August sept edition 2017

David’s Camp Magazine

issued in the UK

Showing the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6

Free | August/September 2017

Meet U.K’s finest multi-awards winning gospel Singer

PURIST OGBOI PAGE 6

CHILDREN SUFFERINGPAGE DEPRESSION 5

The Thief...

PAGE 2

PRAYER THAT MOVES MOUNTAIN PAGE 4

HEALTH TALK

10 Traits of a good lover from the ecstasy of SURRENDER! PAGE 8

PAGE 3

ON LADIES AND TROUSERS PAGE 10

THANKSGIVING, PRAISE & WORSHIP PAGE 12

ETHNIC CARDS CONCEPT GENIUSES

PAGE 9

Letter From THE

The Thief...

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees in John 10 when He made mention of ‘the thief’. He said,...” The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

(John 10:10) In other words, this figurative thief has 3 purposes which are to either steal, kill or destroy. As Bible students, we can wise up by recognising our number one enemy, the devil, often use thieves to steal precious things from our destinies. After stealing, his ultimate goal is to kill and destroy our existence.

To that end, we must watch and pray against every thief the devil is sending or might have sent our path in the journey of life. Let’s examine three of the numerous thieves the devil often employ against our destinies: 1. Sorrow is a thief. It’s major aim is to steal your joy. “A joyless life is a useless life.” Whatever it takes you, please don’t lose your joy.

Proverbs 17:22...”A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

From my few years of experience, I have learned what the devil need most to take from a man is his joy. When joy is out of a life, it becomes a dead soul walking. It doesn’t matter what life throws at you, be aware you’re still intact if you can keep your joy.

Immediately, you lose your joy, such soul becomes a playground for the devil and his cohorts.

In 2014, during a dark season of my life, one of the steps I practically took, though hard, was to stay on the side of joy. To help me do this, I was repeatedly listening to the message by Joel Osteen, “All Will be Well.” Oh! How that message helped me.

I listened again and again and made almost everyone that visited me to listen too. That way, our collective hope rose and it wasn’t all out sorrow but some glimpse of joy and hope. Instead of crying, we fellowshipped and stayed positive, refusing to let my joy slip away.

Talking from experience, it doesn’t matter your situation, be it a loss of a loved one, sickness, terminal disease, or whatever, don’t let your joy slip from your grip.

Apostle Paul told his followers in chapter 4, verse 4 of Philippians, “Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!”

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EDITOR

Oluwole David

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.

2. Another terrible thief employed by the devil is Unforgiveness.

This thief knows that as long as you can’t forgive people that wronged you, God can NOT answer your prayers.

Luke 6:35-38...”But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Showing mercy and forgiveness are two of what Jesus was urging His followers to give, and they will be given back; in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Many have erroneously ascribe Luke 6:38 to giving money.

Please, when next you read, read from verse 35. Many of our prayers go unanswered, not because God has voice mail but our unforgiving spirit hinders God from hearing our prayers. The level of in-fighting, anger against each other and unforgiveness among brethren is so appalling, you’ll wonder sometimes if we are politicians or children of God. 3. Anger is a thief...”In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry...Ephesians 4:26; Ecclessiastes 7:9 Continued on page 2

Editor Olamide Ajayi

Contributing Writers Pastor YLayo Afuape Pastor Joshua Tosh Dr. Margaret Rutherford Eniola Israel Pastor Olamide Ajayi Oluwole David

Published by David’s Camp Limited, davidscamp.org@mail.com www.davidscamp.org

Designed and printed by shalomwales int’l 07806781603, myprints@shalomwales.com

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

- Rachael Eniola Israel

- A qualified public health practitioner

According to blood pressure UK, each year there are over 100,000 strokes in the UK. There are more than 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. Stroke is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide; in the UK it’s the 4th leading cause of death. In 2015 over 40,000 people died of stroke in the UK. The stroke-related cost to the NHS and social care is around £1.7billion in England annually.

What is Stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die. A stroke can affect the way your body works as well as how you think, feel and communicate.

Different types and Causes of stroke • Ischaemic Stroke • Haemorrhagic Stroke • Transient Ischaemic Attack Ischaemic Stroke Ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, accounting for around 85% of strokes. This type of stroke is caused by blockages or narrowing of the arteries that provide blood to the brain, resulting in ischemia - severely reduced blood flow are caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain.

Haemorrhagic Stroke Are caused by arteries in the brain either leaking blood or bursting open. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them. Blood vessels can burst or spill blood in the middle of the brain or near the surface of the brain, sending blood into the space between the brain and the skull.

Transient Ischaemic attack or TIA It’s also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except

The Thief...

HEALTH TALK Topic:

Stroke Overview that the symptoms last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary.

Signs and Symptoms • Confusion, including trouble with speaking and understanding • Headache, possibly with altered consciousness or vomiting • Numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body • Trouble with seeing, in one or both eyes • Trouble with walking, including dizziness and lack of co-ordination.

F – Facial weakness A – Arm weakness S – Speech problems T – Time to call 999 (Medical Emergency) Risk Factors of Stroke 1. Raised Blood Pressure (Hypertension) 2 .Unhealthy Diets 3. Irregular Exercises 4. Smoking 5 .Alcohol Factors we cannot Control 1. Genetics 2. Age 3. Ethnicity Treatment and Management See your Doctor

Continued from page 1

One day, anger was rising within me against my wife for right reasons, then almost immediately, the Holy Spirit told me this: “Anger in itself is not a problem nor a sin. It’s not a totally bad idea to be angry for a just cause but when anger begins to take permanent residence in your soul, it turns you to a fool according to the Bible in Ecclesiastes 7:9...”Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.’”

Many marriages have ended in divorce, homes broken, opportunities lost, career destroyed, lives ruined, ministries in tatters because someone can’t control his anger, having allowed anger to lodge permanently in his soul.

My question to you is, ‘Would you allow the thief to steal precious things from you?’ The thief can even steal making it to heaven from you. May God help you.

I sincerely pray from the bottom of my heart for you and myself, the thief will no more have his way in our lives in the name of Jesus.

Every thief stealing precious things of life from you and I are banished right now.

In this summer edition of the magazine, you can be rest assured to be blessed again by the soul-lifting articles of our columnists. You’ll also read our interview with the vibrant, finest, UK multi-awards winning gospel Singer, Purist Ogboi. Fantastic vessel of God in this generation. We have a special section featuring the geniuses behind the fast-growing New Concept in Greetings Cards! You are set up for a life-changing season.

Every blessing Oluwole David Editor-in-Chief David’s Camp Magazine

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The

PRAYER that moves mountains!

- BY PASTOR LAYO AFUAPE Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God Great Beauty Tabernacle Catford, London.

Prayer is a powerful spiritual force and something that God wants His people to do always. Prayer is as important in your life as air is to your survival. It is talking to God and allowing God to talk to you - it is not a one way process. You need to rely on the Holy Spirit to help you pray always as God desires (Luke 18:1). How would you feel if you have a friend who does not talk to you at all? Would you call the person a friend? Likewise with our Lord, the evidence of the friendship is that there is a burning desire to talk to Him about everything in your life.

There are some Christians that find it so easy to talk about their problems with friends who do not even share the same faith with them than talk to their God - no wonder it seems many are making mistakes about their marriages, career, children, etc.

“Prayer is not a hard requirement - it is the natural duty of a creature to its creator, the simplest homage that human need can pay to divine liberality”. _ Charles Spurgeon Do you find it so easy to talk about television programmes, current movies, latest hair style, cars and fashion, but struggle to lift up your hands in prayers about your life?

Do you talk more on the phone about other people rather than taking those issues to God in prayers? Do you murmur and grumble about things happening in your country rather than calling on God for intervention?

These are indicators that we are giving satan grounds to attack. We need to rise up and pray that we will begin to see the changes we so desire in every area of our 4

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lives and nation. Let us learn to pray without ceasing until we see results - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 & Job 14:14.

“To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience, an experience that people may miss if they monopolise the conversation and never pause to hear God’s responses” - Charles Stanley.

Some of us will pray for hours and not wait for one minute to hear from God. Some of us like to attend prayer sessions without learning with the help of the Holy Spirit to train your spirit man to know when God is speaking to you. Let us stop jumping from one church to the other, let us rather learn to trust in God, hope in God and believe that He will make all things beautiful in His own time. Let us learn to be prayerful according to His will.

As a believer in Christ Jesus, you need to learn and take all concerns to God in prayer - Ephesians 5:18. Don’t allow anything or situation to take you away from God’s presence. I am certain it would have been a different lesson we might be learning from Acts 16 when Paul and Silas were in prison if they had kept quiet in sorrow. Instead, in their pains and uncertainties, they lifted up their hands to praise God and heaven responded. Let us also learn from Moses when he and the Israelites got to the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s chariots were behind them, there was no way to go in front and they could not turn back either - the Isralites started to grumble but Moses lifted up his voice to God Almighty for assistance. God heard his cry. I pray, as you lift up those concerns unto God, He will hear your cry in Jesus name.

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God is waiting to hear your voice. Prayer is the key to your solution - Matthew 7:7.

The Church in Acts 12:5-11 prayed to God Almighty for Peter to be released from prison, God heard their cries and Peter was released miraculously. When Dorcas died in Acts chapter 9, Peter prayed to God Almighty and the dead came back to live. The tears of the people of Joppa was wiped away. I pray that as you begin to call unto God Almighty, your tears will be wiped away in Jesus name.

When the Apostles were being persecuted and felt discouraged in Acts chapter 4, they used prayer as a key to connect to heaven for God Almighty to give them boldness and strength to fulfil their purpose - preaching of the gospel backed with demonstration of the power of God; God heard their prayers and their circumstances changed from bad to good, from fear to boldness, from prison to liberty and from limitation to enlargement. Beloved, rise up and take your burdens to God in prayers. Do not give up, do not relent, do not stop praying, do not withdraw for you do not know the hour God will arise on your behalf. Do not turn to gods that have eyes but cannot see. You will not miss your moment of breakthrough in Jesus name.

God desires to change your circumstances from story to glory, from mess to a message and from trial to triumph. Why not pray to God and He will give you a testimony. Hannah did not stop going to Shiloh which can be likened to our present day Church, she kept going until God turned to her and gave her a miracle. Do not stop calling unto God for that miracle to come, He will do it but you need to learn to keep asking until your Continued on page 8

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

CHILDREN SUFFERING DEPRESSION!!!

MENTAL HEALTH

“HAVE YOU EXAMINED YOUR CHILD? .”

BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD

I recently watched “13 Reasons Why,” a Netflix series depicting a young increasingly depressed teenage girl losing the fight with her will to live.

It’s based on the book by the same name.

She dies a horrible death, by suicide.

The same day she died, the character, Hannah Baker, sent out tapes previously made to the thirteen people she believed lied to her, bullied her, manipulated and abused her, ignored her, or simply disappointed her. How those kids handle her message is both fascinating and haunting to watch. Whatever you walk away believing about her, her friends, her family or her school, the show makes the point that kids with depression are walking around in plain sight.

But we have to be aware. We have to look underneath what may seem to be true.

I’ve read some of the accolades, as well as the criticisms of the show. “It’s romanticizing suicide.” “Most of the adults in the show seem out of touch.” “It didn’t talk about depression.” “Thank God someone is talking about how bullying can have such scathing and traumatic results.” “For the executive producer, Selena Gomez, it was a passion project. It’s meant to be real.”

Three themes were the most powerful for me. First was the theme of secrecy versus lack of privacy. Teenagers keeping secrets from teachers, parents, each other. But all of that in the context of rumor and gossip being fueled by the insidious use of social media to hurt and create scandal — the potential of all your peers seeing and knowing instantaneously your very private moments. The second theme is that of the continued sexualization of young girls, which can end horribly in rape or sexual assault, made more likely by social pressure, heavy use of alcohol and drugs. The third — how tragic it can be when someone doesn’t let others know that their will to live is slipping —

that they feel overwhelmed with hopelessness and are disengaged from the impact their death might have on those who love them. They may even justify to themselves that their suicide would create welcome relief.

The characters in the show might be exaggerations. Certainly not every kid’s experience of high school is quite this painful. But it’s hard for many.

We’ve got to wake up. Depression is increasing in our children. A recent study, using 100,000 kids aged 10 to 17 who were self-reporting via computer, found that by the age of 17, 13.6 % of boys had experienced depression, and a whopping 36.1 % of girls. That’s one in three girls.

Michael Yapko, an internationally known expert on depression states: “While we have known for many years there is a gender gap in depression, this study indicates the divergent rates for depression in boys and girls begin even earlier than previously understood. The gap is already sizeable by age 12.”

“These data add to the key arguments I’ve been making for years. First, when I wrote Depression is Contagious and Hand-MeDown Blues and pointed to the social and inter generational risk factors for depression, I heavily emphasized the need to move away from drugging people, especially kids, and paying closer attention to the social and cultural factors predisposing people of all ages, but especially young people, to depression. Identifying and addressing these risk factors hold the key to my second key point: Prevention is better than “mop-up.” By the time kids become depressed, the risk factors had already been in place and then gradually gave rise to a first onset depression.”

I recommend watching “13 Reasons Why” with your teens. (They may have already read the book or watched the show by the way.) You have to assess whether or not

they’re mature enough. There is a lot of violence and of course, the audience sees Hannah’s death. So it’s difficult to watch.

But it can be used as a way of discussing your child’s world. What from the story fits for them. What doesn’t fit. Listen to their reaction.

My 22 year-old son said something the other day. “You know Mom, when you were growing up, people called each other. You might not drop by someone’s house, but you called them first. It would have seemed weird to just show up on their front porch. That’s the way my generation feels about calling. We think that’s way more intrusive than texting. So we text.”

I hadn’t thought of it from his perspective. I wonder how much more I don’t get, not because I’m not interested but because I’ve underestimated how different our perspectives could be.

If shows like “13 Reasons Why” can help us understand our children’s world, to stop trying to understand it using our own generation’s norms, perhaps we can better help them get through what can be a trying time.

When you’ve sat in the room with someone whose child has died, the pain is so deep, it’s hard to breathe. When it’s suicide, the questioning is relentless and endless.

Maybe it’s too late for them.

It’s not too late for you and the kids you love. Here are ten things you can do – today.

1. If depression runs in your family, talk to your kids about the symptoms and tell them it’s okay to talk about it.

2. If you’ve struggled with depression, get appropriate treatment yourself. Show them that there is no shame in asking for help when your mind is foggy or your Continued on page 11 David’s Camp Magazine

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» Star Influence of our Time

Who is Purist Ogboi? What’s your background?

By the grace of God, I am a Singer, Song writer, Gospel Recording Artist, Praise/Worship leader. A graduate from BIMM Tech Music Schools London, where I studied Vocals and Music Performance. I currently serve at RCCG Living Faith Connections London.

I was born in Lagos state Nigeria. I’m the first amongst six children. My parents are pastors and they lead a thriving church back in Delta state Nigeria.

I moved to the United Kingdom in 2010, Grateful to God for the journey so far.

How do you get into music?

I was raised in a godly and lovely home and as a PK it was natural to be in God’s house which was where Music started for me really.

By the time I was studying at the University Of Benin, I joined RCF, the campus fellowship of RCCG and served for years in the music department.

To you, what’s an inspiration? How do you get inspiration to write songs you minister?

Hnmmm... The Holy Sprit is my inspiration. I received songs in my dreams, I also write by His leading out of personal life experiences. Most of the time I receive songs in church and all of the time, I quickly record them on my phone not to loose the idea and then later develop them into complete songs.

To date, how many songs have you written? How many albums have you released?

By His grace I currently have 2. I released my debut EP titled “I need You” in 2013 and then my recent album “The Encounter” 6

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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

was released in August 2016.

How many awards have you won? Can you name them please?

Ooo.... To the glory of God, I have won two awards. These are “The Premier Gospel Awards” for the “Best New Commer UK” and “The African Gospel Music Awards” for the “Discovery Artiste of Excellence UK.” How does it feel to be married to the highly-respected and anointed musician, singer, instrumentalist and music producer, Evans Ogboi?

I feel blessed really. I believe it’s destiny.

What are your musical plans for the future, what goals have you set for yourself?

Hnmm.... I’ve got some amazing plans but God’s plans are far better. I guess I’m more expectant and excited about what God is set to do with me. He’s the God of exceedingly abundantly, far above what we can ever ask or think so the future in full of incredible things.

From your experience, what makes a complete gospel artiste?

Well, just as the description “Gospel Artiste”, a gospel artiste is incomplete without a vital relationship with Jesus Christ Himself.

‘The Word’,

What piece of advice do you have for those upcoming gospel artistes who want to follow in your footsteps?

Well, I would say, build a SOLID relationship with the Holy Spirit. Pray without ceasing, study the Word, live a life of worship, sharpen your skills, invest in knowledge, research, network, get responsible mentors and never be afraid to step out when God gives you an instruction.

Your final word to people all over the globe that follow your ministry.

I want to say a BIG Thank You for all your love and support over the years.

Please, keep up the good work. Our world needs true Worshipers now more than ever to manifest the power of Jesus Christ. Now is not the time to be distracted or divided. It’s time for us to be more kingdom minded and ensure that the will of the father is done on earth. I encourage everyone to take their place within the sphere of the calling of God and manifest His glory.

May God keep us all in His love in Jesus name.

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Marriage

Surrender

10 TRAITS OF A GOOD LOVER FROM THE ECSTASY OF

A key aspect of sexual power is emotional intimacy, an instinctive desire to bond to a lover, to feel comfort, to be known. This makes the difference between pure physical sex and lovemaking.

Emotional intimacy comes from affection, from sharing feelings, from being vulnerable. By caring, you reinforce each other’s attractiveness and make each other feel special. As friends and lovers, you are fundamentally there for each other which creates trust. You see each other as real people, the good and the bad, not some idealized version. When conflict, anger, or hurt feelings arise, you’re committed to working through them.

What makes a good lover? There’s an electric chemistry between couples that is unique to them. Smell, voice, touch, and kissing style all figure in. Technical skills and good hygiene are also important. But beyond these, here are some characteristics to look for.

10 Traits of a Good Lover from The Ecstasy of Surrender 1. You’re a willing learner 2. You’re playful and passionate 3. You make your partner feel sexy 4. You’re confident, not afraid to be vulnerable 5. You’re adventurous and willing to experiment 6. You communicate your needs and listen to your partner 7. You make time and don’t rush

RELATIONSHIP

8. You enjoy giving pleasure as much as you enjoy receiving it 9. You’re supportive, not judgmental 10. You’re fully present in the moment with good eye contact and can let go What stops us from being good lovers?

Frequently, it’s time constraints, self-centeredness, inhibitions, and lack of technique. Also, our minds won’t shut off which keeps us from being in the moment. Further, many of us resist surrendering to how sexy we really are. Why? We haven’t learned to see ourselves as sexy. We’ve been brainwashed by the “skinny ideal.”

Also, sex is frequently viewed more as a performance feat than a holy exchange. Growing up, most of us haven’t been given the right kind of education about what true sexiness is. If only we’d been taught that sexuality is a healthy, natural part of us that we must embody in a mindful, loving way–not something “dirty” or something to be ashamed of. We learn that the words vagina and penis embarrass people. Except between lovers, they are rarely ever part of our vocabulary. We are a culture that embraces shame, only there is nothing to be ashamed of!

THE PRAYER THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS

Continued from page 4

joy is full. Others might be laughing at you, ignore them as Hannah ignored Penninah in chapter one of 1st Samuel. God will clothe you with the garment and spirit of prayer in Jesus name.

Be careful the gathering you go to pray as this is the perilous time when we have so many false prophets and pastors. Do not be too anxious that you ignore praying to God and start chasing after miracles. I am not saying you do not attend events but be very careful where you go and make sure you do not replace your prayer life with miracle gatherings. You pray not only for signs and wonders, you need to pray for strength and boldness not to compromise your faith as the Apostles did. Pray to raise disciples for Christ, pray that the body of Christ become stronger, pray that you and your household will serve the Lord, pray that God blesses you and your siblings, pray for long life with sound health, pray for faithful and loyal helpers, pray for divine guidance and protection, pray to be a vessel unto honour, pray to be outstanding in all you do, pray for discernment so you won’t fall into the hands of deceivers and satanic agents.

You need to intercede for your family. The son of a couple woke up one day paralysed, the doctors could not help, they turned to prayer and the devil lost the battle - the son was delivered and started to walk. They used prayer as the key to connect their son to God’s power that heals. You can too!

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Stand in the gap for your land that it will be well with you. What are your prayer points centred upon each time you pray? On yourself and family only? Do you remember your pastor and his/her family or you just gossip about them? Do you remember to pray for all leaders in the body of Christ and in politics or you just criticise them? Do you remember to pray for the teachers of your children, your siblings, parents, colleagues, and organisation you work for?

What are on your prayer list - selfish or selfless concerns? Let us learn to use prayer to bring changes to our land and lives. In Jonah chapter 3, the king of Nineveh proclaimed a fast and prayed unto God not to destroy them as warned, God heard their cries - “ And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and he did it not.” Jonah 3:10 You can use prayer for your home to be restored, for your health to be restored, and for the joy of your salvation to be restored. Let us arise and begin to lift up holy hands in prayers as in the time of the Apostles, John Knox, and the likes. Let us use prayer to birth changes in our land, lives and others. Elijah did it in his own time, Elisha did it in his own time too, what are we waiting for, let us begin to make changes through prayers in our own time. Prayer is the key - Jeremiah 33:3.

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

“MEET THE GENIUSES

BEHIND THE FAST-GROWING NEW CONCEPT IN GREETINGS CARDS!” passion of mine and I have been privileged to head some Church choirs over the years and right now, I lead one of the Women’s Groups in Kings Church, a multi-cultural place of worship in Catford, London.

Grace: our ‘last Card’ Gbenga oversees our Nigerian Operations and is a seasoned Sales professional with over 17 years’ managerial and consumer/customer handling experience. He holds a first degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from the University of Lagos.

1) Shall we start by meeting the geniuses behind the Ethnic Cards concept? What are your backgrounds please?

Our names are Olanrewaju Olujitan and Grace Bisi Adisa respectively. We are from a family of 4 siblings and our other siblings are Helen Tope Adeniyi and Gbenga Olujitan.

This is a sibling Venture and our Company is called Creative Zone Limited.

Lanre: Apart from being a Director of Creative Zone, I am also the CEO of Richalmond Corporate Ventures Limited, Nigeria and have held various senior management positions in Finbank Plc (now merged with FCMB), Platinum Bank (now Bank PHB) and Diamond Bank.

Education-wise, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, from the University of Ibadan, an MBA from the Lagos State University, and a certificate in Consumer credit from the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. I am an ordained Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), I am married to Aderinsola and we live in Ireland with our four children.

Grace: I am the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Zone Ltd. After graduating from the University of Ibadan as an Agronomist in 1994, I worked for TechnoServe an American NGO in Lagos till I travelled to the United Kingdom in year 2000 to embark on my Master’s degree program in Economics from Imperial College. I also hold 2 Diplomas; one from the University of London, and the other from International Labour Organisation (ILO) in SME Development. I am married and blessed with three beautiful daughters. Gospel singing is a great

2) Why greetings cards? What brought about the concept of the cards?

It’s always been our collective dream to be self-employed, albeit in a unique industry. The greeting card business presents an opportunity to explore our creative skills and also utilize the collective experiences we have garnered over the past two decades in diverse industries, into running the business. We are also proud to be the pioneers of unique and bespoke Greeting cards in so many languages of the world. What we are providing is a niche service and we hope that people will tap into the emotional connection of cards in their native languages, particularly people domiciled outside their countries of birth.

3) In this age of technology when everything is going digital, how do you aim to keep people interested in using the cards?

We are presenting our customers with the option of not just the usual printed cards, but also animations and cards delivered via E-mail, as part of our product offerings. By the way, we also offer matching wrapping papers and Gift bags, so the ‘whole package’!

We intend to stay ahead of competition by being consistently innovative and creative.

4) Any plan to go digital with the cards? What are your plans for those who want the cards overseas knowing the cost of postage can be high?

We have already gone Digital! Like we explained above, we have both Animated and electronic cards. One of our slogans is … ‘providing a home-away-fromhome service’, therefore we are in partnership with Royal Mail to ensure that our postal costs are actually lower than the standard Post Office prices. This means it is not expensive to purchase and post these cards to loved ones anywhere they are in the world!

We also have ongoing plans to make our products available via a Mobile Application.

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ON LADIES AND TROUSERS The issue of “a woman wearing trousers is a sin” is one of the most controversial topics within the Christiandom.

Biblically it is not a sin but if it will offend a soul and make such to hate and reject the gospel you are about to share, with you knowing such a person’s dispositions before then on morals and dressings, then it becomes a sin.

1 Corinthians 8:9-12...”Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”(NIV) Many denominations preach against and forbid wearing of trousers by ladies using Deuteronomy 22:5...”A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.”

Almost everyone who has heard or read this verse in the bible as one of the Mosaic laws believe that a lady who wears trousers is a sinner because she disobeys the scripture.

How is it not a sin scripturally?

1. Garments of animal skin were introduced by God after the fall of Adam and Eve because their eyes were opened and they felt ashamed because they were naked. Then no specific designs Genesis 3:7, 21...

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”

The Usefulness/Aims of Garments • To cover our nakedness • For beauty & glory...In Exodus 28:2, God instructed: “Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honour.

•

The garments worn in the bible era were robes - 1 Samuel 18:4...”And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.”

Skirts In Psalm 133:2, we were exposed to the use of skirts by men, even by the priest of God. It says, “It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.”

We were even told God wore skirt too in Ezekiel 16:8...”Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God , and thou becamest mine.”

And Undergarments - Exodus 28:42...”And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach.”

NO TROUSERS WAS MENTIONED AT ALL IN THE BIBLE! There was never a mention of trousers in the entire Bible but

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the differences between male and female dressings then were: women’s skirts were always longer in length than that of men.

Men usually wear short skirts like that of Roman soldiers as usually portrayed in epic movies except they are Royals.

Women usually wear veils, head coverings and heavy jewelries to identify them as women unlike men. See Isaiah 3:16-26 There were occasional cross-dressers during those times aiming to cause confusion and disguise as the opposite gender maybe for promiscuity (fornication/adultery or homosexualism which God hates).

Remember we, as Christians under God’s Grace are no longer bound by Mosaic laws but our clothings should not be too tight and revealing that even when our body is covered yet one will still be seen as being naked. Such won’t give Glory to God. If as a lady you decide to wearing trousers, put on a top that is long enough to reach beyond your buttocks such that if you bend over, your bare back and panty line will not be revealed.

As a born-again Christian lady going for evangelism, put on a good skirt/gown to avoid controversies on dressing or being mistaken for someone looking for a date. Dress moderately and cover your nakedness.

Wearing or not wearing trousers doesn’t make you less or greater before God. Just ensure your dressing doesn’t make someone else to fall or lust after your body because of it.

Please, as vessels in the hand of the Most High God, according to Philippians 4:5...”Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

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How many languages do you plan to use in the cards?

The initial roll out is already in 10 languages, which are: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Jamaican (Patois), Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Ghanaian (Twi), and Pidgin. We also plan to introduce Swahili, German and Irish (Gaeilge) in the not too distant future.

6) For those planning to patronize ethnic cards, what should they be expecting in terms of quality and durability? What’s your pledge please?

For our esteemed customers around the globe, we pledge good quality innovative products/packaging, swift delivery and excellent customer and after-sales service.

7) What are your contact details?

The International website detail is: www.myethniccards.com, the Nigerian domain is www.myethniccards.com.ng; and our email address is: info@myethniccards.com.

THANK YOU.

“HAVE YOU EXAMINED YOUR CHILD? .” emotions not under your control. Kids imitate how their parents act. My adult patients tell me that if their mother’s or father’s mental illness was explained to them — and they were told it wasn’t their fault — that they did fine. It’s when it’s not talked about, or pushed “under the rug,” that kids are left to come to their own conclusion. And that usually means believing that mom “went away” because of something they did.

3. Realize that you teach your child to think and act in a depressed fashion if you do. If you avoid conflict, if you isolate and don’t stay connected with others, if you must do everything perfectly and shame yourself when you make a mistake, they are watching. IF you feel horribly guilty for things that have nothing to do with you, if you give up trying when things get hard, they are listening.

4. Talk about, when your children have grown old enough to understand, your own vulnerabilities. They’ll be much more likely to realize that everyone has their strengths, and those pesky vulnerabilities.

5. Educate yourself about your child’s friends. Realize those

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friends are having a tremendous influence on your child.

6.. If your child’s behavior changes, if he or she begins to not care about things they used to, or loses ground in school, pay attention. It might be something situational. It also might be depression.

7. Realize that not all depression looks like classic depression.

What I’ve termed Perfectly Hidden Depression can be a part of a kid’s life as well, especially with kids who are highly driven.

8. Get off your phone. Put down your IPad. Don’t allow texting during dinner. Engage, engage, engage with your kids. Go on device-free outings or even vacations. (Yes, that means you too…)

9.. Know their teachers and get involved as you can with the school. They live in that environment for hours each day.

10. Occasionally and with their knowledge, read their texts and check out Snap Chat. There is going to be some normal ranting going on about mothers being mean or dads being hopeless.

That’s normal. But look for shaming or manipulating around issues of privacy, sex or drugs.

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THANKSGIVING Praise & Worship (In Singing Context. Beyond tempo) When I ask people to differentiate between Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship, I get responses like ‘Praise and thanksgiving are fast songs and worship is the slow part’ or some say ‘I’m good with praise songs but not that good with worship’. These non-musical answers are driven by culture rather than the scripture. So let’s talk about it.

From a musician’s view-point, although tempo, i.e. the speed at which a passage of music is played/sung is a key attribute of music, however there are other attributes that far better define a song. Say for example, you have two songs of same tempo, it doesn’t mean they’d have similar soul, texture, feel, emotion, scale, lyrics, purpose etc. So now we know tempo by itself is not enough. In our own scope, we could have 2 slow songs but different purpose. Praise could be slow. Thanksgiving songs could be slower!

So how should we define Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship? It is the lyrics. The message behind the tune.

Thanksgiving is an expression of saying ‘thank you’ to someone who has done something for us. It is a form of appreciation. I can say ‘thank you for reading this article’ or ‘thank you for the gift’. In other words, an exchange or expectation of goodwill precedes thanksgiving. For example, ‘thank you Jesus for the salvation of my soul’ or I can even express thanksgiving on your behalf.

For instance, I thank God for His mercies, protection and preservation over your life. I also thank God for that miracle you are about to experience in your life!

Practically, in our servich es we could have ONLY os T a thanksgiving, praise or hu s worship session throughJo out! Or we may have the three together! When you read Psalm 145, you’d notice the psalmist had a mix of all three expressions integrated within a psalm. You see God is interested in the three expressions, irrespective of the tempo in which they are articulated.

You can have a session of worship expressed in both slow and fast tempos. I could also sing ‘Thank you, thank you Lord. Thank you Lord for everything you have done’ that’s a thanksgiving song in slow tempo! Or ‘Immortal God invisible God, Immortal God how great thou art!’ a fast song but worship by lyrics.

In conclusion, we are expected to give all forms of expression in line with the word of God. What matters to God is not the tempo. It’s the heart from which they come from.

Quote of the Edition

“Weak people revenge; strong people forgive; intelligent people ignore.”

What is Praise? Although sometimes intertwines with thanksgiving, praise is more of an expression of commendation or applaud. When a student finishes his/her degree with a distinction, we praise them. ‘You’ve done well!’ ‘Well-done!’ In our own scenario, I praise God for His wonderful works. The creation of this planet. I praise Him for His mighty deeds! Many times we find a connection between praise and thanksgiving.

Worship is an expression of reverence. It’s the deepest of the three. It is also a place of surrender. When we sing ‘Jehovah, you are the most high! You are the most-High GOD!’ we’re singing a worship song. In fact this example of a Nigerian popular chorus is often sung in fast danceable tempo, however the lyrics is an expression of God’s greatness. So Worship expresses the awesomeness of God. His Holiness. His Power. His Majesty…

Not because of what He’s done for us, but for Who HE is! He is GOD all by Himself!

Ref: Ps. 9:1, Ps. 145, Ps. 107:8-9, Jer. 30:19, Neh. 12:46, Ezra 3:11, Lk. 4:8

…next time by His grace, we’ll be looking into the importance of dancing, lifting of hands, kneeling, bowing of head etc...

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 tagged PUSH! – Praise Until Something Happens.

He’s happily married with children. Joshua Tosh