theRADICALYOUTH NOVEMBER 2014
A PUBLICATION OF GOD’S VINEYARD CHURCH
DILIGENCE Pastor(Dr) Ezekiel Alawale - page 4
THE MATCH MAKER AT YOUR SERVICE page 10
CAN CHRISTIANS BE DEPRESSED
Relationships
Q&A
Pastor(Dr) Funmi Alawale -page 34
How to be a Successful lady in the 21st century page 40
Pastor(Dr) Femi Fenojo -page 26
INSPIRATIONAL + RELATIONSHIPs + business + LIFESTYLE + fashion + music + trends + more
Content
14 THE JOURNEY OF A
LIFETIME AISHA BASSETT
16 ALUMNI DILIGENCE
10
04
DR EZEKIEL ALAWALE
THE MATCH MAKER AT YOUR SERVICE
22 LISTENING TO SECULAR MUSIC 26 CAN CHRISTIANS BE
34
BOOK REVIEW OF DR EZEKIEL
EDWARD ADESHINA
DEPRESSED PASTOR FEMI FENOJO
ALAWALE’S LATEST PUBLICATION
32 L’AVIYE RELATIONSHIP
BUSINESS
DR FUNMI ALAWALE
18
38 I WILL TRUST HIM FISAYO
JAMES DASAOLU
28
INTERVIEW WITH JAMES DASAOLU
MUSIC ARTIST
40 HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LADY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Q&A ALEXANDER VICTOR AND THE ALTAR SOUND VISION
LIFESTYLE - CRISTINE EDUSI
GIRLS HEALTH
42 A SEED AND ITS FRUIT
24
NATURAL HAIR GROWTH BY EBUN CAREW
of S
RADICAL YOUTH @ 10
In The Company
KINGS
12
08
DEBORAH KABAHINDA A CHAT WITH DEBORAH KABAHINDA
2013/2014 Overview - By Pastor ‘Labi Mebude - Editorial
ince its inception Radical Youth, the youth arm of Gods Vineyard Ministries, has been growing in leaps and bounds. Glory be to God. This edition of the Radical Youth magazine is focused on diligence just as the annual youth conference ‘Let Your Life Count Conference’. Diligence is very crucial to success in life, it is a fundamental virtue. Without diligence one will waste opportunities, potentials and diverse gifts God has en-
ARE NEVER PARTED ANGELA CHRYSTAL
45 RY KEY DATES AND
CALENDAR 2015 EVENTS FOR 2015
dowed on him or her. ‘Show me someone who does a good job and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings’ (Proverbs 22:29 GNT). We all need to be diligent in our private and public lives for our lives to be significant. I strongly believe God will bless you as you read through and apply yourself to the content of this magazine. God Bless You.
Executive Director: Pastor (Dr) Ezekiel Alawale
Publisher: God’s Vineyard Ministries,
Editor: Dr. Joseph Owusu
292 Derby Road, Nottingham. NG7 1QF.
Editorial Team: Esther Opiyo, Annie Owusu, Angela Chystal
t: 0115 9472486, 07734957501
Graphics & Design Artist: Fleetron Consult ltd.
e: info@godsvineyardchurch.org
Contributors: Pastor Simeon Olowoyo, Pastor Bisi Salako, P ‘Labi
web: www.godsvineyardchurch.org | www.radicalyouth.co.uk
Mebude, Ebun Carew
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The Radical Youth
november 2014
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provideth her bread in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as a robber, and thy want as an armed man. (Proverbs 6:6-11 ASV)
DILIGENCE
DILIGENCE
IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK Diligence, in Christianity, is the effort to do one’s part, while keeping faith and reliance in God. Diligence and faith are two sides of a mystery; diligence, when combined with faith assures success. Diligence describes thoroughness, completeness and persistence of an action.
Bernard et al (year) suggests diligence in a student is defined as an effort towards balanced and holistic development in mental, physical, social and spiritual dimensions. Among students, it was found that diligence correlated with academic performance. This is especially found in younger students. The support of parents and educators encourages students to be diligent. Other factors which encourage diligence in students include motivation, discipline, concentration, responsibility and devotedness.
A person can waste his or her intel-
What do we need to plan for? We
effort towards balanced and holis-
ligence through lack of diligence.
need to plan for the use of our time,
cal, social and spiritual dimensions. Among students, it was found that
DILIGENCE
INVOLVES PLANNING
diligence correlated with academic
Adopted Art for Diligence
AS A STUDENT
that is needed to be a success in life.
gence in a student is defined as an tic development in mental, physi-
DILIGENCE LOGO
DILIGENCE
Bernard et al (1996) suggests dili-
activities or programmes, our income and expenditure, our studies, etc. To ensure that we do not simply put elaborate plans in place, but to
performance. This is especially found
The wisest man that ever lived on
implement them, some practical ef-
in younger students. The support of
earth says
forts need to be made. For instance,
parents and educators encourages
you will need to keep a diary and set
students to be diligent. Other factors
“Do your planning and prepare your
priorities; but perhaps one most im-
which encourage diligence in stu-
fields before building your house.�
portant discipline to ensure is to get
dents include motivation, discipline,
(Proverbs 24:27 NLT)
organised.
concentration, responsibility and devotedness.
Why do we plan? We need to plan
GET ORGANISED
because there is so much to do, Talent is not enough. A lot of talents
and yet there is never enough time.
How do you recognise a person who
get wasted where the one who has
Also there are limited resources to
is not organised?
the talent is not diligent. When tal-
achieve all that we would like to.
ents are complemented with dili-
Planning helps us to set priorities.
They are always under pressure,
gence, a person is well equipped to
Planning requires discipline, in order
manifesting strains and stresses, al-
rule the world. It is good to be intel-
to make the best of the limited re-
ways seeming to be chasing one
ligent; however, intelligence is not all
sources and time available to us.
thing or the other. They appear sub-
5
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The Radical Youth
november 2014
dued or overwhelmed. They look
things in their right places. What do
celebrate yourself. It gives you a
The other factor to be considered in
5: Get better: Acquire more skills, un-
torn apart; always busy doing stuff,
you gain by putting things in places
sense of daily achievement.
setting priorities, beside relative im-
dergo relevant training and get help
but hissing from frustration about lim-
where you will not remember when
portance, is the relative urgency of
from others.
ited time, or unmet targets. An unor-
you need them? You must develop
ganised person makes frequent mis-
a system to file and not pile. A life of
takes, forgets things here and there
discipline enables you to make op-
By this I mean you should subject
cy, we can have four categories of
and always appears ruffled.
timal use of your time and energies.
your decisions, your judgements and
priorities.
4: Be accountable to yourself
what is to be done. Based on these two factors; importance and urgenFinally, let’s note what the Bible says
your actions to a sincere critical reLack of organisation could lead to
2: You must establish a set of rou-
view. This results in self training and
tiredness and vulnerability, and may
tines to your life
self improvement. Ask yourself ques-
leave one prone to temptations, including procrastination.
HOW DO I BEGIN?
Dr. Ezekiel Alawale is the senior Pastor of God’s Vineyard Ministry (GVM). He is also a practicing General Practitioner.
Category 1 We want each of you to show this
tions such as: Could I have acted
Urgent and important: This requires
same diligence to the very end, in
There must be daily routines; from
differently in that situation? Was the
immediate action; it must be attend-
order to make your hope sure. We
when you wake up in the morning to
time or effort I put into that event
ed to now.
do not want you to become lazy,
the time you go to bed later in the
worth it? This enables you to have
but to imitate those who through
day. You must ensure you by and
a teachable spirit and to be open
faith and patience inherit what has
large keep to it. Be realistic. You must
to correction. You will agree with
been promised.
Category 2
ensure it is not tight or completely in-
people if they offer you the right sup-
It is never too late to get organised.
flexible. Make allowance for eventu-
port in the areas in which you have
You can start today; especially as
alities and unforeseen circumstanc-
scored yourself lowly. You will be wis-
Urgent but not important: This must
with a slack hand: but the hand of
you reflect, recount and recollect
es. Ensure your routine does not lead
er each day.
be delegated.
the diligent maketh rich’ (Proverbs
the unnecessary pains of missed
you to live an isolated, detached
opportunities and avoidable losses
lifestyle.
5: Be accountable to the right peo-
Category 3
in time and money, among others.
DR EZEKIEL ALAWALE
about diligence:
‘He becometh poor that dealeth
10:4 KJV) ‘Work hard and become a leader;
ple
What about all those missed dead-
You must reflect on your daily rou-
lines and their consequences? How
tine at the end of each day; so as
Have an accountability structure for
about the misplacement of vital
to learn lessons from the mistakes
yourself. Every one of us must have
documents that you have unsuc-
you have made during the day. This
people in our lives to whom we are
cessfully searched everywhere for
makes you wiser the following day.
accountable; it could be a friend or
day and night, only to see it in a rum-
You will find your today will be an im-
a mentor. It is also very important to
Not important, not urgent: Discard it.
diligent shall be made fat.’ (Proverbs
ple of papers when it was too late?
provement of yesterday and your to-
have at least one figure of authority
Unfortunately, many people spend
13:4 KJV)
What about the times you have ex-
morrow, an improvement of today!
over you. This could be your pastor.
precious time on things they should
pelled unnecessary aggression to
This progressively and consequently
the people around you, bringing
results in your life being increasingly
strain to your close and very impor-
productive as you are more effec-
tant relationships?
tive and efficient in the way you
There are so many things we need to
manage your time and your day.
attend to on a daily basis. We must
1. Have a decisive work ethic: Work
set priorities for them. Priorities are
hard, work smart and be proactive.
‘Do you see a man diligent and skil-
set based on our life’s purpose. How
Be patient and endure.
ful in his business? He will stand be-
Let the pains of the past be your motivation! Let them create a de-
3: Set daily goals
sire for change. You and I must be
Important but not urgent: You must
be lazy and become a slave’ (Prov-
plan for it
erbs 12:24 NLT)
Category 4
‘The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the
discard. 6: Set priorities for yourself
‘If you are lazy, you will never get
KEY TIPS
much and what is to be done con-
fore kings; he will not stand before
Set daily goals for yourself, and de-
tributes to our overall purpose and
2. Have focus: Have vision, plan; be-
ourselves. You and I must determine
velop plans, strategies and actions
determines their importance. There
gin with the end in mind.
to change. Determination is the key.
that you feel will help you to achieve
are some things that, though neces-
We all have what it takes to turn a
the goals. Remember, a goal with-
sary, do not necessarily have to do
3: Budget your time: Prioritise and
new leaf. We all have capacity to
out a plan on how to achieve it is a
with the fulfilment of our life purpose
monitor your activities to guard
change.
wish. The old saying still holds true;
or attainment of our daily goals.
against laziness. Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care
1: Self imposed discipline is a good
ride’. This will enable you to have a
On the other hand, there are other
starting point
focus on a daily basis. This also helps
categories of things which in fact
hard, you will get a fortune.’ (Proverbs 12:27 GNT)
tired of making excuses or justifying
‘if horses were wishes, beggars will
what you are after, but if you work
of themselves.
you live every day productively.
distract us from our focus, goal or
4: Have integrity: Uphold your con-
Discipline to conform yourself to a
Evaluate your productivity day by
purpose.
victions at all times, especially when
system you have developed, to put
day. Appreciate, encourage and
no one else is watching.
obscure men’. (Proverbs 22:29 AMP)
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The Radical Youth
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RADICAL YOUTH @ 10 2013/14 overview By Pastor ‘Labi Mebude
RY FACES Radical Youths 2011 set
flew in from France and past RY leaders and members travelled from around the UK.
tor Joe [GVC Loughborough Church Pastor, Pastor Muyiwa Dada [GVC Leicester Pastor] all in attendance
It was an awesome evening, we cherished the opportunity to reunite. The main speakers at the conference were RY Alumni Kola Oyeneyin {first RY President], Tobi Martins [Past RY member], Temi Ilori [Former RY Prayer Sec. Notts Uni], Lola Ogunbadejo [OHTV], Jessica Onah [RY Manchester President], Ayo Ajibewa as well as Pastor ‘Labi [GVC-RY Youth pastor], Pastor Dr. Ezekiel Alawale [Senior pastor of GVM and founder of Radical Youth] among others. The guest artist for the weekend celebration was infinity from Nigeria [the producer of Olori Oko] and S. O. [gospel Rap artist].
Finally, I would like to thank God for seeing us through a successful 2013/14, Dr. & Dr [Mrs] Ezekiel Alawale for their support, The Staff of God’s Vineyard Ministries, All the Pastors, Ministers of the ministry. A special Acknowledgment goes out to all of the RY planning Committee members, the Leaders of RY across all Universities, as well as our 2014 RY Graduates. Thank you all for all your hard work and I pray that God will continue to send help and support your way in Jesus name.
The conference on Saturday and Sunday featured various RY region ministrations as well as seminars and workshop. Moving on to our Weekend Away [retreat], February 2014; the theme was Holy Spirit. The purpose of weekend away is simply for us to go out of town, to a quiet place to fellowship and seek God’s face [to reenergise]. A total of 245 young people were present at weekend away which included 15 RY Alumni and 50 sponsored unbelievers [A record attendance in RY]. God really showed up at weekend away as everyone experienced the Holy Spirit in one way or the other and we are already looking forward to weekend away 2015.
L
ast year [2013/14] was indeed a good year for us in Radical Youth. Radical Youth turned 10years and for us it was a big deal because we are so excited that RY have impacted lives for a decade. The theme for RY last year was ‘Intentional Living’.
After the hustle and bustle of fresher’s fair, which was great, the year really started with our Radical Youth Conference tagged ‘Let Your Life Count Conference’. A factor that made the conference special last year was our reunion ball. Over 70 past RY Alumni [both leaders and members] turned up @ Belfry Hotel Nottingham to celebrate the occasion. The first RY President Kola Oyeneyin [Venia Group] and Tobi Matins [CEO] both flew in from Nigeria. Dupe
God really showed up at weekend away as everyone experienced the Holy Spirit in one way or the other
The academic year 2013/14 was indeed great for us in RY. Regions such as RY Leicester, RY Loughborough, RY Trentside; RY Nottingham hosted events such as Open Mic Night, variety Night, Cook Out, Worship experience, movie night, Bowling etc. The year ended with the RY end of Year Ball and Award Night. All leaders were recognised and appreciated with a certificate. It was a night of fun, Laughter and praise with Dr Ezekiel Alawale, Pas-
WEEKEND AWAY A Teaching Session / Resfreshments
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10
The Radical Youth
november 2014
The Matchmaker
At Your Service – Book Review BOOK COVER PAGE The Matchmaker At Your Service by Dr Ezekiel Alawale
…THE TRUTH
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!
…THE DARE
ELABORATE BOOK COVER ART
I DARE YOU TO BELIEVE THAT YOUR DREAM IS BUT A STEP OF FAITH AWAY
Dreamer or not- take the challenge. My wise friend says, “Go the extra mile! There is no traffic on the extra mile.” I say the words in this book are the gentle push anyone truly needs to embark on the extra-mile journey to building and being a part of God-centred relationship.
I
New
The Matchmaker At Your Service: Now on Amazon both for Kindle download and Hard cover
pany and three is crowd but allow me
promise in their lives which eventually
while? The book uses scriptures from
be fourth coming as I confess that I was
led them to each other.
the Bible to make a single person un-
hooked up by the truth in the pages of
derstand and believe that the period
this great read and, like a fish helpless
Experienced, the author (also the star
is only a moment in which God wants
at the end of the line, I let myself be
in this story) pours out his heart as he
to get close to you in order to help you
pulled in.
advises singles, young and old, to in
become the best person you can be for
trust God in all areas of their lives – big
yourself, first, and then for your spouse-
The Matchmaker paints the picture of a
and small. For the God who cares about
to-be. The message is written, signed and sealed with parental love.
don’t pride myself in being a very picky person but I do
One warm summer afternoon, as I walked my usual route
love story like none told in the stories
the number of hairs on your head truly
honestly enjoy having my schedule mapped around the
home from work passed the book shop, I was stopped dead
told by Disney or Hallmark. It tells of
cares about the person whom you share
same sort of routine. Wake at the same time, shop at the same
in my tracks by two shadows that caught my eye through the
two people, a guy and a girl, who lived
your ‘forever’ with. So you ask, “Is it
shops(preferably at same or lower prices), same cup for the
glass. The image of a guy and girl, standing in folded palms,
completely different lives but shared
an instruction manual?” – Nah! To the
morning tea, same glass for the juice at the dinner table, the
facing each other with arms crossed sparked my curiosity but
the same dream- to be joined to their
author, one thing counts when you’re
same hair dresser, same seat and parking at church and the
the calligraphic art that read ‘The Matchmaker’ set it ablaze.
God-sent love. Their story is a testament
the star in your own Mr and Mrs story-
same wit and humour in writing an article. I am a Christian so I
Mixed flames of anticipation, anxiety, and ‘What are you doing’
to faith in God and obedience to His
would you testify that God got through
worship the same God and intend to keep it that way. Though
danced in my chest as I paid for my fourth copy of the book
calling and instruction for, rather than
it all? And not just for the marriage, but
single, I dream to wake to the same face every day, forever
(yes it wasn’t my 1st) and dashed home to read it.
letting the pressures and realities of
do you realise that God is banking on
relationships and personal experiences
your relationship with Him to make the
cloud their vision, they held on to God’s
relationship with your spouse worth-
and love him more and more each day (bet you didn’t see that coming)
I know one copy of a book is more than enough, two is com-
11
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The Radical Youth
november 2014
sity life, learning to balance studies and
A lot of models face various challenges
social life.
but for me I decided to cast mine to God for He is the only one who could get me
You are an athlete and you compete, tell us more about the nature of this.
through. I now see myself as a daughter of the most high King who is loved unconditionally. There is nothing that I can do that can separate me from the love
As an athlete, there is a lot of self-dis-
of God. Additionally, being the current
cipline required in terms of going to
Miss Uganda UK has definitely changed
training, completing tasks given, eating
my life in a sense that I am an ambas-
healthily, looking after your body, train-
sador of the Child Sacrifice Campaign.
ing mentally. In competitions, I use all
I have learned to speak publically to
5 a day and fill me up so I do not eat
the training that I have done prior to the
different people. Also this is not easy I
as much. I usually put different fruits
competition, which is when it all comes
am looked up to by my generation and
such as; strawberries, bananas, kiwis,
together. Before every competition or
younger generation and it is something
oranges, apples, yoghurt, etc. one can
training I always thank God and ask Him
that I would never think about doing so
use whichever fruits they like it does
to be my strength in all I do, from the
it was definitely God who made it hap-
not have to be what I have mentioned.
warm up, the technique, throughout. I
pen.
I train 5-6 times a week as I am given a
find that God always comes whenever
timetable by my coach.
How do you balance the many areas of your life (including you’re walk with God)?
What health/fitness advice would you give to us girls?
Personally, I do not like letting people
To be honest I cannot explain to you
I do advise people to do regular exercise
down such as my coach, myself, family
how it all happens, it is beyond my un-
2-3 times a week. You can walk, dance,
and I think everyone feels that at one
derstanding so only God knows how it
play football, netball or basketball with
point of their life in one way or another
works. My walk with God is more im-
friends or family. Not all exercise is done
but it is how we deal with it that matters.
portant because without it, everything
in the gym, so try find people to exer-
For me, the reassuring words from my
would fall and would not work out. He
cise with as it is more fun and motivat-
coach do encourage me so it is impor-
is my pillar, my strength so everything is
ing. Experiment by making smoothies at
tant to have people to encourage you
put around my walk with God.
home using different fruits.
Are you more inclined towards modelling or athletics and what are your plans for them in the future?
Any other advise?
I ask Him to so it is encouraging that He is faithful and He listens. Additionally, there is always pressure, whether it is from within or from other people.
A CHAT with Deborah Kabahinda We’re currently collating materials for the annual RY magazine! We hope to have a ‘girls section’ and in that tips/an article on health & fitness. I thought this may be an area you are interested in! It would be great if we could feature you as a committed RY member, successful athlete and model
and support you in all you do. God puts them in my life for a reason so I do take advantage of the opportunity.
Tell us about your modelling career.
MODEL: DEBORAH Former Miss Uganda UK.
all you do. He has so much prepared for you. Keep running your own race and
At the moment, I am still praying about
stop comparing yourself to other peo-
I started modelling when I was 17 for
which one to choose but we will see in
ple as it can hinder your walk with God.
my sister’s collection called Aria’s Bou-
the future.
Put God at the centre of your life and all
tique. I think this would not have hap-
You were a member and are now a leader of RY Loughborough, would you like to give them a shout out?
I advise all to keep seeking God above
pened without the support of my family. Having gone through different challenges such as bullying, comparing myself
will work out. Moreso, do not suffer in
Tell us about your health regime/ daily routine when it comes to food and exercise.
silence and talk to the people God has put in your life, whether friends, family, Pastors, Youth leaders etc as God can
Yes, I am so blessed to be part of a great, supportive team. I see
to other people, it was not easy to do
radical Youth as my family. I couldn’t ask for more.
as it was out of my comfort zone. But
I tend to eat 2-3 times a day. I love eat-
situation. Daily decisions that you make
through reading the word, I got to know
ing Ugandan, Nigerian, English food but
daily will alter your life so keep praying
how God sees me and prayed for God to
a lot of my meals contain Ugandan food
about the decisions you make. Lastly,
What do you study and how have you found it?
use them to help you overcome any
change my perception of myself. When
such as; matooke, African beans, chick-
ask God to show you your purpose and
I am studying Mathematics, I have found some modules challeng-
I decided to work with God on this, He
en etc. I love drinking smoothies which
do it with a joyful heart. God bless you
ing but that’s normal for anyone. It has been a good start to univer-
came through and did not let me down.
I make myself. They are healthy, contain
all.
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The Radical Youth
AISHA BASSETT
november 2014
The Journey of a Lifetime. I had wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 years old and so when I got the e-mail in 2009 saying I had gotten into UEA medical school I was ecstatic. Little did I know the tests and trials that lye before me as I prepared to undertake this journey of a lifetime.
- Alumni: Aisha Bassett
S
and promoting secular music. This was
tions and look deeply and earnestly in
a huge sacrifice because of how much
the word for the answers. It caused me
I love music and a turning point in my
to be joyful and grateful when I began
I had the greatest reliance on God dur-
walk with Christ because music was an
to understand my sinful state and that
ing this year because I honestly felt at
idol in my life. However after what I dis-
God rescued me from an eternity in Hell
my weakest. But I found that when we
covered about the spirit behind secular
so that I could have an eternal relation-
are weak He is strong. By God’s grace I
music and its impact I was heavily con-
ship with Him. Being a part of this bigger
passed my final exams and graduated
victed and could no longer continue in
family of young Christians was a new
from Norwich Medical School in July
the way I was going. I asked God to for-
experience for me. It gave me account-
2014. I am humbled by Him giving me
give me for all I was doing to scar our
ability I desperately needed so that I
this opportunity to achieve this life-
relationship and over a period of weeks
would continue growing and encour-
long dream. Even more, I am thankful
and months asked for Him to help me
aged my walk with Christ because I felt I
that through my university experience I
change through reading and reflecting
wasn’t alone, but part of a family.
found Jesus and came to know Him as
on the word, to give me a good memory
my friend and started a real and honest
for scriptures and a new heart and for
While studying medicine I felt stretched
relationship with Him. I went from see-
music to worship Him with. I started a
in every way I could imagine: spiritually,
ing my reliance on Him as a weakness to
diary where I read the ‘Word for You To-
emotionally, mentally and physically.
seeing it as a necessity. I am overjoyed
day’ and would write my reflections on
However, having like-minded Christian
that He has given me the privilege to
what the scripture meant to me person-
friends helped me remain focused on
get to know Him. Now, as I grow, the task
ally.
the end goal when I felt weary. Also we
is to make Him known.
were able to share our burdens together The date I would say I became a Chris-
and also prayed together. My faith was
I encourage anyone reading this to get
tian was November 14th 2009. Though
also stretched and I saw many miracles
involved with a Christian fellowship,
I grew up in a church I feel that I con-
throughout my schooling where God
to surround yourself with Christians
stantly took Gods grace for granted; at
miraculously provided for my every
friends you can be accountable to, to
times I felt like going to church was a
need. A philanthropist paying my tuition
read the word with intent and to let it
chore because I did not have a true un-
for one year and several kind-hearted
speak to you and challenge you in every
derstanding of God, my sin and how it
people paying for my medical elective
aspect of your life. When you give your
separates me from Jesus, Jesus’ sacri-
in Belize was two of many miraculous
life completely to Christ, you’ll never
fice to cover my sin and the cost of fol-
provisions God made for me which
regret it.
lowing Him. This is an excerpt from my
stretched my faith. I have truly learned
Facebook status on that day, “Is making
to rely on God fully especially in the
a declaration today: My life is rededicat-
face of what looks to be impossible. He
ed to Jesus. When the truth is exposed
reminded me constantly “And my God
one cannot remain neutral anymore; for
will meet all your needs according to
there is NO neutral ground. Yes, all old
the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
things have passed away, past thoughts,
Philippians 4:19
actions, and feelings... It’s a NEW day! tarting university in the UK as a
was the first time I had been part of a
quickly exposed the contents of my
medical student was an adven-
Christian student group that was pas-
heart and a pressing need to evaluate
Throughout the remainder of that year
most challenging of all. Almost every
My final year of medical school was the
ture that took me far from the
sionate about knowing Jesus and about
my relationship with Christ and my un-
and medical school my Christian friends
day was spent either in the hospital
familiar and comfortable to a new and
using their talents to glorify God and
derstanding of who Jesus Christ is. The
both in Signature and those I met in
shadowing doctors, practicing on the
unknown land where I knew no one and
to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ
topics we discussed were personally
Radical Youth have helped me along my
wards or in the library or with friends
had no family. A short while into my
through song, dance and drama. I quick-
relevant and started to embed a deep
walk with Christ. It was such an encour-
consolidating and learning material
first year I found that there were many
ly became part of this new family that
reverence for God’s and his holiness and
agement to meet other youth passion-
from all 4 years prior. Many times I felt
unanticipated challenges. The end of
supported me and challenged me on
a greater want to know Him and have an
ate about their relationship with Christ
anxious about my upcoming exams
a long-term relationship left me feel-
my self-proclaimed title as a ‘Christian’.
intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
and making Him known in this genera-
wondering if I had studied enough to
tion. Through meeting these people, at-
pass but I had to remind myself of Gods
ing broken and alone and making new
4:6-8.
Christian friends seemed to come at the
Regular talks, prayer and bible studies
After doing a personal study on music I
tending seminars and especially week-
peace and ask the Holy Spirit to guide
perfect time. I joined a Christian youth
along with heart-to-hearts with other
decided to delete all the secular music
end away, it caused me see growth in
me with everything I read. The scripture
group called Signature Ministries which
members caused me to reflect and
on my computer and to stop listening to
my spiritual life and also to ask ques-
that helped me greatly was Philippians
15
16
The Radical Youth
november 2014
As far as work life itself is concerned, the actual working of a
compromise to any leads to a life that is very fruitful.
9-5 job isn’t actually that bad, in my humble opinion. It can be boring but I’ve found that you genuinely get used to it the
Unfortunately, maintaining such a balance is no easy thing.
same way you get used to going lectures all the time. The com-
Al u mn i Edward Adeshina
mitment to extra-curricular activities has also helped kill the
I have found that waking up early, so as to expand my day as
occasional dullness of the working week by giving me some-
much as possible is always a good place to start, in addition
thing to look forward to after work and ‘spicing’ up my life a
to planning my days as meticulously as possible. This way, I
bit - just like I did in Uni.
know when I need to read my bible, when I need to be at work (obviously), when I need to go to drama rehearsals and I can
My drama life
also make a note of any slacking and seek to rectify that.
One of my extra-curricular activities is acting! This has been
The Christian’s relationship with God governs everything they
a hobby of mine since I was 15, and RY provided a chance to
do, so there is unsurprisingly greater emphasis on making
utilise the craft through RY acts. Upon graduation, however, I
sure I am not allowing the other areas of my life to get the
was encouraged to take the hobby further and when opportu-
better of that all important area! As fallen human beings, this
nities to audition for acting jobs were presented to me, I took
may sometimes be the case. Whenever we see that this might
full advantage of them. I was fortunate enough to secure most
be so, we must repent and ask God to give us greater strength
of the roles I auditioned for and used them as a means to de-
to keep Him as priority.
velop my acting ability and also as a wonderful complement to my working life. One theatre show I was involved in between
Advice for students approaching work life
Sept - Nov 2013 was called “Roots: Child Soldiers” and my latest short film is called “Unwanted” (can be found on YouTube).
Perhaps the greatest initial advice I can give is what the Apostle Paul tells the Colossians: “Whatever you do, do your work
At the moment, I am rather unsure as to where my affection
heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” - Colossians 3:23.
for drama will progress to. I lead a drama group based at my
This verse should lead you to ensure God is the centre of all
church called ‘Y.i.A’ and the Lord has been doing great things
that you do, to being very focused and being committed to
with us, but as far as my own individual ambition is concerned,
working as hard as possible.
I am still seeking God regarding that and have hope that He
Experience of RY This fellowship significantly aided my walk with Christ, and was effective in keeping me from straying from the Lord during my three years in University. It was an enormous blessing to be a member of this beautiful family as I grew in Christ and met some great people (some of which are sure to be life-long friends).
How did you find the transition from University life to work life?
It was an enormous blessing to be a member of this beautiful family as I grew in Christ...
Difficult. The three years I spent in Nottingham were some of the best years of my life. I had kindled a love for independence and being able to do what I wanted, when
will continue to lead me as He has been doing already. That
Furthermore, you need to be very clear on what you want for
said, though, I am very pleased with the direction it is going in.
your career and how you intend on getting there. If you’re
If someone had said that a year after graduating I would be in
not, keep praying that the Lord will lead you in the right way.
a position where my acting ability is rising, being involved in
Moreover, do well to make sure you are at peace where you’re
numerous acting projects, I would have ridiculed them. But, lo
working, that the environment makes you comfortable and
and behold, that is exactly what has happened!
that you are content. Also, extra-curricular activities can help add flavour to your
The Christian’s relationship with God governs everything they do, so there is unsurprisingly greater emphasis on making sure I am not allowing the other areas of my life to get the better of that all important area!
working week! However, they are by no means a necessity, so never feel obliged to get involved with something after work. That said, I can’t think of many other ways to cure the boredom of a 9-5 life!
I wanted. Back in London, doing silly things like going to my friends house at 1am to cook are unthinkable, but in Nottingham this was a way of life! Alas, the “uni vibe”
How am I juggling all?
that I was very attached to was no more, and, as such, mild sadness ensued and a great sense of uni-sickness engulfed me. This did not last, though. When I visited Nottingham in Sept 2013 (two months after graduation), I realised that I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would and that it was surely time to let go.
Mr. Edward Adesina
The balance between your walk with God, work and extra-
Finance Graduate at Guardian News and Media
curricular activities has proved to be the most important balance to be struck after I graduated. The ability to maintain the necessary level of focus toward each of those areas, without
Grace and Peace!
17
18
The Radical Youth
november 2014
JAMES DASAOLU James Dasaolu is a 100m sprinter who ranks as Britain’s second fastest athlete of all-time.
James: To be fair, I was so much into
or 19. Literally a year before I came to
my sport that I really talk to many peo-
Loughborough is when I started doing
ple; I don’t think I have any friends from
track which is quite late in comparison
my class because I was literally in lec-
to most people who I’ve competed with;
tures then I would be straight off to the
who have started at around 13-15 years
track or off to get home and rest or to
of age.
study my books. Basically, it was full on because when I wasn’t studying, I was
That’s the beauty of athletics I’d say;
training 6 days a week - that’s in the
you can start at any age. There is a tech-
morning and in the afternoon and trying
nical and skill element involved but be-
to fit in classes in between. So the case
cause running is more of a thing you can
was: if i’m not training I’m studying and
‘do’ physically, i.e. If you can run you can
if I’m not studying I’m in my lectures
run, if you can jump you can jump; you
and if I’m not in my lectures, I’m doing
can be taught to do it as long as you are
my coursework and then obviously you
not too old. Unlike some other sports
need to sleep and recover because it’s
where you have to start when you are
quite strenuous. As well as that, some-
quite young. Fortunately, the track and
times I was away for almost 4 weeks at a
field isn’t like that.
time. So for those first 3 years I was try-
Interview with
ing to balance in a lot of stuff because some athletes do break up their educa-
James
Dasaolu
James Dasaolu one of two young British athletes to recently break the 10-second barrier for 100 metres. Hello James, It’s great to have this chance to talk to you. Firstly, Congratulations; you’ve made many of us proud. I grew up in Croydon so that adds to it for me!
Thank you so much for that. 2010; It’ seems like it was just yesterday, but its 4 years ago.
your studies as well as on your sports. So that’s what coming to Loughborough
James: Yeah it’s 4 years ago. Well, I
really enabled me to do. The University
came to Loughborough as a teenager
where able to provide the stuff I needed
and now I’m married and I’ve got chil-
for my studies and also to support me in
James: Oh, I didn’t know that, well
dren, I’ve got my career and I’ve got
my sports; allowing me to kind of gain
you must know that I grew up in Croy-
my degree. So, you know, whenever
balance for both.
don as well. I was born in Dulwich, my
you move somewhere you don’t know
family moved from Dulwich to Croy-
what’s going to happen.
don when I was 8 or 9, I then came to Loughborough University in 2007 and I
I always came to Loughborough with
graduated in 2010, so that’s a bit on my
the goal of wanting to do track but obvi-
background.
ously, you can’t just put all of your eggs in one basket, especially when sports
DASAOLU RUNS INCREDIBLE 9.91 British Championships, Competition, Personal Best - 9.91secs Photo Credit: Mark Shearman (Athletics Images)
So what was your university life like in a few sentences? How were the study aspect and the aspect with the people that you met?
tion, but I wanted to get it all over and
James: I first competed for GB in
done within 3 years.
2007- relay.
Are you happy you did that?
When did you realise this was becoming serious?
James: I’m very very happy James: It’s when I came 3rd or 4th in Because, you know, you have friends now so it’s all good.
my age group in the country; that was quite a big thing for me. Also when they put me on the funding, because I was
James: Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.
never actually going to come to Loughborough, I only knew I was coming to
When did you start running? James: 18. I might have done some
are involved and you’re relying on your body. It’s always important to focus on
When did you first compete?
it was full on because when I wasn’t studying, I was training 6 days a week - that’s in the morning and in the afternoon and trying to fit in classes in between.
school sports days but I didn’t actually take up track and put on the professional spikes and the lycras; how you probably, see me on TV until I was like 18
JAMES RECOGNISED WITH CHARNWOOD AWARD James Dasaolu was named as Charnwood’s Sports Person of the Year 2013 for an outstanding 2013.
19
20
The Radical Youth
november 2014
won silver and bronze medals before).
How did you feel when you got those? I’ve had loads of injuries in the past, but
dence boost in terms of going forward
tough tough part of the sport, but for
It might sound cliché but my only in-
to the next year and competing at the
me I’d always say that’s where my faith,
spiration is the word of God and what I
Olympics
or
world
championships
my belief in Christ and just coming to
read, and also I’d say my father as well
Dislike: Cats and Dogs. (Animals in gen-
knowing that you’re the best in Europe,
church got me going; when I thought
because he’s someone that I look up
eral)
you’re the best your continent has to of-
‘Oh, what am I going to I do now? I’m off
to. Those are my two inspirations and
Like: Heat
fer.
for 2/3/4 months’. Also, when you are
heros.
Who is your biggest fan?
What is one misconception people have about you?
me, as people say they are blessings in
James: Probably my family; my broth-
James: I don’t know, you’d have to ask
James: I’ve always had a coach.
disguise.
ers and my wife. My Family.
my friends
How would your coach describe you?
A lot of my injuries came during my uni-
One of the challenges you face as a Christian athlete?
If you were a kitchen appliance what would you be?
James: One challenge I used to face
James: What would I be? A kitchen
it’s like all of the pains and struggles I’ve gone through have gained a reward. It’s as though, yeah, I haven’t wasted 3-5
hurt, it gives you a chance to focus and
Did you have a coach from the start?
years of my life just running and training, it’s all worth it. When I look at the
It might sound cliché but my only inspiration is the word of God and what I read
One like and one dislike?
do other things because you just can’t do as much on the tracking fields, so for
trophy cabinet, it and sums up the work and effort; whether it be silver, whether it be bronze.
versity years so it actually meant I had more time to focus on my studies.
So to describe your last win ‘worth it’?
James: That’s a question for him, but probably quiet, confident, just deter-
So you’ve got to just focus your energy
and I don’t have to face anymore is hav-
appliance? There’s loads.
mined maybe. Well, I’d want to believe.
on other things. There’s more to life
ing to room with unbelievers who like
Blender? Knife? Fork? Spoon? *Had to get back to him*
James: Yeah for me it wasn’t that big
than just my track and field and it gave
to blast their music; probably the same
of a surprise. I knew I was either going
So you’ve had the same coach through-
me a chance to develop other areas of
with university, but now I’m privileged
to get a bronze or a silver going into the
out?
my life.
in that whenever I go anywhere I always
Where did you meet your wife?
have a room to myself. So it’s just trying
USAIN BOLT AND JAMES DASAOLU IN THE SHARD
Loughborough 2 or 3 weeks before hand. I wanted to go into the medical field and they didn’t do the course
Photograph by Getty Images
I wanted to study. It all happened so
to focus and find a quiet place where I
James: At a friend’s wedding, 4 years
can (while away from church) stay root-
ago.
ed and grounded; reading my bible, being disciplined and not wanting to fol-
A bit of a friendship then it turned into
low them; because there’re not a lot of
love.
Christians on the team.
What is your favourite food?
One benefit of being a Christian in the field?
Do you have any advice for anyone that wants to pursue a career in running?
James: I like Chinese.
James: Your faith, knowing that a lot
James: My greatest advice is not to
of people do get nervous and my belief
train too hard.
quickly; I originally wanted to go to a university in London but decided to come to Loughborough instead. I think my mum said ‘ you’ve got to do what you want to do, you don’t want to say 3/4 years down the line ‘I stayed in
Tell me about your diet? Is it consistent or do you change it up with season?
London, I didn’t go to Loughborough to train with a world class coach’ and see where you could have gone’.
in God is the thing that really helps me to deal with the nervousness of being on the start line. It gives me the strength and belief.
James: I’d say the closer I get to
Although it wasn’t my first option, of
Could you elaborate? James: To students: Enjoy it. It can be painful at times, that’s why you have
course, at least it enabled me to follow
championships. I knew I was probably
No I changed coach in the Olympics
competing, the healthier I get. So with-
my dream and kind of live it out and
one of the best athletes in Europe but
2012. I had been with a coach but I al-
in a month of me competing, I try to
avoid ‘what if’.
wanted to run sub 10 (9.9 seconds) so
ways seemed to have a lot of injuries
cut out junk like coke, crisps, sweets
I was quite disappointed but the end
so I decided to change and that’s when
and I just stick to fruit, vegetables and
of the day it’s the championships; it’s
my career went to the next level; when
just meat and protein. I just try to have
James: I play (probably too much)
even in the bad. Try and enjoy it and just
all about the medal so yeah, I’m happy,
I left my coach to train with the coach
a balanced diet more than anything;
FIFA
don’t take it too seriously.
and it’s good to win something i.e. fin-
I’m with now.
fruit, vegetables, meat, protein, carbo-
Back to the Kitchen Appliance
How did you feel when you won your first competition? Give us a word to describe your latest win (European Athletics championships)
Randoms:
not young forever and sooner or later
One random fact about you?
rather than a European champion.
Who are your heroes and why?
And before the interview I found out that you drum so that’s a cool random.
So, yeah it’s a good feeling, it’s confi-
James: Injuries are always a tough,
James: I don’t really have any heros.
James: There you go.
same being called a European medallist
hydrates.
James: Well that’s the first time I’ve won, i.e. won a gold medal (because I’ve
your body will deteriorate. So just make sure you have fun in the good times and
How do you manage injuries/ recovering from injuries?
ish first opposed to second. It’s not the
that enjoying element because you are
James: I’d probably be a coffee maker
21
22
The Radical Youth
november 2014
1) The purpose of music. Is music designed solely for worship, or did God also intend music to be soothing and/or entertaining? The most famous musician in the Bible, King David, primarily used music for the purpose of worshipping God (see Psalm 4:1;6:1, 54, 55; 61:1; 67:1; 76:1). However, when King Saul
Listening to SECULAR MUSIC
was tormented by evil spirits, he would call on David to play the harp in order to soothe him (1 Samuel 16:14-23). The Israelites also used musical instruments to warn of danger (Nehemiah 4:20) and to surprise their enemies (Judges 7:1622). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul instructs Christians to encourage one another with music: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). So, while the primary purpose of music does seem to be worship, the Bible definitely allows for other uses of music.
2) The style of music. Sadly, the issue of music styles can be very divisive among Christians. There are Christians who adamantly demand that no musical instruments be used. There are Christians who only desire to sing the “old faithful” hymns. There are Christians who want more upbeat and contemporary music. There are Christians who claim to worship best in a “rock concert” type of environment. Instead of recognizing these differences as personal preferences and cultural distinctions, some Christians declare their preferred style of music to be the only “biblical” one and declare all other forms of music to be unwholesome, ungodly, or even satanic.
Here are some guidelines for you that may help you decide what to listen to since we are not under law but grace. Many secular musicians are immensely talented. Secular music can be very entertaining. There are many secular songs that have catchy melodies, thoughtful insights, and positive messages. In determining whether or not to listen to secular music, there are three primary factors to consider: 1) the purpose of music, 2) the style of music, and 3) the content of the lyrics.
The Bible nowhere condemns any particular style of music. The Bible nowhere declares any particular musical instrument to be ungodly. The Bible mentions numerous kinds of string instruments and wind instruments. While the Bible does not specifically mention drums, it does mention other percussion instruments (Psalm 68:25; Ezra
3:10). Nearly all of the forms of modern music are variations and/or combina-
what opposes God, a Christian should
tions of the same types of musical in-
not listen to it. However, there are
struments, played at different speeds or
many secular songs with no mention
with heightened emphasis. There is no
of God that still uphold godly values
biblical basis to declare any particular
such as honesty, purity, and integrity.
style of music to be ungodly or outside
If a love song promotes the sanctity
of God’s will.
of marriage and/or the purity of true love—even if it does not mention God
3) The content of the lyrics. Since
or the Bible—it can still be listened to
neither the purpose of music nor the
and enjoyed.
style of music determines whether a Christian should listen to secular music,
Whatever a person allows to occupy
the content of the lyrics must be con-
his mind will sooner or later deter-
sidered. While not specifically speaking
mine his speech and his actions. This
of music, Philippians 4:8 is an excellent
is the premise behind Philippians 4:8
guide for musical lyrics: “Finally, broth-
and Colossians 3:2, 5: establishing
ers, whatever is true, whatever is no-
wholesome thought patterns. Second
ble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
Corinthians 10:5 says we should “take
whatever is lovely, whatever is admira-
captive every thought and make it
ble—if anything is excellent or praise-
obedient to Christ.” These Scriptures
worthy—think about such things.” If we
give a clear picture of the kind of music we should not listen to.
should be thinking about such things, surely those are the things we should
Obviously, the best kind of music is
invite into our minds through music
that which praises and glorifies God.
and lyrics. Can the lyrics in a secular
Talented Christian musicians work in
song be true, noble, right, pure, lovely,
nearly every musical genre, ranging
admirable, excellent, and praisewor-
from classical to rock, rap, and reggae.
thy? If so, then there is nothing wrong
There is nothing inherently wrong
with a Christian listening to a secular
with any particular style of music. It
song of that nature.
is the lyrics that determine whether a song is “acceptable” for a Christian to
However, much of secular music does
listen to. If anything leads you to think
not meet the standard of Philippians
about or get involved in something
4:8. Secular music often promotes im-
that does not glorify God, it should be
morality and violence while belittling
avoided. I hope this helps you.
purity and integrity. If a song glorifies
23
The Radical Youth
november 2014
1.
Moisture
raise your eyebrows up as far as they’ll go and smile. If you feel your tightness
TWIST OUT HAIRSTYLE A Collection of Natural Afro HAir
natural
Hair
24
As I’m sure you know, the biggest prob-
or tugging, loosen your hair. Finally, if
lem with Afro-Caribbean hair is the lack
you like wearing weaves and braids/
of moisture. We have super curly-coiled
twists, ensure you leave some time
hair therefore retaining moisture is ex-
when going from one style to another,
tra difficult. One way to ensure your
this will give your hair time to recover
hair is adequately moisturised is deep
from the high level of manipulation its
conditioning weekly and following up
gone through in the taking out process.
during the week with the LOC method. Deep conditioning is essential for re-
3. Products
turning lost moisture from the hair by
EBUN CAREW Writer and Stylist
using ingredients that penetrate the
What you put in your hair determines
hair shaft. If you’ve got relaxed hair, en-
what it looks like right? Yup. We are
sure you pick a deep conditioner with
now getting more health concious and
hydrolysed proteins to help strengthen
are becoming more aware of what we
your strands. You can choose to deep
put into our bodies, so also these same
condition by buying a store bought or
should be about our hair. Next time you
homemade deep conditioner. The gen-
go hair shopping, think about the prod-
eral rule is once applied wait 30 min-
ucts you buy to put onto your hair. If
utes with heat [using a heat cap] or up
a product claims to have all the good-
to 1hr without heat [place your hair in a
ness of olive oil, then why is olive oil
shower cap and wrap a towel around].
the 20th ingredient? I encourage you
The LOC method stands for liquid, oil
to start looking critically at the ingredi-
and cream. These products are applied
ents in the products you use and read
to your hair in that order to create a
reviews online to see if it was effective
protective layer - your liquid could be
for them.
water, oil – any of your choice e.g. olive, coconut or almond oil and cream could be a leave in conditioner. Moisturised
Girls Health Ebun Carew
We’ve all seen the pictures on Facebook and Instagram of women with lusciously long, full and shiny hair. They make it look like they just woke up like that but we all know they most definitely did not. So how do you go from a to b? Whether you’ve got relaxed or natural hair, I’ve some top tips to get you on your way!
hair is less likely to break and it will also
Start putting these 3 tips into practice
look more lively than dry, brittle hair.
and you’ll be well on your way to rival-
2.
Style
Although it is obvious, how you style your hair determines what it looks like. However, style does also matter when thinking about the health of our hair. Thinning edges and a receding hair line caused by traction alopecia is definitely not pretty and also restricts the types of styles you can wear later. So, when choosing a style think about your edges! Ask yourself, will this style strain the little baby hairs around the perimeter of my head? If the answer is yes, don’t do it. It’s better to miss out on the latest ‘in’ hair style than to have no hair to do the next one on. Harsh I know. A quick test to check that your hair is not too tight:
ling the Instagram gurus ;)
25
26
The Radical Youth
november 2014
James 5 (KJV)
Can Christians
or as observed by others).
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
various reason. That does not necessar-
9.
ily mean we have “clinical depression.”
(not just fear of dying), recurrent sui-
man availeth much
1 John 1 (KJV)
DR/PASTOR FEMI FENOJO
be depressed?
“Can Christians be depressed?” You may as well ask if Christians can sin, or if they can be sick.
We all feel down or low sometimes for
PHOTO BY: DUSICA PARIPOVIC Sad and depressed young woman
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Recurrent thoughts of death
cidal ideation without a specific plan,
Criteria Clinical Depression (1) In order to meet the criteria for clini-
or suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
cal depression, one must experience at least five or more (the 1st and 2nd
What if you are depressed?
symptoms must be present) of the fol-
God has made both medical and spir-
lowing symptoms nearly every day for
itual resources available for the treat-
at least two weeks. Furthermore these
ment and healing of the sick and the
symptoms will be found to be causing
depressed.
impairment of day to day functions: social, occupational, educational.
If you are depressed or you know someone who is depressed then SEEK HELP
1.
Depressed mood most of the
day, nearly every day, as indicated by ei-
AND SUPPORT from your FAMILY, “elders of the church” and GP.
ther subjective report (e.g., feels sad or
Yes, Christians do sometimes sin, and
empty), or observation made by others
As Christians we do not merely accept
become sick. Yes Christians can be de-
(e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children
depression as an inevitable part of life.
pressed. In fact depression (and other
and adolescents, can be irritable mood.
Depression is a thief of God’s best for
psychological and psychiatry disorders
2.
Markedly diminished interest
us, just like sin and all other sicknesses.
like Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizo-
or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
Take advantage of all the helps God has
phrenia, etc.) is a sickness, just like mi-
most of the day, nearly every day (as in-
made available to you – both spiritual
graine, pneumonia, epilepsy and the
dicated by either subjective account or
and medical – and appropriate your vic-
rest.
observation made by others).
tory over depression.
3.
Significant weight loss when
Sickness, in some cases, can be caused
not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change
by sin or direct demonic affliction but
of more than 5 percent of body weight
most sicknesses are not cause by a par-
in a month), or decrease or increase in
ticular sin committed by the individual
appetite nearly every day. Note: In chil-
or by a direct demonic influence.
dren, consider failure to make expected
Psalm 30: 2-5 (KJV)
The more relevant and practical ques-
co-ordination) agitation or retardation
2 O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3 O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a
tion we need to ask is “I’m I depressed?”
nearly every day (observable by others,
night, but joy cometh in the morning.
In order to answer this we need to ask
not subjective feelings of restlessness
another question: “What is depression?”
or being slowed down).
The
New Product Review
same applies to depression, because
weight gains.
depression is a form of sickness.
4.
Insomnia
or
hypersomnia
(can’t get out of bed) nearly every day.
I’m I depressed?
5.
6.
Psychomotor
(brain-muscle
Fatigue or loss of energy near-
In defining depression there are three
ly every day.
Reference
factors you must bear in mind: symp-
7.
Feelings of worthlessness or
1. American Psychiatric Association (2013).
toms, duration and severity (effects on
excessive or inappropriate guilt (which
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
activities of daily living.) It is the com-
may be delusional) nearly every day
Disorders (Fifth ed.). Arlington, VA: American
bination of these three factors that de-
(not merely self-reproach or guilt about
Psychiatric Publishing.
termine when a depression is a “clinical
being sick).
depression.” In order word a depression that is significant and needs some form
8.
of intervention.
concentrate, or indecisiveness nearly
Diminished ability to think or
every day (either by subjective account
27
28
The Radical Youth
november 2014
Music Artist Q&A Alexander Victor is a passionate lover of God, crazy worshipper, seasoned worship leader, teacher & preacher, writer & public speaker, radio & TV presenter, songwriter, music producer, worship resources consultant and visionary of Altarsound Ministries, a worship resources development outfit based in London, England.
4. From GOD: His nature, His person, His
His timeline for the birthing of all that
awe, His majesty; His love. I write from
He commissioned us to do. Watch this
Him, For Him, To Him. I struggle to write
space!
songs about anything else. 8. I could say a lot for music, but if I 5. Biggest lesson: Do NOT wait until it
were to narrow it down to the MINISTRY
makes sense before you obey what God
of MUSIC, I’d say: it pays to infuse your
is leading! The price is too dear to pay!
music into God, than to try infusing God into your music! Music gets its expres-
6. Oh, so many times! What keeps me
sion from Him; He created it. So tap-
going: the knowing that I did NOT call
ping into the depths of God as musician
1. My names are Alexander Victor... and I like to introduce myself as a life poured out
our Worship Development School in
myself, and I would be aborting des-
opens you up into creative dimensions
in the pursuit of the Most High and for His exclusive use, for which when it’s all said
2013 was another humbling highlight.
tiny—both mine and those of others
that cannot be attained otherwise.
and done, I’d like to hear Him say ‘well done’! This pursuit finds expression in diverse
God has been faithful on this journey!
linked to my call—if I quit. Plus, the only
gifting operational in my life: singing, song writing, worship-leading, writing, teach-
winner when I quit is the enemy, and
9. Definitely: follow us on our Facebook
ing, preaching, producing, and more!
I ain’t going to give him that pleasure!
Page (Altarsound Ministries) for updates
Phil 3:13-14.
on where next God is sending us!
my music inclination from, though I began really really early—began first with the
7. Well the Altarsound Vision is a clear,
10. Well, facebook (www.facebook.com/
drums at 4/5 years of age and it grew from there. I was of course nurtured and honed
laid-out blueprint which as we trust
altarsoundministries), twitter (@altar-
God, He unpacks and unveils in respec-
sound) and of course, our website: www.
tive seasons. So we’re just following
altarsound.org
BOOK COVER PHOTO: ALTARSOUND.ORG
2. Hmmm... My biological father dabbled with guitar, but I can’t say that’s where I got
by my adopted Father who is a musical genius and living legend. 3. Highlights: I’d have to say our ground-breaking self-funded sold-out live worship
ALTARSOUND IN WORSHIP THEOGNOSIS V
recording in 2010 was definitely a highlight. Graduating the first set of students from Pastor Alexander Victor Visionary/Director Altarsound Worship Resources Unit 3, Cannon Wharf, 35 Evelyn Street, London SE8 5RT United Kingdom
ALEXANDER VICTOR PHOTO: ALTARSOUND THEOGNOSIS V
P: +44 (0) 207 232 1731 E: alexander@altarsound.org W: www.altarsound.org FB: Alexander Victor, T: @alexanderv1ctor, Youtube: youtube.com/altarsound
“Redefining Worship On God’s Terms!
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The Radical Youth
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S
30
Chris Eyre, Chief Constable Of The Nottinghamshire Police
So Ministering @ RY10
L
Fashion Show - RY Models
D
E
Senior Pastor and Tobi Martins
M
O
Pastor Labi & Infinity
youth Pastor, Pastor Bisi, Mummy Pastor and Kolas Oyeneyin (Pioneering RY President)
Tobi Martins, Kola Oyeneyin, Temi Ilori
R
Y
Chris Eyre with Senior Pastor, Mummy Pastor & Infinity
RYGallery
A Teaching Session @ Weekend Away
Group of Participants @ Weekend Away
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The Radical Youth
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L’aviye We hear you are currently studying for a PhD. What is this in and how are you finding it? I’m just about to finish my PhD in cancer proteomics and biomarker discovery. It’s been a very enjoyable experience, to be honest – there’s been good times and not so good times, but all in all, it’s been great! (L’aviye’s pastel elegance featuring items from the Zahara range) (L’aviye’s pastel elegance featuring items from the Adrianna range)
How does it feel being a student and doing a business alongside? I think that’s been the most challenging part of running my business – trying to juggle two full time projects at once. On top of that, I also hand make all the items myself, so I was having to balance that with the day to day business administrative tasks and being a PhD student.
Why did you choose this nature of business and how did you get where you are? As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved customising outfits, making them ‘my own’ by adding sequins, beads etc. I started making accessories as a hobby around mid-October, 2012. A close friend wore some of my accessories to Radical Youth Convention in November, 2012 and people loved them. L’aviye was launched soon after that, around mid-December 2012. With L’aviye, I wanted to add my own contribution to the
already existing fashion scene by showing how African inspired jewellery & accessories can be incorporated into work, party, casual and play outfits.
Because of my L’AVIYE HAND BAG
At L’aviye, we hand make and customise jewellery – earrings, bangles, necklaces, hair accessories, brooches, and other accessories such bow ties, handbags, clutch bags and shoes. We also have a growing collection of men’s accessories such as bow ties, pocket squares and cufflinks.
SPECIAL PRINT FABRIC BAG
L’AVIYE ACCESORIES A PAIR OF EAR-RING
African heritage, I’m a big fan of the vibrant colour and patterns of the African print fabric.
Olivia collection featuring rhinestone bangle, triangle necklace and bangles.
You draw inspiration from African prints and fabrics, what draws you to this? Because of my African heritage, I’m a big fan of the vibrant colour and patterns of the African print fabric. My vision from the start was to create quality, affordable, handmade accessories that embrace the es-
L’AVIYE SHOE AFRICAN PRINT FABRIC SHOE
sence of my personal style which was rooted in my culture & heritage.
What advice would you give a student wanting to start a business?
Follow L’aviye on any of their social media platforms to stay updated on news, new releases, sales and giveaways.
Believe in yourself & stick at it, even when it gets tough. Nothing good comes easy.
• • • • •
Zahara collection featuring open toe shoes, enamel bracelets and diamanté drop earrings.
Tamara collection clutch purses, triangle earrings and open toe shoes.
Thank you for featuring us, RY!!! Just to say thank you, we’d like to offer your readers 10% OFF any item on our website. Visit: http://www.laviye.com and enter ‘TREAT10’ at the checkout.
Facebook: @laviye Instagram: @laviye Twitter: @laviyeofficial Pinterest: @laviyeofficial Youtube: @laviyeofficial
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the feelings of love grow faster than the
‘All things are lawful, but not all are ex-
commitment needed to make love last.
pedient for me…..’ ‘Flee ALL appearanc-
We should patiently wait for feelings
es of evil…….’
of love and commitment to develop toNote
gether.
Air can easily be polluted; water also Note
can be contaminated while a righteous
•
Several young women have be-
life can easily be brought low by sin and
come single parents because they
pleasures of sin.
took their body chemistry for grant-
An unmarried
ed while men’s conscience is being
couple should
into premarital sex.
avoid any activity
flogged daily by the error of going
•
abortion
that tempts them
Q&A
today
because
they
thought they are capable of han-
toward sex, that gives the appear-
Several young women are into
dling their emotions. •
Look round in your neighbourhood
ance of immoral-
and see the devastation that the
ity, or that could
several people because they as-
be considered
and all sorts are things that can be
foreplay
enemy has wrought in the lives of sume kissing, necking, touching done casually without consequenc-
2. Galatians 5:16 says we should let the Holy Spirit guide our lives, then we won’t be doing what our sinful nature craves. Seeing as we are sexual beings and lust often creeps in, how do you allow the Holy Spirit guide your desires? How do you control your emotions in a relationship? Can you give practical tips on how we can stick to boundaries? Answer:
es. a). Recognise the presence of the Holy
RELATIONSHIPS
Spirit inside of you. b). Let the word of God dwell richly inside of you •
Meditate always on the Word of God
1.
Is kissing and touching allowed in a relationship/courtship?
Answer:
– In a way kissing and touching could
– Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 5:8;
be a PRELUDE to SEX. If you are not
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
ready for sex, simply avoid it. This
By the gazelles or by the does of the
becomes necessary because you can
field, Do not stir up nor awaken love un-
‘lose control’ and plunge into SEX
til it pleases.
•
Observe to do His word
•
Activate your will for righteousness
•
Set boundary according to God’s
– Kissing on the cheek could be a way of
and the consequences of such would
greetings. Touching could also be a way
shock you. Foreplay is designed to
Repetition most of the times means em-
of showing affection. They may or may
prepare or get one ready for sex, logi-
phasis. This verse was repeated three
not be sinful depending on the motive.
cally then, foreplay should be restrict-
times in this book. Feelings of love can
Can you also listen to your heart and
ed to married couples. Anything that
create intimacy that overpowers rea-
body and tell yourself sincerely what
can be considered foreplay should be
son. A lot of young people are often in a
colleague and lovers. Your bounda-
they are really saying to you? The an-
avoided till marriage. An unmarried
hurry to develop and intimate relation-
ries teach others how to treat you.
swers to these things are very crucial.
couple should avoid any activity that
ship based on feelings. Feelings how-
Boundaries are your warning signs.
Does your heart condemn you after
tempts them toward sex, that gives
ever are not enough to support a lasting
each touch or kiss?
the appearance of immorality, or that
relationship. We are being encouraged
could be considered foreplay
in this verse not to force romance lest
word (not according to the world’s conventions but Godly convic-
UNPLANNED OUTCOMES
tions). Boundaries are necessary for
IMAGE SOURCE
every relationship - friends, family,
•
After setting boundaries, ensure you stick to boundaries by:
35
The Radical Youth
36
•
november 2014
Watch and pray (Practically avoid
Note:
of people who had grown their career
V.
How about complications that
agreement on this most crucial issue.
situations and circumstances that
•
alongside their spouse.
comes with child bearing at an ad-
Marrying for emotional and physical at-
vanced age?
traction can be a recipe for failure. Both
can endanger your spirit man) •
Such ‘best friend’ could become an alternative to your relationship and
Be aware of your boundaries
this prevents complete allegiance
Note:
to the relationship you are trying to
•
grow with your spouse to be. •
Pay attention to your boundaries
Gen 2:18 says… It is not good (suf-
VI.
What do you understand by
God, so they can surrender one to an-
-
ficient, satisfactory) that the man
the phrase…… ‘Enjoy the wife of your
other. It is important that we enter into
looks/ stature, neither is it about good jobs or profession.
should be alone; I will make him
youth’ does it connote any meaning to
this second most relationship (mar-
a helper meet (suitable, adapted,
you. PAUSE and THINK on these things.
riage) in our lives with great caution.
or unacceptable behaviour. Know-
ask God to come in to help you as
complementary) for him.
ing your boundaries allows you to
you build your new relationship
make a judgement and act upon it.
with your new found spouse.
•
•
The journey of life cannot be properly prosecuted without a profit-
Lessons for all seasons: I.
Advice
able relationship under the auspic-
•
Endeavour to be each other’s’ best
es of the almighty God. Therefore,
5. What to look for in a spouse?
-
eyes wide open. Our most important re-
deceitful and desperately wicked. So
lationship is that with our Lord and sav-
seek God who can search and bring out
iour Jesus Christ which must however
the intents of man’s heart. -
friend rather than having a ‘best
to succeed you need the comfort,
friend’ outside this new found rela-
encouragement, counsel, etc. of
even until she had brought forth her
tionship with your spouse.
someone else that God has placed
obedience to God’s word and seek
on your path.
to live a life that glorifies God.
6. Advice for the (young people)
How much does he/she love God?
Answer:
•
God, he/she must seek to walk in
deeply share your heart/ emotions
two shall chase ten thousand. So
Does he/she have passion for God?
tercourse with her until she had brought
with any other person apart from
the best of you can only succeed to
Ephesians 5:22-24
forth Jesus (Mat 1:18-25)
your new found spouse.
the tune of a thousand while in the
•
One shall chase a thousand and
company of a man/ woman chosen
•
•
Lastly, I commend you unto God who is able to keep you from falling. God bless
able to easily correct.
you richly.
wards
complish ten thousand.
These two/three things take prec-
(Dan 1:8) Life is about purpose, and pur-
wind down and grow this new re-
pose is brought to fruition by discipline,
lationship.
walk in the company of a Joseph/ The bible does not say ‘stick around
Mary to properly actualise the pur-
and try to fight temptation, but to
pose of God for your life without
flee from it. 2 Timothy 2:2
stress at an incredible speed that
• 4. Personally, I’m very career oriented
•
Who are his/her friends?
rational thinking/reasoning, being guided by the word of God, prayers – All un-
III.
‘Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be im-
Even God is a team player… let us
Actively seeking to become a ma-
pressed with his looks and stature. I’ve
create man… (Gen 1:26), let us go
ture person in Christ
already eliminated him. God judges per-
Examine these questions:
as Christians, there are some principles
I’m ready. What do you have to say
II.
that are wise for us to heed. Temptations
about this?
complish your career goal?
I.
How old are you now? How long will it take you to ac-
could arise when there are issues/prob-
Lastly, take good note of this…
sons differently than humans do. Men •
the right person for me by the time
life cannot be disconnected with time.
ap-
characters etc. (1 Timothy 3:11)
concern of not being able to find
to unhealthy emotional attachment.
be
Then his/her physical appearance,
between men and women, but for us
It is not wrong to build one’s career but
should
•
forbid close friendship relationships
which one way or the other could lead
Marriage
proached with a measure of patience,
der the watchful eyes of the Holy Spirit.
ried. However, there is the fear and
ing such problems with such a friend
II.
Who is he/she (his/her person)?
to a certain point before getting
Answer:
service?
•
This is not advised. The bible does not
lems and there is the possibility of shar-
His
down… (Gen 11:7)
and would love to build my career into a relationship or getting mar-
and
Stop ‘crawling’ alone when you can
you can never imagine.
Answer:
God
edence over every other thing.
determination, patience, consistency
Be careful to diligently seek
is a lifelong matter that you may not be
of God for your journey, you can ac-
•
decision of life that can make or mar
God, you can’t afford to make mistake; it
fore you got engaged, gradually
3. Can a boy/girl in a relationship have a best friend that is the opposite sex?
Prayerfully look for proven, trusted and
How committed is he/she to-
If you had such a relationship be-
•
after you have prayed and convinced.
you. I.
heart that he will not defile himself…
and godliness.
men/ladies
tested elders as you make this crucial
into his house, he never had sexual in-
•
hesitate to seek for godly counsel even
Cultivate a healthy relationship between each other and refuse to
Daniel also purposed in his
Know that you can be sincere-
ly wrong in your judgement, so do not •
obeyed the Lord by taking in his wife
II.
Know that the heart could be
be the focus of our lives. Answer:
Joseph and Mary remained
you ever imagined that after Joseph had
Everything is not about good
Not under an emotional cloud, but with
virgins throughout their courtship and first son which was named Jesus. Have
Lessons for all seasons
parties must be totally surrendered to
Rather than use ‘human crutches’
– this alerts you to inappropriate
the heart’ (1Sam16:7 GNB).
We must be surrendered / yielded
and women look at the face: God looks
to the will of God for our lives.
into the heart.’ (1 Sam 16:7, MSG)
The most important relationship a per-
‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height,
son can have outside of his/her rela-
for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t
tionship with God through Jesus Christ
make decisions the way you do! People
is his/her relationship with the spouse.
judge by outward appearance, but the
Therefore the key as stated above is a
LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and
Can you add it to your present
person with a personal faith in Jesus
intentions.’(1Sam16:7 NLT).
age, then how old would you be by that
Christ. If our vertical relationship with
time?
the Lord is as it should be, then our hori-
‘Pay no attention to how tall and hand-
zontal relationships will reflect that re-
some he is. I have rejected him, because
ality. To have a godly and fulfilling mar-
I do not judge as people judge. They look
riage, a man and woman must be in full
at the outward appearance, but I look at
III.
The bible says – there is time for every-
IV.
Would you not have passed
thing. Look around and you will see a lot
child bearing age?
Pastor (Dr) Funmi Alawale
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The Radical Youth
november 2014
IHim will Trust
Trust according to the Oxford Dictionary is ‘Firm belief
peace, trusting God and not worrying about anything
in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or some-
so that His will alone be done. He has your future in
thing’.
His hands so why worry? Just trust Him.
Psalms 118:8 - “It is better to trust in the LORD than to
‘Let His will be done’ has been my phrase recently.
put confidence in man.”
When things desired or expected turn out differently, we should always remember His ways are not ours
I am sure you have experienced disappointments at
and that His will be done. I would say those things
some points in life most especially as a result of rely-
were not included in His will. Or He may instruct you
ing firmly on humans. There is a God who never fails.
to do something entirely different from what you re-
Having firm belief in the reliability of God, there is
ally wish to do, at the end you must obey and trust.
assurance of no failure. The Omniscient knows it all. Right from when you ‘Trust’ – a word God sent to me. On February 24, 2014
were formed, He knew your ending. No matter how
He said to me ‘If only I would trust Him’.
tough a situation is, God knows why He is letting you go through it as He cannot give you more than you
God is dependable, faithful, a shield, a stronghold;
can handle. Yes, you can handle that situation and
strong tower where the righteous run into.
you will come out an overcomer. So trust Him to see
Are you going through tough times? Trust Him. Are
you through no matter how challenging the situation
you worried about anything? Once again, trust Him.
seems.
I am occasionally in deep thoughts concerning various
Trust Him with your heart and with your life at all
aspects of life to the extent that if you were aware of
times and you shall have peace!
my thoughts, you would ask me to go sleep. Honestly, that would be the perfect reaction for one should be at
By Fisayo (RY Notts Member)
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The Radical Youth
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How to be a Successful lady in the 21st Century When we entered the millennium we apparently rid ourselves of all the facets of the old world. All the remnants of pre-millennium were swept away mainly by advances in technology and these advances in technology altered our perceptions of just about everything, from relationships, to religion, to careers to money.
YOUNG CONFIDENT LADY Photograph: Viktor Cap 2012
Our generation is blessed because the
In summary (this is more for the skim
opportunities available to us are end-
readers amongst you, who probably
less. We can be corporate flyers in the
read the opening paragraph and quickly
day and buskers (if we wish) by night.
moved on to the end, I don’t blame you
The point is there is so much we can do
as I often find myself doing the exact
, so just do it.
same thing) a lady then is one who recognises her value but also enables oth-
Be confident: I’ve always said that the
ers to see the value within themselves.
world favours the confident and looks
Furthermore, success, although harder
down on the shy. There is no room to
to quantify, can be measured by doing
hide behind an inhibited personal-
all the things abovementioned.
ity because that could ultimately stunt However, what is striking is the concept of
are generic rules us females (and males)
your prospects. Do not allow yourself
a lady has remained consistent through-
can apply to all areas of our lives in or-
to simply fade into the background be-
out the ages. The dictionary defines a
der to maximise our potential.
cause in doing so you are doing your-
Cristine Edusi (RY ALUMNI)
self a disservice. The world needs to be
lady as,
blinded by the light that only you can 1. A well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper
Love Cris x
(@iamcroe)
bring.
What then is a girl to do?
www.thepromisciouspenwordpress.
behavior.
Try a little tenderness: The last one of
2.a. A woman regarded as proper and
my “top tips” is quite unusual but per-
virtuous.
haps the most important. In a world that
b. A well-behaved young girl.
Get some standards: The definition
is increasingly becoming self- seeking
3. A woman, especially when spoken of
above alludes briefly to standards of
and self-righteous tenderness will soon
or to in a polite way.
proper behaviour and whilst these are
become as rare as a full moon and ulti-
4.a. A woman to whom a man is romanti-
important, women need to gain stand-
mately lose its appeal. However, those
cally attached.
ards outside of their behaviour. For in-
who are tender, kind, with hearts and
b. Informal A wife.
stance, actively set standards as to how
minds that ooze affection and warmth
you wish to be treated in your friend-
will capture the world.
Numbers 1, 2a, 2b and 3 deserve our
ships and other intimate relationships
attention as these describe the char-
but more importantly reflect those
The article would lose its value if it did
acter and conduct of a lady. A lady is
standards. The next statement is ex-
not include another “top tip”. It would
distinguishable by her manner, her con-
tremely cliché but has to be reiterated,
be a huge error if as a woman I failed to
sideration of others, her virtue and be-
a woman is far more likely to be treated
address the myriad ways in which wom-
haviour. Although this conception of the
below par if she perceives herself lowly.
en are being spoken to within the me-
lady is definitely timeless, it provides
Value every essence of your being.
dia and other platforms. Our femininity
no detail for the millennium lady who
is being carved out for us, we feel com-
overwhelmed by changing perceptions,
Do something: In previous generations,
pelled to embrace identities that are
is confused as to how to express her-
once an individual chose a particular ca-
not our own, stereotypes are being used
self within this age. Even the question
reer path it was often the case that they
to define us but my mantra is, defy ste-
of how to succeed as a lady within the
stayed within that role for the remain-
reotypes and live out your own identity
21st century is also vague, especially
der of their lives, very few had identities
through Christ. Do not feel burdened by
as “success” is relative. However, there
that existed outside of their occupation.
other people’s expectations of you.
com
P.S. Power heels are an important accessory for any lady. Invest in a pair. P.S.S but always keep a pair of flat shoes in your bag for comfort.
41
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The Radical Youth
november 2014
A seed and its fruit are never parted (My RY experience)
the love he had for Tamale, he granted his request immediately. Tamale was left alone and no one was allowed to ask for his fruit. For the next few months the farmer sold of the crop
A TREE AND ITS FRUITS
in his garden as Tamale continued to
GOOGLE IMAGES
bear delicious fruits.
- Angela Chrystal
After a year, Tamale noticed that his fruit wasn’t as beautiful anymore- it grew pale and sickly, almost without the suc-
Diary entry 17/07/14 2:10pm
culent flesh it once had. The fruit would
Dear Diary, I have just received a phone call, email and text message requesting me to write a short article about my RY experience for the Radical Youth annual Magazine. I am soooo excited :-)
grow slowly, rot away quickly, and fall
you looked beautiful and constantly re-
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
by his trunk. His branches still grew with
moved the dried back so you could have
Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self con-
an elbow bend but shortly thereafter,
a beautiful trunk all year round.
trol- but he wants us to share this fruit
however, they changed their minds and
and he gives us grace to plant its seed
turned around again , as if frightened
The villagers loved you because you
everywhere we go, with whoever we
at the sight of the powerful though
never were proud from their compli-
are with and in whatever we do. When
Diary entry 17/08/13 6:00pm
pocked, burnt, time-wrinkled trunk. And
ments but always produced better fruit
I came to Nottingham, I was recovering
Dear Diary, I have spent the past 4 hours trying to put together
in turning around, the branches took a
with every season. You asked for a leave,
from my “two-year leave” and I prom-
this short article and it honestly feels like I have been assigned
different direction from the one before.
and as your friend I couldn’t refuse. That,
ised God that I will not enjoy my fruit
to go out in a thunder storm and catch some lightening.
Near to the end of the two years Tamale
however, meant that I couldn’t maintain
alone.
stood the only surviving plant in the
the other crops in the garden for they
garden, with nothing but a crooked and
grew from the seed in your fruits. So
He led me to GVC and I have grown so
shapeless trunk to remind him of his ex-
over this time the old plants have died
much in the church and RY has been a
istence.
out and dried away and there was not
good platform. I have learned that I can
seed to revive them. I have not been in
not bear more fruit if I do not sow my
Farmer Musana came to visit him. “Hello
the garden because I have no harvest to
seeds and seeds cannot grow if they are
my friend, I am glad to see you after so
collect or anyone that needs my help in
not planted.
long. You left your garden to dry out!”
looking after. So you see, you were the
Farmer Musana looked at him and said,
garden and when you asked for leave,
My daily life is a testimony and I have
“I did not let the garden dry up, you
the garden ceased.” “Oh no!!” cried Ta-
soooooo many other testimonies from
decided that the garden shouldn’t ex-
male, “how could I have been so selfish.
weekend away, voices, pyjama day, car
Diary entry 13/09/14 7:00am Dear Diary, I am way passed the deadline for this article - it is still needed but I can not write it anymore. It’s too rushed, and as Peep O would say it “I will not do it justice”. I am going to
PEN OF A WRITER PHOTOGRAPH: GREATPICTURES
be honest with the editor!!!!
Dear Mr Editor,
ist.” “How do you mean?” asked Tama-
Could you ever forgive me? Please, give
wash, baking, women’s conference, gvc
den. His branches dragged and twisted above the ground,
le, amidst tears. “You, my dear Tamale,
me another chance to make this right.”
conference, jobs, HEALING (another
unable, try as they might, to hoist themselves skyward; and
grew from very special seed. I sold all
Farmer Musana was glad to take Tamale
amazing story) and youth service that I
Sir, I was delighted when I received your phone call, request-
thus at a certain point of their progress they reconsidered their
that I had to buy your seed. My friends
back and this time he put in more effort
will not be able to give, seeing as to how
ing me to put pen to paper for the RY Annual Magazine. I sin-
effort and decided to turn back towards the trunk, creating a
thought I was crazy but there was some-
to make him bloom for the next harvest.
I have exceeded the word limit. But the
cerely apologise for what you are about to read is not in line
kind of elbow like bend or, in some cases, an out-and-out knot.
thing about you that I couldn’t explain.
Tamale asked that each person who ate
most satisfying thing is I do not tell of
with the instructions given me over the phone because the
When in season, people travelled from far and wide to eat of
I planted you in this very spot and
of his fruit was given seeds so they too
the testimonies from my own strength
call cut before I had time to mention or to give my terms and
Tamale’s fruit for the best description they heard was: “You
watched over you for years. You grew
could have gardens as big and fruitful.
for it has been by the Grace of God that
conditions. I am fond of storytelling in crayon “software” as
need to taste it to understand why you need to eat it.” Farmer
into a beautiful tree with no ordinary
Farmer Musana and Tamale lived hap-
I have made it this far.
my QWERTY is yet to be upgraded; therefore I humbly request
Musana loved Tamale and made certain all was well with him.
fruit- other trees had one fruit but you
pily ever after… THE END…
that you publish my article in comic sans font, blue floral bor-
One day Tamale called the farmer for a quick chat. “Farmer
had 9 different kinds. I used my first
derline and a footer that reads “Jesus is Lord”. Furthermore, a
Musana, I am truly grateful for all you have done for me. I have
profits to purchase the rest of the garden
Mr. Editor, Farmer Musana and Tamale
short article about an RY experience will be selling your read-
heard all the praises the villagers sing about my fruit therefore
and the best of your fruit every season
are real characters in this world; we all
ers short of a more beautiful story; I call it “a seed and its fruit
I only ask that you give me a two years leave, where I will be
to plant the rest of the garden. When the
have aTamale in us as Christians. Jesus
Yours sincerely,
are never parted”.
left alone to enjoy the fruits that grow from my branches - all
fruit grew bad on your branches, I took it
is the good farmer who paid a high price
the story teller
of them and when the two years are finished I will gladly give
away so that the good fruit could not be
for our lives, poured His spirit in us so
you the rest of the fruits I will bare.” The farmer was sad but for
contaminated. I cleared dried leaves so
we can bear 9 great fruits of Love, Joy,
Tamale was the most beautiful tree in Farmer Musana’s gar-
Mr. Editor, Thank you for reading my letter :)
JESUS IS LORD!!!
43
44
The Radical Youth
november 2014
RY KEY DATES, EVENTS FOR 2015
the RY story 11 Facts about RADICAL YOUTHS @11years Pastor ‘Labi Mebude GVC RY Youth Pastor - 2009 till date
PRESENCE
01
11 Years ago, RY was active in 1 university only (Not-
WEEKEND AWAY
07
he first ever RY retreat, now known as weekend away,
tingham Uni); 11 years later, we have RY in over 20
was attended by 40 students in 2007. At the 2014
universities in the UK.
FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
01
Weekend Away Auction Fundraising
ber of young people attend (just fewer than 200), 50 charge.
MEMBERSHIP
THURSDAY 12TH SUNDAY 15TH MARCH
02
11 years ago, we had less than 10 members in RY; 10 years later, we have over 3,000+ members in RY.
STUDENTS
08
In the last 11 years, over 6,000 students have past
02
Weekend Away Booking before January is £90 ( £100 otherwise )
weekend away in February, we had the highest numof which were non believers who attended free of
FRIDAY 20TH -SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY
03
MONDAY 8TH TO FRIDAY 12TH JUNE
04
Radical Youth Week
GVM Annual Conference
though RY, some stayed, some just visited, some eve-
LEADERSHIP
03
ry active, some didn’t etc.
FRIDAY 12TH JUNE
11 years ago Radical Youth had just 5 leaders; 10 years later, we have over 70 leaders currently in RY 2014/15 academic year.
GRADUATION
ATTENDANCE
04
09
SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
had over 1000 attendees from Friday to Sunday. We are estimating more this year.
GOD’S FAVOUR
10
In the last 11 years, God has really helped us through
By 2015, RY will be in 30 universities by the grace of
Radical Youth started in Sussex University, Brighton in October 2014
Radical youth take Over Sunday
occurrence(s)! God has granted us favour, support,
FRIDAY 20TH TO SUNDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
help, resources etc
REACHING OUT
06
07
FRIDAY 25TH TO SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
08
Second Radical Youth Leaders Training
the journey; there is no record of death or evil
God.
NEW GROUNDS
06
First Radical Youth Leaders Training
Radical Youth End of Year Ball
dents since its inception.
200 students within a few universities. Last year we
05
SATURDAY 13TH TO SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
In the last 11 years, RY has graduated over 1,000 stu-
The first ever RY conference was attended by less than
2015 PROJECTION
05
In February 2014, Radical Youth raised £3, 150 [with the Help of GVM and various fundraising] to sponsored 50 unbelievers to weekend away 2014
11
Radical Youth ‘Let Your Life Count’ Conference
09
EVERYDAY
10
Support the Vision... Radical Youth would like your support in prayers, by attending our weekly/bi – weekly meetings and financially. If you need more information, please call any of the following numbers: P. ‘Labi: 07947797323 Esther Opiyo: 07454339918 www.radicalyouth.co.uk
45
46
The Radical Youth
november 2014 University of Manchester
Loughborough University
University of Salford
Nottingham Trent University
University of Nottingham
University of Sheffield
London School of Economics
Aston University Birmingham
University of Birmingham
h out n S ersity o d v Lon k Uni Ban
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Bradford University of Leicester
RADICAL YOUTH London Metropolitan University
REGIONAL NETWORK
Cov Uni entry ver sity
Radical youth is currently in these universities across the United Kingdom University of Leicester
Manchester Metropolitan University
Bristol University University Of Bedfordshire
y rsit lia ive t-Ang n U as of E
Radical Youth meetings is currently NOT active in Bristol and Bedfordshire (Luton) New Regions: • Sussex University Coming Soon: • University of West London
University of Sussex
University of Derby
47
Headquarters God’s Vineyard Church 292 Derby Road Nottingham NG7 1QF Tel: 01159472486 http://www.godsvineyardchurch. org/ Email: admin@godsvineyardchurch.org Service Times: Sundays 1st service: 8.00am -10.15am 2nd service: 10.30am-12.45pm 3rd service: 6.00pm - 7.30pm Thursdays: 7.00pm - 9.00pm Branches Birmingham Chinese Community Centre, 99 Bradford Str. Digbeth Birmingham. B12 0NS Tel: 07904766921 Email: birminghamgvc@gmail. com, info@godsvineyardchurch. org Service Times: Sundays: 10.00am - 12.30pm Wednesday: 7:30pm - 9.00pm (Bible Study) Derby Suite 3,158-162 Abbey Street, Derby. DE22 3SS Tel: 07900957500 Email: gvcderby@godsvineyardchurch.org
Contact: 07984416723 Email: gvclondon12@gmail.com Website: www.godsvineyardchurch-london.org Loughborough Charnwood College Schofield Road LE11 4SQ Tel: 07734957502 Email: gvcladmin@godsvineyardchurch.org Service Times: Sundays - 10.00am - 12.30pm Wednesdays: 6.00pm - 7.00pm Fridays: 7.00pm - 9.00pm GVC Manchester Suite 213, 2nd Floor Hilton House 26-28 Hilton Street, Manchester Tel: 07596655152 Email: manchestergvc@gmail. com Service Times: Sundays - 10.00am - 12.30pm GVC Leicester Youth Church University Of Leicester University Road LE1 7RH Ken Edwards Building Lecture Theatre 2 Service Time: Sundays: 11am-12.30pm Mondays: 7-8.30pm (Youth fellowship) Tuesdays: 6-7pm (Prayer)
Service Times: Sundays: 10.00am - 12.30pm Thursdays -6.30pm - 8.00pm Every 3rd Friday of the Month: 9.00pm - 12.00 Midnight (Night of Glory)
ABUJA Oxford Hotel, 26 Suez Crescent, Off Ladi Kwali St, By Sheraton Hotels, Zone 4.
GVC London The Globe Academy (Off New Kent Road) London, SE1 6AF
LAGOS No 8, Fola-Agoro Street, (Ireti Oniresi-Adun) Lagos.
Service Time: Sundays: 11am - 1pm Every 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Monthly 7pm - 9pm
Service Times: Sundays - 10.00am - 12.30pm
Service Times: Sundays - 10.00am - 12.00pm
For more information on how to contact the different universities, their meeting times, venue etc, please contact the Youth Pastor (Pastor Labi). Would like to start Radical Youth at your university or like to know more? Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will give you all the necessary support. Write to us or contact us via details below: Pastor ‘Labi Mebude [RY Pastor] God’s Vineyard Church. 292 Derby Road, Lenton Nottingham NG7 1QF t. 01159472486, 07947797323 e. admin@godsvineyardchurch. org, p.labi.mebude@gmail.com [ask of Pastor ‘Labi or Esther]
facebook.com/GVCNOTTINGHAM twitter.com/GVCNOTTINGHAM youtube.com/GVMNOTTINGHAM