David’s Camp Magazine
issued in the UK
Showing the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6
Free | Apr/May 2017
A Time-Out with
ANU OMIDEYI
the Coordinator and leader of the London vibrant Reapers Choir
PAGE 6
CALL TO SERVE
PAGE 11
HEALTH TALK PAGE 3
HOW TO DEAL WITH PAGE 5 DEPRESSION AND LONELINESS TIMOTHY STILL NEEDS PAUL AS BABIES NEED MILK PAGE 4
ARE YOU READY FOR MARRIAGE? PAGE 8
ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD PAGE 9
Letter From
David’s camp Magazine
THE EDITOR
Olamide Ajayi
A Certified leadership development and entrepreneurship Expert
WHAT STOLE YOUR CONFIDENCE? One of the overwhelming challenges of new Start Ups is finding out that the same business idea that they want to launch is already in the market by other giant Companies. This is overwhelming because, it could send them quickly to atrophy and their business may never see the dawn of day. But this is not a challenge customized only for business people, it’s what we all face often in life. We look at our limited resources, limited connections, limited skills, limited knowledge and cannot but to give up because we think others are better than us. We think we don’t stand a chance and that our desire is only a mere wish in the deep reminiscence of our mind and that it can never transpose beyond that level. Well! That’s a lie and this lie has lived with us for so long, so it’s high time we stand against it. You must resist it firmly otherwise your growth and personal happiness would be greatly impeded. And to resist the lie, you need ‘confidence’. Even if you win on a local scale, you would lose on a global scale without self-confidence. Self-confidence has a great recompense of rewards. It means you know who you are and that who you are is superior to any contrary external label. Self-confidence is seeing yourself with the exact eye with which God sees you. Not the eyes with which your circumstances have conditioned you to see yourself. Selfconfidence is placing premium on the divinity than humanity. It is behaving like your Father, God does. The Message translation of Ephesian 5:1 is great. See what it says: “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents”. How does God respond to what seems like overwhelming challenges? ‘with confidence , of course’ because He’s aware that nothing can take Him unawares and that He’s superior to all things. Therefore, Lack of self-confidence is an aberration to your personal identity in God.
a skill that can be developed. When knowledge increases, passion increases and confidence is out of the roof and at that point you do not only know what you want to do, you also know how you want to do it. So, increase your knowledge in your given field of human endeavour or area of specialty. The challenge I face as SMEs Coach and Personal Development expert is having people come to my seminars or office for advice on a business idea of which they have little or no clue. They think that because a business idea sounds laudable they can give it a try and see where it takes them. They never carried out any research. They never read a book about the business. They never attended a seminar customized for such business and yet they come around to me to motivate them to get on with it. You don’t have to fail deliberately. You don’t have to plan your own death in business and career. If you acquire more knowledge, you would save yourself of heartache and your confidence level will rise beyond your imagination.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE UNFLINCHING: INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE BASE: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”, says Benjamin Franklin. Your confidence cannot increase by merely believing that you are a child of God. You need to constantly expose yourself to knowledge and experiences that would give you a clearer and holistic understanding of how the system of the world works and once you understand it, you can then learn the skills to dealing with it and mastering it and that is why ‘self-confidence’ is now believed to be
NEVER STRIVE TO BE BETTER THAN OTHERS: I can’t say this enough; ‘if you keep trying to beat others you will soon find out that you have been beating yourself down all day long.” You are not in business or career to outrun others. You are there to outrun yourself. You are there to be your best and let your best outshine other performances without you initiating it. That is how to build self-confidence. That is how to stop your self-confidence from being stolen. Sadly, competition has drastically affected our world. Competition will be around us no matter what we do. In
2
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
REPETITION, REPETITION, REPETITION: I tell a student that “the most important class you can take is technique.” A great Chef is first a great technician. ‘If you are a jeweler, or a Surgeon, or a Cook, you have to know the trade in your hand. You have to learn the process. You learn it through endless repetition until it belongs to you”.-Jacques Pepin. If you want to get better with confidence, you have to learn how to Do, Rinse, and Repeat. It doesn’t mean you do the same thing time again, but that you do the same thing in a different way. For example, when I first started Coaching and Training business people, all I had was a conviction that I was a child of God and a little knowledge of the subject and that didn’t help much but as I repeatedly deliver my trainings and make some alterations to the presentations, I started gaining confidence and today, I can stand on any platform to talk. So, don’t be a ‘Part Timer’ at your business or career. You must be an ‘All The Timer’ if you must develop confidence and scale up.
the past, present, and future it has had an effect on our activities and how we rely on each other. Whether competition relates to sports, betting, business, Ministry or any other aspect, it affects our daily lives. Some believe that competition is the pinnacle of what makes us what we are. Is all this competition good for businesses? Is it applicable to say that competition, although good for consumers, also has its negative aspects as well? There are many struggles that businesses face due to competition within business, and it has a negative effect on many people. Business competition can drastically harm small businesses through various labor costs, production, and price factors. Business competition is hard on small businesses due to the global economy and global competition. Now that there are so many options of hiring, purchasing, and selling on an international level, competition has become even more competitive. This makes it even harder on small businesses trying to make a profit within their trade or services. They have to face more and more businesses and markets and have to worry about trying to beat out their competition. That is why you must stay on your own line, learn all that is required of you and then master the lane until you have dominated it. One step at a time and watch your confidence grow. God bless you and wishing success in your business and career. In this new edition of the magazine, I’m of certainty all the articles will bless you and transform lives. After reading, help transform someone’s life by sharing with them the magazine either online or the hard copy. Our star influence for this edition is the vibrant, versatile and multi-talented Anu Omideyi, the leader and coordinator of the Reapers Choir. Very insightful interview. Be blessed as you read in Jesus name. A happy birthday to one of the most sought-after anointed minstrel, teacher of the Word and mentor Pastor Joshua Tosh who celebrates his birthday on 14th April with an album release titled:”Here’s my Praise.” You need to grab a copy of the album. Olamide Ajayi
Associate Editor Editor-in-chief Oluwole David
Contributing Writers Rachael Eniola Israel Olamide Ajayi
Oluwole David Dr. Margaret Rutherford Joshua Tosh pastor Layo Afuape
HEALTH TALK Topic: Healthy Eating Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. These are nutritional foods that can be found in vitamins, carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and water. The importance of healthy eating is a balanced diet. A balanced diet or a good diet means consuming from different food groups in the right quantities. A healthy diet helps to maintain or improve overall health, also provide the body with essential nutrition: fluid, adequate amino acids from protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and adequate calories. The requirements for a healthy diet can be met from a variety of plant -based and animal-based foods. Healthy diet supports energy needs and provides for human nutrition without exposure to toxicity or excessive weight gain from consuming excessive amounts. If there is no lack in calories intake, a properly balanced diet with physical activity (exercise) is meant to be important for lowering health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cancer. According to NICE guidelines (National Institute for Care and Excellence) it is recommended that daily allowance consumption for Men is 2,500 calories, and Women is 2,000 which includes calories for all foods and drinks. GUIDE TO EATING WELL • Eat small portions from all the food component. • Vitamins are organic compound and vital nutrients that the body requires, at least eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. • Carbohydrates are one of the main types of nutrients, they help provide energy for our body. • Protein are essential nutrients for the human body, they are building blocks of the body. • Fats serve both structural and metabolic functions, choose unsaturated oils and spread. • Minerals are microminerals that the body need large amount of. They include calcium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. • Water: We should drink six to eight glasses of water daily. • And finally move more and eat less.
- Rachael Eniola Israel
- A qualified public health practitioner
Published by David’s Camp Limited, davidscamp.org@mail.com www.davidscamp.org
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
3
MINISTRY
TIMOTHY STILL NEEDS PAUL AS BABIES NEED MILK
- BY PASTOR ‘LAYO AFUAPE (PLA)
checking on their church attendance, answering questions they have from the scriptures they have read, supporting them with life challenges even when they make mistakes, etc. There are many offenses in the body of Christ, we are living in a season where most Christians get upset over every little thing, we get upset over things that are not relevant, things that seem selfish and yet the harvest remains plenteous but it seems we are not upset about how we are going to win more souls for Christ. Jesus Christ told the Apostles in Matthew 28:18 - 20 that “...I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always even to the end of the age”. It is evident with the unhealthy attitudes of some believers in Christ Jesus that there is lack of discipleship. Many confessed and believe in the name of Jesus, however, there is not enough teaching on basic Christian doctrine like sanctification, love of God, giving, fruit of the holy spirit, submission to God, leaders, one and another and the law of the land, etc. Discipleship is a process of reproducing or imparting the life of a young believer. It is a life-long process of walking with someone till they are transformed into the image, the stature and full personality of our Lord Jesus Christ - Romans 12:1-2. It involves finding quality time to spend with the disciple, mentoring, praying together, 4
David’s Camp Magazine
Discipleship is required as it enables a matured believer to be able to teach the younger one what Christ expects from us as believers, how best to deal with undesirable circumstances, temptations, etc. This in turn breeds another follower for Christ. Many are in the Kingdom without sound doctrine nor people around them who are interested in helping them along this journey. Many do not understand the difference between Christianity and other religions. I have listened to a christian who believes that having faith in Jesus Christ is the same as other religions. Sincerely, this person did not know the truth that our faith is about relationship with God and not a religion. This person did not know about Romans chapter eight - the need to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, nor was she clear about forgiveness and how it can affect our prayers being answered - Matthew 6:14-15/Mark 11:24-25. It is time for us to rise up and teach the younger ones about our faith so they won’t base their faith on works of righteousness and the bad examples they are seeing in the lives of people around them. It is time for us to teach more on the need for our light to shine (Matthew 5:13-16) - to be good examples every where we go as ambassadors of the Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), when we are on the bus, train, walking down our streets, when with our neighbours, in-laws, friends, other Chris-
www.davidscamp.org
tians, or at work, schools, colleges, universities, etc. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us live godly, be determined to walk in the fear of the Lord like Daniel did in his own time (Daniel chapter 1) and stand up to be different in this generation. Others might be busy living as they desire, we can make up our minds to stand out for Christ and make more disciples for Him. He is counting on us, let us rise up to make followers who are sound in His word, followers who are sold out to win souls for Christ, who are conscious of God’s presence everywhere they go, followers who are dead to the works of the flesh, followers who are zealous for every good work, followers who are notable anywhere they go, followers who understand that if they fall they can rise up again, followers who are not moved by what people say, followers who are teachable, followers who are not rebels, followers who are committed to the things of the Kingdom rather than title, the microphone, followers who are submissive to God, followers who are willing and ready to serve God with all their spirit, soul and body without looking for reward from man, followers full of love for God and others, full of wisdom and of the Holy Spirit, intercessors, burden bearers, followers who are ready to be sent anywhere in the name of Jesus, and followers who will not compromise their faith in Christ regardless of the persecution, insults, false allegations and life challenges they experience on this journey - (1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - 6; 1 Timothy 4:7 - 8; 2 Timothy 2:14 - 22; James chapters 1 -5; Titus 2:14 - 15, Titus 3:9 - 11; Jude; 3 John 1;9-12; 1 John 4:1-end; Continued on page 10
MENTAL HEALTH
DEPRESSION AND LONELINESS. HOW DO THEY AFFECT LOVING AND BEING LOVED?
BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD
Depression and loneliness are tough at any time. Around Valentine’s Day, it can seem more difficult. I’m not too into the whole Valentine’s thing. It’s been much more important to me to let my husband know, quite randomly, that I’m very lucky he’s in my life. Rather than being governed by a time and date set initially by pagan ritual and then declared a Christian holiday, I try to show up at other times. I admit, however, that I’ve succumbed to buying the “I love you” trinket from time to time. I’ve accepted my fair share of flowers on Valentine’s Day, and have appreciated them for what they are — probably my husband thinking I’ll be mad if he doesn’t bring something home. Maybe I should ask him to read this post. All of that is fairly normal Valentine’s Day, long-term relationship, “Don’t want to be taken for granted but don’t care for the idea that V Day is so hyped in our culture” — kind of stuff. But what happens when you’re depressed, in a committed relationship, and Valentine’s rolls around? What if you desperately want a relationship, and you’re surrounded by V Day talk? What if you’re attracted to someone, yet you’re struggling with depression? Let’s take these one at a time. 1) You’re trying to cope with depression, and you’re in a committed relationship. The best Valentine’s gift you can give to your partner is to win your battle with depression. Pretending to be who or what you’re not at this point won’t help any
one. And pushing yourself to do something you don’t have the energy to do is likely to backfire badly. To shame yourself for not being in a place where you can sweep him or her off their feet? That’s not helpful and will only lead you down a rabbit hole of self-loathing. What you can do is have empathy. Your partner may be hearing conversations full of Valentine’s plans or word of presents. Depending on what Valentine’s Day means to your mate, you may need to be sensitive to the background noise of constant Pro Flowers and Shari’s Berries commercials. If you’re in the middle of a low time, you can communicate that. Let your partner know that your lack of joy or energy isn’t about them. You can text, email or actually write a note, and ask for a “Valentine’s rain check.” It will mean a lot more when you’re able to participate more fully. Make a commitment to yourself to remember that rain check. When you’re feeling better, when the mental fog has cleared or your hopelessness has lost its grip, that’s the time when you can plan something that will actually be engaging and fun. Depression may be sapping your vitality, but it doesn’t have to drain your empathy. You can be aware that your depression impacts those that love you, and allow that to serve as motivation, not as another reason for shame. 2) You’re alone, and you don’t want to be. Valentine’s Day is right on the heels of the holiday season, when your loneliness might’ve hit new lows. If your aloneness
is caused by divorce or estrangement, then recent wounds or memories of better times can drag you down. Just like you never wanted to hear ”Jingle Bells” again, seeing flowers delivered to co-workers can seem too much. Loneliness and depression can both feel painful, but are different. It’s one thing to be depressed, and choose to isolate yourself from others. It’s another to want connection, or to be grieving a lost relationship, and not have it. Depression may stem from chronic loneliness, but loneliness may or may not be a part of depression. Perhaps what they both share is a sense of alienation — not being connected with a part of life we miss, and we view others as enjoying. If your loneliness becomes urgent, you can make impulsive, destructive choices. Here’s a thought exercise I’ve suggested to those coping with loneliness. You obviously can’t control whether or not you meet someone that’s right for you. But you can control your own attitude, and you can work on building a life that you enjoy. “Imagine that six months from now, you’re going to meet someone who’ll be very attracted to you. If you knew that to be true, what would you do until then?” I get a variety of answers. But here’s the one I like to hear. “I’d get busy making myself happy or fulfilled with the life I have now.” Why is that a great answer? Because if you’ve created a good life, maybe even a great life, you’re going to attract someone who doesn’t need to rescue you. Rescuers typically are controlling, and want to be appreciated for the fact they’re saving you from your lonely fate. And that’s not the type of person you’ll be happy with long-term. If you’re lonely, it can be very tough. A focus on what you can control — can help.
David’s Camp Magazine
Continued on page 12 www.davidscamp.org
5
» Star Influence of our Time
6. 7.
6
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
Let’s start by unravelling this specially anointed vessel of God called Anu. Who are you? Thank you so much for the compliment. I am a woman with many hats but no boxes; a singer, songwriter, choir director, public speaker, criminal barrister but, most importantly, a child of God!
1.
What’s your history with music generally? I mean does anybody in your family do music. What got you interested in music? I think it’s easier to ask who doesn’t do music in my family! Pretty much everybody in the family is involved with music one way or another. Professionally, my granddad was a professional musician in Nigeria, my late uncle was a professional musician before he became a Pastor and my brother is a professional music manager with Parallel Music. How did The Reapers Choir come about? The Reapers Choir (TRC) is the church gospel choir of Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel), Hackney, London, UK. It’s one of three choirs in the church and has been in existence in one form or another since the 80s with many choir members passing through it.
2. 3.
How many people are in the choir and what parts or roles do they sing/play?
We currently have eleven choir members and we all sing soprano, alto and tenor. We have no choice with so few 4. members!
5.
Why a choir? Why not go solo? TRC is my home as I’ve directed it since I was a teenager. I’ve always loved choirs and I will always love TRC the most, haha :0) But I also sing out on my own as I’m invited to lead worship or sing at different events in my own right. So you may see a lot more of me on my own as well as with TRC. Why gospel music, why not secular music where you get more famous and big money?
6. I’ll only ever do what I’m called to do, so help me God, so I’ll follow where He leads. tell us about your broadcasting role with Christian Weekly News. 7. Please Christian Weekly News is a programme aimed at informing Christians of all denominations about local, government and world news and events from a biblical yet even-handed perspective. We completed our first series last year and are looking into commencing a second series later this year.
8.
Are you still practising criminal law or it’s abandoned permanently? I’m a non-practising barrister at the moment and am currently on sabbatical from Furnival Chambers. Who knows what the future will hold?! We’ll have to see.
Where on the surface of the earth has doing music taken you? I’ve been fortunate to travel to U.S.A., Nigeria, Ghana, Israel and Europe with music. TRC has also been privileged to sing at the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, 10 Downing Street for former Prime Minister David Cameron, Kensington Palace, Hackney Empire and many other venues.
9.
Do you really think one needs to be a born again Christian to do gospel music?
10. I think it’s preferable for a born again Christian to do gospel music for it to be authentic, powerful and effective. However, we know that God will use whomever He chooses and I wouldn’t question that. For example, there have been high profile secular artists who have sung gospel songs that have undoubtedly reached an enormous base and touched people’s lives for the better. 7 David’s Camp Magazine www.davidscamp.org Continued on page 10
Marriage RELATIONSHIP
ARE YOU READY FOR MARRIAGE?
It’s been a while… In all, thank God for life! I woke up with several thoughts running through my mind about you. Yes! I mean YOU! You have prayed and trusted God for the right partner that would stay by you forever. At last, your prayers were answered! All preparations for the D-Day is on and you can’t wait to start life together. Yupeeeee! I can imagine the efforts and resources you are putting in place to make it a memorable journey. But just before you say “I do”, I want to share with you some important habits you need if you want to enjoy a happy marriage. These are realities that I have tasted myself. It may be frustrating learning them fresh in marriage, but working on yourself now by learning these habits will go a along way to help you overcome those teething years of marriage that many homes were unable to endure, leading to divorce and separation. 1. Service: I remembered some years back when I stood before the congregation to take the Oath of love and service, it never occurred to me that all written and spoken were real. You must prepare to serve your partner always. You are committing to give your life and totality into serving one another, so get that clear and start working on it now. It is NOT a show of favour. It is a COMMITMENT. 2. Be Teachable: If you want to enjoy your marriage, you need to have a teachable spirit. No one knows all. You must be prepared to listen and learn new things. Remember both of you are coming from different backgrounds and beliefs. This is fun if both couples are willing to learn from each other. Guess what? You end up developing a better culture and family system for your home when both are open to change. 3. Patience: This is key in every home. No patience, no peace. You must learn to be patient with others when they wrong you. The more patient you are, the more confidence 8
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
you gain from your partner. There is this feeling that no matter how worse I am, there is someone who will accept me despite my wrongs. Though this is not a licence for recklessness and lack of control. 4. Character: Blaine Bartel in his book ‘Reality Check’ said: “There will be days when you won’t feel like remaining married to your spouse, but character will see you through it”. This is very true! Every couple will go through this phase but the ability to stick to your commitment even when you don’t feel like it will sure make the difference. 5. Admit your wrong: Learn to say I’m sorry when and where need be. Many marriages today have become history by virtue of one partner not willing to accept his/her fault. Pride and lack of submission can lead to divorce. You need to humble yourself if you want to be celebrated. Resolve issues as prompt as possible though in love and be gracious to your partner. Any marriage where couples SINCERELY admit their wrongs easily will never lack love. Ponder on these and see yourself working out your marriage with the help of God.
Quote of the Edition “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.”
-By Oluwole David One of the sweetest ironical statements in the Bible is Romans 8:28...”And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT) • If Jacob hadn’t wait an extra seven years to marry Rachel, his desired wife, Joseph might not have been borne; Jacob’s brother’s (Esau) anger might not have subsided against him...all things were working together for him...Genesis 29:18-20; 33:1-10 • If Joseph hadn’t been sold by his brother to the Ishmaelites, who sold him to Portiphar who sent him to prison, where he helped the Chief Butler interpreted his dreams, who then mentioned him to Pharaoh, he wouldn’t have been a Prime Minister while being pampered in his father’s house...Genesis 37:18-36 • If Saul hadn’t gone in search of his father’s lost donkeys, he wouldn’t have met Samuel who anointed him king over Israel, the first of its kind in Israel...1 Samuel 9:3 • If the slave girl from Israel hadn’t been captured and made to serve as housemaid in the house of Naaman, the well-respected commander in the Syrian army wouldn’t have heard of a man of God in Israel who could pray for him and make his leprosy disappear...2 Kings 5:2-3 • If Daniel and his 3 friends hadn’t been captured and taken to Babylon to serve king Nebuchadnezzar, no one would have heard of the God of Israel that can turn a fiery furnace into a cooling playground; no one would have heard of the God of Israel who can make one sleep in the lions den without being eaten up by lions...Daniel 3:16-28; 6:13-23 • If Jesus hadn’t died on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the world, you and I wouldn’t have access to the throne of mercy of God...John 19:30 Friends, do you know not all losses is a loss? As long as you are a child of God, serving Him with sincerity of heart, being a vessel of honour in His hands, if you ever experience loss whatsoever, please rejoice in the Lord because from my little experience of life, I have learned God has a plan and purpose in mind for that loss of yours or mine. I am aware of what the Bible says in John 10:10 about the devil being a thief...”A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (MSG). However, God who is a Master Planner, can turn what was stolen into an asset or an opening to a better life. Just like in Joseph’s case, sometimes we need to visit our enemies, look them in the eyes, give them a big hug and say “thank you for all you did to frustrate me; see, they have helped me reach my
glorious place of destiny.” I love the Message version of how Joseph puts it to his brothers in Genesis 45:4-8...”Come closer to me,” Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. “I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don’t feel badly, don’t blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years—neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn’t you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt.” Waoh!!!! I love the way Edmund Burg puts it. He said, “our antagonists are our helpers.” Friends,please stop seeing people’s frustrating antics as a problem. One of my favourite songs anytime storms arise, and they do arise, is the ‘Peace’ song by Lionel Peterson...Look at the words of the chorus: “Peace when trouble blows, Jehovah sees, Jehovah knows; He is my peace, when sorrow nears, Jehovah sees, Jehovah hears. Like the breath, I need to live, Jehovah takes, Jehovah gives; Gives me peace, When trouble blows, Jehovah sees, Jehovah knows.” Friends, Jehovah sees and He’s aware of everything. You can go to bed with that! Blessings. Oluwole David is a prolific writer, an ardent Bible student, an author and has compassion for the liberation of souls that are yet to know about the faithfulness and goodness of God. He wrote the book, “The 5 Smooth Stones that will defeat your Goliath.” He can be reached by email: oluwoledavidfg@gmail.com David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
9
Continued from page 7 Continued from page 7
We hardly hear of choirs these days. It’s like going out as a solo artiste makes you more prominent. To our audience, what encouragement can you give to them to make them get involved in a choir? Choirs are a wonderful way to sing with other people and create a great sound whilst having a lot of fun and fellowship! You may not feel confident singing on your own but with a number of other people you can build something very special. Or you may have a fantastic voice that works well with others. Either way, a good choir director will help to further train your voice and develop your musicality. I’d definitely encourage as many as possible to join choirs.
11.
Which would you prefer to work with? Someone with OIL without SKILLS or Someone with SKILLS without OIL? The truth is you really need both. But if I had to choose I’d take the person with oil everyday of the week first. That’s not to say that skills aren’t important, because they’re very important. But the ministry is even more important to me and someone without oil can
12.
actually hinder the move of God if they’re not sensitive to His Spirit and I couldn’t risk that. Further, the anointing can accomplish what even skills can’t. On a personal note, what has been your anchor? What motivates you to do what you do? What pieces of advice have you got for a young and upcoming lady or guy out there who wants to do what you do? God, family and good friends have been my anchor. I’m motivated by the desire to fulfill my life’s purpose on earth before I die. I would advise anybody who wants to do what I do to make sure God is leading you before you try it. It’s tougher than it looks! But if you’re sure, the journey is priceless and the rewards are surprising so further advice would be: never give up and truly understand who the source of your strength is.
13.
For contacts: Anu Omideyi www.anuomideyi.com m +44 (0) 7958 316175 The Reapers Choir can be contacted via thereaperschoir@ gmail.com and social media @TheReapersChoir on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
TIMOTHY STILL NEEDS PAUL AS BABIES NEED MILK Colossians 3: 1 - end; Hebrews 13:7,17; Proverbs 24:16; Proverbs 3:5-12; Proverbs 10:17). Let us endeavour with the help of the Holy Spirit to be very considerate and kind to one another, avoid getting angry easily as the Bible teaches that anger rest in the bossom of a fool and I am sure God has no fool as a child - (Ecclesiastes 7:9) . Let us avoid being rude to one another, especially our leaders regardless. Let us learn to honour our leaders at church, at work and other places. The Bible teaches that love is not rude, love is not easily provoked and does not behave inappropriately - 1 Corinthians 13. Some can’t be corrected, nor instructed - it is because most of us are not broken. Let us wake up from our sleep and start this journey again so that we will be able to leave behind followers of Christ who will continue the race after we have gone in good old age in Jesus name. We can do it and by God’s grace, we will make disciples of nations - our children, cousins, in-laws, neighbours, colleagues and friends. Pastor ‘Layo Afuape Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God Great Beauty Tabernacle Catford, London.
10
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
A CALL TO SERVE
have what it takes to be here …’ The challenge is we’d get frustrated at some point especially if the expectations and the purpose to which we’re serving are not met. To the extent that some of us could leave the Church because we’re not assigned a leadership role. What I call ‘Career-Progression-Approach’ to Service. We need to understand that the employment progression in God’s kingdom is not measured in this pattern. In fact one might be called for same assignment from day 1 till his last breath. Category 3: Those who serve with genuine heart. Sincerely, only ‘The Employer’ knows those in this category. They’re called faithful servants. They’re not bothered about rendering ‘eye service’. They’re not moved by the Pastor’s promotions. This is because they’ve come to a higher understanding of who their ‘employer’ is – The Head of the Church HIMSELF – Christ.
When it comes to serving God in our local assembly, fellowship or group, I’ve come to identify 3 Categories of us. And of course one may disagree with my research methodology however I still think we all fall into one of these categories.
Again we must remind ourselves that ‘being in a department’ is not the same as ’serving in a department’. Though some feel they don’t have to belong to any department in order to serve I believe there’s so much synergy in united efforts.
Category 1: Those who don’t belong to any service group. Someone once told me ‘but I can serve without joining any department…so why do I need to join one…between God is gracious whether I serve or not…and am not up for religion. So I go to Church listen to the sermon, worship, pay my tithe and offering… God is blessing me anyways….and that’s it’. Well thinking this way, we’ve neglected the power of synergy. Just imagine the size of a sugar cube with that of a single ant. By itself the ant would never be able to move the sugar cube. A group of ants certainly would move it to the desired destination. The realization of their goal is due to teamwork.
No one else can sing your song. No one else can decorate the sanctuary the way you do. No one can teach the children like you do…You’re so gifted! And lives depend on these things. That sister’s heart was about to be healed if only you’d serve. That brother’s need could have been met if only you’d serve. We may not appreciate the importance of our service to the Body of Christ until we see ‘The Great Employer’ face to face when He’ll be giving out rewards. May we serve faithfully and may we not miss our rewards. May our strength be renewed in Christ. Ref: Colossians 3:23-24, Colossians 3:23, 1 Timothy 1:12, Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Matthew 20:1-24:51
Category 2: Those of us who serve with impure motive. Reason for serving could be ‘I want to be noticed. Pastor needs to know I
Joshua Tosh - a Worship leader, Song writer, Music producer, Speaker, Mentor and a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, currently serves as the Youth Pastor at RCCG Open Heavens Christian Centre. He organises an annual Worship event called PUSH! – Praise Until Something Happens. He’s happily married with children. www.joshuatosh.com
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
11
DEPRESSION AND LONELINESS.
Continued from page 5
HOW DO THEY AFFECT LOVING AND BEING LOVED?
3) You’re depressed, and you’re attracted to someone. How honest should you be about depression being part of your life? Will someone who you meet hear, “I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder,” or, “Every winter I have a really hard time. It’s called seasonal affective disorder,” and run away? That can be a fear, given the prejudice that many are fighting, but still exists against mental illnesses in our culture. That prejudice builds the fear of rejection. And yet, how much of “not telling” reflects your own personal shame or struggle with experiencing it? I don’t like that I have panic attacks. They’re embarrassing when they happen. I’m a lot better than I used to be, but panic can still cut me off at the knees. Their presence in my life doesn’t make me unlovable. Or less valuable. Nor does depression. If someone had irritable bowel syndrome, or diabetes, or migraines, you’d want to know. That’s part of loving them. You’d want to help them cope with the frustration of a chronic illness. Not telling, not sharing who you really are, and what you cope with in your life, seems far more damaging than honesty. If your depression can be severe at times, it will be apparent anyway, unless you try (and succeed very well) at keeping it hidden — what I’ve termed Perfectly Hidden Depression. If someone is going to love you, they’re going to share your life. All of it. How and when you share that information is important. It’s not their responsibility to take your depression on, to love you so well that it goes away. That’s not their job, nor is it possible. Revealing yourself can be part of your own healing.
BeRenewed Ministries
R.C.C.G Glorious High Throne
PRESENT
Saturday,15th April 2017 5pm
JWL team
129A Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9BN
Designed and printed by shalomwales int’l 07806781603, myprints@shalomwales.com