Pleroma Magazine

contents ISSUE 3

From the Parlour

This edition of Pleroma magazine has a wealth of interesting and thought provoking articles for you to read. Meet Dr Frank Ofosu Appiah as he shares on finding your dream releaser, Sarah Amo talks about beauty on health and beauty section and an exclusive interview with Atta Boafo a well known Gospel Star as he shares his ministry plus our regulars: from the pulpit,fashion, family life, issues of life and reviews.

We are glad Pleroma inspires and encourages you.

God bless you’ll Mrs. Veronica Amoateng Antwi Chief editor

FAMILY - Articles 26 How to Build and have a Godly Marriage 36 Spiritual Mentoring 37 Ways to be a Fabulous Father

FEATURE COVER STORY 12 Dr. Frank Ofosu Appiah

style & fashion 18 BM by Brigitte Marki Ibrahim

FROM THE PULPIT 10 Launching into the Deep: mysteries to be Discovered

INTERVIEW 22 Atta Boafo

Profile 16 Rev. Brian Amoateng

INSPIRATION 14 Find your Dream Releaser

28 RECIPE 30 HEALTH & Beauty All About Beauty… The Perfect Make-up 33 recipe

EVENTS 5 Africa Gospel Music Awards

2012 in London GOD ANSWERS 32 Dispensation and Prayer Wedding 38 Dealing with Bitterness 24 Mr & Mrs Adu-Kessie 28 Fred Kojo and Olivia Nana YOUTH Boham-Baiden 38 Christian Mentorship Ministry review 40 Rev. Alex Gyasi Mission to Kenya and South Sudan

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42 MUSIC REVIEWS

EDITORIAL BOARD Pleroma Magazine 90 Cornwallis Road Essex RM9 5LJ +447411322637 +442035383856

Contributors

General Email info@Pleromamagazine.com

Michael Boatey Elisha Antipas Martin O Antwi Pastor David Owusu

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Publisher

Mrs Veronica Amoateng-Antwi

Managing Editor

Charles Koranteng sept’12

Proofreader

John Justice Ampofo

Prophet Daniel Amoateng Rev Brian Amoateng Martin Antwi

Editorial Advisory Board

Dr Gabriel Amoateng-Boahen Rev. Joseph Osborn

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Our Mission

Pleroma Seeks To Celebrate Life In Its Fullness.

Copyright 2012

All Rights Reserved, Production in whole or In Part Of this Publication without a written Permission from Pleroma is prohibited.

We ensure all materials submitted for Publication are Verified and are sent at the owner’s risk and discretion.

The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright and errors in adverts or Articles, Although Pleroma ensures that all information inside the Magazine are Verified And Edited.

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EVENTS

AFRICA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS 2012

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aturday the 7th of July 2012 marked a very important date in the African Gospel music calender as music enthusiasts from all around the world gathered in London to celebrate God’s goodness and the achievements of the industry and ministries of individuals and organisations. This is now epitomised in the annual Africa Gospel Music Awards.

2012’s ceremony dubbed the ‘Olympic Edition’, was attended

by High profile patrons such as H.E.Edward Turay, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK, Actress Fatima Jabbe, footballer Sone Aluko, Rev Bazil Meade (Founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, Radio presenters from Premier Gospel (Dave P, Nage, Grantly and Amma) and other media outlets, numerous other personalities and African gospel music enthusiasts.

The organisers had promised that this year’s event will be bigger and better and surely they did not disappoint. At 5pm, the gates were opened for red carpet interviews and the foyer of the Hippodrome was awash with gospel artistes, VIPs and special guests, who were ushered onto the red carpets for photos and interviews This was followed by the main event as the evening kicked off with Kelechi and Allen Caiquo lifting up some songs of praise

and adoration. This set the tone for the night and was followed by explosive performances by Gospel Jazz Guitarist Lekan Shobiyi, ‘Worship Warrior’ Atta Boafo, Taymee Tee, Iyobo, Faith Child, Guvna B, BNG and Four Kornerz. Emmy Kosgei who won the award for the ‘song of the year’category thrilled the audiences with her well choreographed and note perfect performances supported by her team and the AGMA house band.

The MCs for the night (MC Mark and gospel artistes Diana Hamilton,Wole and Rebecca) truly made the event one to remember.

A spokesperson for Pita, one of the nominees at the awards described the night as, “a well organized, very professional and much enjoyed evening.”

This year’ event was streamed live (courtesy of OHTV) across Africa, the USA and Europe.

A date has been set for the 6th of July 2013 for the 4th African Gospel Music Awards with a venue yet to be announced.

Sponsors are invited to be part of this event, which has fast established itself as the biggest, and only Gospel Music event that brings together all Africans. Interested individuals, businesses, charities and corporate organisations are invited to contact info@ africagospelawards.com for more information.

MC Mark

Wole

Award Winner - Emmy Kosgei

Award Winner - P K Boadi

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G SOUL BROTHERS

Nana Churcher & Guest Bertha & Joanna

lyrical

Guvna Bee

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Lola O & Vidal

EVENTS

Atta Boafo

Rebecca

Andrew Bello Mrs Thelma Koranteng

Theodora, Actress Fatima Jabbe & Guest

Diana Hamilton & Susan Uman

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AGMA Organisers: Allen, John & Charles

Faith Child MCs for the Night

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EVENTS

Andrew Bello, Allen Caiquo

Chuka Royalty

Premier Radio

Miller Luwoye

Owura

AGMA protocol team

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Launching Into The

D EE P

- Mysteries To Be Discovered Proverbs 25: 2 1 Corinthians 2: 6–16

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rowing up in the blessed country of Ghana, once called Gold Coast, (because of the abundance of the natural resource Gold), I had the privilege of witnessing how miners come about discovering precious minerals. On a smaller scale there is a type of mining locally referred to as “galamsay”, where miners mechanically/manually dig very deep holes into the ground in SEARCH of precious minerals. And there have been many reported incidents of miners losing their lives as a result. The question is “is this really worth their while?” That in the quest for these minerals their lives will be endangered or possibly lost?

On an even larger scale, very sophisticated machines are used by mining industries to dig DEEPER to reaching the core of the earth where these precious minerals are embedded. Having attended a school owned by one of the mining companies in Ghana, I had the opportunity of visiting some of the mining sites. And I’ve seen how deep they had to dig for these minerals.

What always baffled me was WHY they have to dig so deep in the ground before they came into contact with these minerals? And how come these minerals could not be found just on the surface? Is it even worth the hustle and the risk involved? People risk families and all that they have all in SERACH of these precious minerals.

most GREAT TRUTHS. Most great truths, ladies and gentlemen do not lie on the surface. They must be brought into light by persistent toils. Persistent toils will cost you something at least. It will cost you your time, energy, resources. You will have to take the “risk” (as in the case of the miners and deep sea divers) and pay the price before you can unearth these truths. But at the end it will be worth your while.

I am reminded of a passage in the bible. In Luke’s account of the gospel the 5th chapter, we read about Jesus and his disciples coming into contact with Peter and his brethren. These fishermen having toiled ALL NIGHT and catching nothing, had eventually hung up their nets. But Jesus gave them a very SIMPLE but PROFOUND command, “Launch Out Into The Deep”.

Peter being an experienced fisherman (as that was his profession) answered Jesus by saying “we have toiled all night, done all that we know how to, but caught nothing. Nevertheless at your WORD – that we should launch out INTO THE DEEP, I will let down the net” (emphasis added). And to their amazement they had an overflow of fish that day.

Peter and the rest I believe must have asked themselves, so all this while that we toiled and caught nothing, little did we know that all these fish were INSIDE THE DEEP. And all we needed to do was to “Launch Out INTO THE DEEP”.

There are so many depths and great truths in GOD that believers are yet to dig out. There are discoveries in God that are yet to be discovered. But the question is, are we willing to pay the price? The price of time, effort, resources? These truths CAN NEVER be unearthed until you pay the DUE PRICE for them.

In the western world, I have also witnessed that deep see divers usually have to plunge into the DEPTHS of the sea for precious pearls. Why can’t they get these precious pearls on the seashore but rather plunging into the depths of the sea? Isn’t that risky The reason why it will have to COST us before and sometimes life threatening? Is it worth their while we can discover these depths, and great truths is that after all?

Just as it is with the examples above so it is with we do not value something that costs usnoting. For 10 | PLEROMA Magazine | www.pleromamagazine.com | ISSUE 3

FROM THE PULPIT

example women are very careful how they treat their Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags because “those ain’t cheap”. Fact is if it costs you nothing, you treat it anyhow.

The all time great Apostle of Christ, Paul, calls these great truths in Colossians 1:26 as “MYSTERIES, which have been HIDDEN from ages past…”

The Apostle again refers to these truths in 1Corinthians 2: 6–7 as “wisdom NOT of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing; BUT the wisdom of GOD in a MYSTERY, the HIDDEN WISDOM which GOD ordained before the ages for OUR GLORY”.

unanswered, problems bugging us, etc. Why don’t we start the search, the digging, the plunging, and the hunt, for the answers, truths, wisdom, secrets, mysteries that are HIDDEN ONLY IN GOD? Because when you’ve found them it will be to YOUR GLORY. So on your mark, get set…GO!!!

Let us first and foremost begin searching with all diligence into The WORD; GOD is truly a rewarder of THEM that diligently SEEK or SEARCH out for matters.

Let’s plunge into the word of GOD, the one and ONLY TRUE manual for mankind. For the bible says, “In the beginning (before ANYTHING came into existence) was THE WORD. Meaning there is NOTHING that can be HIDDEN PAST THE WORD. The word was THERE (with GOD) before anything else and THE WORD was GOD HIMSELF”. (Emphasis added). Need answers? Consult searching with The WORD.

Two things here: clearly these truths are HIDDEN as the Apostle calls them. And anything that is hidden will need to be SEARCHED out for before they all diligence into The can be brought to light. Secondly Secondly, let us persistently, when these truths are sought WORD; GOD is truly consistently and fervently access for and eventually brought to a rewarder of THEM the throne of GOD through light, they are to OUR GLORY!!

PRAYER, without ceasing, Praise GOD!!! Not to our glory that diligently SEEK tiredness or trembling; for indeed as in taking the glory of GOD, the EFFECTIVE FERVENT but that our ability to discover or SEARCH out for PRAYER of the righteous, these hidden truths is what will in searching out a matter, make us WHO GOD ORDAINED matters...

WHATSOEVER that matter US TO BE. We function to our might be, AVAILETH MUCH. full potential when we have discovered these hidden truths. You see just as it is Remember: Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH). the glory of a bird to fly and soar with ease in the air, As a woman in labor will PUSH until she has her baby, and the glory of fish to swim with ease in the sea, so MUST we also “push/search in prayer until we so it is OUR GLORY to discover these hidden truths have these mysteries discovered.

(MYSTERIES), to live a maximised life here on earth!!

And lastly let us keep, guard, maintain, and Glory hallelujah! cherish with all diligence and purity that awesome There are so many things happening today in RELATIONSHIP and FELLOWSHIP with the sweet our world that the world clearly has NO ANSWERS. Spirit of GOD. For these naked eyes have NOT SEEN The whole world is indeed EAGERLY waiting, and CANNOT SEE, these ears have NOT HEARD and baffled, marveled, perplexed, confused, awaiting CANNOT HEAR, neither has it or CAN IT enter the for explanations and meanings to things. The good hearts of men, the TRUTHS, MYSTERIES, SECRETS, news is these answers are IN GOD. But it is up to us ANSWERS that GOD has prepared for you and I. BUT (believers especially) to SEARCH out these matters these can only be revealed to us THROUGH THE SPIRIT for indeed the Spirit searches ALL THINGS, and bring out the answers.

YEA, THE DEEP DEEP DEEP THINGS OF GOD!!

We therefore read in Proverbs 25:2 that “it is the Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!!! glory of God to CONCEAL a matter, but the GLORY OF Finally just as Jesus said to the Samaritan woman KINGS (you and I) is to SEARCH OUT A MATTER”.

Again TWO things in this scripture; First of all these at the well of Jacob (John 4:10), so say I to you that “If truths (referred to here as “a matter”) are HIDDEN you ONLY KNEW the gift of GOD…” Beloved If you or CONCEALED and hence need to be SEARCHED only knew the depths in GOD and how willing GOD for. Secondly when they are eventually DUG out and is to make available to you these truths, mysteries, and answers to questions you have long sought for but not brought to LIGHT, they are to OUR GLORY. found them yet, you would have ASKED HIM and he would give you even MORE ABUNDANTLY. May READY To Launch?

My question to you is simple: What are you GOD richly bless you!!! Shalom. waiting for? We have issues unresolved, questions

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COVER

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profile

meet

Dr. Frank

Ofosu-Appiah

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Dr. Frank Ofosu-Appiah is a noted Life Coach and Leadership Architect; a respected educator, speaker and author on issues related to leadership development. He serves as pastor of All Nations Church in Atlanta, Georgia and manages a network of ministries and organizations under the umbrella of the Living Springs International Fellowship of Churches.

Dr. Ofosu-Appiah is the Director of Advanced Life Ministries, an organization aimed at providing coaching, mentoring and consulting services to business and church leaders worldwide. He and his wife Mary and children live in Atlanta, Georgia.

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find your

DREAM RELEASER by: Dr. Frank Ofusu-Appiah

O

ne of the greatest facts of life is that, we are all governed by laws and principles.

Whether we agree with them or not, they exist and they work. A law is a system of rules and regulations that guide conduct or behavior.

When they are obeyed, they lead to peace, prosperity and freedom from prosecution, and unnecessary pain. If they are violated, the consequences are often unpleasant.

There are different kinds of laws that govern various aspects of our lives on earth. There are scientific, social, civic, natural and spiritual laws at work every time. You may not always notice them but they are at work any time and any place. For instance there is the Law Of Gravity, which has determined that anything heavier than air falls downward. So no matter how gifted or anointed you may be, if you decide to fall off the 17th floor of a building, you WILL be introduced to the ground in a hurry.

There is also the Law Of sowing and reaping, which says that whatever you sow, you will reap.

You cannot sow corn and reap oranges. In the light of this, you will do well to recognize that your life to a large extent will be determined by how you understand and work with these laws or principles.

In this article, I want to discuss one of the most powerful and yet underrated laws. I call it the Law of Association. I am persuaded through life’s lessons and personal observation that you will either rise or fall in life depending on your understanding or the lack thereof of this Law. The Law of association states

that; “YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME LIKE WHO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH.” Whether you know it or not, those you continually associate with will feed or starve your faith, they will color your outlook, and determine that success or failure temperature of your environment. The Wise man said it this way, “He that walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall suffer.”

(Prov.13: 20). The Frank Ofosu-Appiah translation reads, “If you fellowship with turkeys, you will not fly with eagles.”

There are three basic levels of associations. There are SUBORDINATES. These are folk who are where you used to be. To such, you reach down to help them come up. Then there are PEERS. They are those are where you are. You reach out to partner with them.

On top of these is what is normally called Mentors, Teachers, Fathers, Mothers or Coaches. They are where you want to go. You reach up to them to help you get there. We are in constant with any of these levels of relationships at any given time in our life.

I want us to look in a little detail about the third group because they are those who help us to get to our God given destiny. I will call the DREAM RELEASERS. If you are really serious about your destiny, your ministry, your career, your marriage or business, then I suggest that you get serious in locating and connecting with your Dream Releaser. Yes, you may be talented, anointed or well intentioned, but without somebody to release your dream, you will go to your grave with all your gifts.

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INSPIRATION Too many people have died without making a full impact in their generation, not because they lack talent or ability but because they lack some one to hold their hands and pull them up.

A Dream Releaser has been where you haven’t been yet. They have accomplished what you haven’t done yet and know things you don’t know yet. A Dream Releaser is your bridge between your present and your glorious future. They are; • A SHOULDER TO CRY ON • A BRAIN TO PICK • A FOOT TO KICK YOU TO MOVE ON Dream Releasers create opportunities for you.

Through their help, they save you time and money.

They shorten your learning curve and increase your productivity. These are people we must seek out, associate with, submit to, serve and learn from. They will communicate life lessons from their mouth to your ears and from their spirit to your spirit.

Dream Releasers impart lessons to you in the sacred classrooms of association and Testing. They will open doors for you, expose you to great things and guide you towards your destiny. All through Scriptures you will not fail to notice the pattern of Dream Releasing.

Moses the great leader’s Dream Releaser was Jethro the priest of Median. He taught Moses the Art of Delegation and saved him from potential burnout.

Moses also took the young Joshua and released in him leadership abilities that caused him to excel.

In Deuteronomy 34:9, it said that, “Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses laid his hands upon him.” This was the result of Joshua’s long. And loyal association with Moses.

When followers rebelled, Joshua remained loyal, when they lost faith in the vision, he kept faith alive.

No doubt, he inherited Moses’ mantle and went on to take Israel into the Promised Land.

Saul of Tarsus who became the great Apostle Paul was called by God to do a great work but nobody in the church would accept him because of his previous record. It was Barnabbas who became his Dream Releaser. He personally took him and endorsed him to the church for acceptance.

Paul in turn took a young man called Timothy and became his Dream Releaser. One more classic one of Dream Releasing was the association between Elijah and Elisha. After associating with the great prophet, Elisha eventually carried the mantle and grace of his Dream Releaser in a double measure. There are a few lessons to be learned on how things transpired before Elisha. You may read their story in 1 Kings 19:19-21 and 2 Kings 2.

When Elijah approached Elisha he probably walked on his neatly plowed filled to get to him. Your Dream Releaser will sometimes upset your neatly plowed mindset, your belief systems or your comfort zones.

They may “spoil” some things that you have held sacred.

Elisha broke the yoke and killed his oxen before he followed after Elijah. The lesson to be learned here is pursuit of a Dream Releaser will cost you something valuable. It may be money or your time.

Elisha made a farewell feast for his people. It teaches that you will have to make a break with some folk in order to pursue your Dream releaser.

Elisha served Elijah. For twenty years, all he did was to anticipate and minister to the needs of his master Elijah. This may not sound particularly spiritual but in serving lies great power. The anointing you serve will become the anointing you bear.

Elisha walked with Elijah when other sons of the prophets were mocking. Many times, you will have to earn the reproach of your Dream Releaser.

Eventually, what was on Elijah came upon Elisha in double measure.

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM A DREAM RELEASER • Desire a Dream Releaser • Pray For God’s Guidance • Pursue the Dream Releaser • Pay Any Price For The Relationship • Protect The Relationship With The Dream Releaser My prayer for you is that you will not struggle in vain in this life. May you be led to the right associations that will release you into a glorious destiny. May you live so well that after you die and meet your God, He will say to you, I had a blast living in your body!

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profile

Brian Jones Charity Foundation

T

he Brian Jones charity foundation was founded by Rev. Brian Amoateng in 2011.

The Foundation was birthed out of an answered prayer that God gave his servant. Rev. Brian’s prayer was that if God would provide for him throughout his Master’s degree in the U.K as an international student he would form a foundation that would help see underprivileged children through school. He wanted to be able to extend a helping hand and show the love of God to young people who desire to be educated but because of circumstances that their parents and carers have found themselves, are unable to fund their education. The Foundation has so far awarded scholarships to children in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

The Brian Jones Charity Foundation Board, once it has selected a child in need, presents this child to a partner who will sponsor the child from between one to three years.

Partners are encouraged to communicate with the child and give them godly counsel and a listening ear as well as their financial support.

To donate towards this cause or become a partner please email brianamoateng@yahoo.com.

Rev. Brian and The Brian Jones Charity Foundation Board would like to say thank you to all its partners and donors for their support and the impact they are making in the world’s future leaders.

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BM

by Brigitte Marki Ibrahim

Brigitte Merki Collection

showcase at the African Fashion Week London 2012 at Springfield, London.

The design for aesthetic of BM is timeless, classy, elegant and tailored to the occasion. BM celebrates feminine style without making it seem vulnerable. It is truly a woman’s brand due to its empowering designs.

Brigitte Merki Ibrahim experiments with natural fibbers such as cane, sea grass, leaves, feathers and heads, creating eclectic and spectacular designs, that personify her multicultural approach to fashion.

photos: © capture catwalk/afwl2012

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FASHION

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Brigitte Marki Ibrahim fashion

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FASHION

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Pleroma Magazine Interviews

Boafo Exclusive Interview With

Atta

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INTERVIEW When and why did you start Singing?

I started singing at a very young age, at about 8 years old. I Joined an adult choir in a catholic church in Ghana. I Didn’t know what I was doing then but now I know God was preparing me for the future to be a blessing to my generation. He orders my steps....

Yeahoooooo!

Which instruments do you play?

I play an instrument called ‘The Voice’. Most of my chords and keys are played with my voice with ease. Praise be to His name!

Is your family musical?

My mum and Dad were all in the church choir singing and playing for the Lord. I guess I got the gift through them. I have a twin brother who is also very musical and do most of my singing with.

Which famous musicians have you learned from?

I admire Ministers like >> Deitrick Haddon - People think he has just started but he’s been around for a long time in ministry and he still sounds fresh and relevant. >> Danny Nettey - This is because he is the ‘path finder’ when it comes to Contemporary Gospel Music in Ghana. He started it all.

Who are some of your musical influences? >> Tye Tribbett - His energy and the level of anointing together with knowledge in the word. >> Donnie McClurkin/ Marvin Sapp/ Smokie Norful - They sing, preach, dance and are real examples to follow.

I have learnt a lot from these people and many more.

Have you been in competitions?

I’ve really not been in competition with anybody else. I’m in competition with my self. At the end of the day, we all have our SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS on earth. To be in a edged titian will mean, I leave my assignment and want to do or be like someone else. I might end up displeasing God and loosing out onAs well. I can only be like me to make Jesus happy.

Do you get nervous before a performance?

My nervousness is “will God be pleased and elevated during my performance?”. If the answer is “YES”, my nervousness goes away.

Delivery is no problem because I always feel equipped by the Holy Ghost.

What advice would you give to beginners in music ministry?

We are all uniquely different from one another. Don’t let someone else’s gift or talent discourage you to think you are not qualified.

Don’t wait for man’s approval but believe in your self and very soon they will have no other option than to accept you for what God has made you for. However, work smart and swift because God rewards diligence. Have a Warrior’s Mentality!!

How does a musician like you ensure that there is an effective ‘next generation’?

By not being selfish but teaching and helping the young and up coming generation in any way I can to ensure they can fill in the gap tomorrow. Praying and showing them the way to go.

How is ministering to a concert crowd different to that of a church congregation?

There’s more or less little difference between ministering to concert crowd to church congregation. Concert crowd sometimes come to the concert because they love/ admire the artiste in question. In that case, I will not do much to get them to do what needs to be done. For instance, making them sing, dance, jump, clap, etc. However, much preparation has to go into making the concert crowd happy. This is because, they tend to be following the music we do and that means we always must perform better than they already know we can do. Church audience on the other hand may sometimes not be in the mood to even receive the type of ministry you want to present. The good part here is that, ones you are able to penetrate their hearts with holy Ghost filled music, you win them for God. Did you ever join a band in school?

My first ministration in front of a crowd came about as a result of me joining my school choir. I was the Music Director (MD) for Shallom Singers of Kumasi Senior High School in Ghana.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

I just move on when I make a mistake on stage knowing that all things (good & bad) shall work together for the good to them that love the Lord. The motive on stage is not to show how good I am so I’m not really affected negatively when there’s a mistake in my performance.

How do you balance your music with other obligations - family, children, touring, recording sessions, rehearsals?

I’m studying at University, married with a daughter and travelling all over the world. It’s all about proper time management and having a wife who understands ministry. I’m very diligent with my time. I do my best to do what needs to be done when I can do it. I Major on the major and minor on the minor.

Are there any life experiences that you feel have shaped you/your ministry?

Disappointments, being misunderstood sometimes, and other life experiences have helped shaped and transformed my ministry and life as a whole. It helped me to rely solely on God and to know that He will cause men to give unto your bosom,and that except He builds, the labourers labour in vain.

What projects do you have coming up? Tours, Conferences, Projects, albums etc.

We (The Worship Warrior Crew) just had a Live Worship Concert (July 14th). The full album dubbed “GRACE” will be out next February God willing. We have a lot of international assignments later this year and 2013. Travelling from Europe through to the Caribbean Islands, USA, Canada, Africa and spreading to other parts of the world. “ Go Ye into the world” and spread the good news.

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Mr and mrs adu-kessie

ties the knot at Kingdom Life Ministries. London congratulations!!!

Couple with Bishop Ansah

Sealed with a Kiss!

Cutting the cake

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Wedding

Bridal Train

Bridal Party

Bridal Party

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How to Build and have a Godly

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Marriage?

By Mrs Veronica Amoateng Antwi

ince God created man and woman for each other it follows that the best advice on marriage is in the Bible. God planned marriage for man’s good. Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.” Genesis 2:23-24 “And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” God planned for a man and woman to be more than mates. He planned for them to be helpmates.

Ephesians 5:21-33 “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that is should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they tow shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

There are five points the Bible brings out concerning marriage, which I believe, are very important to have a successful marriage. There are many people living together today (in marriage and outside marriage), but that does not mean they are happy or even understand the things God wants for them.

Five Biblical Keys to Marital Happiness 1. Maturity 2. Submission 3. Love 4. Communication 5. Prayer The first key that guarantees happiness in marriage is maturity.

Growing up. this key is best defined in the emotional realm as unselfishness.Babies and small children are selfish; thus we refer to them as immature.

When a child throws a fit in a supermarket by lying on the floor screaming and kicking because he can’t have his way, he is revealing hisselfishness or immaturity. If a child is not properly disciplined he will go into marriage so immature that he will want his own way in practically every situation. Such an attitude is very subtle and difficult for the immature person to recognize and disastrous to a marriage. When people go into marriage wanting their own way, and desiring to live for their lusts they will struggle with building the home.

The adjustment stage of marriage, generally the first three years, will naturally produce conflict of interest. For the first twenty years people function as independent gears. They make decisions purely on the basis of what they want or what is good for them. After the wedding, two independent individuals must learn to mesh together.

Since they are both moving objects, and all movement creates friction, there isbound to be friction as they learn to move

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Family together in unity. If two mature people come together in marriage, their spirit of selflessness will make it very easy for them to adjust. If they are immature and selfish, the early years of their marriage will be filled with “noisy clashes.” Marriage consists of a series of actions and reactions motivated by our conscious and subconscious minds. The more active the people, the more potential areas of conflict can be expected.

Although some conflict is inevitable between normal human beings, fighting is not necessarily the answer. By God’s grace two mature, spiritual people can face their areas of conflict, discuss them, and by obeying the instructions of God’s Word resolve them.

Do not get into the habit of sweeping your problems under the rug. Face them and resolve them in the Spirit. Actually, there is nothing wrong with having a conflict of interest between husband and wife. In fact, every such case is a test of your maturity. The partner that demands “his own way” in such conflicts is traveling a collision course that will produce much unhappiness and potential disaster for both of them.

Remember: You Never Get By Getting In God’s economy you never get anything by getting. The way to have something is give it away. If you want love for example, don’t look for it; give it. If you want friends, don’t look for friends; be friendly. The same is true of thoughtfulness, consideration, and selflessness. If you want your partner to treat you unselfishly, then be mature enough by God’s grace to treat him or her unselfishly.

Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Ephesians 5:18-33 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Husbands love your wives, even as Christ, also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church; For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning

Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see the she reverence her husband.”

The key verse here is verse 18, being “filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit.” Most Christians are not controlled by the Holy Spirit and therefore, do not know how to respond to their mate in a kind and loving manner. The way to be controlled by the Holy Spirit is to ask God daily if there is any sin standing between you and Him. Confess and turn from the sin which then puts you in a position to have fellowship with God, I John 1:9. You see you must submit yourself to Him daily. Then ask Him to fill you and control you. If you go into marriage with this attitude you will discover happiness in your home.

You must initially recognize your responsibility to make your partner happy. You should go at your marriage to give yourself to make your partner happy, and expect nothing in return. The result will be your own happiness, Ephesians 5:21 “submitting yourself one to another.” Remember you cannot submit yourself one to another until you have first of all submitted to the Savior.

Many Christian husbands go at marriage like this, “do what I tell you or get slapped.” I am the head of the home! Great, then act like it. Show the kind of respect and love to your mate God intended. She is not your slave or your punching bag. If you are controlled by the Holy Spirit and are seeking to walk with God and seeking to love her, she will respond. You do not have to tell her you are the head of the house all the time. It is your responsibility to make her love you, by showing her the proper love, respect and unselfishness. You are to love her as Christ loved the church, Ephesians 5:25. Remember this verse says Christ gave himself for the church. Are you willing to give up your selfishness for her?

How to Overcome Selfishness

Selfishness can be corrected by the power of God in conjunction with a cooperative individual. God will give you the power if you are willing to cooperate with him.

1. Face your selfishness as sin.

2. Don’t try to hide behind academic or job success to cover your selfishness. (Great at work but terrible at home.)

3. Confess your selfishness as sin. And turn from it.

4. Ask God to take away the habit of being selfish. I John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” Since it is not God’s will that we be selfish creatures, he will direct us in changing our habit of behaving selfishly.

5. Repair the damage done by your selfishness, apologize, repent and turn from your sin of selfishness.

6. One of the most important things God wants is that you have a happy marriage.

7. Immaturity or selfishness will kill any marriage.

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Fred Kojo & Olivia Nana BOHAM-BAIDEN

Our Journey in Life

I

t is the Lord that maketh a suitable helper.Genesis 2.15 Fred Kojo Boham-Baiden & Olivia Nana Adu solidified their union in a church ceremony at Faith Baptist Church in London on Sunday 19th August 2012.

It was a dual celebration of Fred’s 60th birthday; for which he requested a special gift! He asked to re-marry his wife of many years all over again!! The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Dr Kofi Manful, who has pastored the couple for many years.

Fred says....”I have gained my PhD in life and once you are given that award; you know what you want instantly. At reaching 60yrs of age, i can confirm, BULLSEYE! I got my hearts desire”.

Olivia says...”sometimes life places you on a rocky path in order for you to appreciate a smooth road! I am grateful to God that throughout the challenges....He has brought us this far. Overcoming challenges prior to this day, confirms to me that this day had to come to pass. The beauty of this 60th birthday gift is that our children can participate and play key roles of Maid of Honour; Grooms Man, and Page Boy. Fred gives so much of himself to us and for me, it IS God that makes a suitable helper”!

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weddIng

Cutting the wedding Cake

Bride with the ladies

Celebrating Fred’s birthday on the same day

Bridesmaids; Flower Girl & Page boy

Bridal Train

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All About Beauty...

the perfect make-up Sarah Amoo

by of New wave beauty – a qualified beauty therapist and industry expert

A

client recently approached me saying ‘Please, I‘m getting married soon. I want something for my face.

I want something that will rhyme with my colour. Something that will sweeten me. Something that will brighten me and something that will give me a shining face.’ As new as her terms were to me, ultimately I knew what she was trying say. This lady, like so many I have come across, wanted advice for what make-up she could use that would give her the perfect results. Working in one of the major department stores in London Bond Street, I come across diverse people from all kinds of cultures and backgrounds. I told her what I tell so many people and will share with you now.

Beauty, and in particular great make-up, is a journey. It depends on how far you want to

travel, what you would like to get out of it and how much you want to invest. Ultimately, the more you invest, the better the results. Every journey starts with planning and in the journey to beauty, good skin is a vital first step.

‘Many people are willing to purchase make-up products with the aim of covering imperfections and creating perfect looking skin, but often miss out the most important step to having the perfect finish.’

Is there a make-up product that I could have given to my client that would ‘rhyme’ with her colour or ‘sweeten’ her? Maybe there is, however, would that have been a good plan? What I recommended instead, was a tailor made skin care routine. If you are reading this and the term ‘skin care routine’ is not ringing any bells, you are not alone. Many people have abandoned their cleansing creams, facial washes and moisturisers for the convenience of the facial wipe which strips the skin of its much needed natural moisture.

Unless you are part of the blessed ones who have naturally good skin, a routine is needed and every good skin care routine should be tailored to each individual’s skin care needs.

‘Even if you don’t wear make-up, cleansing, toning and moisturising should be done morning and night.’

Cleansing is the best and most effective way to

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Health & Beauty

make the skin clean, toning closes pores and is especially ideal for very oily skin and moisturising is what makes the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Every skin type has its own formula for success.

Those with dry skin types are usually identified as having flaky, rough and patchy skin that feels tight immediately after washing.

Those that have this skin type are unlikely to ever complain about spots or pimples. Oily skin types can typically be identified by spots, a greasy and shiny appearance.

‘This skin type usually causes most problems, especially amongst African and Caribbean skins as scaring and pigmentation from spots and pimples are stubborn to fade.’

If you can relate to both skin types then it is likely that you have a ‘combination skin type’. This skin type can usually cause shine, spots or grease only on the forehead, nose and check areas. This collection of areas is known as the ‘t-zone’. Whatever your skin type, there is a combination of products that can work for you.

The breakdown of these skin types is just a generalisation and your beauty consultant or therapist will be able to give you a more tailor made analysis. These are only the basic steps. My client took these things on board and took the important steps to making sure she started her routine with enough time for her to see a change before her big day.

A skin care routine requires effort, effort leads to consistency and consistency leads to fantastic results. Perfect make-up starts with great skin.

Start getting the best out of your skin from today.

Contact me for more information and to book your personal skin care consultation. Check out the next issue for more beauty news.

Stay beautiful. Stay blessed.

Best for starters - Simple products (available from Superdrug, Boots, various UK beauty retailers)

Good for make-up users - Fashion Fair skin care (available from Debenhams, Boots, other selected department stores) Great for sensitive and oily skin types - MD Formulations (available from selected spas and online)

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Dispensation

Prayer

And

By Sampson Ankrah

G

od works in different ways at different times. God at various times deals with people in various ways. The book of Hebrews gives us a good illustration of how God works at various times.

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2, NKJV)” This scripture indicates that, God spoke to the ancient people (the Israelites) through the prophets (His spokesmen). This is evident in the books of the Old Testament. God used people like Moses to liberate His people from the land of Egypt; Joshua, and many others. A time came when God stopped this mode of communication. God Himself,

by His word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). His dwelling among humans was to set up a new system in which He will communicate to us. Therefore, in our days, God Himself communicates to us through the works of the Holy Spirit. This was made possible through the death and the resurrection of Christ.

Before the death and the resurrection

of Jesus Christ, sinners had to offer sacrifices of the blood of animals for their sins to be pardoned. They had to do this in order to have access to God. This does not mean that today, a person has to offer a sacrificial lamb for his or her sins to be pardoned.

There is something greater than a pardon of sin in our dispensation.

When we believe in Christ our sins are erased or purged. There is therefore no need for a sacrificial Lamb. A better and greater lamb-Christ has already been sacrificed.

Dispensation, therefore, shows us that these laws are not meant for us to follow. We have to know how these laws work spiritually and practically without being compelled to practice them. Your understanding of the teachings about dispensations will help you to rightly divide the Word of God. In other words, it will enable you to correctly understand the Bible.

When I got this revelation, I realized that everything written in the Bible is written for us, but everything written is not necessarily written to us. The teachings about dispensation are a hard one. Commandments, promises, blessings and warnings given specifically to Israel under the dispensation of Law do not apply to the Christian Church today, in this dispensation of Grace.

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Understanding the essence of dispensation helps us to handle challenges and solve many of the ‘contradictory’ thoughts in the Bible. …If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, (Ephesians 3:2-6 NIV).

I believe Apostle Paul’s assignment was to let new creation believers know how to live under this dispensation of Grace. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gave us eternal life and this life must be sustained by living right.

Living right means living according to the right dispensational teachings.

The uniqueness of the dispensation of grace is that, the Gentiles who were not part of any of the previous dispensations are now partakers of the divine nature of God.

WHAT IS A DISPENSATION? The Scriptures divide time (that is the entire period from Genesis to Revelations) into seven unequal periods. These periods can be recognized in Scripture by some changes in God’s method of dealing with mankind, or a portion of mankind. Dispensations, therefore, are the various periods during which God sets up an administration to run the earth. Having a good understanding of what God is doing at a particular time is very important, since this will enable us to approach God appropriately.

Some Christians are out of date because they are not prepared to know what God is doing at any time.

If you don’t know what God is doing at each particular time, you may miss your salvation and be rendered noneffective.

He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? (LUKE 12:54-56 NKJV).

The people of Israel had normal human intelligence to know things, but they did not recognize the important time(s) which had arrived in human history. The Son of God had come to this earth, and was standing right in their very midst. How sad it was for the Israelites to lose their salvation because they did not know the time of their visitation. If they had realized the significance of the season in which they lived, they would have been in a hurry to make peace with people.

Their situation however, is not different from what we are presently experiencing. People live their lives as if Christ will not come again; they have forgotten the times that they are

in. Even Christians are so glued to the past dispensation teachings than the teachings of grace.

PRAYING DURING THE VARIOUS DISPENSATIONS Here, we want to look closely at how prayers were said in the various past dispensations. Prayers were said differently in the various dispensations. It is important to note that, God is not going to honour any prayer that is not said in the right manner and at the right time of the dispensations. This is because God puts an end to one dispensation and ushers in another. Let’s consider how prayers were said in the past dispensations.

1. Dispensation of Innocence This era included when only God existed, when nothing was created and the day God made the heavens and the earth; the world of Angels, and when the first man was created (Adam and Eve). During this period sin was not in the world.

During this era, praying was the direct communication between God and man. This is evidently seen in the Book of Genesis when God visited Adam in the coolness of the day to commune with him. Adam could see God and communicate with Him. Adam needed not to do a long fast in order to talk or communion with God. He walked hand-in-hand with God. Adam was mandated to name all the things that God had created. He and his wife led spirit-filled lives until sin entered. This was because they were naked but did not notice it. The more we live a spirit-filled life; the less concern we will be of the physical senses.

2. Dispensation of Conscience This era began when man sinned and became aware that he was naked.

This gave conscience a basis for right moral judgement. In other words,

people’s consciences told them what was wrong and right (Romans 2:1415). This was the period when sin entered the world (Romans 5:12).

During this era, prayers were said through burnt offerings. In Genesis 4:3-7, Abel brought to God a better and more appropriate offering than his brother Cain. We can say that, Abel was made right with God through his burnt offering (Hebrew 11:4). His prayer which was a sacrifice was accepted because he followed the required procedure of offering sacrifices (prayers) to God in those days.

Again in Genesis 8:20-22, Noah was seen offering sacrifice (prayers) to God after the flood. God was pleased with his offering and God declared His intention of not cursing the earth again because of man.

From these two passages, man always offered burnt offering if he wanted to communicate or show appreciation to God. Here, the Bible took time to describe the kinds of offerings these men brought before God. The revelation is that, during every era of dispensation, there was a required way to offer sacrifices to God. The offering was rejected if those requirements were not met.

3. Dispensation of Human Government This started during the time of the Tower of Babel, when men decided to rule themselves. During this time, they never made God the centre of their activities. God was not acknowledged in the life of these people (Gen 11:3-7).

People communicated with each other to share ideas before they embarked on anything. They never invited God into any of their activities.

4. Dispensation of Promise God chose Abraham and gave him a promise by making a covenant with him. The promise was that through

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him (Abraham), God will restore humankind to Himself (Gen 12:1- 3).

Prayers were said at a specific place to God (covenant prayer), Gen 28:2022. Gen 12:7, 13:4.

5. Dispensation of Law God raised another man called Moses and gave him a law called the Ten Commandments. During this period, the Israelites who came through Abraham were governed by the law (Roman 2:11-13).

Prayers were said by offering of incense (Ex. 30:1-7-9). During this period, the high priest acted as a mediator between God and the people. He burnt the incense and made atonement for their sins (Luke 1:9-13) 6. Dispensation of Grace When man could not live by the law, God sent Jesus Christ to establish the dispensation of GRACE (John 1:17, Ephesians 3:1-2). The sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ introduced the dispensation of grace, which means undeserved favour, or Godgiven righteousness, instead of God requiring righteousness as under the law. Salvation is now freely offered to Jews and Gentiles upon the acknowledgement of the need for repentance, with faith in Christ.

“Rapture” will bring the period of grace to an end (1Thes. 4:16-17).

After the rapture, there will be a great tribulation; this is the period of the Anti-Christ.

7. Dispensation of Divine Government The last and seventh dispensation is when God brings an end to all human government and establishes His throne to rule the earth for a thousand years, which is called the Millennium rule of Christ here on earth. During this period Jerusalem will be the dwelling place of Christ which will be the capital city of the New Earth (Zechariah 14:1-21).

PRAYING IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE We are now in the dispensation of Grace. In this period prayer has become an act of faith. From our previous discussions, we have indicated that each dispensation has different ways of approaching God in prayer. In discussing the subject of prayer with some folks, I realized that a lot of confusion surrounds how prayers are said nowadays. This is because; people have brought how prayers were said in the Old Testament to the dispensation of grace. Folks under the Old Testament struggled with a lot of things because they did not have access to certain privileges and rights in Christ. They had problems with demons, evil spirits, forgiveness of sin and many other issues.

In the dispensation of Grace, Christ made a public show of the devil, stripped him of his power and gave that authority to the new creation believer. In this vein, demons are afraid of us who are new creation believers.

We do not struggle with demons like those in the Old Testament did. When a new creation believer exercises his or her faith or authority by commanding the demons, they immediately obey without hesitation.

In fact, demons and evil spirits are afraid of the believer’s prayer. The new creation believer has the Name of Jesus Christ to use. The Name Christ has greater power to silence the devil and evil spirits. … that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11 NKJV) Anything that has a knee, tongue and name has no option than to obey the demands of the Name Jesus Christ.

This enables the new creation believer to have advantage over evil spirits.

Folks under the Old Testament never

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had this privilege because Jesus Christ had not yet come.

Let me make an important remark here, there is only one advocate in this dispensation and that is Jesus Christ.

Any kind of prayer must be said in His Name and not to Him through any other person. There is no need to pray to God through somebody else except Jesus Christ. It is the Blood of Jesus Christ that saved us and not the blood of anybody else.

This makes the prayer of those living under the New Testament entirely different from those in the Old Testament. For the new creation believer, Satan is a defeated foe because Christ has already defeated him for us and has given us the authority to use His Name in prayer.

For this, we the new creation believers should not pray as follows that: God should cast or chase demons out for you. That was how folks under the Old Testament era prayed. Instead, we have to use the Name of Jesus Christ to cast demons out. This is because we have been given the authority to use the Name Jesus. If it is sickness, you can cast the spirit of infirmity out in the Name of Jesus Christ.

The most important thing under the dispensation of grace is faith. It is faith that moves God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. So when you pray, you must have faith that He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. During the Old Testament era, people lived under a shadow of what was to come. What was to come is the new creation and we are the new creation, so why should we continue to live under the shadow?

RECEIPE

APPLE PIE (For 6)

INGREDIENTS 1.

450g/ 16 oz ready-made shortcrust pastry Plain flour, for dusting 750g- 1kg/ 1 lb 10 oz- 2 lb l4oz cooking apples About 125g or 4 AND half oz brown or white sugar, plus extra for sprinkling ½- 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1-2 tbsp water Milk or beaten egg for glazing Custard to serve

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

PREPARATION • Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius /Gas mark 7.

• Roll out almost two-thirds of the pastry thinly on a lightly floured surface and use to line a deep pie plate or shallow pie measuring 2023cm/ 8-9 inches in diameter.

• Peel, core and slice the apples, then mix them with the sugar and spice and pack into the pastry case; the filling can come up above

CHEDDAR BISCUITS (For 12)

Ingredients

1.

6 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled, plus extra for greasing 2. 4 sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) 3. 350g/12 oz plain flour 4. 1tbsp baking powder 5. ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 6. ½ tsp salt 7. ½ tsp chipotle powder 8. ½ tsp dry mustard 9. 1 tsp dried basil 10. 140g/ 5 oz cheddar cheese, roughly grated 11. 175ml/ 6 fl oz buttermilk

the rim. If the apples are a dry variety add a little water to moisten.

• Roll out remaining pastry to form a lid. Dampen the edges of the pie rim with water and position the lid, pressing the edges together firmly.

• Trim and crimp the edges • Use the pastry trimmings to cut out leaves or other shapes to decorate the top of the pie.

• Dampen the shapes and attach.

• Glaze the the top of the pie with milk or beaten egg, make 1 or 2 slits in the top to let the steam escape and put the pie on a baking sheet.

• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees/ Gas mark 4 and cook for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is a light golden brown.

Serve hot or cold with custard, sprinkled with sugar.

• •

• • •

•

Preparation

• •

•

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius or Gas mark 6.

Grease a baking sheet and set aside. Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl with hot water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain, squeeze out any excess liquid and chop finely.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder,

• •

bicarbonate of soda and salt.

Stir in the chipotle powder, mustard and basil.

Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or rub it in with your fingertips until completely incorporated.

Fold in the cheese and sundried tomatoes.

Using a kitchen fork, stir in the buttermilk. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Gather the dough into a ball with your hands and turn out onto a well-floured work surface.

With floured hands, pat the dough to 1cm/ ½ inch thick and cut into 12 squares using a floured knife.

Place the squares on the baking sheet with a little space between them and bake for about 15 minutes, or until well risen and very lightly browned. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

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Youth

Spiritual Mentoring

W

e are led to believe that young people are more rebellious, more riotous and are not willing to take instruction without asking why and expecting a satisfactory response. For the latter, in some respects this is good as it shows that there is a hunger for knowledge but in some cases this can be misconstrued as ‘rude’ or ‘out of order’ when essentially one just needs to be satisfied with a response to a valid question.

In order to provide good guidance I have found that mentoring is an essential element to the spiritual growth of our youth. Educational institutions focus on their academic vision and learning whilst spiritual growth is seldom a consideration.

As a mentor, you provide guidance, a listening ear, advice and most importantly; prayer support to your mentee. The most popular mentor / mentee relationship in the Bible is that of Elijah (mentor) and Elisha (mentee).Elisha was selected by Elijah to be his successor and once selected, left everything that was familiar and followed Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elisha was selected by Elijah. As mentors it is important to select the right mentees. We must 1. Identify their potential 2. Be willing to commit to a long-term relationship 3.

Be spiritually competent to pour into their lives.

The youth of today need stable leaders and role models to help them to aspire to achieve well not just in their school, colleges and workplaces but in ministry.

There are preachers, teachers, evangelists and pastors ‘within’ our young people that just need the right guidance to reach their calling. Elisha was in a position with Elijah where following years together with Elijah he could ask him (Elijah) for what he had. “And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away

from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me”. (2 Kings 2:9).

Our youth are hungry for good leaders within our churches to take them under their wing. Like Elisha, they may not ask but it is up to the mentor to discover their ‘successor’ and identify the call that is already upon their lives. There are 3 principles that I adopt when mentoring and I call it ‘The 3 L Principle’ Lead: Leaders lead from the front.

A mentor must be able to show good leadership, to be a good example so that a mentee can easily follow. A mentee is entitled to see your failures as well as your successes. This helps them to understand that you are human but can also learn from your mistakes. After all, mentoring is supposed to be ‘Success without the pain!’

Language: It is important that the language that we use is appropriate to the mentee. Language and words used should be constructive and not destructive- your mentee is God’s chosen vessel and we must remember this.

Learn: Mentoring is a journey of ongoing learning both for the mentor and mentee, the mentor should always have something to offer the mentee; learning is lifelong.

Our youth need to be supported to know the difference between being “in” the world and “of ” the world and this can be achieved through good spiritual mentoring.

Scripture records that Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah; this is the result of good mentoring on Elijah’s part.

Think about it; is there a young person that you are drawn to? One that the Holy Spirit is leading you to? Their future could be wrapped up in you! Make the first step, throw your mantle and see what God will do!

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Family

Ways to Be a

FABULOUS FATHER

(an extract from an upcoming book by Dr. Charles J. Buckman) Discipline with Love All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behaviour.

Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children. All too often, some fathers misunderstand discipline and substitute it with verbal and physical abuse. Abusing anybody is criminal and unacceptable; not to talk of abusing your own child! The objective of discipline is to reform; not to maim!

Be a Role Model Fathers are role models to their kids whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband.

Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility.

“The entire world’s a stage...” and a father plays one of the most vital roles. You cannot give what you do not have; as such, if you would be a worthy role model for your child, you would have to decide to demonstrate desirable qualities now!

Be a Teacher Many fathers think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life. Fabulous fathers take an active part in moulding their children.

Eat Together as a Family Sharing a meal together (breakfast, lunch or dinner) can be an important part of healthy family life. In addition

to providing some structure in a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and give advice. Most importantly, it is a time for families to be together each day.

Eating together is a powerful way to bond with your family; especially your children.

Read to Your Children Fabulous fathers, this is one of your most powerful tools to becoming the love of your children’s lives! First of all, it is a fun and exciting way to bond with your children. Look into their starry eyes and read with emotion and feel to reach their tiny hearts. It’s great when you can share something this wonderful with your child. Also, you are teaching them one of the most fundamental skills that pay off dividends for life. In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Begin reading to your children when they are very young; encourage them to sustain the habit when older. Instilling in your children a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.

Show Affection Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted, and loved by their family.

Parents; especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection everyday is the best way to let your children know that you love them.

Some fathers unfortunately feel reluctant to be affectionate because they feel it would weaken their stern outlook. However, being affectionate is never a sign of weakness or permissiveness! Rather, matured fathers have won the hearts of their children by being affectionate and caring; they literally reach the heart of their children.

Realize that a Father’s Job Is Never Done even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether its continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry and build their own families. Many fathers immediately abandon their children when they graduate from college, start working, or leave home; in fact, some fathers cannot wait to ‘get rid’ of their children! This worrying trend affects their relationship with their children and creates a rift between fathers and their children. Be patient, supportive, and dependable. You have worked hard to take care of your children from infancy; waiting a bit longer and being supportive of their dreams and passions is the least you can do to ensure their success which is your responsibility! Being a father is not a chore, event, or an activity; it’s a lifelong responsibility and commitment. Only people capable of this lifelong commitment are worthy of the title father!

ISSUE 3 | www.pleromamagazine.com | PLEROMA Magazine | 37

GOD ANSWERS

DEALING WITH BITTERNESS BY: MARTIN O. ANTWI

M

any people are bitter today because they have been hurt, something did not go like they wanted it to. They were hurt at church, a job did not go like they wanted it to, their marriage is failing, they do not have the home they want or the circumstances they want or they are mad at others. Bitterness is a serious issue and it can spring up quickly.

Do you know what bitterness is? It is nothing more than allowing your flesh to control your life. Bitterness in your life will affect others around you. It will infect them from your life and testimony. A bitter husband or wife affects their children or spouse and it can even go further than that to other family members and friends.

Below are two facts about bitterness you need to consider: Bitterness is designed by Satan to destroy your life for God. James 3:14-16, But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descended not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Hebrews 12:15, Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

It is important that you guard your life in this matter. It is a diligent matter for each of us.

Ephesians 4:29 and 31, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers . Let all bitterness, and wrath, be put away from you. Also notice what the Bible says, Colossians 3:18-19, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.� There are men and women today who are bitter toward one another. Men, if I am not the husband, father, and leader I need to be, is it because I am bitter against my wife? She is not meeting my expectations? Just remember that the devil can use this bitterness to destroy your life. There are many wives who are bitter toward their husbands as well.

Did you notice the word submit? One of the weapons against bitterness is submission, Ephesians 5:21.

Many of the problems in the home today are due to people being bitter with each other and not being willing to submit to one another.

Repentance and prayer are the keys to fixing bitterness. This is something that you must realize is in your life because it will literally eat you up. When you realize it is sin, you need to repent, turn from it and in prayer ask God to cleanse your heart from all bitterness. You need to submit your will to God’s will.

What about the person who is bitter against you. - In

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GOD ANSWERS

prayer, turn the bitter person over to God, Romans 12:16-21, and let God work in their life. God will do a much better job of it than you will. Fighting with bitter people can and will make you bitter. James 4:6-12, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore, he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaveniness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: Who art thou that judgest another?

Bitterness will eat you up. Realize that you cannot change people, only God can do that. If you notice in James 4:6-12, the failure to submit to God, will result in evil speaking and incorrect judgement of others all because of bitterness which comes from a failure to submit to God. You fight bitter people in your own power you will be the loser. Make sure no root of

bitterness is springing up in your life. If it does happen to get into your life, do not let it stay. If it gets root in your heart, your life will be destroyed and you will be a source of destruction in others lives. It will destroy your children and it can be a point to drive others away for the God. May the Lord help each of us to identify and dig out the root of bitterness. As you finish reading this, maybe you have had thoughts about certain situations and people while reading it, why not ask God right now if there is any bitterness in your life. Ask God to show it to you. Then ask Him for forgiveness in the matter and whatever the situation is just turn it over to God. In essence, Lord, I am turning this situation or person over to you.

Bitterness is a strong thing and you may have to turn them over more than once. As you turn them over to God, and continue to do so, the devil will eventually realize that is an area that he cannot work on in your life and God will take care of that person or situation in His time. Also, look in God’s word to find out what it says about bitterness and apply Ephesians 4:22-24 in your life.

God bless you!!!!!!

ISSUE ISSUE33|| www.pleromamagazine.com | PLEROMA Magazine | 39

MINISTRY REVIEW

Rev. Alex Gyasi’s

Mission to Kenya and South Sudan

Highway of Holiness Church (U.K) went to the nations of Kenya and South Sudan to be a blessing to the people.

Rev. Alex explains that this trip was a trip ordained and orchestrated by God Himself. It all began four years ago when during a Sunday service the church was asked to pray for a nation as per the usual custom of Highway of Holiness Church, where each Sunday a prayer is said for a particular nation. On this occasion it was Sudan being prayed for. That very Sunday an email from a Pastor in Sudan was sent to Pastor Alex which he read the following day on Monday. In the email the Sudanese Pastor explained that he saw Pastor Alex’s television programme ‘Missing link’ on the Inspiration channel and was lead to get in contact with him. Since then Pastor Alex tried on two occasions to go to Sudan but both attempts were unsuccessful due to the issues of war and contentions between the Muslims and Christians in the country at the time. The nation had not yet been divided into North and South and the Islamic leadership were preventing European citizens from gaining entry. This year, however, God made it possible; but in making it possible for Pastor Alex to go to Sudan He also had another plan and purpose.

Due to the fact that South Sudan is a new nation, having gained their independence just last year 2011; it has an embassy but it does not yet have a consulate in the United Kingdom so Pastor Alex could not obtain a visa in the U.K to South Sudan. Therefore, he was left with the choice of flying to either Ethiopia or Kenya to get the visa. He chose to go through Kenya and shortly after making that decision got an email from a Pastor by the name of Dennis Maina in Kenya, who was also lead by the Holy Spirit to email Pastor Alex after coming across the Church’s website; asking Pastor Alex to come and minister at his church in a village near the town of Kisii, which is 400km away from Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.

So Pastor Alex decided to minister at Pastor Dennis Maina’s church in Kenya whilst waiting for his visa to South Sudan, Pastor Dennis also took Pastor Alex to the Masai tribe in the most rural parts of Kenya to minister to them.

If you wish to support Pastor Alex’s next mission which is to Ghana and many other countries in the future, including Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, China, India and South Africa please call Highway of Holiness Church on (+44) 020 8808 4444 or email info@highwayofholiness.co.uk

Pastor Alex and Highway of Holiness Church warmly welcome you to visit and worship with us at Highway Centre, 8 Fountayne Road, Tottenham, London, N15 4QL on: Wednesday 7.00pm- 9.00pm Friday 7.00pm-9.00pm Sunday 10.30pm -1.30pm And you can watch Missing link on Inspiration channel … (auntie please add the sky channel numberas I have forgotten)P O BOX 60912, LONDON W 12 OUU, www.messiahchurch.org.uk , info@messiahchurch.org.uk 44(0)208 743 4987, 44(0)7916305840 CHARITY NUMBER 1131308 40 | PLEROMA Magazine | www.pleromamagazine.com | ISSUE 3

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MUSIC REVIEW

MUSIC REVIEW

By Charles Koranteng (Gospel Radio and TV Presenter)

If you thought ‘One Man’ by PITA opened a window into his music world, then hold on tight for his new album ‘As I am’ The product is uncomplicated but an eye opener into the innovativeness of this artiste which features some of the ‘Who’s who’ of Gospel music of African origin. Lyrics and arrangements are well put together and do not compromise on scripture. Music ranges from ballads to soft rock so you will feel at home with this album whether you listen to Seal or are a fan of Israel Houghton. From the contemplative ‘Amen’ to the ‘Lullabyish’ ‘Ebamirababa’ featuring Olufunmi,and taking a detour to the Rocky/Rap ‘No Evil’ (featuring Jay Lyricist, Michael Abdul and FLO) , fasten your seat belt to be taken on a pleasant and inspiring ride . This is definitely one for your album collection !

Atta Boafo is establishing himself as a force to reckon with in Gospel music. The ‘Worship Warrior’ is doing this not just through media posturing and gimmickry but by exhibiting his relationship with the Lord through his music. His album ‘Hungry to Worship’ does exactly that. It covers a wide spectrum of genres, from the ‘rocky’ title track to your typical African ‘Wave Your White Handkerchief’ songs like ‘Double Double’.

Though this song has been done by many other notable artistes, Atta manages to make the song his own. If it’s versatility that you’re looking for in an artiste, then look no further. Atta is here!

Rebecca’s songs have become anthems on the airwaves over the last few years that she’s been on the scene.

The award winning artiste has captured all her much loved tracks on this album which have been crafted by some of the best producers in the Gospel industry, namely Shabach and Tolu Okeowo. ‘I believe’ re-affirms Rebecca’s faith in the Lord, whilst up-tempo tunes like ‘Bless Somebody’ will surely get you on your feet. Her collaboration with Uche in the ‘Covenant Song’ does not disappoint either.

‘I Believe’ is available on iTunes and Amazon (while stocks last)

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MUSIC REVIEW

If I were to draw a list of my favourite gospel artistes, Tayme Tee sure makes that list. This offering from Taymee ticks all the boxes of a ‘Classic’ . Every song is well written and produced, and vocally well executed.

Tayme’s silky smooth voice on ‘Forever on My Mind ‘ reminds one of Will Downing (for all the Good reasons).

‘Gonna be OK’ the title track is a song that is sure to pick up anyone going through trying times. Rhythmically and lyrically this is a well-put-together album. For me ‘Baba Ye’ is the icing on the cake. Never has the Lords Prayer been sang with such reverence. The song also features master Saxophonist Mike Parlett. And to prove that Tayme is in touch with his Roots, he fuses English and Yoruba on some tracks, which works well.

Go get this album and enjoy it

If sophistication is what you’re looking for in your music, let me introduce you to Oba’s ‘Akoda’. As the first note in ‘Ko s’e ni bi ire’ is struck, the listener is ushered into a musical world which brings a different meaning to the phrase ‘the King deserves the best’. Oba’s music will feel at home at any up-market Jazz lounge. This is buttressed by ‘Akoda’ one of my favourites on the album (I have so many Favourites). This track fuses traditional African rhythms with modern jazz; a theme which is replicated right across the whole album. Who would have thought that gospel could be sang in such a laid back fashion and yet be so effective in it’s delivery of the message. I can promise you 12 tracks of some of the the best music I’ve heard all year.

Every now and then one comes across a gospel gem and surely Ogecha’s ‘All For You’ is one of such. This album exudes such musical confidence which is akin to that of seasoned artistes like Lara George (and she sure sounds like her too at times). From the afrobeat infused Hausa track ‘ Ubangiji’, R&B influenced ‘Without You’ to the mellow ‘Strings of Joy’ which features Obande, this artiste is sure to delight your musical palate. Here is a lady who has found her true calling in music even though she holds a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Tune in to Charles on www.premiergospel.org.uk and London DAB on Thursdays from 9pm and on Faith TV (Sky Channel 593) on the ‘Ultimate Praise Talk’ ISSUE 3 | www.pleromamagazine.com | PLEROMA Magazine | 43

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