48 minute read
are possible bestsellers
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
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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.
Editor’s NOTE ISSUE 117
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
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CONTENTS ISSUE 117
NEWS
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
16 In the spotlight... Shaun Bailey 18 A conversation with Adjoa Andoh
By Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo
20 ‘Tis the season to be jolly
By Tina Boyle-Whyte
22 Unto us a Child is born: A family Christmas story
By Marnita Coleman
23 Keep the light of Christmas shining
By Dionne Gravesande
24 A merry little Christmas
By Gary Clayton
14
18
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
34 Living through loss
By Sonia Moore
By Kimshaw Aiken
37 Raising children in the faith
By Mikkie Mills
38 Let’s play dress up!
By Jeanette Young
40 Ready to rise with Jo Saxton
By Rhoda Hardie
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
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
47 Add a splash of colour to your white Christmas
By Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall
48 Shirley McGreal MBE: In praise of an achiever
By Martins Agbonlahor
MISSION
50 All the King’s men
By Gary Clayton
51 A very special Christmas in Riyadh
By Linda Sage
52 “Rise up, Lazarus, rise!”
By Martins Agbonlahor
53 Mercy Ships announces Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship
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.
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”
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
“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 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.
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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. 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.”
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, 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
MARCIA DIXON MBE
LURINE CATO MBE
me to do the work that I do.”
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
A NEW BEAT GENERATION
In 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.”
Ninefold Path in Australia (photo Dan Hardie)
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
STEVE BASSETT
Creator, NINE BEATS
NINE BEATS PRESENTS:
Explore the life-giving invitation of the beatitudes with great resources and online ‘labs’: nine beats that can revolutionise our lives, our churches, our communities ... and even our world.
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THE NINEFOLD PATH LEARNING LAB | GROUP GUIDE
Mark Scandrette with Danielle Welch
KTF20
GROUP GUIDE
Mark Scandrette with Danielle Welch
14/06/2018 09:28
Use discount code KTF20 to receive 20% off your first order of Notebooks or Learning Labs
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Ninefold Path Notebook (revised edition) available in packs of 5 at just £15/pk Learning Lab group leader guide £19.99, plus additional films and resources online at
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An initiative of
GOD IS SENDING A MESSAGE THROUGH MUSIC
BY BEN HARRELL, GLOBAL MUSIC LINK EDITORIAL TEAM
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.
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? 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.
22/10/2020 11:58
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.
Mica 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
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
in the spotlight... SHAUN BAILEY
People 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 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
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.
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 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
