Keep The Faith magazine issue 77

ISSUE 77

Christmas is the time to do good MOBO winner

RACHEL KERR talks of music, faith and 2013

How to overcome grief this Christmas Exclusive interview with Tory Peer

LORD JOHN TAYLOR OF WARWICK

Praying God’s Heart for 2013

Editor Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk

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16 22 29 WELCOME 04 Food 4 Thought by Marcia Dixon 06 Readers’ Letters

NEWS 07 News pages 11 Keep The Faith about town

COMMENT 12 Christmas is time to hope

by Rev David Shosanya 13 Why Christians need to be holy

by Rev Stephen Brooks 14 There’s something about Mary

by Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts

INTERVIEW 16

COVER STORY

Interview with Lord Taylor of Warwick 18

COVER STORY

Interview with Rachel Kerr

FEATURE 20 Draw a line in the sand to experience fulfilment in 2013 by Dionne Gravesande 22 C O V E R S T O R Y Christmas: The time of year to do good

Keep The Faith R Postal Address: Suite 48 88-90 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8PN Tel: 0845 193 4431 Mob: 07743 846 300

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I can’t believe that I am writing the last Editor’s Note for 2012! Hasn’t the year flown by? (Or does it just seem as if it has?)

I hope that, despite whatever troubles, obstacles, disappointments and struggles you’ve experienced in 2012, you are still standing tall, and hopeful that things will get better, because with God at the helm they will.

Our Christmas/New Year edition of Keep The Faith is filled with stories about hope, generosity, overcoming hardship, and setting goals for 2013.

We have an interview with Tory Peer, John Taylor of Warwick, who was imprisoned in 2011 amidst the MPs expenses scandal that hit the media in 2009. He shares his plans for the Christmas season and how, with the help of his faith, he is slowly rebuilding his life. We’ve also got a feature with rising star, Rachel Kerr, who talks about her recent MOBO win; her love for God, and her plans for the future.

Issues covered by our writers in this edition include coping with bereavement and loss during the Christmas season, by Rev Sharon Townsend and Dorothy Dwyer; how to leave the past behind as you move boldly into 2013, by Dionne Gravesande, and why Christmas should be viewed as a time to hope,

by Rev David Shosanya.

You must also check out our health feature by Dr Kem Thompson, which explores natural ways to cope with high blood pressure; the KTF article about prayer, and Esther Williams’ piece about restoring one’s faith in God’s Word.

Here at Keep The Faith, we wish you a blessed and restful Christmas, and pray for God’s richest blessings on your life during 2013.

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Welcome!

CONTENTS ISSUE 77 18

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COVER STORY

Don’t suffer with grief and loss this Christmas by Rev Sharon Townsend and Dorothy Dwyer 25

COVER STORY

Praying God’s heart in 2013

by Marcia Dixon 26 Help our unbelief in 2013

by Esther Williams

GOSPEL 28 Gospel News by Marcia Dixon 30 The power is with the independents

by Juliet Fletcher

LIFESTYLE 32 Old questions from young voices

by Amie Buhari 33 How to lower your blood pressure without medication by Dr Kem Thompson 34 Heart to Heart by Esther Fenty 36 Business Matters by Denise Roberts 37 Africa Live 2013 - The event of the year by OH TV

MISSION 38 Where Hope Triumphs

by Sidney Muisyo

Publisher: Shirley McGreal admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Editor: Marcia Dixon editorial@keepthefaith.co.uk Design: Becky Crump design@keepthefaith.co.uk Advertising: advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk Admin and Subscriptions: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk Skype: keepthefaithmag www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.blackchristiandirectory.com

Many thanks from Keep The Faith to: Rev David Shosanya, Rev Stephen Brooks, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Shirin Aguiar-Holloway, Dionne Gravesande, Rev Sharon Townsend, Dorothy Dwyer, Esther Williams, Amie Buhari, Juliet Fletcher, Dr Kem Thompson, Esther Fenty, Roy Francis, Sidney Muisyo, Denise Roberts, Jackie Raymond, our supporters and all our advertisers. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

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WELCOME

Follow Keep The Faith magazine on Facebook or on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

BY

MARCIA DIXON

God wants us to be truthful

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JESUS CAME TO SAVE PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS

C

hristmas is almost here with us again.

Whilst the Media focus on the Christmas adverts, created to encourage us to spend our money, and the general populace is concerned with finding money to buy presents for friends and family, Christians should be meditating on the reasons why God sent His Son Jesus into the world.

When Joseph, Mary’s fiancé, found out she was pregnant, he planned to leave her because he hadn’t had sex with her. Joseph changed his mind (Matthew 1:20) when an angel appeared to him in a dream, and stated that the Baby that Mary was carrying had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and would ‘save the people from their sin.’

In this present day, churches seem to have an inordinate focus on helping people to achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential and, as a result, it’s easy to forget the terrible, painful, awful effects of sin.

Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, indicating that every single person in the world has sinned. And what is sin? It separates us from God; causes us to break God’s laws; hurt others and ourselves; lie, steal, kill, manipulate and misuse people; be selfish… The list could go on and on.

In my mind, it makes perfect sense that God would send Jesus to save people from their sins;

He has to deal with sin’s after effects. I’m sure many of the prayer requests God hears on a daily basis (some of which are represented below) have a focus on sin and its impact on people’s lives and psyche.

“Lord, help me get enough money to feed my child.”

“Lord, help me overcome the pain of rape and abuse.”

“Lord, forgive me for stabbing my friend.”

“Lord, help me resist the temptation to steal from my employers.”

“Lord, I’m sorry for cheating on my partner.”

“Lord, heal the hurt caused by my parents’ divorce.”

“Lord, take away my drug addiction. It’s causing me to prostitute my body.”

The list of prayers could go on and on.

Jesus’ birth represents hope that people can live lives free from sin and that, because of this, we can help to make the world a better place.

So, as the Christmas draws near, let us pray and ask God to give us strategies to lessen the effects of sin and its after effects, and to remind the world that Jesus is the greatest Gift God could ever give to the world.

It’s more blessed to give than receive For many, one of the best things about Christmas is that it makes people more generous, and causes them to live out the biblical teaching that it is more blessed to give than receive.

Giving is something churches should be renowned for, but in recent months I’ve had numerous complaints from both Christians and non-Christians, stating that, whilst churches are happy to accept money and gifts from all and sundry, they don’t seem too keen on spending it or distributing it to people who might need it.

In this Christmas season, it’s as good a time as any for churches to think about how they can give back to the community. Increasingly though, I’m hearing that more and more churches are setting up grant-making trusts, so that members and people from the wider community can apply for funding for various initiatives.

This is great news, and is a practical demonstration that churches are able and willing to help anyone whatever their spiritual persuasion.

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It isn’t very often that I watch a TV programme that moves me to tears, but the BBC 1 series, Why Poverty? which kicked off with the episode Four Born Every Second, did.

Four Born Every Second followed four women residing in very different parts of the world: Sierra Leone, Cambodia, the UK and the USA. The two things all the women had in common were that they were poor and pregnant.

The programme brought home the terrible effects of poverty on infant mortality rates, mothers, and the children they gave birth to, and it left me with that what-can-I-do-to-change-things feeling. It also inspired me to turn to the Scriptures to remind myself of how God wants us to treat those who are poor and disadvantaged.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows (single parents) in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Further study of the Scriptures highlights that widows, orphans, fatherless children and single mothers have a special place in God’s heart, and that He wants people to treat them with love, care and compassion. Scriptures that testify to this include Psalms 68:5, Isaiah 1:17, Deuteronomy 10:18 and Exodus 22:22-24.

As we approach this Christmas season, let’s find ways to show the love of God to the poor and vulnerable here in the UK and abroad. Let’s also support initiatives that seek to end poverty across the globe, so that we can truly make the world a better place, and ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to be all that God desires them to be, just because they are poor.

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

Angie Le Mar interview was inspiring

I’ve always been a fan of comedienne Angie Le Mar, and I was pleased to read her interview in Keep The Faith (issue 76) and to learn that she’s become a Christian.

I was moved by her candour and openness about the depression and setbacks she experienced, which led her to speak to her mother, whose prayers opened up a whole new world for her, including a renewed relationship with the Lord. Like Angie mentioned in the article, there are many people in our community who were brought up in the Church who, for one reason or another, left to do their own thing. Thankfully, God’s arms are always open wide and, due to the prayers of our parents, many of us are now returning. I include myself if this number. I’m glad that Angie Le Mar is one of those who have seen the merits of serving the Lord, and I’m sure that she will inspire others to do so.

Judith Andrews, Manchester

Why we LESTTTAERR need the Patois Bible As a reader, I thought it best to share my thoughts on the Jamaican Bible, as many people’s reactions have been so negative. Jamaican Patois is a real language and, like many, was formed through the cultural exchanges of populations via invasion, migration and colonisation. People have argued that Patois isn’t a written language. But neither was Russian, Yoruba, Twi and MANY other languages. English was called the ‘b*stard language’ because 40% comes from French, 15% is Latin and another 10% is ‘other’ (everything). Therefore, only 30% of English is original, just like Jamaican. This Jamaican Bible is translated from the Greek, not the KJV. St Lucians and Haitians already have French Creole translations; we should be proud to do the same.

I have lived and studied in Jamaica, and I can say that, although English is official, it’s Patois that’s social, and our culture’s all about the social aspect. There are hundreds of languages in the Earth today that have no written form. This is just a start (Matthew 24:14).

Matthew Charlery-Smith, London

We need more sermons about Jesus Rev David Shosanya was on the mark with his article ‘Destiny vs Discipleship’. I’m fed up of listening to church messages about how to be successful, make more money, blah blah blah.

Whatever happened to ministers preaching sermons about being a disciple for Jesus; serving others with little thought given to personal gain, and forging relationships with disadvantaged communities? Professionals, like myself, hear motivational talks during the work training sessions we regularly undertake, and when we come to church, we don’t want to hear information we’ve heard at our respective workplaces. We want to hear the Word of God preached, so that we are informed and transformed by God’s Word, so that we can become more like Jesus.

Matthew Powell, Birmingham

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We need more people like Samuel Kasumu The last edition of Keep The Faith highlighted, once again, that our community is filled with some remarkable young people. I was so uplifted to read about Samuel Kasumu. I think it’s great that he’s trying to make a difference from within the Tory Party. Too many of us think that we can make a difference by operating outside of key institutions, but real change comes when we join those institutions, and work to bring about the required changes. I hope that one day I read that Samuel Kasumu is appointed the first Black leader of the Tory Party, and may Keep The Faith be the first to report it.

Yinka Adebajo, London

Esther Fenty was a little harsh I usually enjoy Esther Fenty’s responses to people who share their problems with her, but thought her reply to the young woman who was distraught because her ex, and father of her two children, announced that he had become a Christian and was marrying someone else was a little harsh. Many of the single parent mothers I know love God, but would also like to be in relationship with the father of their children, or find someone to share their life with. I do feel the Church is too accepting of single parenthood, in that it doesn’t encourage marriage, neither is it vocal enough in encouraging fathers to be responsible, whether they are in relationship with the mother of their children or not. My words of advice to the young mother are this: you did nothing wrong in praying that God re-unite you with the father of your children, but it’s obviously not part of His plan for you. Don’t despair, however. The best is yet to come.

Petula Roberts, Bristol

NEWS

Church leaders support leader censured by FSA Black church leaders have given support to Rev Carmel Jones, founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU), after he was publicly censured and banned by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) from running a credit union. He was accused of issuing loans worth £1.2m under members’ names, but channelling the money to a church organisation.

The National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), which represents Britain’s Black church leaders, commended Rev Jones for providing a valued financial service to the Black community and, whilst understanding the reasons why the FSA censured Rev Jones, stated that the use of phrases like ‘disgraceful behaviour’ to describe his breech give the wrong impression, as Rev Jones did not profit from his actions.

Bishop John Francis of Ruach Ministries says,

“Rev Jones and the PCU have been an asset to our church, because when our bank said ‘No’ it was the credit union that provided us with a loan to purchase our building. The banks were simply not lending to Black churches. I am sorry that the creative ways by which Rev Jones was able to assist us and others has landed him in trouble with the FSA. Rev Jones is a good man.”

Rev Delroy Powell of the New Testament Assembly said, “I know first-hand of the three

decades of relentless efforts Rev Jones has given to servicing the needs of our people, when no other help was there. I am pleased that, now the FSA rules have been changed, the PCU is no longer restricted and forced to use ‘creative’ ways to assist our community.”

One fact not highlighted in the public censure was that the PCU was launched in 1979, because Black people and organisations found it difficult to get loans from high street banks, and that the PCU had been lending to churches before the FSA was established in 2002.

After joining the FSA, the PCU was warned to stop lending to corporate bodies. Desirous to assist Black churches, Rev Jones suggested to the FSA ways that would allow the PCU to continue to do so, but when these ideas were rejected, the PCU continued to make such loans, which was in breach of guidelines.

AFRICA APPOINTS GLOBAL LAUNCH OF ITS FIRST FEMALE ANGLICAN BISHOP NEW NETWORK TO

EMPOWER WOMEN

The Church of England may have rejected the call to ordain women as Bishops, but the Anglican church in Swaziland has no such objections; Ellinah Wamukoya, 61, made history when she was consecrated as a Bishop in the small African kingdom.

Following her ordination, Bishop Wamukoya stated she wants to represent God’s feminine qualities. “I am going to try to represent the mother attribute of God. A mother is a caring person but, at the same time, a mother can be firm in doing whatever she is doing.

“It is also humbling and challenging, because I know that the whole world is looking at me to see if I will deliver, and to what level I am going to deliver.”

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa attended the consecration, and wrote his feelings of the event in a blog stating, “We feel all the more enriched by today because, by virtue of our baptism, we are called to join in anything and everything that God is doing in His world, and we have felt His leading and responded to His call.

“May we all continue to follow Christ in calling all those who are at the margins of our church and society, so they may find themselves at the centre of God’s love and of His welcoming embrace.”

Diane Abbott, Caroline Spelman and Stephen Timms were the parliamentarians present at the launch of Micah Challenge’s new network to empower women called Woman To Woman.

This unique initiative aims to empower girls and women to be changemakers to help the poor, by prompting action, prayer and campaigns.

Amanda Jackson, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Micah Challenge, said, “Woman to Woman is one initiative that seeks to encourage women, who believe in God’s transforming hope, to speak out and take action against injustices suffered by women and girls - like trafficking, sexual violence, maternal deaths, poverty and low status.

“It wants to highlight the wonderful work already being done quietly by women, and encourage more women to see the possibilities for advocacy.”

Woman to Woman organisers hope to remind world leaders of their promises made in 2000 to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Former Hillsong worship leader Darlene Zschech, Lynne Hybels and Pastor Maureen B Shana from Zimbabwe have also endorsed the Woman to Woman network.

For more information, visit www.w2wglobal.org, or follow on Twitter @w2wglobal

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NEWS

Follow Keep The Faith magazine on Facebook or on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

Rapper’s CD to raise money for blind charity One gospel artist, who is using his music to spread some Christmas cheer and provide help and support to others, is UK rapper, JayEss. He is releasing his sophomore album project, Walking By Faith, on Christmas Day, as both a free download and CD. Some of the proceeds from the release will be donated to OBAC (Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans), a charity that works with people who have lost their sight, and those with other sensory and physical impairments.

JayEss, the first UK rapper to be nominated for a prestigious Dove Award, has enlisted numerous artists to feature in this project, including IsaiahRaymond Dyer, Rachel Kerr and Utter Once. He is also producing a video about OBAC, and talking to people who use its services to find out how they cope with their physical impairment.

He shared with Keep The Faith his reasons for supporting OBAC. “I decided upon OBAC because it’s a London-based charity, and I wanted to give back to the community.”

Visit www.jayessonline.com for more details.

Mission to raise money for Nathan A mission to raise £20,000, to fund specialist treatment for nine-year-old Nathan Francis, has kicked off on a good footing after a fundraising concert raised £3,362.

Nathan has been in and out of Great Ormond Street Hospital since he was a baby with his parents Ronnie and Lydia Francis, to get treatment for glioma (tumours that originate in the brain or the spine). He currently has numerous tumours on his spine and five on his brain, one of which is wrapped around his optic nerve, and could cause him to go blind if operated on.

Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust is undecided as to whether to pay for special treatment, so Nathan’s supporters hope their fundraising efforts will raise enough money to buy chemotherapy drug, Avastine, from the US, which has a good success rate at targeting glioma tumours.

Ronnie, who serves as a pastor at the Church of God of Prophecy in Bedford and works with the homeless, has be overwhelmed with the fundraising

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efforts being spearheaded by friends, Emma Carty and Yvonne Sinclair.

He told Keep The Faith, “To be honest, it’s a bit uncomfortable. I am more comfortable giving to others. This fundraising venture wasn’t started by me, but I greatly appreciate it.”

If you’d like to donate to this worthy cause, visit www.justgiving.com/ Nathan-Francis1

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR WOMEN DOING GREAT THINGS Wise Women Awards 2013 Do you know a Christian woman, who is doing great work in the church, wider community or society? If so, why not nominate her for a Wise Women Award (WWA), an event that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Christian women positively impacting the church and society.

A total of nine Awards are up for grabs in various categories, including Business, Missions, Music, Media, Leadership, Community and Young Women. Once all the nominations are in, it will be up to a panel of judges to decide on the winners.

This Awards ceremony, now in its 9th year, is the brainchild of Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, co-pastor of Triumphant Church International and founder of Wisdom for Women International (W4WI), and is the only event that recognises the achievement of Christian women.

She said, “Christian women make a major contribution in the Church and wider society, but this fact is not always acknowledged. The WWA was initiated to recognise the value Christian women add to the world; the great work that they do, and to highlight the achievement of women whose work is really making a difference.

For the past three years, Keep The Faith magazine has worked alongside W4WI in hosting the Awards, and has found it to be an enlightening experience.

Shirley McGreal, publisher of Keep The Faith, stated, “I’ve always known the Church is full of great women, but the WWA has really brought this fact home. It’s also touching to see women many of whom are rarely publicly acknowledged for what they do - sometimes moved to tears when they receive an Award. It highlights that the WWA are very much needed.”

Past Wise Women Award winners include: singer Lurine Cato; preacher and teacher Pastor Celia Collins Apeaygei; businesswoman Elizabeth Forbes Stobbe; Carmen Anderson, founder of Sunrise Senior Citizens Club, and Barbara Soetan, Director of Elevation Networks.

Nominations for the Wise Women Awards open on 3rd December, 2012. The Awards ceremony takes place on 9th March, 2013 at the Hilton London. For more details, visit www.wisewomenawards.org for more details.

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NEWS

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SHIRIN AGUIAR-HOLLOWAY .......................................................

T

he recent appointment of Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury has drawn mixed reactions among church leaders, including hope for Nigerian Anglicanism because of his reconciliation work, and disappointment that the Archbishop of York was ‘overlooked’ in the appointment.

Giving his opinion of Bishop Welby’s appointment, Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, a member of the National Church Leaders Forum steering group, told Keep the Faith, “What I am picking up from the Black church community is disappointment, and a sense of resignation about dashed expectations in regard to Archbishop Sentamu. Many people had formed the view - and raised their hopes - that Archbishop Sentamu would accede to the See* of Canterbury.

When you overlook someone with his credentials, and opt for someone who has been a bishop for less than one year, the feeling is that he has been overlooked.”

Black Christians give their response on the new Archbishop of Canterbury Shirin Aguiar-Holloway gets a mixed reaction from Black Christian leaders on the appointment of Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury…

Dr Rowan Williams

Dr Aldred said that the choice of Bishop Sentamu would have gone some way towards restoring the fortunes of African-Caribbeans. “There is some feeling that we need more of that kind of appointment of that significance. A Black Archbishop of Canterbury would have helped the restoration of Black people’s fortunes in the world, a way of addressing the inequalities that exist in the world which have historic roots.

There is a bit of a wish, a hope.”

The Reverend Canon Ben Enwuchola, Chaplain to the UK’s Nigerian Anglican community, said he was pleased with Bishop Welby’s appointment. He said, “He is a person who loves God and the Gospel of Christ; is committed to that Gospel of Christ; is a very prayerful

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person, and one who has been very, very much involved in reconciliation work, which is one of the essences of the Gospel.”

Before becoming Dean of Liverpool and Bishop of Durham, his previous post, Bishop Welby was Sub-Dean and Canon for Reconciliation Ministry at Coventry Cathedral, where he worked with the International Centre for Reconciliation (ICR) and the Community of the Cross of Nails. ICR has ‘formal partnerships’ with the Anglican diocese of Kaduna, Nigeria, a deeply-segregated Muslim/Christian city, where hundreds have died over the last decade.

Canon Enwuchola said, “The Coventry work took him to Nigeria, where he was involved with a lot of reconciliation work, particularly during the Niger Delta crisis. And again, he had worked in Nigeria before, so he’s a person who knows Nigeria inside and out, and I hope that he will come with sensitivity and with understanding on the issue of the Anglican debate, to be able to bring that to the table.”

During his reconciliation work in the Niger Delta in 2004, where he and a colleague were seeking reconciliation between oil giant Shell and the Ogoni people in south-east Nigeria, where 100,000 lost their lives through the dispute, Bishop Welby was regularly blindfolded by militants and transported in speedboats.

Canon Enwuchola also expressed faith in Bishop Welby’s ability to unite the world’s 80 million Anglicans, including Nigeria’s 18 million, and to renew the sense of Anglican mission in Africa.

He said, “I see him as someone who is not new to what is happening, and who knows where the African Anglican church is coming from. I feel he’ll be sensitive in that, and will be able to steer the affairs of the Communion in such a way that he will bring everyone on board - not just bring everyone on board, but also bring the Scripture to the core of Anglicanism, because it’s in the Scripture that we will unite the Anglicans together. I hope that he will be a man of faith, of God, who will seek to be faithful to the Gospel.”

Bishop Welby, 56, a father of five and former oil executive, replaced Dr Rowan Williams as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury on 9th November. He is widely reported to be against gay marriage, but in favour of the ordination of women bishops. Nigerian Anglicans stand strongly against same-sex marriages and the ordination of gay bishops.

Archbishop Sentamu

The Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, congratulated Bishop Welby ‘heartily’ on his appointment, and said he looked forward to working with him, adding, “I am optimistic that he can do something, because he has a very strong negotiating ability.”

Bishop Sentamu called for an end to rumours about his own appointment, and urged prayer for Bishop Welby and wife, Caroline. He said, “This country and our world need a missionary to share with them the all-encompassing message of the love of God in Jesus Christ. That is the great role to which Bishop Justin has been called.”

The hope for the Black church is for Bishop Welby’s appointment to bring reconciliation and healing, not just to the Church but also the world, including Africa. (*Archbishop - the primary instrument of unity of and for the Anglican Communion)

KEEP THE FAITH ABOUT TOWN

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The first ever awards event, organised by Christian charity Word 4 Weapons, recognised individuals working to help build safer communities across the UK

T

he brainchild behind the Word 4 Weapons Awards is Michael Smith, who founded the Charity in 2007, to counter the gun and knife crime prevalent amongst young people. He did so by placing knife bins in key places, so that people could get rid of their weapons and receive a Bible in return. There are currently 25 knife bins located in 13 boroughs which have, to date, collected 6000 weapons.

Over 100 people were present at the Awards, held at SW1 Gallery in Victoria, Central London. Special guests included Rev Les Isaac, founder of Street Pastors; Bishop John Francis, Senior Pastor of Ruach Ministries in Brixton, and special guest Charlene White, a presenter on London Tonight.

A total of nine awards were presented. Recipients included Pastor Mimi Asher, who opened up her home to young gang members, and provides mentoring to them; up-and-coming singing star, Miss Camara, and Ray and Vi Donovan who, since the murder of their son, have travelled the UK, sharing a message of hope, forgiveness and restorative justice.

Michael Smith shared with Keep The Faith his reasons for holding the Word 4 Weapons Awards event. He said, “I wanted to create a platform to honour those unsung heroes who were making a huge impact within the community. It is so easy to become overwhelmed with all the terrible stories we hear about gun and knife crime in the Media, and to believe that it is impossible to change this culture. I wanted to show that there are some truly amazing people, who are working tirelessly and sacrificially in the background to do just that.

Michael has big plans for Word 4 Weapons’ future.

“We want to raise more funds, so that we can hire people coordinators and others who can help develop our vision.

We would also like to carry out more workshops in schools and to complete our programme of expansion in London and to the Home Counties.”

For more details, visit www.word4weapons.co.uk

AWARD WINNERS • Knife Bin Design competition winner: Jack Burgess - Year 8, Welling School • Knife Bin Design competition runner-up: Lauren Jones - Year 8, Welling School • Outstanding Youth Award: Jordan Augustus • Most Dedicated Mentor Award: Pastor Mimi Asher • Most Inspirational Person Award: Darren Way • Young Star of the Future Award: Camara Fearon • Commitment to Helping Victims’ Families Award: Hazel Evans • Dedication to the Cause of Restorative Justice Award: Ray and Vi Donovan • Knife Action Programme in Schools Award: Christopher West

I wanted to create a platform to honour those unsung heroes who were making a huge impact within the community.

Michael Smith

Top inset: Les Isaac, founder CEO Ascension Trust which is the governing body for Word 4 Weapons Top main, Ray & Vi Donovan with Michael Smith Bottom left: Camara Fearon with Bishop John Francis and Michael Smith Middle: ITN’s Charlene White speaking prior to presenting the Award for ‘Dedication to the Cause of Restorative Justice’ Right: Alex Rose, receiving the first Gold Key Award

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COMMENT

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO HOPE

Rev David Shosanya explains why, despite the sense of hopelessness with the world, the Christmas story of God sending His Son to earth offers humanity renewed hope for a better tomorrow ................................................................

REV DAVID SHOSANYA is a Regional Minister & Director with the London Baptist Association

................................................................

T

he recent elections in the United States of America were hard fought between the now re-elected President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential candidate, Governor Mitt Romney.

At the heart of both political campaigns was a vision of a new resurgent America that had overcome the many domestic and international challenges she faced as a result of the global recession.

In other words, both campaigns were fought, and ultimately won or lost, as a direct result of each candidate’s ability to clearly and convincingly communicate their message, and inspire hope in the minds and hearts of the electorate.

Even the most casual observer would have noted that the theme of hope, which so clearly defined President Obama’s first Presidential campaign, was less pronounced the second time around.

Commentators have suggested that, having spent a number of years in office, President Obama had learnt to temper his aspirational rhetoric with practical reality. Whatever the reasons might be, that the message of hope that was captured in the slogan ‘YES, WE CAN!’ was conspicuously absent, or significantly downplayed in President Obama’s 2012 election campaign, the fact stills remains that the world continues to need a message of hope.

Cue Christmas! At the heart of the Christian Church’s message of the forgiving love of God is a Father’s love for a broken and desperately needy world on both a personal as well as communal, societal level. The Bible introduces us to the concept of sin (living in disobedience to God) through the story of Adam and Eve, who lived in the Garden of Eden, a paradise by any stretch of the imagination.

The writer of the book of Genesis allows us to see how their curiosity, amplified and manipulated by the conniving and spurious whisperings of a serpent (representing the devil), led them to act

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in a manner that directly contradicted God’s plans for their lives.

The result was that they were removed from the paradise of the Garden of Eden. It was downhill from there! Before long, the first murder is committed by Cain, who takes the life of his brother, Abel.

The single act of violence committed by Cain becomes a lifestyle, as Lamech, a descendant, takes pleasure in extinguishing human life (Genesis 4). Spiritual practices that violate God’s prescribed modes of worship and fellowship are ignored, and foreign practices introduced (Genesis 6). Sin began to spread across the face of the earth (Genesis 4 to 7).

In reality, the world, far from being the paradise that Adam and Eve were once used to, had become a dangerous and unwelcoming place.

But hope was not lost. God’s promise of a future Messiah, Christ (Genesis 3:15), who would reverse the hopelessness of the world as it was, and offer a radical vision of an alternative reality that embodied and expressed God’s hope for the human race and for the physical universe, was something successive generations of Hebrew believers looked forward to. They were hopeful in the face of a myriad of hopeless circumstances and situations, because of what they called an ‘eschatological hope’ (the belief that, in the end, God always wins, irrespective of how it might look in the present). The Christmas story we read about in the pages of the New Testament is a recording of this hope.

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The Christmas season often amplifies the challenges we are facing, especially when we are duped into believing that everyone else will experience a better Christmas season than our own.

So, rather than Christmas being about tangible material things that bring fleeting pleasures, it is, in reality, about discovering in and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ a life that is fuelled with and by the life-giving and inspiring presence of hope.

Christmas can be a time when individuals experience a deep sense of hopelessness. Perhaps it is the result of being away from friends and family due to work or living arrangements; poor health; work-related challenges; the sense of loneliness or isolation; the loss of faith in oneself, one’s community, church, family, or in God Himself. The Christmas season often amplifies the challenges we are facing, especially when we are duped into believing that everyone else will experience a better Christmas season than our own. Hopelessness can easily set in and erode away at any sense of hope that we may have.

While politicians, like President Barack Obama or Governor Mitt Romney, produce election manifestos that it would be unlikely for them to realise, Christ does not. In the Gospel of Luke, we find a record of what theologians call ‘The Jerusalem Manifesto’, the promises that Jesus makes as He sets out on His campaign as God’s Messiah to save the world. The words of that Manifesto still stand today as God, through Jesus Christ, continues to bring hope to hopeless people: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Luke 4:18-19 My prayer is that you are blessed with a hope-filled Christmas and a prosperous 2013.

COMMENT ...............................................................

REV STEPHEN BROOKS is National Development Manager for Excell 3 (National Black Boys Can Association)

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uring this Christmas season, one of my favourite carols is ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’. Surprisingly, for many Christians, the word ‘holy’ is something they cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination, and whosoever preaches on the subject of holiness runs a risk of being accounted by them as worse than a heathen.

The word ‘holiness’ is mentioned at least 600 times in the Bible, and means to be ‘set apart for God’. As Christians, we are sanctified/ set apart (1 Corinthians 1:2).

The Old Testament serves as a teacher for us, as we examine the concept of holiness in our new covenant with God. The Book of Leviticus contains numerous laws for Israel regarding purity: • • • • • • •

Clean and unclean foods (Chapter 11:1-23) Biological functions (Chapter 12:1-8) Disease (Chapters 13 through 16) Sexual morality (Chapter 18) Sabbath-keeping (Chapter 19:1-3) Idolatry (Chapter 19:4) Stealing, lying, hatred, injustice, etc (Chapter 19)

The definition of holiness is more narrowly defined in the New Testament. The sphere of holiness in the New Testament has reference to morality and obedience to the doctrine of Christ, not the ritualistic purity and impurity of the Old Testament.

In Matthew 15:10-11, Jesus brings clarity to the subject by stating what holiness is and what it is not. “When He (Jesus) had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: it’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a man.”

Holiness is detachment from self and attachment to God; the very opposite of sin, which is turning away from God, and attaching oneself to something else. For too long, the manifestation of holiness has been exemplified by the enforcement of prescriptive, external dress codes predominantly targeted at women.

I have personally heard of women not being able to wear open toe shoes, patterned tights,

WHY CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE HOLY Rev Stephen Brooks takes a look at the issue of holiness, and states why Christians should not shy away from the truth that to be holy is an intrinsic part of being born again red dresses, perfume, wedding rings… to name but a few.

Being born again is the initial experience of salvation, but the work of salvation does not end there. There is also the continuing work of sanctification, a process of becoming progressively more Christlike, that begins at the new birth and leads to sinless perfection in the life to come. The ‘new birth’ experience is not about dropping off but starting again. This takes place as we submit our lives daily to the leadership and control of the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

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Holiness is detachment from self and attachment to God; the very opposite of sin, which is turning away from God, and attaching oneself to something else.

The holiness message can and has been perceived as arrogant and judgmental and, in some case, rightly so. Those who hold themselves aloof - or think themselves better than the worst of sinners - have no understanding of holiness. A dog with white fur looks very clean in the background of a muddy field, but not so clean when he stands in the background of freshly fallen snow.

Effectively communicating the holiness message today requires a dual emphasis on the internal work of God (cleansing) and the external transforming (empowering) power of God. Holiness involves both the inner person and the outer person (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

For example, hatred as well as murder is sinful (1 John 3:15). Holiness is not a means

of earning salvation but a result of salvation. We cannot manufacture our own holiness; we can only be partakers of God’s holiness (Hebrews 12:10). As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary, He grants us His holiness (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Upon our obedience to His plan of salvation, He places us immediately into a relationship with Him, which transforms us into a holy people.

A saint is not someone completely separated from the world. One’s location is not essential to holiness, provided one is fulfilling the will of God. While on Earth, Jesus was repeatedly accused of spending too much time with sinners. Fulfilling the will of God always has to come first, yes! Even at the expense of religious tradition.

Holiness is not manifested by putting on artificial airs and tones of voice, or always talking about religious things. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father, who is in heaven...” (Matthew 7:21). Holiness can never be a game of play-acting, of putting on our Sunday phony holiness mask.

The recent Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal is a stark reminder that we shouldn’t define ourselves by our works, “because you do good therefore you are good”. We should define ourselves as holy not because I do right or by keeping the law, but because I believe right, about how God sees me and how I relate to Him and His creation. Let us be thankful this Christmas season for the gift of holiness because, without it, none of us can please God. ..................................................................

For more information on the National Black Boys Can Association visit www.blackboyscan.co.uk

The Keep The Faith team wish you all a blessed Christmas and peace and happiness for 2013

NEW WEBSITE

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COMMENT

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

Rosa Parks

Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts examines Mary’s role in the life of her Son, Jesus, and explores the lessons she teaches us about the role women should play in the Church and wider society ..........................................................

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

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C

onsumerism now drives Christmas, providing opportunities for retailers to promote and sell their ample products.

Years ago, Jesus was at the heart of Christmas. There was no shame attached to Jesus being at the centre of our festival, His message and face proudly paraded on Christmas cards, souvenirs and symbols. What lies behind this change in emphasis? The reasons vary from living in a multi-faith, multicultural society; secularism; diminishing respect for the sacred, and a societal disregard for Jesus. That Jesus is the Son of God, whose mother was Mary and whose father was Joseph, is no longer a fact that the majority UK populace are aware of or interested in.

What about Mary, the mother of Jesus? She, who features a little in His and her own story; this is a shame. Mary carried God; she was not God. She was as human as the rest of us, and rightly played second fiddle to the Word becoming flesh.

Christmas is not about Mary; it’s about Jesus of Nazareth, the God-Man, Saviour of the world.

Yet, I am still of the opinion that, during Christmas, Mary should feature more in our preaching, hymnology and theology, than she currently does. Let me explain why. The heart of Jesus was possibly formed on the pattern of the heart of His mother. ‘He worked with human hands; thought with a human mind; acted with a human will; loved with a human heart. Born of the Virgin Mary, He has truly been made one of us, like to us in all things except sin.’

Mary possibly taught her Son much: His gentle, caring, compassionate attributes; His loathing of injustice, and profound empathy for those on the margins. I am sure, He learnt from His mother, who was herself the embodiment of love and kindness.

Because she turned her heart entirely to the Father, she could so easily become for her Son the representative of the Father’s will. Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding (John 2:1-11).

It is Mary, the mother of God, who presents the request to her Son, “They have no more wine.”

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Dame Helen Ghosh

The Gospel writers do not write a lot about Mary, which I find interesting. However, here lies the paradox: Mary was ordinary, but she was also extraordinary. This ordinary person was chosen to participate in the most sacred of experiences. She didn’t just give birth to the Saviour of the world, but also nurtured and prepared the Saviour for His suffering and subsequent death on the cross.

This was no small feat for no small person. Yet, despite her unique contribution, the Gospel writers give us just a little glimpse into who she was and what she did. Her contribution cannot be compared. It was unprecedented, indeed, extraordinary, but the Gospel writers, some argue, play it down. Was this because she was a woman, and the Gospels were written by men?

Or was her limited visibility in the Gospel narrative a reflection of the lowly role ancient women played in a male-dominated society?

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Christmas is not about Mary; it’s about Jesus. Yet, I am still of the opinion that, during Christmas, Mary should feature more in our preaching, hymnology and theology, than she currently does.

Whatever the reasons, 2000 years on, Mary’s situation is paralleled by many African and Caribbean women. Their herculean contributions, 2000 years on, still undermined. Two thousand years on, their voices dwarfed by men’s. Two thousand years on, women in proportionate positions in the workplace yield disproportionate salaries when compared with the opposite sex.

Dame Helen Ghosh, who recently retired as Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, apparently suggested that the Prime Minister had surrounded himself with old friends from

school and university, to the exclusion of women.

Whether Dame Helen Ghosh made these comments or not, the facts remain that, with men outnumbering women four to one in the Cabinet, it is clear that many government policies continue to be created in the image of pale men, and that the default response of politics and similar fields is to silence the voice of women, unwittingly or otherwise. This suggests that two thousand years on, limited progress has been made in some areas of equality and freedom which, as irony would have it, is what the Christmas story is about.

Far too often, the glorious contributions of women are overshadowed by a lesser contribution by men. Look at Martin Luther King Jr. A global icon, ennobled by millions the world over for his leadership and commitment to the rights of Black people. Yet Rosa Parks, without whom Martin Luther King Jr may not have been catapulted to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, fades into oblivion when compared with King’s input.

Christmas’ central theme is that of justice.

The arrival of the Son of God challenges Rome’s self-appointed son of God, Herod’s adopted son.

His coming brings disquiet to the powers of Rome; disturbs the Roman rulers, and demands a kingdom that is fair and for all, the haves and the have-nots. The Gospel story is also about the balancing of imbalanced power relationships; franchising the disenfranchised; demonstrating a practical commitment to the many Marys in this world: women of colour, whose voices, like Mary’s, have been lost or diminished in translation.

Christmas demands that we redress this imbalance by voluntarily relinquishing positions of power and status for women like Mary, whose contributions should be given their rightful place in human history, now and always.

INTERVIEW

LORD JOHN TAYLOR OF WARWICK

Keep The Faith (KTF): Christmas is a special time of year for Christians. What does this season conjure up for you?

Lord Taylor of Warwick (LTW): Rest and hope for the future. It is a time to really thank God for His mercies and daily blessings. This Christmas will be different, in that I am due to be singing in front of 5,000 people as part of my church choir. That may explain why there has been a sudden increase in the purchase of earplugs locally!

KTF: How will you be celebrating Christmas this year, and what gifts are you hoping to receive?

LTW: I will be celebrating with my three children and also meeting friends.

I like giving presents more than receiving them. But a really surprise gift would be my team, Aston Villa, winning a football match. I believe in a God of miracles.

KTF: 2012 has been a difficult year for you. You hit the headlines when the MPs’ expenses scandal was exposed. What were your initial reactions when the story became public?

LTW: It was a very confusing time, since I had entered politics to try and help others, not to gain financially. I had left a lucrative profession as a barrister and judge, to become an unpaid Peer. It would have been very easy to have been consumed by my emotions, but I knew the only way that I was going to survive was by faith, not fear. From the beginning, I was very grateful that all of my friends stood by me.

KTF: The subsequent court case… that must have been trying?

LTW: Yes, the court case was conducted very much in the media spotlight.

There were a lot of racist and abusive comments on the Internet. I kept thinking about my mother, who had died some years before. I felt somehow that she was with me and encouraging me. I also felt in a deeper way the power of God’s Word, and the importance of declaring it out aloud.

KTF: You were sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Was that a shock?

LTW: I had been warned that the Judge would be under a lot of media pressure to imprison any parliamentarian in these circumstances. During the trial, I had become friendly with the dock officer. He is an Arsenal supporter, and we had often discussed why our teams never seem to win anything. When the Judge sentenced me, the officer seemed more distressed than I was. He kept apologising to me as he put the handcuffs on me and led me down to the cells. I kept telling him not to apologise, because he simply had a job to do.

Lord John Taylor of Warwick, the first Black Tory peer, hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2009, when news that some MPs and Members of the House of Lords had disclaimed expenses.

There was public outrage, as details of some of the expenses claims were revealed, and Lord Taylor was amongst the small band of politicians who were brought before the Court for their misdemeanours. Lord Taylor was given a 12-month sentence in May 2011.

Having paid his debt to society, Lord Taylor is keen to make amends by continuing to play a role in public life, as well as helping those who are marginalised and promoting diversity.

A committed Christian, who was born to Jamaican parents, Lord Taylor spoke to Keep The Faith about his hopes for Christmas, life in prison, and how his faith in God is helping him to rebuild his life.

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KTF: How did you cope with life in prison, and did your faith in God help you in any way?

LTW: I had more time to reflect and read the Bible. I was encouraged by reading more deeply about the lives of Joseph, Daniel and Paul.

Obviously, I cannot compare myself to them, but God sustained them during times of captivity. I also experienced God’s love through the friendship and compassion of other prisoners. Many seemed grateful for the advice I gave them about their own problems. There was one Black guy in particular, who made the most delicious porridge I have ever tasted. He assured me that none of the ingredients were illegal, and we prayed together regularly. I was grateful for all the supportive letters I received from other parliamentarians and members of the public.

But what really surprised me was the kindness of some of the prison officers, who have a very difficult and potentially dangerous job to do.

KTF: What would you say are the major life lessons you learned from this experience?

LTW: Life will have its ups and downs, but it is vital to keep a sense of praise and worship in all circumstances. I have been through many obstacles in life, and made many mistakes, but God has always sustained me and brought me through. My friends and family are even more important to me now than before. I seem to appreciate simple things like a smile and a handshake even more nowadays.

such as my racist experiences as a parliamentary candidate in Cheltenham. But this just made me mentally stronger and more determined not to give up.

KTF: From your position as an insider looking out, how do you think the Black Church community is viewed within political circles?

LTW: The political establishment is not very familiar with the Black Church community. I feel privileged to be one of the few parliamentarians with some understanding of both worlds. But there needs to be a closer association between the two. When I became the first Black person to be appointed as a Government Special Advisor, I arranged for a group of Black Majority Church leaders to meet Government ministers.

I want to build on that, by facilitating regular dialogue between the Black Church and our nation’s leaders. When I was a member of the SCAR (Sickle Cell Anaemia Relief) Committee, I learned an early political lesson: that you cannot influence Government policy from the sidelines.

KTF: On the day you were sentenced, a number of church leaders asked the Black Christian community to pray for you. Did you hear about this? What’s your view on hearing about it?

LTW: I did not know this until now. This makes me feel very grateful and humble. I do need their continuing prayers. Politics is not for the fainthearted, and I know I cannot be effective without the power of prayer. When my mother was alive, she was my main intercessor. Even though she passed away some years ago, I still feel the power of her prayers. She was small in stature, but big in spirit.

KTF: One of the great things about Christianity and the Christmas story is that it is a message of new birth, peace and hope. What message of hope would you like to share with KTF readers?

LTW: God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins 2,000 years ago. We are Righteous, not by our own efforts, but because of His supreme sacrifice. As a result, we are not striving for victory, but from a position of victory. Whatever life brings our way, with Christ we are victors, not victims. The Christmas story is one of rebirth, and I feel like a man reborn, through God’s grace.

KTF: You are still a member of the House of Lords. How do you see the way forward for you now, given the obvious setback in your personal and public life?

LTW: With prayer support and God’s guidance, I believe I do have a continuing role to play in the House of Lords. Because of my recent experiences, I have an even deeper understanding of how the marginalised in society feel. I am also in a position to communicate the inner workings of Parliament and Government to the Church. I am passionate about racial and other forms of diversity in the workplace, and am asked to speak on these issues at conferences and seminars. I have also been appointed as a Non-executive Director of the new National Standards Agency, which helps to promote more diversity in business and in the public sector.

For more information, visit www.lordtaylor.org and www.warwickleadership.org. Follow on Twitter: @LordJohnTaylor

KTF: Do you believe you still have a role to play in British political life and, if so, in what way?

LTW: I can use my role in the Lords to continue to speak up for the underprivileged. On my wing in Wandsworth Prison, most of the prisoners were young Black men. There are more Black males in prison than in college, and that has to change. I am already on the All Party Parliamentary Penal Affairs Committee, and am advocating for more education and training in prisons. As a former Chancellor of Bournemouth University, I understand the importance of education. I will also use the platform of my charity, The Warwick Leadership Foundation, to continue mentoring young people. Over the last five years, we have mentored young people from over 50 nations.

KTF: What do you think the Black Church community needs to do to engage effectively within the political sphere?

LTW: Apart from voting, the Black Church community needs to become more actively involved in politics. I came from a relatively poor background, with no silver spoon. But I was elected as a School Governor and then local Ward Councillor. I gradually worked my way up to become a Government advisor, parliamentary candidate, then a Member of the Lords. It was very hard work, but it was a privilege to try and help people on the way. There were some very difficult times,

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW:

RACHEL KERR I

n a gospel scene dominated by hip hop and urban artists, singer Rachel Kerr stands out like a shining star. This young, soulful singer, whose debut EP, Back To Music, was released in January, has ended the year on a high, after winning a MOBO award in the gospel music category at this year’s ceremony.

2012 has been a great year for Rachel, who is unashamed of her Christian faith and roots.

She has travelled the world performing; has sung in front of former US President Bill Clinton; headlined her own concerts; carried out a host of media interviews, and her most well-known video song, Hold My Hand, has had over 112,000 views on YouTube.

Rachel Kerr spoke to Keep The Faith about her MOBO win, her faith, her plans for 2013, and how her plans for Christmas are going.

Keep The Faith (KTF): Congratulations on winning your MOBO Award. How did you feel when your name was announced?

Rachel Kerr (RK): Thank you. I had a great time of praise and worship by myself in my hotel room before the MOBO ceremony. This was because I had settled in my heart that, regardless as to whether I won or not, God is still God, and worthy of all my thanks and praise for that fact alone. So when it was finalised, I was so grateful that He’d seen fit to acknowledge and honour me in this way.

KTF: Unusually, you started singing before you gave your acceptance speech. That was different to say the least. What inspired you to do that?

RK: I’m a singer, but not just by profession.

Everyone close to me will tell you that. When I’m happy I sing, when I’m down I sing, when I’m bored I sing, so I just stood there and sang from my heart to my Father. Indeed I’m nothing without Him. KTF: You went to church the day after winning your Award. How did your church respond to you?

RK: I’m blessed to be part of a church that doesn’t just support in prayers, but also practically.

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There were so many people who aren’t technologically savvy who went out of their way to vote for me, so it felt like everyone’s victory.

They gave me a standing ovation. I gave a public testimony that day, which I haven’t done before, just reminding people how faithful God is. Many see the successes and victories, but have no clue of the story behind it. For the first time, I publicly shared it. I was really blessed to know via Twitter that people gave their lives that Sunday, and attributed it to my testimony.

KTF: How do you feel about being a role model for a lot of young Christians, and young women in particular?

RK: I don’t shy away from being a role model. We have so few out there, that if I can help inspire or motivate somebody in the right way then I’m glad my life is of use. This, of course, means that my decisions and choices are going to be under inspection a little more closely because I am a supposed ‘role model’, but as long as people also remember that I’m human, then we’re all good.

KTF: What was your view on the controversy surrounding the Awards, particularly regarding the comments that some of the nominees in the gospel category were unknown?

RK: I had no idea there was controversy around the MOBOs. I hardly read blogs; I only do Twitter and Facebook to communicate with all my supporters and family. What’s great is that I have a great team of people around me, who keep me focused on what’s important, so any controversy and debate outside of that, I can honestly say I’m oblivious or very naïve to. I like it that way.

KTF: Can you share a little bit about your background; where you were born; your parents, etc, and what role faith and music played in your upbringing?

RK: I was born in Walsall, West Midlands, to two incredible parents who were loving as well as strongly steeped in Christianity. I’m from the old school Pentecostal church which, I believe, accounts for my spiritual maturity. I learnt how to pray and operate in the Spirit under the careful instruction of my grandmother, mother and aunties - all women and ordained ministers, incredibly on fire for God. From birth, God has been my everything. As I grew older, my knowledge and intimacy with Him intensified.

I never left church and have no intentions of doing so; a fish can’t operate outside of water.

My parents were told they couldn’t have children, but prayer and faith are why I’m here and why I sustain.

KTF: 2012 has been a very busy and successful year for you. What have been your highlights?

RK: There have been so many highlights. God hasn’t ceased to blow my mind this year! My tour of the Caribbean was an incredible blessing; touring the US; doing BET Music Matters, and featuring on WorldStarHipHop.com was so bizarre but a nice surprise; my birthday party, which my incredible manager and family threw for me and, of course, the MOBOs. There have been so many, I’m so grateful.

KTF: You sang in front of former US President Bill Clinton. What was it like performing in front of him?

RK: Bill Clinton is a lovely man. He has a genuine sincerity about him that puts you at ease. He told me when he heard me sing that it distracted him from the conversation he was having. He said, “I had to stop my conversation and ask, ‘Who is that girl?’ You’re incredible.” He really didn’t have to say that; I was really humbled.

My Dad, Dalton Kerr (gospel artist and founder of Praise and Worship group, Re:Mission) and entire family are musical! As in EVERYBODY! My Mum held a thanksgiving celebration event back home with my family yesterday, and whenever someone broke out into song, two seconds later there would be a full seven-part harmony.

It’s in my blood; there was no escaping music.

KTF: What inspired you to pursue a career in singing?

RK: God began to open some incredible doors, like touring with legends such as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and even in the mainstream arena, with Donell Jones, Musiq Soulchild and others. The opportunities seemed to speak for themselves, and I realised how much people claimed my music helped them. It would have been a sin not to pursue music with my all.

KTF: What do you enjoy most about being a music artist, and what are your aspirations for your music career?

RK: I enjoy lots of things about music, travelling, doing what I love, but most of all it gives me life when I go to countries like Martinique, where people don’t speak a word of English but know my songs word for word, as the spirit within the music resonates with them.

I’m not a traditional gospel artist, and I think this has helped my music reach people who wouldn’t have otherwise heard my message. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sung one of my songs at a mainstream/secular venue, and have had people come up to me after my set IN TEARS and say, “There’s something about the way you sing

your songs. Who was that to; what was that song about?” In those situations, I never shy away from talking about God’s goodness. It’s not unusual for me to see those people at my church the following Sunday!

As for my aspirations, I really just want to achieve everything God has planned for me. I want no stone to be left unturned and no territory to go unconquered, just that His perfect will be done.

KTF: Christmas is approaching. What do you like most about Christmas, and what present would you most like to receive?

RK: I love being with my family at Christmas. We are all so similar: we love to eat, laugh and sing, so Christmases are very eventful. You know what, I have every material thing I need right now - thank God - but it would be incredible to spend Christmas with my Grandparents, who are in Jamaica.

KTF: How will you be spending the Christmas season?

RK: I’ll definitely be with my family, thanking God for another year and all His mercies and compassion, and praising Him in advance for what is to come. And if I do that, while nyaming a turkey leg or two, don’t judge me!

KTF: What should we expect from Rachel Kerr in 2013?

RK: I was asked a similar question in 2011 about 2012, and I’ll say something similar to what I said then! I have no idea, but when God is in it, there are NO limits. ..................................................................

For more details, visit www.rachelkerrmusic.com, like on Facebook at RachelKerr, and follow on Twitter @rachelkerrmusic.

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19

FEATURE

DIONNE GRAVESANDE is Head of Church and Young People’s Relationships at Christian Aid

Draw a line in the sand to experience fulfilment in 2013 Reflecting on past mistakes can prevent us from living a fulfilled life. Dionne Gravesande writes that, to enjoy 2013, we should draw a line in the sand, leave our failings behind, and be hopeful about the future.

I

t seems each time I come around to this time of year, I hear myself repeating the question, ‘Where did the year go?’ It was just a few months ago that the days were longer and somewhat warmer. But, as we turn our sights to the New Year, now is a good time to pause and reflect on our spiritual wellbeing, and examine what we take forward in 2013.

Christmas is a special season for Christians.

It’s a time where we remember the ancient Bethlehem story of God’s redeeming plan for humankind, wrapped up in the birth of the Baby Jesus. And we retell the story of how ‘Love came down’ and lived amongst us. Jesus embodied, and continues to be, an everlasting hope for you and me. Not only can we make sense of this life and flourish within it, but others around us can also find life and fulfilment, too.

Let us pause for thought. Over the past twelve months, it is all too easy to focus on the things that caused us to stumble or that stopped us in our tracks. For example, a young man I was recently working with felt absolutely stuck in his life. Racked with a memory that has tormented his life thus far, he was severely judged by others, causing him to judge himself very harshly which, in turn, led to several years of self-harm. The picture he has of himself today is very different to the picture his friends and family have. Beset with a lack of confidence and internal pain, it will be an uphill struggle for him to believe a future of love and wellbeing is possible. Just how easy is it to draw a line in the sand and move forward?

For Christians, a good point of reference can be found in John 8:1-11, where the woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. Instead of judgment, the woman finds forgiveness, and instead of death, the woman is given life - not just life in the shadows, but a chance to start afresh.

It seems the dominant culture at work in today’s society is the judgmental voice that’s ready to point out an individual’s shortcoming and wrongdoing, often forgetting that at some level we all have to deal with our shortcomings - none of us has achieved perfection. I am not condoning

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bad behaviour or criminality, but I am saying Christians need and should exercise patience and love with others - particularly those who have personal struggles - and should steer clear from getting swept up with the crowds and with mob mentality, which cause harm and distress.

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We all have opportunities to turn our lives around. Tomorrow does not have to be the same as yesterday; as long as you can witness the newness of another day, you can transform your life and walk a new path.

Should you find yourself relating to the adulterous woman in John’s Gospel, remember the actions of Jesus as He wrote His message in the sand to the crowd who were demanding death. He reminded them that their own hands were not clean, and that they had their own sins to deal with. Christ leaves that same message with us who’ve made mistakes, and who feel that we can’t move forward from them. He does not condemn us to death, but encourages us to seek a new path and start doing the right thing. It is more than coincidence that, in His parables and teachings, Jesus always reached out to those whom the world excluded or counted as valueless: women, foreigners, prostitutes, thieves, publicans, the sick, the mentally-deranged and the poor. He held them up as To advertise being closer to in Keep The Faith the Kingdom magazine phone than those who 0845 193 4431 were deemed righteous and respectable. His was a real message of inclusion.

We all have opportunities to turn our lives around. Tomorrow

does not have to be the same as yesterday; as long as you can witness the newness of another day, you can transform your life and walk a new path. The change begins in your consciousness; manifests itself in your character, and is demonstrated by your actions. You will need courage and determination to succeed. So, if you need help to start over, don’t let fear stop you from asking. If you need support, seek it out from a family member, church family, or services set up to support individuals and families.

As Christians, we have deep wells to draw upon to ‘keep on keeping on’ and, speaking as a Pentecostal, the place of songs and worship are important in maintaining faith and hope. Here I agree with theologian Kosuke Koyama, who asked, ‘Is hope related to the future?’ The answer is an overwhelming Yes! But even more, it is related to love. Hope is not a time story, it’s a love story. The Gospel dares to place love above time.

All the healing stories of the Gospel, and ultimately the confession of the faith that ‘on the third day He rose from the dead’, point to this awesome truth. Hope is as impassioned by love, as is every healing work and action of Jesus. What gives hope is not time, but the power of love.

Look forward to 2013 with hope in your heart, and with the determination to start anew.

And do whatever you need to kick-start that change - including drawing that line in the sand.

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Can order on line or alternatively - contact the Author: APOSTLE/PASTOR GLEN KERR Tel: 07985466343 www.pneumalife.org.uk Email: pastorg205@aol.com We also offer evangelistic training seminars for churches - equip your ministry for the harvesting of souls in the end time.

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FEATURE

Christmas: The time of year to do good

Keep The Faith explores the reasons why Christians should be inspired by Christmas to do good for others, and gives an insight into some of the things believers will be doing over this unique season of the year

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f there’s any time of year when churches should be publicly seen to do good works - whether it’s to the people in their congregation; within their local community; wider society or internationally - it’s during the Christmas season.

The birth of Christ over 2,000 years ago is a pivotal moment in human history. In fact, it’s a world-defining moment, so much so, that when Christ was born, three wise men saw its occurrence in the skies, and followed the stars until it led them to the Baby Jesus. They carried with them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, which they presented to the holy Infant born to the virgin Mary.

An angel proclaimed the good news of Christ’s birth to shepherds who were in a field, watching their sheep, stating, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for the people.

Today, in the town of David, has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Following this historic proclamation, ‘a great company of the heavenly host’ then appeared alongside the angel and praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

Why was Christ’s birth seen as ‘good will toward men’? Well, it had been foretold since Adam and Eve’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. After satan had persuaded the couple to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, God banished him from the Garden, saying “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel” (Genesis 3:9).

Isaiah 9 also spoke of Christ’s coming, focusing on His character, and the qualities He would bring to the world, stating, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there

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will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). It’s no wonder, then, that the angels shared the good news of Christ’s arrival here on earth. His birth heralded a new dawn of hope, peace and salvation.

There are numerous Christians who take umbrage at the Christmas season, and don’t recognise it due to its pagan roots, when people in Europe celebrated the winter solstice, a time seen as the official ending of winter. The Church did not start celebrating Christ’s birth until 300 years after His birth and, by the 4th century, had instituted a holy day celebrating Christ’s birth, with the aim of Christianising the solstice celebrations.

Whilst these reasons for not celebrating Christmas are understandable, Christians are admonished to do good works at all times, so why not also at this unique time of year, when society has a general focus on doing good for others?

The birth of Christ is a demonstration of God’s good will and benevolence towards society. It makes sense, then, for Christians to take their cue from the heavenly Father at this time, and to be a light to the world, doing good works, and spreading the love of God at Christmas.

The Scriptures tell us that the life of a Christian should be action-packed with good works. James 2:14-17 states, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Christmas is a great time to do good for others - and in doing so, you’ll be shining God’s light and inspiring others to give Him glory.

,,

The birth of Christ is a demonstration of God’s good will and benevolence towards society. It makes sense then for Christians to take their cue from the heavenly Father at this time and be a light to the world, doing good works and spreading the love of God at Christmas.

Here are some great things that churches and ministries will be doing over the Christmas: JESUS HOUSE - BRENT CROSS, LONDON Jesus House always seeks to spread good cheer during Christmas time. Church volunteers will be based at stations throughout the London Borough of Barnet, giving out warm drinks and mince pies. They’ve also collected toys to fill 8,000 shoe boxes, which will be distributed

by Christian charity, Samaritans Purse, and they will be giving away 3,000 food hampers to families living on local housing estates. They will also be feeding the homeless. Visit www.jesushouse.org.uk.

LOVE LIFE UK Love Life UK is a ministry, founded by Bruce Dyer. One of the things it does regularly is go into prisons across the UK to share the Gospel. It also gives support to inmates when they leave prison. During the Christmas season, the Love Life UK Team will be visiting various prisons across the country to hold carol services. They will also be distributing gift bags containing books, notepads, pens and music CDs. Visit www.lovelifeuk.org.

NEW WINE CHURCH, WOOLWICH, S.E LONDON New Wine Church is renowned for its generosity and lively celebrations during the Christmas season. This Christmas, they will be distributing food hampers throughout the London Borough of Greenwich, in which they are based. They will also be hosting a number of events, including Night of A Thousand Lights on Christmas Eve. There will be a special service on Christmas Day, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31. Visit www.newwine.co.uk.

SHOOTERS HILL SCHOOL OF ARTS Shooters Hill School of Arts will be hosting ‘Christmas is Painful’ at Woolwich Town Hall, Market Street, London SE18 on December 22, to minister to people who have experienced bereavement and loss. It runs from 1.00pm to 5.30pm, and will feature live performances, and workshops covering topics such as ‘Coping With Bereavement’, ‘Overcoming Life Obstacles’ and careers.

Phone 07843 482 652, or visit www.shootershill schoolofarts.com/cip-registration.php for details.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Christian international development charity, Habitat for Humanity, is calling on congregations across the country to consider spending a small fraction of their Christmas budgets on a housing-themed alternative Christmas gift.

The Charity builds homes throughout the world for those who can’t afford them. Gifts you can choose from include: a water-harvesting gutter, bricks, a sack of cement, or a course in construction training. Or you could finance the building of a whole home for the small price of £1,235. Visit www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/gifts.

Here is a list of churches you can attend over the Christmas holidays. You can phone, email or visit their websites to find out their service times over the Christmas and New Year period: JESUS HOUSE 112 Brent Terrace Brent Cross, London NW2 1LT Tel: 020 8438 8285 Email: info@jesushouse.org.uk www.jesushouse.org.uk

KICC 468-474 Hoe Street Walthamstow, London E17 Tel: 020 8525 0000 Email: admin@kicc.org.uk www.kicc.org.uk

THE ARC 66a Sebert Road Forest Gate, London E7 6AA Tel: 020 8555 4245 Email: info@arc4u.org.uk www.arc4u.org.uk

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD 244 Lozells Road Handsworth, Birmingham Tel: 0121 554 1358 Email: info@ntcg-handsworth.org.uk www.ntcg-handsworth.org.uk

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH 2 Thornlaw Road West Norwood, London SW27 0SA Tel: 020 8766 7732 Email: info@trinitybaptist.org.uk www.trinitybaptist.org.uk

JUBILEE CHURCH RCGC 384 Hyde Road, Manchester M12 4SA Tel: 07951 550 992 or 07790 099 229 Email: admin@jubileechurchmanchester.org www.jubileechurchmanchester.org

CHARISMA CHRISTIAN CENTRE Anglesea Road Woolwich, London SE18 Tel: 020 8317 6705 www.ntcgcharisma.org

FAITH DIMENSIONS 63 Stratford Road Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5LT Tel: 01908 221381 Email: admin@faithdimensions.com www.faithdimensions.com

DOMINION CENTRE 9 The Broadway High Road Wood Town, London N22 6DS Tel: 020 8829 0080 Email: info@dominioncentre.co.uk www.dominioncentre.co.uk NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY 7 Beechcroft Road Tooting, London SW17 Tel: 020 8672 9416 Email: info@ntatooting.org.uk www.ntatooting.org

CALVARY CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 127 Dunstable Road Luton LU1 1BW Tel: 01582 877070 Email: office@cogic.co.uk www.cogic.co.uk THE DELIVERANCE CENTRE The Globe 12 Portman Road, Reading RG30 1EA Tel: 0118 950 8534 Email: admin@thedeliverancecentre.org.uk www.thedeliverancecentre.org.uk

RUACH MINISTRIES 122 Brixton Hill Brixton, London SW2 1RS Tel: 020 8678 6888 Email: admin@ruach-ministry.co.uk www.ruach-ministry.co.uk

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

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FEATURE

DON’T SUFFER WITH GRIEF AND LOSS THIS CHRISTMAS Rev Sharon Townsend and Dorothy Dwyer share how painful loss and bereavement can be overcome this Christmas, so that those who have experienced it can start living again

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hristmas is here again, no getting away from it. But what will people be doing this festive season?

Some will be happily looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Unfortunately, there will be others who will want to get away from it. For them, the thought of Christmas, with its high-spirited festivities and social interaction, is a real cause for anxiety because of the loss they have experienced.

Loss and bereavement are an inevitable part of life. It is natural to experience all kinds of loss as part of life’s seasons, whether it’s due to unemployment, loss of property, migration, a divorce, deteriorating health, and even the loss of a much loved pet. The ultimate loss is the death of a loved one.

In our work as counsellors, supporting those experiencing loss and bereavement, we also deal with corporate and shared loss within the Christian community. Sometimes it’s because a beloved pastor was called home, and the church is left in mourning because they feel the church is just not the same’, and have difficulty adjusting to the new leadership.

Other times, a church experiences a split when a group leaves and starts worshipping together elsewhere. This leaves a deep sense of loss within the original fellowship. This is an important situation to note, as we know that the Kingdom of God is about building an effectual community of believers. Healing is urgently needed here for the body of Christ.

Whatever the loss, the effects are similar.

These can be physical: evidenced by crying; constant tiredness; lack of appetite; a breakdown in health, and abuse of alcohol or other substances.

There will also be emotional effects, including shock, sadness, denial, depression, pining for the loss, guilt and anger. The state of one’s mental health is inevitably affected. There are social effects, too. Some people withdraw themselves, whilst others make every effort to go out amongst others to forget the pain.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom. God has

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given us the gift of resilience and, most of the time, we experience a natural process of recovery. We can look back at the difficult times, and see how we have indeed overcome. People of faith can also draw on the Word of God in times of weakness. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart (Psalm 34:18).

I love King David, and there are many lessons we can learn from his eventful life. He experienced a range of loss and bereavement - he lost his freedom, when King Saul insisted on persecuting him to the death. David also went on the run, living like a fugitive (1 Samuel 19), and he experienced the double loss of his best friend, Jonathan, and his adversary, Saul, when both died together in battle. On receiving this news, David took hold of his clothes, tore them, ‘mourned, wept and fasted’ (2 Samuel 1:11-12).

There is no simple answer to grief, but if you know you need support, please don’t hesitate to make a step Then David experienced the ‘ultimate’ loss, when his son, born as a result of his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, died after seven days. The reaction of people around is interesting to note. They were afraid to break the news to him at first. David was in a bad way, sleeping on the floor, and not eating for days as the child lay sick. His friends felt he might harm himself on hearing the ultimate news.

Though not always of God, David also had romantic and intimate relationships which, when they ended, he pined for. Many people can relate to such heartbreak. Perhaps a soul tie has left its effects and consequences - blocking progress and a breakthrough is needed.

We have to acknowledge the reason for

our Lord Jesus’ weeping. John 11:34-35 says, ‘Jesus wept.’ This was at the sight of the laid out body of his friend, Lazarus.

At the time of writing, there are 45 sleeps to Christmas. If anyone is still suffering the effects of a loss or bereavement - however long ago it occurred - they will understandably not be looking forward to the celebrations.

There is no simple answer to grief, but if you know you need some support, please don’t hesitate to make a step. Look around at your options: church, counselling, family, friends or specialist organisations, like the Loss & Bereavement Group that is run at Junction Community Church.

Remember, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Here are some Scriptures that can provide comfort to those who are grieving: The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart - Psalm 34:18 Cast your burdens on the Lord - Psalm 55:22 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him… He will also hear their cry and save them - Psalm 145:18-19 All things work together for good to them that love God - Romans 8:28 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the will of Christ - Ephesians 6:2 ...................................................................

Rev Sharon Townsend is a Psychodynamic Counsellor and Dorothy Dwyer is a qualified Life Coach.

They run a Loss and Bereavement Group. For more details, email lossandbereavement@junctioncc.org or phone 020 8769 5174.

FEATURE

PRAYING GOD’S HEART IN 2013 A New Year brings with it a renewed focus on prayer. Marcia Dixon reflects on some of the great prayers in the Bible, and the spiritual lessons we can learn from them

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ith the approach of a new year, many churches focus on prayer and fasting. This focus on prayer is true for individuals, couples and families, too. Some people go away on prayer retreats; others shut themselves away to hear God’s voice, whilst others bring family and friends together to call on God for strength and guidance during the New Year.

What is evident in all instances is that God has a plan and purpose for everyone’s lives. He’s also concerned about our ministries, businesses, places of work - in fact, God has an interest in every aspect of our lives, and wants us to turn to Him for help, inspiration and direction at the start of a New Year.

The Bible is filled with examples of the different types of prayers people prayed. For instance, there is the world famous Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), and Jesus’ prayer for church unity (John 17:20-26). There is King Hezekiah’s prayer for God to heal him of sickness (2 Kings 19:15-19) and Hannah’s prayer for a child in (1 Samuel 2). There is also the tax collector’s prayer for mercy in Luke 18:13, and Daniel’s prayer for God to show mercy to the captive Jews (Daniel 9:9-14).

These prayers are a reminder that God is concerned with all aspects of life, and should make us realise that we can literally pray about any issue that He brings to our minds.

Here our three prayers from which we can learn and apply the principles inherent within them to our own lives.

protect you from harm, and that He helps you to live a life characterised by integrity, just like Jabez.

ABRAHAM’S PRAYER FOR SODOM Sodom is noted in the Bible as a place where great evil took place, because there was such a total disregard for God’s laws, so much so that God eventually destroyed it along with Gomorrah.

Prior to its destruction, Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy the city, stating, “Will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?

Far be it from You to do such a thing - to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

(Genesis 18:23-25).

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God has an interest in every aspect of our lives, and wants us to turn to Him for help, inspiration and direction at the start of a New Year.

God responded to Abraham’s prayer, stating He would spare the city if He found righteous people living there. None were found, and the city was destroyed. What is evident from this story is that God does listen to our cries for mercy on behalf of others, and prefers to show compassion

and love rather than dish out punishment.

Prayer pointers: During your times of prayer, ask God to have mercy on individuals, communities and nations that are straying far from His ways, and pray for opportunities to pray and declare God’s message of salvation and righteousness.

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE EPHESIANS The Apostle Paul provides much of the theological framework for the Gospel message with his many New Testament letters. The Book of Ephesians contains a number of powerful prayers, which contain the Apostle’s wish list of how he would like Christians in Ephesus, and across the world, to grow in spiritual maturity.

In Ephesians 1:17-19, Paul asks God to fill readers with spiritual wisdom, revelation and enlightenment, along with spiritual power.

Paul takes his prayers to another level in Ephesians 3:14-20 where he asks God to give the church spiritual strength, power, love, and understanding so that they are able to grasp the magnitude of God’s love, experience the fullness of God, and recognise that God is able to do all things - including those things that seem impossible.

Prayer pointers: Ask God to reveal to you the deep things of the Spirit, so that you come to a greater understanding of His power, love and awesome ability, in order that you can have more spiritual strength, joy and mountain-moving faith.

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ Along with the Lord’s Prayer, the Prayer of Jabez is one of the most well-known and oft-quoted prayers in the Bible.

Although it only takes up two Bible verses (1 Chronicles 4:9-10), the story of Jabez and his prayer packs a punch. We learn that his mother gave birth to him in pain; that he was more honourable than his brothers, and that he prayed the following prayer to God: “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.’

Jabez’s prayer indicates that he wanted to experience God’s blessing, presence and guidance, and it’s notable that the Bible mentions that he was a man of integrity and principle, which may partly explain why God granted his request.

Prayer pointers: As you make your plans for 2013, ask God to increase your sphere of influence; to bless you in manifold ways; to

Connect with Marcia Dixon at www.facebook.com/ marciatdixon, and follow at Twitter @marciadixonpr

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INSPIRATION

HELP OUR

UNBELIEF IN 2013 Esther Williams writes how doubt can keep us from believing the promises of God and that, as we enter 2013, we should ask God to help quash our unbelief, so that we can enter 2013 full of faith and expectation .........................................................

ESTHER WILLIAMS is an international Development Journalist

You can follow Esther on Twitter @mew36

.........................................................

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love the Bible teaching about the boy who had a mute spirit, because his father reminds me of myself sometimes. Jesus asked him how long his son had lived with his sickness, and his dad said, “From childhood, and often it has thrown him both in the fire and in the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” He was desperate.

Jesus went on to say that if you can believe, all things are possible to those who believe. Now, this is the part that gets me every time: the father’s response was so familiar. With tears in his eyes, he cried out to Jesus and said, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

We know how the story ends: Jesus rebuked the deaf and dumb spirit from that beautiful young boy, and he received his healing (Mark 9:14-29).

But his father’s cry to help his unbelief is a constant reminder of how easy it is to just get tired. We believe that Jesus is Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Son of the living God. We believe He rose from the grave and conquered sin and death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. We believe that He has forgiven us of our sin, and brought us into His awesome Kingdom for such a time as this. We get that. But sometimes, when it comes to dayto-day living, and we are confronted with the pain of unanswered prayer that weighs heavily on our hearts, believing and trusting can seem like a huge mountain to climb. But, despite the unanswered questions, climb it we must.

And, like the father in this passage of Scripture, even if we cry

out to Him with tears in our eyes, we need to hold on to the fact that we are more than professional churchgoers; we are believers and, in moments of uncertainty, we need to ask God to help our unbelief. He will then work with our faith - even if it is mustard seed faith - and meet our needs, because that’s the kind of Father He is.

I say this to remind us of the reality of His Word, as we transition from one year to another. Many of us had desires for 2012 which may not have materialised, but that doesn’t change God’s Word. Never stop believing. I have decided that, until it’s over, I will believe that my change will come. This year, I have watched people have babies who have waited years for a child; I have seen people get married, who have been single for a long time, and I have watched people, who were made redundant, start their own businesses and get new jobs.

I also continue to stand with a dear friend who is believing God for healing in her body, and other friends who desire the kind of blessings that only God can bring - including myself.

The key to our change coming is in realising that God really does make everything beautiful in His time, and in understanding that our timing is not His. It’s also about remembering that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Remember when Jesus tried to do miracles in His hometown? In Matthew 13:58, the Bible states that He didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

The big problem here was that this was Jesus’ neighbourhood, and the people there regarded Him according to the flesh. To them, He was the carpenter’s son: “Is not His mother called Mary?” They quietly taunted and rejected Him in their hearts, and did not see Him as the Son of God. Essentially, their unbelief prevented them from accepting His power - although it did not limit His power. And that is what unbelief does when we allow it to seep into our world: we forget that Jesus is Lord and the Name above all names, and start to see Him through the prism of our own strength. This will cause us to unintentionally reject the promises of God for our lives, when they are actually much closer than we think.

,,

Many of us had desires for 2012 which may not have materialised, but that doesn’t change God’s Word. Never stop believing.

I have decided that, until it’s over, I will believe that my change will come.”

So, as we all get ready to step into 2013, let’s deal quickly with unbelief when it creeps in, and remember that God is so faithful; we have no reason not to trust Him. Finally, and I have said this many times here, be careful of distractions. If you’re walking closely with people who don’t believe like you do, think about whether this situation is really working for your good, as ultimately the people we do life with should be people who believe in our dreams and will stand and trust God with us.

I pray that you have a peaceful joy-filled Christmas and an awesome New Year. And in 2013, be more than a churchgoer, be a believer, because if the dream’s big enough, the facts don’t count.

Why not try our low cost e-marketing service?

This service reaches over 14,600 registered subscribers and a further 6,500 on our social networking sites. Call 0845 193 4431 or email advertising@keepthefaith.co.uk for details.

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GOSPEL NEWS MEET THE ARTIST After years of singing as a worship leader - both as a soloist and with numerous worship outfits, including Nu Image led by Noel Robinson - Donna Akodu has released her own praise and worship album, When Heaven Breaks In. She spoke to Keep The Faith about being in the spotlight

LCGC to sing at Jazz Café If you are keen to hear some Christmas carols sung live, gospel style, then you need to get down to the Jazz Café in Camden, North London.

Keep The Faith (KTF): What inspired you to step out from the shadows and into the limelight to record your own album, after spending years as a member of various worship ensembles?

Donna Akodu (DA): Seasons, nothing ever happens before its time and I realise that, when you are walking in God’s purpose for your life, there will always be a season for you to come into your own. This just happens to be my time. The grounding and everything I’ve learned from being part of those groups have prepared me for now.

KTF: Where did you get your inspiration for your songs, and how did you find the whole recording process?

DA: Inspiration for the songs came from life, my own personal journey. I write a lot with Noel, so we use our experiences to put into the lyrics of songs. The Bible is also a wealth of inspiration, and always a good place to start.

The recording process was a learning curve; there are so many other things in the process to think about. So, through it all I’ve grown and learned lots about the whole thing; the lessons have been invaluable. I had great help from both Gozi Owogwu my producer, and from Noel. They’ve done this many times before, and gave guidance along the way.

Britain’s most well known choir, The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), will be performing at this world famous music venue on 21st and 22nd December.

The Choir will also use the occasion to celebrate their 30th anniversary, and it’s some celebration they’ll be having.

The Choir made history when they formed in 1982, as they were Britain’s first ever community gospel choir, and brought together Christians from various Black Pentecostal denominations.

If you want to experience a little of the Choir’s journey over the years, you might want to get a copy of their new album, The Best of LCGC, which features many of the songs they’ve recorded over the years, and includes their classics: Faith, Happy are the People and their first ever single, Fill My Cup. If you’d like to buy a ticket for their Jazz Café gig, or get more information about their album, visit www.lcgc.org.uk

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KTF: How would you describe the music on the album, and what songs are striking a chord with listeners?

DA: It’s a worship experience.

The feedback I’ve had from people is that different songs on the album have touched them, and not necessarily the ones I thought would. The title track, ‘When Heaven Breaks In’, is one a lot of people have connected to. It speaks about God breaking in through our worship, and the miraculous happening in that moment.

KTF: In your many years of ministry, singing across the UK and the world, which experiences stand out for you re your music ministry impacting and changing lives?

DA: I think in all the time I’ve been travelling, it’s been the real change that God brings through worship. It’s the

connection people have with God that’s making a difference in their lives. It’s the testimonies about the healing people have experienced, whether that be physical or spiritual. It’s seeing someone know that there is a God who cares; music is a powerful tool that can do that.

KTF: Now that your album is out, what should we expect from you in the next few months?

DA: I’m still doing things with Nu Image and Noel, but I’m hoping to also do a church tour next year. I’d love to be able to do that, just getting the word out there about the album. Further down the road, more albums and writing more songs for the church to sing.

KTF: Describe Donna Akodu in a few words.

DA: I’m a worshipper who happens to be…

For more details, visit www.donnaakodu.com, like on Facebook at Donna Akodu Music, or follow on Twitter @DonnaAkodu

GOSPEL NEWS

LURINE CATO RELEASES CHRISTMAS SINGLE

ARTIST WATCH

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, then you should get hold of Following The Star, which features some UK gospel greats.

The song, written by UK gospel queen and Wise Women Award-winner, Lurine Cato, sees her duetting with leading UK artist, Tony Momrelle; features a rap from Dove-nominated artist, JayEss, and is produced by Marcus Johnson.

She chose Tony, lead singer with soul outfit, Incognito, to accompany her on the track, because she knew he’d be a good vocal fit. She shared, “Regarding getting the right voice to duet on this track with me was hard, because it had to be a male vocalist who could sing high, sing RnB, and riff up the place, LOL!” It’s Lurine’s hope that the track will put the Christ back into Christmas, and make listeners realise that Following the Star will take us Closer (the subtitle) to the Messiah.

Following the Star (Closer) is available to download from iTunes and other sites.

For more details of Lurine’s ministry, visit www.facebook.com/lurinecato

One UK gospel artist you’re set to hear more of in 2013 is rapper, Junior Billy Jets Skerrett.

He has recently released his new video single, My Friend, featuring reggae artist Color T and singer Comfort Divine. The song chronicles Junior’s relationship with Jesus, and how it has impacted his life. Raised in a Christian home, Junior started hanging out with his non-Christian friends during his teens; got caught up in criminal activity, and ended up in prison for burglary. Upon his release, Junior changed his life around, and in 2004 recommitted his life to God. Since then, Junior has been attending Ruach Ministries in Brixton, where he has served in the prayer team, and has encouraged young converts to attend discipleship classes. He has also been involved in reaching the masses via music and, in 2010, released a compilation CD called Intercession, featuring tracks by himself and a host of UK artists including Guvna B, Victizzle, Karl Nova, Aundrea Nyle and many more. To date, 16,000 copies have been sold.

For the moment, though, Juniors ’ focus is on letting the world know that Jesus is his Friend.

For more details, visit www.facebook.com/junior.skerrett.

GOSPEL NEWS BITES People who live up north are in for a treat during the Christmas season. Jubilee Church RCCG Manchester is hosting a free music event entitled The Festival of Praise, which will take place on 28th December at Manchester O2, Apollo Theatre, M12 6AP. CeCe Winans is the special guest artist, but other artists taking part include Mike Aremu, Ron Kenoly, Muyiwa, Chevelle Franklin, and many more. And the best thing is that admission is free, but you must register at www.fopmanchester.org.

The worship extravaganza known as The Renewal, led by Noel Robinson, will take place in the New Year at Jesus House, Brent Terrace, London NW2 1LT from 31st January - 2nd February. Now in its 4th year, participants will include Tim Hughes, Mark Beswick, Sonnie Badu, Madeleine Kerzner, Aaron T Aaron, Lara Martin, Jerry Bonsu and many more. There will be teaching, live worship sessions and practical workshops. Visit www.thekwm.co.uk for tickets and registration details.

Noel Robinson

NEW WEBSITE

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

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GOSPEL NEWS

THE POWER IS WITH THE INDEPENDENTS Juliet Fletcher gives insight into the great opportunities that are available to Britain’s independent gospel labels, and the imminent plans to launch an online UK gospel listing .......................................................

JULIET FLETCHER runs Greentree, a gospel music development company

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2

013 is set to be a great year for UK Gospel. It has now obtained representation through the GMIA - Gospel Music Industry Alliance - and it’s working; there’s gonna be an official ‘Christian & Gospel Chart’, which will bring our music centre stage with mainstream recognition. Identifiable levels of infrastructure are being put into place, enabling more productivity.

The whole scene is in a state of transformation.

Many of the advances are due to the effort that independent companies, artists and others are making to reshape the prospects of our sector.

Know What & Know How! UK Gospel is part of the UK independent music sector, and our artists and songwriters are at the cutting edge of this. We are counted as independent, because our artists are not signed directly to any of the major labels, like Sony or Universal. This should not be viewed as a problem because, as a community of independents, we are better set to thrive and rise in the current state of the global music marketplace!

Who will rise to the top and achieve their dreams or artistic callings? I say it’s anyone who knows ‘what’ and knows ‘how’, that is to acquire and apply knowledge. For example, if you, whether as a choir, group, soloist or church organisation, have released an EP, CD or DVD album, essentially you are functioning as a record label.

GMIA Executive, Linton Beckles, described the independent music makers like this: “If you are capable of making a recording, and are marketing and distributing that recording, you are already functioning as a record label.

Therefore, by understanding this process, you can explore and take advantage of some of the privileges and rights that you can have as a record label.”

Linton added that, as an independent, you can assign your own

30 keepthefaithmagazine

Lurine Cato

work - even the work of other artists - to your label, and you can also sub-license your recordings with major labels and distributors.

Record labels also collect royalties from collection bodies, such as PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and VPL (Video Performance Limited). In essence, that could be a royalty claim for you as the artist and for you as the record label owner.

I have spoken to artists who did not know that they were operating as a label owner, and were not aware of how their independent status gives them many more options in the control of their creative works and of increasing income potential.

The GMIA is currently compiling an online listing of all UK Gospel artist-label owners and record companies to create a collective voice so that, together, their interests can be represented.

You can sign up to the listing or go to www.gmia.org.uk.

IN and DEPENDENT we get the word IN-TER-DEPENDENT. One of its definitions is: ‘two very different concerns giving mutual benefit, without causing loss or damage to the other’. This is how we will rise individually and collectively as an industry.

Marlene Cato, who manages her sister - supreme vocalist, Lurine Cato told me, “I’ve found that we can do so much on our own, but when we have connected or worked in partnership with others, we often exceed our own expectations. Pushing and pulling together is also a lot more rewarding.”

My conclusion is that the real power of INDEPENDENTS is IN-TERDEPENDENCE. It may take you time to build relationships with others. No-one wants to feel used - even if you’re paying for the service. But if you are doing your interdependence strategy in the right way, you should find yourself achieving, while building a good reputation.

I’m thankful to God that my eyes are open to see my progress in the light of others whom He has placed around me. Our interdependence will always reflect our independent success. ........................................................

For more information call Juliet on 07535 964442 or email greentree@googlemail.com

T-E-R makes all the difference Now let me add this critical fact: PR, marketing and promotion companies, agents and others are all independent facilitators.

As we go forward into 2013, which will see the establishment of a Christian music and gospel chart, these facilitators will be crucial to your success - particularly if you intend to make the kind of progress that you believe your artistry is appointed or anointed to achieve. You may wonder how mainstream record companies achieve the success they achieve with their artists.

It’s because they often use independent professional PR and marketing, radio pluggers, online marketers… the list goes on.

In other words, they don’t achieve success by themselves.

I recently met with multi award-winning Guvna B, who I believe is on his way to even greater success. In addition to his obvious charm and talent, I had to acknowledge his savvy in drawing to himself quality, independent facilitators. I could see he knows how to value people who input their speciality into his life. He asks questions and he listens. He understands what I call T - E - R. This means Togetherness Enhances Results. If we place TER between

Guvna B

WISDOM FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL AND KEEP THE FAITH MAGAZINE JOINTLY PRESENT...

THE 9TH ANNUAL WISE WOMEN AWARDS The Wise Women Awards will honour and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Christian women positively impacting the Church and society NOMINATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED FROM DECEMBER 3, 2012

Wisdom for Women International and Keep The Faith will also present three awards:

You are invited to nominate women in the following categories:

The Woman of the Year Award will be given to an inspirational woman who exemplifies Christian values through her life and work The TCI Exceptional Woman Award will honour a female member of Triumphant Church International The Wisdom4Women Honorary Award for a woman whose life and achievements inspire others

Business Award - for a woman whose business positively impacts the community Missions Award - for a woman carrying out overseas missionary work Young Woman Award - for a young woman positively influencing others Media Award - for a woman who champions Christian values through their media work Christian Leadership Award - for a woman who demonstrates exceptional leadership of a church or ministry Music Award - for a woman touching lives through their music ministry Turnaround Award - for a woman who has turned her life around and is now helping others Community Award - for a woman carrying out work greatly impacting their local community Naomi Award - for a woman of mature years (60+ years) actively serving her church/local community

020 8800 6001 admin@wisewomenawards.org www.wisewomenawards.org

Please note the women you nominate must live in the UK. The Wise Women Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 9th March 2013 at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY. Enjoy a three-course buffet and great entertainment, and celebrate the great women in the Christian community.

Tickets are ÂŁ65.00 in advance and ÂŁ80.00 at the door.

Group discounts are available.

Visit www.wisewomenawards.org for more information or admin@wisewomenawards.org with any queries.

To book your tickets phone 020 8800 6001.

LIFESTYLE

OLD

QUESTIONS FROM

YOUNG VOICES

Amie Buhari asked some teenagers to put their burning questions to God. Their questions might surprise you.

God’s (perceived) answers will definitely enlighten you. ....................................................

AMIE BUHARI is a youth leader and actress

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I

recently asked a group of teenagers this question: If you could ask God one question, what would it be? Now, we all know that God does answer all our questions, and we also know that we don’t always have the capacity to understand them, or always want to hear the answers. Nevertheless, we continue to question, and He patiently continues to answer. I thought it would be interesting to find out exactly what kind of questions are on our young people’s minds, and just how similar they are to ours.

It would seem that, even though times change, the fundamental questions we have throughout life don’t!

Here are three of the age-old questions from very young voices I would like to address. So, if you would permit me, by stepping into the big shoes of the Almighty and drawing on Scripture, I will attempt to explore and answer some of these questions.

Question: Why do You feel so distant sometimes?

Answer: Because sometimes you disconnect yourself from Me, and getting back to where we were takes time. Sometimes I’m teaching you to fully rely on Me and, in order for you to do that, you need to know what it’s like when you don’t feel My presence, but still have faith to believe that I am here and love you. When you are in sin, or doing your own thing, or allowing things to block our connection, it’s much harder to hear Me speaking. Remember My words: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

32 keepthefaithmagazine

Q: Why do You allow such extreme suffering for some people?

This has to be the favourite question for unbelievers, but it’s also a question that we believers can’t always fathom. As a young person growing up, being told that God is all-loving, but seeing that He appears to not do anything when bad things happen to people, can be an oxymoron and has the potential to be quite damaging. That old chestnut,‘free will’, needs to be explained more to our young people from a young age.

A: None of us is exempt from trials and tribulation.

Suffering comes to us all, even Me - God! When I sent My Son to take away your sins and pain, He suffered like nothing you could imagine. When He was full with your sin; I couldn’t even look at Him; My heart broke. I see you all going about, making decisions that have such a negative impact on your lives, and it hurts Me as much as it hurts you. I allow it, because you have the freedom to make your own decisions. Some things just happen, and even if I tried to explain it to you, you would not be able to understand. But within the bad times, there is always an opportunity to experience the good; to grow closer to Me, so you can survive all suffering; to see My promises and power in action to help others. You must remember that this is your temporary home. The devil is running this world. You ate of the fruit, and took matters into your own hands, but I have promised you that there will be “a new Heaven and a new earth, for the first Heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Look! “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more

death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:1-4). Stick with Me; I will carry you through the storms of life.

Q: How do you get to Heaven and still enjoy yourselves as a teen?

Wow, I asked a similar question myself as a teenager, when I was up in the club and engaging in usual teenager life. How many times did I say ‘Sorry’ to God in those years! But my relationship with God was so important to me, as was the need to enjoy myself with friends. King Solomon comes to mind, when he wrote, “I said to myself, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.’ I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.

Yet, when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 10-11).

A: Don’t think for a minute that I don’t want you to have fun, to enjoy yourself in your youth.

My question to you is, do you have to engage in potentially harmful activities to do so? Does ‘having fun’ mean compromising your faith?

It may not seem bad to you at the time, but the lifelong affects can be detrimental. The momentary pleasure you receive from earthly things is nothing in comparison to the eternal pleasure you can find in Me. I can give you everlasting joy, peace and laughter. I love you, and only want what is best for you. Try Me and see.

LIFESTYLE

.......................................................

How to stay healthy this festive season

DR KEM THOMPSON is a GP, author and speaker. She is the Medical Director at The Healthy Lifestyle Clinic in North London

The key to staying healthy this festive season is to be in control of what you eat and drink. Refuse to follow the herd. Two key strategies to help you do this are: 1) Plan your meals and workouts ahead of time.

2) Track everything that goes into your mouth for the next 90 days.

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H

igh blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is known as ‘The Silent Killer’ because it has no symptoms but causes damage, while steadfastly leading its victim towards heart disease, increased risk of stroke and an early grave.

Here are some quick tips to empower you to stay healthy over Christmas:

What causes high blood pressure?

Unhealthy lifestyle habits are by far the commonest cause of high blood pressure.

There are other rare causes, though, eg. certain structural defects of kidneys.

How to lower your blood pressure You’ve got two options: a) You can take medication to lower your blood pressure, which offers a short-term solution, but exposes you to potential side effects from the prescribed medication. b) Develop healthy lifestyle habits, which is the far superior method of lowering blood pressure, as it offers a long-term solution to the problem, and has absolutely NO side effects. It also empowers you to take back control of your own health and life!

How to lower your blood pressure with healthy lifestyle habits In my last KTF article, I wrote about 8 Pillars of a Healthy Lifestyle. All eight pillars, combined, will reduce your blood pressure if you consistently apply them.

Three major areas ,which many people struggle with, are stress, nutrition and exercise. There are steps that can be taken to master all three areas.

Stress management (the first pillar) Anything that registers in your body as ‘stress’ causes your body to release the stress hormone, cortisol. Prolonged release contributes to several disease conditions, including high blood pressure.

Three things you can do to reduce your stress levels are: a) respond differently to things.

‘Stress’ is your (chosen) response to - or perception of - an event. Seek professional help, if necessary, to work through issues that burden you. b) get enough sleep. Sleep disruption keeps your blood pressure raised. Aim to sleep for 6-8 hours each night in pitch dark. c) get regular exercise. This makes your body release chemicals that cause you to relax and feel good.

How to lower your high blood pressure without medication

1) Let your choices of foods be guided by healthy living principles, such as: more raw than cooked, no fizzy drinks, more fresh foods of different colours per meal, protein with every meal.

2) Work out regularly at least 30 minutes each day; three ten minute sessions or two fifteen minute sessions, built into your day.

3) Drink enough water for your body size, every day. Daily water recommendation per kg body weight = 33ml x body weight in kg. Split into small amounts, spread out and drink throughout the day.

4) Allow yourself a ‘cheat day’ every other week - on the condition that on your ‘cheat day’, you meet the criteria listed below. This way, you remain in control, don’t feel deprived, and you don’t cancel out all the good work you’ve done prior to the ‘cheat day’.

Nutrition & Supplementation This is a big topic, so I’m going to zoom in on four things you can do differently from today in this area, to improve your blood pressure. a) eliminate all grains and high fructose corn syrup from your diet.

These contribute to insulin resistance which, for various reasons, leads to elevated blood pressure. b) eat more omega-3 rich sources, such as fish, flax seed oil, walnut oil. Include garlic in as many meals as you can, as it helps lower blood pressure. c) eliminate caffeine. Found in coffee, tea (milder form), coke and such beverages. It’s known to elevate blood pressure. d) take high quality, pharmaceutical-grade, nutritional supplements, making sure that they contain balanced amounts of essential minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamins C and E, calcium and magnesium. Also check with your GP if you need to be on Vitamin D supplements, as low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with poor blood pressure control.

Exercise Regular exercise - of moderate intensity - is a powerful drug. You either make the time to work out regularly, or you’ll have to make the time to visit the doctor when you (inevitably) fall sick.

Summary If you make small changes in each of the areas discussed above you will lower your blood pressure.

You CAN come off your blood pressure medication - the choice is yours to commit to doing what is necessary for this to happen.

Choose the day that will be your ‘cheat day’ - 25th December, perhaps?

And/or 1st January? On your ‘cheat day’, eat whatever you wish to eat - as long as you adhere to the following: - Work out twice as much - Drink daily water requirement - Eat at least four portions of vegetables Make it a happy and healthy Christmas - by design! ........................................................

Dr Kem Thompson is author of the book, Inspirational Blueprints for Personal Success for Women. Visit www.doctorkem.com for more information.

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33

ESTHER FENTY

HEART TOHEART

is a qualified psychologist and pastor’s wife

I want to rebuild my life after spending time inside

I don’t want to spend Christmas with the uncle who abused me

I

’m not looking forward to Christmas. I will be spending it at my mother’s, along with my two children, my siblings, their partners and children.

I normally do this and have a great time, but this year my mum’s brother will be present, and it’s already filling me with dread because, between the ages of 10-14, he sexually assaulted me and threatened to kill me if I told anyone. It only stopped because he and his wife moved abroad. That was 20 years ago. I’ve moved on from that time, and have been able - or so I thought - to overcome the awful abuse I experienced. I’m a Christian, single parent, doing well in my career and active in my church, however I am finding myself just shaking inexplicably at times, and crying uncontrollably, to the point that my children have asked me what’s wrong. Of course I can’t tell them. To be honest, I really don’t want to go to my mum’s for Christmas, as I really don’t know how I’ll react to my uncle, but I don’t want to disappoint my children or my family.

How should I deal with this situation?

Jennifer, London

Esther Fenty replies Part of the Christmas message is about peace and goodwill to everyone through our Lord Jesus Christ.

That peace is not about playing happy families at Christmas, but having an internal peace that is produced by the Holy Spirit. Presently, the feelings that you have repressed for over 20 years have come to the fore, and your peace is disturbed. The power that your uncle wielded over you is still very much present.

It is obvious that you cannot spend Christmas Day with your mother this year if your uncle is there.

The memory of the abuse and the thought of seeing

him have already filled you with dread and affected your behaviour. I can’t begin to imagine what would happen if you were in the same room!

You have a number of options, but continuing to keep the abuse a secret is not one of them. If you decide to stay at home and keep quiet, not only will you upset the rest of the family and disappoint your children, but you will be allowing your uncle to continue exercising control over you. In addition, you have no guarantee that your uncle has changed his behaviour. Therefore, you may be putting your nieces and nephews at risk, and you would not want them to have similar experiences at the hands of your uncle.

It might be better to approach your siblings before speaking to your mother. A talk with them might reveal that you were not the only one who has suffered abuse at the hands of your uncle. Abusers usually rely on intimidating victims to keep silent, so that they can continue to perpetrate their acts. You may be able to approach your mother collectively about your uncle.

On the other hand, it is possible that your siblings did not suffer at the hands of your uncle, and neither they nor your mother believe you. Then, it will be a journey you have to face alone. However, you will be justified in that you have protected your children and tried to protect your nieces and nephews. You can hand over the problem of the abuse to the Holy Spirit, who can bring healing to your situation and, in time, allow you to forgive your uncle. You will need to decide whether you need counselling, and whether you want to speak to the authorities about the past abuse. Christmas this year could be lonelier but more peaceful!

.......................................................................................................................................................

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

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34 keepthefaithmagazine

I recently came out of prison and am trying to rebuild my life, even though I am finding it difficult.

My family are well-meaning; they are Christian and supportive, and encouraging me to go back to church. I know that this would be good for me, but the guilt and shame I feel is preventing me from going back. I was a youth leader, and had lots of people looking up to me but, due to my lack of character and bad company, I got led astray, hence my time in jail. I want to recommit my life to God, but am frightened of how the church will respond.

What should I do?

James, Coventry

Esther Fenty replies Firstly, recommit your life to God and then worry about the church. Any violation of God’s laws usually brings feelings of guilt and shame. The trick of our enemy is to keep us feeling that way when, in fact, Jesus offers forgiveness and, consequently, freedom from guilt and shame.

I do not pretend that it will be easy to walk back into church, but if the members are truly spiritual, they will restore and not judge you. Maybe they have been praying for you and, like the father of the prodigal son, are longing eagerly for your return.

If they are not, maybe God will lead you to somewhere else where you will be welcomed.

As you recommit your life to God, stand firm on His Word in Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

Allow the Holy Spirit to wash away the shame and guilt. You have paid your debt to society and, if you are truly repentant, God will help you to rebuild your life - spiritually, financially, socially, etc. Surround yourself with people who can pray for and with you, and encourage your growth in the Lord.

Follow Keep The Faith magazine on Facebook or on Twitter @keepthefaithmag

EXPERIENCED IN ADVERTISING SALES? KTF are currently seeking a Sales Agency or proven Sales & Marketing individuals.

You will need to: • be capable of independent research • be happy to cold call prospects • be willing to chase leads • have ability to negotiate • be confident in closing • build rapport with prospective new clients • have ability to work under pressure • meet targets The role will be a mix between new business, up selling and selling to existing clients, whilst cross-selling on all publications, websites and projects within the company portfolio.

This is a brilliant opportunity to develop your portfolio, account management skills or career with our market leading niche publications.

Please send CV or details to: admin@keepthefaith.co.uk www.keepthefaith.co.uk

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

35

DENISE ROBERTS

BUSINESSMATTERS

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

Rosalind Burke: Helping businesses account for themselves She has worked as a bank clerk and as an advertising executive, but nowadays you’ll find Rosalind Burke teaching small business owners, freelance professionals and entrepreneurs how to account for themselves - well, at least in theory.

Though called ‘Account 4 Yourself’, Rosalind’s growing financial consultancy doesn’t actually leave the accountability for tax, book-keeping or financial control solely in the hands of clients, but offers a hands-on approach “so they can maximise their time on the day-to-day business.”

It is one of the headaches for small business owners, Rosalind explains, especially for those who run one-man enterprises. Because they want to get on with the business, “they can feel tempted to leave the admin and finance side of things undone, or worse, until it’s too late and things get out of hand.” This time of the year is particularly notorious for those last-minute panic calls from freelancers who have suddenly looked up from their desks to realise they have just a few weeks left to file their self assessment forms before the January deadline.

Rosalind says she meets clients “at their point of need.” Her involvement helps clients to become “more competitive in their market place, as they focus on business and delivery of their core services.”

Account 4 Yourself has been running since January 2009, and has a steady stream of clients in Central and outer London. Rosalind has a no-nonsense and thorough approach to her work, probably helped by her years as a credit controller for the Gleaner Voice Newspaper Group. But, despite her hard-nosed stance, it was the desire to take things a little easier that inspired her to want to work for herself.

“Believing that there was more to life than working 9 till 5 for a large company, and feeling my skills and knowledge were no longer being tested to the full capacity, I went back to studying, and plotted my route into becoming a freelance financial professional,” she said.

“Then the test began.”

The ‘test’ was building a business - from the ground up - to provide a service which, though essential and needed by every business, operates in a market that is very well ‘accounted’ for.

Her greatest challenge was being bold and brave enough to canvass a large client. It paid off. That client “has become my biggest fan,

36 keepthefaithmagazine

Set SMART business goals for the year ahead

and has recommended my services to others,” said Rosalind. “Word of mouth is such a powerful advertising tool.”

Challenges still abound, but she meets them head on by “staying confident and upbeat,” and through prayer.

“I have learnt that if a plan or business idea proves difficult to start, progress, or doors are not opening for you on that particular project, that the best thing to do is to put it to one side while you pray about it, as it might not be for now. In all things, God is working. You bring your skill, talent, experience, and God will open the doors. Then you just need to walk through them.”

For more details, visit www.account4yourself.co.uk

Setting business goals in place before the New Year starts means you’ll be ready to roll as soon as it hits. Here are a few tips to help.

Where are you now? Think about what you did well over the last year, and what you didn’t do so well. Decide what you want to do more of, and what you don’t.

Where do you want to go? This will depend on your mission, vision, business plan, current issues and other stuff you’ll learn by doing a SWOT. Do one now!

What do you need to do to make it happen? Decide your plan of action for each goal by completing the following: “In order to achieve abc, we need to do xyz.”

How are you going to achieve it?

Think about your marketing, operations and resources: how will each of these help bring your goals to life?

Now, prepare timelines with deadlines for each goal. Set milestones for each action to be completed to help you stay on track and measure your progress.

Each goal should reflect the SMART formula: they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-specific.

Healed to succeed in business Get the feeling something’s holding you back? If you’re finding it hard to move past obstacles in your business or professional life, this event could help.

‘Healed to Succeed in Business’ is a series of one-day workshops, organised by Christian Women in Business UK. The aim is to help women succeed at bringing their God-given vision to life, through a practical day focused on prayer, a keynote talk on what the Bible says about success and business, and practical planning, not only to help you walk away with greater clarity on your next move, but to maintain it throughout the New Year. The workshops are purposely kept small, to retain an intimate focus. Times: 10am to 4pm. Date: Friday 18th January. Venue: Café Eterno Meeting Rooms, 34 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9PS. Cost: £30 per person, which includes lunch. More info at www.cwibuk.org.uk.

AFRICA LIVE 2013

LIFESTYLE

THE EVENT OF THE YEAR

I

t’s three times the size of the United States, and is ethnically and culturally the most diverse continent on the planet. Jubilant, triumphant, rich, dynamic, diverse and mysterious. Familiar, yet with so much untapped potential. Where are we talking about? Africa.

Well, next 4th July 2013 - American Independence Day - Africa is going to America. That’s right. From Thursday 4th to Sunday 8th July - Independence Day Weekend - Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood and the entertainment capital of the universe, is going to play host to one of the biggest Africa-focused events ever held: AFRICA LIVE 2013.

AFRICA LIVE 2013 will be a celebration of music, fashion, film, food, lifestyle, culture and so much more. The four-day festival will bring together the continent’s biggest stars from film, music and fashion to appear alongside some of the world’s biggest entertainment icons.

AFRICA LIVE 2013 is going to be hosted by the OHBoX, an IPTV platform being launched by the same people who brought us OH TV, and is the brainchild of OH TV CEO, Akin Salami.

"What we want to do is to take the very best of Africa and bring it to the entertainment capital of the world."

With Afrobeats music, Visions Film festival, Voice of Africa unsigned talent and VIP Gospel Brunch, it is clear that AFRICA LIVE 2013 and the OHBoX plan to take LA by storm.

Speaking about the event, Salami is obviously excited about AFRICA LIVE 2013, but I had a couple of questions. I ask him, Why LA? Why 4th July? Why Independence Day? And what is the OHBoX?

“The OHBoX is an IP TV platform, aimed at a global Black audience.

With the OHBoX, we aim to create a place where you can get the very best of Black content wherever you are in the world. Our mission is to bring together and support the Black Diaspora.

As part of our USA launch strategy for the OHBoX, we had originally planned to put on a smaller scale Afrobeats festival in LA. In the process of putting this together, one of our contacts in the States told us about an amazing venue in downtown Los Angeles called LA LIVE. The venue is owned by AEG, the same people who own the O2 complex in London. It is a $2.5 billion entertainment complex, with over 5 million square feet of apartments, ballrooms, concert theatres, restaurants, movie theatres and a 54-storey hotel. They have held everything there, including the MTV Awards, BET Awards and huge concerts.

We flew out to LA to meet with the AEG team, and began talks about our event. We quickly realised that there was a great opportunity to expand the scale and scope of the event. From there, we met with one of our international partners who loved the idea; one thing led to another and AFRICA LIVE was born.

Once we had decided on AFRICA LIVE at LA LIVE in July, we were drawn to the July 4th Independence Day. It worked for people coming over from Europe and Africa; it also worked for people in the States, as it is a family holiday weekend.

For four days, we are going to take over downtown LA, with nightly parades, concerts, food fairs, comedy and fashion shows.

It is going to be amazing.

We already know that thousands of people are going to be flying into the States from all over the world - as well as the people already in the US - to enjoy an incredible and unforgettable couple of days. People are already booking their holidays! I am telling everyone to book early, as it is going to be a sell out!”

So there you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth. AFRICA LIVE 2013 promises to be an unforgettable event in next year’s calendar. Put the dates in your diary; they are easy to remember 4th to 8th July 2013.

To find out more about how you can be a part of AFRICA LIVE 2013, go to africalivefestival.com.

For your chance to win an all-expenses-paid VIP trip for you and a friend to LA to attend Africa Live 2013, join the ’I’M FLYING TO LA CLUB‘ now, at www. facebook.com/africalive2013, and follow on Twitter @africalive2013.

The adventure doesn’t end here; once you have arrived there, you will be given an access all areas VIP pass to all events, so you can hang out with the stars.

NEW WEBSITE

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

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MISSION

WHERE HOPE

TRIUMPHS If people are a nation’s greatest resource, why are so many countries in Africa poor, yet the birthrate in Africa is the highest in the world?

To sponsor a child and spread hope visit www. compassionuk.org or call 01932 836490

W

hy is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) far poorer than the Netherlands even though, when we compare the natural resources of the two nations, the Netherlands would not even be a contender against the DRC? As an African, these very questions - and many similar ones - used to profoundly bother me.

But the last ten years working with the ministry of Compassion have turned my mourning into joy. Holistic child development is - at its core a powerfully transforming process. It helps poverty-stricken children rediscover the powerful story of God’s redeeming work spiritually, socially, physically and cognitively.

When the children rediscover for themselves the real story of the God who loves them and who has empowered them to realise their full, God-given potential, everything changes. Children begin to have a new story about themselves and their circumstances.

Their perspectives move from hopelessness to having hope. Christian hope is powerfully transforming. It is an assurance rather than just mere expectation. Hope sustains identity and confidence. Hope triumphs over poverty, because where there is hope, there is dominion rather than domination.

It has been said that the difference between astronomy and astrology is one word: domination.

One seeks to dominate stars by studying them

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while one is dominated by the stars. Astronomy believes that one can use knowledge to study the stars and open new doors of possibility. Astrology believes that one is ruled and under the authority of the stars - casualties of circumstance.

What is the difference between the DRC and the Netherlands? The Netherlands majored in astronomy while the DRC majored in astrology, if you will. The hope for Africa lies not in its vaunted natural resources, but in a transformed generation that will major in astronomy rather than astrology.

Currently over 450,000 children across eight countries in Africa are hearing a different story about themselves and their potential. Their minds are getting renewed, and they are beginning to discover that God’s good, perfect and pleasing will for them is not poverty but power to change their circumstances and poverty Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2 NIV).

Sidney Muisyo, Africa Region Vice President of Compassion International

Compassion is an international Christian child development and child advocacy ministry. Partnering with local churches, we are committed to the spiritual, economic, social and physical development of children living in extreme poverty in 26 countries, enabling them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.