Davids Camp magazine

David’s Camp Magazine

issued in the UK

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

Free July/Aug 2019

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (DIABETES) PAGE3

GET RID OF THE MOURNERS PAGE 2

MENTAL HEALTH

VULNERABILITY IS A GIFT YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF

PAGE 10

WHEN I COME, WILL I FIND FAITH? PAGE 4

Wole

Artiste, Worship Leader, Music Director, teacher of the Word..........Meet

Awolola

PAGE 6

QUIZ PAGE 5

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

PAGE 9

Letter From THE

EDITOR

David 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.

GET RID

of the Mourners When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So, Jesus went with him...

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. AFTER HE PUT THEM ALL OUT, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around.

ishly got rid of the mourners.

Proverbs 21:9 says it is “better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” It is better to be alone than have too many people around you that crush your soul, even though they meant well.

What happens when you get rid of the Mourners…?

• God will dry your tears.Revelations 21:4… “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”There is time to entertain mourners and there is time to excuse yourself.

God will not step in to dry your tears as long as you still wallow in your sorrow and enjoy self-pity even with genuine intentions. What amazes me most in the text above is how so swiftly the mourners in Jarius house switched to laughing when Jesus told them the girl was not dead. Does that mean their tears were those of crocodile’s?

Friends, wise up! Not all those who have come to sympathize with you are genuine. Some, in their innermost hearts are making mockery of you Continued on page 12

A little over 5 years ago, I went through a loss and all sorts of people came to sympathize with me but within me they don’t know how much I didn’t enjoy those sorrowful moments of throwing pityparty. I so much dislike self-pity. I didn’t like the sorry look.

Editors

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate their visits, and love. Moreover, it is normal in my culture to commemorate with someone mourning or someone who has experienced loss. Honestly, I was shown great love at that low moment of my life but I also, in the midst of that moment wanted to enjoy some form of quietness, privacy and just being alone to speak with God. Most times, I have told off my daughter not because of what she did wrong but because she’d start crying for not being pitied. I would be so crossed with her.

Contributing Writers

You can’t hear God clearly in the midst of so much noise and pandemonium. Elijah spoke about “the still small voice” in 1 Kings 19:12.

David’s Camp Limited, davidcampministry@yahoo.co.uk www.davidscamp.org

“You need to get rid of the wrong people to attract the right people.”

The reason you have bad friends is because you haven’t attracted good friends. There are good friends out there. Who says you must be friend to everybody? One good friend in your life is enough to help you reach your goal. Moreover, you have a Friend in Jesus.

If you don’t get rid of the mourners, you won’t be able to see clearly, think straight and have energy to relaunch. So, I politely, and styl2

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David Oluwole-David Bose Oluwole-David David Oluwole-David Dr. Margaret Rutherford Eniola Israel Pastor Layo Afuape Bose Oluwole-David

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

HEALTH TALK

HEALTH

- Rachael Eniola Israel

- A qualified public health practitioner

high blood sugar (diabetes) Diabetes mellitus is a long-term health condition which can be described as a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when human body is not able to produce enough of hormone insulin or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.

Three types of Diabetes • Type-1 Diabetes • Type-II Diabetes • Gestational Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes(also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus); People with this type of diabetes require insulin therapy to survive because the beta cell in their pancreas is damaged. Therefore, those people will need insulin injections to allow their body to process glucose and avoid complications from hyperglycaemia.

Type-II Diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is associated with insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.This type is often called “silent killer”.

Gestational Diabetes occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level and may have risks for developing type-II diabetes later in life.

Causesof type-II Diabetes mellitus Usually a combination of things causes type-II diabetes.

Diabetes develops when your body doesn’t use insulin as it should. Your pancreas makes hormone called insulin which is what lets your cells turn into glucose from the food you eat into energy. People with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their cells don’t use it as well as they should. That is why it is called insulin resistance.

Symptoms of type-II diabetes mellitus • Increased thirst and urination • Increased hunger • Fatigue • Weight loss • Areas of dark skin • Slow healing sores • Blurred vision

Risk factors Certain factors increase the risk including: • Gene • Race / Ethnicity • Age • Overweight or obesity • Sedentary lifestyle Complications of type-II diabetes mellitus Some of the potential complications of Diabetes includes: • Neuropathy • Nephropathy • Retinopathy • Heart and blood vessel disease • Skin disease Psoriasis, acne and eczema • Alzheimer ‘s disease. Mentaldeterioration that occurs at old age due to degeneration of Brian cells.

Management of type-II diabetes mellitus If you have been diagnosed to have Type-II diabetes, it can be managed through lifestyle which are as follows.

• Healthy diet • Regular Exercise - which helps the insulin work more effectively and reduces the risk of heart disease • Monitoring your blood glucose level • Stress reduction • Medication.

Treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus Diabetes type-II can be treated by two interventions which are, • Behaviour modification (lifestyle choices, healthy diet and exercise) • Pharmacological Intervention (medication)

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MINISTRY

WHEN I COME, WILL I FIND ?

-BY PASTOR ‘LAYO AFUAPE (PLA) Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Great Beauty Tabernacle, London.

J

esus Christ knows everything, as a result He asked the question above in Luke 18:8, knowing that a generation like ours will arise when some will no more desire to walk in the Spirit but to always desire, feed and act on the flesh.

The heart of God is for us to not only come to Him through our Lord Jesus Christ; but to begin to learn about Him and thirst to be more like Him as His ambassadors. God desires that His word renews our mind - Romans 12:1-2. Christianity means letting go of the mind you have before coming to Christ selfish mind, callous mind, cruel mind, thoughtless mind, inconsiderate mind, greedy mind, malicious mind, scornful mind, proud mind, arrogant, vengeful mind, ungrateful mind, uncontented mind, and so on.

Our God is full of love (1 John 4:8), God is compassionate (2 Cor 1:3 ), God is forgiving (Mathew 6:14-15), God is helpful (Hebrews 13:6), God is loyal and faithful to His word (Hebrews 13.5), God is not a liar (Numbers 23:19), and so on. So, if we are children of God indeed, we must have His mind, we must represent Him well wherever we go? We need to pray and intentionally ask for divine grace to manifest the mind of Christ regardless of what people throw at us?

I am using this medium to plead with everyone reading this magazine right now to please crucify the flesh. Can you even forgive when someone offends you? People will offend either intentionally or by mistake, but it does not mean you use the avenue to set your brother or sister up; or begin to speak evil of others.

Ephesians 4.29 says “Do not use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Ephesians 4:31 also encourages us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour.”

Some are leaving the church because of offence. Some are insulting elders in faith because of offence. Some are even leaving the faith because of offence. Our Lord has warned us that offence will come but says ‘woe’ to him who causes the offence. This scares me; hence I am quick to humble myself whenever I am aware someone feels offended by my action or speech - I will arrange a meeting to apologise. At least, do your path in all righteousness and leave the rest to God with a pure heart.

Let us bear with one another and no more feel comfortable lifting our hands before God when we have not forgiven that husband, wife, sibling, in-law, colleague, neighbour, fellow worker in Christ, etc - Matthew 5:23 - 25 “So, if you are presenting a sacrifice[h] at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Yes, it hurts when others might not be sensitive enough to our needs! Yes, it can be very distressing to be betrayed, rejected, isolated, lied against, etc.! I will still encourage us to take our pains to God for healing and strength. Let us be faithful to God in all circumstances.

Let us do all within our might with the help of the Holy Spirit, our Helper to seek peace and pursue it - Psalm 34:14. Why are we comfortable remaining angry at another child of God for so long?We have the same Father, “we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” 1 Cor 12.13.

Let us take our focus off people but unto God. Let our loyalty be towards God. Let us live in the fear of God to carry a consciousness of His presence. He sees us when we speak evil of others, God sees and hears everything. Joseph knew his God that even though no one was there when his master’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph was bold to declare that “...how could I do this wicked thing and sin against my God?” and ran away - Genesis 39:9. If Joseph was this faithful to God, then, we will do more by the grace of God. Are you faithful with your money? Are you faithful to God with your time? When last did you get excited going to church? When last have you prayed for God to touch you in a service? When last did you forgive others just for the love of Christ and not because the person deserved it? When last did you say something good about the body of Christ? When last did you effect changes in your department as a worker or at your local church? When last did you stand in God’s presence on behalf of His church? When last have you actually cried in God’s presence praying for Pastors, missionaries, etc. How faithful are you? How is your faith in Christ?

Are you faithful in your service with God? Have you allowed the signs of the end time to cloud your focus? Jesus has warned us in Matthew chapter 24 that many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Let us arise from the seat of unfaithfulness to unshakeable faithfulness to God Almighty. Let us arise from the seat of constant anger making us feel frustrated and not occupying for God to immovable fervency, zeal and commitment to God Almighty. Let us rise from the seat of folding our hands due to discouragement or worries of life to sharing the gospel for more souls to be won for 4

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

Quiz of the Edition

QUIZ

- BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID

1. Joseph interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the __________ of Pharaoh in the prison (a) Chef (b) Florist (c) Baker (d) Cook

people go (a) 7

2. God plagued Egypt with _______ plagues when Pharaoh would not let His (b)12 (c) 15 (d) 5

3. __________ was the harlot that helped the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho (a) Janet (b) Jezebel (c) Rahab (d) Moab

7.

Matthew 4:4… “It is written man shall not live by _______ alone” (a) Food (b) Cake (c) Manna (d) Bread 8.

Joseph was sold to the Midianites for ___________ (a) 20 pieces of silver (b) 30 pieces of silver (c) 5 pieces of silver (d) 40 pieces of silver 9.

Jacob cursed his son ____________ because he slept with one of his father’s wife (a) Judah (b) Tamar (c) Reuben (d) Manasseh 10.

Jacob laid his right hand on __________ and his left hand on _________, sons of Joseph (a) Ephraim, Judah (b) Manasseh, Ephraim (c) Jehoshaphat, Ephraim (d) Ephraim, Manasseh

4.

Jesus said He could rebuild the temple in_____ days if destroyed. (a) 12 (b)3 (c)15 (d)7 5.

Jemimah, Keziah and Keren-happuch were three daughters of ______ (a) Lot (b) Elisha (c) Job (d) Jeremiah 6.

Jonah spent ____ days and nights in the belly of the fish (a) 5 (b) 3 (c) 7 (d) 21

WHEN I COME, WILL I FIND FAITH?

Quote of the Edition “Never forget that compromise is not a dirty word. Life depends on compromise.”

Continued from page 4

God Almighty. Whilst we are folding our hands, Satan is being strategic recruiting more into His kingdom. Beloved, please let us be conscious of all these signs so we won’t fall victim in Jesus name.

Let us daily rely on the Holy Spirit to help us in this journey.

Let us be faithful to God. Let God’s desire be final in our lives.

Let us endure and bear with one another. Let us be watchful, faithful and prayerful that we will not fail nor our love for Christ fail in Jesus name - Romans 8:38-39.

Who are you faithful to? The way you react or respond to matters determines who you are faithful to. Let us arise above all carnality and satanic craftiness with the help of the Holy Spirit and by God’s grace that we all walk in unity in the body of Christ.

When Jesus comes today, will He find you faithful? In all, remain faithful to God regardless, He will rescue you, He will bless you, He will fight for you, He will heal those wounds, He will comfort you, He will connect you with timely helpers and settle you on every side in Jesus name. Amen. Rise and shine for Christ.

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» Star Influence

Wole of our Time

AWOLOLA

Artiste, Worship Leader, teacher of the Word

2.

1.

Shall we start by knowing your background, full names, family and your history please ?

My full name is Oyewole Noah Awolola. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria to Rev & Pastor (Mrs) Awolola (Oyewole means ‘nobility has come home’). As the second of five children and the first son, I was deeply involved in my Dad’s ministry from a very young age, singing in the Church choir and with my four siblings practically every day. I started learning to play the acoustic guitar at the age of ten but eventually settled for the bass guitar which I played alongside my dad on the keyboard and my younger brother on percussion on Sunday mornings. I much later became the choir director teaching and leading in songs.

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How did you get into music, and why gospel music, not secular music?

As previously stated, I was born into and grew up in a musical family -all five children and both parents sang, and still sing, apart from my brother who is now one of the best bass players around- and that formed the foundation for my music experience. In our family home, we sang and listened to mainly gospel music, as such, the gospel message got further entrenched in me than by just hearing it in sermons. The songs were mainly in the forms of Hymns and traditional gospel songs both in my native language of Yoruba. When I became an adolescent, I got exposed to secular songs in all forms of genre including RnB, Soul and Hip Hop and I took a genuine interest in the vocal dexterity and variations that I was not so exposed to in my earlier years. All these and more have culminated into what I am today.

It can only be gospel music for me as that is what I have been fed and keep feeding intensely on since I was born.

I did consider going secular but quickly found myself like a fish out of water -the deep conviction of the contents of the songs wasn’t there as they were not of personal experience for me. If I were to compose a love song right now, from a man to a woman, I would have good content as I have a lot of experience to draw from since I am deeply in love with the woman I married and now call wife. For me, I had gone far too deep in my walk

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

with God that, I was completely addicted and consumed with singing about Him. By the way, I did write and sing a love song to my wife on our wedding day, which I am happy to say made her cry!

3.

What are your musical achievements like albums produced, places music has taken you and concerts done?

To date, I have released a debut EP titled “Let Everything”’ and three singles; I have worked on many other projects, writing, producing and featuring for other artists such as Diana Hamilton, Mike Aremu, Isabella Ogo-Uzodikwe, Papa Richie, Daniel Idikaye, the KICC mass choir and a few others. One major highlight for me as a songwriter is to have written a song for a friend, who managed to get the American gospel singer, Jason Nelson, to sing and record it.

I have had the opportunity to hold two sessions of my annual worship concert, ‘Night of worship’ (NOW), I have ministered on TV programmes such as ‘the Sounds of Gospel’ alongside International Artistes such as Chevelle Franklyn, Noel Robinson, Sonni Badu, Mark and Beswick. I recorded a Christmas TV Ident for the then OH TV; I featured and even presented a couple of shows on Faith TV. In 2018, I had the honour of sharing the stage with the International American gospel Artiste, Todd Dulaney.

My music has taken me around the UK and the Republic of Ireland where I now have a strong fan base.

Can a gospel artiste/musician also do secular

and gigs?

4. music Yes, I believe so. If the artiste can balance well the gospel message of Jesus Christ with issues or matters around the world we experience as human beings without compromising their faith, beliefs or convictions, and that they do not go Bible-bashing or carry themselves as superior to others simply because of the same faith, then, absolutely yes! Where the water gets muddied is when the artiste, in the attempt to gain fame and fortune, starts going middle of the road by propagating messages that allude to and promote immorality, pride, sensual pleasures and carnality, as some secular artist do, who do not know God or worse still, choose not to know Him, and they -the gospel artiste- think God won’t mind.

Sure enough, God plants some believers in secular settings solely so they can be the light in that area. Those that work in secular settings are not excluded from the saving grace that God gives to all men, but how will they know or hear if there is not one to tell them. In the process of telling them, you cannot compromise your standing.

You must deliver excellently and professionally on your tasks such that you become indispensable, that, in itself will become a draw for them to want to know what this ‘thing’ is about you that just makes you different. A classic example is the person of Kim Burrell. She has an incredible mastery and skilful use of her voice that many popular secular RnB singers look to her for advice and even feature her on their projects.

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What drives you in life? What motivates you?

What gives you satisfaction?

Music -that is a given, I guess. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children; I teach different Church choirs preparing them for services and conferences.

I am motivated by other people’s success and the prospect of realising an idea/concept that came to me. To be honest, I’m not sure what gives me satisfaction, I cannot say it’s one thing in particular. The fact that anything and everything in life can be improved on makes me question whether I could have done better still. My approach is to celebrate and enjoy my current achievements whilst working towards even greater ones.

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Continued from page 7

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So far, how can you describe your walk with God? It’s better than it was; it needs to get even better. I want to so live supernaturally that I every time, recognise the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit.

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What are the experiences in your music journey that have left you with long-lasting memories?

I will mention just one that exemplifies what God does through my music and ministry.

I was once invited by a friend to exhort and lead people in worship at his worship service. Now, his event clashed with another appointment I had made much earlier in the month but he agreed for me to feature early at his so I could make it still to the other. On the day, when I arrived at the venue, I was surprised to find that they were nowhere near ready to start the program. I found my friend and reminded him of the agreed terms to which he replied he would still bring me in early so I could leave in time. Well, as the event eventually took off and progressed, all the other ministers that went before me went way over their allotted time so that when it was my turn, I had just a couple of minutes to work with. I must confess that I was so aggrieved that I decided to just sing a song or two and leave. When I mounted the stage and was passed the microphone, I went straight into the songs without any preamble greetings or exchange of pleasantries. As I approached the end of the first song, I felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit in the room and immediately decided to put the brakes on my plan. I felt led in a different direction to the second song I had planned to sing, and then preached a sermonette with a different song -I basically sang my message. I nevertheless still finished within the short time I had and left the stage immediately. I reached for my satchel and headed straight for the exit. As I went, I could hear a pair of feet scurrying behind me. When I got to the foyer, a voice called out to me, “minister, please stop!”. I turned to see a young lady following behind. I stopped and asked if everything was ok. She asked if I could pray with a friend of hers who was deeply touched by my ministration. I explained to her that I was in a hurry and really needed to leave. She begged that it would only take a couple of minutes. I couldn’t turn her down. She went back to the auditorium and brought her friend to meet me. When she came, I saw a beautiful, slim and tall young lady probably in her early twenties, with tears streaming down her cheeks and snot running down her nose. She was shaking so nervously that her friend had to embrace her for support.

I must confess when I saw her, I thought, “Oh Lord, what have I done!”.

Her friend went on to explain that my sermonette and presentation had directly addressed what turmoil she was going through at that moment in her life; I sang as if I knew all about it. She was in a desperate situation and desperately seeking help from God. For the second time that evening,

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Continued on page 11

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

RELATIONSHIP

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE I

When it comes to Marriage, do what works for you.................... ..............................................

When it comes to Marriage, do what works for you.................... ..................................

There is this man, a family friend who will openly tell people “I will discuss with my wife. I can’t take any decisions without her... Whatever both of us agree then I will abide by it.”

Both must agree on a property to buy before he pays for it.

They must agree on a vacation destination, on a car to buy and all sorts.

Even though the wife contributes little or nothing to most of these stuffs, they still abide by mutual decision making........

Mutual decision making is the bed rock of their successful marriage of 13 years and both are not ashamed to tell it......

have this neighbour. He’s a househusband while his wife is the bread winner. He’s the one that cooks, cleans the house, do the washing and all sorts while the wife makes all the money. He’s not ashamed to ask her, “sweetheart what will you have for dinner when you return?”

We often see him run out of his house to open the gate for his sweetheart and carry her handbag when she returns. The woman in return will “sweetheart him this and that” They have been married for over 15yrs and just like most couples they are relatively happy.

Years ago, I accompanied a colleague to meet an intending client. She has already told me the woman in question is a true African woman. She told me how this woman still kneels before her husband and wouldn’t stand until he tells her to do so.

On that day we went to visit, her husband was at home. She came to enquire what he would eat, and like my colleague had already told me, she knelt before him.

Just immediately, his phone rang, and he was on the phone for over 20mins and this lady knelt there until the man came to ask her to stand.

I later found out, she has the best things money can buy; the best cars, tours all over the world courtesy of her husband....

She still brags how her total submission is a means to her luxuriant lifestyle. Her husband is always bragging about how God blessed him with the bone of his bones,and he will do everything to make her happy.......

When it comes to Marriage, do what works for you ................... .........................................

I once lived with a sister before I got married. She’s been married for over 20yrs, and in all these years, she has never washed her own knickers or underwear, let alone her husband’s clothes. She has never cleaned her house; she has never driven herself. She doesn’t cook. If she ever cooks, it’s always small chops and finger foods for her hubby alone. She has over 25 domestic staff serving her, her hubby andchildren.

Her husband is a multi-billionaire who can afford the multitude of domestic staffs in their home.

Her husband has continued to thank our family for giving him such a wife. She is his eyes. She makes sure nothing goes wrong in his business empire and home.... She is the best wife for him, and the man can’t stop singing it. Both of them have continued to live happily ever after in their castle

When it comes to Marriage do what works for you ................... .........................................

I have seen different kinds of UNILATERAL PIECES OF ADVICE dished out to couple on how to run their marriages especially on social media...

“A woman must do this and that for her marriage to work. A man must do this and that.”

Personally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with seeking for advice but while at it... make sure you look inwards first and ask yourself, “is this piece of advice good for me, and can it work for me in my home? Then you can make your decision.

As far as I’m concerned, the golden rule of any marriage is that which the couples have agreed to do. For as long as the people in the marriage have made that decision and they are both genuinely happy with it then it becomes their ultimate guide.

We must never forget that no two marriages are the same...

We may have relative issues in different marriages, but no two marriages can ever be the same.

Every marriage is personal to the people in it and they must come together, look inwards and make decisions that would work for them both.

I could sound it over and over again........

“When it comes to marriage, do what works for you; what rocks the boat of one may sink the ship of another.”

Yemi Adeyemi. Copied.

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MENTAL HEALTH

VULNERABILITY

IS A GIFT YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF…

BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD Being vulnerable isn’t the same as being scared, nor is it admitting defeat. In fact, knowing and accepting your vulnerability is actually insight into your strengths.

Why? Because you can get really good at recognizing when those pesky, painful vulnerabilities are in action, and how they’re skewing your thinking or your choices.

For example, let’s say you’re building a house in a location where storms and heavy winds are likely to come from the northwest — your house would be “vulnerable” on that side. What would you do to construct a solid and safe structure?

You’d make sure that you did everything you could to ensure that side of the house would withstand the forces of nature.

The understanding of where you’re vulnerable makes you stronger, if you accept it and work with it.

We all have vulnerabilities — our own unique personal storms. Some are specific fears, like a fear of heights, getting sick, or becoming homeless and alone.

Others are more general: feeling socially awkward, not being able to adequately express emotion, or struggling with organization.

I listen to people daily who live with secrets, terribly afraid that if anyone knew things they’d done, or problems they have, that no one would care for them, or admire them. Yet many people fear exposing their weaknesses, as if that admission marks them inferior.

Quite the opposite is true, however.

My own vulnerabilities…

It’s worth it. So, I’ll go first.

One of my major vulnerabilities is my anxiety. I have a fear of not living up to the expectations of others. It’s been around a very long time, even as a child.

I can almost hear its raspy voice, whispering in my ear, “You’re not going to be enough. You’ll be disappointing.”

Another? I’m far too keenly aware of time.

This particular vulnerability makes me impatient at times, and I want to rush through things, instead of slowing down, and enjoying the present.

I could name a few more, but then this 10

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post could be titled, “All about Margaret,” and I’d be afraid that would be disappointing. (Reference Vulnerability #1.)

But one that I ran into this past few months almost stopped me in my tracks.

Some of you know that I’m writing my first book, Perfectly Hidden Depression which will be published this November.

I hit a wall last October. I was suddenly very aware of the gravitas of what I was trying to do — and who was I to do it?

I didn’t write a word for almost a week, stuck in self-doubt and absorbed in my own fear. So, one morning early, I decided to write about it. Maybe I would use what I wrote in the book. Maybe I wouldn’t. But I needed to get it out.

And here’s what I wrote.

“One of the daunting tasks of writing this book is the almost constant realization that there is much wisdom out there about the process of change and growth—with only the tiniest bit known by me. In many ways, I wish I had a lifetime to write, as the fear exists that the minute I finish, I’ll learn something new, remember something I forgot to say, read an exceedingly enlightening quote I’ve never seen, or watch a patient discover something that might be helpful to you in your own journey. But that’s my own perfectionism talking to me and my discomfort with vulnerability. Can you hear it? I bet you can. So, I have to find my own peace that this book will be an imperfect guide for you to grow more comfortable with your own imperfection. It seems a bit ironic, but I have to sit in my own vulnerability. And live there. Unapologetically. For good.”

After I wrote this, I wasn’t stuck anymore.

Acceptance of what is obvious — my own imperfection — made it much easier to take risks. Because if you fail or struggle, that failure or struggle won’t define me (or you) any more than my success would.

Both make up who I am — and who you are.

Acceptance of vulnerability brings with it — freedom.

And by the way, the quote has ended up in the chapter on confronting your own fear.

How are our vulnerabilities created? How

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do they guide us to our strengths?

Your vulnerabilities were created in childhood. If you were abused, it’s likely that your vulnerabilities lie in controlling anger, or being overly submissive. If you were adored and spoiled, your vulnerabilities might range toward self-centeredness, lack of empathy, or insecurity (not feeling as if you earned that adoration).

If you spend some time thinking about whatever hurt or pain you were trying to manage as a child, you’ll be able to see your vulnerabilities clearly.

Your vulnerabilities all make sense, given your life as a child. But do you know what’s fascinating about your vulnerabilities?

Your vulnerabilities often hold within them clues to the strengths you developed in childhood as well.

Let’s take my anxiety about not meeting the expectations of others. That is a strength that vulnerability might imply. It could suggest an ability to tune in easily to others needs, or a sensitivity to how someone else might be feeling — the flip side of worrying about expectations.

Your strengths and your vulnerabilities are intimately connected, one and the same.

It’s like a rock. You see it rooted in the ground, but you can only see one side.

Your strength lies on one side of the rock.

Pick it up, and the corresponding vulnerability, the darker, mossier side, lies beneath.

The gifts of vulnerability are many.

When you know your vulnerabilities, you can protect them, and honour them. If someone tries to manipulate them, you’ll be prepared.

When you accept your vulnerabilities, you’re no longer afraid of their exposure.

You can give and receive support from those with whom you choose to share.

You understand their origins and their resulting upsides, and can have compassion for yourself now, and as a child.

When you reveal your vulnerabilities, they point you to your strengths. Your strengths and your vulnerabilities balance one another and are intimately connected.

You don’t get one without the other.

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

my plans went straight out of the window. I stayed behind another ten minutes to pray for and encourage her.

Now, God has granted similar experiences in my ministry as a gospel artiste time and again. It gives me a sense of fulfilment as a person.

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What are your future plans in music if Jesus delays His 2nd coming?

I plan on recording and releasing songs of worship, praise & thanksgiving, intimacy & pursuit of God, confession & declaration, and, Celebration & fellowship, all to edify the body of Christ. I also hope to engage in humanitarian activities such as providing support for orphanages in Africa and help with their education.

What makes a music or song gospel is the message it conveys. If it’s not about God, His love for humanity, His saving grace, an invitation to a relationship with Him, love and respect for our neighbours irrespective of their dispositions, then, it at best is simply inspirational or completely secular. If you want to sing gospel, then stay in the word of God that instructs you accurately on what the gospel message is. Also, stay grounded in a local church where you both serve and worship. Hone your craft, sharpen your skills and strive for excellence such that your song could be played on any platform. I know things come in stages, but just strive for the best you can do with what resources you have. Lastly, try and get along well with others; humility goes a long way and opens great doors.

What would be your pieces of advice to upcoming young gospel artistes , worship leaders, musicians and authors? Also, a word to lovers of your music all over the world who follow you and your ministry passionately

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David’s Camp Magazine

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Continued from page 2

• When your tears are dried, you can see clearly. Teary eyes cannot see clearly. Your thinking and reasoning faculties are clouded when covered in sorrow.

David and his men cried all day, but nothing changed until they wiped their tears, and enquired of the Lord. “Pursue, overtake and recover all”was what they heard in 1 Samuel 30:8.

I pray for someone who is crying right now, your tears shall be dried, and you will begin to see clearly all that have hitherto been blurry in Jesus name!

• When you get rid of the mourners, you can hear God speak clearly.

In one of those nights of my moment of sorrow, as I was alone with my children, I asked God, “what is going on?” I just needed Him to say something to me that makes sense. What was happening didn’t make any sense at all. Thank God for His mercy, He spoke in a very unambiguous language, “it’s a Knocked Down, not a knockout, start writing.” It’s as if something was controlling me like a robot. I took a pen and a book and started writing from past 2 am till past 5 am. That was how I got the divine message written in my new book, a must read for every Christian soldier who is battle ready in God’s kingdom.

Prophet Elijah was looking for God in a great and strong wind, but He wasn’t there. He looked for Him in the earthquake, He wasn’t there either. He searched in the fire; God wasn’t there but the Almighty came in the still small voice – 1 Kings 19:11-13 • Your life begins to attract happy people, those who praise God in all situations. “If you don’t get rid of wrong people, you won’t attract right people.”No one wants to associate with a sad soul. No one enjoys the company of someone who is always pulling them down with their sorry stories. Like in our text above, Jesus knew the influence and effect of mourners, so he got rid of them from the room before raising the daughter of Jairus. Someone said, “what you don’t finish will soon finish you.”

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When you get rid of the mourners, you’ll then realise you need to thank God instead of mourning, complaining and grumbling.

While mourning, all you’d be doing is complaining and grumbling. Your thinking would be so clouded you won’t be able to appreciate God for where you are right now. Do you know there are people who are more spiritual than you, richer than you, more learned than you, well placed in top positionsthan you, yet they are fasting and praying to have what you have...Oh! Yes, there are. That’s what was meant when the Bible says, “in all circumstances, give thanks”in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Friends,make a decision today that will take your life forward, and not backward.Get rid of the mourners. You shall not know sorrow in Jesus name.

In this summer edition of the magazine, we feature an exceptionally gifted and anointed minister of God, Wole Awolola. He’s a gospel artiste, musician, singer, choir director and someone with great knowledge of the Word of God. I implore everyone to please get a copy of my new book, “Knocked Down, Not Knocked Out.” You will not regret reading it as I know it will bless you immensely. Big thank you to all our wonderfulcolumnists who are blessing our audience with great messages from the throne of God.

A MUST READ! NEW BOOK BY DAVID OLUWOLE DAVID