ECC Grapevine Oct/Nov 2012 - Issue 58

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G INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Issue 58

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2012

rapevine magazine

ECC JAPANESE FELLOWSHIP celebrating 4th anniversary ECC teams at the CHRISTIAN SUMMER FESTIVALS WELCOME EVENING Newcomers finding out about ECC

An

Pentecostal Church

Appreciating our

UNSUNG HEROES

W

elcome to

O

n behalf of the family here at Ealing Christian Centre, we would like to take this opportunity to let you know that we are glad to have you worshipping with us today. We hope you feel at home in our fellowship, and that you will join with us in our services. May God bless you.

SENIOR PASTOR

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CONTENTS

2 A Word from the Senior Pastor

4 Welcome Evening 5 Cherish Fellowship - by Angela Agu 6 Men's Discipleship Cells - Men's Retreat 7 Women's Discipleship Cells - Focus on Harrow 8 Special Feature Spread: Summer Festivals 10 The Church Outside Four Walls 12 Prayer Centre Testimonies 13 Two-month Prayer Diary Pull-out 21 Sunday Services at a Glance / Prayer Ministry 22 Finance page / Elim's Fundamental Beliefs 23 Classifieds / Elim Bible Week 2013 24 Fellowship / Congratulations 25 How to Listen Despite Distractions

8

10

- by Roy McEwen

26 Forthcoming Events / Notices

27 The Power of Testimony - by Pastor John Starr

28 Youth Ministries - by Pastor Ruth 29 Watoto Choir / Creative Dance Ministry 30 Special Feature Spread: ECC Japanese Church

- by Pastor Aogu Tateyama

Would you like to contribute an item to the next edition of the GRAPEVINE magazine?

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Deadline for DECEMBER/JANUARY edition is FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2012

If you would like an item to be considered for the next edition of the Grapevine magazine, please submit your piece - by email only, please - no later than Friday 2 November. Please email your article to the Administrator at info@ecc.org.uk, marked 'For Grapevine'.

Articles for half a page should be no more than 250 words, and for a full page should be no more than 600 words. The Editor reserves the right to edit articles where necessary.

Editor-in-Chief: Pastor Richard Buxton Editor & Design: Berean Services UK Photography: Roy McEwen plus various contributors from ECC Stock Images: freepik.com, publicdomainpictures.net Print: Deluxe Printers Ltd, London NW10 7NR, Tel: 020 8965 1771 Ealing Christian Centre, 268 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, London W5 4UB Tel: 020 8840 7508 Fax: 020 8840 1461 Email: info@ecc.org.uk Website: www.ecc.org.uk grapevine is published by Ealing Christian Centre. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. grapevine and the ECC logo are trademarks of Ealing Christian Centre in the United Kingdom where grapevine circulates.

Copyright © Ealing Christian Centre 2012. All rights reserved.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

A

word from the

30

A

t the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games, a few individuals, who had trained long and hard, received the accolades and the attention of the world for outstanding performances that led to receiving gold medals. Many, no doubt, will go on to further sporting success and financially profitable sponsorships. These are the ones whose names become well known.

But at the same time, it was highlighted that for the Games to be the success that they were acknowledged to be, it required a whole army of tens of thousands of volunteers, without whose dedication and generosity with their free time, the Games could not have functioned. These individuals gave up their holiday time to work for the pleasure of being part of what, for them, would be a once-ina-lifetime event. They were the unsung heroes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The church comprises, similarly, countless unsung heroes. These are not ‘volunteers’ in the way that the helpers at the Olympic Games were. Rather, each is called to serve in every area of service and ministry that the Lord has called us to as ministers (servants) of Christ.

Without such service, with each member playing his or her part, the church could not function.

In the pages of the New Testament, we similarly see a few individuals who stand out clearly for their sacrificial achievements, such as the apostles, whose work has become known to the world. But equally, there are those countless unsung heroes whose individual efforts have made such a significant impact in the building of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Take, for example, a husband and wife team, whose names were Aquila and Priscilla. They ran their own business together, and were evidently pretty

Appreciating our UNSUNG successful at doing so, judging from the fact that, as they moved from country to country, they always lived in a home big enough to accommodate the local church meetings. Their business financed themselves, but their first passion was to serve the local church.

One day, a visiting preacher came to the local synagogue, who was a gifted speaker, knowledgeable concerning the Old Testament, and who was very excited since he had heard about Jesus Christ.

But he had not yet fully understood the Gospel. Rather than looking down on his shortcomings and lack of knowledge, Aquila and Priscilla simply took him home for lunch and explained things to him clearly (Acts 18:24-28). The preacher was Apollos. He was a man who went on to become an international speaker and a powerful asset to the Early Church. Not only did his expository teaching from the Old Testament about Jesus Christ, build up and equip the Church in different lands, but he also vigorously refuted opposing Jews in public debates.

Though successful business people, Aquila and Priscilla saw their business and work as a means to an end, and not as an end in itself. They were willing to uproot and move home and business to different countries when needed, especially after meeting the apostle Paul, with whom they worked closely and became good friends. The young church at Ephesus needed a place where they could regularly meet. This couple’s home was offered immediately, and became the stepping stone for the eventual establishment of one of the leading churches of the day. Paul wrote from there to the church in Corinth, “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19).

In the early days, they encouraged the dozen or so founder members and, as Paul ministered, the city saw an astonishing move of God, where those practising sorcery openly declared their faith in Christ, and publicly burned books or scrolls whose equivalent value today would be in excess of £3 million.

Outstanding miracles were commonplace for a period of two years. The church would have amongst its pastors, the apostle Paul, Timothy and the apostle John.

But their commitment to Christ went even beyond these areas. Some time later, Paul wrote to the church in the city of Rome, to where Aquila and Priscilla had by then moved, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ. They risked their lives for me. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets in their house” (Romans 16:3-4). What undisclosed drama do these brief words mask? Not only were they once again hosting the church meetings, but they had risked their lives for Paul and other believers. How? We are not told. But Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: that one lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

This husband and wife are an example of countless people in the Church, from its early days, down through the ages, up to and continuing today. They encouraged others in the faith; they used their worldly possessions to further God’s work, and they put the lives and interests of others before their own, all because of their love and passion for Christ.

A few receive the limelight, whilst the vast majority do not. But the Church and its growth are based on the countless unsung heroes such as these, whose deeds may not be known to the world but which are certainly known in the records of Heaven. They will one day hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:23).

Richard Buxton

HEROES

The church comprises, similarly, countless unsung heroes ... each is called to serve in every area of service and ministry that the Lord has called us to

many here are in the T : E R U PICT heroes unsung ation at ECC g re g n co

PICTURE: Olga Dias, one of the unsung heroes of the ECC NewTek team, who was also one of the volunteers for the London 2012 Games

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

WELCOME

evening SUNDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER

DISCIPLESHIP CELL GROUPS Elder Akin Osuntoki

A

t each Sunday morning service, for those who are attending ECC for the first time, we like to give them a warm welcome; provide refreshments at the front of the foyer after the service, and give them a welcome pack that contains a number of helpful things regarding the church. In addition, periodically, we like to put on special Welcome Evenings for them to attend.

In the past, we have done this on a Friday evening, but recently we thought it might be easier on a Sunday evening. These Welcome Evenings are a n opportunity to talk and get to know one another better over food, as we set out tables and chairs in the Auditorium and have an evening service with a difference. We still include lively worship and a Gospel message, but also give opportunities to briefly hear about all the various ministries in ECC that provide opportunities for involvement and service.

If you have recently joined the church, and have never been to a Welcome Evening, please look out for the next one and come along. If you are already a member or regular attender, please use this opportunity to invite (and come along with) a friend.

Pastor Richard Buxton

EVANGELISM - Pastor Rajinder Buxton

"Discipleship Cell groups are an extension of the church; a smaller version of ECC, where individuals can come together as one family, to encourage one another. It is also a place where we can develop our giftings in Christ. There are Cells for Men, Women, Youth and Cherish (for mothers and children)."

"The mission statement of the evangelism outreach is 'reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one person at a time, and demonstrating His power through signs, wonders and miracles'. There are three arms to the evangelism ministry: BOROUGH-WIDE EVANGELISM takes place every second Saturday. LIGHTHOUSE EVANGELISM takes place in front of ECC from 11am to 1pm on the third Saturday of the month, and EVANGELISM EXPLOSION takes place in front of ECC on the last Wednesday of each month, from 12noon to 2pm.

Application forms are available."

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS Pastor Ruth

"Youth Ministries is a place where Christ is central, a place where teenagers and those in their early 20s can connect with believers that they can grow with. Part of the ECC Cell network, CENTRAL GROUPS take place in people's homes, in coffee shops, and other public places in the community. SUNDAY CLASSES take place for young people of different ages, and provide a safe environment to ask questions about faith and God, and to discuss life struggles, eg. peer pressure. E-CENTRAL provides an opportunity for young people to connect with their friends, with concerts and special events.

ONE EALING is an outreach aimed at reaching the young unsaved in the borough of Ealing, and is run in collaboration with other church youth groups."

PASTORAL CARE & FELLOWSHIPS Sharon Grant

"Pastoral care is about looking after the body of Christ at ECC - from the very young to the very old, ie. from new babies to bereavement.

Fellowship groups are LITTLE STARS for mums, dads, carers and babies; meet every Wednesday (term time only); EVERGREENS for the over 55s/early retired; meet every second Monday of the month for social events.

Two EXERCISE CLASSES on Mondays (chair exercises) and Thursdays (low impact exercises). ECC is also part of the SOUP KITCHEN network with other churches, providing food to the homeless community.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

WORSHIP Pastor Sam Blake

"The Worship ministry is a means by which we can express ourselves creatively, and is supported by singers, musicians and the technical team. The Worship team operates not only at the Sunday meetings and at the Tuesday Night prayer meetings, but also at main celebrations, eg. at Christmas and at Easter.

VOCAL BOOTCAMPS take place for those wanting extra vocal tuition.

Two CDs have been launched: Fresh Mercy and Sound of Hope. The Worship team also has monthly meetings, often with teams from other churches, to fellowship and to learn new songs together, and to share good practice with one another."

PRAYER MINISTRY & STEWARDING Pastor William Anane-Forkuo "The Prayer ministry is the powerhouse of the church, where everyone can get involved to communicate with God. There are two facets of prayer ministry: the 24/7 Prayer Centre, manned by people on a rota basis and coordinated

by Bro Tom and Bro Rudy.

Application forms are available to join the prayer rota. Secondly, the daily prayer meetings, in the mornings (10-12pm) and evenings (6-7pm). Tuesday prayer meetings are at 7.30pm and the All-Night prayer meetings on the last Friday of the month (10pm5am).

The Stewarding ministry is headed by Bro Milton and Sister Margaret.

Stewards are the ‘face’ of the church. All ages (over 18) are welcome to join this ministry."

MISSIONS Pastor Mark King

Pastor Mark is responsible for the overseas and home missions at ECC. Overseas: Philippines, Tanzania, Guyana (27 Elim churches), George Miller’s Reconciliation Ministries International and Caribbean Edition of Word for Today. Support for Bhab Ghale and family, missionary to Nepal. Support for two ministries in India: Carmel and St Paul Education Welfare ministries – where orphanages are supported by individual ECC members. Also support Christian Solidarity Worldwide (helping the Persecuted Church); Elias Malki of Middle East Gospel Outreach – TV/radio broadcasts to Muslim nations. It is also hoped that Pastor Mark will be taking missions teams from ECC overseas.

Pastor Richard also shared about CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES on behalf of Ernestina Charles-Obi.

h s i r e Ch C

A Welcoming Fellowship for Mothers & Children

HERISH is a Mothers’ and Children’s group, and our vision is to see mothers coming together to be empowered through prayer, studying the Word of God, and to witness to the unsaved through friendship evangelism. Studying the Word of God and prayer give us the boldness and confidence to achieve our potential and goals through Christ Jesus.

Angela Agu

We share our life experiences, and encourage one another in the Lord. We have seen many answers to prayer, and many powerful testimonies have been shared through answered prayers. The members of CHERISH are encouraged to be involved in various ministries within ECC, such as Children’s Ministry and Stewarding, and we are also involved in the Borough-wide and the Lighthouse Evangelism outreaches. The CHERISH Christmas party is always great fun, with games, dance and with lots of food and activities for the children. A bag of goodies is usually presented by Pastor Richard to all. I thank God for everything, as we continue to be fruitful for the Lord.

CHERISH meetings take place at ECC every fortnight, on Saturdays from 10.00am to 12.00noon. Mothers and children are welcome to join the Group. Below are some testimonies of answered prayers.

“I thank God that my mother’s lost luggage has been found.” - Itohann

“I thank God for answering my prayer.

Olamide now has her own Nigerian passport, and the trip to the High Commission went so smoothly. God is so faithful.” - Folasade “I became homeless because my landlord said I had to leave. I also lost my job, but everything works together for my good. I was then offered three properties but all three had one problem or the other. With the third property, they said that the key was missing, and I prayed with the support of friends and Cell members and the key was found, and I was given a lovely two-bedroom home in Hanwell. God is good all the time.” - Itohann

Angela Agu Cherish leader

“I thank God for bringing their father to see his children after a four year absence. Our God is a good God. I believe that he will continue to see his children. It brought such joy to the children, having a relationship with their dad.”

- Edith

“My period of fellowship at CHERISH has been fulfilling and rewarding. Apart from meeting and sharing experiences of different aspects of life, as well as relating to the children, we support one another in prayers and appropriate words of encouragement, using relevant passages in Scripture. I remember a personal experience when I needed to take a major decision. I discussed it at one of our meetings. The very appropriate Scripture, Isaiah 48:17, was given and I applied this, and indeed God is true to His Word.” - Mercy

“I am testifying of the goodness of God in my life and in the life of my family. I thank God for my son, who has improved both academically and socially. I thank God for provision; even though I am not working, God has been faithful to me.” - Toyin “I give thanks to God for His provision for my further studies. My employer has agreed to pay the full cost.” - Evelyn

PICTUR ES: Mu ms an recent CHERIS d children at H get-to a gether

“I thank God for His help and provision. The Inland Revenue wrote to me asking why I had stopped claiming Emmanuel’s child benefit on 2nd August 2012. I explained to them that he was 18 years old, as I thought it stopped then. I was advised to call the Child Benefit Office - which I did - and was told he is entitled for payment until he is 20 years old when he finishes his university studies. They said they will backdate one year’s payment between September 2010 – September 2011, which they paid me. The money came in good time, as I was able to use it to pay Emmanuel’s rent whilst at university.” - Angela October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP CELLS ly ell fed - not on We were all w , ly al ic st ys fir also ph hen it was spiritually, but g rin te d ca ne llent mentio from the exce that there s. ie lit ci fa would be a kend, we I gh ughout the wee ou ro th Th en ev t, ea devotionals; Men’s Retr d early morning ll group, ha Ce t gh ni ay id achings from run a Fr inspirational te to put my nd te in t no d d and Mark; I di Pastors Richar r it. The time praise and name down fo down-to-earth n’t financially ns; times of of the year was io ss worship se essure was pr k or w d an , d of free time right ministry; a perio the site, . However, I st te ea gr nd its ou at for walking ar chance to back t to bond or didn’t have a sp r fo and time one of my e us ca be it, men, and a out of t with the other had already pu rs be em m rday evening. ll Ce id in Q on the Satu pa BB d an n w do my name m the king back, I’m I came back fro advance. Loo delivered d, Retreat relaxe glad he did! d ready an e, ag from bagg Retreat e th of e tim e a new level As th to move on to was determined I , ed ch oa God. I met pr ap in my walk with from it a individuals ed to come back ill t-f some spiri still felt that I . an m d ge me many chan who had overco ggage to get ba e m so d ha eir lives, and I setbacks in th nue, at the ed by the rid of. The ve ag was encour near High m other Wycliffe Centre fro s ie ul testimon in a beautif as w , be om yc W delegates. tting. I had a and serene se e th as w it d s ever f, an Anyone who ha room to mysel for e on al t g on a Men’s ep in sl considered go first time I had pleasantly Retreat will be many years.

e benefits. surprised at th was billed as nd ke ee w e Th with God’, and an ‘Encounter

Peter Green d much more. it was that an

W

BREAKING STRONGHOLDS Perspectives on the Men's Retreat 2012

D

Pictures supplied by Hakeem Kasumu

uring the and symbols ar 2012 Annual e other th ings that could Men’s constitute spiritual hindra Retreat, I was nce and particularly bles affect the life of an sed by Pastor Richard’ individual. s session on spiritual st rongholds, Pictures, symbo the spirit behi ls and certain nd them, artefacts, who and how we ca se origin n be and history ar delivered from e traceable these to the occult, spirits. are avenues through which strongholds can become es He explained tablished that (unbeknown to spiritual strong even ho ld s are demonic in Christians). Ob fluences jects associat ed that take root with occult wor in the lives of ship should individuals - ei no t be in our hom ther consciousl es. Objects y or unconsciou associated with sly - but preven pornography t fruitfulness, an enable the root d can move ing of from generatio strongholds th n to generatio at could prevent n. a Christian fro m flourishing in Pastor Richard some areas of explained that their lives. certain issues in our lives that constitute a st God is a jealou ronghold need s God; any to be recognis ob ject or anything ed as such, an that is not d dealt with acco of God needs rdingly to brea to be removed k their hold on th from our hous em. Areas that es and homes . need addressi He does not to ng include: lerate idols or anything th at has to do Sin – iniquitie with satan bein s we cherish g given any in our hearts. amount of spac e in our lives.

In Deuteronom y 18:12a it is Unforgiveness described as an – Jesus says abomination: we must forgiv ”F or all who do th e; we must ese things release people are an abomin against ation to the whom we hold LORD…” a grievance.

This means w e ought to set them free.

The weekend Forgiveness was indeed is not an emot a blessing, and ion of the I will heart and min recommend fu d; it is a ture retreats to ‘command’. all men!

Pictures and symbols – objects that we own in the form of pictures

Segun Ehin

fun

,

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

WOMEN'S DISCIPLESHIP CELLS

Focus on HARROW T

he Harrow Cell started in April 2012. Although we only started meeting a few months ago, it feels like we have been together for a long time.

Starting up a new Cell can seem a little daunting, but the prayer support and encouragement we have received from our leaders have been invaluable.

We are a group of ladies from varying backgrounds and life experiences, but we all share one thing in common - our love for the Lord. Our passion is to see the lost come to faith in Christ, and to daily grow to be more like Jesus.

Meeting together gives us the opportunity to strengthen our walk with the Lord; to be there as a support for each other, and to study the Word of God to enable us to be doers of the Word and not only hearers.

In the time we have been together, we have experienced many blessings from the Lord, and have received many answers to prayers. This has served to increase our faith and our desire to serve Jesus.

JESSICA SMITH

Leader of Harrow Cell

W

HAT CELL MEANS TO ME

F

rom the first time I attended Cell, I have felt immediately welcomed into a family of loved ones. I feel cared for and more protected by God.

Mariam

I

have been attending ECC for over 10 years, and recently decided to join a Cell group with which God has truly blessed me, and I have seen immediate positive changes in my life. The sisters are wonderful servants of our Lord Jesus!

Our Cell leader is an amazing pillar of strength and courage, with her faith strongly rooted in the Word of God. I have made friends, and have an invaluable support network where we pray for each other, sharing our worries but also blessings. I wish we could spend even more time together, because the two hours fly by too quickly for me!

Rimma

P

raise the Lord for the Harrow Cell! I have been at home for a couple of months because of my health, and thanks to my sisters, I got lifts and was able to attend Cell every week and some church events. Had the Cell not started this year, I would have been completely cut off from fellowship at ECC. Thank God, and I am really grateful for the support I received!

Mylène

T

ESTIMONIES

che and a lot I had a tootha side of my of pain on one siting the vi mouth. After was still in pa e dentist, th I re-booked so intense that r to my io to go back. Pr ent, the tm in po second ap ed for me.

Cell group pray ent, the To my amazem was totally I next morning pain free!

Natasha

I had very bad pain in the joints of my fin gers, and found it difficu lt to sleep at night. The Ce ll prayed for me and that ni ght, when I went to bed, I had no pain and slept like a baby!

Rimma

I went to Cell with a lot of pain and discom fort due to a bad back . The sisters prayed for me and the next day the pain w as gone!

Prathisha

d attending Before I starte been looking d ha the Cell, I me time for work for so ing to get and was beginn use I could ca be d discourage ng. My friend not find anythi the Cell group Rimma asked the next day e; to pray for m ll from the I received a ca g me work! agency offerin

Marina

My daughter w as about to si t a difficult exam . I asked the Cell to pray, an d when my daughter rece ived the result, she had achiev ed an A*.

We give all the glory to God!

Prathisha

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

Pastor Ruth Trboje

ECC teams at the

CHRISTIAN SUMMER FESTIVALS ine

N

ew Wine this year was an excellent opportunity to develop, build up and release the ECC Worship and Youth teams, as Sam and Ruth took a large team of leaders to help lead and facilitate the running of programmes and ministries for which they had been given responsibility to deliver.

Within the youth venue of New Wine, which catered for

between 8001000 young people, Sam had responsibility for overseeing worship in the venue; Ruth managed the three youth seminar streams, which ran daily, and together they facilitated a youth worship workshop stream. The Team was therefore made up of those who could contribute to the smooth running of these areas. They included worship leaders, singers, musicians, dancers and a media team, who served the venue by producing daily video notices,

New Wine

As the week progressed, we experienced an increased level of engagement in worship, with session five of the week, ‘Come, Holy Spirit’, being the turning point.

During this session, we invited the young people to lie on the floor, close their eyes, and invite the Holy Spirit to come. In an atmosphere of worship, the Team then began to ask God what He was saying for each young person. So, armed with Post-It notes and pens, the leaders wrote words and phrases on the notes and laid them on the young people as directed by God. There was an amazing sense of God’s presence in the room, as around 150-160 young people lay there in God’s presence.

This Summer we were part of RIVERcamp.

Whilst Sam was busy in the main venue, leading worship with the Elim Sound team, Ruth and a team of youth workers - mainly from ECC - led the Impact venue, especially designed for young people aged As we brought this time to a close, 11-14. In the Impact venue, and young people read the one or we based the teaching for the multiple Post-It notes laid on them, week on the book of Acts. We 12 more young began on the There was an amazing people made firstfirst evening decisions looking at sense of God’s presence in time to become Chris‘The Jesus the room, as around 150- tians. One of the Movement’, with the 160 young people lay there decisions was by a young girl who challenge in God’s presence. struggled with selfthat who image - one of her we believe Post-It notes read “Wanted”. Another Jesus is changes everything. decision was by a young boy, who We continued the theme in the had told his small group leader that, second session, looking at the before becoming a Christian, he conversion of Saul, because wanted God to surprise him. A Postwho Saul believed Jesus to It note written by another leader, be changed everything. This unaware of this conversation, read,

ship at New W

PICTURE: Wor

session led to an invitation for young people to make a first-time decision to follow Jesus. As a result, around 16 young people made first-time decisions to become Christians, with others making a fresh commitment to live for God.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

overseeing camera work, and ensuring media was streamed successfully.

prayed with young people, as they assisted each seminar speaker in ministering to the young people.

With an average attendance of 50-70 people to each worship workshop, the Team taught confidently from their musical and biblical knowledge.

Workshops for worship leaders, songwriters, musicians and vocalists were all included, with a large youth choir being put together to sing as part of worship at one of our evening celebrations. As members of the Team also supported the other seminar streams, they welcomed, befriended and

This year, in addition to responsibilities within the youth venue, the Team supported Sam and Elim Sound, as they regularly led worship in the main venue, leading thousands in worship to an amazing God. Sam and Ian Yates (from Elim Sound) also

evic shares the experiences of the Worship and Youth teams at the recent Christian Summer festivals “God wants to surprise you”. We then prayed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and many young people gave testimonies in the days that followed; a couple just simply said, “I was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Here are a few testimonies from the young people: • “I didn’t feel as if God was listening to my prayers, but then someone said that God had given them a word for me, that He had heard every one of my prayers.

Suggestion: we should do more soaking prayer.”

• “I have learned that you can encounter God at home as well as at RIVERcamp… I was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

• “I felt the Holy Spirit this week for the first time ever!!! Thank You, Jesus! xxx” That night, as a team left the tent, there was a sense of excitement because of what God was doing.

One of our leaders wrote, “I came to RIVERcamp expecting to serve in ministry, but God blessed me with more. As we watched God transform the lives of many young people, He was also empowering and maturing us to a deeper level with Him. God never fails to amaze us!” (Victoria Yeo).

led a seminar as part of the adult seminar programme, and hosted an after-hours worship experience with worship leader, Jake Isaac.

So, on those occasions that Sam and a team of singers led worship in the main venue, the youth venue was left in the capable hands of ECC worship leaders, Jonathan and Gina, with an inspiring team of singers and musicians. With the expansion of singers needed to minister on team, it gave us the opportunity to further develop those whom we recognise God’s hand to be upon. For Shaloma Raymond, it was her first year on team. This is how she sums up her experience: “New Wine was one of the best

The next session was all about living a miraculous life.

We prayed for healing, and gave the young people a challenge to go out throughout the campsite during the day, and pray for people. We encouraged the young people to give testimony of what God was going. During the week, there were over 100 testimonies handed in from young people in the Impact venue.

Here is a snippet of just a few stories of what God has done….

• “I twisted my ankle and it hurt to walk on it, and God healed it!”

• “I became closer to God. I am not afraid. Before I came to RIVERcamp I would be scared to put up my hand in worship, or to stand cos I didn’t want to look silly. But since coming here, I don’t care what I look like as long as I am with God and having fun.”

RIVERcamp

the young people attending, and the leaders who came to minister. Here is what a couple of our leaders had to say about being on team at RIVERcamp: • “RIVERcamp was a fantastic experience. Seeing God move in the lives of the 11-14s was an honour. The experience developed me as an individual, and increased my faith further in the power of prayer.” (Wendy Anane-Forkuo)

• “After going to this camp and taking part, I now understand what people mean when they say 'like Heaven on earth'. I feel privileged to have had the chance to be involved.” (Seni Ogunmilade) • “Going to RIVERcamp was something I had been looking forward to weeks before we had even left. I was going through many trials at home, and I wanted some time with God. I also prayed to Him for much fellowship.

First of all, it

w a s the first time I had ever been camping and didn't know what to expect, and I can say now it certainly won’t be the last. It was one of the most encouraging and life-changing moments of my life – as a Christian and a Youth Worker. I hadn't been able to dance properly for two years, and the Lord made a way. Since I've been back from RIVERcamp I have not stopped dancing, and want to dance every day. I feel freedom and the blessings of joy; the amount of fellowship was enormous, and I made new friends across all age groups.

I was really encouraged with the presence of God's love; I saw His presence daily giving healing to the young people, and I saw the freedom that comes from Christ fill the tent every day. The worship time was amazing! It was a life-changing experience I shall never forget… Every day now I've been trying to live out the RIVERcamp experience back here in London and more. Thank You, Jesus, for being awesome! :D” (Nicole Gordon) www.RIVERcamp.co.uk

• “God healed my foot 100%, and filled me with the Holy Spirit 100%.”

God changed all those involved in RIVERcamp:

events I've ever been to. God showed me new things about myself that I wouldn't have guessed. Total highlight of my summer!”

responsibilities consistently without faltering. For those on team, who were courageous enough to brave the elements and camp for seven days, the reward of a good night’s sleep in a real bed became a With one of our most motivademanding schedules ... huge tion to finish the ECC team performed well.

So, with one of our most demanding schedules, New Wine their daily responsibilities This is how is not for C e c i l i a without faltering the faint Lubbock hearted. summed up her New Wine Up at 7.00am for breakfast, experience: and sometimes not finishing until 11.00pm, the ECC "New Wine was a new experiteam performed their daily

ence for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only did I find myself sharing God’s Word with others, but I found God was dealing with me and challenging me the whole time! As a married couple, Ben and I were a part of the New Wine team. It was great for us to dedicate our summer holiday to serving God. What an honour! From a style point of view, I feel the ECC girls should be commended for pulling off fashionable camping.

Go Glamcampers!" www.new-wine. org

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

Testimonies from members of the Evangelism Teams

‘You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ (John 15:16)

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THE CHURCH OUT

he Lord has clearly stated that His desire is for His followers to ‘go and bear fruit’.

The ‘go’ in His command makes it clear that this fruit-bearing cannot be limited only to internal fruitbearing, growing as part of the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22- 23. ‘Go and bear fruit’ makes it reasonably certain that Jesus is referring here to fruit borne by our Christian influence upon other people’s lives. Before we plant the seed of the Gospel into people’s lives, we are to pray for them that they might be saved (Romans 10:1). It will soften the soil of their hearts to receive the Gospel.

Share your personal testimony with someone, and do your best to invite your unsaved friends to church with you. When we become sowers and reapers, it brings much glory to God. Sharing the Gospel is not an option, but it is God’s ultimatum.

There are many testimonies and pictures of those who have been out on the streets to evangelise.

Together with evangelism, the teams also do face painting for children, and giving away balloons, pens with ECC details on them, chocolates, soft drinks, etc, as this acts as an icebreaker to talk to people.

There are three arms to evangelism outside the church: Borough-wide Evangelism, held on the second Saturday of each month, takes place in different towns in the borough of Ealing; Lighthouse Evangelism, held on the third Saturday, and Evangelism Explosion, held on the last Wednesday of each month which are both held in front of ECC.

Man with the gospel bracelet attended church “I met a mother and son during the Acton Boroughwide Evangelism.

The Lord gave me a few words of encouragement for the young man. I then went on to explain the gospel bracelet, which has different colours, each colour explaining the salvation message. I mentioned to him that he has to experience the Gospel for himself to know it. Jesus is real, and He can be known personally. This young man (in his thirtes) listened very attentively to what I had to say to him. On Sunday, the next day after evangelism, I saw him in church together with a friend. I said ‘Hi’ to him and that it was good to see him in church. He said he gave the gospel bracelet to his girlfriend who was with him, and that they both wanted to come to church.

I was so pleased to see them.”

Please read the testimonies of those who have been out on the streets. They have encouraging testimonies to share with you.

Pastor Rajinder Buxton 10

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

Lucia

People were queuing up for healing and prayers on the street “God can use you to do His work when you step out in faith. He will surely work through you as He has done through me.

Our mighty God has been using me to perform His wonders in the streets. I have been handing out Gospel tracts, and praying for healing for those who need healing or have other needs. The Evangelism team has been visiting many towns throughout the year - a total of nine towns altogether. In West Ealing, I prayed for a lady who was healed and who then brought other friends to receive healing too. The most recent healing was during our outreach in Hounslow. I prayed for a lady who came with a walking stick suffering from back and foot pain. I laid hands on her, and commanded healing in her back and her legs, which were out of alignment (ie. one leg shorter than the other), and they grew to the same length. Praise the Lord! She then went and told others, and they were queuing up to receive their healing too! The Lord met the needs of all who came.

As a result of ECC street evangelism, a number of people from the streets have been added to the church.”

Christine

God used us to plant the seed of the Gospel

TSIDE FOUR WALLS

“God is good! Wednesday 25th July 2012 was a successful day of evangelising. There were a lot of positive responses from the tracts.

PICTURES: The Evangelism Team

Two Muslim ladies came to the table for Christian literature “God knew the souls He was targeting. Two Muslim ladies came to the table and they showed an interest in the literature. They took some with them plus a DVD on how Muslims had given their lives to Jesus. They were willing to give us their contact details. We also witnessed to two people whom we had seen in that area before.

One young woman, whilst going to a church, said there were no young people there. We are not sure whether she is saved or not, but she may well be seeking to change where she fellowships. I also met another woman whom I was able to witness to, and she got a second sowing of the seed.

I had an interesting conversation, which the Holy Spirit instigated, with a young Hindu man, which left him perhaps with a question or two in his heart to answer. He took the tract. These were divine encounters that we knew about and that were significant. People were so interested in taking tracts and other Gospel literature.

We are to be obedient and to do the work of evangelists, to be faithful and to continue going out - no matter what the outcome will be. We are fellow workers with Christ Jesus and, as we play our part, He plays His. The fields are ripe for the harvest; pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out more labourers into the harvest field.”

Chris

A lot of people stood and listened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

People were asking questions about God and His existence. We were able to give out many of the ‘New Life’ Christian newspapers, and posted some through some letter boxes. Richard Johnson also gave many to the shops in the local area.

In total, there were eight of us who went out evangelising at the Evangelism Explosion. Overall, I was very pleased with the way God used us to plant seeds.”

Lola

Hair salon manager turns up for Revival & Healing meeting, and receives a word of knowledge “It was my first time at the outreach in Acton on Saturday 12th August 2012, on a beautiful sunny day!

I spoke to a few people about the love of God, and they were very receptive to the Good News. One gentleman shared details about his personal life. He was left scarred after a failed relationship, and he said he stands regularly on the same spot in Acton High Street waiting to see if this lady he still loves would pass by. It was no coincidence that the outreach team set up a couple of metres from there, and the love of God reached out to him as we were able to witness to him about Jesus.

My witnessing partner and I spoke to another three women, who said that they knew of someone at ECC (someone is doing a good witnessing job!). One of them was given an invitation to attend the Sunday evening Revival and Healing service. This lady manages a beautiful hair dressing salon in Acton, and we walked in while it was very quiet with only one client inside. It gave us a brilliant opportunity to witness to the staff. The lady is a Christian, and was looking for a church nearby. I felt led to decree the manifestation of the glory of God in her salon, and she was very grateful for the prayer. She said she will definitely come to the Sunday evening service the next day, and one of her staff said she would also attend.

The hair salon lady attended the Revival and Healing meeting.

It was so rewarding to see someone turning up to church from an outreach. Pastor Rajinder released a word that there was someone in the congregation who was feeling that their business was coming to a dead end, but God was going to revive it. I immediately thought that word was for the hair salon lady. And she confirmed later that her business had been quiet for a while and that word had encouraged her very much.

She really enjoyed the service and now wants to join ECC.”

Mylène October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

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the

The Prayer Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as compassionate prayer partners are waiting to take your prayer requests and to pray for your individual needs over the telephone. Here are some of the amazing answers to prayer, as individuals ring back to share their answers with us.

PRAYER centre

020 8799 2199

A very small selection of the many answers to prayers received in the Prayer Centre BRAIN TUMOUR

A lady called to give thanks to God for a miraculous healing of a brain tumour that was discovered last week, which is no longer there. Praise the Lord.

TRIBUNAL

A gentleman is thanking God for his answer to prayer. He called the Prayer Centre for God’s intervention, as he was going to a tribunal last week and on Wednesday he had victory. Praise God.

WORKLOAD

GRANDDAUGHTER

A sister called the Prayer Centre to say that her granddaughter has accepted Jesus Christ into her life. She has been praying for her salvation, and wanted to thank God for the Prayer Centre for standing in the gap for her family.

GUNSHOT WOUNDS

A sister was thanking God on behalf of a young man she met, who had been shot six times. Three of the six bullets were still in his head and couldn’t be removed according to the doctors, who said that he wouldn’t be able to walk or talk. With prayers and determination, however, he can now do both these things, and was able to come with this sister to ECC and give thanks to God.

A sister called the Prayer Centre on behalf of her brother, whose workload and responsibility had increased dramatically because a fellow worker had been sacked. He was on the verge of leaving the job, when the manager called him to take part in the recruitment process for a replacement worker.

Now they have engaged an additional worker, and her brother has returned to his normal workload and responsibilities, once again happily doing his job.

JOB INTERVIEW

A lady called for prayer to ask for God’s favour, as she was going for a job interview and, to the glory of God, she was successful. She got the job and was calling back to give thanks to God for His faithfulness.

OPPOSITION

A lady has been regularly calling the Prayer Centre, because she has been experiencing problems of severe opposition from teaching staff with whom she works part-time as a Teaching Assistant. She felt that her complaints were not being taken seriously, and that much partiality was being exercised against her. Now, following a recent meeting with the Deputy Head, she has not only received praise and affirmations from the Head and senior staff, but they have also made room for her by granting her the option of additional hours of her own choice.

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GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

DIABETES

A lady called to give thanks to God for healing her of diabetes. Her blood sugar level was high, but after being prayed for, everything is now normal.

Praise the Lord.

SAFE BIRTH

A brother called the Prayer Centre for prayers for his wife, who had been taken to hospital to have a baby by caesarean section. He called back again a couple of hours later to give thanks to the Lord. His wife had successfully been delivered of a baby girl, and both mother and baby were doing well. Glory be to the Most High God. Amen!

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

HOLIDAY

A sister rang the Prayer Centre to praise God because she went to Africa with her children on holiday, and God took them safely there and back. God also provided for them financially to go on this holiday, and her inlaws (with whom she did not previously get along) got on so well with her.

Praise God!

A sister joined the Prayer Centre in July and was not sure what to expect during her first shift from 7am to 11am. She says she was being helped by another prayer warrior, who was explaining how to deal with calls. She then asked her if there was anything she needed prayer for. The sister explained her desire to speak in tongues; she had been prayed for in her Cell group, but had not yet experienced it. So the prayer warrior said, “Let’s pray” and within a few seconds the sister started praying in tongues. She thanks God for answering her prayers.

HARASSMENT

A lady called for prayer because five teenage boys were harassing her by knocking on her door and bedroom window. She called the Prayer Centre and was prayed with, and the boys stopped harassing her as usual.

This experience brought her back to the Lord and back to her church. She realises that, had it not been for these teenagers, she would have continued her life without God, so now she is praying for them.

GOD CAN USE YOU

Amazing testimonies abound at the Prayer Centre, and you can make a difference to someone's life. Are you willing to be used by God in this area? Please contact Rudy or Tom, our Prayer Coordinators, on 020 8799 2199.

PRAYER PRAYER DIARY DIARY for for

NOVEMBER 2012 THE GREATNESS OF JESUS

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he Bible tells us that, ‘those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…’ (Romans 8:29). This means that God’s purpose is for those who accept Christ as their Saviour and Lord to eventually become like Christ in every way. This includes a sinless character and an immortal, resurrection body. This will take place once we are with him in eternity. But the process of becoming Christlike is not something to be put off until then. On the contrary, it is a something that should be set in motion the moment we receive Christ and are born again.

This month, we are looking at the passages of Scripture where Jesus is talking about himself. He is divine, we are not. But the Holy Spirit is within us to help us become like Christ. There are seven ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus recorded in John’s gospel. So he says: 1. “I am the Bread of life” (John 6:35). He has provided us with our every spiritual need. We, in turn, are to take that message to others who are dying from lack of true spiritual food.

2. “I am the Light of the world” (John 9:5). Jesus shines against the background of great spiritual darkness in this world. He, in turn, tells us, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

3. “I am the Door/Gate” (John 10:7). Jesus made it crystal clear that he is the only pathway to salvation or entry into God’s presence. Unless people hear and respond to that message, they will be eternally lost.

4. “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).

5. “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). We are to take out the message of abundant life now and eternal life to come.

6. “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). This clearly excludes any means of salvation other than the cross.

7. “I am the True Vine” (John 15:1). Head knowledge and spiritual tokenism are not enough. We have to remain in Christ, and only by abiding in him will we know eternal life and fruitfulness.

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for Individual and Church Spiritual Growth

The "I AM" statements in John's Gospel

This month, we are praying to be the people that Jesus calls us to be, so that we can be the powerful and effective influence in this life that he has sent us out to be.

1st - John 6:25-27

Seeking God for who he is 1. As we come to you, O Lord, may we seek your face and not the provision of your hands only.

2. Cause us to be people who seek not the miracles themselves, but the God of miracles.

3. Cause us to seek first your Kingdom and your righteousness, O God, knowing that when we do that, you always meet all our needs.

4. Help us to come to you with pure motives, clean hands and pure hearts, O Lord.

5.Be our everything, O God, enabling us not to be attracted by temporary, worldly things that have no lasting value themselves.

2nd – John 6:28-34

Doing the works of God 1. Give us hearts that believe you, O God, and take you at your Word at all times.

2. Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds to the things you want us to do, day by day, so that we are always fulfilling God’s will.

3. May we allow you each day to be a lamp to our feet and a light for our path, O Lord.

4. Teach us how to always prioritise our daily and weekly tasks so that, even in the mundane and routine things, we are always doing your will, O God. 5. Lord, we commit this day into your hands; guide and lead us in all that we do according to your perfect will, we pray.

3rd – John 6:35-40

Hungering after God 1. May our food be to do the work of God. 2. Holy Spirit, increase within us a hunger after the living God. 3. Remove from our lives every trivial thing that is a hindrance in our drawing close to you, O Lord.

4. Give us a true perspective on the fleeting value of this present life, compared to the eternal value of the life to come, so we order our affairs in the right way.

5. Lead us today to someone who is seeking after you, O Lord, so that we can help them find you.

4th – John 6:41-47

Stop grumbling

1. May our relationship with you be such, O Lord, that we may know how to experience

godliness with contentment, which is great gain.

2. Cause us to realise the greatness of the riches we already have in Christ, so that we can see any problems in life as insignificant in comparison.

3. Help us to use our words to always be a blessing to you, O Lord, and never in a way that grieves the Holy Spirit.

4. May our words always be used to build others up and not to discourage or grieve them.

5. Enable us to give thanks in any and every situation, as we realise that this is your will for us, O God.

5th – John 6:48-52

Jesus, the Bread of Life 1. Give us more of yourself, Lord Jesus, so that we may become more like you.

2. Help us not to become spiritual anorexics, we pray, but people who feed daily on the Word of God. 3. Holy Spirit, help us to be filled to overflowing with the presence of Jesus in our lives.

4. Cause us to truly understand and value the eternal life we already have in Christ, so that it impacts everything we do.

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PRAYER PRAYER DIARY DIARY for for

NOVEMBER 2012 5. Realising that, in Christ we will live forever, help us to give our present, brief lives away for you and your cause, O Lord.

6th – John 6:53-59

Living in Christ

1. Lord, help us to give our all to you, offering ourselves as living sacrifices daily.

2. As we seek to draw closer to you, Lord Jesus, may our own personal desires diminish, and your desires for our lives increase.

3. Draw us as individuals and as a church into such a close relationship with you, O Lord, that our prayer meetings pull down every stronghold of the enemy.

4. As we live in you and you live in us, O Lord, cause us to minister in all the power you have for us to accomplish your perfect will.

5. Lord, send a revival in our individual lives, in the life of the church, in our city and in our nation, we pray.

7th – John 9:1-3

Glorifying God in our lives 1. O Lord, may we not keep our eyes on our circumstances, but rather on you, so that in every circumstance - good and bad - you may be glorified in our lives.

2. Lord, we bring you all our abilities and ask that you use them for your glory.

3. Lord, we bring all our failures to you; glorify yourself in us by enabling us to learn from them, using our failures as a means of stepping upwards.

4. Cause us to realise, O Lord, that we are not self-sufficient, but rather that we need to depend on you, our Creator, in every area of our lives.

5. Lord, may we use any perceived inabilities in our lives as a means to trust you more to work through us, and not as an excuse to do nothing.

8th – John 9:4-7

Jesus, the Light of the World 1. Lord Jesus, may your light so shine in us that it is obvious to others - even without words.

2. While we still have time, help us to make the most of every opportunity to make a difference in this world for you, Lord Jesus.

3. May your light so shine in your church, Lord Jesus, that as you are uplifted in our midst; it will draw all men and women to you.

4. Let your light shine once again on this nation of ours, Lord Jesus, turning the hearts of men and women to you.

5. Here we are, Lord, send us, we pray.

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9th – John 9:8-12

Opening blind eyes 1. Holy Spirit, if our own spiritual eyes are blind towards any area of our own personal lives that needs changing, open them so we may see and change.

2. Guide and anoint us, Holy Spirit, so that when we speak to those who do not know Christ, their spiritual eyes may be opened.

3. We pray for all those we meet on a daily basis, who do not yet know Christ; open their blind eyes, we pray.

4. Give us the grace and the wisdom to deal with those who are sceptical of the reality of Christ in our lives, we pray.

5. Help us to move confidently in the gift of healing, so that we may see all kinds of healing miracles to confirm the reality of the Gospel.

10th – John 10:1-6

Following God’s voice 1. Holy Spirit, teach us to recognise your voice, and to have the wisdom and courage to act upon it.

2. When the devil appears as an angel of light, and we are being tempted to follow the wrong course, help us to hear and know your voice, O Lord.

3. When we know the right thing to do because it is your will, O God, may we do it without hesitation.

4. Help us to wait upon you, so we can hear your voice, O Lord, and not be so busy with less important things that they drown out what you are trying to say to us.

5. Help us to hear and discern your voice, O Lord, whether you speak through your Word, through preaching, directly into our spirit, by prophetic gift or the wise counsel of other believers.

11th – John 10:7-9

Jesus, the Gate/Door 1. For all those we know who are following cults, believing they have the truth but who are deceived, enable us to show them Christ as the Door to eternal life.

2. For all the Muslims we meet, and who are sincerely seeking to know the true God, help us to show them to Christ, the Son of God, and the doorway to true salvation.

3. We pray for all Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs we meet, that you would enable us to point them to Christ as the One and only God and gateway to Heaven.

4. We pray for all those we meet who are involved in the occult, that they may realise that satan is only a created being - and not God - and that he will lead them to hell.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

5. For all atheists who are deceived into thinking that death is the end of existence, help us to show them that, in reality, it is the gateway to Heaven or hell.

12th – John 10:10

The thief and the Saviour 1. Keep us humble before you, O Lord, so that we may always resist the devil and see him flee from our lives.

2. Cause us to remember, O God, that greater is Christ who is within us, than satan who is in the world, so that we may always be positive, bold and fruitful.

3. In times of temptation, trial or difficulty, may we never succumb to the lies of the devil, but always remain true to our God. 4. Help us not to mix worldly ways with your ways, O God, so that we may truly enjoy the abundant life in Christ that you have given to us now.

5. Cause us to wait on you, so that we may experience the fullness of the baptism in and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and so live in the fullness of power you desire of us.

13th - John 10:11-13

Jesus, the Good Shepherd 1. Lord Jesus, since you are a Good Shepherd to us, help us in turn to be good shepherds to others.

2. We pray for all our Discipleship Cell leaders that you would bless, anoint, strengthen and equip them in every way to be shepherds of those they oversee.

3. We pray for all the leaders of departments in the church, that you would give them wisdom, power and grace to lead those in their charge to greater spiritual heights.

4. We pray for all the teachers in the church of children, youth and adult groups, that you would help them to strengthen the faith and spiritual lives of those they teach.

5. We pray for all the pastors and elders and their wives and husbands in the church, that you would enable them to act as good shepherds to the church.

14th – John 10:14-16

Bringing in the sheep 1. We pray for every act of witnessing we carry out on a daily basis, that you would enable us to bring to you all those you know will give their lives to you.

2. We pray for every act of evangelism by teams on the streets, that you would make them fruitful in seeing many give their lives to Christ.

3. We pray for all our Discipleship Cells that, through friendship evangelism, many would come to know Christ in the Cells.

PRAYER DIARY for

OCTOBER 2012 SIGNS OF THE LAST DAYS

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his month, we are praying through the words and warnings of Jesus, as he answers his disciples’ questions about the last days and about the second coming of Christ. As we reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew Chapters 24 and 25, Mark 13 and Luke 21 - spoken 2,000 years ago - of what the world would be like in the days just before he returns, we realise we are living in those days.

He did not give a date for his return; instead, giving a number of signs that would be pointing to that event. This means that the Church should be ever watchful, living and serving in the light of his return, when time and opportunities for service will run out.

Significant signs include the fact that, at Christ’s return, the Jews would be living in their own ancient homeland once again. This became a reality on 14th May 1948. The temple in Jerusalem would be rebuilt and standing before Christ returns. This has not yet happened, but all the materials and implements have already been pre-constructed, and all that is delaying its rebuilding is the right political climate.

It would be a time of numerous conflicts around the globe, famines and earthquakes and tsunamis. It would be like the days of Noah and the days of Lot. It would be characterised by the love of many growing cold. It is significant to observe this happening in the western world where, for centuries, these countries based their laws on biblical principles, but are now rapidly forsaking those values for which these countries were known, and rejecting the God they once served. At the same time, there is a massive growth in the Church in every other part of the world.

There would be a growing persecution of the Jews. The Old Testament prophets foretold the wars that Israel would be involved in during these last days, as nations would attack it. The worst is yet to come, and you don’t have to be a prophet to see what is around the corner – just listen to the world news. Followers of Christ will also be persecuted.

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for Individual and Church Spiritual Growth

Matthew Chapters 24 & 25

Jesus’ message is not that we should fear, but rather that we should be observant, see what is coming, and live our lives in a way that makes the most of the opportunities that exist before time runs out. We should recognise and use our talents and gifts in faithful service for him, being certain that those who remain faithful will not only have eternal life, but will be rewarded with varying measures of responsibility in Christ’s Kingdom to come.

1st – Matthew 24:1-2 Change is coming 1. Lord, help us to live our lives in the present, with our eyes always looking to the future.

2. Enable us to keep a light hold on all we possess and achieve in this world, O God, recognising it will not last.

3. Cause us, in all we do, to put priority on things that will endure for eternity, not those that last a lifetime only.

4. May our knowledge of the great future you have for your Church and this world motivate us to seek your Kingdom first, O Lord.

5. As we watch the rise in ungodly activity around us, help us not to be alarmed but, rather, to be more determined to spread the Gospel, we pray.

2nd – Matthew 24:3-5 Overcoming deception 1. Keep us firmly rooted in your Word, O Lord, so that we are not deceived by subtle errors that hinder our effectiveness for you.

2. Holy Spirit, may our hearts always be open to you, so that we can respond when

you are convicting us of things that need changing in our lives.

3. When satan appears as an angel of light, give us the spiritual discernment to recognise falsehood and choose the right pathway, we pray.

4. We pray for all those we meet who are deceived by false religions; save them, O Lord.

5. We take authority in Jesus’ Name over every evil spirit that seeks to deceive or lead astray any member of the church.

3rd – Matthew 24:6-8 Standing firm in times of trouble 1. May our faith in you, O Lord, cause us never to be shaken - no matter what may occur.

2. Keep us close to you and in close fellowship with your church, O Lord, so that we can always overcome our circumstances rather than being overcome by them.

3. Cause our hope in you, O God our Rock, to be the anchor for our soul - firm and secure.

4. Help us to remember your Word, O Lord, which reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth even comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

5. Though all else fails, yet will I rejoice in the Lord always.

4th – Matthew 24:9 Persecution 1. Help us always to have the courage to stand up and be counted as a follower of Christ, and the wisdom in how to express it, O Lord.

2. When people shun us or look down upon us, or marginalise us just because we love Christ, help us to count it all joy, we pray.

3. For those amongst us who work in environments that are hostile to Christians, give them grace and favour, we pray.

4. We pray for believers in other lands, who find it difficult to get jobs just because they are Christians; grant them favour and meet every family need, O God, 5. We pray for those believers in lands where to choose to follow Christ results in death; give them grace and protection, O Lord.

5th – Matthew 24:10-11 Times of apostasy 1. Keep our love for you red hot, O Lord.

2. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel, or of standing up for you, O Lord.

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PRAYER DIARY for

OCTOBER 2012 3. We pray for all in the church who may be backsliding for any reason; give them strength to resist and to return wholeheartedly to you, O Lord.

4. We pray for your Church in this land, O God, that it would not be influenced by secularism and humanism, but rise up in the power of righteousness.

5. We pray for our backslidden nation, O God; have mercy, and cause a turning of the hearts of the people from godlessness to godliness.

6th – Matthew 24:12-13 Increase in wickedness 1. Keep us from being tempted and from being drawn into the growing wickedness around us, no matter how subtle the temptations.

2. Give us a clear and firm discernment between right and wrong, and good and evil, so that we may not be influenced by an increasingly godless environment, we pray.

3. When the spiritual darkness around us is getting darker, cause our light to shine even brighter for Jesus, we pray.

4. When wickedness is increasing around us, cause us to stand firm to the end, O Lord.

5. Rise up in our midst, O God, and move in your revival power to save, heal and deliver those captive to the devil’s lies, we pray.

7th – Matthew 24:14 Preaching the Gospel the world over 1. Lord, we pray for every nation in Europe that the Gospel would go out in power, finding fruitful ground in men’s and women’s hearts.

2. We pray for all the nations in Africa, O God, that the Gospel would continue to move in power to and through every land.

3. We bring all the nations of Asia before you, and pray that every country from Israel to Japan would fully hear the Gospel.

4. We pray for all the countries in north, central and south America, that the Gospel would penetrate to the remotest regions.

5. We pray for Australia and every island nation around the world, that all would hear the Gospel.

8th – Matthew 24:15-20 Preparing for dark days 1. Give your Church the spiritual backbone it needs in these days, O God.

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2. Help us not to fear any situation that arises, knowing that you will never leave us nor forsake us, O Lord.

3. Cause us to remember that with our God we can overcome any and every trial - no matter how severe.

4. In times of great difficulty, O Lord, may we remember that you will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to bear.

5. As we look beyond this present life to the one to come, cause the joy of the Lord within us to continually keep us victorious over our circumstances.

2. Help us to plan as though we will be here for a long time, but to live as though each day were our last, we pray.

3. As the time of your coming draws ever nearer, place within us a sense of urgency to fulfil your commission to us to go and share the Gospel, O God. 4. Help us to each fulfil the plans you have for our individual lives, we pray.

5. Help us to collectively fulfil your plans for us as a local church, O Lord.

9th – Matthew 24:21-24 Pray for strength in the day of trouble

1. As we read prophecies in your Word that have already come to pass, may we be strengthened and excited by the things you have said you will do in the future.

2. Help us to build our lives on your Word, O God, recognising that all else is sinking sand.

3. As we see things happening in the world around us that are fulfilling what you said in your Word would happen, may it motivate us to be on our knees to pray.

4. When the storms of life come our way, may our trust in your Word cause us to remain unshaken, O Lord.

5. Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds every time we read the Bible, we pray.

1. Make us a people who are strong, O Lord, and one for whom trials cause us to become stronger not weaker.

2. As we remember that if you, Lord Jesus, were persecuted so, too, will we be, cause us to become not merely followers of Christ but true disciples.

3. Help us to overcome small trials, O Lord, as a stepping stone to overcoming larger ones in the days to come.

4. Teach us to realise that our strength comes only from our relationship with you, O Lord, so that we remember to walk closely with you daily.

5. We pray for all in our midst, who are struggling spiritually for one reason or another; help them to rise up in the strength of our God, we pray.

10th – Matthew 24:25-29 Knowing God’s Word in advance 1. Give us a deep love for your Word, O Lord, to know it and apply it in our lives.

2. Give us the ability, Holy Spirit, to treasure the Word of God in our hearts, so we can always draw upon it in times of need.

3. As we draw nearer to the end of the era of this current world, give us a strong motivation to read and understand the prophetic Scriptures, we pray.

4. Holy Spirit, help us to move clearly and accurately in the gift of prophecy, we ask.

5. Help us to move accurately in words of knowledge and wisdom as and when needed, we pray.

11th – Matthew 24:30-31 Christ is coming 1. May we daily live in the light and knowledge of your second coming, O Lord.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

12th – Matthew 24:32-35 God’s Word is trustworthy

13th – Matthew 24:36-41 As in the days of Noah 1. Have mercy on our generation, O Lord, who, just like in Noah’s days, are ignoring your message of judgment to come.

2. Have mercy on our generation, who mock the God who alone can save them.

3. Have mercy on our generation, O Lord, who, just as in the days of Noah, witness the violence of wars in many parts of the world.

4. Have mercy on our generation, O God, that is caught up in drug abuse and all the social problems that come as a result.

5. Have mercy on our generation, Holy Spirit, and visit nations around the world with the fire of your revival power.

14th – Matthew 24:42-44 Be ready 1. Help us to live in the knowledge that your eyes are upon us at all times, O Lord, so that we do not backslide.

2. Whatever we do in our places of study or work, may we always do it to the highest standards, knowing you are watching, O God.

PRAYER DIARY for

OCTOBER 2012

15th – Matthew 24:45-47 Faithful servants 1. Holy Spirit, cause us to be faithful in all the things we say.

2. May we be faithful in all the things we do, O Lord.

3. Help us guard our thought life, Holy Spirit, so that we remain true to your will.

4. Holy Spirit, help us to become more like Jesus.

5. May we live for you and not for ourselves alone, O God.

16th – Matthew 24:48 The folly of backsliding 1. May we always remember what you have saved us from, O Lord, so that we will never be tempted to go back into the world.

2. We pray for all our Discipleship Cells, that all in the church would continually grow in discipleship.

3. Holy Spirit, when we make a mistake and fall short of your standards, convict our hearts so we may act promptly to repent.

4. We pray for all those in the church who have backslidden for whatever reason, draw them back to yourself, O Lord.

5. May we stir up the flames within us and keep our hearts on fire for you, O God.

17th – Matthew 24:49-51 The regret of the lost 1. May the knowledge of eternal punishment for Christ-rejecters keep us motivated to reach the lost before it is too late for them.

2. May our knowledge of hell give us compassion for those who are currently unsaved.

3. Quicken us, Holy Spirit, we ask, so that we may pray fervent and effective prayers for the lost.

4. Anoint every expression of evangelism - whether in groups, teams or individually - and make such outreach ever more fruitful, we pray.

5. May we live our lives in such a way, O Lord, that we will not regret what might have been.

18th – Matthew 25:1 Watching for Christ 1. Keep our eyes fixed on you, O Lord.

2. Help us not to get sidetracked or distracted by any unhelpful activity that keeps our focus away from you, we pray.

3. As we go about our daily lives, may we not fail to notice your help and guidance in our everyday affairs, and give you thanks.

4. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see whenever you are communicating with us, O Lord.

5. Let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, and do it through us, we pray.

19th – Matthew 25:2 Wisdom and foolishness 1. Teach us how to use godly wisdom rather than merely the wisdom of this world, we pray.

2. Keep us in the habit of asking you to help us in every task in our daily lives, O God, remembering we are your ambassadors 24 hours a day.

3. May we never forget that you have said that if we lack wisdom in any matter, we can always ask you and you will help.

4. Keep us from the foolishness of acting out of our old nature rather than our new spiritual nature, we pray.

5. May we never act as fools, except when we are regarded as ‘fools’ for following Christ.

2. We pray for persistence to run the race you have set before us, without getting weary or drowsy, we pray.

3. We pray for your Church in this nation, O Lord, that it would awake from its slumber, and rise up before the enemy has completely overcome it.

4. As a church, keep us wide awake to the assaults and plans of the enemy designed to keep us ineffective, and cause us to overcome, we pray.

5. Holy Spirit, move over your Church and over this nation in a great move of your revival power, we pray.

22nd –Matthew 25:7-10 Distracted by wrong priorities 1. Open the eyes of your Church to discern what the enemy of our souls is doing while your people are being distracted with many things.

2. Guard us from being distracted by issues in our families, enabling us to resolve matters quickly in a biblical way.

3. Keep us from being distracted by financial concerns, O Lord, either because we lack sufficient resources, or we have much, causing us to take our eyes off you.

4. Guard us from being distracted by ungodly company, O God, by giving us wisdom in how to live and work amongst unbelievers.

5. Give us godly wisdom to be able to correctly prioritise our personal, family, work and church commitments, that makes us a blessing in all those areas, we pray.

20th – Matthew 25:3-4 Don’t dry up

23rd – Matthew 25:11-13 An open or shut door

1. Holy Spirit, if we are feeling spiritually dry at this time, fill us afresh, we ask.

2. For those we know who are feeling spiritually empty, we pray that you would remove all hindrances that would prevent them from being spiritually renewed.

3. Holy Spirit, put a passion in our hearts to seek you to experience streams of your living water flowing out from within us.

4. Lord, let your living presence fill the Church in an increasing measure, changing lives in the process.

5. Teach us to wait on you and for you, Holy Spirit, we ask.

1. When doors are currently shut in our lives, help us to discern whether you have shut them, O Lord, or the enemy has done so, so we know how to pray strategically.

2. Help us not to dither when you are opening a door for us, O God, so that we may take the opportunities you give us before the opportunity is lost.

3. For those who are waiting on you for a breakthrough in their lives, open a new door of opportunity in response to their prayers, we ask.

4. Lead us, O Lord, to those whose time on earth you know is short, so that they have the opportunity to hear the Gospel while they still have time.

5. Give us an open door of revival in the church, O God.

21st – Matthew 25:5-6 Falling asleep 1. Keep us individually spiritually alert and wide awake at all times, Holy Spirit, we ask.

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for Individual and Church Spiritual Growth

3. Whatever we do in ministry, whether inside or outside the church, help us always to strive for excellence, since we are doing it for you, O Lord.

4. Cause us always to be ready to speak for you, O God, whenever the opportunity arises.

5. Help us always to watch and to pray, O Lord.

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PRAYER PRAYER DIARY DIARY for for

OCTOBER 2012 24th – Matthew 25:14-15 Talents and abilities 1. Thank you for all the different talents you have placed within your church, O Lord; help us to recognise what talents you have given to each of us.

2. Holy Spirit, we ask that you would freely distribute your spiritual gifts amongst your people in the congregation.

3. Give us a hunger to seek and ask for all the gifts of the Spirit, we pray, and may we use them in a way that brings glory to you, O Lord.

4. Raise up in the church men and women with all kinds of practical talents, and may they be used in a way that brings you glory, O Lord.

5. Help us pursue excellence in all we do for you, O God, never being satisfied to give you second best.

25th – Matthew 25:16-18 Using our talents 1. Help us to discern the gifts and talents in one another, and to encourage one another to use them in the service of and for the glory of God. 2. Give us servants hearts, O Lord, so that you can raise us up without fear of our using our God-given talents to draw attention to ourselves.

3. Cause each of us to recognise that you have given each of us gifts and talents, and give us the courage to use them for your glory, O Lord.

4. Keep us from burying and not using the talents you have given us, O God, so that we do not stand before you fruitless.

5. Cause your church to multiply thirty, sixty even one hundred times over, we pray.

26th – Matthew 25:19-23 The rewards of faithfulness 1. Give us hearts of love towards you, O God, that make our only motivation for service to hear your words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

2. Cause us to understand the importance and significance of remaining faithful to you, no matter what our current circumstances, knowing we will not lose our reward.

3. May we remember, O Lord, that even when no one else knows, sees or understands, you know and see every act of faithfulness.

4. Help us to build not just for the here-andnow, O God, but for eternity.

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5. Keep our eyes on Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in.

27th – Matthew 25:24-30 The Day of Reckoning 1. May we live our lives for you, O Lord, so that we will not be ashamed on the Day we stand before you.

2. We pray for all your people in the church who are born-again but asleep; shake them, so that they do not end their lives not having done what you called them to do.

3. Keep us from acting with selfish motives in all we do for you, O Lord, so that the benefits of what we have done are not lost.

4. May we be a people who produce a spiritual harvest for you, O God, that will endure for eternity.

5. May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing and acceptable in your sight, O Lord.

28th – Matthew 25:31-36 Compassion 1. Give us open and compassionate hearts, O Lord.

2. Make us a generous people who are not afraid to give, we pray.

3. May we be a people who are quick to see the needs of others and the first to try to meet those needs, O God. 4. Help us always to be ready to welcome the stranger, and to demonstrate the love of Christ, we pray.

5. Enable us to be the ‘good neighbour’ that you call us to be, O Lord.

29th – Matthew 25:37-40 Selfless service 1. Help us develop an unselfish character, O Lord, that prefers to give rather than to get.

2. Fill us with the joy of the Lord as we learn to serve rather than be served, we pray.

3. May we never get tired of seeking to serve others and to serve you, O God. 4. Help us to have eyes that see where there is genuine need in others and, where we can meet it ourselves, to do so.

5. Here I am, Lord, take me and use me however you desire.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

30th – Matthew 25:41-46 Eternal punishment 1. Help us to comprehend the horrors of eternal punishment, O Lord, so that we may have a sense of urgency to spread the Gospel.

2. We pray for every act of witnessing we will engage in today; anoint us to lead the lost to salvation in Christ, we pray.

3. We pray for all our evangelism teams, that you would make them ever more effective to lead people to Christ on the streets or wherever they are.

4. We take authority in Jesus’ Name over every spirit of religion that prevents those we speak to believing the truth about Christ, and we break that power.

5. We take authority in Jesus’ Name over every spirit that blinds the eyes of those unbelievers we meet and talk to, and we break the hold that prevents them being saved.

31st – Matthew 25:41-46 The devil and his angels 1. Lord, open the eyes of those parents who allow their children to celebrate Hallowe’en, not realising the occultic influence behind it.

2. We pray for all our local schools, that you would give the teachers the wisdom to avoid influencing children to celebrate Hallowe’en.

3. Open the eyes of your church, O God, to the reality of the powers of darkness at work in our nation, so that prayer may become a priority.

4. Lord, as we rise up in the power of prayer, protect your Church from every spiritual attack of the enemy.

5. Have mercy on our nation, O Lord, as the devil seeks to steal its very soul; may your Church rise up and overcome the malicious plans of the devil for this country.

PRAYER DIARY for

NOVEMBER 2012 others of your reality and presence, we pray.

5. Teach us how to come to that place where we can always say, “Your will be done in my life, O Lord, and not my own.”

15th – John 10:17-18

1. Give us a faith like that of Thomas, who was prepared to sacrifice all for you, Lord Jesus.

2. Holy Spirit, help us to die to self and live for Christ.

3. Give us the strength to daily put to death our old nature, and allow our new spiritual nature to flourish, we pray.

4. Help us to put to death any plans and ambitions that are not Spirit-led, and guide us into the destiny in life that you have prepared for us.

5. Cause us to understand that, for the believer, preparing for the eternal life to come is far more important than living purely for the pleasures of today.

Laying down our lives 1. Here we are, O Lord, use us for your glory, we pray.

2. Help us to understand that our greatest priority is not our own desires and ambitions, O God, but your perfect will for our lives; help us to walk in your will.

3. Teach us how to be selfless rather than selfish, O Lord.

4. Enable us to forgive every person who has wronged us, no matter how deep the hurt goes.

5. Help us to be a generous people, willing to give our finances, our time and ourselves fully to your cause, we pray.

16th – John 10:19-21

Praying for those who reject Jesus 1. We pray for our unsaved family members and ask, Holy Spirit, that you would convict them of sin and their need to surrender their lives to Christ.

2. We pray for all our colleagues at work, school or college, O Lord, that you would save them.

3. We pray for all our unsaved friends and neighbours, O God, and ask that you would help us lead them to salvation in Christ.

4. We pray for all those we meet regularly, who are sincere in following their religion, but remain sincerely wrong; save them, O Lord.

5. We pray for all those who once were regular attenders at church and following Christ, but who have now backslidden; restore them fully, O Lord.

17th – John 11:1-6

God’s glory in our suffering 1. Lord, help us to continue to trust in you, even when we do not understand what is happening.

2. Cause us never to doubt your total love and commitment to us, even in hard times, realising that you know all things.

3. May our trust and faith in you, O God, be like that of Job who said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”

4. May our trust and faith in you during times of great trial be a testimony to

18th – John 11:7-16

Dying for Jesus

19th – John 11:17-26

Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life 1. Thank you, Lord, for our new life in Christ; help us live it in its full abundance.

2. Enable us by the power of the new life within us to overcome every sin and temptation, we pray.

3. May the certain hope of eternal life through Christ keep us always positive, optimistic and joyful, no matter what our current circumstances may happen to be.

4. May the fruit of the Holy Spirit grow abundantly within each of us, as we develop the potential of the resurrection life we have received through faith in Christ.

5. Lord, help us live in the supernatural power of the resurrection, even in this lifetime, we pray.

20th – John 11:27-31

Jesus is asking for you 1. Lord, when you want to speak to us, may we have listening ears to hear and the will to obey quickly.

2. Holy Spirit, mould our will so that we are always prepared to do the will of God. 3. May we not be too busy to hear when you are speaking to us, Lord.

4. If you are not getting our attention when you are speaking to us Lord, then shake up our comfortable circumstances until we learn to listen.

5. Holy Spirit, help us understand the unutterable privilege of being saved and

called to serve our God, so that we always have ears to hear what you are saying to us.

21st – John 11:32-36

The tears of Jesus

1. Help us never to grieve you, Lord, through our thoughts, words or actions.

2. Help us never to grieve you through having doubts or unbelief, we pray.

3. Cause us to see things as you see them, O Lord, and to weep over the grave consequences of sin in this world.

4. Give us a compassion that enables us to weep for the lost, and a desire to see them saved, we pray.

5. Help us to empathise with those around us, who are going through hard times, so that we may pray for their needs and provide help where we can.

22nd – John 11:37-43

Remove the stone

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for Individual and Church Spiritual Growth

4. We pray for your manifest presence in our Sunday services, O Lord, that would cause the unsaved to recognise your presence and surrender their lives to you.

5. We pray for all those who are invited to attend our services, that you would draw them in and save them, Holy Spirit.

1. Lord, enable us to remove every stumbling block that prevents growth in our spiritual lives.

2. Help us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run the race marked out for us, we pray.

3. Cause us to remove any lack of faith in our lives that prevents us from growing spiritually.

4. Lord, help us to remove any negative images we have about ourselves, which prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life and potential you have for us.

5. We take authority now in the Name of Jesus over any attack of the enemy that is seeking to hinder our spiritual growth; help us overcome, O Lord.

23rd – John 14:1-6

Jesus the Way, the Truth, the Life 1. Teach us to be a people who always seek to walk in your ways, O Lord.

2. If we have wandered away from the true path, draw us back, Holy Spirit.

3. Help us to be a people who always seek to know the truth of God and live in it.

4. Enable us to draw ever closer to you, O God, so that we can know and experience the fullness of life that you intend for us.

5. Anoint us to bring the truth of the Gospel to many, so that they too can know Jesus Christ as the Way, Truth and Life.

24th – John 14:7-11

How well do you know Jesus?

1. Prompt us daily, Holy Spirit, to seek to get to know Jesus more and more.

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

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PRAYER DIARY for

NOVEMBER 2012 2. Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds each time we read the Bible, so that we are always getting to know Jesus more.

3. As we draw near to you in prayer, O Lord, fill our minds with your thoughts, and teach us more of yourself.

4. Help us choose the right books to read that will help deepen our understanding of you, O God. 5. May our knowledge of you, Lord Jesus, not be merely head knowledge, but in action, word and deed also.

25th – John 14:12-13

Doing what Jesus did 1. Give us a simple trust in you, O Lord, that enables us to believe and see.

2. For those amongst us who are not yet baptised in the Holy Spirit, as they wait on you and ask in faith, fill them, we pray.

3. Give us the grace to be people whom you can trust to use us to do great works for our God. 4. May we live so close to you, Lord Jesus, that we may know your mind, and so be able to ask the things you want us to ask and see the impossible made possible.

5. In all we do, may it always be done for the glory of God, we pray.

26th – John 15:1-2

Pruned in order to produce more fruit 1. Give us the spiritual maturity to realise when you are pruning us, O Lord, even though it is painful, in order that we may bear more fruit.

2. Help us not to resist your pruning in our lives, O God, so that we do not remain stuck where we are, but are able to move onwards and upwards spiritually.

3. When necessary, O Lord, help us to say with Job, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the Name of the Lord be praised.”

4. Holy Spirit, reveal to us all those areas in our lives that need pruning and removing, so that we may actively seek to divest ourselves of them.

5. Take our lives and let them be wholly consecrated to you, O God.

27th – John 15:3-4

Remaining in Christ 1. Keep us from backsliding, and convict our hearts whenever we are in danger of doing so, we pray.

2. Keep us from seeking to go our own way, no matter how attractive it may be, O Lord, but rather help us keep our minds fixed on you and your will.

3. Fill us afresh with yourself even now, Holy Spirit, so that we may be full and

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overflowing into the lives of others.

4. As we remain in Christ, may we grow more effective in the use of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for your glory, O God. 5. We take authority over ever attack of the enemy against us, and pray that the shield of our faith would be so firm that no fiery dart would penetrate and harm us.

28th – John 15:5-8

Bearing much fruit 1. As we remain close to you, Lord Jesus, make us fruitful in all areas of godliness.

2. Make us fruitful in every area of witnessing and evangelism, we pray.

3. Enable us to be fruitful in our prayer lives, O Lord, helping us to know your will and so move mountains in prayer.

4. Help each of us to know and grow in those areas of ministry you have called each one of us to do, we pray.

5. As we seek first your Kingdom and righteousness, may we be fruitful in everything we put our hands to do, we pray.

29th – John 15:9-11

Obeying Christ’s commands 1. Knowing how easy it is for us to sin, Holy Spirit, help us to walk in obedience to your inner prompting within us.

2. Holy Spirit, help us not to backslide in any way at all, but rather only to grow stronger in our obedience.

3. May obedience to you in every way be our joy and our delight, O Lord.

4. Since our level of obedience is the measurement for how deep our love for you is, O Lord, cause our love for you to deepen.

5. Teach us to live in the understanding that obedience is better than sacrifice; help us to be both obedient and sacrificial.

30th – John 15:12-17

Love one another

1. Teach us the meaning of agapé love, namely that which is rooted in our minds and will, and so is something we can choose to exercise, we pray.

2. Teach us how to be unselfish, O Lord, but rather to see the needs of others.

3. Move us, Holy Spirit, so that we may be moved with the plight of others.

4. Teach us the difference between the true agapé love of God, which seeks to do the best for others, and silly sentimental love that merely brings indulgence.

5. Let your light shine in and through us, Lord Jesus, we pray.

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

NOTES

SUNDAY SERVICES at a glance 9am, 11.15am, 6.30pm

OCTOBER 2012 7th

PRAISE & COMMUNION Speaker: Pastor Richard Buxton CELEBRATION & MINISTRY EVENING Speaker: Pastor William Anane-Forkuo

14th

CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Pastor Aogu Tateyama REVIVAL & HEALING MEETING Speaker: Pastor Rajinder Buxton CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Pastor Richard Buxton WORSHIP & PROPHETIC EVENING Speaker: Pastor Sam Blake

21st 28th*

CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Pastor Mark King CELEBRATION & MINISTRY EVENING Speaker: Pastor William Anane-Forkuo

NOVEMBER 2012 AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM

*DON'T FORGET:

CLOCKS GO BACK!

4th

PRAISE & COMMUNION Speaker: Pastor Richard Buxton

AM

CARIBBEAN EVENING Worship & Gospel presentation

PM

11th

CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Pastor Richard Buxton REVIVAL & HEALING MEETING Speaker: Pastor Rajinder Buxton

AM PM

18th

CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Bhab Ghale ECC Missionary to Nepal CELEBRATION & MINISTRY EVENING Speaker: Pastor Ruth Trbojevic

25th

CELEBRATION SERVICE Speaker: Pastor William Anane-Forkuo CELEBRATION & MINISTRY EVENING Speaker: Pastor Mark King

MOMENT OF TRUTH

AM PM AM PM

Saturday 24th November @ 7pm

PRAYER MINISTRY @ ECC Daily Revival Prayer Meetings Monday to Friday Morning meetings

10.00am Meeting in Annexe Room 2 EVENing meetings

6.00pm (Hour of Encounter Mondays-Fridays) Foyer 7.30pm (Prayer Explosion Tuesdays only) Foyer Annexe Room 2 is on the main street to the left of ECC's main doors and can be accessed directly from the street

For personal prayer, why not come along to our

PRAYER & HEALING MEETINGS The second Sunday evening of every month at 6.30pm Sunday 14th October • Powerful worship!

Sunday 11th November

• Testimonies of God’s provision and healing • Bring all your requests – God specialises in the impossible!

Jesus is the answer

All-Night prayer Meetings A night of intercessory prayers, celebration, thanksgiving and praise!

Next Meetings:

Friday 26th October Friday 30th November

The last FRIDAY of every month 10pm-5am October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

21

ECC Attendance and Finance Statistics JULY / AUGUST 2012

Children Children ATTENDANCE 9.00am 9.00am 11.15am 11.15am 6.30pm FINANCE JULY AUGUST 01 Jul 2012 313 35 463 97 183 Tithes & 08 Jul 2012 238 41 431 104 115 Offerings £55,082.63 £36,014.21 15 Jul 2012 269 27 421 107 810

22 Jul 2012 249 21 462 92 111 Building 29 Jul 2012 254 38 455 76 84 Fund £65.00 £1,610.00 05 Aug 2012 236 30 431 81 72

12 Aug 2012 276 33 364 64 102 Standing 19 Aug 2012 248 26 487 99 77 Orders £15,063.40 £14,315.21 26 Aug 2012 246 No class 463 No class 339

GIFT AID RECEIVED FOR JANUARY 2012 TO MARCH 2012 WAS £30,726.65

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GIVING TOWARDS KINGDOM WORK!!!

T

A NOTE from the Treasurer

ithing is worship. It has always been more than just a tax. Tithing is recognition and worship of the One who created and actually owns all.

Worshipping God in a prescribed manner has existed since the Garden of Eden. Cain and Abel knew the correct way to worship God, but one of them chose not to worship that way. The correct way involved giving up something they owned in recognition of God in a prescribed manner. Worship cost them something, then, as true worship always does.

If we do not worship God with our money, we do not really worship God. Job, Abraham

and his descendants, and others living before the giving of the Law, knew that worshipping God involved sacrificing of their substance.

Any Christian who loves the Lord should desire to give everything to Him. We can and should give more than ten percent (the tithe). Tithing is just the starting point -- not the maximum limit. The tithe is like a birthday gift to a wonderful spouse, just a token reminder of their importance to you.

Actually, they deserve much more - more than it would be possible to give. Jesus is like that. He deserves more than you could possibly give. Tithing is only a reminder

to you, and to Jesus, of the intent of your heart, and the place of importance He has in your life.

Giving based on need is not biblical tithing, but giving of alms. (It is not worship, but a 'good work'.) Tithing is not to meet God's need (or the church's needs), but to worship God; to put Him in His rightful place - first!

Giving tithes faithfully forces us to trust God and depend on Him. May the Holy Spirit help us all to grasp this truth in our hearts, so that we can always be obedient to Him in this area of our worship.

SANDRA DAWODU

PLEASE NOTE: You can now pay your tithes and offerings through the ECC website at www.ecc.org.uk

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS OF THE Elim Pentecostal Churches 1. THE BIBLE: We believe the Bible, as originally given, to be without error,

the fully inspired and infallible Word of God and the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2. THE TRINITY: We believe that the Godhead exists co-equally and coeternally in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that these Three are one God, sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.

3. THE SAVIOUR: We believe in the true and proper deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His real and complete humanity, in His sinless life, in His authoritative teaching, in His substitutionary and atoning sacrifice through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His heavenly intercession and His second advent to receive His Church.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe in the deity of the Holy Spirit Who proceeds from the Father and the Son and the necessity of His work in conviction of sin, repentance, regeneration and sanctification, and that the believer is also promised an enduement of power as the gift of Christ through the baptism in the Holy Spirit with signs following. Through this enduement the believer is empowered for fuller participation in the ministry of the Church, its worship, evangelism and service.

5. MANKIND: We believe in the universal sinfulness of all mankind since the Fall, rendering man subject to God's wrath and condemnation.

6. SALVATION: We believe in the necessity for salvation of repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by which the sinner is pardoned

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GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

and accepted as righteous in God's sight. This justification is imputed by the grace of God because of the atoning work of Christ, is received by faith alone and is evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit and a holy life.

7. THE CHURCH: We believe in the spiritual unity and the priesthood of all believers in Christ and that these comprise the universal Church, the Body of Christ.

8. THE MINISTRY: We believe in the ministries that Christ has set in His Church, namely, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and in the present operation of the manifold Gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the New Testament.

9. THE ORDINANCES: We believe in the baptism of believers in water in obedience to the command of Christ and the commemoration of Christ's death by the observance of the Lord's Supper until His return.

10. THE COMMISSION: We believe that the Gospel embraces the needs of the whole man and that the Church is therefore commissioned to preach the Gospel to the world and to fulfil a ministry of healing and deliverance to the spiritual and physical needs of mankind.

11. THE COMING KING: We believe in the personal, physical and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to reign in power and glory.

12. THE FUTURE STATE: We believe in the resurrection of the dead and in the final judgment of the world, the eternal conscious bliss of the righteous and the eternal conscious punishment of the wicked.

GENERAL NOTICES & FORTHCOMING EVENTS MOMENT OF TRUTH 2012

FRIDAY 12th to SUNDAY 14th OCTOBER

SATURDAY 24th NOVEMBER

THE GATHERING 2012 is a powerful weekend encounter for young people and takes place at TELFORD INTERNATIONAL CENTRE. Please visit www. serious4god.co.uk for more details.

SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER BHAB GHALE, our missionary to Nepal and the General Secretary of United Vision Nepal, will be with us for our MORNING services. Come and hear about the amazing work in Nepal.

POLISH FELLOWSHIP Elim Springs Every Sunday @ 2:30pm in the Auditorium (Please use side entrance)

The annual MOMENT OF TRUTH concert is a FREE evening concert suitable for all the family. The only admission 'fee' is a tin of food (eg. soups, baked beans, etc), which is donated to the EALING SOUP KITCHEN and other feeding programmes.

For more information, please email info@21.ten. co.uk.

DELIVERANCE MEETINGS

ECC Japanese Fellowship Every Sunday @ 2:30pm in the Foyer For details, please contact AOGU & CHISATO TATEYAMA

For ECC attenders: Before coming for deliverance for the first time, please make an appointment to speak to Pastor Rajinder

Saturday 20th October Saturday 17th November For non-ECC attenders: please contact ELLEL MINISTRIES on 01252 794060

info@eccj.org.uk

EVANGELISM EXPLOSION

Borough-wide Evangelism 11am - 1pm Saturday 13th October SHEPHERD'S BUSH Saturday 10th November SOUTHALL For all those wanting to take part in Evangelism, there will be meetings in the Auditorium on:

Sunday 7th October (after 2nd service)

12noon - 2pm

last Wednesday of every month in front of ECC Next dates:

Wednesday 31st October Wednesday 28th November

Lighthouse Evangelism (in front of ECC)

11am - 1pm

Sunday 4th November

Third Saturday of each month Next dates:

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE TEAM

Saturday 20th October Saturday 17th November

(after 2nd service)

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

23

Fellowship & Congratulations

Congratulations to Andy and Liliana KNIGHT on the birth of their son JOEL ASIRWATHAM Date: 25th July 2012 Weight: 7lb A brother to Johann

Congratulations

EALING SOUP KITCHEN

to Jeremiah and Abigail YASHIM on the birth of their daughter SAMANTHA JEREMIAH Date: 2nd August 2012 Weight: 3.21kg

Up-and-coming dates for ECC @ Ealing Soup Kitchen are:

Saturday 10th November Saturday 5th January

from 1.45pm til 6.00pm Volunteers are needed for cooking, serving and befriending clients who attend. Also, as winter approaches, it would be great to receive donations of the following items:

EVERGREENS MONDAY 8th October

CREATIVE PRAYER ART & CRAFTS AFTERNOON This will give everyone an opportunity to try something new.

LUNCH COSTS £3.50 plus £1.50 donation is requested towards craft materials MONDAY 12th November Inspirational speakers: PASTORS WILBERT & MURIEL LAMBE Their talk, entitled 'All may change, Jesus never' will be interactive and insightful.

Invite someone new to this event.

LUNCH COSTS £3.50 and will be served at 1.45pm MONDAY 10th December FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH 12.30pm at Beefeater Hayes You can pre-book 2 courses for £9.99 or 3 courses for £12.99 LIMITED SPACES - contact Sharon Grant 24

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FELLOWSHIP

Please do not leave donated items in the church without prior agreement with the Office, as space is limited.

Baby and Toddler Group Every Wednesday term time only - 10am til 12noon All welcome!

Meetings start @ 2pm

3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st

7th 14th 21st 28th

OCTOBER Jenny Moore Merle Aqui Prayer & Praise Merle Aqui Colleen Barry-Austin NOVEMBER Christine Walker Merle Aqui Prayer & Praise Merle Aqui

MONDAYS 12.00pm to 1.00pm

KEEP FIT CORNER

Men's socks, shoes and trainers; adult winter coats and jackets; heavy, clean blankets, sleeping bags; toiletries (disposable razors, stick or roll deodorants, shower gel, face flannels, pocket wet wipes).

STAY ACTIVE 4 LIFE with fun, fitness and flexibility ONLY £2.00 - at ECC

THURSDAYS 2.00pm to 3.00pm

LOW IMPACT AEROBICS Inspirational moves and grooves (please bring a mat) ONLY £2.00 - at ECC

PRACTICAL TRUTHS

HOW TO...

LISTEN DESPITE DISTRACTIONS E

ngage your logical mind for a moment and reflect on this situation: a very young boy left his mum’s home to live with another family. In that family were two sons; they were much older than the young boy. Both sons were disobedient to the father, and unfortunately the father didn’t restrain them.

They encouraged many people to engage in wrong things.

Would you have placed your young son in that situation?

You would rightly be afraid that the young boy would follow the bad example of the older boys. Well, this is an extract of what happened to young Samuel, who later became a great prophet in Israel!

“God has stopped speaking to me...” Have you ever said that, or heard someone say that phrase? It can feel, of all the voices we listen to, that God isn't one of them. And the other voices we listen to can influence the decisions we make. Yes, the operative word is "can". But you should take a few moments and read the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, and get the full context from the first chapter. It’s a really interesting read. Samuel didn’t have to look far for distractions; they were right there in his new family.

God called out twice to Samuel, and each time Samuel thought it was Eli

calling him.

Could this also be true with us today, that God is actually speaking to us, but we think it’s someone else speaking? As a result, we ignore Him. Even with all the distractions around him, Samuel learned which Voice to listen to, and continued listening to that Voice. And that’s the key... to be consistent. Problems arise when we stop listening.

Like Samuel, we need to keep

door knocking, we just have to let Him in!!! In the same way, God is always talking through His Holy Spirit with us; the challenge is whether we are listening. And more importantly, the question is whether we like what we hear.

Sometimes we don’t like listening to God’s voice, because He may ask us to make unpopular decisions;

God is eager to meet our needs, and our failure to listen can prevent us experiencing God’s best for us listening, continually allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us and operate through us.

‘You make it sound so easy’, I hear you say! True, it does sound easy, that’s because it is easy. The challenge is that our minds have an unlimited capacity to complicate simple things. Take, for example, the phrase ‘I don’t know where to find God’. The simple answer is taken from the Good Book; He is already at our

do something that may expose us to ridicule, or perhaps even ask us to give up something we value. The obvious response is, ‘Certainly God won’t ask me to do that’.

Maybe He just did.

I recall, at a previous church, being urged to place a small amount of money into the offering. A war erupted in my head and heart, as that was the last sum I had in my pocket and bank account.

In the end, I gave in and, with great reluctance, placed the money into the offering basket. I argued with myself all the way home. When I opened the front door, there was an envelope with a cheque; the note was thanking me for loaning the person money about three years back! There may have been no link, but God is eager to meet our needs, and our failure to listen can prevent us experiencing God’s best for us.

God is reliable. He speaks continuously, so keep listening no matter what the circumstances are...no matter what the distractions are... keep listening and obeying His voice.

Be blessed.

Roy McEWEN

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

25

email sd@ecc.org.uk

Classifieds Classifieds Classifieds

ADVERTISE YOUR GOODS OR SERVICES Contact ECC Office for details on 020 8840 7508

TELFORD

International Centre

EASTER 1 - 5 APRIL 2013

Booking for

Elim Bible Week 2013

officially opens in October.

Please visit www.elim.org.uk for further details.

26

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

EALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE does not in any way endorse any advertised company or products, and cannot guarantee rates, levels of service or workmanship Advertising space is offered on a first come, first served basis. ECC reserves the right to publish the advert where space is available, and not necessarily on the Classifieds page. ECC reserves the right to alter any advertisement to improve reproduction quality. ECC excludes liability for any loss due to noninsertion or any errors in the advertisement. ECC reserves the right to refuse publication of any advert that it does not deem suitable for Grapevine magazine; the Editor-in-Chief's decision is final.

ADVERTISING RATES (Prices per mono advert per issue) Full page Half page Quarter page Eighth page/ Smaller sizes (by agreement)

£80 £50 £30

Copy deadlin e next is sue: 2nd No v

£15

L If you place an advert (same size) for CIA SPE ER six consecutive issues, you will get one OFF insertion free of charge!

Pay for FIVE and GET ONE FREE!

Approx Sizes (mm h/w) Portrait Landscape Half page 230x90 115x180 Quarter page 115x90 57x180

The power of

TESTIMONY O

ne of the strongest influences in the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the power of testimony.

Testimonies bear witness to how God is active in our circumstances today.

They bear witness to the fact that the sovereign and loving God of yesterday has not changed today. They confirm His nature and His heart, and they create a momentum for the miraculous.

Revelation 19:20 says, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Testimonies need to be recorded, repeated, kept honest and meditated on. In every miracle is a mystery to be discovered. Miracles are intended to be educative; their function is to reveal an inner meaning or significance which helps our understanding of God.

2:24). God does not have favourites: “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). His promises are not ‘Yes’ to some and ‘No’ to others.

Furthermore, God is consistent and faithful: “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

This means that what He has done for someone else, He will do for you (He is no respecter of persons). Even if what He did happened a long time ago - two thousand years ago, in another country and with a different people - He is still the same today and will be tomorrow.

So, testimonies reveal God’s heart, and they can set a precedent for miracles today.

Unfortunately, those who were once passionate for God can lose sight of the God of the supernatural. Consequently, as spiritual warriors, they become disarmed and powerless, Testimonies bear witness losing their onThe word ‘testimony’ to how God is active in our going witness to in the Old Testament the demonstration can mean ‘do again’. circumstances today of God’s power and When God told Israel love to those in to keep the testimony, need.

He was giving them something that would When, however, we consciously stay in keep them in touch with His continuous touch with the sovereign, all-mighty Lord, supernatural interventions. it powerfully affects our confidence level.

The testimony of Jesus is the written or The timid become bolder after seeing the spoken record of what He has done. And Lord’s miraculous ways. that record or testimony of His works is Testimonies create desire in others, and prophetic: it is intended to release an that desire can be so strong that they get anointing that is to have an effect today. a breakthrough too.

The testimony reveals what God wants to ‘do again’. Any time we share what God Testimonies get has done in our lives, we are preparing people ready for the ground for God to do it again. The more. testimony is prophetic.

Testimonies build There can be times when we wonder if momentum.

God wants to do a miracle. Firstly, Jesus revealed that God’s will is to heal: “I am willing; be clean” (Mark 1:14). Healing is Pastor part of Christ’s atoning work on the cross: “By His stripes we are healed” (1 Peter JOHN STARR

Any time we share what God has done in our lives, we are preparing the ground for God to do it again

PICTURES: Testimonies at a recent Revival & Healing service

October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

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GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WATOTO CHOIR - 50 years on The display of team work - Ezekiel 37

I

n the house of God, seeing yourself more as a team player than as an individualist is a special gift. Yes, we are all wonderfully made by God to have unique traits, but I love involving other people, to capture their skills/talents and incorporating it to achieve a great task. An example I always look to is Jesus and His twelve disciples. What specific skills/talents did Jesus see in them, and why did He finally settle for that specific group of disciples?

Have we heard of these sayings?

• 'Two heads are better than one' • 'United we stand, divided we fall' • 'A single strand of a broom can be broken, but a bunch of them will be very difficult to break' On 14 July 2012, I came to ECC to welcome the Watoto Team. They had come with a purpose. They had come to celebrate what God has done for them as a community/ village in Uganda. It was not only about the current group in the UK, but the entire Watoto Village in Uganda. They portrayed this message together: No matter what your circumstances are in life, God can use you and bring a light at the end of the tunnel.

In 2011/2012, I watched in admiration their dedication and sense of commitment in delivering their events. Their sense of togetherness reminded me of the song entitled ‘Dem Dry Bones’, based on Ezekiel Chapter 37. It was amazing how children of God can work together towards one goal and exclude all selfcentredness. Their common goal as a team is to GLORIFY GOD. With this mindset, everyone on the team is in tune with this purpose. There is no division. One purpose and one goal. Can I also have this mindset?

ERNESTINA OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION GOES OUT TO ALL THE HOST FAMILIES, TEACHERS, CHARLES-OBI SUPERVISORS, STEWARDS, FINANCE TEAM, TECHNICAL TEAM, AND OTHERS WHO Children's HELPED AND VOLUNTEERED WITHOUT NEEDING TO BE ASKED. Ministry May God bless you all and reward you greatly.

Coordinator

CREATIVE DANCE MINISTRY “In Christianity, God is not a static thing . . . but a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama. Almost - if you will not think me irreverent - a kind of dance” (C.S. Lewis).

D

ance is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. As God calls us to worship Him in spirit and in truth, dance offers an excellent expression of love and devotion to Him. As 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “You were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies.”

Here, at Ealing Christian Centre, we encourage our children to use their own creative ways to worship God, and inspire others to do the same. As these children engage in the worship of our Lord Jesus through dance, they not only grow in their relationship with Jesus, but they also become equipped to minister to other children and believers as well.

It is the Children’s Ministry's desire to continue to ignite passion amongst our children; to navigate and channel their abilities through the art of dancing, and to inspire others to know that worship comes in different shapes and forms.

ANN KO

"Let them praise His Name with dancing, and make music to Him with timbrel and harp” Creative Dance (Psalm 149:3).

Instructor October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

29

yama tor Aogu Tate

Celebrating the fourth anni

PICTURE: Pas

ECC Japanese Fe “Wow, time flies!” This is an expression I’ve heard a lot in the UK! Actually, I also said it when I looked back at the four year journey of ECC’s Japanese Fellowship.

We had our very first service on the second Sunday of September 2008, and ever since then, the Japanese Fellowship has been blessed and has been a blessing for Japanese people in London.

Yes, that time has flown by!

But during that time, there have been amazing and unforgettable moments which will stay in my heart forever.

I simply and sincerely praise the Lord for what He has done for Japanese people through the Japanese Fellowship, and I thank everyone who prays and supports us.

However, once they have started to seek who God really is, He touches their hearts, and amazing life-changing decisions have been taking place 30

Our vision is to preach the Gospel to the Japanese people in London, and to train Japanese Christians to be truly missionary-minded in their attitude by the time they return to Japan. This vision has not changed since we were established, and it is exactly what ECCJ has been doing.

Only 0.5% of the 120 million population of Japan are Christian, and this proportion is similar for Japanese residents in London. So, our fellowship is living and preaching the Gospel to Japanese in our everyday lives and at work, and through activities such as English classes, ECC’s Little Stars toddlers’ group, sports ministry and other special events. Many of our contacts from these activities have attended the Alpha Course, and some of them have accepted Christ as their Saviour. Most of the Japanese we minister to have heard the Name “Jesus” but nothing more. However, once they have started to seek who God really is, He touches their hearts, and amazing lifechanging decisions have been taking place.

Every year, about ten people have been leaving the Japanese Fellowship to return to Japan when they finish their jobs or studies in the UK. Some of those came to London as Christians, and experienced a renewal of their spiritual life while they were with us at ECCJ. One lady from a Christian

GRAPEVINE • Issue 58 • October / November 2012

family in Japan, who had an on-and-off relationship with the Lord, came to join our fellowship three years ago and, during her time here, the Lord touched her and changed her. She went back to Japan last year, and is now studying at Bible College in Japan, in preparation to serve the Lord among the Japanese.

Another lady, who attended the Japanese Fellowship while she worked as an artist in London for two years, became a strong Christian through her time with the Japanese Fellowship. She was also an on-and-off Christian before coming to London, but now she leads a

youth group in her church in Japan, and

young people there are fast becoming followers of Jesus.

There are more and more stories I could tell you, and I believe that this blessing of the Lord will continue into our coming fifth year and beyond.

Meanwhile, I will be taking Pastors Richard and Rajinder to Japan in November this year. They were praying for Japan even before ECC’s Japanese Fellowship started, and supporting us ever since I

iversary of the

Kaori, Kazuko

and Thomas be

ing interviewed

ellowship met Pastor Richard for the first time to talk about this vision to reach out to Japanese residents in London, so it will be exciting for us to pray together for the Japanese cities we visit. Moreover, we’ve had an idea of taking a short-term mission team from ECC to Japan, which is under consideration for the future!

Time flies, but fruits remain.

And those fruits are testimonies of the amazing

work of the Lord. He calls us to be alongside Him and shares His joy with us, and so I pray that you will follow Him in every way, doing His work, and that this joy will fill every nation of the earth.

Pastor Aogu Tateyama

by Pastor Rut

h

At the recent BAPTISMAL SERVICE, three members of ECCJ shared their testimonies...

Kaori Eshima

I

'm Kaori, and I was born in Japan. When I was a child, I didn't know anything about God. But I had a chance to come to this country three years ago, and now I know God, how much He loves me, and I'm very proud of myself, because I'm going to be baptised this evening. Thank you.

Kazuko Satoh

I

came to London from Japan one year ago. Six months ago, I started to go to church every Sunday.

I had had many opportunities to know God since my childhood, however I had never accepted the Bible nor God. I came to know that Jesus Christ died for us, and now I believe in God. My whole life has changed dramatically, and my new days are marvellous. I decided to continue (and get baptised) to thank and praise God.

Thomas Pibworth

I

was born in Japan, lived there for two years, then I went to France for six months, then I went to South Korea for seven years, and then off to England, where I am now. I’ve been going to church ever since I can remember. Being from Christian parents meant I had a vast knowledge of the Bible, and there wasn’t a passage I didn’t know, but to me they remained just stories instead of actually understanding them.

My big mistake with my relationship with God is that I lived parallel to God. But I finally understand that I can go to the starting line for a relationship with God, and now I know what the Lord means when He says, ‘Seeing is not believing’.

PICTURE: Members of ECCJ October / November 2012 • Issue 58 • GRAPEVINE

31

one family of many nations proclaiming one gospel through many disciples

E

ALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE (ECC) is part of the Elim Pentecostal family of churches, of which there are around 600 in the UK, and which is in fellowship with approximately 8000 churches worldwide. Year by year, ECC has continued to grow steadily with people coming from every continent, joyfully blending into a multi-ethnic family, drawn from approx 100 nationalities. With its emphasis on prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship and evangelism, the church seeks to live out its motto.

Now hundreds of Christians - of all ages and backgrounds - meet together for lively celebration on Sundays in the beautifullyrestored decor of the 1200-seater auditorium, a former Odeon cinema, and in small Discipleship Cell groups during the week.

EITC GRADUATION 13th July 2012

Weekly MEETINGS Sundays 09.00 09.30 09.30 09.30

11.15 11.45

11.45

14.30 14.30 18.30

20.00

FIRST MORNING SERVICE Little Seekers (Age 2-5yrs) Finders (Age 6-10yrs) Teens Talk (School years 7-11) - single gender classes SECOND MORNING SERVICE Crèche (18mths-3yrs) Adventurers (Nursery 3-4 yrs) Discoverers (Age 5 yrs) Explorers (School years 1&2) Investigators (School years 3&4) Pioneers (School years 5&6) Nu Talk (School years 7&8) Talkin' God (School years 9,10&11) - single gender classes Polish Church Service Japanese Church Service SUNDAY NIGHTS AT THE CENTRE (see page 21 for details) Refreshments in Coffee Lounge

Mondays

10.00-12.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 18.00-19.00 Daily Prayer Meeting

Tuesdays

10.00-12.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 19.30-21.15 Tuesday Night Prayer Explosion

Wednesdays

10.00-12.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 14.00 Wednesday Afternoon Fellowship 18.00-19.00 Daily Prayer Meeting

Thursdays

10.00-12.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 19.00-21.30 EITC - Bible College

Registration required

18.00-19.00 Daily Prayer Meeting

Fridays

10.00-12.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 18.00-19.00 Daily Prayer Meeting 19.00-21.30 EITC - Bible College

Registration required

(Last Friday of every month)

22.00-05.00 All-Night Prayer Meeting

Saturdays

11.00-13.00 Street Evangelism

Prayer • Teaching • Praise & Worship • Evangelism & Missions • Fellowship for all Ages School of Ministry (teaching ministry) | PRAYER & Healing | Deliverance Discipleship Cells | Children & Youth Ministries | Evergreens (Ministry for the Retired)

For further information, tel 020 8840 7508; email info@ecc.org.uk, or visit www.ecc.org.uk EALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE • 268 Northfield Avenue • Ealing • London W5 4UB Registered Charity No. 251549