WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
From
THE EDITIOR Hello Ladies Wow..... It's that time of the year when we take time off from our work and business to spend and enjoy time with family. As we see another year out, have you had time to meditate on your highlights of 2015? What did this year's process of life teach you? This has been a challenging, exciting, surprising and progressive year all rolled in one, I realised I'm not as there as I thought I might be and if anything what I thought I knew is not what I know but rather has taught me that I need to be real with stuff and accept that I'm okay to learn from others no matter their experience. One learning point for me is that submission isn't a bad thing at all and letting go of my own ideals could make me see things from a greater perspective. As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year I'm interested in knowing....
What's been your challenge of 2015? What's been your highlight of 2015? What new thing have you learnt about yourself in 2015 that you're looking forward to take with you into 2016? Life is a wonderful thing.....
A Magazine for the Kingdom Minded Woman, Promoting her Style, Wholeness and Spiritual Etiquette.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
We have some interesting articles for your leisure reading during the festive season including our interview with Jill Southern-Jones International Director of Ellel Ministries and of course an extremely interesting article from HRM Oba Dokun Thompsn on how he was chosen as Prince by the Church, not forgetting topics to empower, encourage and propel you into position. Purpose is an amazing thing...... Its been a pleasure serving you and until our Spring Issue next year, we at Women Empowering Women Magazine wishes all our readers, subscribers, contributors and interviewees a very Merry Christmas and a super fantastic New Year celebrations. We’d also like to thank all our well-wishers, contributors and poets for your love, articles, testimonies and stories that seek to empower women globally, your work helps us to show Jesus to the nations. Finally to Purple Rose Creative Design and Prophetess Tamika Pusey-Squire assistant editor and partner in bringing to light God’s vision in my heart.
Be Empowered!
Jacqueline Ani Prophetess Jacqueline Ani
EDITOR IN CHIEF
JACQUELINE ANI
Editor In Chief – Women Empowering Women Magazine ASSISTANT EDITOR
TAMIKA PUSEY-SQUIRE
magazine@empworedwoman.org.uk www.wewmagazine.com
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
CONTENTS | WINTER 2015 SPECIAL FEEATURE PROPHETESS JACQUELINE ANI A Woman With A Sacred Calling
6
WOMAN STEPPING OUT! JILL SOUTHERN JONES Special Interview
10
HER STYLE
24 OMOWUNMI OLUNLOYO Let’s Talk How To Start A Food Business 28 SEPHORA OCHOU The Importance Of Raising Young Boys 32 LISA N ALEXANDER Women Must Learn To Hunt 36 AYOOLA BANDELE Beauty With A Purpose
HER WHOLENESS
40 SHAREEF DE LA CRUZ I Am Married To A Married Person 44 JANET STEVENSON Loving Through Dementia 48 JOANNE AMOAKO Cracked Not Broken
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
52 DETOLA AMURE The Christian Mother, Who Is She? 56 AMMA FRIMPONG Permissive Parent At Christmas
HER SPIRITUAL ETIQUETTE LISA MAKI The Wife, The Armour Bearer - Part 2
60
KINGDOM MINDED MAN HRM OBA DOKUN THOMPSON Your Place Of Assignment Is Your Place Of Fruitfulness 66 MINISTER VICTOR NWAORGU Men Being In Alignment 70
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
A WOMAN WITH A By Prophetess Jacqueline Ani
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Special Feature | 7
W
hen we think about
through disobeying God’s instruction and as
women who have
a result her disobedience meant that her
impacted our lives, who
pains in childbearing will be very severe.
comes to mind for you?
In the New Testament, Paul says that women
I don’t think I could name one woman, as
will be saved through childbearing, if they
there are quite a number of them, but I could
continue in faith, love and holiness with
tell you what such a woman would look like
propriety. I would prefer to stick to the last
to me.
part of this verse…if they continue in faith,
She is beautiful, bold, courageous, vulnerable, she is visionary, and yet practical, she is loving and yet strong, she is dynamic
love and holiness with propriety. The word ‘propriety’ means an acceptable standard of behaviour or morals.
in her approach to life and yet in touch with
A woman with a sacred calling is one who
the experiences of others, she uses her past to
understands her role in the Kingdom and
create her future and makes a way for those
how her character embraces and lives the
coming after her, she leaves a legacy in her
word propriety, this is a woman who
accomplishments and ensures that her
understands her calling in righteousness and
generation will never lack.
yields her desires, her dreams and vision to
Now I may be describing some features of a Proverbs 31 Woman, however a Woman with a Sacred Calling understands that her life is a series of process designed to educate, empower and enhance the lives of the next generation.
God, in singleness, marriage, childbearing and ministry; she is a woman who encompasses the qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman (a woman of great resource), The Shulamite Woman (a sensual, loving woman), The Book of Ruth (a woman ready to follow God no matter what it takes), The
I’ve spoken and worked with so many women who have lived their lives through
their children and once their children have left the ‘nest’, they don’t know what else to do. Timothy 2:15 says a Woman will be saved through childbearing…..there are so many scholars who have given us one interpretation after another and I wouldn’t want to argue or refute their interpretation; but this is where I am coming from. In the Old Testament, Genesis chapter 3 during the fall we know that Eve sinned
Book of Esther (a woman ready to perish for the sake of her call) and a Deborah Woman (a
woman who knew how to use her weapons of war to ensure the work is completed in line with God’s Mandate). Eve may have messed up in the beginning, but a woman with a sacred calling knows she has a vision and a mission and does not prostitute, compromise or demean her calling no matter what she encounters in her process in life and her journey to maturity. Just as Mary protected the Promise and released the Promise to the world, so also a
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
8 | Special Feature woman with a sacred calling must protect her
pass it on when to the next generation, after all
propriety ready to teach her nation how to
Paul instructs us to do so in Timothy 2:11-15.
operate in the same that glorifies God.
Women Empowering Women Magazine would
Paul talks about a woman being saved through
like to wish all our contributors who have
childbearing and I agree to an extent in the sense
contributed a rich mix of articles throughout the
that its only when a woman understands that
year, our readers, our subscribers, our Facebook
she has a legacy, a mandate, a mission to pass
fans and most of all the women who have
on, whether it be through childbearing,
stepped out and fulfilled purpose and have
adoption, fostering or inheriting children
invited us into their world to experience what
through marriage, she can’t let go of her
it’s like to yield themselves to The Father’s
propriety, her righteousness in God, she protects
Vision.
it with everything in her because that’s what she passes onto the children in her care, with that she is empowering and developing the next generation for Christ.
Thank you and wishing you Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2016
Prophetess Jacqueline Ani
Every woman is birthed with a sacred calling,
but not every woman knows how to identify and look after that sacred calling.
Save the Date Saturday April 30th our 6th’s Annual
We need more women in business, ministries,
Conference “A Woman’s Sacre d Calling”
those who are mothers, sisters aunties, daughters
#AWSC
and cousins who know their sacred calling to teach the younger ones how to do the same and
Our theme for this year is Rise, Shine, For Afflictions Does Not Rise Up the Second Time
Prophetess Jacqueline Ani is the founder of Empowered Woman and programme director of The Mentoring Academy; an author of 3 books, inspirational speaker and transformational leadership guru, Prophetess Jacqueline believes that we all have the ability to achieve God’s greatness in us. To find out more about her programmes, speaking engagements and workshops please go to www.empoweredwoman.org.uk. You can also email her at Jackie@empoweredwoman.org.uk.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Special Feature | 9
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Women
Stepping Out With Jill Southern Jones WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Author,
Special Interview | 11
Jill Southern-Jones is the director of the work at
and I came back quite challenged and changed by
Ellel Pierrepont and director of the NETs
God and He was doing work in me, because you
Programme. She is known for her strong
don’t see it often. I had a major problem with fear,
leadership, passionate Bible teachin and her
I tell the lift story, I got stuck in a lift for 4 hours
pioneering spirit. She has taught in every continent
and I cried out to God and said to Him, if you let
in the world and travels regularly. When she is not
me out of here, I will serve you full time for ever
travelling abroad, she can be found teaching on the
(laughs). It didn’t seem to be a very expensive vow
NETs Programme and at various Ellel Ministries
to me at the time because I really felt I was going to
events in the UK.
die in the lift, because there was no air and I was
Jill’s remarkable book, The Miracles of Pierrepont
stuck for long, I was completely traumatised.
shares her inspiring testimony of how God called her out of secular work, into full time ministry, to
I started looking for answers and the words “It is
lead this challenging new adventure of faith.
finished” from the Cross started to really impact
The Miracles of Pierrepont reveal a real account of
me, by this time I’m baptised in the Holy Spirit,
how God met the practical and financial needs and
speaking in tongues and I said to God if You say it
is a dynamic testimony to the grace of God in the
is finished and I’m saved and moving in the Holy
face of seemingly impossibility.
Spirit of God, it can’t be finished for me every time
I met up with Jill at Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and
I get trapped in a confined space and I completely
what struck me about her is the strong faith in
go hysterical and totally lose the plot.
God to transform a derelict building into a work of art…now that is the Glory of God, notwithstanding
I started going on a mission to find answers and I
her experience as a corporate woman turned
started to think that if it is finished, then there must
ministry leader, something I also see in myself too.
be something in the Cross that I haven’t applied in my life and then of course I started to think about
WEW: Who was Jill Southern-Jones as a young
the words by His wounds we are healed and that
girl to Jill Southern-Jones today?
fear is a huge, negative controlling emotion that overwhelms us and Jesus dies for me that whoever
JSJ: I came from a non-Christian home, my brother
the Sons sets free you are free indeed and I started
and my sister and I all came to Christ through Billy
to look for people who would pray and I started to
Graham, I was 14 years old and I was discipled by
get better after prayer until I got trapped in the
a fantastic lawyer couple and they were the Open
next confined space, so it wasn’t dealing with the
Brethren who gave me a huge Love for the Word
root.
of God, but really nothing about the Holy Spirit. I am very thankful for the biblical foundations they
I finally ended up looking in the Renewal
put into me, then I went out with Operation
Magazine there was an advert for The Battle
Mobilisation with George Verwer and that was
Belongs to the Lord Conference, run by Ellel
very tough, I wanted to save the world as you do,
Ministries in Brighton in 1990 and Bill Sabritzky
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
12 | Women Stepping! from New Zealand was coming and one of the
my first scripture from God knowing that God is
sessions was called How to Live the Fearful Life; I
calling me to leave my very well paid job. I asked
thought is it possible to live the fearful life? So I
for another scripture, Peter Horrobin was teaching
went and I was very powerfully set free and I knew
on How to Move Under the Anointing of the Holy
I was set free and the lady that had prayed for me
Spirit course, there was only about 30 people on the
said to me “Jill I believe you’ve been set free from
course and he brought 1 Kings 19:19 about Elisha
fear to deliver the captives from fear and if God
burning all his ploughing equipment and slaying
calls you into the healing ministry would you go?”
his oxen ad going off and following the God of
I think I answered no, If God calls me into the
Elijah and I think Peter Horrobin said “there was
healing ministry, I would have to know its Goad
someone here who knows they’re called to leave
and not somebody else’s good idea for me, and she
their job and go and follow the God of Elijah and
said “I think God will be okay with that” and off
I’m going to ask them to come and show
she went.
themselves, so that was a big moment for me and I
Then the words in the lift came back to me “O God,
knew that was God speaking to me again.
if you get me out of here, I will serve you full time forever”. I thought “here” meaning the lift, but
WEW: Had the Spirit of God revealed that to you?
what it meant was God get me out of this claustrophobic fear, which I had now been set free
JSJ: I knew I was being called out but I didn’t
from. That was the beginning; people started
know the timing, I knew I would be doing healing
coming to me for prayer, of course I was still
and probably teaching, because I’d never taught at
working and my co counsellor Beryl and I started
that point. I came out at the end December 1992
going up to Ellel Grange for more training and they
and went on the Ellel Ministries 9 week‘s school
said we didn’t need to come up to Ellel Grange
which is the longest one they did then and in
because they just bought a place in Eastbourne
January I knew I was in a new season. So it was like
called Glyndley Manor and it was in the South
end of sales and walked through a new door
which was a big trek up the M6. So I started going
marked healing and teaching ministry, but who
to Glyndley Manor and the ministry manager at
with, where and how I didn’t know. So it was
the time asked me if I would like to be a trainee/
really a step of faith, I mean I was called out, rather
associate prayer minister and learn with them? This
than called in…...I think it’s easier to be called into
was really me coming into Ellel, as I was literally
something (laughs), my boss at the time would ask
on the fringe; on the very first healing retreat
me who would pay your salary and I would
which I did as a trainee with a lead who was a
answer I don’t know, so I didn’t have any idea. On
retired doctor, she brought me a scripture from
the 9 week School, Peter Horrobin who is the
Isaiah 52:11, which says depart, depart, get out
founder of Ellel, took us on a church visit and I saw
from there you who carry the vessels of the Lord,
what we had been learning in the laboratory so to
you won’t go in haste when flight, but the Lord will
speak, was working in the church, I asked him if he
go before you and be your rear guard and this was
could come to my church and the first visit he
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
14 | Women Stepping! could give me was a year later in 1994, so that’s when he first came here. Even at Christmas, when I first left work in December and went onto the 9 Week School about the 5th of January, I felt God wake me up one night and I was fully awake and I felt God say, “you haven’t been fully obedient”. WEW: I read that bit in your book and we will come to that a bit later. WEW: Your profile describes you as a successful business woman before becoming the director of Ellel Ministries. How does business then differ from doing Business for the Kingdom? JSJ: What we’re doing doesn’t really change because if you come into a ministry, it still has to
make enough money to pay its bills, so you can’t be devoid of business in a church of ministry. The principles would stay the same, but the motivation for doing it is not to get rich quick, it’s actually to build the Kingdom but your first priority is actually to build the Kingdom and have a passion for the Kingdom and that should be your first thought in the morning and last thing at night, it’s the sense of urgency in getting the full gospel
message out. WEW: There is so much logistics with finance, how do you actually encourage those who have a passion for God and are doing something, but have a lack of funds to carry out their vision. JSJ: We can be very passionate and excited, especially something new that is kicking off, but
we must wait for God and we must follow God, we can’t race ahead of God, there are people with a lot of enthusiasm and not enough wisdom WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Women Stepping! | 15 falling fat on their face and you can’t blame God for that; I think we have to wait on God, know His Call and He is able to confirm His call to us twice. Its import to wait for God’s timing, and again we don’t want to lag behind God, there is a sort of knowing, a comfort in your spirit when you actually know the time is right to make the change and obey His call. WEW: What was the final straw that led you to answer God’s call to ministry? JSJ: I really felt that the two scriptures coming from two different people was a prompting, I knew I was going to go, the confirmation came in July and December and I knew it was time to go. Really it’s not knowing so much what you’re
meant to do, but having the courage to do it. WEW: A lot of people ask the question “how am I going to survive”? Did you ever as that question yourself? JSJ: When I think about it, I had my last pay cheque in December 1992 and we didn’t see PierrePont until July 1994; I knew PierrePont was
where God was sending me, when I had the vision of the globe, but when I look back I realised that it took a lot of courage to leave not knowing what I was going to do. So I had 9 months in 1993 as I was at the school and another whole year in 1994 and didn’t know what I was to do next, and I felt God was saying “get on with what’s in your hand”, just do what’s in front of you. I think people look for a label or a status and that’s not really going to work. We didn’t wait for a label; I just started up with this friend of mine
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
16 | Women Stepping!
Beryl and we got together as a duo because I
I didn’t have money in the bank so to speak, but
think God does say go in twos and we just spent
it all worked.
every minute praying for people and in that time
God sent us one of everything, we had an
WEW: There are women out there who are not
alcoholic, a schizophrenic, we were doing long
married and have this call to go and do God’s
term ministry, not just praying for people at the
work, and their dilemma is do they get a part
end of church.
time job, do they trust God immensely, what would you say to such a woman?
WEW: When you said God told you to get on with what’s in front of you, did you know what
JSJ: I think God does it differently with
that was?
different people, first of all I think you must be absolutely sure that you know, that you know,
JSJ: I was in the church and the Pastor said “ok,
that you know this is God Calling you and not
you and Beryl go and pray, you can set up a
your good idea or somebody else’s good idea and
ministry team and you can pray for people and
then if you need to tent make as Paul calls it,
that was the door that was in front of me.
work in McDonalds or Tesco; we don’t need a lot of money and it’s important that during the
WEW: How did you survive financially?
transition you keep your needs small. For me it wasn’t a big issue, I thought, God if you’re calling
JSJ: My husband was working, so we had come
me to do this, then You need to provide for me.
to the end of the mortgage and people would
give me the odd gift and it just worked. I was
Practically I took out all my direct debits in my
very fortunate; my managing director bought me
account; I didn’t know what was going to come
a car before I left work. I didn’t really need much,
into the bank so I couldn’t afford to have direct
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Women Stepping! | 17
debits. I learnt not to live on credit and I would
charge our first fees. We do all our healing for
say to any woman who wants to work for God,
nothing, but we charge people to attend the
to be very careful about debt, because debt
NET’s School to pay our bills.
holds us back from being free to go for the gospel.
WEW: What brought about your book – The Miracles of PierrePont?
WEW: How has your role at Ellel Ministries developed your relationship with God?
JSJ: The miracles have been so amazing and have come one after the other and I thought
JSJ: I’m j ust a totally different person, we saw
before I lay down my role as director; I really
PierrePont in 1994 and God gave me the vision
need to write this up so that others can read
of the globe and I knew people from every
about the experiences and the miracles we’ve
nation of the world would come here to be
experienced. The book was published early this
equipped and trained and God had asked me to
year. It was quite a challenge because I’m
establish and lead the work. Taking over
actually a communicator by speaking, than I am
PierrePont was a huge challenge, the place was
a communicator by writing.
derelict, it had gone bankrupt, you don’t go bankrupt overnight, there had been no
WEW: In Chapter 2 Dealing with the
investment or anything, the place was a mess,
Ploughing Equipment, you beautifully used
and everywhere you looked needed a coat of
the story of Elisha who had to go and settle his
paint, we had no furniture, we had auctioneers
equipment before following Elijah, to describe
in to take a look, we prayed in the money and
how you had to deal with your
that didn’t come in, then we went for a
commendations in sales and
mortgage and many didn’t take us seriously,
marketing….what do you think is the major
many turned away then, their belief was…if this
issue hindering women who have a Kingdom
is God, then God will send old Mr Billions over
mandate on their lives to be fully obedient to
the hill to pay for the mortgage and that didn’t
the call?
happen, so now we had to service a mortgage without any income and God had said that we
JSJ: One of the things to say to women who
should charge for the teaching and give your
are called is that if God gives you’re a scripture,
healing away and that’s how we paid for the
read it inside out, know every line, unpack it,
bills, except we couldn’t charge for the teaching
know exactly what God is saying to you,
because we didn’t have any chairs for people to
because it’s very easy to do the big things and
sit on, so we bought in February 1995 and it was
miss the smaller things. I left my employment in
2 years later before we were geared up to
obedience to God, but what God said to me is
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
18 | Women Stepping! partial obedience is disobedience and that’s quite
women that are most empowered when their
hard to hear. We can’t be selectively obedient; I
underneath male headship covering. Not
think the difficulty is that very often we struggle
leadership, because I don’t think leadership is
with the small things and I hadn’t got rid of my
male, but headship is male and as such we come
accreditations and commendations and when I
underneath our husband’s covering, or we come
did I had a huge experience of the Holy Spirit
underneath our leaders or elders. I think we
and God said the Holy Spirit is my accreditation,
misunderstand what covering is, covering isn’t a
because this is a new season and new timing.
negative, if we come under good godly, spiritual
God really calls young people to do major
covering, it’s about direction, it’s about protection
achievements for God, you’ve got to go through
and it’s about correction.
the testing, the refiners fire, you’ve got to be willing to submit to authority, particularly very
If nobody can correct you, then what’s to stop
strong women we want to get out there and go
you going off track? I think I want to be under
and we’ve got to be willing to submit to authority
male headship authority and covering, because I
and we have to learn to have a really clear
think a woman is most empowered and the
understanding, write it down, be very clear, test
headship covering can’t be to hold her back or to
it against the word of God, how do I know it was
be threatened by a strong woman because that’s
God who told me? Does anybody else agree with
just ungodly, we we’ve got mentors who cover
that? How did I weight and test that outside of
the leadership team who are very godly men and
myself? Not…..God’s told me and we run off and
are looking for us to get it better and very wise
do something else.
and gracious in how it’s done. I don’t think any of us can fight against such headship when it
I believe that men and women must be set aside
comes in such a godly way.
by others with the authority to do so. In the New Testament it talks about how it felt right to them
WEW: What about women who are married,
and the Holy Spirit to set aside……..for me I
who have a call to go out and do God’s work,
knew God had said I want you to establish the
but their husbands are stopping them?
work and run it, but when Peter Horrobin came along and asked me, then we were anointed with
JSJ: Is the husband truly a believer?
oil and then set aside by the then leaders of Ellel head office to come and do the work here. I think
WEW: There are husbands who are threatened
there’s something in safety in that, if we rush off
maybe, they stop their wives from answering the
and have ‘Mary Smith Ministries’ and nobody
call and instead want her to go out and work,
has set her aside and she’s not accountable to
bills need to be paid and all that…
anybody and she’s doing her own thing with great enthusiasm, hmm, I’m not so sure about
JSJ: I think that’s ungodly of the man. Marriage
that, I think it’s in the strategy of God to have
is a very special partnership and the husband
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Women Stepping! | 19
I got married in 2010 to my current husband because my previous husband died and I sat down very carefully with him and said this is a major call of God on my life. He lived in Macclesfield and there was no way I was going to live in Macclesfield and commute down to the south. I am called to travel; I’m called to
teach in many countries of the world, it would involve a huge amount of time being away from home, it would involve continue to establish the work of God and being passionate about the school; and I told him to go away and think about whether or not he wanted to be part of that because I didn’t want any difficulty downstream; and he had to think and ask God so that it was clear to him. I think it’s important
to get it all sorted before you make the union. WEW: Would you say obeying God’s instructions in doing away with your credentials was the beginning of trusting God needs to listen to his wife and the wife to her
on a higher level?
husband, but if the wife feels called by God to go and do something, it probably needs
JSJ: I think it was recognising that to God
weighing and testing with somebody else that
obedience in the small thing was just as
they both respect, there’s wisdom in the council
important as obedience in the big thing and I
of many. For a husband to hold his wife back
think that’s difficult to all of us and look at why
from the call of God on her life is very
Moses didn’t go into the Promise Land, you
dangerous because he will stand before God
wonder, God told him to speak to the rock and
and give account one day and if it’s truly the
he struck it and he didn’t go into the Promise
call of God and he’s blocked it, I think God’s
Land, it all sounds trivial doesn’t it? And
going to have something to say about that.
actually he wasn’t obedient in the small thing,
However if a woman is a minister before she get
after he dragged half of the people through the
married then the husband should know about
wilderness for forty years you think he should
her commitment to her call. If it’s a problem
have gone into the promise land, I think we
still, it could be that the marriage is out of godly
miss the fact that God requires us to be obedient
order.
in the small things, just as much as the big things.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
20 | Women Stepping! fatherless generation that God never intended WEW: I love it when God said to you “Now the
and one of the things for women is how to be a
Holy Spirit will be your credentials” how do
parent, how to raise the next generation for God
you think we can be more open to the Holy
in this absolutely fast changing world. Leaving
Spirit directing us as a person and not as a mere
God out of education, leaving God out of our
dove?
community life very largely, taking crosses out of the church, this is the fruit of saying we don’t
JSJ: Wrongly taught people haven’t got an
need God. Therefore, people are brought up
understanding of the things of God. The Holy
without the biblical teachings and of course
Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ and without the
there’s no railway tracks for this train to come
Holy Spirit we cannot make, I think it’s very
along, everything is off track all the time and
important to recognise the empowerment of the
nobody knows where the boundaries are; when
Holy Spirit when we’re talking about Women
we now look at bringing healing to people,
Empowering Women, well actually what
removing the mask that we live behind,
empowers us is the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ
discovering our true identity in God is and that
and that’s pretty important and allowing Him
we can hold our heads up high, knowing what it
free reign in us and not having pockets where He
means to be chosen children of the King. There
can’t go or I’ll give you this but not that and that
are people who suffer so much depression
really is surrendering to God. Dying to self is
because if you don’t have God in your life, where
daily; you can’t die to self and take it back
is the plumb line from right or wrong. How do
tomorrow.
we bring up the next generation to be grounded and anchored in anything, we’re already picking
WEW: What do you think God has called Ellel
people who are completely fatherless, boundless,
Ministries to do in the lives of His People?
low self-esteem, prone to depression and its huge. Do you know that the biggest killer in this
JSJ: It’s absolutely huge really, obviously
country in the under 34 year olds is suicide? This
healing in the spirit, soul and body. But things
is the youth generation that is being trashed, it’s
like ‘Identity’, many people do not have an
totally massive. Ellel Ministries is to instil the
understanding of identity, they’ve got identity
God identity and teaching that Christianity is not
confusion and we’re now up against a lot of
a religion, it’s actually a relationship with the
gender confusion, people start life as a boy and
Living God, without which we are all lost.
want to be a girl, there’s a lot of confusion where does that come from? Not knowing who they are;
WEW: Could you talk us through the four stages
people who’ve had traumatic childhood, father’s
of the NETS programme?
pushed off, mother has another boyfriend and all the rest of it, they go through huge rejection and
JSJ: We j ust started stage one, we do 2 stages in
feeling their nuisance. We’re coming into a
parallel, Stage One and Stage Three and at
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Women Stepping! | 21
Christmas which is the end of the term; in
something called the 9/11 and people were
January Stage One becomes Stage Two and
coming through the UK saying they’ve come to
Stage Three becomes stage four.
do the 9/11 Training School (laughs) and so they
We do a new intake every October and every
got pulled out of line. We kept the NETs but
April. It’s a year’s training.
changed it to Never Ever the Same.com.
Stage One is 10 weeks and at Christmas we
There is something called the flagship which is
have 3 weeks off and back in January and then
run through head office, which is a 9 week
onto stage Two. We come back in Easter and it
school and it’s a sort of condensed version of
goes to Stage Three. Some people only come
NETs but it’s very intense, so they come for 9
and do Stage One and Two and come back
weeks and for people who haven’t got a year of
years later to finish Stage Three and Four. The
6 months, that’s all they can afford the time to
curriculum is in sequence of order so you can’t
do the 9 week course.
join the programme in the middle; one has to start at the beginning. The foundation scripture
WEW: What would you say are some of the
for Ellel is Luke 9:11 Jesus welcomed the
profound ways that God has revealed Himself
people, He taught them about the Kingdom and
in Ellel Ministries?
then He healed those in need. In 1997 we had NETs One first training school ever and 9/11
JSJ: Absolutely huge really, when we pray for
Training School, well of course in 2001 we had
someone, we don’t have a formula, i.e. these are
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
22 | Women Stepping! the hurdles we’re going to deal with etc. etc. We
last Friday Never Ever Quit.
listen to God for the person and wait to hear what
Looking at how Jesus endured the Cross
He wants to deal with for the day and we also
despising the shame for the joy that was yet to
agree with the person where we going to in
come; and I think it’s learning to hang on in there,
prayer ministry. So we have words of knowledge,
even when it looks pretty dyer. Endurance,
God says the most amazing things which can’t
perseverance, long suffering are qualities of an
mean anything, but when we say it to the person,
Empowered Woman.
they agree and understand what God is saying to them. We’ve seen God as our provider we have
I hear nowadays we’re in the dispensation of the
not government backing and big properties to
apostolic prophetic church and God is raising
maintain. God is our provider and we’re a faith
prophets and apostles to usher in the 2nd
mission, we’re taking steps of faith, but not
Coming of Christ, what are your views about
outside of God, I think there’s a very fine line
this?
between faith and presumption, trying to keep in step with God. When we got the building it was
I think my call was apostolic; apostolic simply
derelict, we use a lot of volunteers for labour and
means called out one and God has called me to
we have donors that give so much.
various places; I think the calling is apostolic, rather than give yourself a label. The apostolic
WEW: What would you say is your
call is to go out in the Name of God and the
understanding of an Empowered Woman?
Power of the Holy Spirit to build something that didn’t exist before and of course there were
JSJ: I think a submitted woman, a woman who
female apostles in those days; even Paul said it in
submits to Our Lord Jesus Christ; it’s easy to
his writings, “I greet my fellow Apostle Junia”
accept Jesus as our Saviour, but actually He is not
and she was a woman. I think it’s the calling
Lord, a full complete surrender; and our heart
that’s apostolic, rather than giving yourself a
always pursuing God, having a hunger and thirst
label. If you’re apostolic means you’re will to go
after God, as an empowered woman we must
and kick in the doors for God and make
learn not to defend ourselves during a personal
something happen in a new place. All Paul did
attack, allowing God be our shield and personal
was he planted churches where it didn’t exist
defender not having to jump to our own defence.
before; so if you’re building something that
I like the story of Nehemiah, he had a clear call go
didn’t exist before that called and apostolic
and build the gates and it wasn’t very long before
anointing. Apostolic calls have to have prophetic
Sanballat and Tobias and they tried everything
edges, because the whole vision is prophetic, the
they could to get Nehemiah to come of the wall. I
vision of the globe is prophetic; the vision I had
think that’s the same with empowered woman,
of the angel is prophetic. I think we are in the
they have to stay on the wall that God has called
apostolic age. I hope that God will release the
us to build come what may. I spoke to a group
true prophetic, because we have so much flaky
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
prophetic and we have to be very careful of
She however isn’t in the same genre as Elijah
people who set themselves up as prophets, we
and Ezekiel. The whole litmus test of a prophet
have to be aware of that, whose authority are
is whether what they prophesied will come to
they under and who set them apart? They have
pass.
to be under godly covering that they’re fully submitted to, because there’s nothing like a
WEW: How do you marry your role as a wife
prophetic person who has no godly covering,
and your role as director of an international
they could be true prophets, but if it’s not under
ministry?
godly covering it can go in the wrong direction. Nobody doubts that God has given them a
JSJ: With difficulty is the answer (chuckles),
prophetic anointing, but where it all goes wrong
I’m a task person, so I’m motivated by doing
is when there is no spiritual authority.
and there’s a lot to do, so I have to prioritise my task in what needs to be done. I would be very
There is the Office of the Prophet like Elijah and
careful that I schedule in quality time with my
Jeremiah and there’s the gift of the prophecy
husband, I sometimes stay with him to watch
and there poles apart. Anyone can operate in
the football with him; checking with your
the gift of prophecy, but I wouldn’t stand up
husband whether it’s ok.
and say I operate in the Office of the Prophet. The Office of the Prophet’s role is very specific
WEW: How can our readers access your
and you actually don’t see many women in the
resources?
bible who had the role of the prophet, you had
http://www.nevereverthesame.com/
Anna who was a prophetess and the daughters
fridaysermons/
of Phillip who prophesied, Deborah was a judge
https://plus.google.com/u/0/
and she was probably the nearest you can get to
b/112821291452961210810/1128212914529612108
a prophet, but even the men said we won’t go
10/videos
out to fight the war unless you come with us.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
24 | Her Style
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 25
By Ayoola Bandele
Y
our inner strength and outer appearance are inner empowerment embedded in all human creatures. Though pleasurable to human senses and widely embraced to promote selfishness because people have failed to recognise the reason for its existence; to celebrate, elevate and educate all kinds of beauty both old and young, in different colours, sizes and shapes; It is a gift from God that must be channelled towards a selfless service to others and ultimately, to honour the King of kings. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Otherwise, it is vain when it fails miserably at it main purpose.
Beauty is a calling and every woman must recognise her calling in life. Queen Vashti gloriously adorned and well scented to suit King Ahasuerus' standard of beauty, embraced her beauty over her purpose. She failed to heed her calling; to honour the king at the annual banquet with her presence and as a result, she lost her
WITH A PURPOSE
Beauty
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
26 | Her Style
glory. Hadassah, nurtured and prepared for the main purpose to please the king, with a twelve month long beauty treatment—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments in the king's harem, she chose to use her beauty for a greater purpose. Though orphaned from an early age, raised by her strict, poor uncle and forced to face a bleak future in the king's harem, Hadassah heeded her calling, embraced the bigger picture, seized the opportunity presented to her and saved a nation.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 27
Your beauty is your aromatic scent. It sends signals to those you must serve and to those who must serve you. Queen Vashti failed to recognise her purpose at the palace; she missed her calling as a result. Queen Esther embraced her appearance and her inner strength for favour before the king; she became an epitome of beauty from generations to generations. Both queens taught great lessons at what beauty looks like and what it must do, you must recognise the purpose of your image and key in to its calling. This Christmas, try the following and
take a step towards your beauty with a purpose: 
Dethrone your beauty shrine, have a wardrobe detox: Clear out your unwanted items for the homeless and the less privileged

Give a gift at Christmas: Give a gift of an image consultant to help those who feel less beautiful, to feel unique.
Starve your beauty for a purpose, have a great Christmas.
Ayoola Bandele is an image consultant who offers unique services unique and tailored to individuals and personalities. Perhaps you are looking to portray the right image for those special occasions, or you just want to declutter your wardrobe. My services are classy, sassy, edgy, cool, decent and unique. Contact me for fashion and style advice. Are you willing to work with me in becoming the real valuable, unique you? Do not hesitate to contact me. God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly much more than you could ever ask or think of. He is about to do something GREAT. Only if you ask, seek and knock. https: silhouettetrends.com
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
28 | Her Style
LET’S TALK HOW TO START A FOOD BUSINESS FROM HOME By Omowunmi Olunloyo
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 29
I
f you are a home cook with an amazing
food business can be risky but when preparation
recipe or idea who feels frustrated about
meets plan, with determination and discipline,
how to start a food business from home, I
success is on the horizon. During the preparation
can probably guess how you are feeling
stage, the key elements to a successful launch is
right now:
Knowing your customers
Knowing your potential challenge
Knowing your product
You long for a step by step guide in starting your food business
You want to play a bigger game and be successful than you are right now
These simple steps will help you create a brand your customers like and will buy continuously
You feel that there is so much more inside of you that you want to share and express with the world
and you will understand the food market in the process. There are some rules and regulations to selling food from home which scares many home
Perhaps the reason you want to start a new and
cooks from even exploring the possibility of
exciting food business is because:
starting a food business from home. There is no
reason for these, with guidance and support it’s
You want to stop struggling and start striving
for a home based food business. If you like to You want to move from frustration to fulfilment
a fairly simple process to get the license required
You want to change your career and be your own boss
Wouldn’t that be awesome? Yes I know that feeling and I am here to help. What if I told you that you can create the food business success you so desire and want right now? Picture it, high quality ingredients sourced, equipment & utensils checked, recipe development formulated, process finalised, packaging completed, labelling check and the finished product simply eye catching mouth-watering hmmm yum. That is where I come in; all you need is guidance and a personalised plan for you and your business starting from where you are. Starting a
cook and like food master the 5A’s of how to start your homemade food from home in order to succeed.
5 A’s To Success... 1.
Approach
The way you think, your mind-set approach must be sound. Starting any business especially a food business requires a certain type of mindset. It comes with enormous challenges and you have to prepare yourself for the hard work, determination & dedication it takes to succeed in it. As a food entrepreneur who wants to be successful the following questions must be answered truthfully to see if you fit the bill:
Am I a self-starter?
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
30 | Her Style
Am I good at making decisions?
How well do I get along with different personalities?
Finances, how will you pay expenses before money starts coming into the business? As part of the plan it is important to create a cash flow system that will finance the business so that
Do I have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business?
Now that you know you are a food entrepreneur, this mind-set approach will keep
production, processing or purchasing is not stopped at any point in manufacturing. Possible channels include:
Your money
you when tough times come. Bank
2.
Authority
Begin by researching your local authority regulations for home based food businesses. In
Grants Family Friends
general a license is required when preparing
There is no right or wrong channel what is
food for sale from your home. As long as you
important is that you understand the contract in
comply with the advice and guidance provided
place with the financier and there is a plan in
by the local authority, your home kitchen will be
place for repayment.
approved and licensed. Another option is to rent and use a licensed kitchen.
3.
Assurance
5.
Asking Price
The cost of your homemade food product should be competitive and be in the price bracket
Ingredients required for preparing your home
of similar product in its category. Choosing the
made food product should be of the finest
right price for your food product is one of the
quality. Quality assurance ensures that the right
most challenging tasks because if the price is set
thing is done in the right way and using good
too low, you may not cover all your costs and if
quality ingredients during production is the first
the price is set too high, customers may choose
step. Look for manufacturers and companies that
your competitors’ products. The right balance is
sell them and buy from them. It is cheaper to
needed to get it right. Carrying out a survey on
bulk buy so let the suppliers know, most cases
price is one of the strategies that can be used to
they will set up an account for you and this has
get the RIGHT price.
its rewards as well including bulk discount. This includes packaging as well.
Yes, owning your skill as a home cook is
definitely the first step to starting a food
4.
Accounts
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
business; and there is no elimination process of
all unknowns associated with how to start; however with preparation, planning and perseverance the chances of success is greatly
talk. Don’t do it alone, there is help available to accomplish more in less time for you.
improved. I will show you how to create a plan to reach So I have question for you: isn’t it time you
your goals that works for you.
started your home food business?
If you are ready to make the some changes and start earning money doing what you love let’s
Omowunmi Olunloyo or Toks, as she is also known, is an inspirational speaker and author with a true calling to motivate, educate, empower and encourage women to live their best life NOW by Finding their Place, Position and Purpose and remind them that they are Valuable to God and can live a Fulfilled Well Balanced Life. Omowunmi loves working with working mums, helping them live their best life by finding their place, position and purpose. For more information visit Omowunmi Olunloyo Author of the Forthcoming Book: Fork & Spoon: 7 Key Elements Of Food Product Development From Concept To Launch www.omowunmiolunloyo.blogspot.co.uk
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
32 | Her Style
THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING
In A Christ-led way By Sephora Ochou WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 33
T
he importance of raising children in the ways of the Lord is a crucial stepping stone to ensuring your child fulfils their God-given
purpose.
However,
a
challenge some parents face is how to raise godly sons in a godless culture. This article aims to explore God’s purpose for young boys to transition into
Godly men. First of all, when raising young boys who will eventually become Men of God, it is crucial for you as parents to be leading Godly lives. As a parent, you must act as the foundation (of the Lord) and be the ones to initiate such faith into your children. The absence of Godliness amongst parents will result in raising ungodly children. Most importantly, the
absence of a Godly father could result in raising an ungodly man also. Not to say that single parent households will not provide Godly men but a Godly paternal figure will prove extremely vital for them. The bible states that Godly parenting starts at home…
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is
old, he will not depart from it” Therefore, as parents you must evaluate your walk in Christ so that you can make yourself right with God. It is without a doubt that training up a child in worldly manner will only result in raising worldly child. Therefore it is important to raise them in a Holy way by first becoming Holy.
To add, keeping an atmosphere of God’s presence in the home is also very important. For those who are married, your husband will hold the responsibility of
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
34 | Her Style
being the head of the household. As a father they
he took heed to God’s calling and followed
will hold the responsibility of setting the
through. Moses was called to be a leader and
standard…
was given responsibility over the Israelites. Joshua was a man of courage that entered into Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)
the promise land. These three Godly men all
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
possessed attributes that need to be instilled in
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of
young Christian boys at an early age; faith,
the Lord.”
leadership and courage.
This means the father leads by example by
Whilst there are many other great biblical
setting the rules in the home according to God’s
examples on how young Christian boys should
standards and living it out in front of their
be raised. Below are few tips that you may find
children, showing that he took must be obedient.
very useful (written by Whitney Hopler from
In other words, “he must be a doer of God’s
Cross Walk):
word and not just a hearer” as mentioned in James 1:22. In some homes the father disciplines
Recognise that male and female differences
and points out the wrong doings of others but
complement each other: Boys are not meant to
may not take any responsibility in addressing his
act like girls, since God has designed the genders
faults. It is important to note that a hypocritical
differently so that they will complement and
attitude, can demonstrate to the son a lack of
mutually
integrity in his father. As a result, this can create
expecting your son to behave like the girls you
a lack of accountability for your son as he grows
know, give him the freedom he needs to be
into his manhood. The fact is, when there are
himself – the way God made him to be.
benefit
each
other.
Rather
than
rules placed in the house (according to it being set to God’s standard); it is essential for both
Lead your son to an active faith: Pray often for
parents to lead by example because after all, you
your son to enjoy a growing relationship with
should be role models for your child/ren.
Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that, for faith to be relevant to males, it should be part of a heroic
There
are
many
men
in
the
bible
that
and wholehearted adventure for Jesus in which
exemplified Godly characters, and prospered
they continually submit their own wills to God’s
amongst godless cultures. These men were
will. Join a church in which your son can
Abraham, Moses and Joshua. By reading their
actively participate as He grows, and aim to be
stories in the bible, God reveals to us attributes
the best role model you can be for him through
that Godly men should possess. For instance,
your own relationship with Jesus.
Abraham was a man of faith, he believed in God;
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 35 Encourage your son to use technology for
way of releasing pent-up sexual energy and
good purposes: While you should limit your
don’t worry about masturbation, but try your
son’s daily screen time (in front of screens such
best to keep him away from pornography, since
as computers, television, and video games) since
porn can be very dangerous for him.
too
much
screen
time
will
stunt
his
development, you should also encourage your
Help your son process his emotions in ways
son to use technology in ways that help him
that fit his male design: Study your son’s
pursue his interests, learn new skills, and most
emotional life for at least a week, noting the
importantly, discover God.
feelings he expresses about interactions he has with other people and the circumstances he goes
Teach your son how to develop a healthy
through in various situations. Then consider
sexuality: Talk with your son openly about sex,
how you can help him process his emotions in
answering all of his questions honestly and
ways that can work best for males, such as:
always
the
releasing stress through physical movement like
perspective that his sexuality is a good part of
exercise, using an object or a story to help
the way God has made him (rather than
express the emotions he feels, withdrawing from
something dirty that should make him feel
people so he can think more clearly about his
ashamed). Explain the many benefits of saving
emotions, or searching for a solution to the
sex until marriage – as well as the physical,
problem that has elicited challenging emotions.
emotional,
of
Be sure to give your son the freedom he needs to
ignoring God’s design for sex – so your son will
cry, as well; crying is a sign of strength, not
understand
weakness, because it signals healthy emotional
presenting
and why
information
spiritual it’s
from
consequences
important
to
wait.
Encourage your son to use physical exercise as a
processing.
Sephora Ochou is a dynamic young professional that is zealous for the Word of God.
She has a strong desire to see men and young boys fulfil their God-given purpose on earth. Moreover, Sephora is also bilingual, Women4Africa 'Young Achiever' 2014 nominee, City Brokerage and London School of Economics (LSE) Pathways to Law alumna. To add, she was once co-founder of a social enterprise called Project BISCEY that aimed to raise the career aspirations of young people. Despite having achieved so much thus far, Sephora finds herself more passionate in working for God’s Kingdom and
spreading God’s word to unbelievers so that they can be saved also. She is currently serving at Living Waters Church in Brixton. Sephora is presently doing the Leadership Mentoring for Purpose Programme at Empowered Woman The Mentoring Academy.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Style | 37
‘If a woman marries really young and didn’t grow up with anyone to teach her to hunt (i.e. take care of herself) this skill set is often lost or learned later in life.’ -Melissa Wise (paraphrased) This is one of the truths that came out of the Put It Out There Couch Tour*. It’s a truth I came to understand because I’m one of those who married early and didn’t learn to hunt till much later in life. My approach to life was pretty passive. I didn’t have close access to a lot of hunters growing up. I spent a lot of time in church and formed beliefs around what I heard (and saw) and what I heard (and saw) fed passiveness. Then there was the season when I heard that if I followed this magical formula, I could get anything and everything I wanted with little effort on my part. Then I ran into the Sovereign God… that’s a blog post for another day. Hey, I was young and didn’t have the wherewithal to rightly divide or know to look for balance. And for the record, there’s no blame or shade being thrown. This is how I processed what I heard and saw and as an adult had to unravel and sort out. My goal through this post is to encourage women who never learned how to hunt i.e. take care of themselves
or pursue purpose. Women, who are simply waiting in their lives, don’t understand the wait and are frustrated beyond belief. I promise I understand. The truth is you need to learn how to farm (wait on the Lord, don’t get weary in well doing) and how to hunt (take up your bed and walk, go and possess the land). You need both. There are times when you’ll sow good deeds and those come back at the right time and bless your life. Then there are times you’ll be in places that totally vex you but it’s you who’s being cultivated so good fruit can come forth.
Tales From Our Garden Since we’ve successfully planted a garden, I’ve learned that farming requires a certain set of skills and knowledge. It’s not a passive activity at all. But it’s the do all you can do and hope for a harvest at harvest time. There are so many things out of your control like the amount of rain you’ll get. Too much rain is a bad thing. Then there’s too much sun and drought like conditions. All these things can impact your harvest and you simply have to pray for the best and wait and see.
Faith without works is dead That phrase screams anything but passivity. The sad thing is a lot of the so-called faith in action I saw was going to the car lot with subpar credit and walking off WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
38 | Her Style the lot with a shiny new ride with a sky-high interest rate.
It’s the elder teaching the younger like the bible teaches.
Sigh. I didn’t see the hunt up close and personal.
Young girls, young men need people in their life who will teach them how to successfully sow and hunt.
I didn’t learn the art of the hustle till much later in life.
That’s part of the reason This Woman Knows exist today.
I thought that if I made one or two phone calls I had done my part and God would make up the rest.
It’s here to mentor and encourage women who didn’t have a Jonathan to show them how to behave in the palace or a Naomi to teach them custom and protocol.
Laughable right? Just like you need a seasoned farmer to show you how to work soil, you need someone to teach you the art of the hunt. Someone to teach you how to track, stalk and pursue your prey and come home with the spoil.
If you’re currently waiting and frustrated, waiting and mad, waiting and disappointed, maybe it’s time to pick up a bow and arrow while you’re waiting for your crop to come in. #ThisWomanKnows is here for you.
Lisa N. Alexander or the author of This Woman Knows and Put It Out There! 5 Steps to Kick Fear’s Butt and Move Your Dream Forward. She is a motivational and professional speaker speaking on topics ranging from women’s empowerment to successfully marketing your business. Out of her book, This Woman Knows came the movement where Lisa travels empowering women to become women who know. Lisa currently lives in Houston, Texas with her husband of 27 years and their youngest son and a rambunctious Labrador named Kobe. *Put It Out There Couch Tour is a traveling event where Lisa encourages groups of women to overcome their fears and put whatever it is that God has given them out there.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 39
Do you want to get your brand to more people across the world? Advertise your brand in Women Empowering Women Magazine and expose your brand to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
magazine@empoweredwoman.org.uk or info@wewmagazine.com And enquire about our excellent advertising rates. WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
CRACKED
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness| 41
T
hey were women of questionable moral a shock to God. He factored in all the mistakes, bad character. Many of us today would
judgments, stinky attitudes, poor moral standards
have turned up a brow and snubbed
and horrendous errors we are bound to make in
them. Not many were keen to be in
our lifetime. He took stock of all that and engrafted
their company or wanted to be seen associating
our shortfalls into the price that His son Jesus
with them. Even in a society like ours today which
Christ had to pay on the cross.
seems to have evolved and embraced all manner of modern advancements, these women still risked
I strongly believe that among the many thrilling
being castigated.
accounts on faith, prayer, healing, and a host of others; God threw in stories like
Not
BROKEN Still fit for the Master’s use
By Joanna Amoako
those of the above mentioned women to show us something about His nature. These women’s
lives teach us many invaluable lessons. On the peripheral, there is no denying that the promiscuous behavior of both the adulterous woman referred to in John chapter
I am referring to the adulterous woman in John 8:1- 8 and the Samaritan woman does not serve as a 11, Rahab the harlot in Joshua 2, the Samaritan
good moral example. However, God demonstrates
woman whose account is recorded in John 4:1-26
His unconditional love to mankind through His
and even in some respect Tamar (Genesis 38). Have response and reaction to these women. When
you really ever wondered why God made sure to
everyone was quick to judge, point accusing fingers
include the stories of these women in the Bible? The and banish them, Jesus gives them a new lease to Bible I thought is a Holy book and as such must
life. He redefined their identity and imputed His
contain pious accounts of heroes and heroines. Isn’t righteousness upon them. it interesting how God does things! What is perceived negatively in the eyes of man is deemed
We all have a shortfall, a weakness or something in
as pleasant from God’s point of view.
our past that we are either too embarrassed or ashamed to divulge for fear of being alienated or
The Bible is clear that after creation God took a look judged by others. In fact, there might even be at His handiwork and was immensely pleased with things in our lives that we are still grappling with. His masterpiece. There is nothing that we do that is Should the light be shone on certain secret areas in
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
42 | Her Wholeness
our lives, it would be a real shock to those around
some who may be reading this piece, your darkest
us who think they know us really well. We cannot
fears are in the closet of your memories.
be pious by the strength of our own will-power. We can only ride on the abundant grace of God.
Every flash-back and reflection of the past opens up gruesome emotional feelings. Scars from words
Among these women, the one who really stands
that have been spoken carelessly which have sliced
out for me is Rahab. I must admit that I really love
through the depths of your emotions leaving
Rahab! She was and still remains a very
perpetual bruises. Many try to patch them up with
remarkable woman in my eyes. How a woman
the bandage of fame, success and cosmetics but to
with a very ‘controversial’, ‘contentious’,
no avail.
‘repulsive’ and ‘degrading’ background could be recorded among the lineage of a heralded king,
My mandate is to speak out to every closeted
redeemer and savior of the world is jaw dropping
individual who is grappling with any destabilizing
and mind blowing. This is a sure sign of what God
issue that has held you ransom to your future and
can do with a person He chooses to accomplish His
the destiny that God has for you. Your past does
purposes and plans. Not in a million years would
not matter so far as your future is concerned. You
it have been likely that when the family tree of a
may have sustained some bruises, you may require
renowned personality like Jesus is being recounted
some patching up here and there and you might
we could find an individual whom by society’s
have to limp your way through. Irrespective of the
description falls below the status quo.
odds that may have stacked up against you in the past, the future is yet to be savoured. Why deny
You see! God uses what is so-called ‘trash’ by
yourself the chance of what the future has to offer?
human beings to accomplish great unfathomable things. Who ever told you that in spite of your
If a prostitute could make such an impact in
background God cannot use you to fulfill His
history such that her name has made headline
divine purpose on earth? Like clay is in the hand of
news in the Bible, I bet you that your situation isn’t
a potter, so are you in the hands of God. He can
that worse off. It is probably true that you may
mold your past with all its gory details into fine
have sustained some chips and cracks, but that
china fit for use in the royal palace. Your past may
does not change the fact that in God’s original plan
not be a pleasant memory. It could be that it holds
concerning your life, He designed you as a piece of
very painful memories of betrayal, deception, lies,
precious fine china. There is nothing in your
abuse, treachery, exploitation and ill-treatment. For
personality that is otherwise. Once God designed, patterned and molded you into a valuable person
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 43
destined to do great things that is what you
any alternative name that has been associated with
ultimately remain to become.
you because of the issues, mistakes and shortcomings from your past. Let go of what is
There is nothing in life that you will ever
gone and lay hold to your future. There is still so
experience that will change God’s plan concerning
much in you that God needs to harness and utilize
your life. I charge you to gird up your loins
for the fulfilment of His will, desires, plans and
because there is greatness in you. Do not accept
purposes.
Joanna Amoako is a successful published author, freelance writer and editor with a
highly passionate personality. Her debut publication "Keep Your Posture When the
Storms are Raging" highlights her sensational story of resilience and enduring faith. Her latest release "Enforcing Your Destiny - contending with your prophetic word" is a destiny changing book and a definite must-read. She has also been involved in collaborative projects with seasoned and renowned authors. Joanna's area of calling is in the Worship Ministry and she functions within this capacity as a singer, song-writer and dynamic worship leader. The Lord keeps pouring His unction upon her and using her gifts to be of tremendous blessing to the Body of Christ. Joanna's dynamic ministration always brings an aura of healing, hope and refreshment to the soul.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
I AM
Married TO A
MARRIED PERSON By Shareeff De La Cruz
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 45
W
e live in a day and age
When getting into a new relationship people
where so many desire
always tend to put their best foot forward;
companionship. There are
It’s a guessing game…. could this really be
several dating sites and
the one? He or she is doing everything I ever
now even apps. Helping one find love has
loved and if you were in a bad relationship
become a huge money making scheme.
where you were the sole giver, to be in a
Christian dating has also entered into this
position to receive is mind blowing. You are
thriving business of love connection.
swept off your feet by the slightest wind of change. Women like to call it butterflies in
We’re always excited to match someone
the stomach while men brag about how she
together based upon surface desires. We also
makes him feel like a man’s man. Both are on
get elated to show off our new love interest
an emotional high of feelings that they’re
but there’s one problem, they were still
blinded by the truth that lies beneath the
married and forgot to tell you. I know you
glow.
may ask what I am speaking about.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
46 | Her Wholeness Focusing on how one is making you feel hinders
By no means am I saying that you have to be
you from seeing how they really feel. Now, you’re
perfect before engaging another person. I am
three months into the relationship, heads over hills,
saying there are issues we’ve been married and if
and confident to a degree that this person could be
we made the decision to divorce the poison, we
the one. Yes, you are absolutely right! That person
could control many of our relationships and they
is the one but the other person that you never
would never end with divorce.
knew is not. See, you only got to know half of the
person which means you were never dating a
Being single is a good thing. It’s a time to discover
whole person. Often times we hate the single phase
who you really are. It’s a time to become the best
of life so bad that we don’t recognize that it’s the
version of you, a moment where you are validated
season where we can become a whole person.
by self and not by the interpretation of another. I encourage everyone to stop for a moment and
We rather run from the true identity of what we
identify all of the toxic ways that you are married
are hoping to discover, the “other half” of us in
to and demand that you file the paperwork for an
another person. What internally happens is that
immediate divorce. Sometimes it takes time, so
many people enter into relationships while
enjoy being single to get you right. If you’re
married to toxic ways, seeds that have been
already in a relationship or married, sit your
planted but yet we ignore them. Therefore, if I had
significant other down and simply say “I’m Sorry!”
bad issues of cheating, prior to my significant other
these are my issues and I’ve had them for some
and I never sought the help to divorce that spirit,
time. I need your help!
I’ve now brought that into my marriage. Honesty is always best. Put pride and ego aside, The biggest lie we tell ourselves is “when I meet
it’s okay to acknowledge that you are not perfect.
that person I’ll become a better person.” News
God created us perfectly in his image, however we
flash, becoming better is a choice. No one can make
are all flaws. Take a moment and decide to not be
you better if you do not decide to do better. If your
married to a married person by first committing to
will to change is dictated by the other person then
divorce the toxic side of you. Once you’re complete
you’ll never change. So many people are in
you then can no longer be blind. We have to
relationships married to things that are destroying
destroy the cycle of soul ties mixed with bad life
them but yet blaming the other person and not
experiences. There comes a moment in life when
looking at self. We have become a society of people
we have to forgive ourselves to move forward.
settling to be in half relationships. Very few people are 100% whole.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 47
Shareeff De La Cruz is a gifted voice for the 21st Century. His life story, his work, and
his vision are set to motivate the masses with an emphasis on young adults and youth to overcome adversity and to embrace the comeback season in their lives. As an Intern, A&R, Manager, and Music Publisher, in the music industry for 12 years, Shareeff has worked with artists such as Jagged Edge, Jazze Pha, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Tiffany Evans, Ciara, and Cee Lo Green. Shareeff discovered the emerging talent of August Alsina and he mentored and nurtured him from the age of 14 to 18. His experiences in the music industry have prepared and primed him to cultivate and reach audiences with messages that touch their hearts and resonate across cultures. Shareeff is aware that his personal relationship with God led him out of a life of destruction and into divine opportunities to live the life he was destined to live. His life’s mission is to help others become aware of the potential for their lives, and to facilitate greatness in the lives of many. He is a motivational speaker, personal coach, and inspirational author. Shareeff’s first book "The Challenge" was published in 2011 and is available via Amazon.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Loving Through
DEMENTIA By Janet Stevenson
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 49
D
ad had worked full-time until he
I had become a Christian at the age of 14 and had
was 87, when he developed a
prayed all my life for my parents’ salvation. I’d
strangulated hernia. After his
led my mother to Christ on her deathbed. Now it
operation, his personality changed
seemed that Dad would be robbed of his mind,
dramatically. I struggled with the aggression and
unable to comprehend the wonderful gift of life
angry words as I tried to help. The
that was on offer to him. On every occasion that I
physiotherapist suspected dementia, and he
had tried to speak to Dad about Christ, he told me
turned out to be right. After a verbal test in which
he didn’t believe and never would. I was in
he performed poorly, he then had a CT scan that
despair.
showed he had vascular dementia. At church, some Christian friends asked after my Over the four years that followed, he gradually
father and I broke down in tears. They prayed
deteriorated physically and mentally. It was
with me and encouraged me to continue to
heartbreaking to witness. He became
believe. That afternoon, I visited him in hospital.
argumentative and difficult, no longer the father I
By this stage of his life, he was barely able to
knew. He said some hateful things to me and I
string a few words together to make a sentence.
was reduced to tears many times. He had no
Dad had become like a little child in his mental
recollection of what he’d said, of course. He was
capacities. Matthew 24:14 says, "Let the little
frustrated and depressed and it was difficult for
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for
him. The Lord gave me grace to honor and
the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
respect my father, even in these difficult moments.
I asked him if I could read to him from the Bible and, amazingly, he said, “Yeah”. I read from John
My brother and I managed to care for him at
3, where Jesus talks to Nicodemus about being
home. As time went on and his personal hygiene
born again. I asked him if he understood and he
became a problem, we tried to find ways to get
said, “Yeah” again. I then read from Revelation 3:
him to wash – even to change his clothes. He
20, which says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and
became confused about whether it was day or
knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the
night, and his sleeping habits were erratic.
door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” I asked Dad if he understood that
Then, one very cold January night, he went out in
Jesus was knocking at the door of his life, and
the early hours, presumably thinking he was
again he said, “Yeah”. I then asked him if he
going to the local corner shop. He slipped on the
wanted to repent and accept Jesus’ love and
ice and fell, and was unable to get up again.
forgiveness and have Jesus come into his life. He
Fortunately, someone found him, called an
said, “Yeah!” As I prayed, I heard him breathing
ambulance and he was taken into A&E. The first
out, “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” and I knew that he had
we knew of it was when the hospital called.
accepted Christ into his life. Despite Dad’s rejection of the gospel all his life, I continued to
They treated him for a urinary tract infection and
pray in faith that he would be saved. God had
hypothermia, and eventually he was able to come
answered my prayer and brought him to
home again. We had to put measures in place to
salvation. I skipped out of the hospital, rejoicing in
ensure he could not let himself out of the house
the Lord.
again. It was a constant worry. WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
50 | Her Wholeness He was discharged from hospital and went back home
If you are dealing with and caring for a loved one with
again. Over the next few weeks, he diminished further
dementia, I urge you to:
and conversation became increasingly difficult. On
Set aside time every day to read God’s Word, pray and
Christmas Eve 2013, he rose in the middle of the night,
worship him. Hebrews 4: 16 tells us, “Let us then
fell on his knees and could not get up again. When my
approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that
brother found him, he was delirious. He called the
we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our
doctor and Dad was admitted to hospital later that day.
time of need.” He understands.
He had deep vein thrombosis as a result of being on his
Ask your church family and Christian friends to pray.
knees for some hours, and lost the use of his legs. After
Prayer changes things.
two months, he was discharged and taken into a
Seek support from Christian friends you can be real
nursing home, as he needed full-time care. There he
with, who understand your struggle and who can come
caught a tummy bug and that finished him off. My
alongside you.
brother and I were with him as he breathed his last breath.
God gives us difficult times for a reason. The Lord
Dementia is a very cruel illness, robbing people of their
used my Dad’s dementia to soften my heart, humble
mental capacities and robbing family and friends of the
me and grow me in God’s grace. God is now using my
person they once knew. This was a very challenging
experiences to come alongside and support others
time of my life but, because of it, my relationship with
struggling to cope with dementia, as a friend, life coach
God has deepened as I learned to rely on him more and
and counsellor.
more.
Janet Stevenson, the founder and owner of Train2Grow, is an experienced consultant, trainer, coach and counselor. She is passionate about facilitating positive radical change and personal growth in people’s lives both personally and professionally. Her style is facilitative and participative, using NLP, Non-Verbal Intelligence, Transactional Analysis and brain-friendly techniques. She runs management and leadership programmes, is a licensed Springboard and Renew-You trainer, and also offers team and psychometric profiling using Belbin, Strength Deployment Inventory (SDA) and MiRo Behavioral Mode Assessment. Janet has trained thousands of delegates in both the public and private sector, and enjoys working with people at all levels – chief executives, senior management teams and those in customer-facing roles. Her style is open, communicative, empathic and friendly; she is a skilled listener and easily engages with people. She creates a stimulating learning environment, where she encourages individuals to participate and think.
She is a contributing author to a number of books for women:
“How to Break the Glass Ceiling without a Hammer – Career Strategies for Women”
“The Power of a Woman – Embracing the Woman Within”
“Madam CEO – How to Think and Act like an Executive”
“Leaders in Pearls – How to Be a Change Architect”
“Breaking Free – Overcoming Self-Sabotage” WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Wholeness | 51
A
clique is a group of friends that
Listed below are reasons why you should not
pick and choose who is in their
join a clique.
group and they leave certain
LOSS OF IDENTITY
people out on purpose. When you
are with others and start to notice that you are no
When you join a clique there is always a stronger
longer yourself or you stop voicing your true
personality or a few others that want to control
opinion then you are probably in a clique.
you. And because you want to fit in and be
Every young girl wants to be respected and liked by her peers. Joining a clique may be a way in which a girl seeks approval but being in a clique can be detrimental to her self esteem and self worth.
accepted, you may find yourself not being authentic. In other words, you are not keeping it real. You won’t speak out. You will agree with everything that the clique says or does just to fit it. Stop it. Be your own person. Find your own
www.wewmagazine.com WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
PERMISSIVE PARENT At Christmas By Amma Frimpong
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 53
I
t’s the time of year that the songs that are resounding in the shops and alleys and temple gates are carols from of old and new. Christmas lights are already lit especially in the busy city centres and families are thinking of how to have
the best Christmas themed decoration in front of their homes for passers-by to admire and take selfies. In the midst of the busyness of this season, I can envisage some parents who are often driven
by the need for their children’s approval or to be their children’s best friends. The permissive parent is very much loved by all the high street shops because his/her desire to give in to their children’s wishes in order to prevent anger and tantrums, helps their sales to go up and bonuses increased. These parents have good intentions because they believe that by giving in to their child's desires, they are showing them love. Their goal is often to avoid conflict with
their children, and their manner with their children is often warm, nurturing and supportive. For the moment all discipline seems
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
54 | Her Wholeness
painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the
parable of the seeds that fell of rocky and unstable
peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have
ground, these children are being taught to make
been trained by it. Hebrews 12 v 11.
decisions based on their emotions. Hence, they are
Let’s look at some of the behaviors that permissive
not likely to develop deep roots for the inevitable
parents often display:
unstable seasons in one’s life when the storm comes and the lightning flashes, unless a parent
Lack of clear, firm boundaries; instead,
decides to practice tough love.
boundaries are fluid and enforced only in the face of no opposition
While permissive parents feel that they are winning their children's love via their leniency,
"Give in" to their child in the face of a
this type of parenting may generate unintended
temper tantrum or other expression of
results. The bible clearly states in Proverbs 22 v 6
disapproval
that, “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”.
Not apply discipline or logical
Children have a need to know what to expect, and
consequences, or apply them inconsistently
in an overly lenient household where very few
Allow children to manipulate them to get
boundaries or logical consequences exist, these are
what they want, or allow children to play
the different ways this parenting style could
one parent against the other
impact on the children.
Feel that their children take them for granted as they do not require them to do
Children are more likely to lack the
any chores
consistency required in their lives for
Have a peer relationship with their
security because setting clear boundaries
offspring rather than a parent-child
provides consistency that allows children to
relationship
feel secure.
Despite the good intentions, problems occur when
When children function within determined
permissive parents fail to set appropriate
boundaries, they develop a sense of pride,
boundaries for their children and also for
self-esteem, and citizenship within the
themselves as they could end up spending on
family.
presents that are far beyond their budget. The issue at stake is not what the shops will gain from
Children in permissive households may also
such parents but rather what the child loses from
learn behaviors that do not serve them well
being brought up in such an environment. “Folly
in adulthood, such as manipulative
is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of
behavior, lacking a sense of self-discipline,
discipline drives it far from him” Just like the
and an inability to cope with authority.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness | 55
It is hard to be successful if you cannot
surviving in a job. Hence it takes those who
withstand delayed gratification. Anybody who
have their loins girded with truth from
wants it NOW cannot thrive in most
childhood to remain steadfast and unmovable
environments because struggles come in this life
under any condition that they are faced with.
to test the depth of your root; be it in marriage, raising a child, getting a car, buying a house or
Amma Frimpong is a the Director of Bridging Families, a mentor, writer and volunteer lecturer at The Mentoring Academy for the Leadership Mentoring for Purpose Programme. She is married with 3 beautiful children.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
THE
CHRISTIAN MOTHER
Who Is She? By Detola Amure
B
eing a mother is a very significant
existence. It was a whole new experience, and it
role that God has given to a lot of
seemed nerve-racking at first. It still can be (now
women. It is amazing the impact a
with two children)! However, I knew I had to
new baby can have on a woman’s
find a way to adapt to this drastic change in my
life.
life.
When I gave birth to my daughter 6 years ago,
I began to trust God more, research, learn, and
my schedule and priorities changed. I suddenly
implement strategies that helped me cope with
became responsible for another human's
prioritising and combining all my various roles
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness| 57 effortlessly. I learnt what it meant to be a
attend to the needs of others around her.
Christian and a Mother. However, a lot of the mothers I talk too are As a Christian Mother grows and as her children
secretly resentful and tired of helping or loving
grow older she must carefully keep her priorities
others. They feel taken for granted. This is
in line. Here are some characteristics she must
because they have left out a vital step: loving
have in order to be the woman that God created
themselves.
her to be. Before she can adequately take care of others she She loves God with her ALL. In Mark 12:30-31 Jesus mentioned the two greatest commandments. The first one is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. This means that her relationship with God is at
the centre of a Christian Mother’s life. Her one main goal in life is to bring glory to God in everything she does.
has to love herself first. That is exactly what the Bible says. Some people view this as selfish but my question to these people is this: how can you take care of others if you have not taken care of yourself first? You cannot give what you do not have. So before a Christian Mother can love anyone
else without feeling resentful or tired of helping, she needs to be kind to herself. She needs to set boundaries, be assertive and say no to requests that is not in alignment with her values.
She starts her day with God by reading her Bible, meditating and in prayer. Mornings in my experience are usually the best time to hear from God with no distractions. It is also a time to set the tone of how your day should go.
She can only do this with the help of God. This is why she needs to spend time with God on a daily basis to fill up her emotional, mental and spiritual “tank” before she begins her day and
faces the various demands that comes her way. She not only starts her day with God but stays connected with God all through the day because she knows that without God she cannot do anything.
She puts her husband before her children For the Christian Mother who is married, she has to put her husband before her children. In reality this is sometimes hard to do but she must
She loves others as she loves herself The second commandment is Mark 12:31 says
remember: before the children came, it was just her and her husband.
“love your neighbour as you love yourself”. A
Christian Mother is kind to those around her. She desires to bless others, help others and
She must attend to his needs before attending to her children. This might be tough especially if
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
58 | Her Wholeness she is a new mother, but this is where wisdom
lovingly and firm manner. (Proverbs 13:24,
comes in. She involves her husband at home
Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:15-17)
where she can, gets a nanny or babysitter. She delegates age appropriate chores to her children.
She is her children’s greatest cheerleader. She
She enlists the help of her mother or mother in
nurtures her children and provides an
law where possible.
environment with unconditional love and words of affirmation. She builds the confidence of her
She organises date nights and find ways to
children. She loves to have fun and play with
connect with her husband. Every Christian
her children. (Titus 2:4, Ephesians 4:29-32)
Mother, if not already, should start to cultivate the habit of spending quality time with her
She lives an exemplary live for her children in
husband because when the children are older
every aspect of life: the way she conducts herself
and leave the house it may be difficult to connect
privately and publicly, speaks, and interacts
with him.
with others.
She prays for her husband constantly and stands in the gap for him. She sees herself as the
Children learn more through observation so she
watchman of her family and stays alert
models Christ through her life to her children.
spiritually. She invests in relationships with other Christian For Christian mothers who are not married...
Mothers.
Jesus is her husband, so she spends ample time
I remember growing up I didn’t have too many
with the Lord and herself. She also spends time
girlfriends as I felt girls were shallow and petty
with her friends to stay grounded and balanced.
but when I became a mother I realised quickly the importance of investing in friendships with
She brings up her children in the way of the
other women of faith.
Lord
A Christian mother teaches the word of God to
A Christian Mother knows that no woman is an
her children diligently, and talks about the Word
island. She needs at least one or two friends that
to them when they are at home, when they go
she can share her dreams, thoughts, and
out, when they go to bed and when they get up
emotions with no reservations. Friends who will
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
support her and help her see things from a different perspective. Friends who will pray
She trains up her children in the way of the
with and for her when she needs a
Lord, including teaching them to use their
breakthrough. Her friends can also always count
abilities and talents for His will. (Proverbs 22:6)
on her to be available when they need her.
She disciplines her children in the Lord. She
A Christian Mother should also invests in a
teaches them the fear of God, consistently in a
community of other Christian Mothers who
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Her Wholeness| 59 don’t want to settle for an average life but live a
(Ephesians 5:33), essential part of her local
life of purpose. (Proverbs 15:22.)
church (1 Corinthians 12:4-31) living out her God given dreams.
Jim Rohn a motivational speaker said: “you are the average of the five people you spend time
In all of her relationships, a Christian woman
with”. So a Christian Mother knows that it is
ought to exhibit Christ by using her gifts,
important to spend her time with positive
training, and empowering other women around
people and those who will influence her to live
her so they can impact their generation and the
her best life.
future generation for God's kingdom.
Motherhood is an amazing calling but it is NOT
This is who a Christian woman is.
the sum total of a Christian woman's responsibilities. She is also a daughter of God
Detola Amure, CEO Super Working Mum ©
(Romans 8:14), likely a respectful wife
2015
Detola Amure is a wife and mother of two. She lives in Essex UK with her family. She is
a Work Life Balance strategist and Certified Stress Relief Coach. She is the founder of Super Working Mum whose mission is to build a global community of Christian Working Mums who MANAGE their time wisely so that they can MANIFEST their God given dreams and MONETISE their gifts through her online platform Super Working Mum Academy. Feel free to connect with her on her website: www.superworkingmum.com or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SuperWorkingMum
BOOK: SUPER WORKING MUM, LIVING AND LOVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST An Amazon bestseller; this book is a ‘tool-kit’ for the working woman and mother. Throughout this book, you will find a ‘tool’ to tackle every ‘nutty’ issue of life you might face as a woman, wife and mother. You will discover how to live and love life to the fullest. ‘Detola based on her own life’s experiences till date and others around her, has put together a treasure
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
PART II
The Wife THE ARMOUR-BEARER By Lisa Maki
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Spiritual Etiquette | 61
Your Biggest Stronghold: Fear Before you read this, be sure you have read The
Scripture, that the leader or the “king” of all these
Wife: The Armour-Bearer in the Autumn Issue of
strongholds is FEAR.
Women Empowering Women Magazine.
This FEAR is the most powerful tool of the enemy against us. It is the root cause of all our
The first step to being an Armour-Bearer wife is to
underlying issues that hinder our effectiveness as
recognize that God created us to be one. The
Armour-Bearers.
second step is to desire to be this Armour-Bearer. The third step is to fulfil this Armour-Bearer role.
10 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a
This is where the challenge begins.
synagogue, 11 he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent
There are two sides when we are warring in the
double for eighteen years and was unable to
spirit for our husbands: our husband’s
stand up straight.
strongholds that we need to destroy, and our own strongholds. Until we subdue and kill our own
The spirit of fear is an evil spirit that can cripple
strongholds, we will not win this battle. We won’t
us and disable us to stand up straight. Without
be able to fight for our husbands or intercede for
stable and solid legs, we will not be able to
them effectively.
perform our role as Armour-Bearers.
Our husband’s strongholds may even stir up the
Let me bring you to 1 Peter 3:6 to further explain
very strongholds that we have, hindering us from
this “king” of our strongholds.
being able to even enter the battlefield. For instance, if you have major insecurity issues and
You are true daughters of Sarah if you do what is
your husband’s stronghold is lust, then that will
right and do not succumb to fear.
be a big problem for you. Instead of being able to war for him in the spiritual realm, you will be
“Succumb” means to surrender to something that
sucked into your insecurities and end up being so
is powerful. Obviously, it is something powerful
hurt, angry, and depressed.
enough to be warned not to “surrender” or “give in” to.
Now there are different types of strongholds that we, wives, may have including insecurities,
The New Living Translation says: “You are true
jealousy, rejection, bitterness, hunger for
daughters of Sarah if you do what is right without
attention, etc. God revealed to me, through
fear of what your husbands might do.” WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
62 | Spiritual Etiquette The heart is neutral. It simply follows the mind This spirit of fear always attacks us in the realm of
that controls it. Either it is controlled by the mind
“what our husbands might do”.
of the flesh, or the mind of the spirit.
What if he chooses that other woman over me? ...
6 Now the mind of the flesh (defined as “sense
What if he leaves me? ... What if he won’t be able
and reason”) is death. But the mind of the Spirit is
to provide for us anymore? ... What if he will hurt
life and peace. 7 [That is] because the mind of the
me again? ... What if he goes back to being an
flesh (with its carnal thoughts and purposes) is
alcoholic? ... What if he looks at porn? ... What if
hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to
he cheats on me? ... What if he wastes our
God’s Law; indeed it cannot.
money? ... What if he can’t find a job? ... What if he suffers a heart attack? And so on and so forth.
The mind of our flesh is sense and reason. It is the mind that thinks about logical things such as: “I
These fears make us panic, nag our husband, feel
will leave my husband if he cheats on me.” This is
insecure, feel suspicious, run away, rebel, and
very logical. Why will you stay with a man who is
take matters into our own hands. In short, it “gets
cheating on you? The mind of the flesh will never
us in the flesh”. This is what the devil wants. If he
subject itself to the Word of God. It is the mind of
can get us in the flesh, then we will not win.
our flesh that the devil attacks with fear. And since this mind responds and reacts through
We are not warring against flesh and blood,
sense and reason, then everything the devil will
remember? This is not a physical war but a
plant in it will sound very logical and reasonable.
spiritual one. So to win the spiritual war, we have to be in the spirit.
To defeat this stronghold of fear is to control the mind with the spirit and not with the flesh.
The next question now is: How do we fight this stronghold of fear? How do we conquer this
When I began to ask God how to do this, He
beast?
brought me to Hosea 10:12: Break up unused (or uncultivated) ground.
My answers to this question will blow your mind. Actually, they are not my answers but the
He then started to show me that the “ground” is
answers that the Holy Spirit gave me, which blew
the “heart”. My spiritual heart is uncultivated and
my mind.
unused. I have to start breaking it. How do I break it?
Paul talks about the “mind of the flesh” and the “mind of the spirit” in Romans 8. If there is a
We are not used to utilizing the heart of the spirit.
mind of the flesh, then there is a heart of the flesh.
It is always the heart of the flesh that operates. All
The heart gets its feelings from what the mind
our past issues of insecurities, hurts, betrayal,
dictates. Whatever the mind thinks, the heart
rejection, etc. are rooted in the heart of our flesh.
feels.
They have become a hardening agent causing us to justify our feelings and actions.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Spiritual Etiquette | 63 To break the heart of the spirit is to start using it
Heart of Flesh: He needs to understand that what
and to begin operating in nothing but what the
he is doing is affecting me badly. He is not getting
Word of God says. To break the heart of the spirit
it!!!
is to silence the heart of the flesh when it tries to
Heart of Spirit: I will continue being the example
justify its actions, or find excuses to brush off
of Jesus in his life. I will let Jesus’ light expose to
what God says in His Word.
him what is wrong with him.
The heart of the spirit will cling to God’s Word
Heart of Flesh: How can I respect a man who
that says: I hate divorce. The heart of the flesh will
drinks all day, doesn’t have a job, and watches
brush that off and say, “But he is cheating on me”.
porn? Heart of Spirit: I respect my husband because
Let me bring you back again to 1 Peter 3 and see
God put him above me and because God
further what God says in His Word about our role
commanded me to do so.
as wives. Take note of the underlined words. Heart of Flesh: So you just want me to shut up? In the same way, wives, submit to your husbands;
We need to communicate.
so that even if some of them do not believe the
Heart of Spirit: “Father, I know my husband will
Word, they will be won over by your conduct,
not understand no matter how I explain. So I will
without your saying anything, 2 as they see your
leave it to you to talk to him.”
respectful and pure behavior. 3 Your beauty should not consist in externals such as fancy
I can already hear some women saying ... “So you
hairstyles, gold jewelry or what you
just want me to be a door mat?” This is my
wear; 4 rather, let it be the inner character of your
response to that: “Well, that devil is already
heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle
making you a doormat. So what do you do now?”
and quiet spirit. In God’s sight this is of great value. 5 This is how the holy women of the past
We all know that it is easier to operate in the heart
who put their hope in God used to adorn
of flesh. This is our nature! And this is why to
themselves and submit to their husbands, 6 the
operate in the heart of the spirit takes a lot of
way Sarah obeyed Avraham, honoring him as her
discipline and self-control, which are actually the
lord.
fruits of the Spirit. This means that the more we train our hearts to follow our spirits, the more
To make my point clearer, I will present a
disciplined we will even become; thus, the easier
distinction between the heart of flesh and the
it will get.
heart of the spirit based on the verses above. And guess what? If you are resisting this and Heart of Flesh: Why will I submit to my husband
don’t want to do it, it’s on you. That immediately
if he is not submitted to God?
disqualifies you from the category of ARMOUR-
Heart of Spirit: I will submit to my husband
BEARER QUEENS who will reign with Yeshua
because God says so.
someday. WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
64 | Spiritual Etiquette Yeshua. Training the mind and heart of our spirit 1 John 4:18 says: There is no fear in love ... the
is merely a preparation for our eternal life.
person who keeps fearing has not been brought to maturity in regard to love.
It takes a true warrior wife, a real armour-bearer, to be able to break the ground of the heart of the
Did you read that? A person who continuously
spirit and start operating in it. You know why?
lives and operates in fear has not been brought to
Because it is hard! Anything difficult is not for the
maturity in love. Our heart of flesh is so used to
faint of heart. Remember ... NARROW IS THE
the worldly love that focuses on the self. So if you
PATH.
want to mature in love, then you have to train that heart of yours to listen to your spirit.
The choice is yours. If you want to defeat the biggest threat to your being an Armour-Bearer
The very reason why we are even “saved” is so
wife, then start breaking that uncultivated “heart
that we can be set apart and be perfected like
of the spirit” today.
Lisa Maki is the founder, publisher, and editor of God'z Gurlz, a Bible-based web magazine for women. She is a Professional Writer/Consultant with over 20 years of experience in Professional Writing, Public speaking, and Human Resources in Organizational Development. She manages a Professional Writing business which includes Résumé Writing, Business Letter Writing, Business Plans, Website Content, Editing Jobs, Press Kits, and other writing requirements. More than a Professional Writer, Lisa is an evangelist/preacher/minister with over 10 years of ministry experience including pastoring a women's prison; conduct of Bible-based seminars and Bible studies in corporate offices; preaching engagements in churches, police camps, schools, and other organizations; outreach programs for poor families and children; and pastoring a church. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and some units in Psychological Services. She was commissioned as "minister" in 2006.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Spiritual Etiquette | 65
“ This book is a strategic plan on how to war for your marriage!” - Amazon Customer
OUT NOW! Available at www.godzgurlz.com or Amazon.com WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
66 | Her Wholeness
Your Place of Assignment Is In The
PLACE OF FRUITFULNESS By HRM Oba Dokun Thompson
The Oloni Of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Kingdom Minded Man | 67
T
o be fruitful means life and to be fruitless means death. Matthew 21:19 19. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he
may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls-18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
went up to it but found nothing on it except
19. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my
leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear
feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on
fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
my high hills; to the Chief Musician, with my
Death here does not translate to physical
stringed instruments.
death but spiritual death that is often caused as a result of a curse that prevents man from
As we read these words, Lord speak to us in a
fulfilling that which God has in mind or
manner that will impart and impact in us
planned for him. A curse that leads to this
wisdom to have understanding of your will
death is always as a result of disobedience.
for our lives and reveal to us the knowledge
After man fell due to disobedience that led to the eating of the fruit, man became fruitless, became helpless, lost his direction and
of our places of assignment that we may be fruitful in all of our endeavours to your glory in Jesus mighty name we pray.
coordination, did not know his left from his right and was now at the mercy of the devil who has nothing to offer but to steal, deceive and destroy. But God in His mercies sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for man that man may be redeemed.
The question I want to ask us all is simply, what do we know as our assignment and how do we know the place of our assignment? Because once we can answer this question, we would have been able to resolve all the issues that lead to unfruitful ventures and results
Out of Love, God sent His son and out of
and become fruitful beyond our imagination.
obedience, the Son who knew no sin, became sin that the will of his father may be done. He
suffered, was crucified and buried and on the third day rose from the dead that whosoever
For the purpose of this teaching, I would love
to use nature, God’s creation so we can understand and relate it to our lives.
believes in him would not perish but have eternal life and the power to be called the son
Psalm 1:1-3
of God. Our trust in God should be total and unconditional just like in Habakkuk 3:17-19
17. Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labour of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
68 | Kingdom Minded Man That person is like a tree planted by streams of
God’s ordained role to put in place the
water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf
government at every level in the manner I was
does not wither—whatever they do prosper.
installed as an Oba.
If we want to live and experience what a tree
Revelation 5:10
that is planted by streams of water experiences in terms of fruitfulness, that is a fulfilled life,
10. And hast made us unto our God kings and
we need to know who we are in the Lord. The
priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
truth is that God has created us for only one reason and that reason is for His own purpose.
To be able to reign on the earth, and be fruitful on earth, we need to understand 2 things:
The
primary
reason
and
the
primary
responsibility we have as believers is to
These
spell
out
our
primary
place
of
assignment and how to achieve fruitfulness.
establish the Kingdom of God on earth. What do I mean?
Who we are, where we are and how we have been placed according to God’s
I was installed as a traditional ruler in the
plan and structure.
church by reverends and pastors according to
How our actions can create fruitful or
the scriptures with the pouring of oil over my
fruitless situations for ourselves and
head in December 2008. About 10 years before
others.
this happened, my father said to me that the time had to come when Obas and traditional
God’s structure is based on the individual, first
rulers have to be installed as such and when
as an independent person or say as a single
the time came, I worked towards that. When
person, secondly as a couple, husband and/or
my father spoke then, I knew it was an
wife, thirdly as a family member, father,
instruction that must be obeyed and I did all to
mother and children then as part of a
obey and through God’s grace it happened to
community, a nation or a race.
God’s glory as I became the first Oba in Nigeria
For the purpose of today, I would address the
to be installed in such manner making history.
first part which is as an individual as a single
One other thing, I understood was that the
person, a couple and a family.
problems of Africa had nothing to do with corruption, bad government or bad leadership,
Colossians 3; 12 – 21
etc but that the main problem is the very foundation. If we plant seeds of sour grapes, it
12. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
is impossible to harvest sweet apples or
dearly
oranges. So corruption and co are only fruits of
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
the type of tree planted and to resolve this
patience.
problem the church must begin to perform her WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
loved,
clothe
yourselves
with
Kingdom Minded Man | 69 13. Bear with each other and forgive one
fruitless either as couple or family not to talk of
another if any of you has a grievance against
within our work environment. In another
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
manner;
14. And over all these virtues put on love,
Ephesians 5: 8 – 11 reads, 8 For you were once
which binds them all together in perfect unity.
darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the
15. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
light consists in all goodness, righteousness
since as members of one body you were called
and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the
to peace. And be thankful.
Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
16. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another
To embrace righteousness as our watchword,
with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and
is to carry the sceptre of the power of God
songs from the Spirit, singing to God with
which would break every barrier, every
gratitude in your hearts.
barrenness, weakness or illness that we would not only be fruitful but our fruitfulness would
17. And whatever you do, whether in word or
also reproduce. A good example is found in
deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Genesis 22: 17 – 18 reads, 17 Blessing I will
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as
As a single person who believes in the gospel
the sand which is on the seashore, and your
and calls the name of the Lord, all these
descendants shall possess the gate of their
attributes which are fruits of the spirit, of love
enemies 18 In your seed all the nations of the
must be part and parcel of us. It is about
earth shall be blessed, because you have
righteousness without which we would be
obeyed my voice.
HRM Oba Dokun Thompson began The Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun state of Nigeria is a unique monarch, a lover of Christ and a devoted Christian. History was made 8 December, 2008 when he became the first traditional ruler in Nigeria to be installed inside the church according to the scriptures with the pouring of oil over his head and the adorning of the traditional beads and staff by priests of the Anglican Communion, Christ Apostolic Church and The Apostolic Faith Mission. He is a keen golfer and great supporter of building the talents and gifts in the younger generation, using the scriptures as a guide to bringing out the best in them in other to help them have a fulfilled life. He regularly features as a speaker in several leadership and development conferences as well as teaching the Word in Christian conventions.
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
70 | Kingdom Minded Man
A MAN’S ROLE Is To Be In Alignment With God
By Victor Nwaorgu
A
s a prelude into a proper
is no true success in ministry not until we
exposition of the above subject,
connect with the most high, When we fail in
it has become imperative to
aligning ourselves with the lord we will not be
know what the topic really
able to do anything.
signifies, to be in alignment with God in essence means maintaining the same balance with His spirit. Alignment has to do with one’s connection with God. It goes beyond one’s behavior. The almighty cares so much about it, he wants us his children to be in alignment with his will once we are united with the lord, we will adhere to all his instruction even when he requests from us to
do the impossible. When we realize our spiritual alignment, it will enlarge our life and multiply our effectiveness because it will take away from us all sense of doubt, feelings of inability to buffet the storms of life it will give us a new meaning of living.
Life will take on a whole new
meaning, when we live in constant realization
of our alignment with the lord. The nearer we are to the lord the greater our strength. There
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
Having been saved by grace, we are his chosen ones; we live by the aid of the Holy Spirit, by faith. We should seek God’s guidance and direction through his word to perform well in the various ministries where the lord has called us.
He has appointed teachers,
preachers, prophets, singers, and evangelists. Without this connection, we simply drift away from God’s plan and purpose for us in life. Many a time, we have all been guilty of being overly confident in our own abilities.
Our
insensitivity at some points over inflate our sense
of self – assurance
thus creating
a
bridge in the flow of communication. We no longer seek to hear from God before any decision. In other cases many of us start in the right way, always seeking the guidance of the lord, but as we begin to develop a level of
comfort that the lord is with us we start
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
72 | Kingdom Minded Man
paying less
attention to the guidance of the
pay, but a price of true love.
“But God
Lord. We must always remember who it is that
commanded his love to us, that while we where yet
is
sinners, Christ died for us”. (Romans 5:8).
strong and mighty – He
who makes
us
mighty, and seek his acknowledgement always. Every
married
man has
some specific
responsibilities to play in the life of his wife, remember marriage is an institution created by God and he sets his rules. A man is to love his wife, when the scripture talks about love; it talks
Guess
what? If you love your wife you have to sanctify her, you are to take her from the level where she is to the level where you want her to be. When she shows you her problem, you are to fix it. You
are the god of your home, what Jesus is to the church, you are to be to your wife.
about sacrifice that you make for the betterment of someone else. You can only measure love by your
level
of
sacrifice
and
not
by
your
satisfaction. To say that a man loves his wife is to talk about the sacrifice that he makes for her.
Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. Christ gave himself to his church. Just as the man works out to make his body look good, he is to work his wife out to look good as well. Make sure that she is strong, fulfilled, provided
“Husbands love your wives even as also Christ loved the assembly and gave up himself for it”. (Ephesians 5: 25). Colossians 3:19, “Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against her. To talk about love is to talk about a cross. To talk about love is to talk about a savior. We have a savior in Christ and our wives ought to have a savior in us. We have a deliverer in Christ and our mates ought to have a deliverer in us.
When you talk of loving your wife, you talk about carrying a cross. Jesus Christ did not die for us because we are loveable, Jesus died to make us loveable. A man does not love his wife because she deserves to be loved; a man loves his wife in order to change her into someone loveable. The scripture talked about Jacob’s love for Rachel, so much that he worked for fourteen
years in order to gain permission to marry her from her father (Genesis 29). It is a hard price to
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
for and satisfied. The father is the head of the
home. The home is where the physical, emotional and spiritual grace of a child is nurtured. A father who is aligned with God has the ability to call forth the grace of God through Love, care, provision, guidance and advice. A godly Father upholds the spiritual alter of the family, He sharpens and guides the child towards reaching the vision and purpose of his existence. And now words to you parents don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children making them angry and resentful rather bring them up with the loving discipline the lord himself approves with suggestion and godly advice. (Eph 6:4). The greatest gift a father can give to the child is love. Just like God our heavenly father loves us his children. A child who has the conviction that he has a father who loves him will always put his trust in his father simply put, when affection is shown to a child it brings out the best in the child, the child will have the consciousness that he has
Kingdom Minded Man | 73
a shoulder to cry and lean on , he has someone he
Just like God, the primary function of a father is
can call a friend when he can tell his fears, share
to provide for his children’s needs. Needs vary
his vision and aspirations with and also confide
according to stages the need of your child when
in.
Sure the rod of correction should not be
he is an infant may not be the same as when he is
spared but a father should also correct in love.
an adult. It can be physical, emotional, or a
God is a merciful father who will always chastise
spiritual need.
and correct us in love whenever we go astray.
task. The children are precious gifts which the
A father should brace up to this
lord has entrusted in your custody. As a father “If a child ask s his father for bre ad , w ill he be
you are to provide and take care of their everyday
given a stone? If he asks for dish will he be given
needs because surely as caretakers, one day we
snake? Of course not! And if you men know how to
will stand to give account on how well we have
give good gift to your children, won’t your heavenly
been able to bring up these children in the fear of
father even more certainly give good gifts to those who
God.
ask him for them.” (Matthew 7:9-11).
Victor Nwaorgu is a motivational speaker and prolific writer, with a mark of distinction. He makes himself relevant everywhere he goes. He is mandated with a mission to positively impact in the lives of many in this generation. He has a global vision geared towards making positive impact in the lives of youths all over the world. Victor has held various leadership positions within and outside the church. He holds a degree in Business Management from the Prestigious University of Hertfordshire United Kingdom and a first degree in Political science from Madonna University Nigeria. He is currently the Director of Media and Publicity at Golden Pine Konsult Limited and married to Promise Nwaorgu
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
EmpoweredWoman Empowering women to empower nations If you have any comments on any of the articles featured in this magazine please send them to:
magazine@empoweredwoman.org.uk
www.empoweredwoman.org.uk Copyright Š2014 Empowered Woman, All rights reserved
WINTER 2015 WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN