Keep the faith issue 86

Britain’s leading Black communityfocused publication

ISSUE 86

promoting and supporting faith and family values

The Immigration debate: where

do YOU stand?

THE POWER OF

EASTER

DIONNE GRAVESANDE explores the wealth divide

WISE WOMEN AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

JAKE ISAAC BREAK THESE CHAINS

PASTOR

MARJORIE ESOMOWEI talks life, ministry and honouring women

MERCY B

WOMEN TAKING UK GOSPEL FORWARD

WELCOME 03

CONTENTS ISSUE 86 12 10

Dear Reader I hope you have noticed the changed weather. After the cold, wet and windy weather we’ve experienced, spring has arrived – Praise the Lord.

Spring coincides with Easter, that time of year when Christians across the world reflect on the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, and how the Easter message has transformed their lives. Do look out for our stories, which focus on the lives of people who have touched the world after experiencing inner transformation via the Easter message, and our page of quotes about this special season.

We’ve taken a retrospective look at The Wise Women Awards (WWA), an amazing event Keep The Faith magazine jointly organises with Wisdom for Women International to celebrate the achievements of Christian women. The 10th WWA takes place on March 29, and we’ve interviewed the event’s founder, Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, who shares the inspiration behind the Awards, and gives an insight into her life and faith. We’ve also featured former WWA winners, and shared details of the 2014 WWA nominees.

Do check out the hot topics covered in this issue, which includes Christian unity; the growing gap between the rich and poor; the importance of grandparents, and why it’s necessary to regularly spend time in God’s presence.

Guest writers in this edition include Richard Reddie, who has written an article about immigration, and Pastor Andrew Adeleke, who shares his insights about church planting in our Pastors’ column.

There’s a lot of great material in this month’s edition of Keep The Faith that will make you think and reflect on what it means to be a Christian in the 21st century, as well as remind you of the power of Easter.

I hope you are inspired.

14 21 18

16 WELCOME

04 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon 06 Readers’ Letters

NEWS

07 News pages

30 Two’s company by Catherine Boldeau 31 You’ll find everything you need in God’s presence by Esther Kuku 32 The rich get richer, the poor poorer who cares? by Dionne Gravesande

COMMENT

GOSPEL

10 Gospel News by Marcia Dixon 12 Women taking UK Gospel forward

by Juliet Fletcher 14 People and Places by Dami Abajingin 16 Keep The Faith About Town

34 Christian unity is far more important than denominationalism by Rev David Shosanya 35 The power of a name

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 36 Shining the spiritual spotlight on grandparents by Rev Stephen Brooks

INTERVIEW

LIFESTYLE

18 Interview with Pastor Marjorie Esomowei

FEATURE

20 The 10th Wise Women Awards nominees announced 21 The impact of winning a Wise Women Award 24 The wonder of Easter by Marcia Dixon 25 The message of Easter by Marcia Dixon 26 Entering the Immigration debate

by Richard Reddie 28 The Gospel transforms lives by Jennifer Blake

Keep The Faith Tel: 0845 193 4433 R

www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.blackchristiandirectory.com

38 Pastors’ Column by Pastor Andrew Adeleke 39 Heart to Heart by Esther Fenty 40 Mind, Body and Soul by Lola Olarewaju 42 Business Matters by Denise Roberts 43 How wise women can make money

by Isaac Carter 44 Cyber Corner by Keno Ogbo

MISSION

46 Healing the wounds of genocide

by Bekah Legg

Publisher: Shirley McGreal admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Editor: Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk Advertising: advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk Admin and Subscriptions: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Twitter: @keepthefaithmag

Many thanks from Keep The Faith to: Rev David Shosanya, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Rev Stephen Brooks, Pastor Andrew Adeleke, Marcia Dixon, Juliet Fletcher, Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, Richard Reddie, Dionne Gravesande, Esther Kuku, Catherine Anthony Boldeau, Esther Fenty, Lola Olarewaju, Denise Roberts, Isaac Carter, Keno Ogbo, Bekah Legg, Becky Wybrow, Jackie Raymond, our advertisers and all our supporters The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

04 WELCOME

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

LET YOUR LIFE REFLECT THE POWER OF EASTER

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP There are always lessons to be learned from the lives of others whatever their religious persuasion - and I learnt some poignant ones about leadership following the recent death of Bob Crow, leader of the RMT Union.

E

aster is approaching and, with its claims that Jesus is the Son of God, who was born of a virgin, crucified on a cross, died and was resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that His death paid the price for men’s sins, one can’t help but wonder how this truth should be communicated to a world that becomes more and more secular as the years go by.

In order for those who have little or no faith to experience ‘Easter’ in their own lives, they have to see it in yours. So ask yourself these questions: What difference has following Christ made to how I live my life, and to how I treat my family, children, spouse and those I encounter in my day-to-day life? Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Are you exhibiting that abundant life in your life that will make people ask, “Who is this Jesus?”

During His sermon on the mount, Jesus told the crowd, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

When we do good works, and tell people it’s our faith that inspires us to do good works, it will make them think twice about Christianity, and about our belief in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During this special time of year, let’s ask God to unleash the resurrection power that raised

Jesus from the dead into our own lives, so that people can see how the message of Easter has affected our everyday lives.

And let’s say this prayer that Paul wrote to the church in Ephesians 1:18-21: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age, but also in the one to come.” Amen.

The killings have to STOP I must send a public shout out as well as condolences to Lorraine Jones, a Christian minister, whose son, Dwayne Simpson, died recently after being stabbed in the heart.

I first heard about Dwayne via his mother’s FB post, asking people to pray for his healing following his stabbing. The next post I read by Lorraine stated that Dwayne had died.

I felt saddened, and felt led to visit her - something I don’t normally do - and met a courageous woman standing firm on her faith, encouraging others despite her great loss.

Lorraine is one of too many mothers, whose children have died at the hands of another young person. When are we going to say enough is enough? If we don’t want UK inner cities to become like our counterparts in the US, like states, where shootings and killings of Black youth take place every day, we need our community, business, political and church leaders and gang leaders to get round a table and thrash out a solution. Too many youth are dying. Too many mothers are crying. It’s got to stop.

Lorraine Jones, you are in our prayers.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/keep-the-faith-magazine

I must confess I saw him as a pugnacious man, who occasionally inconvenienced my journeys on public transport by calling strikes whenever the powers that be wanted to bring in changes that would impact his members.

It’s through Crow’s death, however, that I’ve discovered that RMT members are amongst the highest paid transport workers in Europe; membership of the RMT increased from 57,000 to 80,000 under his leadership, and that he sought to represent his members well. His life demonstrates that, when leaders carry out their jobs well, they won’t necessarily be liked.

This was true of Jesus. His followers loved Him, but He was disliked by the ‘establishment’ of the day and, because He stayed true to His mission, He fulfilled the work God had Him do.

Some churches are in decline, because the leader is more concerned about maintaining the status quo and being disliked for instituting change. Can you imagine what the Church would be like, if more church leaders were concerned with pleasing God rather than man? A leader must know their mission; stand firm in what they believe; be prepared to lift their head above the parapet, and take the flak as well as the praise that goes with the job. Bob Crow seems to have done all three and left an indelible mark. Crow’s life has provided me with this leadership lesson: when you’re a leader, it’s nice to be liked, and to be loved is a bonus, but when you’re respected because you’ve stuck to the task at hand, then you know you’re succeeding.

Earn money for your church, ministry or organisation with Keep The Faith magazine One publication no church can afford to be without is Keep The Faith magazine, Britain’s leading Black community-focused publication promoting and supporting faith and family values This enlightening read provides inspiring news, features, interviews and thought provoking commentary from a Christian perspective.

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The magazine keeps you abreast from the best perspective and is a great resource for ministry.”

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Keep The Faith is a great inspirational read.”

“Just a few lines to congratulate you on the excellent magazine you produce and the high standards you are setting. Keep the Faith is a must read for me.”

06 LETTERS

Fallen Ministers deserve a second chance

It was very sad to read about Bishop Gerald Edmund. Why on earth did he allow himself to be duped by an internet scam? And why did it take the church so long to realise that money had gone missing? Two things stand out in this story for me. The first is that our leaders must not only start well but finish well, too.

I hope that whilst serving his sentence, Bishop Edmund not only experiences God’s forgiveness, but that he is also used by God to share a message of hope to the prisoners.

Secondly, all churches must see this story as a life lesson, and implement the right checks and balances to stop such a thing happening in their own organisations.

Jonathon Marks, London

Readers’ Letters GOSPEL NEWS 11

ISSUE 85 Britain’s leading Black communityfocused publication promoting and supporting faith and family values

PASTORS: Find

out how to nurture lasting marriages in your congregation

Churches can build strong marriages

Pastor Clement Okusi’s article on what churches can do to build strong marriages was very timely.

With the high levels of divorce we are currently seeing amongst Christians, I think some church leaders could do themselves a big favour and take on board some of the suggestions featured in his article. If they worked at his church, they will work at others. Strong marriages form the backbone of strong communities and churches, and anything churches can do to encourage stronger marriages must be done.

Wale Olayemi, London

REV DAVID SHOSANYA

shares relationship insights gleaned from Celebrity Big Brother

WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT

SUBMISSION IN MARRIAGE?

IT’S TIME TO BRING BACK

CHURCH CHOIRS

BRUCE & JA NINE DYER talk life, love and ministry

TAMELA MANN

WINS BIG AT GOSPEL’S

BIGGEST AWARDS EVENT

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

We’d love to hear your views on Keep The Faith and the featured articles. Send your letters to Keep The Faith Letters, PO Box 574, Bury St Edmunds IP33 9BW or better still, email letters@keepthefaith.co.uk

Bruce and Janine Dyer rock Bring back church choirs

Juliet Fletcher was spot on with her article, ‘Bring Back Gospel Choirs’. I’ve often wondered why churches were quick to embrace praise and worship teams and, in the process, abandon choirs. I love a good choir, particularly when they sing an inspiring song that lifts one’s spirits and gives one hope. And, as Juliet rightly mentioned, choirs also provide a great way for new converts to get involved in public ministry within a church.

Let’s not just bring back church choirs, but let’s look about seeking to raise the vocal quality of choirs, so that people are not only drawn to their soulful sound, but to their vocal excellence also.

Michael Green, Surrey

The trouble with submission

Dionne Gravesande really went there in her article about submission in marriage. As a single woman, I’m apt to agree with some of the points she raised. Some of the single Christian men I’ve met, during my search for a partner, seem to think that submission entails them telling women what to do, bossing them around and generally putting them down. I was glad to read that love and submission go hand in hand. Made me glad that I did not come in an age when society gave men licence to boss women around. Thanks, Dionne, for shedding light on a subject that was difficult for me, and for helping me to understand it better.

Debbie Fulworth, Birmingham Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

I really enjoyed Keep The Faith (Issue 85) with its focus on love, sex, marriage and relationships.

And it was very refreshing to read about husband and wife ministry team, Bruce and Janine Dyer. I welcomed the fact that, although they obviously love each other, they made it clear that marriage is not always a bed of roses, and that they do experience conflict. I also found it insightful and helpful that they confessed they were willing to seek counsel when they experienced marital deadlock. Their approach to problem solving in marriage illustrates great humility, a much needed quality. As far as I’m concerned, Bruce and Janine Dyer rock.

Peter Emmanuel, Wolverhampton

Our leaders should be holy

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Esther Kuku, for your article, ‘Do You Hunger for Holiness?’ It served as a straight-to-thepoint reminder that Christians are called to be holy. I, like Esther, was personally appalled by the behaviour of some of the ministers on reality show, ‘Preachers of LA’, and found it difficult to take some of the leaders seriously. If you are a Christian leader, and want people to follow you, then it’s imperative you behave in a Christlike manner; and, whilst we know God is forgiving, if you can’t live up to the high ideals of Christian leadership, then maybe you should step down. In my view, it’s a shame that the folly of some of those featured in ‘Preachers of LA’ was put on display for the whole world to see, and just gave people another reason to mock the Church.

Johnson Andrews, Manchester

I enjoyed ‘Preachers of LA’

I read Esther Kuku’s article about holiness with interest, in particular, her comments concerning the ‘Preachers of LA’ reality show. My views of the show are totally different. I enjoyed the series, and it highlighted that, although we should respect our church leaders, we should not put them on pedestals or think that they are better than those who sit in the pews.

Church leaders are imperfect human beings, who have been assigned by God to lead us and, although we should follow them, we must never lose sight of the fact that our ultimate leader is God. Jennifer Martin, London

NEWS 07

NTCG elects new National Overseer Bishop Donald Bolt, who currently serves in the role of National Treasurer/Secretary for the New Testament Church of God (NTCG), has been appointed as its new National Overseer elect.

Bishop Bolt will officially take up the role of National Overseer on September 1, 2014, when the tenure of his predecessor, Bishop Eric Brown, comes to end after 12 years.

Commenting on his election as National Overseer of one of Britain’s leading Pentecostal denominations, Bishop Bolt stated, “I understand that leadership in the 21st century can be challenging, but with God’s guidance and the support of our church, I am committed to giving the type of leadership that is pertinent to our time and generation.

I am grateful for the confidence displayed by my fellow ministers. My wife, Joycelyne, and I consider this a great honour and privilege to be called upon to serve our Church at this time.”

The NTCG constitution requires that the person elected as National Overseer should receive two thirds of the vote from the electoral body, which comprises over 200 ordained ministers. Bishop Bolt received just under 70% of votes cast, giving him a clear mandate to lead.

Bishop Bolt has served as a minister within the NTCG for over 40 years. He was ordained as a minister in 1981.

He has served as Senior Pastor of four NTCG churches, and was Overseer of the Aldershot District of Churches. He has also been a Trustee of Wiltshire Council for Racial

Equality, and also of the Rushmoor Citizens Advice Bureau. He has been a member of the NTCG National Executive Council for 14 years, and was appointed as the National Secretary/Treasurer in 2009.

Bishop Eric Brown, the outgoing National Overseer, commented, “I am delighted for the election of Bishop Bolt as the next Administrative Bishop of our Church. I see this as God’s doing. I am confident that he and his wife, Joycelyne, will bring their own gifts and talents to this office, and that they will be faithful in building on the legacy of their predecessors. With God’s help, they are more than able.”

Relationship between voting and religion uncovered A recent in-depth analysis of voting data, entitled ‘Voting and Values in Britain: Does religion count?’, has highlighted the relationship between religion and politics in Britain.

Carried out by think-tank, Theos, the research found that Anglicans are more likely to vote Conservative and Catholics more likely to vote Labour. Votes from Christians, who are part of ‘nonconformist’ churches or defined as ‘other Christian’, are likely to be evenly split between the three main parties.

The phenomenon of ‘values voting’, as seen in the United States, shows no sign of taking hold here in the UK. One interesting fact that came out of the research is that religious people care about the same things as everyone else: In 2010, all groups - irrespective of religiosity - rated the economy, immigration, the budget deficit and unemployment as their most important issues.

Another interesting fact gleaned from the data was that people, who attend a religious service regularly, irrespective of religion, are most consistently pro-welfare. Non-believers and nominal believers tend to be more hostile to welfare, and are more individualist.

People of no religion are most consistently libertarian, taking a strong line against censorship, although they, like others, have become more authoritarian over the last ten years.

They are also more sceptical towards management, and more convinced that “ordinary, working people do not get their fair share of the nation’s wealth”.

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF REVEREND LYNNETTE MULLINGS

Christians in the West Midlands are mourning the death of Reverend Lynnette Mullings, an ordained minister within the Wesleyan Holiness Church (WHC), who served as Leadership Development Officer for Minority Ethnic Anglicans and a Ministry Development Officer for Black Majority Churches in the UK. Rev Mullings made history by becoming the youngest person to be ordained within the WHC at 23 years old.

She was also one of the UK’s few Black British biblical scholars.

Rev Mullings’ research interests spanned New Testament Studies, Black Biblical Hermeneutics and Black/Womanist Theology. She was a member of the Editorial Board for Black Theology: An International Journal, and sat on the WHC District Board for Ministerial Development, where she was responsible for theological education and ministerial training.

She was just four weeks away from completing her PhD, ‘Jesus a run tings!’, at the University of Birmingham, which aimed to develop a Black biblical hermeneutic for the African Caribbean community in the UK, when she tragically died.

Lifelong friend and fellow academic, Dr Robert Beckford, stated, “Lynnette was a dynamic individual who will be sorely missed. She demonstrated brilliantly how to hold in tension a passion for God and a radical commitment to the Black Church.

She was African-centred, but loved all peoples, and was faithful to her God without being discriminatory of other viewpoints.

She will be sorely missed.”

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

08 NEWS

CHURCHES SUPPORT BREAST AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Black-majority churches have given their support to the Be Clear on Cancer campaign, which highlights that early diagnosis of breast cancer can save lives in women aged 70 and over.

T

he campaign, targeted at women from Black African and Caribbean communities, seeks to teach them the signs and symptoms of breast cancer; to talk to their daughters or grand-daughters, and to visit their doctor if they spot any changes in their breasts. Research shows that older women, particularly from Black African and Caribbean communities, are more likely to delay presenting to their GP with breast cancer.

The New Testament Assembly church in Leyton, east London, was the first of a number of Black Pentecostal churches to host a Be Clear on Cancer awareness event. Davinia Green, Breast Health Promotion Manager at Breast Cancer Care, gave a talk about breast cancer awareness at the church. She said, “By holding community events

like this, and sharing information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, we want to help women feel more comfortable about being breast aware and talking about any concerns.”

Reverend Marlene Greaves, of the New Testament Assembly church in Leyton, said: “The Be Clear on Cancer event provided a great opportunity to reduce ignorance around the issue of cancer. I believe it left the women with a greater sense of responsibility towards themselves and the women in their lives, to talk openly about breast health. Our aim was to apply practical wisdom to faith, and give the women enough information to make informed choices around their health.

I’d say the event helped us to achieve this.”

Other churches hosting the Be Clear on Cancer campaign are: Greater Grace Fellowship in Bellingham; the Redeemed Christian Church of God in South Wimbledon, and New Wine Church in south east London.

For more information on breast cancer, visit http://www.nhs.uk/be-clear-on-cancer/ breast-cancer

West African churches focus of Channel 4 programmes Channel 4 will be broadcasting some programmes about West African churches and their work in the UK, in the weeks leading up to Easter. The broadcasts will consist of a 30-minute documentary, followed by 16 three-minute short films.

Paralympic medallist, Ade Adepitan, will present the documentary, which will look at how various West African churches are bucking the trend of dwindling church attendance in more traditional churches. He commented:“I’m extremely proud to be part of a programme that sidesteps the mainstream, in an effort to highlight the diversity of Christian worship amongst the UK’s West African community.”

The series of short films will portray people, who play a part in the churches: from the pastor planting a new church in a London borough, to a

convert preparing for their baptism. These short films will give a unique voice to a sector of the population usually not widely seen on television.

It is hoped that these series of broadcasts will shed light on the lives of West African Christians, and increase understanding of their approach to life amongst wider society.

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CHRISTIANS ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE CORRUPTION DURING LENT

The Bible Society is encouraging Christians to take a fresh look at corruption and justice throughout Lent,via Thirty Pieces of Silver, a pamphlet which explores these issues using Bible stories.

The pamphlet has been written

by Bible Society Theologian in Residence, Dr Paula Gooder, as part of the Exposed campaign, which challenges Christians to look at their own views on corruption in relation to the Bible.

Biblical examples used to examine corruption and bribery in Thirty Pieces of Silver include: Adam and Eve’s self-interest; Samuel’s outspoken attack on kingship; the principle of Jubilee; John the Baptist and Zacchaeus; and culminating in Jesus’ own betrayal by Judas with the bribe of thirty pieces of silver.

It calls for Christians to look at their own lives and that of their church, along with organisations such as: local councils; national governments; and larger global institutions, such as the European Union and the United Nations.

The booklet also asks Christians to take practical actions during Lent, such as signing the Exposed call signup.exposed2013.com - and even challenges church leaders to evaluate the transparency and prioritisation of their Church Financial Accounts.

Visit http://www.biblesociety. org.uk/news/thirty-pieces-ofsilver/ for more details.

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Ministries

NU GENERATION PRESENT:

A Fundraising Concert For The Leicester Kashume School in The Gambia

1st November 2014 FEATURING GRAMMY® Award Nominated GMA Dove Award

and Stellar Award Winner

KIERRA SHEARD

MOBO and Urban Music Award Winner

GUVNA B

Bethel Convention Centre Kelvin Way West Bromwich B70 7JW

Doors Open at: 17:00 Concert Starts at: 18:00 For tickets and further Information visit: www.nugeneration.org.uk Tickets from £10-£25

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

10 GOSPEL NEWS

L E P S O G NEWS International choir competition wants UK choirs

The Barbados Gospelfest is one of the most popular annual gospel music festivals in the Caribbean.

Every May, since 1993, gospel singers, dancers, comedians and other people involved in gospel arts from across the world have taken part in this unique multifaceted event.

Artists that have taken part in the Barbados Gospelfest over the years include Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Byron Cage, Muyiwa, Bishop Wayne Malcolm, Don Moen and IDMC. This year, Barbados Gospelfest runs from May 17-25, and organisers have added a new feature to this year’s activities: an international gospel choir competition, and are appealing for choirs from across the world, including the UK, to take part.

Choirs are invited to send in their entries of a recorded performance via a YouTube link, after filling in an online registration form. Performances must be no longer than 4 minutes 30 seconds, and the choir must be accompanied by either a keyboard or piano.

A panel of international judges will decide on the winner, who will not only win a cash prize but also get to perform at the grand finale of Barbados Gospelfest 2014, ‘One Awesome Day’, at Farley National Park on May 25.

Visit www.barbadosgospelfest. com for full details.

Yolanda Adams

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Meet the Artist:

Jake Isaac

Jake Isaac is one of the UK’s rising young praise and worship artists, and is gearing up for the release of his second album, ‘Break These Chains’.

He spoke to Keep The Faith about travelling the world, working with Worship Central, and getting his song played on Radio One.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): Congrats on releasing your sophomore project. What can music fans expect from this new album?

JAKE ISAAC (JI): Fantastic question! I don’t even know if we’re quite sure ourselves! lol… In all seriousness, a collection of songs and a worship album that will quite simply ignite a heart of worship in the listener and cause them to become more passionate about Christ, and seeing the will of God done in their lives!

KTF: What are the key messages you are seeking to convey through your songs?

JI: The key messages we have focused on with this album has been ensuring that biblical truth is conveyed, that people can stand on God’s Word through this worship. Also, that it’s through fervent prayer and worship that we, the redeemed, can see change in our lives and in the world around us.

KTF: You released your debut album in 2009, and have been busy ever since. What have you been up to?

JI: It’s been an absolute rollercoaster at times, lol! We’ve had the privilege of travelling around the UK and Europe, leading people in worship to Jesus, and also seeing many souls saved; it’s been absolutely fantastic!…On top of that, being nominated for a MOBO in 2010… that was such an encouragement for us as a team, as it was almost like God was showing us that He’s totally behind, in and before us, helping us to make an impact as we ministered, both in the church and outside! We have SO much to be grateful for!

KTF: You’ve recently come back from South Africa. Any stand-out moments for you?

JI: South Africa was amazing! We had the massive privilege of ministering and sharing with about 250 leaders from across Johannesburg. God really moved and, as a result, there have been invitations to several other nations! In one school alone, after a time of ministry in an assembly, 91 teenagers gave

their lives to the Lord - that was about a 4th of the secondary school! It was truly amazing!

KTF: I hear you’ve been busy collaborating with a number of artists, and are part of Worship Central (run by Tim Hughes). What’s that been like?

JI: Again it’s been an absolute eye-opening privilege! I personally recently joined the Worship Central team, and it’s like I all of a sudden have gained a load of new friends, who do exactly what we do but in different parts of the body of Christ! To be able to share in our experiences and to hold each other up, being a part of that network, it’s almost like I’m experiencing another angle on discipleship, learning and growing together with some amazing people on the WC team.

KTF: You are cited as a worship leader to watch, and I hear you’ve had your music played on BBC Radio 1. How did that come about?

JI: The Radio 1 thing came about through the other side of what I do, ministry-wise, which is writing songs for people who wouldn’t normally attend a church. God’s been really amazing, in that the last singer/songwriter EP I made in October 2013 somehow ended up at Number 4 in the iTunes charts! I think I’m still blown away by how God did that! Off the back of that, ‘BBC Introducing’ then approached us, and hey presto…!

KTF: What should we expect from you and your ministry in 2014?

JI: As long as we as a band try and stay focused on seeking out what God wants to do, I have a feeling that we’re gonna keep seeing God save souls and drawing people closer to Him throughout 2014!

KTF: Describe yourself in five words.

JI: Professional amateur desperate for God. Jake Isaac will be embarking on a Break These Chains mini church tour. Visit www.iequalschange.me for more details.

GOSPEL NEWS 1 1

UK GOSPEL GETS NEW CHART

UK gospel artists have been given a boost following the launch of a new Top 10 Christian and gospel music chart by A Step FWD, a ministry that seeks to supports the UK Gospel scene.

The chart is open to all artists, both new and established ones, who perform all genres of Christian music. Every month, artists will be invited to submit their publicly available music tracks that have been published on YouTube or SoundCloud using A Step FWD’s online registration form.

The music will then be judged by a panel comprising of 60 international music experts from the UK, USA and Europe, who will choose their three favourite tracks. Twenty tracks will then be shortlisted and uploaded onto www.astepfwd.com and put to the public, who will be asked for their three most-loved tracks. The tracks that get the most votes will be listed in the Top 10 chart.

O’Neil Dennis, A Step FWD’s founder, said of the chart: “This is less of a competition and more of a showcase opportunity geared at facilitating growth and development of the artists; their output, and its ability to positively influence the lives of listeners and viewers.”

For more details, visit www.astepfwd.com.

ARTIST WATCH: BRENDA EMMANUEL ‘Boldly I Come’ is the debut EP from Brenda Emmanuel, a vocalist who desires to use her voice to sing praises to God. The EP contains five songs Brenda co-wrote with producer Paul Watson, and are a timely reminder to believers to pray bold prayers and to trust in God. Brenda, born in London but raised in Jamaica, serves as a worship leader at the church where she became a Christian: the Cathedral of Praise in Wood Green, north London, and has been singing publicly since she was a teenager. Aside from being a member of the worship ministries at her church, Brenda has ministered in Africa and Europe as a member of the Kingdom Choir, directed by Karen Gibson. And, during the 2012 London Olympics, Brenda added another string to her bow, when she served as choir director for two groups of singers: the Lay Witnesses for Christ International Praise Team and the LWFCI Worship Choir. She also directs a newly-formed group of singers called Re-formed. It’s Brenda’s prayer that during 2014 God provides even more opportunities for her to do what she enjoys doing - singing unto the Lord. For more information visit www.brendaemmanuel.com

GOSPEL NEWS BITES Former New Nation gospel columnist, Tony Tomlin, can be heard spinning the latest gospel and inspirational tunes on www.mi-soul.com, a radio station launched by Gordon Mac, the founder of Kiss FM. The show, entitled The Soul Feeder Show, is broadcast every Sunday between 7am and 10am, and features music by mainstream and underground artists, as well as gospel music by leading artists. Tony hopes his show will help put a smile on people’s faces, and infuse them with a bit of hope to face these tough times.

Fred Hammond fans will be pleased to hear that the originator of urban praise will be in the UK to minister at Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich on May 23. He’ll be joined by a wealth of support artists, including Roger Samuels, Divine Divine, Four Kornerz, David Copeland, Victizzle and Jason Nelson from the US. Tickets are £20 (plus booking fee) if bought before April 21, and £25 thereafter. For more details visit www.iLoveGospelevents.com

Last year, premier British gospel choir, the London Community Gospel Choir, held a special concert celebrating their 30th Anniversary at the Royal Festival Hall. They also broke the Guinness Book of Records for forming the largest choir. That memorable concert was recorded and their recently-released commemorative 30 Choir Festival (available as CD and DVD) is the result. Aside from hearing renditions of the Choir’s most well-known songs, 30 Choir Festival also includes performances from Jahméne Douglas. Visit www.lcgc.org.uk for more details.

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12 GOSPEL NEWS

Women taking UK Gospel forward Whenever I am discouraged in my tasks – thankfully less often in recent times – it gives me great pleasure to look around at the women who are continually making a difference in gospel, relating to music, media and the arts.

The five women below have carved out space where they influence, inspire, engage and transform many lives, while fulfilling their own dreams as creative individuals. Be encouraged!

JULIET FLETCHER is a former BBC Producer and founding Executive of the GMIA

AUDREY LAWRENCE-MATTIS

SANDRA GODLEY

LOLA OGUNBADEJO

Audrey Lawrence-Mattis is a consummate vocal and choral trainer/teacher. With skills forged in her gospel music roots, Audrey combined her classical studies at Birmingham Conservatoire to become a ‘go-to’ vocal teacher/trainer across the UK.

Since receiving a nomination for MOBO 2012 for Best Gospel Act, Sandra Godley’s feet haven’t touched the ground.

Lola Ogunbadejo’s first show was co-presenting OHTV’S ‘Afrika Rising’, and describes gospel music as ‘my first love’.

Sandra is one of a handful of UK Gospel artists signed to an international major label: C&C Music Group, based in Nashville, Tennessee. With her own good work ethic and their support, she has procured a string of significant events and achievements.

The attractive and bubbly presenter now has her own show entitled ‘Out & About with Lola’. It’s described as ‘high quality’ and ‘extremely entertaining’, as Lola traverses London’s top social and cultural events. The second series starts on March 4th, 2014.

Audrey led the Manchester World Voices Choir behind one of Africa’s most powerful stars, Angélique Kidjo, in performance at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her group, the Audrey Mattis Chorale, has a reputation for delivering rich harmonies with a popular repertoire, suiting all kinds of settings. Audrey states, “Without my foundation being in gospel music and its oral tradition, I would not be the aurally adept musician I am today.”

More recently, Audrey has garnered a reputation for staging ‘throwback’ concerts based on the songs of the Hawkins family – particularly Walter Hawkins.

What inspires/motivates you?

AL-M: What inspires me most at the moment is seeing the spark of realisation on a student’s face when they ‘get it’.

Priceless! What motivates me most are creative opportunities; not everything is handed to you on a plate, sometimes challenges must be turned into opportunities. It’s all about perspective.

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Recently, Sandra was personally invited to perform her version of Amazing Grace at the House of Commons Tribute Book of Messages Reception for the late Nelson Mandela. That performance immediately brought further requests to return again later this year.

Her current album, Miracle, reached number one in the r‘n’b category on the popular global chart site, numberonemusic.com.

What inspires/motivates you?

SG: My 12-year-old daughter, Francesca, tells me I’m a role model; my 18-year-old son, Elliot, says it’s ‘all good’. So, with all that, and my wonderful husband, Paul, to keep cheering me on, my love for people will continue to motivate and inspire me to keep going.

Lola’s dedication and perseverance have gained her high esteem in the thriving and vibrant entertainment industry.

Awards ensued: Women4Africa – ‘Media Personality of the Year’ award in 2012, and BEFFTA 2011 nominee for ‘Best TV Presenter’. In addition to interviewing some of Africa’s biggest celebrities, such as Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola and 2face Idibia, Lola’s skills have broadened to include scriptwriting and producing.

What inspires/motivates you?

LO: “I keep my faith central. My passion is to bring quality inspirational and family value entertainment to people everywhere. I’m doing that through OHTV’s Christian-oriented values. I really enjoy achieving the best to the highest standard - that is always my aim.”

GOSPEL NEWS 13

ANDREA ENCINAS Andrea Encinas is Artistic Director of British Gospel Arts Consortium (BGA), which has set the new millennium template for gospel music’s wider engagement in the arts.

Andrea’s creative boldness has opened many doors of opportunity for herself and other people. She made ‘that call’, which gave LCGC their 1983 groundbreaking TV appearance; she’s a pioneer of gospel music in the education system, by running training programmes and providing work for gospel tutors. Last year, Andrea was curator of the first ever BBC Gospel Proms!

What inspires/motivates you?

Andrea Encinas: My parents instilled a strong sense of justice and ethical integrity in me. Encouraging and enabling self-development in others (and in myself) is my answer. I love gardening; therefore a good analogy is that I like to see things grow, bear fruit and be open to change – like the seasons.

MERCY B Independent talent shows were relatively rare on the gospel scene when Mercy B (aka Mercy Balogun) conceptualised Time2Shine, currently the leading UK Gospel music talent show.

Mercy B saw a need for change, and says, “When I heard people say it’s not worth singing gospel, because there is no money to live, it broke my heart.” It took her five years to launch Time To Shine, which she achieved in 2010.

Now Time2Shine’s success has seen a widening of its reach, beyond the sound of gospel. It is still, however, the heart and foundation of the talent show.

What inspires/motivates you?

MB: “My faith in God and Psalm 118:22. Every time I get low, I have to look back to where I started. It is then that I give God all the glory, and I am lifted. A fourth season of Time2Shine is in the making.”

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14 PEOPLE AND PLACES

PEOPLE PLACES AND

DAMI ABAJINGIN

is a freelance journalist, lover of God, carbs and literature, in that order.

Follow Dami on Twitter at @dami___

Welcome to People and Places, providing an insight into some of the things Christians are doing within the Church, and how they are sharing Gospel values in society at large

A woman pursuing her passion:

Loretta Andrews

L

oretta Andrews has been in the music industry for well over a decade.

During her time in the business, she has worn many hats: from performing in Christian bands, The Tribe and Shine; singing back-up for the legendary Diana Ross; touring alongside Take That with her own band, Sugarfoot (with twin Natasha and friend, Johann Ting), and hosting her own show ‘Unsigned’ on Premier Gospel. It is safe to say that she has truly done it all.

She told Keep The Faith that, while being a singer was what she has always wanted to do, she didn’t always see it as attainable. “I didn’t think it was a realistic career option, until I became a Christian and understood that God wants us to have the desires of our hearts, and that our gifting and passion are an indication of what we’re called to.”

Loretta has surely fulfilled the call on her life, but it has not been without its challenges. “There is the uncertainty of whether you will earn enough money to pay your bills, and the balance of putting enough time and effort into your music versus needing to earn a living. The industry has changed so much, record companies don’t offer the support to artists that they used to.”

The desire for change led Loretta to retrain, by studying for a degree in Professional and Creative Writing with Media Arts. It was while studying a radio module that she found her passion for the airwaves. “I just fell in love with it, and my mind was made up! I applied for a job at Premier Radio as an Assistant Producer for the Woman to Woman show, and worked my way to the Unsigned show.”

Unsigned is, without a doubt, one of the most innovative shows in Christian radio; Loretta’s own background in music inspired her to launch it.

“I am passionate about equipping, encouraging and supporting unsigned artists, and basically giving them a platform to be heard. The Unsigned show is all about that.” She added, “I am so excited about a lot of the Christian unsigned artists coming through at the moment. The standard is so high now. Gone are the days of cringey, second-rate Christian music.”

What’s next for the mother-of-one? you ask. She will soon be presenting Premier Drive at Premier Radio, running more Unsigned – Live events again this year (the next is March 30th), and also writing her much-anticipated fourth book.

Premier Gospel Unsigned is broadcast every Saturday at 6pm.

The woman with the

I

t’s been two years since Shauna Muamba entered the public consciousness, after she tweeted ‘Pray 4 Muamba’ after her husband, Fabrice, ‘died’ for 72 minutes after collapsing whilst playing football for Bolton Wanderers. Shauna’s tweet encouraged the sporting fraternity - and the whole of the UK - to pray for Fabrice’s healing.

He’s still alive today!

A lot has happened for Shauna since that momentous time. Last year, she was the recipient of the Keep The Faith Woman of the Year Award at the annual Wise Women Awards, and gave birth to her second son. 2014 seems set to be another great year for her, with the imminent launch of Mrs Muamba’s Premium Caribbean Sauces.

Shauna used to run a Caribbean food business

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PEOPLE AND PLACES 15

A creator of meaningful social networks:

A

nthony Ogunbowale Thomas is the founder of GOODFRUIT, an up-andcoming network providing a community for people to create, connect and raise funding to bring their ideas and projects to fruition. “It’s about dreamers being able to create good fruit with the involvement and contribution of other dreamers.” The multifaceted platform provides support for projects in film, music, science, art, food, justice, publishing and literature, design and technology.

Anthony was motivated to set up GOODFRUIT after identifying a gap when he and those he worked with found it difficult to gain access to much needed resources. “There was no appreciation for the ‘purpose’ aspect of a business or a project, like a book or performance, which meant you either had to numb it down to fit the bill, or graft to get resources.”

Revolutionary in nature, the focus on

Anthony Ogunbowale Thomas

‘purpose’ as opposed to ‘product’ is what sets GOODFRUIT apart - as does the fact that the network knows no geographical limitation.

“Technologically, we are enabling people to raise both funding and source skills from others in an international community.” He explains further, “A talented writer, working on her first book, can raise £5k as well as find an editor and cover designer in another country – all in one campaign. This opens up a lot of possibilities.”

There is already interest buzzing in the United States and even Tel Aviv, Israel.

The self-professed ‘cultural experimenter’, who cites CS Lewis, Isaac Newton and Steve Jobs as his inspirations, is aiming to transform the connection between industries. He told Keep The Faith: “I’m really interested in the intersection between technology, culture and business, and how it can impact people’s lives, communicate messages, add cultural and social value and disrupt markets.”

The Kingston graduate describes his faith in Jesus as the anchor which has aided his journey thus far. “It is the source of the inspiration of GOODFRUIT, we want to see good fruit in culture; while there are theological depths to this, we use this as inspiration for the type of projects we hope GOODFRUIT will provide a home to.”

With a profile on Virgin Media Pioneers, and a Future Leaders nomination in the ‘100 of the UK’s Most Outstanding New Black Graduates’ (Future Leaders is published in partnership with Barclays Capital), Anthony is surely on the trajectory for global success.

GOODFRUIT was officially launched on March 10th. If you have a dream or idea you need to unleash, get in touch with Anthony and fellow dreamers at www.goodfruit.co; follow on Twitter: @g00dfruit; Instagram: goodfruit.co.

entrepreneurial talents: Shauna Muamba in the North West, catering predominantly for professional footballers but, with her increasingly busy lifestyle, wanted an easier way for people to experience authentic Caribbean food. Her new range of sauces is the result. She explained, “As a mother and a wife, I wanted a less hectic work/ church/life balance, so the natural evolution of the business was to create a range of sauces so that people could make their own food as opposed to me making it for them.”

Mrs Muamba’s sauces are not just a business venture for Shauna; it doubles up as a charitable endeavour, as she has teamed up with the Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A) to support their Hearts & Goals campaign, which raises awareness of sudden cardiac arrest. Her

husband, Fabrice, is the charity’s patron and, in support of his work and that of the charity, Shauna would like branded Mrs Muamba’s defibrillators to be placed everywhere the sauce is stocked. As a result, a small donation from each jar will go to the A-A to help fund this.

In taking this bold new step into starting a new business, Shauna has been directed and strengthened by her strong faith in God. “My faith has been instrumental in making this all happen. There have been times when I’ve doubted myself, and God actually sent me a personal message of reassurance and confirmed I’m travelling along the right path.”

A church sister got in touch with Shauna at a Bling Women’s Conference, held at her church

Audacious, in Manchester, to relay a God-given message. Shauna recalled she was told that her venture would be a success. “Even though she barely knew me at the time, she felt compelled to tell. She said she couldn’t ignore God’s insistence to relay the message. She didn’t even know about my business venture, and she didn’t know that at that precise moment I was feeling doubt and fear due to high set-up costs and fear of failure.”

For more details, visit mrsmuambas.co.uk; like on Facebook at Mrs Muamba; follow on Twitter @mrsmuambas.

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16 KTF ABOUT TOWN

KEEP THE FAITH ABOUT TOWN If you have an event or news you would like featured in Keep The Faith About Town, email editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk with details. You must have pictures to accompany your story.

New leader for popular church One of the most well-known Pentecostal churches in Ipswich - Bethel Church - has got a new pastor.

Bishop Martin H Simmonds, who has led the church for 53 years since starting services in 1961, has stepped down and handed the leadership baton to his son, Nathan J Simmonds.

Nathan, 50, has worked alongside his father in ministry for many years, and is taking his new role very seriously. He commented, “It is an honour to take on the role of Pastor.” He added, “It will be a challenge, because this is a ministry that has been going for more than fifty years. All I will be doing is building on a good, solid foundation.”

Under his tenure, Nathan will be focused on growing the church both spiritually and numerically, and providing great pastoral care for members, both new and old.

Nat han J Simmonds wit h his wi

fe

Out with the old, in with the new

Rev Jacqueline Peart

Rev Jacqueline Peart has begun the first few months of 2014 instituting change at her ministry operation, which has undergone a name change. Deep Calleth Unto Deep will now be known as Jacqueline Peart Ministries (JPM).

The name change has occurred for a number of reasons. Rev Peart explained, “The change of name is simply God’s leading and fine-tuning of the ministry. JPM is not a new ministry, but a repositioning that will bring greater clarity to our vision to the Church and wider community, which has always been and will continue to be to “transform lives through wholeness”.

2014 seems set to be a busy year for Rev Peart. She’ll be travelling to the US; running courses via her Wholeness Academy; leading a retreat, and continuing with her mentoring programmes.

Visit www.jacquelinepeartministries.com for more details.

Street Pastors launches in Jamaica Since its inception 10 years ago, Street Pastors, a ministry that sends trained ministers onto the streets to provide support and pastoral care, has become established in towns and cities across the UK and throughout the world.

The latest country to benefit from this Christian-based ministry is Jamaica. Eustace Constance and his wife, Sharon, travelled to the island to attend the induction service, where 45 street pastors were commissioned. Straight after the service, the newlyinducted pastors went out to patrol the streets of the Half Way Tree neighbourhood in Kingston, Jamaica. Now that’s commitment.

Visit www.streetpastors.co.uk for more details.

Christian clothing company shows off wares in US Businessman Ray Smoothe, the founder of the Just Cool clothing line, was in Florida, USA, recently to show off his designs at Christian Fashion Week (CFW), a special event which seeks to hold fashion shows based on the Christian worldview.

Not only did Ray Smoothe get to show off his amazing casual clothing designs at CFW, he’s now also thinking of holding a similar event here in the UK. Whatever decision he makes, please do take a look at some of the clothes from the Just Cool label. Now, aren’t they cool!!!

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BE CLEAR ON CANCER...

There’s no doubt that everyone knows something about ‘The Big C’ and sadly it is inevitable that most people will know at least one person in their lifetime that has had cancer.

However, the good news is that, as research continues, new treatments are developed that are helping people to beat cancer every day. Most importantly, knowing the symptoms and early diagnosis increase the chances of surviving cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, and surprisingly, the biggest risk factor, after gender, is age. Did you know that over 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and, of those diagnosed, a third of them are over the age of 70?

Statistics show that African and Caribbean women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK have poorer relative survival rates than White women. While the reasons for this aren’t entirely clear, the most likely cause could be delays in diagnosis. Think about it for one minute… would your mother, grandmother or aunt, for example, ever openly discuss a health problem, and would she even know what signs to look for?

We need to break down the barriers, and start talking about breast cancer with the older women in our families. The sooner a patient is diagnosed and treatment started, the better the chance they have of beating breast cancer… so that means women need to know what signs and symptoms to look out for, where to go and who to speak to.

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/breastcancer70

We caught up with Charmaine Case - a Macmillan Breast Clinical Nurse specialist, working on the front line with patients, to find out more about breast cancer…

Q: What are the symptoms of breast cancer that women should be looking for?

A: Most people assume that the only thing to look for is a lump in the breast, but actually the other possible signs of breast cancer that you should look for also include: • Changes in the nipples • Changes to the skin of your breast • Changes in the shape or size of your breast • Pain or tenderness in your breast or armpit Q: What treatments are available?

A: Treatment largely depends on the type of breast cancer the patient has. Surgery,

radiotherapy and chemotherapy are all used to treat these cancers. A specialist would advise of the best treatment plan.

If picked up early, the treatment for women over 70 years can be relatively straightforward. Many women won’t even need to stay overnight in hospital because surgery could take the form of a day case procedure.

Q: Why do women from African and Caribbean communities delay in going to their GP? A: There are so many issues, fears and taboos that are ingrained into our culture.

Some of these are based on respect and maintaining a woman’s dignity.

They are also a generation that don’t like going to the doctor; they feel that talking about cancer is almost tempting fate; they don’t want to be a burden, or they simply think that things will get better in their own time.

If the younger generations don’t talk to their mothers, mothers-in-law, aunts about the symptoms, then the women at greater risk will not take action.

We need to change all of these attitudes, including the belief that cancer is an automatic death sentence. That is no longer the case, and the fact is the sooner you go to the doctor and receive treatment the better your chances of survival.

17

MEET

AUDREY WILLIAMS

Here’s living proof that there is life after breast cancer.

A fit and healthy mum of two grown-up sons, Audrey had no previous family history of cancer, but was quite vigilant about her health and checked her breasts regularly. It was during one of these self-examinations that she felt a hard lump under her right breast that didn’t feel normal, and went to see her GP as soon as possible.

Audrey was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I was in complete disbelief,” she recalls, “It felt like the doctor was speaking to someone else, I was numb with shock and confusion.” Getting over the initial shock, Audrey was determined to fight the cancer, as the doctors had advised her that the cancer had been caught early and she could be treated.

Audrey was offered a mastectomy to remove the tumour and had reconstructive surgery immediately afterwards, as she was keen to get back to some normality as soon as possible.

The operation was followed by a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which Audrey responded well to.

Years later, Audrey has discovered a new lease of life: “I have a quality of life that I didn’t have before. It takes a life changing event to make you realise how important life is.”

Audrey stresses, “It’s so important to check your breasts regularly, and if I could give one piece of advice it would be… never ignore your health, even if you have the slightest doubt or symptom, don’t ignore it. Go and get it checked out.”

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18 INTERVIEW

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei is the founder of the Wise Women Awards (WWA), which celebrates its 10th anniversary on March 29, at the Guoman Tower Hotel, London. Pastor Marjorie, as she is affectionately known, is a respected female church leader with a passion to empower and celebrate women. She is founder of Wisdom for Women International, a women’s ministry, and co-pastors Triumphant Church International alongside her husband, Clem Esomowei, based in Tottenham, north London. It also has branches in London, Essex, Kent, Birmingham, South Africa and Nigeria. Pastor Marjorie also heads a very vibrant media ministry - through which she pursues her passion to preach the gospelGospel, and is also a guest speaker at many events. Pastor Marjorie speaks to the Keep The Faith about the WWA, her life, faith and her considerable plans for 2014.

Keep The Faith (KTF): Congratulations on the Wise Women Awards (WWA) reaching its 10th anniversary. How do you feel about reaching such a milestone?

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei (PME): I feel grateful! Grateful to God first and foremost, and grateful to all those who attended our all Wise Women Awards events; to those who have nominated friends and family, and to everyone who has supported us in one way or the other for the past 10 years.

KTF: What inspired you to establish the WWA, and do you think that it has achieved its original aims?

PME: I consider the Wise Women Awards an assignment to honour and celebrate Christian women, who are serving the Church and the wider community. Yes, we are meeting our original aims. I have seen over 90% of winners move on to greater achievements, and most have attributed their bigger achievements to winning or being nominated for a WWA. KTF: Over the years, there must be some WWA moments that stick out in your mind. Name your top three moments, and why.

PME: Every year has been special and unique! In 2008: when God told me not to charge, but to personally sponsor everyone who attended that year at Hilton Docklands. In 2011: the story of Esther Baiden, the cleaner who used most of her resources to sponsor children in Africa. That is a great story of someone doing God’s work against all odds, and 2013: the testimony of Jennifer Blake just will not let go. Jennifer won the Award because, at 13, she had become a gang leader but, as a result of the prayers of her mum and church, today she runs a ministry supporting young people across the UK. KTF: Many people seem to know about the WWA, but very little about the person behind the Awards. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, ie. where you were born, details about your siblings, parents, and the role faith and church played in your childhood?

PME: I am the daughter of Comfort Kemmer and Chief OW Amachree (The Canadian Showman). I was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I am from a mixed family of 10. My mum, in particular, has had a major impact in my Christian faith. I have often testified that from when I was five years old, I can’t Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

INTERVIEW 19 remember a Friday or Wednesday that my mum didn’t fast, or a year when she didn’t complete the 40 days of Lent, fasting up to 6pm in the evening. My Dad was a college Principal at Kalabari National College for years, and moved on to lecture at Sokoto State Polytechnic until his retirement.

My Mum was a businesswoman.

the Wisdom for Women training centre, and The Christmas Angel project, which gives out whole turkeys and other groceries to people from within and outside Haringey at Christmas time. The latest addition to our outreach is the Comfort Home Orphanage, which we are building in Nigeria. By the grace of God, that project should be in place by 2015!!!

KTF: When and why did you become a Christian, and how did it transform your life?

PME: I have always been in church, but became totally sold out to Christ in June 1984. I haven’t looked back since then. I met Christ in a dramatic way. I had a dream that was just too dramatic. I had to run to people around me who were born again, and prayed the salvation prayer. I always testify that if I hadn’t submitted to the Lord at the time I did, I probably would not be alive today. I was just being introduced to the fast lanes of life when God grabbed me.

KTF: You worked in banking prior to becoming a full-time minister. Can you share what kind of work you did within the bank, and how did it prepare you for full-time ministry?

PME: I had an opportunity to work within retail and investment banking; that was the day when bankers had depth, lol. I worked within a very driven and target-oriented environment. You earned your pay! Banking in Nigeria in the 80s and 90s was something else. Mammon was strong.

Because of the competition and the terrain, it was compulsory for all my team to pray with me weekly. We would meet at the church I attended at 10pm every Thursday and pray until 5am, rush home, get a bath, dress up and go to work for 8am.

That’s how I survived the terrain and was successful.

Yes, I can boldly say I was successful!!! I remember the first day I asked my team to meet me at church for night vigil, they looked at me like madam had gone mad! My exposure to banking taught me resilience, faith, and how to kneel before God. KTF: When did you get the call to full-time ministry, and how have you gone about pursuing that call?

PME: I got the call of God in 1995, just before I resigned my work as General Manager at Intercontinental Securities - where I was on secondment from Intercontinental Merchant - to join Pastor Clem in the United Kingdom for ministry. God thought about me, and invited me to join His army. What a privilege. My husband has played a major role in my walk with God and in my ministry, nudging, encouraging and sometimes rebuking. A few people have asked how I have managed all the different things I do! My secret is the daily quiet time in prayer, and study of the Word. Years back, when we were kids, we were taught to read your Bible and pray every day if you want to grow! This hasn’t changed. It is still the secret of any Christian’s success. As I have grown in Christ and ministry, my monthly days for personal retreat have also increased. There are no shortcuts in ministry and the anointing.

We have to pay the price!!!

KTF: How did you and your husband – and co-pastor of Triumphant Church International (TCI) - Pastor Clem, meet?

PME: I was at home doing my house chores - I

KTF: You are one of the few UK-based female ministers, who fully utilises media. Why is that, and what kind of response do you get from your media ministry?

PME: Wisdom for Women International is cutting edge. Media is cutting edge. Most people today are online, and my question is, Why not? Personally, I have been around the Media and TV from my teenage years, and I did soap operas as a teenager back in Nigeria!!! The Media has given me opportunity to minister to people across denominations, to people of all cultures, ages and races.

was working at the bank then, but living with my uncle as a single girl - when the doorbell rang one Easter Monday morning. I opened the door, and there was one of the church mothers with Brother Clem from the church. Cut the long story short, she introduced us, and said I would be good for a wife. That’s how it all started. Cut the long story short again and here we are, 28 years later, still loving each other.

KTF: How easy/difficult is it to work alongside your husband in ministry?

PME: It has not been difficult working alongside Pastor Clem in marriage, although sometimes there will be slight misunderstandings. We both have very clearly defined roles and boundaries that we endeavour to respect. I am a strong stickler for structures and procedures, and that helps me greatly with not mixing up my first role as a wife, secondly, as a member of TCI, and then as a co-pastor of Triumphant Church International. When women in ministry mix up these distinct roles, then there are structural and biblical breakdowns.

KTF: TCI has been going for about 15 years.

What kinds of things has the church done in the local community?

PME: Pastor Clem says if someone is out in the rain and getting really wet, first give them an umbrella before a Bible tract. That is the TCI philosophy.

The world is our pulpit. We have a mission for outreach outside the walls for the church.

We run weekly feeding projects, providing hot meals for the homeless and needy. We also run a food bank, both in our London and Basildon churches, medical ministry, accredited courses at

KTF: You are passionate about encouraging and nurturing women. In what ways would you like to see the Church being more supportive of women, particularly women in ministry?

PME: Here are my thoughts. Women make up the majority of the Lord’s workforce. Every employer knows to pay great attention to that major part of their workforce. That is why I am passionate about women and ministry to women.

We have a special place in God’s heart and in God’s agenda. I encourage churches to give great support to their women ministries in the areas of affirming their leadership, training them and, where possible, allocating some portion of the church annual budget to Women’s ministry. Of course, this is only where it is possible.

KTF: After the WWA, 2014 seems set to be a very busy year for you. What other exciting things do you have planned for 2014?

PME: You can say that again! Wisdom for Women has conferences already planned in 2014 in Nigeria, Holland, London, South Africa, Birmingham and Spain and, of course, the Wise Women Awards in Nigeria. It’s a very busy year, but the God of all grace will give the grace again and again in Jesus’ mighty Name.

KTF: Lastly, what special message of hope would you like to leave with readers of Keep The Faith?

PME: When life offers you more than you can stand, please keep kneeling before God. Life can be tough but, like your magazine says, I encourage everyone to keep keeping the faith. Victory is sure, and there is light at the end of every tunnel.

Visit www.wisewomenawards.org for more information about the Wise Women Awards, and www.triumphant.org.uk for more information about Triumphant Church International.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 PEOPLE 20 FEATUREAND PLACES

C

hristian women from a range of churches are featured in the list of nominees for the 2014 Wise Women Awards (WWA).

Churches, whose members have been nominated, include Redeemed Christian Church of God, Church of God in Christ and Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC).

The list of nominees for the 2014 Wise Women Awards includes businesswoman, Dr Yana Johnson; Pastor Adepeju Oluyomi of KICC; and gospel artist, Sandra Godley.

Other nominees include Esther Lagunju, who has overcome major health issues to become one of the youngest Black women to be appointed as a judge; Catherine Msoni, whose charity, Divine Rescue, works with the homeless, sex workers and the disadvantaged; and Chizumie Dyer, an ex-offender, who now runs a home for ex-offenders and is a minister of the Gospel.

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, of Wisdom For Women International (WWI) and founder of the Wise Women Awards, stated, “Not only does the list bring to the fore some of the unsung heroines within Britain’s African and African-Caribbean Christian community, it also highlights the broad range of work Christian women are involved in that’s making a difference in people’s lives.”

Shirley McGreal, publisher of Keep The Faith magazine, stated, “The list of nominees for the WWA 2014 demonstrates the fortitude, ingenuity and resourcefulness of Christian women within Britain’s African and Caribbean communities to respond to the needs of the people they serve with good works. I’m excited that they are being recognised through this event, and am looking forward to the Awards ceremony on March 29th.”

The 2014 Wise Women Award nominees are: EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG WOMAN CATEGORY Kanika Mayi, Waltham Forest Council, London Kika Ashanike, Pure Hearts, London Sade Elliott, Gospel Arts Productions, West Midlands

WOMAN IN MINISTRY CATEGORY Lilieth Cardoza, Built on the Rock Ministries, London Grace Sola-Oludoyi, Royal Connections, London Janet Wolfe, Single Lyfe, London

WOMAN IN MISSION CATEGORY Joan St Louis, Church of God in Christ, London Catherine Msoni, Divine Rescue, London Pastor Adepeju Oluyomi, Haven of Rest, Essex

WOMAN IN MEDIA CATEGORY Tolu Adepegba, Premier Gospel, London Clare Elevique, Jesus House, London Katrina Morris, Heaven Sent Consultancy, London

WOMAN IN THE COMMUNITY CATEGORY Yetunde Adeola, African Caribbean Forum, Kent Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Mayor of London Borough Barking and Dagenham Donia Narh, Aces Youth Project, London

PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN WOMAN CATEGORY Linda Nnene, City of Norwich School, Norwich Kanika Mayi, Waltham Forest Council, London Esther Lagunju, Judge, Princess Courts, London

WOMAN IN MUSIC CATEGORY Kanika Mayi

Tolu Adepegba

Grace Sola-Oludoyi

The nominees in the 10 Wise Women Award categories were chosen from nominations sent in by the public. A panel of judges decided who made the shortlist of nominees.

The panel of judges comprises: Charmaine Noble-McLean of Premier Media Group; Angela Sarkis, CBE; Bunmi Folarin, BP Oil International; Sharon Pennant, Council of Black Led Churches; Dionne Gravesande, Christian Aid; and Diahanne Rhiney, CEO of 15 Degrees.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Wise Women Awards ceremony, which takes place on March 29, at the Guoman Tower Hotel, St Katherine’s Way, London E1W 1LD.

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Sandra Godley, Gospel Artist, London Lorraine Wright, UCGY, London Andrea Encinas, British Gospel Arts, London

WOMAN IN BUSINESS CATEGORY Rowena Henry, Paul Henry Architects, London Dr Yana Johnson, Yana Cosmetics, London Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée, Beacon Organisational Development, Surrey

LIFE TURNAROUND AWARD CATEGORY Audrey Howell, Wesleyan Holiness Church, Bristol Jemma Regis, Author, Herts Chizumie Dyer, Temple of Truth, Nottingham

NAOMI AWARD CATEGORY Caroline Pinder, Leicester City Council Fostering & Adoption Service, Leicester Nancy George, World In Need, East Sussex Annie Ingram, New Testament Church of God Epainos Ministries, London

FEATURE 21

Wise Women Award ga The impact of winnin

Keep The Faith started hosting the Wise Women Awards alongside Wisdom for Women International in 2011. We speak to some of the previous recipients of a WWA, and how they felt about being recognised for their work.

Sonia Phillip won the Christian Leadership Award at the 2011 WWA for her work as Women’s ministry leader in the United Pentecostal Church.

Carmen Anderson won the Woman in the Community Award at the 2012 Wise Women Awards for her work with the elderly in the London Borough of Harrow.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): What was your initial thought when you learnt you’d been nominated for a Wise Woman Award?

SONIA PHILLIP (SP): My initial thought was one of someone joking around, until I read the end of the email and saw the organiser’s name listed. True excitement set in, and I felt overwhelmed that someone appreciated the work I was involved with.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): What were your initial thoughts when you learnt that you had been nominated for a WWA? CARMEN ANDERSON (CA): I was shocked, surprised and humbled that someone thought that I was deserving of a nomination. It brought tears to my eyes. I had never heard of WWA to be honest.

KTF: What was your response when you were announced winner of a WWA? SP: I sat for a few seconds with my mouth open - I did not expect to get this Award. It was an amazing moment of joy and happiness mixed with nervousness.

KTF: How has your winning a WWA impacted you?

SP: It has motivated me to continue to do what I was doing, and become more appreciative to the Lord. I am also more focused on helping others to be achievers. I have had workshops where women have been encouraged to write books, and also one person has opened up her own nursery in the community.

KTF: What have you been up to since winning the Award?

SP: I was on Revelation TV to talk about the Award. I am still involved in ministry as the Women’s Leader over London & South of England in the United Pentecostal Church, and sit on the National Ladies’ Committee. I am the Dean of Apostolic Training Institute, (a part-time Bible school), and serve in the community as Vice Chair of Goldsmith Community Association.

KTF: Why do you think an event like the WWA is necessary?

SP: It brings to the forefront women who you would not have otherwise heard about. It is a prestigious occasion, where ordinary women feel special, and are truly appreciated and encouraged in doing what they love to do.

KTF: How did you feel being announced as a WWA winner?

CA: I was nervous, to say the least, and started to think what I would say. It was a humbling experience, especially after seeing the other women who had received awards for other categories. Whatever I do is from my heart - I don’t do it to be recognised.

KTF: How has winning the Award impacted you?

CA: Winning has not impacted me directly. However, it was encouraging to be recognised for my efforts, which has always been voluntary.

KTF: What have you been up to since winning the Award?

CA: I am still actively involved in my community work and in my local, district and national church.

I have recently been assigned new responsibility for overseeing the Women’s department for five churches in my region for my church.

“It is encouraging to see positive women from different ages, backgrounds and cultures achieving and striving for excellence.”

KTF: Lastly, why do you think an event like the WWA is necessary?

CA: There are a lot of women who are doing good things and are not being recognised and appreciated. It is encouraging to see positive women from different ages, backgrounds and cultures achieving and striving for excellence. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

22 FEATURE

Lurine Cato won the Woman in Music Award at the 2012 Wise Women Awards for her ministry of music.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): What were your initial thoughts when you learnt that you had been nominated for a WWA? LURINE CATO (LC): Excited! It was my second nomination for an Award, so I must admit the possibilities of winning seemed far away for me.

KTF: How did you feel when you were announced as a WWA winner?

LC: I was so happy and nervous; first time winning an Award, all I wanted to do was thank God for the journey.

KTF: How has winning the Award impact your approach to your faith, work and ministry?

LC: I see winning a WWA as an opportunity to share my story. It was my faith in God and the love and prayers of family and close friends that got me here. Promoting Jesus Christ is what I love to do, plus helping people to believe that nothing is impossible - no matter your background or story.

KTF: What have you been up to since winning the Award?

LC: Well, since then I’ve won four more awards for music – including a MOBO Award. I just finished my own concert in January 2014, which was a success, and now I am completing my Album.

KTF: Lastly, why do you think an event like the WWA is necessary?

LC: Women naturally have a heart of love and care, so we find ourselves reaching out to others with or without money. We don’t do it to prove anything, but it’s encouraging to know that, without you knowing it, someone out there besides God can see what you’re doing or what you’ve achieved. Therefore, to be recognised is a bonus, and makes you want to push more.

Juliet Coley won the Woman in Community Award at the Wise Woman Awards in 2013 for leading the Everybody Dreams project, initiated by pupils of Gladesmore School in Tottenham, north London.

KEEP THE FAITH: What were your thoughts when you learnt you had been nominated for a WWA? JULIET COLEY (JC): Wow! Really? Me? Then I was overcome with an overwhelming sense of pride, because the Award was not just about me but my school children and colleagues, who I had worked closely with on this community project.

KTF: How did you feel when you learnt you were a winner at the WWA ceremony?

JC: I literally fell out of my bed. I had been discharged from hospital on the day of the ceremony, so my teenage children went in my place.

When they messaged: ‘You WON, mummy!’, I flew out of my bed and started jumping around the room screaming, then realised I was on my own, so got back into bed and gave God thanks.

KTF: How has winning the Award impacted your approach to your faith, work and ministry?

“WWA is JC: Winning the Award was massive for me a fantastic because, although I’ve been involved in many vehicle to uplift, trailblazing initiatives, I had never personally inspire and won anything. My work continues in the way it encourage” always has, but I am mindful others should have the opportunity to feel the joy I felt after winning a WWA, so it’s important for me to think about women doing brilliant things and nominate them.

KTF: What have you been up to since winning the award?

JC: I love young people, and I continue in my role as Senior Deputy Head at a secondary school in Tottenham. I made a documentary for YouTube about the project, and mention my WWA. I now sit on the board as a trustee of the Kiyan Prince Foundation, which supports youth vulnerable to crime. I am also writing my debut novel, 39 Weeks, which is due to be published this year.

KTF: Lastly, why do you think an event like the WWA is necessary?

JC: The WWA is an incredible event that inspires and uplifts a community by honouring incredibly ordinary women. An award is the last thing any Christian expects for the work that they do. The WWA is a fantastic vehicle to uplift, inspire and encourage.

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23

If you could ever imagine the perfect day out to the English Countryside, walking through the grounds of a fine 16th Century English Mansion, worshipping to the sounds of the greatest collection of Christian artists and worship leaders from around the world, with more than 20,000 other brothers and sisters from this crazy thing we call church, plus a big slice of heaven thrown into the mix, then you’d be getting close to imagining what the BigChurchDayOut is all about.

For the last 5 years this event has rapidly grown to one of the country’s largest annual gatherings of the church, when young and old, white and black, all come together to celebrate the One person that unites us all, one who is far greater than anything that would divide us.

One of the great things about the event, according to its organiser Tim Jupp who was formerly in the band Delirious, is that ‘rarely these days can we find amazing events in the Christian Calendar that at their heart have family.

We spend a lot of time putting on conferences, concerts, and all night worship events, but one of the unique things about the BigChurchDayOut is that you can bring your whole family, enjoy the countryside, and still leave knowing you have not only met with 20,000 other believers, but

with the God that created us all too”. Tim goes on to say that “One of the most exciting things we’ve seen happen as the BigChurchDayOut has continued to grow each year, is that so many people are bringing friends and family who don’t yet know Jesus, and in this environment of fun and family, are finding a relationship with God who is often encountered through the hours of passionate and heart felt worship that remains the central focus of the event.”

Along with masses of free fun for families that include children’s celebrations, BMX track, climbing wall, bouncy castles and fair ground rides, there’s even a small petting farm where children can get up close to the animals. The BigChurchDayOut even claims to be the only Christian event that has a Llama at it!

This year will see an extraordinary lineup of artists, including the amazing Fred Hammond, along with over 30 other worship leaders and artists that promise to deliver an incredible two days.

If you’ve ever wondered how best to spend your bank holiday weekend, then this could be the perfect answer that you’ve been looking for!!

The BigChurchDayOut happens on May 24th & 25th at Wiston House West Sussex, is easily accessible from London, and even by train running all day shuttle busses from station at Shoreham-by-Sea.

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO GO TO BIGCHURCHDAYOUT.COM

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 FEATURE

“Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless.”

Charles M Crowe, Pastor

“A Man, who was completely innocent, offered Himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including His enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“Surely, He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53:4-6

“The primary source of the appeal of Christianity was Jesus His incarnation, His life, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.”

Kenneth Scott Latourette, Historian and Missionary

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.”

Pope John Paul II

The wonder of Easter The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the foundations upon which the Christian faith is built, and numerous individuals - of all faiths and none - have commented on this unique historic occurrence. Keep The Faith magazine has compiled together the thoughts about Easter from a range of preachers, world figures and from Scripture. Enjoy.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.

Do you believe this?’”

John 11:25-26

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over, no matter what my circumstances.”

Robert Flatt

“The great gift of Easter is hope Christian hope, which makes us have that confidence in God, in His ultimate triumph, and in His goodness and love, which nothing can shake.”

Basil Hume, Former Archibishop of Westminster

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“If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered, in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them, and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.” AW Tozer

“Here is the amazing thing about Easter: the Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this, that Christ, in the dying moments on the cross, gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible.”

TD Jakes

“Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.”

Clarence W Hall, Author

FEATURE 25

The message of Easter

Inherent in Easter is a message of change, transformation and new life. Individuals who believe the message of Easter – that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, died for their sins, and rose from the dead become, miraculously, changed people. Such individuals change their world, whether on a local, national or international level. Here are a few people who took the Gospel message to heart and, in the process, deeply impacted their communities and the wider world.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

WILLIAM BOOTH

This Baptist minister and Black civil rights icon played a major role during the 1950s and 60s, championing the civil rights of Black Americans. The son of a preacher, King Jnr initially doubted the truth of the resurrection of Jesus but, after deciding the Bible ‘had many truths one could not escape’, he entered Crozer Theological Seminary. King’s achievements include leading the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott, which de-segregated the buses, and founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a coalition of Black church leaders committed to dismantling unjust US laws, which prevented Black people from participating fully in US society through non-violent protest. He also led the Washington March, where he delivered his I Have A Dream speech, and inspired numerous social activists throughout the world.

The Salvation Army is renowned throughout the world for providing help and support to the disadvantaged and for sharing the Gospel.

It was founded in London by Methodist minister, William Booth. He started his Christian journey as a Methodist lay preacher and evangelist.

Following his marriage, he and his wife, Catherine, started the Christian Revival Society (CRS) in 1865, which reached out to the poor, destitute and sex workers in the East End. The CRS became known as the Salvation Army in 1878, a Christian parachurch organisation partly modelled on the military. The Organisation is said to have 1.5 million members worldwide, and is based in 126 countries.

Its aims are to advance the Christian religion, relieve poverty, and carry out other charitable acts beneficial to humanity.

(10.04.1829 - 20.08.1912)

MOTHER TERESA

(26.08.1910 - 05.09.1997)

(15.01.1929 - 04.04.1968)

ARCHBISHOP JOHN SENTAMU (Born 10.06.1949)

This Nobel Peace Prize winner is one of the most famous nuns to come out of the Catholic Church. During the 1980s and 1990s, nun and missionary, Mother Teresa, became renowned for her work providing compassionate care to the ‘untouchables’ (Dalits) living in the slums of Calcutta.

The Albanian nun spent most of her time in India, but still found time to found the Missionaries of Charity, which is active in 133 countries. This Roman Catholic religious congregation provides a range of services, including running hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, soup kitchens, orphanages and schools.

Those who join Missionaries of Charity must take a vow of chastity, poverty and obedience, as well as promise to give ‘wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor’.

He is the first Black man to ever be appointed to the role of Archbishop of York in the Church of England - the second most powerful position in the Church of England. This Ugandan-born minister has suffered for his faith. During his years serving as an Advocate of the High Court in Uganda, he incurred the wrath of dictator and leader, Idi Amin, and was detained in prison for 90 days, where he was ‘beaten terribly’. Archbishop Sentamu arrived in the UK in 1974. He studied Theology at Cambridge, and was ordained as a priest in 1979. He has worked as a chaplain, served as a vicar in several parishes and, when he served as the Bishop of Stepney, he served as an advisor to the Stephen Lawrence Judicial Enquiry, as well as Chair of the Damilola Taylor Murder Review.

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26 FEATURE

ENTERING THE

IMMIGRATION DEBATE Immigration is a hot political issue. Richard Reddie argues that Christians need to contribute to the debate, and use their words to heal and bring unity rather than divide

RICHARD REDDIE

S

is a writer and cultural commentator and is currently project director of Set All Free, a Churches Together in England initiative

ince the start of 2014, the issue of immigration has dominated the news in this country, largely due to the fact that restrictions have now been lifted on those Bulgarians and Romanians wishing to work in the UK. Given what took place after similar such controls were removed in 2004, resulting in an influx of Polish migrants, sections of the Media and the political classes have warned that Britain ‘risked being flooded’ by a new wave of immigrants, who will take British jobs and put undue pressure on our already hard-pressed public services.

What is more, immigration is likely to take centre stage at the local and European elections this May, and the General Elections next year, since a recent British Social Attitudes survey showed that over three quarters of Britons want a reduction in immigration, and that immigration is the number one political issue - ahead of the economy, education, health and housing.

There was a time when anyone who raised the subject of immigration in this country was denounced as prejudiced, and any debate on the topic was quickly closed down out of fear of stoking up racism. However, this is no longer the situation, with practically all the major UK political parties eager to clarify their positions on this controversial topic. Likewise, the subject remains a mainstay on most British talk radio or television discussion programmes.

Unlike in previous years, the political parties on the right, who tend to be anti-immigration/ European Union (EU), are now reaching out to sympathetic Black (and Asian) Britons, in an attempt to widen their appeal and offset any accusations of racism. Moreover, as the current immigration debate is as much about Europe as it is about Asia, Africa or the Caribbean, the issue is less black and white. For instance, the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) has several high profile Black and Asian members, who are planning to run as councillors in the forthcoming local elections. (One could argue that it is a testimony to how ‘British’ some Black people now feel that they are comfortable to share views that were once the preserve of those regarded as bigots.)

At a recent political gathering, several Black anti-EU campaigners argued that their party’s policies would restore Britain’s trade relations with her former colonies in Africa and the Caribbean Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

at the expense of the EU. They pointed to the fact that Caribbean banana and sugarcane production had suffered adversely due to EU trade arrangements. Others noted with irony that those European countries, with whom Britain was at war 70 years ago, now enjoy easy entry to the UK due to EU membership, while those from the former colonies, who fought alongside Britain during the Second World War, struggle to enter these same shores. From a Christian perspective, these right-wing, anti-EU/ immigration parties claim to be the custodians of those traditional/family values that naturally appeal to those Black believers, who are concerned about the moral direction of this country.

”

There is little doubt that immigration is an important issue, which is in real need of a Black Christian perspective.

There is little doubt that immigration is an important issue, which is in real need of a Black Christian perspective. Nevertheless, I would argue that Black Christians must ensure that, when they engage in it, they steer clear of embracing views and opinions that stereotype or scapegoat. Moreover, they must examine whether they are being complicit with the ideas and behaviours that were once directed toward them. For instance, I am cognisant that some Black Christians in the historic denominations (Methodists, Baptists, C of E, etc.) are now

complaining that their churches have been ‘taken over’ by believers from Eastern Europe and the Far East, and appear oblivious to the fact that the same accusations were levelled against them several decades previously.

Christians often argue that society should reflect the Church rather than the other way around. In Isaiah 56:7 we read that ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’, which suggests that there should be real diversity within the body of Christ. What is good for the Church is also good for society, and cities such as London and Birmingham are now microcosms of the world.

There is little doubt that Black congregations, which have transformed the spiritual and social climate of the UK, are a product of immigrationderived diversity. (It has been argued that immigration restrictions are one of the foremost threats to the ongoing growth of Black-majority churches.) The arrival of Polish migrants since 2004 has helped to revitalise the once moribund Catholic Church in the UK, and newly-arrived Spanish and Portuguese-speaking Christians from South America are transforming the Pentecostal movement in London.

Those political or media pundits, who argue that we need an open and honest debate on immigration, appear unable or unwilling to ensure that it does not descend into rancour, division and racial hatred. Thus far, most discussions have been defined by a lot of heat and very little light. As Christians, we are asked to shine Christ’s light of truth and love on all situations, rather than generating a heat that confuses or divides rather than unites. Let’s hope we can do this on the immigration issue.

FEATURE 27

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03/03/2014 11:40

– THE –

LONDON MEN’S CONVENTION

R E S U R R E C T I O N and what it means for our city today

10 am / 4 pm – 2 6 • 0 4 • 1 4 CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER

christianconventions.org.uk/lmc

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 FEATURE

The Gospel transforms lives Jennifer Blake is a great example of how the message of Easter - accepting the truth of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection - transforms lives. This former gang leader heads a charity providing help and support for young people.

She also won the Life Turnaround Award at last year’s Wise Women Awards. She shares her story with Keep The Faith.

J

ennifer Blake is one person who can testify about God’s ability to change hearts and minds for the better.

A former leader of a gang (posse), Jennifer, a mother of two, is now a Christian and runs Safe’N’Sound, a Peckham-based youth project she founded in 2004.

Safe’N’Sound supports young people wanting to leave the gang lifestyle; youth experiencing problems with their parents, and vice versa; runs a music and dance project; provides youth mentoring and counselling, as well as alerts young people to their great potential. People are either self-referred to the project or hear about it through various social agencies. It helps over 500 young people a year.

Jennifer recently launched a fundraising drive to raise £1 million. Monies raised will finance the building of new premises, from which Safe’N’Sound will run courses, provide apprenticeships and have a music studio. She also stood for election as a Liberal-Democrat councillor in the recent local elections.

Jennifer is not the kind of person you’d expect to become a gang leader. A Peckham native, she was raised by loving Christian parents, along with her four sisters, and attended The Tabernacle in Lewisham, south London, where she was part of the

Sunday school and

sang in the

children’s choir.

To all intents and purposes, Jennifer was a well-behaved young girl until she started secondary school. She recalled, “From secondary school, I started to see different things. After school, you could hang out with your friends and it was all of that. I wanted to do more than just finish school, go home and do homework.

I started rebelling against my mum and dad’s rules and regulations.”

Not only did Jennifer start hanging out with new friends, she ran away from home at 13. She lived in different children’s homes, having her first child at 17, and left care when she was 18.

Whilst in care, Jennifer was leader of a posse (as gangs were previously called), and she continued in that role until she got saved, all the while being employed in good jobs. She recalled, “I would be in control of certain people doing certain things. It was a money thing.”

Jennifer’s posse was involved in muggings, chequebook and card fraud, robberies and drugs.

Reflecting on her former life, Jennifer saw it as ‘fun and exciting’, but it had its pitfalls, which took her to some very dark places.

“By 2004, my lifestyle was too much. I’d been kidnapped, tortured, raped and abused.

I’d gone through so much. I put my families’ lives in danger because of certain people I was moving with.”

and, as bad as I was, I was suicidal but I wouldn’t commit suicide. I would do things to provoke people that maybe they might end my life for me, rather than me take my own life.”

Jennifer made a decision to dedicate her life to God totally on Sunday, April 25, 2004. She went to church that day and, when the preacher made an altar call, she walked down the church aisle to pray and get baptised. Her life turnaround was total. “The same zeal I had to do badness is the same zeal I have to serve God.” In fact, during her time as a gang leader, her family and her church never stopped praying for her.

She is now fully committed to serving God, the community and young people. She was even out on streets during the riots, trying to encourage people to go home. “The amount of demons that were in the young people that passed me, it was evil out there.”

Jennifer is keen for churches to play a bigger role in combatting youth disaffection. “The thing that hurts me with churches is that they are playing businesses, and they need to move away from that. We’ve got a mission out here.

Whilst we’re playing business and church, our community is being torn down.

“At the end of the day, as children of God, we know the Spirit that is within us. We know whom we represent, we know the power that we have, and we sit back too much and play church. We need to get out into our community, and show the community whom we serve.”

Amen to that.

For more information, visit www.elscuk.com or phone 020 7358 8566.

When things started going wrong in her life, and in that of her son, who was also a gang member, Jennifer started reflecting on her life.

Of her son she shared, “I did everything to stop him. I didn’t want him in it, because I knew what it was like. I reaped 10 times more than what I gave my mother.”

She also began experiencing demonic attacks; was fed up of having to wear different masks to suit the various people she met, and she became a victim of violence herself. She recalled, “By 2004, my lifestyle was too much. I’d been kidnapped, tortured, raped and abused.

I’d gone through so much. I put my

families’ lives in danger because of certain people I was moving with. I just thought I can’t take it anymore Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/keep-the-faith-magazine

(This interview was first published in Keep The Faith in October 2011.)

GET A NEW HOUSING CAREER Housing, Healthcare and Supported Housing training for new and experienced housing personnel.

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FEATURE 29

Name: Rihanna DOB: December 2010

Rihanna is a very happy, friendly, active and curious little girl. She has lovely big brown eyes and has a very attractive smile. Rihanna enjoys attending nursery and can express her own interests and preferences in activities she wishes to engage in. Rhianna specifically enjoys building blocks and signing along to nursery rhymes.

Rihanna was born premature and with medical complications she remained in hospital and was discharged in March 2011 into a foster placement. She was not placed with her birth parents due to Rihanna being at risk of neglect. Rihanna has been with her current foster carers since March 2011. Therefore Rihanna has had positive experiences of stability and emotional warmth from her foster carers and consequently she has formed good attachments.

Due to Rihanna’s premature birth her right leg is slightly shorter than her left but she has shoes to compensate for this also Rhianna’s right hand is slightly stiffer than her left. Rihanna is continuously showing progress and is being supported by a physiotherapist. Her foster carers report that these does not impact on Rhianna’s play and describe her as thriving and an ‘easy to care for child’. Rhianna engages well with children and adults. She has developed nice friendships in nursery and likes to play alongside her friends. Rhianna can become easily distracted when completing tasks and sometimes needs encouragement to help focus. Rhianna’s speech and language is progressing and she is able to communicate her wishes such as the food she likes.

Ethnic descent: Black Caribbean Religion: None specified Family needed: One or two-parent adoptive family Legal Status: Full Care Order and Placement Order Geographical area: Any in the UK Video clip available: Yes Contact: Cherrell Christie Telephone: 020 8489 2414 Email: Cherrell.christie@haringey.gov.uk

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30 FEATURE

TWO’S COMPANY

In this fictional spin on the biblical story of Rachel and Leah, Catherine Anthony Boldeau writes of the sacrifice one sister made in order to bring about peace and reconciliation The sun peeped through the window and, once invited, waltzed around the room in heavenly abandon, dispelling any sign of the previous breeze that threatened to destroy the garden only a few hours ago. It tickled Racquel’s face and gently wiped the tears worry from her brow, replacing it with a smile.

CATHERINE ANTHONY BOLDEAU is an English teacher who writes a daily blog on Facebook

It wasn’t often that Leah confronted anyone, least of all her father, the great Lord Laban. He was not a man to be trifled with - even when in a good mood, free of the whiskey binges. But that morning, her tongue was loosened by frustration and bravery.

The knock on the door jolted her back into reality.

“Come in!” The interruption was an unwelcome intrusion into her world of peace and quiet.

“It’s me.” Leah’s voice was nervous.

The light fell on Leah’s hair, and her curly locks flopped like a rag doll over her large rosy cheeks.

“You’ve ruined my life.” Leah ran her hand over her growing stomach, with an unusual look of rage in her eyes.

“You look like Mama.” There were tears in Racquel’s eyes.

“Don’t you dare!”

“Don’t you dare what, Father? Challenge the decision that has ruined the lives of your children and…grandchildren?”

dark, heavy clouds. The raindrops fell with a thud on the tall windows, like a drum with a solid beat.

Lord Laban was silent, uncharacteristically so, and Leah saw this as a chance to continue.

Laban sighed, but Leah was ‘on a roll’.

“Not everything and everyone belongs to you…”

Laban heard the door slam shut, and couldn’t quite recall when his daughter had left.

“And Racquel resents him. And hardly speaks to me. We were best friends. Now she’s my sister-wife and hates me. It’s all your doing.”

‘It’s just the hormones,’ he mused, as he poured himself a large whiskey.

“Enough!”

“Yes, it’s enough. I’ve had enough. I’m taking my children and going.” Leah was determined.

And wept silently.

It took a while for Racquel to leave the room.

Perhaps it was the shock of feeling loved after these few years of feeling alone, or maybe it was the nagging nausea that she had been experiencing over the past few weeks that had prevented her from getting out of her chair.

She had dismissed the possibility of having children and, after years of disappointment and several miscarriages, she carried her secret with pride. Something inside her was desperate to tell her sister, Leah, but caution prevented her from taking the risk.

“You can’t take my grandchildren away from me.

They’re my…”

“Your what, Father?”

“My heritage…”

The wind howled outside, like a pack of demented wolves. The morning was outlawed by the sky of

Laban’s daughters - Leah and Rachel

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“Babes, I miss her too. Especially now I’m pregnant again.”

“She loves me,” she whispered.“She really loves me.”

“So be it…”The hormones had removed all timidity.

“But nothing, Father. I want my sister to be happy. I love her and, with me out of the way, she has a chance at happiness.”

“I miss her, Lee,” said Racquel.

In the next room, Racquel sat and the tears rolled down her face. She had overheard the entire conversation - unbeknown to the participants.

“Over my dead body!”

“But…”

“You have her eyes,” said Leah, with tenderness in her voice.

Racquel looked around the room that she had come to view as her sanctuary. It was tiny, but elegantly decorated. The walls were matt antique cream, with a feature in damask lilac, edged in gold. Over the large mantelpiece was a diamond shaped mirror that dominated the room. Her mother used to love this room, and spent hours reading, writing letters and sitting in silence, listening to the fragrant tones of Nigel Hess, Ennio Morricone and John Rutter. To Racquel, it seemed like only yesterday that she would sit on the floor and admire the dark, unruly locks of the woman who spent hours in a world of her own.

“You must do.” Racquel was cautious, once again.

Leah caught herself.

“I’m sorry, I know that it must upset you, me being…”

“No, no,” said Racquel, “I’m happy for you.”

“Really?” Leah was stunned.

“Really.” The singular word was reassuring.

Just like Lord Laban, Racquel was hardly aware of when Leah left the room. All she knew was that the sun now flooded the room, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort. She rubbed her stomach gently, and felt a tiny foot kick inside her.

“Please, let it be a boy,” she whispered. “A boy…”

She sat in her firm armchair for the rest of the day, reading, writing and listening to the soothing tones of Nigel Hess, and finally fell asleep and dreamt of her mother.

Catherine’s book, Too Proud to Beg, Too Dumb to Steal is due out in September 2014.

FEATURE 31

ESTHER KUKU

is presenter of Premier Gospel’s Family Hour, which airs every Saturday from 11am - 12pm

You’ll find everything you need in God’s presence Ever wonder why you’re always feeling frazzled, tired, worried?

Esther Kuku states that maybe it’s because you’re not spending enough time in God’s presence, and shares why it’s important to spend time with the Lord

S

ome people have been saved 20 years, attended all the conferences, and bought all the books, yet still they live unfulfilled lives and don’t even know how to be nice to people. Why? Because we will always feel like our lives are lacking something, if we don’t learn to put God first.

The things that we invest our time and money in are an indication of where our priorities lie. I think when you’ve been saved a while, it’s important to do a priorities audit. I always notice that when my world feels like it’s all about to come crashing down, there is a direct correlation between all that is happening in the flesh and what isn’t happening in the spirit.

I remember when I was planning my wedding last year, lunch hours at work were filled with researching dresses; going from one reception venue to the next, only to be told there is no room at the inn; frequently rushing out of the house in the morning and forgetting to pray.

Come on, we’ve all been there. God wants us to make Him our number one priority, because He knows the desires of our heart. He knows that we want to see change and transformation in our lives. And, crucially, He knows that spending time with Him will change us.

How can we be saved 20 years and run to the phone when we have a problem, rather than hit our knees and bow before His throne? I feel so strongly that in my life I need to get back to basics - we all do. We need to prioritise and set aside quiet time with God, so we can cultivate our relationship with Him. It sounds so simple, but many of us allow the devil to whisper in our ears that ‘we don’t have time’ and that ‘God will understand if we put Him second’. But let’s remind ourselves of what the Word of God says in Matthew 6:33, ‘…but seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ Prior to that, Jesus

is telling us not to worry. Don’t worry about clothes, what you will eat or drink. Don’t worry about life. Is worrying going to add a single hour to our lives? What an amazing piece of counsel.

Yet worrying is the one thing that a lot of us do - often.

We have to put God’s will and His Word first in our lives, and allow Him to ‘sweat the small stuff’. And, really, it is small stuff. The job you need, the healing, the wayward child, the spouse.

In His presence is fullness of joy; if you spend time with Him, you will radiate peace and joy.

Anyone that is in Christ and miserable all the time isn’t spending enough time in His presence. Sorry.

“We have to put God’s will and His Word first in our lives, and allow Him to ‘sweat the small stuff’”

Nothing will work in our lives, if we don’t spend time with Him. He is our hiding place. I love the Amplified version of Psalm 91:1, which says: ‘He, who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].’

What an awesome promise! When we hide ourselves in Him, no plan of the enemy can overpower us, and we have the strength and capacity to live victorious lives.

If we struggle with mood swings, where one day we’re up and the next day we’re down, as we abide in Him and His Word abides in us, we become stable and fixed. If you are all over the place emotionally, the cure is time in His presence.

Isaiah 40:31 says: ‘But they that wait upon

the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’

If you are constantly exhausted, the answer is to wait on Him in His presence. Putting God first will make you strong; it will make you soar like an eagle; it will bring you joy and pleasures forevermore. It will help us to be nice to people - when we don’t always feel like it.... His Word says: ‘If you abide in Me and my words abide in you, then you shall ask what you will, and it will be given’ (John 15:7).

Can we get all that from a phone call with a girlfriend? Or from a brother, if you’re a man reading this? No, we can’t. I pray that each and every one of us takes time out to be honest with God about our relationship with Him. If we really want to, we can find half an hour in our day to give Him our undivided attention.

Then all that is left for us to do is to rest, as He changes our hearts for His glory in the process.

Love God, love life, love people. Twitter: @mew36 www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/esther-williams For more details on Premier Gospel’s Family Hour go to www.premiergospel.org.uk.

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32 FEATURE

THE RICH GET RICHER, THE POOR POORER – WHO CARES?

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid

Dionne Gravesande explores the growing gulf between the world’s rich and poor people in this world, and argues that the Christian community must add its voice to the debate about this unjust disparity

W

hether you read the Financial Times headlines or listen to the news, it is certainly true that the rich are getting richer, and the poor poorer.

Here are some alarming facts: • It is estimated that the richest one per cent of the world’s population receives as much income as the poorest 57% • The wealth of the world’s three richest people is more than the combined wealth of all least developed countries • The wealth of the world’s 200 richest people is more than the combined incomes of 41% of the world’s population • The ratio between the incomes of the richest and poorest nations has widened from 3:1 in 1820 to 70:1 in 2000 According to Credit Suisse, millionaires are experiencing even better times now than before the financial crisis of 2008. The gap between rich and poor on a global scale is widening. Surely this is morally unacceptable? Such behaviour speaks to a society, whose values demonstrate greed, self-indulgence and self-interest, all of which becomes a breeding ground for severe inequality.

Whether you believe in ‘trickle-down economics’, charity or government welfare, none seems to be working fast enough to close the gap.

So, what is poverty, and how should we describe and define it? Who is actually poor?

There are a multitude of definitions of poverty but, basically, poverty can be defined as someone unable to access basic needs. How do we decide what a person needs to participate in the society in which they live in the 21st century? What is the minimum standard of living to which everyone should be entitled? These are questions Christians should debate in churches and beyond.

Christians believe each person is created in God’s image, each with worth, dignity and value, so we should be active participants not bystanders in this debate.

I sometimes wonder how good, intelligent, spiritual people can think that the enormous and growing gap between the rich and the poor is not evidence of an unjust social system. On a purely pragmatic level, I often wonder how people, who defend the current system and its results, can believe that it will not lead to social unrest. Consider the 2011 London riots.

Unless something happens to redress or at least seriously improve the effects of poverty, violence and disruption will follow.

“The gap between rich and poor on a global scale is widening.

Surely this is morally unacceptable?”

For example, I read a news report about a homeless man in New York, who ordered a sandwich, and dropped some coins on the counter saying that’s all he had. He walked out without paying the full amount he owed. A shop employee followed him outside and confronted him. What exactly happened is unclear; the employee tried to take the sandwich away. The man fought the employee for the sandwich and the employee suffered minor injuries. The police arrived, arrested the man with the sandwich; he was charged with assault and sentenced to three years in prison. I certainly don’t know all the details, but I wonder what if the man was truly hungry? Meanwhile, in another part of the same city, the media reports million dollar properties are built and purchased by rich tycoons. There is something blatantly unjust about a society that creates conditions where inequality is so visible, yet few voices speak out about it. We owe each other more, at least enough to be fed and sheltered.

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Wealth does not drop from the sky. Wealth is generated by those who have the power to make wealth. God rarely gives people money directly. Rather, He gives people the power to create wealth for themselves (Deuteronomy 8:18). So, what might our role be in ensuring wealth is fairly distributed, and where can our churches speak out on such issues?

Concerns for justice - and especially for the poor and oppressed - are not just issues for politicians; they touch upon deeply-held biblical principles and truths. As Christians, we believe God has given a blueprint for healthy communities and, whether based in London, Nigeria, Jamaica or New York, the principles don’t change. If the global economic systems and structures don’t care about human life, Christian theology must.

Christ spoke to a new paradigm, a society in which all people have an equal share; therefore, it is our mandate and obligation to be good neighbours and stewards of resources.

The Old Testament prophet, Amos, spoke much about these issues. Prophets were not merely people who foretold the future. They had an understanding of the past and the present, and also spoke out on matters of morality, including the way the rich abused and exploited the poor. Amos’ message to the rich was plain and firm: “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:23-24) So, before the Church breaks out into song, consider the apostle Luke’s words, speaking to the prevailing social values and behaviour. He tells his wealthier readers to treat beggars as they would their social equals - a message brought home in the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24). Although Luke says that the poor can expect to be completely happy in the next world, he is adamant that it is incumbent upon Christians to begin putting right the position of the poor here and now.

34 COMMENT

Christian unity is far more important than denominationalism Rev David Shosanya reminds us that fostering unity with fellow believers deserves more priority than allegiance to denominational structures, and provides practical steps on how to achieve greater Christian unity

REV DAVID SHOSANYA

T

is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association

his year, I had the privilege of speaking at two services celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The events are always pleasant, and everyone is on best behaviour. During that week of the year - for the duration of the service and immediately during tea and coffee at least - there is a public display of Christian unity that sadly normally reverts back to sporadic, incidental contact, which consciously or unconsciously reduces the Other to an unrecognisable caricature.

Baptists, Charismatics, Catholics, Methodists and Pentecostals return back to their ‘ghettos’ after showing the world and each other how united we are, only to carry on with business as usual until next year! What we fail to realise is that the world, if it is watching us, looks on in bewilderment at our inability or unwillingness to unite, despite the purpose of God and the injunction of Christ for us to do so.

The reality is that Christian unity has largely been sacrificed at the altar of institutional or denominational allegiances. In other words, the denomination(s) we belong to have inadvertently become of greater importance than the one (Christ) to whom we belong (1 Corinthians 6:19).

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Our differences of theology (how we speak about God), ecclesiology (our church structures), liturgy (the way we do church), doxology (our style of worship), missiology (our theology of mission), preaching/teaching, styles of prayer and diverse ways of being together have become obstacles to genuine Christian fellowship, rather than expressions of the many sided wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). Our attempts at Christian unity have become nods in the right direction, rather than heartfelt commitments to model something that is only achievable in and through Christ.

What also concerns me is the conspicuous absence of sisters and brothers from the majority world at gatherings that celebrate Christian unity.

Either they are not being invited, or invitations are being ignored. Whatever the case, it is testament to the fact that much work continues to need to be done if we are to be truly united!

I understand and appreciate why such gatherings take place, and strangely welcome them, if only because they remind us of what the natural rhythm of interaction should be between believers. However, there is a part of me that regards them as a scandal. They sadly testify to our inability or unwillingness as Christians to model the kind of fellowship (the Greek word for fellowship is koinonia, which was invented, as there was no word to express the quality and uniqueness of what Christians shared together in Christ) that the New Testament expects of us.

Perhaps the most well-known texts of

‘The reality is that Christian unity has largely been sacrificed at the altar of institutional or denominational allegiances.’

Scripture that embody the reality of Christian unity as an ideal and expression of koinonia are found in John 17:1-16 (the High Priestly Prayer of Christ) and Acts 2:42-47 (the first Christian community). The contexts of both texts are important. The first is set in the last days of Christ’s earthly ministry, and the second, soon after His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. John 17 and Acts 2:42-47 remind us that Christ regarded the unity of all believers as a testimony of His living presence in the lives of believers, and the foundation from which the mission and ministry of the Church, His body, would be launched.

Christian unity should therefore be a priority for each and every believer. While there may be a greater onus on leaders to model and promote unity, it is the responsibility and privilege of every member of the body of Christ to play their part in achieving it. We must be individually responsible to resist and reject any type of conditioning or personal disposition to harbour prejudicial perceptions about our sisters and brothers from other traditions.

There are practical things that we can do to encourage greater unity between churches. I suggest the following: Firstly, find out the names of all the churches and their leaders in your area, and include them in your personal and church prayer diary. Write each church a letter, and let them know you are praying for them; they will be encouraged. Secondly, you and a couple of friends from your church can plan to visit a neighbouring church in your locality, and join them for a family worship service, prayer meeting or Bible study, or offer to serve in some way.

Thirdly, you can organise joint outreach activities that draw on each other’s strengths and expertise.

Fourthly, you can dedicate a page of your church newsletter to carrying news of the activities of other churches in the areas, and promoting those activities. Lastly, you can work collaboratively to do something for your community that brings it and the church together.

COMMENT 35

The power of a name Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts looks at the impact names have on us, and argues that it’s important for families and the wider community to ensure that children are given names that are meaningful

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

K

is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain

aal –El, Pilot Inspektor, Fifi Trixibelle, Apple and Sage Moonhood are just some of the names that celebrities are giving their treasured children. It does sound a contradiction, does it not, to give such a name - absent of all meaning and substance - to a person created in the image of God? But increasingly parents are doing just that.

You would think that bags of thought, reflection and even research would inform the choice of a name. Obviously not. Where did this trend of plucking names out of the sky come from? It has, I agree, been around since time immemorial, but more recently it has become normative, nearly mainstream, particularly among some cultures. Might it be a phenomenon started by celebrities?

Perhaps not, but many have certainly encouraged it. So, what’s in name?

In ancient Jewish traditions, names were held in high esteem. Various family members were involved in the naming process: some gave the name (usually the parents) and others confirmed the name (invariably, extended family and sometimes even close friends).

This was only part of the process, for it was essential that the name chosen, researched before its nomination, possessed meaning and substance. Those who chose and confirmed the name, therefore, lived in the hope that the child might live out the values inherent in the selected name.

But it was not just the ancient Jews that took names seriously; God did, too. His various Names have differing meanings, and manifest aspects of His character. Add to this God’s renaming of certain biblical characters; Abraham is a prime example. His renaming was much more than just an extension of Abram. It was God’s deep desire for the renamed Abraham to live out the core values of his new name and become ‘thefather of many’- the founder of the Hebrews - through his son Isaac, which he did. Jesus, too, reflected this tradition.

In extending or renaming some of His disciples - the classics being John the ‘beloved disciple’ and Peter the ‘Rock’ - Jesus

was reinforcing the power in a name, both psychological and theological, in that a name can demean and disaffirm or affirm and empower, destruct or create. In the case of John the beloved disciple, the name surely contributed to his sense of empowerment.

All this suggests that the ancient culture’s appreciation of the power of names to potentially change lives for good is deeply rooted in the thought and heart of God. The hope that the named would bring honour to the named community and to Yahweh has remained an important concept to Jews, then and now. Good for them, I say. Little people, created in the image of God, loved by God, birthed by a woman, surely deserve names that mean something.

I am more and more convinced that meaningless names can be a contributory factor towards creating persons that potentially lack meaning and purpose. The converse can also be true. A person, who possesses a name with traditional and deeply-held cultural and theological values, can desire to reflect their name. For a minute, recall and reflect on the meaning of the names of significant Black people: diplomats, ambassadors, activists, educationalists, respected actors and actresses and even athletes, religious heroines and heroes. Note that their names are not the names of clothes designers or designer brands, local heroes or heroines, popular car brands or celebrities, to the contrary. Maybe, just maybe, their success is in part due to

?

their unconscious desire to honour the meaning of their names.

I am aware that the name we give to whosoever is incredibly personal. It is a choice that is made often by those who are about to become parents or close family members.

If there is one thing, however, that Jewish ancient culture teaches us, it is that there is much in a name; ‘sticks and stones will hurt my bones, but names will never hurt me’ is a misnomer. Ancient Greeks were also aware of the importance of a name, which is why a child was named on the seventh or tenth day after birth, and chosen by the father. The eldest son was usually named after his paternal grandfather, and subsequent children after other relatives. This speaks of the named child being credited with belonging, identity, history, pride, love and respect. Acknowledging, perhaps, be it indirectly, that all persons are created in the image of God, and the uniqueness of this gift should really be reflected in the time spent in choosing the name for the gift, and choice of name.

‘Ancient culture’s appreciation of the power of names to potentially change lives for good is deeply rooted in the thought and heart of God.’ Cultures and traditions can sometimes be oppressive and even destructive, but often they are educative and extremely helpful. The African traditions, so inextricably intertwined with the life, story and history of my parents, remind me - a product of the Diaspora - to remind my son, also a product of the Diaspora, that his name and the names of his cousins, nieces and nephews are important, and that God wishes them all to embody the rich values written into their names, and thus respect the named community, themselves and, ultimately, God.

So, let’s return to the question. What is in a name? The answer surely has to be life or death, freedom or imprisonment, leader or follower; all depends, in part, on the name we choose. The message, then, is to choose prayerfully, if not for your sake, for the sake of your child and subsequent generations.

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36 COMMENT

Shining the spiritual spotlight on grandparents Rev Stephen Brooks looks at the important role grandparents play in passing on Christian values to the younger generation, and argues that they are the future of the Church, too

REV STEPHEN BROOKS

G

is National Development Manager for Excell 3

od has a role for Christian grandparents, but what is it? Paul indicates, amongst other things, that they have a bridging role, in transferring Christian beliefs and standards between generations, so that the bond between the generations does not just look back, it also looks forward.

Apart from travelling on public transport, church is one of the few places in our society where all of the generations still gather in one place at least one day a week. Sadly, little opportunity is seized to utilise this gathering and connect the generations in meaningful and life-changing relationships as God intended them to be.

Today, we are in desperate need of Christian grandparents who will stand up to be counted and hold up the light of God’s Word (Psalm 78:1-10).

Unfortunately, a large sector of our older generation has given in to the modern notion of retirement and, in doing so, the light of God’s Word has been dimmed, if not completely hidden, for our next generations.

Much has been written about grandparents born between 1945 and 1965 (often referred to as ‘baby boomers’), who comprise the largest proportion of church congregations today. This generation of grandparents is associated with privilege, as many grew up in a time of affluence.

They are also the healthiest and wealthiest generation, and amongst the first to grow up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time. It is also true that the baby boomer generation has done well out of the Welfare State, and are set to take out approximately 118% of what they put in. They are also associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional values: remember the Swinging Sixties!

Today, we are in a battle for the minds and hearts of each of the emerging generations of our time, and Christian grandparents should be front-line warriors in that spiritual battle! The Bible tells grandparents, repeatedly, to pass on their experiences, and to teach the next generation.

The Bible has a special place for the role of grandparents and the blessing of grandchildren.

Psalm 128:6 says,‘Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children and peace upon Israel.’ There is a sense in which one can have children, and that is well and good, but it is only when grandchildren arrive that there can be an assurance that your

generations are indeed continuing. Proverbs 17:6 states, “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

Renovation is a common word in today’s vocabulary. It simply means ‘to renew to an original state or condition’. Without a little renovation from time to time, traditions also have a way of deteriorating, so that the original purpose and meaning is lost. That’s why God instructed Hebrew parents to explain the meaning of the festivals they observe to their children, so they would understand. Churches should intentionally cultivate an inter-generational ministry, which focuses on strengthening the grandparent/grandchild relationship. In a time when immorality and secularism are ferociously sweeping over our land, seeking to swamp the minds and hearts of our youth, a more radical restoration is required to keep our traditions fresh, relevant and meaningful.

As Easter and Pentecost approach, it provides a great time for grandparents to discuss with their grandchildren the meaning of the cross and the resurrection. Why not ask the grandchildren to accompany you to Sunday school, and share some ideas to make the season even more memorable and meaningful for them? In the process, you might even discover a new tradition for your family. A little renovation is always good.

Several months ago, I was talking with a grandfather, who recounted a conversation with his son and grandson. The grandson asked his father, “Where does the rain come from?” The

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‘Today we are in desperate need of Christian grandparents, who will stand up to be counted and hold up the ‘light’ of God’s Word’

dad replied, “The clouds.”

The son then asked, “Where do the clouds come from?”

His dad said, “God.” The son asked in reply, “Who is God?” At this point in the conversation, his grandfather said, “It’s time I took you to Sunday school!”

There is a huge need for belonging and connecting among every generation. At times, we need to deconstruct many of the church departmental barriers, where each develops their own culture perpetuating the generational divide. The grandparenting role is one which can reverse this trend.

The young Bible evangelist, Timothy, was doubly fortunate that his grandmother, Lois, was also a believer in Christ. He had a spiritual advantage over many of his contemporaries, having been taught the Scriptures from early childhood (2 Timothy 3:15). Let’s not forfeit passing on our grandchildren’s advantage!

We need to acknowledge that older people are the future of our church, too, and we need to look to their example and seek their wisdom.

The primary role of Christian grandparents is to model what God wants the next generation to become, and to bring them to faith in Christ.

For more information about Rev Brooks and Excell3 visit www.excell3.com. You can contact Rev Brooks at sbrooksaui@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07940 237959.

Europe’s leading

Christian Resources Exhibitions at CRE International

SANDOWN

Featuring

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Sandown Park, Esher 13 – 16 May 2014

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For up to date information and to buy tickets go to

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Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No 232759) Tel 01793 418218 Information correct at time of going to press

38 LIFESTYLE

Pastors’ Column

SECRETS OF CHURCH PLANTING Pastor Andrew Adeleke shares why it’s imperative that church leaders put the issue of planting new congregations firmly on the agenda of the vision for their churches

PASTOR ANDREW ADELEKE

T

is a Co-Pastor of House of Praise in Camberwell, South East London

he Bible says in the Book of Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Amen.” This passage describes what is known as the ‘Great Commission’. It is the last known directive of the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, asking them to leave no stone unturned in evangelising the world. As Christians, therefore, especially church leaders, our desire must not only be to evangelise and win a few souls, but to sustain the soul-winning machine by planting churches in as many locations as the Lord may give us the grace to do so.

As Christians and churches, we are the light of the world and, in order for this light to effectively overcome the darkness that is in the world today, the light must shine. How can our light shine, if we are only concerned with maintaining a church in one location for the few?

A church gives us the opportunity to spread the Gospel of Christ; nurture new believers until they are settled, as well as provide nourishment for older Christians. A church that refuses to plant new churches is like a light that is hidden or is refusing to shine.

The Lord Jesus said in the Book of Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

Father which is in Heaven.” Therefore, by planting new churches, we are ensuring that our light is shining, and our heavenly Father is being glorified.

When is the Time Right to Plant a Church?

One of the questions we get asked all the time is,‘How do you know the right time to embark on church planting?’ Church planting must first be mooted by the Holy Spirit; it is a spiritual decision, and must not be a function of any man’s selfish desire. However, a church may start desiring to embark on planting a new church, as soon as the membership of its ‘mother church’ exceeds 100 adults, who are committed and regular. At this point, the church may establish home or cell churches (house fellowships), which may subsequently develop into brand new churches.

A church can also decide to go on a church planting expedition, when this church is involved in active soul-winning, and when they have trained enough leaders, who have demonstrated both spiritual and psychological maturity over a period of time.

What Location?

Once you have made up your mind to fulfil the Great Commission by planting a new church or churches, one of the first questions you will ask yourself is, Where? What location is ideal under the circumstances? The first thing to always consider, of course, is to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then, we must consider where there is a need for a church; where the church can better serve, and it also depends largely on the vision of the mother church, for example, whether the vision is to reach out to a particular set of people of class, race or natives, etc.

Overcoming the Challenges

Like any other new venture, planting a new church comes with its own challenges, chief amongst which are resources - both financial and human. In the UK today, a major challenge is

finding a place to use as a permanent place of worship. Churches face a huge struggle obtaining planning permission for places of worship and, in most cases, have to resort to hiring different kinds of locations - from schools to hotels and restaurants - until a breakthrough comes.

Raising the necessary finance to plant a new church is also a challenge.

A successful church planter must be a prayer warrior, praying consistently for God’s help in delivering the God-given vision. He (or she) must also be able to carry the church congregation along, well enough for them to have bought into the vision, and become willing to give support financially and otherwise. He must be able to raise the finances necessary to support the work both from within and from without of the church.

“A church that refuses to plant new churches is like a light that is hidden or is refusing to shine.”

Church Growth

A church that will grow must be a church that is focused on prayer, where the word of faith is preached. In order for the church to grow, the church must be completely devoted to preaching the word of faith, raising a congregation fed on the very tenets of praying and fasting. The Bible says, in John 4:48, ‘Then said Jesus unto him, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe”’. Moving in the supernatural will help the church to grow.

A church that will grow must be a righteous church; it must be holy and must not tolerate any compromise of God’s standards in any shape or form.

Pastor Andrew Adeleke is a passionate preacher, mentor, speaker and prolific author, and has planted several churches in the UK, Germany, Canada, the USA and Nigeria.

LIFESTYLE 39

HEARTTOHEART

ESTHER FENTY is a qualified psychologist and pastor’s wife

I don’t want to head up the Women’s ministry

My husband was recently appointed pastor of a relatively young church.

We’re a young couple, and have only been married for a year, so this has been a baptism of fire for us, literally.

I knew my husband had a ministerial calling, but didn’t expect him to be given a church to lead so early. If I’m honest, I thought we’d enjoy married life for a while before being called into ministry. I’m happy to support my husband in his church role, but what I am finding difficult is that my husband wants me to lead the Women’s ministry. It’s not a role I want, partly due to my youth and inexperience and, if I’m honest, I’m more interested in starting a family.

How can I get my husband to see this?

Funmi, Surrey

Esther Fenty says:

I’m having my married Pastor’s baby

I

hope you can help me. I had an affair with the pastor of a leading church, and am due to have his baby in two months’ time. My family is standing by me, but I haven’t told them who the father is. They’d be horrified to learn that the pastor of the church they attend is my baby’s father. I recognise I’ve behaved badly.

I was good friends with the pastor’s wife. I don’t know if she knew about my affair with her husband, but of late she has stopped taking my calls. When I told the pastor of my pregnancy, he initially agreed to support me, and we still had sex, but when my pregnancy started to show at four months, he literally stopped talking to me, and we’ve not spoken since, so I don’t know what I’m going to do for finance. I know I’ve done wrong, and my focus is now on my child and my future. How should I move forward? Please help.

Name and address supplied

Esther Fenty says:

In the midst of all this is a soon-to-be-born child, who will later have to come to terms with the deception of both of his parents; your disappointed family; the pastor’s broken family; a betrayed friend, and a grieving church. Although it takes two to tango, I am not sure how much responsibility and remorse you appear to be taking for your part in this situation.

As you have admitted that you have ‘behaved badly’, perhaps the first thing to do is to get your relationship with God back on track. Focusing on the future would mean not just recognising your wrongdoing, but expressing sorrow through asking God for forgiveness with the intention of turning

from the wrong, and moving forward in His love.

It is not about being sorry that you got caught, nor is it about retribution for the other party.

Having done that, you will be in a position to think about how you handle the pastor. You will need to consider that this might not have been his first or last affair. Therefore, it is important that the leadership of the church is aware of what happened. The pastor should be accountable to either the local leadership team or to a national body, who can investigate and take action on such matters. Allow them to be governed by their own constitution - although you may not agree with the outcome.

If the leadership of the church is aware, it is possible that your family will be informed, since they attend the same church. Therefore, it would be better if they heard it from you. As much as I hope that they continue to support you, do not be surprised if they express their disappointment or withdraw their support. You are just as responsible for this state of affairs as the pastor.

Your relationship with his wife - a previous friend - will be very different, and will take time to heal.

The pastor may give a financial contribution out of duty, but you cannot force him to take an interest in his child. As he is not talking to you, you will need to write to him about his responsibility as a parent. If he refuses, you will need to discuss with the benefit agencies what financial help is available, and whether you want to go down the route of the Child Support Agency at a later stage. Your responsibility is to give this child as much love as possible.

Anyone, whether experienced or inexperienced, can find that there are teething troubles on their appointment to the pastorate of a church. However, being newly married adds another dimension.

Perhaps this discussion - around starting a family, etc - should have taken place before your husband accepted the role. However, it is not too late to have one. If you are not able to express your views now, you will end up resenting being part of this ministry. Discuss your gifting and talents; your role in the ministry, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of starting a family now or later.

I am not sure what your church organisational structure is like, and you may need to take advantage of the support systems on offer through a district supervisor, etc. If this is not available, you will need to find a mentor (or mentors), who can support you and your husband in your new role.

A mentor may be able to pray through the issues of leading the women’s group. The apostle Paul advised Timothy that he should not let anyone despise his youth. Therefore, you will need to consider whether these are excuses, or whether you are not ready for this role at the moment. Indeed, if God has called you, He will equip you.

Esther Fenty provides godly and practical advice on a wide range of issues. To contact Esther email editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 LIFESTYLE

Mind, Body & Soul

It’s all about basic nutrition

M

ost people are swept off their feet

by January’s deluge of diets, New Year’s resolutions and fitness regimes. Perhaps you were seduced by one of them, and have already fallen off the wagon and slipped back into your old habits.

Well, if this sounds like you, do not despair.

You’re not alone.

According to a survey, six out of ten of us make the same fitness resolutions year after year, and fail to stick to them.

January is the time when we are still getting over the Christmas holidays; we are tired and possibly sick and, to top it off, the weather is cold. Many of us simply jump onto the New Year’s resolution bandwagon, without putting a realistic plan into place. But the rest of the year doesn’t have to be that way.

Why not look at January as a practice run, make notes of the lessons learned, and start afresh by learning about ‘basic nutrition’? What do I mean by ‘basic nutrition’? It’s the backbone of a healthy balanced diet, and is the substances that come from our foods, which our bodies need for their maintenance, repair and growth.

There are five main food groups: grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat and proteins, and fats, oils and sweets.

For your grains, at least half you eat should be whole grains, such as whole wheat bread,

wholegrain cereals and wholegrain spelt, oatmeal, bulgur and brown rice. These types of foods are high in fibre, and help to keep our bowels healthy and help us to feel full for longer, which means we are less likely to overeat.

Fruits and vegetables: You want to try to include in your diet a variety of different coloured vegetables, like carrots, tomatoes, apples, oranges and red, yellow and green peppers. Dark green vegetables, like spinach, kale, broccoli and collard greens are especially good, because they provide an excellent source of fibre, protein, beta carotene, B vitamins, vitamins C, E and K, magnesium and potassium.

Dairy: This food group, which includes foods like cheese, yoghurt, milk and non-dairy drinks, like almond milk, are all good sources of calcium.

Protein: This food group includes poultry, fish, meat, dry beans, pulses, soy products, eggs, seeds and nuts. Aim to eat more of the white flesh meat, like chicken and turkey, which are low in fat, and oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, which are a good source of Omega 3 and 6 fats that are more desirable for the body.

For fats and oils, try to replace saturated fats in your diet with either mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, whenever possible. For example, replace butter in some cooked dishes with olive oil or margarine. And as for sweets, biscuits, cakes and pastries, try to have these foods sparingly, as they have no nutritional value; are high in calories, and are known to be high in trans fats, which are produced during food manufacturing, and can increase the risk of heart disease.

Now that you have your map of the basics to a healthy lifestyle, all that is left now is to begin your journey. Remember, it’s OK to fall; just always get back up, because you can walk this walk. You can do all things (follow a healthy lifestyle) through Christ, who gives you strength.

JUICING

What’s all the noise about?

Have you ever been woken up by noise coming from your fitness fanatic neighbour, and wondered what they are doing at 6am in the morning? I smell a juicer devotee.

So, what is juicing? Put simply, instead of eating your 5-a-day portions of fruits and vegetables - which can be difficult for many to achieve - you drink them in their liquid form, once they have been put through a juicer. Juicing removes the insoluble fibre

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LOLA OLAREWAJU

is a Personal Trainer, freelance Certified Lifestyle Coach and Owner of Final Measure - a fitness and lifestyle company

WATER Drinking enough quality water every day is very important in order to stay hydrated, as well as to flush out toxins and impurities in the body. You should aim to drink at least two litres (approx eight glasses) a day. You’ll find that you’ll not only feel better, but your energy levels increase naturally.

Here are just a few more benefits of water: 1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of body temperature.

2. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good.

Dehydration makes your skin dry.

By drinking water your skin will remain hydrated.

3. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. Become friends with water this year; it will be a worthwhile relationship.

from vegetables and fruits.

While fibre is an established, important part of an overall healthy diet, removing the insoluble fibre allows for increased absorption of specific health promoting phytonutrients, including enzymes, an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Incorporating fresh juice can be a fun and different approach to increasing consumption of important plant foods for improved health and wellness, and reaching your weight loss goals. So why not give it a try? A favourite of mine is fresh pineapple with a dash of lime. Yum! Happy juicing!

For more juicing recipes, go to www.final-measure.com.

41

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42 LIFESTYLE

Business Matters

DENISE ROBERTS

is founder of Christian Women in Business UK and Loud Voice Communications

A Tropical Village where it’s always ‘Good morning’

O

ne cannot help but admire 36-year-old mum-of-three, Althea Bennett. She has opened up a West Indian grocery store in north London, and has a lot of stereotypes to break.

“When I did my research, a lot of the feedback I would get is that the owners of these shops are so rude and don’t have any patience,” Althea said. People told her about the Caribbean shop up the road that had to close down; their shelves were too bare, prices too high, they opened too late, and closed too early.

Jamaican-born Althea determined, “Mine is never going to be anything like that.”

When she opened Tropical Village in Enfield’s Brick Lane last September, it quickly became a hit with locals. The warm and brightly decorated shop sells both groceries and takeaway foods, like patties, coco bread, buns and cakes.

“People say we’re polite and helpful, and they always come back. We made a point of saying ‘Good morning’ to the schoolchildren who come in, and now they all say ‘Good morning’. Some call us Aunty. They say, ‘I only have £1, can I bring in the other 5p tomorrow?’, and they always do.”

On the sticky point of price, she adds: “I find that I can set things at the same price as competitors, and some are even more expensive than we are. People comment on that.”

Althea graduated with a degree in Nursing, and then studied Health and Social Care, so she wasn’t always thinking of opening up a shop. Her venture came as a result of a casual comment made by her husband that there are not many Black people selling their own food in the community.

They found a prime location, and were about to sign the lease when disappointment hit… followed by Althea’s first lesson in trusting God in business.

“When that shop fell through, I was so devastated,” she said. “I now realise that if we had got it in that location, it wouldn’t have worked, as there was a bakery nearby selling a few of the things we wanted to sell. Here, we can sell everything. We are next door to a secondary school, and it’s the patties and coco bread that bring in most of the profit.

Besides, the business rates would have been more expensive.”

Althea has since taken courses in business management, business finance and marketing, and has even found that her earlier qualifications in nursing and social care come in handy when it comes to delivering customer care.

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She works Monday through Saturday, and employs one other person to help in the shop during the day. During the evening, her husband comes in to take over, so that she can go home to help the children – three girls: 13, 10 and 20 months – with homework, afterschool activities and getting to bed. That, says Althea, is the hardest part.

“My husband works late, so the kids are not seeing him at night,” she said. “But when it’s your business, it can’t be part time. It’s retail and we have just started, so we have to open longer. It is a big challenge, but I push to see it through. I thank God I am a Christian and a believer. Every obstacle is for a reason and turns me into a stronger person, and He does not give me more than I can bear. We have pulled together to be at this stage. It is nice to have something that’s yours.”

The importance of networking

W

hatever business endeavour an individual undertakes, it’s important they are part of a network, that they are in relationship with people who can help them achieve their business/ professional goals and engage in networking, ie. participate in activities that enable them to meet people who can become part of their network.

Some businesses fail to achieve the success they are capable of, because their owners and staff don’t make time to network.

If you run a business, it’s important to build and cultivate business relationships via networking, and become part of useful networks because, in doing so, you’ll increase your chances of being recommended for new business; learn about key developments and new initiatives within your industry, and find out about up and coming new business contracts.

Although you can network anywhere, it makes sense to join organisations designed specifically for the task, such as local chambers of commerce, business forums or attend events designed specifically for networking at industry events.

Networking is never a waste of time, because it can and does help generate new business.

Tropical Village is located at 8 Brick Lane Lock, Enfield, Middlesex, EN3 5BA. Tel 020 3092 7127.

Empowered Woman 2014 Conference A Woman’s Sacred Calling

There must be a reason why you want to achieve. Perhaps among them is a desire to help younger women around you. If so, this one-day conference, organised by Empowered Woman, could help. Sessions include: Building Upward - Her Relationship With God – Salvation; Building Inward - Her Relationship with Herself – Wholeness; and Building Outward – Her Relationship with Others – Fruitfulness. Additional breakout sessions will tackle your calling around specific areas, for example, as a mother and/or wife both in the world and in business. Empowered Woman Conference 2014 – A Women’s Sacred Calling takes place on Saturday, 26 April 2014 from 11:30am to 6:30pm at New Testament Assembly Tooting, SW17 7BU. Entrance is free, but you must register first. Find out more at www.empoweredwoman.org.uk/.

LIFESTYLE 43

How wise women

can make money

Using Proverbs 31 as his inspiration, Isaac Carter shares why women should consider becoming entrepreneurs, and provides advice on how they can go about achieving this goal

ISAAC CARTER

T

is the author of ‘Go to the Ant’

he 20th and 21st centuries have seen the emergence of women in increasingly influential roles in the area of politics, business and finance.

Marissa Mayer (CEO Yahoo), Angela Merkel (German Chancellor), Oprah Winfrey (Billionaire TV Owner and Philanthropist) and Karren Brady (Businesswoman and CEO of West Ham FC) are just a few of the prominent women that spring to mind.

Far from the traditional role of women as homemakers or stay-at-home wives, this new type of woman is more in line with the Wise Woman Solomon envisaged, when he penned Proverbs 31. A closer examination of this chapter shows that Solomon was not only talking about a good wife, but also a female entrepreneur. Check it out:

•

•

•

•

•

•

She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar She considers a field and buys it; from her profits, she plants a vineyard She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants

So, in this article, I am going to discuss some of the steps that wise women, who want to be an entrepreneur, should take: 1. Set your business goals Think about the business you want to run, and begin to make your plans to be successful. It doesn’t have to

be original, but your aim should be to have a unique selling point for your product. There are numerous small business opportunities for women; from Mary Kay and Avon, to running your own huge lingerie business, like Michelle Mone (Ultimo lingerie brand). The female market is double the size of that for men, and means that products targeted specifically at women, as well as men, often has a greater chance of success.

Remember, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE). This is a great way of not only building your knowledge and experience of your business speciality, but also meeting like-minded females in business.

Attend networking events; get a business mentor to help you develop your product, and open doors to new markets for your product.

4. Get help There are grants and other financial assistance available for female

“The female market is double the size of that for men, and means that products targeted specifically at women, as well as men, often have a greater chance of success.”

This type of business is often advantageous to females, who tend to have wider networks of friends and colleagues than men, and therefore more people to recruit.

6. Employment Being successful in business does not rule out being employed. (All of the women mentioned in the introduction above are, strictly speaking, employed). Whilst there is still an under representation of women in the boardrooms of the top 100 companies, this is changing, and many women are breaking through the glass ceiling and holding major positions in huge companies; for example, Marissa Mayer, who is the CEO of Yahoo.

2. Get business education Subscribe to periodicals, read books, attend courses and seminars. Make sure you understand your area of business speciality, company law, tax affairs, marketing, and web-based advertising, bookkeeping and how to complete your tax return.

There are numerous websites for budding entrepreneurs (see Female Entrepreneur Association), specifically geared towards women. Remember, ‘knowledge is power’ and people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

3. Network There are a vast array of networks for female entrepreneur, such as

entrepreneurs - not only from public funds, but also from the private sector, for example, The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative.

Start-up finance can sometimes be the life blood of new businesses, and therefore you should take the opportunity to try and obtain some, if possible.

5. Network marketing An exploding area of business for women is network marketing.

Basically, network marketing is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of the other salespeople that they recruit.

7. Women-only products and services Some companies offer special deals for women in recognition that they are often better, safer and more reliable customers. Often, these women-only products or services are offered at preferential rates. This provides more opportunities for female entrepreneurs, and enables them to tap into an exclusive market, which is tailored to the needs of women.

This article simply provides a snapshot of the steps every woman should be taking if she wants to enter into the world of business. Follow them and, no matter what the future brings, you will be well on your way to matching the Wise Woman in Proverbs 31.

Isaac Carter is the author of “Go to the Ant” a simple but effective guide to money management. www.gototheant.co.uk www.keepthefaith.co.uk

44 LIFESTYLE

Cyber Corner

KENO OGBO

is a Writer and Web Designer

Blogging - a necessary part of your online strategy

W

riting can be tedious. At some level, the first question is ‘What do I write about?’ and the second is ‘Will anyone read this?’ The answer to the first question is easy. Everyone has some form of knowledge that will benefit other people. Businesses, in particular, have industry-specific knowledge and experience that is new to other people. The issue is that you could become so immersed in your expertise that you fail to realise how valuable that information is to other people.

The second question is trickier. People will read your blog if, firstly, they find it, and secondly, you have relevant, useful and well-written information to share.

Three reasons why people would read your blog articles

The title is eye-catching. For instance, instead of a heading like ‘Building a strong congregation’, why not say ‘6 Ways To Destroy Your Congregation’? Now that will get some attention!

The content is relevant to the audience, but evokes curiosity in a non-intended audience.

Using the example above, the content in the blog is obviously meant for church leaders, but congregation members would also want to read the article out of curiosity, so keep the content relevant.

Say something useful. There is nothing worse than a title that promises to be relevant, informative, with a new outlook, but it does not deliver these expectations within the content. People will learn to avoid your blog.

The one thing you must write about

So now we know why people will continue to read your blog, here is the one thing you must write about to make your blog stand out from the crowd.

KENO OGBO runs Spiral Web Solutions, based in London. To contact Keno call 07958 004 739 or email keno@spiralwebsolutions.com

Tweet of the month

How to blog intelligently Here are a few top tips on how to blog effectively. These principles are generic, and will apply, regardless of your industry level or expertise level.

Set time out to write This is probably the number one rule of blogging. It is easy to run out of steam and to get out of the routine. But, if you set a consistent time to write, you will end up with a library of articles to use.

Capture ideas daily Learn to listen. Listen to complaints, to feedback; listen as your customers ask you questions. Listen to social media. Join forums, where your intended audience can be found, and listen to their conversations. You will pick up ideas of what people are talking about.

Are you ready? It’s to write the one thing that your audience is thinking about.

Your target audience is bombarded by posts, information and suggestions daily, but what are they thinking about in respect to your industry? Do they want to know the latest government policies? Do they want to know how to save money? Do they want to understand the latest technology? Find out, and write about this.

A successful blog will position you as a leader and expert in your field. It increases your visibility and credibility, whilst allowing you to extend your learning and help other people.

App of the month

Success Vision Board

by Jack Canfield Jack Canfield is one of the most respected names in the leadership, motivation and life coaching fields, with sales of his Chicken Soup series and Success secrets impacting millions across the world. He advocates the use of a ‘Vision Board’ as a powerful way to visualise your goals and keep you focused. In its simplest state, a vision board is a sketch of the goals and dreams that inspire the life you want to live.

The Vision Board App brings the same application to the mobile space, and is available on IOS and Android.

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Ask questions If you cannot find any relevant conversations, then ask questions. Ask your target audience what they want to read about. Send out a survey. Find out how you can help them.

Find out what their areas of difficulties are, and then help them.

Plan ahead So, you are listening and asking questions.

Then plan ahead. Keep a list of future topics; arrange these in categories and subjects.

Link them to key seasons in the year, or to key times in the industry. Do you have an article on tax returns? Publish this in the first week of January. This is when most people start thinking about tax returns.

Express yourself briefly The most effective writers are concise.

Blaise Pascal famously said once, ”I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter.” Intelligent bloggers know how to say the most important things using few well-chosen words.

Keep going The Christian faith is about persistence, and we should take this valuable trait into our blogging activity.

Success does not happen immediately.

Consistency and persistence is the key.

Lastly. Some things are a no-no on a professional blog.

Spelling errors, jargon, mobile text language (even ‘lol’). These elements portray you as careless, and display a lack of attention to detail. Your well-written message may be lost, as people get distracted by these errors.

45

NURSERY MANAGERS AND OTHER CHILDCARE STAFF New Church of England nurseries are being opened across Essex and East London.

Motivated and inspirational Managers are required to launch, shape and lead quality childcare. Experience, the ability to lead a diverse team, and a passion to put children first are essential.

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for Sparrows Managers to be active Christians. Initial sites include Barkingside, Goodmayes, Wickford and Plaistow. Managers: Salary up to £27K depending on location and experience.

Other posts available at all levels, part-time and full-time, at a range of appropriate pay-scales.

For further information and an application form please visit www.sparrowschildcare.co.uk, or you can call Ihuoma Nnajiuba on 07943 659508.

Closing date for managers’ posts: Monday 7 April 2014 Other levels of staff are always of interest, so do please get in touch.

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46 MISSION

Healing the wounds of genocide

T

wenty years ago, on 6 April 1994, a plane carrying President Habyarimana of Rwanda was shot down. The assassination set in motion some of the bloodiest events of the late 20th century; over the next 100 days more than 800,000 people were massacred. Entire families were wiped out; women were systematically raped and children were victims of unspeakable brutality. Those who survived lived with the horrors branded in their memories.

One such survivor is Ruzimbana Methode, just six years old and living with his aunt when he lost most of his family:

“When the genocide started, there was an announcement on the radio that people should stay in their houses. Then, in the night, houses started getting burned and we started hearing gun shots,” Methode remembers. “It was then that we decided to leave the house and started hiding in bushes, hills and later in the swamp for two months.”

In the chaos of the killing, families were separated. Nelson, Methode’s elder brother, ran to his aunt’s house to seek refuge with Methode, but they had already gone. He was captured and killed. Methode’s father and sister hid in the church, hoping it would be safe. The church was bombed. His mother was killed as she fled to the hills with Methode’s baby brother on her back.

Hiding in the swamp, Methode and his aunt scavenged for food and drank swamp water until finally, they too were hunted down: “The killers came to the swamp to attack us

in big groups, blowing their whistles and singing their songs. You could hear people begging for forgiveness. My aunt ran with me to the river and bade me farewell.” recalls Methode. “We held on to floating dead bodies until the killers found us. They hit my aunt with a machete.

They threw me to the ground, hit my knee with a club and, just when they were about to finish

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me off, another killer called out to the rest, blew his whistle hard and I was spared.”

When the killing ended, Methode had nowhere to go. “Because of all that happened to me and all the anger I had, I wanted to become a soldier to take revenge.” Methode says, crying.

“I would think about all that happened to my parents, my family and my country, and all I wanted to do was to become a soldier, get a gun and shoot all the people I was told killed my family.”

Methode was told he was too young to join the army and that the law would enforce justice for the killings. He and his aunt were given a house to stay in, in the genocide survivors’ village, but it did not take away his bitterness, hopelessness or nightmares.

Hope, however, was coming. One year later, Methode’s neighbour heard about Compassion’s ministry at his church and took the young boy for registration into Compassion’s Child Development Programme. Here he received medical attention, access to education, emotional support and a fresh introduction to the God who loves him.

Still walking with the trauma of all he had lived through, Methode was withdrawn at first and struggled to concentrate; he failed tests and had to retake whole years of school. But, through the kindness of his project workers, a light began to shine in the darkness that surrounded him.

“Through regular project activities like singing, games, praying together and reading the Bible, I started to realise that I could get peace from God. I started singing in the choir and in my prayers telling God to take away all that was heavy in my heart,” he says. “God convinced me that I would not be any different if I revenged [my family].”

The quiet withdrawn boy disappeared and in his place stood a child who started to laugh again. Methode smiles as he remembers: “I got so involved in my church and my class performance improved to either the first or

second position in my class.”

Today, Methode is enrolled with the Compassion Leadership Development Programme. This programme not only enables him to study at university, but instills the leadership skills he needs to return to his home and become an agent of change. The healing he has received will transform a community.

He is living a life his family could never have dreamed of but he maintains, “The biggest thing that happened to me, that the government would never have managed to give me, is forgiving the killers. I thank God that Compassion came to Rwanda and helped many hurting children, becoming their source for education, life and salvation.”

Bekah Legg, Compassion UK with Rosette Mutoni

In 10 years’ time her natural curiosity will be replaced by a realisation that the future holds nothing more than hardship and relentless poverty.

YOU CAN CHANGE ALL THAT.

COMPASSION UK CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT 43 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8BB Registered Charity No. 1077216 Registered in England No. 3719092

For just 83p a day your one-to-one support will enable a child living in poverty to attend a churchbased Compassion project. Here, loving Christian staff will ensure children receive the healthcare, education, food, clothing, spiritual and social support they need to thrive.

BEING YOU MEANS WE CAN BE US. New Police Constables *£22,221 to £36,885 plus £6,615 London weighting and allowances When I was growing up there was a lot of negativity surrounding the police. But I looked beyond that and was always interested because of the challenges. There are a lot of barriers that have been broken down over the years and I’m so proud to be able to build those bridges.

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