David’s Camp Magazine
Showing the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6
issued in the UK
Free Nov/Dec 2018
QUIZ OF THE EDITION PAGE11
TRANSPORTER OR CONNECTOR PAGE 2
SEX IS FOOD (MARRIED COUPLES ONLY) PAGE 3
A CHANGING WORLD PAGE 10
MENTAL HEALTH PAGE 4
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE FIRE DIMMS PAGE 5
HEALTH TALK PAGE 3
The Legendary
Mike Aremu PAGE 6
IMPREGNATE ME OR I DIE 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.
THE TRANSPORTER & THE CONNECTOR You need someone to get to somewhere. It’s not every door you can enter, not every platform you can get on by yourself. In life, we all need transporter and connector to get us to our desired destination. For someone, your transporter or connector can be a spouse, a friend, a colleague, a parent, an associate, a maid, the Holy spirit or sometimes a stranger. In Acts 8:38, brother Philip was transported... “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” In Ezekiel 43:5, prophet Ezekiel was transported... “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” In 2 Kings 5:2, General Naaman was connected with the solution to his long-term problem, leprosy. The young housemaid said to her boss wife, “if only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”(2 Kings 5:2b) As influential as Naaman was, he would have died a leper if not for the recommendation of the slave girl in his house. There are people who see you in your problems but rather than point you to your solution, they walk away. In life, we all need the transporter and the connector. The connector links us with our destiny helper and the transporter gets us to our destination. It is my sincere prayers that both of your connector and transporter, you shall meet them before the end of this year in Jesus name.
In this last edition of the magazine for this year, we feature the legendary AfroGoJazz maestro and minstrel of God, Mike Aremu. Our chat with him is an eye opener into his world and you sure would be blessed. Special thanks to all our writers over the years, starting with my supportive wife, Sarah Oluwole-David, my spiritual mum, Pastor Layo Afuape, dearest sister Eniola Israel, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, Pastor Joshua Tosh, Pastor Olamide Ajayi, our various writers on marriage and many other contributors. You are highly appreciated indeed. Merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance. Remember, Jesus is coming soon! Every blessing,
Editors Olamide Ajayi Bose Oluwole-David
Contributing Writers David Oluwole-David Dr. Margaret Rutherford Eniola Israel Pastor Olamide Ajayi Pastor Layo Afuape Bose Oluwole-David Joshua Tosh Ima Nkanta
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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
HEALTH TALK
WOMAN HEALTH MINDFULNESS
M E N O PA U S E
- Rachael Eniola Israel
- A qualified public health practitioner
Menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. It is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s Oestrogen levels decline. WHAT CAUSES THE MENOPAUSE Menopause is caused by a change in the balance of body’s sex hormones, which occurs as a woman get older. This happens because of a decrease in the ovaries production of the hormone Oestrogen and Progesterone. A diagnosis of a menopause can be confirmed by measuring hormone levels in the blood or urine. SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE • Hot flushes • Night sweats • Vaginal dryness • Difficulty sleeping • Low mood • Reduced sex drive
S
� Problem with memory and concentration. TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS 1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - this can be in form of tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen. 2. Vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants and moisturisers for vagina dryness. 3. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety. 4. Healthy diet and Exercise, balanced diet and regular exercise for maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some menopausal symptoms. For more information and advice, please consult your GP.
Sex is FOOD
ex is not all about making children. You must be a different woman to your husband every time.
Seduce your husband, don’t always allow your husband to ask for Sex. There must be no timetable for sex. Be creative, don’t be predictable. Give him what he wants. If you loose influence over your husband, you have lost womanhood. Be part of your husband’s plans. Don’t have too many children, do you want to sell them? Allow your husband to check in and out anytime. When a man is sexually satisfied, he is emotionally stable. Stop saying, “is it food?” Yes, sex is food!!! As a wife, try to invest in yourself spiritually so you can adequately support him. Build yourself as his prayer warrior so that you will not be forced to pray at the end of your life. Don’t allow your husband to provide all your needs, he is not a money-making machine. Iron sharpens iron, try to reciprocate. You are meant to support each other spiritually, financially, physically and morally through thick and thin. You are a builder....Wise woman builds her home. Women need wisdom to build their homes. Proverbs 14:1...”A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Do not be too outspoken, know when to talk, when to listen and when to be quiet. Love your husband with all your heart, never tell him, “if not because of my children”, remember you’ve known him before the arrival of those children. Pamper your husband, put his head on your chest and pray for him. Give him unannounced kiss from the back.... mwahhhhhh, don’t be
((MarRIED MarRIED Mar RIED COUPLES ONLY)
too holy to kiss in the public. He is your husband for God’s sake. Be romantic joooor, it is good for the heart. Some people are not happy that you’re happy in that marriage, prove them wrong that you love your husband and he is your crown, always feel good when you hold him. Don’t look 50 while you’re still under 40, it drives men crazy. Always keep fit regardless of your age or body. TO MEN: Do not take a woman who does all these for granted! Pamper her, pray for her, cherish her, love her, support her financially, make her feel like your woman, your Queen! God bless you and your marriages. Ephesians 5:25-31 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” David’s Camp Magazine
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MENTAL HEALTH
UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING
PROCRASTINATION
BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD
“Hey, did you get that paper done?” “No, I didn’t finish yet…” “Did you remember to call the doctor?” “Yeah, but I couldn’t find the number…” These are conversations we have every day. Sometimes with a child. Sometimes with a partner. Sometimes with ourselves. Those conversations are about procrastination. Putting something off today, thinking you’ll do it tomorrow, or the next day. Or next week. As a therapist, watching people try to change things in their lives that may be very difficult to change, procrastination is often part of the process. If someone says, “Yeah, I didn’t get to that,” and the words are accompanied by a quick laugh, they’re probably admitting to not being motivated to get an unpleasant or difficult thing done. They may even be coming to me for help with this tendency. Usually, “fixing” it isn’t too hard. A dose of self-reinforcement or reward, or pairing a desired behavior with what’s not so pleasurable, can often do the trick. For example, years ago, I needed to study for the graduate record exam, the GRE. I’m not good at standardized tests, and absolutely dreaded taking it again. So I needed to study — something I hadn’t done the first time, resulting in a score that was less than stellar. I was also a huge “All My Children” and “General Hospital” fan. The tumultuous marriages and divorces of spicy Erica Kane had long been an addiction. Laura and Luke’s marriage warranted taking the whole day off. And I’d watched sympathetically as a long black-haired hippie Hayley got over her alcoholism, happily married her husband Mark (the actress was Kelly Ripa and it was her actual husband…), and became a blonde. So I conceived a plan for motivation. I made myself swear that I could watch one recorded episode for every hour I 4
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spent slaving over the books. It worked. I scored high enough to get in grad school, and the rest is history. But I wasn’t a chronic procrastinator. Many people are absolutely paralyzed by anxiety when triggered by things that for either a known or an unknown reason, seem un-do-able. Too hard. Too agonizing. Whatever decision needs to be made, or new behavior they desire, they cannot seem to move off square one. They don’t say, “I procrastinate” and laugh. They say, “I procrastinate,” and the look on their face is desperation. Often they feel humiliated by how insignificant their fears seem. “I don’t know why I can’t do this… everybody can do this.” So there’s severe shame. They can’t open their mail, for fear that there will be bad news. They don’t do the laundry or begin a paper for school, because they don’t know where to start. They don’t go to a gym, not because they’re overweight, but out of dread of not knowing how to work the machines. They can’t order food at a McDonald’s drive-through, because they’re too anxious, worried they’ll forget something. And shame increases exponentially every time they freeze. You might think that “procrastinators” lives aren’t productive or successful. And that might be true, dependent on how many areas of their lives the procrastination affects. However, the four examples above are all from people I worked with, who had great careers, wonderful families. What existed were pockets of anxiety, certain things that overwhelmed them. They might have a panic attack when trying to confront those things, and might then develop “panic about panic,” meaning they needed and wanted to avoid that trigger for fear of pain returning. Procrastination can happen for lots of reasons. And the four examples above are not actually all about simple avoidance.
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1) Is it avoidance, as in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? The first example above was someone who had had trouble with the IRS, due to not paying her taxes for several years. Her fear was completely connected with the emotional trauma that had caused, and got re-triggered when official-looking envelopes arrived. It wasn’t simply putting things off. It was avoidance of anything having to do with the IRS. She hadn’t fought in a war, but for her, those couple of years had been highly traumatizing. 2) Is it Attention Deficit Disorder? The field of ADD is immense, and I’m not an expert in it. But people with ADD or ADHD have a neurological difference that causes them to severely struggle with focus. The second example above was more about focus, than procrastination. If you don’t have a focusing issue, you can approach a pile of laundry easily. Sort into colors and whites. Or towels and sheets. Whatever organization you use. People with focusing problems can get lost in that process, and develop severe problems with self-worth. I’ve seen a vast difference in someone’s sense of selfcompetence and esteem after they began taking medication for ADD or ADHD. 3) Is it the consequence of helicopter or abusive parenting? If things were done for you as a child, or even as an adult child, you may not have learned how to organize your own thinking, or prioritize your own choices. In helicopter parenting, you can come to understand, “Even if I don’t do it, it still gets done.” You may not have been allowed to make a few mistakes, and then find a way to make it better. That entire process, while not all that pleasant sometimes, is the way we develop a sense of self-competence. And kids with helicopter parents have to fight to get that experience. Continued on page 12
WHAT TO DO
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
WHEN THE
FIRE DIMS
In my conversation with a friend who once was on fire for God but for a long while now has become nominal, that is only answering the name a ‘Christian’ but the fire is no more there; he felt completely helpless. Knowing how wide the gap between him and God is, and still widening, he could only ask for prayers. In his written response, he admitted that the fire has truly dimmed in his life and wished he didn’t lose it in the first place. It’s helpful for you to know that fire in the life of a believer is as important as fuel in a moving car. Where fuel finishes, there the car stops. And anxiety looms. Fire in you tells of the presence of God, his power and glory. The absence of it permeates all manner of sordid, morbid, vulgar and vile things into your life. Absence of fire is also why several turn to wrong places for help. When Saul the king lost the fire, he turned to seek help from the witches he once drove away from the kingdom. When Eli the high priest lost the fire, he lost authority and leadership. Judas the Ischariot lost the fire and the devil took over his mind to betray his Master and Lord. Demas lost the fire and left the faith for the world. He never returned. In our presence day, many a Christian have lost the fire. Observe the life of a person or nation whose fire has dimmed, he or she surely will hook onto wrong things. We have terrible things happening in countries that once carried fire - like the United States and United Kingdom - and today, disproportional levels of debaucheries have become their passion against the fire they once flared. Likewise us, what we once hated, we cherish. What was once counted filthy, we ennoble. If you’re in this kind of degenerated spiritual state, you need urgent help to avert looming final disaster. Rather than repent, my friend sought for prayers. It is good to solicit prayer. But it is better to repent and return to your place in the Lord. So many nominal Christians today patronizing ‘prayer merchants’ do so to their own peril. Ignorantly, they consider that ‘paying’ prophets to pray for them will evoke God’s mercy in their messy spiritual state. No! The turning point, however, is to humble oneself and return to the Lord. Backsliders make a mistake to think that God’s mercy, through alms and good work will save them from judgment. Wrong! Eli did all these and was still destroyed. Repentance is still the master key. God in 2Chronicles 7: 14 says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Repentance is not archaic or old fashion. It’s the only answer back into God for a backslider. It’s a change of mind from continuing in the wrongs to doing the right. It’s a U-turn from sin and its degrading nature to God, and upholding uprightness of thoughts, actions and worship. This is just the only way out of trouble. There’s no pretense about it. You know your ways. You know what are not acceptable before God. Then reject, renounce and denounce them to embrace the good. Fortunately, God is waiting with an open arm to receive whoever returns to him.
Secondly, fire itself cannot burn unless it has fuel. Firewood is a traditional fuel for fire. To get the fire on with the wood, you have to ensure the woods are well placed in the fire altar. Once the woods are burnt out, fire dims. The all wise God compares our spiritual relationship with him to this simple daily experience. Proverbs 26:20 says, ‘Where no wood is, the fire goes out…’ What do you do to keep the fire burning? Put the woods in the fireplace. It’s your responsibility to keep the fire burning daily. When the fire grows weak, stir the dust away, place fresh wood and the flames come alive again. How does this relate to your connectivity with God? Fire is the presence of God. Fire attracts good things and drives away bad things. God used fire to attract Moses to himself. Fire stirs your thirst and hunger for more of God. Fire purges dirt and drains the swamp in you, bringing out the very best in you. Hear this: “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” Hey! The night I stumbled on this scripture, my life took another bend up. Fire is what will help you remove all dross, dirt and stain of sin, of the world, of demons; covering you from becoming the best. Excellence in God is not an act. It’s a process. And fire processes you to be excellent in faith and works. Fire on the altar is your very life on the altar - burning as a living sacrifice to God. Fire is your defense and shield against your enemy. Fire brings glory to your life. Fire is the Holy Spirit in your life resting on and indwelling in you. It is commanded that each morning the fire be renewed on the altar. “And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out,” Lev 6: 12-13. You’re the priest. You’re the one to keep the fire burning. Gather the woods and place them in order, so the fire can keep burning. How does this apply to us? Consistent and all time rumination on God’s Word, meditation of his works and promises, praying, fasting, worshipping, singing, studying and witnessing Christ to others. These will keep the fire on, plus a consistent life of separation from the world’s way and its poisonous lust. Let the fire burn! -with love from Ima Nkanta, Eternal House of Glory, Uyo, Nigeria. Pastor & Editor, Quest Inspirational magazine.
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» Star Influence of our Time
The Legendary
Mike Aremu 1.
The name, ‘Mike Aremu’ is not new to many in the gospel music fold. In fact, the mention of that name is synonymous to legendary. But to those who don’t know, please who is Mike Aremu?
Mike Aremu is a Christian, saxophonist, recording artist. My music is African, Gospel and Jazz, which is what forms my style of music; AfroGoJazz.
2.
How did you find music?
Music found me. It has always been a part of my life as long as I remember. It is one tool I have to communicate the message of Christ, of love, joy and peace. My family has a bit of music in them. I just took it farther. I have always known my mum to be in the choir all my life. She had been before I was born and still is at 84. My oldest sister used to play the trumpet but not anymore. Doubt if she could still sound a note. I started with the local drums in Minna, Niger State, Northern Nigeria. Then started playing a bit of every instrument I had access to: drums, bass, keyboard, talking drum and the trumpet became my major instrument for at least 9 years before I found the saxophone. I was already sounding like a pro on the saxophone in 4 days. This was about 25 years ago.
3.
Having seen the two sides of the coin, how do you compare gospel music in Africa and in the western world?
Hmmm. . .Personally, I believe that Gospel music in Africa is huge and more popular, simply because Africans are very religious and “God-conscious”. The acceptance of Gospel music or church music is wider. Gospel music and artists are more relevant in Africa. Whereas, in the West, I don’t think the acceptance or popularity is as much.
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These comparisons above pertain more to Europe and other western world apart from the United States of America. America, I believe, is similar to Africa in these regards because of the African-Americans.
4.
Some churches don’t appreciate their music department or guest music artistes. What are your experiences about this?
I could go on and on about my personal experiences on this matter but one thing I have concluded is that, it all depends on the head or leadership of the church. If the leadership is keen on music, they tend to spend more on their music ministry; looking after their musicians, guest artistes and even buying standard musical and sound equipments. Although, now, the narrative is changing as more churches are beginning to see the importance of music. Many are losing members (especially the young members) to those churches that are more into praise and worship. Thanks to the churches that are setting the standards and pushing the barriers.
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In total, how many albums have you released? And what’s the latest?
I have released four albums, the latest is “Coat of Many Colours”. Coat of Many Colours RELOADED is due to be released soon. Watch out for it!
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In the past, people’s views of secular musicians playing in churches was not encouraging. Do you think that’s changed? What do you think of being a secular musician and still playing for God?
Personally, I believe the most important thing for a musician or anybody is that they are first, a Christian - A follower of Christ, saved by grace. Once this is settled, every other thing can stem from there. I don’t think there’s anything wrong being a secular musician and still playing for God depending on the kind of secular music you play. As long as you are guided by godly principles.
Early last year, I felt led by God to release at least a song a week to worship Him. I was a bit reluctant because I knew that was a major task because of my schedule. On the 8th of November, 2017, I was able to start. I named it #59secondsinstaworship. It has since become popular, blessing people across the globe. It’s going to be a year in November, so I am marking the one year anniversary with a #59 MINUTES LIVE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE. The event will take place on the 9th of November, 2018 at the Charis Christian Centre, 78 Capworth Street, London E10 7HA. The concert is from 7- 9pm but the main set will be for 59 Minutes.
Music is a profession just like any other profession . People go to school to study music not to end up in playing only in church. Why can’t Christian doctors treat only Christians? Or building engineers that are Christians build only churches or church buildings?
You used to hold an annual concert, ‘Sax Appeal’. Should we expect the return of it in the UK?
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Sax Appeal is a concept designed for Nigeria. I hold other concerts in the UK but they haven’t been called Sax Appeal. I have held Jazz concerts at the Jazz Cafe, Pizza Express and the O2 Academy.
Please, tell us about the much-talked about “59 Minutes Live Worship Experience”. What birthed this new initiative? David’s Camp Magazine
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Continued on page 10
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If you have to choose again, will you still choose being a gospel artiste, knowing secular music pays far better? I will choose my genre AfroGoJazz again.
To people out there who adore you and see you as a mentor, what pieces of advice have you got for them?
Put God first in all you do. There is no excuse to fail. Jesus didn’t fail, He doesn’t fail, you cannot fail.
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To the followers of your music all over the world, what have you got to say to them?
I’d like to thank them for their support over the years. Keep being blessed by my music, keep praying for me and supporting me. I love them
For bookings, contact and invites, how can you be reached please? Email: info@mikearemuvision.co.uk Instagram: @mikearemu Twitter: @mikearemu1 Thank you Sir
Quote of the Edition “Until it is is revealed, it is not received; life is not a documentary but a discovery.”
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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
RELATIONSHIP
IMPREGNATE ME OR I DIE PART 0NE
Thanks to my mother, Mrs Ladidi who taught me to be a woman of pride and dignity. It will be difficult for many to believe I was still a virgin even after my university education. My mother was that strict woman who must not see you with any man. She made us believed you can never be respected by your husband if he meets you are disvirgined. So I did everything in my wisdom and strength to keep my virginity all through my secondary school and university days. There were series of temptations and narrow escapes but it was not easy. Danjuma was my first love, we met while I was in SSS 2. He was a good guy except that he wanted me to prove my love for him by sleeping with him. I had told him from the onset of our relationship that this is everything minus sex and he agreed. We dated for three years, but it was three years of agony and pain. In our three years of dating, he attempted raping me six times but was unsuccessful. I will never forget the last attempt, he had succeeded in tearing my pant and I had made up my mind to let him into my body but he lost erection after all the struggle to get me down. That was how I escaped the sixth attempt. You must be thinking why I had not walked away after the second or the third attempt, I myself can’t tell why I couldn’t walk away. All my friends knew I was still a virgin and the only virgin among our clique. Severally they had arranged some boys to get me disvirgined but I was smarter than them. I had a strong intuition to know when they drugged my food or drinks just to get at me. Some of them thought I was a witch but I wasn’t. They intentionally discussed how sweet sex was while I was with them to make me change my mind but I was resolute - my mother’s words are stronger than theirs. I want to be a woman of pride and dignity. I will keep my virginity for my husband no matter the cost. My second boyfriend was not as aggressive as Danjuma, he was calmer and respected my decision with the hope that he will eventually be that husband to break the cistern. Our love for each other was enviable. We were like the Romeo and Juliet of our time. In all our times together he never tried to force me to sleep with him except on two occasions when we were lost in lust for each other. We almost could not resist each other as we both caressed each other like two love birds. He looked at my face, I looked at his and remembered my covenant, “I will keep my virginity for my husband”. Something within me said, “but Dan will marry you, there’s no difference if he does it now or later.” I quickly rejected that voice and disengaged from his arms and took my leave. These were not easy decisions anyway. Even though he had never complained, putting him in the mood and leaving him in that manner gave me a lot of concern and worry. I shared my experience with Jumai and she felt I was wicked. ‘A man who has given you everything you wanted in life, he has provided your material needs, given you time and affection, etc, what else can you give him as a pay back or appreciation for all his gestures?’ She asked me. Jumai made me feel indebted to Daniel and I couldn’t sleep all through the night because of her words. I woke up at about 2am that night and I was overwhelmed with the thought of Daniel. In reality there’s nothing Daniel hasn’t done to make me happy, there’s nothing I give him that will be too much for his love towards me, not even my virginity. Immediately I decided that moment to give it to him. I picked my phone and sent him a text message, “I will be coming to your place tomorrow”. He replied after 23 minutes, “it’s ok, I will be expecting you”. I was eager to meet with Daniel so he can make me feel like a woman for the first time. The clock became slow for my liking. Because of what people will say, I waited till 10am before going to his house. The moment I entered, he knew I was up to something,
my face said it all, my actions spelt it better but Daniel is a rare gem. He reminded me of my covenant, the words of my mother to me. ‘Will you break your covenant for five minutes enjoyment?’ He asked me. I was ashamed of myself, I could not look straight into his eyes again. He picked up my pant and wore them on me himself. “We will do this when we are married”, he said. Tears of mixed feelings dropped down my cheeks. ‘Daniel I love you.’ ‘Maryam I love you more.’ We hugged each other and he led me to the door. I got admission into Bayero University Kano(BUK) to study Mass Communication - a four year course. My departure from Daniel was painful but it was expedient. My first three months in school was like I was in another world without Daniel. My loneliness didn’t last for too long before I met Sally. Sally was a very brilliant student, charming and lovely. She was one of the best students in my class. We got attracted to each other because of her humility and simplicity. I have never seen a lady so brilliant and pretty and still humble the way Sally was. The only problem with my friend is that she doesn’t know how to say no to proposals from guys. I became her saviour when I came into her life, as I had to help her turn down some casual proposals from some casual guys. Guys were flocking around her because she had what it takes for any man to want to die for her. Before I met her, she had already dated two guys in the same department just barely four months after entering into school. When our first semester result was released Sally had one of the highest GPA, only one guy was ahead of her. The result made Sally more popular than before. Our friendship was cut short by the semester’s break that lasted for about a month. By the time we resumed for the second semester, we agreed to live together off campus. We took a room apartment outside the campus and life began on a new note. How Sally was able to combine her academic work together with her numerous male friends and still came out with strong 2.1 still remains a mystery. I knew I could not compare myself with Sally if I have to graduate from the school. I concentrated on my books while Sally gave better of her times to men. Before we finished second semester, Sally had already had two D&Cs, while I was still a virgin. All these never affected her grades or performance in school. Sally never stayed with a guy for more than two months. She changed them like clothes and shoes. She came back home one day drunk and almost half naked. ‘Sally where are you coming from?’ I asked, but she did not reply a word. She managed to get herself into the bathroom for a shower. I joined her in the bathroom to know what had happened to my friend. Her hair, her torn pants and stains all over her body made me to deduce that my friend had been drugged and raped. Who did this to you Sally? I asked, she never altered a word to tell me what had happened to her but it was obvious. I became afraid of Sally because of her proscumity and waywardness. I was afraid she was going to contact an incurable disease someday as she jumped from one guy to the other. Lecturers were not spared by Sally. She was also good at snatching people’s boyfriends. By the time we got to 300level I made up my mind not to stay together with Sally again because of her lifestyle but she won’t let me leave. ‘You’re the only true friend I have in this campus, you still tell me the truth even when I am not taking your advice. What will now be of me if people like you are no longer in my life to help correct my excesses?’ She said to me when I broke the news to her of my intention to stay on my own that semester. Her words touched me and I gave my conditions if I have to stay together with her. ‘Condition one is that you must not have two boyfriends at a time. Condition two is that you must always follow me to the church anytime I am going.’ She crossed her heart and Continued on page 12 accepted my conditions, so I stayed back. David’s Camp Magazine
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A Changing
-
World
BY PASTOR ‘LAYO AFUAPE (PLA)
Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Great Beauty Tabernacle Catford, London.
Many things are changing so fast in this world that if care is not taken one can be left in the dark in this age, deceived or confused if not rooted in the word of God and spirit-filled (Matthew 24:24). The word of God is being interpreted in ways that are unbelievable - 2 Timothy 4:3-4 & Acts 20:28-30. Some believers in Christ are so mindful of publicity at the expense of caring for lost souls and the needy. Some believers are so desperate for publicity over every vision God has given them that makes you challenge the motive of their action. Some are using the social media to pollute the body of Christ, and the hearts of the ones not grounded in the word of God against their Saviour are being turned far from their God. There are people who do not fear God nor His servants anymore compared to years ago. Some have no regard for men of God (I am not saying some men and women of God are innocent). A changing world where people betray so easily, stab their leaders at the back with no remorse and yet you see other believers supporting them, a changing world where the love of many is waxing cold (Matthew 24:12), where those living in the fear of God with wisdom are being seen as ‘abnormal’. A changing world where some will not take corrections, a changing world that co- habitation seems to be the norm. A changing world where some believers have no understanding of the basic doctrine of our faith (such as sanctification, justification, holiness, faith, discipleship, etc) and spiritual warfare. A changing world where we entertain people more than teach sound doctrine. A changing world where leaders are not being honoured (Hebrews 13:7/17). A changing world where the politics in the Body of Christ is worse than in the secular. A changing world where believers have no understanding that the kingdom of God needs their resources to reach and take care of the less privileged (Luke 8:1-3). Looking at all the interesting things happening in our generation has made me to realise that indeed this is the end time (Mathew 24:3-14). Where are leaders who are bold to declare holiness and teach people the heart of God? Where are believers who are not judgemental but mindful of restoring the souls of those who have backslided (I am not saying we do not correct and discipline but how much efforts are we putting into restoring of souls)? Where are leaders who are faithful to God and the sheep He has entrusted in their hands? Where are leaders who are not only mindful of ‘honorarium’ and their ‘belly’ but willing to go on mission to places no one knows them in the name of the Lord? Where are believers who are willing to sacrifice to raise mentees or disciples in the name of Christ ( Matthew 28:18-20)? Where are believers who are committed to taking care of the widows, widowers, single parents and their children (James 1:27)? 10
David’s Camp Magazine
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The word of God never changes - Isaiah 40:8. The word of God is final in every situation. As a believer in Christ , you need to develop a mind set that will accept God’s word as the final authority. God wants us to rise up for the salvation of others, so we must do and we will do by His grace in Jesus name. God wants us to care for others - many souls are suffering alone and in silence, many are without food, clothing, education nor shelter and yet some of us are using God’s resources in ways not targeting to relieve poverty nor expand His kingdom. Remember His word in Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”. Proverbs 22:9 says “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor”. Proverbs 19:17 says “The one who is gracious to The poor lends to The LORD, and the LORD will repay him for his good deed.” God is looking for souls that will be committed to supporting others in this world. God is looking for souls who will no longer fold their arms while false teachers and prophets are turning the hearts of many away from God. Oh how people are suffering! Oh how people are falling! Oh how people are disappointed in some of us! Oh how people are discouraged in the body of Christ! Oh how people are suffering in silence because there seems to be no one to trust! Some made mistakes due to wrong choices- but God is looking for someone that will see beyond that mistake like Jesus did for Peter. Jesus Christ has come for those who are lost. Will you start to give at least five to ten minutes of your time to follow up someone? Will you bear this burden? Many children and youths are in pains with no one to talk to as we often see the anger outburst and not the underlying pains that might have been caused by adults due to the environment we are creating for them hostility. Will you start to pray daily for lost souls, the needy, discouraged and backslided? Will you rise up to care more for others in your own little way as the Shunamite woman did in 2 Kings 4:8-10? Will you rise up and use your resources to expand the kingdom of God despite all opposition against the church as Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna did in Luke 8:1-3. Will you take time to read your Bible daily so you will not be carried away by false teachings in this changing world - 2 Timothy 2:15. Will you train your mind to focus only on God who is infallible than men who might have ulterior motives and selfish. It is a changing world, but our God does not change. His word remains the same - stand out and be a believer in Christ that lives
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
Quiz of the Edition
QUIZ
- BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID Can you answer these without opening your Bible, as a Christian? 1). The Lord of host rained manna for His people in the wilderness for... A. 70 years B. 50 years C. 40 years D. 30 years 2). “For where your treasure is, there will your....also be”. A. mind B. heart C. body D. spirit 3). Who said, ...”where you are going, I will go; where you will lodge, I would lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, would be my God”. A. Mary B. Ruth C. Abigail D. Sarah 4). Which Prophet caused an axe to float on the surface of water? A. Elisha B. Samuel C. Elijah D. Isaiah 5). Our Redeemer entreats us to forgive our neighbour... A. 77 × 7 B. 70 × 7 C. 17 × 7 D. 7 × 7 6). Who slew the giant who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot..? A. Samson B. Absalom C. Gideon D. Jonathan 7). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall... A. see God B. obtain mercy C. be called children of God D. overcome the world
8). God did not permit King David to build His temple because... A. David would soon die B. David was not good at that C. David was not ready D. David shed too much blood 9). The three wise men who gave gifts to baby Jesus came from the... A. west B. east C. north D. south 10). Christ says, “ALL THOSE who are weary and burdened should come to me, and I will give them...” A. a promise B. abode C. territory D. Rest 11). At which pool was the man with 38 years of sickness healed A. Siloam B. Bethesda C. Jordan D. Bethsaida 12). Which country did the Eunuch come from A. Egypt B. Jerusalem C. Syria D. Ethiopia 13) Which prophet prophesied about the dry bones A. Isaiah B. Jeremiah C. Lamentations D. Ezekiel 14). The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was done by whom A. Sanballat B. Esther C. Nehemiah D. Tobias 15) How many daughters did Job have A. 1 B. 3 C. 4 D. 2 •Each question carries Grace
by His word. Do not be discouraged and avoid being distracted. You are on great and unusual assignment to influence this changing world towards the kingdom of God through your words, deeds and love by the grace and power of God in the name of Jesus. Let’s do this for The UNCHANGEABLE CHANGER has equipped us for this purpose. God bless us all. David’s Camp Magazine
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IMPREGNATE ME OR I DIE PART 0NE
Continued from page 9
Sally kept to the deal for just three weeks and went back to her lifestyle. My heart was broken because she will be going for another abortion by the weekend, this will be the 5th abortion she will be doing in three years. I began to fear for her future, how will she be able to give birth when she’s married? I asked myself. This last abortion was not funny as she bled for almost two weeks after. Sally almost died but we couldn’t seek help because we couldn’t tell people she just had an abortion. I thought this experience will teach her a lesson but I was wrong. She seemed to be wilder after that incidence. ‘ Sally! We’ve got a special guest pastor from Lagos. He has been around for the past two days and today is the last day he will be with us, I will like you to come with me to the church to be part of the blessing of today’. ‘I will go with you if you will promise me we will close or I can leave by 7pm because I have an important appointment by 7:30pm.’ I quickly accepted her condition, at least she will be in the church. The guest speaker hadn’t even started his sermon when Sally looked into my eyes. Of course I knew what that meant. Before I could say anything she had picked her bag and was gone. I tried to see her off but she was in hurry so I let her be. I got home by 9:05 and met Sally with two guys on our bed. To be continued......
UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING
PROCRASTINATION Continued from page 12
If you were abused as a child, or heavily criticized, you can also develop the tendency to stay invisible. You fear making a mistake, or looking like you don’t know something. And it can paralyze you. 4) Is it perfectionism, worry, self-doubt and anxiety? Years ago, one of my patients called procrastination, “insecure perfectionism.” I’ve thought of that concept often, and agree that rings true in many cases. The diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder describes people who can feel crippled with worry and anxiety, a sense of dread, and may repetitively visualize horrible things happening. They overthink and overanalyze — and that can lead to putting things off, as they try to imagine every bad scenario that might occur if “x” happens. It’s important to recognize what could be underneath procrastination — which of these four could be fueling it. If it’s about past trauma, then trauma-related work needs to occur, whether that’s EMDR or some other kind of trauma work. If it’s a focusing issue, then techniques like biofeedback or neuro-feedback might be helpful, or perhaps medication is a possibility. If it’s a product of poor or abusive parenting, there may be an underlying depression that needs to be addressed. If it’s mainly anxiety, then calming techniques such as mindfulness or meditation could be useful, hypnosis is a possibility, cognitive work (challenging those irrational thoughts) and regular exercise could also be helpful. The first step with any of these causes is confronting your shame. Having compassion for yourself, and then beginning to unravel the how and why of your procrastination. You can feel and be… the person you believe you can be.