THE CHAPEL OF GLORY MAGAZINE – JULY 2012
Inside this issue Editorial Comment ................... 5 Benjamin Bennet ...................... 6 Health and Wellbeing.............. 11 Unbolted................................... 13 COGI @ 10 years ..................... 14 Reviews .................................... 16 The Cross ................................. 17 In His Prescence ...................... 18
14 CoGI @ 10 Taking a look back over the last ten years we speak to Pastor Babakolade Siyanbola and his wife to get the inside scoop of life after the pulpit. What does it take to run a church, what challenges does one face. What does the future hold for COGI. All this and more.
11 Health
6 Chale Boy
Contact
Hints and tips on not only looking flawless as God intended you to be, but beauty secrets you can apply everyday to remain looking absolutely divine. An inspiring article sure to set you on the path to healthy skin, good wellbeing and healthy living.
The official Interview from Benjamin Bennett, aka Chale Boy. We talk of his journey from a Christian home, to the pressures of University life and how he came back even stronger. Founder of the bi monthly Vocals and Verses we discuss what the future holds.
Email cogimedia@yahoo.com Phone 07903758010, 07903757853 Address C/O 26 Sheriff Way Leavesdeen, Watford Hertfordshire, WD25 7QG United Kingdom
INSPIRED | JULY | 3
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Lape Igbaroola Editor
Inspired Magazine... If you would like to join the inspired team, email your name and contact details to cogimedia@yahoo.com saying what role you would like to play in the Inspired magazine team.
Thanks be to God the father of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ who has brought us thus far. We have had to cross many bridges and rivers, the vision seemed impossible, but here we are. It’s been two years since we published the very first magazine of our dear parish under the name ‘Still Waters’ and due to unforeseen circumstances, it appeared as if it was going to be the last. However, the latest and re branded magazine of RCCG COGI WATFORD, ‘INSPIRED’ is hereby unveiled and I believe you will be greatly blessed and glued to every page of this edition. This edition has interviews with very inspiring Christians changing the world around them. We are most excited for the interview with Pastor Babakolade Siyanbola and his wife on COGI@10, the interviews with ‘Chaleboy the Poet’ and Paul Hayler of ‘Unbolted Youth Club’ whom the Lord is using to reach out to the youths of North Bushey. We have great tips for those who love life and love to look good; health is considered wealth and I’m sure you will make do with some tips our columnist have to offer. There is simply something for everyone.
I want to say a big thank you to the magazine committee as well as contributors who put in a great deal of effort and time into making this magazine a wonderful and hopefully inspiring read. They are young men and women of vision, who held on to the dream. They acted on Habakkuk chapter 2 vs 3 which says ‘for the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfilment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait earnestly for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behind on its appointed day’. [AMP VERSION]. I pray that none of you shall miss your reward in Jesus name. I am hopeful that everyone who picks this magazine up will truly be blessed and find something useful and be truly ‘inspired’. Most especially I give thanks to God for giving new-life to our Church magazine and I believe that this is the first of many more. We will love to hear your comments, suggestions and testimonies; please use the email and telephone numbers given. Happy reading and God bless you.
Lape Igbaroola
Lookk forward to hearing from you. Ispired Team.
CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-chief P. Babakolade Siyanbola Editor Lape Igbaroola Deputy Editor Dami Siyanbola Columnist Toyin Williams Inspired Team Tolu Ikusemori Niki Igbaroola Photography Dami Siyanbola Email: cogimedia@yahoo.com facebook: RCCG COGI
INSPIRED | JULY | 5
B
Benjamin ‘Chaleboy The Poet’ Bennett
enjamin Bennett is an inspiration, at the age of just 22 he has a CV that many adults would be proud of, former ACS (African Caribbean Society) President at the University of Hertfordshire, Talented Poet and Creator of one of London’s fastest rising events ‘Vocals and Verses’ but most importantly he is a Born-again Christian. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him on various topics from his Christianity to his poetry, read and be blessed.
Interviewer: Tolu Ikusemori
literature and gradually it just became laid so you need to just walk on it’. one of the main things I do now. Tolu: Going into university, what were Tolu: You just said that you came your fears? What did you expect? from a Christian home but there are a lot of people who come from " I think a lot of people are naïve such backgrounds but don’t follow because they don’t realise that practice the religion, at which coming from a Christian home point did you start to understand is not enough to get into heaven" your Christianity for yourself?
Ben: People always tell you stuff, Uni is this Uni is that, so I had a combination of thoughts, is it going to be really hard? Fun? Am I going to settle in well, but its one of those Tolu: One thing I’ve always things that you have to experience for wanted to know is, where did yourself in order to give the correct the name chaleboy come from? verdict. Most of the things people were saying were just urban myths. Ben: It’s just literally a name that stuck with me at uni, basically because I Tolu: Tell a bit about finding Christ. was really patriotic about being from Ghana, one of my friends called Ben: Well my dad’s a pastor so I’ve me that and I put it in my facebook always had Christian beliefs but it name and it stuck, so I didn’t really was just a matter of putting it into choose another name for my poetry. practice, which was not something I was really doing, and in first year Tolu. How did you get into poetry? I was really just indulging in all the temptations that were available, Ben: To be honest with poetry I’ve but in the second half of first year I been writing for a long time, since started getting convicted whilst at secondary school or primary school, raves and I tried to ignore it but it just but in terms of performing it was kept getting stronger and stronger to never really something I thought the point where I was staying at home about until late 6th form start of uni, whilst my friends went out and from but creative writing has always been that it was just the indication that I something close to my heart, due to needed to change my life, basically my love for English language and God was telling me ‘Your path is 6 | JULY | INSPIRED
Ben: We had a Christian fellowship on campus called Salem and I think that helped a lot because every Thursday there were people in there preaching and explaining what it meant to be a Christian. I think a lot of people are naïve because they don’t realise that coming from a Christian home is not enough to get into heaven, but I think this fellowship made a lot of us realise that we are ambassadors for Christ, so we need to do this in a certain way we need to do this wholeheartedly. The fellowship just made it clear that this was the way I needed to go and that my past ways were not acceptable. Tolu: You were the ACS president for your university, how did you get involved in that and do you think being a Christian helped you become a better leader? Ben: I went to the first ever ACS meeting in first year and immediately saw things I believed that they could improve on, So I emailed them saying I wanted to be part of the team to
which they responded that I had to wait till the end of the term before I could apply for the following year. I saw that there needed to be a change and felt the need to stand up rather than complain about it, so I stood up and went for the elections, luckily I had many people supporting me. I think it was patience, I think if I wasn’t a Christian; I would have wanted to run around banging heads together, but there’s a saying pressure creates diamonds, being in that role and being under those pressures, was comparable to the Christian life and the pressures that you have to encounter whilst having to remain intact in terms of who you are in Christ.
Ben: The majority of my poetry is Christ centred, I think I often look at our generation and see that there are a lot of traps that we fall into for example using the word ‘love’ in vain and not practising it properly, so its just basically looking at what our generation struggles with and the solutions that Christ has made for us; I think people usually get lost in the words of the bible and put it to one side, so I think my performances aim to give a visual and literal meaning to things that they might have read but not really taken heed to.
Tolu: You spoke earlier about temptation; have there been situations where you’ve had your faith tested due to being a well-known young Christian?
Ben: Well everyone has been nagging me to write a book, a type of anthology of poems so that’s something that needs to be done. Another idea is to do an EP so mixing spoken word with music and putting it online to see how people respond to that, so depending on how those do, going forward with them, and to get myself on to bigger platforms where I can perform to bigger audiences, and hopefully t one day.
Ben: I think one of the problems is that a lot of women lack leaders, I remember one of my friends saying before I got elected, that ‘you know a lot of girls are going to be interested in you now’ and I just disregarded it but I don’t think I realised how attractive being a leader was to people and I think that coupled with being a Christian made me seem like a beacon, which made me a target for temptation and I’m not going to sit here and say I managed to avoid every one but I constantly prayed for self control and got back up after each fall, as the bible says ‘a man without self control, is like a city broken into without walls’. So for me after a fall, the concern was getting back up and putting myself back on the path I was meant to be on.
Tolu: What can we expect from you in the future in terms of your poetry?
"I think if I wasn’t a christian; I would have wanted to run around banging heads together" crowd, about 40-50 people but it was a good show and people said they wanted more, the last one we had, there were over 200 people and had to even turn people away but its all thanks to God. He planted the seed and helped me to execute it to the point its at today.
Tolu: Do you think your experience of being in charge of events as the ACS President; gave you a stronger conviction that it was something you Tolu: You run an event called ‘Vocals could do? and Verses’ a night of poetry and music, there are events that do that already, Ben: Yeah, being in that ACS position you’re constantly in that position what made you think that you needed of having to deal with pressures, deal with deadlines and execute events, to create something new and different? I see that as training and I also think that’s why God allowed me to be president because it equipped with the ability to become a leader in Ben: Its something that I wanted to do as different fields not just ACS but anything else in life. an ACS event but we didn’t get the leeway to do that, so in final year I decided to put it Tolu: Well you’re fast becoming a prominent name in poetry in London, together and live the dream, I didn’t expect it what is it that inspires you? to go far, the first time was in march to a small 8 | JULY | INSPIRED
Tolu: Finally, there’s a certain aura about you that shows, do you think that being a Christian poet and reflecting that in your poetry is what draws people to you? Ben: I think it is, I would never take the credit for it myself its definitely what God has planted in me that’s appealing. As Christians we’re the light of the world and people are naturally attracted to light, so I think reflecting that in my poetry is a niche because I don’t think there are a lot of Christian poets that are relative to the generation that they live in; because they don’t break it down in a way our generation can understand, at the end of the day you need to be relevant to your generation, Jesus was relevant to his generation explained things in ways they could understand and that’s why they listened to him.
Tolu: Thank you for granting us this interview and we look forward to hearing more from you in the near future. Ben: Thank you for having me. INSPIRED | JULY | 9
7 Healthy Tips
of antioxidants and can decrease your chances of diseases such as cancer.
The cells in your body are made predominantly of water and they need to stay hydrated in order to function well. Therefore, drink 2 Litres of water daily (approximately 8 glasses)a Don’t wait till you are thirsty because the body is already dehydrated when you feel thirsty. Minimise you intake of tea, coffee and soft drink, they do not count towards your 8 glasses a day. If you are exercising you need to drink extra water before, during and after your workout.
All things in moderation. Having a balanced diet does not mean you can never eat chocolate or burger. It simply means you should eat in moderation. Most of your diet should consist of fruit & vegetable, whole grains/cereals, dairy, lean meat or protein and water. Minimise use of salt, saturated fats and sugars. Take responsibility for your eating choices.
Exercise 3 times a week (Even the bible says ‘bodily exercise profits little’- 1Tim 4:8) 30 minutes of exercise daily gets your heart and lungs working and keeps you healthy. Choose an activity that you enjoy - walking, dance class (Zumba), tennis, gym, swimming etc. Eat Breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your metabolism slows down while you sleep and does not increase until you eat something. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism for the day. If you are not a big breakfast eater start with something light such as fruit salad and yoghurt. Choose cereals that are low in sugars and high in grains. Choose Wholemeal or Multigrain bread rather than White bread. It will keep you full for longer and has more nutrients.
Sleep & Relaxation (The bible says ‘we should be anxious for nothing’- Phil 4:6) Worries and anxiety will keep sleep away; this will not do you any good. Remember even God rested on the 7th day. Sleep and relaxation are essential for your body’s rejuvenation and immune system. 8 hours of sleep is recommended per night. Create a habit of going to bed at the same time most nights and getting up at the same time each morning. Learn also to relax every now and then during the day, it will prepare you for the night. Laugh Daily (Laughter is the best medicine for body and soul) Laughter assists the immune system. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins. Endorphins are nature’s anti-depressant. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Eat more Greens. Increase the amount of green vegetables especially at dinner plate each night. Green Vegetables have lots INSPIRED | JULY | 11
Prince Segun Adebayo’ Prince Segun Adebayo the CEO of BPMI with four alums to his credit whose music is a blend of various genres ranging from traditional African highlife to fuji, funk, jazz, rap and hip pop is a firm believer in the power of God to save, deliver and bless men through the ministry of music, he believes that ‘with music the whole world is one family.’ Adebayo is never satisfied and will say ‘I’ve not started.’ The Divine Faaji and the Royal Festival of Dance was birthed in the UK few years ago by PSA. The vision resulted from his passion to see the tense relieved through the power of praise and worship to the almighty God. PSA’s vision is to have a One-Shop Place of Music – Ministries, Production, Promotion, Sales and discovery of musical talents. Adebayo has two awards to his credit, UK Best African Gospel Music and UK overall Best Gospel Musician of the year 2010. With Jesus and Pastor Adeboye as his role models, the Prince has a vision of winning souls to God’s kingdom regardless of language or culture. Based on his Christian background he vouched not to sing any other song except gospel music which will edify the body of Christ. The 2012 Royal Festival of Dance coming up on Friday 20th July promises to be another exciting time in God’s presence as gospel artistes from different ethnic backgrounds like Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and so on will be there to lead all present into the heavenly realm of praise and worship to our King. He is a praise worship leader and also performs with his band at Christian functions and parties The next project according to PSA is his online Christian TV which he hopes to launch within the next few months. So watch this space. Website - www.princesegunadebayo Email - divinefaaji@yahoo.com Tel - UK - 07411465516 | USA- 017736157072 | NIG - 002348035733306 You can also follow us on Facebook, twitter, Myspace, and Youtube. (Prince Segun Adebayo) Download PSA music on itunes and cd baby
12 | JULY | INSPIRED
CEO of BPMI
‘UNBOLTED’ Interviewer: Niki Igbaroola
T
here is a revival in North Bushey and all fingers point towards a certain Paul Hayler; ordinary citizen making a big change. Mr. Hayler pioneered the opening of the doors of North Bushey Baptist Church to the children of Bushey on the first Tuesday of every month in a meeting called ‘Unbolted’. Tell us about yourself and your journey to Christendom? I am a retired teacher and have been married for over forty years to my wife Pat, we met at a youth fellowship and reconnected during our University years, getting married very young at about twenty one. As for my Christianity, I believe: I have not been a Christian very long; I have been part of the Church for all my life but not a ‘Christian’. Despite being brought up in a Christian family I did not fully commit myself to God till about 15 years ago; this might seem like a long time to you but for me 15 years is a very short time. The interesting thing is that my wife had involved our children with numerous church activities and I always supported them but never attended church till a chance visit to Soul Survivor church in Watford; it was different from anything I had ever been to and after that visit I thought ‘this is right for me as well’ (True Christianity). After that decision I went from nothing to everything! Now we have heard about ‘Unbolted’, can you please explain what this is? Unbolted is a meeting place for children around the area, where they are encouraged to come into church and just play various games. It is not a Christian gathering but simply a forum that allows the children to realise that church is not a scary place. What drove you to start ‘Unbolted’? There is no reasoning behind ‘Unbolted,’ I did not feel that God was driving me to start it. I just thought, I think we ought to be doing something for the children hanging around church. I realized that children are frightened of church; frightened of what they think goes on there. I wanted them to come to think of it as theirs; which they now do and show them that church is a place where God welcomes everyone. For us church is a place to worship God whilst for them it is a place to play table tennis and cards but at least they think of it as theirs as well and that is important. Can you please let us know what goes on in ‘Unbolted’? At Unbolted all the children simply come in and can play a variety of games: table tennis, cards, dominos and whatever we can lay our hands on. What the children must understand is that there is no swearing, drinking or smoking in church. The children now respect this even though once they step out the door they start swearing but at least they respect the boundaries of church.
"a forum that allows the children to realise that church is not a scary place" Did your experience as a School Teacher influence your decision to start ‘Unbolted?’ Yes and No. Dealing with teenagers for many years helped but there is a great difference between working with children at school and at Unbolted. At school there is structure to school, the children are there to pass exams and I am there to guide them towards that but with Unbolted there is no structure and so I just have to ensure that the kids enjoy themselves. Unfortunately for me the children’s idea of having fun is making as much noise and mess as possible. But the biggest influence I think my years of teaching has had is the knowledge of when to praise as children respond better to praise. Can you tell us some of the struggles you’ve faced in setting up and running Unbolted? Initially it was getting the children to come; we ran two successive meetings where no children came. However at the second meeting one of the teens at my church noticed like I had that the children were sitting outside watching church; it was clear they (the children) knew that something was happening in church but were afraid to approach. She suggested that we go out to meet the children; I was initially reluctant but we decided to try and went out and personally invited the children in telling them to just come in and give it a try and if it was no to their taste they could leave. Interestingly enough three children came in and by the end of that night we went from starting with zero to having over ten children. What has been the highlight of starting Unbolted? Getting a call from a local Bible study and getting help from three of the ladies within that group. I had been so scared that I would have to close as I had gotten no help from people in at North Bushey Baptist; they seem to be as afraid of the children as the children are of church. Watching the impact they have made on the children and the children’s reaction to them has definitely been worthwhile. Paul is keen to stress that the Youth Club is free for all; you are not required to bring anything with you. His hope is that people outside the church will come to realise that the church wants nothing from you but to welcome you. He has also started ‘Playtime’ a youth club for adults run on the first Wednesday morning of every month. You do not have to be a ‘church-goer’ to come and all are welcome to come and meet new people, play games and simply have fun.
INSPIRED | JULY | 13
T Interviewers: Niki Igbaroola and Tolu Ikusemori ‘I hope to see that future of the gospel is bright, I want to see the younger generation of the church to get more involved so that I can know that the church has a future'
I
f you’ve ever listened to any of Pastor Kola Siyanbola’s sermons, you would also be very surprised to find out that he is in fact a quiet and rather reserved man. We are sat in his dining room, he is still dressed in the suit he wore earlier in the day at the pulpit, although the tie that had accompanied it is now on the table, whilst his smart black shoes have been replaced by a more comfortable pair of slippers. This is him in his relaxed environment yet he is still working away; the various documents that litter his table signify this. This has been life for the last 10 years for a Pastor whose ability to mix the seriousness of his sermons with a loving attitude has meant that his congregation has become more of a family of Christians; than a church filled with various individuals. This wealth of love in the church has led to the opening of a new parish for by the name of RCCG City of Refuge. Pastor is the first to tell you that becoming a pastor was not something that he ever pictured himself doing, he recalls how whilst still a member of the parent church of Majesty Court in Wembley, there had been a house fellowship in his house in Watford, He is quick to add, ‘starting a parish was much more than running a house 14 | JULY | INSPIRED
fellowship’ but it was through this house fellowship that the idea of starting a parish started and whilst the idea had began, he says that there were difficulties initially especially with finding a venue to convene every Sunday, he tells us ‘getting a place of worship in Watford is not the easiest thing to do’. He recalls going to various community centres and not finding a decent enough venue, however through the constant searching and the help of people who were acquainted with the local area, the search eventually ended, with the Holywell Community Centre. On how his relationship with God changed on becoming a pastor he says, ‘ it’s not that I didn’t know what it was like to be a pastor, in fact I had been studying under a pastor, so I understood what the job would eventually entail, I knew then and I still know it now, that most of the work depends on God doing most of the work’ He continues to say that he only viewed himself as a vessel through which God would do his work. When asked on how he has trained himself to be better adapted to his calling he speaks highly of the various training programmes and conferences held by RCCG to ensure that the pastor’s continue to be grounded in their work and in their faith. So what has been the highlight of being the Pastor of Chapel of Glory international, he responds ‘Ten years down the line, its been a long time, we’ve seen a lot, we’ve seen the congregation getting big, we’ve seen the congregation thinning down, but God has been great. We’ve been through seasons and that’s one thing about ministry and life in general, you go through various seasons’ He adds ‘We have also been through challenges and we have seen the hand of God, so that has enabled us to learn how to preach the comfort of God to others.’ He finishes with ‘in all the ten years we’ve seen our God as a God who will never let down his own.’ He says that in the next ten years, ‘I hope to see that future of the gospel is bright, I want to see the younger generation of the church to get more involved so that I can know that the church has a future, because any work that doesn’t carry along the younger generation is doomed to fail.’ We pray that God grants pastor his hearts desires and allows him to live his dreams of returning back home to ‘just live’ and for his ministry to live up to the expectations that he hopes for but more importantly that God wants.
Pastor Babakolade Siyanbola
he saying ‘Behind every successful man is a strong woman’ is one that rings true for Pastor Babakolade Siyanbola. His lovely wife Deaconess Doyin Siyanbola sat with us to elaborate on the realities of being a Pastor’s wife after 10 years in the ministry. We are welcomed into their warm home, the air permeated with the wonderful smell of home cooking catching the Deaconess unawares. Her initial reaction to an interview is a bashful ‘I do not like being questioned’ but she is soon persuaded into giving a short interview for the magazine. Although we look at the Deaconess as a ‘pro’ in the business, we are shocked to find that her initial response to taking on the role of ‘Pastor’s Wife’ was ‘petrified’. “The impending responsibility terrified me,” she says, “and I was unsure as to whether I would be able to deal with the magnitude of work ahead.” However this did not deter her from putting all effort into the start-up of what is Chapel of Glory International (COGI). “I was very involved,” she says, “It all started as a house fellowship which then grew to a local evangelical team in Watford and eventually prayer walking around the area in preparation for the birth of the church.”
Some pictures from the past 10 years
Despite being initially hesitant to take on this role, when quizzed about the highlights of being a Pastor’s Wife for the last ten years, Deaconess Doyin is quick to say “learning to lead and Prayerfulness.” More surprising is “sacrifice of all kinds”, she smiles as she says this. For the Deaconess, the sacrifices have been a wonderful experience as they have been useful in testing her strengths. She explains “In this role you are always on duty and can be called upon at any time and so it has been nice being able to practice selflessness. I have also loved the push given to me to pray constantly: having so many people placed in my care, as it has built my ‘stamina’ in prayer.” She is quick to let us know that being the Wife to a Pastor is not always a bed of roses, the hardships do come as with every situation in life but for this Deaconess “depending on God and seeking his face for direction” has helped her in staying grounded. She also thanks the ready advice of Pastor Biodun Segun through the good and not-so-good times. So what has the Deaconess learnt 10 years
ever down
composed the line?
“I have learnt not to believe everything I hear , I have learnt to depend solely on Jesus and most importantly I have learnt to have a great deal of patience.”
Assistant Pastor Doyin Siyanbola INSPIRED | JULY | 15
Reviews
Five years after finishing ninth in the 5th season of American Idol, Mandisa’s third album ‘What if we were real’ takes us on the journey she took with God whilst trying to battle a food addiction and after finally losing over a 100 pounds, she indeed is ‘Stronger;’ the title of the opening track on the album. The power in the words of the album are indeed a testament to her struggles and highlight many of the feelings we as Christians experience. Available on Amazon for £11.99
‘The Cross’
A young woman sold into prostitution at a very young age, will her heart ever open up to receive the love of God? Whether or not you are familiar with the book of Hosea, this Francine River’s novel will touch your heart. A compelling story on the power of love and forgiveness. Rivers’ novel is a must read for all. As her first foray into Christian writing after becoming born again, this book emanates her passion not just for writing but spreading God’s message.
We take the gospel to the door steps of people | We advertise Christian materials and help authors to broadcast their Christian products | We serve as link agents for Christian ministries and charity organisations | We display and distribute Christian products such as magazines, newspapers, daily devotional guides, Christian books, fliers, tracts, Bibles, etc. You can be a link agent for your local church | You can be a volunteer | You can support us with prayers | You can be a Partner | You can donate cash or materials like bibles, magazines, clothing, CDs, and DVDs. Contact Details: Phone: 07853025161 | E-mail: dorcastable@yahoo.co.uk | Website: www.dorcashouse.org.uk | Postal Address: 46 Brightwell Road Watford, WD18 0SH.
Lape Igbaroola
I
f anyone wishes to come after me", he said, "He must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Lk 9:23). When Jesus says, ‘deny yourself ’, the starting point is to: Say ‘NO’ to yourself. The word ‘deny’ means to say know to self in favour of Jesus. It’s a call to absolute surrender. Abraham was called the friend of God because he left all to obey the call of God. He demonstrated his faith and absolute trust in God by his readiness to sacrifice his only son, ‘what a great faith and denial’. Are you willing to suffer humiliation for witnessing for Jesus? Are you willing to deny yourself? Taking up your ‘Cross’ is revealed in our commitment to Jesus during trials and temptations. Following Jesus is easy when life runs smoothly. Jesus assured us that trials will come to His followers but our peace lies in Him (John 16:33). Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost. Are you willing to make sacrifices despite any form of hardship for the sake of Christ? Are you willing to take up your cross and say ‘YES LORD’ irrespective of what you are going through? The willingness to ‘follow’ makes us disciples indeed. There are examples of three people in Luke 9:57-62, who appeared willing to follow Jesus, but found the cost was much than they envisaged. When Jesus questioned them further, their commitment was half-hearted. They failed to count the cost of following Him. None was willing to take up his cross and crucify upon it his own interests.
16 | JULY | INSPIRED
There are questions to consider if you are ready to take up your cross: Are you willing to break free from self and tradition? Are you ready to go wherever He sends you like Abraham, leaving everything familiar, certainty for uncertainty? Are you willing to lose your close friends? Are you willing to follow Him if it means alienation from your family? Are you willing to lose your reputation for His sake? Will you still be willing to follow Him if your job is on the line? Are you willing to lay down your life?
The above questions as hard as they sound are a reality of the situation some of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world find themselves; though following Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean all these things will happen to you. However, it is important to think and ask yourself the question, ‘am I willing to take up my cross?’ If you get to a point where you are faced with a choice between Jesus or the comforts of this life, which will you, choose? Millions of Christians around the world are facing persecution and laying down their lives on a daily basis for the sake of the gospel. There are two choices available to those who will read this article. The first is to read the headlines on persecuted Christians below and do nothing about it and the other will be for us to rise up, forget about our needs, pains, comfort, status, take up our cross and intercede for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Below are a few of the news from the website of the International Christian concern. Ethiopian community to hold demonstration demanding Saudis release of Ethiopian Christian prisoners. Attackers murder a pastor’s mother in Northern Nigeria. Concerns Christians will miss out on East Africa food Aid. Anger in Australia as schools books ‘writes Christ out of history’. Kidnapped southern Baptist pastor is released after nearly two weeks of torture at the hands of kidnappers in Mexico. 2012 to be a nightmare for China’s underground churches. South Koreans pastors ready to sacrifice their lives in North Korea. For more news on Christian persecution around the world visit International Christian concern website on: http://www.persecution.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer ‘The harvest truly is plenty but the labourers are few’ (Matt 9:37). May the Lord find you and I worthy labourers in His vineyard in Jesus name.
IN ‘HIS’ PRESCENCE A
ll roads led to the venue of the prayer day ‘In His Presence’ organised by RCCG, COGI in Watford on Saturday 12 May, 2012. The theme of the programme, the third of its kind held by the parish was taking from the book of Mark 5 verse 41 ‘Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, Talitha cumi, which is translated, little girl, I say to you arise….’ The preceding week was declared a time of fasting and prayer for the whole church. It was therefore not surprising that the atmosphere was charged and the presence of God was evident at the event. We had various ministers; in house and guests mount the pulpit to give seasoned word from God and led the congregation through prayer sessions. The main speaker for the day, Pastor Sola Oludoye among other things said by saying talitha cumi, Jesus meant: 1. Hope has come again- Rom 5:2, Job 14:7, Ps 39:7 2. The irreversible is reversed- 2kings 5, Ezekiel 37 3. Weeping is over - Is 30:9 4. Dead vision and career has come alive 5. Dead marriages are receiving new life- Luke 5:1-7. Hope blossomed in the hearts of many that day and many also left wiping their tears as the Lord visited them and reversed the irreversible in their lives. One of the attendees said “It was an awakening that God is always in control, even when death is spelt in the face, have faith in God. Amongst the many blessings i took away was the song- ‘come looking for me, everyone the lord has sent to me, come looking for me’. Praise God”. The project team were vibrant in dotting all the ‘i’s and crossing all the‘t’s. They ensured the smooth running of the event and their hard work prior the event paid off by the turnout. Kudos, guys. ‘In His Presence’ has become a bi-yearly event for the church. The next event for 2012 is in November and it promises to be even much more glorious.
18 | JULY | INSPIRED
INSPIRED | JULY | 19