Enthuse March 2009 by Felix Makanjuola Jr

COMMUNITYTOGETHER

The Pink Extravaganza by Boma Chibuokem Harry The 14th of February is traditionally celebrated in many parts of the world as St Valentine’s Day. It is popularly referred to as a day of and for love and lovers respectively. Couples and loved ones seize the opportunity to go out of their way to demonstrate their love for each other by doing something special on that day, such as sending gifts to each other.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Place of Victory, Swansea was not left out in this celebration either. The church played host to a cocktail get-together where everyone was invited. From the young, to the single and married and it was held at the Quaker Meeting House. The colour theme for the evening was a touch of pink and guests turned up in lovely shades of the colour. In accordance, every lady was welcomed with a single pink rose. The night was kicked off with a musical performance by a quartet of beautiful ladies made up of Oluwatobiloba Lawal, Oluranti Fabiyi, Olufela Oroge and Rabiat Fawehinmi who set the mood for the night with love songs dedicated to the ultimate lover of all, almighty God. An opening prayer was then given by the resident pastor, Felix Makanjuola Jr.

The night was a blend of fun and networking providing an atmosphere for meeting new people and getting to know one another better. Special performances such as poem recitation, dance presentation, stand-up jokes and music performances added colour and excitement to the event. One major attraction of the evening was a light-hearted blind date game. Guests were asked to volunteer themselves to participate and the winners stood the chance of winning an all expense-paid dinner for two at a fancy restaurant. Swansea University students Vimbai Musunda and Kehinde Ayodeji, rose to the challenge and had to pick their ideal date from a selection of three contestants each. It was a very interesting and funny game as the contestants succeeded in making it lively with their witty responses to questions asked. At the end of the game, charming Mayowa Awosika emerged as Vimbai’s date while Kehinde chose to have dinner with lovely Morolake Olawore. Swansea University Student, Steve Mensah had this to say about the night ‘It was a nice, refreshing and relaxed evening, in which numerous young guys and ladies came together to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a godly manner. The blind date revealed some thought provoking, but interesting fallouts regarding what Christian young adults seek from the opposite sex. But on the whole it was a very good event’. The cocktail ended with a final word and prayer by Pastor Felix Makanjuola Jr. 2

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

EDITORIALVIEW

aith is the difference between an abundant harvest and a barren field."...it shall be done for you as you have believed." Matthew 8:13 (AMP) "Please God, help me find them." Searching everywhere, she continued to pray. When her brother called, he prayed too. Suddenly she thought: I was wearing that red coat...it must be... Extending her fingers inside the left pocket, there they were--the keys to her mailbox! The moment she realized those keys were missing was the moment she began to pray. And why did she bother to pray? She prayed because she rightly expected something in return--God's favour and assistance, the bountiful difference between harvest and a barren field.

CONTENTS MARCH 2009 Pink Extravaganza

Editorial

3 4-5

Self-Development Life Skills

FMJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday Surprise

Blind Date

Book Review/ Birthdays

9 13

No Strings Attached

14-15

Faith to Breakthrough

Many have been taught it is wrong to expect something in return when you give to God, thinking it is a form of greed. Well, let's examine that teaching. Did you expect forgiveness when you confessed your sins to Christ? Of course you did! Was that greed? No, it was simply trusting God's character, exactly as the woman who lost her keys. In the same way, neglecting to expect a harvest from your seed steals the pleasure God enjoys from blessing you.

Month in View

4I Small Groups

Domestic Violence

God's greatest pleasure is to be believed. Expectation is the key ingredient that makes the seed work for us. Whenever we come across a promise of God, we must expect that it will happen in our lives. God is not a respecter of persons. If He did it in the past for His children, He will certainly do it for you. Our faith moves the hand of God. Our obedience to His Word, wrapped in expectation, allows Him to move as He desires in our lives. As we sow a seed to meet a need we face, let us expect the promise of God to come to pass for us. Confess that father, I thank You that You do not lie. What you speak comes to pass in my life. I place an expectation upon the promises in your Word, knowing that it is done unto me as I believe.

10-12 COVER STORY

Get a copy at

ENTHUSE gets in on Model Behaviour as we talk to aspiring super model from a humbly background, Betty Adewole.

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ENTHUSE MARCH 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MY MONTH OF FAITH

SELFDEVELOPMENT

Running their own business has worked for Dominique White and others, but there are risks involved and it’s not for everyone Whether you’re just starting out or have been around for a while, you’ve probably dreamed at some point about being your own boss. Of course, in times when money is tight, running your own business does come with risks, so any plans need to be carefully thought out. Self-employment can seem like a great idea if you’re the sort of person who has enough motivation to make it work. It’s not for everyone, though, and many people enjoy the security and routine of working for someone else and taking home a regular wage. However, if you have an idea for a business and have the determination to get it up and running, self-employment could be your opportunity to be your own boss and do something you love.

Starting out Dominique White from Nottingham is one lone parent who is just starting out. When Dominique found out she was preg-

I wanted to get working so my daughter grows up with the work ethic my mum taught me nant at 18, she had just started her dream course at London’s Fashion retail Academy. ‘I’d been doing really well on the course and was the only one out of 400 students to get a role working in Top Shop’s head office,’ she says.

‘Having a baby was a bit of a shock, but I was happy to come

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

SELFDEVELOPMENT

back home and be a mum.’ She never really saw herself as a stay-at-home mum, though, so after a year of raising her daughter Danielle, 19-year old Dominique was eager to get back into fashion. She used the internet to check out opportunities, and quickly found a supplier of wedding dresses that gave her the idea to start her own business. She then spoke to Lisa Kirkham at her local Jobcentre Plus office.

make other people money for a long time, and so I decided it was about time I started doing something for myself.’ Doug was made redundant from his medical sales role in 2007, having previously reached the level of managing director. Out of work and on Incapacity Benefit, Doug was keen to get back to the sort of work he was doing before the heart attack. ‘As a redundant person the situation can be horrible and depressing, but my Jobcentre Plus disability Employment Adviser, James Burkitt, made it much more positive,’ he says. ‘I looked for gaps in the market in the area that I knew most about-medical sales-and found a new product that I

Self employment: the facts I didn’t know that...

•

Most new businesses are up and running within 6 months, not nearly as long as most people think

• •

You can get expert help writing a business plan

•

Small firms estimate they spend about 5 hours a week on red tape, much less than they thought

80-90 per cent of small firms are still trading 12 months after start-up

I’d been working hard to make other people money for a long time, and so I decided it was about time I started doing something for myself.’

But don’t forget that...

•

New business owners work hard and for long hours, so dedication to the job is vital.

‘The help I got from Lisa was top quality,’ says Dominique. ‘I just wanted to get working so my daughter grows up with the work ethic. I want her to realise that education and getting a job are very important, just like my mum taught me.’

Dominique has CIDP, a rare disorder that affects the nerves in her body, and she worked with Lisa to focus on the things she could do. Lisa gave her information about the New Deal programme, and referred her to the Nottingham Business Venture (NBV). Its specialist advice helped Dominique produce her own 38-page business plan. ‘NBV taught me everything I needed to know about business. It was great, and with other funding I was able to get started.’ Dominique’s Simply White Bridal Wear opened last September selling customised wedding dresses, and so far it’s doing well. ‘I am a bit of a chance taker, but I think you have to be if you’re going to make it work,’ she says. ‘It is hard being on my own and coping with CIPD, but I’m pretty determined – that’s just the sort of person I am. ‘People see a young mum and they think that’s it and you’re not going to do much with your life. I say it might be that you’ve had a child young, but for me and Danielle, it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.’ At the other end of the scale is 44-year-old Doug Jones, who rather than starting out in life, almost saw his come to an end a couple of years ago when he suffered a massive heart attack and went into cardiac arrest. ‘Being “dead” for a while gave me all the motivation I needed!’ says Dough. I’ve got 3 teenage kids and I wanted to make something of myself for them. I’d been working hard to

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

thought I could work with.’ James put Doug on to Enham Business Ability, an organisation that supports people with a health condition or disability in setting up their own business. ‘Enham gave me some advice on setting up my own, and also gave me enough funding for new tyres and a laptop – exactly what I needed,’ says Doug. The business – selling a new honey-based wound gel – is going from strength to strength. ‘I love working for myself,’ says Doug. ‘I much prefer being in control and making the decisions myself. If you’re going to start your own business you have to be the right sort of person. ‘If you like working for someone else then you probably shouldn’t do it. But by working for myself I can now make nice choices; my life has changed for the better.

Turning ideas into reality Business Link provides advice anyone thinking of starting up a business could want. From researching and developing your idea, preparing a business plan and even finding the right name, right through to the common mistakes made by new business, Business Link provides vital information for everyone. For more information visit the website: www.businesslink.gov.uk

LIFESKILLS

JULIE MEYER

BLAME my father. It was unusual for a man born in 1935 to care about what his daughters would amount to. He set high standards for us, which we internalised. “High standards” are only genuine if they roll through the ups and downs of an economic cycle. If you only hold yourself to the bar when times are good, you’re just a bit precious. If you fight to keep your standards all the time, you might be called a princess, but you will learn to be far more disciplined. So what kind of standards are worth keeping even in a market meltdown, and how do you build the stamina for this if all is not perfect? First of all, if you want to emerge better off at the end of this recession, then focus on what you can control and influence – not what interests you. The more you focus on the prognosis for Jade Goody, or peace in the Middle East, or what party Sienna Miller was seen at, the less powerful you’ll feel. Eradicate wasted time, remove people who leech, eliminate negativity ruthlessly, and always ignore people who don’t treat you well. Just ignore them. It’s worse than being rude; it means – you don’t exist in my universe. You control you attitude, your time, your company (who you spend time with), your character, even if you don’t have as much in your current account as you’d like or your

boss’ mental state leaves much to be desired. Second of all, you will positively glow if you cultivate an “abundance mentality.” “Abundance mentality” - people think that there is enough out there for them to be successful as well as to selectively invest in others’ success. This can be a real struggle as a “scarcity mentality” is a natural dark human response for Darwinian reasons. However adopt the motto for the downturn – “lead, follow or get out of the way”. Plot your post-recession course now. Figure out where you are going to lead, and keep holding that image in your mind so that you act as a leader, and before you know it, you’re no longer acting and the recession is history. A recession is like a good pilates work out. You think where have these muscles been? Core strength? That flab is my abdomen; but hold it steady, and breath in and out the right way, three time a week and you notice, ever so slowly, and then all at once, that you have a tight belly where once you had a roll. If you want to walk tall on the other side of the recession, start the training now. Julie Meyer is CEO Ariadne Capital.

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

EVENTREPORT

19th of February 2009 was another Thursday, another day of prayer meeting as usual, or so did Pastor Felix think until he realised a night of poetry was ahoax to the surprise birthday party thrown by church members. Enthuse captured the moments in pictures from the surprise party.

Hope you enjoyed your day sir.

From all of us .

The Enthuse Magazine Team & Place of Victory for All Nations Swansea xxx

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MY MONTH OF FAITH

SOCIALNETWORKING Place of Victory hosted winners of the Valentine’s Day Blind date event, Vimbai, Mayowa, Kehinde & Rolake at Viceroy of India.

Bukky Dipo-Ayeni caught up with them to get the juicy bits. For top quality restaurant/dining service, visit

VICEROY OF INDIA, 50 ST HELENS ROAD, SWANSEA WEST GLAMORGAN SA1 4BD. TEL:01792466 898 VIMBAI

KEHINDE

Q: What did you think about the date?

Q: Can you describe the date in 3 words?

A: It was nice

A: Simple, Brilliant and Interesting

Q: What was your impression of the restaurant? A: I would say the restaurant was nice and so was the food

Q: What do you think of your date for the evening?

Q: What was your impression of the restaurant? A: Friendly staff, well-organized, food showed a good portrayal of India. In addition it was well served and excellently presented

A: He is a nice and interesting person Q: What do you think of your date for the evening? Q: How was the experience? A: It was a really nice experience

A: She’s balanced, pays attention to every part of herself. She’s complete and modest. She’s pretty, has a good dresssense. She looks quiet at first but responds very well to conversation.

FINAL WORDS “It was more than I expected and that’s a good thing.”

MAYOWA

FINAL WORDS “I appreciate the blind date, it gave me an opportunity to go on a date with an ideal person.”

Q: What did you think about the date? A: I liked it and enjoyed myself

ROLAKE Q: Can you describe the date in 3 words?

Q: What was your impression of the restaurant? A: The restaurant was perfect. The environment, food and service.

Q: What do you think of your date for the evening? A: She is intelligent, creative and interesting and I enjoyed our conversation

Q: How would you describe the experience?

A: Fun, Interactive, Simple

Q: What did you think of the restaurant choice? A: It was good, waiters are friendly and food was on time. Food was well served and really nice.

Qs: What did you think of your date? A: He is interesting whilst being on the reserved side but definitely more outspoken than me. Also, he speaks maturely.

A: The whole experience was good FINAL WORDS FINAL WORDS

“Wouldn’t normally do this but was fun”.

“The company was nice and I enjoyed myself; I would definitely do it again.” 8

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

BOOK REVIEW/BIRTHDAYS

Book /CD Review by Mojisola Solana Donald Lawrence has successfully released “The Law of Confession Part 1”, an inspiring album which incorporates different styles of music to minister to the heart of the listeners. Songs like “The blessing is on you”, “Citizens of the Kingdom” and “There is a King in you” are a must listen to. You can listen to track samples on www.cduniverse.com . This is a must have for your CD collection.

What is the “Normal Christian Life”? A question I constantly ask myself. In this classic book, Watchman Nee reveals the path of Christian faith in simple terms making reference to our spiritual condition and need for new birth. Nee uses the book of Romans to illustrate the foundation that institute every Christian’s relationship with God. This book is highly recommended for new believers and believers who want to relight their passion for Christ. Each chapter contains mind blowing contents and therefore needs to be eaten slowly and digested individually.

Birthdays in March Name

Date

Bukky Dipo-Ayeni

15th

Vimbai Musunda

18th

Muriel E Egbuche

21st

Lola Agbaje

26th

Eberechukwu Ijeh

28th

The Place of Victory Family celebrates you. Have a wonderful birthday. ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

COVERSTORY

Elizabeth Adewole talks about growing up without life’s luxuries and the role her faith plays in an industry popularly known for sex, drugs and indiscretion. By Ayo Thompson. hree words that spring to mind on first acquaintance with Elizabeth Adewole are confident, passionate and focused. This beautiful young lady from East London - Hackney to be precise is an emerging top model who has a goal and is not afraid to pursue it. She is currently one of the faces of the popular “Red nose day” advert on television and has had the opportunity to grace the covers of magazines. One very prominent aspect of Betty’s (as she is fondly called) life, is the fear of God of which she has described as her main inspiration. There’s a lot to be learnt from her story as she welcomes Enthuse into her world and indeed it is a delightful experience.

WHO IS BETTY? Born some 18 years ago to the beautiful Adewole family in East London where I faithfully still reside. Described by my friends as bold, happy and adventurous, I am a student of City of Westminster College studying Theatre Arts. I chose this particular course of study because it gives me an opportunity to incorporate 10

my hobbies which include acting, singing and music with education. (I’m quite adept at drumming and I am presently learning how to play the guitar). A born again Christian and I attend the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Place of Victory, London. I have a strong faith and belief in God.

EARLY PLANS At a younger age, I wanted to be an athlete with the aim of participating in the Olympics. I actually trained actively to achieve this goal but didn’t have enough passion to fuel the dream and as a firm believer in putting your all into whatever you are doing, I decided to give it up.

"At a younger age, I wanted to be an athlete with the aim of participating at the Olympics”

MODELLING: HOW IT ALL STARTED One day at the age of 15, I was shopping on Tottenham Court road with my mum when a woman approached me and remarked how much I had the features to take up modelling. Unbeknownst to me, she was an agent for Models one (a top modelling agency in London). She gave me the address of the agency and asked me to drop by. After this impromptu meeting I was very flattered and excited at the prospect and my mum was very supportive as well. Even though it was not something I thought I could do I was willing to take up the challenge and went to the agency as agreed after which I was told that I would be contacted soon. This turned out to be 2 years later; the reason being that

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

COOL AND CALM: “I put God first always and would never compromise my faith in Him for any type of job that would require me to dress in a tasteless, immoral or degrading manner.

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

COVERSTORY

they wanted to see how much I had developed. Their response was positive and that’s how the journey began.

n Prophecy

CHRISTIANITY Vs MODELLING I am a born again Christian and it can be quite difficult to stand for God in an industry such as this. I hold on very strongly to the word of God and I believe that I am not in this industry by accident. I hope to be an example to young Christian girls through my lifestyle and practising what I believe. I put God first always and would never compromise my faith in Him for any type of job that would require me to dress in a tasteless, immoral or degrading manner. I am also an advocate of “keeping yourself” before marriage, that is no sex before marriage according to the word of God and I am proud to be a virgin by God’s grace. One measure I employ in staying focused is by constantly asking my self “If Jesus were in this, what would He do?” In addition, I have a confidant and mentor who is always ready to listen and talk to me on issues that affect me or challenges that I may be facing; Pastor Felix Makanjuola Jr to many but I call him Junior. He is someone who knows and understands me making it very easy to talk to him. It’s very important to be able to speak to someone, to get good advice, I used to be very closed up and kept things all bottled up but he has made it easier to open up.

MOTIVATION Definitely my mum, my faith in God and also my ambition to be prosperous. I grew up in a working class family and had to do without some things. This was quite difficult at times as some of the other children at play made it obvious. This made me very self-conscious and inspires me to work hard in order to be an achiever and guarantee a better future so that when I have my children, they wouldn’t have to go through the same.

FUTURE PLANS More modelling! (laughs). I hope to travel to the fashion capitals of the world and walk their runway – Paris, New York and Milan. I am not looking to have any distractions in the form of boyfriends in the nearest future but it would come in due time.

LAST WORDS With God, I have an advantage. He makes modelling a great experience and I’m guaranteed favour. 12

ENTHUSE FEBRUARY 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

Image: www.folhotsprings.org

NO STRINGSATTACHED

Emotional Ties

It seems as though the minute we get saved - in comes the Holy Spirit and boom! out goes all sense of reasoning. It shouldn’t be that way, in fact , we should be wiser. The heart is very fragile and should be guarded jealously because out of it comes the issues of life. Let’s go through some steps, which will help keep your heart from shattering every now and then.

attack those people; they are much stronger than we are. Alongside them, we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers.” Guarding your heart is all about perception! This is very important, if this is all you read in this column. Read it and read it well. How do you see yourself? If you were to place a value on yourself, how much will you set as the price? How much is your heart worth anyway? Do you see yourself as a grasshopper? Because from the above reading, it is quite evident that people will only see you the way you see yourself. You are priceless jewel so get yourself off the discount shelf!

Oh my! This one is like a bomb waiting to explode. It shared the same family tree as Sexual ties. There are so many ladies in undefined relationships with men. When I say undefined – they are not ordinary friends and they are not dating. They are just in-between and being in this spot can be very dangerous especially when it has been going on for years. Undefined relationships eventually ends up with one person tied emotionally to the other. There is the tendency to believe that intimacy & soul ties comes after sex, I beg to differ on this notion. Real intimacy & soul ties start when you begin to share deep The Man-Complex personal stuff with someone. In chronic cases of emotional ties – both parties know everything about each other, people even Can real men please stand up? This is where most of us get assume they are dating or probably on the way to the altar it totally wrong and set ourselves up for heartbreak. Some but the guy ain't saying nada! In addition, when the lady asks, women have all of a sudden developed the Man-complex. “So what’s up between us?” He mutters something of this sort Women have overused the verse “He that findeth...” so “Well, what do you think?” all his words are indicating somemuch in prayer that it has lost its potency and now seems thing is up but his actions are saying othto think it is – “She that findeth....” The Bible erwise. Girlfriend, you had better pack records in Proverbs 18:22 “He that finds a wife, your bags and don’t look back. The finds a good thing and receives favour from the quicker you do this the better. If you have You are all that Lord.” Most people say, “It’s the 21st century and to do guesswork in your relationship, you the day of waiting to be found is long gone.” It’s and a bag of are in the wrong ship. A man that sinalso been said – the patient dog doesn’t get the fattest cerely loves you will not leave room for chips bone anymore rather dies of starvation. Please get assumptions. Assumptions always look yourself out of the desperation mode, believe me like the truth and most of the time, not it stinks and brodas can smell it. Men are hunters, the truth. No woman and man should go men love the chase of going after what they want and that through the stress of having to guess where he/she stands in a included you! However, if it goes the other way round, relationship. Believe me; no chemistry in the world is worth you’ll have to do the job of keeping that broda in that relathat trouble. None! tionship because he didn’t WORK to get you. You did! You

Perception Remember in the book of Numbers, chapter 13, when the Lord told Moses to send some Israelite men to explore the land of Canaan, which he wanted to give them. They came back and said “We went to the land to which you sent us and, oh! It does flow with milk and honey! The only thing is that the people who live their fierce, their cities are huge and well fortified. We cannot ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

ask, “What about Ruth? She went after Boaz?” Ruth did not act like a complete pest. She positioned herself to be found. Ruth knew she was a good thing, and any man that did not appreciate her worth was his loss and another’s gain. Now, that’s the attitude you need to cultivate. My dear, you are all that and a bag of chips – Let no one tell you any different. Guard your heart! 13

Pastor Felix Makanjuola Jr. The word ‘faith’ has a variety of meanings to different people. Whilst it means a designer shoe shop to some, it means belief to another; a few simply see it as a way of life. Heaving a deep sigh, I can only say, we make of faith what we want and get the results of what we put in. We hear a lot in the news about murders, wars, kidnaps, broken homes and disruptive governments. 14

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

Image: www.wechealthunit.org

FAITHREPORT

When will it all end we ask? If only we knew that we had the power to calm the storms in this world! If every Christian believed and put this power to use, government rulers, kings all over the world would not lack peace because of this godly advice available to them. Where is your light? Would you rather it became dim and die a ‘natural’ death? Matthew 5:14 says that we are the light of the world. You may ask, “How can I be a light when there is so much overwhelming darkness around me?” It is said that a single lighted candle in a pitch-black space can be seen from a ten-kilometre distance. How much more, when two or more lights come together in agreement to

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

take back the grounds that have been stolen by the enemy through abominable, repulsive laws of the land? Faith is a substance. It is an element of Truth, but remember that God is truth. That’s why Hebrews 4:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is the access code to all of God’s properties, including the high rise on Holiness Avenue known as ‘Righteousness’ Court. Matthew 6:3 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and every other thing will be added to you.” His righteousness comes as a result of our faith or how else can you explain your purity? Philippians 3:20 says “And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith.” Voila! Righteousness comes only by faith. You can’t do anything without faith! Faith is very important to God, he even converted faith to a trophy of righteousness for Abraham (in Romans 4:22 “...it was imputed to him for righteousness”). Know why that happened? In verse 20, the Bible says that “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief...” Hallelujah! He staggered not, he was resolute, not unstable, but balanced... all for joy that was God was with him and was taking him somewhere (Genesis 12:2 & 3). Many of us have started giving up because the promise has not yet come. Abraham believed in hope against ‘hope’ he did not consider his body or that Sarah was reproductively dead! He called forth the things that were not, and believed that they were. You need to shake off that self-pity and face life like you ought to. God has promised, so be it! Don’t let the enemy confuse you; don’t let people’s comments distract you. Paul said in Philippians 3:14, “I press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Do you know that it is impossible to press towards something as in a race and focus on things around? Can you drive a car by looking at the rear and side mirrors alone? If it’s not possible, why do you allow distractions then with your maker? One thing I’d ask you to do after reading this is to talk to God sincerely, and ask him what He wants you to do, in life, and then for His kingdom right now! Decide in your heart that you will obey Him and tell Him to help you obey. He will. (Philippians 2:13 – He works in us to ...do) Take time out, it would be a walk, sometime in the loft or garage (if it’s habitable”) Alternatively, lock yourself up somewhere – silence is needed here not because you are looking for God all over the place but because you want to honour Him with your ‘precious’ time away. It’s always good to have a special place to meet with God for such talks anyway. He longs to see you start a new walk of faith. It’s not worth my knowing Christ for over 10 years if He can’t find faith or trust for him in my heart. Faith is the essence to breakthrough in life. Do you have it?

M a rc h 2 0 0 9 O U R m o n t h o f fa i t h

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun 1

“Your faith is incomplete without trials, temptations and persecutions”

Thanksgiving Celebration & St. David’s Day

- Felix Makanjuola Jr.

@11.30 am

Workers

Victory Night

Holy

Love Feast

Training

Communion

“Talk the Walk, Walk the Talk”

@7.00 pm

(PH)

Intercessory Prayers

Light House

@7.00 pm (PH)

@ 7.00 pm (DH)

@11.30 am

15 “What Faith is made of”

Fellowship

FMJ

@6.00 pm

@11.30 am

(SH)

Intercessory Prayers

Light House

Mothering Sunday”

Fellowship

FMJ

@6.00 pm

@11.30 am

(PH)

(SH)

Intercessory Prayers

Light House

“Make it Happen”

Fellowship

FMJ

@6.00 pm

@11.30 am

@7.00 pm (PH)

(DH)

@7.00 pm

@ 7.00 pm

(SH)

31 Intercessory Prayers @7.00 pm (PH)

PH - 110 Pearl House, 43 Princess Way; SH - 46C St. Helen’s Rd DH - Dolphin Hotel (opposite Primark); All Sunday services are held at the Dolphin Hotel 16

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

COMMUNITYTOGETHER

Beyond tomorrow is Vision; being able to see the future and move into everything God has ordained; not just today or tomorrow, but for years to come to help towards achieving the vision of the church for the next 5 - 10 years:

Hi, welcome to the 4I small study groups at Place of Victory. A 4I Small Group (SG) is the getting together of at least three and no more than twelve people to study a specific subject matter generally referred to as the curriculum. Apart from the obvious primary purpose of fostering purposeful & meaningful relationships, these groups have been created to help towards achieving the church’s vision. The next Small Groups Semester starts in April 2009. Register early to avoid disappointment.

Imagine

Ignite

New Possibilities

our passion

Imaging having unlimited resources to meet the needs of our community

Imagine using your gifts and creativity to fulfil God’s plan for the church

•

If you are interested in joining a Small Group immediately please email the group you wish to join as the subject line and include your details as specified below in the body of the email.

•

If you are interested in starting a Small Group, please email Start a Small Group as the subject line and include the following details below as well as what the group will entail in the body of the email and you will be contacted shortly.

SG REGISTRATION FORM Please pick 1 or more groups you wish to attend this semester:

Group 1 - How to become a better you Group 2 - Every woman’s battle - (ladies only) Group 3 - Every man’s battle - (men only) Group 4 - Being a contagious Christian

Invest

Inherit

in the Future

the Promise

Group 5 - Doing life together - (married/couples) Group 6 - City keepers (call to pray)

Imagine being a part of something significant that impacts future

Imagine taking bold steps and achieving your heart’s desires

Group 7 - Fashion Focus Group 8 - The Financial Clinic Group 9 - No strings (Singles)

First Name: Last Name: Email Address: Mobile Number:

For further details or information of our initiatives, please email: smallgroups@placeofvictory.org.uk

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH

SELFAWARENESS

Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence - keep an ‘eye’ out for the signs

by FMJ. buse - the abuser lashes out with aggressive or violent behaviour. The abuse is a power play designed to show the victim "who is boss."

antasy and planning the abuser begins to fantasize about abusing his/ her victim again, spending a lot of time thinking about what the victim has done wrong and how to make them pay. Then the abuser makes a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.

uilt - after the abusive episode, the abuser feels guilt, but not over what he's done to the victim. The guilt is over the possibility of being caught and facing consequences. ationalization or excuses - the abuser rationalizes what been done. The abuser may come up with a string of excuses or blame the victim for their own abusive behaviour - anything to shift responsibility from them.

Normal" behaviour - the abuser does everything to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He/she may act as if nothing has happened, or may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time.

et-up - the abuser sets up the victim and puts his/her plan in motion, creating a situation where he/she can justify abusing the victim. The last issue on domestic violence generated a lot of interest from our readers - If you’ve been affected by this topic contact us in confidence on 07944701400/07944702400 or talk@placeofvictory.org.uk

ENTHUSE MARCH 2009—MY MONTH OF FAITH