Keep the faith magazine issue 82

ISSUE 82

CHART TOPPER GUVNA B

BRITAIN’S LEADING BLACK COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PUBLICATION PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING FAITH AND FAMILY VALUES

talks about being the Odd1Out

Church leaders pay tribute to the late Dr Tayo Adeyemi

Claudette Schlitter

shares her journey to self-love and acceptance

Believers: It’s time to get more involved in politics

Pastor

Are you ready for

LOVE? How to maintain your connection to God

Matthew Ashimolowo One of the UK’s leading church pioneers

BE INSPIRED BY KEEP THE FAITH Be inspired by Keep The Faith magazine - Britain’s leading Black community-focused publication, promoting and supporting faith and family values.

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Keep The Faith magazine is distributed nationwide each month, directly into Black-led, Black-majority churches, community groups, businesses, organisations and also selected Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons supermarkets in key urban areas in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Aside from reaching our audience in print, and to an additional 15,000+ people on our electronic database, we can promote your message to a further 7,500+ on our social media networks Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep The Faith in print, online and coming soon to an app near you! Call us now 0845 193 4433 or email advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk

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Keep The Faith has supported me as a minister and businesswoman by raising the profile of Deep Calleth Unto Deep Ministries’ events and services and featuring our training consultancy Training With Purpose International.

KTF is undoubtedly a must read for all Christians that want to stay up to date on current issues, events, news and views.

Jacqueline Peart, founder of Deep Calleth Unto Deep Ministries and Training With Purpose

WELCOME 03

CONTENTS ISSUE 82 10

16 12

Dear Reader My last Editor’s Note made reference to the glorious sunshine Britain was basking in, and I wrote ‘I pray that it lasts.’ I’m so happy that prayer has been answered! The sun has been out for most of this summer, and has helped to generate a societal feel-good factor.

We hope to maintain this positive mood in this edition of Keep The Faith, which is packed with insightful, impacting and informative articles.

We’ve interviewed a key figure of the UK Black Church scene, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre, and we’ve profiled Tessy Ojo, a nominee at this year’s Wise Women Awards. She is the first Black woman to serve as CEO of the Diana Award, a youth charity.

There is also a focus on youth in this edition. Read about three young Christians, who are touching the lives of other young people: Samuel Kasumu shares why young Christians should get involved in politics; Isaac Carter gives tips on how the young should look after their money; Matt Brooks doles out some rules about love, and we have an interview with gospel rapper, Guvna B, who topped the charts with his new album, Odd1Out. Other topics covered in this edition include a tribute to the late Dr Tayo Adeyemi of New Wine Church in Woolwich, London; how to maintain one’s relationship; Claudette Schlitter’s journey to self-love and acceptance; reflections on Dr Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, and so much more.

Keep The Faith magazine is designed to help you in your walk with God. I pray this edition achieves this aim.

Happy reading.

Editor Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk

20

24 WELCOME

04 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon 06 Readers’ Letters

NEWS

07 News pages 10 Keep The Faith about town 11 African Gospel Music celebrated at 4th AGMA

GOSPEL

12 Gospel News by Marcia Dixon 14 Hot Gospel concerts = A thriving concert scene by Juliet Fletcher

INTERVIEW

16 C O V E R S T O R Y Interview with Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo 20 C O V E R S T O R Y Interview with Tessy Ojo 22 C O V E R S T O R Y Guvna B: Happy being odd one out

FEATURE

24 C O V E R S T O R Y Dr Tayo: A leader of our time 25 C O V E R S T O R Y Believers: It’s time for deeper engagement in politics by Samuel Kasumu 26 Young people touching their world 28 Feeding the hungry by Dionne Gravesande

R

Keep The Faith Tel: 0845 193 4433 www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.blackchristiandirectory.com

26 COMMENT

30 Helping men to man up in the 21st century by Rev David Shosanya 31 Sunday school rocks!

by Rev Stephen Brooks 32 Do we still have a dream?

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts

INSPIRATION

34 C O V E R S T O R Y My journey to self-love

by Claudette Schlitter 35 The power of association

by Esther Williams 36 C O V E R S T O R Y Maintaining the God connection

by Gladys Famoriyo

LIFESTYLE

38 Heart to Heart by Esther Fenty 39 C O V E R S T O R Y ‘Ready for love?’ by Matt Brooks 40 Charity Affairs by Lara Rufus 42 Money tips for young people

by Isaac Carter 43 Business Matters by Denise Roberts 44 Cyber Corner by Keno Ogbo

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

Many thanks from Keep The Faith to: Rev David Shosanya, Rev Stephen Brooks, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Juliet Fletcher, Samuel Kasumu, Dionne Gravesande, Claudette Schlitter, Esther Williams, Gladys Famoriyo, Esther Fenty, Matt Brooks, Lara Rufus, Isaac Carter, Denise Roberts, Keno Ogbo, Leanna Benjamin, Jackie Raymond, Becky Wybrow and all our advertisers.

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

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

04 WELCOME

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Mega churches: Are they good or bad?

I

was recently featured on Ladies Talk, a TV show produced and hosted by comedian and actress Angie Le Mar, and broadcast on Vox Africa (Sky Channel 218), which gives Black women an opportunity to talk about the topical issues of the day.

One topic of discussion was the rise of the mega church, and whether or not it’s a good thing.

The question got me thinking, particularly as I’ve attended both small churches and large churches, and had to conclude that mega churches are a good thing on a number of fronts.

A mega church is a sign of a growing church that is effectively reaching out to the community and experiencing success in encouraging people to attend services in order to hear the Gospel.

Mega churches are often well-resourced, meaning that they are not reliant on council or government grants in order to carry out their plans or to finance community services, and their size means they usually have a high public profile, enjoy great influence, and can organise events featuring some of the best Christian teaching around, as well as provide a platform for public figures to address a Christian audience.

It’s sad that people are suspicious of mega churches. I think this is partly because people are conditioned to equate Christianity with smallness and failure, and a mega church turns this view on its head.

If people knew church history, they would know that when Christians burn with spiritual passion, they create major social movements that transform people, impact society and attract a lot of people to church. The rise of Methodism, founded by John Wesley in the 18th century, is a prime example.

It was initially the revival wing of the Church of England, but became a separate denomination upon the death of its founder, John Wesley.

Along with his brother, the songwriter Charles Wesley, and the great 18th century evangelist, George Whitfield, John Wesley shared the Gospel, particularly to the poor and to those that society ignored.

Methodism spread rapidly throughout the world because of its missional activity and, alongside spreading the Gospel, Methodism became known for its good works which, over the centuries, has seen it establish hospitals, universities, orphanages, soup kitchens and schools in its keenness to follow Jesus’ command to spread the Good News and serve all people.

Mega churches aren’t without their faults, however; their largeness and wealth can cause both leaders and members to be filled with pride, and their focus to be placed on acquiring status symbols and prestige but, on the whole, I believe mega churches are a force for good.

In this day and age, any church that can attract large numbers of people to hear the unadulterated Gospel deserves to be commended.

Let’s hear it for the mega church.

Tories targeting the Black vote The Conservative Christian Fellowship is currently seeking to build closer ties with the Black Christian community, and recently met with some key Black church leaders.

With elections scheduled to take place in 2015, the Conservative Party has recognised there’ll be some closely-fought seats in certain wards, and the Black vote might swing it for them.

The increasing wealth and entrepreneurial activity within the African and African-Caribbean community, and our desire to play a greater part in the wider society, means that the Labour Party is no longer seen as the Black community’s party of choice. In fact, for many Black Christians, their attitude to life and society has more in common with the Tories than with Labour but, due to the perceived racism of the Tories, they have usually voted Labour. This may well change and, in these exciting times, any political party that wants the Black vote is going to have to work for it, which the Conservative Party seems willing to do.

It’ll be interesting to see the Labour Party’s response.

@keepthefaithmag

We need to look backwards to move forwards Sometimes, when seeking to move forward - whether as individuals, a church or business - it’s good to take a step back and re-connect with our core values. The Bible says as much in Jeremiah 6:16, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

Reflecting on the values that sustained the Windrush Generation is a pertinent exercise that I believe Britain’s African-Caribbean community needs to undertake, particularly as the third and fourth generation come to the fore.

Photo by Keystone/ Getty Images

These values sustained our forefathers, and will sustain us and future generations as we seek to gain a deeper foothold in British society.

These values include: • Respecting oneself, others and elders • Treating parents and family well • Being truthful and associating oneself with positive people • Being able to think for oneself, and not be manipulated to do wrong • Not being bad-minded (not be spiteful, malicious, do evil things) • Focusing on building character, as opposed to creating riches • Working hard • Helping the less fortunate • Serving God wholeheartedly Whilst we will and do fall short of living up to these values, if we’ve lost sight of them and have taken on some of the negative mindsets and behaviours prevalent in modern society, it’s important to take stock, reflect and ask God for the strength and grace to reintroduce these age-old, positive and life-affirming values into our lives.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

06 LETTERS

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

It’s time to talk about racism

Noel’s devotion is inspiring

We are made in God’s image What an inspiration to read Rev Alton Bell’s article ‘Breaking the Chains of Mental Slavery’, as I’ve often wondered why the African-Caribbean community has not progressed as much as it should have done here in the UK. Whilst I recognise that racism is a factor, we are not the only BME group to experience racism. I believe it’s due to some of the mindsets African-Caribbeans have internalised and, as Rev Bell states, we ‘continue to view Black as inferior and White as superior, not trusting in anything that Black people do unless a White person validates it.’ Despite our history, we must always remember that we are people made in the image of God, who have intrinsic value and worth, and have the ability to overcome all obstacles that we encounter on the path to achievement – particularly when we walk in partnership with God. Thanks to Rev Bell for reminding us that we can break the chains of mental slavery.

Joseph Henry, London

Christians everywhere were shocked at the barbarity and savagery involved in the murder of British soldier, Lee Rigby, by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

The saddening thing is that, not only did they kill an innocent man, but both young men grew up in Christian homes. Rev David Shosanya stated in his article, ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’, that the motivation behind the killing of Lee Rigby was both multifaceted and complex and, although he is right to a degree, it’s imperative that the Church ask itself why young men, who have grown up in Christian homes, become radicalised by Islam. If we are honest with ourselves, young Black men have been missing en masse from our churches for a long time, and the Woolwich murders should impel the Church to find ways to connect with and affirm them. We must also be more open in our discussions about racism and its impact on some members of our community. This head-in-the-sand mentality about racism adopted by our churches won’t cut it anymore; our youth want answers, and if we haven’t got answers, then discussion will suffice.

Victoria Peters, Luton

Women are Instruments of Peace Women play such an important role in society, a fact recognised in Dionne Gravesande’s article, ‘Women as Instruments of Peace’. It was encouraging to know that there are women across the world, who are playing an important role in bringing about peace in their respective nations. I hope that churches are taking note, and will look at even more ways to utilise the skills and talents of women in their congregations.

Edwina Olayinde, Manchester

@keepthefaithmag

It was so good to read about Noel Robinson and his spiritual and musical journey in Keep The Faith (issue 81). I have followed his ministry for many years, and it’s inspiring to see how it has moved forward in leaps and bounds. Not only is he being used by God to equip worship leaders and singers across the UK, but also to bring together Christians of different races and cultures for times of worship and spiritual renewal. I wish him every success with his new album, Devoted, and pray that he continues to be a blessing to the Church throughout the world.

David Martin, Birmingham

Let’s unite to usher in revival The work Rev Yemi Adedeji is doing, in serving as Ambassador for Christian charity Compassion UK and as Head of the One People Commission, is truly inspiring. It’s my prayer that the One People Commission achieves what it sets out to do, which is to unite Christians across the cultural, ethnic and denominational spectrum to take part in mission to the UK, and usher in the revival that this nation so desperately needs.

Peter Douglas, London

NEWS 07

Black Christians fuelling church growth in London According to a new report, Britain’s Black Christian community is driving the growth of the churchgoing public in London.

The London Church Census, commissioned by London City Mission, discovered that, between 2005 and 2012, the number of people going to church in the UK’s capital rose by 16% and that, during this period, two new churches opened in London every week.

Two thirds of the new churches opened were Black Pentecostal churches, and one third were churches that catered for various ethnic groups.

The Report also claims that 720,000 people now attend a Sunday service in London, and that almost half of all churches in inner London (48%) are Black and comprise 28% of worshippers in London as a whole.

Almost one in five (19%) of Black Londoners now regularly go to church, with two thirds attending Pentecostal churches.

Forthcoming reality show about Pastors sparks controversy Americans are gearing themselves up for a new Christian reality series, entitled Preachers of LA, which will be broadcast in the autumn.

Preachers of LA aims to give insight into the lives of six preachers and their congregations.

Featured ministers include Bishop Clarence McClendon (top), gospel singer Dietrick Haddon (left) and Bishop Noel Jones (right).

Christian mother publishes books to inspire children to greatness One woman, hoping to inspire a generation of young children to become Christians; find their God-given purpose, and become great people, is Evette Thompson, a married mother of three toddlers.

This former youth pastor has written a series of books aimed at young children aged between three and six. There are six books in Evette’s series, and titles include Finding Treasure, Winning Band and Stars.

Evette’s desire is for parents to read the books to their young offspring and start a discussion about the role of children in the Bible; how they were used by God, and how young children of today can follow biblical examples and live out God’s purposes for their lives.

Evette will also be launching a website, www.the-stargarden.co.uk, which will feature an online activity workbook to coincide with the storybooks, as well as other video-related devotional material, and inspirational music relevant for 21st century children.

Archbishop says he’ll never worship a homophobic God World famous church leader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has publicly stated he will never worship ‘a homophobic God’, and would rather go to hell than be in a ‘homophobic Heaven’.

The Archbishop was speaking at the launch of the first ever United Nations (UN) global campaign, called ‘Free and Equal’, to promote gay rights in South Africa.

In his support for the campaign, Archbishop Tutu said, “I am as passionate about this campaign as I ever was about apartheid. For me, it is at the same level.”

“I would refuse to go to a homophobic Heaven. No, I would say, sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place. I would not worship a God who is homophobic, and that is how deeply I feel about this.”

Archbishop Tutu played a major role in bringing down South Africa’s racist apartheid regime, and has also campaigned for gay rights.

The series trailer, which shows some of the leaders living a luxurious lifestyle and advocating a prosperity gospel, has sparked controversy. Some preachers have called for it to be boycotted.

One preacher, Rev Jacob Samuels based in Florida, shared, “Our preachers have blended in so well with the world, if you watch the trailer on mute, you can’t tell if these are preachers or rap stars.”

“We have been called to be a light to the world. Yes, we do face everyday issues, but that does not mean we expose our lives in a way where it’s a negative reflection of the Church.”

Bishop Noel Jones, leader of the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California, recently shared his reasons for being on Preachers of LA, stating his purpose for appearing on the show is not evangelical, but rather to shatter people’s misconceptions of church leaders.

He shared, “My original intention was for it to be a tool to help bring the minds of Christian people to the place where they give some balance to who their pastors are, and to how they deal with their pastors.”

He added, “The only reason I signed up was to help to reduce the iconoclastic proclivities that church members have about their pastors, to the point where, if they break any of the rules that the church members are breaking, they completely throw them away.” www.keepthefaith.co.uk

08 NEWS

New report highlights difficulties of BMCs finding suitable premises A recently-published report, Being Built Together, produced by the University of Roehampton, has investigated the problems Black Christians in the London Borough of Southwark have experienced finding suitable premises to hold worship services.

It’s estimated that over 20,000 congregants gather in Southwark every week to attend services in approximately 240 different churches but, because of a lack of suitable buildings, many Black church leaders have established churches in settings that don’t fit the local authority’s definition of a place ‘suitable for worship’.

The Report lists a number of recommendations to help churches in Southwark overcome these problems, including a call for the Greater London Authority (GLA) to address the issue of premises and planning for faith groups at a regional level, and for BMCs to build closer ties with their neighbourhood and raise awareness of the good they do.

The Report’s author, Dr Andrew Rogers (pictured), said “The new Black-majority churches are a gift to the Church and to the city of London. We hope that by highlighting the problems they face, the Borough of Southwark and, on a regional scale, the GLA; the new Black-majority churches, and the Church as a whole will take on board our Report’s recommendations to work towards finding innovative and lasting solutions to address these issues.”

Pastor Lincoln Serwanga, from Liberty Christian Fellowship in Camberwell, welcomed the Report’s recommendations: “We all – new churches and old - need to learn from each other and acknowledge our mutual strengths and weaknesses. The Report should help us to develop plans for working together to build God’s Church in a lasting and harmonious way.”

Annoying things

people do in church

J Lee Grady (pictured), a leading Christian columnist and former editor of one of America’s most influential religious publications, Charisma magazine, has compiled a list of the most annoying things people do during a church service, after carrying out an impromptu poll amongst his Facebook friends.

The following annoying habits made his Top Ten list, which he published in his charisma.com column. Hope you’re not guilty of any of them!

NEWS SNIPPETS Church of England to set up credit unions

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has shared he’ll allow credit unions to set up on CofE premises, in order to provide competition to payday lenders, seen by many as ‘legal loan sharks’. The Archbishop, who recently met with Errol Damelin, the head of Wonga, one of the UK’s largest payday lenders, told him he wants to “compete him out of business”.

Test your Bible knowledge with free App Christians keen to increase their general Bible knowledge can do so with the free 3R Bible quiz app created by Christian, Olusegun Victor Ibitoye.

Available for download on smartphones or tablets, the 3R Bible quiz app tests an individual’s scriptural knowledge on three difficulty levels, over five subject areas. The creator hopes his app will increase people’s biblical intelligence, and allow them to have fun at the same time.

Pope visits Brazil

1 Talking during a service 2 Texting or surfing the web during a service 3 Sleeping (or snoring!) during a sermon 4 Clipping fingernails during church 5 Answering a ringing phone in church 6 Constantly getting up and leaving the auditorium, presumably to use the toilets 7 Walking out of a service early, especially during a prayer 8 Letting babies cry incessantly in the service 9 Chewing or smacking gum 10 Public display of affection

@keepthefaithmag

During his first visit to Brazil, Pope Francis told crowds gathered at Rio de Janeiro for mass, to avoid the “idols of money, sex and power”, and encouraged the older generation to work more closely with the younger generation, stating, “Young people are a powerful engine for the Church and for society. They do not need material things alone. Also, and above all, they need to have held up to them those non-material values, which are the spiritual heart of a people, the memory of a people.”

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

10 NEWS

KEEP THE FAITH ABOUT TOWN

Children’s choir festival celebrates 7th year U Sing We Sing, the music programme started by John Fisher to teach choir singing to young pupils, recently celebrated its 7th anniversary with its annual concert at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

A 550-strong children’s choir, directed by John, performed a number of inspirational and gospel numbers to 1,000 people. Other artistes, who participated at this unique event, included teenager rapper J Vessel, Lawrence Rowe, The Shaback Dancers, IDMC, and Magic FM DJ Angie Greaves, who led a special tribute

to Nelson Mandela.

John Fisher, founder of U Sing We Sing and director of IDMC, is rightly proud of the

project’s achievements. He told Keep The Faith, “We started in one school seven years ago. To

date, we have had over 4,000 children come through our music programmes, with the aim of

inspiring children to be the best they can be, by mentoring them through our programmes, and

also introducing a new generation each year to gospel and

inspirational music.” Visit www.idmcgospel.com for more details.

isher John F

Children ’s choir

Midnight Oil 2013 Now in its 7th year, Midnight Oil, the youth conference founded by youth role model, Seth Pinnock, upped the ante for its 2013 event.

There was much for delegates to enjoy during Midnight Oil 2013, which was held in the heart of Britain’s second city - Birmingham. Highlights included Jeff Lestz, co-founder of financial services company, Genistar, sharing his story at a reception for young movers and shakers; international rugby player, Ugo Monye, giving his testimony at a service held on the second day and, of course, there were great moments captured on film during the debut live recording of Seth and A New Thing (ANT) at the historic Symphony Hall. The gospel duo were joined by gospel music stalwarts Mark Beswick, Noel Robinson, Deborah Oluyemi and Bishop Wayne Brown for an evening of great spiritual upliftment and inspiration.

The organisers refused to let an EDF march, held earlier in the day, dampen their spirits.

Seth & ANT’s CD and DVD are scheduled to be released in 2014.

Visit www.godsbride.org.uk for more details.

Seth P innock

‘A Dream Across The Ocean’ celebrates Windrush Legacy

d The Blesseief Handkerch

Sharn A dela

@keepthefaithmag

playing Auntie

Pearl

A packed audience poured into the Hackney Empire, east London, to watch gospel musical, A Dream Across The Ocean.

This entertaining stage play, written by Marcia Samuels and produced by The Churchboyz, gave an insight into the lives of Caribbeans who immigrated to the UK during the 1950s and ‘60s. Their experiences were told through the life of Jamaican Winston Morgan, a young man who left behind his wife and family to build a new life in Britain.

The play chronicled Winston’s life, and the audience was able to get a sense of what life must have been like for the Windrush Generation through the friendships Winston made - some across racial divides; the pressures and temptations he went through, and the challenges he experienced as a husband, a father and a pastor.

A Dream Across The Ocean contained the right balance of seriousness, sentiment and humour to tell the story of Caribbean migration to the UK, and some great performances. And, to top it all, it had a wonderful gospel musical score. Let’s pray that it gets to be staged across the UK, because it’s a production people need to see. For more details visit www.adreamacrosstheocean.com

GOSPEL NEWS 11

AFRICAN GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRATED AT 4TH AGMA

G

ospel artistes from across the UK, Africa and the Diaspora converged on the Great Hall of Queen Mary, University of London, to celebrate the fourth annual African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA).

Nominees and guests in attendance included multi award-winning gospel singer and ambassador, Kanvee Gaines Adams from Liberia; Karabo Mongatane from South Africa; Tehila Crew from Nigeria; Dena Mwana from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and guests from Europe, such as award-winning Congolese songstress, Nana Lukezo (Belgium).

Also in attendance were the Liberian Ambassador to the UK, Ambassador Wesley Momo Johnson, and his Deputy, Mr Chester Barh; film actress, Fatima Jabbe; worship leader and song writer, Noel Robinson; ace broadcasters, such as Dave P, as well as church leaders and heads of ministries.

The AGMA evening opened with a melodious explosion of the AGMA anthem, ‘We are Africa’, belted out by the quartet of Jackie Mugabo (Rwanda), Isaac Frempong (Ghana), Myco Chris (Uganda) and Isabella (Nigeria). This set the tone for an evening of great performances from artistes, such as Beatrice Muniu, PK Boadi (Da-Praise Commander), Papy Messages and Dena Mwana, and moving Award presentations.

Special inspirational awards were handed out to Minister Noel Robinson, Chevelle Franklyn, and Rev Bazil Meade of the London Community Gospel Choir. The night ended with an energetic performance by Tehila Crew from Nigeria, who also won in the ‘Group of the Year’ category.

Rebecca receives her Award

Shola Victor Sajowa

Dena Mwana

AFRICA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD WINNERS 2013 Discovery of the Year - Moji Olusoji (Nigeria) Artiste of the Year West Africa - Cwesi Oteng (Ghana) Artiste of the Year East Africa - Christina Shusho (Tanzania) Artiste of the Year Europe - Isabella Uzodike (UK) Radio Programme of the Year - Sunday Best with Sabina (Nigeria) TV Programme of the Year - Devine Jams (Uganda) Afro Rap Artiste of the Year - Preachers (Ghana) Afro Jazz Musician of the Year - Karabo Mongatane (South Africa) Group of the Year - Tehila Crew (Nigeria) Video of the Year - ‘Imela’ by Nathaniel Bassey Event of the Year - SABC Crown Gospel Awards (South Africa) Producer of the Year (Joint winners) - Wole Oni (Nigeria) & Nacy (Ghana) Song of the Year - ‘Nobody’ by Living Faith Connections (UK) Album of the Year - ‘Filled’ by Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa) Female Artiste of the Year - Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa) Male Artiste of the Year - Frank Edwards (Nigeria)

AGMA SPECIAL AWARDS

Lola O of OHTV presents the TV Programme of the Year award to Channel 44 Uganda

Inspiration Award Noel Robinson Rev Bazil Meade Chevelle Franklyn

AGMA SPECIAL AWARD TRAIL BLAZER Sonnie Badu (UK) Rebecca (UK) Uche Double Double (South Africa) Lara George (Nigeria)

AGMA SPECIAL AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF GOSPEL MUSIC Muyiwa Olarewaju (UK) Kanji Mbugua (Kenya) Danny Nettey (Ghana) Kanvee Gaines Adams (Liberia)

AGMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Liberian Ambassador to UK and Ireland presents award to Karabo Mongatane (Afro Jazz Award Winner)

Tagoe Sisters (Ghana)

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

12 GOSPEL NEWS

L E Meet the Artist P S O G NEWS

Sam Adebanjo went from being a Muslim, homeless, and in trouble with the law, to finding God and becoming the visionary behind MOBO-nominated gospel group, DTWG (Desire To Worship God). He talked to Leanna Benjamin about the group’s latest album, ‘Sam & DTWG’.

Muyiwa goes to Nollywood If you want to attend an event that features the joy of gospel music, the glamour of Nollywood, with some African comedy thrown in, then you’ll want to attend ‘Muyiwa Goes To Nollywood’. This unique event promises to be a night of inspirational music, fun and laughter.

It takes place on September 7 at The Forum, Kentish Town, North London, and will feature leading UK gospel outfit, Muyiwa and Riversongz, and special guests MOBO Award-winner Rachel Kerr and the soulful JP Cooper. There will also be appearances from Nollywood heavyweight, Omotola (described by Times ‘100 Most Influential People in the World 2013’ as the ‘Queen of Nollywood’), and Joselyn C-Dumas, star of the hit movie series, Adam’s Apples, plus skits from some of Africa’s funniest comedians, including Aki and Pawpaw, AY the Comedian, Julius Agwu, Eddie Kadi and more.

This promises to be a great night.

See you there. For ticket details, visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.riversongz.com.

Keep The Faith: What do you hope this new album will achieve?

SAM ADEBANJO (SA): Today’s generation is being too easily led down the wrong path, by music that promotes negative messages.

If we can change things and promote positive messages by way of gospel music, then it would make a huge impact to our society in a truly beneficial way.

KTF: What challenges have you faced putting this Project together?

SA: This Project hasn’t been an easy journey at all. We have faced spiritual attacks, money issues, lost members in the group, etc. I feel this has happened only to make the Project bigger and better!

KTF: How would you describe DTWG’s style of music?

SA: Sam & DTWG’s music style is an eclectic gospel mix; it comprises of contemporary worship, neo-soul, R’n’B, with funky beats and African-inspired sound.

KTF: What are your aspirations for DTWG, and how do you hope to achieve this?

SA: Sam & DTWG strongly believe this album will change this generation and heal emotional wounds. We hope to offer an alternative message, which we hope will inspire, uplift, encourage and comfort everyone - regardless of the situation. We currently travel across the country minstering.

It’s our hope to top the UK music charts, to get our music on radio stations and TV. KTF: Do you believe gospel music should cross over into mainstream music and, if so, why?

SA: Gospel music is for everyone; it shouldn’t be just for Christians. Gospel music is about winning souls, so we need to reach those who don’t know the Good News of Jesus Christ.

KTF: When writing songs for DTWG, where do you get your inspiration?

SA: I write songs to encourage myself and hopefully to encourage others.

When I wrote ‘Holding On’, for example, I thought about the times when I’ve felt like giving up; the times I’ve questioned whether I am good enough, or worried about being strong enough, and in those times I hold on to God.

@keepthefaithmag

KTF: On the first CD, ‘The Missions’, it sounds like a love letter to Africa.

Why is that?

SA: Afrobeats is very popular at the moment; we wanted to have music that people can dance to, relate to and be inspired by.

KTF: As well as ministering in song, you also have a mentoring programme.

Can you tell us about this?

SA: The aim of the Mentoring Scheme is to create a positive, valuable learning experience for young people. We work with ‘Active Horizons’ (a youth-led charity) and professional adults, with a view to improving skills and learning about others through a series of structured meetings. We do this as part of DTWG’s vision, not only to deliver great music but also to make a difference for this generation.

For more information about DTWG, visit www.dtwg.co.uk, like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/desiretoworshipGod, and follow on Twitter @officialDTWG.

GOSPEL NEWS 13

A MUSICIAN FOR ALL SEASONS One musician, who has played for Her Majesty the Queen, HRH the Prince of Wales (who personally commended his playing) and the Pope, is Emmanuel Waldron. And he’s praying that he’ll generate more illustrious fans with the release of his fourth album, ‘All Seasons’, a recording deeply influenced by soul, jazz, blues and gospel music.

Emmanuel is an accomplished, award-winning musician, and All Seasons features his own compositions, as well as his own interpretations of popular classics, including Stevie Wonder’s ‘Ribbon In The Sky’, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’. He recently held a well-attended launch at the 606 Jazz Club in London.

Musicians featured on this enjoyable release include Troy Miller on Drums, Carl Stanbridge on Upright & Electric Bass, André Brown on Sax, and Emmanuel’s wife, Ruth Waldron, a phenomenal and well-respected vocalist.

If you’re open and appreciative to Christianinspired music, some of which is devoid of vocals, you’ll love All Seasons.

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

ARTIST WATCH

M

illicent Stephenson seems set to be a Christian musician who makes her mark on the musical world. This gifted saxophonist recently released her debut EP, ‘This is Life’, produced by Peter Daley. It features two original tunes, ‘I Will Go On’, designed to evoke courage, and ‘It’s All Good’, which exudes joy and exuberance. The Governor-General of Jamaica, His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, apparently fell in love with this track when Millicent performed it live. Musical talent obviously runs in this Wise Women Award-winner’s family - her musical counterpart and cousin, Angella Christie, is a well-known Stellar Award-winner based in the UK. Millicent, who attends the New Testament Church of God in Handsworth, Birmingham, has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. She also lectures and teaches music, and events where she has performed include Birmingham Artsfest and the BBC Radio WM Kidney Kids Appeal. The ‘This Is Life’ EP is a prelude to Millicent’s exceptional talent, and she aims to release an album next year. Until then, enjoy her EP or try and catch her live. As her music declares: It’s All Good. Visit www.millicentstephenson.com to get a copy of her EP.

GOSPEL NEWS BITES Look out for a new release from premier jazz saxophonist, YolanDa Brown. The MOBO Award-winning artist’s latest recording April Showers, May Flowers: Live Sessions is now out.

This release is a live album, recorded at Under The Bridge in Chelsea, and features guest appearances from Leanne Robinson and Kate Westall.

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

Christian artists, whether they are soloists or lead a band, might want to apply for funding from the Momentum Music Fund (MMF). PRS For Music Foundation and the Arts Council have joined forces to launch MMF, which will award grants valued between £5,000-£15,000 to up to 75 artists creating and performing contemporary music, including all types of new and emerging genres. For more details, visit www.prsformusicfoundation.com.

All the relationship drama that gospel artist Deitrick Haddon has experienced in past months seems to have come to an end, now that he’s tied the knot with the mother of his child, Dominique McTyer. The singer posted pictures of the ceremony on social media - Twitter, Instagram and Facebook - and shared, “Officially a married man, one of the greatest days of my life. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. God bless!”

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

14 GOSPEL NEWS

HOT GOSPEL CONCERTS = A THRIVING CONCERT SCENE As far as Juliet Fletcher is concerned, 2013 has been a great year for Britain’s live gospel music scene, and she shares why gospel events that draw in the crowds are a good thing

JULIET FLETCHER

is Director of Greentree, a specialist music consultancy and production company

G

ospel concerts were the first activity that informed us something special was happening with our music – outside of our local church. This hasn’t changed, because the numbers and quality of gospel concerts readily inform us whether we’re doing well or badly in our scene.

Do you enjoy going to a gospel concert? How keen are you to go to your local church concert event? Or are you one of those individuals, who wait for that big name artist from the USA to come along?

When I speak of a gospel concert, I’m not talking about a ‘worship event’. No. This might sound controversial to some, but I think it’s important to note the difference.

Worship event differs from gospel concert The difference is this: A worship event relates more to believers gathering to exalt and adore the Lord, and to encounter an experience of the presence of God. You may not experience any entertainment, but you should enjoy a connection between yourself and the worship leader(s), as you agree in the spirit and atmosphere of worship. At the end of the night, you should feel you were in a great night.

A gospel concert is about hearing and being inspired by artists sharing the message of the Gospel, and their godly perspective on life in song.

You may experience the presence of God; you should find a connection between yourself and the artists at a level on which you are more personally satisfied. At the end of the night, you should feel you were at a great night.

In reality, gospel concerts often seem to need more justification than a worship event – all because of the entertainment element.

@keepthefaithmag

Concerts - Godly social enjoyment Back in the day, the young people of my time didn’t have all the so-called ‘freedom’ to go and do what young people today do without blinking an eyelid. Going to the cinema was a no-no. Going swimming was a no-no. The theatre? A no-no! Going to a club or wine bar: A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y NO! But when gospel concerts became popular, it was our number one godly form of social enjoyment. They were organised and promoted by us; performed by us; attended and enjoyed by us. It was our ‘thing’. It was an exciting and transformational time.

As the foundation stone of our gospel scene today, concerts set the temperature of how hot or cold we are; when there are lots of concerts, we feel more confident that our music is ‘going somewhere’; it’s important, it’s relevant. When the Church realised that it was an honest way to support their social and fundraising goals, it was a win-win, as some people found their way to Christ through attending concert events.

Hot gospel concerts Organising a good gospel concert, therefore, can be very effective if used in the right way. I’m not a believer in organising a public gospel concert, with a paying ticket price, for people to turn up and find it’s really an evangelistic or deliverance meeting.

That is not fitting to the advertised programme!

A well-planned, well-organised concert in a local church, with local artists and a ticket price equivalent to a high class Pret-A-Manger sandwich, can be just as effective as a hot gospel concert staged in a big music venue, with an international line-up demanding a Pizza Express three-coursemeal ticket price! At least that should be the attitude.

We often forget - or fail to have in mind - how many people it takes to put on a good event; it generates direct employment opportunities for promoters, musicians, singers, graphic artists, PA and technical crew. Furthermore, in-direct work is done by media writers and reporters, who help surround the event with excitement. That’s a lot of ‘industry activity’.

“Gospel concerts were the first activity to inform us that something special was happening with our music – outside of our local church.”

This summer, we’ve seen a lot more major events that engender ‘an Ultimate Gospel Concert Experience’ - LCGC celebrating their 30th anniversary with a Reunion Concert at the Royal Albert Hall - and, for the first time, the annual world-renowned BBC Proms hosted a late night BBC Gospel Proms, featuring, among others, LCGC, Muyiwa & Riversongz, Dave Daniels and People’s Fellowship Choir, Aaron T Aaron and, I am pleased to say, yours truly leading a Caribbean gospel medley of songs.

Organising concerts is a demanding task, but for those who have thought through why, what, when and how – being creative and financially astute – it is a rewarding experience for everyone! The question is: What can we do to increase and sustain quality, year on year?

Juliet Fletcher is a former BBC Producer and founding Executive of the GMIA. Visit www.gmia.org.uk for more details, or phone 020 3086 8348.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

16 INTERVIEW

Pastor Matthew

Ashimolowo

When someone sits down to write the history of Black majority churches in Britain over the past 20 years, one name that will loom large is that of Nigerian-born leader, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo. He was one of the first Black church leaders in the UK to lead a mega church and to heavily utilise media as an evangelism tool. The church, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), also organises one of the most popular church conferences – the International Gathering of Champions - which attracts large audiences to hear some of the world’s most well known speakers. KICC has moved on from being just a mega church; it now has branches across the UK, as well as in others parts of the world and, for many, remains a beacon of what can be achieved when a church focuses on reaching the world with the Gospel. Pastor Matthew spoke to Keep The Faith about Prayer City, the new building complex the church has bought in Chatham, Kent; using media to spread the Gospel, and the role of the Black Church in helping to usher in revival here in the UK.

@keepthefaithmag

INTERVIEW 17 KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): KICC has recently started holding services in a new building in Chatham, Kent. What inspired you to buy a place of worship in Kent?

PASTOR MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO (PMA): God has been good to KICC in providing us with Prayer City. It has been a seven-year journey, where we have had to undergo many trials and challenges in pursuit of a permanent place of rest.When Great Britain was celebrating winning the Olympic bid, KICC had to face the fact that they no longer had a place of worship at Waterden Road in Hackney, where it had a 4,000-seater auditorium on 9.5 acres of land. It was a difficult time for us, as we had achieved so many great historical moments there.

KTF: I understand your new building can house up to 3,000 people. Aside from being a place of worship, what other plans do you have for your new building?

PMA: We have so many great plans for the 12 buildings on the 24-acre site. These include: The Prayer City Garden - This speciallydesigned area, set in the beautiful landscape of the Buckmore woodlands, is an ideal place for those who want to pray, meditate and spend time in reflection, in God’s presence.

The Joseph Academy is a huge two-storey building, designated as the base for TNT, our youth ministry. It is where young people aged 13 - 19 will be empowered through powerful teaching from the Word.

Rhoda’s House - The large building has been converted into a large auditorium for the main services of King’s Kids ministry, our children’s church.

Restaurant and Gym - Visitors will enjoy excellent cuisine prepared in our fully industrial kitchen, with top class service in our brand new restaurant. We’ll also have state-of-the-art gym facilities.

Retreat Houses - Prayer City will provide an idyllic destination for short breaks, family getaways and church retreats to visitors local and abroad.

We also have plans to construct a world class hotel within Prayer City for public use.

A Theme Park - Future plans include development of a family theme park, open to members and visitors, which can be used as an outreach to engage members of the community with the church.

KTF: KICC is known for opening the largest church building in the UK for 100 years, and for being one of Britain’s largest Black mega churches. How has KICC developed since that historic opening?

PMA: I believe that each church should follow the mandate the Lord has given them. It has always been, from the start of KICC, a tool the Lord has wanted us to use to advance the Kingdom. We believe in using timely technology to preach the timeless truth. As a result of our obedience to His mandate for our ministry, we have seen the fruit, and have harvested thousands of souls as a result.

PMA: KICC has grown in so many ways since 1998. We have expanded the ministry by focusing on increasing our chapels, opening city churches, and planting churches overseas. As a result of this church growth strategy, we now have over 20 Chapels and Branch churches in the UK. They are situated in and around the M25, and also in Birmingham, Luton, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Bedford, Bristol and our latest one in Oxford.

Internationally, we have added Namibia, Malawi, South Africa and Ireland, to Nigeria and Ghana. We have also seen God’s increase in Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria. Ghana and Nigeria now oversee 4 and 11 Branch Churches respectively.

I would add that we have never marketed KICC as a ‘Black church’. It is true that 95% of our members are of African and African-Caribbean descent, but everyone is welcome at our services.

‘We believe in using timely technology to preach the timeless truth. As a result of our obedience to His mandate for our ministry, we have seen the fruit’ KTF: You are one of the first Black church leaders in Britain to have a successful TV ministry; utilise media to grow your church, and lead a mega church. What inspired you to factor media in to your church growth plans?

PMA: KICC’s vision is ‘To Grow Up, To Grow Big and To Grow Together’. It has always been one of the cornerstones of the vision ‘To Grow Big’, using every medium available to reach the lost. We have found our television ministry to be a powerful tool for reaching the unsaved and for strengthening believers. Our television ministry has been able to reach countries and homes that we would not physically be able to reach. Currently, our TV ministry broadcasts into more than 100 million homes, over 120 nations throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

KTF: Do you think churches that want to grow should factor in utilising media in some kind of way in their vision for their church and, if so, why?

KTF: Not many people know about Matthew Ashimolowo, the person. Where and when were you born, how many siblings do you have, and what was your childhood like?

PMA: I was born in Kaduna, which is in the northern part of Nigeria. I was born to Muslim parents, and I am the middle child. I have an older brother and a younger sister.

As the son of a military officer, my father was constantly transferred on official duties, and this meant our family was always on the move. My father died in the Biafran War, and this led me to be looked after by guardians. It was not an easy childhood, but I believe all of my experiences have shaped my life, and have caused me to challenge all the people I meet or have the opportunity to minister to, to live a life of success, triumphing over adversity. I believe strongly that, through prayer and living a life of purity, and where there is a will to follow and apply the Word of God to your life, you will win against all the odds. I did, and I challenge others to do likewise. I have not looked back since I gave my life to Christ in a drunken state at the age of 22.

KTF: What role did religion and faith play in your upbringing, and what inspired you to become a Christian?

PMA: I gave my life to Christ in a drunken state at the age of 22, so I can’t say I was inspired! I was at home, saw a tract on the floor and read it. The impact of the tract was such that I said the Sinner’s Prayer alone in that room. I thank

18 INTERVIEW God for an aunt, who subsequently took me to church, and for my one and only pastor, who noticed and nurtured the grace of God on my life. From the age of 22, I have been sold out to Christ and to the advancement of His Kingdom, and I have enjoyed every minute of it!

KTF: When did you get the call to ministry, and how did you go about pursuing that call?

PMA: Shortly after I gave my life to Christ, I started to attend Christ Apostolic Church. I was introduced to this church by my Aunt. In the early months of being at the church, the Pastor began to nurture the call of God on my life.

He began to use me in various ministry capacities, to help develop my ministry. At around the same time of this happening, an evangelist visited the ministry, and advised that I went to Bible School.

Since leaving Bible School, I continued to pursue knowledge and development. I believe it has been one of the things that has helped me to personally grow with the ministry God has entrusted to me.

KTF: What made you decide to immigrate to England, and what was your view of the spiritual landscape upon arriving here?

PMA: England was not my choice. I originally wanted to study in Canada. However, that was my plan; God’s was different. In 1984, the Foursquare denomination that I was with, sent me to England as a missionary. Sincerely speaking, I found the land cold and the people cold. Having left a growing congregation of over 2,000 to become a Pastor of 11 adults was initially discouraging. The few young people who eventually joined would often disappear to other ministries once I finished service, and the older ones at first did not seem to be receptive to the Word of God like what I had been used to. After the first year, I told my wife to read all she wanted, because I wanted to leave as soon as she finished! Now, of course, I am glad I broke through the discouragement, the coldness of the climate, and what appeared to be the lack of reception of the people.

Once I changed my view, the people started to come to the ministry.

KTF: Which churches and Christians provided you with inspiration when you arrived here?

PMA: Victory Church and the New Testament Church (Mile End).

KTF: Looking back on your years serving the church, what are the key lessons you’ve learnt about God, life and leading a high profile ministry?

PMA: • It is important to have a clear vision for people to follow.

• It is important to constantly refer to the vision on a regular basis, so people can maintain and run with it.

• Training and discipleship - Build and strengthen your leaders and stewards.

• Prayer changes everything. Everything KICC owns and has achieved, has been through being on our knees.

• Not to be afraid to stand on your own when it is God’s principles you are standing for.

• To be bold and courageous in declaring God’s Word, even when it is not socially acceptable.

• The media works when used to promote the Kingdom.

• Leadership can be isolating and a lonely walk.

• Passion and being purpose driven can lead to others misunderstanding your motives and what you stand for.

• Pioneers lead the way for others to follow.

• God is faithful; whatever He has promised, He always provides.

• Lead by example.

• Sow your way to victory, and watch God honour your sacrifice.

• The power of positive confession.

• For the first 18 years, I sacrificed my personal ministry for growing KICC. By the time I started to venture out on personal ministry assignments, KICC was at a level of growth that could stand my absences.

KTF: One of the most difficult times in your ministry must have been when the Charity Commission investigated KICC. Looking back, what are your feelings about that period, and how has your church moved forward since then?

PMA: We have risen to greater heights. The challenges were great, but God saw us through.

We had grown so quickly that we had little time to adjust some of our processes. The Charity Commission went through our processes with a fine-toothed comb, and we adopted new governance procedures which reflected our ministry size. We are pleased to say, they required little change to our operational procedures. What has brought solace is the fact they have also began to use some of the processes we had developed as a standard for other churches to follow. We have now moved on from this, and we are now in a new season.

KTF: When you’re not preaching or travelling, what kind of things do you like to do?

PMA: Spending time with my family, and playing golf.

KTF: What role do you think Black churches will play in forthcoming years, in helping facilitate revival here in the UK? PMA: The potential is great for the Black Church to play a major role in helping to facilitate revival in the UK. However, it is dependent on how badly we want to be used by God to bring it about. It will require us to be relevant and radical in our approach to win souls.

KTF: What message of hope would you like to leave with Keep The Faith readers?

PMA: It’s not over ’til God says so.

For more details about KICC, visit www.kicc.org.uk

@keepthefaithmag

20 INTERVIEW

Tessy Ojo heads the Diana Award, a youth charity set up in 1999 in memory of the late Princess Diana to support the outstanding achievements of young people in their local communities, as well as to empower them to make a positive difference. A committed Christian, Tessy Ojo joined the Diana Award in 2000, and was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation in 2012.

She spoke to Keep The Faith about the Diana Award’s work, her love for young people, and the role of faith in her life.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): The Diana Award, which you serve as CEO, has held its Royalty Rocks event. I heard it was a great success.

Did it achieve the objectives you set for it?

TESSY OJO (TO): Yes, we did. The Royalty Rocks Party had two main aims: a) to celebrate the legacy of the late Princess Diana, which lives on through the Diana Award, and b) to celebrate what would have been the Princess’ 52nd birthday. We felt privileged to be able to do this.

The atmosphere was electric, and everyone came ready to party in memory of a great woman!

KTF: You were appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Diana Award in September 2012. What does the Organisation do?

TO: The Diana Award was founded as a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.

The Diana Award recognises and celebrates young people who have made a positive difference to their community. But receiving a Diana Award is only the beginning. We encourage, empower and engage young people in social action through the Diana Network; the Diana Anti-bullying Ambassadors, and the Diana Training and Mentoring Programme. I love the Diana Award and the tangible impact we have on the lives of young people! I love seeing a young person come to us, a bit shy, and after only a couple of sessions through training and skills development, you witness that young person’s shoulders rise, and they are ready to take on any challenge. They begin to see challenges as an opportunity to make a difference, instead of what comes so naturally to us all: moan!

KTF: Part of your work involves maintaining relationships with the Royal Family, 10 Downing Street and celebrities. How do your achieve this and involve young people?

TO: I have regular meetings with Government and Clarence House, and keep them up to date with all we are doing from time to time. I also do the same with all our VIP supporters. We have @keepthefaithmag

regular breakfast sessions, as a way of keeping our patrons and ambassadors updated of our work. Young people are involved in all aspects of the Organisation, from being trustees to staff.

In most cases, where appropriate, a young person accompanies me to meetings, as we believe in showing and not just telling about our impact!

KTF: This Organisation is one of the legacies of the late Princess Diana. What impact did her life have on you, and why do you think her legacy endures?

TO: I loved watching or following her and the way she always came across graciously. I also loved her as a mother, and how she was bringing up her sons to have as much normality as they could, given who they are. Most importantly, I loved how she stepped outside her comfort zone and defied the norms in so many ways. One that readily comes to mind is that of the AIDS patient, who she reached out and touched, in an era when there was so much stereotyping around AIDS and getting infected simply by a touch. She defied that norm, and redefined how society viewed AIDS patients, and that had a ripple effect across the world! AMAZING!

KTF: Your professional achievements are an inspiration. Can you tell me a little bit about your background and upbringing, and the role that faith played during your childhood?

TO: Wow, thank you! (*blushes*) I am British, born to Nigerian parents. My dad, until he retired, was an economist, who worked in various banks across Nigeria and Europe. My mum was a headteacher. I am one of seven children, yes, they still had that many children in those days! The only daughter sandwiched between six boys! Sadly, one of my younger siblings, Andrew, passed away at the young age of 18, which I think completely broke my mum’s heart, and which my dad still thinks she never really recovered from until she passed away in 2002, at the age of 59!

I gained my first degree in Biochemistry, in 1992 from Lagos State University, Nigeria, and left Nigeria shortly afterwards to live permanently in England, having spent all my holidays during University here in England either studying a short course, or gaining some valuable work experience. Once I finally moved, I continued studying whilst working, firstly doing a post-grad Diploma in Management Studies, and then a full MBA at the University of Greenwich/Hull in 2003.

My faith is everything to me. It keeps me grounded, and helps me find focus in a world that can sometimes be vain.

KTF: When and what made you decide to become a Christian?

TO: I was brought up in a Christian home all my life, and regularly went to church. However, whilst in my second year at Uni, I had a sudden feeling of emptiness and nothingness. I knew I wanted more meaning to my life, but didn’t know what or how. I knew of a Christian lady in my hall of residence then, so I went up to her, shared what I felt, and she read Romans 7:15 ‘I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do.’ And that just described me! I haven’t looked back since.

KTF: Can you share some information about your career path, and the ways in which

INTERVIEW 21

your faith has inspired you as you pursued your career goals?

TO: My desire to work with young people was something I grew up with. My late mum (Chief Mrs Veronica Nwadike), being a headteacher, was also instrumental in instilling in my siblings and I the ethos of volunteering. We took up various roles, including homework club help, library assistant, and other tasks in any school she headed. Seeing the impact on the kids, as a result of my involvement, gave me such a buzz that I was making a difference!

However, my career kicked off working in the City, with firms such as Balfour Beatty, Borders and IBM but, after a few years, I began to get restless and wanted to do something more worthwhile, beyond making profits for big City firms! This coincided with the birth of my youngest child in 2000; I had an unquenchable desire to work for something that would make a positive influence on this generation and generations to come. I finally narrowed down my next career option to either working for a not-for-profit organisation involving young people, or the Office of the Third Sector. Seven months into my maternity leave, I spotted a job advert for the Princess Diana Award for Young People; I knew that job was for me, although if I were successful, I would have to accept a £13,000 pay cut. I got the job…

Twelve years later, I am delighted to be the CEO of that amazing organisation, the Diana Award.

KTF: What are your plans for the Diana Award in forthcoming months?

TO: We continue our international expansion, and are seeking corporate supporters to fund the work in various countries. I am passionate to engage with more countries in the Caribbean, as we have already started the work in Jamaica, also with Africa, giving back to my roots. We are also expanding into Scotland and Northern Ireland. The coming months will see me travel a bit, to ensure the smooth set-up of our regional bases. My biggest priority is to secure corporate backers who will see the need to build up the next generation of young people.

KTF: How do you relax when you’re not working?

TO: I love going to the gym. It frees my mind up.

I love running in open spaces. I also love cooking, and watch a lot of cookery shows, and then try it out on my family as my guinea pigs.

I also love socialising with my friends - they keep me sane and normal - so I love doing dinner dates, too. On holiday, I love lazy days!

KTF: Lastly, what message would you like to share with Keep The Faith readers, particularly those 25 and under?

TO: My message for young people is to keep busy. Find something to do; tap into those skills and passion that you have, and use it to make your dream or someone else’s dream come true.

By reaching out to someone, you will inadvertently meet your needs, too. Get excited, and make change happen in your world!

For more information, visit www.diana-award.org.uk

‘Every young person needs a ladder, and anyone/any organisation can step in to provide that ladder. I think the Church has a huge role in being an effective ladder for our young people’ KTF: As a believer and a leader of a major charity, how can or should the Church support young people, particularly in this current climate where it’s difficult to get work?

TO: Wow…I have so much to say on this topic.

This is an area I am hugely passionate about and would love to do more to help. It breaks my heart to see how a lot of young people lack direction, support and motivation. In some cases, this is because parents are too busy, not present, or don’t have enough understanding of the education system. Whatever the reason, the Church has the opportunity to be the bridge that fills the gap. But, unfortunately - I see this all the time - the offering is tokenistic, non-tangible and, in many ways, not relevant to the needs of the young people, thereby leaving the young people without some basic skills that will enhance their job chances. Every young person needs a ladder, and anyone/organisation can step in to provide that ladder. I think the Church has a huge role in being an effective ladder for our young people. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

22 INTERVIEW

GUVNA B: HAPPY BEING ODD ONE OUT When Guvna B released his second album, Odd1Out, in May, it entered the Christian music charts at Number 1, making him the UK’s most well-known gospel rapper. He spoke to Keep The Faith about his music, being different, and touching the world for God.

O

ne gospel rapper, who is blazing a trail that others are following, is Guvna B. His recently-released second album, Odd1Out, topped the official Christian and Gospel Albums Chart and, in the process, he made history by becoming the first UK gospel artist to do so.

This great accomplishment heralded a number of media appearances for the Guvna, including a spot defending gospel rap on BBC programme, The Big Question, which discusses key moral issues.

Guvna B hopes his chart success will inspire others. “I feel humbled to be the first gospel artist and urban act to be Number 1 in the Chart.

For me, it’s not so much about the competition; I just feel that it’s great for someone from my scene to be represented. Hopefully, this opens the door for many more. I grew up on a council estate in East London. The odds were stacked against me, but I’m a graduate, and I have a Number 1 album. With God, anything is possible.”

The ethos behind Odd1Out is simple. Guvna B wants listeners of the album to recognise that it’s OK to be different, stand out and follow Christ. He shared, “In school, it was the ‘in’ thing to fit in and follow the crowd. Everyone wanted to be in the cool crowd. It wasn’t ’til I left school that I realised that, actually, if you follow the crowd, you get lost in the crowd. So this album is making it the ‘in’ thing to stand out and walk in your God-given purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says that we’re all God’s handiwork, created to do good works that God has prepared in advance for us. Odd1Out encourages people to take pride in their God-given uniqueness.”

@keepthefaithmag

There are numerous artist collaborations on the album, including tracks with US gospel artist Canton Jones, Jorim Kelly from Hillsong, and LZ7.

One of the surprise collaborations is between Guvna B and Keisha Buchanan, formerly of leading pop group, Sugababes. Guvna B explained, “Keisha and I have become great friends in the last few years. She saw me win the MOBO and was impressed with my stuff, and I was encouraged to hear how her faith had helped her a lot through difficult times in the industry.

She’s a multi-million-selling recording artist, so her pearls of wisdom are valuable! I call her my big sis!”

And what are his views on gospel artists collaborating with pop stars? “I think that if there’s that middle ground of faith in Jesus, then it’s a strength, as pop stars have a massive fan base that need to hear about Jesus. As long as the music of the pop star doesn’t contradict (the message) of the Bible, I’m all for it.”

Alongside his music ministry, Guvna B has his own radio show on Premier Gospel, and is one of the few UK gospel artists to serve as a charity ambassador. At present, he is an ambassador for Christian child sponsorship charity, Compassion UK, who’ll be supporting his first ever UK tour which kicks off in September, and also for Youth for Christ.

Part of his work for Compassion UK involved him going to Ghana, his parents’ homeland. It was an experience he found memorable. “I loved Ghana. It was inspiring on so many levels. When I saw the poverty and the kids out there, I thought ‘Wow, if my parents didn’t come over to England, that could have been me.’ It inspired me to want to help out a lot more and to do more mission over there.

I’m going back every year now! Next year with an afrobeat song!

Guvna B also does youth mentoring. “It’s important that kids have positive role models at that age. I didn’t have many at my age, so I always make sure I make time for that. The kids respond really well to my music and story. I think because I haven’t had a silver spoon and I grew up on an estate, they can mostly relate. The fact I made a success of myself speaks volumes to them. It just shows that, no matter your background, there’s no excuse not to do well.”

Thankfully, Guvna B’s faith in God continues to keep him level-headed, and also gives him the courage to be the ‘Odd1Out’, proclaiming his faith through music. Long may he continue.

Guvna B will be going on a nationwide tour, and will be in London on September 13, Birmingham on September 15, Glasgow on September 20, and Sheffield on September 27. Visit www.spiltmilkbookings.com/events for further details.

INTERVIEW 23

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 FEATURE

Dr Tayo: A leader of our times

founded New Wine Church in 1993, and was, until his passing, its Senior Pastor. Pastor Michael Olawore, Dr Tayo’s right hand man for many years, and member of the New Wine Church leadership team stated: “We mourn the loss of Dr Tayo Adeyemi, an inspirational and irreplaceable leader; loving husband; father and friend. However, we celebrate the impact of his life, work, and are challenged to follow his example of dedication, courage, humility and unforgettable servanthood.

Our prayers are for his wife, three sons and the family of New Wine Church.”

Other church leaders who paid tribute to Dr Tayo included Dr Joe Aldred, head of the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF). He stated, “I recall inviting him to speak at a Church of God of Prophecy regional convention during the mid 1990s. He had so evidently sought God for a word for us, and delivered that word with clarity and rare insight. The high-water mark of excellence we experienced typified his ministry generally, which is why his contribution to the propagation of the Christian faith in this country and beyond will live on for many years to come.”

Rev Yemi Adedeji, Director of the One People Commission, said, “Dr Tayo Adeyemi was a General for Black Christians in the UK. He pioneered a new way of doing church amongst Black majority churches, and his leadership style and spirit of excellence have become a footprint for many emerging young leaders today.”

The Christian community pays tribute to the late Dr Tayo Adeyemi, founder of New Wine Church in Woolwich, south-east London

O

ne of Britain’s foremost Black mega churches, New Wine Church in Woolwich, south-east London, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with its Maximise Life conference and a special civic service.

Dignitaries present included the Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor Angela Cornforth, who paid tribute to the church’s work in the borough, which included distributing 23,000 Christmas food hampers complete with a turkey and vegetables for disadvantaged families between 2002 and 2012. And when the church leadership handed Councillor Cornforth a special gift commemorating its 20th anniversary, in a manner typical of New Wine Church, it was a gift to bless everyone: 10 benches to be placed in the borough’s various parks.

These generous acts were at the heart of New Wine’s mission, and typical of its founder, the late Dr Tayo Adeyemi, who died after a long illness on June 30.

Under Dr Tayo’s leadership, the church became one of the UK’s most well-known Black mega churches, and currently attracts up to 5,000 people to its weekly services.

Not only did the church attract huge crowds, it carried out a welter of social projects locally and internationally. These included: running career initiatives for the unemployed; business start-up seminars; donating books to schools; running a food bank, and responding to international crises, such as the Haiti earthquake and the Asian Tsunami, as well as funding overseas @keepthefaithmag

water projects; supporting missionary activity, and training and equipping church leaders.

Countless thousands across the world benefited from Dr Tayo’s teaching ministry programmes, which were broadcast on radio and TV. Dr Tayo made it his mission to not only spread the Gospel, but also to challenge Christians to impact their local communities and wider world. And he personally mentored numerous church leaders and business owners.

It’s no wonder that, when he died, the Christian community mourned the loss of a great leader.

In paying tribute to Dr Tayo, Bishop Wayne Malcolm, founder of iCan Ministries, wrote a Facebook post describing Dr Tayo as “a five-star general and a patriarch in the faith, who has literally blessed the lives of millions with his amazing teaching gift.” Praise and worship leader Noel Robinson wrote, “He was one of the great pastors of this generation - a true General..!”

Dr Tayo, as he was affectionately known,

Rev David Shosanya, Regional Minister and Director of the London Baptist Association, shared, “My definitive memory of Dr Tayo is of a deeply humble man, a gentleman, whose passion to express the love of God caused him to have a global vision for ministry and mission that reached well beyond the UK and into terrains that African leaders were not expected to enter.

Dr Tayo was a pioneer and a gentleman!”

Dr Tayo was born in England to Nigerian parents, and was taken to Nigeria as a young child, where he completed his education and medical training as a doctor. He became a Christian as a young boy, and got the call to share the Gospel in 1981. Whilst in medical school, Dr Tayo founded a student fellowship, which grew to a movement of more than 3,000 students in over 30 Nigerian universities and colleges in five years. He also helped found three Chapters of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship in different parts of Nigeria.

He came back to England with the intention of training in general surgery. It was in the midst of pursuing his studies that he felt led to found New Wine Church in 1993.

The rest, as they say, is history. He is survived by his wife Joke, and three sons.

FEATURE 25

all of a sudden there would be allies at the table of decision making. This is just one example of how being involved in politics - albeit at a local level - would help to overcome so many obstacles churches face today.

SAMUEL KASUMU

is an author and member of the Tory Party

W

hen you attend any Christian youth conference, relationships, careers, leadership and sin tend to be amongst the themes you’ll hear from the sessions. Very seldom would you ever hear of a message on getting involved in public life. Having young people involved in politics doesn’t really seem like a priority for the Church today, and this is a problem.

I myself got involved in politics from an early age, joining the Conservative Party at 19. It has been a very challenging experience to date, and there have been tough moments, but overall, the privilege of being involved within the political system has allowed me to have a much broader perspective. At 25 years, I sit at the table with key decision makers, with the hope of ensuring people from similar backgrounds to myself have a voice.

This isn’t because I’m necessarily more special than anyone else, but because, unfortunately, there simply aren’t enough people that are also getting involved.

The Bible that tells us, ‘When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice’ (Proverbs 29:2). The Bible also tells us to ‘obey the laws of the land’, and Jesus Himself, the Son of God, established a precedent when He said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” In this Scripture, I believe Jesus was carrying on a common thread that can be seen throughout the Bible: the idea that government plays a part in God’s plans for humanity. If it wasn’t for what some call the ‘common grace’ of government, roads wouldn’t be built; medical care wouldn’t be available (for free, in the case of Britain); law and order wouldn’t be structured and, of course, education would still be seen as a privilege and not a right. Our faith allows

‘Politics is important, and for the next generation of Christians to have a significant stake in society, we must all ensure that we get involved in a significant way.’

Believers:

It’s time for deeper engagement in politics Samuel Kasumu shares why it’s important for young Christians to take a deeper interest and engage more meaningfully in politics, whether on an individual or corporate level for government, not because it is a perfect system, but because the alternative within an imperfect world is anarchy.

The question should therefore be how should young people engage with the political? I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all answer to this, but I do feel that our engagement should always be more than the simple attendance at a ballot box every four or five years. We must be engaged at a local and national level both corporately and individually - if our voice is to be one that is respected in society today.

In May 2014, there will be local elections across the United Kingdom, and this will offer us all an opportunity to engage with politics at a level that impacts most churches today. I’m sure we have all heard the pastor asking the church to pray about the planning permission application to go through, instructing the church to exercise their faith, as the church believes in God for growth. Prayers for God’s will in such a circumstance are critical but, of course, we must have the action to correspond, which is where things often go wrong. A planning committee tends to be made up of local politicians, who are elected by the local area, and are made up of local people. Imagine for one minute that those local people were from the local church, or had links to the local faith communities, and were inclined to support the work of the church. Instead of having the hope for a hard heart to be softened,

I would then say, when it comes to national politics, that one should first find the special interest groups within a party, as it is very easy to become lost within the multiplicity of a large party with 100,000s of members. For example, if you’re interested in the Christian movement within a party, the Conservatives have the Conservative Christian Fellowship, Labour has the Christian Socialist Movement, and the Liberal Democrats have a their own fellowship also. There are also other groups that focus on representing other specific groups within a party, including women and youth wings. Most political parties have what we call a ‘broad church’.

This means that there is something for everyone to get involved in that will speak to something aligned to your purpose, and will also form a platform from which to be established. It also means that you very quickly end up engaging with some of the leading political figures that once seemed so distant.

I myself am a member of the Conservative Friends of International Development, as it’s an area of passion.

I’m also on the management board of the Tory Reform Group, and the Council of a group, headed by Sir John Major, called the Bow Group.

Politics is important, and for the next generation of Christians to have a significant stake in society, we must all ensure that we get involved in a significant way. Yes, we do need more Christians running in elections, but we also need people willing to simply get stuck in at a local level, making sure that the interests of our Christian communities are never forgotten.

Samuel Kasumu is a member of the Tory Party and founder of Elevation Networks, a youth employment charity. He is also the author of Winning The Race. Visit www. elevationnetworks.org for more details www.keepthefaith.co.uk

26 FEATURE

YOUNG PEOPLE

TOUCHING THEIR WORLD Keep The Faith profiles three young people impacting their communities, and hears how their faith in Jesus influences their lives, their goals, and their desire to make a difference in the world.

shekinah Griffith Shekinah Griffith, 26, is a Communications Assistant & Marketing Administrator, and also runs her own company, Dynamik Lifestyles.

She also works with children and young people, and attends the New Testament Church of God, based in Nottingham. Shekinah was a recipient of the Exceptional Young Woman’s Award at the 2013 Wise Women Awards.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): How long have you been a Christian, and what inspired you to follow Jesus?

SG: I became a Christian at the age of 9, during a family devotion, at the time of the Dunblane School shooting. My mum explained that God gave humans free will, the ability to choose what we do with our lives. She said that the most important choice we have to make is whether or not we serve God or reject Him. I chose to serve Him and to do good not bad.

KTF: How does your faith in Jesus impact your life and the things that you do?

SG: From a young age, I was aware that the choices I made would impact my life and the lives of those around me. As I grew and learned more about God and His Word, I understood that God wanted me to have a full life and, through Him, anything was possible. That faith gave me the confidence to dream, step out into new areas, and try new things.

KTF: What’s your greatest achievement to date?

SG: Whilst at Camp America, God allowed me to share elements of my faith with the young people I worked with, and to be a light in their lives. Recently on Facebook, I’ve been able to reconnect with some of the kids from camp, several of whom are now Christians, graduating university, and going on to do some great things. Hearing how something I said or did eight years ago helped them is real blessing to me.

KTF: What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

SG: In ten years, I’d love to be involved in a youth initiative that is changing the way young people engage with the Gospel and with God; something that equips and enables young people to

@keepthefaithmag

achieve their full potential, regardless of what background they come from. My hope is that God will allow me to create something dynamic that achieves that goal, through my company, Dynamik Lifestyles, and through the work I do with other organisations.

KTF: How do you want your life to influence your fellow young people?

SG: I want them to see past their physical circumstances, take God at His Word, and trust Him to make a way for them. I grew up on free school dinners, without the means to have the latest clothes or gadgets. Because of my circumstances, I was told I’d never see my dreams come true. God made a way for me, despite my circumstances, and He can do the same for anyone who dares to take Him at His Word.

Visit www. dklifestyles. co.uk for more details

Nicola W Nicola Witter (also known as Ni-Cola), 31, serves as Director of Manchester Community Spirit, a Christian arts charity that works with young people. She is also a MOBO-nominated gospel artist, and currently attends Jubilee Church in Manchester.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): How long have you been a Christian, and what inspired you to follow Jesus?

NICOLA WITTER (NW): I made a commitment to Christ when I was 14/15 years old. I chose to follow Christ, not only to avoid hell, but I had a real sense as a teenager that God is totally real, and wanted to live a life that God would be pleased with.

KTF: How does your faith in Jesus impact your life and the things that you do?

NW: I guess the reality is it’s His faith in me, the fact that He would trust me to do His work of reaching His people with the Good News. Being a Christian makes you compassionate; it makes you want to be a

FEATURE 27

Witter problem solver, an answer to prayer, and to show the world just how much God loves us all. It definitely influences me in my job also. I see it as a direct response to God wanting to reach young people, who often times feel very lost, forgotten, unheard and even unloved. I want to show people that, regardless, God cares.

KTF: What’s your greatest achievement?

NW: Now, that’s a difficult one; there has been so much that God has done. A recent achievement was the setting up of my Christian arts charity, back in November 2012. I had dreamt of this for years, and now, to be in our own premises, working with amazing young people, truly is a dream come true. Praise Jesus!

KTF: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

NW: I see myself managing a Christian Arts Academy for young people across the UK. Also settled down with a family, and using my life to win millions of souls for Jesus.

KTF: How do you want your life to influence young people?

NW: I want young people to see that Christ is worth living for, and that, when all hope is gone, He’s right there in the midst of it all.

I want to see the young people I have mentored and worked with over the years become strong in their faith, following Jesus, owning businesses, making an impact, and influencing their generation. I want young people - especially the ones from the Black community - to believe in themselves, to want to be educated, and to revive the positive attitude within our culture.

faith child Michael ‘Faith Child’ Ayo, aged 24, is a MOBO-nominated recording artist, TV producer, and presenter of OH TV’s urban music programme, Uprise. He is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God De-Vine Sanctuary in Croydon.

KTF: What’s your greatest achievement to date?

FC: Amongst the awards and tours, I would probably say seeing over 230 young people make a decision to live for God on my tour last year in Europe. The message of my music is that of hope and love, and when you see the greater message - of getting to know Christ - come to pass before your eyes, it’s a great feeling and one to celebrate.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): How long have you been a Christian, and what inspired you to follow Jesus?

FAITH CHILD (FC): I have been a Christian for as long as I can recall: the testimony behind my birth, my being, and God intervening, just moments before my mother was due to abort me. This gave me tunnel vision as to why my life was spared, and that was to serve Him. My story of how God can give purpose to a ‘mistake’ is one too big not to share. That’s all the inspiration one needs to follow Christ.

KTF: What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

FC: Opening doors for UK Gospel, making a difference, and taking good music to the masses in the UK and overseas. Now this will be in the form of releasing music, touring, using my influence to effect change, and standing as an ambassador for positivity and all things good.

KTF: How does your faith in Jesus impact your life and the things that you do?

FC: It impacts my life majorly, and I have taken Christian living seriously from a very young age, which has resulted in me still being a virgin at the age of 24! Many a time, people look at me weirdly for not fitting in with the ‘norm’, but hey, I guess I’m not from this world ;-)

KTF: How do you want your life to influence your fellow young people?

FC: I want my life to reflect that it is cool to live for God and to stand for positivity and all things good. I came from a single parent household, with a domestic violence background, and I want my life to show that, regardless of your story, God can make something great out of it and out of you.

Visit www.faithchildmusic.com for more details

Visit www.manchestercs.org.uk or www.ni-cola.com for more details

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

28 FEATURE

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid

Feeding the hungry Dionne Gravesande looks at the phenomenon of food in modern-day society. She asks why so many people throughout the world are going hungry, and what the Church can do to ensure people get fed

I

n recent months, I have met parents - particularly single mums - in a real state of worry about how they will feed good, healthy food to their children, and not the £1.99 snack box culture we currently have. “The cost of food is ridiculous,” said one mum, and another simply groaned, “My son is eating me out of house and home.”

Are people eating more? Are farmers not producing enough? Are the supermarkets making profit on our hunger? What, exactly, is going on? Gone are the days when we grew our own produce in the backyard and when we picked fresh fruit from local trees. As a child, I have vivid memories of my father planting a whole array of vegetables during the spring, and in August/September he would harvest all, and share the abundance with friends and neighbours.

With summer holidays approaching, I reflected on the many UK families struggling to make ends meet, and asked what is the role of the Church in supporting them.

According to Christian charity, Trussell Trust, 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK. The Trust foodbanks provide a minimum of three days’ emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis. In 2012-13, Trussell’s foodbanks fed 346,992 people nationwide, of which 126,889 were children. These shocking figures show the extent of poverty in the UK, with half a million people now relying on emergency food parcels for help. For me, these stats are outrageous; my heart sank further after reading Jamie’s story. He says, “If there were no foodbank, I’d have to steal something to feed my family.”

With overwhelming evidence, the simple reality is that foodbanks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

A simple box of food makes a big difference.

Food has become an extraordinarily complex and emotive subject, full of contradictions.

Cookery books dominate the bestseller lists, and there are whole television channels dedicated to programmes about cooking. Yet stats also inform us that obesity - especially childhood obesity - is turning into a serious national epidemic. So, how @keepthefaithmag

it is that children in parts of our country are suffering from malnutrition, if we live in times of enough food for all? Are we confused about what constitutes ‘healthy eating’; confused by the labelling on the food we buy; confused about what the solutions might be? How is it that the cost of buying good, wholesome food is so expensive, and whose fault is it? These questions need answering, and a response is needed from both Church and State.

Churches should recover the ministry of hospitality and compassion. Could it be that our comfortable lives means fewer join us around our dinner tables? And that we don’t open our homes as frequently to those in need, because it messes with our schedules? Whether busy or not, we need to hold ourselves accountable to the ministry of Christ. As believers, we should intentionally seek out those who need our help. Whether you do this as a church or as an individual, the point is do something, maybe consider the Trussell Trust, who partners with churches and communities to open new foodbanks nationwide.

As for a State response, I have to agree with Rev Dr Kathy Galloway, who recently reiterated, “The great community problem of our modern world is how to share bread.” We know that the gap between the rich and poor, after thirty post-war years of narrowing, has been followed by years

of widening, so wide that there has never been a time in human history when it was so great, or affected so many people. Food is a basic sustenance of humanity. “Bread for myself,” wrote a great Russian thinker, “is a physical question; bread for my neighbour is a spiritual question.”

My neighbour’s lack of bread, my neighbour’s struggle for the means of life, is, spiritually speaking, my question. It is for this reason the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign was launched. Nearly one billion people go to bed hungry every night, and three million children die from malnutrition every year. Political leaders need to act on the four big issues that mean so many people do not get enough food.

Enough Food For Everyone • IF we give enough aid to stop children dying from hunger, and help the poorest families feed themselves.

• IF governments stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries, and pay what is due.

• IF we stop poor farmers being forced off their land, and grow crops to feed people, not fuel cars.

• IF governments and big companies are honest and open about their actions that stop people getting enough food. For more information, go to www.enoughfoodif.org.

The problem of how to share bread is not a new one. The Gospel reminds us of Jesus feeding the crowds by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus has to live with the huge tensions that were erupting round about Him; struggling to find time and space for solitude and prayer; reaching out in compassion to the people who crowded round Him wherever He went, full of need and a reawakened hope.

And the Scriptures record that everyone ate.

It is, I think, one of the most beautiful images in the Bible, this picture of sufficiency, of sharing, of a basic need satisfied – no one going hungry, and some left over. Now pause for thought, and don’t just imagine it; be part of making it happen in your communities!

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30 COMMENT

Helping men to man up in the 21st century Recent reports state that up to 1 million children have no contact with their fathers.

Rev David Shosanya looks at the reasons for this, and argues that the Church should help men renegotiate what it means to be a man and father in the 21st century

REV DAVID SHOSANYA

is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association

F

inding Nemo is a classic Disney film that tells the tale of a father, who relentlessly embarks on a treacherous and demanding journey to find his son, Nemo, who was captured by poachers during a swimming training exercise. Nemo and his father are fishes. But don’t let that deter you; the message of the film is clear: fathers are meant to, and do, look out for their children; nurture, protect, provide and, ultimately, put their lives on the line for them if required to do so.

Sadly, the image of fatherhood portrayed in Finding Nemo - some would assert - is arguably less evident, and not the desired expression of fatherhood that is predominant in British society.

A recent Report*, produced by the influential think tank, The Centre for Social Justice (founded

by Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain DuncanSmith) highlighted what can only be described as startling and disturbing trends in the number of children - up to one million in the UK - who have little or no contact with their fathers (or with any other male role model for that matter), and suggests that if the upward trajectory continues, the numbers will rise by a further million by 2015.

The temptation - and even the preferred reaction by some - is to have a knee-jerk reaction, and to paint an apocalyptic picture of the future of families and fathering, by spurting sound bites about everything from the impending and imminent demise of the family; the declining standards in manliness; the disproportionate burdens that are placed on women which, in effect, oppress and exploit them; to the burden such ‘families’ are to the State. These are all realities, which should be considered seriously when confronting such statistics. However, they do not offer the correct lens through which to seek to negotiate the problem and, in fact, can, if we are not careful, lead us up the wrong path in seeking to identify solutions.

My contention is that, if we are to adequately engage with, arrest and reverse the trend in the upward trajectory of absent fathers, we have to address the much deeper problem of the changing

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role of men and, by extension, the malaise or crisis in male identity. In other words, addressing the issue of fathering, without acknowledging that it is in fact a symptom and manifestation of a larger problem to do with the changing face of masculinity, will be futile. There is not adequate space here to sufficiently explore the multifaceted nature of the problem. However, one doesn’t need to be a genius to recognise that the complexity emerging from the need to renegotiate the parameters of traditionally-ascribed gender characteristics and functions is inevitably fraught with difficulties.

The challenge is either to engage with reality, difficult as it may be, or bury our heads in the sand.

The former is necessary, and the latter is frankly not an option. So how can we move forward?

I will suggest three practical things we can do.

Firstly, churches must take seriously the need to understand and assist men to wrestle and negotiate with the rapid and constant cultural changes, alongside the consequential impact that redefinition and reorientation of gender roles is having on men and in wider society. While the Bible offers valuable insights into the role of men, we must take seriously the need to locate those insights within specific cultural dynamics. Therefore, ignoring or

relegating culture-specific challenges because of our scriptural insights is immature. Maturity demands that we hold the two in tandem.

Secondly, male leaders have the privilege and opportunity to be appropriately transparent about the inner struggles they have to negotiate. This can have the liberative power of freeing men from the unnecessary burden of having to hide behind masks, and creating fictional narratives around which to live their lives. Furthermore, it serves to remove the mythical status that is projected upon those individuals in leadership.

This should be coupled with positive exhortations for men to be intentionally involved with and committed to their families.

A word of warning is necessary here. Leaders must exercise appropriate caution in the manner in which they seek to encourage men in public spaces. The danger is that, coupled with the fictional and mystical status that is often projected onto male leaders, exhortations may be viewed by observers as statements of achievement, which lead to unnecessary and unhelpful comparisons domestically and within the church community.

Thirdly, and lastly, being intentional in establishing and resourcing men’s groups can provide much needed support between men, and can further foster a spirit of camaraderie that makes peer accountability possible. In this arena, men can share ‘good practice’ as well as practical resources. The space to relax, chat, connect and possibly ‘sound off’ to other men should not be underestimated! (*Fractured Families - Why stability matters, June 2013)

COMMENT 31

• The small group structure is founded on the solid rock of relationships, not on personalities or events.

• It can establish family Bible study.

Families can study the Bible systematically in classes, and also use those well-prepared texts at home, empowering parents to provide Christian leadership.

REV STEPHEN BROOKS is National Development Manager for Excell 3

E

dward Kimball lived over a hundred years ago, and his name does not appear in any history books, because he was a ‘simple’ Sunday School teacher in Chicago, who taught a class full of teenage boys. One Sunday, he got a new student and, after a few months, led the boy (whose name was Dwight) to Christ. That was the beginning of the ministry of Dwight L Moody, one of the greatest American evangelists of modern times.

Moody’s international speaking engagements took him to the British Isles, where he preached in a little chapel pastored by a young man named Frederic Meyer. In his sermon, Moody told an emotional story about a certain Sunday School teacher he had known, who personally went to every student in his class and led every one of them to Christ. That message changed Meyer’s entire ministry, inspiring him to become an evangelist like Moody.

Meyer preached in America several times. Whilst he was preaching in Northfield, Massachusetts, a young preacher sitting in the back row heard Meyer say, “If you are not willing to give up everything for Christ, are you willing to be made willing?” That remark led J Wilbur Chapman to respond to the call of God on his life. Chapman went on to become one of the most effective evangelists of his time. A volunteer by the name of Billy Sunday - a famous baseball player - helped set up his crusades. He eventually took over Chapman’s ministry, and God used Billy Sunday’s preaching to turn thousands of people to Christ.

Inspired by a 1924 Billy Sunday crusade in North Carolina, a committee of Christians dedicated themselves to reaching that area for Christ.

The committee invited the evangelist, Mordecai Ham, to hold a series of evangelistic meetings there in 1932. A lanky 16-year-old sat in the huge crowd; he gave his life to Christ.

His name was Billy Graham - arguably the greatest evangelist of the 20th century. All this started with the work of a faithful Sunday School teacher named Kimball.

Many pastors today are convinced that the Sunday School is no longer an

‘It is my conviction that Sunday School has not lost its effectiveness as a tool to promote church growth.’

SUNDAY SCHOOL ROCKS! Rev Stephen Brooks looks at the role Sunday Schools have played in raising up great Christian leaders, and argues that they are a key ministry of the Church, and are deserving of greater support and resources effective method for reaching the lost or increasing church membership. They believe it is antiquated and irrelevant. Some feel it is no longer a viable means of ministry, or worthy of church priority.

It is my conviction that Sunday School has not lost its effectiveness as a tool to promote church growth. It exists to teach the Word of God, and still remains the best chance for a church to reach people, teach, minister and make disciples.

Some reasons why Sunday School is still an effective growth tool are: • It’s familiar. Most people who have any church background have been involved in a Sunday School programme of some kind.

• It can provide a space for reaffirming fundamental principles, providing a solid foundation for character development.

• It incorporates many principles of church growth into one department, ie. a clear purpose; provides personal development; is consistent, and also provides the best method for assimilating newcomers so that they become attached to the church family.

• It gets people involved in service, and provides many opportunities for people with differing gifts to be involved in ministry.

The problem with Sunday School today is not with the programme itself.Rather, the problem is with the priority and the purpose that church leaders place on it.

For many pastors, it has become a glorified childminding service, without an intentional evangelistic purpose.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).

Sunday School can fulfil the role of teaching values to children; it teaches them what is good behaviourally and what is not. It also helps them make sense of the world, and answers all the “Why?” questions, in ways that secular society can’t. For children from troubled homes, or who are lonely or mistreated by others, Sunday School offers comfort, for they know someone loves and cares for them. Ideally, the parents provide this instruction, but many homes lack such input, in which case Sunday School teachers can fill the gap.

Research, conducted by Faith Journeys in 2011, identified that people do not generally get more religious as they get older. There are older people in churches nowadays, not because they became churchgoers as they got older, but because they continued with habits laid down whilst growing up 72% first considered being a Christian before the age of 19.

In my opinion, the greatest method of evangelism in the 21st century is not revivalism, but Sunday School; it’s not just a programme, it’s an intentional ministry.

For more information about Excell3, visit www.excell3.com

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32 COMMENT

REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain

DO WE STILL HAVE A DREAM? Fifty years ago, American civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Rev Wale HudsonRoberts explores the social conditions that inspired the speech, and what lessons the Church can learn from it

T

his year marks the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King’s historic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. The fact that the speech was unplanned, a kind of spur-of-the-moment thing -possibly prompted

by Mahalia Jackson’s cry: “Tell them about the dream, Martin” - makes the speech even more extraordinary. It is generally recognised that Dr King had delivered a similar rendition to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP). But it cannot be denied that the words delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on 28 August, 1963, came from unexpected places, yet expected places.

At the time of the speech, America’s social context was grim. North and South America were marred by division of the worst kind - legalised segregation, endorsed by the law of the land. Concessions from those who held power seemed improbable. And most Blacks were firmly bolted in poverty not of their own making. Any sense of ‘overcoming’ such herculean obstacles seemed a million miles away. But, for Dr King, founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which organised civil rights activities throughout the United States, ‘overcome’ had to be an option. It was overcome, or the death of the Black race. The choices were that stark.

In August 1963, Dr King led the Great March on Washington, and delivered this memorable speech in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial. In that setting, laden with historical significance, the cry for freedom continued in earnest. The quest for justice moved up a gear: to overcome the horrors of racism was King’s fundamental message. He said, “In a sense, we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a cheque. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note, to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of justice.”

Justice was at the very heart of this speech - racial justice in particular.

To the thousands that stood and listened, including Mahalia Jackson, and the million or so who heard it broadcast on their television sets, the message was unambiguous: “Let our people go.” If you ask the average person what they remember most about Martin Luther King, I imagine the vast majority will make reference to his fabulous, ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Not surprising, after all, more than anything else it was this speech that contributed to his iconic and statesman-like stature. But let us not forget that this was not the only speech of his to receive international public acclaim.

At the Riverside Church in New York City, King delivered an anti-Vietnam War speech - ‘Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence’. Some regarded this speech as an unmitigated disaster, while others, such as King’s partner and strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, James Bevel, described it as King’s most important speech. If anything, the speech was certainly risky,

@keepthefaithmag

because in standing by Vietnamese poor peasants, he was widening his justice convictions. This only served to increase his critics, Black and White, for apparently taking his eye off the racial justice ball. But, by this stage in his ministry, King’s confidence had increased, his convictions broadened.

Increasingly indifferent to his many critics, he began challenging America’s three major injustices: the mistreatment of Black people, women and the poor. All of his speeches, from ‘Beyond Vietnam’ to ‘I Have a Dream’, were punctuated by a single thread - that of justice.

“If the Dream speech is to move towards reality, our local churches need to consider ways of concretising its core values.”

Recently, a colleague asked me a pretty provocative question: “If I had to have my life again, what would I come back as?” As I blurted out the profession, the words of James Cone, who in many ways developed aspects of King’s theology, came rushing to mind: “Racial injustice is not the only injustice in our world - there are many others. Some less important, some more important, but justice is who God is.” Confirming that if I had to have my life again, the profession I would choose, if given a choice, would involve addressing other forms of injustice - not just racial injustice. This is not only where King was but, more importantly, where Jesus was; the colonised Jew did not hesitate to attack all forms of injustice.

Returning to the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, few people can challenge its rhetorical brilliance. The content is also unparalleled. But if the Dream speech is to move towards reality, our local churches need to consider ways of concretising its core values. For King, the local church and the State were the key places of implementation and action. The importance and power of the local church reinforced King’s understanding of church. The responsibility of every local church, even without support from the State, and the need ‘to care for the least of these,’ were central to King’s theology and ecclesiology.

The most recent events in Woolwich confirm that King’s Dream for integration is still far off, but they also confirm that local churches still have a long way to go in terms of addressing the root causes of societal injustice.

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34 INSPIRATION

CLAUDETTE SCHLITTER

is a gospel singer and author of the book ‘I am Loved’

My journey to self -love

Claudette Schlitter chronicles how accepting that she is loved by God - warts and all - helped her overcome bullying, bulimia, depression and low self-esteem

How come, after all this time, I am still unable to look in the mirror and say, “I love me”?’

T

hese were the words that began my journey of self-discovery which, in reality, was a journey of discovering God’s love for me.

As a church girl since childhood, a committed Christian since my teens, and having even attended Bible college, by the time I hit my mid-thirties my faith was pretty solid (or so I thought). But there was one aspect of my life that I had not surrendered to God – my past.

Having been severely bullied as a child and having encountered abuse, fear and self-loathing had become part of my psyche. And it was one Sunday morning before church, when my daughter paid me a compliment and I was unable to accept it, that I realised I still had ‘baggage’ (for want of a better word).

In fact, whenever anyone made an admiring comment, even my husband, I would shuffle uncomfortably, and find something negative to point out to him or her. I suppose we have all done that to some extent - and there is something distinctly British about being selfdeprecating - but I knew that what I felt was not right, especially when Scripture informs us that we are ‘…fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14).

But what do we do when we still carry the thought patterns of our past? As a Christian, I have suffered with depression and the eating disorder, bulimia. These things are hard to admit to anyone, especially in Christendom when we are, at times, pressured into positively ‘confessing’ our lives.

After being unable to accept my daughter’s compliment, I embarked on a daily walk to pursue the truth, and this journey became ‘I Am Loved’. However, I didn’t rake over the past and write a book about it to apportion blame. I did it to acknowledge the truth of how I really felt, and it was this that enabled me to give all my feelings to God. I found my confession in John 8:32, ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’

I used to cover up how I felt, using various coping mechanisms.

When I was a child, I would sing in order to forget the vicious names the bullies called me. Tormented and teased, eventually those names repeatedly played in my head, and the only way I could eliminate them was by imagining I was someone else – someone beautiful, loved and accepted by all. As a teenager, I used to comfort eat, and it escalated into bingeing and purging. Then, as an adult, I even used positive confession, proclaiming a future victory and looking for a better tomorrow, but I never fully appreciated the day that I was in.

@keepthefaithmag

I was unable to ‘rejoice and be glad in it’ (Psalm 118:24).

Too often I spoke the Word, but I did not truly live and breathe it, because I lived with the shadow of fear over my life and, because of that, I was unable to love myself. Fear of past heartaches recurring made me worry about my future, and wonder if I would ever find love. There are countless factors that can cause a person to think the way I did. It could be an abusive relationship; rejection by others; being betrayed or gossiped about by friends – the list of issues that can cause us to fear opening ourselves up to love is endless. Yet, I had to learn that, ‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love’ (1 John 4:18). The negative thoughts, self-loathing, self-pity and fears used to control me, but once I had written them down and faced them, I realised I no longer had to be the frightened girl who thought no one loved her. I was loved by God all along.

“Too often I spoke the Word, but I did not truly live and breathe it, because I lived with the shadow of fear over my life and, because of that, I was unable to love myself.”

We can sit in church and hear sermons week after week on these subjects as we work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12), but it can take time for us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Through writing my story, I fully surrendered the hurt, and I now see myself as God sees me – forgiven and loved through His grace. It was the greatest discovery that I’d made, and it led to my breakthrough with bulimia and depression.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I still don’t say “I love me”, but that’s not because I’m unable to. It’s because I’ve got something better to say: “I am loved.”

Claudette Schlitter is a gospel singer and author of the book ‘I Am Loved’, which is available on Amazon for £8.99, or on Kindle at £6.49. Visit www.claudetteschlitter.co.uk for more information about her ministry

INSPIRATION 35

ESTHER WILLIAMS

You can follow Esther on Twitter: @mew36

is an International Development Journalist

The power of

association Oftentimes, we succeed or fail due to the quality of our relationships with others. Esther Williams shares why it’s important for believers to forge friendships with people who can help us become all that God has planned for us to be

E

ver heard the saying: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’? This implies that likeminded people tend to gravitate towards one another, drawing strength and security from the things they have in common.

This saying is closely related to the power of association. I have learnt over time that the people closest to us are crucial to our altitude or demise in life. Whether we succeed and fulfil our purpose on Earth - or whether our lives are plagued with heartache after heartache - is all determined by our relationships and those we do life with on a day-to-day basis.

I believe that life is meant to have ups and downs. We start off young and inexperienced; in our twenties, we tend to be riddled with insecurities and are finding our feet. In our thirties, we start to find our feet, and then life’s disappointments can almost make us lose our minds. By the time we reach forty, hopefully we should have locked down a certain level of experience and maturity.

Through all of this, it is right relationships that have the power to keep us sane, sanctified and soaring in life.

The Bible teaches us to be mindful of the power that relationships can have on us.

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, ‘Do not be deceived; evil company corrupts good habits.’ Good people - you and I - can be corrupted if we don’t surround ourselves with godly people. We need to prayerfully select those we choose to call our closest friends and who will have influence in our lives.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 states, ‘But we command you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the traditions which he received from us.’ It continues in verse 14 to say, ‘If anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person, and do not keep

company with him, that he may be ashamed.’

And Proverbs 13:20 says, ‘He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.’

Wrong associations are one of the key reasons why many Christians don’t finish well. I am so grateful to God for the people He has brought into my life. Many of the friends I had twenty years ago, I still have today. God uses them to sharpen me, correct me when I’m wrong, and encourage me to climb to greater heights in life and in Christ.

I am terrible at fasting; I hate it because I love food. Every Monday, I pray and fast, but recently I wanted to do a whole week. However, by lunchtime on Tuesday, the canteen menu had caused me to fall! But… I have a friend who can really fast! And I have quite a competitive streak.

The other day, she was in my flat saying she fasts twice a week. That same week, another one of my friends texted me to say she was fasting, and I thought, ‘Well, I am not going to be left out of this!’

I cannot stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are hungry for more of God and passionate about getting things right in life.

I like to associate with people of a similar age to me, whom I have lots in common with.

These tend to be girlfriends whom I have known for a long time. Then, it is crucial for me to have ‘people who have done it’ around me. These could be new friends, or members of my church family, who are more experienced and have lived a lot longer on this Earth than I have. Then I have my secret weapon, stellar associations: Mamas - people who are late sixties plus; their families have all left home, and they just pray and seek the Lord. I have about four of these powerful associations. They are not friends in the typical sense, but I know they will pray for me and cover

my back in the spirit. Let’s face it, we have all done the ‘I will pray for you, sister (or brother)’ thing, and then just forget! We get too busy doing life.

But Mamas will pray and fast and intercede; they don’t have the temptation of the office canteen or the busy lifestyles to contend with.

Associate with wise people, people who have vision, and you will become a person with purpose and direction. That doesn’t mean that you cut people out, who are growing in their faith and making mistakes along the way – we have all been there and we will continue to make our own mistakes. But carefully choose those whom you allow access to your heart. Finally, let Psalm 101 be your prayer: ‘I will sing of mercy and justice to You, O Lord. I will sing praises. I will behave wisely in a perfect way. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes, and hate the work of those who fall away. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.’ God bless you.

Love God, love life, love people. Read Esther’s blog at www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/esther-williams www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 INSPIRATION

Maintaining the God connection

Gladys Famoriyo reminds us that our heavenly Father is always desirous to speak to us, His children, and why it’s important to make time to hear God’s voice

GLADYS FAMORIYO

is a speaker and author of ‘Quit Hiding, Start Living!’, ‘Healing A Discouraged Heart’ and ‘Overcoming Emotional Baggage’.

T

he notion of hearing God speak continues to remain a challenge for many Christians, especially in times when there is a need for direction or assurance. But, rather than find a remedy, it appears some of us prefer to run from one man/woman of God to another to hear a ‘word’, instead of seeking God Himself.

He Still Speaks!

Please don’t get me wrong, whilst there is a time/place for this, I am convinced it is NOT God’s desire for this to be the way of life for us. Granted, in the days of old, prophets like Samuel, Elijah and Elisha were appointed to reveal the mind of God. However, since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, made possible through Christ’s death, the doorway has been opened so we, too, can communicate directly with God. So if the opportunity now exists, why do we still struggle?

Disconnected People To answer this question, we need to look closer to home. Sadly, the hustle and bustle of life has a tendency to diminish our abilities to tune in and listen. When distracted by life, we lose, what I call, our heavenly connection. It really does not take much these days for this to happen, and neither do you have to be in a backslidden state for it to occur. It takes one crying child, a ringing phone, a TV/ radio programme, a Facebook post or tweet, and you find you are no longer mindful of God in that moment.

Accumulate enough of these ‘moments’, throw in a dose of life, a burgeoning to-do list… and this becomes a regular occurrence. “But what about my quiet time?” you might ask. That’s great, if you actually make time for this regularly and you build in time to wait upon God to speak.

But if you are in a hurry, or in clock-watching mode, the chances are you may miss God altogether.

So, is it any surprise we no longer hear?

Being In The Moment

God Is Still The Same!

From the beginning of time, God has shown His desire to communicate with mankind. This is evident - starting from Adam and Eve in Genesis, and ending with John in the Book of Revelation.

Despite the fall of man, God continued to speak, both directly and indirectly, with His own. So, if God spoke then, why would He change now? The Bible already makes known to us that He never changes (James 1:17). He remains the same – yesterday, today and forever. So we can’t say He has one rule for those in biblical times and another for us today. Therefore, if God has not changed (ie. He still speaks), what has changed? @keepthefaithmag

When we box God into speaking at set times, I believe we miss a trick or two. By this, I mean we are missing out on a great opportunity to remain connected to God every moment of the day and at all times. Does this mean praying every moment of the day? Well, kind of. Let’s break it down.

Prayer is a dialogue between you and Father. The act of prayer is NOT limited to getting on your knees, but can include moments of silent prayer, or praying under your breath, in addition to speaking in tongues and praying aloud. So, with this in mind, it is possible to keep the dialogue going all day, especially when we understand that dialogue includes Father speaking, too. It isn’t just one-sided! So, in addition to adopting the right mindset, there needs to be an expectation and yearning on your part to hear from Him. And God always honours such yearnings.

The Art of Listening Regardless of where you are on your Christian journey, you can train your ears to listen, and become privy to heavenly secrets, knowledge, insights and direction through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. To get started, there are some actions I would encourage you to take. These

include actively carving out time to listen (eg. your quiet time), and gradually expanding this to include your work, rest or play. Of course, prerequisite to this is an active relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. It also requires a prayerful life and the constant reading of the Word. The latter is particularly important, so that you are able to discern God’s Word amongst others. One key point to note is that God is NOT going to go against His Word. He won’t tell you to steal or kill, nor is He going to tell you to split someone’s marriage and take his or her partner (Selah!). So let us not get this thing twisted! Know the Word for yourself, so when you hear a word, including that given by another person, the Word you know will set you free. Moreover, the Holy Spirit in you will guide you into all truth.

‘When we box God into speaking at set times, we miss a trick or two… We are missing out on a great opportunity to remain connected to God every moment of the day and at all times.’

One fact you will quickly discover as you begin to listen is that God is interested in all areas of your life. He also delights in your complete dependence on Him. So, in closing, I encourage you to develop your hearing and remain connected. Like Samuel, make your earnest prayer, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT).

And, when you hear, be sure to act on it.

For more details of Gladys Famoriyo’s ministry, visit www.gladysf.com or call 0870 750 1969.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

38 LIFESTYLE

HEARTTOHEART

ESTHER FENTY is a qualified psychologist and pastor’s wife

My adulterous husband keeps picking on our son

I

’ve been married for over 20 years and have three children. My husband, a gifted preacher, was formerly a respected member of our church leadership team. All that changed when it came to light that he had an affair with a lady he was counselling. It had a devastating effect on our family. We’ve come over the worst of it, and are rebuilding our marriage. However I’ve got a new problem. My son has his father’s gift of oration, and is regularly invited to speak at church events. Since the invitations started flooding in, my husband has started generating arguments and saying things to undermine our son. I feel my husband is jealous of our son, because he sees in his son what he failed to be – a true man of God. My son has confided that his father has been physically rough with him, and I’m frightened that these altercations may become violent. I’m hoping your advice will help bring peace to my home.

Susan, Wolverhampton

Esther Fenty says Undoubtedly, your son’s developing ministry is reminding your husband of his past; that would include not only his ministry, but the hurt that he has caused his family. Whilst not totally dismissing the possibility that he could be jealous, it is likely that he is more concerned about trying to prevent his son from falling into a similar trap.

However, it appears that, although you are trying to rebuild the family, your husband still feels insecure about the relationship with his son, and finds it painful to counsel him about avoiding similar pitfalls. His way of handling the @keepthefaithmag

situation is to be negative, perhaps in the hope that it would discourage his son from being too ‘big-headed’. However, resorting to being ‘physically rough’ (however that is interpreted) with his son is a matter of concern.

I suspect that, since your son has confided in you about his father being ‘physically rough’, you do not always have firsthand experience of the altercations. In order to attempt to resolve the conflict, you will need to observe (wherever possible) and then act. You will need to observe the situation neutrally, making sure that you are not taking sides. You will need to discuss the behaviour with whoever is the perpetrator.

I suspect that, at different times, it will be either of them. Remember, it takes two to tango.

If it is not possible to observe, and you are getting the information secondhand from your son, you will need to discuss this with your husband. As a couple who are trying to rebuild your marriage, you should be attempting to keep the lines of communication open. From his response, you will know whether your husband has been unaware of his behaviour, and whether his behaviour betrays some other deep-seated problem. It could be that, after a discussion, father and son could talk together and come to a mutual understanding, or a 3-way meeting, with you being the mediator is needed. If you have a mediation meeting, you will need to do this at a time when all of you are calm.

Although you have said that you are trying to rebuild your marriage, this past affair still seems to loom large within the family situation.

You may benefit from family counselling, so that you can discuss these issues together and move on as a family.

Choir members are giving me the cold shoulder I’ve joined a new church, after moving to take up a new job, and am part of my new church choir. I love singing for God but, since joining my new church choir, I’ve experienced a lot of snide remarks and opposition. I’ve only been in the choir for six weeks, but the choir director has given me a lead. When I go up to sing at practices, however, there are a few people who state loud enough for me to hear, why have I been given a lead. And when I am in the choir changing room, they make it obvious they are giving me the cold shoulder. I don’t want to be the root of any contention. What’s the best way of dealing with this situation?

Josephine, London

Esther Fenty says Unfortunately, these rivalries exist in the place we least expect them to be: the church. Whilst one would expect the church to be welcoming of new members, there will also be some who are jealous of the ‘new kid on the block’. It is possible that those who are speaking against you have their own issues about their gifting, and may be in the choir for the wrong reason.

It depends on why you or anyone wants to be in the choir. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us that ‘God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another’ (New Living Translation). Try to ensure that you serve with your gift.

With that in mind, ignore those discouraging remarks. Be an example to them, so that you give them no excuse.

‘But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ’(1 Peter 3:16).

As you pray for them and love them as Jesus commands us, you will also begin to see a change in them, and friendships will develop.personal characteristics and world views could make it more difficult for you to be compatible. Those things are more likely to split your marriage than sexual incompatibility.

LIFESTYLE 39

‘READY FOR LOVE?’ Matt Brooks shares some insights about how young adults should prepare themselves emotionally and spiritually before embarking on their search for Mr/Mrs Right

MATT BROOKS

is a lover of God, family, music, media and Manchester United FC

Find Matt at www.facebook.com/ MattJABrooks, or follow him on Twitter @mattjabrooks

A

s a young(ish) Christian, I’ve noticed that some of the most popular topics that the majority of my friends and colleagues talk (and even tweet) about are: ‘Finding The One’, ‘Love’ and, of course, the ‘M’ word: ‘Marriage’.

In this article, I share some thoughts that may be beneficial in finding the answer to the question: ‘Ready For Love?’

Have You Unpacked?

A lot of people go into relationships with a truckload of baggage. Before moving on, it’s always a good idea to release the pains and hurts of past relationships because, if you don’t, they will surely unpack themselves in your new relationship.

It’s also important to unpack your expectations. It is really easy to have expectations for someone new to do things for you that a previous partner did, without taking into account that this new person is exactly that: a new person.

Are You Ready?

One of the things I always ask myself is, “Matt, what are you bringing to the table?” Before you even look for love, it’s important to be ready and prepared for love.

As a Christian man, one of the most important things for me is to be a leader submitted to God, and a covering over my household, leading my wife and children into a life that is pleasing to the Lord. That is a great responsibility, and one that makes me take the process of finding a wife VERY seriously.

Are you ready to be that man who, if put in the ‘Adam and Eve situation’, wouldn’t have eaten the fruit, and would have covered your wife, bringing her back to right thinking and repentance to God? Are you a Ruth? Making the sacrifice to serve out of love, wanting nothing in return (which, inevitably, led to her meeting Boaz)?

Husband/Wife Credentials Does the person you think is beautiful/handsome, with an amazing personality and, of course, is a ‘mighty man/woman of God’ have husband/ wife credentials? From an early age, I’ve had the mindset that, if a woman doesn’t have what I’m looking for in my wife and mother of my children, then I won’t waste my time or, more importantly, hers.

The next time you see that person you think is ‘The One’, check your motives and think about it seriously. Does that person possess the necessary qualities - both spiritually and naturally - to be your spouse and parent to your children?

Emotional Purity We are bombarded with information on sexual purity as single Christians, but what is amazing to me is the lack of teaching there is on emotional purity. After all, in a lot of cases, the reason that sexual impurity occurs is because of emotional imbalance or emotional impurity. Do you seek attention so badly that you’ll take it from whoever wants to give it to you? Do you find yourself getting involved with people you have no intention of marrying just to ‘fill the gap’ and have someone to go on dates with? Do you have issues with jealousy? Are you insecure? Do you fall in love with every person who smiles at you or shows him/ herself to be friendly? Are you desperate? Yes? Maybe it’s time to look within and deal with these things, rather than looking for a relationship.

There is so much more to relationships than what I’ve mentioned in this article, but when I think about relationships, and the reason for my being single, these are a few of the things that come to mind. Rather than daydreaming about the perfect wedding day or the trophy wife, I’d love to encourage my friends, colleagues and any single person reading this to look within and prepare for what God has in store for them and, before jumping into a relationship, ask themselves the question: “Am I ready for love?”

Submission Men, are you ready to submit? Women are often bombarded with the topic of submission, while the men often seem to get away with it. I recently heard submission spoken of in a different way. ‘Sub’ means ‘beneath’ and ‘below’, so we can see that submission could be viewed as being under a mission. So, what is this mission? What is God’s mission for our lives (as single people and in marriage, too)?

Purpose I am a strong believer in purpose and destiny, and I think they are intertwined with mission and submission. I take the view that, when choosing a spouse, you MUST think about the purpose God has placed on your life, and where He is taking you, and seek God about whether this person fits in with those plans.

I’m also a strong believer that marriage (especially between Christians) is about far more than just love and romance. God believes in being fruitful and multiplying, and not only in the sense of having children.

What will the fruit/purpose of your relationship be?

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40 LIFESTYLE

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CINNAMON NETWORK CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SPONSORSHIP

ift Aid is an important source of income for many charities registered with the Charities Commission. Gift Aid increases one’s giving by 20%, so a donation of £10 means the church/charity an individual donates to can claim an extra £2, increasing the overall gift to £12 at no extra cost to the one giving, providing they are a UK taxpayer.

The new automated online Gift Aid system went live on 22 April this year. This replaces the old paper forms R68(i) that most charities/ churches use to claim the tax relief they are entitled to. Charities will need to start making preparations to use this new online system.

Don’t be too alarmed if you haven’t started to accommodate these administrative changes; this new system won’t be totally up and running until 30 September 2013! The HM Revenue & Customs will continue to accept the R68(i) forms up until this point. The Institute of Fundraising estimates that over 100,000 charities currently claim Gift Aid, and will need to review the systems they are currently using.

For larger charities (with over 1,000 members), the online system gives charities the opportunity to connect their databases directly to the HMRC computers and submit their Gift Aid claims, or make claims by uploading data using a template spreadsheet, which will apparently make it much easier to administer. and there are more changes expected…

It doesn’t stop there; more changes are expected.

There has been recent talk about the Charity Commission suggesting charging charities, or top-slicing Gift Aid, to fund its services. This came about as a result of the recent cutbacks made by the Government and the Treasury, suggesting that all government departments make further savings of 10 per cent to their spending in 2015/16.

The Charity Commission is unique among regulators, as it gets no funding from those it regulates (unlike Companies House, which charges a range of fees depending on the service you use), and makes a series of suggestions for achieving a more sustainable funding model.

Added to this, they state that it cannot sustain a further funding cut expected in the government’s upcoming Spending Review... so be warned if this is agreed, you just might receive an unexpected fee if you’re a registered UK Charity.

The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme If you are not currently claiming Gift Aid, then you might want to question, Why not? Even as a small charity/church you could be entitled to “The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)”

@keepthefaithmag

LARA RUFUS

BA, MSc is CEO of Crowne Consultancy

The Scheme applies to cash donations of £20 or less, received after 6 April 2013. Charities will need to meet certain conditions so they can qualify for the Scheme. If they do qualify, a charity could claim a top-up payment of up to £5,000 of small cash donations in a tax year - depending on certain circumstances.

CASE STUDY Christ Apostolic Church, Stockwell Christ Apostolic Church, Stockwell is a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide. The Pastor had come from a church where they had experienced difficulties making Gift Aid claims and responding to audits, and was keen to avoid the same happening at Christ Apostolic Church.

Seeing the individuals responsible for handling their Gift Aid; not always having the time required to fulfil their Gift Aid tasks, along with overflowing heaps of donation envelopes which needed a secure place to be stored to avoid damage or loss, it was a straightforward decision to partner with Good to Give, a professional company specialising in Gift Aid management. They are now successfully making regular Gift Aid claims, which helps them achieve their aims and grow their ministry.

Courtesy of www.goodtogive.co.uk June 2013

Remember, you can also claim Gift Aid backdated for up to four tax years prior to the current tax year.

Just think how your church could benefit from this extra source of income: evangelistic outreaches, building/structural renovations, new minibus/ sound system… the list is endless, so make sure you sign up today!

For more details, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/ individuals/giving/gift-aid.htm

The Cinnamon Network will provide sponsorship for partnerships of local churches across towns, cities and boroughs, to host a church-led civic engagement consultation event which will include a focus on how churches can work together to accelerate social action through community franchising, such as Street Pastors, Foodbank and Night Shelter, etc.

Up to £1,000 Sponsorship plus Cinnamon Network advice and promotion are available.

The first round of sponsorship needs to be spent before 31st August 2013. Please contact Adam Dyer via the website: www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk/ civic-engagement-sponsorship Lara Rufus BA, MSc former Chair of the Black Fundraisers’ Network; www.crowneconsultancy.co.uk or email info@crowneconsultancy.co.uk

BE INSPIRED

BY KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE

41

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

42 LIFESTYLE

Money tips for young people

ISAAC CARTER

is the author of ‘Go to the Ant’ - a simple, effective guide to money management

Our materialistic society encourages individuals to spend like crazy.

Isaac Carter provides some tips to enable young adults to make wise financial choices

Train up the child in the way he is to grow, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

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rowing up in today’s consumer-driven society is a serious challenge for young people. The Media, peer pressure, branded sportswear, designer clothes and footwear, smartphones, iPads, game consoles, and the general emphasis on immediate gratification, all scream the same thing at our young people again and again: Spend! Spend!

Spend! The simple fact is that young people are a goldmine for all the big companies seeking to expand their markets with new customers!

At the same time, the current economic malaise is providing obstacles to young people obtaining the meaningful employment they need to meet their financial aspirations.

So, how can young people cope in this environment, and instil discipline and correct values into their relationship with money?

1. There is more to life than money Society gives the impression that money is the answer to all of life’s problems; however, money will not necessarily make you happy. The Bible teaches that ‘the love of money (the obsession and pursuit of money at the cost of all else) is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10), and Luke 12:15 reminds us that an individual’s life consists of more than their possessions. It is essential that the right relationship with money is developed at an early age.

2. It’s never too early to learn Many of the financial problems faced by young people have their roots in young people not being taught about money at an early age. Children grow up learning at a very early age that money is important. Christmas money, birthday money, money from Aunties, Uncles and Godparents, and then there is the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. @keepthefaithmag

But, unfortunately, there is no corresponding education teaching them that money is not to be wasted; it’s to be treated with respect, and it doesn’t grow on trees. The developing of a healthy respect for money in the early years will reap dividends in teenage and young adult years (Proverbs 22:6).

3. Understand the value of money In our get-rich-quick society today, young people are often misled into believing that money is obtainable with the minimum of effort; a career in the entertainment or sports industry, the Lottery and gambling all promise easy access to wealth.

However, the reality is that only a minority of people succeed in this environment and, for everyone else, financial success comes through hard work. Young people need to understand the real value of money; that there’s no such thing as ‘something for nothing’. It needs to be understood that there is a relationship between money and effort in whatever career you choose to pursue.

4. Understanding how to budget The cornerstone of any successful financial strategy is budgeting. As a student receiving your first student loan, or a young person starting your first job, it is essential that you realise that your expenditure cannot exceed your income.

There is nothing wrong with spending money on clothes, going out, and general entertainment, however you need to learn how to treat money responsibly; in other words, how to budget - not necessarily a full-blown spreadsheet, but the basics. Save a little, spend a little will go a long way towards setting the basis of understanding financial management.

5. Understand the value of saving Following on from ‘Understanding how to budget’, it’s never too early to start saving. Parents should teach it to their children, so that as they grow

thorough their teenage and young adult years, it becomes a habit ingrained in their financial values.

6. Acquire financial education Unfortunately, one of the major deficiencies of our society is that it does not prepare young people for financial management, so most of them don’t understand how the world of finance works; they don’t understand credit, debt, what is the best bank account, the best saving accounts.

As a young person, you need to acquire financial education quickly, or you will find out too late that it’s much easier to get into debt than it is to get out of it. There are lots of books and online courses you can buy that teach young people about finance. Remember, knowledge is the key to success in every area of life (Hosea 4:6).

7. Understand the blessing of giving The money you are blessed with is not just for you alone; you are blessed so you can be a blessing and, by giving, more is given back to you (Luke 6:38).

8. What is your true source?

It is important to remember that God is the source of your financial success. Proverbs 10:22 says ‘the blessing of the Lord brings wealth without painful toil’.

In conclusion, remember the financial seeds you sow in your youth will reap a harvest of either wealth or poverty in your later years. Sow wisely, make responsible decisions, and be blessed.

For more details visit www.gototheant.co.uk

LIFESTYLE 43

BUSINESS MATTERS

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

The business of health Denise Roberts speaks to Daphne Alexander, whose business focuses on helping people to become healthy through providing dietary advice Daphne Alexander doesn’t need business testimonials. All she has to do is tell her own personal story.

She runs Restored Naturally, a natural herbal consultancy that helps people make diet and lifestyle changes so the body can heal itself.

Daphne says she “is a totally new person” as a result of the practice. Seven years ago, she suffered from fibroids and periods so heavy, they would confine her to bed for days. She frequently experienced tension, lack of energy, hay fever and sinus problems – until she took the advice of a friend and changed her diet.

“My friend, Angela, a medical missionary [a natural health practitioner with an Edenic viewpoint] said, “You’re sick and you don’t even know it. It’s the food you eat; how do you think sickness enters the body?”

“It was a whole new revelation for me.

Within a week I felt the difference. I was a brand new person. There I was, thinking I was eating right, while I was destroying myself slowly. I had hay fever all year round; I never pinpointed it to my food. The way my skin feels now and the energy I have…

I really do give God the glory. I’m never going back.”

It led to a trip to California for an intense course in the use of herbs, and the beginning of Restored Naturally, which Daphne launched five years ago.

Today, she sees an average of six or seven clients a week. Most people come because they feel sluggish and suffer from a lack of energy. Daphne will prescribe an aloe vera and lemon colon cleansing tea, or an overall detox to address the blood, liver, kidneys and bowels. She also puts clients on a six-week dietary programme that cuts out meat and diary products while the body is cleansing itself. “Otherwise,” she says, “it defeats the whole objective.”

Her clients might also be directed to do dry body brushing, a process that rids the skin of toxins and promotes healthy cell growth.

The results are as good for her clients as they were for Daphne. One, a student nurse, who called recently to say thanks, told Daphne: “I feel so much better; my

How to make the most of infographics Looking for a way to communicate boring or complex information to customers? An infographic can help you to:

stomach has gone down, and people are asking if I bleached because my skin is glowing. I even notice I can concentrate better when studying.”

The business has been growing steadily, and Daphne is now looking forward to introducing a range of healthy recipes she has developed from her research over the years.

She also does talks at events.

Having had her life transformed by the process, Daphne is understandably passionate about her business, but there is another personal reason as to why she feels strongly about it.

“My sister died of cancer. While I was looking after her, her diet included fruit and vegetable juices, and it made me think that if this is good for my sister, then surely it is good for all of us.”

Daphne strongly believes that “God is calling man back to the original diet and the herbs He has given us to sustain and rejuvenate us.”

She has a point, since what is the point of praying for healing, if you aren’t taking reasonable practical steps to take care of your body yourself?

“Exactly,” says Daphne. “God is merciful, but He is not mocked. He has given us these things to sustain us.”

1 Show key facts and figures – on people you’ve reached, popular items sold, or results from using your services.

2 Increase sales – an infographic can

be used to contrast the success of a business that uses PR; outsources their accounts; uses a business mentor or regularly networks, and one that doesn’t.

3 Explain how your service works

– use them to present product or service options; to show customers how to place an order, or as a guide on where to find the right information.

When creating an infographic, use simple images like icons, symbols and signs to help tell your story. Include statistical data and other numerical information to demonstrate comparison, growth or progression. And if your design skills are not that strong, or you’re short on time, buy a graphic template and adapt it for your use. Try www.graphicriver.com, or you may be able to find some free ones on the Internet – though remember to check usage terms!

Make this space work for you To advertise in Keep The Faith call 0845 193 4431 or email advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

44 LIFESTYLE

KENO OGBO

Cyber Corner

is a Writer and Web Designer

My Choice App

Keeping customers close

I

n today’s economic climate, businesses have to innovate and find ways of keeping their customers close and ensuring that every sales lead is followed up. Churches also need to follow up on visitors, and ensure that members and regular attendees are connected with the church and its activities.

With today’s technological advancements, it is relatively easy and cheap to keep in touch with valuable contacts, and to keep them close with internet tools that fall under a general heading of Customer Relationship Management system or CRM for short.

For the past month, I have been looking into the adoption of a CRM system for a growing, medium-sized company. In its simplest form, the address book on your local computer is a CRM system. It may be your primary form of keeping in touch with contacts. If your contacts share a similar profile or interest group, you can create a group and send a single email to the group. Yahoo groups are another popular method which people used to set up communication systems with a group of people who shared a simple interest or goal. Members could subscribe to receive updates weekly or daily, and could post notices, request updates, or any information that was relevant to the group.

Groups can also be used with a similar effect on social media websites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, with the downside being that you have no real control over the privacy of the group nor over the copyright of information shared within the group.

Taking it to the other end of the scale, CRM systems are used by large multi-national companies with millions of subscribers, eg. BT or Virgin Media. These systems cost millions to install, manage and maintain and, depending on their configuration, they manage key processes such as complaints, billings, work requests, sales, etc.

You are probably listed as an account on about 4 or 5 of these systems, and they hold varying data about you; the product you purchased; the phone calls made; any changes made, etc. The intelligence gathered by these systems will enable the company to target you with more products @keepthefaithmag

or correspondence, as the case may be. These systems can be built bespoke for the company or bought off the shelf. Salesforce (www. salesforce.com) is one of the major players in this area, and can manage customers from sales leads to marketing, and then after care services.

3 simple CRM tools you can get started with Very easy ContactMe - Managing contacts and leads www.contactme.com ContactMe is a simple CRM tool that is perfect for churches, charities and small businesses. You can collect sales and subscription leads using a contact form on your website, manage all your contacts, and track tasks. You can set up mobile alerts and/or calendar reminders for contacts.

You can also use a host of reporting tools to review where your contacts are coming from: website, Facebook, adverts, etc, so you can use resources a lot more effectively. Best of all, ContactMe integrates with other branded software, such as mailChimp, Constant contact, Facebook and Wordpress.

If running a small business, you can also assign contacts to stages in the sales cycle, such as sales leads, potential clients and clients.

Seacoast Church I appreciate a good church, and lately I have been spending quite a bit of time on the Seacoast Church app.

Available on iphone and Android.

This free app makes it easy to connect with the church. You can watch sermons, listen to music, and connect with the Seacoast online community.

There is also a live stream to services.

The app was developed by the Church App Group, who are gaining quite a number of clients from several churches in the States.

The app is not quite there in terms of functionality, but it definitely heads in the right direction, and is a great tool for churches that want to connect with members online.

Tweet of the month

Not so easy Zoho CRM - Managing sales leads http://www.zoho.com/crm/ Zoho CRM works well as an entry level CRM system for businesses new to CRM. There is a free edition for up to three users, and it provides a sufficient platform for people who want to understand the value and use of a CRM. However, you may need to progress quite quickly to being a paid user, which starts from $12 per month per user. An average sales business would certainly require the Enterprise edition, which is priced at $35 per user per month.

Simple Rule - Project management and collaboration https://www.rule.fm Rule is a great CRM for working with remote teams and collaborating on projects. Rule brings your emails, documents, messaging and calendars, and much more, into one platform. If you have a team working from various locations, or clients whom you need to collaborate with, it is worthwhile investigating the capabilities of the Rule CRM and project management tool.

KENO OGBO runs Spiral Web Solutions, based in London. She is passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals using websites and other online marketing tools.

Contact her on 07958 004 739, or email keno@spiralwebsolutions.com

The London Women’s Convention, Live, Pray, Hope…in a hostile world, takes place on Saturday 19 October 2013 at Central Hall Westminster.

There is much to love in this world - a beautiful view, the creativity of music and art, the discipline of sport, not to mention a delicious meal with friends!

Sadly we also know something of the frustrations, the fears and the pain.

But how often would we describe the world as hostile?

We regularly hear reports of courageous Christians abroad who are persecuted because of their faith, and closer to home we read in the news of those who meet opposition among colleagues or neighbours because of their stand for Christ.

But what about us? If we are followers of Jesus then we too must expect to encounter hostility as our beliefs come into conflict with those of the world we live in.

Lizzy Smallwood, Chair of the London Women’s Convention, will address this theme from the book of Daniel, also reminding us of the wonderful future hope that there is for the Christian believer. Her combination of careful Bible teaching and insightful application, along with her lively sense of humour, will both challenge and encourage.

With the band leading our praises and the well-stocked bookstall, the Convention will also feature inspiring testimonies from those who have encountered hostility for their faith in Christ.

The same event is held twice on the same day (9.30am – 2.30pm, 3.15pm – 8.00pm) to suit different lifestyles. You choose which time suits you best!

For further information, ticket prices and booking details, please go to www.christianconventions.org.uk/lwc or phone 0845 225 0899.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

YOUR GRACE

Words and music by Peter J Shaw

NEW CD!

Easy listening worship to meditate on the Lord.

Available to download on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and CDBaby. To receive CD by post please visit www.shawcoastchristiansongs.co.uk For more information or to get the CD purchased and posted to you (£8.00 + p&p £1.15) please email pjshaw@shawcoastchristiansongs.co.uk In association with Living Waters Christian Fellowship, Charity number 1099329. All proceeds of the sale of this CD, except for small production costs, go to support building orphanages in India.

Would you like to partner with Keep The Faith?

We are expanding and are looking to work with dynamic individuals or businesses who can assist with: • Income generation - selling advertising space in print and online • Raise sponsorship for our many new projects planned • Develop and maintain a number of websites This is a brilliant opportunity for individuals or businesses to be financially rewarded and develop and expand their portfolio with multi-award winning Keep The Faith - Britain’s leading Black community-focused publications, promoting and supporting Faith and Family Values.

For more information contact admin@keepthefaith.co.uk or call 0845 193 4433

“Attending one of the Southwark information meetings made us realise we were ready to complete our family” Maria and Jack, from Peckham

Adopt in Southwark If you are considering adoption, why not contact Southwark Council? You’ll benefit from outstanding support and dedicated social workers who will help you as you take your first steps towards completing your family. Your age, ethnicity, marital status or sexuality are not important, but being patient, caring and committed is.

For more information about adopting in Southwark and for future dates of adoption meetings visit www.southwark.gov.uk/adoption or talk to us by calling 0800 952 0707 or emailing adoption@southwark.gov.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk/adoption

@keepthefaithmag