Keep The Faith issue 117

S E K’ ND IC IN E U K A HN AZ TH AC I-ET MAG BL LT AN U M ISTI R CH

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

ISSUE 117

In the spotlight:

SHAUN BAILEY

LET’S PLAY DRESS UP! GOSPEL GIANTS IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS THE DEAL IS CLOSED WHAT’S NEXT?

KEEP THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS SHINING

MICA PARIS Gospel to Gospel

PASTOR DOUG WILLIAMS SURVIVING COVID-19

£4.95 where sold

Editor’s

NOTE

ISSUE 117

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shirley McGreal

SUB-EDITOR Jackie Raymond

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Becky Wybrow

ADVERTISING Diverse Media Group Limited advertising@diversemediagroup.co.uk T: 0203 868 0664

MARKETING Josie McFarlane

PUBLISHED BY Keep The Faith Ltd 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden London WC2H 9JQ keepthefaithteam @keepthefaithmag keepthefaithmagazine www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.keepthefaithdirectory.co.uk

THE PUBLISHER WOULD LIKE TO THANK: Dionne Gravesande, Gary Clayton, Marcia Dixon, Rev Stephen Brooks, Dr T Ayodele Ajayi, Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Ben Harrell, Juliet Fletcher, Tina Boyle-Whyte, Marnita Coleman, Sonia Moore, Kimshaw Aiken, Mikkie Mills, Jeanette Young, Shana Dawn Lewis, Rhoda Hardie, Tola Doll Fisher, Vanessa Grossett, Martins Agbonlahor, Linda Sage, Marlene Cato, Milton Allen, Darren Richards, Louise Holcroft, Gurjit Bains, Eva Simpson, Mary Bobroff, Teresa Edwards, Shaun Bailey our supporters and advertisers.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Welcome to our last issue for 2020… and what a year it has been!

Since February, the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant human suffering throughout lockdown: families separated for months, isolation, mental health issues, poverty, and sadly thousands of deaths, not forgetting the economic crisis, with businesses closing, and many people losing their jobs. But, as we come to the end of 2020, there is light at the end of the tunnel: a vaccine has been developed, and is due to be available from 1st December. That is encouraging!

And there has been more great news. Giants of UK Gospel, media and community were recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which was published during Black History Month and hailed as the most ethnically diverse list to date. Muyiwa, Marcia Dixon, John Fisher, Lurine Cato, Karen Gibson and myself - to name but a few - were awarded honours.

This issue is very people-focused. We have interviewed the ‘Queen of British Soul Music’ and actress, Mica Paris MBE (our cover girl); Shaun Bailey, Conservative London Mayoral Candidate; British actress Adjoa Andoh; Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, ecumenist, broadcaster, speaker and author, and one of the most influential Black pastors in the UK, Pastor Doug Williams, who was seriously ill with CV-19.

We keep the light of Christmas shining, and talk about growing in and through challenging times; what the Church and Christians can do about suicide prevention; living through loss; raising children in the faith, and we also ask whether young Blacks should be encouraged to join the police force. We even have mince pies and mulled wine in this issue, plus so much more…

As this year closes and we celebrate Christmas, we must hold on to our faith and hope. However you are able to spend this wonderful time of the year, my hope is that it will be full of love and peace. 2021 is going to be a great year!

Every blessing

Shirley McGreal MBE To discuss how Keep The Faith could work with you, request a media pack or book an advert, please contact Diverse Media Group.

Call 0203 868 0664 or email advertising@diversemediagroup.co.uk

CONTENTS ISSUE 117

08

26 14 18

NEWS 06 TV baker expands charity across UK to cope with soaring demand due to COVID-19

GOSPEL NEWS 07 New releases

By Akosua DF 08 Gospel giants celebrated in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 12 God is sending a message through music

By Ben Harrell

FEATURE 14 Mica’s journey from Gospel to Gospel

By Juliet Fletcher

INTERVIEW 26 Bishop Dr Joe Aldred

By Marcia Dixon MBE 28 Pastor Doug Williams

By Marcia Dixon MBE

COMMENT 30 Food for thought

By Marcia Dixon MBE 32 Growing in and through challenging times

By Rev Stephen Brooks 33 Suicide Prevention - What the Church and Christians can do

By Dr T. Ayodele Ajayi

LIFESTYLE

38 43 Taking charge of what goes onto your hair

By Verona White 44 Still standing - 100 lessons from an unsuccessful life

By Tola Doll Fisher 46 The deal is closed - what’s next?

By Vanessa Grossett

16 In the spotlight... Shaun Bailey

34 Living through loss

By Sonia Moore

47 Add a splash of colour to your white Christmas

By Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall

18 A conversation with Adjoa Andoh

By Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo

36 Should Black boys be encouraged to join the Police Force?

By Kimshaw Aiken

48 Shirley McGreal MBE: In praise of an achiever

By Martins Agbonlahor

20 ‘Tis the season to be jolly

By Tina Boyle-Whyte

37 Raising children in the faith

By Mikkie Mills

22 Unto us a Child is born: A family Christmas story

By Marnita Coleman

38 Let’s play dress up!

By Jeanette Young

50 All the King’s men

By Gary Clayton

40 Ready to rise with Jo Saxton

By Rhoda Hardie

51 A very special Christmas in Riyadh

By Linda Sage

23 Keep the light of Christmas shining

By Dionne Gravesande 24 A merry little Christmas

By Gary Clayton

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

41 ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go...’

By Shana Dawn Lewis 42 ‘Christians and Money (Vols 1 & 2)’ are possible bestsellers!

By Dr Femi Olowo and David Frederick

MISSION

52 “Rise up, Lazarus, rise!”

By Martins Agbonlahor 53 Mercy Ships announces Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship

06 NEWS

TV baker expands charity across UK to cope with soaring demand due to COVID-19 A TV baker and food judge, who went from living off £10 a week to running a £1million cake-making business and being honoured by the Queen, is rapidly expanding her charity, Jedidiah UK, across the country, following soaring levels of demand from people left in poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cynthia Stroud, who appeared in the BBC 2 series, The Sweet Makers, and is a TV food judge on the Food Network and Channel 4, is best known for her multi award-winning Pretty Gorgeous Cake Co. and recently launched Pretty Gorgeous Jam. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, it quickly became clear that there was hunger behind some of the front doors where Cynthia lives in Hertford. This prompted her to launch Jedidiah UK (which means ‘Beloved of the Lord’ in Hebrew), and it has rapidly expanded to help those most in need.

Initially working with neighbours to provide 100 food parcels to families in the local area, the charity is currently delivering around 25,000 meals each week, with new requests currently increasing by around 5,000 a week.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

The parcels are coordinated by a team of volunteers based in Hertfordshire, solely through schools, to preserve the families’ privacy and dignity. They are currently being delivered to Liverpool, Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, Hatfield, Stevenage, Welwyn, Luton and Harlow, with requests now starting to come in from schools in Manchester, Reading, Leeds and London.

Cynthia Stroud explains: “Jedidiah UK was set up with the core mission of ensuring that no one goes hungry. We started working with the YMCA, and planned to provide weekly cookery classes and meal-planning sessions, to help families cook quick, nutritious and delicious meals,also helping with confidence, motivation and health.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we wanted to help, and provided 100 food parcels to local families, which we thought would be a one-off, but the seriousness of the situation soon became clear and we knew we had to continue to help people.

“Following the increase in enquiries for support, we aim to increase our operations so we can work on a national basis. To achieve this, we are looking to work with some national brands to provide the staple items we need, including cereal, rice, pasta, tinned products, etc.”

The charity is a registered partner of FareShare, and the funding for this is the core challenge, as demand is outstripping funding which at present is provided by the founder, Cynthia Stroud, and by volunteer funds. But, continuing with her mantra of ‘Everything is possible’, Cynthia is determined to find ways to continue to expand the help available.

“If there are any food producers who are able to support the charity, or if any members of the public or businesses would like more information, please get in touch via the Jedidiah UK website at www.jedidiah.org.uk”

GOSPEL NEWS 07

NEW RELEASES

BY AKOSUA DF

Charles Dada - ‘Forever’ remix Charles Dada and CalledOut Music unite for a brand-new remix, ‘Forever’. Just a few months after the single’s original release on Charles’ Faceless EP, he joins forces with the Basingstoke native for a special revamp and reload. ‘Forever’ takes on a fresh sound, the perfect blend of Afropop and contemporary music, reminding people that regardless of what is going on right now, He remains God forever.

E2O featuring CalledOut Music - ‘Down & Out’ Fresh and vibrant new gospel duo, E2O, have teamed up with CalledOut Music to release the hot new track, ‘Down & Out’. Starting off as a trio, E20 first caught our attention on the hit show, The Voice UK. Their debut single was birthed during a season of hardship, where they saw God intervene and turn things around. The song is a gentle reminder that God is ever-present, therefore we are never ‘Down & Out’.

Juanita Francis - ‘Surrounded’ Three years on from the release of her chart-topping worship anthem, ‘Fall Afresh’, worship artist, Juanita Francis, is back with the highly anticipated ballad, ‘Surrounded’. Penned in 2018, during a season of deep personal despair, ‘Surrounded’ was birthed from a word given to Juanita by God from Exodus 13:21.

Hope was reborn, and faith stirred, as God carried her through her ‘wilderness experience’ just as He had done with the Israelites.

‘Surrounded’ sees Juanita take listeners on a dynamic vocal journey, seamlessly flowing

between her alto and mezzo soprano range.

The heart-stirring song starts off tender and breathy, with a gradual build-up to the climax, which reacquaints us with the full-voiced powerhouse minister that Juanita is known to be.

It then tapers off, with Juanita tenderly declaring her unwavering trust and confidence in God. Forever remix, Down & Out and Surrounded are available on all digital platforms

Marriage is Easy as ABC

by Ayo and Ope Davies

focuses on key strategies to help readers enjoy marriage.

“Marriage is easy if we can work hard at following the principles that make marriage work.”

The forward is written by Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, a renowned pastor, relationship counsellor and bestselling author of ‘A-Z of Marriage, 25 Wrong Reasons People Enter Relationships’ and its manual.

This book is an effortless guide on how anyone can have a happy marriage, despite the negative stereotypes, a rocky foundation or a cumbersome journey thus far.

“A Simple Guide to a Happy Marriage” It almost seems unbelievable, doesn’t it?! In a world where lasting relationships are as fickle as the wind, how is a happy marriage even possible?

Relationship coaches and content creators, Ayo and Ope Davies (or Ayope, as they are fondly called), demystify the age-old myth that marriage is hard. In this raw, empowering and inspiring book, Ayope use relatable experiences and practical insights to guide marriages. Using simple concepts to tackle seemingly tough marital issues, ‘Marriage is Easy as ABC’ successfully

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08 GOSPEL NEWS

Gospel giants celebrated in the Queen’s Birthday Honours

G

iants of UK Gospel, media and community were recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which was published during Black History Month and hailed as the most ethnically diverse list to date. 1,358 candidates were selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level, with 1,069 (72%) of the recipients being people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities, either in a voluntary or paid capacity. 740 women were recognised, representing 49% of the total number of recipients (1,495), and 13% of the successful candidates came from minority-ethnic backgrounds.

The list is normally published in June, but was postponed by PM Boris Johnson to ensure nominations included frontline well-deserving NHS workers, emergency service teams, volunteers and fundraisers, who had remained steadfast and dedicated during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

It’s truly an amazing and historic time for Black British Gospel, and we highlight a few of this year’s awardees:

KAREN GIBSON MBE

MUYIWA OLAREWAJU OBE Multi award-winning gospel singer, presenter and station director of Premier Gospel, Muyiwa Olarewaju, was awarded an OBE for his services to Music.

The vibrant performer is known to television audiences as a star of Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of the Year. He has been hugely instrumental in popularising the gospel music genre on a global scale, by mixing traditional gospel music with elements from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia with soul, r’n’b and pop.

In addition, he is host of the TV show, Turning Point, which has an estimated audience of 70 million globally.

With his group, Riversongz, Muyiwa has sold out the indigO2 London and the Eventim Apollo – the first UK gospel act to do so. He has played at the largest gospel music event in the world, The Experience, attracting a 500,000-strong audience, and is the first-ever international act to perform on America’s popular entertainment channel, BET. A delighted Muyiwa said: “I am honoured to be the first in my genre to receive such a wonderful recognition of my work and dedication over such a long period of time.”

Karen Gibson, founder and conductor of The Kingdom Choir and worship leader, receives an MBE for services to Music.

Described as ‘Britain’s Godmother of Gospel’ by both the Guardian and the BBC, Karen Gibson is recognised throughout the world as one of the best gospel music directors. The Kingdom Choir achieved international prominence when invited to perform ‘Stand by Me’ at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, seen by 1.9 billion people.

Since then, the Choir have performed concerts all over the world, including sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall and closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney. They regularly perform on television in the UK, US and Australia, and this year the Choir celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Karen presented Britain’s Easter and Christmas Stories on BBC One, and is currently presenting a series on Scala Radio celebrating the human voice.

Karen says: “Gospel music delivers a message of love, hope, joy, faith, courage and unity, and it has been the greatest honour in my life to see people the world over enjoy the inspiration of this genre. Over time, my work taught me that I wasn’t only teaching singing, but that I was also equipping people with tools for life, and so my ambition has always been to continue to do this with great intention.”

GOSPEL NEWS 09

SHIRLEY McGREAL MBE Shirley McGreal, founder and editor-in-chief of Keep The Faith magazine, has been awarded an MBE for services to Tackling Youth Violence, Knife Crime and Poverty.

Under her leadership, multi award-winning Keep The Faith has achieved national and international recognition as the UK’s Black and multi-ethnic Christian community magazine. Its editorial content has consistently shone the spotlight on the major issues of concern affecting the lives of Britain’s African and African-Caribbean population. It has raised the profile of hundreds of community champions and organisations, ensuring they receive due recognition for their activities and for the positive impact they have on their communities.

Shirley has worked in media for over 20 years, and her former role included serving as the former CEO of the Voice Newspaper Group.

She has held many board-level positions; has offered help and support to a number of cultural projects and initiatives, has worked with the Mayor of London’s Office, the Metropolitan Police, Street Pastors and Gangsline, and also with organisations, such as the YMCA, Social Enterprise Coalition, Synergy Network and the Ascension Trust.

Shirley said: “It’s an honour to be included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Publishing Keep The Faith is a labour of love to inform the wider world about the many achievements and concerns of Britain’s Black faith community. For my work and efforts to be recognised in this way is truly humbling.”

LURINE CATO MBE Lurine Cato, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Gospel’ and one of the UK’s leading gospel singers, received an MBE for services to Charity and Music.

Throughout Lurine Cato’s music career, she has championed numerous charities and causes, including: Diana Award, Gangsline, The Safety Box, The Children’s Society and Demelza Hospice Care of Children, to name but a few. During the COVID national lockdown this summer, Lurine brought to light the work of the Cavell Nurses’ Trust, by drawing together gospel artists from across the UK to sing Amazing Grace to raise funds for their charity.

She is mostly known for her collaboration with the NHS Blood & Transplant Service to encourage the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to give blood. As lead vocalist of the NHS B Positive Choir, Lurine Cato reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018. More importantly, many people across the UK signed up to the NHS to give blood as a result of Lurine’s and the choir’s appearance on BGT. The choir consequently went on to perform in Europe and the USA. Lurine said: “It’s not about how many views, streams or followers you have, but it’s about expressing God’s love and unity. It’s truly an honour to be a recipient of an award of this magnitude.”

Marcia Dixon has been awarded an MBE for services to Inter Faith Relations.

She is one of the longest serving writers at The Voice newspaper, former editor of Keep The Faith magazine, and is one of the UK’s most recognised Black gospel journalists.

Marcia has put on concerts featuring international artists like the Winans; organised gospel music awards; was Project Manager and served as a judge on GMTV’s Gospel Challenge.

She is also the founder of Marcia Dixon Public Relations, a PR company providing services for churches, charities, gospel artists and businesses within the Black Christian community. Her clients include NHS, Sony Music, Street Pastors, the Wise Women Awards, Tearfund, Christian Aid and the Pentecostal Credit Union.

In 2015, Marcia launched the DTS Women’s Ministry Breakfast an event that brings together women involved in ministry, to network, start, grow and build organisations that will have major impact.

In 2019, she launched the DTS Women’s Ministry Conference.

She said: “When I started out as a reporter on The Voice newspaper in 1988, I didn’t envisage at all that I would be honoured in this way. I was just a young woman, doing work that I loved, and work that I felt I was called to do. To be recognised in this way is truly humbling, and I’m grateful to God for enabling me to do the work that I do.”

MARCIA DIXON MBE

10 GOSPEL NEWS

JOHN FISHER BEM John Fisher, founder of We Sing U Sing, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) Award for his services to Education.

John has been creating music for over 25 years, and has been a songwriter, music producer, radio DJ, TV presenter, vocal arranger, music director, mentor, youth leader and vocal tutor during his long and fruitful career.

He has worked with many established names in the gospel and music arena, such as The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), Chaka Khan, Noel Robinson, Mica Paris, Deniece Williams, Ruby Turner, Candi Staton, Alexander O’Neal, Gabrielle, Michelle Gayle, Cece Winans, David Carrick (Genesis) and Manu D’bango, to name but a few.

John has led the IDMC gospel soul choir since 1995 and, through this, We Sing U Sing was birthed, combining both to bring a message of love, joy, peace and hope through his music. Croydon-based John and We Sing U Sing have seen over 15,000 kids pass through its many programmes.

John says: “I am truly humbled with this award. It has been a total joy leading the team at We Sing U Sing, and I’ve enjoyed the 1000s of workshops I’ve been able to lead with our awesome teachers. I really want to thank all the schools, head teachers and staff who have allowed me in, and trusted me without question to do what I do and, of course, the awesome children who have sung with joy and a beautiful smile on their faces.

This award is for all of us together.”

Other community members, who received honours, were: • Paulette Simpson, Deputy Chair of the Windrush Advisory Panel and the Windrush Commemoration Committee, was made CBE for services to the Caribbean Community in the UK • Trinidadian cultural and political activist, Ansel Wong, was made CBE • Actor Adrian Lester was made CBE for services to Drama • Yvonne Conolly, Britain’s first Black head teacher, was awarded a CBE for her exceptional services to Education • Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading was made CBE for services to Music, Charity and Equal Rights • Author Bernardine Evaristo has been made an OBE • Felicia Margaret Kwaku, Associate Director of Nursing, King’s College NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded an OBE for services to Nursing during COVID-19 • Dawn Walton was made OBE for her services to Theatre • Ndidi Okezie, Chief Executive of UK Youth, was awarded an OBE for services to Young People during the COVID-19 response • Kunle Olulode, Director of Voice4Change England, was awarded an OBE • Leahman Filmore Pratt, Christian Chaplain at HMP Exeter, has been awarded an MBE for services to HM Prison and Probation Service during COVID-19 • Derrick Evans, aka Mr Motivator, has been awarded an MBE for services to Health and Fitness • Yvonne Lawson, founder and chief executive of the young people’s development charity, the Godwin Lawson Foundation, was awarded an MBE for services to Tackling Knife and Gang Crime in London • Footballer Marcus Rashford has been given an MBE for services to Vulnerable Children during COVID-19, with his campaigning work on free school meals • Maxie Hayles, Human Rights Campaigner, was awarded an MBE for services to the Community in Birmingham • Dylan Mills, aka rapper Dizzee Rascal, was awarded an MBE for services to Music • Carrie Grant was awarded an MBE for services to Music, Media and Charity • The soap star and singer, Mica Paris, was awarded an MBE for services to Music • Melesha O’Garro, aka rapper and singer Lady Leshurr, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Music and Charity, after releasing a coronavirus-inspired song telling people to wash their hands • Winsome Thomas, Matron for Quality and BAME Nurses and Midwives Network Chair, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, was awarded a BEM for services to Nursing during COVID-19

Adrian Lester

Joan Armatrading

Marcus Rashford

We congratulate all awardees for their exceptional and outstanding service to the UK, which has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020. To view the full list, visit https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/birthday-honourslist-2020-cabinet-office Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

I

n 1950’/60s USA, a band of secular writers, artists and poets emerged with a zest for life, and a dissatisfaction with the ‘status quo’.

The so-called ‘Beat Generation’, through Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the road’, Alan Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’, and others, captured the cry of a generation. Their influence spread across music, arts & culture – from Dylan to Cobain, Billie Holiday to the BEATles, calling out for a different way.

Looking back now, we might critique it from a moral/religious/philosophical perspective, but whether we ‘like’ or approve of it would be to miss the point that the ‘Beat Generation’ tapped into a longing, a ‘human ache’ of their times. And right now, around the world, isn’t there a longing inside for something more, a better way to be human? Maybe it is time for a ‘New Beat Generation’ of holy seekers to rise up, where the ‘beats’ are the NINE BEATS of the beatitudes.

These words, spoken by Jesus, offer a nine-statement manifesto for a new world order, a radical alternative to the broken systems we’ve created. In them we hear the whispers of another world. ‘Blessed are the poor, those

who mourn, the meek…”, and so on (see Matthew ch5 in the Bible) speak to us as a welcome not a weapon; tender not toxic, inviting not divisive – no less than a call for a tribe of people to live life ‘nine beats to the bar’.

NINE BEATS Collective - an international group of troubadours, poets, rebels, provocateurs, sages & activists - aims to inspire people to do just that! “What if there really is a call for a counter-cultural move for the world? I really believe the beatitudes are that,” says Eric Wilson; “this message is so profound, so impactful, that it can tap into whoever you are, wherever you are.”

As well as a double album, there’s a range of ‘Ninefold Path’ resources/online conversations that invite, individuals, groups, churches, faith communities to explore the wisdom of the beatitudes – and to put it in to practice. Join the New Beat Generation and take a step on the way of the beatitudes, the way of the nine beats – the Way of Jesus. www.ninefoldpath.org

Ninefold Path in Australia (photo Dan Hardie)

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Explore the life-giving invitation of the beatitudes with great resources and online ‘labs’: nine beats that can revolutionise our lives, our churches, our

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12 GOSPEL NEWS

GOD IS SENDING A MESSAGE THROUGH MUSIC

BY B E N H A R R E L L , G LO B A L M U S I C L I N K E D I T O R I A L T E A M

If 2020 were a movie, you could call it ‘Chaos’. A pandemic runs rampant throughout the world, with a potential resurgence over the next couple of months. Crime in London has risen five times higher than the rest of the country, compared to last year. It seems that civil unrest is occurring as frequently as the rising of the sun.

But God is still God, and He is sending a message through music. He is reminding us to walk by faith and not by sight.

Keep The Faith takes a look at the music that is helping to keep us focused during these tumultuous times.

A British-born woman of Nigerian descent made her presence known in the music industry in 2015. Her faith-filled music provided us with the discernment to stay the course, no matter how severe the storm. From eviction to invincible, Sarah Téibo continues to challenge us to remember who our Saviour is.

Her single, ‘Spirit Come’, quietens our fears by calling out to the Father.

This powerful message is a timely reminder why we can get through anything with God. Find out more at sarahteibo.co.uk.

A German-born United States Military veteran travelled the world to fight for his country. God showed Marcus Rogers his calling, and now he fights to share God’s love with mankind. Marcus’ single, ‘COVID-19’, refuses to let listeners live in fear. Marcus has a feeling that everything is going to be all right, and his message is clear: faith is greater than fear. Find out more at marcusrogersministries.org.

You can dance in the midst of your tribulation. Drug-dealer-turned-hopedealer, LIVE, sends an anthem by way of the States. ‘One Way’ is a song that sends praises to God. LIVE reminds us to stand bold in His presence with no fear. Find out more at instagram.com/officiallivesp.

This young man is considered one of the leaders of the new school of gospel. Despite his accomplishments, he walks with a presence of humility. In fact, he recognises that the worldwide quarantines at the hand of COVID-19 should humble us all. Jonathan McReynolds understands that we do not have control, so we should give this situation over to the One who does. His single, ‘Best Thing’, assures us that we are not alone in this fight - or any fight. Find out more at jonathanmcreynolds.com.

A similar message is repeated by UK native and Nigerian-born Samuel ‘CalledOut Music’ Nwachukwu. His song, ‘Other Side’, tells us that we will make it. CalledOut Music knows that we will have rainy days and trouble will come.

He also knows that we must put our trust in God – the One who knows it all – and just keep believing. Find out more at calledout-music.com.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

GOSPEL NEWS 13

Love France – Love Mission – Love Church?

What does France mean to you? A great holiday destination with stunning scenery and warm weather? Chic café culture in historic cities? Delicious food and drink?

France is all these things and more… But do you ever think of it as a mission field?

Perhaps you think of France as “a Catholic country”… But it’s been a secular republic for well over a century. Islam has eight times more followers than evangelical Christianity in France. And, according to a recent survey, 58% of French people define themselves as having “no religion”!

We thank God that the number of evangelicals in France has increased 13-fold since the 1950s, with many new believers coming from BAME communities. Imagine if we’d seen that kind of growth in UK churches! But evangelicals in France still represent less than 1% of the population. So French evangelicals have an ambitious church-planting dream: they want to see a church for every 10,000 people in France – which means planting a further 4,000!

Our French brothers and sisters are working hard: a new evangelical church is planted somewhere in France every 10 days.

That’s wonderful – but, at this rate, it will take well over a century to plant 4,000! As Jesus said: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

That’s where France Mission can help. We’ve been supporting evangelical Christians in France for nearly 50 years and have seen the Lord do some amazing things over this period.

Our vision is to see increasing numbers of people in France encountering God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and to make it easier for them to find a local evangelical church. With so few churches, believers often travel long distances to worship.

France Mission provides regular updates to help you pray for this vital mission field. We enable you to sow into the work financially to be part of building God’s Kingdom in this strategically significant country. And we offer you opportunities to go and provide hands-on help.

If you have a heart for France, then we’d love to partner with you in France Mission. Please connect with us online at francemission.org or fill in the response form below and post it back to us. Thank you!

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When was the last time you gave Jesus praise? Despite the situations we find ourselves in, we are able to get through them, in Jesus’ Name. Chandler Moore took the time to tell Jesus how wonderful He is in the song, ‘Worthy’. Not only is he challenging you to praise, he is reminding you of God’s call for us to pray. What do you need to pray for today?

22/10/2020 11:58

It seems like the news only has negative things to report. Have you forgotten how to trust God? Antoine Bradford from Southern California has penned a song entitled, ‘Trust In You’, that will remind you how. Antoine sings that Jesus loves us and that He will never leave His sheep. Nights will get dark and your vision may get blurry, but trust that He will always be there.

Find out more at instagram.com/ antoinebmusic.

God will never break a promise. When things get difficult, turn to Him. There will be a new challenge. There will be a new obstacle.

Pandemics will come. Storms will bring grey skies. Trials will test your resolve, but allow each one of these songs - and many others - to help you reach the finishing line.

God is sending us a message through music. He wants us to believe in Him. He wants us to fight. Fight through prayer. Walk by faith. Respond in love. Stand bold.

Forgive. Persevere. Allow the way you praise and worship to bring glory to His Name, and bring light into the darkness.

Ben is the founder of Ambitions of a Writer, and the creator of Billboard and Bookings 101. Find out more at BenjHarrell.com.

14 FEATURE

MICA’S JOURNEY FROM GOSPEL TO GOSPEL

BY JULIET FLETCHER

M

ica Paris is immediately recognisable to most of us.

Her dark sultry looks, with eyes that draw you in and are, at the same time, like pools of still waters through which you can see a soul’s reflection. Add to that a genuine, full sunshine smile, and a rich depth and openness to her voice that signal her golden vocal resonating tone, it isn’t surprising that for the past thirty plus years Mica has been the lead Queen of British Soul Music.

Well, my lyrical description, inspired by the cover of her new album, entitled Gospel, seemed to be inviting, yet hinted at revealing a mystery.

Therefore, when the opportunity came for me to interview Mica, it was my hope I could get to understand why this super singer had left the gospel scene, left the church and, seemingly, left God. Where did she stand in releasing this, her first album in ten years?

Of course, due to COVID-19, the interview was conducted via the chosen method of Zoom.

It had been some 23 years since we had previously talked at length, but immediately it was as if we had only missed a week!

Confirming her church roots, Mica described her early days, living with her grandparents.

“I was born in Islington of Jamaican parentage, one of six, in North London.

By arrangement between my parents and my grandparents, around the age of nine my sisters (Dawn, Paula) and I moved to live with my grandparents, while my three brothers (Jason, Rashard and Che) stayed at home.

My grandparents, Mr and Mrs James and Gwendoline Armstrong, lived in a big five-bedroom house with their eight children.

“Pastor and Mother Armstrong were leaders of the Brockley New Testament Church Of God (NTCG), which was connected to Lee NTCG as the Mother church. They were the foundation of my life, and we were the first family of the church.

Y’know, we had to be ‘perfect’. Everything centred around going to church services, prayer meetings, choir practice, Bible study… In those days, New T was hardcore – seven days a week - not like now (lol). My friends would be out playing, but I knew nothing else. It wasn’t like I was depressed about it. It was cool; it wasn’t boring to me. I loved it. I appreciated it.

We had a big home, a big garden. We grew up with my aunts and uncles, and my grandmother was always cooking (which I now love to do, but I’m no way as good), and people would come from miles for her fried fish. Our home was like a real major train station stop - a lot of church, a lot of prayer, a lot of music and a lot of food.

Always busy.”

During the best part of seven years of living with her grandparents, Mica’s destined path was set: the carving out of a firm foundation,

connected to something deep within her soul.

“It was my grandmother who ‘discovered’ my voice, when I would run around the house singing ‘Rupert The Bear’. Also significantly, my auntie Colleen Armstrong (Grandma’s youngest daughter) brought over LP imports from the States that included Andraé Crouch and my particular obsession, The Hawkins Family. The first song I learnt was ‘God Will Open Doors’. Soon I became popular and even famed among the church. I really worked hard, especially after I won the national singing competition at the age of eleven, singing ‘He’s That Kind Of Friend’ during a New T Wembley

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Convention. I learned every ad lib and vocal nuance. When I held those long notes, and people just danced in the Spirit… Oh! I just loved that. On a personal level, around the age of thirteen, I began to feel a spiritual connection to God – a real high while I sang. It began to be a real ‘out-of-body experience’ for me, and to this day it is still so. I sensed that connection between me and the congregation, the audience and their response. It was thrilling.

I was growing in confidence. My sisters and I formed a group called The Harmony Sisters.

And then I joined The Spirit Of Watts, the vocal group from which I launched into my solo career.”

The Spirit Of Watts - original members Barrington Desouza, Verna Wilkes, Leroy Barrett-Ashley, Errord Jarrett and Mica - was formed and managed by music author and entrepreneur, Viv Broughton.

“I loved everything I was doing, but many tensions arose around my singing. Most significantly was the view that the gospel singing of groups like LCGC was too ‘worldly’, but I thought it was fantastic. It was heavily frowned upon in New T at the time. There were so many great concerts then, with singers like Lavine Hudson, Patricia Knight and

The Wades. My sight was now set on wanting a real career in music.

“When Viv Broughton visited my local church and met my grandparents, they took to him straightaway. He told them I was uniquely talented and had a real gift. Contrary to popular belief, it was I who persuaded Viv to get me a record deal.

For me. Viv was not willing. He wanted me to sing gospel, but by now I really wanted to get out and break free of church. I ran for my life. I didn’t want to have anything more to do with church. However, against his better preference for me, Viv got me that record deal. Just to say, Viv Broughton has done a lot for gospel music, and there has been a total lack of recognition for his incredible contribution to pushing and contributing to its growth. He’s a great guy!”

Mica’s entry into the world of popular music happened at a key time - both socially and culturally - for Black Britain.

“I had moved to live with my sister in the Brixton area. It was a troubled time. My brother was beaten up by police for no reason, but thankfully he and all my family never became twisted or bitter. They excelled, with PhDs and Masters. When I got my record deal, one of the first things I did was to take the TV crew making a documentary to follow me down to my old school in Lewisham, to the teacher who had told me I couldn’t be anything like a Diana Ross. For me, when I’m told I can’t, it’s not a demotivation

but fuel for my rocket. I was a precocious teenager at seventeen, I wanted to be and do it all! Now signed to one of the biggest Black music labels - Chris Blackwell’s Island Records on the same books with Bono and Grace Jones, and my first album went platinum straightaway!

“I love the story of the Prodigal Son. This so speaks of my life. Can you imagine the amount of stories the Prodigal had to share about his return to his father? The son that went all over the place, then went a bit nutty, but the father received him back and respected him. I’m all about that journey.

“I love the moral fibre of the Christian faith.

It’s a personal relationship that I Iove. I’m a big-time believer. I could not be standing here without my faith. I follow JESUS as opposed to religious dogma.

“Gospel music I deeply love. I am deeply committed to it. Recording this album has been a watershed moment in my life. My life over the last 32 years has been one of triumphs and challenges. Going back to my gospel roots has given me hope and faith at a time we all need it, and I hope others will feel the same. Last year I was so inspired to see artists like Stormzy make gospel music current again.

“My recent documentary for the BBC, ‘The Gospel According to Mica’, was a game changer for me. I realised my voice had matured, and the pain of my struggles had added a new strength. Today we all face challenges like we’ve never had before, and faith in the future will help us all through this, so I hope my album will inspire people to have hope. As my grandmother always told me: ‘Don’t worry, prayer changes everything’ - and she was right.

“The first single to be released, ‘Mamma Said’, is inspired by my grandmother. My grandparents taught me the meaning of life.

They were of the Windrush Generation, who encompassed what hard work was. My grandmother was really my first agent. She took me to sing in every church in the UK from the age of nine, and soon I was winning singing competitions. This led me to make soul music and achieve worldwide success. In these uncertain times, it’s the power of music that will get us through. Some of the best songs in life have brought me through the toughest periods of isolation.”

Mica sang ‘Amazing Grace’ during this year’s Festival of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, and will be presenting a gospel show on Christmas Day on BBC Radio 2 from 6pm to 8pm.

Her new album, Gospel, is on sale now on Amazon and other online retailers. For more information, visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MicaParis/.

You can also follow her on social media: twitter.com/MicaParisSoul youtube.com/MicaParisOfficial instagram.com/mica_paris_soul vimeo.com/micaparissoul www.keepthefaith.co.uk

16 FEATURE

in the spotlight...

SHAUN BAILEY P

eople often ask how I ended up in politics, and I can see why. It’s an honour to be in my position - and a privilege to represent Londoners - but I didn’t get here by the normal route. I didn’t go to Eton or Oxbridge and I’ve never been a press officer or a highly paid consultant. I’m a working-class Black boy from West London, who was raised by a single mum and grew up to be a youth worker. It’s not the background of a typical politician.

But, for better or worse, I’m not a typical politician. While my background didn’t provide an obvious route into politics, it continues to provide a sense of perspective. After all, I’m not in politics because I was born wanting the job, or because a family friend secured an internship for me. I’m in politics because of the lessons I learned from my family, my faith and my city.

It all started with my Jamaican grandparents.

My grandad fought for Britain in the Second World War. Soon after that, my grandmother moved the family to Britain. It’s a familiar story to countless Black people in the UK, and it’s one I’m very proud of. My grandad fought for

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

the ideals of this country - for fairness, equality and justice - and my grandmother moved here to give her children a better life. These actions shaped my view of Britain and what it means to serve this country.

But it’s also true that the place you grow up in shapes the kind of person you become.

At least that was true for me. When I look back on my childhood, all those years in a council house in Ladbroke Grove, I can see that the very best and very worst of London were right on my doorstep - and I can see the influence they had.

At the time, Ladbroke Grove was a working-class community with a wide racial mix. Between Moroccans and Poles, Irish and Nigerians, we looked like a Dulux colour palette of races, but there was very little racial tension.

We were a community, friendly with neighbours, helpful to those in need. These were some of the best aspects of London: multiracial, inclusive and welcoming.

But life changed as I got older. I don’t know really know why - maybe I just started to notice the other side of things. Whatever it was, crime and drugs became real problems. Gangs formed and started feuding. Houses were

broken into. Cars were stolen. Friends got caught up in dealing.

This was the worst of London. Kids who couldn’t see a way up or a way out. Parents struggling to make ends meet. An area that was being left behind, forced to deal with problems by itself. Physically, we were only two and a half miles from Kensington, but our realities were separated by much more than distance. At least twelve of my immediate peer group ended up in prison. I’m pretty sure those kids would never have turned to crime if they’d grown up two miles away. Same road, different world.

It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten. I look back now with gratitude for how blessed I was.

I had a mum who wouldn’t let me hang around, signing me up for gymnastics and the Army Cadets. I had aunties who always looked out for me, no matter what. And I had a family who insisted I to go to church, bringing me up in the faith of my grandparents.

I know it’s risky to talk about religion. There are ten commandments in the Bible, but there’s only one commandment in British politics: don’t talk about your religion. This rule is so well-established that when Tony Blair tried to

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“

Faith has always been part of my life, and while I completely understand that it’s not for everyone, it has guided me through tough times and kept me on the right road.

“

talk about his faith, an advisor interrupted with the most famous political statement ever made on the subject: “We don’t do God.” That makes no sense to me. Faith has always been part of my life, and while I completely understand that it’s not for everyone, it has guided me through tough times and kept me on the right road. I’m certain the lessons I learned from the Bible influenced many of the decisions I made in life.

The parable of the Good Samaritan, in particular, has stuck with me. A traveller, robbed and beaten, was left dying at the side of the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. A priest passed by, a Levite passed by; both chose to walk on the other side of the road, ignoring the traveller. But the third person to pass by, a Samaritan, crossed the road, took the wounded man to an inn and helped him recover.

This is usually taught as a lesson in compassion - and there’s nothing wrong with that. But one of my heroes, Dr Martin Luther King, believed that the parable is about more than compassion. Dr King believed that it was also a parable about facing our fears and asking ourselves tough questions. The priest

and the Levite asked: “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” The Samaritan asked: “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

So, when I became a youth worker, I wasn’t just thinking about the country my grandad fought for. I wasn’t just thinking about the kids born without mums like mine. I wasn’t just thinking about the friends who ended up in prison. I was thinking about the parable of the Good Samaritan. I wanted to make sure I was walking on the right side of the road.

And I spent over twenty years trying to do just that. Youth work is not a job for the faint of heart. You have to be prepared for setbacks, failures, broken promises, a whole range of disappointments. But if you stick with it, you can help people get out of crime and turn their lives around. As I worked with young people in difficult situations, I started to discover why they were falling through the gaps; and I knew there was more I needed to do.

That’s why I went to work as an adviser to the government, helping to deliver the National Citizen Service, which is the largest youth programme in British history. And it’s why I decided to stand for the London Assembly.

Over the last four years, it’s been my job to hold the Mayor of London to account - and I’ve seen first-hand how politicians have failed ordinary Londoners.

Knife crime has reached historic highs.

Good homes are unaffordable. Transport is overcrowded. The cost of living keeps rising.

And Sadiq Khan doesn’t have any solutions.

This might have been okay in normal times.

We might have been able to muddle on, ignoring rising crime and falling investment. But we don’t live in normal times. Coronavirus has exposed the deep problems that London faces - problems we can no longer ignore.

During this pandemic, we’ve seen attacks on police. We’ve seen emergency services struggling to get round London’s transport

network. We’ve seen people lose jobs and businesses. But we’ve seen no action from Sadiq Khan.

That’s why I’m standing for Mayor of London.

Because whatever the ‘new normal’ looks like, one thing’s for certain: the old normal won’t cut it. Good enough is no longer good enough. We need a safer, fairer and more affordable city.

So, here’s what that means to me: It means hiring 8,000 more police to make our streets safer. Because, as we recover from the pandemic, safe streets aren’t a luxury - they’re a necessity.

It means working with the Met to improve relations between officers and the communities they serve. It’s our job to rebuild trust between Londoners and police. It means cutting waste at Transport for London to make our transport network more reliable, because now more than ever, we need to get London moving again.

And it means working with developers and local authorities to get them building affordable homes, because we need to be a city for families and workers, not just a city for tourists.

None of this will be easy. If it were, Sadiq Khan would’ve done it. But that’s why it’s more urgent than ever. Londoners deserve a city where they feel safe. A city they can afford to live in. A city where opportunity is open to all.

A city with a shorter distance between Ladbroke Grove and Kensington.

And I know we can achieve it together.

That’s why I’m asking Keep the Faith readers for their support. I can’t guarantee that I’ll always be the slickest politician, the kind with an expensive PR operation and scripted answers for everything. But I can guarantee that I’ll always deliver what I promise, and that I’ll work every single day to deliver for you.

Because that’s what my family, my faith and my city have taught me to do.

For more information and to get involved, visit https://shaunbailey.uk/get-involved/ www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 FEATURE

A conversation with...

Adjoa Andoh

BY AKOSUA DWOMO-FOKUO

The hotly anticipated Netflix blockbuster, Bridgerton, is due to hit our screens in December 2020.

British actress, Adjoa Andoh, plays the role of the acerbic and formidable Lady Danbury, the dowager who runs the town. Akosua DF caught up with Adjoa to talk about her life, faith and career.

Akosua DF: For the benefit of any of our readers who may not know you, please would you tell us a bit about yourself?

Adjoa Andoh (AA): I am one of two siblings.

I am married and have three kids. I grew up in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, and before that we lived in Leeds. I was supposed to be a lawyer because I am a “good Ghanaian daughter” [switches to Ghanaian accent].

ADF: I was going to get to that!

AA: I always wanted to be an actress. I was the kid, who made other parents pay money to come sit and watch hours of dramas performed by their children. I was a bright kid; I wasn’t very sporty, but I was intellectual. I moved to Bristol to get my law degree, and joined a Black women’s group. That was the first time I heard of Black women authors – it Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

was fantastic. In the group, I met an American woman called Deborah, who would later be instrumental in getting me started in acting.

When I packed in my law degree, I did two things: the first was to go and see my head of department, to inform him that I was leaving because I wanted to be an actor. I told him I was interested in the law as far as it protected people, but not as far as you could use it to write people off or tie them into horrible contracts.

The second thing was, I went to Deborah’s acting classes and that was wonderful. She received funding by Ken Livingstone in 1984 to do one of her shows, and she invited me to London to audition. She had to teach me how to audition, as I was a novice. I auditioned, got the job, left Bristol, moved to London, and never went back.

ADF: Being a Ghanaian myself, I recognise what a bold move that was for you. Back then, every Ghanaian parent desired their child to be a doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, engineer or accountant. Arts, entertainment and sports were deemed as ‘hobbies’ and not lucrative careers. I am certain your parents are extremely proud of your accomplishments now, though. You are a fierce campaigner for social and racial justice. What role do you think the Church should play in aiding reconciliation?

AA: I would say the whole point of faith is about bringing the Kingdom now - ‘Thy kingdom come’ - so for me, I feel justice and reconciliation are what we should be aiming for, and we need to find ways in which to make that happen effectively. Sometimes that might be to overturn the tables in the temple, and other times you have to hang out with the tax collector. There is no love or peace without justice. I couldn’t be involved with a faith that didn’t take that on.

ADF: I agree. Amos 5:24 does admonish us to ‘Let justice roll down like waters’.

Let’s move on to your current project that’s

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due to come out at the end of this year on Netflix. How did you land the role, and what drew you to it?

AA: Well, I guess I landed the role, like you do.

I went up for it; I learnt my words, and they liked it. It was a funny one, because I was filming ‘Silent Witness’ at the time. This is what always happens: you’re doing one job, and then you’re asked if you can go and audition for something else. We were filming a plane crash, and were on location, with debris everywhere. It was a really complicated set-up, and there was no way I couldn’t be there that day. My character had to be there; they were not going to recreate the set just for my character.

There was, however, a lovely director who put all my scenes to the top of the day. We shot all my stuff, and somebody drove me to central London for my audition. The casting director kindly waited till the end of the day to enable me to audition.

The reason I like the part is because of my character, Lady Danbury. She runs the social world. She is a friend of the Queen; she’s of high standing, and is probably in the best position a woman in that era could be. She’s widowed, so there’s no husband telling her what to do, plus she’s got a ton of cash and is very high up in society. I had great fun with Lady Danbury; she’s stylish, she has a top hat and fabulous clothes. She can sniff out anyone who is a bully

or arrogant, and she can sniff out smart young girls who need encouragement. She is great fun to play. But there is also a tenderness to her, and a sadness about her past, and we get to see some of that.

The least rewarding bit of playing Lady Danbury, for me, was probably spending hours in wigs. Getting the wig caps, pins and all sorts in place wasn’t the most exciting. Apart from that, it’s been a real treat to play her. You don’t normally see people who look like me in historical costumes and drama, but the show is a co-production between Netflix and Shondaland (Shonda Rhimes). The series, Bridgerton, is based on a number of novels by Julia Quinn, which are all about the Bridgerton family. I hope it will be a real page-turner, in terms of TV dramas.

ADF: Oooh, now you’ve made me even more eager to watch the series in December. OK, I always love to throw in a fun question during my interviews, so here goes: Which artists are currently on rotation in your playlist?

AA: I don’t have a playlist, because I am from the cassette generation, but I do know what I’ve been listening to recently: Mary McCabe’s first album. I’ve also been listening to Snarky Puppy - they are a band of amazing jazz musicians. Their keyboard player (from the

era when they first started, which is the era I really liked) is Cory Henry. He was the keyboard player from the Brooklyn Tabernacle. When I was working in Brooklyn (touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company for African Julius Caesar) I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle because of the music. Another guy I am currently listening to is Lewis Taylor; he is a North London White boy, who sounds like Marvin Gaye. He was around in the 90s; his stuff is soulful, crazy and fantastic. I’ve been listening to them a lot, partly because I am directing now, and want to use their music in my show.

ADF: So what’s next for Adjoa Andoh?

AA: I am about to direct two shows - a series of monologues that are going to be filmed in a theatre and then put online. They are based on Greek heroines. Fifteen female writers have taken 15 Greek heroines and written monologues for 15 actresses, and I am directing six of them.

I am also pitching for two movies: one that I am writing the screenplay for and producing, and the other that I will be producing. They are both about extraordinary Black women.

ADF: Many thanks for taking time out to chat with me. The Keep The Faith family wish you great success with Bridgerton and with your future endeavours.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

20 FEATURE

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

BY TINA BOYLE-WHYTE Global Music Link Editorial Team

“‘Tis the season to be jolly…” Is this your testimony? Indeed, this year has truly been an experience. For me, this year has been a year of CLARITY, FAITH and REST. We remained steadfast in FAITH despite all that the year has presented.

My husband survived COVID-19 and a pneumonia diagnosis. I must admit that if I had stopped and thought about it, I would have become scared and reacted. The Bible reminds us, in James 5:16, that ‘the prayers of the righteous avail much’. We have prayed for times like these, and it has made much available to us. Are you praying this season or worrying?

My heart is overwhelmed with JOY with what God has in store for you. He has JOY, PEACE and REST for you. Paul describes his state of contentment below. I believe God wants you to get the revelation of REST, just like Paul shared with the churches. I like The Message translation of Paul’s contentment: Content - Whatever the Circumstances (The Message) James 5:10-14 - “I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess - happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me.

Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it.

Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me - it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”

Paul helped us to see that we needed to be content with whatever circumstances we are confronted with. I truly believe that when we REST in God, He will help us through anything.

I want to encourage you to stay in PEACE and REST during the holiday season. Resist the temptation to get in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Take this season to find some meaningful ways to connect with the people you really love, and the people that God wants to show love through you. Enjoy safe and socially distanced fellowship, conversation, laughter and memories. Those will truly exceed the potential stress of the holidays.

doesn’t have hope. Remember to count it all joy when you find yourself working through the circumstances in life. God has chosen you to be a vessel for the world. PRAISE GOD! As the New Year 2021 approaches, commit to Matthew 6:33. Make your confession to minimise FEAR and walk in FAITH. God’s Promise When We Seek Him First Matthew 6:30-34 (MSG) - “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works, fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

We have hope in God! FAITH IT OUT in 2021.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As we close out this year, I implore you to CHOOSE to REST. As we are ambassadors for Christ on the earth, we must remember that we are the light and the salt of the earth. You are the message of hope for someone who

I invite you to consider me as your Bridge coach over your journey. If you want to hear and learn more, please find me at https://www.wytv7.org/ the-bridge. Learn about yourself today, consider coaching, CRACK YOUR CODE at https://bp. crackmycode.com/thebridge, and receive your free gift and a complimentary 15-minute Zoom coaching session.

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22 FEATURE

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN:

A family Christmas story

BY MARNITA COLEMAN GLOBAL MUSIC LINK EDITORIAL TEAM

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house our voices were raised in singing and praise. Dad sat down and Mum gave him the book. We all cuddled closer with a curious look. Hot chocolate was brewing in the kitchen nearby, when Grandma shouted: “Don’t start without I.” Dad paused with a smile on his face; she moved a bit slow, but got to her space.

‘He whispered a prayer, turned in the book to the angelic prophecy of Jesus’ birth.

The story is found in Luke 1:26. He opened his mouth and stated it like this: ‘During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent from God’s presence to an unmarried girl named Mary, living in Nazareth, a village in Galilee.

She was engaged to a man named Joseph, a true descendant of King David.

‘Gabriel appeared to her and said: “Grace to you, young woman, for the Lord is with you

and so you are anointed with great favour.”

‘Mary was deeply troubled over the words of the angel, and bewildered over what this may mean for her. But the angel reassured her, saying: “Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you, and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. ‘“You will become pregnant with a Baby Boy, and you are to name Him Jesus. He will be supreme and will be known as the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will enthrone Him as King on His ancestor David’s throne. He will reign as King of Israel forever, and His reign will have no limit.”

‘Mary said: “But how could this happen? I am still a virgin!” Gabriel answered: “The Spirit of Holiness will fall upon you, and Almighty God will spread His shadow of power over you in a cloud of glory! This is why the Child born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your aged aunt, Elizabeth, has also become pregnant with a son. The ‘barren one’ is now in her sixth month. Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!” ‘Then Mary responded, saying: “This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord! As His servant, I accept whatever He has for me. May

everything you have told me come to pass.”

And the angel left her.

‘Afterward, Mary arose and hurried off to the hill country of Judea, to the village where Elizabeth lived. Mary entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the moment she heard Mary’s voice, the baby within Elizabeth’s womb jumped and kicked. And suddenly, Elizabeth was filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!

With a loud voice she prophesied with power: ‘“Mary! You are a woman given the highest favour and privilege above all others.

For your Child is destined to bring God great delight. How did I deserve such a remarkable honour to have the mother of my Lord come and visit me? The moment you came in the door and greeted me, my baby danced inside me with ecstatic joy! Great favour is upon you, for you have believed every word spoken to you from the Lord.”’

Suddenly, Dad closed the book and said: “That’s enough for now, time to go to bed.”

We need not read of Him in a manger for He is risen and lives in our hearts.

The Lord bless you, and keep you, The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you, The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Marnita Coleman is host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show heard daily across the globe.

For more parenting information, log on to TheMarnitaShow.com.

FEATURE 23

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

Global Ecumenical Relations at Christian Aid

Keep the light of Christmas shining For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

As the Christian world gets ready to celebrate Christmas, public gatherings around the ‘turning on’ of the Christmas lights will look and feel very different this year. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, the climate emergency, and the Black Lives Matter movement, 2020 has seen some dark days. As I reflect, I know that this Christmas I will be lighting several candles (albeit in my home) to remember friends and family. For me, the single flame of a candle is a striking and powerful symbol of hope and good things to come. Every light in a dark place can dispel despair, illuminate hope, and provide needed perspective of things as they really are.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many churches have mobilised their leaders, congregations and other community networks to respond to the tragic COVID-19 outcomes near and far. Over the months, we learnt that individuals and networks within communities of faith also took action to find ways of supporting vulnerable people through the emergency.

However, as well as providing practical support in the here and now, we also need to act to

make the necessary policy changes, so that our collective hope is translated into real actions.

We as leaders, congregations and members of civil society need to get better at asking questions about social norms, academic research and political policies, because in this space we go beyond our commentary to influence the social and political agenda.

For example: 1. Nobody could have imagined some months ago that global air traffic would be moving down by 80% or more in some regions. The uptake of tele-conferencing and Zoom-communication technologies, which have become the default for conferences, workshops and webinars, has taught us we can do things differently. While not glamourising the limited conditions of working from home, we are aware of the negative effects of narrowing down human communication to audio-visual digital technologies. That said, work as we know it has and will continue to change, so what will future employment for our communities look like? Will it be ethical and, in the interest of reducing our carbon footprint, can the churches support a move towards more glocalised forms of consumption and production?

2. Every global crisis has hidden or overt actors, which benefit from this crisis, meanwhile many ordinary people will carry on with a huge amount of debt - and this includes national governments. The question of who is going to pay the long-term cost is not going away, so let’s get involved. Here is where we need more voices from African and Caribbean churches and ecumenical bodies to speak as to how the international financial system and its actors need to be called to reforms, so as to make the financial system into a vital and reliable partner in solving the crisis, and not only as one who benefits from the dilemmas created.

3. The coronavirus pandemic for many has also brought a more sceptical view on who has access to healthcare provision and protection. Good governance of national authorities is essential. African and Caribbean church leaders need to be present and visible at decision-making tables on issues and decisions affecting the lives of BAME constituencies.

“... my prayer this Christmas is for each citizen to shine their unique light in ways that can make a difference for someone else.”

More than ever before, Christians need to speak up and speak out on the decisions that affect us and our communities. Today, we face enormous social, moral and economic challenges, and it is imperative that our churches and leaders play their role in creating a cohesive, safe and prosperous society where individuals flourish.

So, here is my hope. Paul writes: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NLT). We need to be ready to share the burdens of people impacted by the health and economic crisis. Together, we have the potential to be a thousand points of light that can effectively advocate and take action to build back better, by playing our part in calling for a just and peaceful kingdom during this time of heightened stress and tension.

We acknowledge that the reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Him who is the Light of the world: Jesus Christ. He is the Light that shineth in the darkness and brings hope and healing to all, and my prayer this Christmas is for each citizen to shine their unique light in ways that can make a difference for someone else. Don’t underestimate the power of the multi-coloured lights of Christmas that are the good deeds of good people everywhere. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 FEATURE

GARY CLAYTON

is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship: www.maf-uk.org

I

n his 2019 Christmas message, Prime Minister Boris Johnson took the opportunity to “wish [the British people] all a merry little Christmas… a day of inestimable importance to billions of Christians the world over.” The song he referenced – ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ – is probably one of the season’s most popular secular songs.

And yet the season to which it refers can actually be quite stressful.

To misquote Jane Austen, ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a man who seeks to celebrate Christmas in a Christ-centred manner must often be in want of success.’

Christmas, as experience over a number of decades shows, isn’t always the easiest time of year.

Last year was great but, by the time it was over, my family felt a little deflated – a bit like of one those giant plastic Father Christmas figures once the air is let out.

I wonder if others found their Christmas similarly tiring, with hours spent shopping for presents, wrapping presents, opening presents, making a note of who bought which present, so they can be duly thanked, then spending ages separating the rubbish – some of it broken presents – out for recycling.

And that doesn’t even take into account the time spent shopping for food; preparing

food, cooking food,; eating food (the easy part!); then clearing it all away again (“Leftovers, anyone?”); doing the dishes and putting everything back where it came from.

Like me, you’ve probably heard the song, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, and possibly noticed that, despite its beauty, it’s also surprisingly melancholy.

There seems to be a kind of disconnect between the pensive, wistful tune and the positive, hopeful words – a bit like the joy Christmas promises (and can sometimes bring), as well as the regret and sadness the season potentially offers.

In fact, as one of my more poetic friends pointed out: “There are times I think Hugh Martin’s sorrowful song is more suited to a funeral than a festive feast.”

For many, Christmas without Christ really is one of the saddest times of the year. A period, for some, of shopaholic excess, overindulgence, loneliness and stress – with crushingly sad thoughts of friends and family passed on, long gone, or memories of a Christmas past that was decidedly less poignant.

But why does the song – though undoubtedly popular – sound so sad? Well, there are at least four versions!

The original lyrics - written for the 1944 musical Meet Me in St Louis, about a family about to be uprooted to New York – are deeply depressing: ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be our last. Next year, we may all be living in the past... No good times like the olden days, happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us no more.’

But the actors involved felt it was too disheartening, and asked composer Hugh Martin to amend it. So he changed the words to: ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on, our troubles will be out of sight... Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.’

Later, in the 1950s, Frank Sinatra thought the words were still too maudlin. So the lines, ‘Through the years, we all will be together, if the Fates allow. From now on, we’ll have to muddle

through somehow’ were altered to: ‘Through the years, we all will be together, if the Fates allow.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough!’

But what of the man who composed the famous tune?

Although he’d had tremendous success writing songs for hit musicals, Hugh Martin suffered from depression, and had a nervous breakdown at the age of sixty. While in hospital, he “begged the Lord to heal me”, and eventually committed his life to Christ. His life, he explained, had been self-centred, and he had “hit rock-bottom. God had to bring it to my attention that I was not all I thought I was.”

After his recovery, Martin spent his last decades playing gospel music and speaking at Christian events. “It was my pleasure to talk about Jesus,” he once said. “There’s nothing I’d rather do.” He died in 2011, at the age of 96.

Ten years before his death, Martin wrote a ‘sacred’ version of the song, containing lyrics even more upbeat and upbuilding than those he had written earlier: ‘Have yourself a blessed little Christmas, Christ the King is born. Let your voices ring upon this happy morn. Have yourself a blessed little Christmas, serenade the earth, tell the world we celebrate the Saviour’s birth. Let us all proclaim the joyous tidings, voices raised on high. Send this carol soaring up into the sky, this very merry blessed Christmas lullaby.’

Gary Clayton is married to Julie, the father of Christopher (16) and Emma (13), and works for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). To learn about MAF’s fleet of 131 aircraft help bring the Christmas message to some 1,400 remote destinations, visit www.maf-uk.org

Lending Hope For a brighter future

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With Lending Hope’s assistance we were able to access appropriate medical care and Nat is a different child now. He doesn’t have headaches anymore, his vision is clearer, and his teachers are amazed at his sudden progress. I am so very grateful.”

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1 in 4 churchgoers have experienced abuse in a relationship Would you know how to help?

Restored can help you change the story for women affected by abuse

Domestic abuse: in churches too News headlines this year have highlighted that domestic abuse is a reality in homes of every kind.

Even Christian homes are not exempt. Research we commissioned in 2018 showed that 42% of churchgoers have experienced abuse, but only 2 in 7 churchgoers believe their church is adequately equipped to respond.

It’s time for a different story We train churches to prevent and respond to instances of domestic abuse, whilst supporting survivors so that together we can change the story for women affected by abuse.

We’ll join a global campaign, The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, that kicks off on 25 November. We’d love you to join us. It’s an opportunity for churches like yours to take the first steps in speaking out against domestic abuse. We offer training and resources to help you and your church change the story for women in your community.

The Church can have a real impact as it shares the love of Jesus, and we will continue to work to protect women from violent and manipulative abusers.

Together, we can change the story for women caught in the cycle of abuse.

www.restored-uk.org/change

Find out how: www.restored-uk.org/change

26 INTERVIEW

interview with...

BISHOP DR JOE ALDRED B ishop Dr Joe Aldred is an ecumenist, broadcaster, speaker and author/editor of several books and articles, including: Preaching with Power; Praying with Power; Sisters with Power; Respect – Understanding Caribbean British Christianity; The Black Church in the 21st Century; Thinking Outside the Box – On Race, Faith and Life, and From Top Mountain – An Autobiography. He is a regular contributor to magazines and periodicals, including Keep The Faith and The Preacher.

Bishop Aldred is Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton University; a trustee of Movement for Justice and Reconciliation and of NCLF – A Black Christian Voice; Patron of Housing Justice and Patron of the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica, in addition to several other voluntary roles.

He has vast experience as bishop and pastor, chair and member of strategic councils, boards and committees, mainly in the areas of religion, education, health and community relations, including a member of the Government’s Windrush Working Group. He also has a Master’s Degree with Distinction and a PhD in Theology from Sheffield University.

Bishop Aldred has been responsible for Pentecostal and Multicultural Relations at Churches Together in England (CTE) for the past 17 years, and is a bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy. After many years of long and dedicated service to CTE, he has decided to step down from the role. He took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Keep The Faith to share how he feels about retiring, life challenges, and his hopes for the future.

Keep The Faith (KTF): How do you feel about stepping down and retiring from your role as Principal Officer for Pentecostal Relations for CTE? Bishop Joe Aldred (BJA): It’s quite a sobering feeling! For the first time in my life, I am leaving a job and not looking for another. There’s somewhat of an ‘end-of-life’ feel to the moment, a reminder of my mortality. The country boy from Top Mountain, St Catherine, Jamaica, is retiring from full-time work - becoming a pensioner - and entering the evening of his Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

life’s day. Viewed from another perspective, I feel I have put in a productive shift in this position and in others before it. It’s time to vacate the space and cheer from the gallery.

KTF: Your work entailed building relationships across the Church. What were the three main challenges you faced in your work?

BJA: Indeed! We call it ‘ecumenism’ in the trade. The three main challenges I encountered I would describe as: first, those associated with encouraging respectful Christian relationship between traditions that range from theologically liberal to conservative. Second, building understanding that all ethnicities and cultures are equal before God, and should be among us – not by asking permission to be, but by being. Third, by informed involvement with the press and media, helping it to be more friend than foe in matters of faith and community relations.

KTF: You can look back on many years working ecumenically across church denominations and within the Black Church. In your view, what have been the three greatest developments that have occurred in the Black-majority Church over the past 20 years?

BJA: There have been many welcome developments. First, there has been a significant

increase in the take-up of ministry and theological training - some in-house and others in external, accredited institutions. This has been accompanied by a proliferation in the authorship of books and other publications.

Second, the relationship between the various types of Black church traditions - from Trinitarian to Oneness, for example, has vastly improved.

Third, there has been continued building of a strong socio-economic community presence, including the prominence of Black gospel music, housing associations, credit unions, personal political involvement and mega churches.

KTF: What in your view are the greatest challenges now facing the Black Pentecostal church movement in Britain, and how can they be overcome?

BJA: The Black Church in Britain certainly faces some stark challenges. I could name several, but here are three: First, there is a generational challenge of a church initially built by a largely Black working-class, migrant community, whose children and grandchildren may not see their

INTERVIEW 27 Black Britishness reflected in the churches of their grandparents. Second, there is a social challenge of a conservative faith operating in an increasingly liberal and secular society.

Third, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, a clear racial justice agenda needs to be embarked upon. Foreign headquarters, for example, now appear starkly neo-colonial and empirical.

KTF: What was your childhood in Jamaica like, and what role did faith play during the early years of your life?

BJA: I recall a happy childhood in Jamaica.

The eighth of eleven siblings, I was born in a deeply rural area, with none of the creature comforts I have now become accustomed to, like running water, electricity, TV, cars, etc. My father migrated to the UK for economic reasons, and my mother was our only parent present for most of the years until I was a month shy of 16 years old when I came to England.

Community life was strong, though, with great neighbours, friends, local schools and churches.

I feel like I have been a Christian from birth!

KTF: What made you decide to become a Christian? And when you became a Christian, did you ever envisage that you’d become a bishop?

BJA: It’s hard to say when I became a Christian, since it was all around me. But, young as I was, and going to church every day, with smoking a definite ‘No No’, I recall puffing on dried chocho leaves and rosemary bush, amongst my little ‘shall-remain-nameless’ misdemeanours.

Then at church one night, when the altar call was made, my little sister and went up and ‘got saved’ – lol. I can honestly say at no stage did I ever think I would be a bishop in the church. Pastors and bishops were scary beings when I was young!

KTF: What were your reasons for coming to live in Britain? How did you find the early years of living here?

BJA: As I mentioned earlier, my father came to the UK as an economic migrant when I was very young. My mother followed much later, along with some of my siblings, and it was my turn to join them. Because I was nearly sixteen, I had finished school in Jamaica, which got a

Bishop Dr Joe Aldred and The Most Revd Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury

little messy in the last year when my mind was preoccupied with going to the UK! When I arrived here it was cold, gloomy and strange.

It helped that my church in Winson Green was almost exactly like back in Jamaica.

KTF: What role did the Church and your faith play in helping you overcome racism and become an achiever?

BJA: I didn’t always appreciate the role of the Church in my life, and I didn’t feel like I was fighting racism either. In retrospect, belonging to a Black church community that continued living in relationship throughout the week - with education, concerts, gospel groups and choir rehearsals and conventions, etc. - where almost all the leaders were Black, has been indispensable for role-modelling. I grew up seeing successful people in sacred spaces.

When racism became a ‘thing’, it was like any other life obstacle to be overcome and succeed.

Had I remained in Jamaica, the obstacles would just have been different.

KTF: What path did you tread, from being normal Christian to Bishop in the CoGoP? BJA: I was a Sunday school teacher at about seventeen – training came later. I was a singer for many years - singing solo and in church choirs - as well as part of a gospel group called Spiritual Rhythm. We even contributed two

tracks to a vinyl record cut in the early 1970s.

I successfully completed all my church’s courses available, and served variously as youth director, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, public relations officer and assistant pastor, before being posted to pastor churches in Coventry, Ashford, Oxford and Sheffield, where I was consecrated as bishop.

KTF: What would you say are your three greatest personal achievements?

BJA: First, having a wonderful nuclear family (three daughters and grandchildren) that my wife Novelette and I have grown from a standing start as youngsters. She was nineteen on the day we married, and I was twenty-one - with no money. We walked everywhere on our honeymoon in Paris. Second, together Novelette and I have grown academically: her with a Masters and me a PhD. I was so proud to return to my alma mata, Paul Mountain School, as Dr Joseph Aldred! Third, a testament to love and a commitment to being happily married for 46 years and counting.

KTF: What do you plan to do following your retirement?

BJA: Rest, write, and visit Jamaica as often as possible. Maybe a little gardening, watching West Indies cricket, and Chelsea playing football… and, of course, more time with my family.

KTF: How will you be spending Christmas?

BJA: Increasingly it’s looking like it will be Novelette and me in our bungalow for Christmas!

KTF: And what message would you like to leave with KTF readers?

BJA: That, whatever the season, love and commitment with faith in an ever present, ever faithful God will see you through.

Joe and CTE colleagues

Visiting HJ night shelter in Birmingham www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 INTERVIEW

PASTOR DOUG WILLIAMS Doug Williams is one of the most influential Black pastors in the UK. He is Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Christian Centre (ECC) in Walthamstow, East London. During the UK lockdown in March, news swept through the Christian community that Pastor Doug was seriously ill with COVID-19. The much-loved Pastor has lived to tell the tale. This is his story.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): Before the lockdown in March, there was a lot of talk about COVID-19. What were your initial views about the pandemic?

PASTOR DOUG WILLIAMS (PDW): My initial reaction to news of the pandemic was shock. I kept asking, how could something of this magnitude be allowed to happen? I was so disappointed at how China concealed the true genesis and impact of the issue in their country, and also concluded that the political manoeuvring on the issue within the World Health Organisation was unacceptable.

KTF: How did you discover you had COVID-19?

PDW: After an ambulance crew arrived at my house! My family noted the degeneration of my health with horror. My wife then decided to make a call to the emergency services and they came. The ambulance was outside our home for some time, and they conducted a number of doorstep tests. I asked to remain at home, as I didn’t need a ventilator. My family stepped up my care in an amazing way. One day I said to my youngest daughter, Leanne: “This could be COVID-19.” She said: “Could?

Dad, the medical notes say that your presenting complaint IS COVID-19!” I was stunned, and just had to let that sink in.

KTF: In what ways did COVID-19 affect you physically, mentally and spiritually?

PDW: Physically, I was subject to profuse sweating, shivers and chills. I lost my appetite. I had intense aches in all my joints.

The coughing was ugly and rocked my whole body, as it filled my lungs with a disgusting substance that had to be expelled. My breathing was heavily laboured. It would take me two or three attempts to go down or up the stairs. Mentally, I was constantly tired, and my family said sometimes I actually appeared to lose consciousness for short periods of time.

KTF: How did the wider Christian community learn about your illness?

PDW: My church leaders stepped in to manage ministry requirements, sharing with the local church and wider Christian community what was happening to me. They asked that folk seriously pray for me. This prayer cover was to prove more significant than anybody really knows.

KTF: At what moment did you feel that you were on the road to recovery?

PDW: I knew something was going to happen, when people I hadn’t spoken to for a while began to make random calls to me, asking about my well-being. I had calls from around the UK, USA, Holland, Portugal, Estonia, Ghana and Malaysia. Perhaps the most intriguing of all of these calls was from a man called Gilmar Carmo from Brazil! He had found me in a Cross

INTERVIEW 29

KTF: What are the key lessons you learnt about life and faith in God whilst going through and overcoming COVID-19?

PDW: My lessons were: 1. Life is more fragile than we would like to admit! Don’t take it for granted.

2. Treat your family well; the favour does get returned!

3. Do all that is medically possible during your illness, and be wise.

4. Upgrade your devotional habit, and ask people to pray for you like never before.

5. Trust God, and choose to worship through your crisis. If you can’t sing, YouTube can!

KTF: You are now back, working at church.

How was your congregation impacted

by COVID-19, and how is ECC supporting members?

PDW: Life goes on... and it has to! We had to develop our online presence and services to a new level, and find ways of keeping in touch with our members in small virtual groups via

“I thanked God that He was still my Healer, and as I worshipped, I suddenly smelt bacon!”

Zoom! Amazingly, we have had few major COVID-related tragedies amongst direct members, but some of them have lost relatives who had underlying illnesses, etc. We have also increased a hardship fund to provide financially as much as we can for families in dire need, and we have also delivered food parcels.

KTF: It seems that we are over the worse of it. What is your focus as a church during the next six months?

PDW: The threat of a winter spike in the virus is still a possibility, so complacency on this issue isn’t recommended! There are still regional lockdowns, and we are encouraging our members to have caution. However, on another level, the changes in church have given us the opportunity to overhaul the ministry as a whole.

We are now in the middle of a process called ARQ (asking the right questions). In consultation with Dr Joel Edwards, we are reviewing and adjusting just about everything inside the church structures, to clarify vision, maximise venues, and develop fresh leadership models.

This process is going to be challenging and exciting at the same time, but it’s needed if we are to love God passionately, build church biblically, and serve our community relevantly.

Pray for us!

KTF: What lessons do you think the wider church needs to learn from COVID-19, as well as from the BLM protests that took place in May and June?

PDW: The pandemic highlighted the need for church to seriously pray for government. The political handling of this crisis has been found wanting on so many levels. Our leaders need prayer, but most churches don’t step up to this very well at all.

In terms of the BLM protests, I have been very clear that in my saying “Black lives

matter”, I am not saying that others don’t!

George Floyd’s death has put fresh focus on an unresolved issue for the Black community, and if justice for Black people is withheld, then justice for ALL people is under threat! In addition to my holding sentiment for the slogan ‘Black Lives Matter’, I still hold the right to NOT embrace all the stated agenda and objective items of the BLM movement, with its leanings toward Marxist political philosophy.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Rhythms magazine article, and felt a burden to pray for me and the band! He told me he was part of an intercession network that prayed for musicians, artists and worship leaders.

That article was written when I was in my mid-twenties; I am now 61! I knew God was planning something. I had emailed Gilmar on the Wednesday, and his team were committed to pray that following weekend. On the Tuesday morning after the prayers, I woke up feeling weak and heavily congested. As I had attempted to clear my nose, the discharged mucus was black and contained blood clots. I had to move quickly to the bathroom, and cough up all the substance in my lungs. I then convinced myself that the condition was getting steadily worse, so tomorrow I would ask my wife to call the ambulance again, as we had promised.

The next morning I woke up, ready to call the doctor again. I sat up carefully, to minimise the pain in my joints but, to my utter surprise, I experienced no pain! I checked my breathing and it felt normal. So I sat on the side of my bed and just began to weep. I thanked God that He was still my Healer, and as I worshipped, I suddenly smelt bacon! I hadn’t been able to smell for weeks and weeks. I knew my wife was cooking breakfast, so I threw on my dressing gown and headed for the kitchen. I walked down the stairs, then suddenly realised I had done so without stopping, and without holding onto the stair rail. I promptly turned around and walked back up the stairs, just to test this! When I reached the top, I felt like I had conquered Mt Everest, and punched the air in sheer joy! I hollered out to my wife, and she came running to the stairs to join me in praising God! From that day my recovery kicked in. It had been a long struggle, and I was happy and blessed to be on the mend.

As a Christian leader, the movement’s apparent aversion to heteronormativity and traditional family values is something that I cannot embrace. The wider debate in this movement, about how human sexuality is to be understood, is at odds with my theological perspective, and something I really question being tagged to a Black Lives discussion.

If true Christian discernment is compromised here, our prophetic credibility is lost. The focus must not be lost; racism, prejudice and the abuse of power are all to be challenged in the most robust and socially appropriate manner.

KTF: How will you be spending Christmas?

PDW: Quietly…in my family bubble… with heartfelt thanks to God! www.keepthefaith.co.uk

30 COMMENT

FOOD 4

THOUGHT marciadixonpr.co.uk

marciadixonpr

BY

MARCIA DIXON MBE A leading PR specialist and journalist

Marcia-Dixon-Public-Relations

2020 - A YEAR OF REFLECTION As Christmas approaches - and maybe for the first time in living memory - society may actually be celebrating this unique historical event, aka Christmas 2020, with the right attitude.

Christmas should be a time when the world focuses on the significance of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.

To be fair, there are some who do use this time to reflect on Christ’s birth and being charitable, but in truth, Christmas seems to have been overtaken by an inordinate focus by the wider world to use this life-changing religious festival as an opportunity to spend lots of money on presents, gorge on food and go out and party.

One good thing that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying lockdown is that it has caused everyone to think deeply about life, and reflect on what’s truly important.

From conversations I’ve had and articles I’ve read, 2020 has made many come to some of the following conclusions about life and faith: 1. Humans are mortal. We are not here forever.

Death can take us at any moment, and that’s why it’s important for us to get right with God, forgive our enemies, love our neighbours, and fulfil God’s purposes in our lives.

2. Family, friendship and socialising with others are what make life enjoyable and meaningful.

3. God is our strength, protector and healer. He is also our peace. Praying and reading Scripture can be the perfect antidote to anxiety and stress.

4. There’s more goodness, kindness and generosity in the world than we ever thought possible.

5. We are adaptable people, and can deal with drastic change. Look how everyone adapted to living, working, worshipping and commemorating life’s key moments via Zoom or other online apps, when the lockdown stopped them meeting others publicly.

6. No lockdown, pandemic, tragedy or circumstance can stop the purposes of God from being fulfilled; for example, during the height of the pandemic, people of all ages came out in their droves to protest against the unjust killing of George Floyd and to state that Black lives matter.

7. Even during life’s difficulties, God can still bless His people. He is also a provider and a ‘very present help in the time of need’.

8. There is no use in holding on to bitterness and hatred. Now is the time to forgive.

2020 has been a difficult year for many, and none of us know what 2021 holds. We don’t even know if we’ll be allowed to have our family over for dinner!!! However, the message of Christmas is this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin, in a stable, and came to save humanity from their sins.

He also came to give us peace, joy and hope in the midst of confusion, and if ever there was a time when we need to take to heart the reason for Christ’s birth, it’s now.

Happy Christmas

FULFILLING MY PURPOSE Being included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, and awarded an MBE, is a defining life moment, and caused me to reflect on my life and my work.

When I started out as writing the Voice newspaper’s ‘Soul Stirrings’ column in 1988, I did not envisage at all that I would ever be awarded an MBE – even though in the course of my work I had interviewed and written articles on Christians honoured by the Queen.

That’s because my focus was on fulfilling my purpose in shining a spotlight on the Black Church, the great and sometimes not-so-great things it was doing, and how God was impacting lives and communities. For me, that has been enough. Any accolades I’ve received have been a bonus - and that includes my MBE. But what a fantastic, brilliant bonus!!!

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

PRAY FOR THE JOSHUA GENERATION

In recent years, young people across the world have shown that they are passionate about social justice, and have called on governments and political leaders to build a more fair and just society.

In fact, the passion Millennials have shown on justice issues has been a pleasant surprise. Many had written this age group off as being “snowflakes” and “entitled”. The past few years, and especially the last few months, have demonstrated this is definitely not the case.

In early 2010, young people led the Arab Springs that took place in the Middle East, where they called for a more democratic society. Last year, young people led uprisings in Hong Kong, and again called for more democratic structures, needed in light of growing Chinese influence on the island. In June, young people led worldwide BLM protests following the state killing of George Floyd, and just recently, young people in Nigeria led the #ENDSARSNOW movement, calling for the closing down of a sector of the police known for abusing their powers.

Like the prophet Amos in 5:24, young people are keen to see justice ‘roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream’. They could also be described as the ‘Joshua Generation’ - youth who are passionate about justice, purposeful, action-orientated and willing to fight for what’s right.

As young people protest, demonstrate and campaign to rid society of unjust practices and promote justice, let’s continue to pray for them, and support them in their endeavours.

Helen Ajayi completed her Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) year at IMPRINT Church, Leicester. During her time there she oversaw external affairs, social media, and two large community events – WONDER a women’s event, and a successful Christmas event. strengthened, and I have become more resilient.”

MES is a unique initiative that gives young adults, like Helen, from all backgrounds, the space and time away from the pressures of modern life to test God’s calling on their lives and discover more about their gifts and leadership skills. If you are aged 18–30 and looking for a year-long opportunity to find out more about yourself in a Christian context then maybe MES is for you.

Helen said of her year, “God is good.

I have been stretched, squeezed, knocked down and tossed up, but it is in the testing of our faith that endurance is built. The events I have put on have been my highlight.

Both events had great turnouts and generated such an impact in our congregation. Through the challenges I have faced, my faith has

very creative person and this became a big insecurity of mine. I learned that I am in fact very creative in my own unique way, which I was able to express through the planning of the WONDER social, and the IMPRINT Christmas Showcase.”

MES is free to do with expenses and accommodation provided. This year, there are 100 participants based around the UK and Europe. We would love to hear from people interested in doing a year from September 2021, to find out more please visit www. cofe.io/mes, you will be able to read other stories of past participants and make an enquiry with any of the local schemes.

You will be placed in a church context where you can experience practical ministry, such as kids and youth work; chaplaincy; community work; preaching; pastoral visiting or event organisation. The year will also include some theological study which can be tailored to you – it does not matter if you have no prior experience of theology or already have a degree in it.

Reflecting on her year, Helen commented, “I didn’t see myself as a

If you are aged 18–30 why not spend a year serving God through the Ministry Experience Scheme.

You will have the opportunity to explore your calling and learn more about yourself, whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and developing your leadership skills.

It is free to do, with accommodation and living expenses provided.

Local schemes are based in many locations across the Church of England.

Where is God sending you?

Find out more at cofe.io/mes

32 COMMENT

GROWING IN AND THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES REV STEPHEN BROOKS New Jerusalem Church, Birmingham

T

his year the world has changed beyond our imagination, and ushered in major transformation and challenge. In times like this, we seek to find God’s will through prayer, the Scriptures, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and seeking Christian counsel. But what happens when there is no voice from God, or time to seek counsel?

Never before has there been a need for Mindfulness - a psychological definition is ‘the process of keeping one’s mind in the present moment, while staying non-judgmentally detached from potentially destructive thoughts and feelings’. We are encouraged by the Scripture, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Many people, who experience mental illness, suffer from ‘fusion’ – where thoughts, feelings and reality are ‘fused’. If these thoughts or feelings are anxious and depressed, that is what one becomes. Mindfulness talks about ‘thinking de-fusion’ to ‘get out of your mind and into your life, being conscious of the detail of your environment and the specific characteristics of our situation’.* Mindfulness is found, in various forms, in all religious traditions. It is intentional, enabling us to focus on the big picture without getting drawn into the impossible detail of every minute issue of our lived experience.

The Bible lets us know stillness is important too: Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” It’s important to stop running around, jumping to conclusions or forcing a solution. The study entitled ‘The Restorative Benefits of Nature’ demonstrated how the brain naturally restores its own cognitive skills when environmental sounds are lowered.

The study shows how the quiet stillness, found walking in nature, allows the brain to decrease its sensory guard, which helps it to release tension and strain. This gives the brain a chance to restore itself.

When you are going through pain, and you can’t see the purpose at the time, there are some things that can help to get a better perspective: Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

• Remember that no one else has your life story. Your difficult circumstances aren’t fun, but they put you in a position to learn, grow and discover things no one else can. Your experiences are shaping you in ways no one else has been shaped and, in time to come will give you an advantage.

• Although no one else has your life story, many people do face similar circumstances, and you could be a voice to help them through their own challenges and pain. This would not have been possible if you hadn’t gone through it yourself.

• When you go through family drama, doubts in your faith, relationship breakdown, illness, etc., you can understand how someone else feels and become a person who can relate to the experiences of others. The truth is, the next best thing to having something fixed for us is having someone who has been through it to walk alongside us.

Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that Jesus was a Man acquainted with grief.

Jesus experienced hardships in life.

“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). He was born in a stable and cradled in a manger (Luke 2:8).

Paul wrote of Jesus as follows: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus suffered grief from His family.

Jesus’ family often did not understand Him. Jesus’ own brothers in the flesh rejected Him while He was in the flesh (Mark 6:4). Jesus always placed His heavenly Father above His

earthly family and domestic matters (see Matthew 10:36-39).

Jesus experienced disappointment from His friends. Jesus’ closest companions often brought Him grief. There were misunderstandings on the part of the Twelve.

There appears to have been much complaining and strife among the Twelve that must have been a source of annoyance to Jesus (Matthew 18:1). Toward the end of Jesus’ life, we read: “Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56).

Jesus had sorrow from the temptations He faced. Jesus’ temptations were real, and covered the whole range that appealed to mankind: there was the lust of the flesh; lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Matthew 4:1-11).

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote of Jesus’ temptation thus: “(He) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). We must remember that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh (Matthew 1:23, so imagine the sorrow and grief Jesus, God incarnate, must have experienced at the indignity of temptation!

What if God used our painful situation to position us for something amazing that we haven’t even imagined? Sometimes we see the point after the fact. Apostle Paul, in his last letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:6-8), is first looking round at his present situation, and then he looks back at what the grace of God has done for him, those glorious achievements of his life, and finally Paul looks ahead. He is soon to die, his life on this earth is all behind him, but he is looking ahead. He has a future.

The Christian, even on his deathbed, has a future. What a wonderful assurance we have. *Fusion of mental health and incapacity legislation John Dawson (a1) and George Szmukler (a2) DOI: https;//doi.org/10.1192/bjp.188.6.504 Published online

by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2018.

COMMENT 33

SUICIDE PREVENTION

What the Church and Christians can do DR T. AYODELE AJAYI is a Consultant Psychiatrist, a radio host, author and is on the pastoral team of his church

E

very suicide is a devastating event.

Globally, it claims 800,000 lives of the 20 million attempts made annually.

Those figures mean that every 40 seconds, someone who is a parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend, neighbour or colleague dies by suicide, and every single suicide affects 135 people.

Suicide prevention is not limited to the domain of health professionals. The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, usually commemorated on 10th September, encourages ‘Working Together To Prevent Suicide’.

What works?

There is no single explanation of why people die by suicide. It is a complex behaviour with multiple causes, some of which are poorly understood. Suicide can therefore be difficult to predict. Social, psychological and cultural factors can all interact to lead a person to suicidal thoughts or behaviour. These complexities are, however, not an excuse to absolve us of our social responsibility in suicide prevention. The strategies that have been proven to be impactful are: community support to combat isolation; responsible, sensitive media portrayals of suicide; local education to create community awareness, and restricting means to perpetrate the act.

Combating social isolation A simple smile could mean very little to you, but to someone thinking about suicide, it could be the first step towards life (International Association for Suicide Prevention, www.iasp.info/wspd2020). The apt recommendation made by the IASP is to step closer to others in our communities. This enables us to be aware of those who need help with their mental health, and creates opportunity to encourage them to reach out for help. The Church and Christians are so well-suited to demonstrate love in a tangible way in this regard.

There are plenty of opportunities from starting an in-house scheme that reaches out to the vulnerable, to volunteering at local food banks and other community projects. Christmas and festive periods are particularly difficult for the isolated and lonely. Over the past six years, the church I attend has run a scheme delivering hundreds of Christmas dinner hampers to families facing food poverty in our local community. What can your church do to reach out to those excluded in society?

Creating suicide community awareness It is welcomed observation that more church leaders are opening up their platforms to professionals to share information on mental health problems. This early trend is to be encouraged and replicated. There is a general lack of awareness regarding mental health problems that warrants a corporate approach.

Stigma festers on ignorance and misinformation, and knowledge together with open, honest conversations in the church is the way to combat this.

Who is at risk of suicide?

Evidence shows that 50% of those who died by suicide in Europe had a depressive illness at the time of the act. Most mental illnesses carry an increased suicide risk, and so understanding the symptoms and signs of depression, and how to get help or signpost, is one of the most crucial steps towards embracing individual responsibility to combat suicide. Self-harm is one of the strongest predictors of completed suicide. The other predispositions are family history of suicide; middle-aged men, and now very concerning, young people facing stress. Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives. 75% of them are male. Sadly, suicide is now the biggest killer of under 35s in the UK! Those experiencing chronic pain and physical health problems; the bereaved - particularly by suicide; socially

isolated and lonely - including ethnic and sexual-orientation minority groups, and a past history of suicidal attempts are other risk factors.

Alcohol and illicit substance use have been recurrently flagged up as playing a role in suicidal acts.

Reassuringly, having strong and supportive social connections, such as positive relationships with family, friends, partners and being members of a faith community, are protective.

What can I say or do?

A lot of people worry about lacking skills to support those experiencing suicidal crisis or making things worse. The myth about instigating suicide, by broaching the topic with the distressed, is unfounded. Evidence suggests otherwise.

In reality, there is no magic formula to supporting the suicidal, other than offering an authentic, compassionate and empathic gesture from one human being to another. For ideas on how to start and progress that “Are you OK?” conversation, www.ruok.org.au provides an excellent interactive resource.

The organisations in the UK, offering helpline support to the distressed, include: The Samaritans – call free on 116 123 Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - free helpline and webchat for men (5pm–midnight) on 0800 58 58 58 Papyrus – HopeLine for under-35s worried about personal feelings (or for anyone concerned about them) - ring 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967

Please let’s keep the conversation going.

I am really keen to hear from you via email at tripartcare@gmail.com www.keepthefaith.co.uk

34 LIFESTYLE

BY SONIA MOORE

LIVING THROUGH LOSS

W

hilst it appears that we are living in unprecedented times, during which fear, anxiety and nervousness are all rational feelings, we do have coping mechanisms we can call upon to help us to continue to feel alive.

The death of a loved one is the most brutal and painful experience we will ever have to face - and I say this with a lot of conviction, having experienced seven significant losses within my own family over the last seven years.

However, there are so many different types of loss that are all equally valid, including ambiguous loss (which includes miscarriages, dementia, missing persons), as well as symbolic loss (which includes loss of independence, redundancy, vision, freedom). Whichever way we look at it, a loss is still very much about something we are missing and need to process, in order to be able to live fully once again.

During these exceptionally challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are significant differences presented in how we, as a society, are expected to grieve for our loved ones. For example, where people have died, the family are often unable to have closure, due to the lack of opportunity to follow cultural traditions. People are dying alone, in hospitals and care homes, and this results in the families feeling a deep sense of regret, guilt and helplessness in not being able to say Goodbye to their loved ones.

The following are a few of my tried and trusted techniques for dealing with the pain of loss, to focus on living through the experience and reaching a new normal.

Work through the process – in order to heal Grief is a natural response to loss; therefore, it is so important to acknowledge the emotional suffering, and to grieve in a way that will help you to heal. Grief is not a linear process, but it does have specific stages: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, all of which are significant.

Take the time you need to work through each stage, and try not to rush the process as you go through them. It is also useful to bear the following pointers in mind: • Emotional pain can actually be physically painful, and you will need to be mindful of the Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

pressure this places on your body. Tears will flow and this is normal, so allow the process, as tears can release the stress within your body.

• Ensure you are protecting and strengthening your immune system, for example, by ensuring you have a high intake of vitamin C and vitamin B6.

• Despite the need for social distancing, ensure you have appropriate support around you via phone or online, so that you can talk openly about your feelings.

• You may find solace in connections with your spirituality, in order to obtain a sense of healing and to find meaning.

Readjusting to life – focus on YOU • This is the therapeutic stage, during which you will be acknowledging and making sense of the loss by recognising that the world hasn’t changed but that YOU have. This will enable you to move into a place of healing, where the focus is on self-compassion and self-care.

• I believe Nature provides great healing powers, and that engagement with Nature is important for our mental health and well-being. We can honour the process by walking and breathing in the fresh air and taking notice of things around us.

• Writing is a therapeutic way of helping people to come to terms with the sorrow they feel at the death of a loved one. You may find comfort in honouring the memory of your loved ones by writing a journal, and including certain things they used to say to you. Or you could record special memories about them.

Sonia Moore is founder of Mooreoptions Skills Development Training. She is an experienced counsellor and tutor, with over 25 years’ experience working within FE colleges, community hubs and the voluntary sector. She has a wealth

of experience in listening to and honouring the experiences of many people who have shared their personal journeys. She is able to call upon her professional expertise and her own personal experiences to support others in reaching some understanding of how to replace pain and find peace.

Sonia has recently completed her delivery of the six-week online course, ‘Living Through Loss’. The feedback received has been amazing in terms of the therapeutic benefits the course has made in the lives of all participants.

Some of the comments received include:

“I have enjoyed this course thoroughly, and have gained so many insights into the process of loss. Thank you for the work that you are doing.” Ramona “Thank you so much. The course was so well delivered, and the group was lovely and very supportive.” Samantha “I found the course very therapeutic, and the coping strategies provided and reflective exercises were helpful.

I felt it helped me with the process of grieving. I would certainly recommend it to everyone.” Beverley

The next course on ‘Living Through Loss’, which will be delivered online via Zoom, will commence at the end of September 2020 – date to be confirmed. For further information and to book a place, please send an email expressing your interest to mooreoptions@aol.com.

For further information on Sonia, please view her landing page on: https://livingthroughloss.uk/

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 LIFESTYLE

SHOULD BLACK BOYS BE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN THE POLICE FORCE? KIMSHAW AIKEN

is a writer and a teacher with 15 years of teaching experience.

A

s an educator now working in the UK, one of my concerns is the obvious underachievement and lack of confidence amongst Black male students, especially in nations where Black is not the dominant race.

I work with students from disadvantaged communities and I do worry. In many cases, these boys are likely to be excluded for poor behaviour and underperformance, and they possess a very guarded attitude when it comes to relaying what their home situation is like, which in many cases is quite fragile. In one scenario, one bold boy told me outright that his father is a “wasteman”, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to call home.

To be clear, there are some Black boys who are exceptionally focused and have high ambitions. These boys usually have so much power and a strong sense of justice. Some can effectively lead and mentor younger boys, and be the strong student voice in the school community, as well as amazingly effective assistants to the administration of a school.

Sadly, in my experience, these cases are not in the majority.

With such a tainted relationship between Black males and the police force, it must come as a shock that I would be presumptuous enough to suggest we should encourage boys to join the organisation. Just recently, in South London, Inspector Charles Ehikioya, a Black Met Police Officer, reported being racially profiled; he was stopped by White officers, as he drove home from work. The case is currently under investigation.

When I enquire about the career plans of some of my male students, like many teenagers they may say they are unsure or may mumble that they might do “something in sport”. (In fact, I was doing an Internet search on Black boys,

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

and images of brand name trainers came up!)

Conversations about available career choices usually lead to some remarkably interesting revelations. In one such discussion, I suggested joining the police force. The responses were outright incredulous rejections to the suggestion: “Aww, hell no! Definitely not, Miss!” The boys explained that, since it is touted around that the police force is institutionally racist, joining it would be a slap in the face to the Black community.

At no point was it suggested they would even consider the profession, even if they felt it is something they would be passionate about.

This is extremely unfortunate for two reasons.

Firstly, whether police officers are racist or not, they do not trust these officers, who have sworn to protect and serve them and their communities, and secondly, even if they were interested, it is apparent they would feel guilty about joining the force, since the Black community might not like the move.

But I believe that young Black students have a right to feel they have the same opportunities and freedom to choose any career they wish, without feeling a sense of dread. I believe that, rather than protest and shout “Injustice!” from the sidelines (which doesn’t necessarily result in structural changes if needed, but only in flimsy solutions to assuage the masses), a more powerful move would be to stimulate the younger generation to feel they have the power to do something about what the older ones may not have done effectively. It may sound as though I am suggesting these boys become a sacrifice, but I feel this is a societal move rather than one of martyrdom. Not only would we get a clearer picture of what exactly goes on inside this institution (and so would be likely to trust the institution more), but there would also be adequate representation.

And this representation should be vivid. It rightfully tells the world: you are accepted here too. When people feel accepted, they will put in the necessary work to ensure others joining will feel the same. They will also work to fix their environment to make it even better to exist in.

It must take a certain level of boldness to decide to join a system that enforces the law of a country, and our Black boys could use that extra encouragement. It is an important task.

I got the opportunity to speak to Richard Cross, an influencer on Black Male Impact in Education, who explained “Black boys need a bit more reassurance”. He asserted that in many cases they come from broken homes with absent positive role models and, while there are some success stories, they still need encouragement to stretch themselves in academia (especially as the girls are outperforming them). The boys, he said, tended to have confidence in many activities outside the classroom, but that confidence needs to be channelled inside the classroom.

I think that Black boys joining the police force could be a confident step in the right direction. The fear and mistrust of the police should gradually dissipate (hopefully), and there would undoubtedly be necessary representation that would show upcoming Black students that it is OK to desire working towards enforcing the law correctly and honourably.

Kimshaw Aiken has recently written her first book: ‘How to Build Your Teaching Muscles: 10 Strategies to Boost the Engagement of Challenging Learners’.

The book is available on Amazon. Visit her website at www.howtobuildyourteachingmuscles.com for more information. Email kimshawaiken@gmail.com.

LIFESTYLE 43 37

Raising Children in the Faith

BY MIKKIE MILLS

I

n these troubling times, the strength of one’s faith can carry one through many hard times and difficult situations. As a parent who professes the love of Christ and Christianity, you also want your children to learn to rely on God and their faith to carry them through. Faith is something that already comes naturally to little children, because they are more apt to believe in things they have never seen. However, raising children to be good Christians requires a lot more faith-based training. Here is what you can do as a parent to ensure that your children grow into strong Christians with powerful faith to lead and support them throughout their whole lives.

A Christian education Not everyone can afford parochial school in their religion of choice, but if you can, it helps to start your children off on the right foot. Enrol them in Christian schools, where their Christian education will reinforce what you are trying to teach them. If you are looking for more affordable Christian schooling options, try online Christian schooling, which is usually supported by a government waiver. There are also at-home Christian workbook programmes for children who are less likely to maintain an attention span when and where computers in education are concerned.

In each instance of homeschooling your child with Christian education materials, your child will be memorising Scripture daily. With some other programmes, Scripture is optional, but much of the work provided includes Bible story references, and Christian rules and teachings for everyone to follow. You can choose a programme that fits your child best, and fits

your needs as a parent, where teaching ability and available time are factors.

Get your child involved in groups at church It helps to register your children for special group activities at church. They can enrol in programmes like AWANA and youth ministries.

These programmes help connect your children to more faith-based teaching, social and moral values, and with other kids like themselves.

Having church friends helps children establish lifelong friendships that will help them stay on the straight and narrow. Most of these youth groups meet once a week. Older youth groups often take mission trips to all parts of the country. This not only encourages them to grow in their faith, but also expands their minds and their horizons, in terms of the magnitude of the amazing world God created. (Some trips even go to other countries, which can be a very exciting time for teens.)

Having nightly Bible stories and discussions Children, who are raised hearing the Bible, are able to listen better and understand Scripture better. So instead of reading your children nighttime fairy tales, read them a story from the Bible. Children love to hear tales like Jonah being swallowed by a giant fish, or Daniel surviving a night in the lion’s den because God closed the mouths of the lions. The stories are inspiring, and because you are making an effort to read these stories to your children, you are also building lifelong bonds with them, and helping them build lifelong bonds with God and their faith. If your children are old enough

(ie. of primary school age), you can also have brief discussions about passages that may be confusing to them, or you can place these events in a historical context that helps explain what is happening. There is a lot you can learn from the Bible when you read it (or hear it) often enough.

Special needs children need God too!

A lot of Christian parents worry about their special needs children, and may wonder whether it is worth reading the Bible to them. The answer is thus: Matthew 19:14: ‘But Jesus said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto Me; for such is the Kingdom of heaven.”’

This passage shows that ALL children should be allowed to come to God, as God accepts all those who choose Him and choose to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Ergo, read the Bible to your special needs child, even if he or she is non-verbal or doesn’t seem to hear you. You are doing right by him/her, and it does his/her soul good to hear the Word. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

42 LIFESTYLE 38

LET’S PLAY DRESS UP!

BY JEANETTE YOUNG FASHION FEATURE/EDITOR I don’t know about you, but I have missed going out and ‘dressing up’!

The good company, food, drink, music, dancing, laughter and dressing up, which makes you look and feel good… now that is therapy right there! I also miss seeing people dress up in classy occasion wear - Hollywood style, lol!

Nowadays anything goes, which is a real shame!

Something happens when you dress up. It brings out the lady (or the gentleman) in you, and all of a sudden you begin to walk and talk differently, simply as a result of the way you look and feel.

Hubby and I love to create candlelit dinners together at home, and dress up to eat our meal. You can create the environment you want to see and live in, too. You can also create date nights with the girls via Zoom - no one is exempt.

There is always a way to recreate the things you love doing.

I think the pandemic has really caused us to get creative with the way we connect with one another via social media or via online meetings and gatherings. This has been the way forward for many of us. Technology has enabled us to still engage with one another and enjoy the things we love doing - even if it’s from a distance.

I remember back in the day, when we would dress up for convention, that’s when you would really see glamorous outfits!

I would admire everyone’s outfits and their individual styles.

Oh, how I miss the good ole days…

I’m not sure the younger generation will ever experience days like those, but it is something we should never stop talking about: teaching our youth about etiquette and class.

I love this time of year. It’s a time to unwind and enjoy quality time with our loved ones. And to dress up and enjoy the festive season, of course. Jesus is the Reason for the season, so that’s even more reason to celebrate.

We cannot allow the pandemic to dampen our spirits, because God is still in control. We draw comfort and strength from Psalm 46, which states: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…’

So let us get into the festive mood, and start the New Year with hope, knowing that God is in control.

Recently, I did a fantastic collaboration with a company called JJsHouse, which is an online retailer specialising in wedding dresses and occasion wear. JJsHouse approached me, because they loved my YouTube channel, and enquired to see whether I could do a shopping haul and try on to review their dresses. (This was a paid collaboration, and the dresses were gifted to me.)

Treat yourself, ladies, because you are worth it!

“I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.”

Tammy Faye Bakker

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Dress Code #203128 For the ladies who love a bit of drama, the rara dress was birthed in the 1980s, and the fuller the skirt, the better. The sequinned body works well, paired with the satin rara skirt, making this a very glamorous and chic cocktail dress.

It is perfect for the following body shapes: Hourglass, Rectangle and Inverted Triangle.

LIFESTYLE 39 Here are a few more dresses I chose and styled:

Dress Code #219155 Another 1950s silhouette is the mermaid or fishtail-styled dress. I was drawn to the combination of different textures, embroidery and sequin embellishment.

The tassels add that extra finesse, giving the dress a 1920s twist.

It is perfect for the following body shapes: Hourglass, Pear, Rectangle and Inverted Triangle.

Dress Code #236997 This 1950s-styled fit-and-flare dress is chic, elegant and timeless. The high/low hem is very flattering, and reminds me of Audrey Hepburn.

It is perfect for the following body shapes: Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle and Inverted Triangle.

Please click my personal link below, and take advantage of my 10% discount code: JYL https://www.jjshouse.co.uk/popular/D/Dresses-Shop-London For more elegant and classy looks by JJsHouse, click the link below: https://youtu.be/LTCQYwtFiMU

Dress Code #195393 I’m not sure whether many of you know, but the pencil skirt or dress is another 1950s silhouette. The pencil dress with cape is a timeless piece, which is simple, but striking, and the delicate, embroidered lace is very feminine and luxurious.

It is perfect for the following body shapes: Hourglass, Rectangle, Apple and Inverted Triangle.

For more about me, please check out: www.jeanette-young.com

Instagram: @jeanetteyounglondon @jeanetteyoungstylist Facebook: @jeanetteyoung.consultancy YouTube: Jeanette Young London

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 LIFESTYLE

READY TO RISE with Jo Saxton

BY RHODA HARDIE

Jo Saxton is an internationally renowned author and speaker, who brings a multicultural perspective to her leadership training for women. She was born in London, and now lives in the States. Jo’s new book, ‘Ready to Rise’, was published this spring.

Jo, the subtitle of your new book is ‘Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step Into Your Influence’. Could you tell us a little bit about each of those phrases, and why they are important?

‘Own Your Voice’ means to acknowledge and embrace the way God has made you, and the call and purpose He has placed on your life in each season.

‘Gather Your Community’ – we don’t do life alone; there are people who support us, invest in us (and vice versa), who play a key role in the life God has called us to. Purpose/ calling isn’t only about what we do; it’s also found in the relationships we have.

In your book, you write, ‘Now is the time to rise’. Seeing the #BlackLivesMatter campaign gain momentum over the last few months, do these words seem more relevant now than ever?

I think these words are AS relevant as ever, not more relevant, because the inequities that ignited the #BlackLivesMatter movement have been happening in the US and also the UK for a very long time. Racial inequity and injustice have been the lived experience of our communities, our congregation members, our families, our own bodies. We all have stories we could tell. So it’s good and significant that #BLM is receiving attention and focus.

‘Step Into Your Influence’ – it takes courage, but ultimately this is not just about talking about what we are called to and recognising that we have influence, but taking concrete steps in response to what God has given us to do.

“You get tired of people thinking you are less capable and competent because you are ‘just a woman’, Black or African.”

As a woman born in London to Nigerian parents and now living in the United States, where would you say your roots are? Has that changed over the years?

Perhaps it’s because I’ve lived in quite a few places, I’ve learned to find ways to feel at home anywhere. So the US is my home and I’m called here. But maybe it’s because I’ve lived in quite a few places that I’m fully aware of the things that don’t ever change: I’m Nigerian (Yoruba); I’m a Londoner; I’m an immigrant. That’s me. My people are my roots. And ultimately, my citizenship is heaven.

You talk in your book about the importance of having relationships that give you wings, and relationships that give you roots. Could you tell us more about this and why it is so crucial?

The relationships that give us roots keep us grounded, healthy and whole. They are your friends, your family, your church community - maybe a person you talk to about the brokenness in your life. It’s a lie that a leader doesn’t need these. Leaders are human beings too.

The relationships that give us wings are the people who help us fly, to soar into God’s purposes for our lives – a mentor, a sponsor, maybe our team or professional networks.

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God designed each of us for community.

It isn’t good for us to be isolated; we thrive and fulfil our potential in the context of healthy relationships. Chronic loneliness is an effective tool that the enemy uses to undermine people, particularly leaders.

Your idea of the ‘Great Woman Theory’ is one with which I am sure many of us can identify – the expectation to do it all and be it all. What advice would you give to people who may be struggling with this pressure?

We have to break up with the lie that our worth is tied up in our performance in every part of our lives. It’s exhausting us.

I knew, growing up back in the day, that to be taken seriously as a Black Nigerian woman in certain spaces, being good was not enough. You get tired of people thinking you are less capable and competent because you are ‘just a woman’, Black or African. So I worked harder to be at least twice as good, in order to be seen as just about equal. It might get you the job, but it certainly got me burnt out!

I am probably still a bit of an overachiever at times - old habits die hard. But I know who I am now. I am made in God’s image. I am a child of God. I don’t have to prove my worth. If my Blackness, my womanhood, or anything else means you reject me, it is what it is. I will not burn myself out trying to get approval to sit at your table.

Ready to Rise by Jo Saxton is available now in paperback.

LIFESTYLE 41

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like everywhere I go...’

Roll out the pastry - not too thick – and, with the larger round pastry cutter, cut out 12 circles. Press the pastry into your cupcake tray, and fill each one with a small spoonful of the mincemeat mixture. Do not overfill or you’ll get a sticky mess as an end result, which will still taste nice but won’t look too pretty!

SHANA DAWN LEWIS

a qualified chef for over 25 years, and winner of the Wise Women Award 2020 in the Life Turnaround category

F

or me, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. I absolutely love it! In the Easter issue, I spoke a bit about what Christmas was like for me growing up, as the fruit cake recipe in that issue is the one I bake every Christmas and Easter. Sad face, as I can’t use that recipe again, so for this issue I thought I would make mince pies, using some of the fruits I use in my cakes. These fruits have been soaking all year around. Also, as an added treat, we have a mulled wine recipe too.

It’s been such a year of very low lows and not nearly as many highs. However, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Editor-in-Chief, Shirley McGreal, on her MBE. Hearing the news about this wonderful achievement certainly has been one of my highlights in a year of unprecedented and unforeseen circumstances. It has been a pleasure to see so many of the Black and gospel community - who have been featured over the years in Keep The Faith magazine - being listed on the Queen’s Honours List in 2020.

No doubt there will be much to celebrate in your households this Christmas, so what better way to do this than with some homemade mince pies and mulled wine?

Christmas,

Mince Pies INGREDIENTS For the pastry: • 10oz plain flour • 8oz butter, softened • 4oz caster sugar • 1 medium-sized egg For the filling: • 3 large tablespoons of quality mincemeat (from a jar) • 3 large tablespoons of home-soaked fruits (if you have them) Method Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.

To make the sweet pastry, rub the flour, butter, sugar and egg together until it just comes together as dough, being careful not to over-work the dough. Wrap the pastry in cling film, and set aside to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes while you make the filling.

Put the mincemeat into a bowl, and mix in your home-soaked fruits.

Use more from the jar if you don’t have soaked fruit. Place to one side.

With your smaller, fluted pastry cutter, cut another 12 circles to make the lids. Place a lid on top of each pie and gently push down. You can brush edges of the bottom halves with a little water around the edges to help the lids stick.

This is optional. Prick the top of each pie with a fork, so any air inside will be able to escape.

Bake for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Dust with icing sugar, and serve warm with fresh cream, custard, ice cream or brandy butter... the choice of what you serve them with is totally up to you. They also taste just as good on their own.

Mulled Wine INGREDIENTS • 1 standard bottle of red wine* • 4 cloves • 1 large cinnamon stick • 1 orange • 2 star anise • 1 lime Method Put red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lime slices and orange slices into a saucepan and cook on a low heat for 10 mins.

Remove from the heat and cool, leaving to infuse for about 30 mins.

To serve, heat without boiling, and pour into mugs or heatproof glasses. (*Grape juice can be used as a substitute for the red wine for a non-alcoholic version.)

Have a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year, from Shana Dawn from Christlike Creations.

42 LIFESTYLE

Christians and Money ( Vols 1 & 2) are possible bestsellers!

Christians and Money (Volumes 1 & 2) is a joint venture of Christian leader, Dr Femi Olowo, and seasoned accountant, David Frederick.

J

ubilee Publications and Compass Publishing are proud to debut a comprehensive two-volume book series on accounting and stewardship.

Stalwart Christian authors, with global teaching ministries in their respective fields, combine a forthright explanation of practical principles of money management and personal financial accounting with a radical exposé on the history and purpose of money, giving, tithing and the enigmatic Prosperity Gospel. The result is a masterful original piece of non-fiction that is as robust and truthful as it is insightful and beneficial for Christians and others. This is an inspirational must-read work from experienced and seasoned professionals.

Synopsis: Christians and Money, Volume 1: Money and Practical Financial Management for Christians.

In this first volume, the authors enrich the mind of the inquisitive Christian, by tracing the origins of money and exploring its development through the annals of ancient civilisations and through the pages of the Bible. They then focus on the more practical aspects of money, starting by elucidating what it is, its various forms, and the concept of credit. Finally, with a smorgasbord of case studies, they unpack the maze of practical financial management, sound budgeting, debt management, understanding taxation and the need for inheritance intelligence. Dr Femi Olowo and David Frederick have compiled an excellent financial resource for the Christian who wants to know how to retain more of the money they make.

Synopsis: Christians and Money, Volume 2: A Balanced Exposé on Giving, Tithing and the Prosperity Gospel.

In this second volume, the authors start by emphasising the need for sound doctrine. Money is certainly an area where there needs to be clarity and a proper interpretation of the Scriptures.

This is followed by outlining three different viewpoints in relation to tithing and what the Bible really teaches. The book challenges readers to decide with integrity where they really stand. Then, with real concern about the extreme teachings and practices of many preachers, the thorny subject of the Prosperity Gospel is unravelled, and Christians are encouraged to go back to narrow-road theology, as taught by Jesus. Finally, readers are encouraged to takea fresh look at what God really means by ‘success’ for His people.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

SPECIAL OFFER: £10.99 plus £2.50 p&p

What others are saying “An inspirational treatise on the controversial topic of how Christians should handle money in a time when there has been much ado about giving and tithing… a vigorous challenge of the Prosperity Gospel...a masterful exposition on how to handle one’s personal financial health, with detailed up-to-the-minute principles.”

Dr Meyer van Rensburg, Christian theologian and author “Such a thorough and insightful thesis... demystifies the complexities, and defuncts the myths that have led us to make poor financial decisions on the misguided basis that these decisions were Kingdom-inspired. By the end of Volume One, I was inspired to review my own financial situation. Thank you, David and Dr Femi, for so creatively combining the theory with the praxis to deliver a really invaluable tool for personal financial management.”

Elaine Bowes, Head of Marketing & Communications, The Pentecostal Credit Union “The authors have both explored succinctly the issues surrounding money and how everyone should be well-informed about managing this core aspect of their existence.”

Dr Samuel O Idowu, Deputy CEO, Global Corporate Governance Institute

Times. As CEO of Jubilee Publications, he also produces and publishes quality books for others, such as A Winning Character by Fredrick Juma, which is making great strides on Amazon and other platforms. He has visited over 25 countries for ministry and missions purposes. Dr Femi is married to Anna and has two daughters.

David Frederick FCCA is the founder of Marcus Bishop Associates Limited, and a specialist probate accountant and tax adviser.

As a global business trainer, he has lectured in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. He was a university principal accounting lecturer, and chief accounting examiner for a professional chartered organisation. He has authored several books and articles, and writes a monthly financial column for a London publication. He is on the board of a professional accountancy body and several charities. David is a married to Louisa and has three children.

About the Authors Dr Femi Olowo published his first book, Understanding the Book of Revelation, in 1998, and has since written numerous books on Christian theology, doctrine and practice, such as healing, Christian suffering and the End

To get your copies: Please visit http://globalinstitute.org.uk/ or https://marcus-bishop.com/ Email: femiolowo@yahoo.com or david@marcus-bishop-associates.co.uk

LIFESTYLE 43

TAKING CHARGE OF WHAT GOES ONTO YOUR HAIR VERONA WHITE

is a celebrity hair stylist, professional wig technician, hair coach and CEO of Afro Hair Growth Challenge.

O

ver the past few years, we have seen an increase of dangerous, illegal ingredients going into our products, which are affecting our health and the environment. The label says one thing, and the products do another. We as a community of afro curly hair should take control of what is going onto our hair.

In the rural areas of the Caribbean and Africa, the women are not going to their high street cosmetic stores and buying the best products they can get their hands on. They are using the herbs and natural products available locally around them. If you notice, they do not have hair loss or problems with their hairline, because they are sticking to their natural plant-based products.

It seems quite daunting, with all the hundreds of products that are on the shelf, but I will give you a snippet of how simple it is to make your own product. My book, ‘20 DIY Recipes for Afro Curly Hair’ (available on Amazon), is packed full of recipes which are really good for your curls.

One method, which is very simple and will keep the moisture in your hair, is the Greenhouse Method, where you dampen your hair with water; add your favourite oil, eg. castor, olive, argan or jojoba oil, and then put on a shower cap, followed by a scarf or a warm hat. You can keep this on overnight or, if you have a few hours to spare, leave it on. When you take off the cap you will experience moisturised hair.

For those of you who still have relaxed hair or a Brazilian blow-dry, please make sure you keep up with your protein treatments. Let aloe vera be your best friend, as it is good in all stages of your hair treatment.

Ladies with weaves, wigs, braids and cornrows, please look after your hair while you are wearing a protective style. You can introduce your hair to organic products, by blending aloe vera, a carrier oil (like jojoba, olive and argan), and a few drops of essential oils (such as tea tree, lavender or sweet orange). Blend them all together, and transfer them into a bottle with a spray head. This is a great leave-in moisture spray to use while your hair is in a protective style. You will also have peace of mind

knowing there are no dangerous ingredients going onto your scalp.

Christmas - my favourite time of year – is just around the corner, so treat yourself to AHGC satin pillowcases, satin wig liners and envelope scarves. Satin should be curly afro hair’s religion, because it keeps in the moisture and is much kinder to your hair and skin. If you do not want to wear a scarf, then rest your stresses on the satin pillowcase, which is designed to bring with you wherever you are.

The satin wig liners come in four colours, and will protect your hairline and keep the moisture in at the same time. Our envelope scarves are very easy to wear, and can be worn anytime to protect your hair without causing friction, like cotton or other fabrics that drag the hair.

Make the most of the CHRISTmas season, and keep blessing your hair with the tender loving care it needs, with the organic ingredients that God designed for us. www.slaythatwig.com is where you can purchase all your satin accessories.

BUY YOUR COPY ON AMAZON!

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

44 LIFESTYLE

STILL

BY TOLA DOLL FISHER

STANDING 100 Lessons From An Unsuccessful Life

Tola Fisher has recently published a book of reflections, and writes why it is important for Christians to be real about their struggles and the role of faith in helping overcoming them Eight years ago, I learned a hard and unwanted lesson in gratefulness. Looking back, I see I had very much been playing the role of ‘smug married’, with my tall, handsome husband and our ‘perfect’ life in the countryside. Then, in 2012, I gave birth to our daughter and shortly after birth, her lungs collapsed and she died.

A few months after that, my then husband told me he wanted a divorce. And instantly, my world came shattering down around me.

Well-meaning friends told me not to worry; “You’ll meet someone else and have more children, and then you’ll forget all about this!”

I understood where they were coming from.

I know well the story of Joseph, who named his son Manasseh, meaning ‘God will cause to me to forget all my troubles’.

But I was angry, and this sent me on a bit of a journey, which, to be honest, began with me spiralling out of control and being queen of ‘out, out’. I often say I think I was drunk for about two years. It was like I was testing God: “OK, so You’ve let my daughter die, my husband has left me, and I’ve lost my home…

Now what?” I blamed God for what had happened and I was angry, hurt and in pain.

So much pain.

I could sense judgment from those around me; maybe they would have handled things differently. But the thing is, God knows us, more than we know ourselves. So it’s no use pretending you are fine, going through the motions and trying to be ‘good’ in a way that means we present ourselves as having no problems whatsoever – just because we are Christians. At no point in those two years did I consider myself no longer a Christian. But what it did, is it gave me an outlet for how I was feeling deep within. And, looking back, I know God protected me from situations, which could have turned out very differently.

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At some point I remember feeling the Holy Spirit tell me gently: “Right, that’s enough”, and led me to do a course at church which helped us dig deep into our relationship with God and how we felt about Him. It helped me realise that I didn’t know Jesus - not really - and I didn’t believe God was good. I did a lot of crying during that course! It felt as though God was giving me a big hug and drawing me to Himself.

I wouldn’t have been ready to do that course straight after two back-to-back life traumas, and God is so kind and patient with us. It reminds me of how we let toddlers play out their tantrums. We calmly wait for them to calm down, as they scream and pound the floor with their little fists, complaining about the unfairness of it all. And then we pick them up, give them a cuddle, and tell them that we love them. That it’s going to be OK. Bottling things up is no good; it will come out anyway, and it could be worse if you’ve left something to fester.

My daughter, Annie, would have been seven last September. And for the first time, I decided to go to the cemetery where her ashes were scattered, and I felt God speak to me and say that my grieving period was over. We think of seven as the number of completion, and I felt a real sense of peace about it. Two months ago, when her anniversary came round again, I barely even acknowledged it!

The healing in my heart was complete, and though I will never forget her, I will no longer

mourn her in the same way.

I wrote my book, Still Standing, because I noticed people don’t often talk about dealing with difficult seasons – at least not until they are out of them, and then it’s on reflection. But things often (almost always) look different in hindsight, and I wanted to be honest about every part of my Christian walk -not just the bits that would get me lots of likes on Instagram (such as a new baby or an engagement ring).

For me, life and loss have gone very much hand in hand, and the joy now is not seeing that my life has turned around, as my friend said – with new husband and family – but in seeing that despite everything, God has used my life to bring beauty from ashes. And that’s the wonderful God we serve.

Tola Doll Fisher is a writer, editor and author. Her first book, Still Standing – 100 Lessons From An Unsuccessful Life, was published by SPCK in June 2020.

WALK THE WAY

CALLING RADICAL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS TO HAVE NEW ADVENTURES ON ANCIENT PATHS Jesus said - Go into all the world…

Faith in the countryside is in crises. Ancient buildings, too few people, too little money.

In Walk the Way we stand with our rural brothers and sisters in faith, bringing them new hope working with them to continuing to speak the Good News of Jesus in our countryside.

Loosely following the ancient Via Beata path from Lowestoft to St David’s, teams of up to 10 ordinary Christians will walk the path of the saints to meet, speak and share the gospel with people they encounter along the way, supported by teams of prayer warriors from home.

We believe that as we step out in faith, God will open hearts for the gospel and doors for provision. We trust that He will find places for us to stay, and food for us to eat.

Will you join us as a Team Member? Or as a Prayer Warrior?

This is going to be tough, stretching and completely out of your comfort zone. Leave technology behind. Expect to finish the walk a transformed person.

APPLY NOW FOR 2020 / 2021

GO TO WWW.CHRISTREDEEMER.AC.UK CALL 0208 429 4356

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

46 LIFESTYLE

The deal is closed-what’s next?

VANESSA GROSSETT

www.theauthorscare.co.uk

C

ongratulations! You have now received a publishing contract.

Your manuscript will finally be in print, and in the public eye. Now you have the contract, you can just leave that manuscript behind you, and move onto the next one, right? Well, not exactly. Technically, while you are waiting for a decision concerning your manuscript, you should be writing your next book. I always say to authors not to waste the days waiting for a response; continue to write the next book.

Once you are happy you have understood all the details in the contract, and you have signed it, the journey to becoming a published author has begun.

And just when you thought you had finished with the manuscript, you will need to visit it again, as it will need to go through edits. Yes, more edits. This can sometimes be frustrating to the author as, in his or her mind the manuscript is complete. They simply want to move on to the next book, and get this one out into the market. However, editors might spot issues in the story that you are not aware of. Remember, the aim of the publishing house is to sell books, and to make sure your manuscript is so

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

intriguing to the reader, they will come back for more. So you will have to revisit the story numerous times until it is polished enough to proceed onto the production stages.

Once you have signed the contract, it is important for you to stick to the deadlines.

If you don’t stick to deadlines within the contracted timeframe, the publisher has the right to terminate the contract. This is why it is important, when you are writing a book, to give yourself a goal of when you will finish it by – even before you receive a contract.

That way, you get used to the habit of sticking to deadlines and not procrastinating.

Keep in mind that, once you have signed the contract, you have limited control over the book. For example, you might disagree on changing the title, but if the publisher thinks that their title is more marketable, that’s the one they will go with. They have invested in your product and, yes, they want to see a return on that investment, so they will go with what sells.

Once your book is finally out on the market, it would be nice to say that your work on this particular manuscript is done.

However, now you will need to get involved in the marketing: so get used to doing interviews, putting the book out there on social media and building your readership.

If you need to do a course or research on marketing, I would advise you to do that before the book is out. I know some people can be introverted but, as an author, you need to get out of your introverted shell, and learn to interact with people - especially your readers. Show them some love; they are the ones who will be buying your product.

I would also suggest that you don’t become obsessed with reading the reviews once your book is out on the market. I remember once a client did that, and I had to tell them to stop and work on their next book! At the end of the day, people will have different opinions. Not everyone is going to take to your story, but you will have people that will love it. What matters is that you believe in yourself as a writer.

Once a contract is signed, this truly is when the real work begins, but it will be rewarding to see your God-given dream and talent come to fruition, and you will now be walking in your purpose.

Happy writing

Vanessa

LIFESTYLE 47

Add a splash of colour to your white Christmas Croydon-born entrepreneurs, Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall, are adding a splash of colour to the UK Christmas market this year with their London-based business, March Muses.

“In 2018, whilst decorating our Christmas tree, my daughters wanted a beautiful angel as the tree topper. I searched online for angels, tree toppers and fairies that represented myself and my girls, but could only find Christmas ornaments of colour in the USA. The shipping fee was £20, and I was disappointed that we would have to pay so much for angels that looked like us, so we ended up using a Black Barbie as our tree topper!” Natalie explains.

These supermums decided to launch their own Christmas decoration business, and created March Muses - the name originating from both founders being born in March and ‘muses’ being their figurines, who are named after inspirational people of colour. The products were launched in the market last October, with a range of six angels to choose from. This year, having built on their success, they now have a whopping 19 products, including a beautiful nativity set.

On average, UK parents spend anything from £500 to £2,000 at Christmas, with Christmas decorations being a high priority for families too.

But, when it comes to sourcing Black angels and

decorations for your tree, why is it so hard to find?

We are finally at a time where the importance of diversity and inclusivity is being acknowledged.

People are beginning to appreciate that representation really does matter – particularly with children, and especially within the home.

In the last census in 2011, just over 40% of residents identified as Asian, Black, Mixed or Other. What better time of year to celebrate that than at Christmas – a holiday season that is all about coming together and including everyone.

There have been quite a few studies on the effects of representation in children over the last few years, and it has been proven time and time again the importance of seeing yourself represented in a positive light. Christmas is no exception. Babies as young as six months start to notice ethnicity-based differences in humans.

Their doll or action figure collection should include a variety of hues and be representative, so it becomes normal to them rather than novelty.

Alison says: “If you have guardian angels to hang on your tree, why can’t at least one look like you? And likewise, we have many White families that want their Christmas to be reflective of the world they live in. We’ve been delighted by the response. We’re certainly dreaming of an ‘inclusive’ Christmas this year! Dressing your Christmas tree this year will be a whole new experience!”

If, like us, you love decorating your tree with your children, these decorations are perfect for teaching them that not all angels are White.

For more information, call 020 3715 745 or vist www.marchmuses.co.uk.

Follow @marchmuses, @aliburt23, @natsduv #blackchristmas #nubianchristmas #diversity #africa #caribbean #nubian #santa #diversity #kwanzaa #representationmatters

48 LIFESTYLE

SHIRLEY McGREAL MBE:

In praise of an achiever

BY MARTINS AGBONLAHOR I wrote in one of my novels that women are made of sterner stuff - that innate ability to handle numerous tasks conscientiously and effectively. Have you ever wondered how a woman can be having a phone conversation, with her left hand holding onto the mobile, and the right, making a cup of coffee or tea, both tasks executed simultaneously and to perfection? We of the opposite sex would need all the time in the world to accomplish that.

As a journalist in my own part of the world, where women are hugely discriminated against and sidelined, I can name only two amongst the few, who have stood staunchly against the odds to rise gallantly in the profession and thus became a beacon of hope to others. Ms Chris Anyanwu, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Magazine (TSM), was one. She singlehandedly guided and took that paper from humble beginnings to become a force to be reckoned with in the area of investigative journalism. I also remember Mrs Doyin Abiola, who, through dint of hard work and that can-do mental attitude, took Nigerian Concord to greater heights, winning well-deserved accolades along the way.

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It is in this mould that I see Shirley McGreal, Editor-in-Chief of Keep The Faith magazine, who was recently awarded an MBE for ‘Services to Tackling Youth Violence, Knife Crime and Poverty’. This befitting citation, to me, is just the tip of the iceberg, for Shirley is not just known for her enterprise, but she’s a complete human being, blessed with a sense of courage and a rich array of interpersonal skills. No wonder she is able to steer her magazine - made up of both men and women - to perfection, and also reach out to poor and marginalised Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) people and many others, ragged, discouraged and out of doors. Through Keep The Faith (KTF) and other numerous philanthropic activities she indulges in, Shirley has brought hope to the hopeless and a sincere message to our youths of the African and African-Caribbean population that there are other positive ways to live other than youth violence or knife crimes. KTF has also shown various NGOs and other BAME-propelled charitable organisations to the world, ensuring that they receive due recognition for their worthwhile effect on the communities where they serve.

This award could not have come at a better time, as Shirley has been a pioneer in the media for over 20 years, including being the Chief Executive Officer of the Voice Newspaper Group. A brief odyssey of this exemplary woman with staggering humane qualities is that she has worked assiduously

with various organisations, where she held Board-level positions. She has also worked with the Mayor of London’s Office, Street Pastors, the Metropolitan Police, not to mention other groups, such as the YMCA, Social Enterprise Coalition, Synergy Network, the Community Action Awards and many others too numerous to mention.

When I heard she was being bestowed the prestigious honour, I was so delighted that I sent an email to her, singing her praises to the high heavens, but this humble woman I am so privileged to work with displayed that selfless or altruistic trait lacking in most men: “The award is not for me alone, as the magazine is a joint effort. So, we all deserve to take credit for the award.”

Again, congratulations, Shirley!

Martins Agbonlahor is a novelist and journalist based in Greater Manchester. His new novel: Another Poor Cow: The Dangers of Tradition in Rural Nigeria, is available on all online bookstores.

LIFESTYLE 49 Many called COVID-19 ‘the great leveller’ but children’s charity Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) knew this could not be further from the truth.

TLG’s Alternative Provision schools for children at crisis point in their education, conducted lessons remotely and paid socially distant doorstep visits to ensure the physical, emotional and educational wellbeing of their students.

TLG Early Intervention coaches, who support children with one-to-one coaching sessions for an hour every week, moved to virtual coaching sessions which included the children and their wider family. TLG Make Lunch clubs, a form of holiday provision, delivered ‘Boxes of Hope’ throughout the crisis – emergency care parcels full of food, essential items, activities and support.

One of the most significant consequences of this pandemic has been on mental and emotional health. In response to this, TLG has launched its brand new Emotional First Aid and Emotional Rollercoaster resources.

These will equip churches up and down the country to know how to spot the signs of emotional distress in local families they are supporting and respond to them effectively.

COVID-19 has had a particularly disproportionate impact on the UK’s black community. This, along with the unjust killing of George Floyd and the shocking statistics

The pandemic and resulting lockdown caused everyone huge concern, but for many vulnerable families it was just the start of their worries. With important support structures that provide food, childcare and emotional wellbeing affected, families were left without the critical support they rely on.

TLG acted quickly, along with its partner churches, to adapt its three programmes and ensure no child was left without vital support.

TLG Education Centre staff, the teachers at

that Black Caribbean children are twice as likely to be permanently excluded than their white counterparts, has raised awareness about the racial inequalities that are entrenched in our society.

Leaders at TLG are all too aware that they need to not just help the children but also stand up to these injustices. That is why TLG is teaming up with both the New Testament Church of God and the One People Commission to campaign for the school curriculum to fully reflect today’s multi-cultural society.

To keep up to date with TLG’s work please follow TLG on Facebook and Twitter and visit tlg.org.uk.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

50 MISSION

GARY CLAYTON

is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship: www.maf-uk.org

I

n 1945, Stuart King, an RAF Engineer Officer who had risked his life taking part in the D-Day landings, felt God calling him to use his skills for the Kingdom, “using aircraft as an overflow of God’s great goodness.”

With World War II over, the vision of using planes to save lives, rather than raining down death and destruction, resulted in the formation of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in 1945.

By 1947, enough money had been raised to buy the organisation’s very first aircraft – a Miles Gemini.

A year later, Stuart and fellow missionary Jack Hemmings left Croydon for a hair-raising six-month survey flight across Africa.

Stuart later wrote: “We flew the plane into a squall of icy rain with a 70mph crosswind for good measure. There had been a brief debate about waiting for better weather, but we’d done crazier things in the war, and couldn’t wait any longer to start this new adventure!

“Although that first pioneering survey was exciting, tough and dangerous, God helped us not to waver – even when our sleek little aircraft lost height and crashed in the Burundi foothills.”

Following the survey, Sudan was seen as the African nation that would benefit most from MAF’s services. Regular operations started there in 1950.

“As the number of MAF programmes increased over the years,” Stuart said, “so God has provided – often miraculously. Our first aircraft crashed, the second was destroyed, then the third, but God always provided.”

In 1951, while repairing a crashed aircraft in Abaiyat, Sudan, Stuart met missionary Phyllis Bapple. Later, when the head of SIM’s mission station there told Stuart: “You can have anything you need that will help you,” Stuart took him up on his offer and married Phyllis!

After their wedding in Khartoum, Stuart and Phyllis moved into a small room at the SIM headquarters, sharing their bedroom with spare aircraft parts!

In time, they were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Phyllis,” Stuart said, “was God’s gift to me.”

Although she died unexpectedly in 2003, “her rich heritage remains.”

Led by Stuart as General Director, MAF’s work eventually developed across Chad, Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

ALL THE KING’S MEN Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

For the past 75 years, MAF has helped distribute Bibles and life-saving vaccines; transported church workers and Bible translators; evacuated Christians in times of conflict; provided food for the famished, and airlifted ill and injured patients to hospital – saving valuable time and precious lives.

MAF also enables humanitarian agencies, such as the UN, UNICEF, World Health Organisation and the Red Cross, to respond promptly to the needs of people affected by cyclones, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis.

Having led MAF UK for more than 40 years, Stuart stepped down in 1987. Despite ‘retirement’, he continued to visit the Folkestone office as President Emeritus, offering encouragement and advice.

One of Stuart’s last visits was in November 2019, when he received the Award of Honour from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots for his outstanding contribution to aviation. His name is now listed with the astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell.

Three years earlier, he was appointed Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur by the French Government for Stuart’s “acknowledged military engagement and […] steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France.”

Before he died, Stuart said how excited he was by “the massive growth of churches and Christians in Africa, Asia and South America”, and their “strong desire to reach out to other parts of the world with God’s love.”

Looking back on MAF’s 75-year ministry, he prayed for “God to raise up more personnel to live for His glory – people who will be better than we were – more skilled, more in love with the Lord, and still pioneering… speeding the Lord’s return.”

The mission, established from the ashes of war with one aircraft and a small number of staff serving one African country, has grown to an organisation whose 138 aircraft serve 26 developing countries. MAF’s 1,300 personnel – 1,000 of whom are nationals, rather than expatriates – enable access to 1,400 remote locations.

Paying tribute to Stuart, Bishop Anthony Poggo, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser on Anglican Communion Affairs, said: “Over the last 30 years I have benefited first-hand from the ministry of MAF in my work […] when I was the Bishop of the Diocese in Kajo-Keji - a seven-hour, risky and time-consuming road trip to Juba, could be cut down to just 30 minutes by air.

“This underscores the importance of MAF […] Stuart literally saved lives by providing the facilities to medevac people in life-threatening situations.”

For a man born shortly after World War I, in March 1922, Stuart’s energy and commitment continued unabated, until this earthly king with a heavenward focus finally met his heavenly King on 29 August 2020, at the age of 98.

Gary Clayton is married to Julie, is the father of Christopher (16) and Emma (13), and works for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). To learn more about MAF and the 26 African and the Asia-Pacific countries served by 138 light aircraft, visit www.maf-uk.org

MISSION 51

A very special Christmas in Riyadh LINDA SAGE MA, BA Ed (Hons)

DTM - Mindset & Resilience expert, trainer, broadcaster and writer

F

riday midday, and the huge ball of light in the middle of the clear blue sky is radiating its heat and bright light. With massive palm trees and colourful flowering cactus plants in a peaceful garden, it could be anywhere in the world, but this quiet oasis was not a typical sight for most people; it was only for special guests.

In the first 10 weeks of my contract, I felt very isolated and alone. There was no social life, theatres, cinemas or bars in which to meet people, and I was looking forward to the end of my 12 weeks in Riyadh. My contract was coming to a close in December, but not a single Christmas tree, bauble, Santa or decoration was in sight; my only break from work was in the Sheraton Hotel, still garbed in the abaya and scarf, where afternoon tea was my treat (no alcohol, of course). I saw a group of Western ladies from various countries having lunch, and from them I learnt more about what to do, what was possible, and where to go in the next hour than I had in the previous ten weeks.

Loendi, a lovely South African lady, invited me to a walk in the desert the next day. This was illegal, as men and women (who are not married) mix together there. It is an abaya-free zone, and an excuse to be out of my hotel room. The wonderful beauty of the desert has never left me. While we were out walking, she asked me whether I had been to a ‘Special Meal’ in the British Embassy. I hadn’t, so she explained that, although church services of any type are forbidden and illegal, people met in the safety of an embassy or consulate.

Once again, she invited me. I don’t know how she managed to get me onto the security list for the next day, but she did.

Entering an embassy, you have to go through a variety of military and police checkpoints with your passport and visa.

There are no mobiles allowed inside any embassy. The Diplomatic Quarter, where all the embassies and consulates are, was an abaya-free zone that has changed since. During my first visit, everything seemed daunting and unreal; I would never get invited to any events in embassies in the UK. As I entered the British Embassy for the first time, going through the security check and being ticked off a list surrounded by machine guns - whilst knowing I was doing something illegal was scary.

Through the barriers, in that calm garden, my heart started to slow and my temperature lowered. When I opened the door of the lower building, I was greeted by some amazingly familiar sights: a polished wooden cross with Jesus, garlands, flowers, music, candles… and happy people. I hadn’t realised until then how much I had missed all of this. There were people from all over the world - all ages, genders and creeds - but the atmosphere and passion were tangible. I spent most of the service in tears, but I couldn’t say why. Communion was held - not with wine - but the kindness, hospitality and openness of these people was something I hadn’t seen in all the previous weeks of being in Saudi. After the service, I sat and had lunch with some people and we exchanged phone numbers.

In the following week, people called to ask how I was, and whether I wanted to meet for a coffee.

Life was different. In that week, my employer also asked me to extend my contract for a further six months; I wouldn’t have considered that a week before, but now I had some amazing support, and even looked forward to the coming months.

The following week, I attended a Christmas party at the American Ambassador’s residence that could easily have been in Hollywood. The carols, the choir, the grand piano, the festivities all by candle-light - were the start of a new reality for me. The atmosphere, gratitude, attitude, warmth and sincerity of people based in faith really opened my eyes and my heart.

I was raised a Christian, and had always taken comfort from Jesus and prayed, went to Sunday school, took my mum to candle-lit Christmas services, wore the crucifix she had bought me, etc, but I wouldn’t say I had been very church-based in my life as a general rule.

My stay in Riyadh was actually extended to six and a half years in the end, most of which I would say was down to the people I had met through the church connections there. There were many events, activities and services arranged in many of the embassies, but the invitation was always to a Special Meal. In all, they were all very special for me. The solace and friendship I found there, like so many others, shows that faith is stronger than any man-made environment, laws or buildings.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

52 MISSION

“RISE UP, LAZARUS, RISE!” MARTINS AGBONLAHOR

is a journalist and author of Killing Them Softly: The Struggle for Women’s Rights in Nigeria.

He lives in Manchester.

T

o those of the Christian faith, the above headline rings – or should ring – a bell, as it deals with the power of Jesus Christ over death. The story of Lazarus – one arousing a feeling of sympathy and irredeemable loss – is taken from chapter 11 in the Book of John. The gist of it all was that he, Lazarus, was gravely sick and eventually died, necessitating in Jesus being summoned.

And off He and His disciples went to Bethany, where the deceased had been buried, and where the man’s relatives were weeping bitterly.

Amongst them too was a cluster of Doubting Thomases, who never believed that Jesus could raise the dead. But this He actually did, with a holler of the above headline. Some versions have it as “Lazarus, come out!” and “Come forth!” and so on, but let’s not drench the significance of this miracle in semantics. Its lesson to us all remains unambiguous: Have faith in the healing powers of Jesus Christ.

But please permit me to crave your indulgence, and redirect your thoughts towards another Lazarus - a bespectacled, chubbyfaced African on whose shoulders lies the task of transforming one of the least developed countries in Africa to political and economic relevance. I am talking about Reverend Lazarus Chakwera, who was recently sworn in as the President of Malawi, having defeated the incumbent Peter Mutharika in the rerun of the 2020 Presidential Elections. While the ‘Change has come’ victory is still being celebrated all over the cities, the President should not lose sight of the task ahead, which, though it seems gargantuan, could be tackled with a combination of foresightedness, fortitude and decisive action.

Firstly, Malawi’s huge dependency on foreign aid for its development should be re-examined with toothcomb thoroughness. This seemingly

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poor country is rich in agriculture. The onus, therefore, should be on the new president to steer the country towards self-sufficiency in food production. A massive green revolution, with improved mechanised farming, will not just be enough to feed the people, but would also create jobs and take care of exports, thus generating the much-needed revenue for the ailing economy.

To take this further, while some may support the doling out of this ‘development’ largesse, I happen to be diametrically opposed to it.

Malawi, for instance, has been a known recipient over the decades, and still remains castrated in development, with no jobs or viable industries to absorb the teeming jobseekers, not to mention the dreadful HIV/AIDS, which has not been curtailed and is still killing people in their thousands. In this same vein, the former president, Bingu wa Mutharika, once purchased a private jet - presumably by dipping into this Fund - resulting in the country being plunged further into debt, and hard currency becoming as scarce as the proverbial tiger’s tears.

Experts have argued that unhindered population growth remains a serious impediment to Malawi’s economic progress. Nothing can be truer than this. In any case, this moral cancer is not applicable to Malawi alone, but to all African countries. In situations where there are no jobs to occupy able-bodied men constructively, unrestrained acts of procreation and satisfaction of the flesh become the order of the day. Is the idle mind not the devil’s workshop, after all? The new president should look into this, and make job creation one of his priorities.

It is no longer news that Malawi has the highest number of child marriages in the world.

This has many times resulted in sexual abuse and harassment, with the teenage victim having nowhere to run to in this poverty-stricken, extremely patriarchal society. In this vein, therefore, the new president and his team should promulgate a law to loosen the grip that society has placed on women. Enlightenment and literacy programmes should also be established to empower women.

Recently, the country, in her ‘show of support for our wonderful women’, lifted its legal age for marriage from fifteen to eighteen - a theatrical gesture gaining approval amongst the country’s upper class. These ephemeral, self-defeating measures, I am afraid, will not get Malawi anywhere, as she is merely paying heed to rashes, while the more contagious pimples are left uncured. In essence, Malawi should occupy itself with more meaningful programmes that would bail her out from her present state of degeneracy, other than merely railroading innocent teenagers into early marriage.

President Lazarus Chakwera should look towards Rwanda, and see why that nation works, and how she is fast becoming an African ‘wonder nation’, with 64% of parliamentarians being women - the highest in Africa, and by far more than most European countries. If Rwanda, a nation that was once wrecked by genocide, can do it, then Malawi, one of the most peaceful countries on earth, surely can too.

Reverend Lazarus Chakwera no doubt has a lot on his plate. However, he should be able to deliver - if he so chooses - an array of detribalised lieutenants with sterling qualities and can-do attitudes. He must not fail the electorate, who had voted massively for him, expecting not the business-as-usual politics, but a change for the better. The new president must show not just by words but also by deeds that he is a trusted patriot, able to rise above the prevailing circumstances and put Malawi on the right footing. But can he?

Only time will tell.

MISSION 53

Mercy Ships announces the Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship, as cathedral project becomes reality Following the model of Jesus, Mercy Ships tackles global surgery injustice, by building the world’s largest charity-run hospital ship.

In 1978, Don and Deyon Stephens left everything to follow Jesus and pursue a childhood dream. Don imagined a fleet of hospital ships, crewed by professionals from every nation – all volunteering to sail to the planet’s neediest ports to serve the forgotten poor and offer their expertise, without regard to race, colour, gender or creed. Don writes: “One day my imagined crew came to life before my eyes and, amazingly, made the dream set sail.”

Don Stephens, the founder of Mercy Ships, calls this medical ministry a “Cathedral Project”, passed from one generation to another, just as great cathedrals are built by many generations spanning decades…

October 2020 – Mercy Ships announced the latest addition to the fleet, and the next chapter in this story of faith: The Global Mercy.

Scheduled to set sail to West Africa in late 2021, the Global Mercy will be the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship.

Rosa Whitaker, the president of Mercy Ships says: “The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel— a fully custom-built hospital ship with customised instruments, state-of-the-art technology and highly-trained talent of a modern hospital. It also represents a unique call-to-action for anyone called to serve, and it presents the opportunity for people to use their skill set to positively impact global healthcare.”

In the UK, we have experienced a fleeting glimpse of what it feels like to have access to essential medical services restricted or unobtainable over the past few months. However,

worldwide, this is the daily reality for two out of three people, who cannot access surgery when they need it, because they cannot afford it; they cannot access it, or it is simply not available in their country. Tragically, as a direct result, more than 17 million people die every year from curable conditions that could have been treated by surgery.

Mercy Ships believe access to healthcare is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. This is why Mercy Ships provide free surgeries and strengthen fragile healthcare systems – empowering local professionals with advanced skills.

Their vision is to use hospital ships, crewed by volunteers, to transform lives and serve nations. They achieve this by reducing the surgical backlog in developing countries, while also providing training and mentoring to African doctors and nurses, and renovating local medical facilities in each of the countries they visit.

It is through this pioneering vision that Mercy Ships has been able to change and save lives for over 40 years. One such life was Adama, a young mother from Guinea. Adama developed cataracts whilst she was pregnant with twins and, by the time she gave birth, she was completely blind. Unable to access the simple surgery that would restore her sight, Adama would never see her new family. It was not until Adama received a free, 20-minute procedure from Mercy Ships that she was able to see her children’s faces for the first time. She described seeing her children for the first time like “waking up in paradise”.

For four decades, this ministry has been made possible by charitable donations from individuals and local churches, as well as the predominately Christian volunteers who provide

world-class surgical care to those in desperate need, completely free of charge. These volunteers literally help the blind see, the lame walk, and outcasts return home with dignity and hope for the future. The stories of lives changed could easily be lifted from the pages of the Gospels.

Over the Global Mercy’s projected 50-year lifespan, it is estimated that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone. In addition to providing surgeries, the Global Mercy will be outfitted with state-of-theart training spaces, including a simulation lab with virtual and augmented reality, and other cutting-edge training tools, which allow trainers to simulate local conditions to teach best practices in low-resource environments.

The 174-metre, 37,000-ton ship will have six operating rooms and house over 600 volunteers from around the globe, representing many disciplines, including surgeons, anaesthetists, maritime crew, cooks, plumbers, nurses, teachers, host staff and more. The ship will also feature a 682-seater auditorium, student academy, gymnasium, pool, café, shop and library – all of which have been designed to accommodate up to 950 crew onboard, when docked in port.

The Global Mercy will join the current flagship Africa Mercy, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity. The Global Mercy is undergoing the final stages of construction, with the aim of sailing into active service by the end of 2021.

For more information about Mercy Ships, updates on Global Mercy, or how to volunteer or donate, please visit: www.mercyships.org.uk www.keepthefaith.co.uk