Keep the faith magzine issue 95 by Keep The Faith magazine

Britain’s leading Black and multi-ethnic community-focused publication

ISSUE 95

supporting unity, faith and family values

The Easter story

is simple and straightforward

PLANET SPORT:

Changing lives in Africa

The Jungle: ABANDONED LAND WITH ABANDONED PEOPLE

The importance

OF GOSPEL AWARDS

Women making a difference

KEEPING IT ‘JUICY’ WITH VINEJUICE

£2.95

TODAY TO Urban Gospel Network

Number #1 For Positive | Hip Hop | R&B | Gospel Music Join the Urban Gospel Network Radio Community. Listen and be entertained, refreshed, inspired and encouraged with music that’s fresh and soulful. Listen to programs that will get you talking back and praising forward.

Listen online or via device download official app visit:

www.ugnjamz.com or www.ugnradio.com P R E SE NTE RS AND PROGR A M M E S

PLAYING THE BEST IN: Gospel ●R&B ● Hip Hop ● Reggae ● New ● Classics ● Praise & Worship ●

Dave P – Weekday Breakfast show Helen Le Paul – Heartbeat (Sponsored by Zoe Records) Clif & Marie (TRUdevotion) – Together As One Show TNEEK – Silent Whispers G.L.O – from USA

Brother D and Sister A – Praiselujah from USA Uncle Charles – African Selection The Andrea Graham Show DJ Shaheim - Hip Hop Empress Lyrics– Reggae Wardlaw Brothers – from USA TO INSPIRE YOUR DAY: Bishop Ansah – Kingdom Life Ministries Pastor Andrew John – Direct Touch Ministries Community Church Pastor Bryon Jones – Eden Christian Centre Pastor Alex Gyasi – Highway of Holiness Minister Vivien Rose – Kingdom Life Ministries Pastor Adama Segbeji – Solution International Christian Centre

Listen to ugnjamz on Tuneinapp (Search for Urban Gospel Network Radio)

Founder: Dave P

CONTENTS ISSUE 95

Dear Readers Welcome! In this issue we are celebrating ‘Women’ as March is International Women’s Month. On Saturday 5th March the 12th annual Wise Women Awards takes place at the prestigious Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, where 10 Christian women from across the church world in the UK are recognised for their contribution to the work in the Church. It’s a great event, full of glitz and glamour, beautiful women, inspirational key note speakers, a lovely meal and great entertainment! This year it’s none other than Noel Robinson, Janine Dyer and Becca Folkes. Treat the beautiful women in your lives to a night at the Wise Women Awards (See P5). Talking of inspirational women, Sherry Ann Dixon introduces us to three inspirational businesswomen making a difference in the wider community. And those ‘Juicy Ladies’ AKA Lavinia and Adaeze are keeping us up to date with events, music, juicy news and entertainment. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ; Reverend David Shosanya’s message is that the Easter Story is simple and straightforward. Dionne Gravesande reminds us that Easter is a time to remember that we have Hope, whilst Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts writes about the lack of empathy that people of colour have towards migrants. Dr David R Muir comments on race equality and conservative political rhetoric, and we have many inspiring articles by our regular contributors. We would love to hear from you so please continue to submit your articles and news that we can share with our readers! And don’t forget, our electronic subscriber database is now over 31,000, so if you want a quick, effective and more importantly inexpensive way to publicise your goods, services or events... please get in touch!

Blessings

Shirley McGreal Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE R

Keep The Faith Ltd keepthefaithteam Suite 48 @keepthefaithmag 88-90 Hatton Garden keepthefaithmagazine London EC1N 8PN www.keepthefaith.co.uk T: 0845 193 4433 www.blackchristiandirectory.com

NEWS

04 WWA nominees announced

GOSPEL NEWS

08 Gospel News by VineJuice 09 Keeping it ‘juicy’ with Vinejuice 12 The importance of Gospel Awards by Juliet Fletcher

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

14 Interview with Parker J Cole 16 Women making a difference by Sherry Ann Dixon

38 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Shirley McGreal FCMI Sub-Editor: Jackie Raymond Design: Becky Wybrow Advertising: Anna Shaw Josie McFarlane Admin & Accounts: Nicola Hammond All enquiries: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk

The Publisher would like to thank Rev David Shosanya, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Rev Stephen Brooks, Dr R David Muir, Marcia Dixon, Juliet Fletcher, Sherry Ann Dixon, Lavinia Goddard, Adaeze Chiwoke, Dorothy Oginni, Dionne Gravesande, Esther Kuku, Vanessa Grossett, Jason Loh, Gracey Mae, Rev Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford, Joy Roxborough, Gladys Famoriyo, Owanari Briggs. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

FEATURE

20 CWR joining the nation in prayer! 22 CCT - Perfect places to gather together, worship, retreat and relax 24 Scripture Union bringing the Bible to life for children and young people 26 Human trafficking and modern day slavery, the churches’ response by Rev Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford 27 Why Easter is a time to remember we have Hope! by Dionne Gravesande 28 Hearing from God and knowing Him are inseparable by Esther Kuku

COMMENT

29 The Easter story is simple and straightforward by Rev David Shosanya 30 The Jungle - Abandoned land with abandoned people by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 31 The unlikely prayer list by Rev Stephen Brooks 32 Two cheers for Saint David: race equality and conservative political rhetoric by Dr R David Muir 34 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon

LIFESTYLE

35 Bounce back ’cos dead bones can live by Gladys Famoriyo 36 The rise of church entertainment - is it a good or bad thing? by Owanari Briggs 37 Finding your true love by Joy Roxborough 38 Flatter your figure with Kosibah Creations 40 The different publishing methods by Vanessa Grossett 42 Being Planted by Jason Loh

MISSION

44 Planet Sport changing lives in Africa www.keepthefaith.co.uk

04 NEWS

ASCENSION TRUST

WISE WOMEN AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Christian women from across the church world in the UK are featured in the list of nominees for the 2016 Wise Women Awards, the UK’s annual leading event celebrating the achievements of Christian women in the Church and wider society.

SPONSORED BIKE RIDE scension Trust, along with Reverend Les Isaac, will be holding its Sponsored Bike Ride and, this time, all roads lead 47 miles from London to Brighton! Every penny raised will help further the work of the Ascension Trust and impact communities: Street Pastors, there to care, listen and help; the successful collection of weapons, voluntarily handed in from off our streets, and Response Pastors, trained to be on call in the event of a national emergency. Last year, the Sponsored Bike Ride, cycling from Glasgow to Bradford, was a tremendous success and raised money for three great causes: vital library materials for Archbishop Tenison’s School in Oval, South London; helping to build a house for vulnerable young women in Accra, Ghana, and furthering the effectiveness of our initiatives, Street Pastors and Word 4 Weapons. You can help Ascension Trust further impact our communities by participating and cycling or, alternatively, by making a donation. Go along and join the fun! You can request a registration pack from events@ascensiontrust.org.uk, or make a donation by visiting www.mydonate.bt.com/events/ ascensiontrustsponsoredbikeride. Maybe you would like to help by setting up your own fundraising page? Then please do so, by going to www.btplc.com/mydonate/ and linking it to the Ascension Trust Bike Ride event. For more information about Ascension Trust, visit www.ascensiontrust.org.uk

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The nominees in the 10 Wise Women Awards categories were chosen from nominations sent in by the public, and the responsibility for choosing the final list of nominees was decided by a panel of judges, comprising: Pastor Celia Apeagyei-Collins, Founder and President of the Rehoboth Foundation; Bunmi Folarin, Lead Analyst at BP Oil; Sanchia Alasia, Councillor for Barking and Dagenham, Albion Ward; Caroline Marsh, successful businesswoman and mystery guest on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire series, and Joan Myers OBE, Paediatric Nurse, voted one of the 50 most inspirational leaders in the NHS by the Health Service Journal. The winners of each category will be announced at the glamorous Wise Women Awards ceremony taking place on Saturday 5th March 2016 at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel.

The full list of 2016 Wise Women Awards nominees are: CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN BUSINESS

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN MUSIC

Carol Cato Annmarie Lewis Lady Vanessa Oluwole

Tracey Campbell Amazin’ Ijeoma Isabella Ogo-Uzodike

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN MISSIONS

Amie Buhari Jackie Lynton Lynette Phillips OBE

Brenda Cox Pastor Angela Awak-Essien Rev Victoria Adeola Lawrence

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN MINISTRY

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN MEDIA

Rev Victoria Adeola Lawrence Jacqueline Peart Janet Wolfe

Toni Kelly Debbie Musendeki Diahanne Rhiney

EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG CHRISTIAN WOMAN

CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN THE COMMUNITY

Renee Davis Camara Fearon Danyele Lawes

Hannah Bourazza Patricia Ekhuemelo

NAOMI AWARD Terry Fairfowl Mrs Lynette Phillips Cynthia Spence

LIFE TURNAROUND AWARD Denise Bentley

Entertainment will be from the amazing Noel Robinson, Janine Dyer and Becca Folkes.

06 NEWS

Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey premieres at KICC’s new Open Door Cinema

hursday 18 February 2016 saw two groundbreaking Christian events in one spectacular occasion. For the first time, a major faith-based cinema event opened simultaneously in the UK and in the US. In fact, if you take into account the international time difference, the UK led the way by a few hours. The movie, WOMEN OF FAITH: An Amazing Joyful Journey, premiered at KICC The Open Door’s new cinema in Crystal Palace (London): The Open Door Cinema. The Open Door Cinema is the brain-child of former leader of the Christian Party and hit producer-songwriter, Rev Dr George Hargreaves, who is now the Chief Executive of The Christian Cinema Charitable Trust. The Scottish based charity, set up to promote Christian cinema throughout the world, has negotiated a deal with KICC The Open Door to run a fully fledged digital cinema at their £3m facility at 25 Church Road, Crystal Palace, London. Dr Hargreaves says, “The Open Door Cinema is a cinema with a difference, and shows the way forward for other churches with similar buildings who really want to engage with the wider community.” The Open Door Cinema is Crystal Palace’s long-awaited cinema venue. Local residents and politicians have long campaigned for it and now it is here. However, The Open Door is no ordinary cinema. Set in the beautifully restored former Rialto Cinema, which was built by AC Matthews in the 1920s, The Open Door Cinema is a unique combination of movie theatre, bistro buffet and restaurant. For those who do not wish to dine, The Open Door Cinema’s balcony transports them back in time to the heyday of cinema. They can enjoy their popcorn high above a 30-feet-wide silver screen, and watch movies on the big screen in a way that is simply not on offer in the multi-screen cinema complexes. Not only will the best new movie releases be shown at The Open Door Cinema, but also live satellite broadcast events, such as: ballets; Shakespeare’s plays and Ted Talks;

Jen Hatmaker Find us on Twitter: @KeepTheFaithmag

Marilyn Meberg

documentaries; film premieres; film previews and directors’ Q&A screenings. The Open Door Cinema will run a cinema-restaurant on the ground floor, with a seating capacity of 134 in full view of the cinema screen, with the upstairs balcony seating 299 for patrons who do not want to eat. The Open Door Cinema’s fully digital cinema system and 30-feet-wide 3D cinema screen has meant that it can offer movies, such as WOMEN OF FAITH: An Amazing Joyful Journey, gala openings and premieres to rival London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. “When we told the New York-based distributor, By Experience, what we were doing, it was they who asked us if we would launch WOMEN OF FAITH: An Amazing Joyful Journey in the UK. It seemed to be highly appropriate and good thing to do so – even a God thing,” noted Rev Clement Adeboye, a trustee of The Christian Cinema Charitable Trust. WOMEN OF FAITH: An Amazing Joyful Journey charts the work of America’s leading women’s ministry for over almost 20 years. Women of Faith (www.womenoffaith.com) grew to become the largest non-denominational Christian women’s conference, touching over five million lives with personal stories full of laughter and tears. Stage events have included such inspirational and spiritual luminaries such as: Campus Crusade for Christ’s Mary Graham;

Patsy Clairmont

author and reality TV star, Korie Robertson; author and popular speaker, Luci Swindoll; author Sheila Walsh, and others. The cinema event takes viewers on the journey of Women of Faith through the years: on stage and off; on their travels with World Vision; their impact on audiences - in short, the way they’ve changed the world. Partly historical and frequently hysterical, this unique cinematic experience will be packed with some of the most popular pieces from the beloved speaking team, to include: Thelma Wells, Anna Trent, Mary Graham, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Jen Hatmaker, Sandi Patty, Patsy Clairmont, Nicole Johnson and Marilyn Meberg, as well as music and performances from Christian contemporary artists who appeared on the tour. Featuring never-before-seen interviews, outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage, this cinema presentation brings back memories for all those who have attended a Women of Faith weekend, as well as creating new memories for those experiencing it for the first time. WOMEN OF FAITH: An Amazing Joyful Journey was launched in partnership with World Vision, and the Gala Banquet’s opening night acknowledged the work of both World Vision as well as The Christian Cinema Charitable Trust’s Solar Cinema Project in Africa, which is establishing a network of solar-powered community cinemas across the African continent.

Thelma Wells

NEWS 07

CROSSING BOUNDARIES IN WORSHIP

- as Noel Robinson joins the Orchestra!

amous worldwide for a unique voice in music, the All Souls Orchestra bring their flagship event - PROM PRAISE - for the annual visit to the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 2 April 2016 (7.30pm) with a very special partnership of classical and contemporary musicians. To lead the contemporary worship this year, the event is bringing together three great friends of the Orchestra, singers and songwriters Stuart Townend, Lou Fellingham and, making a long-awaited Prom Praise debut, Noel Robinson - all now part of the Integrity ‘family’. We all know Noel to be an outstanding guitarist, but this will not be his first ‘orchestral’ experience. Not many know that at the age of 13 he was playing double bass in his local school Orchestra and studied for Royal School of Music exams in Piano, Double Bass and Guitar. Noel’s musical journey took him around the world winning competitions within his church denomination for his work on the Guitar and opening many doors within his church and other denominations. He was sent by his school to study Jazz improvisation and composition at the prestigious Goldsmith Music College. This background has been part of his drive to work with musicians from different styles.

Noel and the All Souls Orchestra first came together way back in 2007 when he invited the ASO to support the Global Day of Prayer, taking the stage with singers and worship leaders from the whole breadth of UK church life. It’s been interesting to see over the years that whilst it’s clear that Noel and the Orchestra come from very different worlds, this is significantly what they share - the desire to cross over the many cultural and diverse expressions of worship to stand together in worship of the same God. Noel is looking forward to introducing some of the tracks of his latest recording, Outrageous Love, to a new audience and in this amazing venue. Stuart Townend is making a return to Prom Praise, and while introducing some more recent songs, you can be sure that one or two of the classics will be on the running order! Lou Fellingham, is also making a return visit, although the first since she became a solo artist and will also feature some of her recent album, Fascinate. And gospel group The Reapers Choir will also lead the gospel sounds. Under the energetic, dynamic directIon of principal conductor, Noël Tredinnick, PROM PRAISE is a joyful fusion of performance with worship which takes over London’s Royal Albert Hall for this annual Easter celebration. The

evening also includes All Souls Orchestra at full strength of 100-strong players in popular classics, a 400-strong choir massing from all around the UK, the inspiring opportunity for all to join in worship with the capacity audience, and to hear a Gospel message from All Souls Church own minister, Hugh Palmer. Highlights of the classical programme will include popular trumpeter Giles Fowler, in a spectacular arrangement of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The Massed Choir of singers is gathering from all around the UK to share in the experience - coming from as far as York, Colchester and Brighton, and will include groups from a choir of students from London School of Theology and singers Noel is gathering from The Kingdom Worship Movement. The event promises to be a significant time to bring together musicians of different ages, styles and backgrounds to stand together in worship of God and to celebrate the message of Easter. Tickets start at just £7 (up to £38) which is amazing value for the opportunity to experience this unique occasion in the most iconic venue in the country. We recommend you join Noel, Reapers Choir and others in this exciting experience! Available from www.royalalberthall.com (NB a booking fee will be added by the box office.)

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

08 GOSPEL NEWS

Keeping it ‘Juicy’ with Vinejuice!

ounded by Adaeze Chiwoko and Lavinia Goddard, aka the ‘Juicy Ladies’, Vinejuice is a media company based in Manchester, which works to promote all the good stuff coming out of the Christian, community and charity sectors - including events, music, and juicy news and entertainment. Using Vinejuice’s vibrant and highly engaging website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and YouTube) and radio, Vinejuice is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ platform for all that is ‘juicy’ in the North West and across the UK. Visit vinejuice.co.uk to discover and promote all that is ‘juicy’ in your area.

William McDowell makes UK album chart history

Pastor and anointed worshiper, William McDowell, made UK chart history last week. His most recent album, ‘Sounds of Revival’, went straight into the UK’s Official Christian and Gospel Album Chart at Number 1! Why has this made UK charts history? Well, it’s because McDowell is the very first US gospel artist to reach the Number 1 spot in the weekly chart since its launch in 2013; something that recent gospel album releases from Tasha Cobbs, Deitrick Haddon and Kirk Franklin hadn’t managed to achieve. Up until this point, the chart’s top three spots had been dominated by the likes of Hillsong, Rend Collective and Matt Redman. ‘Sounds of Revival’, released on 22nd January 2016 and featuring hit worship single, ‘Spirit Break Out’, demoted the Hillsong album, ‘Open Heaven/River Wild’, which had been in the Top 20 for 15 weeks, and had held the Number 1 spot for the previous two weeks. This week, McDowell has managed to maintain a Top 5 position. Pastor William McDowell’s chart success with his gospel/worship album comes as well needed encouragement that, contrary to popular belief, UK Christians DO buy gospel albums - especially if the artist’s first name is William and last name is McDowell. Find us on Facebook: KEEP THE FAITH Magazine

Lecrae to drop another album this year Want to know what hard work looks like? Then take a look a chart-topping Christian hip-hop (CHH) artist, Lecrae. The guy has only just released Church Clothes 3, and is already talking about being in the studio with ‘legends’, and revealing that he has something cooking for the end of the year. Lecrae told rapzilla.com that after his book, Unashamed, is published on May 3, he will put out his eighth studio album by the end of 2016. “Honestly, I’ve been in the studio with legends,” Lecrae said. “We’ll see what

actually makes the project, because you don’t want to get people too excited.” So it looks like the Reach Records rapper is aiming to ensure that 2016 is stamped with his name.

Andrew Bello flies the flag for afro praise with new single Probably one of the UK’s most exciting afro praise artists, Andrew Bello, released his latest single entitled ‘Living God’ on 5th February 2016. Produced by award-winning producer, Shabach (or ‘Mr Shabz’ as he likes to be called), ‘Living God’ is definitely a get-up-and-shakesomething kind of track. ’Living God’ is Andrew’s first single release since 2015, when he dropped two huge singles, ‘My Way’ and ‘Never Be The Same’, featuring MOBO Award-winning artiste, Victor ‘Victizzle’ Akata.

GOSPEL NEWS 09

New Guvna B video featuring Nick Brewer

Jonathan McReynolds sells out first UK concert The New Year had a special kick off, with a concert that people are still talking about. On 23rd January, Jonathan McReynolds headlined his concert in London on his first ever visit to the UK. Jonathan performed an unforgettable set to a sold-out Hackney Empire, with the entire audience singing his songs alongside him from start to finish. To say the success of the concert was solely due to the extremely talented Jonathan McReynolds would be an unfair and false representation. Supporting artists, including IDMC, Israel J Allen, Adam & Kid, and gifted musician, Ccippo also put on a great show, and added to what was a brilliant night out. The Juicy Ladies from Vinejuice got a chance to have a chat with Jonathan McReynolds backstage before he went on stage. Watch the full interview on the Vinejuice YouTube Channel.

Manchester’s Juicy is set to overflow with launch of new radio station Guvna B is hanging out with his old mates in his latest video release, ‘Someone’s Watching’. In particular, UK rapper, Nick Brewer, features in this video and oh what a beautiful thing to see. Guvna B and Nick Brewer have been working on tracks together for many years, and regularly feature on each other’s music, so this is nothing new, really. But it’s great to see that, even with Nick’s rise to the next musical industry level in regards to gaining regular play on BBC 1Xtra and the like, he hasn’t left his Christian hip-hop roots behind. In our view, they sound great together. Their rap flow is similar, but different enough to complement each other. Both rappers exhibit lyrical finesse on this track, and are actually quite cute, with lyrics that talk about their early days coming to know the Lord and exploring music… Awww. So, in this video, they’re together playing a bit of footy, and just being grateful for where they both are in their lives and individual careers. They reckon ‘Someone’s Watching’ over them. ‘Someone’s Watching’ is taken from Guvna B’s most recent album, ‘Secret World’, available for download on iTunes.

Manchester-based Christian media company, Vinejuice, has set out to put the city on the Christian music map, with the development of Manchester’s only Urban Christian 24-hour radio station. Vinejuice aims to meet the musical needs of people who just want to hear back-to-back hip-hop, RnB, pop and dance hits. Vinejuice has given the station the strapline of ‘Manchester’s Positive Playlist’, and hope that it will be the Christian sector’s answer to BBC 1Xtra and Capital FM. Set to launch on 29th February, the station will feature artists such as Lecrae, Guvna B, TobyMac, Erica Campbell, Andrew Bello, Colton Dixon and more. Vinejuice co-founder, Lavinia Goddard, said: “We are so excited about the launch of this station. We’re hoping the station will really connect with the ‘Urban Christian’, and present to them a ‘positive’ alternative to the secular messages presented in mainstream music, without compromising on quality, sound, and swag!” It was after a number of Manchester-based radio stations rejected proposals for an Urban Christian radio show on their platforms, that Vinejuice felt they were left with no option but to set up their own station – one that would grant them the freedom to play the music they love, and respond to what their audience has been telling them they want. The other half to the Vinejuice Team, Adaeze Chiwoko, said: “For us, this is a real opportunity to play a key role in the development and growth of the UK’s Christian music infrastructure. We aim to give opportunities to up-and-coming Christian DJs and quality artists. It’s a very exciting time in the industry.” Vinejuice Radio officially launches on Monday 29th February 2016. Listen at www.vinejuice.co.uk/radio or TuneIn app.

Erica Campbell is a social media queen Erica Campbell has had an amazing couple of years, since she broke off from ‘Mary Mary’ to progress her career as a solo artist. She has been nominated for, and won, a number of awards recognising her musical exploits and successes. But now it seems that the ‘Queen of Gospel’ is also setting the pace on social media, as she became the very first gospel artist to reach 1 million followers on Instagram. Congratulations, Erica.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

10 GOSPEL NEWS

Annette Bee’s GXMMA Awards are back for 2016 The team at Gospel Xplosion Ministries (GXM), spearheaded by award-winning reggae gospel artist, Annette Bee, return for their second Music Awards, and this one is set to be even bigger and better than the previous event. GXMMA was started by Annette Bee in 2015, with a vision to showcase and celebrate some of the great work being done in the UK Gospel scene. With categories covering music, media and events, the GXM Team aim to “bridge the gap for unbelievers, highlighting to them how good God is, by using the various gifts that God has blessed each minister with”. Nominees include well-known personalities, like DJ Proclaima, DJ Kelechi and Faith Child, as well as up-and-coming artists and personalities. There’s even a nomination for us, the Juicy Ladies, gloraaay!

IT’S HAPPENING UP NORTH

MOBO Award-winning saxophonist coming up North and bringing some friends YolanDa Brown, double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist and one of the UK’s most exciting and sought-after live performers, is embarking on her Biggest Nationwide Tour in 2016. Widely regarded as the premier female saxophonist in the UK, YolanDa Brown has spent several years on the jazz circuit and the wider world stage, both as a soloist in her own right and touring with some of the globe’s biggest names in music. YolanDa has performed with the likes of The Temptations, Errol Brown, Courtney Pine and Diana Krall. She has also collaborated with artists such as Mica Paris; reggae legend Bob Marley’s son, Julian Marley; Soweto Kinch; Omar, and as part of Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Wowing audiences across the country, from London and Cardiff to Manchester and Glasgow, the Reggae Love Songs Tour will be an infectious journey of reggae rhythms from the Caribbean, peppered with supreme jazz-flavoured inflections and sensibilities. Throughout the Tour, YolanDa Brown will be joined by special guest performers including Lemar, Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, Omar, Mica Paris, The Noisette’s Shingai Shoniwa, and loads more to be announced. Look out for YolanDa Brown at her tour stops up north in: Liverpool – St George Hall: 8th March Manchester – Bridgewater Hall: 28th March (Special Guest – Lemar) Bury St Edmunds – The Apex: 29th May Glasgow – Theatre Royal: 4th June (Special Guests – Michelle Williams and Lemar) Find us on Twitter: @KeepTheFaithmag

DJ Proclaima

DJ Kelechi

Faith Child

This rather swanky, black-tie affair is taking place on Easter Saturday, 26th March 2016, at the 5-star National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands. Ticket booking and nominee voting is open now at gospelxplosionministries.com.

Manchester’s leading gospel artists come together for one night of iconic proportions Manchester’s most well-known urban gospel artists, DavidB & Ni-Cola, have announced that they will be coming together for one night of live performance at one of Manchester’s most iconic venues, Band on the Wall, this April.

It’s been a number of years since the two award-winners have worked together, so they are promising that this headline collaboration will be electrifying and powerful. They will be backed on the night by a collective of some of the finest musicians and special guests. Having shared the stage with several big-ticket artists, like Tye Tribbet, Ron Kenoly, Muyiwa and Israel Houghton, we anticipate that this pairing will no doubt deliver a night to remember. The event takes place on April 10th. For more info and ticket booking, visit vinejuice.co.uk.

GOSPEL NEWS 11

Amazing tales of adventure and love.

Get it. Read it. Continue the

journey.

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11/02/2016 13:46

Could you adopt a child like me? We are searching for adopters from a wide variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. You do not need to be wealthy or own your home. Please come to our next information event as detailed in the next column. Seats are limited. Please book yours in advance, either by freephoning 0800 781 2332, call 020 8753 2303, or by emailing adoption@rbkc.gov.uk

Thursday 21 April 2016 Adoption information Evening 6pm to 8pm Kensington Town Hall Hornton Street London W8 7NX

Any questions?

Freephone 0800 781 2332 Email adoption@rbkc.gov.uk Visit /adoptionandfostering For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk

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12 GOSPEL NEWS

JULIET FLETCHER

is a former BBC Producer and funding Executive of the GMIA

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOSPEL AWARDS There is always a stirring in the gospel scene when announcements are made that another music awards has been launched. For some, the stirring is one of annoyance, for others - particularly those who are staging the event - it’s of excitement, as they believe they are advancing the cause of gospel music and the artists they are recognising. In this article, I hope to validate the importance of gospel music awards, and how they help us; that is, those involved in the scene, the wider music industry and, most importantly, our audiences.

AWARDS IN THE WIDER MUSIC INDUSTRY I am often asked why there are so many gospel music awards in our scene, and have even had some say there should only be one! Although there are concerns regarding the growing number of awards, there certainly could not just be ONE awards ceremony for a whole industry, which has so many facets. There undoubtedly isn’t one music awards in the mainstream UK music industry, and neither in the US Gospel scene, so why should we think ‘only one’ in our scene? There are awards that focus on a specific music style, reflecting part of a sector; then there are awards put on by a company or organisation, and awards that carry more gravitas or credibility than others - hence the term: ‘a coveted award’. For example, receiving a BRIT Award is probably the highest performancerelated award an artist can receive in the UK music industry. The BRITs are entirely funded by the British music industry, and is seen as the equivalent to a USA Grammy, whereas receiving a MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) is prestigious to the Black music scene, and is also widely respected across the international music scene. Currently in the UK, the MOBO Awards and UMAs (Urban Music Awards) are the two leading music ceremonies that retain a category recognising artists from our stream. We can see how these awards help generate interest for all the recipients and their fans, while turning the wheels of the music industry forward for the record labels, investors and sponsors. The wider music industry would expect any specialist genre industry to have awards that recognise its own status on the musical landscape.

AWARDS - AS CHRISTIANS, DO WE REALLY NEED THEM? Genuinely, some Christians think it is pointless and even carnal (worldly) to Find us on Facebook: KEEP THE FAITH Magazine

participate in awards. But, biblically, the evidence shows Christ Jesus’ awareness and acceptance of accolades given by men and God. Scriptural references show that REWARD and recognition of the quality of work is a big, BIG issue. Job 34:11, Matthew 16:27 and Romans 2:6 all speak of God rewarding us with tangible and intangible things. Indeed, Jesus laboured in life and through death to achieve our salvation and is duly receiving his various just rewards. He encouraged His disciples to work and obtain reward. The motivation was not the reward but let’s be real and honest - in reading biblical texts, it’s certainly part of it. Also, if we cannot celebrate ourselves, then why should anybody else? I have spoken with many Christian artists, promoters and radio presenters, who so deeply value recognition given.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY The argument of ‘quality over quantity’ is the real key to the whole matter: voting systems that have integrity and are run with transparency, and the use of professionals or experts to decide on final nominees and oversee procedures. These are some of the factors. (Let me hear you say ‘Yeah!’) There is a difference between an industry-based award and a recognition award: industry awards are staged by large representative bodies or large organisations that represent the music in a significant way - often with a national focus. On the other hand, ‘recognition awards’ are invariably by businesses or outfits that either work within or in complementary relationship to the sector in question; they are run according to their own rules and purpose. Awards can become a credible measure of success, subject to the consistency in staging them and the kudos given to them by the Media, guest participants, audience and sponsors.

GOSPEL NEWS 13

Charles Buckman

UK GOSPEL AWARDS A HISTORY Gospel awards are a great marker of the advances, changes and vibrant life of gospel music in the UK. Those whom I have spoken to - both artists and patrons - genuinely enjoy the experience, and it just seems the lack of financial backing eludes the longevity of past awards. The biggest positive is that they provided great encouragement, not only to artists but to the many unsung (s)heroes behind the radio mics, mixing desks, promotional concerts, graphic and visual artistry.

An award says that someone values your contributions behind the scene. This was and still is the most important factor of staging gospel music awards. Some of the awards that have taken place since the very first one - the Oasis Awards, staged in 1983 by the Black gospel promotion company, Oasis Promotions includes: the BGA (Black Gospel Association Awards) - our first industry-related awards; DMI (Deliverance Ministries International) Awards, the first financed by a church and led by a pastor (Charles Buckman); the Midlands Gospel Awards, hosted by veteran radio presenter, Dulcie Dixon; the National Gospel Music Awards, part-sponsored by the BBC Religion & Ethics department; and the GEM (Gospel Entertainment Music) Awards which, in 2003, heralded the idea that gospel music has a right to be included as part of the entertainment industry, because it has influenced and undergirded popular music. All these awards have enriched and enlivened expectancy, encouraged growth and sweetened labour. It gave the community good reason to dress and celebrate itself.

CURRENT & FUTURE AWARDS In more recent times, awards - like the AGMA (African Gospel Music Awards), which have given us the best and richest taste of African gospel music, and has opened our eyes to a whole new aspect that has transformed our scene, PraiseTec Awards, Gospel Xplosion Music Media Awards and the Golden Touch Gospel Awards - are ceremonies that have given pleasure to the recipients. There is no doubt that other awards will emerge in the very near future that will bring recognition on an industry basis. And we know that more UK acts, personalities and businesses are being recognised by international sources. For example, the compilation album, ‘The British Are Coming’ (on the Zoe Gospel record label), garnered the first ever set of nominations for artist, rapper JayEss, and a win for Lola Godheld, with her track from the album, ‘Wait On The Lord’ at the prestigious US industrybased (Gospel Music Association) 2012 Dove Awards, while Gospel Music Awards Italy has embraced recognition of artists, including Lurine Cato, Isabella Melodies and Sandra Godley.

FIVE GOOD REASONS FOR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS: • They highlight the particular work and effort of individuals in leadership • They provide opportunity for peer-to-peer relationship building and appreciation • T hey provide a focused platform for celebrating achievement • They encourage benchmarks for standards and professionalism • They help to show other sectors and the public what gospel music is all about Sandra Godley

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14 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

e l o C J r e k Par Parker J Cole is an international bestselling author. Her book, Many Strange Women, was on the Amazon Bestseller list for several weeks. She is also a radio presenter and hosts The Write Stuff on Tuesday and The Parker J Cole Show. Parker, who resides in Michigan, USA, talks to Keep The Faith magazine about life as an author, and the changes within the Christian publishing industry.

Keep The Faith (KTF): Tell us briefly about yourself. Parker J Cole (PJC): If I had to use my official bio to describe myself, here it is (cue Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony music here): I am the author of Dark Cherub and the Sins of the Flesh series; this includes Many Strange Women, The Other Man, and Vengeful Vows. I host The Write Stuff, which showcases Christian authors worldwide. When I am not writing or hosting, I spend most of my time reading, knitting, cooking and concocting new ideas for stories. I live with my husband and our beloved dog, Sarah. What I’m really like (cue Dr Who theme song): I am a diehard Trekkie (TOS), sci-fi lover, fantasy dweller, romance junkie, anime freak, old movie buff, church-goer, off and on Mountain Dew and marshmallow recovering addict, who writes to fill the void the sugar left behind. KTF: What made you get into writing? PJC: Stephen King, when he was asked a similar question said, “What makes you think I had a choice?” In the same vein, without the creepy, intense eye stare Stephen King would probably give, I feel the same way. There wasn’t a time in my life where writing wasn’t a part of it. I didn’t go into writing; I was born with ink in my blood. It was something I was crafted to do by the Author and Finisher of my entire existence. Find us on Twitter: @KeepTheFaithmag

KTF: What type of books do you write? PJC: My books are edgy Christian romances and speculative fiction. I’m still feeling my way around the speculative fiction world, because it requires a different set of writing muscles in the grey matter mass encased in my skull, but I tend not to back down from a challenge when it comes to writing. KTF: Now for the hard-hitting question: Have you ever experienced racism within the publishing industry? If you have, what have you done to overcome it? PJC: Hit me hard (she laughs). Racism is such a huge card to throw around, especially in the US, where racial tensions fluctuate like underwater currents. At the same time, racism is also the bane and bone of the country. It’s a complex issue and it’s hard to grasp all the various intricacies involved. Suffice to say, I’ve experienced “bias” in the publishing industry, particularly in the faith-based markets. My romances involve multicultural men and women, which I found is very ‘edgy’ according to the mainstream Christian book industry. There was a fascinating discussion I and several other African American Christian authors participated in a few months back. During the discussion about diversity in faith-based fiction, one of the admins of a social media group we

were part of, made the statement that African American Christian books are too secular. We were all rather shocked by this narrow-minded view - not to mention the subtle turned-up-nose attitude such a comment represented. If, by ‘too secular’ you mean we deal with real-life issues and allow sexual tensions and situations to happen with our characters, then have it. The comment showed the lack of understanding of diversity in the Christian arena because of the racial historical make-up of our country. My agent had a very difficult time selling my book, Many Strange Women, because of its multicultural backdrop. KTF: There has been a dramatic change within the publishing industry, where more authors are going independent. Why do you think that is? PJC: To illustrate my point, I’m going to borrow from a social media guru and author, Kristen Lamb. Couple hundred years back, thirteen colonies made a decision to break away from Mother England. A gutsy move to be sure, but they had their reasons and war broke out, as Mother England gave a resounding “You’re not going anywhere.” In the same way, indie authors have declared their independence from the big publishing houses. It’s not that these authors do not

IN THE SPOTLIGHT 15

appreciate the groundwork those big houses have made; however, indie authors show they no longer need validation from those companies. Some indie authors make a comfortable living without help from traditional houses. With platforms like Amazon, these authors present the model that hard work, perseverance and creating a quality product really do pay off. Publishers find themselves having to be creative in their dealings with indie authors and the changes brought about from their insubordination to depend on large organisations to handle their careers. KTF: I understand you’re a hybrid author, where you publish independently and traditionally via an agent; has there ever been any conflict concerning this? PJC: In keeping with the illustration of the Colonies vs Mother England, I’m something of a Tory. After all, not everyone has the independent spirit to take off on their own. I haven’t seen any conflict at all, since it allows me to keep putting out my products. My agent is the one who created the Parker J Cole brand. I had no idea who that person was until she worked with me to help build it. If there is conflict, it’s that you have to share your royalties with others, while an indie doesn’t have to. But everything comes out of pocket for the indie author, whereas the publisher generally takes care of those costs. It’s about weighing your options and seeing what works for best for you.

‘My advice is to write. Write, and then keep writing until you finish that story. The hard part’s done.’ KTF: Within the Christian publishing industry it seems to be dying down, especially with the bigger houses. More authors are going with non-Christian publishers, or independent Christian publishers. How can the Christian publishing industry improve their methods, especially the bigger houses? PJC: To answer this, I have to tell you about a Christian romance book I read last year sometime. It was for free, and it had hundreds of five star reviews and people were saying how good the book was. So I fell for it. By the time I finished that book I wanted to throw it against a wall. The only reason why I didn’t is because it was on my Kindle, and my Kindle is the teddy bear I sleep with at night. The characters were one-dimensional. Beside the heroine being blind that was it. There were four paragraphs dedicated to the hero holding her hand. By page 398 of 400, there was one line saying, “He kissed her” and two pages later, story’s finished. You’re talking to a girl who used to sneak and read those giant, fat, historical romances

from back in the early nineties, filled with all kinds of ‘ungodly’ stuff. So for me, I wanted to at least know the hero liked what he was seeing. His eyes NEVER strayed from her chin. He was too good to be true. Christian publishers need to get out of the pews on Sunday morning and look around outside. They need to promote more realistic stories. Incorporate other ethnic groups. And, for goodness’ sake, be more open to the speculative fiction genre. There are Christians dealing with all kinds of issues a pat story about forgiveness won’t always solve. The guidelines for mainstream Christian books in the US are restrictive. I remember one list went something like this: No drinking, dancing, gambling, cursing or lying. No kissing scenes below the neck. Characters can struggle with their faith, but *not a lot* (I’m paraphrasing, but you get what I mean) and must come to resolve the conflict by the end of the story. These are some of the most boring people in the world! Who wants to read about them? KTF: What advice would you give to writers wanting to break into the industry? PJC: My advice is to write. Write, and then keep writing until you finish that story. The hard part’s done. You can find out more about Parker J Cole, by visiting her website www.parkerjcole.com

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16 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY SHERRY ANN DIXON

Founder & Director, Women on the Crossroads E: info@sherrydixon.co.uk www.sherrydixon.co.uk www.womenonthecrossroads.com @sherrydixon sherryanndixon sherry.dixon

The one thing that has never ever failed me in my life - and in all the businesses I have had the pleasure of working for - is doing my best to make a difference. When I started work many years ago, I vowed that I would do my best to make a difference and, more so, a difference to do better and ‘send the elevator back down’. It was my mission. When I moved from PR to Editorial, I chose to feature women who could be of inspiration to another person. It was the heart of my mission! Years later, I have met women along the way who were also making a difference in the work that they do. In celebration of International Women’s Month, I have chosen women who are doing the same. Women at all levels of societies are under-represented, and many of their voices are not being heard or seen, but there is no reason why they should remain invisible. I highlight four women, whose work will empower and educate others to have the skills, confidence and mindset to become leaders and decision makers. Become aware that you already possess all the inner wisdom, strength and creativity needed to make your dreams come true. This is hard for most of us to realise, because the source of this unlimited personal power is buried so deeply beneath the bills, the deadlines, the business trips and the dirty laundry, that we have difficulty accessing it in our daily lives. Believe that you can achieve!

Miranda Brawn

n intelligent business, legal and diversity expert, Miranda drives companies to achieve strong financial performance and public engagement, and has built upon her extensive experience working for some of the world’s biggest companies. She is passionate about education and diversity - specifically race diversity - and has made it her mission to highlight why this is a key factor for progress and success in Britain, which will benefit its economic growth. As an international keynote and motivational speaker (LAMDAtrained), she has spoken and moderated at numerous industry events on a host of topics, such as business, finance, law, education, diversity, FinTech and RegTech innovation. With a background as an investment banker and a barrister, Miranda has spent her career at some of the most prestigious global financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase Bank, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs International. Miranda’s primary role is to manage the company’s Find us on Facebook: KEEP THE FAITH Magazine

legal risk across Europe for the derivatives, regulatory and securities financing business for an investment bank. She now uses her career success, experience and knowledge to encourage positive social change and to help others to achieve their dreams and have successful careers of their own. This is an ambition that inspired the launch of an initiative to help to close the racial diversity gap in the corporate sector last year. In January 2016, she founded the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Scholarship on the back of her mentoring programme, which has been featured in the press and on national television. The aims of the Scholarship are to provide the next generation from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds with incentives and opportunities to become future leaders. There will also be the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Annual Lecture, which is sponsored by the University of Law. The lecture has been designed to raise awareness of diversity and equality matters among the next generation of leaders to help them have successful careers. This should eventually help to increase race

Miranda

diversity and equality in Britain’s workforce. Her highly successful portfolio career is testament to this determined penchant for giving back to her community. As well as being appointed the first patron of the Black British Academics, Board Director and Vice Chair of the Black Cultural Archives, Miranda is also a writer, mentor, a brand ambassador, television and radio presenter, and has been quoted in the likes of the Financial Times and the Guardian. A force to be reckoned with, it is not surprising that she was voted by Brummel as one of the Top 30 most inspirational women in the City (Diversity Champions). She is featured in the CityAM Top 20 Women in the City Powerlist (Business and Finance). She is also featured in BE Mogul, as one of the most influential and successful Black business people in Britain. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), in recognition of her outstanding contribution to community work and diversity in Britain. Follow Miranda Brawn @brawnm MirandaBrawnEsq

Melanie Eusebe

tarting her career working at the branch of a local bank, while completing her Masters of Philosophy, Melanie is now a Management Consultant/ Strategist with over 18 years’ experience working for global brands, including IBM and Ernst & Young, specialising in business transformation, and working with companies to identify strategic priorities for revenue generation and profitable growth. Based on her extensive career experience, she is a professor at Hult International Business School, where she has taught Global Operational Strategy and Organisational Design, Business Models and Architecture, and Leadership and Management. Passionate about uncovering role models and inspiring a new generation of leaders, Melanie has been an advocate of gender equality, and has given several talks and media appearances on progression in the workplace.

Susanne

Melanie

Following her advocacy work on the gender agenda, Melanie started the Black British Business Awards in 2012, to reflect the outstanding achievements and contributions of Black business people to the UK economy. For her, this Awards programme is a collaborative, wholly inclusive initiative that highlights inspiring role models; challenges outdated stereotypes and, most importantly, is a vehicle for economic empowerment and equality. Sponsors of the BBBAwards include: EY, Accenture, Baker & McKenzie, Barclays, BET, Bloomberg, BNP Paribas, BP, EDF Energy, Cisco, JP Morgan, KPMG, Mediacom, Microsoft, National Grid, Pearson, Rolls Royce, RBS, Thomson Reuters, UBS,

Virgin Money, and the Evening Standard - as media sponsor. In addition to her advocacy work, Melanie is a writer and broadcaster, and regularly appears on news channels promoting economic empowerment, diversity and leadership skills, while also writing for the Huffington Post and Management Today. She is a regular speaker and lecturer, and has delivered sessions at organisations such as Arup, BAFTA, BONY, BT, GE, IBM, EDF, EY, Network Rail, Sky, INSEEC and UCL on topics ranging from Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership and Management, and Business Performance Improvement. Alongside being the Chair of the BBBAs, Melanie serves on several boards, including the Creative Industries Federation and London Works as an Ambassador for their initiatives and policy work, and still loves being a business consultant for both large and small organisations. Follow Melanie Eusebe @MelanieEusebe Melanie V Eusebe

Susanne Kirlew

irly-Sue (aka Susanne Kirlew) is a vegan cook, TV presenter, vegan expert and author, born and bred in London to Jamaican parents. Her Jamaican heritage is reflected in her cooking and baking. Kirly-Sue is helping to change the image of vegan food. So if you think being vegan is all about boring, bland tofu and buckwheat, Kirly-Sue has some wonderful recipes you will LOVE. Kirly-Sue was a vegetarian (no meat and no fish) for over 25 years before becoming a vegan. Kirly-Sue has a cooking show on 3ABNTV in the USA, which she has been doing for four years, and now has a monthly food column in Pride magazine. She is also running a series of seminars called “How To Become A Vegan” and also runs vegan Jamaican cooking demonstrations. “My cooking has been greatly influenced by my faith. As a SeventhDay Adventist, I grew up with what we call the health message. The health message can be summarised from the Bible text in 1Corinthians” (Quote by Kirly-Sue)

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God wants us to be healthy, and I always try to reflect this in the recipes that I create. We must treat our bodies like a temple and look after it. Kirly-Sue is the go-to vegan expert, and has made numerous media appearances to speak on vegan food and lifestyle, and healthy eating made easy. Media appearances include BBC Radio London, on the Vanessa Feltz Show and the Jumoke Fashola Show; London Live TV, YourNow Radio, BBC Radio Liverpool, Phoenix Radio and 3ABN TV (in the USA). Kirly-Sue’s vegan cookbook, available on Amazon, is entitled Kirly-Sue’s Kitchen and is also available in a Kindle version. Follow Kirly-Sue @KirlySueKitchen Kirly.Sues.Kitchen www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 FEATURE

Elevation Networks: Inspiring leadership, increasing employability, invoking diversity GRACEY MAE is the Campaigns Co-ordinator for Elevation Networks

n March of last year, The Guardian newspaper published an article stating that â&#x20AC;&#x153;there are now 41,000 16 to 24-year-olds from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic [BAME] communities, who are long-term unemployed. According to an analysis of official figures by the House of Commons Library, this is a 49% rise from 2010. By comparison, the same report found that â&#x20AC;&#x153;there was a fall of 1% in overall long-term youth unemployment and a 2% fall among young White peopleâ&#x20AC;?. Noting the discrepancies in the employment rate, Elevation Networks (EN) seeks to develop the leadership potential of young people within the BAME community, thus increasing their employability and encouraging diversity in the labour market. In 2006, Samuel Kasumu founded Elevation Networks at Brunel University, with an objective of relieving unemployment amongst young people. Since the official launch in 2008, this youth charity has continuously endeavoured to make a difference in the lives of young people,

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students, graduates and NEETs (those who are not in training, employment, education or training). After becoming a registered charity in 2009, this has been made possible with the creation and delivery of dynamic programmes and campaigns. Elevation Networks focuses on engaging with 11- to 25-year-olds, particularly those from traditionally under-represented groups within the corporate, public and third sectors. These are identified as ethnic minorities, women, young people from low socio-economic backgrounds, students from non-Russell Group universities and NEETs. Leadership, Employability and Diversity are the key tenets of all the work delivered by Elevation Networks. They offer a wide range of programmes, schemes and opportunities and are passionate about contributing towards the development of the next generation, noting that the one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable when engaging with a diverse audience such as this. Every Black History Month, Elevation Networks hosts the largest cultural debate forum, called The Great Debate Tour. In 2015, they conducted this flagship campaign in more than 60 universities in England, Scotland and Wales. The Tour is a celebration of diversity

and heritage, as well as a forum for powerful, thought-provoking discussion. With the help of a panel of experts, university students are encouraged to explore issues that our research indicates is most relevant to the audience. Through the Great Debate Tour, participants tackle the dual issues of young ethnic minority disengagement from the mainstream political process, and the lack of ethnic minority political representation in national and international institutions. To tackle bias against women, Elevation Networks hosts Visible Women: a campaign that champions women in leadership, challenges the under-representation of women in certain industries and senior positions, whilst creating a network of mentoring and learning for young women aspiring in their careers. It aims to encourage young females from across the UK to be the driving force in challenging the under-representation of women in the workplace and in enterprise.

FEATURE 19

Over the past seven years, Elevation Networks has designed and delivered a variety of leadership programmes that take high potential young people through a process of self-development, providing them with access to top employers, mentoring, career advice and skills training. Some of these programmes include:

• Elevate Your Future is a project designed to inform young students, aged between 11 and 19, about routes into education and employment, with an emphasis on developing transferable skills in order to raise attainment, as well as the young person’s career and educational aspirations.

• National Citizen Service (NCS) is the Government’s flagship Big Society programme for young people aged 16 to 17 years old. NCS is a personal development programme that aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society, by bringing young people from different backgrounds together to make a difference in their communities. Elevation Networks is currently delivering the programme in Hertfordshire and Nottingham.

• London 360* aims to improve the employability of young people who are NEET and aged between 16 and 24. We connect participants with national organisations, local employers and entrepreneurs. In doing so, we explore various routes into employment, and upskill participants by providing practical training and advice.

The course provides pre-employment training to 18-24 year olds. Two candidates are then chosen from the pool of participants for the internship.

To find out more information about Elevation Networks, our campaigns and our programmes, visit www.elevationnetworks.org

Leadership, Employability and Diversity are the key tenets of all the work delivered by Elevation Networks. • EN Leadership Programme is a year-long programme that supports students from non-traditional backgrounds, who are displaying leadership potential but lack the necessary networks and support systems to turn their time at university into an employment outcome upon graduation. • Velocity offers two paid internships with the Youth Justice Board for people with convictions.

With over five years’ experience in project management, Gracey is currently championing the Visible Women campaign, and has led the delivery of the London 360* and Velocity programmes.

Thinking of buying a home in the sun? Have you considered the Costa Blanca, Spain? Please call 01507 610 607 to discuss our current offers.

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JOINING THE NATION IN PRAYER! The idea is simple: Reach out and pray for those around you. At the heart of National Prayer Weekend is the desire to see people in our local communities know and encounter God through the power of prayer.

he weekend provides the platform for anyone and everyone to gather prayer requests from those in our communities – from our neighbours, teachers and local supermarket cashiers to our bus drivers, MPs and nurses. This is a perfect opportunity to find out more about who they are: their lives, their concerns and their needs, so that we can, through prayer, introduce them to a God who loves them. CWR launched the first National Prayer Weekend last year, and the response was incredible. More than 1,300 individuals and churches united, creating a network of prayer all over the world. We heard stories of answered prayers, people going to church or returning to it after a long time, and amazing testimonies of healings. We heard from churches as far as India, Nigeria and Australia, who were all praying for their local communities. Here is just a taste of the response CWR received from the churches and groups who hosted National Prayer Weekend events in 2015... ‘We felt the weekend was the beginning of us praying for our community in a way we haven’t done until now.’ ‘We contacted local MPs, schools and shops, as well as neighbours, friends and many others, offering to pray for anything they wanted to bring before the Lord. We had some unexpected requests from Australia, South Africa, Romania, Spain, the House of Commons and people who live in surrounding towns and other villages. We had a really amazing time.’ We believe God can do immeasurably more than we can even imagine, and so it is with

excitement and expectation that we are launching National Prayer Weekend 2016. This year it will be held over 23–25 September. Here’s how you can get involved...

SIGN UP It is so easy to join in with the National Prayer Weekend! All you need to do is visit www.national-prayer-weekend.com and sign up with your postcode to get your town pinned on the prayer map. Make your mark on the nation today!

EQUIP Once you’ve signed up, you can begin to prepare for your weekend. The website includes free resources for you to use, which include: • Prayer request cards • ‘How to’ guide • Creative prayer ideas • Sermon outlines • And much more...

SHARE Spread the news about your prayer weekend, encourage your friends and family to get involved, and share stories with other people praying all over the world. Find the National Prayer Weekend on Facebook, and follow @NPWtogether on Twitter to share your stories, pictures and prayer ideas with an online community. So join in Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th September by praying for your local community as an individual, group or church. Together we can make a difference in our communities for God’s glory.

www.national-prayer-weekend.com www.cwr.org.uk

Courses, Seminars and Events Teaching for life, faith and ministry

Come to us OUR VENUES: Waverley Abbey House, Surrey (WAH) Pilgrim Hall, East Sussex (PH)

WE TEACH: Bible Discovery Life and Discipleship Pastoral Leadership Inspiring Women Insight Days Small Group Central

UPCOMING DATES:

(Early bookings recommended)

• Introduction to Biblical Care and Counselling 7–11 March 2016 (PH) 20–24 June 2016 (PH) 8–12 August 2016 (WAH)

• Bible Discovery Weekend – Jesus and the New Covenant 11–13 March 2016 (WAH)

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– Christly Gestures – Vital Connections 10–12 June 2016 (WAH)

• Inspiring Women Weekend – Reaching for Jesus’ Hand

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1–3 July 2016 (PH)

For all our courses, visit www.cwr.org.uk/courses

We can come to you Bring CWR’s teaching to your church! Choose a course or seminar best suited to your church or create your own tailor-made teaching from the relevant topics covered in our courses.

Find out more at www.cwr.org.uk/wecancometoyou

Call 01252 784719 for bookings or to have a course brochure posted to you. COURSES, SEMINARS AND EVENTS WWW.KEEPTHEFAITH.CO.UK

Perfect places to gather together, worship, retreat and relax With over 100 years of service, the Christian Conference Trust (CCT) have been providing excellent conference and event solutions to Christian organisations, charities and businesses.

Operating three centres in the UK, The Hayes, High Leigh and Belsey Bridge, CCT‘s focus is on offering high quality and affordable facilities for any occasion. With flexibility built in and the capability to host the full spectrum of events, whether a conference for 400 delegates, a charity or business meeting, church weekend away, gospel evening or small group gathering – you are guaranteed to be well looked after. Over the years CCT has had the pleasure of hosting large events for many of the leading churches in the UK and from overseas and also many other Christian organisations including Evangelical Alliance, Christian Aid, Scripture Union, Christians Against Poverty and many, many more! Last year around 100,000 overnight stays took place during 1,000 separate events.

“CCT is about delighting our customers, and welcoming all. We take great care to ensure we provide the best possible service for Christian families, churches and organisations alike, in comfortable, relaxing surroundings” John Harrison, Chief Executive

Discover your sanctuary

Food tailored to your needs

All three centres are set in acres of beautiful countryside in easily accessible parts of the UK with easy and extensive free car parking. Here you will find beautiful gardens, parkland and woodland in which to wander, relax and be inspired!

Whether you require a fully catered weekend for 400 guests or just a simple light lunch for you and a small group of colleagues, specialist chefs will create delicious food and menus to satisfy all dietary requirements. With plenty of choice and variety, they are known for providing balanced and nutritious food. All tea and coffee is Fairtrade or ethically sourced and through a partnership with Kingdom Coffee is enabling the work of Toybox to be supported.

A home from home With CCT, you’ll find a great selection of bedrooms of an exceptionally high standard. Each venue has a range of en-suite single, double, twin, family and accessible rooms which are flexible enough to accommodate the widest requirements of groups. Complimentary towels, as well as free tea & coffee facilities and extensive, reliable Wi-Fi throughout each centre ensure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Fantastic prices Affordability is vitally important to CCT and pricing is very competitive. Accommodation is charged per person, with no supplements applied for single occupancy of bedrooms. To assist families further, there is no charge for children aged 5 or under and a 50% discount applies for those aged 6-16 years.

Bursary fund

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24 FEATURE

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO LIFE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

s Scripture Union approaches its 150th anniversary, we are asking ourselves lots of questions about who we are and what we are called to do. It has always been an integral part of our mission to reach out to children who haven’t heard the Good News of Jesus. As we looked at the statistics of the lack of children in churches, and the level of Bible literacy, we felt compelled to respond. For the majority of families, the once familiar Bible stories that spoke of God’s salvation for His people are completely unknown - even the Christmas and Easter stories have faded away in many schools. Our response was to first look at the places we could connect with children or young people, and then how to deliver the Bible and the Good News of Jesus in an exciting and contemporary way. What did we do? As we talked and considered our approach, we quickly decided that online engagement was key. Children were increasingly seeing online as the primary place for information and entertainment, replacing books, TV, etc. Kids love playing games - they always have - so a Bible-focused game, delivered online, gave us the chance to reach beyond the church into networks and communities that enjoyed games and being online. We started working with one of the UK’s top children’s games designers, Dubit in Leeds, and enlisted the support of some world class experts: a graphic design consultant in Los Angeles, working with Pixar and Disney Animation Studios in America, working with the Family Guy producers. We enlisted the help of a dear friend, Bob Hartman, known as one of the top children’s storytellers in the world. We looked for partners and ways to fund the mission. We were blessed that, with only an idea on paper and nothing to see, some people got it, saw how powerful it could be and supported us.

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So what is ‘Guardians of Ancora’? Guardians of Ancora is a compelling interactive experience that children of all ages will be excited to play. It is a digital game, available for mobile devices running on Apple iOS, Google Android and Amazon Fire tablets. The setting for the game is the virtual city of Ancora - a place where light leads to goodness, wellbeing and peace. The problem is that this light has been taken away from the people, and the only way to restore it is to re-discover the sagas of old, the stories at the heart of the community – Bible stories. Children play as Guardians alongside the other Guardians of the city. The children playing the game as Guardians have the important task of discovering the truth of the saga stories, and bringing that truth back to Ancora where they will be rewarded with Firebugs. These firebugs will be used to light the central light in Ancora – the Spire, the light of the world. Discovering the truth of these Bible stories is where most of the gameplay happens, as the Guardians have to search for Jesus, the crowds or the next conversation, so they can understand the story. To move, they run, jump, climb ladders, bounce off trampolines and slide down zip wires. They solve puzzles and challenges and they can they take part in the story - for instance, helping to distribute the loaves and fishes in feeding the 5,000. As they play through the game, they become aware of the story, of Jesus, His power and authority, and the impact that Jesus has on the people around Him. One of the key principles of Scripture Union is the undeniable truth of the Bible, and we have invested a great deal of time to ensure that the Bible settings are accurate, and that the story is retold and experienced in a way that is fun and interactive, but cannot alter the story in any way.

So how do we use it? In Guardians of Ancora, there is a huge potential for major evangelistic mission by churches committed to bringing Jesus alive to today’s young people [ages 8 to 11]. As a starting point, get as many children in your church and extended networks to download and play the game. It’s free, so there shouldn’t be any barriers. And, once they have the game and have played it, get them to talk to their friends, talk about the fabulous images and the compelling gameplay. It can be difficult to get kids to talk about their faith but, through Guardians of Ancora, it’s much easier to say play this game. It’s fabulous, and it’s free! Our prayer for Guardians of Ancora is that it will be one of the main global mission tools for evangelism to children, especially those aged between 8 and 11. Our commitment to get Ancora to launch, however big a job that was, is dwarfed by our passion to bring children to a relationship with our Saviour.

Play for free

GuardiansOfAncora.com GuardiansOfAncora @GuardiansAncora

26 FEATURE

Human trafficking and modern day slavery the churches’ response

his Spring 2016 sees the Churches Together in England (CTE) turning the spotlight on Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery – particularly from the standpoint of women affected and the girl child. CTE is concerned to see a Christ-shaped ministry developed across the churches, responding to this challenge which, in 2015, saw over 2,000 people being referred to the United Kingdom authorities as those assessed as likely to have been trafficked. At the first stage of referral, just over a quarter of those referrals were Nigerian women, but only a handful were given a positive Conclusive Grounds decision of having been trafficked. This raises a number of profound questions. There are questions around how the support systems, designed to protect victims, and the forward efforts at prosecution are being allocated. What happens to the women and children from Nigeria, who were not given a Conclusive Grounds decision, and why are so many women and children appearing in the reporting phase at all? What are the elements of violence, of vulnerability, of exploitation, which are behind these reporting figures? Why are so many, who are being initially reported as having been trafficked, not receiving the Conclusive decision? Who are the traffickers, and how do they recruit, seal the deals and move their ‘cargo’, and how can we protect families from these deals? And finally, what is it that the Pentecostal churches can do to engage more meaningfully in this terrible arena of exploitation, fear of Find us on Twitter: @KeepTheFaithmag

reprisals, indebtedness and, for many, very physically realised violence and sexual violation? Dr Carrie Ford, from the Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking (www.ccarht.org), has been asked to assist CTE in beginning a conversation across Pentecostal churches to explore the nature of Human Trafficking, and to strengthen the understanding across all our church communities of the presence of violence against women, within and outside of our church communities. There is, as everyone is agreed, an urgent need for all of us to be addressing the range of challenges surfacing in Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery, with intelligence, compassion, honesty and the full weight of our spiritual practice, commitment for justice and the practice of Christ. Dr Ford has produced two resources for churches thinking about Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery (which can be found on Amazon and downloaded for Kindle) ‘Not for Sale: Raising Awareness and Ending Exploitation’ and ‘The Real Scandal of Sex Trafficking’. Both have been powerful resources for enabling churches to bring into their worship - by means of prayers, readings and ideas for action, offering a deeper engagement from the Scriptures – ways to address practically the terrible exploitation of women and children alongside men in this contemporary challenge, which is now being identified in the United Kingdom as Modern Day Slavery. There is much more to be done – and Dr Ford, in this CTE initiative, is looking for the resources, ideas and insights

from the Pentecostal churches to come forward in response to this contemporary challenge of human rights and well-being. Dr Carrie Ford is arranging, with the sponsorship of CTE, four regional meetings with Pentecostal churches to meet together to discuss the challenges presented and the opportunities to respond. The final meeting takes place in London on 14-17 March.

There is, as everyone is agreed, an urgent need for all of us to be addressing the range of challenges surfacing in Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery

We are looking forward to hearing about the ministries that you might want to develop in the future - to generate support for its victims and prevent its occurrence in our connected communities – and any great ideas you have to share with us on developing the networks of resilience required to see this terrible crime pushed back into the history books and out of our contemporary lives and out of the lives of so many women and children across the world. For more information, visit www.ccarht.org or contact Rev Dr Carrie Ford, Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking. Email: Carrie@ccarht.org.

FEATURE 27

Why Easter is a time to remember we have Hope! DIONNE GRAVESANDE

is Head of Church Advocacy at Christian Aid

he current state of the world is deeply saddening. The atrocities that go on are horrendous – not just people towards each other, but even to the planet. At any given moment, just take a look at the headlines on the BBC; it feels like we are watching a crazy horror movie. But this is no movie; this is our world, the world we live in, and too often the Media report that we are in a state of hopelessness. Week after week, we watch news reports on the biggest issues the 21st Century is likely to face: from war, conflict and discrimination, to inequality, poverty, gender violence, human trafficking and climate change. Remaining hopeful, in spite of all this, feels like an insurmountable task. As individuals, we may think we can’t change the state of the world but, with the help of God and through a revelation of Christ, we can bring about a positive change in our own lives. Furthermore, as church communities, we can seek to lead a more peaceful, spiritual life, and together believe we can change the state of the world. But is that enough? What will big change require? And how exactly does the world see the Church at work? Well, I don’t have all the answers, but I think one of the things we need is a greater degree of hope. I am not talking about a wishy-washy hope that is wrapped in a fuzzy wish; I mean a hope that is firm and secure, in a God-given promise. Jim Wallis calls it a “more foundational and spiritual understanding of hope that is rooted in our identity as the children of God, made in the image of God, as the only thing that will see us through tough times like this”. And perhaps the most important thing the world needs from the faith community today is hope. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is a well-worn text, paraphrased as, “Hope means believing in spite of the evidence, and then watching the evidence change.” Hope is what the people of God need to provide, and the most important thing that every movement for change needs. In the Church’s work for justice, we need to wrestle with this question: Where and how is this hope to be found? And how do we demonstrate hope in practice? Let me give you a concrete example in my context of work overseas. In Kenya, my organisation supports an integrated community health programme that reaches 344,000 women and men. We work with local partners to improve

access to quality maternal and child-health services; we encourage the use of health and nutrition services, and we advocate for increased government investment in rural healthcare provision. By working with faith and traditional leaders, we are also addressing the underlying social and cultural norms that prevent women and adolescent girls from accessing maternal health services, and that discourage men from a more significant role in childcare. Outcomes within the first year included: an increase in skilled deliveries; an increase in new family planning uptake among women of reproductive age, and successful integration with the national campaign on zero maternal deaths. Our vision and hope is to safeguard life. This progress is real, and it can be documented in the lives saved. And yet we come together today, knowing that our work is far from complete, but we have hope! The hope is not just for us, but for the whole of humanity. I think hope is synonymous with the message of Easter, in the way that Easter celebrates not only the resurrection of one Man, but the resurrection of the whole human race. Jesus became the new generation of humanity and, by proclaiming His resurrection now (not at the end of time), we are inviting people

everywhere to join Him in a new birth, as part of a new humanity, celebrating a new covenant, to walk ‘in newness of life’. We are saying, “You don’t have to wait for some distant future to start practising kindness, non-violence, reconciliation, reverence, joy, hope, neighbourliness and peace. You can leave the old humanity behind and start practising this new humanity now.” We can live out that hope today! It’s worth noting that Paul may have left us with the best example of hope in Romans chapter 8: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience,” because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). If God is on your side, how sure is that hope! Whether you hope for an individual prayer or a collective crisis, hope is carried through the people who believe and live out the belief through their actions. We are the messengers of good news in both action and deed, so this Easter, remember to celebrate hope, because that’s the reason we press toward the mark of a higher calling. Happy Easter to all!

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28 FEATURE

HEARING FROM GOD AND KNOWING HIM ARE INSEPARABLE ESTHER KUKU

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

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am going to assume that I am not the only one who has made a decision, based on believing God was leading me in a certain direction, only to realise I had got things terribly wrong. Many of us face seasons in our lives when we are at a crossroads, and hearing the voice of God during these times is vital. One would assume that after 20 years of serving God we wouldn’t have a problem in this area. Recently, however, I have been challenged on my ability to hear God clearly. Could it be that, after serving God for many years, we start to take Him for granted? Or perhaps it could be that we don’t really know God - we only know of Him. What a hard pill to swallow after 20 years! I believe that it is possible to be a Christian and not really know God. The disciple Philip, after following Jesus for many years, said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father,” and Jesus replied: “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me?” Paul made two requests at the end of his life: first, he desired to know Christ, and second, he wanted to know the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10). I love how the Bible helps us to understand the true meaning of the word ‘know’: “And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch” (Genesis 4:17). This is talking about intimacy. It is Easter, so it is right that we talk about resurrection power. The power that raised Christ from the dead is available to all of us, not just a chosen few and, in order to discern His voice, we need to know God. Don’t we all want to move away from fellowshipping with Him on a rota system? One week on, one week off… Come on, it isn’t just me! We have seasons of fervency, when we hunger after Him, but situations bring us to our knees quickly!

As mature believers, we get sophisticated with our quiet times, and exchange prayer for a YouTube teaching of our favourite preacher, or listening back to the Sunday service, and we pat ourselves on the back. We attend Bible study every week, and naturally assume we are on the fast track to Heaven. Gold stars all round. This isn’t intimacy, however; it is routine. We will not be able to hear the voice of God clearly regarding our lives, based on other people’s revelation of who He is. Your pastor spent time with Him to deliver that sermon, so did your favourite preacher. Paul spent time with God. Ephesians 3:14-21 is an awesome template for walking in the power of His resurrection and, as a result, being able to discern His leading. It says: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power, through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Paul kneeled before the Father - he didn’t listen to a teaching video. He spent time with God and was strengthened in his inner man. To experience the resurrection power of God in our lives, we must do the same thing.

‘I love Easter. It is a great time to remember the price Jesus paid for us’ Why does the devil fight with us over our quiet times with God? If we did a straw poll in our Sunday services, there would only be a fraction of the church who hit the ground on their knees and spend quality time daily. The devil hates this, so he makes us busy and fills our lives with distractions - such as social media. He knows the threat we will be to the kingdom of darkness, if we overcome the flesh and drag ourselves out of bed in the early hours. As we begin exchanging our strength for God’s strength, and our ability for His divine enablement, we will see His resurrection power begin to flow through us. I love Easter. It is a great time to remember the price Jesus paid for us, and the power available to us to live with purpose and passion. As we dive into our chocolate eggs and bunnies, and walk with that spring in our step that the change in weather brings, let’s recommit ourselves to knowing God and to becoming intimate with Him, so we don’t waste time fishing in unprofitable waters and are able to hear His voice clearly. After all, His Word encourages us: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). God bless you.

COMMENT 29

REV DAVID SHOSANYA

is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association

The Easter story is simple and straightforward

he Easter story is simple and straightforward: God in Christ became a human being and died for our sins. However, it does not stop there. The story goes on to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and finally His return to Heaven. Easter, in one sense, is the other side or other end of the Christmas story. Christmas reminds us that God became a Man; the apostle John communicates that truth by asserting that ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us’. But is that all there is to the story? What about all that happened in between? What about homelessness? Do Christmas and, particularly at this time of year, Easter have anything to say to us about homelessness? I think they do. I recently had lunch with Mark Brennan from Housing Justice. It is a small organisation with very few staff that is seeking to be both a prophetic voice and cutting edge practitioners on the matter of housing and homelessness in London and beyond. It is surprising what they continue to achieve on a small budget, possessing sheer determination to be the difference. It was while speaking with the Housing Justice team in their offices in London Bridge that I began to join the dots and intentionally connect the theme of homelessness to so many stories in the Bible and, ultimately, to Christ Himself, who was homeless multiple times over (see below). My mind was drawn to the many homeless, marginalised and dislocated individuals that Christ encountered in His earthly ministry – a ministry that ultimately led to His death. I have never asked any questions - or even made the observation - that the gentleman in John chapter five, who gathered with ‘a great number of disabled people (the blind, lame and the paralysed) may have been so ‘invisible’

that he was considered either unfit or unable to inhabit a physical dwelling. I began to wonder that perhaps this was in fact his home, where he lived! Perhaps he was actually homeless, and had forged out an existence and located himself – or, rather, society had passively located him - within a community of the gathered homeless ‘other’. A similar question could be asked of the gentleman, who received his healing from Peter and John at the temple gate called Beautiful in Acts 3, or of the demonpossessed man, of whom Dr Luke skilfully offers a penetrating snapshot into his present state.

‘If Jesus was homeless, then perhaps we ought to pay some attention to the level of homelessness in our world.’ It is easy to only focus on the fact that he was demon-possessed, and celebrate Christ’s power to deliver. Hallelujah! But hold on, where was he now going to live? Luke tells us that ‘for some time he had not lived in a house, but had lived in tombs’ (Luke 8:25b). He was homeless and it had deeply affected, even altered, his perception of himself, of others and them of him! Does this sound familiar and reminiscent of what we see on the streets of our civilised society? Perhaps these examples are not enough to sufficiently move us through what David Mann highlights as the three stages he observed in individuals seeking to come to terms with the global AIDS epidemic: denial, minimisation and engagement. I can understand that. However,

what about this: me simply reminding you that Jesus Christ Himself was homeless. I guess that now it matters! If Jesus was homeless, then perhaps we ought to pay some attention to the level of homelessness in our world. Earlier, I referred to the fact that Jesus was homeless multiple times over: relational homelessness (‘separated’ from His Father), spatial homelessness (‘dislocated’ from Heaven) and physical homelessness (‘without a place to live’ and call ‘His own’). As my conversation continued with the Housing Justice team, I was struck by the fact that God organised time and space in such a way that homelessness would be a feature and characteristic of the life of Christ from the outset. He would be born in a manger, and would have no place to lay His head (being dependent on others for accommodation and shelter, Luke 9:58). I have never once asked myself where Jesus lived, whether He ‘owned’ a property or had tenancy of one - even in the loosest sense. Such has been the focus of my reading of Scripture that my preoccupation has unhelpfully and disproportionately been focused on His earthly ministry, but not on His earthly needs! It’s easily done. So how does all this fit together with Easter? Well, if Christmas is the time of year that we show kindness to others, because of the gift of God to humanity in Christ, then Easter is the time we crucify and die to our preoccupation with our own needs; recognise the needs of others, and give ourselves in service to them as a sacrificial act. It means dying to our own interests, needs, wants and desires, and assessing how our actions impact other people around us. It is a hard call and an arduous task. We need God’s grace for it, but then that is what Easter is all about: God’s grace to us. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

30 COMMENT

THE JUNGLE ABANDONED LAND WITH ABANDONED PEOPLE REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

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

ehind my colleagues and me stood refugees outside flimsy tents, and ramshackle structures made from tarpaulins and plastic sheeting. Piles of rubbish lay close by, while festering pools of water and mud released unsavoury smells into the cramped mud-swamped wasteland. This was the Jungle - in Calais - home to over 4,000 refugees. In this abandoned stretch of land, refugees walk aimlessly on the muddy streets; young people play with their mobile telephones - possibly communicating with their loved ones back home, and the camp elders tell stories of their precarious journeys - the treacherous waters that threatened to capsize their dinkies, the fear that gripped them, and their loved ones in the silence of the oceans. The scenes of refugees crossing and attempting to cross French borders is nothing new. In 1999, the Sangatte refugee camp was opened in Calais, attracting many refugees and traffickers. Its controversial closure in 2002 led to riots. Since then, refugees have continued to arrive in Calais, creating makeshift camps in close proximity to the port. Despite walls, fences and dogs attempting to prevent refugees from crossing French borders, numbers continue to soar, and this is not because France is an attractive destination, but because those fleeing their homes, friends and lands have few, indeed if any options. Their countries’ rapid de-escalation has sent them running towards some semblance of security. The recent suffocation in the back of a lorry of an Afghan boy, Masud, illustrates this point powerfully. Masud’s only crime was to flee the country he loved, Afghanistan, for France. He hoped for unification with his sister, but it was prevented. His case has become a test case in a legal challenge, which began on 18th January against the Home Office, amidst allegations it often ignores the rights of refugees to family re-unification. Throughout this crisis, the French and British response has been interesting. It seems

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to me the French have chosen to abdicate responsibility, to wash their hands of the crisis. There are many reasons for this. Among the removal of refugees from near the Tunnel, permitting their departure to the UK is a cheaper option than returning them to their countries of origin. Faced with a crisis that is international in its background, character and trajectory, such national selfishness by France, an EU country, is a disgrace. Our British Government’s response is even worse. Why am I not surprised that some of the world’s leading economists have launched a scathing attack on David’s Cameron’s response to the refugee crisis, urging Britain to welcome more people fleeing the Middle East? The UK’s current offer of 20,000 resettlement places, spread over five years and only open to those outside the EU and to Syrians, is an embarrassment, and was proposed after being taught a lesson in compassion and leadership by Angela Merkel and by sensing himself behind in the opinion polls again - a response calibrated more by political expediency than actual compassion. I wonder, too, if the same political strategy has been employed by the Government on the matter of unaccompanied refugees? The fact that the Government has taken so long to provide protection to unaccompanied refugee children from Syria, other regions of conflict, and for those in transit in Europe speaks volumes. The Government is so proud of the substantive funds it gives to NGOs, such as UNHCR to provide shelter, warm clothes, hot food and medical supplies to support vulnerable people, that it appears to have forgotten that it also has a responsibility to care for vulnerable people in its country which, frankly, is a far more sacrificial thing to do. Giving money when you

have plenty is easy. Sharing your resources, land, homes, NHS and so forth is not as easy, and creates political fallout. Not good for a Government anxious to win a third term. It is indeed good that vast numbers of people are calling on the Government to engage the latter (sharing resources), which is possibly the reason why the Government has agreed, at last, to lead a new initiative to resettle unaccompanied children from conflict areas, many vulnerable to exploitation. Thank God that the Church response to this crisis is nothing like the Government’s politically motivated and half-measured responses. For example, four UK churches are calling on the governments to provide substantial funding to alleviate the suffering of Syrians, as the 2016 International Pledging Conference for Syria is in progress. The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church are asking for new funding to include refugees in the neighbouring countries of Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Even though some of our Black-majority churches are involved in lobbying the Government on these matters, there is ample more our churches can do to support asylum seekers and refugees. What I find particularly disappointing is the lack of empathy that people of colour have towards migrants. We are seemingly unaware that, not long ago, our parents were also at the mercy of the UK Government and of the benevolence of communities unknown to us. We, too, were strangers in a strange land. Understanding the reality of our parents - and, for some of us, our continued reality should help us be less cynical and discriminatory and more hospitable towards the stranger.

COMMENT 31

The unlikely prayer list REV STEPHEN BROOKS

National Development Manager for Excell 3 www.excell3.com

he substantial majority of readers of this article, I would assume, do not care for the presidencies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Yet Christians are not given the option of letting their disagreement with their political leaders prevent them from praying for such leaders. The apostle Paul encouraged us: “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Syria’s Christian community is one of the oldest in the world; many can still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. The apostle Paul is said to have been converted on the road to Damascus in Syria. Yet today, hundreds of thousands of Syrian Christians have been displaced by fighting, or have left the country. In 2015, more than 1,000 Christians had been killed, entire villages cleared, and dozens of churches and Christian centres damaged or destroyed by Islamist rebels.

‘Let’s not forget God can work with people, in spite of who or what they are.’ It is ironic that the brutal Russian policy involves supporting a ruthless dictatorship but, if it can bring an end to the war, and destroy ISIS and other militant groups, then Russia might just save Syria’s Christians. When Paul wrote the letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1-3), one of the most notorious political leaders, who murdered his mother and both of his wives - Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus - was the Roman leader at the time. Thankfully, none of the United Kingdom’s political leaders, local or national, can claim such disrepute. We should pray for their health and safety. As recorded in Ezra 6:10, the pagan king, Darius, asked God’s faithful people in Jerusalem to pray for his life and the lives of his sons. In light of the relatively recent intrusion into Buckingham Palace, we certainly can pray that the Queen and family and all those in power, whether in Westminster, the local council or anywhere in between, be protected and upheld in good health. We should pray that they would follow the

Lord’s ways, and repent if they don’t. The horrific reign of Manasseh over Judah and his later repentance (2 Chronicles 33:1-20) should remind Christians that, for those in government leadership, personal character and political actions are entangled. Yet Manasseh should also remind us that even evil men, when they repent sincerely, can be used by God to restore what they have ruined. Pray that they would govern with wisdom for the ‘welfare of the city’ (Jeremiah 29:7), not for personal gain or for the advantage of a favoured few. Their concern must be for the wellbeing of all. Pray that God would accomplish His purposes through them, regardless of their willingness to be used by Him. Proverbs 21:1 tells us that ‘the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will’. We can petition the Most High God to work through even those who are resisting Him to fulfil His purposes. It’s noteworthy that God is unimpressed by political power, including those who think they can defy Him. Consider some passages of Scripture about how the Sovereign Lord of all views such persons: ‘The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, “Let us tear off their bonds and cast away their ropes from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord ridicules them’ (Psalm 2:2-4). When we pray for people in authority, we must remember that a battle is under way in the air for political rule in each region of every country. If the powers of darkness are allowed to work unchallenged and influence people, they will get control over governments and people in positions of authority. The consequences will be disastrous. Apart from the fact that the Evil One wants to control and manipulate people in the political field, he wants to control people in any other position of authority. Let’s not forget God can work with people, in spite of who or what they are. We should hold onto the fact that God is sovereign and omnipotent, and that He appoints and takes away leaders (Proverbs 21:1): ‘The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.’ www.keepthefaith.co.uk

32 COMMENT

Two cheers for Saint David:

race equality and conservative political rhetoric REV R DAVID MUIR

is Lecturer in Ministerial Theology and Co-Chair of the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF)

oliticians are no strangers to charges of insincerity. Thankfully, they might feel smug in the knowledge that charges of hypocrisy or insincerity are not only reserved for them, but extend equally to other noble professions and to those in public life. But, every now and then, you hear a politician speak and your ears prick up. They say something that either infuriates you, or resonates with your ideals or cherished convictions. The latter was my experience, when I caught the second half of Prime Minster David Cameron’s speech at the 2015 Conservative Party Conference and, again, in his The Sunday Times article, Watch out universities; I’m bringing the fight for equality in Britain to you (31.01.16). But then you think of the other times when they captured your attention, and you are still waiting for them to deliver on the rhetoric. Maybe they think that we have short memories, or that we suffer from political amnesia. Actually, we do. At the party conference, the PM sounded almost prophetic, expressing a real understanding of ways in which discrimination affects Black people and other minorities. There was something Kingesque in this particular part of the speech, especially the careful repetition of

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the phrase, “Opportunity doesn’t mean much”. OK, maybe that is taking it a bit too far, I hear those say who know a thing or two about the structure of King’s preaching style and the cadence of his oratorical structure. However, sections of Cameron’s speech did remind me a little of Martin Luther King’s castigation of White Christian leaders, who were either unwilling or unable to understand his impatience with racism and discrimination in America, as expressed in his ‘Letter from A Birmingham Jail’ in 1963. So, what was it in the Prime Minister’s speech that resonated with me and arrested my attention? It was when he stated: “We can talk all we want about opportunity, but it’s meaningless unless people are really judged equally. Think about it like this: Opportunity doesn’t mean much to a British Muslim, if he walks down the street and is abused for his faith. Opportunity doesn’t mean much to a Black person constantly stopped and searched by

the police, because of the colour of their skin. Opportunity doesn’t mean much to a gay person, rejected for a job because of the person they love. It doesn’t mean much to a disabled person, prevented from doing what they’re good at because of who they are. I’m a dad of two daughters – opportunity won’t mean anything to them, if they grow up in a country where they get paid less because of their gender, rather than how good they are at their work.” The rhetoric was brilliant, moving. I really wanted to believe that he sincerely believed what he was saying. I didn’t want to be cynical and see this as another bit of ‘politico-speak’ to appeal to BMEs, or to convince reluctant Black Pentecostals that it’s really safe to sign up to the Conservative Christian Fellowship (CCF). In light of the conference speech, I was interested to read the PM’s article in The Sunday Times (30.01.16) on the same theme of equality, attacking universities and other public and private institutions for failing BME communities in the creation of his ‘One Nation’ ideal. Again, the sentiment and rhetoric of his 2015 conference speech is heard: “Consider this: If you are a Black man, you are more likely to be in a prison cell than studying at a top university… There are no Black generals in our armed forces, and just 4% of chief executives in the FTSE 100 are from ethnic minorities.” Of course, there is recognition that we have come a long way since the “blatant racism of decades gone by”, but the fact of racial and

COMMENT 33 other forms of discrimination should “shame our country and jolt us into action,” says Cameron. There is the standard criticism of the under-representation of Black students at Oxford (27 out of more than 2500 accepted in 2014), including his own Oxford University (Brasenose College) for not doing enough to “attract talent from across our country”. So what are we to make of all this? Has the PM become the new and unsuspecting cheerleader for equality? Well, it’s too early to tell; rhetoric needs content, it needs to be embodied in policies, programmes and practices that actually benefit disadvantaged groups and individuals, otherwise we cease to listen or take our politicians seriously. We heard similar rhetoric from David Cameron before he became PM in 2010. In his piece in the Guardian (17.03.2010), he promised to change Black Britain. He was concerned with poverty in the Black community, the scandal of Black pupils’ exclusion from our schools, and the paucity of bank loans to BMEs wanting to start their own businesses. In short, we were promised that his Government would “tackle the racial barriers in Labour’s Britain”, and that the Conservatives would “bring new energy to the task of building a country where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of the colour of their skin” (all that was needed here was a little dash of ‘content of character’ and you get faint echoes of MLK). But it’s now nearly six years later, and we are still waiting to see real and substantial

David Lammy MP

change in the lived experience and fortunes of Black Britain. As we pointed out, in the Black Church Political Mobilisation: a manifesto for action, racial discrimination is still rampant; the disproportionate number of BMEs in our prisons is a national scandal - the same is true in respect of stop and search and mental health. Actually, the PM is merely expressing what most BMEs know as an existential reality. But let’s give the Prime Minister credit for publicly championing the cause of equality (and I’m particularly impressed with the constant reference to Oxford and Cambridge; there are the Russell Group Universities and other good universities that are making an effort to attract more Black students). His appointment of David Lammy MP to lead “a review of the over-representation of Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in the criminal system” is good, but long overdue. And his ‘2020 agenda’ for BME all sounds hopeful – he is making all the right noises.

Tackling issues of race is not too dissimilar to those of class. And what George Orwell said about class should be borne in mind by those thinking seriously about race. According to Orwell, the curse of ‘class difference’ in Britain was much like a stonewall, as the plate glass pane of an aquarium: it is so easy to pretend it isn’t there, and so impossible to get through it. I always thought that the 2010 promise to “change Black Britain” was a tall order. In fact, I genuinely don’t believe any Government can do that. They can help to set the framework for groups and individuals to flourish, by removing institutional, cultural and procedural impediments but, in the end, Black Britain will change and is changing, because Black people are doing it for themselves. I believe in the primacy of agency, in the unshakeable belief that individuals are, and can become, the agents of their own improvement - even against the odds. I wish the PM well on his new crusade for equality; it is politically honourable and, if he pulls it off, he might be seen as a saint in some quarters. But politics is the ‘art of the possible’; it’s not the kind of work for saints. However, as King reminded us about legacy and how we would like to be remembered, it is true to say that David Cameron may not reach the dizzy heights of sainthood, but it would be quite an achievement for him to be seen, in King’s words, as a ‘drum major’ for racial equality. David Cameron tells us: “You can’t have true opportunity without real equality”. Who would disagree with that?

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34 COMMENT

FOOD 4 THOUGHT Jesus didn’t die so you could become a billionaire!

hope that, during the course of this Easter, preachers and teachers across the UK will affirm who Jesus is, who He is not, and share the key reasons why He died on the cross and rose from the dead, along with information about what a Christian is and, more importantly, what a Christian isn’t. Why do I write this? Mainly because I’ve become so fed up of seeing, hearing and reading that Jesus died so that we can either become billionaires; have great inter-personal skills; become the most popular people at work/school/church; the ‘head and not the tail’; attain our dreams; achieve our goals, and whatever other human ambitions we may have. Before I go on, let me state here that I don’t believe that God the Father has any issue with people having aspirations, goals or dreams, just as long as they are ethically sound and not contrary to His purpose for an individual’s life. However, I do think He has a major problem with some of the stuff that comes out of the mouths of Christians these days, because much of it resembles a mixture of the American Dream, coupled with the writings of self-help gurus, aspirations of

bloggers and life hacks, and motivations from motivational speakers. I know self-help books are popular – I enjoy reading them whenever I get the chance - but I do recognise that self-help advice is not the Gospel. Too many people don’t, however. It’s easy to get the impression that 21st century believers are more inspired by the Media, TV evangelists, books, blogs and cultural trends, rather than the Christ of Scripture and the God of the Bible. Jesus didn’t die so that we could feel good or achieve our dreams; He died so that we could enjoy a relationship with the Creator of the world, our Heavenly Father. Living the Christian life can sometimes result in us achieving our goals and dreams but, in most instances, we are called to live a life where we put God’s desires and plans for our lives first. Whatever aspirations we have, there will be times when they have to take second place to God’s purpose for our lives. The Easter story should remind believers of the reasons why Christ came, died and rose again, and how we respond to His amazing demonstration of love by choosing to serve Him and what service to God can mean.

MEN AND PRAYER I recently attended Heal Our Land, a prayer service convened by Pastor Junior Spence of Faith City Church in Hackney, east London, to pray about gangs, knife crime, youth violence and the sexual exploitation of young girls by gang members. It was great to be present at a united prayer meeting, focused on asking for God’s direction in tackling a key issue impacting Black communities across the UK. What was even more encouraging was seeing the large numbers of men present (I think there were more men than women), which debunked the myth that men won’t gather to pray. And, to add icing to the cake, two teenage boys made the decision to become Christians, as the prayer service drew to a close. I left the prayer meeting feeling excited. Not just about the fact that the church had united to pray about an issue so many people are concerned about, but also that our churches are filled with caring men, desirous to see change, and willing to pray to God for that change. I hope more such men start coming out the woodwork to pray and work in God’s Kingdom. Such individuals would be a force to be reckoned with.

FOLLOWING THE JESUS LEADERSHIP MODEL It’s a fact that Jesus Christ is the most influential Man that ever walked this earth. The faith He founded over 2000 years ago has transformed the world and individuals in ways that we can’t begin to fathom or imagine. There’s no way Christianity would enjoy the popularity or influence it has, were it not for the commitment, dedication and sacrifices made by the disciples Jesus left behind. Inspired by Christ’s teachings and the leadership principles He poured into them whilst on earth, the disciples established the Church, one of the world’s oldest and most durable institutions. Find us on Twitter: @KeepTheFaithmag

Organisations stand and fall on leadership, and any church seeking to attain ‘success’ shouldn’t really have to read the latest business manual by a leading CEO. Instead, they should be following the example of the CEO of CEOs, Jesus Himself. It is evident, in founding the Church, that Jesus knew who He was; understood His mission; picked a team of people to help Him achieve His mission, and trained them on how to fulfil that mission. Too many church leaders want to experience success without properly investing in the

people they place in positions of leadership; this investment can constitute time, knowledge, experience and prayer. Oftentimes, leaders are left to get on with the business of leading, without the mutual support from fellow leaders in their denomination or network that they need. If leaders want to get Jesus’ results, they have to model what He did, and it is evident that Jesus adopted a style which entailed caring for His leaders. It’s a style leaders of leaders would do well to adopt, if they want to see healthy, thriving churches under their watch.

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Bounce back, ’cos dead bones can live! Surviving, thriving and maximising your life challenges BY GLADYS FAMORIYO

www.gladysf.com

hilst we all like the joyous side of our faith (eg. testimonies, promises and blessings), all of us, at some point, will experience what I call life’s unscripted moments. These include loss, separation, ill health, hardship, disappointment and other distressing situations. These unwanted intruders invade our lives and can leave devastation in their wake. And just like in the case of a tsunami, we have to rebuild our lives. Pressing on and moving forward, in spite of ‘life’ happening, becomes a must - albeit hard at times. That said, I have come across some people who seem to bounce back no matter what life throws at them. Whilst Apostle Paul is a great biblical example, the people I have observed are everyday people like you and me. By the way, these folk are not ‘super-spiritual’ (whatever that means). Neither do they have an extra dollop of anointing. Nor are they superhuman with nerves/bones of steel. They are just regular people. These ‘Bounce-Back Heroes’, as I like to call them, tend to turn their challenging situations into something positive. Furthermore, they seem to grow from their experiences and positively transform the course of their lives. In recent years, psychologists have termed this phenomenon as post-traumatic growth, where people experience positive change as a result of a challenging life situation or traumatic event. But we already knew that! After all, the Bible is littered with instances of God’s ability to not only keep us through stormy times, but also work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). “How can I bounce back and experience positive change after all that has happened to me?” is a question I hear a lot. So I started collating stories of everyday ‘Bounce-Back Heroes’, along with the strategies and mindsets they adopted. This was how my latest book, Bounce Back! How to survive, thrive and maximise challenging life situations (978-0-9926195-2-7), came about. So, let’s consider a few ways to bounce back.

Flip your adversity on its head This is exactly what Zoe and Andy Coates did. They suffered loss through a number of miscarriages. Having to say Goodbye to each child they lost was difficult for them. Yet, this Christian couple never gave up, and pressed on. Today, they have two beautiful daughters.

But their story did not end there. They chose to flip their adversity on its head by deciding to offer support to others going through similar journeys, and so they launched the Mariposa Trust (www.mariposatrust.org) and, later on, Saying Goodbye (www.sayinggoodbye.org). Today, their website has over 650,000 hits per month, supporting tens of thousands weekly. Zoe and Andy made a conscious decision to make something good out of their losses, and to touch other people’s lives. They are living proof that, as long as we are willing, God can turn our darkest moments into a ray of light in someone else’s world. The question is, will we allow Him to do so?

Victim or victor? You choose! Some time ago, I heard the story of a young schoolgirl in Guatemala, called Griselda (www.ijm.org/griseldas-story). Griselda was coming back from church in a car with her mother and brother, when another car cut in front of theirs. Griselda was dragged out of the car and taken by three men, who went on to rape her. Griselda was thirteen! At this tender age, she now had to live with the trauma of that violation – physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Thankfully, through the work of the International Justice Mission (IJM), Griselda not only received therapy, but her perpetrators were brought to justice. What marvelled me about Griselda was her ‘victor’ mindset. Refusing to be a victim, she took up an internship with IJM, where she was able to help other girls who had experienced similar ordeals. Her desire was to make her pain count for something. Reflecting on her story, it is evident Griselda experienced post-traumatic growth. However, this was as a result of a choice she had made: she chose to be a victor. Another important choice Griselda made was to forgive her perpetrators. This, in itself, is a huge stumbling block for many Christians, and blights many people’s ability to move forward. Oh, how I wish we could see the damaging effects of unforgiveness. From Griselda’s story, we are reminded of God’s restorative power when we allow the greatest Heart Surgeon into our hearts.

and is the ‘stuff’ that keeps us going even in our darkest moments. Another is an understanding that adversity/ suffering needn’t destroy us. Rather, it can be the platform God uses to fulfil His purpose and maximise our potentials. So don’t waste your pain! Instead, create meaning out of your life experiences. Take this one step further by paying it forward in the life of someone else. Trust me when I say that many can benefit from your story. After all, God has a knack of using our ‘tests’ as a basis for our testimonies, our ‘mess’ to become our message, and our stories to form part of HIStory. So bounce back, ‘cos God has got your back. Written by Gladys Famoriyo - Speaker and Author of ‘Bounce Back!’, ‘Quit Hiding, Start Living!’, ‘Healing A Discouraged Heart’ and ‘Overcoming Emotional Baggage’.

In closing… From my research, one thing was clear: Embracing the right mindset, as set out in God’s Word, is the key to bouncing back. One of such is keeping hope alive. Being hopeful is a choice, www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 LIFESTYLE

The rise of church entertainment - a good or bad thing? OWANARI BRIGGS

Poet, MC. 1/4 of soulful hip-hop group Earmark Collective.

have recently started watching a YouTube blog series, entitled ‘Beleaf in Fatherhood’. It showcases the life of Beleaf, a Christian rapper and father, and his endeavours with his two young sons. Beleaf has become a stay-at-home dad to pursue music full time, but it’s proving pretty difficult when you have two toddlers vying for your attention. Not only is the blog hilariously funny and entertaining, but Beleaf has managed to portray the unconditional love he has for his sons similarly to the unconditional love God has for us as His children. Every time I watch a video of Beleaf’s, the content and creativity always minister to me. The blog has opened my mind to a world, which, 15 years ago, I thought did not and could not grow: church entertainment. Many years later, it is not strange to see reality TV shows about pastors; a gospel singing competition presented on live TV; or a Christian rap concert in a club. But has this rise been a great blessing or a curse to us as Christians? I have seen some great results from the rise ‘Church Entertainment’; it has been a tool to help witness to unbelievers and to strengthen believers. Sharing the Gospel to others is what Christ requires from us, and ‘entertainment’ is just another platform that enables us to do so. Nowadays, you don’t have to hold a microphone and be behind a pulpit to share the Gospel; all over the world people are displaying their faith through song, dance, acting and even comedy! As a Christian poet myself, my poetry has been a great conversation-starter on Christ and His work in my life. Can I really call that a bad thing? Furthermore, many in the church have found this rise of ‘church entertainment’ as a catalyst in discovering, cultivating and using their gifts to the glory of God and to serve the church. We can name so many artists and musicians, who started using their talent within the church settings before making a name for themselves in their respective art forms.

Many see this rise as a great way to show that Christians aren’t just the Ned Flanders-type clones, who sing Kumbayah every Sunday morning, but a peculiar people - in a good way. I remember watching a Christian comedian at a church event, and being in awe as he made the Gospel so relatable through his jokes. With more and more people reluctant to attend church services, the entertainment scene is a great way to show that church isn’t just what the media portray us to be. As the choice of who is my favourite gospel rapper becomes harder, due to the wide variety of talent, and as another Christian event invitation pops up on my Facebook page, I’ve seen the church has become more entertainment-driven than before, and wonder if we realise its effect on us. I call this the ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ syndrome, where we, as Christians, are more concerned about how other Christians and the world view us, rather than how we can impact the world for Jesus. Recently, gospel artists, such as Lecrae and Mali Music, have received criticism for working with ‘secular’ artists. Blogs, Facebook statuses

and tweets have labelled these artists as ‘sell outs’, the viewpoint being that light and darkness do not mix, and that we as Christians are supposed to stay sanctified and not mesh with ‘the others.’ And herein lies the problem: our focus has changed. We have become so caught up in our scene, our events, our circles, our entertainment that the thought of evangelism - the last thing Christ told us to do before He left the earth (let that settle in) - has become alien to us. Churches nowadays can pack out a service at the name of a special guest artist, but we all know only a few will attend the prayer meeting the following week. It’s at this point we have to ask ourselves: is the church truly entertainment driven? Has the focus on numbers, likes, views and recognition distorted our eyes off The One?

We can name so many artists and musicians, who started using their talent within the church settings before making a name for themselves in their respective art forms. We have utilised this entertainment as a way of drawing people into our midst, without really measuring the sustainability of this method. As a result, great quantities of people are in the church for the wrong reasons. Where will all these people go when the style of music isn’t pleasurable to their ears? We know everything about drawing people in with opportunities to join the choir, events team, etc, but have lost our effectiveness to help them grow deep in the faith. Entertainment can only take you so far, the foundation of our churches has always been Bible study, prayer and fellowship and, quite frankly, being entertaining was not on the agenda for the guys in Acts chapter 2! This focus on entertainment has almost destroyed our ability to actually fear the Lord. Several people find it hard to worship, due to the fact it feels like they are watching a performance rather than praise and worship. Now, I am not saying to ban all Christian entertainment; we all love being entertained. I know of its great advantage for sharing the Gospel, however, the main concern is how it is being used by us Christians. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that, whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Therefore, in the end, God must get the glory – not us. Let’s get back to the mandate.

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LIFESTYLE 37

hortly before Valentine’s Day, I attended a women’s conference that was geared towards helping women to find their true love. Now, who couldn’t resist a conference such as that? Organised by Mimi Ajala Ministries, the event took place at the Union Jack Club in London, packed out with women - and I spied at least one man in the audience - who were keen to tap into that source of true love, and to perhaps ditch any poor seconds who may have made them offers. Pastor Ajala’s presentation was based on biblical narratives that were certainly examined and analysed in fresh ways for me, even if they had already been considered by everyone else. At the very outset, one of the main points that stood out for me was how she highlighted the painful reality that the need to be loved was one of the most important aspects of a woman’s life, and it was in that very pivotal area that so many women ended up wounded and all but destroyed - casualties of counterfeit love. As she continued to unpack the story of the Woman at the Well, other key points that impacted me included her assertion that any unresolved history in your life will always expose you when you least expect it. Her encouragement to women was to be real, and to let Jesus into every area. “Jesus’ promise,” she said, “is to silence the voice of your past by making you face that past.” Pastor Ajala further exhorted her audience to celebrate the things that were right with them. She reminded us all that if we always ‘celebrate’ what’s wrong with us, then we will always be wrong. “And take responsibility,” she said. “Jesus has life for you. Choose life!” She continued to share a myriad of encouraging words that space does not allow me to report. The need to condense would betray the enthusiasm, the humour and the stark honesty with which she delivered her presentation. Suffice to say, it was one of those ‘so glad I attended’ events. Perhaps I’m getting older, and some things just don’t matter in the same way anymore. Or perhaps I’m finally getting it: that no human love can come anywhere near to the love that Jesus offers each of us. It is perhaps and this revelation that has caused me to see, for the very r te ri w l, a rofession first time, the juxtaposition of two polar opposite seasons hoo.com ya dustries p in @ h e g tiv u a Cre oxboro of love: Valentine’s Day and Easter. The one, offering what eur. E: joyr entrepren often turns out to be a transient, gravel-in-the-mouth, counterfeit thing; the other, offering that sacrificial, unending love that so many women have dreamt about since they were little girls, seeing themselves as princesses and hoping that, one day, someone else would see them in the same way too.

g n i d Fin e u r t your e lov ROUGH O B X O R BY JOY

“

The truth is that, for many people, life can be a lot of work chasing a dream that never seems to come to pass. However, God has set a life so good for each and every one of us to live and enjoy. It is a desperation to get people to access that truth and live God’s best that pushes me to organise such conferences and to do the things I do. “For any woman reading, my message to you is this: You were created to be loved and valued. As long as you keep putting yourself in an environment where you are unloved and not valued, you will always malfunction. Keeping yourself in Jesus ensures that you are always loved and valued. Pastor Mimi Ajala

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

“

38 LIFESTYLE ODETTE Image by Damien Lovegrove

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LIFESTYLE 39

MARGOT Image by Damien Lovegrove

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“your gown should reflect your personality and suit your body type, so try on several dresses”

ne of the first things people think about when mentioning weddings is the bridal gown. For most brides, this is an aspect of their wedding day they have probably given great thought to, sometimes even from childhood. There are lots of factors that should influence your decision in choosing the perfect bridal gown. Traditional and religious factors may feature heavily in your choice, for example the requirement to be modest or to wear certain colours. The venue and size of the wedding may also influence the choice of gown. There will be a huge difference in style choice between a lavish wedding in a stately home, and an intimate wedding in a modern minimalist hotel. It’s also important your gown should reflect your personality and suit your body type, so try on several dresses - even silhouettes you hadn’t previously considered - to ensure you make the right choice. When shopping for your dress, do not take too many people with you. Restricting your party to perhaps your mother, sister or friend you trust will give you an honest opinion. There are lots of platforms where you can get ideas and inspiration from, and it’s a good idea to set up a secret Pinterest board to collate all your dress ideas in one place. Instagram is a good resource, as well as wedding blogs. There are various strong bridal trends for 2016: Sleeves (from delicate cap sleeves to wrist length) are a strong trend, which is a joy to a lot of brides who want to veer away from the ubiquitous strapless gown, and want some form of coverage on their arms. Illusion tulle bodices, with lace applique seeming to float on the body. The options for the amount of

AURELIE Image by Damien Lovegrove

skin showing are fortunately quite wide, from demure sweetheart necklines to plunging backs and/or cleavage. Tulle, tulle and even more tulle. Usually featuring on the skirts, either in multiple layers or in a texturised form. A way to add ethereal drama to a dress without overpowering it. Long trains. The use of tulle on the skirts lends itself to this train. A gown can have a dramatically long cathedral tulle train and still be light, whimsical and easy to manoeuvre around in. Pastel shades. Pantone’s colour of the year, Rose Quartz, or mushroom, blush and latte are beautiful muted shades that, layered on or over the traditional ivory, just adds something special to a wedding gown. Sheath ball gown skirt. This is where, from the front, the skirt is narrow and fitted, either straight to the hem or with a slight flare/trumpet silhouette and, attached to the sides and back, is the traditional full ball gown skirt, seemingly acting as a frame for the sheath skirt. Perfect for so many body types, especially pear-shaped brides. The bridal gown will always remain the focal point of weddings and, therefore, every bride should think very carefully when choosing this iconic garment that she will wear just once in her lifetime. If you are looking for some guidance, or perhaps you have a very definite idea of what you want, why not get in touch with Yemi to discuss your requirements? The initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation! www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 LIFESTYLE

The different publishing methods VANESSA GROSSETT

www.theauthorscare.co.uk

There never used to be ‘different publishing methods’; there was only one publishing method: traditional publishing. Now, with the rise of technology, authors have more options to choose from.

Depending on the publisher, some take a cut from your royalties, which is often high royalty rates - for example, as much as 50% - and some allow you to keep 100% of your royalties. Well, they say 100%, however they do take third party retailer fees, so it is not really 100%. Some authors like this method. Though they are investing monies, the hassle is taken away from them, ie. finding an editor, book cover designer, getting the ISBN number and copyright. However, some believe they might as well do it themselves, and this leads us to the second most popular publishing method: self-publishing.

In my opinion, traditional is still the number one publishing method. I will explain why later in the article. Firstly, here are the most popular publishing methods for authors. Co-publishing: This used to be called vanity publishing but, in the last three years, the name has changed to co-publishing. So what is this type of publishing method? Well, this is where you invest the majority of your monies into your book, as well as into the publisher. Depending on the publishing package you choose, these types of publishers still act in the same way traditional publishers do: you will still have your cover professionally designed and your book edited, with an International Book Standard Number (ISBN) and get royalty statements. With this method, you won’t have to wait too long to get a response. However, it can be very costly: some packages can start from £1,000 and, on top of that, if you want books for marketing purposes, you will have to pay for your books as well.

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Self-publishing: There has been a dramatic increase in the choice of this method over the years. No longer is it shunned upon. With the rise of e-books, authors can publish their books in the most cost effective way. Yes, some authors have been successful using this method. I believe writers like it, as they have more control over their project, plus they don’t have to wait eight weeks or more for their project to get turned down or accepted by a publishing house. They can get their work out there - straightaway. However, it takes a lot of hard work, effort, time and especially money to really succeed with this publishing method. This is why a lot of self-published (also known as independent) authors return to the traditional publishing method, and they are then known as hybrid authors - part traditional, part self-published. I have a client who is a hybrid author, and it doesn’t bother me one bit, as before she became my client, she was self-publishing. However, there are some publishers and agents who are not OK with this, so make sure you tell them, and

check their guidelines before you submit your manuscript to them. You need to have a good amount of money to invest in this method of publishing - more than for co-publishing - as you need to pay for everything. It is much more cost effective to simply produce an e-book. The quality of these books can be very poor, however, and therefore do not tend to sell well. Because it is an e-book, most authors would rather design the cover themselves, and do their own editing. It then gets uploaded onto Amazon, but unfortunately the sales can be very slow. If, like me, you prefer a high quality, professional finish, and you are not only looking at doing an e-book, then it can cost realistically around £5,000 plus. You need to pay for an editor, book cover designer, proofreader, and there are printing costs, plus third party retailer fees. You need to really market yourself to make the book a success. Subsidy publishing: I would describe this method as a cross between traditional and co-publishing. These publishers work the same way as a traditional publishing house, in the sense that you don’t need to pay for an editor, book cover designer, etc. However, they do expect you to buy a certain number of books with them – sometimes up to 2,000 plus. This is not straightforward traditional publishing, therefore. Before you enter into an agreement with these publishers, check your budget to see if you can afford to buy so many books. Also consider whether it is worth spending your money. Unless you are a regular international speaker or a mega church pastor, then it will be a waste of money buying the books, and you will just have them taking up space around you. It would be better to buy the books as and when you need them.

LIFESTYLE 41

Become a foster carer Find out how and read about our foster carers’ stories visit our website

www.lbhf.gov.uk/fostering If you’re interested in fostering you will need • A spare room in your house • Parenting or childcare experience

All the support you need to be a foster carer • A council tax grant to foster carers living in the three boroughs • You have a network of fostering peers and professionals always there to help and advise you • You get free training in fostering skills and theopportunity to train for additional qualifications • You are paid a weekly financial allowance for the child(ren), a fee for yourself plus additional rewards like a retention bonus.

Freephone 0800 169 3497 Call 020 8753 1057 Email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk For more events visit www.lbhf.gov.uk /fostering www.rbkc.gov.uk/fostering www.westminster.gov.uk/fostering /adoptionandfostering

Traditional publishing: In my eyes, this is still the most popular and best publishing method. You do not have to pay for anything - not a penny. The publisher will cover everything for you. You may have to invest in some marketing, but that is at your discretion. You can also buy your books at a discounted price, as and when you need them. This is why a lot of the traditional publishing houses - especially the bigger, more established houses - only take on authors who can give them a good return on their investment - celebrities, for example. Books are a costly business. The waiting period with these houses is extremely long. Some of them get hundreds and thousands of manuscripts, which is why most only want agented submissions. There are, however, traditional publishing houses you can go to that don’t take on agented submissions, Yes, it can still be a long wait, but worth it, as not every publisher will say ‘No’; you’ll get one that will say ‘Yes’, and you will start your wonderful journey of becoming a published author. There you have it: different publishing methods. I would advise you to think wisely and, most importantly, pray before you choose your publishing method. But know this, whichever method you choose, with God on your side you can be a great success.

You’re Rare. Be there. We need more black blood donors and organ donors Go to www.iamthere.co.uk to find out why

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42 LIFESTYLE

How does your garden grow?

JASON LOH

worked as a property solicitor before training in landscape and garden design

BEING PLANTED

t seems not too long ago that Disney, through clever marketing and strategic drip feeds through social media, nearly took over Christmas, with the latest instalment of the Star Wars epic. Nearly forty years passed on the big screen between two key moments: a young Luke Skywalker, gazing at Tatooine’s suns setting in the distance and, decades later, an older Han Solo uttering the poignant words, “Chewy, we’re home.” Something happened during the interim. There is a sense of a road well travelled. Indeed, the journey of life can take us to moments of both wondrous joy and the most challenging difficulties. With the warmth of spring on the horizon, the natural world begins to toss and turn, eventually waking up from its winter slumber. It is during this time that we see changes to the things we have planted in a time long past. But, between the genesis and ‘revelation’ season of a planted thing, there is a period of waiting. I love this quote by Christine Caine: “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.”

Right Plant, Right Place When I advise my clients about plant selection, I always say that plants should thrive where they are sited, and not just survive. Be it a delicate flower, a productive vegetable or a majestic ornamental tree, they all have different characteristics and can cope with a certain range of conditions. Just like us. We have our own personalities, characteristics, foibles and quirks, as well as interests, passions and areas where we simply thrive. Our Creator knows all these things. He is the Master Designer, who has drawn up the Master Plan. According to Psalm 139, God knows us intimately, and we are utterly precious to Him. He knows where we are best placed/planted. Trust in God, the One who drew up the Master Plan. Growing Deep A seed, full of potential and life. When it is planted and starts to grow, it changes its identity and something far greater is released (John 12:24). It begins to form roots in order to seek nourishment from the surrounding soil. My wife Charlotte and I chose Jeremiah

Changing soil conditions

It is amazing to think how plants grow depending on where they are sited, and what nutrients are available. Hydrangeas are a popular shrub, with flower heads that come in the most delicate shades of blue, pink or white. Some hydrangeas, like the mophead and lace cap cultivars of Hydrangea macrophylla, actually change colour depending on the acidity of the soil. For these famous chameleons, their flower heads can be pink in alkaline conditions, blue in acidic soil, and mauve (and blend of the two) in neutral to mildly acidic soils. If you have a blue cultivar, use ericaceous compost and nourish it with rainwater. If your mains tap water is on the hard side, dousing your blue hydrangeas will almost certainly turn them mauve or pink.

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17:7-8 as our wedding verse. To become ‘fearless in the heat of trials’ and ‘free of worry in the year of drought’, one must trust in the Lord. This in itself brings about growth. Roots that take time to form and that are invisible to eyes above ground level, will soon bear good fruit for all to see.

Wind action on trees Do you know that plants and trees have two types of roots? The smaller capillary root system is fibrous and collect life-giving nutrients. These tend to be on the surface, where the soil is most rich. The larger taproots, however, give stability and support to the entire plant. When planting new trees, the most common mistake is to use support structures or systems that are far too restrictive. Straps girded on too tightly soon choke and leave permanent damage. Also, the action of wind buffeting against the tree actually helps it to develop stronger and deeper taproots, so that when the supports are finally removed, the tree has the best chance of survival. In the natural environment though, we see trees whose very shape has been marked by the elements. We have family in the Isle of Man, and I always appreciate the windswept trees that dot the landscape. There is beauty in a form that has been through life’s journey, and has not just survived... but thrived.

LIFESTYLE 43

PROPHETIC GLOBAL 2016

hen Dr Myles Munroe died, it was highlighted that he spoke about a ‘passing on of the baton’, and the Bible also says we should leave an inheritance. Spiritually, although churches have made advances to win the lost through the Media, modern technology and countless conferences, seminars, crusades and prayer meetings, there is a stream, known as a ‘remnant’, that are hungry for more of God. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (KJV) Very ordinary people, who have not been ordained as ministers, are discovering that they have gifts, and are starting to see the manifestation of the prophetic gifts (speaking in tongues, gift of prophecy or foretelling, word of knowledge) and the gift of healing. He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. Ephesians 4:11 The understanding, recognition and application of the ascension gifts (the five-fold ministry given after Jesus had ascended) were

to be the toolkit to empower the Church. Sadly, some churches recognise Pastors and Evangelists, but have not placed a similar release and acknowledgement on the office of Apostle, Prophet and Teacher. The overemphasis on those called to the office of Evangelist and Pastor has somewhat limited the function, recognition, training and development of the other three, which has left some churches without prophets to bring the voice of the Lord; without apostles to bring clarity to doctrine, and without teachers to teach how to uphold holiness. Although there is a stirring in the UK, we need more. Prophetic evangelism connects people to God immediately, through signs and wonders, creating a powerful witness in the life of the new believer, and empowering them to win the lost with zeal, anointing and passion. The Great Commission means that we are all called to preach the Gospel to every nation. To be trained up effectively and function in accordance to the calling on our lives, we first need to correctly identify our area of gifting and then be released and nurtured in it. Prophetic Global 2016 is a conference aiming to connect and reconnect Christians

from all denominations to the call of the Father. Its purpose is also to teach, train, equip and encourage people in accordance with Ephesians 4:11 to recognise their calling. The three-day Conference - incorporating prophetic teaching, training, dance, the arts, etc – wants to facilitate the prophetic outpouring we are witnessing today so that it becomes more evident in the UK. Blaze Global Conference has attracted international Apostles, Prophets and Teachers to attend the conference in a missional capacity to pour out on London. All serving the vision are passionate to see the Great Commission of God achieve its purpose in increasing the prophetic in the UK. Those who are prophetically stirred, are hungry for more of God, and desire to grow in the prophetic will be able to ask questions at the Saturday workshops and partake in a move of the prophetic, in an atmosphere designed to usher in God’s presence. When the Apostles and Prophets gather, change happens. When the Church is empowered and moves in faith, the nation is changed. Prophetic Global 2016 takes place 18th-20th March, 2016 at Croydon Park Hotel. Tickets Eventbrite: Prophetic Global.

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Planet Sport Football Africa Changing Lives in Africa

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. “ Former South Africa president, Nelson Mandela, Laureus World Sports Awards, Monaco, May 2000.

Here at Passion for Sport we agree. Sport has the power to change the world. We are passionate about sport but we are even more passionate about Jesus. Our aim is to introduce sports fans to Jesus through media so that they will become his followers and help to change the world. Planet Sport Football Africa is our 30-minute weekly radio programme for football fans in Africa and from Africa. The show is heard on 40 stations in 10 African countries and also online at www.planetsportfootballafrica.com. Planet Sport Football Africa features news from African football and the English Premier League, issues in African football such as juju and superstition and interviews with players with a vibrant Christian faith, such as Watford’s prolific Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo (left). “Without God I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “In everything I do, I give glory back to God. I’ll never share the glory.”

The Potential is Enormous Planet Sport Football Africa is rooted in Africa. Producer Steve Vickers is based in Zimbabwe and regular analyst Solomon Izang Ashoms is in South Africa. “For me as a Nigerian and an African,” says Solomon, “I believe football and radio are great mediums to inform, educate and transform African society. The potential is enormous in Africa where most people listen to the radio daily and it’s their main source of information.”

Through Whats App and Facebook listeners get in touch with us from across Africa. Many are Muslims providing a great opportunity to naturally and sensitively introduce Jesus across the bridge of football.

Effective Tool for the Gospel Peter Musembi is a reporter for BBC Africa living in London. “Radio’s low cost, flexibility and oral character meets Africa’s situation very well,” he says. “Radio is the most effective tool for the Gospel in Africa. Planet Sport Football Africa is a venture worth supporting bearing in mind the thousands of people that tune in to listen.” It costs just £8 to reach the listeners to each of the 40 African radio stations every week. We think that’s exceptional value. Please visit www.passionforsport.com to make an online donation now. Your gift can make all the difference. Thank you. Passion for Sport is a working name of 2K Plus International Sports Media, a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity number 1019141 and UK registered company limited by guarantee number 4286195. Registered office: Whittingham Riddell LLP, Belmont House, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6LG

e-mail: office@passionforsport.com Tel: 01392 580624 Passion for Sport, Enterprise House, St Austell Bay Business Park, Par Moor Road, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3RF

Planet Sport Football Africa

– introducing football fans in Africa to Jesus • A weekly 30-minute radio show produced in Africa • Broadcast on 40 radio stations and online at www.planetsportfootballafrica.com • Focuses on African football, what’s happening around the continent and what African players are doing overseas • Designed to engage football fans in Africa and introduce them to Jesus • Includes testimonies of top footballers, discussions and match analysis

Reporter Solomon Izang Ashoms interviews fans in South Africa

What our liStenerS Say:

“Last Friday’s edition was definitely a marvellous one. Thanks for all you are doing.” SAIdOu, THE GAMBIA “I listen to the show and I am very interested. I like hearing about African football.” PAuLuS, NAMIBIA “I’m a very big fan of Planet Sport Football Africa, you are doing such a great job.” MuSA, THE GAMBIA Join the Planet Sport Football Africa community! Listen at www.planetsportfootballafrica.com Whats App: +44-7955-232780 planetsportfootballafrica planetsportFA e-mail: office@passionforsport.com Tel: 01392 580624 Planet Sport Football Africa is a Passion for Sport production Passion for Sport is a working name of 2K Plus International Sports Media, a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity number 1019141 and UK registered company limited by guarantee number 4286195. Registered office: Whittingham Riddell LLP, Belmont House, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6LG

Producer Steve Vickers, also orter known to listeners as a rep ica) (Afr vice Ser rld Wo with BBC

J U L I A N A N Z A N U M W E N D WA , A G E D 14 , K E N YA , P R O J E C T K E -7 7 6

KNOWN, LOVED AND PROTECTED

Compassion connects children living in the vulnerability of poverty with a sponsor. Each sponsor enables a child to be loved and nurtured in their local church project. Here they are empowered to reach their full potential and taught about Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for them. When you know and love a child, you do anything to protect them.

CHANGE A CHILDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIFE TODAY

www.compassionuk.org

COMPASSION UK CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT 43 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8BB Registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059) Registered in England No: 03719092

I will y m d l i bu

church

For all the latest information and to buy tickets go to CREonline.co .uk or call 01793 418218

THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND A HUGE RANGE OF CHURCH RESOURCES UNDER ONE ROOF!

2016 dates CRE International: 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 May Excel, London

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CRE South East: 12 + 13 October Kent Event Centre, Maidstone Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No 232759)