Keep the Faith magazine

ISSUE 127

REMEMBERING WINDRUSH LEADERS WHO ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH

CELEBRATING THE HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF AFRO HAIR

STARTING THE JOURNEY TO OVERCOME DIABESITY

REV CARMEL JONES: HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

WINDRUSH WOMEN: THEIR LIFE, FAITH AND WORK

MAR Legendary comedian taking her final bow

PASTOR PETER NEMBHARD: IMPACTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVES

The cost

living crisis is pushing millions of people, in the UK, into poverty.

Now more than ever, God is calling on churches to put Jesus’ compassion into action. CAP can provide you and your church with free video, sermon and prayer resources, empowering you to explore the reality of UK poverty through a biblical lens, and then respond.

EDITOR

Marcia Dixon MBE editor@keepthefaith.co.uk

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Becky Wybrow

SUB-EDITOR

Jackie Raymond

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THE PUBLISHER WOULD LIKE TO THANK:

Juliet Fletcher, Roy Francis, Gary Clayton, Karen Allen, Olivia Williams, Dr T Ayodele Ajayi, Pastor Yvonne Brooks, Verona White, Rev Ronald Nathan, Shirley Anstis, Bishop Jonathan Jackson, Dr Lisa Adjei, Akosua DF, Joy Roxborough, O’Neil Dennis, Bishop Tedroy Powell, Pastor Errol Williams, Rev Arlington Trotman BD, Bishop Dr Rudolph H Parkinson, Jennifer Obaseki, Eloho Efemuia, Leah Levin-Martins, Davis Kpakiwa our advertisers and supporters

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

Editor’s NOTE

ISSUE 127

Dear Reader,

I hope you have been enjoying this late autumn summer! It’s come at the right time: during the creation of this Black History Month edition of KeepTheFaith

We have continued with the theme of celebrating and commemorating Windrush 75. There’s a spotlight on the Windrush men and women who laid the foundation and helped build the Church. It isn’t an exhaustive list, so if we’ve omitted anyone you believe should have been featured, do let us know.

Bishop Jonathan Jackson shares why he’s proud to be a child of the Windrush Generation; Roy Francis examines the life, work and faith of Windrush Women; and Shirley Anstis gives insight into how Windrush women have viewed their lives here in the UK.

We have interviews with leading figures in the community: comedy legend, Angie Le Mar, who is giving her final bow at the Broadway Theatre before moving onto new things; and Pastor Peter Nembhard, founder of ARC Global, who is experiencing great success reaching young adults with the Gospel.

This edition of KeepTheFaith not only celebrates Black achievement, but you’ll also learn a thing or two as well. Find out about the Black presence in the Bible; the history of afro hair; the importance of celebrating our ancestors; and how to record and note the history of our families and ourselves for posterity.

As with every edition of the KeepTheFaith, we hope by the time you finish reading our Black History Month edition you’ll be inspired, motivated, enlightened, informed, and empowered to keep the faith and make your own unique impact on the world and wider society.

Enjoy.

Marcia Dixon

Marcia Dixon MBE Editor

To discuss how Keep The Faith could work with you, request a media pack or book an advert, please call 0203 868 0664 or email advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk

06-07 News

08 Churches connecting communities through cycling

By Joy Roxborough

10 Local churches: How they honed, supported and launched gospel music talent

By Juliet Fletcher

12 Christian & gospel music is on the rise By O’Neil Dennis

14 Windrush: They came, they served and established the Black Church By Marcia Dixon

MBE

17 I am a child of the Windrush generation - and proud of it! By Bishop Jonathan Jackson

18 Windrush women: Their life, their faith, their work By Roy Francis

20 The Black presence in the Bible By

Ronald Nathan

22 Windrush women and their experience of making life in Britain By

Shirley Anstis

24 The Christian call - The fight for social justice and freedom

By Rev Arlington W Trotman BD

26 Legendary comedian, Angie Le Mar, prepares to take the ‘Final Bow’ By Akosua DF

28 Pastor Peter Nembhard: The leader impacting young people’s lives

32 Rev Carmel Jones: The man, his life and his legacy By Marcia Dixon

MBE

34 My letter to the Black Church By

Dr Lisa Adjei

35 Church of God of Prophecy: Celebrating 70 years on mission, ministry and community service

41 Equipping the Church to be the Church

42 Churches, don’t get into trouble - Understand your legal obligations and liabilities By Jennifer Obaseki

43 The power of branding By Eloho

Efemuia

44 God called me to start a modest fashion brand! By Leah Levin-Martins

By Bishop

Tedroy

Powell and Pastor Errol Williams

36 Lessons learnt in leadership

By Bishop Dr Rudolph H Parkinson

37 We must be keepers of our legacy By Juliet Coley

38 Be careful what you wish for

By Gary Clayton

39 Food for Thought

By Marcia Dixon MBE

40 In loving memory... The importance of honouring our ancestors By Karen Allen

45 Celebrating history and beauty of afro-textured hair

By Verona White

46 Starting the journey to overcome diabesity

By Olivia Williams

47 Trauma: Causes and cure

By Dr T Ayodele Ajayi

48 Matters of the Heart

By Pastor Yvonne Brooks

50 My journey on the world’s largest charity hospital ship By Davis Kpakiwa, Mercy Ships

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CoE MOURNS PASSING OF BISHOP OF WOOLWICH

The Christian community is in mourning, following the death of the Rt Rev Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich. He died peacefully after a long struggle with his health on Friday 8 September in the presence of his family at King’s College Hospital.

Speaking of Bishop Karowei’s death, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, stated: “I express my gratitude for Bishop Karowei’s friendship and inspirational ministry – latterly as Bishop of Woolwich – where he brought much joy in his passion for the Gospel, and loving encouragement to all whom he encountered.”

The Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said: “Bishop Karowei was a truly holy man, full of the Spirit and of grace, who simply radiated the joy of Christ. He leaves us with a great legacy. May we continue to be inspired by his passionate commitment to evangelism and his passion for nurturing and developing new leaders. We know that Christ mourns with us, as we hold his family and all who loved him in our prayers.”

Bishop Karowei was a much-loved member of the Anglican Church. He was born and raised in Nigeria and worked as a medical doctor before his ordination as a deacon in 1995 and priest in 1996. His curacy was at St Mark, Tollington Park, followed by, in 1998, building the community of faith at St John, Upper Holloway. He was consecrated as Bishop of Woolwich in 2017.

He was always keen to share the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He had a deep concern for mission and regularly led open-air evangelism in his parish which saw his church grow remarkably.

Bishop Karowei also had a keen interest in training candidates for lay and ordained ministry, offering his expertise as a tutor on a number of training programmes.

Bishop Karowei is survived by his wife Mosun, a Consultant Child Psychiatrist; their adult son, Timi; and his twin sister, Collette.

WHICH? MAGAZINE NAMES ECCLESIASTICAL’S HOME INSURANCE AS A BEST BUY

Which?, the UK’s leading consumer champion that independently rates thousands of products every year, has rated ‘Set Sum Insured’ and ‘Bespoke’, the home insurance policies of Ecclesiastical as Best Buys.

The Best Buy recommendation is only awarded to products and services that receive high scores during thorough testing by independent experts, representing the best in their category.

This rating of Ecclesiastical’s home insurance product follows on from the specialist insurer topping Fairer Finance’s Home Insurance league tables for the 17th successive time in the spring, and receiving the Gold Award from Times’ Money Mentor, helping to reaffirm the company’s position as a leading provider of home insurance cover.

Richard Coleman, managing director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Our ambition is to be the most trusted and respected specialist insurance company, and this recognition will help new and existing customers to recognise Ecclesiastical as an insurer that provides comprehensive cover and the peace of mind that comes with it.

“As part of the charity-owned Benefact Group, every home insurance policy we sell helps to fund good causes in the UK. By doing business with us, our customers are helping to support our goal of doubling our contribution to good causes, helping to transform lives and communities for the better.”

Visit www.ecclesiastical.com/homeinsurance/ for more details.

Premier releases podcast to get Christian women talking

The Woman Alive Podcast, hosted by Tola Doll Fisher, editor and creative director of the Woman Alive magazine, aims to get Christian women talking. No topic is off limits as the host and her guests dig into the Bible and discuss what matters to women today.

The Woman Alive podcast, released by Premier in partnership with Open Door, aims to cover the topics Christian women are having in public – and behind closed doors!

In each episode Tola Doll and her guests tackle a trending topic and also answer a question on sex and relationships sent in by readers as part of the popular Great Sexpectations series. Topics covered in the podcast series include modesty, where the question is posed, ‘Should Christian women wear bikinis?’, ‘Is motherhood idolised in the Church?’, ‘Does God approve of marriage to an unbeliever?’, and ‘Are Women Hustling Too Hard?’

The Woman Alive podcast is available on Premier.plus as well as all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. Visit www.womenalive.co.uk

NIKKI TAPPER OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUTURE AS BBC SHOW COMES TO AN END

On September 24th the BBC WM radio show, Sunday Night with Nikki Tapper, aired for the last time.

Whilst Nikki is saddened that her show has ended, she remains optimistic, telling Keep The Faith: “I’m pleased about what the future could look like. I’m still with the BBC, so I’ll be asked to cover and do other shows. I’m delivering training and facilitating at the BBC Academy, and I’ll continue hosting events. And in the next six months I’ll be podcasting, so I’m good.”

Nikki has blessed the airwaves for 25 years. She got her break into radio in 1998, starting at Choice FM. It changed hands and became Galaxy Radio, and her show was called Gospel Heat. Four years later she was headhunted to join Radio WM, as the late great Frank Stewart was moving on from his gospel show.

She recalled: “They asked me to send in a tape, and in March 2003 I started on BBC WM, presenting a show called Gospel Lounge I did that for 9–10 years. I then co-presented a show with Bishop Dr Joe Aldred for five years, and when he left it was back to me on my own, and that’s where Sunday Night with Nikki Tapper has been for 7–8 years.”

Nikki has interviewed numerous people over the years, including Lord Simon Woolley, Tim Campbell MBE, Judi Love, and Trevor Nelson. She says stand-out interviewees have been pop star, Joan Armatrading CBE; Barbara Blake-Hannah, the first Black TV reporter in the West Midlands; and UK gospel artist, Noel Robinson. She recalled: “It was one of the most powerful interviews I’ve done. I really felt the presence of God in the studio.”

Whilst Nikki is looking forward to the future, she is full of gratitude to God for her career. “You have to have faith – for the life I’ve been blessed with, and the career I have, and through the experiences I’ve had, I know it’s God-ordained.”

Anglican Mission Agency pledges £7m to slavery reparations project in Barbados

During a recent visit to Barbados, the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) announced that it will be seeking to address the wrongs of their past by committing to the ‘Renewal and Reconciliation: The Codrington Reparations Project’, in partnership with Codrington Trust/Church in the Province of the West Indies (CPWI), in Barbados.

The work will include four areas of work in collaboration with the descendants of people enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade. USPG has pledged £7million to finance this work in Barbados over the next 10–15 years. It’s due to start in spring 2024.

“USPG is deeply ashamed of our past links to slavery,” stated Rev Duncan Dormor, General Secretary of USPG. “We recognise that it is not simply enough to repent in thought and word, but we must take action, so we are working in partnership with Codrington, where the descendants of enslaved persons are still deeply impacted by the generational trauma that came from the Codrington Plantations.”

USPG has long been aware of its links to the slave trade. In 1710, the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel (former name) received a bequest from Sir Christopher Codrington for two plantations in Barbados. Between 1710 and 1838, USPG benefitted from the labour of enslaved persons on the Codrington Estate.

This new project in Barbados is part of USPG’s ongoing commitment to engage with its shameful history.

NEW EVENT TO SHOW BUSINESS OWNERS HOW TO GET CORPORATE CONTRACTS

Businesswoman and committed Christian, Michelle Raymond, is playing her part to economically empower the Black community and beyond by hosting and launching her first Diverse Business Summit (DBS) on November 10.

The Summit aims to provide a platform for business owners from diverse communities to connect with corporate organisations and introduce themselves with an alternative approach to securing contracts, bypassing traditional tendering processes.

Organisation that will be present at DBS include Lloyds Banking Group, Meta, Moodys, JCDecaux, Ernst & Young, University College of London (UCL), The Financial Ombudsman, Sky and Diageo. Speakers include financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo, and Claudine Reid MBE.

Michelle is founder of The People’s Partner, an HR and coaching consultancy. She is passionate about seeing small businesses win. She told Keep The Faith: “I am hosting this event because I saw there was a widening gap between diverse business owners and large organisations. Diverse business owners are the perfect solution to the ESG and sustainable needs of corporates, but we don’t have access or visibility.

My aim through this event is to raise the visibility, market readiness, and social mobility of diverse businesses in the UK especially, so that they can effectively sell their services and products to corporate organisations.”

Visit www.thediversebusinesssummit.com to register.

CHURCHES CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CYCLING

Joy Roxborough writes about a church-based cycling and well-being project that is positively impacting the health and fitness of participants

New cycling lanes installed in Wolverhampton are being put to good use, as a local church in East Park, Wolverhampton, is developing a thriving cycling and well-being initiative in the West Midlands. Mount Shiloh Apostolic Church launched the No Limits to Health Cycle Hub in March 2022 as a means of reaching out to surrounding communities. Since then, participation has been growing steadily, with new and established riders — young and old — regularly attending the various activities.

Saturday mornings see riders prepare for their cycling tours, which start at 10am. Routes vary and are a mix of road and off-road scenic paths through parts of the city and include a midpoint stop before the second leg of the circular route takes the group back to the No Limits to Health East Park Cycle Hub.

Founder, Sam Henry, said: “God gave me the vision to do this, and I am overwhelmed by the impact it has been making for people of all ages. Young people — the youngest an 11-year-old — have been coming, as well as adults, some of whom haven’t been on a bike in over 20 years. We even had a lady in her 60s who had never been on a bike before. It has been just phenomenal!

“The vision is to enable children, young people and adults to experience the joys of cycling for health, well-being, sport and leisure. Our core mission is to deliver cycle-based activities that reach residents from under-resourced communities, and to bridge the gap that currently exists in Wolverhampton and the West Midlands regarding physical health and mental well-being.”

Rides are led by qualified bike leaders, and there are sessions for new riders which help to build confidence. Satellite hubs are also being set up at other churches, with the newest one being Gloucester Street Church of God of Prophecy.

No Limits to Health Cycle Hub, created as a social enterprise, has benefited from grant funding from Sport England, Cycling UK, Canal & River Trust, and The National Lottery. This has enabled the company to purchase a number of cycles, which are made available to participants free of charge. “We don’t want people to miss out because they don’t have a bike,” Sam said, “but as a social enterprise, we are always open to donations, ideas and collaborations to raise funds to cover costs, such as maintaining the cycles.”

The Cycle Hub is part of a wider church initiative with Mount Shiloh Apostolic Church. Sam and Pastor Gilroy Brown are in the process of developing and fundraising for the Shiloh Community Health & Wellbeing Hub. This will be a holistic base aimed at addressing the spiritual, physical, mental and social needs of residents from the East Park area and the wider Wolverhampton

community. This programme will be conducted through a range of community engagement activities, including the No Limits to Health cycle programme. Other activities include dress design sessions for beginners and advanced clients; a community clothes shop, selling clothes and accessories; a drop-in social space, where healthy conversations, art therapy sessions and recreation will be organised; and a well-being café which aims to provide a choice of healthy food for users.

Pastor Gilroy Brown said: “The Church should not only exist in the community; it should also engage with the community and be used as a resource for spiritual, mental, social and physical well-being. As outlined in Luke 4:11, we should follow the example of Christ whose ministry was in the community, meeting the needs of the poor and oppressed.

“As part of our Kingdom mission, we believe in partnering with other local churches. We are proud to be part of Churches for Positive Change, which believes in the ‘power of the collective to bring about genuine transformative impact in the City of Wolverhampton’.”

Stephen Barnes, a regular cyclist with No Limits to Health, said: “I first joined No Limits to Health in the winter and my first session was a struggle due to my physical health. Sam suggested that, rather than giving up, I should use one of the e-bikes. I found this helped a lot and since that day I have been out riding regularly. This has been beneficial for my physical and my mental health. I have been enjoying nature and the fresh air on the varied routes that we take. I also fully enjoy the social aspects of the group and would fully recommend No Limits to Health to all.”

To register to be part of this, visit www.nolimitstohealth.com

LOCAL CHURCHES: HOW THEY HONED, SUPPORTED AND LAUNCHED GOSPEL MUSIC TALENT

Juliet Fletcher writes about the role local churches have played in helping to hone, develop and support gospel music talent and develop the gospel scene

When reporting on British Gospel Music history, we very rarely get to read about the specific local churches that championed certain musical achievements and became landmark places, where key bands, choirs and soloists emerged. During this 2023 BHM/Windrush 75 commemorative year, it excites me to be alive and to celebrate some of the local churches that represent significant developments and sounds, which in some instances became game-changers.

A GAME-CHANGER EXAMPLE

My local church, COGIC Wood Street, began in 1968 and, like most Black groupings of the time, went from a front-room fellowship to worship services in church and community halls until we procured our very own building in 1993. Before we became the impacting local branch of COGIC in the ’70s, we had a change in leadership – not for a bad reason, however it opened up a new era.

In 1973, the founding leader – Pastor Winston Maxwell – migrated to the USA with his eight children. That left us with just two guys. All the girls were in their teens and early 20s! However, a change occurred before our new pastor arrived via the Red Lion pub

on the corner of the high road that led to our church. The pub attracted sound systems and young Black youths/men. As a predominantly young female congregation, passing by the pub to reach our church was a daunting prospect. Overcoming our fears, a few of us courageously invited some of the whistling cat-calling guys from the pub to attend church. They accepted and got saved! Maybe over 20 guys in all!

That influx of men brought about our superb manlicious (sorry, I love making up words like that!) choir – with coveted tenor power. We called ourselves The New Jerusalem Choir (NJC). Our early repertoire included (now) classic songs, like Somebody’s Knockin’; Lord, Help Me to Hold Out; I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired, found on LPs of the legendary Rev James Cleveland of Savoy Records. NJC’s reputation was already on the rise, with a superlative selection of songs and because of the tonal quality of our harmonies.

The music landscape changed in the 1970s and ’80s with advancements in technology, air travel, international TV transmission, and various music genres. Influential figures, such as Billy Graham, T. L. Osborn, A. A. Allen, and Morris Cerullo impacted the Black Church populace. These factors converged, fostering transformative changes in musical skills and knowledge.

LOCAL CHURCH – MAKING BRAVE VISIONARY DECISIONS

These changes transformed our church, and our new pastor – himself relatively young –

was thrilled he had this thriving youth-driven branch. We had a young people’s business meeting (yeah!) on how as young people we could raise money and contribute towards a new church van.

I had started to observe how Christian bands in America and UK were doing concerts where people pay. So I suggested we do that and every young person agreed. Douglas Wallace, as Pastor’s eldest son, said he would ask permission, and ‘Dad Wallace’ said YES!

COGIC Wood Street (then known as our church) staged the ‘first in-house gospel concert, selling paid-for-tickets. And what a night it was! Over 300 people packed the British Legion Hall on Leytonstone High Road to capacity. The event featured two choirs: my church, the New Jerusalem Choir. (NJC), and the Latter-Rain Outpouring Revival Choir (LROR), led by Bazil Meade and Carl Boothe. It was the first time the young people of my church had invited a different church choir to be part of an event alongside them. Every song was properly chosen, knowing it would ‘take us higher’ and guarantee a true message. Sadly, the concert was VERY badly received by our Honourable Presiding Bishop R. C. Bell. The outcry was horrendous: “How can you sell the Gospel? The Gospel is FREE!”

But the new possibilities now loomed clearly in my mind. From that time onwards, I began to promote gospel concerts in town halls, and other promoters, like Ken Johnson of Miracle Music/Church Of God (Seventh Day); Ralph Weekes of Pure Gospel/Shiloh Pentecostal Church; Del White of NIA

Project; and Mike Johnson of Seventh-Day Adventist came to the fore.

LOCAL START – INTERNATIONAL REACH

There are many local churches that have made – and continue to make – a mark for gospel music. Here’s a list of some of them: Wood

Street Tabernacle – Cogic East London

Facts: First local church to stage ticket-paying concerts. Birthplace of Simon Wallace R&B Soul Band, Clarity and Angelic Voice Choirs, who were winners of the Black Gospel Association (BGA) trip to the world-renowned Chicago Music Festival.

outfits – were both sought-after for television appearances, touring and recordings. The Thomas family of eight are at the heart of these two vocal power sources. Facts: Merrybells appeared on legendary TV show, People Get Ready. They won BBC’s Stevie Wonder Music Award. Tyndale Thomas was the first person in Britain to receive an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to Gospel Music, especially in Preston. To this day, huge choir festivals and independent choirs are run in Germany (mainly by David Thomas).

New Testament Assembly, Tooting, London

This venue has become one of the leading so-called “legacy churches” for the Black Church movement out of the Windrush era. Fact: Singspiration was an annual event which garnered support from various Pentecostal churches and was a port of developing vocal and musical talent. Bishop Delroy Powell, based there, is one of the co-founders of LCGC. Marcia Lennon (nee Quarry) is a legendary choir director who honed her skills at the church.

Handsworth Hutton Road SDA –The Singing Stewarts – Pioneers of Gospel Folk

Facts: They pre-dated LCGC and signed to the Daybreak record label, toured Europe, and more than five US states and Canada, appearing on TV and radio. Led by choir director Paulette Peters, the Choir nurtured child prodigy Steve Thompson, who became an arranger and producer for renowned international songwriter Graham Kendrick.

New Testament Church of God, Willesden

Facts: A pioneering church which honed one of the first bands of NTCG – Sounds Of Zion – and spawned future church leader Rev Dr Joel Edwards, who began as a guitarist, and bassist Derek McIntyre – the nucleus of pioneering gospel soul funk band, Kainos.

First-Born Church of the Living God, White Lion Street, Islington

The rise of ‘super choirs’ is a description of vocal outfits that impacted how British Gospel was perceived and achieved new levels of commercial success – particularly into the ’80s and ’90s. The charismatic power of ‘The Inspirational Choir’, led by John Francis and managed by his older brother Roy Francis, made this difference. The spotlight of the music industry and the media fell upon this local church.

Fact: Inspirational Choir appeared on the top-five chart single, Wings of a Dove, by pop band Madness. John Francis went on to co-host People Get Ready with Juliet Coley BCAe, one of the most successful national TV programmes for British Gospel.

Longseight – COG7thDay The Challengers/Merrybell Gospel Choir

In the north west, The Merrybell Gospel Choir and The Challengers – two different gospel

The Stewart family came to the UK from Trinidad at the beginning of the decade known as ‘the Swinging Sixties’. The five brothers, three sisters and their parents settled in the Midlands, worshipping in the Seventh-Day Adventist tradition. Their repertoire of traditional gospel and calypso music exploded across the region.

Fact: The group achieved national fame in Germany, and had their own annual Christmas shows on BBC TV. Their success helped shore up the growth of family groups and quartets.

Handsworth/Lozells – NTCG Majestic Singers: Choral Trailblazers

In the mid ’70s, Justin Lewis, the District Youth Director, was so inspired to galvanise the young people’s musical and vocal talents of the local church, that he birthed The Majestic Singers.

Highgate Gospel Choir, B12 0DF, NTCG Another trailblazing Midlands-based gospel outfit, and located just six miles down the road from Handsworth, is the Highgate Gospel Choir, who were pushing the boundaries of their choral sound by aiming at a more contemporary production sound. Fact: Because of the controversy of gospel singers working with pop stars, it was kept quiet that the choir were the original choral sound behind the hit single, Something Inside (So Strong), written and sung by singer/ songwriter Labi Siffre. The choir included Pam and Fritz McIntyre – children of Bishop Dr Jeremiah McIntyre (NTCG Administrative Bishop 1978-1984). Fritz McIntyre would go on to become a founding member of pop band Simply Red, garnering an international reputation and hit records.

Highgate Choir are marking 40 years with a reunion of original members and releasing an exciting new album with executive producer Donavan Hepburn (20DB, Take That).

OUR NEED FOR LONGEVITY IN LOCAL MUSIC

We must keep our local churches as thriving places for creating great music and the arts. Seeing the decline of church choirs has been devastatingly sad. Our local churches are where real singers, musicians and other creative talents are honed and where they become great contributors to the wider community for the GLORY of GOD! Let’s do more. The Church has the wealth and the ability to make this next generation thrive without the struggles of the past.

Juliet Fletcher is the Creative Director of Green Tree Productions and Windrush Church and Music. She is also the founder of the Gospel Music Industry Alliance.

‘Our local churches are where real singers, musicians and other creative talents are honed and where they become great contributors to the wider community for the GLORY of GOD!’

Christian & gospel music is on the rise

O’Neil Dennis charts the rise in popularity of Christian & gospel music during the past few decades and how it has set the scene for the StepFwd Awards in November

Christian & gospel music in the UK is a vibrant and thriving scene, with a rich history that stretches back decades. Names come to mind, like Graham Kendrick, who recently celebrated 50 years in music ministry, along with Bazil Meade and the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Today, the genre is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a new generation of artists emerging and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a Christian musician in the modern age.

One of the biggest developments in UK Christian & gospel music in recent years has been the rise of crossover artists who are making music that is both spiritually uplifting and musically accessible to a wider audience. This has been driven in part by the success of international acts, like Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Lauren Daigle, Maverick City, Elevation Worship and CeCe Winans, who have shown that the music can be commercially successful without sacrificing its message or artistic integrity.

In the UK, artists like Guvna B, Noel Robinson, Martin Smith, CalledOut Music, Reblah, Stormzy, Jonathan Ogden and Limoblaze have been at the forefront of this

trend, making music that blends elements of hip-hop, grime, rock, worship, pop, afrobeat and other popular genres with Christian themes and messages. Guvna B, for example, has been hailed as one of the most exciting and innovative Christian artists in the UK, with a string of successful albums and collaborations with artists like Ghetts, Nick Brewer, Michaela Coel, Matt Redman and Kierra Sheard.

Another notable trend in UK Christian & Gospel is the increasing diversity of voices and styles that are being represented. As the UK becomes more multicultural, so too does its music scene, with artists from a wide range of backgrounds and faith traditions coming to the fore.

This includes artists, like Sarah Téibo, who blends African rhythms and melodies with contemporary gospel sounds, and LZ7, a Manchester-based group that fuses electronic and dance music with faith-based lyrics. Other notable artists in this space include The Spirituals, with their unique take on reimagining anthems from Black music history and Philippa Hanna, who is well-known for her fusion of pop, country, and gospel, and well-loved for her socially conscious lyrics.

Despite the growth and success of UK Christian & gospel music, however, there

are still challenges that the industry faces. One of the biggest is the lack of mainstream exposure and recognition, which can make it difficult for artists to reach a wider audience and build sustainable careers.

To address this, several initiatives have been launched in recent years to support and promote UK Christian & gospel music. These include the annual Premier Gospel Awards, which celebrate the best in UK gospel music across a range of categories; the MOBO Awards (which saw rapper Still Shadey win the 2023 Best Gospel Act) and newcomer – but with no less significance –the StepFWD Awards.

Started by AStepFWD.com founder, O’Neil Dennis, StepFWD Awards pulls on the data accumulated annually from the UK Christian Charts, which has become the premier tastemaker for UK Christian & Gospel.

SARAH TÉIBO

NOEL ROBINSON

CECE WINANS

Operating now for over eight years, the UK Christian Charts covers 12 categories, namely: Contemporary Worship, Afrobeat, Contemporary Gospel, RnB/Soul, Electronic/Dance, ChillHop/Lofi, Pop, Indie/Folk/Acoustic, Rock/Metal, Poetry/Spoken Word, Rap, Reggae

The UK Christian Charts (UKCC) – and now StepFWD Awards – is revolutionising the Christian and gospel scene in the UK and creating ripples globally. Whilst not totally disregarding popularity as a necessary gauge, the UKCC has instead focused on harnessing the power of well-produced, well-written and anointed songs endorsed by its 158-strong (and growing) team of judges, along with the public votes. This peer-driven approach has encouraged the emerging talent, endorsed the established artists, and become a win-win for everyone. After all, the strength

of the music should be in the song and the message and not just the personality, right?

From St Paul’s, Hammersmith, to Ruach City Church and now to Fairfield Halls in Croydon on Saturday 11th November, the 3rd annual StepFWD Awards looks set to continue its national celebration of the ‘Best of British’. Even with the Awards fast becoming the largest and most diverse gathering of UK music creatives, the guiding principle remains rooted in Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.”

Let’s continue to shine the light on our amazing music ministers and the world will see and be impacted by the good news and life-transforming message we know they bring. We shouldn’t expect mainstream exposure and recognition though if we, the Christian & Gospel community, are not willing to better support, encourage and celebrate the amazing musical giftings in abundance all around the country.

The StepFwd Awards takes place on 11 November at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. Visit www.stepfwdawards.com for more details and to get tickets.

Windrush: They came, they served and established the Black Church

Men and women of the Windrush generation have played a major role in the development of the Black Christian community in Britain – whether as part of traditional church or as pioneers of the Black Church movement. Keep The Faith magazine turns the spotlight on just a few of the men and women who laid the foundation of the Black Christian community and the Black Church movement here in the UK.

BISHOP ESME BESWICK MBE:

Bishop Esme Beswick has been a church leader for several decades and has played a prominent role within the national church. In 2002, Bishop Beswick became first Black woman to serve as a President of Churches Together in England. In addition, she was President of the Christian Muslim Forum from 2005 to 2010. She is Founder and President of the Joint Council for Anglo Caribbean Churches (JCACC), an umbrella organisation for numerous Black-majority churches. She was consecrated as Bishop in 2015. A preacher and teacher, Bishop Beswick has led numerous community projects, including the Drug and Alcohol Awareness project which began in 1992. The late Diana, Princess of

Wales attended the launch. Bishop Beswick currently leads Nebaioth Prophetic Church in Brixton, south London.

REV DR UNA DAVIS: She is a pastor, community leader, writer, visionary and inspirational mentor. Converted in 1963 as a young mother, Rev Dr Davis became active in ministry and led Bethel Apostolic Church in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, for 48 years. Her ministry has been characterised by healing and spiritual gifts. A mother of eight, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rev Dr Davis is a District Mother and pioneer of ‘Treasured Saints’ – a ministry launched this year to serve Bethel members aged 70 and over. Throughout the years, Rev Dr Davis has adapted her ministry to remain relevant, and currently uses Facebook Live to broadcast ‘Morning Manna’ once a week. Rev Dr Davis is an example of the spiritual tenacity, vision and pioneering spirit of the Windrush generation.

BISHOP SYDNEY DUNN: He founded Bethel United Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in 1955. Bethel currently has 40 churches in the UK and has a presence in Jamaica, Canada and the US. It has also engaged in outreaches in India and Kenya. Bishop Dunn left Jamaica in 1954 and arrived in Britain in 1955; he preached on the ship and saw people converted. His abiding legacy not only includes the denomination he founded, the leaders he mentored, and the thousands of

lives impacted by his ministry, but also the Bethel Convention Centre, which was built under his leadership. It remains the only conference centre built by a Black Pentecostal denomination here in the UK.

BISHOP T. G. FRANCIS: A pioneering church leader, Bishop T. G. Francis arrived in the UK in the early 1950s, joined the Church of God in Christ in 1953, before leaving in 1956 to start the First-Born Church of the Living God. Following the miraculous healing of his wife Elfreda from cancer, Bishop Francis changed the focus of his ministry to one of deliverance. By 1967 Bishop Francis was holding services in his own building. And in the 1970s, inspired by his preaching experiences in America, he purchased a Hammond organ and in so doing was the first to introduce American worship styles in Britain’s Black Pentecostal churches. Bishop Francis also helped to spark mainstream interest in gospel music when he gave permission for his church choir, The Inspirational Choir, directed by his son, John Francis (now Bishop), to sing with the pop band Madness on their single, Wings of a Dove, which reached the top five in the national charts. The Choir went on to get a record deal with CBS Records and travelled the UK and Europe, performing gospel music.

REV DR ISSACHAR LEWINSON: This Jamaican-born minister has faithfully served the New Testament Church of God UK (NTCG) since migrating to Britain in 1955. He was

BISHOP ESME BESWICK MBE

REV DR UNA DAVIS

BISHOP SYDNEY DUNN

present at the very first NTCG National Convention held in 1956. The son of a pastor, Rev Lewinson settled in Birmingham, attended NTCG Handsworth, and helped to establish NTCG churches in various towns and cities, whilst also studying to be a psychiatric nurse. Ordained as a minister in 1964, Rev Lewinson went on to get a doctorate in Theology, taught at Ebenezer Bible College in Birmingham and London, and for many years served as the chair of Overstone College. He was also National Director of Evangelism, and Secretary and Treasurer for the NTCG. In 1986 he was appointed Senior Pastor of NTCG Willesden, which experienced great growth during his tenure. He also oversaw the multi million-pound refurbishment and bought another building – known as the Lewinson Centre – that provides housing, offices and a community space.

REV DR OLIVER LYSEIGHT: He is the first-ever National Overseer of the New Testament Church of God UK, the largest Pentecostal denomination started by the Windrush Generation here in Britain. He served in the role for 25 years. Ordained a Church of God minister in Jamaica in 1946, Rev Lyseight came to Britain in 1951. He settled in Wolverhampton and started a prayer meeting for fellow migrants. On September 20, 1953, along with seven other people, Rev Lyseight led the first-ever NTCG meeting at the YMCA, Stafford Street, Wolverhampton. In June 1955, that gathering was officially recognised as the first UK branch of the NTCG. The following year, the church held its first national convention. Since those humble beginnings, NTCG now has 130 congregations across the UK, serving 25,000 adherents. In 2004 Dr Lyseight was voted joint second in the 100 Great Black Britons survey and, in 2013, he was awarded a blue plaque by Wolverhampton Civic & Historical Society.

REV NEZLIN STERLING: An ordained New Testament Assembly (NTA) pastor, and a nurse by profession, Rev Sterling has played a key role in both the Black and national Christian communities. As a member of the NTA, she served in various roles, including National General and Company Secretary, and as a member of the Trustee Board. She was also Director of Studies for the NTA Institute of Theology & Christian Training (ITCC), and an accredited lecturer working with the University of Wales, Lampeter, and with Winchester University. Other accomplishments include serving as Joint President of Churches Together in Britain & Ireland; representing the Black-Majority Churches on the Church of England General Synod from 1999 to 2011; being a member of the Free Churches Group, where she served as a member of the Chaplaincy committee; and making tangible contributions to government bodies and committees over the years.

BISHOPS MELVIN POWELL AND DONALD BERNARD: These two men led the New Testament Assembly, a prominent

Black Pentecostal church denomination they founded in 1961. These leaders were known for their great partnership and unified leadership which lasted for 40 years. They presided over an organisation that had branches in the UK, Jamaica, USA, Canada, India, Ghana and South Africa. Whilst alive, they co-pastored NTA Tooting, which was highly respected for its community initiatives. NTA Tooting was featured on BBC Songs of Praise several times, and the church has been a focal point for many landmark events and music concerts over the years.

REV PHILIP MOHABIR (1937–2003):

This Guyanese-born minister played a major role in the development of the Black Church movement in Britain. He was a church leader, pastor, evangelist and author, who also served as an adviser and spiritual father to many leading church figures. He was the founder of the now disbanded African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) and a Vice President of the Evangelical Alliance. Rev Mohabir was a key promoter of church unity and served as a bridge between Black

REV DR ISSACHAR LEWINSON

REV DR OLIVER LYSEIGHT

REV NEZLIN STERLING

BISHOPS MELVIN POWELL AND DONALD BERNARD

and white Christian communities. He also founded the International Christian Leadership Connections (ICLC), a network that teaches and empowers leaders. He also authored several books.

PASTOR OLIVE PARRIS: This preacher, teacher and evangelist was ordained within the New Testament Church of God, but left to set up her own independent Pentecostal church called the Latter-Rain Outpouring Revival (LROR) church in Hoxton, east London. During the church’s heyday, in the 1970s and ’80s, hundreds of young people were converted through the ministry, and the church was renowned for its choir, the LROR choir, directed by Bazil Meade – to whom she was a mentor – and Lawrence Johnson, two of the founding members of the London Community Gospel Choir.

IVAN WEEKES: He is a Christian who has made a mark in the Methodist Church. From the early ’80s until his retirement in 1995, Mr Weekes served as the first executive Black Methodist Racial Justice Secretary in the Division of Social Responsibility. In 1991 he was elected Vice President of the Conference. Born in Barbados, Ivan Weekes arrived in the UK in 1955. He had been raised as an Anglican, but encountered racism when he

attended an Anglican church in Britain. He started attending a Methodist church in 1961, which welcomed him. He heard the preaching and joined the Notting Hill Methodist Church. Earlier this year he gave an insight into his experiences at a special service celebrating Windrush, held at Southwark Cathedral.

PASTOR AMY WILLIAMS: Prior to her death in 2022, Pastor Williams was still leading Bible studies and was one of the oldest serving ministers in the UK. In 1970, this wife and mother of nine, then aged 45, started one of the first Pentecostal churches in Hanwell, west London, called Chosen for Christ Ministries (CfCM). It was one of the most well known in the area. Over the years CfCM held mission outreaches in the UK, the Caribbean, Ireland and Europe, provided members to serve at a local soup kitchen, mentored young men, supported numerous charities, and provided aid to orphanages in war-torn countries.

BISHOP WILFRED WOOD: In 1995, this Barbadian Anglican became the first Black man to be ordained as a bishop when he was announced as the Bishop of Croydon. He served in the role for eight years. After answering the call to ministry, he was trained at Codrington College, Barbados, and

Quality midweek leadership retreats

ordained as a priest at St Paul’s, London, in 1961. He was Archdeacon of Southwark from 1982 until his consecration as Bishop of Croydon. During his many years in ministry, Bishop Wood had an interest in race relations and social injustice. He was a lay magistrate from 1971 to 1982; the moderator of the World Council of Churches Programme to Combat Racism; and was a member of the Royal Commission on Criminal Procedures. One of the recommendations was for the establishment of an independent prosecution service which led to the formation of the Crown Prosecution Service.

BISHOP WILFRED WOOD

I AM A CHILD OF THE WINDRUSH GENERATION - AND PROUD OF IT!

Bishop Jonathan Jackson

Let me introduce myself. I am Jonathan Jackson, born 15th May, 1969, to Isaiah Rupert and Eulalee Jackson, and I have five siblings.

I look back on the journey of life and consider what an amazing legacy we carry from this Windrush generation.

Every day in our house was a lesson of some kind, with ‘Jamaican proverbs’ being quoted to guide our little minds.

“If yuh cyaan hear, yuh muss feel!” comes to mind or “Yuh pick up a book from marnin’?” to combat idleness.

My parents created a family model we cannot ignore today: eating together around the dinner table; each person having a role to set or clear the table or set out the drinks and plates, knives and forks. No trays in front of the television nor taking your food to your room; we all sat around the table to eat, pray and talk — very much a missing part of many homes today.

Early Sunday morning you would hear a shout for morning prayers from my father — a faithful deacon of the New Testament Church of God for over 50 years, working alongside my mother to help build the great church we know today. We would sit on the bed, the trunk or the ottoman with sleepy eyes, reading Scriptures and telling Daddy what the Scriptures meant, and all of us praying afterwards. This simple form of gathering and praying with our parents built within us a seed of faith that I am sure helped me on my journey to choose Christianity as my faith today.

The culture of food, language and worship formed a critical framework for my life; the stories of life in the Caribbean helped give me a sense of belonging somewhere on the earth. This would lead me to later explore my faith and cultural roots in the life of Marcus Garvey and the deeper history of Jamaica.

In a hostile world filled with open prejudice, the idea of having a home where the power of the early reggae music spoke about Africa and Black heroes gave me a different kind of world view. My beautiful parents didn’t stop my cultural journey; they contributed to the Windrush legacy.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” (Marcus Garvey).

The openly joyful, energetic and completely prejudice-free church environment I grew up in, gave me life. I look back with romantic eyes to our ‘village’ called church, where everything happened. The funny thing was, our church wasn’t openly pro-Black but still presented Black in a positive and powerful way. We had no Black Jesus on the wall, but our teachers and pastors had a confident attitude towards life and work.

My father loved to work hard, and we loved to play hard at home, occasionally resulting in broken doors and furniture.

There were also times when my father decided we would go to work with him in the holidays. The first morning we got up was terrible, but my father had a manly lesson to teach my brothers and me: the value of having a work ethic. After a few weeks with my father on the building site, another level of my life began: that feeling of responsibility, of coming home after a hard day’s work and seeing food on the table because of a day’s work with my father.

should go (Proverbs 22:6). Now in my 50s, I am deeply rooted in the life of the Kingdom. Our parents understood the Pauline model of ‘Follow me as I follow Christ’ and they set the example of life, marriage, work and faith.

On reflection, the legacy of love and care from my Windrush generation parents must always be a resource we tap into in the spirit of Sankofa.

An amazing Windrush legacy from my parents was deep ‘faith in God’. They give me confidence that God is real and He always makes a way out of no way. The honour they gave to leadership, and the support they gave to pastors and members convicted me to follow their example.

They trained us as a family in the way we

The challenges we face today are great, but our cultural legacy is greater, so with great honour and respect we must record and pass on the gifts of faith, wisdom, knowledge, hope, joy, courage and creativity to our children. We must pass them on in church traditions, in songs, in poems, in art, in books — by every means necessary, we must pass the baton on.

reflects on his childhood, his parents’ faith and how their parenting style and values have informed his life and faith

‘An amazing Windrush legacy from my parents was deep ‘faith in God’. They give me confidence that God is real and He always makes a way out of no way.’

Bishop J Jackson DD is Senior Minister and District Bishop at Willesden New Testament Church of God. He is also author of The Power of Agreement: Understanding Covenant Theology.

WINDRUSH WOMEN: THEIR LIFE, THEIR FAITH, THEIR WORK

On this 75th Anniversary of the arrival of HMS Empire Windrush and migration of Caribbeans coming to Britain during the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, it’s a good time to focus on the women of this period and the important role they played, particularly those who were at the forefront of Black Pentecostal worship.

When the Empire Windrush arrived in 1948, 257 onboard were women. Some came alone, while others came as wives and fiancées.

They had travelled to Britain, like their menfolk, seeking opportunities for themselves and their families. Later, their numbers increased when opportunities came to work in the newly created National Health Service (NHS).

These women were following in the footsteps of Mary Seacole, the Jamaican nurse who had left Jamaica a century earlier to nurse soldiers in the Crimean War. Largely forgotten and overshadowed by the fame of Florence Nightingale, who had refused to work with her or acknowledge her service, it took the campaigning zeal of Ziggi Alexander and Audrey Dewjee to bring Mary Seacole’s work to the public’s attention. Today a statue of her stands in St Thomas’ Hospital in Central London as a tribute.

Caribbean women faced many difficulties in the new country when they arrived. They, however, demonstrated incredible resilience and adaptability by balancing their responsibilities as workers and homemakers. They established community organisations

that supported their fellow migrants and improved their living conditions. Their communities were once characterised by a network of families, relatives and friends, rich in what sociologists call ‘social capital’. In these communities people learnt where to find jobs, rooms to rent, doctors, partners, church groups, and official help, and where to get Caribbean foods. Neighbourhoods also had hairdressing salons, barbershops, small businesses, social clubs, grassroots publications, and community activists.

Established the same year as when the HMS Empire Windrush arrived, the NHS, which the government created to provide health care for the nation, soon ran into trouble. It realised that the women who had served the country so well during the war – and whom the government was relying on to staff it – chose to go home and raise a family rather than work in the newly created Service. The government turned to the Caribbean to fill the gap, advertising vacancies in local newspapers. Caribbean women answered the call, but unfortunately, when they arrived in Britain to work in hospitals and care homes, they faced discrimination, with many white nurses refusing to work with them, forcing them out of the Service and into menial jobs.

In those early years, the Pentecostal Church was the pillar of the Caribbean community, and women played a vital part in its establishment. They were then, as they are today, the backbone of the Church. They helped recruit members, cared for and supported other members, ran pardners, and sought contributions for church funds. Despite earning lower wages than men, they were the majority, and so were instrumental in the church’s growth. Tithing was not accepted as it is now, so churches relied heavily on women’s incomes.

Three women, among many others, stand out for me during this period.

One was Mother McLachlan, who, after arriving in Britain on the Empire Windrush, established the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in 1952 at her home on Navarino Road in Hackney, North London. COGIC is the oldest Caribbean Pentecostal church in Britain. That same year, while attending a World Pentecostal Conference at Westminister Central Hall in London, she met Bishop Charles Mason, the founder of COGIC Worldwide. Asking for his assistance with the church in London, he agreed to help. He sent Mrs White from his church in Memphis to London to assist Mother McLachlan, and together, the two women grew the church, moving it from Mother McLachlan’s home to a rented hall in Sussex Gardens in Brixton, South London. In 1954, Mother McLachlan’s husband, Bishop McLachlan, joined her in Britain, and together they opened two more branches of

Roy Francis charts the lives of Windrush women and their contribution to the Black Church, the world of work, and the wider community

the church in Camden Town and Luton. During the 1950s and ’60s, COGIC was the most famous Black Caribbean church in Britain. It was quite a significant religious organisation that flourished for many years. However, things began to change when Mother and Bishop McLachlan decided to return to Jamaica due to Bishop McLachlan’s ill health. Bishop Bell became the leader, but the church’s popularity was already declining. In 1971, the church moved to its premises in Northumberland Park in Tottenham, North London, and continued there. Unfortunately, the emergence of the Church of God of Prophecy and the New Testament Church of God – two well-established churches in Jamaica – led to the creation of local branches in Britain, and this, along with changes in the socio-economic position of Caribbeans, contributed to the lack of growth of COGIC.

fatigue, she visited my father’s church. I was amazed. I had seen white Salvation Army women in uniform before, but never any Black ones – or any like Bishop Walters and her ladies. They caused a mild stir when they entered the church and sat in the seats reserved for them. When a chorus started, they swung into action, clapping their hands, exaggeratedly stomping their feet, and moaning and groaning as jazz musicians do when they hit an unusual note or strike an unfamiliar chord. Although I was used to Black Pentecostal worship, I’d never seen anything like this. I couldn’t wait to hear Bishop Walters speak, and when she was ‘called’ to do so, all I can remember is that she “turned the church over”! I was captivated and enthralled. I didn’t know Bishop Walters belonged to the City Mission Church in Jamaica, where women traditionally were in leadership. Apart from this, it is one of the pioneers of hand clapping, moaning and feet stomping in Pentecostal churches, and here, in its purest form, was the real thing, on display right before my eyes, and I was captivated.

Leyton, East London, Pastor Smith set up several community initiatives, which included youth projects, Christian training institutes, a senior citizens’ club, summer schools and a youth hostel. She was the first Black woman within the Pentecostal Church to work actively and consistently within the wider community. For her, the church’s role was not to be confined to the four walls of a building, but to be out into the ‘highways and hedges’. She portrayed this in her ministry, so the British religious establishment liked her for the work she was doing. They invited her to participate in the annual Remembrance Day Service in the presence of the Queen at the Cenotaph in London. No other Black Pentecostal minister has been accorded this accolade.

Bishop Delrose Walters was a remarkable and recognisable presence among the strong-willed, determined male preachers of this time. Dressed in military

Pastor Io Smith, or ‘Sister Smith’, as I warmly remember her, was no less formidable than Bishop Walters. She was a woman who wasn’t prepared to play a peripheral role or let any male church leader dictate to her and try to “keep her in her place”. Her vision and calling were far too wide-ranging for that, and she was far too wise to let that get in her way. Despite this, she was a Jamaican woman who knew when to strike and when to hold back to fight another day. She knew the barriers she faced as a Black woman within the Church and society, and her pragmatic approach endeared her to many church leaders. Moreover, her brother, Bishop Melvin Powell, the founder of the New Testament Assembly (NTA), fully supported her. As he was well-liked and respected, it gave her the courage to stand her ground and stick to her beliefs.

Apart from pastoring an NTA church in

In 1983, Pastor Smith was awarded an MBE for her community work; later, she retired to Jamaica, where in 2008, she died. Today, we remember her as a remarkable, fearless, courageous and dynamic woman, with a deep sense of community. Her life exemplified what every Black woman should aspire to: a belief that with drive and determination, despite the odds, anything is possible.

Unfortunately, the woman’s role today in Caribbean Pentecostal churches in Britain is still limited. Unlike the Anglican Church, they largely cannot become bishops in the mainstream Black Pentecostal churches. Men still perform traditional roles, including serving communion, baptising, blessing babies, conducting marriages, inducting new members (giving the ‘right hand of fellowship’), or performing burial rights. Caribbean women have broken down many barriers. They have challenged stereotypes and discrimination; they have penetrated British society’s administrative and professional sectors at a time when these positions were limited to white women. They have paved the way for future generations of Black women to contribute to British society, and above all, they kept the family intact, which is no mean feat. There is so much to learn from these women, and we salute them in this Black History Month.

www.royfrancis.co.uk

Roy N Francis is a former BBC TV producer, founder of Roy Francis Productions and is author of ‘Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain’ For more details visit

‘Her life exemplified what every Black woman should aspire to: a belief that with drive and determination, despite the odds, anything is possible’

Mother McLachlan

Pastor Io Smith

Bishop Delrose Walters

The Black presence in the Bible

four sons of Ham, Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan (Genesis 10) inhabited and populated areas of North Africa, North-Eastern Africa, East Africa, and parts of Arabia. What is not so well known is that parts of ancient Israel were also considered North-Eastern Africa, and that Israel has always had a common border with Egypt.

with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”’

There was shock and horror on the faces of members of the congregation when I referred to Jesus Christ as a Black Palestinian Jew. The reason for the cognitive dissonance was that popular representations of Jesus Christ in the media and literature in the 21st century still depict Him as a white, blue-eyed Person, with long flowing blond hair.

James Warden, a minister and Christian radio announcer, puts it more bluntly: “Black people are the backdrops that God used to highlight His greatest acts and Blacks are the canvas on which much Old Testament Scripture is painted.”

Ancient images of Jesus Christ and other New Testament characters in Rome, Ethiopia, Egypt and Russia are presented as persons of colour. So, what has changed? Why is there this difficulty, for some, believing there’s a Black presence in the Bible? Even a casual reading of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible gives a world that is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural.

The difficulty comes with the defensive posture taken by European and Western nations and their associated Christian churches, which arose out of the historical misuse of the Bible in the European colonial enterprise and the transatlantic trade in Africans between the 15th and 19th centuries.

The evidence for a significant Black presence in the Bible is without doubt, even though skin colour was not an important issue in the ancient world regarding human value and/or social standing.

It is seldom debated any longer that the

When the above is understood, it shows evidence of human settlements and migration of Black persons in countries on the southern axis of the biblical story’s geography. This line of evidence is further supported by other studies in the social sciences, such as ethnography (the studies of peoples and cultures) and etymology (the study of the history and root of words). When these studies are applied to the names associated with Ham and his descendants, the evidence for the widespread presence of people of colour in the Bible is substantial.

Furthermore, there are literally hundreds of biblical references to nations located on the African continent. Mizraim (or Egypt), Cush (or Ethiopia), Libya, and Cyrene are examples of such. The Bible, written over a period of 1,500 years by around 40 authors, contains references to over 60 different political and ethnic nations — a testament to the multicultural view of the world that is evident in Scripture.

In the New Testament, again we see a proliferation of the Black presence in the life and times of Jesus Christ and in the development of the Early Church. The Gospel’s life-altering message, conveyed through God’s personal interactions with Black people and their history, is part of God’s plan for humanity.

The relevance of ethnic identity is reinforced in Jesus’ vision for the climax of human history, found in Revelation 7:9–10: ‘After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white,

The Christian Church in Europe and the Western world in this age of scepticism needs to confess its sins and ‘repair the damage’ it has caused in its unholy alliance with European colonialism. As part of the repair, it has to humbly acknowledge the Black presence in the Bible. Until then, persons of colour in the West and on the continent of Africa will look at the Christian Church as hypocritical and continue to see the Christian Church as a ‘White Man’s religion’.

BLACK PRESENCE IN THE BIBLE RESOURCES

The Black Presence in the Bible Volumes I and II, Rev Dr Walter Arthur McCray, Black Light Fellowship Chicago, ILL.

The Black Light Course — a 12-week course for those who wish to delve into this area of interest. It is run by the Ascension Trust and Urban Expressions. www.blacklightcourse.uk

The Africa Study Bible, Oasis International/Tyndale House, 2017

After the Flood — a documentary that exposes the misuse of Noah’s drunkenness to justify slavery, sponsored by the Movement for Justice & Reconciliation

Ronald Nathan provides insight about the people of African descent who are mentioned in the world’s best-selling book: the Bible

Rev Ronald Nathan is a director of NCLF and International Adviser of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

TRAUMA IN BLACK BODIES Exhibition and Therapeutic Space

A panacea for our lived experience

The artist, Cornelius Toks Browne, is a therapeutic art practitioner using art in medicine.

An extraordinary art exhibition that explores art and culture’s efficacy in delivering Public Health.

This encounter offers an affordable and accessible panacea for the lived experience of African and Caribbean Community members in the UK.

These memorable images originate from Cornelius Toks Browne.

‘Adumaadan’, the brand name given to his monochrome style, is a Yoruba word meaning ‘Black Man/Woman thrive and shine’.

Trauma in Black Bodies is his final project for the Creating Healthy Communities Digital Badge Program of the University of Florida Centre for Arts in Medicine.

Racial trauma is an ongoing lived experience within the African diaspora.

It’s a neurological fact that if you were traumatised at some point in your life, you would have formed a network in the form of memory. (The visual memory, the emotion, the sound, smell, etc. are all stored in a neuronal network in your brain.)

• Trauma, or any negative experience that is not properly processed, can remain dormant as a programme or a network until it is triggered and starts to replay. It can also remain buried deep down for years, silently causing all kinds of pathological processes in the body. It chronically affects behaviour, how we perceive life, what we expect from life, what we allow people to do to us and get away with and causes a lack of fulfilment.

• We need to stop being driven, controlled and directed by self-sabotaging, selflimiting and faulty thinking, but instead cultivate healthy, productive networks.

• Faulty programmes in the brain have been rewritten in minutes, simply by changing the mind — a wilful act.

• The G.Y.M. — psychoeducation.

• Expressive and creative writing.

• ART — observing and creating art can bring about neuroplasticity.

In addition to the impactful life-changing images that will meet your gaze, some of the mind management tools above will be available in the therapeutic space to help fill the vacuum of these unmet needs.

TRAUMA IN BLACK BODIES

3rd – 12th November 2023

10am – 8pm

2 Casings Way, Fish Island, Hackney Wick, London E3 2TH Nearest station: Hackney Wick Overground

The women of the Windrush generation were raised as British citizens in their Caribbean islands, and felt they knew Britain – even though they had never visited it. Their Christianity and educational systems were all influenced by the ‘Mother Country’, and they answered the call to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War.

These women emigrated from several islands, including Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and their bravery generated benefits and challenges. We are attempting to capture these stories in an oral history project.

One of the women, who we’ll call Bea, deviated from the typical narrative, by arriving in the 1960s to take up a place on a nurse training programme. Like many at the time she was the only Black person on her training course, where she was seen as a novelty. In her predominantly white workplace, she experienced racism and spoke of kind colleagues who tried to shield her from racist colleagues and patients.

She leaned on her faith and prayers to sustain her. Gradually she became a well-respected member of her NHS hospital team and continues to contribute to her community. She remains humble about her achievements.

A second lady, let’s call her Betty, embarked on her journey as a single woman, with no specific job or education course lined up. Betty’s aunt was a dressmaker who had already settled in London, so she knew where she would be living and had left her two children, aged 1 and 4, with her mother

back home. Even though this was a hard decision, Betty felt she had to try this path.

Eventually Betty met and married someone from her island who was already known to her family. In time she had a couple more children and invited her older children to join them in England.

Betty’s recollections were that this was a difficult time when she would keep herself busy, trying to build something here to send money back home. She couldn’t allow herself to really think about being separated from her children. She shared how hesitant her children were towards her once they arrived in London, but slowly and patiently, they were able to reconnect and build a relationship.

Another elderly lady in her 80s, who we’ll call Edna, came from a tiny island in the Caribbean where they not only learned British history, but they had images around her school of King George VI and of soldiers fighting in World War II. She even remembers a song they sang in her primary school with the words ‘You could be a soldier too…’!

Knowing so much about Britain, she was surprised to meet people who had no knowledge of where she came from. After a few basic jobs she was introduced to a man who would later become her husband. As he was an in-demand tradesman getting a regular wage, they could begin to think of having a family. With hard work, the wisdom of the pardner system, and a determination to purchase their own home, they secured a mortgage.

As well as working part-time she became the primary parent for speaking to her children’s teachers. When her children were being

misunderstood or mislabelled, she realised she needed to stay in close contact with school to avert any disasters.

She has fond memories of the family doctor who supported her with her pregnancies in the 1960s. He was from Ireland and remained interested in her family’s welfare long after he retired.

All these women are now widows and grandmothers. They remain connected to their Caribbean islands, but their older family members have now passed away and their husbands are buried here in England. Their grandchildren are also here in the UK, the country which is now their home.

Two of the women have remained in the first home they bought in the 1960s! None of them see themselves returning to the Caribbean after more than 60 years away and express no regrets around their choice to stay here.

None of these women were quick to share their story, having carried their experiences privately for decades. It seems that their belief in God and their commitment to looking after their families gave them something to lean on and people to fight for.

We can admire their perseverance. They built small communities – home, church, gatherings – to sustain them when the days were difficult and scary. They avoided spaces of confrontation and tried to live a quiet life. It was a pleasure to hear their stories.

Shirley Anstis is a counsellor, author, coach, and workshop facilitator. She combines therapy and words to help her clients create the life they envision. Email shirley@envisioncounselling.co.uk for individual or bespoke group sessions.

Shirley Anstis led a project that captured the life experiences of Caribbean women who migrated to Britain during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Read about the experiences they shared

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the WINDRUSH STORY to commemorate 75 years since the arrival of Caribbean people to the UK on board the HMT Empire Windrush. I believe this story must be told to children now and to future generations, as it is an aspect of Black history in Britain that must not be wished away. It needs to be well-documented - through workshop activities, art, storytelling, video presentations and documentaries. There is an exhibition of my illustrations (like these above) adorning the walls of Camberwell Library in south-east London - TAYO FATUNLA

THE CHRISTIAN CALL – THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FREEDOM

Rev Arlington W Trotman BD writes why it is imperative for Christians to combat injustice and how they can do so

When the Christian community is determined to fight for justice, no one should give up until that justice is achieved. People are still striving for justice in the case of the killing of Kelso Cochrane in Notting Hill, 1959, and the call for justice in the case of Stephen Lawrence is unfinished business. The fight goes on, as Dr Martin Luther Jr reminds us:

“When the King of Norway participated in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to me, he surely did not think that in less than six days I would be in jail. He and almost all world opinion would be shocked because they are little aware of the unfinished business….”

Christians today need look no further for models of inspiration and impact for freedom and justice than at the lives and works of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr and the Reverend Sybil Phoenix. Social justice for them was more to do with contact, challenge, and fearless but informed action, as well as fairness for all people.

Social justice is also linked directly to criminal justice, where death by murder or unlawful killing in any form can impact the individuals of entire communities – for example, war or the deprivation of a person’s rights. Social justice encompasses and is indicative of what rights must be fought for in society.

Acting for justice demands the motivation of Christian faith and instinct, working for what is right. We are entrusted with a particular responsibility, based on the central principles of our faith, such as to love God and justice.

‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8 NIV).

What is Social Justice?

The term ‘social justice’ has been attributed to Luigi Taparelli, an Italian Jesuit priest, who used it in the Italian unification movement of the 19th century. Others link the expression to the 18th century Enlightenment thinkers and Catholic theologians, who referred to it as the “justice of society” or the social contract.

Social injustice occurs when one or more persons are insufficiently rewarded or acknowledged to be right for their efforts and are then subjected to punishment or harm. Jesus assures believers fighting for justice that we are doing the right thing. He said: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40 NKJV).

Bias

Against this clear command, bias (the conscious or unconscious preference that denies a person’s or community’s rights) can occur in private and in public. Such bias can defeat the common good, and prevent the development

of harmonious, unified and balanced environments in church and society.

Poverty

Social injustice is often associated, rightly, with poverty. Christians have always sought to meet the needs of those living in poverty, most recently through food banks, aid agencies and others. But poverty remains the normal condition of life in which over three billion people live on less than £2.30 per day. These are mainly people from a Black or Brown ethnic background.

Black and Brown

The need to fight for social justice reaches its climax whenever a life, a career, livelihood, or educational achievement is lost because of discrimination against non-white ethnicities, such as the disastrous fire which destroyed so many lives in Grenfell Tower in 2017. Such living conditions are often reinforced by social or ethnic bias – preferences that are made inequitably. Christians can insist authorities and individuals do the right thing.

The Fight

Listed below is a basic outline of some methods and ways by which Christians can get involved in the fight for social justice. This might include persons undertaking roles, such as social justice advocates, campaigners, educators, pastoral supporters, pastors (Street Pastors), specialist leaders, trainers, and other workers. Volunteering is a primary role. There is often a price to be paid, as you can imagine, for giving up time and often money; raising funding; experiencing disappointments; and using appropriate communications. But moments of relief, triumph and success can be expected too.

Image credit: Ben Gingell / Shutterstock.com

Our work for social freedoms in Britain may occur in response to Government policies and delivery of services, such as police, housing, education, health, employment; right-wing and far-right-wing interests; mono-cultural groups, such as white-only churches; and often members of the community inclined to prejudice based on colour, religion, ethnicity, Black gender, and other differences.

Causes for Social Justice

The fight is often against the transmission of a culture of racism following negative stereotypes, built on the legacies of transatlantic enslavement and colonialism. These often include:

• psychological and psychiatric suffering and damage; lack of education and opportunity; the stain of unbiblical and irrational ideas of race and its biased application to Black and Brown people: there is ‘only one race – the human race’

• people seeking asylum, food freedom, safety, and security from violence; health equity and security

• production of refugees, who are internationally protected under the 1951

• personal ignorance and deliberate rejection nd marginalisation of people of different identities from the mainstream

What can Christians do?

Christians of all ethnicities can act justly and effectively by getting ready, understanding the issues, and committing to act justly, with relevant openness and

1. prayerfully reflect – continually with God, and with persons or groups, remembering we are, at this point, seeking just outcomes, a non-invasive form of discipleship

2. engage with the group, local church, family, individuals, campaigns to understand the issue

3. learn the right people to contact, e.g., victim(s) whom we might accompany on their journey

4. contact/write to our Member of Parliament (MP) whenever we or the victim(s) are affected by decisions of the UK Government or Parliament

5. mobilise the local community and/or church, with permission from victims or the campaign

6. contact non-governmental organisations

Legal Centre, etc, for support with inequality issues

7. decide when it is right to take a break from your activities – personally, I have always found a change of issue or circumstance necessary after six to eight years, to refresh

Christians are disciples of Christ, enabled to live, speak and act by God’s grace, through the Holy Spirit, using our education and training, and our awareness of suitable methods to fight for social justice. We are called to live out the power of agapé love with an unconditional quality, compassion, and informed selflessness.

Rev Arlington W Trotman BD is currently a retired minister of the Methodist Church in Britain. He has served as a senior pastor and Assistant National Superintendent of Wesleyan Holiness Church UK, Secretary of Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice (CTBI), and Moderator of Churches’ Commission for Migrants

Legendary comedian, Angie Le Mar, prepares to take the ‘Final Bow’

The name ‘Angie Le Mar’ is synonymous with the words ‘trailblazer’ and ‘pacesetter’. No stranger to the stand-up comedy circuit, Angie’s illustrious career spans four decades during which time the award-winning comedian, playwright, radio host and public speaker has earned the honour of being the first Black British woman to achieve success as a stand-up comedian. Akosua DF talks to Angie about her journey of faith, Black History Month, and her future plans to publish a series of children’s books.

AKOSUA DF (ADF): Tell us about your journey of faith.

ANGIE LE MAR (ALM): I grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); my mum was an evangelist and my dad a deacon. I veered off course during my teens, but my faith never left me. Although I wasn’t a committed Christian, I still believed in what I knew; I couldn’t “un-know” God. I partied hard, met great people, and accomplished some wonderful things whilst working in the entertainment industry, but as I got older nothing satisfied me. The big names no longer impressed me, the champagne and wine couldn’t satisfy me. I just didn’t care anymore, and I realised that the entertainment world had nothing left to give me. Something was missing from my life, and it was God. I knew I could call upon Him, but He wasn’t the God I was committed to. It just felt like it was time, and I’m so glad that I returned to the Kingdom.

ADF: How have you managed to break through the male-dominated stand-up comedy circuit?

ALM: I have four older brothers so being around men has never fazed me. I used to fight my brothers so I knew that if I had to fight a man, I could pretty much knock him out [laughs]! I had to stand up in their company to be heard, seen, and to make them laugh, so going into stand-up comedy was perfect. I knew I was funny, and I wasn’t intimidated by men or anyone for that matter. I don’t suffer from imposter syndrome so even if you don’t want me there, I don’t care. I am going to walk on that stage and make people laugh. If they needed a Black person and a woman, I was your choice, two for one. I came into the scene at the right time and owned my space, so if someone didn’t like me, they just couldn’t intimidate me because I was (and still am) very comfortable in my own skin.

ADF: How have you managed to maintain your Christian witness in the entertainment industry?

ALM: The timing of everything seems to have worked in my favour because I was already established in the stand-up comedy circuit when I became a Christian. I’ve always said that if my parents come to my show and take a seat at the back, they mustn’t leave in disgrace, so my segue into Christianity wasn’t hard because I wasn’t doing vulgar stuff. Most people thought I had Christian tendencies, so I don’t think it came as a surprise when they heard I’d become a Christian.

ADF: Over the last 12 years have you ever felt that your faith has held you back and caused you to miss out on bigger opportunities? Or do you just not care? [laughs]

ALM: It comes with the territory. For every door that gets closed, God opens new ones. Since coming to faith, I’ve had the honour of sharing my testimony and being invited to speak at events to encourage and empower others. Thankfully people have been inspired by what’s been shared and motivated to take action.

ADF: You shared on social media that you’re bowing out of stand-up comedy. Why now?

ALM: Because I’ve said what I need to say, I’ve been doing this since I was 19 – I’m 58 this year. I’ve got nothing to prove, I’ve peaked at the right time, and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s put me on television and radio and helped me to build my name and raise. You’re going to hear what I have to say in the next season from different forms of media, so you might hear it in film, through books or through podcasts. My days of driving across England to tell jokes for 20 mins and then drive back home are over. I enjoyed it at the time, but I’m in a new season now. I’m six grandchildren deep, so I’ve got lots of babysitting to be getting on with! If it gets hard, I’ll just charge my children on the hour [laughs]. I’m going out big, I’m not going to dwindle away. There comes a time in life when you must close the door so that new doors can open.

ADF: You are bowing out in style at the Broadway Theatre on October 1st. What can we expect from the show?

ALM: There’s so much to talk about: life in Jamaica, cancel culture, the menopause,

children, ageing, young people… I’m going for everything.

ADF: Your show coincides with the start of Black History Month. How significant is that for you as a Black stand-up comedian?

ALM: Interestingly, when I contacted the theatre that was the only available date. I believe God aligned it. Those are the little things that show me that God is in the mix.

ADF: Over the last few years, there has been an increased awareness of the importance of Black History Month here in the UK. How can we further educate people on the importance of celebrating our history?

ALM: It’s important that we celebrate ourselves, understand our history, and do it for us. I’m who I am because God made me in His image – a Black woman – something that is worth celebrating, in my view. I am who God says I am – someone who’s blessed, strong, resilient, and able to overcome challenges due to His grace. As a people who have overcome so much due to God’s grace, we must always remember this and seek to build our own tables.

ADF: I guess you’re saying we must love and value ourselves regardless of whether we are accepted or not. It reminds

me of Tyler Perry’s response to the #OscarsSoWhite fiasco. He said: “While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be in Atlanta building my own...”

ALM: Tyler Perry is my hero. He’s shown what can be achieved when someone focuses on building their own table. In doing so, they generate wealth and provide work for their community and create a legacy for future generations. It’s important that we economically empower ourselves by building our own tables. It’s something I’ve sought to do through my company, Straight to the Audience Productions.

ADF: So, it’s official, you’re bowing out from stand-up comedy. What’s next for Angie Le Mar?

ALM: I’m launching three books, entitled ‘A Bundle of Joy’, in October. I’ve written a play called ‘Siblings’ which deals with the loss of a father and how the dynamics of the siblings change. It will be filmed and put online. I’ve written a film called ‘Forty’ that I hope to start filming next year. It’s about five friends who meet up for the first time. I also want to write ‘Take Me Back’ the gospel production as a novel. In fact, the play is going to be touring Jamaica doing 40 churches… so I’ll be very busy!

The Final Bow takes place at the Broadway Theatre, Catford, on October 1, 2023. Visit www.angielemar.co.uk

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): You are one of the few Black church leaders of this modern era following in the tradition of Christian leaders of the Windrush Generation by planting churches. What has inspired you to do that?

PASTOR PETER NEMBHARD (PPN): I am inspired by the prophetic word I received when I was ordained in 1994. I’m also inspired by my late pastor, Apostle H C McFarlane and Bishop L E White, who was the leader of Bibleway Church, where I was born again. The older I get, the more I hear the wisdom of Bishop L E White. I didn’t fully hear and appreciate his wisdom when I was a younger man. I was encouraged and pushed to plant churches by my good friend, the late Pastor Joseph Boadu of CLF Greenwich Church, who was an avid church planter.

KTF: You have planted nine branches so far, based in London, Essex, Birmingham and Ireland. What have been the major ups and downs you’ve faced?

PPN: The ups of church planting are seeing God at work, seeing gifts manifested, which may have been limited if they had stayed in the main church; seeing the multiplication of ARC through church planting; and seeing sons of our ministry flourishing, growing and becoming fathers. There haven’t been a lot of downs, but I have had to learn how to not just pastor my saints and leaders but also to pastor pastors.

KTF: Presiding over a group of churches, means that you have to provide

The leader impacting young people’s lives

One modern church leader who embodies the spirit of the Windrush Generation is Pastor Peter Nembhard, founder of ARC Global. He is also living proof of how the gospel message can totally transform an individual’s life. Pastor Nembhard got saved whilst serving time in prison. When he came out of prison, he joined a church, received spiritual mentorship from a church leader from the Windrush Generation, and became an evangelist, before launching ARC Forest Gate, east London in 1997. Pastor Nembhard now presides over nine congregations and has experienced great success reaching Millennials and Gen Z. He spoke to Keep The Faith about his life, mentoring young leaders, and his plans for the future

support and guidance to pastors. You preside over young ministers. How have you dealt with the generation gap and different approaches to leadership?

PPN: I think ARC has always been youthfocused by God’s grace, so we’ve had to pastor a lot of young people over the years. To now see some of our pastors now pastoring the next generation, I fully support and get it. I think as a leader, you have to always be transitioning and redeveloping yourself and your thoughts. This is something I’ve always strived to do through attending conferences and seminars, both in the UK and abroad.

KTF: Not many people know that prior to planting your first church in the UK, you planted two congregations in St Lucia, where you were based for five years. What were the key lessons you learned about God and church leadership during that time?

PPN: The first thing I learned about God is that you can trust Him to provide. Carris and I went to St Lucia initially unsupported financially, but we saw God provide in amazing ways. I would say I cut my teeth in leadership in St Lucia, made a lot of mistakes (which I still do) but my major leadership lesson was that leadership is influence not position. I grew up in an organisation that was very positionally leadership orientated. In St Lucia, I learned that it’s not always the people who are in position who are leaders, but the people who have the most influence don’t always have a position.

KTF: You planted ARC Forest Gate on your return to the UK in 1997. Now 26 years later, ARC FG is known across the UK, especially because of its success in attracting young people. Why do you think ARC FG experienced success in this area?

PPN: I think we have always invested in youth work, and I believe that our investment was/is financial investment from the early days. Then, when 15-year-old Charlotte Polius, a member of church, was brutally murdered that was a pinnacle moment for our ministry. We had hundreds of young people flocking to our church, which we had to comfort, love

and pastor. We have seen lots of those young people become adults, get married, have children and now serve in leadership in some of our churches.

KTF: In your view, what should churches that want to reach young people, be doing?

PPN: Churches need to question whether they put process over people. We also have to question what level of importance we have put on our traditions and what sacred cows we’re prepared to kill, in order to reach the next generation. On top of that, I recommend reading books about Millennials and generation Z.

KTF: Can you tell me a bit about your childhood? How many siblings did you have? What did your parents do and what role did faith play in our life when growing up?

PPN: I am the youngest of three children and I have two older sisters. My father was a London transport train driver, and my mother was a station manager for British Rail. I would say, I was one of those young people who was dragged to church by their Caribbean parents. My experience wasn’t a positive one, however my mother whilst being very superstitious was very prayerful.

KTF: You’ve been very open about how you got involved in criminal activities as a teenager and was sent to prison. What made you go down that road, and what happened in prison that made you commit your life to Christ?

PPN: This is my story, and I will share this wherever I go and always give glory to God. From the age of 13, I found myself going down the road of crime and went to a detention centre at 14 and prison for two and half years at 16. What made me go down this road? Well, there are many factors, but a few would be, I enjoyed the riskiness and adventure, I was getting affirmation from my peers and lastly, I loved money and gold. David Hughes, the prison chaplain, was God’s instrument in introducing me to Christ, and I came to faith after watching the film The Cross and The Switchblade.

KTF: How did you go about rebuilding your life and following the Christian pathway on your release from prison?

PPN: I came to faith in prison but experienced conversion after my best friend was stabbed to death and died in my arms. After this, I was marvellously discipled and fathered by Bishop H. C. McFarlane and grew in my faith in the Bibleway Church.

KTF: When did you realise that God wanted you to be a preacher and evangelist, and how did you go about pursuing that calling?

PPN: My pastor was such a dynamic preacher and I wanted to emulate him, he inspired me as a preacher and a lover of souls. I quickly began to bring my friends and people to Christ and evangelised and shared my faith and story wherever I went. I raised an evangelism team in my local church and went out on the highways and byways every Saturday.

KTF: You’ve publicly stated that the late Bishop McFarlane, founder of Built on the Rock (formerly in Bethnal Green) was like a father to you. What impact did he have on your life?

PPN: Away from Christ and my late mother, Bishop H. C. McFarlane was the epitome of a pastor and spiritual father to me. He modelled Christ to me, he showed me what a Christian pastor and minister should look like. He believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow in my calling and ministry very early. I needed a strong male presence in my life and he was that for me.

KTF: You’ve been married for more than 30 years. How did you meet your wife and what role has she played in your ministry?

PPN: Yeah, one of my proudest achievements is being married for 34 years now to Caris. We met at a church conference called APU the same year I got saved and became friends and got married two years later. Caris has been the perfect partner in life for me. She has allowed me to be myself, she trusts me to be adventurous and risky for Christ. She has followed me into whatever God has called me into without fuss and loves me unconditionally. I would never have been able to fulfil my call without Caris by my side.

KTF: You recently stepped down from leading ARC FG to plant a new church in Dagenham. Some people might consider you ‘crazy’ to leave a successful and established church to start a church from scratch. What

‘‘

CARIS HAS BEEN THE PERFECT PARTNER IN LIFE FOR ME. SHE HAS ALLOWED ME TO BE MYSELF, SHE TRUSTS ME TO BE ADVENTUROUS AND RISKY FOR CHRIST.

inspired you to do so, and how are you finding church planting in 2023?

PPN: I believe in succession and holding onto things lightly. After 25 years of leading ARC FG, planting congregations, surviving COVID and a triple heart bypass operation, I needed a fresh start. I needed a new adventure and the call to Dagenham came. I now see how crazy at my age and physical health it is to plant out again, but I love obeying God! I love seeing what God is doing at FG without me. Both ARC Forest Gate and ARC Dagenham are growing. I have an amazing team and God is sending us amazing people. I’m finding church planting hard and challenging but I’m loving the adventure.

KTF: What should we expect from Pastor Peter Nembhard in the next few months?

PPN: Having now established ARC GLOBAL, we are developing it to become a catalyst moving for church planting and radical discipleship. Look out for the growth and expansion of ARC GLOBAL, evangelism and community impact. Watch out for new and fresh young ministers emerging. I believe we are going to expand more internationally as well.

KTF: Finally, what message of hope would you like to leave with Keep The Faith readers during this Black History Month?

PPN: I want to encourage your readers to focus on the positive impact many past and present Black-majority led churches have made on British society. I want us to be encouraged by what God is doing in raising up Millennials for such a time as this. Let us not forget or lose our legacy or throw out the baby with the water. Let’s try and rediscover some of our roots, i.e., choirs, holiness and love for the church.

Well done, Marcia and team, for a splendid job! God is using you all through Keep The Faith!

Visit www.arcglobalchurches.com

Anne’s Adoption Journey with Coram

Anne shares her story with Keep the Faith and Jennifer an Outreach Ambassador for Black African and Caribbean Families at Coram Ambitious for Adoption, a Regional Adoption Agency covering areas within the M25 to encourage others to consider adopting.

Black African and Caribbean heritage children wait longer for a new family. At Coram, we know how important it is to find a stable, loving home at the earliest opportunity for their long-term emotional development and well-being.

Anne a practicing Christian, and a single woman of black Caribbean descent has recently adopted two siblings through Coram. She describes the excitement and challenges, the myths that might prevent many from coming forward and how her Christian faith helped.

Anne always wanted to adopt, and her network of family and friends are proud and supportive of her decision. She started her journey by attending a preparation course with a Christian organisation. This helped her think about adoption from a Christian perspective, understand the backgrounds of children and their reasons for coming into care.

In December 2020 Anne was approved as a prospective adoptive parent for Coram. In June 2021, her daughter Rachel then aged one, joined the family. Rachel’s younger sibling Emily was welcomed in May 2022.

Why Coram?

I have friends who adopted through Coram and had heard positive things. After attending Coram’s Information Event, I spent six months putting practical things in place – such as working locally – I was then in a stronger position to care for my family through adoption.

Tell me about the assessment process I wondered what questions the social worker would ask. Are they trying to catch me out? I worried about not being able to articulate myself, then my mum reminded me they need to know my story so they can decide which child I can be matched with. My Christian faith helped me, I thought if this is meant to be, God will provide.

Once the assessment started there was nothing to worry about. Although thorough, I had space to reflect on what I could bring to an adopted child. It’s been great that Steph, my social worker, has been with me throughout my assessment for both children. We built a relationship that supported me once I

started parenting.

Steph was great. I am bit sad she closed my case as I thought we were going to be friends forever!

How has your life changed since adopting? It has been a whirlwind but amazing. I have to plan everything, down to having a shower! Rachel can have an unsettled night, but wakes in the morning with a lovely smile. I am getting used to taking care of someone else’s needs, we are having new experiences and getting to know each other.

How do you manage to find time for yourself with two very young children? Mum comes to see us every weekend, groceries are delivered and I batch cook. We go for walks and play sessions with other parents and carers where we chat together. My support network have been incredible, I can turn to my life-long friends as well as other adopters. I value the importance of self-care and look after myself when the children are asleep or mum is here.

What do you think prevents African and Caribbean families coming forward to adopt?

I have come across people who would like to adopt but are fearful of what social workers will ask, especially if their childhood or teenage years were difficult. From my experience of the assessment and meeting other adopters, people’s backgrounds do not necessarily prevent them from becoming adoptive parents, it is just they will need to talk about

it. Social workers are professional and deal with difficulties with respect.

What was the support like from Coram? My social worker has been a great source of support. When I first took Rachel home, Steph said “call me when you get home” and she would check in with me every evening which was nice.

Finally, we asked Anne’s mother what her role is and whether she had any fears for Anne during the process. I am the children’s Nana – if Anne needs me I am there to support her. It was Anne’s decision and this is what she wanted. By his grace everything has turned out fine and we are so thankful – the children are amazing. They have greatly enhanced our lives and we are all very happy.

If you are interested in adoption and live within the M25 please visit www.coramadoption.org.uk, email Jennifer.Kwakye1@coram.org.uk or call 020 7520 0383

REV CARMEL JONES: The man, his life and his legacy

Keep The Faith editor, Marcia Dixon, pays tribute to Windrush Generation legend, Rev Carmel Jones

One thing I am incredibly proud of during my years working as the gospel columnist at The Voice newspaper is the fact that I interviewed many of the prominent church leaders and Christians from the Windrush Generation. One of those individuals was the late Rev Carmel Jones, founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU), who died on July 22, 2023.

I first featured him in my column in the 1990s, when the PCU was just over 10 years old. Little did I know that I was talking to a man who, over the years, would be seen as a living legend, and upon his passing, leading evangelical website www.christianitytoday. com described him as the ‘Black Banker for British Pentecostals’.

Wow. I bet Rev Jones never expected to be described as such, but he has been. And it’s true!

It became evident during the nine-night service held at the New Testament Assembly, Tooting, and the homegoing celebration held

at Ruach City Church, Brixton, commemorating and celebrating Rev Jones’ life, and how impactful Rev Jones had been.

Leader after leader, person after person, spoke of his drive, passion, faith and desire to be a blessing to his community and an ambassador for his faith.

Rev Jones founded the PCU in 1980, after reading an article about credit unions in the Sun newspaper. His aim was to provide financial services to Britain’s Black community, many of whom had found it difficult to access financial services from established banks and building societies.

Starting an organisation with such big ambitions was not easy. Some felt he shouldn’t do it and that it would fail. Speaking to Keep The Faith in 2018, Rev Jones shared: “A senior prominent minister, on learning about what I was doing, remonstrated with me over the phone for nearly one hour, demanding that I should not pursue calling the organisation the ‘Pentecostal Credit Union’ because “When it fails, as it surely will, it will bring the entire Pentecostal Church organisation into disrepute”, and she was having none of it. My reply was

this: “Are you saying that I am going to fail?” “Yes,” she said, “because Black people always fail, especially where money is involved.” I said: “You will be proven wrong.”

And he did prove his critics wrong. The PCU is now the second wealthiest credit union in the country! It provides savings facilities and loans to individuals, business owners and churches. In fact, one of the key things that inspired Rev Jones to set up the PCU was to help provide churches with loans to buy their buildings.

Organisations that have been able to do so with the assistance of a PCU loan include Assemblies Of The First Born Church, AME Zion Church, Ruach City Church, Brixton, New Testament Assembly, New Testament Church Of God, Church Of God Worldwide Mission, Tabernacle Christian Centre, Pentecostal City Mission, Church Of God In Christ, New Life Assembly, Acts Christian Church, Mount Zion Apostolic Church (Nottingham), to name a few. And there are businesses that have been helped by a PCU loan too.

Rev Jones was a community man at heart. Aside from starting the PCU, this ordained COGIC minister founded the New Assembly of

Churches and RESCUE Training organisation that provided vocational and employment training for ex-offenders. He was also one of Britain’s first Black prison chaplains, ministering the Gospel to inmates at several local London prisons and at Heathrow Airport.

Rev Jones, born in 1937 in Black River, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, is one of six siblings. His mother was a homemaker, his father a farmer of a small holding, and faith played a very important role in his childhood.

He arrived in the UK at the age of 17, determined to make his parents proud by making a success of his new life. Like many, he experienced many challenges, including racism. An altar boy in the Anglican church in Jamaica, Rev Jones aimed to maintain his connection to the church and attended a service at St Paul’s, the local Anglican church in Clapham. At the end of the service the vicar thanked him for coming but asked him not to return.

Having been rejected by the local Anglican church, Rev Jones later joined a Pentecostal church, the Church of God in Christ UK – after being invited by a friend – where he was eventually ordained and was a lifelong member.

In 2020, the Anglican church that rejected Rev Jones when he first arrived in the UK in 1955 held a service and publicly apologised to him for the racist treatment he received. Rev Jones graciously accepted the apology stating: “I was a boy of 17, when I encountered here one of the first of many acts of racial prejudice that subsequently occurred in my life.

“It provided the inspiration that led me to founding the Pentecostal Credit Union 25 years later. It led me to the Pentecostal Church, where I still am today and, lastly but certainly not least, it led me to meeting the woman who has been by my side for the last 63 years.”

Rev Jones was married to Iveline for 65 years and says it was “love at first sight”. They had three children together.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, grandchildren and his extended family.

Rev Jones was a great man of God, and throughout his life led a legacy that many can and will benefit from. God rest his soul.

REV CARMEL JONES TRIBUTES

Bishop John and Pastor Penny Francis, co-pastors of Ruach City Church, stated: “Rev Carmel Jones was a trailblazer, a pioneer and a legend. You could also say he was the church’s Black banker! He was a special confidante and friend to us personally.

When I look at all the acquisitions of Ruach City Church, it started with Rev Carmel Jones, who gave us our first mortgage when our high street bank turned us down. As a young pastor, starting a church from the ground up, Rev Jones was the first person to give our church a loan.

Rev Jones registered the Pentecostal Credit Union in 1980. A number of Black church leaders were critical of Rev Jones’ vision of economic self-reliance for the Black community and the PCU, and didn’t support him, but he proved them all wrong, going on to position the PCU as one of strongest credit unions in the UK. Thank you, Rev Jones, for showing us that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Your legacy will live on!”

Rev Ade Omooba and Dionne Gravesande, co-chairs of the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), said: “We honour an exceptional man whose indomitable spirit and unwavering faith blazed a trail of inspiration for countless lives. As the visionary founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union and a distinguished Black Christian Pioneer, he empowered a Black British community with financial inclusion and spiritual guidance.

Rev Carmel Jones’ legacy resonates through generations, symbolising resilience, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to uplifting others. His profound impact on society and unwavering dedication to bridging the gap will forever remain etched in the hearts of those he touched. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire.”

Bishop Delroy Powell, New Testament Assembly, stated:

“The New Testament Assembly expresses it deepest sympathy to the Jones family and the staff of the Pentecostal Credit Union, following news of the passing of Rev Carmel Jones. To borrow from the Ghanaian proverb: “a mighty oak has fallen”. Rev Carmel was an exemplary leader, a disruptive visionary, and a stalwart among his peers in the Pentecostal Church movement in the UK. He will be sorely missed and may he long be remembered.”

Rt Rev Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England, said: “The PCU was set up to provide credit union and financial services for the Black community, which because of the prevailing prejudice found it difficult to access those services in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Today the PCU and Giftbox provide these services to both adults and young people, as well as lending to church building projects. Every person who accesses this service is indebted to him. His legacy is secure. A true Windrush pioneer!”

My letter to the Black Church

Dr

Igrew up in a big Black-majority church called Trinity Baptist Church. I learned only a few years ago that this Ghanaianmajority church, which had raised me into a young Black woman, was the largest Baptist church in the UK. (Incredible!)

Even though it was a large church, to me, it wasn’t just for Sunday services; it was community, it was family. It was the aunties who did my hair in their salons on Saturdays; the uncle who was also my dentist; the people who picked me up after school or looked after me for a couple of weeks during the summer holidays; it was individuals who became my tutors at Saturday schools; and those who became my private tutors ahead of my GCSEs and A-levels.

I remember the significance of the prayer meetings, the watchnight services, the annual church trips to the beach… All these elements played a huge part in shaping who I am today. ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and that church was my village. This communal living — deeply biblical and exemplified by the early Church — was yet another form of resistance against an inherently individualistic society, and alienated people, who looked like me, were being taught another way.

October is Black History Month and I am so proud of us! We should be proud. Looking at wider society in the 1950s, there were only 20,000 non-Europeans living in the UK (that’s tough!). Today, that number is well over 2.5 million and that specifically relates to just people of African Caribbean heritage. The recent 2021 census recorded us as the largest

Black-majority

proportion of UK ethnic minorities, accounting for 4% of the total UK population. It’s beautiful to see that, over the decades and despite the heavy systemic injustices rigged against us, we have grown in number and continue to make significant contributions to the UK in so many fields. If no one else will celebrate this, we must!

Faith has played a significant role in the lives of Black folks. Whilst large parts of the UK Church have been in decline, we have continued to expand.

The Black Church has been the bedrock of the Black community in so many ways — even filling the gaps of governmental support wherever needed. For example, when UK banks, fuelled by racist schemes and processes, refused to open accounts and grant loans to Black people and churches, the late Rev Carmel Jones pioneered and founded the Pentecostal Credit Union. This wasn’t just a financial solution, but a form of resistance. In a way, he was saying: “If you won’t invite us to the table, we’ll create our own tables,” and we really have and continue to create our own tables. Churches have established everything from Saturday schools to communal funeral care support and Street Pastors; we have taken care of each other.

The Black Church has so many strengths (community, prayer, entrepreneurship, and much more) that should not be buried under the banner of unity, but rather brought to the table as an offering to strengthen the UK Church as a whole. When the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, encourages us to be ‘one body’, he emphasises that the body is made up of differing parts. I want to see more of our phenomenal leaders as keynote speakers in

non-Black spaces, teaching on how they built communities, businesses and ministries. They have so much to offer.

Today, the landscape of the Black Church in the UK is wide, with many different types of churches within established church denominations. Included herein are Caribbean churches that started post-Windrush, African churches and denominations, Black-led multi-ethnic churches, and now the emergence of the Black British churches. As young leaders take up leadership roles within these spaces and pioneer new communities, it is crucial we do not forget the incredible legacy laid by former pioneers, but rather build upon it.

This Black History Month, take time to listen and share their stories to others in your generation. Find innovative ways to tell them to future generations. We have a wealth of history in our denominations and churches — like the New Testament Church of God (celebrating its 70th anniversary this year), the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP), Ruach City Church, New Wine, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), The Church of Pentecost UK — which have served multiple generations of families over decades. Neither can we forget the leaders who have led in other denominations, like the Church of England, the Baptist Church and the Methodist Church. This beautiful legacy and rich culture must not be abandoned as we reimagine the way forward; we must take these treasures along with us.

Big love, L

Lisa Adjei’s letter reflects on the legacy of Britain’s

churches and shares why they must continue serving the Black community and impacting wider society

Dr Lisa Adjei is an emerging leader, speaker, associate pastor, Church Relationship Manager at Christian Aid, and founder of the Sankofa Collective. Visit www.sankofacollective.org.

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY:

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF MISSION, MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bishop Tedroy Powell and Pastor Errol Williams reflect on the origin, development and establishment of the Church of God of Prophecy UK, and their hopes for the future

This October, the Church of God of Prophecy UK celebrates its 70th anniversary. As with similar patterns in the history of Christianity, the Church of God of Prophecy’s establishment, growth and development within the United Kingdom was primarily fuelled by geo-political and socio-economic influences in the late 1940s.

After the Second World War, Britain sought to build its infrastructure and recruit labour from across the Commonwealth countries, including the Caribbean. Coincident with this, in 1952, Bishop M A Tomlinson, General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy International, appointed Bishop Homer Rye as a missionary to the UK.

Bishop Rye, accompanied by his wife, started a mission initiative in Bedford. After holding revival meetings Bishop Rye and his wife met Herbert England and his family. As a result of their combined efforts to reach people within the vicinity of Bedford, the first local church of the Church of God Prophecy was established on 22nd April 1953, at Herbert England’s home: 61 Victoria Road, Bedford.

Later, Herbert England was appointed as the pastor and National Overseer, and worship continued in his home for some years until the congregation moved to a hall in Midland Road, located above a florist shop. That congregation later moved to the ‘Upper Room’ in Ashburnham Road, where they continued to worship until it was sold. As the years passed, Bishop England retired and moved to Norfolk. Unfortunately, the congregation dwindled to a handful who worshipped at the home of Mother Simpson, a local church member. Following Bishop

England’s retirement, many Black pastors tried to rebuild the congregation. After several years, they acquired and refurbished the historic John Bunyan’s Chapel at 30 Bunyan Road, Kempston, in Bedford. This was indeed one of the most significant moves of the Church of God of Prophecy in the early phases of its journey in the UK.

The Church of God of Prophecy began to establish its roots in the mid to late 1950s in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Bristol and the South West, and London. The significant cities received migrants from the Caribbean islands, who subsequently became church members in their city or town. It is a marvellous work of God to reflect on how the small congregation in Bedford comprising 13 members in 1953 grew to a church community of approximately 5,600 in the mid-1980s.

Seventy years have passed since the group of spirited pioneers, driven by an unwavering commitment to God, family and community, laid the foundation for what would become a spiritual powerhouse in the UK. The Church of God of Prophecy, born from their vision and resilience, now stands as a testament to faith, dedication, and the transformative power of community. Today, their legacy is alive and thriving in over 60 churches and mission points across the UK, each echoing the pioneers’ initial dream of creating a spiritual haven.

Over seven decades, the church has grown organically and strategically, establishing vital congregations and community engagement infrastructures. It’s a worship centre and a community hub known for its outreach, charity, and a spirit of giving. Despite challenges, its mission is anchored by financial stability and

smooth leadership transitions. Adapting to societal and technological shifts ensures its continued relevance. Its archives detail its history, while its ecumenical ties foster religious unity. The church’s influence on the UK is profound, evidenced by its contributions to education, social services, and environmental stewardship.

It has expanded its properties, set up benevolent funds, supported missionary work, and received numerous recognitions. Through networks and partnerships, the church has broadened its reach, and its legacy projects ensure that its history is preserved for future generations. The church celebrates diversity, providing an inclusive environment for all.

The Church of God of Prophecy has a dynamic vision for the future. It seeks to deepen members’ spiritual experiences, grow its infrastructure, and boost community involvement while cherishing its history. The key is financial stability, next-gen leader empowerment, and leveraging technology to share its message. The church will increase educational outreach and social services and emphasise stewardship. It aims for cultural inclusivity, expanded missionary work, and interfaith dialogue. Legacy projects will bridge its past and future. Holistic well-being, artistic growth, youth programs, prayer and theological education are priorities as the church also seeks to boost its digital presence globally.

From October 19th-22nd, the Bethel Convention Centre hosts the Church of God of Prophecy’s Platinum Jubilee, as we celebrate 70 years of legacy and look to a bright future.

More than a church, witness a movement and a promising tomorrow.

Bishop Tedroy and Minister Alyne Powell

LESSONS LEARNT IN LEADERSHIP

Bishop Dr Rudolph H Parkinson is one of the UK’s most senior leaders within the Black Pentecostal Church. He shares some of what 50+ years of public ministry have taught him

Ihave been in active ministry for over 50 years in the New Testament Church of God (NTCG). During this time, I have grown to understand that there is so much we can learn from others. I have had various appointments since my early Christian life in ministry, where at the age of 22, I was appointed to my first pastorate, after completing three years at Bible College. After spending approximately 10 years in pastoral work, little did I know that the Lord was preparing me for my first appointment at National Leadership. This enabled me to enter full-time ministry as the church’s National Director of Youth & Christian Education (as it was known at the time).

This was my first experience of financial self-sacrifice and denial, as the church was unable to match my secular salary. I knew, however, I had to answer my call to serve full time in my vocation. This was one of the most inspiring and satisfying times of my ministry: aiding the development of young men and women, many of whom are now pastors and church leaders within NTCG and other church streams.

I went on to serve as National Secretary Treasurer and held two District Bishop roles, the last of which was the New Testament Church of God Brixton District, a position I held for 20 years.

During my time of leadership, I recognise that one of the most important factors is to remain current and embrace lifelong learning as a means of not stagnating and recognising that, for one’s ministry to remain sharp and on point, we have to understand the wider challenges of life; what affects people in their day-to-day life; and the issues prevailing in society. It is so vital to study and correctly apply the Word to those given situations. We are forever scholars, so from my early start as a scholar, I remain a scholar to this very day.

with their personal challenges and had confidence to share them with me. I have learnt the essential skill of listening, which can keep you at the cutting edge of ministry.

Church leadership should not be viewed as some kind of celebrity status; it is important to recognise that unless there is self-sacrifice and denial, it is difficult to be an effective and empathetic leader. We have to take up our cross and follow Jesus, our Example. We have to put ourselves in the place of those who are in challenging situations to understand, as Paul said: ‘To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak…. in order that I may save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22). The word ‘some’ means not everyone will be open to what we have to say, but if one person is helped because we were willing to reach down and pull them up, that is one person we have got through the door who may not have made it. Self-denial and sacrifice are so important.

Finally, we must love people. Jesus told Peter: “Feed My sheep.” In other words, we must love those whom God has placed into our care or bring us into contact with for the sake of the Kingdom. This is not always easy, as sometimes the very people who make our lives difficult are the same ones who reach out to us for pastoral care, guidance, support and Christian leadership. What should constrain us to do what we do, is the Word of the One who sets our examples, who bore the infirmity of our failings on the cross, was mocked and cursed, but still now advocates for all — good, bad or indifferent. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

If you would like to know more about The Man Behind the Collar, the title of my debut book, visit https://bit.ly/ManBehindCollar I hope my book will help you on your personal journey.

Another thing I have learnt, which is key to being or remaining an effective leader, is to listen. It is so important to be a keen listener, not just to hear what people are saying but to listen and, when we begin to listen, we have a deeper understanding of what people are actually saying

There have been many occasions when I have sat on the other side of the table and thought the person opposite has so much courage and strength to come and share what they are sharing with me. Given the same circumstances, I am not sure if I would be able to do that. I have been left with great admiration for those who have entrusted me

‘I have learnt the essential skill of listening, which can keep you at the cutting edge of ministry.’

Bishop

Dr Rudolph

H Parkinson is

a

senior minister within the New Testament Church of God and has held significant roles within the Church and community.

We must be keepers of our legacy

‘A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.’

PROVERBS 13:22 (KJV)

Alegacy can be handed down from the past by tradition, such as practices and sayings or words of wisdom. It can also be that ‘secret ingredient’ in a family recipe, or that jewellery item or artefact that has been in the family for decades. Legacy is important.

I swiftly started my memoir before I went under the knife and spent a lot of time thinking about what I had or hadn’t accomplished. What would people say about me once I had gone? What had I left behind that had meaning and purpose? Was my living in vain? At the time, I had been a senior leader for over 15 years in a secondary school and no one forgets a great teacher, so I guess I was alright then. But what about my children? Had I left behind a legacy for them to pass onto their children? And their children’s children?

I once read that when an ancestor dies, a library burns down because as a community we are amazing at telling stories orally, but not so great when it comes to writing them down. We need to be keepers of our legacy if we are to preserve our history.

RECORDINGS:

• Audio: If you are not a keen writer, you can record memories or interviews. Having a voice to go with an image is priceless.

• Video: Video recordings of key events — birthdays, weddings or simply videos of personal interviews, memories, and stories.

During the pandemic, I led an online intergenerational project, where I worked alongside 27 children to interview a grandparent. Three days after a young girl interviewed her nonagenarian great-gran, she died. When I read the young girl’s research, I discovered that her great-gran’s father had cut the wood that had built the first New Testament Church of God in Jamaica, and that her daughter was a singer in the 1970s’ Number 1 pop group, Boney M!

I remember the first Christmas after my grandfather died. He was the family chef and would conjure up delicious seasonal delights: tomatoes stuffed with spicy prawns; honeyroasted gammon, dressed with pineapple and cloves; and home-made ice cream that made Häagen-Dazs taste like the Tesco Value brand.

In the kitchen devoid of Gramps, the children all looked at each other with shame. No one had ever spent time with Gramps when he was cooking or had written down how to make his mouth-watering meals. It was at that point when we realised that all his delectable recipes had been buried with him.

It took a heart attack and the subsequent bypass surgery to get me seriously thinking about my own legacy — something I hadn’t really thought about before. When you hover closely to the jaws of death, it’s something that becomes a reality for many of us.

Joshua 4:21-22 (KJV) confirms, ‘And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.’

Below are some practical ways to keep and retain one’s legacy.

MEMORABILIA:

• Jewellery, personal and sentimental items that are linked to a person, a story or event. Old passports, work ID, wedding invitations, achievement certificates, graduation booklets, funeral brochures, books, poems, or songs written by family members or friends.

DONATIONS:

• Charitable donation: Money given to a charity, a cause or a person highlights the importance of this.

• Savings account: Putting away small sums of money to gift to a family member or friend. My gran saved £5 a week in a bank account for her grandchildren. When she died, one had over £1,000 in her account.

WRITINGS:

• Journal: Keeping a journal of your thoughts, feelings or events can be a priceless keepsake for future generations.

• Letters and cards. Keeping these — especially ones that are handwritten, can give a valued insight into a person.

PICTURES:

• Photographs from the cradle to the grave, with the names of those in the picture, a date, and the event.

• Artwork: hand-drawn or purchased can also give an insight into a person.

• Scrap book: with notes, ideas, pictures, and sentimental memorabilia.

Please note: Writing, photographs and recordings can be uploaded onto social media or onto a hard drive, computer drive or in the cloud, so they are preserved and not destroyed or lost.

Juliet Coley is former presenter of C4 and ITV1’s gospel music programme, People Get Ready. She is also an award-winning educator, author and founder of Young LIT Stars, which publishes books written by Black children aged 6 to 15. Visit www.younglitstars.com

Juliet Coley shares why it’s important to leave a legacy and how to ensure the legacy is remembered and retained

Be careful what you wish for

Imagine a group of people being led into a room to look at some plastic flowers. The owner asks if they’re real. The group views the flowers, and everyone agrees that they’re fake. The owner then takes them into a room containing fresh flowers, and the group decides they’re genuine.

Finally, they reach a third room. This time, the group isn’t so sure. Some say they’re plastic, some say they’re real. The man then lets them in on a secret – some of the flowers are real, some are fake.

Spiritual deception, I think, works rather like that.

If a preacher spoke total nonsense, no-one would believe him. But if he began by quoting directly from the Bible, then gradually added his own ideas and interpretations, people might just fall for it.

Like yeast subtly permeating a whole batch of dough, it’s particularly dangerous when preaching sometimes uses God’s Word in context, and at other times doesn’t.

As Banquo tells Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “Oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.”

In other words, small truths can trick us into believing big lies.

Proper use of Scripture is vital. Unless we understand and apply it correctly, we’ll be tossed back and forth by the waves, blown here and there by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:14).

Our faith may even ‘suffer shipwreck’ (1 Timothy 1:19).

But who wants to go overboard, when the iceberg of unbiblical preaching is in danger of penetrating the hull of an unsuspecting Titanic?

No one wants to question a minister’s motives but, as 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns us, ‘The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.’

Sadly, some people are taken in by false teaching because it’s something they subconsciously want to believe. As a writer once cautioned, “Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it.”

We may want to be rich, but it’s usually only the prosperity preachers who achieve this. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t!

Others fall for erroneous ideas because that’s what the speaker wants them to do, whether it’s an unscrupulous salesman, conman, clairvoyant, cult leader or someone peddling the Word of God for profit (2 Corinthians 2:17).

In a world where science, ‘truth’, facts and statistics can be open to a baffling array of interpretations, and where ‘fake news’ and deception abound, we should be on our guard against spiritual scammers trying to deceive us.

Or someone who may have gone off the rails or is abusing his position – or flock –while posing as a loving shepherd?

No wonder epistles such as 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and James encourage Christians to stand firm. None of us is immune to getting things wrong. Returning to the Titanic image I mentioned earlier, there are times when I’m writing articles that recall some of my past blunders and mistakes, I sometimes feel like the person whose life supposedly flashes before their eyes before drowning!

As we remember the errors of the past and revisit the warnings of Scripture, my hope is that we’ll make sure we know our Bibles well. With Christ as our strength, and wearing the full armour of God, His (life)belt of truth will keep us from going under and falling victim to deception.

We live in a fallen world, which is why Scripture constantly warns against false prophets, teachers, preachers and apostles. If it happened in New Testament times, it can happen now!

Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker aren’t the only ministers to have been embroiled in scandal, and there remains much that is currently being taught that should carry a spiritual health warning.

In 2 Corinthians 11:4, Paul warns believers about going astray. ‘For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.’

The apostle points out that, because Satan is a deceiver – masquerading as an angel of light – it isn’t surprising that ‘his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness’ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Is it possible that someone visiting your church or speaking on YouTube, TV or at a Christian event may not necessarily be a servant of righteousness? Could they be someone who’s theologically flawed or deluded, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13)?

Gary Clayton is married to Julie, the father of Christopher (19) and Emma (16) and works for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). To learn how MAF aircraft enable people in over 25 African and Asia-Pacific countries to translate the Bible and strengthen the Church, visit www.maf-uk.org

Gary Clayton writes that believers must embrace sound spiritual doctrine so we won’t be deceived by false teachers

‘If something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t!’

BY MARCIA DIXON MBE

The Church: Learning from the past and raising up young leaders

One of the great things about the Black Pentecostal Church is that it is adaptable, embraces technological advancements, and always finds new ways to connect with the younger generation to share the Gospel.

However, many of the churches founded by the Windrush Generation face a new challenge: how to reach Millennials and Gen Z. Churches led by leaders from the African continent seem to be doing just fine in this area – although later down the road they may well encounter challenges similar to those currently being faced by Caribbean churches.

It’s sad that there are churches of Caribbean heritage with few or no young people. In addition to that, their church leadership seem uninterested – or simply unwilling – to make the changes that will see more saved young people within their congregations.

There’s no doubt the Windrush Generation were successful in establishing churches that met the needs of their generation. Not only that, but they also transmitted their values of faith, thrift, hard work and family values to the second generation.

Many children of the Windrush Generation have stories to share of being sent to Sunday School as children (even when their parents didn’t go to church themselves!), saying grace before meals, being encouraged to be people of good character, lovers of education, and to aspire to fulfil one’s potential – or, to phrase it the Windrush way, be people “of ambition”.

But do our children have those stories to share? Some do – but a lot don’t

Many in my generation rebelled against the strictness of church and stopped going, plus they had to contend with the challenges of being of Caribbean heritage whilst living in a hostile British environment. That became their focus, and resulted with legions of people who never sent their children to Sunday school, never passed on the Christian values they learned as children, and never encouraged their children to go to church and serve the Lord.

The challenge is on for Windrush churches

to find a way to connect with Millennials and Gen Z. In my mind, it won’t be difficult if leaders are prayerful, understand the times they are in, and share the Gospel in a way that people can understand and relate to.

When I was younger, there were leaders like Bishop John Francis and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Wayne Malcolm, and the late Dr Tayo Adeyemi – to name just a few – who had a fresh approach to church and ministry. Young people flocked in droves to their churches. The same can happen today, because there are young leaders – some in our churches – with the same passion and spiritual fire in their belly to reach their generation.

YOUR OWN HISTORY

We are in Black History Month, and whilst it’s good to celebrate the achievements of our Black brothers and sisters, it’s also an opportune time to chronicle our own personal history – looking at the things we’ve overcome to get to where we are now, as well as celebrate our successes, learn from our failures, and give God thanks for the good things He has done in our lives.

These days, people want to live a life of ease – a way of living described as “the soft life” in some circles. However, it’s important to recognise that as believers, we shouldn’t be looking for an easy life. Instead, we should be looking to live a life that draws us closer to God and helps us understand the suffering of Christ. Nothing does that more than when we encounter and overcome life challenges.

They can make us spiritually stronger, more reliant on God, more compassionate towards others, as well as wiser, better people. Plus, the experience of going through gives us the wisdom and insight we need to support others going through similar situations.

Churches keen to reach the young must take the necessary steps to nurture, mentor, train, teach, empower and release new and emerging leaders to preach, speak and plant churches.

I’ m sure there are churches that are doing this already, but more need to do so –especially in a society that can be described as post-Christian.

I believe that no matter how much society changes, the Gospel remains a powerful tool for personal and social transformation, and older leaders must do their part and give room to young leaders to do their thing so they can lead their fellow young people to the Lord.

If you have overcome challenges by the grace of God, give yourself a pat on the back; you’ve graduated from the school of hard knocks and come out the other side. And if you’ve achieved a thing or two, and experienced success, revel in it. You’ve experienced the goodness of God.

And that’s what looking at our personal history can do. We give ourselves permission to acknowledge our personal journey, give God thanks for what He has done in our lives, and celebrate that we are heroes and sheroes in our own unique way.

BISHOP JOHN FRANCIS PASTOR ASHIMOLOWO

BISHOP WAYNE MALCOLM DR TAYO ADEYEMI

IN LOVING MEMORY...

The importance of honouring our ancestors

Karen Allen shares why it’s important to remember our historical roots and honour our descendants by living our best life

Recently, on 2nd July 2023, my mother died at the age of 74. Although she had suffered a stroke two years previously, which changed our lives dramatically, her death wasn’t imminent. On the contrary, in many ways she had made a remarkable recovery, so her passing was earth-shattering.

As we prepared for her homegoing celebration, there were countless moments when a picture, a letter, a voice message, or some other memory stopped me in my tracks. It made me think a lot about her life, her love and her legacy.

Death has a way of putting life into perspective.

I looked up the word ‘ancestor’ in preparation for this article and one of the definitions was ‘your mother, father or grandparent and the people who came before you in your family’. Another definition which really grabbed my attention read ‘forerunner or prototype’. Interesting.

A prototype is ‘an original model on which something is patterned or something that sets the standard’. Our ancestors therefore are our forerunners and our prototypes.

Those who came and have gone on before us often lived such admirable and unbelievable lives that they have enabled us

to stand upon their shoulders and live in a way that is richer and arguably more rewarding. There are few people who would win an argument against this truth. Our ancestors, particularly those who endured over 400 years of enslavement during the transatlantic slave trade, were incredible. The race they had to run, the evil they had to endure, the obstacles they had to overcome despite the odds, undoubtedly earned them befitting titles, such as ‘heroes’, ‘kings’ and ‘queens’, albeit unofficial in most instances.

So, what about us? What will our legacy be? What will we leave behind? What will our descendants say of us? Are we modern-day heroes? Are we modern-day kings and queens?

We live in a culture that has an obsession with the material and physical. Engage in a conversation with most people and it won’t be too long before the conversation becomes about what they do, what car they drive, the house or area they live in, or what their goals and dreams are, which often centres around material gain. Too few people speak of leaving a legacy, one which is steadfast and immovable. There is a lack of intention – especially among my generation – with regards to values, morals and standards. Modern-day parents are more concerned with what they will be leaving for their children, as opposed to the irreplaceable and immeasurable gift of what they should be leaving in their children – gifts such as how to be courageous, loyal, loving, hardworking, determined, long-suffering and kind.

These are just examples of the treasures that our ancestors left in us. They taught us

– not just in word but also in deed – how to be strong, focused, committed, dedicated, innovative, creative and most importantly, in many cases, how to have faith. Our ancestors were steadfast and immovable, and we owe it to them to live our lives in such a way that our descendants can say the same of us.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, we are the short-tempered generation, the short-sighted generation and, as a result for the most part, we are the generation whose goals and dreams are short-lived. We lack the temperament and the tenacity of our forebears; this is not to imply they were perfect, but our ancestors were powerful and, if we are honest with ourselves, there are only a handful of us who possess that kind of power.

Honouring our ancestors is something we should do with intensity and intent. It should be one of the drivers of our dreams. Our self-talk should include: “I’m doing this in honour of my dad, or my mum, or my nan or my grandad.” If we keep their memory and their legacy frequently before us, remembering what they had to fight for in order for us to win, we will indeed be living our lives…in loving memory.

Written in loving memory of my mother Elleth Letetia Morris, 01.01.49 – 02.07.23, whose life and legacy will live on through me by God’s grace.

Karen Allen is a minister, personal development coach, an activist who is challenging and changing the narrative for young people and Black men, and author of Thou Art The Man, a book for men. Visit www.karenallen.info

Equipping the Church to be the Church

One in five people in the UK today is living in poverty, and God is calling on churches to respond. This is the focus of a special Sunday service that hundreds of churches will host this autumn, in partnership with charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

One church who is responding is Beacon Church in Brixton, led by Pastor Owen Hylton. Owen talks with us here, describing how working with CAP to provide free, local debt help has not only impacted local people in Brixton, but also the life of his church.

What are the advantages of working alongside other churches?

Soon after we launched our debt help service, other churches in Brixton began to reach out and ask if they could get involved. I was delighted. Jesus said that the world would recognise that we are his followers by how we love another and our oneness that is our unity found in him; crossing the divides of denominations and working together to share the Gospel is a great step towards this. We formed the Beacon CAP partnership from which we collectively fund, resource and run CAP services across our community. It’s a wonderful collaboration of different types of churches, united for a common purpose.

people in sexually exploitative relationships and another charity housing homeless people during the winter. Most recently, we’ve connected with a local estate to provide CAP services in their community. These crosschurch prayer meetings expose those of us who attend them to a wider world, connecting us to projects and initiatives outside of our ordinary environment. It can be life-changing.

What would you say to other churches considering partnering with CAP?

Help your church fight UK poverty.

How do you create unity between churches that may be different?

I know that my church isn’t an island, nor will it bring the kingdom of God by itself. Most of the churches I work with are nothing like my church! I look for what we both value and focus on that, rather than looking at how we differ and whether that can be reconciled. There will certainly be challenges, but we all want to support people in our area through our common faith.

I believe the Church is the hope of the world because it holds the hope of the Gospel at its centre. Engaging in social action is important because these initiatives help the church become more effective. Jesus said ‘I will build my church, not ‘I will build my ministry or charity’. When you take social action out of the church, social action becomes the focus, it becomes the ‘thing’. But the ‘thing’ is the Gospel, the ‘thing’ is encountering the love of God through meeting Jesus in communities where he dwells - everything else is secondary to this.

living crisis is pushing millions of people, in the UK, into poverty.

How did Beacon Church first get involved with Christians Against Poverty?

About ten years ago, we were seeing lots of local people experiencing debt through payday lenders, so we began exploring how our church could respond. We did this as part of a group of churches from across Brixton, and in the end we chose to start delivering debt help in partnership with CAP.

How has working with CAP impacted your church?

CAP develops the courses, the resources and employs the financial experts - but it’s local churches who provide the loving care and support for those drowning in debt and poverty, and can offer community and friendship to those living in deep isolation and crippling anxiety.

The service we provide is face-to-face, meaning our Debt Coaches – who are members of the church congregation – visit people at home and provide a level of support that goes beyond debt help. This has been a great opportunity to connect with people in our community that would have otherwise never walked through our church doors.

Our experience is that plenty of these people want to explore faith. A number have joined the church and been baptised, with some even finding jobs within the church. In turn, they have contributed to shaping and defining the make-up of our church.

I would always say to start with prayer. We’ve been meeting with a number of churches in Brixton for a number of years now, and have learned so much from each other – we’ve even begun to practically support each other’s initiatives through these meet-ups.

The way I see it, CAP services are bridges we can use to take the Gospel over the chasms that separate us from people in our community. That’s where CAP’s strength lies and where it’s helped our church. Instead of focusing on becoming a standalone social action service, it focuses on equipping the Church to be the Church.

than ever, God is calling on churches to put Jesus’ compassion into action. CAP can and your church with free video, sermon and prayer resources, empowering you to reality of UK poverty through a biblical lens, and then respond.

In what ways has God answered your prayers?

Since meeting to pray together, we’ve collectively launched a food bank, youth group, debt help service, money coaching course and job club. We’ve gotten involved with the chaplaincy at Brixton prison, a charity helping

More about Christians Against Poverty

CAP is offering free resources to enable your church and congregation to explore what the Bible says about poverty and how you can join the fight against it. Discover more at capuk.org/keepthefaith

CAP money coaching host, Olga Thompson, with income maximisation expert, Ngonie Chiligo, on the film set of CAP’s new money coaching course.

How confident are you that your church is meeting its legal requirements?

As part of a society that is desirous of embracing people from various cultural backgrounds, ages and belief systems, churches strive to create inclusive spaces. In order to do so safely, there are legal considerations and potential liabilities that church leaders and administrators should be aware of.

Finance and Tax-Exempt Status

The foundation on which any church is established is important regarding its legal identity and tax status so that money is managed effectively. Churches can obtain tax-exempt status from the relevant authorities, such as the HMCS. Registration with the Charity Commission is compulsory once a voluntary organisation reaches the threshold of £5,000 turnover a year. Compliance with local regulations regarding religious organisations is essential to enjoy tax benefits and other privileges. A church can increase its donations by 20% in some cases (via Gift Aid) if its legal identity is set up correctly.

Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Promoting inclusivity and non-discrimination is at the heart of Christianity, and in practice it is essential to comply with local and national laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Churches should establish policies and practices that ensure equality and fair treatment for members and employees in line with the doctrines they follow.

Property and Licences

Acquiring and managing property is a significant consideration for any church. Freehold obligations, lease clauses, and terms of licences must all be given due diligence. How a church owns property, who signs documents, who sits as trustees in a church,

CHURCHES,

DON’T GET INTO TROUBLE – UNDERSTAND YOUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES

Award-winning lawyer, Jennifer Obaseki, shares why churches need to understand their legal obligations and potential liabilities, and why they should have the correct protection in place

responsibility for assets, and how trustees are appointed and retired are important issues to consider.

Churches also need to consider building regulations, local planning laws and permits. This is essential when considering local activities, renovations or developments to any property they own.

Compliance in relation to fire, capacity and other safety regulations is essential and ensures there is a focus on well-being of the congregation and visitors. Also note different areas have different regulations in terms of using places of worship, so checks for allowances should be made and exemption from the payment rates. Insurance coverage must be in place to cover public liability, contents, and the church building itself as a minimum.

Employees, Volunteer Issues and Contractors

Managing people within a church requires attention to labour, employment laws and contractual obligations. Understanding minimum wage laws, pension schemes, workplace safety regulations, and antidiscrimination laws is crucial. Ensuring that volunteers are aware of their rights and responsibilities is also important to avoid potential claims. It is also important to confirm what are church-authorised activities as opposed to third party activities, such as an external speaker promoting a service. This is important because if things go wrong, the church needs to have indemnity insurance in place to protect it against any claims.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

Creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable individuals is a priority for any religious organisation. Establishing and implementing comprehensive child protection training, policies and procedures is essential to comply with legal requirements, along with conducting background checks on employees

and volunteers who work with children.

Applying for a DBS report for prospective or new employees is important, as is regularly vetting staff and volunteers. This helps to identify those who may pose a risk in your church, not just to children but also to the vulnerable and the elderly.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Churches produce and distribute various materials, including sermons, music, publications or newsletters. Understanding intellectual property rights and copyright law is crucial to avoid infringement and potential legal disputes. It must be noted that intellectual property can also be a source of income for churches, through sales and marketing. A church must obtain permission to use materials belonging to creators to protect itself from liability.

Data Protection and Privacy

In this digital age, data protection and privacy are a critical consideration. Churches must adhere to relevant data protection laws, operate a robust policy, and seek consent from church members where necessary. Even on its website, a church must ensure compliance with data retention. Personal information must be maintained securely, as well as financial data, and other sensitive information.

Conclusion

Managing a church involves several legal considerations. Being aware of potential liabilities and pitfalls is essential. Church leaders and administrators must ensure that their church remains legally compliant, inclusive, and respectful of the rights of all individuals in line with their doctrines. Seeking legal advice when necessary and staying updated with relevant laws and regulations will help churches to thrive.

Dr (Hon) Jennifer Obaseki© is a senior partner at Obaseki Solicitors. Visit www.obasekisolicitors.com

In today’s fast-paced world, many voices are shouting for attention. It is vitally important, then, to create a unique and powerful brand for any church, business, organisation or individual that wants to be heard.

Neglecting to prioritise your brand can lead to profound consequences for your organisation. Taking the necessary steps, though, can open up new ways to grow, connect with the community, and have spiritual impact.

WHAT IS BRANDING?

At its core, branding is about the unique identity and image of a church, ministry, business or individual. It’s what people think of when they think of you; how they feel about your ministry, your organisation or church; and what they expect to happen when they engage with you.

Branding is a lot more than just a logo or name. It’s about creating and nurturing a unique identity that distinguishes you from others in the minds of your target audience. It encompasses various elements — including the logo, colours, name, tagline, mission, values — and the overall perception conveyed to the world. It is not a random set of aesthetics, but a thoughtful, strategic approach aimed at connecting with people on an emotional level.

When built on purpose, your brand becomes a cornerstone for success and forging relationships.

WHY BRANDING IS IMPORTANT

Effective branding builds trust and loyalty. In an era where scepticism reigns supreme, establishing trust is vital for any organisation that aims to engender loyalty and maintain a lasting impact.

Branding sets you apart. Getting it right will cause you to stand out from the crowd, which is essential if you want to capture attention in a sea of choices.

Branding enables organisations and/or individuals to differentiate themselves, by showcasing their unique qualities, values and expertise.

A strong brand, intrinsically aligned with a compelling message, breaks through the noise, captivates audiences, and establishes a memorable presence in people’s minds.

THE POWER OF BRANDING:

How to impact your world with your brand

Successful brands evoke emotions and create connections with their target audience. By aligning core values and resonating with aspirations, brands forge an emotional link that cultivates loyalty, advocacy, and a sense of belonging.

THE IMPACT OF NEGLECTING YOUR BRAND

Invisibility and forgotten relevance: Neglecting branding efforts can lead to an organisation or individual blending into the background, leaving them unnoticed. Missed chances for growth: A strong brand acts as a beacon that consistently draws in new users and members. It helps develop a welcoming community, which is good for both spiritual and numerical growth. If you don’t work on your brand, however, you may well miss out on opportunities to grow and you’ll have less impact in your community. Less community involvement: Building a coherent church brand gives your congregation a feeling of unity and purpose, and forges a strong connection with the community. If you don’t pay attention to your branding, it will be more difficult for you to make and sustain real connections, both inside and outside of the church.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR BRAND

Define your identity: What is the essence of your organisation? (ie. What do you want to be known for?) Write down the core beliefs, mission, and vision of your church/ ministry/charity/business. Your identity will be built around these pillars. Identify your audience: Understanding the demographics and personality traits of the people you want to reach will ensure that

your brand messaging speaks to their wants and goals, thereby setting the stage for strong relationships.

Craft a compelling brand story: Create a story that tells the unique journey, purpose, and ideals of your church or organisation in an interesting way — a story that makes both current and potential members feel something.

Consistency is key: Make sure that all your brand’s features — like your logo, fonts, colours, and messages — are used the same way on all platforms. This consistency will help people get to know, recognise and trust you.

Engage in active communication: Use different avenues strategically, such as social media, websites, and printed materials, to send the same message about your brand. Engage in real, honest conversations with the people in your community. Listen to their feedback and use it to help your church grow.

CONCLUSION

We live in a world today where the concept of branding continues to evolve and has become a vital tool for churches, businesses, organisations and individuals. Those seeking success will need to invest in creating a distinctive, impactful and authentic brand that leaves a lasting impression with their target audience.

ABOUT ELOHO EFEMUAI

Eloho Efemuai is a personal brand strategist, worship leader, pastor, speaker, author, coach and founder of Scotland’s Number 1 Christian radio station, Heartsong Live Radio. Visit www.heartsonglive.co.uk and www.elohoefemuai.co.uk

Branding specialist, ELOHO EFEMUAI, shares why and how churches, organisations and individuals can build a strong and lasting personal brand

GOD CALLED ME TO START A MODEST FASHION BRAND!

Leah Levin-Martins shares how God stopped her in her quest to become a topless model and gave her the blueprint to start a business creating modest clothing

Back when I was 17, the word modesty was definitely NOT in my vocabulary! Especially as I had just begun pursuing a career as a topless model. However, it was a word God gave to me in a dream just before I was saved that many years later would become a calling and a business blueprint.

Growing up, I found myself looking for strong female role models – and I found them in movies, half-dressed and extremely sexual in how they behaved. Being young and impressionable I copied them, subconsciously accepting the lie that sexy women were the most valuable. So much so that I eventually decided to try topless modelling! This pursuit was short-lived, as Jesus intervened in a dream asking me to follow Him and then gave me a piece of paper with the word ‘modesty’ written on it. I acquiesced to His request.

It was the summer of 2020 when my clothes changed again. I was wearing a modest ‘ish’ summer dress I had worn before, yet this particular summer, I put it on and felt naked. It seemed the Holy Spirit had now convicted me to also cover up my cleavage. One could say it was the final download of the ‘modest mandate’ on my life, but also the beginning of a business blueprint.

In obedience I began to wear camisoles under my low-cut clothing but that quickly became quite frustrating, so my mum introduced me to some little cleavage covers – also called modesty panels – but I felt unsatisfied with the ones currently available. I then felt prompted to make some for myself and try to sell them. With the success of this, and seeing that there were other women who also wanted to cover their cleavage, the seeds of building a modest fashion brand were planted in my heart. I then felt God encourage me to make some modest swimwear, especially now the bikini was off limits to me! I am proud to say that I launched my first-ever limited modest swimwear collection this year. But this is only the beginning!

and be a light in the darkness, to be the female role model I was looking for.

God has shown me that modesty is about more than just clothing, although that is part of it. It’s fundamentally about the attitude of the heart – an attitude that chooses to decrease so God can increase; an attitude that says I will draw attention to God and not myself, in how I dress and how I behave. And that, ladies, is what my brand is all about.

Slowly but surely, Jesus began to change my heart and my wardrobe. I’ll be honest, it was a battle. My whole identity was connected to my skimpy clothing and sexy attitude, and I was terrified of losing the attention I was getting from men and everyone else! After all, it was where I believed all my value came from, but in hindsight I see that God was adding value to me through covering me up, and not taking value away.

You see, immodest clothes are easy to find. But modest clothing, unless you’re a Muslim, is not always at hand. There is often a lot of mixing and matching involved – whether it’s wearing a vest or modesty panel underneath a low-cut high-street dress, or having to keep a cardigan on all day as your favourite dress has the back cut out, but you love the colour and the print. I hear you! And it is for that reason God has called me to build a new brand that puts modesty standards first not last! To create a brand where every item covers the areas most important to us, but still looks good. Unfortunately, the fashion industry will continue to create provocative clothing and overtly sexualised marketing campaigns. Many brands will continue to feed women a lie that being sexy and showing your butt in super tight see-through leggings is empowering. However, God has called me to stand against this

Leah Levin-Martins is the founder of Sweetpea and Marmalade, a modest clothing company. Visit sweetpeaandmarmalade.com or follow @sweetpeaandmarmalade

Celebrating the history and beauty of afro-textured hair

Hair specialist, Verona White, explores the history of afro-textured hair, its cultural significance, and steps taken to embrace and celebrate its beauty and diversity

Afro-textured hair is a diverse form of hair that has a rich history and holds cultural significance. From its roots in Africa to its influence on fashion and self-expression today, afro-textured hair has undergone a journey of resilience, revolution, and celebration.

ORIGINS IN AFRICA

Afro-textured hair finds its origins in Africa, where it has been cherished and celebrated for centuries. In various African cultures, hair has always held deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolising identity, status, and even ancestral connections. Traditional African hairstyles – such as braids, cornrows, and intricate patterns – not only showcased creativity but also served as a form of communication and cultural expression.

THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

The transatlantic slave trade forcibly displaced millions of Africans, resulting in the spread of afro-textured hair across the Americas and the Caribbean. During this period, enslaved Africans faced pressure to conform to European beauty standards, which often meant altering their natural hair texture. However, despite these oppressive circumstances, afro-textured hair continued to be a symbol of resistance and cultural pride.

THE NATURAL HAIR MOVEMENT

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement sparked a revival of pride in African heritage, leading to the appearance of the natural hair

movement. Influential figures like Angela Davis and Mahalia Jackson embraced their natural hair, challenging social norms and encouraging others to do the same. This movement aimed to redefine beauty standards and promote self-acceptance among people of African descent.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Afro-textured hair holds immense cultural significance in various communities around the world. In African diaspora cultures, hairstyles like dreadlocks, afros and braids are not only a form of self-expression but also a way to connect with their roots and honour their ancestors. These hairstyles have become iconic symbols of black identity, resilience and pride.

FASHION AND POP CULTURE INFLUENCE

Afro-textured hair has had a significant impact on the world of fashion. From the iconic afros of the 1970s to the intricate braided hairstyles seen on red carpets today, afro-textured hair has become a source of inspiration for designers, stylists and artists. High profile people like Viola Davis and others have embraced their natural hair, challenging beauty standards and inspiring millions around the world.

EMBRACING NATURAL HAIR

In recent years, there has been a powerful movement towards embracing and celebrating natural afro-textured hair. Our platforms – Afro Hair Growth Challenge, Afro Hair Day, Curly Treats and Curl Friends – have played a crucial

role in creating spaces for individuals to share their hair journeys, tips and experiences. This movement has not only empowered people to embrace their natural hair but has also led to the growth of a thriving natural hair care industry.

BREAKING STEREOTYPES

Afro-textured hair has often been subjected to negative stereotypes and discrimination. In some professional settings, natural hairstyles have been deemed unprofessional or unkempt. However, there has been a growing push for legislation to protect individuals from hair discrimination, highlighting the need for inclusivity and acceptance of all hair types. Afro-textured hair is a testament to the resilience, beauty and cultural heritage of people of African descent.

From its origins in Africa to its influence on fashion and pop culture, afro-textured hair has undergone a remarkable journey. The movement towards embracing and celebrating natural hair has empowered individuals to embrace their unique beauty and challenge societal norms.

As we continue to celebrate the history and beauty of afro-textured hair, it is essential to foster inclusivity and acceptance for all hair types, ensuring that everyone can express themselves authentically and proudly.

Verona White is a hairstylist, wig technician, and author of 21 DIY recipes for Curly Hair. She is also editor of online magazine Afro Hair Growth Challenge. For more hair care tips and products visit www.afrohairgrowthchallenge.com

STARTING THE JOURNEY TO OVERCOME DIABESITY

Celebrating Black History Month

As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black history this month, we are reminded of the strength, resilience and legacy of Black people. But, despite the rich history, Black people continue to face health challenges year after year.

An epidemic

In our community we are struggling daily against a worsening epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes – also referred to as ‘Diabesity’, which is the single commonest cause of kidney failure. A study found that biological risk factors – including weight and fat around the abdomen – are primarily responsible for higher rates of diabetes in the Black community compared with white communities.

Are you paying attention?

Being closed off to signs or just simply ignoring it is not healthy and, more importantly, it is not God’s will. His will is for you to be healthy so you can do the things He wants done on the earth.

However, it seemed inconsistent that many were praying about fluctuating weight, disease, and wondering why their bodies weren’t functioning at an optimal level, yet consumed one of the biggest enemies that our ancestors got killed on the plantation for: sugar. It’s the same enemy that continues to produce more cholesterol, destroy cell structure, elevate insulin levels and more.

Although much of our cultural foods were created for good health, unfortunately poor dietary and sedentary habits plus lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6) can bring on these preventable diseases and can even cause premature death. The Bible says: ‘Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food’ (Romans 14:20). When you eat the wrong types of food, your insulin levels are continuously elevated. Insulin acts as a fat storage hormone, so keeping it elevated by consuming sugar and

ultra processed foods will release a multitude of chemicals in your gut that make weight loss very slow and disease control challenging.

You can make positive changes

Making positive changes, such as losing excess weight, can help reduce the risk for developing obesity and diabetes. But to withstand the storms of life against disease, injuries and attacks we must build health upon wisdom, as written in Proverbs 4:20-22.

Diet and exercise are two factors we have control over, yet they are overlooked. Exercise is one of the best things we can do for our health. God’s Word says: ‘It profits little’ (1 Timothy 4:8), but a little is better than nothing!

Use the tips below for the prevention, treatment and reversal of the fastest growing health threats to the Black population.

3. If you currently exercise with the primary goal to lose weight, but have no discipline in healthy eating, and you’re praying for God to heal your body so you can lose the additional weight and reverse the disease, then STOP. This is the very definition of insanity.

4. Get adequate rest and sleep at least 7-8 hours each night.

5. Drink plenty of purified water – try to aim for at least 6-8 glasses.

6. Stress less. Excessive stress has been associated with overeating, slow metabolic rate, and causes blood sugar levels and insulin to rise. It can make the body gain and retain weight; particularly in and around the midsection of the body.

7. Improve the quality of your food by eating more legumes – rich meals, such as beans, peas, lentils and high fibre – to help you feel fuller for longer. If the food available to you at your social gatherings is unhealthy, simply bring your own.

8. If you want to make living a healthier life a success, then don’t associate with people who ‘may cause you to stumble’ (Romans 14:21).

Health in Action:

1. Reducing belly fat may be the best way to prevent pre-diabetes from turning into full-blown diabetes.

2. If you haven’t been exercising, then start now. If possible, explore forms of movement, such as walking, to stir the waters in your body. When your body is stagnant it becomes a breeding ground for infection and disease. Research found walking one hour a day can reduce mortality by 24%.

9. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, using a flash glucose monitor, or pay attention to symptoms, such as blurred vision, increased thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination. (Please seek a medical professional if you’re unsure.)

10. Reduce large servings of fatty, high calorie, refined and processed foods.

If you are struggling in your health and don’t know what to do, visit www.scriptfit.com

Health and fitness coach, Olivia Williams, shares some insights on how to reverse some of the diseases affecting Black people and how to become healthy and fit

Olivia Williams is founder of ScriptFit, a qualified health and fitness coach, personal trainer, and public speaker.

TRAUMA: CAUSES AND CURE

Dr T Ayodele Ajayi explores how people can overcome trauma, and the professional support available

In psychological terms, how we live in the present and how we perceive the future are affected by past emotional wounds, and psychological reaction to traumatic event(s) occur when a person’s experience of the event(s) has not been well processed. Everyone responds differently to events; some may find an event traumatic where others may not. We each react to trauma in various ways.

Traumatic events include bereavement, personal assault, sexual abuse, violence, bullying, domestic violence, being in a car crash, and other serious personal injuries. On a collective note, they also include terrorist attacks, natural disasters, hostage situations, wars or threats of war. The experience can be single, multiple, repeated or chronic.

Another form of trauma to bear in mind is one that children experience. The term ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ is commonly used and refers to a range of negative situations –physical, emotional or sexual – a child may face or witness while growing up.

Problematic Trauma

Around one in three adults in England report having experienced at least one traumatic event. However, research suggests that two out of three people who develop problems after a traumatic experience get better within a few weeks without treatment.

Professional help should only be sought when symptoms are sufficiently severe to interfere with day-to-day functioning, or when family, work or school activities are adversely affected. Further reasons for seeking help include feelings of not returning to normal after four weeks; family or friends noticing a change and encouraging help-seeking; and using unhealthy coping methods, such as harmful alcohol or illicit drug use.

Effect of Trauma

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and/or anxiety are among mental health conditions that can follow pathological trauma exposure.

PTSD affects one out of three people who experience trauma. The key features of PTSD are reliving the trauma; using avoidance as a coping strategy; hypervigilance and hyperarousal. Reliving the traumatic event could entail nightmares, flashbacks, repetitive and distressing images or sensations; and physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, feeling sick or trembling. Flashbacks are involuntary, intense and often distressing memories of the traumatic event that can be triggered by certain stimuli. They are often vivid and feel like they are happening again in the present moment. Flashbacks are commonly accompanied by intense emotional reactions, such as fear, anxiety, or anger. Sufferers of PTSD may also experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later. Common triggers to a delayed manifestation could include the perpetrator of an assault being released from prison or acquitted; or contact with the perpetrator.

Getting Help For Trauma

Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, adequate sleep and exercise, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and seeking support from friends and family are the recommended first interventions after trauma.

Your GP is the ideal first port of call for seeking help. The treatment you are offered will depend on your particular symptoms,

diagnosis (if you have one), and on your own unique needs. Keeping an open mind and exploring different options can be useful. Active monitoring in the form of watchful waiting is common with mild symptoms that have lasted less than four weeks. In severe or persistent forms of PTSD, a combination of medication and psychotherapy (talking therapies) could be offered.

NHS Talking Therapies are the agencies that commonly deliver these therapies. The three mostly used talking therapy approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused CBT. Both CBT and TF-CBT are aimed at helping you to change your ways of thinking and acting, and to come to terms with the event. Usually, 8-12 weekly 60-minute individual or group sessions are offered initially.

EMDR entails a technique that uses eye movements to help the brain to reprocess traumatic memories. A specialist therapist will ask you to recall the feelings and thoughts associated with the event, whilst encouraging you to simultaneously perform bilateral eye movements or hand tapping. Similarly, 8-12 weekly sessions lasting 60-90 minutes is common practice. EMDR has been shown to lower the intensity of the emotions experienced around a traumatic memory, helping to resolve the trauma.

Talking therapies are the first line of interventions recommended. Antidepressants – usually belonging to the group referred to as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) – are sometimes required with severe conditions, in those who have not responded to talking therapies, or when there is co-existing depression.

The UK Psychological Trauma Society (https://ukpts.org/trauma) and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (www.rcpsych.ac.uk) are both credible sources of information on trauma.

The important concluding message is that even after several months or years of trauma, treatment and recovery are possible and should be explored.

Dr T Ayodele Ajayi MBChB FRCPsych is a consultant psychiatrist, founder and convenor of the Tripart Care Emotional Wellbeing Hub and has a YouTube channel called Tripart Care.

Ministry leader and pastor, Yvonne Brooks, provides wise, compassionate and insightful advice to readers experiencing problematic life issues

My son has stopped attending church and has joined a gang

I am a lone parent raising three teenagers – two girls and a boy. My daughters are a delight; they are doing well at school and are active in the church youth group. Not so my 14-year-old son. A year ago he said he no longer wanted to attend church with us, and now I fear he’s joined a gang as he now spends time with young men who are up to no good. How do I know? I met with his headteacher who told me my son is hanging out with the worst kids in the school and is not keeping up with his schoolwork anymore. Prior to that my son was a top student. I can’t get help from his father because he’s unreliable. However, I don’t want my son spiralling into a life of gangs and crime. What can I do to get him back on the right path? I do talk to him, but he takes no notice. Any advice you can give will be gratefully received.

Janice, Manchester

Pastor Yvonne: I am so sorry to hear of your predicament. Unfortunately, this situation is increasingly common. Your son is going through puberty, where he is adjusting physically and mentally whilst trying to find himself. He wants leadership and identity as a man.

He does not appear to have examples around him, hence his attraction to gangs. He is trying to make sense of what little experience he has. He feels rejected and resents his father for not being around regardless of the reasons.

Your son wants to be fathered. This will either be by his biological father or by gang members, who appear adept at turning young men into their followers. It is time for you and his father to put differences aside, to talk, and

of the

Matters Heart

come up with a strategy. If he is unwilling or unable, are there uncles, cousins, men in the church that you trust with your son?

Try negotiating with your son to attend church with you at least once a month. Spend one-on-one time with him. Tell him about the hopes and dream you had for him when he was born. This may be met by anger, and he might not want to hear but he needs to know that you love him.

Express your love for him and pray for him ardently. You have not lost the battle yet. Don’t give up on a turnaround for your boy.

Will I find love as a dark-skinned woman?

I am a dark-skinned young woman where nearly everyone in my immediate family, apart from my dad, are fair-skinned. Growing up, people would compliment my sisters on being pretty, and if they said something to me it would be: “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl.” I have also seen some of the negative social media videos about dark-skinned women. My confidence has been a little dented but am buoyed by my faith and being made in God’s image; however, I have noticed that the guys in my church tend to only date the light-skinned girls and it’s the light-skinned girls who are getting married. It’s now made me a little fearful of achieving my future goal of getting married. How can I increase my confidence in being a dark-skinned woman and believe that I can achieve my dream to be married?

Angela, London

Pastor Yvonne: It seems as though everything is measured by your complexion. It might be the first thing people see about you, but what else do they see when they interact with you? What do they hear coming from your heart via your mouth? I promise you this will be far more important than your shade.

Is getting married your only aim in life? What about your education, your work your ministry? Allow your faith to be the tool that

causes you to believe the Bible. Read Psalm 119:13-16. Did God really make a mistake, or did He take as much care in making you as He did with your siblings?

Every individual usually has a ‘type’ they are attracted to. One day someone will fall in love with you and a large part of it will be your complexion that attracts them. I suggest that you move away from this limited way of thinking as, in the long run, it will affect you negatively.

If you would like help with a problem, email editor@keepthefaith.co.uk Your details will not be published.

Pastor Yvonne Brooks is a co-pastor at New Jerusalem Community Church, Birmingham, and founder of Woman of Purpose, a ministry that encourages women to fulfil their purpose. She is also a speaker and author. For more details visit www.yvonneelizabethbrooks.co.uk

My journey on the world’s largest charity hospital ship

For months, David Kpakiwa has been working to get ready for Mercy Ships to serve his home country of Sierra Leone. David shares how his childhood gave him a heart of compassion to help people in need

I grew up in the eastern part of Sierra Leone. It’s a beautiful country. We have a lot of mountains. And if there’s one thing you’d love about Freetown, it’s the beach. The beach is amazing.

I had a terrible life as a kid. A few months after I was born, we had the first attacks of the civil war. When I was eight years old, we all had to move over to Guinea as refugees. It was very scary. I remember that clearly.

I lived almost like an orphan for a few years because of the war. I have first-hand experience of being on the streets. My family returned to Sierra Leone in 2004, after living in Guinea for six years as refugees.

The need for safe surgery

Several years later, my mum got sick and she needed surgery, but no one could help her in our community. She had to go somewhere else for surgery but then it was delayed because we didn’t have the money. I spent a lot of time looking at my mum’s suffering.

When my mum at last went for surgery, she left the house crying. We were all crying. We were sad for her. When she came back, she was smiling. She was happy. It was a transformation.

“The best thing that has ever happened to me”

In 2012, I moved back to Guinea because my brother was running a peace project there. I was working for the church as a driver, doing cross-country trips to Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Mali. While Mercy Ships was in Guinea, they worked with my pastor.

Because of how I grew up, I have a passion to help people as much as I can. So I told my pastor, “I think Mercy Ships would be a good opportunity for me to step up my passion”. And I thought, “Okay, God, if this is your will, let it be done”. The next day, I got a phone call from my pastor, and she gave me a form and I applied to join the Mercy Ships crew.

I can tell you, it was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I started with Mercy Ministries, an off-ship programme within Mercy Ships. Our focus was working with a deaf school and two orphanages – with a lot of cute babies! We also worked with a destitute centre.

When I went to the orphanages and saw these kids, it blessed my heart. At one point in my life, I was almost like them. So I could really empathize with them. I could feel their fear. If you go without food and water for three days and somebody blesses your life with a beautiful meal – you can imagine how happy you’re going to be. Some of these kids have been excluded from their communities, but here you could see how they were showered with love.

David Kpakiwa works for Mercy Ships, an international charity that brings free, life-changing surgeries to women, men and children across sub-Saharan Africa

After that, I felt that God wanted me to go on the hospital ship. I was offered a position in housekeeping, and I was really excited. But within a few weeks, COVID-19 came. I was part of the team that spent more than 100 days isolated onboard. We couldn’t even touch the dock. I think that God just keeps giving me the strength and the courage to survive these hard times.

Then I saw a job posting for Sierra Leone. I reached out to the HR team, and I said it would bless my heart if I could have the opportunity to serve my nation with Mercy Ships, so could they please transfer me. I thought my cultural experience would be valuable to the team. So I applied, had an interview and I got the job as Operations Liaison.

I’ve been working hard to get ready for the ship to come to Sierra Leone. I see the need in my country. So I’m really excited for my nation. So many people will come onboard to receive free surgery.

On a personal note, it’s going to be emotional for me. I’m really impressed and moved by the love on the ships. The nurses and crew that care for you – they don’t know you – but they genuinely love you. It’s amazing.

We’re looking for more passionate people like you to help onboard our hospital ships. Your time and talents could transform lives. Be a part of the crew: mercyships.org.uk/setsail

Can you minister to this need?

As many as one in eight households in the UK are struggling with debts they cannot repay.

Debt causes: shame, fear, depression. It can lead to losing a home, broken relationships, addictions and even to suicide.

Can you help?

Over 25 years, Community Money Advice (CMA) has helped hundreds of churches and community groups establish local debt and money advice services; freeing people from debt, giving them back hope for the future. We can help you to do the same in your community.

Photos: Mercy Ships/Abigail Beinetti, Mercy Ships/Caleb Brumley, Mercy Ships/Elizabeth Page Brumley

Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to patients like Mame Diarra. Here she plays with her mother, Ndiate, after surgery on our hospital ship to heal her cleft lip.

Saikou and Amadou became friends on the children’s ward after they both had orthopaedic surgery in Senegal.

After a serious injury, Coumba had to wait nearly 30 years for surgery. No one should have to wait so long for medical care.

You can bring life-saving, surgical care to people who need your help – right now.