positives.”
fully build them up. They started from 6 people and it has now
“So I say to young people that they should embrace themselves in
grown and extended to 60 people who attend on a weekly basis.
whatever element they are in.” her up and use her in order to lead other young men and women My relationship with Christ
to His kingdom. She exercises her gift of leadership well in order to build up the youth and showcase that through God all things
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Advice from Nike: • The condition of your heart is key when serving God • Align your desires to be second best
Where is God taking Nike next? “I’m looking to do my own interview process blog.”
when serving God but allow God’s needs to be first • Be led by God • Remember that when you are a leader, it’s God ordained • Allow the spirit to guide you • Leadership is God working in you so allow that to happen freely
Tell us something about yourself that nobody knows… “I had this dream that I was going to be Beyonce one day, but God really slapped that out of me.” 37
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Davinia Robinson
Rev David Shosanya
Bishop Tedroy Powell
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th August
Friday: 7:30 - 9:30pm Saturday: 6-9pm Sunday Morning: 10:30am Workshop: 3-5pm Evening: 6-9pm
Where To Find Us
NTCG - Deptford, Bawtree Road, New Cross, London SE14 6ET
How To Get To Us
Trains: Deptford, New Cross, New Cross Gate Buses: P13, 21, 53, 136, 171, 172, 177, 225, 321, 436, 453
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To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NKJV)
Sunday 14th August, 3-5PM Early Bird Registration Registration £5 Registration Plus Meal £7 Under 18’s FREE Registration Meal £3.50
d Henry Bishop LloVyision Future
After 31st July Registration £5 Meal £5
Dr Joe Kuria n Keynote Spea ker
Panel Q&A and Discussion Time REV . PRIMOLIN THE INDUCTION SERVICE OF
REYNOLDS Panel: Rev David Shosanya, Rev Primolin Reynolds, Grace Alalade and Dr Joe Kurian TO THE PASTORATE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD GATEWAY MINISTRIES c/o Christ Church, 263 Barry Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 0JT
Youth Workshop (12-16 yrs) Facilitator: Natalie Casey
OFFICIATING MINSITERS:
Bishop Lloyd Henry, District Overseer Bishop Louis R. McLeod, National Executive Council Member
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09/09/2015 23:02
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