October / November Edition 2017

David’s Camp Magazine

issued in the UK

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

Free | October/November 2017

AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ANOINTED MINSTREL

Olaitan Akanmu

PAGE 6

GOD HAS A BETTER PLAN

Your Reward is coming soon

PAGE 5

PAGE 2

NEW POPPAGE QUIZ 11

3 tips for conquering conflict PAGE 8

HEALTH TALK PAGE 3

EMOTIONAL PREPARATION PAGE 4

DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD PAGE 12

Olubunmi Awe NURTURING YOUR SEEDS PAGE 10

Letter From THE

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.

Your Reward is coming soon One of the things that made the 3 wise men really wise isn’t their grey hair, I believe.

One of the things that made them being referred to as wise by heaven and the earth is their hearts of giving. These men opened their treasure boxes and gave their best to an ordinary boy called the Saviour, who wasn’t even born in the best hospitals in the world but in an ordinary manger.

Matthew 2:11...”On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

It is wisdom to “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclessiastes 11:1) Wise people give, foolish people withhold. Isn’t it interesting that people who give continue to have more while people who don’t give continue to struggle?

I pray God will grant you the understanding to give generously, especially towards the spread of the gospel in Jesus name.

We must stress that when you give, you are bound to be rewarded.

Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Christians must not see rewards as a curse or betrayal of their love for God. Proverbs 18:16, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”

The first thing David did at the scene of the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines was to ask, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel?” (1st Samuel 17:26).

I have a personal feeling that one of the reasons Jesus chose Peter though indirectly as the head of His disciples was because Peter was a straightforward man. He was an honest guy. With Peter, “what you see is what you get”. He walked up to Jesus and asked Jesus without any hard feeling: See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27)

Jesus did not rebuke him, He did not shout him down, He did not dissuade him from getting his reward. Jesus instead said to Peter in Matthew 19:28-29: “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake shall receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life”.

The above statement by Jesus meant here on earth, we will get one hundred per cent interest as rewards and afterwards receive more in heaven.

I remember as a teacher, one of the things people often say to us is that our reward is in heaven but we often reply them by saying they should make some deposits here on earth. Teachers do not have to wait till they get to heaven to pay their bills, feed their families, wear designer clothes, drive nice cars and look good. It is only an ignorant Christian who will be quick to hear “Give” and will not hear “And it shall be given back to you, good measure, shaken together and running over”.

Continued on page 2

Editors Olamide Ajayi Bose Oluwole-David

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

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

- Rachael Eniola Israel

- A qualified public health practitioner

Health Talk with Rachael Eniola Israel TOPIC: CUTTING DOWN ON THE WHITE STUFF COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE Hypertension or High Blood Pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels are greater than normal. This causes the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

High blood pressure is caused by a build-up of plaque or cholesterol that forms tiny tear in the tissue of the artery wall. The more plaque that build up within the blood vessels the more the increase the risk of heart diseases, heart attack and stroke. The following healthy lifestyle tips could help in many ways to lower your blood pressure.

1. Eat less salt Eat less salt to lower blood pressure. Eating too much salt is the biggest cause of high blood pressure - the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure will be. Salt makes your body retain water. If you eat too much, the extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure.

2. Eat more fruit and vegetables According to (NICE Guideline) National Institute for Care and Excellence it is recommended to eat five fruits and vegetables a day to keep healthy. Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and fibre to keep your body in good condition. They also contain potassium, which helps to balance out the negative effects of salt.

This has a direct effect on your blood pressure, helping to lower it.

Fruits that are rich in potassium 1. Tomato puree 2. Orange juice 3. Bananas 4. Apricots 5. Currants

Your Reward is coming soon?

HEALTH TALK Topic:

Stroke Overview Vegetables that are rich in potassium are: 1. Potatoes 2. Sweet potatoes 3. Spinach 4. Cabbage 5. Sprouts 3. Physical activities Being more active and taking regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and arteries in good condition. The current recommended minimum length of time is 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week which can keep your heart healthy. In addition, increasing your level of physical activity by even a small amount of doing house chores can help.

4. Drink less alcohol If you drink too much alcohol, this will raise your blood pressure over time. In addition, alcohol contains a lot of calories which can make you gain weight and as a result increase your blood pressure.

Rachael Eniola Israel MSc Public Health and Health Promotion BSc Public Health Cert, Counselling and Psychotherapy

Continued from page 1

Galatians 6:9 :”And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

David was rewarded for killing Goliath. Aside from becoming famous and his elevation to the palace from tendering to his father’s flock in the field, he became the in-law of the king. His father and his household were exempted from paying tax anymore in Israel (1st Samuel 17:25).

Christians must learn to marry giving with rewards. Christians must not be greedy or thrifty but must learn to sow seeds. Seeds don’t die, they grow and reproduce.

In this edition of the magazine, minister Olaitan Akanmu, Òmó Ara is our star influence. The high in-demand and most referred minister of the gospel opened up on his life and music ministry. There are also other featured columns that will greatly bless you. Pastor Bose Oluwole-David also blesses us with her first article on the magazine. Her article will surely inspire you to trust in God more. Big thanks to Pastor YLayo Afuape, Pastor Joshua Tosh, Pastor Olamide Ajayi, Dr. Margaret, sister Eniola Israel and other columnists for their articles in this edition and previous editions. May God water your ground this season in Jesus name.

Every blessing in Jesus name.

Oluwole David

Editor-in-Chief

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MENTAL HEALTH

EMOTIONALLY PREPARING FOR AN

EMPTY COOP I wish I had a nickel for every time someone had warned me against the dreaded “empty nest” during my son’s last in high school. Was I prepared? How were my husband and I going to manage, especially given that we had only been blessed with one of the little bundles?

I got so tired of the question that a part of me couldn’t wait for him to leave, just so I wouldn’t have to think of an answer anymore.

I had taken the advice of one my patients years before who had not seemed to suffer the blight of empty nest. She had simply stated that she had relished each stage of her children’s lives, and thus had been able to let go of each receding stage and watch as the next arrived.

I took her advice, and relished.

We gave homemade birthday parties.

We had “Mommy/Rob days.” We cooked together, laughed together. When he became a golfer, I watched a lot of golf. I relished. It had seemed to work, but now was the time to relish college and leaving home.

Hmmm. A bit more difficult.

I can remember walking into my parents’ home after each of them had died; it was a devastating feeling of loss.

Walking into our home after taking our son to college was not equal to that, but something connected to that. There was this awful emptiness. My gut knew that my world had shifted permanently. I had put one of his dirty t-shirts from the bakery where he had been working in a plastic bag and hidden it in my closet before we had left to take him to Vandy. I went upstairs and smelled it.

That first night was very quiet.

I had planned to go to work the next day.

I couldn’t. I didn’t know what to do with myself, but I knew I was not in a mental place to be there for others.

I began to allow the enormity of the change to settle into my soul. I didn’t like

BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD

it. At one point, I crawled into the driver’s seat of my son’s car and got in fetal position. Out of a place I didn’t know existed came a couple of primal screams.

“I changed my mind!! Come back!! Come back home!!”

I sobbed for a minute or two.

I felt more than a little ridiculous and went inside.

As I wandered around the house, I was drawn to a picture taken at Christmas about 18 years ago, with my two brothers’ families and myself, my husband and my son. I thought of how I had watched my four older nephews through adolescence and their twenties grow and change — through heartache and challenge, joys and accomplishment. I hadn’t had any problem with them growing up.

Then I looked at the then toddler in my lap.

My tears dried up almost instantly. How could I expect my son not to grow up and away as my nephews had done?

I hate perspective.

I went to the movie. It was Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones in “Hope Springs” , a movie about reinvigorating your marriage.

I knew my husband was going to be so glad that my energies could now be directed toward him.

I seem to remember my father’s delight, after my own departure from home.

What goes around, comes around.

So how do you prepare for your own NestAche?

1. Know what style of family you came from and how it influences your parenting.

Families have varying manners in which they are organized. Some families are more tightly wound around “the family” as the central force in a child’s life. Others stress more independence. ABC’s hit show Modern Family blatantly displays

this battle! Cameron and Mitchell chastise each other for parenting Lily differently. Gloria and Jay constantly bicker about how she needs to let go of Manny.

Think of these two kinds of families as two ends of a spectrum. There are pros and cons to both. The healthiest? The ones near the middle.

Why is this important for you to know?

Because if you were reared in the first kind of family, the, “You can only trust family” kind of family, letting go of your child is going to be harder. In fact, the “helicopter parenting” phenomenon is likely to come from this dynamic.

Parents stay involved at a much deeper level with their child, struggling to give over control.

If you were reared in the second kind, the, “Get out there and be who you can be, and by the way, you need to support yourself asap,” you might be too detached.

Too uninvolved. I had a patient the other day tell me he was paying rent to his aunt when he was ten. Obviously a problem.

Consider these issues in yourself, your spouse, and the family you are creating.

Success in parenting? When your child can leave home as a young adult, still learning but ready to be away from parents’ hands-on guidance.

2. Relish and let go: start practicing now!

Every stage of a child’s life is a fantastic opportunity to practice what “empty nest” will bring you, just in smaller doses.

When she goes into kindergarten, instead of dreading the change, welcome it! If you truly relish each stage and do the things that will bring you satisfaction and contentment, you should be able to move with her. To celebrate with her.

When he makes that jump from his tricycle to his big bike, run along side of him and love the moment. From middle school to high school, don’t get out the toddler pictures and think, “He was so cute back then.”

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

- BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID Bose Oluwole-David is a Mental Health Practitioner and the wife of a Pastor. She is equally a gospel music minister, and has blessed lots of souls with her singing ministry

Hear what Jesus said in John 16:33...

God

has a better

plan!!!

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

I have learned by practical experience life is not meant to be lived all rosy. Your character can not be developed in the good season. Proper character development takes place in times of loss, times of trouble, in times of disappointment, in times of lack.

In time of loss, you learn to be humble; in time of trouble, you learn to pray more to God for help; in time of disappointment, you learn never to put your trust in men but God; in time of lack, you learn to be prudent & trust God to be your source.

From my little experience of life, you hardly

learn anything tangible for your destiny when everything is good and you have all you want/need. Hear what Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:19-20...’But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”’(NLT) Joseph’s character wouldn’t have developed if he had remain in his father’s house, showing off in his designer coat of many colours.

He would have ended up a spoilt daddy’s boy but when God was ready to elevate him, Joseph was stripped of his beautiful coat.

Genesis 37:23...”So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore.” (ESV)

marital bliss, your well-planned ideas? God has a better script. May you not lose focus of God’s plans for your life in Jesus name. Hear God’s word to you my friends in Jeremiah 29:11...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

I hope I have been able to convince and not confuse you that you’re in God’s plans and He has not forgotten you.

May the Lord bless you this season in Jesus name.

Have you been stripped of your joy, your good job, your great health, your peace, your

“EMOTIONALLY PREPARING FOR AN EMPTY COOP” Okay, maybe once in a while. But as a general rule, don’t look back!

That’s the practice part. Relish and let go. Keep moving along with your child. Then you will be ready when the year comes for that child to truly move away.

3. Make sure you are feeding your marriage and caring enough for self.

Whether a stay-at-home mom (or dad) or a parent juggling both, I realize that hearing, “You need to focus on your relationship and yourself” can seem almost laughable. Ever present laundry, dust, bedtimes, school functions, your own work or volunteer responsibilities, church – “And we are supposed to make time for each other?” More difficulty comes when kids have learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other mental or medical issues.

“We have focused too much on our kids. That’s all we talk about.”

“She’s always angry with me, so I just don’t talk much.”

“He doesn’t understand that if he would just help me more, I wouldn’t be mad. I would want to be closer to him.”

Continued from page 4

“If I try to help, I feel like I am doing it all wrong or that’s the way she makes me feel.”

“I am away from my kids so much with work that I don’t feel it’s right for us to get babysitters.”

“There are no babysitters that we can trust.”

If this is you, there’s something wrong. It’s fixable. You just have to prioritize differently. You have to care enough for your self and your marriage. Go to a good therapist if need be. Just take some time.

When your child or children leave, all that’s left is you. And your partner. It’s important to pay attention.

Just enough attention.

So the rest of the nest will enjoy the rest of their lives.

Would love for you to comment how you are relishing your moments. Or send this on to anyone you know who may need to be reminded to relish a little! You do that by clicking on one of the icons below, Facebook, Twitter or whatever! Or just email to someone you know! And thanks AS ALWAYS for reading!

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» Star Influence of our Time , Olaitan Akanmu

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

• Who are you, and what’s your musical/ academical backgrounds?

Olaitan Akanmu, a.k.a Omo Àrà is a husband, a father, a Passionate worshipper, a song writer, an evangelist on Mission and a carrier of God’s Grace.

Being born into a pastoral family was the foundation of my music ministry and personal walk with God. My dad and my mum (Pastor{s} Moses & Elizabeth Akanmu) met when they were both in the choir in CAC Wosem choir, overseen by the Late Prophet T.O. Obadare.

My dad made sure all of his children can play at least one musical instrument each, and he often tells us that we need to know God for ourselves and our worship is the best thing we can give to Him and in return He will always make ways for us. This statement planted the seed of worship into my heart and into the heart of my siblings and it has helped us greatly in our personal walk with God. I did both my primary and secondary school education in Nigeria; I was just about to begin my medical studies at Ebonyi state University in Nigeria when God suddenly and miraculously brought me to the UK. On getting to the UK, I studied Health and Social Care and due to financial challenges I had to go for a study break but am grateful to God that i am currently in the process of finishing my course at the degree level.

• Why the name, “Omo Ara?” What’s the whole idea behind the name?

In 2011 I was seeking the face of God and I remember asking God for an identity. Few days after, I heard His voice clearly when He said “Omo Ara ni e, meaning (you are a child of wonders), if you give yourself to me, I will do wonders through you.”

That’s how the name “Omo Ara” came into existence.

• Your ministry has taken you far and wide. To date, what’s your most memorable musical experience?

My most memorable musical experience was when I travelled to Nigeria in 2015 for the first time since I came to the UK, I was privileged to minister in my home church which by the grace of God my parents are the overseers. It was an atmosphere of thanksgiving and intense worship. I am still not able to explain the joy I felt that day and the way God moved during my ministration.

• How many albums have you produced and which is your favourite?

I have produced two albums and several singles to the glory of God. I love the single titled “Damiloun”, meaning “Answer me, Lord.”

That is the song that God used to announce me. I added it to my first album titled “Unquestionable God” as a bonus track. That song has blessed so many people all over the world.

• To a novice who is planning to go into the music ministry, what would you advise as being needed most?

The most important thing that is needed is GOD! In Him you will find every other thing you need to excel in ministry and all spheres of life. After finding God, it is very important that you have a personal relationship with Him. These two things have been helping me tremendously since I started this journey.

• You are one of the most sought after gospel artistes in the U.K., especially in the African/Nigerian church settings. What makes those churches endeared to you?

I think what makes these churches endeared to me is the gift of worship that God has given to me coupled with the way at which the names and attributes of God in my mother tongue and in English language flow during worship with signs and wonders following.

• To all followers of your music and ministry over the years, what should they be expecting from your coffers?

By the grace of God, a new album will be released soon and this will mark the 10years of “Omo Ara” being in the music ministry. Also, by the grace of God, our yearly Continued on page 9 David’s Camp Magazine

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Marriage

RELATIONSHIP

THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE I’VE EVER HEARD . . . AND 3 TIPS FOR CONQUERING CONFLICT CARA JOYNER

You hear a lot of advice before you get married.

“Keep a date night.”

“Never go to bed angry.”

“Make your relationship the first priority.”

“Don’t walk out during an argument.”

Veteran couples further down the road look back on young newlyweds and offer insight for the challenges ahead. Of all the counsel my husband and I received leading up to our wedding day, one thought has proven to be the most challenging and transformative, and it came from my father-in-law.

A gifted pastor and teacher, he was the only person we could imagine officiating our wedding.

During the final preparations for the ceremony, we sat across a table from him in a small restaurant to discuss the details: who was responsible for what, when would everyone arrive, which verses had we chosen to use and who would be reading them… Somewhere between the end of our meal and the waitress returning a receipt to be signed, we asked him what advice he had for us. He paused, smiled, and looked down for a moment to thoughtfully consider his response.

His eyes shot back up and looked directly at us as he simply said, “Forgive quickly.”

I had enough self-awareness on that day to know this would not come easily to me. If there were ever a place where I would feel justified to harbor bitterness and keep a tab on the ways I had been wronged, it would be within marriage.

Where else would I share such a wide array of intimate moments with one person? Space, money, parenting responsibilities, highs, lows, personal time, a bed . . . Becoming “one” is about more than sex. It requires a level of vulnerability that opens the door for deep hurt; and letting go of those wounds was going to require more change than I would like to submit to.

What forgiveness means It is rare for me to be without words, especially when I am upset.

In the first year of our marriage, we struggled to resolve arguments because of my need to say “just one more thing.” With each additional statement, I churned up the dirt and pulled out new arguments that were both painful and unproductive. I thought I’d feel better by presenting every offense of which I thought my husband was guilty; and if I felt better, I could forgive. If I felt better, I could let it go. In time, I learned that feelings of forgiveness follow the choice to forgive.

My son plays a game that teaches him new words and their definitions. I was recently struck by the explanation it provided for the word forgive: “When you forgive someone, you stop feeling angry.”

To my surprise, the Webster definition also speaks to a change in feelings preceding the act of forgiveness—a far cry from the biblical depiction. Rather, in Scripture we find that forgiveness is an action made in the midst of negative feelings, making it a beautiful expression of love.

When we only forgive in the absence of painful emotions, its meaning is lost. If we wait to stop feeling angry, we rob forgiveness of its value. In contrast, when we say with vulnerable honesty, “I am 8

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hurt, I love you, and I forgive you,” our relationships grow in depth and strength.

Choosing to quickly forgive shouldn’t be mistaken with pretending we aren’t disappointed or upset. It is not an excuse to ignore problems or to refuse to take responsibility for unhealthy patterns within our marriages. Instead, it puts conflict within boundaries. It provides a space to work things out and it refuses to let the issue infect the rest of the relationship. Choosing to quickly forgive recognizes the point at which it is time to move forward. It means that we do not withhold affection or kindness from our spouses as a form of passive-aggressive resentment. We do not sulk or complain to our friends.

It means that even if sorting through a problem takes months of hard work, we will continue to love each other well in the midst of that work. We will not wait until we “feel like it” before we choose to extend grace. It means that in the heat of the moment, we breathe deeply and remember how we have been forgiven through the Cross.

Why forgiveness matters Scripture offers of a picture of forgiveness that is intentional. Multiple times it instructs us to make mending broken relationships a priority, urging us to stop other activities in order to address conflict. It is in the lingering that damage occurs. Withholding forgiveness until we feel better becomes poison in our marriages; and it looks nothing like the love we have been shown.

This is one of those moments when loving someone is hard. Perhaps we believe we are right. Maybe he has not apologized, or he apologized quickly and we had little time to fester. Maybe we doubt that he truly understood our reasons for being upset, or we don’t want to admit that we might be wrong. And at the end of the day, being mad feels good.

Why does it feel good? Why do I want to stay mad at my husband?

There are likely a dozen reasons that could be suggested, but here is my honest assessment based on my own heart. When I’m mad at my husband, I feel superior. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I try to convince myself that I am right because I am better. I deserve to stay mad and he deserves the discomfort of sitting with that. It is an ugly lie of self-righteousness that my heart buys into; and it keeps me from loving my husband well.

God offers us forgiveness as a measure of pure grace. While we were still separated from him, full of sin, he poured out his love and made a way for forgiveness through Christ on the Cross. From this place, we forgive. Without condition or manipulation, setting aside our pride, we extend to each other the sweet grace that we have received.

Three tips for getting started The next time you and your husband find yourself in the midst of conflict, remember the following: Continued on page 9

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6 Continued from page 7

worship encounter, “Wings Of Worship” is back this year. It holds every 26th December. It will be awesome and very great.

• To everyone out there aspiring to be like “Omo Ara”, what piece of advice have you got for such?

Hmmm, they should look unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Total dependence on God and God alone will take you to any height in life. Most importantly, DO NOT CUT CORNERS WITH GOD! If you stay with Him, He will take you to great heights even beyond your own imagination. There will be challenges, but “Be still and know that He is God”.

• For bookings and contacts, how can you be reached and invited to minister in churches?

E-mail: laitan.akanmu@yahoo.co.uk, Facebook: Omo Ara Ministries, Phone No: +447462478484 • Your final words to all lovers of your music and followers of your ministry all over the world.

I sincerely appreciate and celebrate everyone who is connected to Omo Ara Ministries all over the world. My prayer is that, God Almighty who has called me into this music ministry will never put you to shame. By His grace we will all make it to heaven to worship and praise Him together in one voice.

THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE I’VE EVER HEARD

. . . AND 3 TIPS FOR CONQUERING CONFLICT

Continued from page 8

CARA JOYNER

1. Know when to call it. Have you reached the point where discussion is no longer beneficial? Are you too tired or emotional to clearly communicate with and understand each other? Perhaps it is time to call it. If it is important to continue the conversation, set a time to come back together and talk. If it is better to walk away, do so completely, leaving all bitterness and resentment on the table.

2. Say “no” to a passive-aggressive battle. Nobody wins in an argument your partner is not even aware you are having. Withholding affection, turning a cold shoulder, casting the silent treatment, and engaging in unloving conversations about your husband when he isn’t around all drive you away from your spouse. In the end, you will only become more frustrated and nothing will be resolved.

3. Carefully consider if this is a time for silence. If we choose to delve into a serious conversation every time our husbands say or do something off-putting, we will run our relationships into the ground.

Perhaps this is a time for silence. Maybe it is better to reserve your thoughts for a day or two. If you still feel the same way, you will have had time to clarify what you want to communicate, or you may find in the wait that it doesn’t warrant a conversation at all.

The Bible tells us that Christ is the forgiveness of sins. What a statement full of action and intentional love! Jesus taught us to pray by asking that the Father would forgive us according to the same measure we forgive each other. If God can turn his heart toward us, with deep love and compassion, how can we choose to relay anything less? Instead, we must love and forgive in a way that reflects God’s heart toward his children, and in a way that demonstrates how we would like to be forgiven. If we ask God to change us, and if we choose to be purposeful about this act of forgiveness, I am confident that not only will our hearts be changed but that we will also meet Jesus in new and beautiful ways.

Cara Joyner is a writer, mother, and graduate student working toward her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

She is actively involved in her local church with the college and worship ministries, and she writes at Blog

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Nurturing your Seeds

is a book written based on the principles that have helped and shaped me in my course of parenting. The Lord has impressed this book upon my heart to help someone out there nurture their seeds.

What I love about nurturing is the fact that we all are born to nurture a child, a nephew, niece, cousin, sister, brother, neighbour’s child, student, church member, orphan, friend and the list is endless - someone needs your nurture and that seed is out there, go get them- you have greatness inside of you to fulfil that purpose and supply is waiting for you to do just that only if you can take the bold step of faith!

We are the change we need to see in the world and the change starts with you and I knowing that the community, the world relies on you and I to raise a community through our words, deeds and we as the reflectors of these seeds have a lot of work to do. The great thing is we don’t have to do this ourselves, we have the Holy Spirit to teach us and the world of God to model us.

hidden deep within our being, waiting for the right words of life that would cause them to germinate. You see growth conditions must be exactly right before a seed can sprout. The temperature has to rise to just the right degree and there has to be sufficient light to beckon the seed to come forth. There is also one more ingredient that must be present to cause the seed to spring forth: WATER! Water softens the shell that contains the seed so that the LIFE within the seed can BREAK OUT. Some even soak their seed in water before they are planted to ensure that they will germinate and grow properly.

I believe that the seeds of greatness God placed within us are waiting for the water of God’s Word to bring them to life. Psalms 1:1- 3 says that those who listen to God’s Word and allow His truth to guide them shall become like TREES planted beside waters; and everything they do shall prosper. Your destiny contains greatness. God designed you that way.

I want you to catch a vision of greatness for the seeds in your care.

Each of them are unique. Your seeds are fearfully and wonderfully created. They are perfect in God. They are a version of you: “Mighty” not “Mini”; “Big” not “Little” after all, you want them to do greater works than you have managed to do! (John 14:12).

Yet you have to nurture them lovingly if they will fulfil their God-given potential. The insights in the book will help you achieve this worthy goal. They include life principles, character-building disciplines and fun activities that would bring the best out of your seeds. Its a book you will not put down until you finish!

As custodians of these seeds, it is our duty to find out what their purpose on earth is and help these seeds know their God given destiny and then channel them in achieving just this as this is true definition of good success.

This book is not about raising the best/most perfect child but celebrating each milestone and watering these seeds to become mighty trees through the world of God. The truth about your seed Do you know that you are a carrier of greatness? Yes! And as a result of the greatness in you, your seed is great! When God created the earth, it contained the seeds that brought forth life. When He spoke and commanded the earth to bring forth plants, the earth did so because the seed was already there in creation (see Genesis 1).

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them - Lady Bird Johnson Reviews Kerry Smith Mum /Leader- Kings Kids and Youths (The Kings Church, Chatham) “I have finally finished this book- I really loved it! Love the idea of a vision board...am going to sit with my children and do one! Its funny God always shows me my children like seeds growing into trees at various stages so this book for me was very relevant, Thank you for letting me read it. I believe every

You see God’s Word never returns to Him void- According to Isaiah 55:10-12, it is like the rain and snow that cause the seeds to germinate and spring forth into their destiny. When God spoke, the seeds in the earth sprang to life, they had no choice but to obey the spoken word of God.

parent should own a copy and there was NOTHING I didn’t agree with!”

In the same way, when God’s Word comes to us, His truth waters our heart and causes the seeds of greatness in us to come to life!

The reason whey many do not realise that they carry seeds of greatness is because they have experienced many negative things happen and heard a lot of negative words spoken to them over the years. Do not believe a lie! You are loved and ordained by the Lord and He is the Lover of your soul.

“A wonderful piece of work, great book!”

God’s plan and purposes for our lives (the seeds of greatness) are 10

David’s Camp Magazine

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“Simply this must read book is loaded! It is a timeless and timely treasure waiting to be unveiled. Nurturing your children and young people would be easier by the time you finish reading!”

Rev Olayinka Bajomo President, LifeSavers47 (LISA) Parent Coach Vida Lartey, CEO Parent Shield Author Olubunmi Awe ‘Nurturing your Seeds’ obunmi@yahoo.co.uk 07961706778 Olubunmi Awe is a confidant and mentor to many both young and old, a youth

Continued on page 11

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6 leader, pastor’s wife who is passionate about developing potential in others. Her leadership journey is evident from a young age has seen her achieve double promotion in primary school, become head girl and president of the Press and Debating society in Secondary school and a member of the school council in College.

Olubunmi believe she is a testament of God’s graceshe holds a BSC in Business Information Systems (2:1) from London South Bank University and embarking on her masters degree in Counselling.

She is an all round success who believes success is not defined by the accumulation of wealth but by the lives one is able to impact which is inclusive of your everyday living.

She is married to her teenage sweetheart- Olusegun Awe and they are blessed with 3 children.

Quiz of the Edition - BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID

Can you answer these without opening your Bible, as a Christian?

Lets have fun together 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

5 FACTS ABOUT LIFE. 1) No matter how beautiful/ handsome you are, just remember that baboons and gorillas also attract tourists.

2) No matter how big and strong you are, you shall not carry yourself to the grave.

3) No matter how tall you are, you can never see tomorrow.

4) No matter how light skinned you are, you always need a light in the dark.

5) No matter how rich and how many cars you have, you will always walk to bed....

So take it easy....life is short....eternity is real...Christ is still coming!

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 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 heavy 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...

Be honest to give me your score!

David’s Camp Magazine

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11

David Encouraged himself in the Lord Just want to share my thought with you from 1 Sam 30:1-25 Life could be stressful when a burden seems heavier than we can handle. There can be times of fear when our so called ‘sense of security’ is threatened. These are times when an individual deemed so wise now needs counsel. When the strong needs help. When the physician needs healing…

Check this out. David and his guys were helping out in the military. By the time they got back the Amalekites have taken their wives and children as slaves, and grabbed every valuable stuff!

‘David and his friends wept until they had no more power to weep.’ Some blamed David, while others planned to stone him!

But David encouraged himself in the LORD. Wow! When life gets tough, we could be tempted to take it out on someone else, just like what David’s friends did. Because we’re hurting we hurt someone else. Some turn to things that give ‘short-lived ecstasy’ just for them to ‘wake up’ from ‘lala land’ and experience deeper depression. Some form a pity party.

Some get mad at GOD. Some develop hatred for their Pastor and fellow believers. Some go back to what they already said ‘goodbye’ to. What do you turn to when challenges arise?

make y o u better, stronger, wiser! GOD knows the way you take; and when the tests are over, you will come out as fine gold! In fact, the only reason you’re still standing is because GOD has bigger plan.

I challenge you today to encourage yourself in God’s word. And I’m praying that your joy be full in Jesus name, even as I decree unspeakable peace to your heart. I pray that God will give you the grace to be still and know that HE is GOD. You’re lifted!

Ref: Is. 43:2; Jer.29:11, Deut. 31:8, Ps.50:15 Joshua Tosh - a Worship leader, Song writer, Music producer, Speaker, Mentor and a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, currently serves as the Youth Pastor at RCCG Open Heavens Christian Centre. He organises an annual Worship event called PUSH! – Praise Until Something Happens.

He’s happily married with children. www.joshuatosh.com

The real solution is to strengthen ourselves in the LORD like David did. It means to remind ourselves of what God says about us and HIS promises; and then we apply HIS truth to our current situation. It has to be intentional and persistent effort. Scriptures never promised a life without obstacles, but God gave us guarantee that HE will be always be with us. Weeping may endure, but it’s for a night, because joy comes in the morning!

Look into the scripture and see what God says about your current situation. Is it barrenness? Joblessness? Poverty? Loneliness?

Sickness? Debt? Marital issues? Or overwhelmed by so many things that you don’t even know where to start? Hear this. There will never be genuine gold without fire. Those challenges are to

Quote of the Edition “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that doesn’t let you sleep..”