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ISSUE 94
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Dear Readers Welcome to the latest edition of Keep The Faith. I hope you all had a great summer! I cannot remember when I last wrote this introduction, as the Editor’s role was in the very capable hands of Marcia Dixon, I know many of you enjoy reading Marcia’s Food 4 Thought, and I am pleased to say that Marcia will still be writing her column! In this issue, we have some great Gospel News coverage from Lavinia and Adaeze, the Juicy Ladies from VineJuice. Check out their website at vinejuice.co.uk. Dorothy Oginni gets up close and personal with Faith Child, Presha J and Aaron T Aaron, while Tamala Ceasar profiles Andy Parnham, Ayokuno Oduniyi and Patricia Muirhead-Hewitt in People and Places. We have an interview with Pastor Marcus Gill, the founder and CEO of Marcus Gill Ministries in Connecticut, USA. The spotlight is on Lurine Cato, the Queen of UK Gospel, and her amazing journey and achievements! As October is Black History Month, Dr Joe Aldred writes a great piece celebrating Black History, and Monica D Brown writes about her amazing Journey Back to Zanzibar. Juliet Fletcher asks ‘What ‘good’ is gospel music?’ and reflects on the impact gospel music has had on different spheres in our society - social and civic, as well as the cultural and commercial marketplace. And, of course, we have all our very valued regular contributors! We love to hear from you, so please continue to submit your letters and articles for consideration to the magazine and the website, editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk. And don’t forget! Our electronic subscriber database is now 30,000-strong, so if you want quick, effective and, more importantly, inexpensive way to publicise your goods, services and events to over 30,000 subscribers our eblast is a great choice! We appreciate your support! I hope you enjoy this issue!
Blessings
CONTENTS ISSUE 94 GOSPEL NEWS
04 Gospel News by VineJuice 08 What ‘good’ is gospel music? by Juliet Fletcher 10 Up close and personal by Dorothy Oginni
04
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
10
12 People and Places by Tamala Ceasar 14 Interview with Pastor Marcus Gill 16 Lurine Cato - Queen of UK Gospel 19 Take three Sundays by Rev Chris Andre-Watson 20 Christian Conference Trust 22 Back in Brum! CRE Midlands returns to NEC by Stephen Goddard
COMMENT
24 Welcome to Fortress Britain by Dionne Gravesande 26 A sense of history by Bishop Dr Joe Aldred 27 Black lives matter by Rev David Shosanya 28 Loving the stranger through rights-based hospitality by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 30 Food, fasting and faith by Rev Stephen Brooks 31 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon
16
FEATURE
32 My journey from the heart by Juliet Coley 34 The harder the trial, the greater the victory by Esther Kuku 36 What’s wrong with commitment? by Tamala Ceasar 37 The truth behind Christian publishing by Vanessa Grossett 38 Why isn’t my church growing? by Deaconess Obaseki 40 Journey back to Zanzibar by Monica D Brown
LIFESTYLE
42 Cyber Corner by Keno Ogbo 44 How does your garden grow? by Jason Loh
Shirley McGreal Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief
KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE R
Keep The Faith Ltd keepthefaithteam Suite 48 @keepthefaithmag 88-90 Hatton Garden keepthefaithmagazine London EC1N 8PN www.keepthefaith.co.uk T: 0845 193 4433 www.blackchristiandirectory.com
MISSION
32
45 Mercy Ministries UK 46 Street Pastors large in Jamaica
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Shirley McGreal FCMI Sub-Editor: Jackie Raymond Design: Becky Wybrow Advertising: Anna Shaw Josie McFarlane Admin & Accounts: Nicola Hammond All enquiries: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk
Credits: The Publisher would like to thank Adaeze Chiwoko, Lavinia Goddard, Juliet Fletcher, Dorothy Oginni, Stephen Goddard, Dionne Gravesande, Dr Joe Aldred, Rev David Shosanya, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Marcia Dixon, Juliet Coley, Esther Kuku, Tamala Ceasar, Deaconess Obaseki, Vanessa Grossett, Monica D Brown, Jason Loh, Pam Grimshaw, and Anna Shaw. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
46
04 GOSPEL NEWS
Keeping it ‘Juicy’ with Vinejuice!
F
ounded by Adaeze Chiwoko and Lavinia Goddard, aka the ‘Juicy Ladies’, Vinejuice is a media company based in Manchester, which works to promote all the good stuff coming out of the Christian, Community, and Charity sectors. That includes events, music and juicy news. Using the Vinejuice’s vibrant and highly engaged website, social media and online livestream show ‘#VinejuiceTV’, Vinejuice is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ platform for all that is ‘juicy’ in the North West and across the UK. Visit vinejuice.co.uk to discover and promote all that is ‘juicy’ in your area. Additionally, tune into our weekly radio show called ‘The Juicy Ladies Radio Show’, which broadcasts every Thursday from the North West’s prominent community radio station – Legacy FM 90.1 (formerly Peace FM).
Emaé brings ‘Something Beautiful’ to the UK music scene In a musical landscape that often seems to present ‘nothing new under the sun’, it is so refreshing to discover new talent that offers a distinct sound. For us, Scottish songstress, emaé (pronounced em- may), is one of those talents. We’re loving emaé’s blend of folk, soul and pop, coupled with clear vocals and message-filled lyrics. She is praised amongst industry peers for her fantastic vocal performances and song-writing prowess, which has earned her worthy comparisons to stars such as Emeli Sandé and Corrine Bailey Rae. Her debut song, ‘Something
Beautiful’, was released back in 2014 to critical acclaim. It received mainstream support from BBC, introducing her to Vevo, MTV, and others. Her follow-up single, ‘Know You’, was released in July 2015, and has been gathering widespread support. With this track, emaé attempts to connect further with her listeners, revealing her fear of linking with new people. According to emaé, “If I’m honest, that’s something that still scares me profoundly and it takes a lot to change my solitary tendencies, but this song is my way of capturing the feelings that I experience when I finally get over that hurdle, and let new people in.”
Both singles are available now for download on iTunes and Bandcamp.
Kirk Franklin just wants to be happy Kirk Franklin is back after almost five years of musical silence. You would be forgiven for thinking that he has been enjoying the fruits of his previous billboard smash hits, pouring his heart out in his regular blog, and posting his thought-provoking comments on Twitter (which we really enjoy, to be fair). But it seems you would be wrong! The multi-award winning gospel artist has been working away in his lab on a brand new album. On 28th August, Kirk Franklin released his new single, ‘Wanna Be Happy’, via his record label, Fo Yo Soul Recordings. When asked what had inspired the single, Kirk Franklin said on billboard.com, “First and foremost, every human being wants to be happy. We will try different things all in the pursuit of that feeling. With this song, I’m saying if you really want to be happy, you have to start with the originator. It’s like wanting to lose weight. Do you really want to lose weight? Because, if you do, there’s a price to pay; you have to work at it. This song is saying if you really want to be happy, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what that is. We’re not the architects of our lives. We’ve got to go to the manufacturer. And it’s my goal to try to lead people to the manufacturer of their souls.”
GOSPEL NEWS 05
Noel Robinson is back with a new album and a couple of surprises Integrity Music worship artist, Noel Robinson, has finally released his eagerly awaited album, ‘Outrageous Love’, on 11th September 2015. But this is an album with a couple of surprises! It definitely feels like time stopped when Noel Robinson signed to Integrity Music, and fans were in anticipation for his first album release under the world’s leading Christian music label. Following the release of his single, ‘Freedom’, back in July, ‘Outrageous Love’ is exactly what you want from Noel. The album is a combination of solid praise songs, anointed worship and ‘get-up-and-move-something’ gospel tracks. We would describe this album as ‘a worship leader’s dream’, with songs that you just know will become anthems in churches across the UK as well as the world. The entire album (barring two songs) was recorded live in London. It includes his famous worship song, ‘Rain’, as well as a cover of the popular Chris Tomlin song, ‘Our God is Greater’. With Noel Robinson’s instrument of choice being his trusty guitar, the album has a number of guitardriven tracks. So if that’s your flavour, then you will definitely connect with ‘Outrageous Love’.
But, as stated in the intro, there are a couple of surprises. These come in the form of an afro beats remix called ‘Let the People Say’, co-written by Israel Houghton, and…wait for it…a DANCE remix called ‘New Life’. That’s right! We were just as surprised as you. It seems that Noel is determined to stay relevant by taking hold of current sounds - which is always a good idea. But does it work? Some may say that the differences in styles between the remixes are too far removed. But maybe that’s what gives this album that special something. It might be Noel Robinson’s bravery in exploring changing modern musical trends that has kept him at the top of the UK Gospel scene and taken him on to international recognition. When you have Israel Houghton writing songs with you, then you must be doing something right! Outrageous Love is available for download now on iTunes.
The Juicy Ladies’ Predictions for GMA Dove Awards 2015 The GMA Dove Awards has grown to be the most respected and highly esteemed gospel and Christian music awards ceremony in the world. This year is the Awards 46th anniversary and carries the theme ‘Better Together’. Hosted by Erica Campbell, the ceremony is set to take place on 13th October, with organisers promising a bigger and better show than ever before. So, there is a bit of the background, but who has been nominated for what, and who do we think will be skipping home with an award in hand? Well, here are five of the categories and our predictions of the winners:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Erica Campbell
for KING & COUNTRY Francesca Battistelli Kari Jobe Lecrae Mercy Me
Lecrae
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR Chris Tomlin for KING & COUNTRY Hillsong UNITED Lecrae MercyMe
Juicy Ladies Predicts ...… LECRAE
Juicy Ladies Predicts ... … CHRIS TOMLIN
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Erica Campbell Fred Hammond Israel & New Breed Jonathan McReynolds Tamela Mann Tasha Cobbs
Juicy Ladies Predicts ... … TAMELA MANN
Who would you place your bets on, not that we’re encouraging gambling or anything…obviously not! www.keepthefaith.co.uk
06 GOSPEL NEWS
Twelve24 going big at The Ritz Twelve24 is a Christian pop/dance band based in Manchester, currently under the banner of The Message Trust. The three-member band has seen their music take them around the world, with performances in Denmark, Finland, France, Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden and the United States. They have also recently had their single, ‘Higher’, featured on MTV for a number of weeks this year. Staying true to their roots, Twelve24 are back in Manchester with a huge concert planned for 12th October 2015. Taking place in one of Manchester’s leading gigging venues, The Ritz, Twelve24 have invited the likes of Vital Signs and LZ7 as special guests. If we know anything about Twelve 24, it is that they can really put on an electrifying show, and so we expect no less. Find out more at www.theritzmanchester.com
It’s happening up North Annastasia tour comes to Manchester: Winner of the third series of the UK’s biggest gospel talent show, Annastasia Baker has been on tour since May 2015. Not to leave her Northern fans out, she’ll be performing in Manchester on 24th September and in the City of Culture, Liverpool, on 27th September. She does head back to her home city of London, though, and ends her tour with a grand finale at O2 Shepherds Bush, Empire, on 15th November, where she has Grammy Award-winning gospel superstar, Erica Campbell, performing alongside her as a special guest. That’s pretty major! Check out her tour dates at www.annastasiabaker.co.uk
Northern lass Philippa Hanna tours UK: The industrial town of Sheffield, Yorkshire, is home to one of the UK’s most accomplished gospel singer/songwriters, Philippa Hanna. In true Northern form, Philippa Hanna could be described as a musical grafter! Since her debut in 2009, with her independently released album, ‘Watching Me’, Philippa has toured with musical greats, like Lionel Ritchie and Wet Wet Wet. Her own tours have had itineraries with up to 150 dates! Following a trip to Nashville to write with some of USA’s biggest names in country music, Philippa came back to embark on her 2015 Autumn tour, which includes northern towns like Rochdale, southern cities such as Southampton, and many others in between. Check out her tour dates at http://philippahanna com/#tour
AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE
08 GOSPEL NEWS
WHAT ‘GOOD’ IS GOS JULIET FLETCHER is a former BBC Producer and founding Executive of the GMIA
B
ritish Gospel is as ‘old’ as the first generation of Black-led churches, which makes our living history at least sixty – yes, 60 - years old! This made me think about the scale of change I’ve witnessed since I was a young girl. Often we write our history in terms of an individual’s achievement, which is right, great and necessary. But how about a history that reflects the impact gospel music has had on different spheres in our society - social, civic, as well as the cultural and commercial marketplace? In other words, if we had the ability to fast forward twenty-five years into the future, what kind of evidence would we see to describe the good that gospel music has brought to the bigger picture of life in Britain? My brief ‘rough guide’ attempt to answer this question is demonstrated in three areas: education, community and entertainment. All three of these involve reaching mass audiences, audience participation and engaging the minds of the public. Gospel Music in the Education System Gospel music in the education system is a relatively recent development; yet, in my view, it’s arguably the most enduring and impressive. It first came to my attention as a genuine trend in 2002, that is, gospel music choir directors and musicians running workshops and sessions in schools. Individuals, like Ken Burton (London), Clyde Forde (Birmingham) and Freddie Kofi (Nottingham), numbered among the early peripatetic tutors introducing ‘a Taste of Gospel’ in music departments. Freddie Kofi told me he started working in schools in 1995. He explained, “Children were enthusiastic, as they even attended singing on Saturdays. It was about teachers acknowledging the effect of the music upon the kids - and We Sing U Sing
The Heavenly Hopes
upon them too - encouraging real spirituality.” His work with them went on for ten successful years, and engendered further involvement with schools throughout the region. Since the turn of the century, schools accommodating gospel music-driven singing programmes have introduced children from Key Stage 1 (KS1) all the way through to KS5 on the sounds, style and history of the genre. Literally thousands of schoolchildren and parents gather at various events around the country, purely on the basis of singing gospel-inspired renditions. Directors like David Levale and Rachel Thomas, who produce iGospel’s ‘Singinspiration’ at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and Tyndale Thomas MBE (the first person to receive a Queens Award for services to gospel music) are among an elite number who specialise in mass schools projects. Now there is a generation who, from their youth, are educated and have embraced wholeheartedly the form. This is making certain a future audience will buy into the genre as general audiences in the US and Caribbean do. John Fisher, who leads ‘We Sing U Sing’, a schools-based event that has established itself annually at Croydon’s Fairfield Hall with over 2,000 attendees, says: “Our motivation is giving these young children an alternative message - a different song - positive and inspirational in their hearts and minds.” There are over eight million schoolchildren in more than 24,000 schools, and less than 200 gospel music tutors. This tells us we are probably a blip on the horizon, but at least we’re on the radar. In 1982, when the London Community Gospel Choir was formed, the members were from churches of various denominations, some representing different theological interpretation
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of Scripture. Through the choir there was one main focus: singing as one voice unto the Lord and for the Lord. Choirs are now an established way in which charities, companies and other organisations engage with gospel music. University choirs are part of this mix; they are extra-curricular activities for students. Over 3,000 students are involved in UGCoY - University Gospel Choir Of The Year - an initiative started by former student, Lorraine Wright, in 2009. Based on a Sister Act-style format, choirs enter the competition and, at a high quality finale evening performance, a single winner emerges. Lorraine describes the impact of the work. “Students have let us know how much their choirs support and helped them stay in their studies, when otherwise they would have quit.”
GOSPEL NEWS 09
SPEL MUSIC? The groundwork for developments like this come from individuals like Andrea Encinas, Creative Director of British Gospel Arts, an organisation set up as an educational arm of LCGC. Andrea spearheads the BIG Choir and other choir-based projects, engaging mass activities at London’s South Bank. The ‘Big Sing’, founded by musician/songwriter, Howard Francis, and his wife, Gemma, is another outfit, which works at setting up community choirs in local communities. Super choir directors, like Karen Gibson, Colin Vassell and Audrey Lawrence-Mattis, have also helped to swell community-based choirs. It is now one of the fastest growing areas of the scene that needs better review and analysis by practitioners. Gospel Music in Popular Culture and Entertainment Out of all the areas where we have a past that connects us to the present, it’s that which relates to British gospel music in popular culture and entertainment, which occurred within the first ten years of establishing Black-led churches. This I find quite fascinating: that one of the first things the Lord did with our music was to release it into the culture of the day. The now-famed Soul Seekers claimed to be the first successful electric-pop style gospel band of the late 50s. The family group, The Singing Stewarts, were very popular both on TV and radio in the 60s. In the 70s, The Heavenly Hopes were the first gospel group to participate in a national television talent show, Opportunity Knocks - the equivalent of X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent. It was the 80s-90s, which I coined as the ‘Golden Age of British Gospel’, because every element of the music seemed to blossom whether it was choirs, soloists, groups of various configurations - both a cappella and musicbased, female, male or mixed… they all seem
to have a moment to shine in that precious period, and in demand by commercial record labels, like Virgin, Island and Polydor. Unfortunately it didn’t quite happen in a sustained way. But other good things did. We have all experienced gospel music on TV now. The plethora of satellite channels has changed many things, mostly for good. But we are disappointed that we don’t get enough programming on the terrestrial set, aren’t we? Although it was over 30 years ago, people still ask for that groundbreaking series, ‘People Get Ready’, which was co-hosted by John Francis and Juliet Coley and featured both UK and US acts. The excitement now is that film and theatre have become a part of the strands through which our music is paving a way in popular culture. Leading pioneers of gospel plays include Mervyn Weir, Mark Grey and Alan Charles. The latest musical from Alan Charles - writer of the hit play, Love, Sax And All That Jazz - is I’ll Be Getting There, which features a stellar line-up of female vocalists, including MOBO Award-winning Lurine Cato. I would conclude that our contribution is good, but we are not in a position to rest and pat ourselves on the back - yet. What do you say? Write in - I’d love to hear from you. Eugenie Burton plays a defence lawyer in Alan Charles’ gospel play I’ll Be Getting There
JOE PITT
MINISTERIAL STATUS: Elder and music minister at Faith Chapel for PAW (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World) MUSICAL ABILITIES: Songwriter, music director, pianist, organist SKILLS: Music teacher, choir director, mentor, promoter PIONEER CONTRIBUTION: Key member of The Heavenly Hopes - the first band to perform on national TV talent show, Opportunity Knocks, with host Hughie Green. Key member of Kainos, UK’s first leading contemporary gospel group of the 80s pre-Brit funk era. Promoter/co-founder of Peak Promotions, a leading promotion company of the 90s to mid-2000s MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES: Single release: 28th August 2015 - charity single, entitled Time for A Change, raising funds for orphanages and schools in Ghana and Jamaica for The June Cranston-Young Missions Foundation. Concert launch and album release at the end of November 2015 at Faith Chapel, 198 Bellenden Road, SE15 4BW GENERAL INFORMATION:
I’ll Be Getting There features a stellar line-up of female vocalists, including Lurine Cato.
Music available from www.joepittmusic.com. Email: jpitt1619@hotmail.com. Look out for download release on iTunes
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
BY DOROTHY OGINNI
FAITH CHILD: God’s inspired ‘mistake’
M
y name is Michael Ayo, better known as Faith Child. I am a 26-year-old NigerianBrit - born and raised in Croydon - and I’m the baby of five. I’m not spoilt; I was just adequately catered for (Amen!?). I got into music via the youth ministry I grew up in. We liked to tap into all the creative areas that young people like: music, poetry, drama, etc. My siblings were part of a big gospel garage group called Open Gate Crew. I saw them doing music, looking up to them as the youngest, and was inspired by them to form a junior group called Godz Inheritorz. We joined Open Gate Crew on their nationwide tour at the tender age of 11, and that’s how I got into music. Years down the line, I became the Beyoncé of the group and went solo. Fifteen years on, I’m still here, by God’s grace. Having been born and raised in the church, my music has always had a faith-based message and conclusion. Many writers write about relationships, heartbreaks, etc., as that was where they were at the time of writing. With me, my faith has always been rooted in Christ, therefore my outlook - regardless of the scenario/song - also pointed back to Christ and the Bible. I don’t recall ever saying I wanted to be a rapper, much less a Christian rapper; it just happened. The demand continued, so I kept on supplying. Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag
My birth was a ‘mistake’. The night I was conceived, both my parents had used contraception. My mum went to the clinic to abort me, and God spoke to her audibly and told her not to. She was a single mum with four children, going through domestic violence and poverty, and couldn’t cope with a fifth child, but God told her, “Believe and have faith in Me, and I’ll show Myself to be God.” He also said He would make the pregnancy easy, which led to my labour being one hour, in comparison to my eldest sister, who was eighteen hours. I was also born with the contraceptive coil clenched in my fist! I use my story to inspire people: you might be a ‘mistake’ like I was, but God never makes mistakes, and the fact you’re alive today is proof He has a plan for you. Where there is life, there is hope. With my mum parenting with God, she managed to raise five graduates in a foreign land, despite life’s challenges. With God, the impossible is possible. To anyone aspiring to be an artist, I would say learn from the greats. You can take inspiration from others, but be yourself. No one wants a Fred Hammond wannabe, when they can just listen to Fred Hammond. You are unique with your own story, put that into your music. That’s what makes you, you! Evaluate your motives as to why you want to be an artist and, most importantly, don’t compare your chapter one to another person’s chapter ten. Success doesn’t come overnight. Make use of the free resources around you, and make sure you have an online presence, eg. Twitter, Facebook, etc. I studied Performing Arts at university, and majored in Acting. Therefore, whenever I go out to drive-thrus or shopping centres, I always put on a European accent. I have noticed that people are actually more willing to help you when they think you’re a tourist. Try it sometime! www.faithchildmusic.com Twitter: @FaithChildMusic Subscribe to www.YouTube.com/ FaithChildTV for the latest videos and adventures.
PRESHA J:
Presha’s steps ordered by the Lord
M
y name is Robert Awuku Jr, aka Presha J. I am a Christian urban hip hop/grime artist, who aims to motivate listeners though my music, with a positive and real take on my own personal journey of life. I was born in April 1988 and raised in east London, with my big sister and parents, who are both Ghanaian. As I was growing up, I remember music being a key part of our home: my sister would encourage me to write lyrics and to express what was on my heart. By the time I turned 17, I was part of the street-inspired and hard-hitting grime music scene. I would mc
about my violent and negative lifestyle, so that the listeners would respect my realness and relate to my rawness. Now, as a Christian artist, I mc/rap about what I stand for, but still want my listeners to hear my realness. Living my life for Christ has changed my outlook on everything, but I also know that things aren’t always easy. I used to play semi-pro football when I was younger; however, I badly injured my knee, which ended my career. Though I cannot pursue my dream of being a footballer, I am a part-time youth football coach with my close friend, Segun. I have always loved football, so sharing that passion with the younger generation, whilst passing on life skills, gives me a great feeling of fulfilment. It is definitely something I would love to do full-time, and hopefully on a bigger scale. One of my biggest challenges this year was when I had reconstructive surgery on my knee in April. The operation went well but, a week later, I unfortunately had blood clots in both my lungs. I have never experienced physical pain like that before. I was in hospital for a week, while the doctors tried to treat it. My wife, family, close friends and my church family (ARC Church) were consistently praying and encouraging me. Thankfully I am much better now, but still have to deal with the effects of it to this day. It was a difficult
GOSPEL NEWS 11
time for me, as I was in the middle of finalising my forthcoming project, and it was a major setback to its process. I felt discouraged, as my last project (Changes EP) was out in 2008, and I eagerly wanted to share my new music. I realised just how much I had to trust God and His timing. I learned the importance of patience, and kept reminding myself of Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” This Scripture happens to be the inspiration behind my upcoming EP. If you are considering becoming an artist, keep perfecting your craft, and do not allow anyone to shift what you believe. Always keep God first, surround yourself with positive people, who can be real with you and challenge you to be better in every area of your life. Many will be surprised to know that I have only recently learnt how to dance with rhythm. As an artist and Ghanaian, people naturally expected me to have some serious dance moves. I have definitely improved, and I am confident enough to jump into the middle of a circle at a wedding to showcase my Azonto skills (lol). I am excited about the release of my new EP, ‘The Traveller’s Guide’, on 23rd October. It is based on the things I’ve seen, things I’ve experienced and things I’ve heard. The character throughout the EP is
on a journey to find out who they are; who they want to be, and the purpose behind the journey. I have matured a lot since ‘Changes’: I am now married and have taken on more responsibility in various areas of my life. ‘Changes’ was about my testimony of becoming a Christian, whilst ‘The Traveller’s Guide’ is from a more mature viewpoint. www.writeway-music.com Twitter: @Presha_J
AARON T AARON:
Called to praise God
I
’m Aaron T Aaron - not Pastor or Bishop (as some like to call me) - just Aaron! In case you’re wondering where the ‘T’ comes
from, it stands for Tochukwu, and in my native Igbo language it means ‘to praise God’. I live in Hatfield, England. Originally born in Nigeria to Christian parents, I grew up serving in my parents’ church as the choir music director. I have always had a passion for singing and, since 2001, I’ve served at the London Lighthouse Parish of House on the Rock, as a worship leader with Hill City Mass Choir. I do what I do, because I believe I am called to lead worship, but not only that, I believe it’s time for believers to come back to the place of worship. Being both Nigerian and British, I hope I can bridge the cultural gaps with a fusion of Western and African influence, to ensure that people from all races are blessed by my music. I recently had a huge concert, called DOXAZO, where I released my second album entitled Here & Real. I was privileged to share the stage with international stars, such as Muyiwa Olarewaju, Mike Abdul, Noel Robinson, and many more. This was a milestone in my ministry; this concert was scheduled to take place last year, but I faced numerous challenges, which affected the timing of the concert. Praise God it was a success! I have never been open about my personal life to the media, to protect my family and friends, but on my newest album I was led to release the testimony of my wife Annabel’s
‘I would encourage all
aspiring gospel artists to remember that it’s all about Jesus, and all for the glory of our Lord God’ sudden illness: she had a brain aneurysm. With no previous signs or warnings, she was diagnosed with the illness, and this life-threatening ordeal tested my faith like never before. She had severe bleeding to the brain, and the surgeons told me my wife would die on the operating table, but I didn’t believe this report. All glory be to God, she has recovered fully, is alive and well, and we can share this testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. From this life-shaking experience, I knew that there is a higher purpose in this walk, and the gift God has given me need to be used to its maximum potential! Being branded a ‘gospel artist’ or ‘worship leader’ shouldn’t be taken lightly. If your life doesn’t resemble the One who gave the Gospel, then there is no point in holding the title. I would encourage all aspiring gospel artists to remember that it’s all about Jesus, and all for the glory of our Lord God. www.aarontaaron.com Here & Real, available on iTunes Twitter: @aarontaaron www.keepthefaith.co.uk
12 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
PEOPLE PLACES AYOKUNO AND
B Y TA M A L A C E A S A R
Tamala is a journalist, blogger and author of children’s book, ‘Spaghetti and Cheese, Please!’ Follow Tamala on Twitter @TamalaCeasar
ODUNIYI
Capturing the moment
F Andy Parnham The pursuit of happiness
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n 1988, the four words from Bobby McFerrin’s famous song, ‘Don’t worry, be happy’, gave its listeners the most simplistic instruction on how to be happy; it came from the absence of worry. Today we live in a consumerist society that requires us to spend our energies, time and money in exchange for ‘things’ that will bring us ‘happiness’. But what is happiness, and how can we be happier? Doctor, church leader and wellbeing advisor, Andy Parnham, seeks to answer these questions as a prelude to going beneath the surface in his programme, The Happiness Course. Beginning his career as a doctor in the 70s, Andy expresses that he had a growing interest for the general wellbeing of people: “I was always struck by the importance of the health of the whole person, and not just the particular part of the body I was looking at. This only increased as I worked many years in church and community work.” The Happiness Course was developed from a community project called ‘Healthy Brockley’ back in 2005, where Andy engaged with his local community in south London, through workshops, events and courses that explored wellbeing and health. “We began in our local community, seeking to ‘scratch where people were itching’. We found that the ‘itching’ was: stress, money, parenting, loneliness and lifestylerelated diseases. The challenge was to find ways of ‘scratching’! So, when I discovered a new branch of Psychology called Positive Psychology, I found that the researchers were uncovering many
ways to enable human flourishing. This resonated powerfully with what I knew and practised: gratitude, nurturing healthy relationships, forgiveness, and discovering greater meaning and purpose in life. So we started to construct a course that was not only accessible, but also powerful in helping ordinary people to navigate their way through the minefields of their lives!” says Andy. The Happiness Course was launched in 2009 and, since then, Andy has delivered over 80 courses to diverse groups of people. He says, “Almost always, people say that it’s really helped them. One lady came up to me after the course, and said that she’d suffered with moderate to severe depression for the past 20 years, and if she’d been able to access some of the things we did on the course sooner, maybe she wouldn’t have had to take all of her antidepressants.” Taking a non-anecdotal approach, and seeking to help both Christians and non-Christians on their journey, Andy describes what makes The Happiness Course stand out: “The course challenges some of the assumptions we make in our culture about what the ‘Good Life’ is all about, and points towards a mindset and lifestyle that focus on those things that wellbeing research clearly shows as being more fruitful especially healthy relationships and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.” www.andyjillparnham.com thewellperson.wordpress.com
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ormer CEO of Apple Inc, Steve Jobs, said: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” In a culture where we’re employed to work a 40-hour week, clocking in at 9 and clocking out at 5, unless we love what we do Monday to Friday, most would agree that this would leave very little space to pursue a passion or hobby. Director of AO Media Studios and freelance photographer and minister, Ayokuno Oduniyi, is blessed to have the privilege of having the work he loves as his 9-5. “AO Media is a media studio that specialises in wedding, commercial and portraiture photography,” explains Ayo. His love of photography started during his college years at the age of 17, when using his father’s camera during a holiday abroad. Sparking something within him, he went on to study a BA in Production at Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication, and decided to take a unit in photography. “I was able to develop my eye and perspective on how to shoot and also see the wider effect of photography and how it is used. It was then that I realised that I had an eye for it!” In 2010, whilst at university, AO Media was birthed and Ayo decided to leave his part-time job working in a seasonal role at the Olympics, to pursue his passion in photography full time. Speaking on the support he received from his parents to pursue photography, Ayo states: “My parents were always supportive in me doing what I’m passionate in, and they encouraged me to be the best at it. I think it’s imperative that a child’s natural gifting is nurtured and developed, because there’s no better feeling than knowing that you are doing what you were created for.” Having run AO Media for five years now, Ayo’s company has been recognised both
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 13
nationally and internationally for his professional, individual and personable style of photography. In Autumn 2014, he was given the REEBA Excellence in Media Award, in addition to being nominated for the British Black Business Awards in Spring 2015, and being featured on www.essence.com in 2013. Speaking on the greater significance of having a platform as both a minister and photographer, Ayo explains: “One of my main reasons for my pursuit in media was my belief that it is the most powerful force in the world when it comes to influencing people, and I want to infiltrate it with the Gospel. All of what we should do as Christians must come from a perspective that we want to influence something with God’s Kingdom.” Looking five years ahead, Ayo has tremendous plans to produce documentaries, short films and book international wedding photography events, and also create an evangelical internet platform to spread the Gospel. The sky is definitely the limit for Mr Oduniyi, so watch this space! www.a-o-media.com Twitter @AO_Media Facebook @ AO Media Studios
Patricia Muirhead-Hewitt When tragedy births change
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he formative years of a girl’s life can sometimes be a challenging time. Looking back, we can all recall those awkward stages of adolescence, when we started puberty, secondary school or tried to find our identity within a friendship group. This time was a whirlwind of change that seemed to happen all at once. With cyberbullying, social and peer pressure on the increase for young girls today, those awkward stages are ‘mountains’ compared to our ‘molehill’ experiences. After taking her life at 14 years old in 2014, Patricia Muirhead-Hewitt set up the Ashdon Jazz Academy in memory of her daughter, Ashdon, to empower and support young women through their challenges, before it becomes too late. South London-born, Early Years Manager, Patricia Muirhead-Hewitt, has always had a heart for young people, and felt there was a calling on her life to address some of the difficulties they faced. “A few years ago, before Ashdon’s death, I started up a mentoring/coaching programme for youngsters that would provide career coaching and encourage them to make positive future choices. It was called Ajani (‘he who wins the struggle’) - a name I prayed for and believed God dropped into my spirit - which I believe, now, was a sign of the vision and plans that were to come,” recalls Patricia. Providing a mentoring programme for girls between the ages of 11-16 in the Merton, Croydon and Lambeth boroughs, the Ashdon Jazz Academy arranges for trained mentors to meet with young women for two hours on a weekly basis, at a location of their choice.
Explaining the role of the mentor, Patricia states, “The mentor will work on setting personal targets; exploring new experiences and places to visit; encouraging better communication skills, and empowering them to find confidence and self-coping skills that they will be able to utilise when faced with challenges. The charity aims to act as an early form of prevention and intervention, by working with females who are experiencing challenges from low self-esteem and bullying to self-harming and gang involvement.” With plans to deliver interactive Girl Social Seminars, for young women to connect and voice their concerns and solutions, in addition to workshops, residential trips and an end-of-year Gala, Patricia desires to see the Ashdon Jazz Academy project established and made accessible to young women across London. Penning her first book, ‘Imma Miss You All’ - influenced by the tragedy of losing her daughter - Patricia opens up her heart and expresses her journey through poetic memory excerpts of Ashdon’s unique and captivating character. “I could hide and shy away, but my story is one that needs to be told, as it may save another young life as well as heighten parents’ awareness. I am very proud of Ashdon and the impact that she has made in her lifetime, and it is my job to ensure that her impact and legacy continue.” www.ashdonjazzacademy.com Twitter @ashdonjazzacademy Facebook @ashdonjazzacademy www.keepthefaith.co.uk
14 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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peaker, author, media personality and pastor are some of the words used to identify Marcus Gill. He is the founder and CEO of Marcus Gill Ministries, a ministry that has been designed to reach lost souls and inspire believers. With the use of clothing giveaways, food distribution, outdoor evangelistic worship experiences, conferences, television, online broadcasting and literature, Marcus has distributed God’s licence for victory that can never be revoked. He is the founder and lead pastor of the RUSH Church United in New Haven, Connecticut and New York City. Keep The Faith caught up with Pastor Gill, and spoke about his ministry and his book, ‘Single God Life’. Keep The Faith: Tell us briefly about yourself, and ministry. Marcus Gill: I am the lead pastor of RUSH Church United, which started in April 2014. RUSH stands for Radical, Unbreakable, Spiritual and Holy. By April 2015, I thank God we have a wonderful body of believers, and a multicultural ministry. We are an evangelical, Word teaching and prayerful church. Healing takes place and miracles happen. We have the lowest area of Christianity in the New Haven Connecticut area, and with God’s intervention things have been taking place, people have been getting saved. We will continue to move onward and upward.
INTERVIEW:
Pastor Marcus Gill
for men. The key is people must focus on the things of God; put all their attention on the things of God and not on the flesh and, yes, it is a battle, but when you submit your will and self to God, it becomes easier as times goes on. KTF: What advice would you give to single people, especially leaders in the Church, who are still waiting for their soulmate? MG: Get involved in your ministry like you’ve never done before, and build it the best way you can. Invest in yourself, love yourself, travel, build your dreams and enjoy. When you get married, you might not have the freedom to do what you used to do, as you now need to think about someone else, especially when you start a family. At least, if you do these things now when you’re single, you won’t miss them too much when you get married. KTF: To those who are courting, what advice would you give to them concerning rushing into marriage? MG: Take your time and wait on God. Do not rush; learn about each other, and learn about yourselves. God’s timing never fails. Again, enjoy your lives and don’t be afraid to change your mind if you realise the person is not for you, and that you’ll be better off just as friends. It is better to do that, rather than to get married, change your mind and then comes divorce, etc. I repeat: Take Your Time.
Photo credit: Terry Amos
KTF: You wrote a book called ‘Single God Life’. Can you explain what this book is about? MG: I believe the Lord pressed it on my heart to write a book, based upon my experiences. I have been through a horrible marriage; however, God used this experience, my testimony, to be an encouragement to others. Single God Life brings a positive message of the single status. People don’t need to be married to fulfill a ministry; they just need to focus on God. Using my images that I post on social media, I also warn people of scenarios and situations that could take them out of their ministry and God-fulfilled calling. KTF: How easy was it for you to find a publisher for this book? MG: Well, the publisher, who is called Serenity Publishing, wanted to interview me for their magazine.
‘Invest in yourself, love yourself, travel, build your dreams and enjoy.’
KTF: Are there any more books in the pipeline? If so, what are they called? MG: Yes, there are. I haven’t got names for them as yet. I will be doing one concerning being a young leader, but watch this space.
We then went on to discuss about writing a book; they talked to me about their services, and the rest is history. The book has been doing very well, and has been a bestseller; it went on to go behind Joel Osteen’s book, ‘Your Best Life Now’. KTF: Do you think it is harder for church people to be single? If so, why do you think that is? MG: It’s not hard for church people to stay single, if their desire is not purely based on their flesh. For example, the Word of God excludes us from sexual activities, and that can be the difficult part - especially
To find out more about Pastor Gill and his ministry, visit WWW.MARCUSGILL.ORG Vanessa Grossett
15
Talk direct to one of our foster carers like Victoria My name is Victoria, I like empowering young women to have the confidence and ability to achieve in their lives – in spite of a tough start. I am determined that the two teenagers in my care are not limited by the challenges they faced early on. It is about teaching them to love and respect other people, and have self-respect and love for themselves. When the teens turned up at my door one evening, I could immediately see the fear and uncertainty in their faces. But that was over four years ago, and there has been a real change in their behaviour. Both girls are in education, and the older sister has already gained some GCSEs with the aim to reach higher education. Because of the girls’ chaotic early upbringing they didn’t have a childhood. I want to hear them laughing, and for these two, stability, care and structure have been really important. I love them like my own, which I never thought was possible.
Please visit our website www.lbhf.gov.uk/fostering. Click on Carers Stories from the menu to the left of the first page. These will introduce you to some of our carers. Then please freephone 0800 169 3497, call 020 8753 1057 or email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk, to book your seat(s) at our next information event, at which you will actually meet one of our carers. She will tell you the quickest, easiest way for you personally to start fostering.
Fostering information evening:
Thursday 19 November 2015 6–8pm Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX All the support you need to be a foster carer • A network of fostering peers and professionals is always there to help and advise you. • Free training in fostering skills and higher related qualifications is ongoing. • You are paid a weekly financial allowance for the child(ren), plus a fee for yourself. • You need a spare room in your home and parenting, or childcare experience.
Drop-in sessions
Freephone 0800 169 3497 Call 020 8753 1057
First Wednesday every month Between 10am and 4pm Freephone to book your half hour one-to-one with a social worker on 0800 169 3497
For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk /fostering www.rbkc.gov.uk/fostering www.westminster.gov.uk/fostering /adoptionandfostering
All names have been changed and models used.
That’s the best way to find out what fostering’s like
Email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk
www.keepthefaith.co.uk
16 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
LURINE CATO Singer and songwriter, Lurine Cato - dubbed ‘The Queen of UK Gospel’ - has had a great year. With her single, ‘Power’ about to be released, excitement is growing for Lurine Cato’s forthcoming album, ‘Chosen to Serve’, where tracks like ‘Running for the Train’, ‘A Mother’s Prayer’, ‘I’m Lost’ and ‘Never Alone’ are concert favourites.
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Lurine Cato at Millfields Theatre Edmonton
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Photo Credit: Emmanuel Cole
orn in North London to parents of Jamaican descent, Lurine is the ninth of eleven brothers and sisters; a child who, according to doctors, should not even have been born – a miracle story in itself! Lurine grew up in a Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and began singing at the age of three. “During conventions, they had to put me on a chair for me to be seen. Singing and dancing have always been a part of my life,” said Lurine. She won her first award for singing when she was nine: Enfield Borough Singer of the Year. “I have been on a life-transforming journey throughout my singing career. I used to be a backing vocalist for various secular and gospel artists. Then I went through a very low and painful season in my life, which caused me to take some time out and go through a period of restoration.” Lurine’s talent was reborn out of a painful past that has since given her a fresh wind of direction; out of her experience came a renewed focus on her singing ministry as a gospel artist. She now has a purpose and mission, carrying a message to those who are also going through pain. Her first song released after that particular period was ‘You Revive Me’, which has become an anthem wherever she ministers. Lurine’s journey has had notable landmarks along the way. She toured with the Lighthouse Family and, as a teen, with the late Lynden David Hall. Her song ‘Friends’ was a massive hit on the club scene. She was a nominee for the MOBO Best Unsigned Act in 2002, and featured on the ‘MOBO 2002: The Very Best of Urban’ album with her song, ‘We’ll Get Thru It’, alongside tunes by Missy Elliott and Rihanna. In 2005, Norwegian DJs, Iceberg & Eskimo, sampled Lurine’s vocals on ‘I Will Follow’. Their dance track, ‘Follow Your Heart’, gave the DJs a No1 hit in Norway. In April 2010, Lurine, as a part of an ensemble of Christian artists, recorded a Haiti charity single, ‘Somebody Help Me, Please’, written by Israel Houghton and Noel Robinson. Lurine sang with Graham Kendrick, Martin Smith, Tim Hughes, Guvna B and Muyiwa - to name a few. The proceeds went to build a hospital in the earthquake-stricken island. Her song, ‘Following the Star (Closer)’, featuring Tony Momrelle (Incognito) and rapper,
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 17
JayEss (Dove, Stella and MOBO nominee), has become a smash hit across gospel and indie radio stations. She has already sung at sell-out concerts and top venues, eg. The Royal Festival Hall, 606 Jazz Club, The Jazz Café, Notting Hill Carnival and, in her hometown, The Millfield Theatre, among others. During the Olympic period, she was the principal female soloist for ‘Evening With The Olympians’, with keynote speakers such as Carl Lewis (Olympian of the Century), and attended by London 2012 winners and athletes, past Olympians and sports personalities. The event was aired as far abroad as South Korea. Lurine was the go-to host for concerts with USA gospel artists in London, namely Michael Bethany in 2013 and Jason Nelson in 2014. In October 2013, her MOBO Award-winning speech lit up social media, when she thanked God and stated despite all odds to “Never Give Up!” In the same month, Lurine won the BEFFTA Award for Best Gospel Act, and went on to win a Gospel Music Award in Italy. She headlined at the Novara Gospel Festival, Italy 2014, the first Brit to do so - which has also hosted Grammy and Stella Award winners, such as Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin and Myron Butler. In November 2014, she was special guest artist at the Teatro Cilea in Naples, with Italian Award-winning artist Rita Ciccarelli. It was the theatre’s first gospel concert, which sold out two weeks before the event. Such was the impact of the concert that it made the mainstream television news and papers. Her live performance, with the Singout Gospel Mass Choir at the OVB Arena in Germany, has received outstanding acclaim, and she has headlined at other festivals in Europe, including the Barcelona Gospel Festival. She is the gospel artist of choice for prestigious award events, including performing at last year’s actors and celebrity-studded event, the 8th Movie Video & Screen Awards at Birmingham’s ICC in November 2014, which was featured on BBC News. Lurine has sung with multiple award-winning artists, such as Mary J Blige, Andrea Bocelli (Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium) and gospel artist, Kim Burrell (singer and best friend of Whitney Houston). Her producers are Ian Green (Michael Jackson, www.keepthefaith.co.uk
18 IN THE SPOTLIGHT Lurine Cato rehearsals Songfest Germany
Lurine and the Mighty Men
Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Noel Robinson, including film scores like Matrix and the Bourne series); Marcus Johnson (Beverley Knight, Kim Burrell USA and Soul II Soul) and USA’s Qura Rankin (Christina Aguilera and Andrew Lloyd Webber) and Shaun Stewart (iGospel). She is an international artist, who has worked on chart-topping Adele’s first album and as Kylie Minogue’s backing singer; who has toured on the On A Night Like This and Fever world tours for two years, and who has taken part in international televised productions before God called her into full-time ministry. Lurine has also recently recorded on a number of artists’ albums, including Jahméne Douglas, Emeli Sandé and Susan Boyle, to name a few. Not bad for someone who appeared at Westminster Central Hall as a teenager as part of gospel duo, Redeemed, with Marie Carter (née Reid). She has never left her roots and continues to sing in churches and communities across the UK. This year, Lurine was special guest artist for the Kirk Franklin Concert in the Midlands, and positive comments are still being made about her performance. She was also invited to sing at ‘One Minute in May’ (which highlights young people who have died due to violent crime) outside Downing Street, which was featured on BBC London News. Later this year, Lurine will also be featured on Songs of Praise. Lurine has supported other fellow artists through their difficulties, and helped them to achieve their goals - even at the expense of her own progression. Although this was sometimes painful and frustrating, Lurine trusted the Lord
to provide the breakthrough she needed in her own ministry, at His appointed time. The journey has taken time but, throughout, God has proved Himself faithful, blessing her with insurmountable favour, rare opportunities and God-given connections that have brought her to where she is today. Demand for Lurine Cato has grown to such a phenomenal level, because she leaves a lasting impression wherever she performs. Behind the scenes, she is in demand as an international vocal coach for choirs, groups and individuals, songwriter and music arranger. She promotes a number of charities and not-for-profit organisations, such as The Rudolph Walker Foundation (Rudolph Walker plays Patrick Truman one of the UK’s most popular TV soaps, EastEnders), and has unfailing support for Love Life UK Ministries, bringing gospel music to prisoners and young offenders, and which was founded by lifelong friends, Bruce Dyer and Isaiah-Raymond Dyer. She organises fundraising concerts for Chosen To Serve (Ghanaian Orphans Education & Health Programme). Her latest work is with UK national charity, The Children’s Society, which works to reduce the number of children and young people in poverty. As an ambassador for the Children’s Society, Lurine is working with them on a new project to promote Christmas carols, so that the message of Jesus is not forgotten. Lurine’s Mighty Men Experience project is comprised of artists from the worlds of gospel, worship, RnB, reggae, pop and hip-hop - and even opera – including some of UK’s top gospel singers, such as MOBO Award-winning artists Isaiah Raymond and rapper, Faith Child; soul
singer, Zalon, one of the late Amy Winehouse’s backing vocalists; Mark Beswick; award-winning worship leaders, including Noel Robinson, recently signed to Integrity Music; Aaron Sokell, Emeli Sandé’s backing vocalist; Tony Momrelle of RnB’s Incognito; Jermaine Riley from former hit group, Fundamental, and now part of duo, Dora Martin, and other award-winning artists, such as David Daniel, Dayo Bello and former opera singer now Baptist minister, Craig Downes. Recently, she invited the Mighty Men to record a charity single, ‘Keep Fighting’, to raise funds for the charity Gangsline. The theme throughout the song is for men to never give up, to have hope, stay strong and keep fighting for it. The song is still making waves. Based on her experiences, it is Lurine’s heart’s cry that other artists realise their purpose and know that what they have is unique. She also encourages artists not to chase the fame, but to be driven by the purpose and mission to reach people, which has been her motivation and focus. She is now ‘of age’, and is the mother of two wonderfully gifted children, whom she loves dearly. Besides singing, Lurine is also an ardent football supporter and prefers “food shopping over clothes shopping” any day! Her testimony is in the words, the music and her soul.
For more information, visit www.lurinecato.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/lurinecato Facebook: www.facebook.com/lurinecato Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag
CHURCH
CHALLENGE Simplicity • Prayer • Generosity
Take three Sundays. Share the struggles faced by brothers and sisters across the world. Expect to see God at work through the everyday patterns of life. Does your church need to up its expectations? Start your free discipleship challenge now. christianaid.org.uk/expectation
UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Photo: Christian Aid/Amanda Farrant. Christian Aid is a key member of ACT Alliance. J4694.
Rev Chris Andre-Watson Clapham Baptist Church
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s a pastor, I want to encourage more people from the edges of my church to move into the heart and life of our community. When I ask people to give a testimony of what God is doing in their lives, it’s the faithful few who come forward to share each time. I found Christian Aid’s Church Challenge to be a great way to help more people to put their faith into practice and then to share what God is doing in their lives.
It can be difficult to find new ways to challenge your church to live out their faith beyond the Sunday meeting. Church Challenge gives a unique opportunity to ask them: ‘did you pray this week? Were you generous this week? How did you live simply this week?’
Church Challenge takes three Sundays to complete. You take just 10 minutes out of your usual church meeting. For the first two weeks each church member is given a specific challenge focusing on prayer, simplicity or generosity. Could you pray for communities grappling with the effects of HIV/AIDS? Could you give up take-away coffee this week? Could you give £1 for every woman you know who has given birth with a midwife present this year?
Simplicity • Prayer • Generosity On the third Sunday, you do a Whole Church Challenge, an act of solidarity with the global church. We acted in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone struggling with the effects of the Ebola virus. We, like them, didn’t greet each other by touching, which, for such a tactile and welcoming church, was a real struggle. Instead, we placed a closed fist on our hearts and nodded.
It was an abrupt interruption to our usual meeting and many of my congregation were struck and moved by it. In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul encourages us to spur each other on to love and do good deeds as we look forward to the day that Jesus will come again in glory. Church Challenge gave my church an opportunity to spur each other on to love our brothers and sisters, both here in the UK and in the global South. Order your free pack today, and expect to see God at work among your church. christianaid.org.uk/expectation
Perfect places to gather together, worship, retreat and relax With over 100 years of service, the Christian Conference Trust (CCT) have been providing excellent conference and event solutions to Christian organisations, charities and businesses.
Operating three centres in the UK, The Hayes, High Leigh and Belsey Bridge, CCT‘s focus is on offering high quality and affordable facilities for any occasion. With flexibility built in and the capability to host the full spectrum of events, whether a conference for 400 delegates, a charity or business meeting, church weekend away, gospel evening or small group gathering – you are guaranteed to be well looked after. Over the years CCT has had the pleasure of hosting large events for many of the leading churches in the UK and from overseas and also many other Christian organisations including Evangelical Alliance, Christian Aid, Scripture Union, Christians Against Poverty and many, many more! Last year around 100,000 overnight stays took place during 1,000 separate events.
“CCT is about delighting our customers, and welcoming all. We take great care to ensure we provide the best possible service for Christian families, churches and organisations alike, in comfortable, relaxing surroundings” John Harrison, Chief Executive
Discover your sanctuary
Food tailored to your needs
All three centres are set in acres of beautiful countryside in easily accessible parts of the UK with easy and extensive free car parking. Here you will find beautiful gardens, parkland and woodland in which to wander, relax and be inspired!
Whether you require a fully catered weekend for 400 guests or just a simple light lunch for you and a small group of colleagues, specialist chefs will create delicious food and menus to satisfy all dietary requirements. With plenty of choice and variety, they are known for providing balanced and nutritious food. All tea and coffee is Fairtrade or ethically sourced and through a partnership with Kingdom Coffee is enabling the work of Toybox to be supported.
A home from home With CCT, you’ll find a great selection of bedrooms of an exceptionally high standard. Each venue has a range of en-suite single, double, twin, family and accessible rooms which are flexible enough to accommodate the widest requirements of groups. Complimentary towels, as well as free tea & coffee facilities and extensive, reliable Wi-Fi throughout each centre ensure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Fantastic prices Affordability is vitally important to CCT and pricing is very competitive. Accommodation is charged per person, with no supplements applied for single occupancy of bedrooms. To assist families further, there is no charge for children aged 5 or under and a 50% discount applies for those aged 6-16 years.
Bursary fund
State of the art facilities All conference halls have modern, integrated, AV equipment, including high quality data projectors, and sound equipment. Breakout and syndicate rooms are also available and in smaller meeting rooms, portable data projectors or large flat HD screens are provided as part of the all-inclusive price.
CCT are committed to assisting delegates who are in need of financial support. Each year, 5% of any retained surplus is transferred into a Bursary Fund which is targeted to assist those delegates who otherwise could not afford to attend. Any Christian group can apply. Last year CCT were able to support 45 applications to the Bursary Fund with over £21,000 being granted. To find out more about CCT visit www.cct.org.uk
ALL INCLUSIVE CONFERENCE AND EVENT FACILITIES With three well equipped venues across the UK, CCT offers flexible conference and event solutions for all occasions, big or small.
THE HAYES
Accommodation for up to 400 people
Hotel quality en-suite bedrooms at affordable prices
Free Wi-Fi and AV equipment available
Large range of sport and leisure facilities
Fully catered packages tailored to your requirements
Bursary Fund to assist delegates who otherwise could not afford to attend
BELSEY BRIDGE Ditchingham, East Anglia NR35 2DZ
Swanwick, Derbyshire DE55 1AU
HIGH LEIGH
Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8SG
INTRODUCING CCT EVENT MANAGER Event Manager is CCT’s exclusive web-based facility that helps with the administration and organisation of your event, free of charge.
FREE E! TO US
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
● Manage bookings, bedroom allocations & event requirements. ● Convenient print outs and emails generated for you & your delegates.
Find out more or watch a video tour at www.cct.org.uk/eventmanager
0300 111 4444
info@cct.org.uk
www.cct.org.uk
The Christian Conference Trust, Registered Charity No. 1056604. A company registered in England, No. 3203917 limited by guarantee.
22 FEATURE
Back in Brum! CRE Midlands returns to NEC The Christian Resources Exhibition, the one-stop shop for all church products and services, will be opened by Bishop Joe Aldred at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (7/8 October).
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ong established as the biggest series of shows for churches in Europe, CRE Midlands will feature dozens of specialist organisations displaying everything from noticeboards to communion wine, heating supplies to lighting systems. Bishop Aldred, who is secretary for Minority Ethnic Christian Affairs with Churches Together in England and is also a bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy, has a new book published in December. From Top Mountain is the story of his journey from humble beginnings in the Jamaican countryside, through the challenges of migration and settlement in a racialised environment, to the status of a respected - sometimes controversial - community and religious leader, broadcaster, speaker and writer. He will speak about the book at CRE (12pm, Thursday 8 October). “Humour was a necessary ingredient in growing up in a tough Jamaican culture,” said Bishop Aldred. “In the most difficult of times, humour is never far away.” After opening the show, Bishop Aldred will join up to a dozen other church leaders and lay preachers in a special day of training, under the title ‘Stand Up for Jesus’. They will learn professional comedy techniques with comedian Bentley Browning. “The Church has earned the reputation for being po-faced,” said Bishop Aldred. “We need to lose it. As preachers, you need anecdotes to take your audience with you. I look forward to learning new skills and utilising these in the future.” Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag
Comedians Don Maclean (pictured) and Bobby Ball will help Joe open the show. Birmingham-born Maclean hosted BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday from 1990 until 2006. Ball, originally from Oldham, is best known as one half of the double act Cannon and Ball. “I’ve not had the chance to visit CRE before, but now is the right time with comedy a major theme at the event,” said Ball. “I like to show people that being a Christian is not boring. In fact, it’s the opposite. God wants us to have fun, laugh and enjoy this wonderful life He has given us. Standing up for Jesus, whether you’re a stand-up comedian or a stand-up clergyperson, is not an easy option, but having the resources to do it better can make all the difference. I’m looking forward to discovering a few more at the NEC.” With a theme of ‘I Will Build My Church’, more than 120 stands at CRE Midlands will feature a wide range of products and services from computers to communion wine, printers to puppets. More than 30 seminars will provide advice subjects, ranging from safeguarding to social exclusion, story telling to sound systems.
IDMC Choir
Jacqueline Ani, of Empowered Women International Ltd, will speak under the title ‘A Kingdom builder’ (12pm, Thursday 8 October). Ani has a passion to see people excel against the odds, and turn negativity into stepping stones of progress, discovering purpose in Christ. Pastor Lola Ayeni, of Magdalene Ministry, will explain how we can engage with people suffering from social exclusion. “Social isolation has become a very big part of our community, and Christians are very much affected by it,” said Ayeni. “Church leaders need to face realities of life and adapt our services to accommodate such needs.”
Award-winning singer, Sandra Godley, believes we can spend a lifetime trying to discover what worship is, but there comes a time when a light bulb moment happens: it’s all about what we personally offer to God. “Sometimes you get those ‘selah’ moments in your life, when you take time out and really focus on what a life of worship is all about,” explained Godley, who will lead the Worship Zone at CRE Midlands. “As a young girl, I was taught that worship is a lifestyle. However, I have found that few people unpack what that actually means. Is it having music on every day that lifts you up/challenges you, or is it making sure you get to as many church meetings as possible to catch a sense of what united worship feels like?” Godley believes it’s all that… and more. “In a nutshell, I think Romans 12:1-2 sums it up: ‘So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walkingaround life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. The Worship Zone is a place for you to have your own ‘selah’ moment,” she said. “I’ll be interviewing some of the UK’s leading artists, including Tim Hughes, to discover how worship is reflected in their own lives and families – and much, much more!” Other contributors to CRE Midlands include Eric Reverence, Noel Robinson and the IDMC Gospel Choir. CRE Midlands takes place at the NEC, Birmingham. Wednesday 7 Oct (10am-5pm) and Thursday 8 Oct (10am-4.30pm). Tickets: www.creonline.co.uk or phone 01793 418218.
Eric Reverence
I will y m d l i bu
church
MiDlAnDs 7 & 8 october 2015 nec, Birmingham
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24 COMMENT
DIONNE GRAVESANDE
is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid
Welcome to Fortress Britain Let’s get the story straight! “My mother sold all her gold and other jewellery to help pay for my escape and, after about a month, I telephoned home only to be told that soldiers, not police, had arrested my mother and sister, and that they had been told they would rot in jail unless they revealed where I had escaped to.” Afraid he would be tracked down, Tesfaye ceased contact with friends and family, and he has not been in touch since. What he regrets most is the fact that he has never seen his child, who was born three months after he escaped. “I do not know if it is a boy or a girl. The child, if still alive, should now be six years old,” he says, his voice almost breaking.
The plight of migrants - particularly Africans risking life and limb to make it to Europe’s shores concerns me greatly. 51 million people are currently displaced across the world. The number of people applying for asylum in developed countries doubled in a single year, and over 100,000 migrants were rescued at sea in Europe during the first half of 2015. In Europe, people are drowning within sight of our shores; surely this should be seen as inhumane and horrifying. Instead, Europe’s response to these desperate people is to close our borders, strengthen our security, and harden our hearts. At this rate, we will continue to witness the Mediterranean becoming a mass grave! Crossing the Med is not the only ordeal that African migrants face. Once in Europe, they have to negotiate camps before they reach their final desired destination. One camp is in Calais. George Ola-Davies, from The New African magazine, spent 48 hours with the stranded migrants there. “I have come to Calais to see how it is to be an immigrant, desperately trying to get into the United Kingdom, which, as of this month, has tightened even further its already stringent immigration laws. The refugees come from faraway places like Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Somalia and Bangladesh, and there are a few from Eastern Europe. Their current abode is derogatorily referred to as ‘La Jungle’ (the jungle). Conditions in ‘La Jungle’ are desperate; you would not wish them on your worst enemy. With no water, toilets or any other sanitary amenities to begin with, the camp would appear to be no place for the weak-hearted – yet it is ‘home’ to around 1,500 people. Many of these people have a goal to reach Britain, because they believe their lives will transform on arrival in the United Kingdom. They believe they will immediately find work or go to school. Too often the reality
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is very different. Some of us are confused about who’s who. In other words, we don’t know our refugees from our illegal immigrants, or our asylum seekers from our economic migrants. Daily tabloids clump them all as ‘scroungers coming to take Britain’s resources’. In 2014, out of 29,914 applications for asylum in the UK, 41% were granted, according to The Refugee Council. People who are refused have a right of appeal, although only a small number of appeals are heard. Despite media-generated myths, asylum seekers in the UK are unable to claim benefits or work, and children under 18 are cared for by local authorities. Those over 18 can apply for a small amount of cash and accommodation support. People are generally relocated in undesirable areas, where they have no connections. Many are destitute and forced to rely on charities.
‘Many of these people have a goal to reach Britain, because they believe their lives will transform on arrival in the United Kingdom.’ As Christians, we have a different lens to see, hear and feel the plight of suffering people who are called refugees and strangers. For example, Scriptures such as Exodus 23:9, ‘Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt’; Hebrews 13:2, ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares’, or Proverbs 31:8-9, ‘Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all
COMMENT 25
ARE YOU READY FORMISSION?
who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy’, are very clear in their messages. Those who want to honour God and his Word should want to receive the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. The difficulty comes with the influx of hundreds of thousands of migrants and immigrants into a region, whose majority population is neither adequately equipped nor enthusiastic to receive them. These are real and tough issues, so let’s discuss them properly and with wisdom. Let’s leave behind the rhetoric and the labelling, and confront the hard task of discernment. Christians are called to be with the oppressed, the marginalised and the excluded in their suffering, their struggles and their hopes. A ministry of accompaniment and advocacy with uprooted people upholds the principles of prophetic witness and service. We cannot desert the ‘needy’ nor set boundaries to compassion (Hebrews 13:2, Luke 10:25-37, Jeremiah 5-7). Our actions should and can follow our words of love. The Golden Rule - ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (Luke 6:31) – implies that we need to uphold each and every person’s dignity. Furthermore, the divine command – ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ - reminds us of the fact that the Kingdom of God knows no human-made barriers, no foreigners and no ‘others’. It provides a place for people who are ‘neighbours’ to one another, equally part of the Kingdom-community, equally gifted with talents. We can act at local levels by ensuring our churches seek out those migrants who are in need, and we can also act nationally to remind our governments that a fortress mentality will not fix the problem, but that global leaders need to rethink how nations and governments look after their citizens, by becoming peacemakers, vision keepers and bridge builders.
Transforming our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ Find out more:
hello@formission.org.uk +44 (0)121 458 5240
FORMISSION.ORG.UK In our ever-more diverse and multi-cultural society it is vitally important that Christian Leaders develop finely tuned approaches, techniques and sensitivity in their missional practice and leadership. Over the last few years we at ForMission College have developed a unique MA in cross cultural mission to provide understanding of contemporary issues in mission. The course draws on missiology, sociology, psychology, leadership studies, theology and biblical studies. Our programme is aimed at a wide range of students who are currently engaged in some form of Christian ministry within churches, mission agencies or community projects. Study is part-time and this programme is relevant to the multi-cultural society which we inhabit. We examine ‘Cross-Cultural Mission Migration & Mission’ which examines post-colonialism, globalisation and contemporary shifts in cross-cultural mission, multiculturalism and expressions of new forms of Christianity in the West. We also consider ‘Ministry & Community’ which examines the role of race, class, and culture in reverse mission and multicultural contexts. At ForMission we are passionate about equipping a generation of leaders to revive
the church and reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. ForMission College equips Christian Leaders to transform their communities through accredited training, thought leadership and missional support. Alongside our academic programmes, our networking events and think tank community draw together the most innovative and inspiring leaders of this generation. We support people and churches to achieve their vision to be missional in their local community. And as a networking community, we are often delighted to continue this connection with our students beyond graduation. For more information please have a look at the range of courses that we offer: formission.org.uk
Martin Robinson Principal ForMission College www.keepthefaith.co.uk
26 COMMENT
A sense of history R
ecently, in a church convention I heard the preacher say, ”Let us forget the past and take hold of the future.” The Pentecostal congregation roared their approval, but I thought, ‘That sounds good, but it’s not good.’ This was not the first time I had heard such sentiments in church, and may even have said similar myself in the past. I know that such statements are said with the best of intentions. In our eagerness to move forward, especially against a background of adversity, it can seem that the way to do so is by forgetting the bad experiences and memories of the past. And yet the Honourable Marcus Garvey was surely right when he said, “A people without the knowledge of its past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” As challenging, painful and counterintuitive as it may seem, we must resist the temptation - irrespective of whence or from whom it comes - to forget the past as a means of moving forward. A sense of history is an imperative. Although many Christians are convinced it is, the phrase ‘forgive and forget’ is not in the Bible! There is something of the sentiment in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he mentions ‘forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before’. Good exegesis, however, will soon show us that, while forgiving is in our gift, forgetting (in the sense of ‘to cease or fail to remember; to be unable to recall’) often is not. Like me, you can probably recall those times when you wished you could forget! The word forgetting in the Philippian passage is best understood as ‘no longer caring for, neglecting, refusing to focus on’. Particularly in relation to negative realities, we must refuse to allow them to dictate the future course of our lives. What’s needed, then, is to know, understand and contextualise the past. There are in fact many biblical texts that call us to ‘remember’. Most notably, Jesus calls upon us to remember and mark His death by the celebration of the Eucharist. It is easy to understand the temptation to forget a bleak past. Who wants to remember that one’s foremothers and forefathers were enslaved and dehumanised? Do I really want to
remember that my name, Aldred, is the legacy of my family’s slave-owner? Yes, I say. We must remember! In the same way we are called to remember the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus that brings salvation, so we must also remember the many whose lives were given or taken to give the life we have today. Were it not for the so-called Transatlantic Slave Trade, I would not be in Britain today – for good or ill. So, from Boudica to the countless unknown and honourable dead of my African ancestors, to Toussaint L’Ouverture, to Nat Turner, to Sam Sharpe, to Nanny of the Maroons, to Nelson Mandela, to our mums and dads… we must take time to uncover, understand and learn from what they went through, and how they got over, with or without their lives. Marcus Garvey calls us to root our reality in theirs, and grow from it into a new future. Without such rootedness, we are likely to be blown around and blown away by what the Bible calls the ‘slight of men and cunning craftiness’, by which they seek to continue the enslavement of the unlearned and unsuspecting. Knowledge of the past brings freedom in the future.
is editor and author of several books.
and spiritual lessons of omission and commission, from which future generations trying to live ‘in a dis here Babylon’ will do well to learn. Too many of us in the African and Caribbean communities in Britain go to our graves with our lessons to be learnt unshared, or at best shared in too limited a way. If my children and grandchildren, and yours, are to be strong and tall trees in the forest of life, we owe them the legacy of our experiences and those of our ancestors, with whom together we form what the Bible calls ‘a cloud of witnesses’. Our lives lived in faith and purpose are our children’s roots. In keeping a sense of history alive, the Black Church has a significant role to play, and must resist easy resort to soundbites like ‘forget the past’. We must teach our history to our children, so they can learn from our failures and our successes as they build better future than our past.
‘In the same way we are called to remember the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus that brings salvation, so we must also remember the many whose lives were given or taken to give the life we have today.’ This is why I put pen to paper to write my autobiography. My experience as a boy - born and raised in the hills of St Catherine in a British-colonised Jamaica; whose parents were economic migrants; who joined them and siblings in the late 1960s; who has now lived in a racialised Britain for the past forty plus years - may not be unique. However, there is a story of ups and downs, of social, economic, political
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DR JOE ALDRED
Dr Joe Aldred is editor and author of ‘Thinking Outside the Box – On Race, Faith and Life’ and recently, ‘From Top Mountain: An Autobiography’.
COMMENT 27
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
REV DAVID SHOSANYA
is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association
B
LACK LIVES MATTER! They do, and we should not be ashamed or intimidated into keeping quiet about that fact. Neither should we be waylaid or our voices muted by naysayers. Some try to assert that the statement infers or denies the fact that White lives do not matter, or rather, that Black lives matter more than White lives. That is a red herring, and we should be sufficiently well versed in the rhetoric of racial politics not to be caught out by that ruse. In fact, the contrary is true. When we assert that Black lives matter, we are making a prophetic statement about the interconnectedness of every human being and about the society and communities in which we live - specifically about their covert undermining and minimising of Black lives. So, when we say Black lives matter, we are resisting, rejecting and repudiating any notion or representation of Blackness that is not inextricably linked to and coupled with the same levels of dignity that is conferred on the lives of White and other privileged social groupings. Let me be clear: the Blackness in ‘Black lives matter’ includes but at the same time transcends the superficial categories of colour and race, and embraces all marginalised and disadvantaged peoples. Sadly, there is a denial in the minds of many as a result of ideological and unconscious conditioning from pseudo-scientific assertions about the non-personhood and lack of humanity of Black people. This ideology informed the justification of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (The Maafa or Black holocaust). It continues to inform contemporary expressions of racisms - both in the UK and USA - and undergirds explicit and implicit beliefs about the inherent inferiority of Black individuals, and the superiority of White people that maintains and promotes racist beliefs and practices that adversely affect Black communities and seek to render Black lives irrelevant. Implicit to many of the challenges I hear about the assertion that Black lives matter by White individuals I speak with, especially the liberal contingency, is an unrecognised, latent or carefully disguised racism that betrays the individual’s inability to consider Black lives as
equal to Whites. This is because, in their mind’s eye, there is almost always an unconscious comparison between Blackness and Whiteness, where Blackness is seen as inferior. Some would argue that church leaders, such as myself, should not get caught up in the politics or race and racisms that have proven to be so divisive. They might argue that the cross has ‘removed the middle wall of division’ (Ephesians 2:14) and that, in Christ, the superficial distinctions of race and colour are done away with in the cross (Galatians 3:28). This is partly right. However, it was this same Christ that challenged racial stereotypes and cultural arrogance in the story of ‘The Good Samaritan’ (Luke 10:25-35), and transcended cultural beliefs and practices in speaking to a lone woman at the well (John 4). Perhaps He was not so neutral after all, but we prefer Him to be that way. But He is not - He confronts reality! ‘Black lives matter’ is therefore more than just a politically correct statement. It is a critique of White cultural hegemony, where Whiteness is represented as normal and Blackness as abnormal - a deviation that falls beyond the scope and parameters of justice, whether structurally, economically, socially or otherwise.
To say that Black lives matter is therefore an assertion that the denigration of Black human beings - made in the image and likeness of God - is a sin against humanity and against God Himself. It is a bold call, a prophetic reminder, that treating Black human beings as less than human or with any form of contempt is unacceptable, and worthy of condemnation in the strongest possible terms. Simple. I am therefore calling fellow Black church leaders, Black communities and supporters from across all cultures to be proactive and intentional in emulating our American colleagues in ministry and community activism, and to resist the temptation to be silent about this matter and challenge the status quo. Jesus said: “If they are not against Me, they are for Me” (Luke 9:50). Fact. Therefore, a failure to lift our heads above the parapet, to ‘sound the trumpet’ (Isaiah 58:1) and ‘cry aloud’ (Isaiah 58:1) means, whether we like it or not, we are indifferent to and regard any loss of Black lives as unfortunate happenings or as ‘accidents’ of personal brutality by rogue individuals, rather than as an expression of institutional violence, sometimes by instruments of the state, in the form of unlawful acts and social injustices. www.keepthefaith.co.uk
28 COMMENT
Loving the stranger through rights-based hospitality
I
t’s no surprise that Abraham was indulging himself in a siesta. In the Middle East, the sun is strong. The three men at the entrance of his tent must have interrupted his gentle sleep. Abraham rushes to meet them. He greets them with warmth and with typical Middle Eastern respect - appropriately deferential. He relates to the leader of the group - once again embodying his hierarchical culture – encouraging the three men to relax, to put their feet up at his expense and to eat. They all accept. With speed, Abraham hurries in quick succession to the tent, the herd and the servant. The meal is extravagant: yoghurt, bread, lamb and goat. The meal is served. The men eat while Abraham stands discreetly by. Then the divine identity of the strangers is gradually unveiled. If Abraham treated strangers like he did the three men, how would he have treated his family and friends? What a fine host. The principle that hospitality should be offered to the stranger runs throughout the Bible. Graciousness to those in need is seen as a way of honouring God. This practice is replete in the Bible: Laban offers his visitors water to wash their feet and food to eat, while their camels have straw and fodder; Reuel repudiates his daughters for not inviting Moses, ‘the Egyptian’, to have something to eat; a couple in Shunem make provision for Elisha and, in a time of little, a widow, wrapped in the cloak of indignity, shares with Elijah the last morsel of food she has for herself and her son. As evidence of his integrity, the suffering Job keeps an open door for the traveller and the stranger. The book of Ruth, a narrative rooted in hospitality, portrays the gift of hospitality as a non-negotiable virtue. The hospitality message is not only echoed throughout the Old Testament but throughout the New Testament as well. It is no coincidence that the Greek word used for hospitality is ‘philoxeni’, meaning ‘love of
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stranger’. Loving the stranger is what the Early Church did. They ‘devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers’. All the resources in the Early Church existed for the wellbeing of the community. This included the very rich and the very poor, the hungry, the sorrowful. For the Early Church, loving the stranger was a natural expression of their collective humanity. The free gift of hospitality extended to all people, but particularly to the migrant, refugee and persons on a quest for sanctuary. How to care for the stranger is among the most ubiquitous and politically charged issues of our time. Measures - such as a ‘skills levy’ that those businesses employing migrants will have to pay; tougher visa rules, and potential salary thresholds to stop businesses using foreign workers to undercut wages - do not constitute care for the stranger. Such draconian policies punish the stranger. So how can churches care for the stranger, the migrants? Firstly, we need to understand what is behind their need to flee their land. Put another way, why would any human being want to live in Syria, which is on the cusp of physical implosion; or Afghanistan, controlled by Al-Qaeda; or South Sudan, the world’s youngest country trapped in civil war; or the chilling poverty of The Gambia and Senegal; or the horror of Somalia? These are just some of the countries that swathes of migrants are fleeing from. Each of them locked in a downward spiral of violence and de-escalating poverty. No matter the height or length of the fences installed by the British and French governments in Calais; the ferocity of the prowling dogs, or the bourgeoning number of police officers protecting the French, Mexican or Hungarian borders, history records that poverty, desperation and the quest for human dignity are the drivers that force even the most
REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS
is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain
exhausted of migrants to surmount the most insurmountable obstacles. And what about advocacy, the second way in which churches can care for strangers? Advocacy is not simply throwing money at a project. That’s easily done. And many of us do that as a way of assuaging our consciences. Advocacy is a political process that aims to influence decisions within political, economic and social systems. At its very best, advocacy is speaking with and on behalf of those in need. Migrants need advocates. Not just lawyers, but writers of letters and speakers of truth to systems, institutions and people. Most migrants would not have a clue how to navigate these spaces. For migrants washed up on the shores of the UK, advocacy can be their only source of hope.
Patrizia Wigan Designs
‘How to care for the stranger is among the most ubiquitous and politically charged issues of our time’ Hospitality is the third. What migrants need and deserve is rights-based hospitality. This transcends private charity, personal benevolence or governmental largesse. It is love in action. Yet again, in the field of just hospitality, the Roman Catholics lead the way. It is in the vanguard of its campaigns against the humanitarian problems associated with the US border wall, the barrier that has been constructed along seven hundred miles of the Mexican border to stem the number of undocumented immigrants entering the US from Mexico. In the UK, too, many churches are engaged in rights-based hospitality. Christian volunteers attend hearings, UK MPs’ advice sessions and removal centres; they provide advice and support. Many demonstrate hospitality by collaborating with NGOs to challenge harsh and cruelly implemented government policies. Concerns about migration are now on our doorsteps. Thousands and thousands of people are fleeing their countries to find sanctuary in Europe. And, with some governments doing everything they can to wash their hands of the situation, it’s time for the churches to fill the growing void by caring for the stranger.
Patrizia Wigan Designs especially focuses on family occasions such as weddings, christenings and parties covering the younger and more senior generations. Visit www.patriziawigan.com to view the collection or email info@patriziawigan.com for further information.
www.keepthefaith.co.uk
30 COMMENT
Food, Fasting and Faith REV STEPHEN BROOKS
is National Development Manager for Excell 3 www.excell3.com
P
eople in Bible times were dependent on the weather, much more than we are today. In good seasons they ate well, in bad seasons they often went hungry or even starved. As a result they developed an enduring faith in God’s love and providence. Nearly every book in the Bible contains references to food starting in Genesis 1:29, when God tells Adam: “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” How do we know about food in ancient times? There’s the Bible, of course, but there are also other sources of information. The 10th century BC Gezer Calendar - engraved on a limestone tablet and written in ancient Hebrew script - lists barley, wheat, spelt and millet among the grains, as well as olives, grapes, figs, pomegranates, sesame and vegetables. The staple food was bread, eaten with water and a little wine. Wine was something of a luxury, kept for a special meal or for someone of importance. Milk and other dairy products were plentiful, eaten with fruits and vegetables. King Solomon and his court in Jerusalem enjoyed a much more luxurious standard of living (1 Kings 4:22). Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour and sixty measures of meal, ten fat oxen and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides harts, gazelles, roebucks and fatted fowl. Recently, I participated in a corporate Daniel Fast, which is a partial fast of certain foods, based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament prophet, Daniel, when he and his
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friends were captured in Israel by the Babylonians under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. These young and very intelligent men were to be trained as administrators in the growing Babylonian empire. So, although captives, they were treated very well. Daniel was a man of deep faith, and devoted to God. When served the food and wine of the king, Daniel didn’t want to defile his body and so requested a different meal: “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink” (Daniel 1:12 KJV). The Daniel Fast is a plant-based way of eating, and consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, health oils, herbs and spices. You will also see from the verse that the only beverage is water. Many years later, Daniel was mourning over Israel and its long captivity. From this experience we gain another set of guidelines for the Daniel Fast: “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled” (Daniel 10:3 KJV). It is from this verse that the 21-day period is set. Entering a consecrated period of extended prayer and fasting is a life-changing experience, as you focus more of your time and thoughts on God and His ways. Like Daniel, many people experience significant improvements to their health and performance, including lower cholesterol, reduction in pain, balanced blood sugar levels, weight loss and much more. You will also notice a surge in energy and a sense of greater well-being.
The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and, instead, to focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up, in order to better focus on God, can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God. Fasting should not be considered a ‘dieting method’ either. We shouldn’t fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God. Even unplugging the television for a period of time can be an effective fast. With all this being said, do not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. Keep the main thing the main thing, which is drawing closer to God. Remember, this is a time to disconnect enough from your regular patterns and habits of everyday life, in order to connect more closely to God.
FOOD 4 THOUGHT
Christianity is not for those who want to be rich
O
ne of the most quoted pieces of Scripture is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s a verse that informs readers of the depth of God’s love for humanity, and reminds them that eternal life is the main reward believers will receive for accepting God’s gift of salvation. These are important facts for Western Christians to acknowledge, because so many have bought into the lie that following Christ means they’ll be rich, hardly experience suffering, and that God will say ‘Yes’ to all their prayers. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy or enjoying a good life, it shouldn’t be assumed that such things are synonymous with Christianity, and even Scripture states we shouldn’t set our heart on these things. During His time on earth, Jesus made it clear that following Him would not necessarily be easy. In fact, He stated that the Christian life would entail denying oneself. “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” In one sense, we are blessed to live in the West because it is one of the most politically stable and prosperous part of the world. We also live in consumer-driven societies, where it’s
very easy to buy into the lie that we are defined by our work, and that we should judge the quality of our lives by our material possessions. Unfortunately, many believers have bought into this because they’ve allowed themselves to be more influenced by the world than by God’s Word. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” God’s desire is for His followers to love Him, love ourselves and our neighbour, and that people play their part in spreading the Gospel throughout the world. It never was - and never will be - His plan for us to have life easy.
COMMENT 31
COUNTERACT THE NEGATIVE WITH GOD’S WORD Most of us will encounter individuals in our lives who will not only speak negatively about us, but will also secretly hope that we aren’t successful, and that we don’t experience God’s manifold blessings.When such negativity is expressed to us directly or through others, it can hurt and immobilise us. It’s understandable but, unfortunately, too many of us take to heart the negative attitudes some people have towards us, and allow their pessimistic view to hinder our progress in life. The great thing about being a Christian is that there are several things we can do to counteract the damaging and harmful thoughts of others towards us. Christianity seeks to transform our thinking by renewing our minds, and by making us aware of God’s thoughts towards us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to move in our hearts, it empowers us to fulfil His purpose for our lives, and pursue our God-given goals. So, if you’ve been unfortunate enough to have been subjected to negative talk, find some Scriptures that apply to you, repeat them daily and, more importantly, BELIEVE them. ‘For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him’ (Psalm 103:11). ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”’ (Jeremiah 29:11).
Acknowledging slavery’s effect Considering the degradation, pain, violence, poverty and public humiliation Black people experienced during slavery, it’s a shame that so few sermons touch on the impact slavery has had on people within the Diaspora, and how, despite our progress as a people, it still affects us today. With Black History Month fast approaching, it makes sense for churches, particularly those that have a predominantly Black congregation, to seek out ways to confront this aspect of Black history. Unlike the Jews, very few Black Pentecostal churches - let alone the Church in general - have any services or memorial points where people from the African Diaspora can reflect on this aspect of their past. It’s important for us to do so. Some of the problems we experience as a community, like fatherless families, poverty, low self-esteem, even to this day stem from the after effects of slavery. One way to negate slavery’s effect is to confront the awful reality of it, and the Church is one of the best avenues to do that.
‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14). ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue, which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn’ (Isaiah 54:17). Always remember you are who God says you are. He loves you and has good plans for you. After time, what people say/ said about you will fade from your mind, and all that will really matter is what God says concerning you and your life.
32 FEATURE
My
Journey from the heart
I
gave my life to Christ at the age of 15. It was Easter Sunday, at our annual Holy Convention service. I remember wanting to jump up and share my joy with the world during Testimony Service but, being raised in the church and still in my teens, there wasn’t very much to tell. I would repeatedly thank God for waking me up that morning, and secretly envy the brethren who had been delivered from mental illness, paralysis or sins that were too dark to describe. Little did I realise back then, that what I took for granted - being able to wake up in the morning - was a major achievement! The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to co-host Britain’s first Black gospel programme, People Get Ready; work my way up as Head of Promotions for a national newspaper; secure an exclusive traineeship at ITN as a broadcast journalist; become a Senior Deputy Head Teacher in an Ofsted Outstanding secondary school, and a proud mother of three wonderful children. Thirty-five years on from that transformational Resurrection Sunday, and having survived pneumonia, Crohn’s disease, a heart attack and open heart surgery, I give God thanks daily for sparing my life and for allowing me to share my testimony of His blessings and mercies.
When I was booked into the London Chest Hospital for quadruple heart bypass surgery, I was teaching in school up until a week before, and prepared for the op by buying a puppy (my kids had always wanted a dog); washing my curtains; painting my skirting boards, and editing my Will. A good mate constantly teased me as being ‘the glass half full’ girl but, if I’m honest, I couldn’t allow myself to look at things any other way in case I crumbled. In the lead-up, I smiled throughout. The first time my face was awash with tears was when the anaesthetist produced the needle, two minutes before I was being wheeled into surgery. When I awoke in recovery, I was unable to move. Sitting up and lying down was a trial, but I was forced to walk to open my lungs, and the pain was excruciating. Looking in the mirror following the operation, my body was unrecognisable: I had stitches down my chest and leg that resembled a patchwork quilt. I had read a quote that said: ‘Scars are tattoos with better stories’. It was clear by my wounds that I would have a great story to tell! I had decided to document my heart journey on my iPhone and, five months on from surgery, I garnered the courage to edit the clips and post the finished product on social media. I was shocked and overwhelmed at the positive responses I received - more importantly, the private inboxes from friends and even strangers who had watched the video - and how it had encouraged them on their own personal sickness journeys. I never realised how many of my friends had suffered or were suffering with a chronic illness. You just take for granted that a smile means they’re ‘OK’, and not that they are suffering but OK because of God’s mercies. I received a Facebook message early one morning from a friend I had not seen in 30 years. She was now living in the USA, and had been diagnosed with cancer. She was scrolling through
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FEATURE 33
by Juliet
Coley
YouTube and came across my video, recognised me, watched it and cried. The fact that I was now ‘through the other side’ of my illness had encouraged and inspired her, and had given her that extra strength she needed at that time. God is truly amazing! One of the most difficult parts of this experience was feeling the pain of my six-year-old son. I was aware all my family were hurting, but my baby did not want to come home and live with me, because he was convinced I was going to die. It took a lot of love and patience to try and get him to understand what I had gone through, and what he was still going through. I even referred him to a Play Therapy counsellor as an outlet for expression. We spent a lot of family time writing down his thoughts and feelings, and these are now documented in his mini autobiography that he wrote, called ‘Life Without My Mummy?’ The book is on sale from the end of August - proving that triumph can come from adversity. The Lord has always shown me grace and favour, and I know that God has placed me on this journey to help and encourage others. It has been humbling, yet frustrating and painful, but this experience has reaffirmed my faith. Jeremiah 29:11 says: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’
My family are Pentecostal Christians and we go to the New Testament Assembly church on Sundays. If we are worried we say a prayer to God. We also pray if we want to thank God for something. My Mummy and Nanny taught me to say The Lord’s Prayer off by heart and the 23rd Psalm, which starts with the verse: The Lord Is My Shepherd, I shall not want.
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34 FEATURE
THE HARDER THE TRIAL THE GREATER THE VICTORY ESTHER KUKU
is presenter of Premier Gospel’s Family Hour, which airs every Saturday from 11am - 12pm
I
came across an interesting concept recently: our trials increase as we grow in maturity in our Christian walk. It’s a remarkable paradox: the harder the trial, the greater the victory, and the more of a blessing our lives will eventually be to others. If you’re reading this, and in the midst of one of your biggest tests, take heart. If you’re sitting the exam, it means your heavenly Father believes you can pass it, even if you have to retake a couple of times! I love it when someone shares their story with me, and encouragement just flows from their heart. On our radio show, The Family Hour on Premier Gospel, we make sure we share someone’s testimony at least twice a month. I recently interviewed a lady, who has overcome breast cancer five times and is currently in remission. She was so full of the joy of the Lord; her attitude ministered to me more than a million messages on ‘Jehovah Rapha our Healer’ ever could. Not only has she battled cancer five times, but she has done this knowing that she had lost two siblings to different cancers - and she is from a strong Christian family. By the time I left the studio, I was spiritually realigned, and whatever I was going through seemed insignificant. But, as a beloved friend said to me, nothing that concerns us is insignificant to God. We don’t have to feel ashamed of feeling overwhelmed. God reveals Himself in the difficulties of our lives. How will we truly know Him as our Healer if we have never been sick or heartbroken? How can we praise Him as our Deliverer or Provider if we have not had to wait on Him to provide our needs or set us free from some form of addiction? Trials and tests are an inevitable part of the Christian walk; you could say that they are the
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fertiliser that triggers depth and growth. Salvation is free, but discipleship costs. The fruit of the Spirit is free, but it is not cheap, and twenty years into my Christian walk I am starting to realise it. Do you remember the film, Fame, and that famous Debbie Allen quote? “You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying. In sweat.”
‘Trials and tests are an inevitable part of the Christian walk; you could say that they are the fertiliser that triggers depth and growth. Salvation is free, but discipleship costs.’ If we want lives sold out for Christ, full of impact and influence, touching other lives in a way that leaves an indelible mark in history long after we’ve gone - well, it will cost. That cost will sometimes be in sweat, tears and in prayer before God, day and night. It won’t always be comfortable, it will mean forgiving when forgiveness is the last thing we want to do. It will mean being quiet and still - when we want to blab and scream - and holding on to our joy and peace and smiling through the storm. Human reasoning is incapable of fully understanding the peace of God that will empower us to smile through the storm. When Jesus hung on that bloody cross, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. The NIV version says: ‘The punishment that bought our peace was upon Him’ (Isaiah 53:5). The Message version says: ‘He took the punishment and that made us whole.’ And the Amplified, my favourite, says: ‘The chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him’.
Our peace - and peace and joy go hand-inhand - is part of the finished work of Christ on the cross. This means our lives as Christians should be and can be full of peace and joy. The devil cannot steal this from us, we can only hand it to him. Salvation is free, discipleship costs. The fruit of the Spirit is free but it is not cheap. But, guess what, because of the finished work of the cross and resurrection power we can handle the storms well. One of my favourite Scriptures is Revelation 12:11 (NIV). ‘They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.’ This says it all: triumph, a perfect sacrifice and testimony (or story) to tell on the other side. I think I am so passionate about this because my background is journalism, and I believe we all have a story tell that will help someone. When you pass your next test, commit to sharing your testimony with someone and pass on the baton of faith, so that when they go through their trial they, too, can smile through it. Esther Kuku love God, love life, love people. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/esther-williams Twitter: @mew36
THE HOLY & HORNY FA R E W E L L U K T O U R
F
ollowing an incredible, sell-out national tour, catch Holy & Horny’s final UK dates before touring internationally. Described as “Hilarious, powerful and deeply moving,” Holy & Horny is an inspirational and superbly acted one-woman show celebrating spirituality and sensuality. This thought-provoking play is a compelling story of love, longing and the ultimate betrayal. In the production, actor and author Tonya Joy Bolton explores one woman’s struggle to remain holy, despite being as horny as hell! All 20 characters are played by Tonya, including Sheila, the frustrated Christian and her alter ego, Eve, a sexually uninhibited poet. Using a variety of art forms, such as comedy, mime, physical theatre, song, poetry and drama, we follow Sheila’s amazing journey as she embarks on a set of disastrous dates, which lead to unexpected life-changing consequences. As well as making you laugh, Holy & Horny may well make you weep too, as Tonya brings to the stage an innovative, head-on, no-holds-barred approach to concepts of race, gender, culture and sexuality. This memorable evening at the theatre pulls at the heartstrings, totally engages the brain, and will leave you stimulated and exhilarated. Book now to see the last ever UK performances of this extraordinary play.
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“A ground-breaking play - not only breaking box office records, but helping to change lives.” The Voice Newspaper “Powerful play. The most powerful, well acted, thought-provoking play ever. Sheer genius!” Audience member “A phenomenal performance...Disturbing and profound at the same time. There were moments of laughter and drama. It pulled no punches. Well worth seeing and engaging with.” Bishop Joe Aldred 02.10.2015 03.10.2015 08.10.2015 09.10.2015 10.10.2015 15.10.2015 16.10.2015 24.10.2015 29.10.2015 30.10.2015 31.10.2015 06.11.2015 07.11.2015 14.11.2015
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36 FEATURE
What’s wrong with
commitment? TAMALA CEASAR
is a journalist, blogger and author of children’s book, ‘Spaghetti and Cheese, Please!’ Follow Tamala on Twitter @TamalaCeasar
R
emember the scene from the 2011 romcom, ‘Jumping The Broom’, where career girl, Sabrina, makes a pact with God that she won’t share her ‘cookies’ anymore, if He shows her a sign and sends her the man of her dreams? Well, an answered prayer and two scenes later, we see Sabrina standing in shock, as new boyfriend, Jason - aka ‘man of her dreams’ - kneels down and proposes, declaring his love and commitment to her. Like most romcoms, this film ends with a ‘happily ever after’, just before the italicised phrase ‘The End’ appears, leaving us to imagine the wonderful life they’ll live together. Every Christian woman hopes to one day meet the man of her dreams, marry him and live happily ever after. This has been the case for some and, for others, well, they’ve come across a growing population of men called Commitment-phobic Christians. Despite the term being both a juxtaposition and somewhat contrary to Scripture, it’s an all-too-common issue that many Christian women have first-hand experience of. You may be able to identify with situations where you’ve been prayerfully getting to know a Christian guy, things are going well, and it looks like marriage is a strong possibility. You’re on the same wavelength, share the same values, and he ticks all of your boxes. Forward some weeks, months and even years later, you quickly begin to notice that he’s backing up faster than Tyrese Gibson in a scene of ‘Too Fast Too Furious’; he’s acting awkwardly; communicating with you less, and all of a sudden calling you
‘sis’ or ‘dear’. Sounds familiar? This frequently recurring situation indicates that the word ‘commitment’ has been lost somewhere in the Christian community, and those of us who want it can’t seem to find it, because Christian men are running from it as though it were Ebola personified. So, “Why can’t men desire commitment like Jason?” I hear you ask. Well, that was my question too. Although half of me asked this in rhetoric, the other half really wanted to know the answer. Author of ‘Where is my Boaz?’ and relationships coach, Stephan Labossiere (aka Stephan Speaks), has a few things to say about the reason for men’s lack of commitment: “I believe that it’s an issue, partly because the Church doesn’t address relationships in a way that connects with what people are facing nowadays.” Though there is more ‘openness’ in discussing relationships within church, in a manner that single men and women can relate to, there is not as much discussion about the reality of Christians not wanting to commit and where this reality hails from. Recognising the root of the problem, Stephan says, “It stems from fear, and a lack of healing that exists in people. Fears of getting hurt and never getting married. Fears of a marriage ending in a messy divorce, or being locked into a miserable one. It’s rooted in what people have seen, for example, too many bad examples of relationships, and not enough conversations that expose why these relationships have failed.” So, are commitment-phobic Christians products of their environments? Former member of The Wade Gospel Group, Denis Wade, is the Founding Pastor of Micah Community Church, and has been married for 30 years. As a marriage preparation counsellor, he has observed that the
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commitment-phobic Christian man’s main issue is pressure. “Men feel pressured from society’s (and women’s) expectations to ‘have it all together’ before committing.” Coming from a different generation, Denis recalls his experience of building a future with his wife after they got married, and the long-term positive impact the decision had on their relationship. “In my generation, we got married with nothing. Men (nowadays) should appreciate that most women will be happy to work with them to build a future together.” A 2013 article in Relevant magazine, entitled ‘The Secret Sexual Revolution’, supports the idea that other pressures affect a Christian’s attitude to marriage, such as peer pressure and the media. Stephan agrees with this notion and says, “Many Christians have adopted a worldly approach, and believe they have to be boyfriend and girlfriend - a union not recognised. They are navigating through love and marriage based on their own logic or on what someone else says, instead of seeking God’s guidance.” I bet you’re asking, ‘So, what am I meant to do about this?’ The answer lies in the Christian body having a collective responsibility in creating more dialogue and awareness in the area, which would break down the issue in a way that connects with people (especially men). “People have to be more honest about their mistakes, so that others can learn from them. We should explain the issue and the solution in a practical manner; just quoting Scripture is not going to get it done,” says Stephan. Though some of us may have met more commitment phobes than potential lifelong partners, one of the beauties of life is that it is unscripted and full of surprises. Like Sabrina, you never know what is around the corner, and commitment might just find you.
FEATURE 37
The truth behind
Christian publishing VANESSA GROSSETT
is a Literary Agent and represents seasoned and new authors.
Y
ou have written the book you have always wanted to write, the next step is to get it published. That shouldn’t be so hard with a Christian publisher, right? Wrong. When I wrote my book, ‘Don’t Look Back –The Harmful Consequences of Backsliding’, I was clueless to the industry at first. I thought, since it was a Christian book, it would be easy to find a Christian publisher. Surely they must pray about submissions they take, since they are a ‘ministry’. The truth is, Christian publishers are no different to non-Christian publishers. They are looking for books that will produce a lot of sales and, in order to achieve this, they want authors that are well known within their field. That is why a lot of them especially the large publishing houses - won’t take on new authors. You will often see the term ‘no unsolicited manuscripts’ or ‘manuscripts must be submitted by a professional literary agent’ under their submissions page, which is basically telling you they won’t just accept anybody. It would be wrong to see a Christian publisher as a ministry because, in their eyes, they are not; they are a business - no different to the secular publishing houses, except they take books that are Christianthemed. So don’t believe that, because God inspired you to write the book, the publishers will have the same view. They won’t. But it isn’t all doom and gloom. The publishing industry is changing rapidly, especially with the growth of technology, so more and more publishing houses are being created, especially ebook and independent publishers. There is a greater variety of publishers for authors to submit to, especially new authors. If you are new to writing and want to break into the industry, I suggest you try a small publishing house first, where you don’t necessarily have to have an agent to submit a manuscript. They are more likely to take on new authors. Do your research thoroughly concerning the publisher. Take a look on their website for the books they have produced: always make sure the covers are designed to a high standard; whether they have any authors, and what is their royalty percentage. Most importantly, pray about the publishers before submitting your manuscript. Shop around, as not every publisher will be suitable for you. Be prepared for rejections, and don’t get
disheartened if you receive rejection after rejection. As a new author, it can be hard to convince a publisher that you are worth taking on. There are three main features publishers consider when taking on a new author: the first being your marketing skills. They want to know you can sell your book to a worldwide audience, both in the long and the short term. Secondly, your book must be suited to a worldwide market. Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you have to write Christian-based books, or if you do, it cannot be ‘too preachy’, which is the term they use. If you are writing fiction, they prefer allegory-type books - an example of such an author would be CS Lewis. My fiction authors’ books are suited to a worldwide market. Yes, they are Christians, but write books allegorically, without compromising their faith. For me, this type of book is very easy to sell to a Christian and non-Christian publisher, as there are non-Christian publishers that accept faith-based books. If you are writing non-fiction, again it has to be a topic that is suited to a worldwide market, plus you would have to be quite well known within your field. Each publisher has different genres they prefer, so make sure you check them out before you submit to them. Thirdly, writing is a career path that you must want to pursue. No publisher wants an author that just wants to write one book. Remember, they are investing time into you, as well as into your book. There you have it: the truth behind the Christian publishing industry. In my next article, I will be discussing the different publishing methods available. If you do feel inspired by the Lord to write a book, then go for it, remembering to let Him lead and guide you every step of the way.
‘...writing is a career path that you must want to pursue. No publisher wants an author that just wants to write one book. Remember, they are investing time into you, as well as into your book.’
With love.
In her spare time, Vanessa is active in her local church and loves spending time with family. www.theauthorscare.co.uk
www.keepthefaith.co.uk
38 FEATURE
DEACONESS OBASEKI
Is an author, radio host and founder of Church Girl Training and Books
WHY ISN’T MY CHURCH GROWING? Is your church marching on? Why isn’t my church growing? Three things you can do NOW to turn the tide!
P
astors and leaders are often heard expressing concern about their ministry not growing; bills piling up; not enough members to contribute; church half empty… Do you relate to this? After prayer and fasting, what else do you do? There is an equal issue maintaining the existing flock - for various reasons. In the secular world, retail experts, such as Arcadia founder Philip Green, will tell you that you must look after the customers you already have, before you have any hope of attracting new ones. You might attract new customers temporarily, but if you’re not addressing underlying issues, eventually you’ll lose them. If church leaders follow that example, they could find out from existing members why they attend; why they don’t attend or why they have stopped attending; what aspects they like or don’t like about the church, etc. I’ve noticed a trend over the years of ministries (particularly Pentecostal) to organise programmes or events, eg. prophetic conferences, healing conferences, etc., in the hope that the people attending will boost income and possibly express an interest in joining the ministry. I (and others like me) call this approach ‘recycling’ Christians! Much is spent on advertising, and many of these events attract a following for the specific event. After the event, however, the vast majority of attendees return to their home churches. We also know that the demographics of the UK have changed in the last 20 years, with a strong presence from the Eastern European communities, Portuguese and French speakers, yet few churches have capitalised on this. Are you engaging any of these groups? Here are three things you can do NOW to make a difference. Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag
1
Survey current members in your church to find out what they like or don’t like about the ministry. This can be done secretly, ie. no names, and placed in a sealed box within the church. Be prepared for some hard facts but, if you can get past this, you may be able to see where you can make improvements. Accessing the survey results should be done by a cross section of personnel in the ministry, ie. senior pastors, ministers, deacons, lay members, etc.; it will form a more balanced view.
2
Keep a database Do you know who your members are? It surprises me, having been a ministry worker in various leadership positions for the last 25 years, that many churches don’t keep member records on a central database! The likelihood of ‘losing’ members is acute if there is no central store to keep records in. Paper-based records are not secure (ending up in the wrong hands), and can get lost - both physically and in translation - if different sources complete them. You are better having a purpose-built database, but even if you use an Excel spreadsheet it’s better than nothing at all. You should ensure someone, such as an administrator, is assigned to update and maintain records. Your members should be made aware that if their details change, they should contact the church office administrator(s) immediately. I’ve seen incidences where members’ numbers have been misplaced and there has been an emergency; however, because there were no contact details available, no communication was made, resulting in the member going AWOL (absent without leave) because they did not receive the support they needed at the time.
3
Find out who’s in your local community As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, demographics (UK-wide) have changed. It is no longer a case of White, Mixed, Asian and ‘Other’ - as popularly surveyed by local authorities and the Census. There is a growing Eastern European community from Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Lithuania, and what about the East Africans, all of whom have their own language and culture, and many of whom come from deeply religious backgrounds and so must be engaged. Why not hold a ‘Welcome to our church’ day, themed along their unique culture, food, etc.? You could invite a native speaker to interpret. Are you engaging with the unemployed; with those who have social needs, such as single parents, drugs, alcohol, or could you offer a deliverance ministry, perhaps? These are obviously rhetorical questions and need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, with everything covered in prayer. Don’t let advertising and social media be your evangelism crutch – they’re just tools! Matthew 28:19-20 should be in our minds and the centre of our Vision and Mission of every ministry. Deaconess Obaseki is author of How to be a Christian and How to be a GREAT Christian Leader, and is a Training and Development specialist in ministry, who helps churches to sustain, maintain and grow. She is also the radio host of The Vineyard Show, a show for leaders and workers in ministry every Saturday and Sunday at 10pm on ugnjamz.com @CountessOba F: AuthorMObaseki www.churchgirltraining.com
39
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40 FEATURE
JOURNEY BACK TO ZANZIBAR By Monica D Brown
H
ow many times have you watched the programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ on BBC Television and wished it were you? In 2007, the UK recognised the 200th anniversary of the end of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and commemorated this by selecting six people of African Caribbean origin from across the UK, flying them to the Caribbean, and created a 25-minute radio documentary about their family history, providing each with a DNA test to indicate their country of African origin. Since returning to the UK in 2002 from Jamaica, I had become a contributor to the Nikki Tapper Gospel Show on BBC WM. As a broadcaster, I knew that radio could change your life. I didn’t know that listening to the trailer on Nikki’s show that Sunday would change everything I thought I knew about my family history and African origin. I was one of the six people selected by the BBC to explore their family history in the ‘Who Am I?’ project of 2007. On August 7, 2007, BBC reporter Devon Daley brought us the results of the DNA tests. The certificate of ancestry, provided by Trace Genetics, showed that our ancestry hailed from Eastern Africa, in the region of Tanzania. We were perplexed, excited and determined. Everything we had been taught at school in Jamaica stated that our African ancestors had been kidnapped and shipped across the middle passage from West Africa. This was new information. We discovered later from discussions with a Tanzanian historian, Simon Materu, that slaves were captured by Arabs from Central Africa, marched for six months, chained and laden with ivory for the Chinese markets to Bagamoyo, on the eastern coast of Tanzania, then taken in dhows by night to Zanzibar, location of the world’s oldest slave market. We had to go there. My son, Johann, and my brother, Noel, took the journey. Two years later, my younger brother, Phillip, went
to Tanzania and created his own book. Next December, we expect to take our mother, Iciline, to Tanzania and Zanzibar to celebrate her 80th birthday. On August 9, 2009, my family went back to Zanzibar. It was the trip of our lives, and was staggering as we experienced the gritty reality and glory of our African history. As Christians, we knew that we had to maintain very high spiritual disciplines of prayer before and during the trip. Every day during our trip we had individual and family devotions, as we asked God to protect us in every way. We also had family members in the UK and Jamaica praying for us.
I knew that the journey back to Zanzibar would bring me to my knees. We walked the road our mother’s fore-parents had taken, all the way to the sea in Bagamoyo, which means to ‘lay down my heart’ and, for the slaves, it was a place of complete desolation. As we walked down those last stone steps leading to the sea, we could only imagine their terror. Many slaves had never seen the sea before, and ‘leapt overboard to escape caged despair’.
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More was to come, as we took the ferry across the Indian Ocean to the island of Zanzibar, a picture perfect, tourism magnet with a secret, slave underbelly. The trip to Bagamoyo reminded us of the scores of journeys we had made to St Thomas to visit our grandparents, except we had Masai warriors on the bus, and a man who sang Bob Marley songs word for word all the way back to Dar Es Salaam. I had lived in Paris, but nothing compared to the flamboyant colours and the effortless grace of the Tanzanian women on their way to work or to the market. Zanzibar, land of the Arabian nights, intricately carved doors, nightly seafood feasts at the Fordhani Gardens, and location of the slave dungeons, on the site of the Christ Church Cathedral. I was determined to experience my history, and asked the guide to put the chains around my neck in the dungeons. What happened next as I emerged from the darkness and viewed the sculpture of the slave monument, complete with the original chains, was like being seared in hot oil, in slow motion. Emotions exploded and I collapsed. Later, the pastor from the church led us into the church for prayer. Our journey back to Zanzibar was the inspiration for the title of my book, and made us embrace our Tanzanian roots with respect and pride. (Brown, 2014)
FEATURE 41
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A NEW BOOK FROM HANSIB
FROM TOP MOUNTAIN
Monica D Brown was born in Birmingham, UK. She grew up in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and in Kingston and Clarendon, Jamaica. Monica’s first memories of life are of Kingston, Jamaica, hiding behind her mother’s skirt. Her life on both sides of the Atlantic has provided her with great opportunities to learn and discover herself. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (in Mona, Jamaica), where she studied Mass Communication (radio), French and Literature; Warwickshire College and Warwick University (teacher training), and Birmingham City University (MA in Media Production, Radio). She received a French government scholarship and studied television production in Paris. As a teacher, trainer and broadcaster, Monica has worked in radio and television in the Caribbean, and has produced radio content for BBC local, regional and national stations. She teaches Media Production and English, and continues to produce content on a freelance basis. In 2007, Monica was one of six people selected by the BBC to explore their family history. The journey took her back to Jamaica, where she had lived for many years. The DNA test result inspired a family journey to Tanzania and Zanzibar in 2009, in search of African roots. Monica’s book, Journey Back to Zanzibar, is a loosely autobiographical anthology tracing Monica’s journey, in part, back to Zanzibar. It was launched on August 9, 2014, at the Black Cultural Archives, Brixton. The Tanzanian High Commissioner to the UK, HE Peter Kallaghe, was the special guest. Monica continues to write, and she is now working on a collection of short stories, ‘Going to England’. For more information, visit www.monicabrowntraining.com.
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY Bishop Dr Joe Aldred ISBN: 978-1-910553-20-6 BINDING: Paperback SIZE: 216mm x 138mm PAGES: 208 MARKET: Autobiography, Black & Asian Studies, Ethnic Minorities & Multicultural Studies, Jamaica PRICE: £11.99 PUBLICATION: June 2015
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A v a i l a b l e direct from the author joealdred@btinternet.com
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Joseph (Joe) Daniel Aldred was born in the rural district of Top Mountain located in the hills of St Catherine, Jamaica. Most of the inhabitants were poor folk who tilled the land with subsistence crops and reared domestic livestock. For those who wanted to improve their lives, the choice was to either move to the island’s capital, Kingston, or migrate overseas. Most of Joe’s immediate family chose the second option and, at various times throughout the 1950s and 1960s, they emigrated to England and the United States. The Aldred family settled in Smethwick, near Birmingham, England and in 1968, at the age of fifteen, Joe was reunited with his parents and siblings – and introduced to the chill of a British autumn! From Top Mountain is the story of one man’s journey from humble beginnings in a Jamaican countryside, through the challenges of migration and settlement in a racialised environment, to the status of a respected – sometimes controversial – community and religious leader, broadcaster, ecumenist, speaker and writer. While it is aimed at the general reader, From Top Mountain will also appeal to theologians, missiologists, sociologists and historians who are interested in the migration, settlement and cosmology of peoples across the globe.
SELLING POINTS
• An engaging account of migration to Britain and settlement • One man's journey from humble beginnings in Jamaica to respected community and religious leader
Hansib Publications LIMITED
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BISHOP DR JOE ALDRED is an ecumenist, broadcaster, writer and speaker. He is a bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy; head of Pentecostal and Multicultural Relations at Churches Together in England; Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton University; a presenter on BBC Local Radio and contributor to ‘Pause for Thought’ and ‘Prayer for the Day’; author and editor of several publications including, Thinking Outside the Box: On Race, Faith and Life, The Black Church in the 21st Century (co-ed), Respect: Understanding Caribbean British Christianity, Praying with Power, and Sisters with Power and Preaching with Power. He has a PhD in theology from Sheffield University.
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42 LIFESTYLE
Cyber Corner
KENO OGBO
is a Digital Consultant and founder of www.rentawebsite.co.uk
Enhancing your online brand you can use to dictate the way your brand is perceived online, and it is an online photoediting tool. There are a number of various tools that do this; our favourite is PicMonkey.
www.picmonkey.com
I
t is evident that the digital revolution is influencing the way we work, the way we play, and the way we interact with each other. In a recent discussion, a number of friends discussed how the digital age will also affect the world of work, increasing the number of business owners, whether full-time or part-time. We are increasingly seeing how it is helping people to establish their own identity at their workplace, moving from an employee mentality to people with a brand, network and skills, which they bring to their workplaces. This is one of the reasons most employers will research a potential candidate’s online presence - including social media - just to understand the scope of what that employee may bring to the workplace. This, in essence, is your online brand, and it consists of the following items: 1. Your online image – how you look 2. Your online messages – what you say 3. Your online network – who you connect with 4. Your online reputation – what others say about you As a business, it is even more important that you pay attention to your online brand. PS: Everybody has an online brand, whether they like it or not - even babies, laughing babies, crying babies, singing children, and of course teenagers - so it is vital to recognise this and use it to your advantage. With this in mind, there is a simple tool
PicMonkey is an online photo-editing service with a freemium model, so it does have premium features, which have to be paid for. However, the range of free features it offers is quite wide, and enough for the average user. PicMonkey allows you to upload your images from your computer, Dropbox, Flickr and more. You can then edit these images, by adding text, touching up the image, adding backgrounds or various symbols. You can add filters, frames, effects and much more. You can even create a collage of images and embed other images. Afterwards, this is saved to your computer and can then be shared on social media.
How using an online editing tool can enhance your brand They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But, as online copywriters know, a picture does not stimulate action; only words have the power to do that. So the one key thing to do with a photo-editing tool is not just to touch up images or put them in frames or add icons and graphics, BUT to add text. In adding text, you have to think about your message, your intended target, what it says about you, and whom it will reach. Create a social media cover photo with a message. This could be a quotation or a tip, or just some subtle advertising if you are a business. We suggest keeping the text to no more than 8-13 words, and using a great image to drive home the point. In addition, add your brand identity to images used on your social media posts. This could be your name/logo, or your business name or even your web address, so when these images are shared, they also carry your brand. Ensure your message reflects who you are, and portrays the right message about you, as any messages sent online have the potential of a global reach.
Learn a language for free with Duolingo, a popular app on the iTunes store, which you can download for free. Duolingo is based on the gaming model, making it fun for you to learn English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. Learners can set goals, participate in competitions, and reach new levels, making it highly addictive, which encourages you to learn even more.
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Why disruption is here to stay
T
he noise and buzz about Uber has still not died down. Every day I read another article about Uber’s success and its ‘disruption’ of the cab industry. For those not in the know, Uber is a mobile app that connects you to a taxicab within minutes, and allows you to share cab rides. Uber itself does not own a single cab, and anyone could become an Uber driver subject to your license and certification (differs across locations). As you can imagine, and specifically in London, this has disrupted the traditional black cab and minicab industry, where customers have to either stand for hours to wave down a passing black cab, or wait for hours for a minicab from the local minicab office. But the cab industry is not the only industry at risk. Hackathons are held all over the world, and there are buzzing digital entrepreneurs in thousands of hubs globally, all thinking and working towards the next ‘Uber’. The industries that will potentially be affected by this activity would be traditional longstanding industries, which have always done things in a particular way, and are too sluggish or bureaucratic to respond to change. Disruptive technology can be seen either as a threat or as an opportunity. There are as many critics against Uber as there are supporters, but one thing is sure: the industrial age is long gone. We live in a digital age and new rules apply. The playing field is much wider, with lower entry points and this is why we reckon ‘disruption’ is here to stay. Keno Ogbo is the CEO of Spiral Web Solutions, a digital marketing agency helping organisations achieve results online. Call 07958 004 739 or email keno@spiralwebsolutions.com to book a complimentary 45-minute strategy session.
LIFESTYLE 43
Soul2Sole
C
radio stations and at gospel and club events around the UK for many years. Carmen manages her public relations and events promotion company, Patricia Rhema (www.patriciarhema.com), handling media requests, church events, gospel concerts, flyer distribution and e-blasts. Clients have included: Roy Francis Productions, Muyiwa & Riversongz, RCCG, Renewal Choir and Gospel Fest. St Paul’s Carnival (www.stpaulscarnival. co.uk) is an Afrikan Caribbean Carnival, which normally attracts 100,000 people. It was due to take place on Saturday 4th July but there was no large-scale carnival event this year. Instead, there was an all-day Grass Roots community showcase on Saturday 5th September, with a family fun day and an evening featuring Sandra Cross plus guests. Carmen grew up with the carnival being a big part of her life. Her father, Mr Rydel McLaughlin - aka “Mr Mac”, as he was affectionately known - was a board member. He used his carpentry skills to build the main stage for years, and also provided employment to others. Carmen’s journey continued on to becoming a volunteer entertainments convenor, site manager, Carnival officer and schools coordinator. Event managing their live stage has included artists/MCs/DJs: Denis Mclean, DJ
Fitz, DJ G, Bro Charles & Kingdom Ambassador, DJ Proclaima (Soulcure), Good News Movement, DJ I-Man (Gospel Foundation Sound), GL Live, Bro Harvey and DJ Sean McCabe. Soul2Sole is keen to work with potential companies or individuals for sponsorship, offering media exposure for businesses. Contact them to get involved. www.s2sgospel.com | info@s2sgospel.co.uk Soul2Sole Facebook | Twitter @Soul2SoleGospel 07904 583865 | 07966 442834
146.2. 2015.
ombining ministry and marriage can be a task but, with the right balance of faith and determination, anything is possible, as Soul2Sole Sound System in Bristol has proven. Thinking of gospel combined with house music is synonymous with husband-and-wife team, Mel and Carmen Carrol. Soul2Sole, from its early beginnings, filled a niche by providing monthly gospel club nights for young people to socialise and enjoy urban gospel music, which proved a success. Several years on, it has now expanded its brand into an inspirational radio show and a sound system - the only official gospel sound system at St Paul’s Carnival. Mel and Carmen Carrol have been co-presenters of their radio show for four years on Ujima Radio 98FM (www.ujimaradio.com) on Saturdays 2pm-4pm; their show reaches over 25,000 listeners weekly. Soul2Sole has become instrumental in providing information and practical tools for self-improvement, and using music to get the message of hope and peace into the community. Mel’s passion for his music comes through while playing at events. Growing up in church, he learned to play multiple instruments. This passion, now combined with his love of urban grooves with a positive message from his gospel roots, has seen him playing on several
HOME OF URBAN GOSPEL & UPLIFTING SOULFUL HOUSE
Could you adopt a child like me? We are searching for adopters from a wide variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. You do not need to be wealthy or own your home. Please come to our next information event as detailed in the next column. Seats are limited. Please book yours in advance, either by freephoning 0800 781 2332, call 020 8753 2303, or by emailing adoption@rbkc.gov.uk
Thursday 22 October 2015 Adoption information morning and evening 10am–12noon and 6pm–8pm Kensington Town Hall Hornton Street London W8 7NX
Any questions? Freephone 0800 781 2332 Phone 020 8753 2303 Email adoption@rbkc.gov.uk Visit /adoptionandfostering For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk
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44 LIFESTYLE
LAVENDER
How does your garden grow?
LIME TWIST Here’s something different to try.
JASON LOH
Ingredients (approximate, adjust to taste)
worked as a property solicitor before retraining in landscape and garden design
6 cups of water 2 cups of sugar (try demerara or Chinese ‘yellow rock sugar’) ¼ cup of dried lavender flowers 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tsp grated lime zest Slices of lime to garnish
Living Water
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love watching science fiction movies. There’s something exhilarating about watching technological behemoths patrolling the vastness of the universe, blasting the baddies with photon torpedoes, travelling at faster-than-light speeds. When a scout ship encounters a new planet, they run sensor scans and - here’s my favourite part - you hear the phrase: “There is water on the planet… It can support life!”
Water is such a crucial ingredient in the formula for life. It is said that we can survive for some 40 days without food (depending on level of physical activity), but only seven days without water. At least 60% of our bodies are made of water, and every living cell in the body needs it to keep functioning. Yet Jesus speaks of something on a much deeper level. Our very souls thirst for God, as if in a dry and parched land (Psalm 63:1). He is the fountain of life (Jeremiah 17:13) and, if we come to Him, He gives us living water - the Holy Spirit (John 7:39). This year has seen the UK sweltering under one of its hottest summers on record. We welcome the refreshing sip of an iced drink (have you tried the Lavender Lime Twist?), and the ice cream van is practically the Santa Claus of summer to the kids. Does your soul thirst for God, as if in a dry land where there is no water? Or are you well sustained by His life-giving Word, like a tree planted beside the river, who has no fear of the drought?
The lavender adds a soft, warm colour and a lightly smooth fragrance to this thirst quencher. This is how you prepare it:
Water and technology Did you know that you can grow a whole range of plants without any soil? At its most basic level, what most plants really need is water and nutrients. Soil (or other solid growing medium) essentially acts as a ‘reservoir’ for nutrients, allowing the plants to take up the nutrients when needed. So, you can expose the plants’ roots to a solution that is rich in nutrients, and it will still grow. In fact, you can have much more control over how much your plants receives. The plant’s root zone would still need to hold its form and help stabilise the plant, but a neutral medium could be used, eg. perlite, rock wool or clay pebbles. If you control the level of nutrients correctly, you could increase yields by at least double! Hydroponics, as it is known, can be practised as a hobby, but commercial growers use this method as well. You won’t be able to grow subterranean plants, eg. potatoes, but you could have a bumper crop of tomatoes, basil, lettuce… the possibilities are endless. If you have an unused flat roof, or a heavily paved outdoor space at home/church, hydroponics could be your solution!
• Mix in 2 cups of water, the lavender, sugar and lime zest, and quickly bring to the boil over a high heat. Keep stirring constantly till all the sugar dissolves. • Bring the heat down to a low simmer, and leave to stand for 10-15 minutes. • Strain the syrup and discard the lavender. You may wish to keep the syrup in the fridge. • To prepare the drinks, mix the syrup in a large jug with the remaining 4 cups of water. Add lime juice, some nice chunks of ice and lime slices. • Take the drinks out into the garden and enjoy!
ZANTEDESCHIA
These are one of my all-time favourite moisture-loving plants, zantedeschia. Beautiful and elegant, I dub them the ‘Lady of the Lake’. Zantedeschia generally fall within two categories: the hardier arum lily and the tender calla lily. Of the arum lilies, there are really only two contenders that are hardy enough to plant outdoors: Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’ (white flowering) and Z. aethiopica ‘Green Goddess’ (smaller white flowers with lovely green splashes). Utterly majestic and surreal. Calla lilies: these you will find in a greater variety of colours, but they will not survive outdoors in winter and must be brought indoors. Not often seen, you will need to ask specialists for the yellow (Z. elliotiana), red/orange (Z. ‘Mango’) and pink/purple varieties (Z. rehmannii). Let me know if you manage to get hold of Zantedeschia ‘Picasso’!
Jason Loh established his award-winning garden design practice, Jason Loh Designs Ltd. For more details, visit www.jasonloh.co.uk.
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MISSION 45
MERCY MINISTRIES UK Educate. Equip. Empower.
T
he statistics are shocking: in the UK, 1 in 15 young people self harm (the highest rate in Europe); 1 in 4 women have been sexually violated; 1 in 4 people will be prescribed anti-depressants, and 1 in 20 people have an eating disorder. At Mercy UK, we see these statistics not as figures on a page, but as living, breathing people, struggling to face yet another day of despair, captivity and brokenness. As a Christian charity, we feel a sense of responsibility as “those who are strong and able in the faith to lend a hand to those who falter, and not do what is most convenient for us” (Romans 15, The Message). We understand that our strength is for service not status, and that it is God’s heart for each of His people to look beyond themselves to those around them who need help. But what may shock you is that those we help are not outside of the Church; they are inside the Church. Those statistics are not ‘secular’; they describe the conditions of the human heart, and they are just as easily found sitting in pews, as sitting in the pub. The broken and hurting are not just in our communities; they are in our churches, in our youth groups, and even in our own nice Christian families. I firmly believe that the Church is the answer to the needs of this broken society. He has anointed His Church to set the captives free; to bind up the broken-hearted, and to provide comfort to those who mourn (Isaiah 61). But how can we be effective in reaching the lost, in bringing comfort, healing and freedom in the very areas of life, where we ourselves are lost, trapped and hurting? Our mission at Mercy UK is to serve the body of Christ in whatever capacity we are able, in order to educate, equip and empower the Church to embrace wholeness and healing on the inside, so that we can bring wholeness and healing on the outside. We do this in several ways, one of which is providing a six-month Christian residential programme, dedicated to providing support and care - free of charge - for young women
aged 18-28, who are suffering the effects of eating disorders, self harm, abuse, depression and other life-controlling issues. We do this in partnership with the young women’s local churches - from every size, denomination and location across the UK. Our home is not a rehab; it’s not a women’s refuge or a Christian retreat. Mercy UK is a place where a young woman is able to dig up the very root causes of her problems and, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, address each one and find healing at the deepest level. “...my reality before coming to Mercy: I was drowning in confusion, I tried desperately to extinguish the inner torment, and my thoughts were the building blocks to the walls surrounding my heart. I trained myself to forget all the pain. People were forbidden from my desolate castle, and I stayed hidden in the back room, cowering in the corner, a prisoner in my own dominion. I was silenced by fear and shame, nowhere was safe and death soon became my friendly escape. [Now] the life God has given
me on this planet is no longer about survival or death, but more so about finding the adventure and giving myself the permission to express, to journey WITH people, and to discover the endless faucets of my Creator, Friend and Saviour.” (Kemi, 19) And we are not just about providing a residential home; we also provide training courses - called MPower - to churches and ministry groups on life-controlling issues and pastoral care, as well as a helpline for those who need prayer, information or a listening ear - regardless of their age or gender. Not only that, but we have produced issue-specific resources on eating disorders, self harm, addictions, sexual abuse and self-esteem, and frequently speak at conferences up and down the country, teaching people how to overcome adversity and access the biblical tools that God has made available to us all to overcome the pain of the past and embrace a future full of potential and hope. If you’d like more info, just go to www.mercyministries.co.uk or call us on 01535 642042. If you’d like to apply to the programme, find out about our MPower training, or book a speaker to speak at your church or conference, please contact: info@mercyministries.co.uk. Stats sources: National Institute for Clinical Excellence, BEAT, Mind UK, NSPCC
Arianna Walker is r an author, speake and the Executive Director of Mercy Ministries UK
www.keepthefaith.co.uk
46 MISSION
STREET PASTORS
LARGE IN JAMAICA
M
ore than 12 years after efforts to launch the Street Pastors Initiative in Jamaica stalled, a chapter has finally been established in the Caribbean island, with the involvement of 35 churches and more than 100 volunteers. The Initiative is currently one of the largest outside of the UK. With Jamaica’s almost cultural penchant for giving life an all-or-nothing approach, it is little surprise that the Initiative has taken off on such a grand scale, now that things are in place for it. The first patrol went out on 7th February last year, and 50 Street Pastors took to the streets of Half-Way-Tree, a neighbourhood in the island’s capital. “Since then, things have been going well,” Rhea Alert, Street Pastors Coordinator for Jamaica, said. “Our presence on the streets has been well received, and we have good support from the Police.” The night-time economy in Jamaica is somewhat different from what is commonplace in the UK. And, even though the Street Pastors Initiative was started in the UK to meet observed needs in the night-time economy within the UK context, the Initiative is still very relevant in the Jamaican context. Rhea said Half-Way-Tree was chosen to pilot the Initiative because of its central location, and, as the island’s largest transportation hub, it would have the largest cross-section of people whose needs and concerns, it was deemed, would be reflective of those of the average Jamaican citizen. “When we first started patrolling,” Rhea Follow us on Twitter @keepthefaithmag
said, “the main things that we were dealing with were people’s problems around unemployment, homelessness and depression. Each night is different. We have had many opportunities to share the Gospel with people, to let them offload about their stresses; and I was surprised at how many people asked to recommit their lives to the Lord. A lot of people also had questions about the Church; and many, too, have told us about the pain that they have experienced in the Church. I had the opportunity to apologise, on behalf of the Church, to one young man who shared with me the way the Church had mistreated him. He was perhaps surprised that I did that, and his attitude softened afterwards.” When one ponders the fact that Jamaica has the largest number of churches per square mile anywhere in the world, it is perhaps not surprising that the Street Pastors in Jamaica have had so many opportunities to connect on religious matters with the people they meet. It is well known, for instance, that there is a certain profound respect for God, culturally, even among some of the most hard-nosed criminals. “People have been asking why it has taken so long for the Church to be doing something like this here,” Rhea said. “But, at the same time, they have expressed their gratitude that we are now doing it.” In July of this year, Street Pastors Jamaica started patrols in August Town, an economically deprived community, not far from the capital. And before the end of the year, they hope to be in Denham Town and Tivoli, in West Kingston;
Spanish Town, the island’s first capital, and the surrounding communities in Portmore, and also further afield in Montego Bay. “We have also been receiving expressions of interest from Clarendon, Portland and other areas,” Rhea said. Pastor Bobby Wilmot, of Street Pastors Jamaica, said: “One of the most outstanding things about this Initiative is that so many churches are represented among the volunteers. In a country where there has traditionally been so much division among the Church, people are very often pleased when they find out that Street Pastors is not the work of just one single denomination. It is an Initiative around which the Church can unite and be a positive force for change in our troubled nation.”
MISSION 47
L
ights illuminating the city like a Christmas tree…car horns blaring…hoards of bustling pedestrians…street traders hawking…beggars soliciting…taxis and buses touting for passengers - Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, is as vibrant as many typical cities. What many could easily miss, however, is that subtle undercurrent lurking on the fringes - a disguise - literally, Satan prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour… But, to the rescue: Jamaica’s contingent of Street Pastors, backed by their Prayer Pastors! It’s been a year and a half since the Street Pastors started patrolling in Kingston, and what a year and a half it has been! Jamaica’s Street Pastors Coordinator, Rhea Alert, recalls many memorable encounters when the Street Pastors’ presence has been instrumental in pushing back the forces of darkness that encroach upon the city, seeking to devastate lives. Of the many, she highlighted the case of a certain Mr X, who found himself on the brink of desperation after a love relationship betrayal. “One night, we were standing on the pavement near the vendor kiosks in Half-WayTree,” Rhea said, “when we heard someone in the shadows behind the kiosks calling, ‘Street Pastor, Street Pastor.’ “We moved closer and a man was there, maybe in his fifties, calling out to us. He began to tell us his story: that he had been in a relationship with a woman whom he loved dearly. He would have done anything for her;
they had been together for several years and had a house together. She, however, betrayed and abandoned him; he felt as if he had nothing left to live for. “‘I never expected that at my age I would be in this position,’ the man told us. He lifted his shirt and showed us a long, sharpened ice-pick. ‘I have nothing to live for anymore,’ he said. ‘I am going to kill her, and I know how I am going to do it.’” Rhea paused in her recount of the story. “I cannot tell you how I felt at that point,” she then continued. “This was obviously a broken man who had reached the end of himself, but it is in such situations that we know that God can take over. “God certainly intervened, as we took the time to listen to this man and to speak with him. We radioed in to the prayer team, asking them to pray for the gentleman, but it wasn’t until later that evening that they revealed to us that God had given them a tremendous burden to pray about a murder-suicide. “The end result of the whole thing was that this dear man reconsidered his actions, and was persuaded that life was worth living despite what he had gone through. We were able to show him the way to hope and a better future. And it is truly humbling to know that, because we have made ourselves available for God to use, a heinous disaster was averted.” Co-founder of the Street Pastors Initiative, Rev Les Isaac, commented that over the past 12 years since the movement began, there have been many such encounters of a similar nature
in the UK. “There is so much work to be done to lead people into the saving knowledge of God’s love and of His power to heal their brokenness,” he said. “Wherever you go across the globe - whatever the culture, race or creed there are people who need to be restored, and we believe that it is as we continue to equip Christians to leave the comfort of their church buildings and meet the world out there on the streets that we will truly begin to see God using us as a force for change in our nations - I will never stop preaching that! “I am particularly proud of the Jamaican Street Pastors, and the unwavering dedication they have shown, in spite of their own challenges, to make themselves individually available for service in this way. But I am even moreso encouraged by the way they have worked together as different churches to make Street Pastors in Jamaica a reality. Such collaboration is undoubtedly a significant step for the Church in Jamaica.” www.keepthefaith.co.uk